I don't know many of us whom would want to see another year like 2008, but did we not all learn a thing or two from the year that was?

I won't presume to speak for anyone else, but I can speak for myself when I say I got a measure of perspective from 2008. 

1)  I learned from 2008 that my beautiful, understanding wife and my six healthy children are much more important than the number of sales I close. Money comes and goes, but I've only got one chance with these guys to the left.

2) I learned from 2008 that keeping an eye on the outgoing cash-flow is as important, if not more important, as the amount of the incoming cash-flow.

3) I learned from 2008 that there is genuine opportunity for personal growth and reflection in a terrible real estate market. 

With all that in mind, I'm ready for 2009. There can be no more surprises. Can the economy get worse? Sure, but at least now I know it's a possibility, and I have girded myself for that possibility.

I stopped by the office for a short while on New Year's Eve, and happened to be the last agent to leave.  Before I did, a young lady and her son came into our Bay Street office, to ask for a map, and a few other sundry questions. She was visiting from North Georgia (north of Atlanta), and is pondering a move to our beautiful Lowcountry.

So, today, I will have plenty of wonderful family time of my own, but I will also have the opportunity to assist this young lady, as she decides if Beaufort is a place she might like to hang her hat. 

It was a VERY GOOD OMEN and a nice outgoing gift from 2008, which taught me quite a bit.