As the year comes to an end, I find myself looking forward to 2012 and all the fresh starts that come with a new year! In my mind I am already planning my resolution list. Although a hundred ideas pop into my head, I am determined to keep the list small and significant. But that will be next week’s blog. Today I am taking a look back. 2011 was an important one in so many ways that I can hardly let her pass without at least a toast!
So to 2011, I raise my glass and thank you for:
The eleventh-hour job that my husband got after quite a few months of unemployment. Just as things were looking rather scary, opportunity knocked! He’s back to work now and we are on a hopeful track in our life. My sincere hope is that the rest of America can get there as well.
The tomatoes! We had a late Spring here in Spokane, but for some reason those tomato and squash plants thrived! Thank you Mother Nature for feeding my tummy and my soul!
My healthy, beautiful family, especially my four wonderful grandchildren and the glimpse into the future that they provide. Thank you also for bringing into my life a long lost relative who has been researching the family tree and providing us with so many photos and stories of those who came before us.
My growing real estate career. This was only my second year in real estate and I didn’t get rich, but I am now officially over new Realtor® syndrome! From here on in I am an experienced agent who knows that dedication, knowledge, a calm demeanor and answering the phone will take you far in this business. Thank you to all the clients who bought or sold a home with me this year!
A chance to join the Occupy Spokane movement! I spent five Saturday mornings marching with the Occupiers and it was enlightening. My first visit was hesitant . . . stinky hippies? lazy slackers? police violence? . . .I had no idea what to expect. Well, I must say, my fears were quickly put to rest. The people I met at the Occupy marches were passionate, dedicated people who care about America. Period. They were a mix of old, young, business owners, veterans, unemployed, liberal, conservative, students, pastors, veterans, teachers, lawyers, nurses . . . pretty much a melting pot of American citizens. And yes, there were a few hippies, but no smelly ones! No violence, no destructive behavior . . . heck, these protestors even obeyed crosswalk signals! 
Thanks to the Occupy movement, people are gathering and starting conversations. These very real conversations are not the intense, hate-filled, divisive dialogues fueled by mass media’s talking heads and perpetuated with name calling in internet chat rooms. These are real people looking each other in the eye and realizing that we have more in common than we do differences. One Saturday I sat down on a bench next to a young woman with spiked hair, piercings and body art and said, “So, what would you say were the chances of you and a gray-haired lady like me joining in a struggle for the same thing?” She looked at me and smiled and the conversation began . . . and, for this 2011, I will always remember you. The year of the seed. May 2012 see the sprouts emerge.
Here's hoping that 2011 was a great one for all of you and may 2012 be even better!
Valerie Baker
Realtor®
Exit Real Estate Professionals
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