You know what? I've got a feeling 2008 is going to be great! The past year has been a rough one for many. The market has been upside down, many of us have been scrambling to stay afloat. On the other hand, I tend to look at the positive side of things. 2007 was the year I discovered a place called Active Rain. It has literally changed my life.
While attending Inman Connect in San Francisco in August, I began blogging here. How has my life changed over the course of the past five months? I have met a host of wonderful, caring and brilliant people who have shared their hearts, their knowledge and their insights with me. I've laughed here, cried here and gotten pissed off here. I have grown and have become a better person as a direct result.
My personal life will be changing dramatically in 2008. Details will follow in good time, but this will be a year of tremendous growth for me. To my Active Rain friends and family, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you.
Tom,
What a nice tribute to those who have inspired you along the way. I too have met some great people here who are more than willing to share-I've learned so much.
My thanks to you....and them!!
HERE'S TO A GREAT '08!!!
Nice Tom! 2008 will be what we make it! We are the driving force behind ourselves! Life will get in the way...but we will overcome the bad things and move onto the good. Have an AWESOME and prosperous 2008!
Tom, that is just the sweetest thing to say! One of my favorite things about the Rain is the enthusiasm and encouragement put forth by the people here. There is so much sharing. I'm grateful to you for your smiling face and positive nature. I can't wait to hear what is in store for you this year. Best wishes!
What a great post and a great collection of people who truly have made a difference in a lot of people's lives. All the BEST to you in 2008. With an attitude like that, how can it not be GREAT!
Tom- You have piqued my curiosity....."tremendous growth" ummm....Ok, I will wait, but I am quite curious.....Have a happy New Year, and yes let's hear it for 2008 :) :)
Tom - What a great post! Recognize some of those brilliant photos here as people who have also inspired me! I can feel your enthusiasm and join you in toasting to 2008!
There's a lot said and unsaid in this post...all of it sounds positive and joyous.
I treasure the day I found you on AR and am very glad you joined....you've brought me laughter, knowledge, insight and an incredible amount of love by being who you are.
Many fine wishes are wished for you as we head into a new year..
Tom-I came across your name on a comment you made on one of Jason Crouch's posts. The first thing I thought, "with a name like that I've got to check this person's profile out". How grateful I am to have found you here in the rain. Just looking at that amazing smile you have it's hard not to be drawn to your blogs. I look forward to see all the fabulous posts that you will "Plant" to bring us many smiles, laughter, tears and so much knowledge in 2008. Much love to you and a great big hug my friend. Happy New Year, because it is going to be great!
Tom - Where ever your path leads you in 2008 just know that you have many, many friends here on AR who will be with you along the journey. I, for one, am glad to have become aquainted with you and your passion for living! Take Care, my friend.
2008 will be a career year for all of us, Tom. I can feel it. While many within the Realtor ranks have been lamenting the state of our respective markets or pondering career changes, we here in the Rain have used the time to add new weapons to the arsenal. Our quivers include improved SEO, new methods of reaching our target audience, improved communication skills, a terrific new network of professional contacts for referral and learning opportunities ... the list goes on. Our addiction of commitment to the Rain will pay off handsomely as we secure larger market shares and employ the innovative techniques that are readily available to us here. No point wondering what 2008 will bring in terms of the Real Estate market. It's up to us to create it. Thanks for including me in the company of the Murderer's Row you have assembled above. I find loads of inspiration from that group as well. Best wishes, my friend!
And I'm serious about inviting B-List celebrities to my open houses this year ;)
Jo - There will be a few bumps along the way, but I think the end of the tunnel looks glorious. I can't begin to name the things you're brought me. Thank you.
Jennifer - Okay, I'll let you share them with me. I know it's going to be a great year... one step at a time.
Julie - What can I say about you? Of course the hug comes straight back. You have such an uplifting spirit. Thanks for being you.
Linda - I have more friends here than I could have hoped for in my wildest dreams. You are surely one of them.
Paul - It's been an interesting ride, hasn't it? I think we're well poised for next year. Thanks for all you add to the mix.
Tom: Thank you for the wonderful Christmas card! I showed everyone in the office :) I have received so many cards from all the wonderful members of AR and I believe....I will cherish all! You have been a wonderful contributor to ActiveRain and you have made an impact on many. Thank you for your honest, real and true selfless self my dear friend!
Tom
As we wrap up the year, I'm thankful for all of you that I've met, and I firmly agree that 2008 will be a spectacular year for many reasons, not the least of which is the adjustment in the consumers mindset to realize that inventory levels allow for excellent choices, and hopefully those left standing in 2008 are here because they are committed to this industry as a career, not as an easy money stopping point.
Have a Happy New Year, and may 2008 start off with an absolute bang!
Tom, what a great post, I consider you a friend as well. I am excited for the new year, can't wait to hear you plans.
P.S. It took forever for your page to load. LOL
Tom ~ Your excitement and enthusiasm is an inspiration and contagious! I, too, am looking forward to bigger and better things for 2008, and will be striving toward that goal.
BTW, I like your new picture!
Tom: I have a feeling too, that 2008 will be great! I'm ready to go and it sounds like you are too. 2007 wasn't so bad for me anyway and one of the key reasons is something you mentioned: I, too, discovered Active Rain and along with that a whole host of great rainers who helped improve my skills and expand my knowledge of real estate. I am intrigued about your personal life changing and I do hope it is all wonderful and exciting. You've been a one of the key rainers who inspired me and made me laugh from time to time which to me, laughter is crucial in our daily lives. Happy New Year.
Not logged in - oops!
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Donna Yates, North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains
Donna - I was wondering who the anonymous commenter was! It's wonderful, exciting and scary. Change always is. I'm so happy to have gotten to know you.
Its an honor to be amongst that group. I appreicate everyone and everything I've learned here. I've enjoyed getting to know you all and meeting some of you.
Here's to a fabu 2008!!!! See ya at Inman.
Hey is there a list anywhere of the AR members attending?
I am hoping it won't be on the 8th. I don't fly home till the 8th and wasn't planning to come up till the sessions start on the 9th :::crossing fingers:::
Desiree - The Zillow party will be on the 8th and there's a chance we'll have ours immediately following theirs. I'll let you know as soon as I hear anything.
well my suggestion would be for the next night since the course don't offically start till the 9th and the locals like myself probably won't be coming in till that day.
Hey and there's no real party if I am not there :)
Hi Tom, I've been away since Christmas and it is great to be back among my AR friends. Like you, I am looking forward to 2008, we will be ready. Thanks for including me!
TOM - Thanks for the mention in this post. These are clearly by order of your favorites, right? Just kidding. Looking forward to meeting you in January. Happy New Year, Tom.
Hi Tom~ Ok, I'm trying to catch up with all your blogs that I've missed...this AR is just getting too big! Happy Birthday, Happy New Year, and Cheers to you! I'm looking forward to getting to know you~
2008 is going to be GREAT with a capital G :) I'm looking forward to witnessing your success- I'll be watching and learning! You built a very nice tribute here... it's an honor to be included in such an inspirational group! Thanks for sharing your enthusiasm- it's contagious!
Hi Tom! I've been busy with my business plan for 2008 and have high expectations for the year as well. Thanks for including me....you've been an inspiration and I'm glad to call you my friend. Have a blessed and prosperous New Year!
Tom - it will be better than great! anyone considering purchasing that does not do it in 2008 needs to have a few screws tightened because it won't get any better than this market!!!
Tom-It's really nice to have friends here on the rain that will support and encourage you in the rough spots. Thanks for your encouraging words in 2007! I haven't forgotten about the Lunch I promised you! Best Wishes for a GREAT 2008!
Tom Plant - Murrieta Real Estate Expert - Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
You know what? I've got a feeling 2008 is going to be great! The past year has been a rough one for many. The market has been upside down, many of us have been scrambling to stay afloat. On the other hand, I tend to look at the positive side of things. 2007 was the year I discovered a place called Active Rain. It has literally changed my life.
Tom, I am excited about 2008 also. We will get out what we put in and I will be in with both feet running. Boy I love this business!!!