OK, a few days ago I was joking around about reaching 100,000. Today I tell the truth when I say I've reached 50,000 Active Rain points. This post oughtta do it. What a great journey it's been. I don't have a catchy post to mark this milestone for me. It's just a heartfelt story of what Active Rain means to me.
I started participating in the Rain about 3 months ago. Right from the start it was fun. At the beginning I had no idea why I was participating other than to amass all the points in the world! LOL But that feeling went away. It was replaced by a feeling of community and respect for those who participate in it. There are many, many wonderful people in the Rain. Real people. Real experts. Real professionals. Real fun.
There's no way I can mention everyone who has meant something to me in the Rain. If your name is not here, it's not because you haven't touched me in some way. It's just that there isn't enough room on the AR servers to hold a post that long!
Mark Flanders made me feel welcome right from the beginning. He's not as vocal in the Rain lately, but that's because he's out there trying to conquer the world. Yes you are Mark, don't deny it! When he does make an appearance, it's always fun. Thanks Mark for making me feel a part of Active Rain when I didn't think I was.
My buddy Nick M. just picked up the phone during my first week here and called me for no reason. We now do that on a regular basis and stay in touch. He's a geek. A techno-geek with a big heart. He's also got a killer sense of humor. I've learned a lot from him.
Lynda Eisenmann also picked up the phone and made me cry as I was driving. Bad Lynda! Bad, bad Lynda! I jest. Lynda is a wonderful person with a lot of experience and a lot to share about this field. She was calling to thank me for the comments she saw me making everywhere. She really did make me cry but it wasn't intentional and it wasn't bad. Sweet Lynda.
Ines Hegedus-Garcia sent me a referral for a $750K listing and asked for nothing in return. She picked up the phone a few days later when I made a comment about having a bad day just to check on me. Ines is a sweetheart. By the way, that $750K listing is only 30 minutes from her. She could have kept it. But she didn't. Did I already tell you she's a sweetheart? It bears repeating.
Sarah Cooper...aahh, what can I say about Sarah Cooper that I haven't said before? She's my little sister in West Virginia whom I've never met. I hope that will change one day soon. She's a very special person.
Margaret Rome also picked up the phone one day and called to thank me for the work I had put into the Week in Review. Her comments were so genuine I started bawling again. What is it with me, phones, driving and crying?
Chris Elizabeth Griffith cracks me up. She and I exchanged a series of "behind the scenes" commentaries which make me laugh even now. She really is a hoot. She's also a daredevil and one day I want to jump out of a plane just like she did...with a good looking hunk strapped to my back. rofl She's also a size 2. I hate her. OK, I don't hate her. I'm terribly jealous of her size 2 but that's where the bad feelings end. Thanks for the many laughs Chris.
Teresa Boardman is a blog goddess and still finds time for the little people. I was going through a rough patch in the Rain and she was there listening and giving sage advice. Unbeknownst to me, she was going through her own patch at the time. It made me appreciate her advice even more.
Danny Smith is a sweetheart with a devilish streak in him. He always has a smile on his face, something fun in mind and a song in his heart. Thanks for all the melodies Danny!
Broker Bryant and Billie Tutas are AR icons. They're also really nice people with a lot of good avice. Sorry I put you both in the same mention, but you two are a couple and you make that work so well. You deserve to be together in my mention just as you are in real life.
Jonathan Washburn. If he was not married and I wasn't almost 20 years older I'd make a play for him. Just kidding, Sara, just kidding! I'm impressed with this phenomenal business he's got going called Active Rain but even more by his genuine, caring manner and his big heart. I've also seen Sara splashing in the Rain. You two are one lucky couple.
Linda Davis has a fabulous sense of humor. Her Carnac predictions are always good for many laughs and quite often they come true! Apart from that, she knows what she's doing. I forever want to be her little sponge, soaking up all the good stuff she has to teach.
Lysa Napolitano is an incredible person who puts her money where her mouth is. She's out busting her butt this weekend to help those in need. I hope she doesn't bust it too hard. We need her here in the Rain. I can't wait to hear how the event turns out.
The Codgers have brought many smiles to my face. Much to my chagrin, they're cutting back on their posts and I will have to live with that. I'm not happy about it but I will have to live with it. Did you know that if you go to a person's profile and click on their My Comments link you can see where they've been? I haven't followed the Codgers around too much this way, but it's a thought...just in case I start suffering withdrawal symptoms.
OK, I have to stop now. I could go on and on. There are certainly enough people I could write about. You must know who you are. I'm sure I've told you so on your posts. There are countless numbers of you. That's what makes this place rock. You all give of your time, expertise and friendship so readily. It's not about the points. I'm using that as an excuse to tell you about the journey and friends made along the way.
Maggie Dokic, SFR is a licensed real estate broker in the state of Florida selling residential real estate in Miami, Palmetto Bay, Pinecrest, Coral Gables, Gables by the Sea, High Pines, the Redland and other select areas of SW Miami-Dade County.
Maggie has earned her SFR certification to be able to better serve the needs of her customers in today's non-traditional real estate market. SFR is a Short Sale, Foreclosure Resource Specialist. Designees have been trained to understand the highly specialized options available to Sellers facing short sales & foreclosures and Buyers looking to buy them.
For more information on our local real estate market, or to see or sell a home in Miami, Palmetto Bay, Pinecrest, Coral Gables or the Redland, visit my Miami Real Estate blog or contact me at Maggie (at) TheBlogThatAteMiami (dot) com.
The opinions expressed herein, are those of the author, and not necessarily of Keller Williams Realty.
None of this information is to be deemed legal or financial advice. Please contact your attorney or accountant for same.
Maggie: Your comments have become one of our favorite highlights of posting! We’re not gone—AND you may always comment on any of our posts! Yay 50 grand!
JayMaggie,
Congrats! ....Ok I will bold this whole sentance for you in your honor.
Maggie,
Next stop 100K... Shouldn`t take you too long!:)
Congratulations Maggie! Way to go. Oh, by the way, my daughter is a zero, zip, nada. She's so small she doesn't get a number, even. (Her friends don't know but we buy her britches in the kids department at Target)
Looking forward to seeing you hit 100,000!
Maggie-Congrats. I really enjoy and appreciate your posts. You are something special. I love this network and am having so much fun with it! I can't wait to meet you girl. Looks like I will be in South Florida in May sometime. We have to hook up! Congrats on your milestone.
C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S ! ! ! on your 50K points !! Jolly Good Job! Here's a beautiful lily just for you!
Maggie ~ It's so nice to read your post and tribute to those you love and respect. Congrats on your milestone...you've only just begun!
kk
I agree with EVERYTHING you said in your post! I've been touched by many of the same people and your glowing endorsement of them is right on the money! (And thanks for including me too, Sis!) :oD
You are absolutely without a doubt one of the main reasons I love this place. It wouldn't be the same without you, and since you are one of the first people that I connected with you are very much a fixture of AR in my mind. Every time your pretty face leaps to the top of my lengthy subscription list, I can't wait to see what you've got to say!
Keep up the great work! Race you to 100,000!!! ;o)
Oooh, had to go back and rank you, 5 of 5! (Can't we go a little higher??)
Broker Maggie...
Do you mind if I celebrate your 50,000 point mark?
Didn't think so...I only have one glass but you can have it. I don't mind chugging the Southern way :)
TLW...ROAR!
Jay - thank you for your kindness. I will have to re-comment on your blogs from now on since you've decided to enjoy yourselves and take some time off. I miss you Codgers already!
Neal - thank you! What? You're not going to bug me today? Are you feeling alright? lol, thanks for stopping by.
Scott - thanks. It may not, at that. Once I stopped worrying about the points it seemed to be a breeze. lol
Linda - please do share if you determine how it's done! I'd turn mine in for a gas card over shoes any day! My car's been taking a beating lately =)
Bob - do you think you can have a talk with my kids and tell them that? I'm on their crappy list today. It seems when they don't get what they want life's not fair and Mom stinks! I say tough darts to them!
Chris - you're always funny. We won't say a word to your daughter's friends about her shopping excursions in the kids section. lol My Little One is almost 13 and she still wears a size 8 (kids). She's super tiny. She did not inherit that from me! I think I contributed her big mouth.
Midori - thank you! I would love to meet up with you when you're down here. I'm eager to meet you! Just give me a call. What fun. =) This is the second time I use that cooltext.com site you told me about. Love it!
Broker Bryant - thank you. I've had things happen in life that almost kicked the pants off me, but I thank God for my attitude. It's gotten me through many a hard spot. You and Billie are awesome! Thank you for always giving of yourselves the way you do.
Fran - thank you! That is a beautiful lily. My sister's nickname is Lily and I have a softspot for the flowers because of it. I thank you for the lovely flower on this fine day!
Kristal - thank you! But I have to clarify that this is only a small part of those I love and respect on AR. There are many others ...yourself included! How awesome is that last post you did on pictures, eh?
Sarah - little sister! We did connect way back when, didn't we? I'm so glad we did too. Thank you for your thoughtful comment. And the race? No contest. You'll win it hands down! I'm happy just trudging right behind you =)
Billie - you are so funny and full of life. I love that about you. I appreciate the toast. I hardly ever drink so we can still have someone else use that glass! It puts me to sleep and/or do stupid things. I once sat at the wrong table and interrupted a romantic dinner for two. Long story. Best forgotten. lol
Ines - hi! It is amazing that we can make connections this way, isn't it? Your comment is very touching. Thank you. I can't wait to meet you. You'd think as close as we are in location we would have done it already but I know how hectic things are right now. One day! I am sure we'll do it.
Hi Karen! Thanks for the sweet comment. You have me pegged alright. I was always the peacekeeper. At home it's slightly different, like today when both my kids wanted more than I was willing to give. Let them stew. ha ha
Broker Maggie...
Your sitting at the wrong table can't be any worse than my story about using the Men's room and not even realizing it until I came out of the stall and saw a man standing in front of a funky looking sink. LOL. Sorry. I just had to come back and share that with you :)
TLW...ROAR (And for those that don't know. I'm Billie)
Thesa - thank you! I appreciate your lovely comment! I have two showings this afternoon and THEN I'm going to enjoy my weekend! Hope yours is going great!
Renee - my little bodyguard/cheerleader. lol Thank you and TLW is quite the laugh-meister isn't she? (or would that be mistress?) Either way, she's a hoot!
Bob - you're being silly. I like that! Maybe they wouldn't mind blunt ones?
Danny - you ARE funny. Just like I said =) Those people are doing the wave for me?! I never got a wave before. Thanks!
oh look! A mango.
Look, Maggie. I got my whole family to do a "ski wave" for ya!
Its a party for Maggie
Maggie have you seen this picture of TLW from the last time she went drinking?
LOL...Okay. I'm in. Let's start with this little gift from Jeff Turner...
Poor Maggie! Alter-ego, please let her know I really feel for her! How embarrassing!
But please don't tell her I laughed out loud when I read your comment. That was rude of me! ;o)
Uh. Oh. There's two Broker Maggie's...That can't be good :)
Alter Maggie...Now I know it's not funny, but dear, it really is funny.
Please don't tell Broker Maggie that I did a RotFlat (rolling on the floor laughing at that)
Blog Boy...Get your husky butt back in here. NOW. Please :)
Elderberry? Ben cut the crap :)
TLW...ROAR!
Ok if Maggie can show houses with her fly down then I can blog in my diaper.
YOU CAN "DEPEND" ON BROKER BRYANT
I have another RotFlat for that. Oh. God Darlin' you're killing me :) And I'm Super TLW. LOL.
ROAR..
Hmmm. If Blog Boy can Blog in his diaper then I can pee my pants. LOL. Where the hell are my depends?
Uh. Oh. This is a public post. Can I say all of that? Too late. I already did :)
TLW...ROAR!
TLW - I can let you borrow mine! you guys are having way too much fun in here! Yesterday I showed a property to an agent that had her shirt on backwards (inside out and the back on the front - a double whammy!) - I approached her and said, do you mind if we talk in the other room while your customers look at the house? When I told her in the other room about the shirt, she almost fainted! I really thought she was going to have a heart attack!
Later she called to thank me - it seems she had seen 4 other properties with the same people and no one took the time to let her know about the shirt......the poor woman!
FUN...Did someone say...FUN...Wait I need another swig :)
Okay. I'm ready to ROAR and smile very wide now :)
Oh my goodness! What was going on in here while I was gone?! All this fun and I missed it!
Chris - thank your family for me. You even impress me with your skiing. I've never done that either!
Dave - thank you. I'm glad you enjoy them. I'm also glad you behaved yourself and didn't let the others corrupt you in here. Ah, maybe you got out just in time?
Bob - that is a really cute graphic. Thank you!
Broker Bryant - I am appalled at you! Two reasons: 1 - I don't think that is TLW. Her hats are cowboy hats, not Queen-of-England hats. and 2 - It's usually the other Tutas that does the hijacking. Are you trying to steal Lovely/Super Billie's hard earned reputation? (don't tell alter Maggie, she doesn't think I know how to party, but I was cracking up at your shenanigans).
Sarah - no worries. It WAS funny. My only saving grace was that the pants are not tight on me. I wouldn't have been laughing then.
Ines - what a funny story! The poor woman. Now that was embarassing as there's no way anyone could have missed it. You're always doing the right thing. GO Ines!
Oh look - even Ann & Colleen made an appearance without really making an appearance. lol Thanks for the fun picture TLW!
Jennifer - thank you! 100,000 seems so far away, doesn't it? But the journey is so much fun that I won't even think about it. It'll be fun reaching together, we'll let Sarah race up ahead lol On your mark, get set, oh I have no energy for the GO part. ha ha
Bob - you again! You have just given me a new nickname. I've never been called that before. Flashie. ha ha ha. Yes, the pants were zipped. Actually it was the kids and the way they were dancing needed moderation, not my fly! Yikes! I think I'm getting too old.
I am purposefully ignoring Alter Maggie. She had no business coming in here to tell you guys about my air-conditioned pants.
Sweet Broker-Maggie,
What can I say after all that's going on within your blog! Congrats on 50,000, you've accomplished a lot in such a short time girl! And your broker's license on top of everything else. At this time I'm still trying to carve out more time for ar myself. Not an easy thing to do.
Thank you for the lovely mention and that door swings both ways. You are the best, keep up the great work!
Hi Lynda! I know what you mean about this wild party-blog. lol Leave it to the Tutas =)
Thank you for just being you. You're G-R-E-A-T (said with enthusiasm, like the breakfast cereal!). I can't wait to come out to the west coast so I can meet you!
Hey Maggie!
Congrats to you on your 50k. Feels good doesn't it?! So glad to hear you made it to the half way point of 100k that we all reach for. So nice to have you here in the rain!
Lisa - thanks for the kinds words. Thanks for the phonecall too. It was nice speaking with you after all that phonetag! lol
Jeff - sometimes the comments in a blog are way better than the post itself. This is a great example. Those wild Tutas folk just started a party in here, didn't they? Thanks for stopping by!
I'm looking forward to reading your next 50,000 worth!
I have to wake the kids in about five minutes, Little One's bus comes at 6:45. Isn't that insane? I've had a semi-migraine the past couple days and I'm beginning to suspect it's going to kick my butt today and finally get it over with. I used to have them pretty bad but in the past few years I only get a few a year. If it will hold off a little longer, I can get the kids to school AND have coffee.
Wait, can Codgers sleep in?
oh Sarah, I'm so sorry. I hear migraines are horrible. I've never had more than the average headache and that's bad enough. I hope you feel better. Big One's bus comes at 6:25 and Little One's at 8:00. I can't always take both, but I try. I actually have to drive them to the corner as we're in a semi-rural area and the bus doesn't come directly to our home.
Those drafty dodgers! Er, I mean crafty codgers. I guess either one suits them today, no? They're being crafty in dodging us. lol
Is it morning? Whoops, didn't make it to bed last night...working on appraisals and reading on AR! Good thing I have continuing ed today, at least I'm not driving clients around ;)
Have a great day Maggie and hope you feel better Sarah!
ps. congrats on the star. Nick hit the button too quick.. i couldn't get in there!! :) so many comments and pics. gotta look through this later. plus this wasn't even featured and you get this many comments. WOW!! estas querida!!
Nick-e-e-e-e-e-e! Good to see you! Where have you been young man?? Most of those comments were from me LOL I look forward to catching up with you again. Guess where I am right now? Outside the gym waiting for my kids...on my laptop. I finally splurged for an aircard. If that deal doesn't close in 2 weeks at least I can leave the business blogging from anywhere. rofl
Hi Maggie and congrats!! Thanks for the kind words! I'll hopefully be able to post about the events in the next couple days... I've been swamped at work and when I get home I'm busy emailing photos to folks from the events (I took about 700 over 3 days) Heck I've not even had time to come comment! We'll get together one day soon and have a bottle with TLW!
Lysa - hi there! Been missing you in the Rain. I heard your event went well. I can't wait to hear all the details and see pictures. I hope you're starting to catch up on your commenting at least. Ease your way back into it LOL =)
Yes, let's get together real soon! I'll let you and Midori know what I find out about the FAR event.
Maggie, yepper getting caught up in the comments and the stormy weather in the Rain. I hated not being able to speak with you longer the other day, but I heard Midori's end :) Nothing is sacred in here unless a door is closed and one whispers (I have real good ears!) I'm looking forward to what ever you and Midori have planned for me <EEK!> I just need some time to regroup and be with Steve before disappearing on him again.