Month: May 2017

This title seems so fitting this week. I love puzzles. While some people may play words with friends, Tetris, mindcraft, etc., I do puzzles. Right now I have two different apps on my phone and one has a daily free game. In other words, I do at least one a day, usually at night before I go to bed. It’s a great way to let go of the random excess thoughts that run through my brain during every waking moment. 

The word puzzle is a little symbolic of life right now. All of the pieces are coming together and soon we will have a picture of what our new phase of small town living, big city life might look like. 

Last night was baccalaureate for my graduating teenager. The class walked in carrying puzzle pieces that they made on their senior retreat earlier this year. Each is an original but together they are on a journey. Sunday each piece will go their separate way. 

Life is a puzzle. Sometimes you might misplace a piece. Sometimes you might lose the cover and not be sure what the picture is supposed to be that you are forming. Sometimes it all comes together like a piece of art. 

I’m not sure how many of my readers know about the FISH! Philosophy. JGI. I have had the opportunity to work for an employer that used this in their training. I have watched the video. I have also been to an employee engagement seminar based around this concept. Lastly, I have actually been to spike Place Fish in Seattle. 

There are four elements to this philosophy: Be There (emotionally present). Play (be creative, enthusiastic and have fun). Make Their Day (serve or delight people in a meaningful, memorable way). Choose Your Attitude (take responsibility for how you respond to what life throws at you). 

I feel like on many days this is my mantra. I don’t understand the ugliness of continuous negativity or pessimism. I don’t like when people try to rub that off on me and would like to avoid it at all costs. Yuk!  Pity party, no way! However, as we all know, in life sometimes we don’t get to choose. Sometimes we just can’t avoid being around it. For that I say – coping mechanism!  Anyone got any good ones?  

On a positive note I attended the high school Pops Concert last night. Wow. There is a lot of talent in those kids. It was a fun night. The goodbyes are starting. We are only a few short weeks for the final move. Happy Times!

Well it’s official. There is a sold sign in my yard. We are only a few weeks out from an official move. Yikes!

I just have to say that I love my realtor. I have used the same guy three times, as a buyer and as a seller, in the worst economy and the best. He has always had my best interest at heart. 

I was absolutely shocked to get a full price offer on my house without it even going on the market. I know the market is hot but WOW! Additionally, I was very nervous about the price point he was proposing because it was significantly over what I thought it was worth. I get it – different economic times, but it’s also that – I’m not the realtor. I had lived in this town my entire life and while I have a general sense of the economy I don’t know houses. That’s not my job. That’s why I hire a realtor. If you are going to buy or sell a home, get a good one! 

My guy is working in the town he grew up in. He is well versed, well trained, well researched. Even though I was nervous about the proposed price point (and he knew it) I told him that I would trust his recommendation. Now, I couldn’t be happier with that decision. 

If you want a house in this market right now you better be pre-approved and get yourself a realtor who know this market! Call my guy – I highly recommend it. It’s about more than just a sign in your yard.  

You know the saying ‘between a rock and a hard place’. Well sometimes you can really get pinched. This week I feel pretty pinched. I have really good perspective, a positive outlook, and I can move on from things pretty easily. However, sometimes those around me have a tougher time doing that and I can get stuck in the middle. 

Alone time can help. Sometimes that’s tough for an extrovert but it gives me perspective. Tomorrow is a new day. It is my responsibility to have a good day!