Well, I usually try to put informative and factual things on my blog, but today it is all about me :) Life as a real estate person.......
I recently had two outings that are worth sharing. The first was a "first" for me. Although I love the outdoors and camp, canoe, etc., atv'ing is something that I have only been involved in on a simple, short trip level - when required to get from A to B. Two weeks ago that changed. Marilyn and I had listed a large parcel of land that backs onto Crown Land - and like a good agent should, I asked the Seller to show me the property - specifically the 4 corners, and a large pond at the back of the property. No problem! The Seller was quite obliging. First issue - he left on his atv, and I couldn't figure out how to start mine! He patiently turned around and showed me the tiny black switch under the left throttle. OK - now we are rolling! We did a circle around the parking lot so I could get the feel for it, then off we went! I must admit I was a little nervous but how hard can it be to follow someone on a nice, wide trail? Firstly, it wasn't a nice trail, secondly, it wasn't a wide trail. When we vered into the bush, off the main trail, and over a downed tree - I knew I was going to have something to write about (if I survived). Luckily, I only made one really wrong move - not being used to how much I could crank the heavy steering column, I missed a sharp turn and wedged between two trees. With a slight smirk (and I am sure an internal, uproaring laughter), the Seller got off his atv and rescued me. We went over things, around things, and on side slopes - and I survived! My thought all the way out was literally "Oh my God - I still have to turn around and go back!). But, I did it! The pond at the back corner of the property was absolutely stunning and worth the trip, we saw a beautiful fawn bedded down in some long grass, a buck (I missed it because I was too busy trying to steer), and some excellent bushland. I couldn't lift my arms for two days - but I can now say I am an experienced atv'er! I am glad I stuck it out - it was well worth the experience.
My second story (much shorter) is about how to hold your composure in an embarrasing situation! Yesterday I was showing cottages to two gentlemen. We were at an elevated cottage, built on a rock, with stairs leading down to the water front. The men were at the bottom of the stairs and I was near the top, on my way down, when it happened......my foot slipped. My first thought was that if I let go of the railing my life would be over as we know it (a bit extreme but hey!). I held on tight to the railing and went thump, thump, thump, down the stairs with one leg bent behind me and the other straight ahead. The gentlemen ran to my aide, but what could they do? I came to an abrupt stop - hopped up as quickly as I could and said "I'm fine". There was a searing pain in my knee and ankle - but I smiled through my embarrassment and pretended nothing hurt. What hurt most? My pride! I left some layers of skin on the railing and I am now hobbling around - skipped my morning power walk with a colleague (I'll use any excuse!), and feel pretty dumb. So much for professionalism!
I wouldn't trade my job for the world!
