First, this is my first Active Rain Blog.  I've been checking into this world for some time now and decided to give it a shot.

Last night, which happened to be my birthday (don't ask which one), my husband and I travelled to Danville, Vermont - which is out in the boonies - on a very cold night - about 5 degrees.  My son, Sam, is a 15 year old sophomore at Stowe High School.  He has been playing basketball since he was about 7.  He's never geen a "star" player, but has always been a solid, well-rounded player who knows the game.  He is of average height and speed. 

The other team had twice as many team members - they don't have a hockey team like Stowe does.  They weren't great, and neither was Stowe.  Sam, my son, played most of the game.  He scored about 20 points.  He always plays as a team member and always knows where his teammates are.  Unfortunately, Stowe lost by a few points.  We stayed to watch the Varsity Team play.  They also lost by a few points. 

After the game, the Varsity coach approached my son, a member of Junior Varsity, and asked him to play on the Varsity Team.  My son was surprised, but also very excited.  For me, it was the best birthday present I could ever receive.  Just so you know, an offer on one of my listings also would have been nice too - oh well....

So, how does this relate to real estate you may wonder?  Our market, as in the case of most, is also feeling the pain of the U.S. economy.  Fortunately, Stowe is a beautiful, four season resort town; and we have not been as negatively affected as some areas.  But, it is certainly not like a few years ago.  My son showed me that if you persist with your training, continue to show up, always play hard, always know your teammates' strengths and weaknesses, have the ability to adjust your game in light of the competition you CAN WIN - not always with a game win - but with accomplishment and the hope of future game wins.  So, I will continue in real estate.  I do love this business - most of the time. 

I thank you all for your ability to share your knowledge.