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Things To Do! 2025 Here We Come!

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Retired Broker/Owner AZ Broker BR030809000

I had to smile first thing this morning looking at what I left myself last night to help get the New Years Day Chili going first thing!  Then I noticed the date on the recipe was January 30, 2015.  Which means I must have made a version of this White Chili for the Phoenix Open or Super Bowl that year. Right now I'm smelling this years Chili version and oh my goodness, it smells good!  And it has just the right amount of kick to it! Kind of like a lot of Rainers I know!

What also stood out to me is the Things To Do Pad.  I can't tell you how many years I've mailed a Things To Do Pad to all our clients and SOI twice a year.  And sure enough every time I went to one of those homes or offices....guess what was on the refrigerator or desk  with my smiling face on it!  Yup! Small things can and do make a big difference!

So let's bring 2025 in with all those small things that make a big difference!  And of course the big things matter too but you know what I mean!  Pay attention to this moment, as in really be present.  Pay attention to what others are saying and listen.  Really listen to them. Smile more often for no reason at others and make their day better.  Appreciate what you have around you as you are truly blessed!  I know I surely am and grateful for it all. 

I've come through a pretty tough year, heck, who am I kidding, the hardest one ever for me health-wise.  And not once did I lose sight on getting better, thanking others for their help and being as positive and happy as I could be.  I think that's what got me through all the craziness.  And to top it off,  my car was totaled by a crazy driver just before Christmas.  But the good news - a new car is picked out and ready for us to pick up hopefully by the end of the week.  No it's not yellow, like my jet!  LOL

So dear friends, I look forward to spending many good days here in the Rain with all of you, and many of you in person too!  Let's work together to make this our best year ever!  

And now I've got to get back to that chili and other fixings I'm preparing for all our friends that will joining us soon to bring in the new year! It's sunny and 73 here in Phoenix so it's a perfect day to enjoy being outside and playing corn hole too! Fun!

Happy New Year!

 

 

 

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Comments(15)

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Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI
HomeSmart Real Estate - Scottsdale, AZ
Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell

Happy new year Anna and sorry about some misfortunes in the past year. Hey I know A LOT OF GOOD THINGS can come out of a crock pot so you are certainly off to a good start. The LIGHT is still in the world and the darkness cannot overcome it. The brigh morningstar. May God's blessings go each step with you in 2025. Jeff

Jan 01, 2025 12:39 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Hi Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI Happy New Year!  Absolutely the light is always on for all of us to shine on with positivity and happiness!

Jan 02, 2025 11:16 AM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Anna "Banana" Kruchten you are right, sometimes is is the small things that make the biggest difference.  Happy New Year!

Jan 01, 2025 12:57 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Hi George Souto sure is and it seems to me it's all those 'little moments' that make a difference  if we pay attention!

Jan 02, 2025 11:17 AM
Patricia Feager
Flower Mound, TX

Anna "Banana" Kruchten - My Crockpot was a life saver in the 1970s! And those To Do Lists are the perfect size to remember things to do and put under a magnet on the refrigerator. I've seen many on different people's refrigerators too. All those little things and time savers do help us remember and they help more than a box of candy (at least that is true for me). Time is of the essence in business and for us as we get older. Again, it's those thoughtful little things that count. Health has been an issue for me too and I know yours was a major setback but I'm glad to know you're doing better and you have a positive attitude. Optimisim costs nothing and can make a world of difference.

As for car accidents. Mine wasn't totaled but I had 3 rear-end accidents to my new car and it was very stressful for me. Rental Cars. Dealing with Insurance Claims from other companies was very hard on me and the people at faults' companies were not nice or friendly. It's wonderful that you're getting a new car! You'll have to show it off here on AR. I'd love to see it!  

Wishing you continued healing, safe driving, good health, and better days in 2025. 

Jan 01, 2025 02:58 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Holy smokes Patricia Feager 3 times somebody ran into you.  Crazy drivers.  I wish they'd slow down.  They don't consider just what it takes for those of us affected by their crazy driving costs us in both time and money.  Sorry it's been such a pain for you to deal with......ugh.

Jan 02, 2025 11:21 AM
Patricia Feager

Anna "Banana" Kruchten - All three rear-end accidents were caused by 3 young drivers. ALL WERE TEXTING AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT! None of them seemed worried or concerned. I would like to propose new legislation if you cause an accident while texting, the payout should be double or triple what it costs for repairs or replacements and 1/2 the total goes to the owner whose car was wrecked to pay for lost time, wages, and inconvenience any way they see fit to ensure the driver won't text and drive again. 

Jan 02, 2025 10:06 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Patricia Feager I would like to see those laws enacted too. Maybe the young - and older stupid drivers would wise up.  It's gotten ridiculous in Phoenix and it seems to be just since a year or so after covid or was it the stupid idea of defund the police or both. Whatever it's costing us over $10K because this gal thought it was a good idea to talk on the phone while having a heated argument with her sister. 

Jan 03, 2025 11:23 AM
Patricia Feager

Anna "Banana" Kruchten - I can't understand what can be that important that every text has to be answered immediately. And those sounds set up to alert the receive are distracting. In an emergency I can understand but the constant use of text while driving, sitting at a theater, inside a restaurantant, while driving, etc., are really rude and there is no excuse. The fact that texting while driving and rear-ending someone out of being selfish should really have greater consequences. Perhaps put that driver on probation. 

Jan 03, 2025 03:57 PM
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
The best agent in Southern Utah!

No time to be still but am taking today off. Your chili must smell heavenly Anna and taste awe-mazing! We are having Black eyed pea and chorizo soup today in honor of the New Day. It will set us up to prosper for 2025!

Wishing you all the best and more this year and beyond! 🎉

Jan 01, 2025 03:32 PM
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!

💖

Jan 02, 2025 11:56 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

OMG Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can! the chili was a knock out!  Everybody loved it and came back for more!  Here's to a wonderful year in all ways!!  Happy 2025!

Jan 02, 2025 11:23 AM
Dennis Neal
Exp Realty of Southern California, Inc. - Big Bear Lake, CA
Your Home Sold in 21 Days or We Sell It For Free

What a wonderful and uplifting message to kick off the new year! Your positivity and gratitude are truly inspiring, and it's clear that small moments of joy can have a big impact. Here's to a year of continued health, happiness, and success for you and all those around you!

Jan 01, 2025 04:16 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Thank you Dennis Neal !  I think the new year is off to a great start!  I'm just so glad to be where I am in this moment and have so much to look forward to!  All the best to you and yours in 2025!  Cheers!

Jan 02, 2025 11:25 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good evening Anna,

You've had quite the year in 2024 and I know 2025 is going to be a good one for you. I couldn't agree more with you to make sure in 2025 we bring all the small things that make a big difference as our top priority! Life is short and we need to make sure each day counts.

Jan 01, 2025 05:49 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Hi Dorie Dillard Austin TX it truly is important to pay attention to the little things that do matter more than most think.  Embrace life to the max!  Happy New Year - all the best to you 💛

Jan 02, 2025 11:27 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Happy New Year, Anna!!  I would be lost without my To Do pads or notes. You have had a horrendous year and yet you went through it all with the BananaTUDE that inspires us all. I hope that 2025 is free and clear of hospital stays. 

Jan 01, 2025 06:21 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Hi Kathy Streib another TO DO gal, how did I know that about you!  And trust me, I'm off to a great year and so looking forward to calling the shots!  Yea Baby!  Happy New Year!!

Jan 02, 2025 11:28 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Anna:

I know 2024 has been a challenging year for you, even at the end, but hopefully 2025 will be much better in all aspects of your life. I expect that chili today was stellar! Those To Do Pads are a great idea for a give-a-way.

Jeff

Jan 01, 2025 08:07 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Hi Jeff Dowler, CRS you as well my friend! We're in this together in 2025!  One little thing at a time.....as they say......we've got this!

And YES the chili turned out awesome!  Really Good! As in maybe the best ever and I've made a lot of crowd pleasing chili in my days!

Jan 02, 2025 11:30 AM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Loved the chili observation, on a side note Diane has been bugging me to make chili but not with you know the traditional ingredients and not to make it spicey go figure it has been on the to do list for a while now, Endre

Jan 01, 2025 10:59 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Endre Barath, Jr. it's pretty simple to make a non-spicy chili and still have it turn out fantastic.  Our group likes spicy.....so spicy it is!  Just not too spicy........a KICK of spice!  Good luck!

Jan 02, 2025 11:32 AM
Endre Barath, Jr.

Anna "Banana" Kruchten  will work on it and let you know how it turns out, Endre

Jan 02, 2025 09:08 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

I've made chili 'with little to no kick from time to time' Endre Barath, Jr. .  Just leave out the chili powder or cayenne pepper (or use very little).  That style of chili is what many restaurants serve - just not here in the South West where the hotter the better is the mentality.  Which isn't my favorite.  Somewhere inbetween works for me.

Jan 03, 2025 11:19 AM
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker
Great information, thanks for sharing.  I hope you have a great day.
Jan 02, 2025 03:25 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Thanks,, you too Richard!

Jan 02, 2025 11:32 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Good morning, Anna... your 2025 can only be better than 2024! As for those to-do pads, I also send them out and give them out like Chicklets!

Jan 02, 2025 03:27 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

LOL now that's funny Nina Hollander, Broker like chicklets!  It really kind of has been the same for me all these years!  Here's to a great 2025!

Jan 02, 2025 11:34 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Anna - I still believe to do lists and small steps are important.  Of course, things change/evolve so adjustments, adaptations as well as accepting and rejecting of some stuff comes into play.  A usual, your positive approach is appealing.  

Jan 02, 2025 04:36 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

HI Michael Jacobs yup small things along the way and adjusted as needed works for me!  Hope you had a wonderful New Years Day!  And here's to a great 2025!

Jan 02, 2025 11:36 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Happy New Year to you both!  Small things DO make a difference, and I'm glad your new car won't be yellow! Here's hoping your 2025 is significantly better healthwise than 2024!

Jan 02, 2025 06:03 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

What?  You saying you don't like Banana colored cars like my jet?  Bummer!!  LOL  And trust me Kat Palmiotti I am well on the way to my best year ever!   And I wish that for you too!  Cheers!

Jan 02, 2025 11:37 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Happy New Year Miss Anna "Banana" Kruchten 🍾🥂🍌💗

** And it has just the right amount of kick to it! Kind of like a lot of Rainers I know! 

** Small things can and do make a big difference!

** Pay attention to what others are saying and listen.  Really listen to them.

Cheers to your Great Health, Recovery, and Restoration! 

2025 is a promising GREAT year.  

And, now I am wanting chili. 

Jan 03, 2025 09:05 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Happy New Year Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist !  2025 is going to be a GREAT year! I am excited about all that we've got going on here!  Here's to all the best in your world 💛💛

Jan 03, 2025 11:26 AM
Eileen Burns 954.483.3912
Trans State Commercial Realty Inc. - Fort Lauderdale, FL
FLorida Real Estate Connector

simplify is a challenge for some.  Learning to live with less and your favorite people help your smiles and laughter for the upcoming year.  Material things can be replaced but not necessarily our health.  Happy to hear you are manifesting good things for your future GF

Jan 03, 2025 09:40 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

LOL Eileen Burns 954.483.3912 I know some folks that enjoy complicating  just about everything!  Way too much energy and work in my mind to do so!!

Here's to a fantastic 2025!  Woo Hoo!

Jan 03, 2025 11:29 AM