It all started when I read Jeff Belonger's post, Annapolis Maryland Gathering on 12/22/09. I'm wonderfully busy, but absolutely had to change my schedule a bit because I wanted to meet some of the wonderful Rainers who live in my computer.
Then a light bulb went off when I saw "The FHA Expert." Last Friday I had a settlement scheduled that did not close. My buyer was devastated; she wanted to be in her new condo by Christmas. So I challenged Jeff – could he make a miracle happen?
Jeff worked with me Friday, Saturday, and Sunday so that by Monday morning I had the assigned loan package ready to give to him at lunch. Jeff, I appreciate the pressure you are accepting, and in this busy Christmas week to boot.
Yesterday was a crisp winter day. Ha! I like it cold, but at a "crisp" 20 degrees this morning, even I put on a coat. A dozen Active Rainers showed up at Famous Dave's and spent a couple of hours in the middle of holiday rushing to eat, talk, and make connections. Amanda, our server, took very good card of this talkative group. Jeff Belonger was there of course, along with a friend, John. Audrey June-Forshey was first to get her blog about the gathering up and it's featured! Active Rain Gathering Annapolis Maryland.
While the rest of the world (and certainly Annapolis-area traffic!) was going crazy, we carved out a couple of hours of warmth and communication with area Rainers. It was great, and we'll definitely do it again.
And here are a few more posts about our day in Annapolis:
Hi Margaret~ If I lived near MD I would have had to come. I would love to meet Jeff Belonger in person. My bets are on that Jeff can make that miracle happen!
Monika, This was so perfect. Plenty of good people, good food and good conversation. I think I have some new future best friends. I,of course, knew Peg and Pat Hommel but all of us in the room were friends getting together.
Margaret.... thanks for being you. It was great to have finally met you and a few others. It was a great time and too bad I couldn't stay longer. But the city of Metropolis needed my protection... lol Seriously, it was fun and relaxing... and on the way back, I told John that it's now time for reality. And not only that, but to put it into 5th gear and really get back to work with only 1 1/2 days from yesterday until next week, as work days. I'll be calling you soon, because I did hear back from my underwriter about the appraisal. So we are over the hump.. and I did get the updated waiver letter from the condo association. thanks...
Margaret - as you know, it's certainly worth taking the time to meet other Rainers. From Florida to Hawaii, it's been a great experience. Thanks, Active Rain!
margaret- It was a great time for sure and I am so happy I was able to attend if only for a short time. So short it seems that i never had my picture taken LOL. Merry Christmas and many blessing for the new year.
What a heart-warming post! ...I wanted to meet some of the wonderful Rainers who live in my computer. My dear, you have a way with words! All the best on Christmas Eve!
Hi Margaret - it sounds like you all had a really nice time. I've really loved the AR gatherings I've been fortunate enough to be part of, and it really is like old friends getting together, isn't it?
Hi Margaret-that must have been awesome and lots of fun! That's awesome how Jeff stepped up to the plate! Wishing you and yours a very healthy, happy and prosperous New Year!
Midori, This was such a good gathering and it worked because it was almost spur of the moment. If you could make it great, if not, no pressure. Jeff stepped up to the plate..you know there will be a post soon.
I have really enjoyed reading your posts. You have shared some really good stuff. I also think your AR profile is perfect. Thanks so much for sharing of yourself!
Thank you, thank you, thank you for the invite to the gathering at Famous Daves. The timing was perfect, I needed that social bonding and would love to meet up with you soon. I will write a post about our holiday meeting. Thanks for the great pics, we can now put a face to the names. You are an inspiration to many agents. Please continue your work and your Type E Quiz is a hoot. Yes I am a Type E all the way.
Camille, I had heard such good things about you from Pat Hommel and knew we had to meet.
So proud of you for accepting the invitation at this sad time in your life. Look forward to your blog on our meeting. Really enjoyed speaking with you tonight. You are an inspiration for all of us. Happy and healthy New Year to you and your family.
I am so proud of you for accepting the invitation knowing what a sad time this is for you. You are an inspiration for all of us. After hearing Pat Hommel say so many terrific things about you....I just knew we had to meet. Look forward you your post and want to hear more of your Type E stories.
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I also love going to RE.net gatherings and meeting all the folks who live in my computer! Sounds like you had a great time.
Happy Holidays!