I know I have a dog somewhere in this mess of wires attached to all the really cool gadgets I got for my Real Estate business.  He's a cute little wiener dog - mostly red with some black spots and a long, whippy tail that never stops moving.  Unfortunately, I think my PDA ate him looking for that extra attention.

 My husband, a total computer and electronics guy, has outfitted me superbly with every latest toy I could possibly use in my efforts to become one of the top professionals in my region.  Having all the really cool stuff is great, and I love the fact that I get to figure out how to use everything.  The truth is, however, I really, really like petting my dog, and I really, really can't find him with the tangle of wires and blinking lights and beeping alarm thingys going off all over my living room.  I think I heard my 3 year old son somewhere in here, too - or it might just be a playback on the digital voice recorder I got for Christmas. 

 Because of the high number of electronic gadgets, widgets, and watchamacallits residing in our home, I have developed a new New Year's Resolution.  BRINGING PEOPLE AND PETS BACK INTO MY LIFE!!!!  That's right - I am going to set my electronic dodads aside at least part of each day  and reconnect with all the people and furry friends I love and cherish.  I think this makes me a better person, and definitely makes me a better Realtor!

We have all been guilty of resolving to "make more money" or "grow our business" to a point where the people just don't seem to matter as much, but the truth is, we are in a very people business.  It's why I am a Realtor - integral to my very being.  I love to find answers for people, I love helping people figure out the best direction to go with property sales and purchases.  It's exhilerating to give the keys to a young couple purchasing thier first home, and incredibly satisfying to help an older person sell a property he or she can no longer care for and work with them and their financial person to protect the proceeds from that much loved investment.

 So at the moment, I am preparing to set aside my new tablet PC, leave my email, my pda, and my cell phone on the desk in my home office, and relocate the most important parts of my life - my dog, my kids, my family at large, my friends, my neighbors, and that really fun looking fluffy white stuff outside my door.  Happy New Year, everyone.  May your dreams all come true!