Who is Dorie? Or is it Dory?

When the movie Finding Dory came out in 2016 my name became the object of many jokes and comments. One of my dearest friends gave me a "Dory" Christmas Ornament that I love to hang every year on my tree.

After I did some research I realized it wasn’t the color blue of a real-life royal blue tang like Dory but believe it or not my favorite color is blue.

I found we actually have several things in common:

• Dorie and Dory like to keep things under control
• Both are forever optimistic and are known to say “keep swimming!”
• Dorie traveled all over the world with Geno and Dory traveled all over the world with Nemo!

Thank you Kathy Streib and Carol Williams for hosting the May Challenge - Getting To Know You. Great list of questions, a very good way to learn more about our Active Rain members. I had fun reading the entries and even ordered a book Joseph Domino 480-390-6011 wrote! Who knew he was an author?

Here is my entry:

1. What was your first job and what did you learn from it?

My first job was working during at home during a summer in college, at Barney’s Department store in Schenectady N.Y. It was fun to work in retail but was just a month and half so I didn’t get the full impact of being a full time employee. I rotated departments so each day was different. I learned to manage my income and soon learned it didn’t go as far as I thought it would. I think that’s called “adulting.”

2. How long have you been in the real estate or related service industry?

Finding my-self as a single mom was stressful and I knew I had to press the reset button and find a career. It was a big decision but I believed real estate was a route that I could utilize my talents. My college degree came in handy as many class credits in financing and business transferred to meet the requirements to obtain my license. I passed my exam and received my Real Estate license in 1991. Thirty one years later I’m so grateful I pursued real estate, it is my passion. I love my clients, what I do and as a bonus every day there is something new to learn!

   3. What is your biggest fear and what have you done to try to conquer it?

I hate snakes! When I was young I stepped on one and will never forget the slimy feel under my feet. It’s very simple; I now steer clear of any possible interaction with snakes.

4. What would you do if you knew you would not fail?

I really can’t think of anything else I’d like to do. It’s a beautiful thing when your career and passion come together!

5. What is a habit you would love to eliminate or change?

I tend to operate less spontaneous because of fear of not staying on course. I’ve learned over the last several years it’s okay to deviate from a strict routine. In fact, I’m seeing more opportunities present themselves because of a less controlled schedule.

6. What is your favorite meal (forget about calories or what you shouldn’t eat)

There is no question my favorite meal is Italian, most all dishes! I love Italy with their immersion into their dishes and how it’s enjoyed with family and friends. It’s all about the experience!

7. What is something you wish you’d done?                                               

I have no regrets. There are 2 quotes from Zig Ziglar I wrote in my notebook when life got tough:

“Sometimes adversity is what you need to face in order to become successful” and “Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude.”

8. Who has been most influential in your life?

That is a hard one to say because I’ve had several people in my life who were influential. If I had to narrow it down I would say my dad was a huge impact on me because he exposed me to perseverance, dedication and commitment, by example, not through words. I knew he was always there for me however he was strict and didn’t let me get by with anything. He worked hard and several years after college I recognized the greatest monetary gift he and mom gave me was a college education paid for with no debt!

9. What are your favorite business-related books?

A dear colleague, years ago gave me a copy of: Who moved My Cheese, which has always been a favorite. My Geno gave me: Kiss Bow and Shake Hands and told me it was important to study and my third is: Never Split the Difference.

10. Other than business books what are your favorite things to read?

I love to read and always have several books going (both hard copy and on my Kindle). I enjoy an assortment of fiction and non-fiction books. I still remember reading: Gone with the Wind as a young girl. I was so caught up I didn’t want it to end so I’d start only reading one chapter at a time towards the end.

11. What are your top 5 favorite movies?

Gone with the Wind, The God Father, It’s a Wonderful Life, The Shawshank Redemption and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

12. If I came to visit your city for one day what is the one thing I must do or see?

There are so many things in Austin that are a must see it’s hard to narrow it down. One thing many love to do is visit one of the crown jewels of Austin: Barton Springs Pool which is within Austin’s Zilker Park’s 358 acres! We have people travel from all over to view our bats under Congress Avenue Bridge! See my post from 2016!

13. If I came to your city to visit for one day what is the one restaurant you would recommend?

It’s almost impossible to name one restaurant we have so many. It all depends on what experience you are looking for: Mexican, Italian, Seafood, Steaks, Chinese…..we have it all covered!

14. If I was going to relocate to your area what advice would you give me that is unique to the area?

Understand our culture and don’t try and change it. Comprehend the meaning of our slogan “Keep Austin Weird” and keep it alive. We are unique and want to retain our roots. We welcome everyone but  we ask you to embrace who we are and what we have to offer.

15. Do you have any special talents?

I like to design clothes and sew. When my daughter was a teenager we’d come up with something different and I’d make it for her. I don’t have time any more but I always enjoyed creating something fun and different and enjoyed wearing my creations! I also made tops and hair accessories and sold them to boutiques. Dusty Hill’s girlfriend from the ZZ Tops, purchased one of my creations at Lake Austin Spa and Resort back in the late 80’s!

16 Do you have any quirks?

I like to play NY Times Wordle every morning. Most of my family does so we often share with each other when we’ve gotten the word very quickly, especially my granddaughter in NYC.

17. What is your best character trait?

Optimism … My Geno called me the “Spin Doctor.” He said no matter what happened I’d spin it positive.

18. Have you ever done anything you would never do again because it was too hard or too dangerous?

When I was in Iowa during college, 4 of us were out camping in a motor home and a tornado came out of nowhere! We jumped in the car and outran it (barely) but I’d never do that again! It scared me to death!

19. What is your favorite thing to do in your spare time?

I enjoy “me” time where I walk or read by the pool .I make it a priority to attend my grandkids athletic events (and there are a lot of them). I so enjoy being involved in their lives as they are growing up.

20. If you could live anywhere in the world where would you want to live?

I love to travel and have been fortunate to visit many countries but I always feel when I get back to Austin TX…., I’m home. My kids and grandkids are here….doesn’t get any better than that!

21. What is something that we don’t know about you that would surprise us?

I can wiggle my ears…..does that count?