Training WheelsWhat a difference a year makes.  On October 31, 2011, I became an ActiveRain Rainmaker – and a real, live blogger.  In fact, one year ago today, filled with anticipation and trepidation, I awkwardly embarked upon my ActiveRain journey – a journey which can only be described as "Awesome."

Like most ActiveRain Newbies, I had absolutely no idea what to expect.  All I knew was that I had to start at "Square One." And, although I’ve always been the type of gal who "jumps in with both feet" once I have made up my mind to do something – to say I was nervously terrified is an understatement.  Nonetheless, with  my heart beating a mile a minute – I posted this very first blog entry.  Okay, now what?  What do I do next?  Well, with some persistence, it didn't take long to turn my fear into unbridled enthusiasm.  It didn't take long to turn my uncertainties into "baby step" accomplishments.  After several weeks, I even wrote a post for Newbies, about a Newbie's perspective and advice for getting the most out of being a Newbie.  At the same time,  I browsed through and read numerous blogs, clicked on a whole bunch of links, and visited ActiveRain University regularly.  Quickly, I found a seemingly never-ending wealth of information all over the place!

How many ActiveRain members celebrate 20,000 points?  At least one member I know, for sure.    Frankly, as far as I'm concerned, the points are nice – but they're not everything.  I appreciate the opportunity to learn from some of the greatest mentors around.  I appreciate the opportunity to access knowledgeable, responsive, and friendly ActiveRain staff.  I appreciate the opportunity to befriend and connect with colleagues all over the country who provide assistance, encouragement, friendship, and support.  I am grateful for the multitude of benefits which accompany my ActiveRain membership.  In my opinion, the points are secondary.  So, with all the great reasons for being an ActiveRain member – as my Grandma Kate used to say:  "What's Not To Like?"

With most things in life, you have to crawl before you learn to walk.  Not surprisingly, I've discovered that in order to be successful here, it takes a commitment to blogging, a commitment to building trusting relationships, and a commitment to active learning.  And, although my ActiveRain adventure has led me down a long and winding road over the past year, I realize that I still have quite a distance to go.  Lifelong learning has remained a part of my every day existence – especially since the world constantly changes and advances.  That being said, ActiveRain has been a true gift which has enhanced and enriched my life.  And for this gift, all I can say is – Thank You.

carie shapiro

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Post is included in group: Cosmic Cow Pie...The Rome Way
Post is included in group: Toot Your Horn on Active Rain
Post is included in group: Active Rain Newbies
Post is included in group: Coaching and Mentoring
Post is included in group: BananaTude

48 Comments on Thanks For The Training Wheels ActiveRain. Mind If I Keep Them Awhile?

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

OCT
31
418,308 Points 5 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master
Carie ~> doesn't it feel great to so loved by so many people while sharing so much with them and others? *smiles* Happy Anniversary and Thanks!
8:22pm • #29
114,291 Points Outside Blog

Congratulations,  It is a quest and you are doing wonderfully.
8:31pm • #30
392,656 Points 5 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Carie, what a nice and thoughtful post.  I, too, feel the same way about AR.  I feel it is truly the best place to hang out on the web for agents.
8:41pm • #31
847,779 Points 71 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Carie, Congratulations on your one year anniversary.  ActiveRain is truly a gift to us all.  Congrats on your Featured post as well.
8:52pm • #32
NOV
01
366,240 Points 14 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi Carie,

Thanks for your perspective.  AR is a good place to hang out as you have so eloquently written.  Congrats on the FEATURED post!
2:19am • #33
343,262 Points 14 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Dear Carie,

It is amazing what a FEAST OF LEARNING can be found on AR!
Congrt's on your anniversary and on your Feature!

Have a happy day -
Lynn
2:39am • #34
971,917 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
That makes me think of my first bike ride. It was crash, boom, bang but I got up and kept going.
3:27am • #35
238,686 Points 10 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp

Happy Anniversary!  Keep the training wheels on, and don't forget the umbrella.  Glad to see you are having success in the Rain.
3:44am • #36
1,134,609 Points 152 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Happy Anniversary, Carie.    I'm so glad you found this place, and it certainly gets easier and more fun as time goes on.  Here's to many more anniversaries.
3:57am • #37
902,076 Points 20 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
Carie, congratulations, you are a true success story here on ActiveRain! Keep blogging and having fun!
4:22am • #38
729,231 Points 15 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Carie, congratulations on your first year of blogging. It didn't take you long to get the hang of it. Happy Anniversary!!
5:41am • #39
1,098,330 Points 51 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Blog early, blog often. Like voting in Chicago.
6:36am • #40
1,049,935 Points 284 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Carie, We've enjoyed your posts along that journey!  And I don't think we every learn all we can know, or do all we can do here.  It's a continuous upward path and that's the fun of it :)
6:38am • #41
168,281 Points 50 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Peggy:  Thank you!  And thank you for reading too :)

Margaret:  Thanks for the voicemail -- and for your kind words.  I'm so glad you and I are friends :)  And, I agree ... it's easy to get enthusiastic about this place!

Debbie:  Glad I met you too ... and thanks :)

Kerrie:  Your comment really means a lot to me.  I appreciate all the support and kindness you and your fellow AR staffers have shown me over the past year.  Many thanks again, Kerrie :)

Debi:  Thanks and I agree ... pointers and encouragement galore here on AR!

Brenda:  Thank you ... I'm glad to be a part of AR too :)

Cindy:  Yes, blogging has become a habit!  A good habit we can all live with, right? :)

Hillary:  Thanks for your comment.  I may seem like a veteran -- but many times, I sure don't feel like one  :)

Ed:  Thank you.  Yep, I just closed my eyes and jumped right in :)  You're right ... a wonderful ride for sure!

Don:  What a nice comment.  Thank you, Don, for what you said.  I appreciate the compliments -- and your kind and thoughtful words mean more than you know :)

 
6:56am • #42
836,541 Points 69 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

A year fly's by when you are ACTIVE......ActiveRain...Yes? Man your station for another year and then another.....
6:58am • #43
547,229 Points 9 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Carie:

Congratulations on your first year as an ActiveRainer.  You have been very successful because of your writing style which is entertaining and enlightening.  Keep you the good work.
7:10am • #44
168,281 Points 50 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Charles:  Thanks you.  And yes, we constantly play the roles of student and teacher.  That's life :)

Melissa:  Great idea!  I definitely needed another reason to justify all the candy I ate yesterday :)

Fred:  Thanks!  And, much continued success to you too!

Ginger:  Happy Hallonniversary ... I like that :)  Thanks!  And thank you for subscribing too!

Janis:  Thank you for the sweet comment :) Your words mean a lot to me.  I'm so glad we met here, Janis -- and I'm hoping we will get to meet in person some day!

Sharon:  Thanks!  And, yes ... AR for all things real estate and more!

Alan:  I know ... the year just seemed to fly by so quickly!  Thank you for the compliment .. and for all of your help too!

Frank & Karen:  Yes, it sure feels good to mingle and share with so many great folks!  And, I love nice comments, too :)  Thanks!

Tanya:  Thank you for the compliment ... and for stopping by :)

Gary:  Thanks!  I really enjoy hanging out here too :)

 
7:20am • #45
168,281 Points 50 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Kathleen:  Thanks!  And, I agree ... AR is a gift to us all!

Jordon:  Thank you.  Yes, AR is one of my favorite hangouts :)

Lynn:  'A Feast of Learning' ... well said.  Thank you and I hope you have a happy day too :)

Cheryl:  That's one of the most important parts ... get back up and keep going.  Thanks!

Tamara:  I don't plan on taking off the training wheels anytime soon :)

Debbie:  Thanks so much!  You're right ... it does get easier and more fun as time goes on.  And, once you get past the 'white knuckle' beginnings we all experience too :)

Silvia:  Thanks!  I sure plan to keep on blogging and having fun :)

Michael:  It's been a wonderful experience ... thank you.

Andrew:  Ha!  I think I see a blog title in your future?  And, being from Chicago, I know exactly of which you speak :)

Bill & Liz:  Thank you!  And, I agree ... learning is a continuous and ongoing process, for sure!

Richie:  You're so right ... time flies when you're Active on ActiveRain :)

Evelyn:  Thank you for the kind words.  And, for the compliments ... I appreciate them very much :)
7:51am • #46
NOV
05
473,951 Points 34 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Congratulations on having one year behind you. This place is wonderful. I can't begin to put into words all that I have learned. It would take too much time. But most important to me is the friendships I've made. I spent some time talking on the phone with one member last night. We got to meet in person just a few weeks ago, and it was so nice.
7:00am • #47
NOV
06
417,528 Points 14 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Congratulations Carie, I always enjoy happening upon one of your blogs, you have made an impact in Active Rain in the past year.
6:20pm • #48

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Carie Shapiro

Evanston, IL

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Managing Broker-IL;Pre-License Instructor-IL; Broker-TX

Address: Evanston, IL, 60202

Office Phone: (773) 688-9080

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