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Welcome Back, me…
October 20th, 2007 categories: Charlotte Area News, Off-the-Wall, Real Estate News
Woo hoo…. I am finally back to my blog. After a loooooooong time away, and probably losing every half-loyal reader, I am finally able to return and I’ve got to say – I’m very happy to have me back. In a fairly brief time, I’ve been to Massachusetts, Oregon, Alaska, and Southern California. While my laptop has been with me, I was amazed at how little time I seemed to have to write. While I wish these trips were for fun, it is still interesting to be in various parts of the country. So now I am throwing my own “Welcome Home…your blog missed you” party.
While maybe a little self serving (okay maybe a LOT self serving), I decide that for my little party it might be interesting to note a few of the great, interesting, odd things I observed in these past few weeks. I’ll probably have to do this in a series of posts, but hopefully a person or two might find it interesting and/or be encouraged. So here goes the first of my party tales -
Don’t worry, be happy – I will be the first person to raise my hand and admit that I am often far too worried about “success”. Success can be defined in many ways, and I’m often pulled into the myth that it is tied to material things. I was privileged to see three
incredible examples of contradictions to this myth.
Be Happy – Part 1 -The most recent was watching the show at a “dueling piano bar” in California. If you’ve never done that, take my word for it – it’s great fun. One of the most fun and interesting things here, though, was that I was fortunate enough to watch some extremely talented musicians play. The didn’t just put on a scripted show, but took requests, and played and played without music. I can only play my stereo, so my music knowledge is pretty limited, but these guys were having fun and seemed insanely talented. They obviously were not playing in a major venue, but they were having fun. I’d guess, too, that they don’t have benefits, high salary, etc. Their attitude was very contagious.
Be Happy – Part 2 – I had the pleasure of meeting my daughter’s college orchestra conductor. Wow, what an enthusiastic person! Here is a guy who, like the piano-guys, is talented beyond my wildest imagination. We’ve all heard and seen of talented musicians who are prima donnas, and difficult to be around. This guy is exactly the opposite. He is so passionate about music and helping kids that you can’t help to be caught up in his energy. He comes alive when he starts talking about staying in touch with students way after they have graduated. Being on staff at a college he probably has reasonable security in terms of salary and benefits, but is he conducting a major orchestra in a major concert hall? Nope, but I’d guess he doesn’t care about that. Truly an honor to meet this gentleman.
Be Happy – Part 3 – My travel adventure tales, and party would not be complete without describing this gentleman. The first day of my travels, I stepped into the restroom of the E concourse at the Charlotte-Douglas airport. Even at the airport where these are kept reasonably clean, public restrooms are just not the highlight of the day. (by the way – why do people use cell phones in restrooms?) Anyway, when I step in there is a guy in there who greets me with an excited “…come into the house..!” ok, the first thought that flashes through my brain was not “woo hoo…glad to be here..high five”
I honestly was taken aback, until I quickly realize he is an attendant. Then I see how clean the restroom is, how bad it doesn’t smell, the counter is spotless, there is a container of mint candies, a large container of mouth wash with some little cups to pour it into, a neat stack of paper towels….amazing. Like I walked into another world. Now here is a beautiful example of a guy who is not hung up on status, money, and prestige. Clearly he wasn’t doing this for the money. There was a tip jar on the counter. Hopefully he gets paid a little beyond this. I would like to know more about why he is here. Wow..to have an attitude like that and for a job that our society certainly doesn’t hold in high regards. Thanks for the lesson…
All this doesn’t have a heck of a lot of direct connection to real estate, except that whether we are a real estate agent, a buyer, a seller, or anyone in the real estate industry, a demonstration of passion, enthusiasm, and just plain having fun can carry us and the people we are around a long, long way. You know, I know this, but so quickly forget it and get far too concerned with appearances….
October 24th, 2007 at 5:47 pm
[…] Brian Miller of Real Estate Entropy writes Welcome Back, me… […]
December 4th, 2007 at 6:29 pm
I absolutely adore your sense of humor, Brian!! And, you’re always looking for the life lesson along your travels- awesome! Glad your blogging!