Special offer

My Top 10 Moments of 2015

By
Real Estate Agent with Integrity Real Estate

As I tend to look forward, Karen Fiddler’s challenge to share our Top 10 Moments for 2015 seemed like a great opportunity for reflection and possibly learn something about myself.  It was!

 

Here’s my list:

 

I ran 2 marathons this fall.  The first was in late September, the second was the Harrisburg Marathon on November 8th.  These weren't my first marathons, but in the past I always took long breaks to recover.  At the age of 54, this was the hardest I had ever pushed myself, both physically and mentally.

 

I stepped up to a leadership role in my Masonic Lodge.  It’s a 3 year commitment that’s certain to be an awesome personal experience as I live in a small historic town with deep ties to Freemasonry.  

 

I recognized that my son had become a man.  It was a breakthrough moment that occurred in February.  I had sought the advice of my 26 year old son and realized that he was no longer a little guy losing mittens on ski slopes.  Adams has worked hard and is now a highly regarded member of the community and an expert in his field.  

 

I completed the HAT 50K Trail Run for a second consecutive year.  HAT is a notoriously challenging 31 mile trail run with steep climbs, narrow trails, and cold stream crossings.  It’s an opportunity for personal growth and self discovery. This year, I helped a close friend prepare for the race and stayed with him as he crossed the finish line of his first ultramarathon which proved a life altering experience for him and for me.

 

I decided to get a real estate license.   I had a professional career spanning decades in the real estate industry and thought I had left it forever.  After some serious soul searching, I decided to move forward with a license, help establish a consumer faced / indie brokerage in town, and to focus my professional efforts locally.   My goal is simple: I intend to help the home sellers and home buyers of Havre de Grace make great decisions.

 

I was race director for the Pirate 5K.  This 6 month commitment wasn’t at all about running; it was about volunteering.  The Pirate 5K is a large race ran through the streets of Havre de Grace as a fundraiser for a local museum.  It was my first time in the role of race director which I soon learned was as challenging as launching a start-up.

 

I decided to blog again.  I was an early adapter to Active Rain and really enjoyed my time here.  After being absent for many years, I am excited to be back and look forward to contributing content about the  real estate and unique lifestyle of Havre de Grace.

 

I picked up my camera again.  The truth is, I have more than one camera and a love-hate relationship with photography.  

 

I took the time to form the bonds of true friendships.   Over the years, I somehow lost my way when it came to having real friends and being a real friend.  As a business owner, I perfected the art of collecting business acquaintances, who I often mistook for friends.  Living in Havre de Grace has taught me to slow down and to connect with others in an honest and meaningful way.  It’s something every 5 year old knows how to do.


I bought a pick-up truck.   It’s a ridiculous proposition considering my wife and I are empty nesters and have downsized to a waterfront condominium.  Even though it was a senseless impulsive purchase: I love the damn thing!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joe Jackson
Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty - Columbus, OH
Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert

Wow what a year! Best wishes for a great 2016!

Dec 30, 2015 10:38 PM
Ed Rybczynski

Thank You, Joe.  Happy New Year!

Dec 31, 2015 12:16 AM
Susan Laxson CRS
Palm Properties - La Quinta, CA
Realtor in San Diego, CA & Naples, FL

Wow Ed, you got me on the running two marathons. I got tired just seeing all you have accomplished and keep us posted on what's on your list for the new year!

Dec 30, 2015 10:49 PM
Ed Rybczynski

Thank You, Susan.  Happy New Year!

Dec 31, 2015 12:16 AM
Bill Roberts
Brooks and Dunphy Real Estate - Oceanside, CA
"Baby Boomer" Retirement Planner

OK Ed Rybczynski As one of those "old" AR friends, I am really happy to see you back here. And I was going to ask about your camera. Miss your pictures.

My wife and I have been thinking about an F-150 too.

Bill Roberts

Dec 30, 2015 11:41 PM
Ed Rybczynski

It's great to be back, Bill!  I shoot entirely with Nikon gear and I use old cameras that I love.  I will often grab a D90 which was a workhorse many years ago and now virtually obsolete.  Happy New Year!

Dec 31, 2015 12:20 AM
Karen Fiddler, Broker/Owner
Karen Parsons-Fiddler, Broker 949-510-2395 - Mission Viejo, CA
Orange County & Lake Arrowhead, CA (949)510-2395

I love to trail run...and when I say "run" I mean jog. LOL. I run each day I'm at my cabin in Lake Arrowhead. There are trails right behind my home there. Love the fresh air and gentle ups and downs. I fantasize about a real trail run. Have you read "Eat and Run" by Scott Jurek? (I think I spelled that right) great inspiration. 

Dec 30, 2015 11:41 PM
Ed Rybczynski

Karen, I've read "Eat and Run" many times.  For the past 3 or 4 years, my diet has been mostly plant based.  I'll cheat a little when eating with others or during the holidays, that sort of thing.  It sounds like you have access to trails which makes me jealous.  There was a time when I did and took it for granted.  I hope you decide to take on the challenge of a distance trail run.   It will change your life!  Happy New Year!

Dec 31, 2015 12:28 AM
David Alan Baker | Laveen & South Phoenix Realtor
Keller Williams Realty Phoenix - Laveen, AZ
Your local Expert

Some pretty cool accomplishments.  Wondering about how realizing kids are grown up will go for me, have some years yet..........but goes so fast.

Dec 31, 2015 04:58 AM
Ed Rybczynski
Integrity Real Estate - Havre de Grace, MD
Your Source for Local Real Estate

Thank you, David!  Happy New Year!

Dec 31, 2015 05:23 AM
Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES
Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch! - Spring Hill, FL
Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living

Ed, welcome back to ActiveRain!  Hope the new year will bring you success and happiness!

Dec 31, 2015 07:40 AM
Ed Rybczynski

Thank You, Silvia!  Happy New Year!

Jan 01, 2016 01:37 AM
Hella Mitschke Rothwell
(831) 626-4000 - Honolulu, HI
Hawaii & California Real Estate Broker

Running can really focus you and that's what seems to have happened in your life. I used to run, now I swim. Happy New York and much success in your real estate endeavors.

Dec 31, 2015 10:16 AM
Ed Rybczynski

Hella, I agree about running helping me to have greater focus in every aspect of my life.  I've read the same about swimming.  Happy New Year!

Jan 01, 2016 01:40 AM
Kristin Hamilton CA REALTOR
Berkshire Hathaway California Realty - Beaumont, CA
(909) 557-6966- Specialize 55+ Communties Banning

Hi Ed Rybczynski 

I loved running for so many years and have recently taken it up again. My first marathon in LA was just the best. Congrats on your 2 marathons this year and here is to many years of running!

Jan 01, 2016 11:22 AM
Ed Rybczynski
Integrity Real Estate - Havre de Grace, MD
Your Source for Local Real Estate

Thank You, Kristin.  It's always nice to meet another marathoner.   I'm glad to hear you've started running again.  Let me know how your training is coming along.

Jan 01, 2016 07:42 PM
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Some great accomplishments this year Ed, congrats!

Happy New Year, I hope your 2016 is a great one filled with many blessings!

Jan 02, 2016 03:00 PM
Ed Rybczynski
Integrity Real Estate - Havre de Grace, MD
Your Source for Local Real Estate

Thank You, Bob!  Happy New, Year!

Jan 02, 2016 07:57 PM