The First Business Day

I definitely wasn't very happy when reading where our weather is going to turn ugly this coming weekend with the temps taking an extended plunge below zero, and of course the wobbling jet stream is going to usher in another Alberta Clipper. When talking about climate change last night, I forgot to also mention that this global warming, also triggers more violent storms and fast-changing temperatures. It's almost as if Mother Nature is mirroring our political landscape where there seems to be no middle ground anymore; it's only one extreme or the other.

With it being the first business day of 2025, I certainly wasn't lacking for something to do because between the phone calls, emails, in and out of office appointments, there wasn't much time left over, and the highlight of my day, was getting my new listing signed-up and posted out into the cyber-universe.

The home is located at 948 - 8th St. SE here in Mason City, and for sure, you'll not find another on the market in our city today in its price range which offers as many extras for the price of $87,500, and wouldn't you know, we already have two showings scheduled for it tomorrow. What sets it even more above the competition, is its location which puts it smack-dab in the middle of our ever-popular southeast sector. I sure hope there's a first-time buyer who ends up with it, because it's in the price range where it could likely become another rental property. The full payment on that home would be far less than what the monthly rents are on those ticky-tacky apartments sprouting up all over our city. My gosh, the way they're building them out, reminds me of how fast toadstools sprout up after a good rain, but short-lived which those apartments will also end up being. You'll see.

While I was pulling into my parking lot at the back of my office before sunrise early this morning, I happened to notice a very creepy looking character digging in one of the dumpsters down at the end of the alley. The way that person was dressed, had me so creeped-out, I had to get a second look. You can be sure I didn't waste any time getting out of my car and safely into my office. I also noticed a number of cars on the street which had been there all night but I didn't see an 'overnight' ticket on one of them, so what's up with that because if I would've left my car parked on the street all night, I certainly would've had a ticket on it the next morning. I'm sure those cars belonged to those new apartment tenants who aren't wanting to walk any farther than they have to. We'll see what happens when we get a good amount of snow and those cars are in the way of our snow plows. Just so you all know, since around the middle of last year, I received two parking tickets for being parked out at the front of my office, and each one of them was $20, so hopefully that won't happen again, but if those overnight cars are getting away without being ticketed, I'll have to cry foul. Just remember, what's good for one, should be good for all.

I had an unexpected visitor this afternoon who only stopped by to tell me how beautiful the interior of my office was, and since she spent some time at the Democratic Headquarters which was two doors down from me, she must've stopped and peeked the windows a number of times. She went on to say how tasteful it was decorated as well. Now that was a nice compliment. I'm definitely not an interior designer, but rather a person who simply goes with what he likes.

The 'Thank You' cards are starting to arrive from that large group of seniors I'd gifted before Christmas. The one I received today was exceptionally touching. I know there are those who throw money at charities for Christmas, but I'd rather do something special for real people who're deserving, and especially our elderly who always seem to be easily forgotten. I oft times say, “We're all going to be old some day, so we must remember that what we give out now, is what we'll end up receiving later on.”

A gentleman called today about a vacant home's furnace having gone out and a 2nd floor water pipe breaking which sent water all the way down to the basement. I could only imagine what that home must now look like, and the amount of time and money it's gonna take to get it back to being livable again. Stories like that send chills up my spine.

Tonight's One-liner is: I have always believed, and I still believe, that whatever good or bad fortune may come our way, we can always give it meaning and transform it into something of value.

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