2019

Now…it’s just me because the kids aren’t interested.  So once again…I am forced to think about what went wrong, what went right, and then decide if it’s worthy to be included on this list. 

And the survey says, (and some of these are the same answers as in previous years):

What’s the most fun you’ve had this past year?  Fun is now a very relative term. I appreciate silence. Silence allows me to listen to what's going on and if I don't like it, I stop it. I found a new place to read....along the estuary shoreline, across from Oakland where the huge container ships load and offload. It's where the SF-Alameda Ferry runs. It's fascinating.

What’s the weirdest place you’ve been this past year?  

On Interstate 5, driving from San Diego to Lodi. CA is a big state...and so varied.

What’s the biggest personal accomplishment you’ve had this past year? Realizing that change is only as big as I make it.  And I wonder if I make too much of small changes.  Really radical changes can be something else – especially if they are dropped like bombs, unexpected and exploding.  Change is life and life is change.  Hindsight lends perspective to all things. And with that comes wisdom.

What’s the coolest thing you’ve seen this past year?  Some of the flowers and sunsets and clouds have been lovely and/or striking. And I have some great photos of them (at least to me). 

Where was your quietest moment this past year? Riding my bike in Alameda in the evening, all seasons.  Also riding my bike along the beaches in Newport Beach, along the bike trails in the Back Bay, and along the San Diego waterfront with E&E and their kids (C&C), and by myself. Priceless.

Who has been the most inspirational to you this past year?  Daughter Sutter. She's given notice that she'll stop working in the health-care field, and is interviewing for other options. After all, she's a Project Manager...and that's what she does when she comes up from NZ to see me and her friends. She (tries) to project manage me. And tied with her is Sean, her husband, my son Evan, his wife Erin (the best parents ever!) and their kids, Cadel and Claire.

What has been the biggest challenge for you this past year?  Learning to tune out the noise in my head and letting God lead.

What’s the best book you’ve read this past year? Dare to Lead by Brene' Brown.  Sutter turned me onto her. On the front cover in smaller type is: 

Brave Work.  

Tough Conversations 

Whole Hearts.

What’s the best movie you’ve seen this past year?  I watched The Two Popes...via Netflix. It was wonderful. I often think of going to the Alameda Theatre...but I haven't been for some time. 

What’s the biggest disappointment you’ve had this past year? Real estate seems to have become a 'thing' that huge companies 'can buy' and I can't even keep track of who works for whom. When I hear of 100K+ being offered to agents to join a company...it's mind-boggling. It's a very person to person biz. And each Seller/Buyer I work for is completely unique. And I learn something from each of my clients. A local real estate Broker, who owns a brokerage, has told me to have an attorney review any contract I get from any Broker of Record, that would put me under their employment (independent contractor). 

What’s the biggest change you’ve made this past year? I've been registered as a Republican since I was eligible to vote (18 years old). I came from Orange County, CA and my folks were both Republicans. I'm fascinated/appalled by what Trump sends out...asking for 5K or lots more...and for what they're trying to do. Today, after reading the New York Times (online) about running out of time to make changes for the 2020 election, now I'm a Democrat. 

What’s your prediction for this new year?  I pray for peace: my own, my family's, for the US and the world...

And that’s my take on the survey!  To all a good YEAR!

Live richly, marilyn