Admin

A Good Plan Gone Awry

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with Ward County Notary Services 607851

Timmothy's Cartoon for today is a good jumping off point for ActiveRain’s January 2025 Challenge: Planning for Success  hosted by Leanne Smith and Will Hamm   and my first of four entries.

Joe's plan to turn the driveway into a slip and slide is a BAD plan, take from someone who had to have his shoulder replaced last year from a slip and fall AND someone who slipped on the ice on New Year's Day and landed on his back (squarely on my shoulder blades) and am currently in plenty of pain yet today.

True story, I sold a home to a pastor who moved here from South Africa. He had no snow removal tools so he got the bright idea of getting the garden hose out and connecting it to the hot water heater. He washed the snow away from his driveway. Like Joe he ended up with a very treacherous slip and slide.

My first and foremost plan for 2025 was to stay healthy... well I blew that on the first day but I'm going to try again and at the top of the list is to wear my cleated overshoes when walking Baby in the winter. One of my favorite sayings is: If you want God to laugh tell him your plans.

All that being said my next plan is to be less hypocritical. It's easy to be pius, living your faith and what you believe is a much harder thing to do.

I am not ashamed of my Christian faith. I plan on increasing my faith by studying the source of that faith to the point that if someone asks me "where did you get THAT belief from" I can explain it to them in a loving, non-pius, non-judging way.

Plan #1 failed on the first day. I plan on my second plan working out by intensive study and a loving attitude towards those who challenge me.

Posted by

Show All Comments Sort:
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

I hope your actions will conform with your plans.

Take care and be safe. 

We have a weather alert for much snow in Maryland on Monday.

Jan 03, 2025 06:23 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm

Thank you Roy Kelley . The Polar Express is going to barrel down the tracks to Minot as well. We are already in the negative temps but the winds are to put us in the 20 below wind chill area until next Wednesday.

I know snow is in the forecast but I don't think it's for large amounts.

Jan 03, 2025 06:45 AM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Bob,
The story of the pastor from South Africa made me laugh. Good grief. 

I do hope you heal quickly from your Fall and stay happy and healthy the rest of the year.

Jan 03, 2025 06:37 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm

Thank you Carol Williams . I'm in pain but it is less than yesterday so I'm taking that as a very good sign.

Jan 03, 2025 06:48 AM
Carol Williams

That IS a good sign, Bob "RealMan" Timm 

Jan 03, 2025 06:50 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Bob - plans can go amiss.  Hopefully, a complete recovery is ahead for you.  

Jan 03, 2025 06:51 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm

Thank you Michael Jacobs and thank you for the private message. Correction made.

Jan 03, 2025 07:00 AM
Michael Jacobs

Bob "RealMan" Timm - 👌

Jan 03, 2025 07:25 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Bob,

Oh No! I'm sorry to hear about your fall on New Years day! Hopefully you'll be on the mend very quickly! I had to laugh at story about the pastor from South Africa, it really made me laugh!

 

Jan 03, 2025 07:49 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm

With the pastor having no experience with cold weather it seemed like a good plan but those of us with experience can laugh at it Dorie Dillard Austin TX . The improvement in pain over the last two days is encouraging.

Jan 03, 2025 08:18 AM
Doug Dawes
Keller Williams Evolution - 447 Boston Street, Suite #5, Topsfield, MA - Topsfield, MA
Your Personal Realtor®

Good Morning Bob "RealMan" Timm 

At my age ice is no longer our friend (unless it's in a cup...lol) Have a great weekend

Jan 03, 2025 07:54 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm

I agree Doug Dawes and I've even gotten to where I hardly ever use it in a glass either.

Jan 03, 2025 08:20 AM
Eileen Burns 954.483.3912
Trans State Commercial Realty Inc. - Fort Lauderdale, FL
FLorida Real Estate Connector

Plans are subject to change at a moment's notice Bob "RealMan" Timm So sorry to hear about your accident, wishing you speedy pain free days ahead. 

Jan 03, 2025 08:39 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm

Thank you Eileen Burns 954.483.3912 . I'm hoping that I can quit the aspirin and shed the back brace by Monday but that me be wishful thinking.

Jan 03, 2025 10:23 AM
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello Bob and I seen to see somethings that made me laugh so much from people hosing down driveways to using a leave blower to move the snow.

 

Jan 03, 2025 09:33 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm

Will Hamm I have a neighbor who is so sold on using a leaf blower for snow removal that he suggested I buy one for my son to also blow snow with.

Jan 03, 2025 10:21 AM
Leanne Smith
Dirt Road Real Estate - Golden Valley, AZ
The Grit and Gratitude Agent

Good morning and Bob thanks for your first entry.  I absolutely can relate to the cartoon. Years ago I slipped on black ice and tore a tendon. I was on crutches for six weeks.  Yes God does have a way of changing our plans because God works in mysterious ways.

Jan 03, 2025 10:02 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm

Yikes, crutches are no fun Leanne Smith so I hope to avoid that.

Jan 03, 2025 10:20 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543
Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 - Downingtown, PA
Selling the Main Line & Chester County

Temperatures are dropping, with some snow called for this evening and on Monday. Walking Jackie so far, wearing flannel lined jeans has been bearable when it has been cold, it is the wind that makes it worse.

Jan 03, 2025 10:44 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm

I LOVE my flannel lined jeans Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543 and at one time I even found some flannel lined dress pants. You are right about the wind... when things get really tough I put on the snowmobile suit.

Jan 03, 2025 10:54 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
Retired Broker/Owner - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

You've got this Bob!  If at first you don't succeed try, try try again and have fun in the process!  Glad to hear the pain is subsiding!  And the pastor story is really funny.  Duh, who would think that was a good idea!

And hey the idea of 'needing to be defensive' in your ideas and belief system. Why put any energy into defending them......you being a role model is all you need and that speaks volume's and saves the wear and tear in your mind.  Just saying! 

Jan 03, 2025 11:48 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm

I appreciate that Anna "Banana" Kruchten . Me being me has no defense. I try harder every day but as we all should know, we will never earn our way to heaven.

Jan 04, 2025 06:50 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Well that's interesting Bob. Not once did I ever hear or be taught that way of thinking.  And hey, to each their own I say! 

Jan 04, 2025 10:21 AM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

Thank you, Bob "RealMan" Timm, for sharing your candid reflections on planning and the unexpected twists that life brings! Your humor and honesty underscore important lessons about resilience and faith—truly inspiring for us all!

Jan 03, 2025 12:48 PM
Bob "RealMan" Timm

Thank you Lew Corcoran . I am who I am, even when it's embarrassing to be me.

Jan 04, 2025 06:45 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

HI Bob- I confess to having a small chuckle combined with a concerned "oh No" when I read your post the other day about your fall. I thought, didn't he say he was going to try to go hospital free in 2025??!!!  Take care of yourself 

Jan 03, 2025 06:25 PM
Bob "RealMan" Timm

Kathy Streib I'm now adjusting my New Years resolution to STAY OUT OF THE HOSPITAL. As much as this fall hurt I'm not going in for it and if there are future falls there will have to be a bone sticking out of my body before I'm going in. 😊

Jan 04, 2025 06:44 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Bob, Wishing you a speedy and complete recovery! 

It's a funny story, but who could ever come up with the idea that hot water would wash away the snow in freezing temps?

 

 

Jan 03, 2025 08:22 PM
Bob "RealMan" Timm

What made me think of it Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400 was I say a hose out just yesterday. All I could think of was "that is the end of that hose".

Jan 04, 2025 06:37 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

This is yet another reason that I never want to live in a cold-weather area, haha.  I don't want to slip and slide on my driveway, haha.

Jan 04, 2025 05:41 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm

Brian England it is pretty unnerving when you start to feel your feet sliding out from underneath you. As a matter of fact the last two times I ended up on my back I didn't even know it until I was flat on my back. That being said the most damaging fall I had was not on snow or ice but on loose sand... which I know you have there as well.

Jan 04, 2025 06:35 AM
Debra Leisek
Bay Realty,Inc Homer Alaska - Homer, AK

Hilarious! Loved the hot water story... we had someone try that to his windshield up here and it cracked into pieces... new guy from Texas.

I hope you recover and feel better soon. While you take it easy you can make your plan!

Jan 07, 2025 12:04 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

I am feeling better until I cau8gh or sneeze Debra Leisek . I'm happy my son and I got you to laugh.

Jan 08, 2025 06:27 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Ouch! I hope how soon you're feeling better, Bob and best of luck deepening your faith in the new year as well.

Jan 25, 2025 08:25 PM
Bob "RealMan" Timm

Debe Maxwell, CRS I am happy to report that I have fully recovered from my New Years Day fall on the ice. At the moment I'm about as healthy as I can be considering.....

Jan 26, 2025 05:34 PM