By any measure, 2009 has been an ogre. A lineal Shrek, if you will. We probably all would have given it a miss had we heeded the decree of the Chinese calendar that it was to be the Year of the Killer Tomato. Given the chance to hit reset on the impending culmination of 365 vexing days, however, I would not take it. There are strengthening vitamins and minerals to be had in the juices of the very tomatoes at my feet that have pelted my face and stung my wide eyes.
There have been financial challenges, the likes of which were previously alien to me. With the disjointed gyrations of an industry and market that represent a brand new dance to even the longest tenured vets, I have been forced to the brink of professional incineration for long stretches on end. With seared toes and fingertips, however, I’ve held fast at the threshold to that fiery abyss. My Gen-X core becoming more pliable and durable all the while in paradoxical harmony. A representative for a generation that is accustomed to having, to entitlement, I have learned the pain and honor of struggle. Months on end to produce results that formerly took days or weeks. Deals faltering where they had always stuck. The size of the paychecks for those miraculous transactions that have beaten the odds to reach the closing table dwindling in numerical lockstep with the eroded property values in our midst, even as costs continue to rise.
Bill collectors unconcerned about any of it.
There have been personal challenges. The year began with mortality staring unflinchingly into our faces. Loved ones saddled with dreaded diagnoses and marching orders to treacherous corners of an unconcerned earth. And loss. There has been loss. Both that which was not yet in our grasp and that which had been held in loose, complacent grip. In our sorrow, we have found new strength. Renewed commitment. Stronger bonds that will never permit the tenuous clutches of the immediate moment to intrude upon the existence or color pallet of a promised collective future. Deeper reservoirs of ourselves with which to nourish those who require infinite supply.
With a little less than a month remaining in this stanza, I am eager to turn the page, albeit wholly aware that no classic prose is free of drama. That every resolution requires a conflict. When all is said and done, and the metaphorical book of me is written, it will be this very chapter that stands out in full bas relief. I needed 2009 to become who I am to be, and I wouldn’t give it back for all the rotten tomatoes in Shanghai.
Realty Executives - Leavenworth, KS
"Holding the Keys to Your Dream Home"
I am in shock. You have an incredable vocabulary and an even better writting technique. I loved reading this blog. You need to write books for a living. You have an awesome talent. Best of wishes in 2010.
Dec 03, 2009 01:45 PM
Crescent City Living LLC - New Orleans, LA
New Orleans Real Estate Broker
Between you and Jessica, I need a translator and a freaking thesaurus. Geez.
Beautifully written as always, P. Those scars may be fresh, but I can tell you from personal experience that they will heal.
Love to you and yours and a toast to a better new year.
Dec 03, 2009 01:50 PM
Realty Executives - Leavenworth, KS
"Holding the Keys to Your Dream Home"
Jessica Horton - Jessica Horton & Associates - Griffin, GA
Jessica Horton: I'm not #1... You Are!
:)
I know you will (or write a killer novel...). A Happy Holiday season to you and yours!
Dec 03, 2009 02:28 PM
Homesmart - Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale, AZ Real Estate
Trisha - Thank you kindly. Probably not the most productive use of a Real Estate platform, but it's a hobby as much as a marketing tool for me. And don't listen to Lisa. Everything she'll tell you is blatantly true. ;)
Lisa, don't feel left out. That's the extent of my pig Latin. Hoist one with Cap'n hubby for me, and brace the bayou for my coming. Hurricane Paul descends on NAR next year. A couple of days on Bourbon Street and I'm downgraded to a tropical storm.
Dec 03, 2009 02:30 PM
Content, coding, marketing, host. - Marietta, GA
Content Marketer/Creator
"With the disjointed gyrations of an industry and market that represent a brand new dance to even the longest tenured vets" - amen.
Dec 03, 2009 02:35 PM
Auto & Home & Life Insurance throughout North Carolina - Charlotte, NC
Your Agent for Life
So Horton speaks Latin, so what? I don't get this post, Slaybaugh? If you are trying to make sense, well, you do better than most.
You're a talented communicator, Mr. Slaybaugh. Your losses this year or past years or even next year... well, I'm sorry for any of that. You're a growing being and deserve none of that, yet will experience it all. I know, master of the obvious, I am.
And listen to Grandpa Clockwinder...
This shit makes me smile...
Dec 03, 2009 02:49 PM
Tomson Burnham, llc Licensed in the State of Oregon - Salem, OR
Principal Broker/Owner, M.S.
Well Paul I was thinking of going to NOLA next year for the convention. Not sure since I'm only "pretty okay, too." ;-P
Dec 03, 2009 03:01 PM
Homesmart - Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale, AZ Real Estate
Happy holidays to you and Jason, Jessica.
Ken - Thanks for bearing witness from the congregation.
Sardi - You're still bonkers, so all is right with the world. Good to see you around.
Melina - Would it help if I tagged you with the "neato" moniker?
Dec 03, 2009 03:11 PM
Vista Pacific Realty - Sacramento, CA
It sounds like you have had a major roller coaster of a year. I am glad that you have made it almost to the end. Cheers to a great 2010.
Dec 03, 2009 04:22 PM
Keller Williams Integrity First - Scottsdale, AZ
I like your writing style Paul...now we must march forward in 2010, no looking back!
Dec 03, 2009 05:34 PM
Missy Caulk TEAM - Ann Arbor, MI
Savvy Realtor - Ann Arbor Real Estate
Carry on...
We have good years and sucky years...
I remember being so glad when one year was over.
As hard as they are, there are lessons. Sometimes lessons we could not learn without going through them.
Manytimes it is so years we remember the most.
Diamonds come from coal...burn in the fires of life.
Dec 03, 2009 11:11 PM
The Buyers' Counsel - Ashland, MA
Buyer, Broker - Metrowest Mass
Paul:
You have expressed this very well and I feel for the things you have endured this year.
The year certainly had its times of personal sadness and professional challenge. But, when you are still healthy and have loved ones around, you have to be grateful for that, and I am. However, I think I would like to find a t-shirt that says, "I survived 2009" and perhaps start a little business selling them online.
Dec 04, 2009 12:12 AM
Responsive Pest Control - Seattle, WA
Pest Control, Seattle, WA.
Paul: Thank you. I've found that for every loss there is also a gain. We had to put our dog down recently but that was countered by the birth of our first grandson. Life is full of blessings and challenges. For me, this has been a pretty good year and I look forward to next! Thanks again for the post!
Dec 04, 2009 01:59 AM
Berkshire Hathaway California Properties - Newport Beach, CA
Real Estate Marketing & Sales
I think that is the best description of 2009 that I have heard so far. Glad to see you finding the light in the dark. :)
Dec 08, 2009 02:02 PM
Homesmart - Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale, AZ Real Estate
Sandra Carlisle ... I thought you joined the circus or something. Good to see you back on AR.
Dec 08, 2009 02:45 PM
DFW Living - Fort Worth, TX
Real Estate Broker - Fort Worth Texas
I don't care what's going on, you're my favorite pimp. Got any fix-a-flat?
<<HUGS>>
Dec 14, 2009 03:18 PM
Homesmart - Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale, AZ Real Estate
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