Surviving a Day When Everything That Could Go Wrong, Went Wrong...Well...

Oh my! What a day I had this past Saturday! Can a day loaded down by Murphey's Law eventually come together?

One of the gals in a nearby office put out a call for an agent to step into her shoes, because her first grand-baby was coming into this world. Well, I had the audacity to believe that I could fill her shoes, or could I? This agent gave me an amazing start to helping her clients, a sweet couple from out of the area looking for retirement property, the showings all set up and in order.

What could possibly go wrong???

Uhmmmm, lets start with my brain knew where I needed to go, but because there are three areas (no where near each other) that begin with the same name, my feet and hands drove me to the wrong place! YIKES!

How mortifying! Could this day get any worse?

When I finally showed up (after trying to call the clients and let them know of my mistake but cell phone service was spotty at best) an hour late, I profusely apologized. Could I overcome this horrible start?

Then I had to let them know that we had to stop to pick up the key to one of the houses we were to look at. Now, in this day and age, who does that anymore???? Holy cow, can we get any more antiquated? Now, I have to tell you, it's bad enough having to stop to pick up a key, but the gal in the office couldn't find the key! OMG!

Can this day get any worse?

After searching, calling the listing agent, we find the key...yes, it was out were anyone could see it, if they/we were only looking for it! Hiding in plain sight. Finally with key in hand, I try to plug the first address into the GPS on my phone. Oh, good grief, NO INTERNET SERVICE!!!

Can this day get any worse?

Mrs. Buyer graciously tells me she would love to play navigator.

How embarrassing is that?

I swallowed hard, and put a smile on my face.

"Normally, I am totally prepared. I know my route and roads, I've previewed the homes we are to see. But, today, I get to enjoy the adventure along with you, and I'm really excited about this," I tell Mr & Mrs Buyer.

A smile comes across Mrs. Buyers face. "I like your attitude!"

And off we go, after maybe the first thing to go right that morning.

And go we did! Up narrow, winding mountain roads...not paved roads, mind you. Nosireebob! Gravel roads, that barely fit one van, with trenches and bumps that sent us bouncing until we were almost hitting the rooftop. (Oh, boy, do I need new shocks!) Gravel roads that lead to some of the most incredible views in east Tennessee. And did we ever have an ADVENTURE!

Here I was, ooohing and ahhhing along with this wonderful couple, or wrinkling my nose, again, along with them. For the first time I discovered an area along with my clients -- I was not prepared for the beauty, or the fun we had.

At each home we saw, we talked about the views and the seclusion. We talked about hunting, and fishing, and visitors finding the home they might choose (remember that cell phone service was spotty at best, who knows about other GPS gadgets). We talked about furniture, especially getting their furniture to the eventual property they might choose, and the quality of how the homes we saw were built.

Then we came to the last home on the list. Can you say THE ONE?

Can this day get any better?

It was amazing! This home captured this couple perfectly. They were enthralled. It called out to them. They wanted to write a check on the spot!

But...

As it turns out, this house was already under contract, scheduled to close at the end of the month.

Sigh! What else can go wrong today?

Talk about disappointment!

I completely understood why they did not want to put in a back-up offer. For them, it would get their hopes up too high, only to be dashed if the deal went through. As we leave each other I finally have the opportunity to see why my blouse was bothering me all day. I know it fits me, but it just felt weird. I looked down, and there is the tag, peeking out from the front!

I'd been wearing my blouse backwards all day!

But, I cannot ignore the fun I had. I met the most wonderful couple, shared an adventure with them, and saw some of the most awesome views in East Tennessee.

How much better could that be?