Some of my best ideas stem from discussions enjoyed over a refreshing adult beverage with friends. We have dubbed these ideas "born over beer".

In one of those "BOB" conversations with my friend, Tania the other night, we decided that it might be time to create our own "Bucket Lists"....yes, sadly, life and middle age are creeping up on me...but even if they weren't, accidents do happen.

So, before I unexpectedly slip and fall on a banana peel it's probably a good time to put pen to paper and come up with some amazing things that I would like to accomplish before I end up taking a dirt nap in a lush green field somewhere...

For any of you that haven't seen the movie starring Jack Nickolson and Morgan Freeman, it's about two terminally ill men who escape from a cancer ward and head off on a road trip with a wish list of to-dos before they die. They call it their "Bucket List."

Then I got the (I think) bright idea to create a bucket list for real estate. With so many people mulling over the tumultuous state of real estate affairs and assessing their nearly empty wallets I think this is a good time to ponder what we need to do before considering throwing in the "real estate" towel.

It's simple to make a list of exotic places to visit or fun and exciting new things to try but not as easy to make a list of what we really need achieve to make those dreams come true. If we want to accomplish the amazing things on our personal "Bucket List" we first need to put our little noses to the grindstone and take the necessary steps (yes, that's right, people, work) to get our business in order so we will have the time and money it will take to start crossing those items off our list.

Here's what's in my my real estate bucket:

1. Prospect at least two hours a day, four days a week, every week for one year. (Gosh, I really, really hate this part because I'm such a slacker)

2. Pledge to give each and every client my personal best. (Really mean it, follow through and walk my talk)

3. Promise to always be truthful with my clients even if I know sometimes it will not be a pleasant conversation. (No, your home is not "special" Mr & Mrs Seller and not everyone will be impressed that you manage to house four oversize dogs, three cats, two guinea pigs, a turtle, an ant farm and a colony of walking sticks in a little under 1200 square feet)

4. Take at least four new listings a month, every month for a year. (Some months two, other months six as long as at the end of the year it all equals out)

5. Write at least four contracts a month, every month...you know the drill....(FYI: this would be accepted contracts, not just wallpaper)

6. Write five thank you notes every day, five days a week to someone who showed me kindness or went out of their way to do something nice for me when they didn't have to. (That shouldn't bruise up too much)

7. Get one new designation for 2009. Education is a good thing...(I'm working on my CRB)

8. Blog consistently.....at least once a week, every week...yada...yada...yada. (Hands down the easiest, that's why I saved it for last)

What's in your bucket for 2009? You can list your personal or professional bucket items here because they are interrelated....you need one to get the other.