Portland Scoop

On my way to the Lions last night I experienced for the first time in 57 years of life, the THUD – and the sound was one that I’ll never forget. Did you hear it? I was shaking .. my head was swirling – who got hurt? What an idiot. Darkness was all around – it was hard to see. Sleeping last night was not as sound as I would have liked. But in the daylight I discovered that it was only a crack, a scratch – life goes on – it’s a new day. Yes, the stock market took another dive yesterday, yes I hit with my vehicle an Actuary, I realize now after looking up what Jason did for a living why he and his wife were so calm. They guy I had just hit is an expert in :

* Evaluating the likelihood of future events

* Designing creative ways to reduce the likelihood of undesirable events

* Decreasing the impact of undesirable events that do occur.

The THUD was a only a broken piece of plastic (although my Farmer’s insurance agent may not like the cost of the repair), and life today is brighter. In the daylight, I recall the calming words of Jason’s wife “Hey .. are you okay Norm – yes .. S _ _ _ _ happens”. Today my job is to get out there and be a calming effect upon others amidst the deafening THUDS and help decrease in creative ways the impact.

Our Real Estate market today provides us with an opportunity to build our economy with some incrediblely well-priced investments as well as a time to think like an Actuary - just don’t hit one. Have a great day. You deserve it!

Yesterday I attempted to write a blog about the Stately Lady needing a new life, and prior to that about looking beyond the “bad” news and helping make someone’s day.  Today I was at first stymied – what will today bring?.  As I perused my Facebook friends I discovered that there was a richness right before me. – and in some inspiring and creative ways.  I discovered how Marion was contributing to our economy and society by her innovative desire to help people reclaim materials and re-use them rather than throw them away – how Bill, a developer and builder was pulling out all the stops to not only Go Green, but to bring new life to an area of Portland with his development of Mississippi Avenue Lofts,  And then I ran across how Dan, an executive producer of Pic.tv how he was working hard to help link people to sources, to information and more importantly what providing a resource for them to make an impact within their communities.  Amazing – right before me, and around me, there are people who are using Common Sense.  Thank you!!

Become inspired today.  Listen to what One-Economy.com is doing – discover Pic.tv – discover before you just remodel and make your way to the local hardware store what is possible when you work with Marion at reclaimdfinishes.com.   And then end your day by listening to the incredible insights of those at Bring It Home America.  Young at heart people of all ages are getting it - they are making a difference and changing communities.  Isn’t it common sense?

On a Poplar street just off of Hawthorne Blvd,  of Portland, Oregon in the Historic Ladd’s Addition area a 104 year old Stately Lady is seeking someone to sit on her porch and enjoy the life of the Hawthorne area.   Having given joy and life to others since 1904 she is not ready for retirement.  She’s made the effort to make sure she doesn’t leak and will keep you warm with her gas heat.  Her bones are strong – made to last – she’s kept her original beauty and style.  She’s made sure that if you  decide to reside with her will still find her hardwood flooring has been well-covered and preserved.  Her shell has remained well-insulated – with what your ask? – not vinyl, but a harder and more valuable aluminum.  Okay .. she is aware that some may want to update where and how she cooks in her kitchen – they may want to give her a facelift.  She also knows that there are deeper recesses of her life (some refer to it as her basement)  that you may want to breath new life into her.  She knows you will enjoy her walk-ins and be able to relax in her yard that you cam make your own.  She has made some concessions in terms of what it may cost you knowing that she needs a little help now and then.  She’s even willing to help cover up to $5,000 of what it may cost you to move in.  Come by and pay her a visit.    Oh, and when you need to get away from her, you are within a short distance not only to downtown Portland, but to all that the Hawthorne area has to offer.  She is ready for you to move in.  Click here to see more of the Stately Lady of Ladd’s Addition.

This last week-end on my way to a hold an Open House for my listing at 5095 Territorial Drive as part of a Tour of Homes of West Linn,  I was a bit surprised at first to hear on our local radio station K103 playing all Christmas music.  Within minutes however I found myself humming along, and even singing along to Drummer Boy and I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas – any stress of wondering if anyone would even show up at the Open House seemed to melt away.  This early dose of  the holiday season got me thinking about how to make this coming season a rich, memorable and stress-free not only for myself, but our family.

A study by Wirthlin Worldwide revealed that approximately 52% of women and 40% of men ages 35 to 55 said that their stress levels go up during the holidays.  The American Psychological Association reports that Americans list lack of money (61%), the pressures of gift giving (42%) lack of time (34%) and credit card debt (23% as the top causes of holiday stress.  So, since most of us would fall somewhere in that crowd, what can we do  to break not be part of the statistics above.  Is it possible to find peace and enjoy the holidays?  Is it simply a matter of prioritizing, parsing out tasks and planning ahead?  Perhaps start by making a list.  Here’s my list:

• Call a charitable organization such as SnowCap, SEWorks, or Doernbecher Children’s Hospital and see how I can get involved.  Times are much tougher for a lot of people out there. How can I help to lesson their stress?

• Create memories that last for my family, friends and clients.  If I personally make the commitment to enjoy all this season has to offer with a positive attitude and listening to what they value the most about this season.

• Watch the Food Network channel and come up with a signature recipe to share.  (I can’t help it – I love food – it’s just that I can’t cook – but I can learn still even at 57)

• Get on my bike at least an hour a day  – even if it’s inside on a trainer – got to create some room for those holiday foods ?.  To help the time go by I’ll watch the foodnetwork channel ?

That is part of my list – what is yours?   Do you have a tradition to share – a favorite recipe not only for some great chocolate fudge, but how to expose yourself to the positive forces around us each day? 

Off now to tour some homes for sale in our local area.  Perhaps I can make a seller’s life less stressful by bringing them a buyer.