Its Been a Tough Year
2008 has been arough year for all of us, not just in the real estate business. The economy was experiencing a recession that wouldn’t be recognized until the end of the year, we had contentious primaries, and a tough election, the war in Iraq dragged on, and every time you turned on the news the was another company going under.
The Good News is its Almost Over
This is the time of year when there are holidays for everyone Hannukah, Christmas, Kwanza, and even Festivus for-the-rest-of-us. And its a time when we look for things ot be grateful about. Me, I’m grateful the year is almost over and we can start on a fresh one, battered and bruised though we may be from this one. I’m grateful for my son, and daughter-in-law, and the manner in which her family embraced me and shared their strength with me. And I’m grateful for all of the people that I found in my computer, and connected with in real life. They have been support and strength I needed to get through my challenges this year. They have been there for me every day when I needed them, though they asked little in return.
HO,HO,HO
And in the holiday spirit (which we imbue to all holidays, even when they don’t actually share it) I thought that this would be a wonderful time for each of us to take a moment and get away from the tough times we had this year, and focus on what we are grateful for. If you have taken a moment away from your holiday celebration to read this, please take another moment and share with me what you have to be grateful for in 2008. And do me a favor please? Have a wonderful holiday season, get yourself focused on the good things in your life and have a great year in 2009!
Peter Maclennan
December 24, 2008 at 4:34 pm
I am grateful for all the interesting people I have met this year. Even though the market was tough, the people I have met have been invaluable and will be a resource for life.
Monika
December 24, 2008 at 4:49 pm
Happy Holidays Bill. It sure has been a rough year for many of us. I’m hopeful that 2009 will be better.
Bill Lublin
December 24, 2008 at 6:26 pm
Peter; That’s what we all need to focus on Best wishes for the holiday
Monika; You and Jay are two of the good things to come from this year. Best wishes to you both and I join you in your wishes that next year be a better one for all of us.
Heather Elias
December 24, 2008 at 9:24 pm
Bill,
Love and hugs to you this holiday season. 2008 has been an interesting year of personal growth for me, amid a challenging market climate. I am most grateful for the clarity of what is most important to me in this world, and the peace of mind to know what I am striving toward. As difficult as this year has been, I have made so many new friendships (including yours!) that I am eternally grateful for, and have grown so much.
Here’s to a new year, a fresh start, and great successes to come!
Cheers,
Heather
Jeff Turner
December 25, 2008 at 10:50 am
Bill… you are one of the gifts I received this year. I just got to “open” you long before Christmas morning. And quite a gift you are. 🙂
Anne Rubin
December 25, 2008 at 10:15 pm
Bill,
I bet you thought I didn’t pay attention, but I’m grateful that you wrote this so that I can thank you for all that you have given to me in the years that we have been together, all that you continue to give. I hope I return to you and others in the same way. Here’s to 2009 and beyond.
Bill Lublin
December 25, 2008 at 11:03 pm
@Heather; It has been wonderful watching you this year and seeing your infectious smile Look forward to seeing you soon
@Jeff You are easily as much of a present for me as I may be for you. Just the relationship we’ve begun would be enough ROI for a lifetime of social media 😉
@Anne Its scary how long we’ve been in each others lives, and all of the changes we’ve seen in the business, but I hope we have much more to see and more growth for us as individuals and for our company – youre a great friend and partner. As you say, here’s to a 2009 and beyond!
Ines
December 27, 2008 at 1:40 am
Bill – damn! there you go again making me cry! what’s wrong with you? 🙂
I am grateful for my on-line community…but most of all for having the wisdom to know that they are more than just people I know.
They can be life long friends that I will treasure more than anyone could realize. You, my friend, are one of those treasures…and I look forward to getting to know you even better this coming year.
Benn Rosales
December 27, 2008 at 10:47 am
Bill, I have so many things to be grateful for this year, so it’s really tough to list my top, so I’ll just say thank you for caring enough to make our list of greatness we’ve been blessed with…
Have a Blessed Season into the New Year and beyond.