Memories

I love hearing my daughter recount the antics of her boys. Mostly because it reminds me that I took some childhood disruptions way too hard.
Yes, we do have to correct but often times we can laugh in our spirit as we correct. I wonder if that is what God does with us. Does he patiently watch as we walk into that wall, knowing that the brick prints on our heads will teach us to stop next time before the blood runs down our foreheads? I feel fairly certain that he doesn't let us ruin His day.He doesn't get stressed out. He doesn't fear parental failure.
What a lot we can learn.

My e mail reply to Obama's e mail request for support for his health plan.

Respectfully Mr. President,
Emphatically No!!!!
What is important to me is freedom. So that I can be a productive citizen, providing for my own needs with as little Government interference as possible. The government has already stolen my FICA and self-employment tax contributions and created an unfunded liability instead of setting up the trust that was supposed to be for my retirement. If I had put that money in a low interest CD, I would be wealthy now. Instead the so called representatives of the people are destroying our REPUBLIC and creating an elitist regime. Americans would rather take care of our own and let the government protect us from attack of other countries. We want you to protect our freedom! Not steal our money and control our steps under the guise of helping us.

Corruption, lies, immorality, hidden agendas; that is what the ones in Washington want to practice.They are not even paying their own tax obligations! They put rules on others that they refuse to put on themselves. Are they somehow more human than we? Tell me, why should I trust them with my health, my money or my environment?

The United States was founded on honoring God and yet our leaders are practicing wickedness in His face. I would suggest you read the biography of a man named John Calvin who, at 27 years old, wrote principles much like our Constitution. It is believed that the framers of our constitution followed much of his thought in the writing of our constitution. They may not have all agreed on every point of theology but they were all keenly aware of the fact that God was superior to them. And that they would be held accountable.

Men will always rebel against God and God will always use the wicked to get the attention of His people but woe to the ones who destroy the people of God.

No government is not the answer. Those in charge do not even know the question. Yet they want to put the citizenry under their total control.
My rights are not under the government, however. As a citizen of the United States of America my rights are provided by God and not this or any government.
Do you not realize that God is sovereign and that you or anyone else cannot thwart His plan. You do not want to be His ignoble vessel. Please, stop this insanity. Many have died for a free America.
Stop worrying about the "whatever" mouse. God has him covered. Worry more of the souls of men. You were appointed by God for this time to be president. Do you want to advance the agenda of a Sovereign almighty God who created everything? A God who can of His own volition speak and we are dust or elevate us to the position of ruler? Or do you want to advance your own agenda or even worse that of the very enemies of God?
Do you want to advance the agenda of communism or freedom? Truth or a lie? Do you want to build or tear down?
Whatever you and those around you choose, we as a citizenry are somewhat at your mercy. But you will be held accountable by the one true God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Learn of Him and He will help you.
Thank you,
Kathy Presley

Another with my name.... definitely not me.

I noticed when googling my name that their is another Kathy Presley that is not me. She seems a bit or maybe a lot gutsier than me. We definitely have different approaches to life. So if any one out there is curious. I do not have an alter ego. I do not know that lady. I am sure she is very nice but not me.

Are we ready?

Are we ready for what is coming? It appears that a large crowd of our fellow citizens are not happy living in a free country and would prefer it be changed to something akin to the ideolgies of Marx or Lenin.I am not sure why they want someone else to call the shots. I cannot fathom why one would want another to be responsible for their welfare. I kind of enjoy making my own mistakes rather than have someone else make theirs at my expense.

Failure is a great teacher. It instructs us to never do it that way again. Freedom allows for failure. Government dominance demands freedom to fail.

Are we ready to check in with the great society before we come or go; before we buy or sell? Do we want them to decide our careers for us? How many children we will have? When we can live or when we must die?

I do not. Do you?

The Visit

Well, I marked off my calendar and think I only answered a couple of calls. And it was so much more than worth it. I got to know four little boys just a little bit better. I cherish every second they are here. It will only be a short time and instead of being excited about coming to Granny's and Poppy's they will have other things to do and other places to go that are more exciting. Granny and Poppy will fade from priority to duty. I can hear it now. "We have to go see them. We don't know how much longer they will be around. This could be our last visit." That is what my Aunt used to tell her kids about the half hour visit to my Great Grandmother's. I would like to think I will always be a cool Granny but realism prepares my heart for the day when I am just seen as an old bore.
But I choose to ignore that day and be fun as long as I have the opportunity.

The Sun is Shining

The sun is shining. My grass seed is sprouting and today is a better day. Yesterday turned out to be rather pleasant. I got to make a long over due eye appointment.Dan and I went to dinner at Brick Town and got to eaves drop on the Blues festival with friends and had a relaxing evening.
Today another good friend is getting her things put away in her new home and happy with her decision to downsize. I dreamed last night that her beautiful china cabinet was so large it took up the whole of the living room. I spoke to her this morning and it fit very nicely in the dining room. It feels pretty good when it all comes together for people and all that stress and pressure getting those dates times and figures to hit, pays off in a win win for all concerned.
It also is good to have a job that actually does help people get where they want to be.
So even if yesterday was a chip to my confidence in one way it was a boost to my sense of professionalism and worth in another.I was reassured that God does listen to us in prayer over those day to day things. It is truly amazing how he put the pieces together to make my friend's home purchase come out just right in the nick of time.
Thanks Jesus.You are always good.

Dear Dear

It is funny how one can go through a whole lifetime with the proverbial head in the sand about something and be totally unaware of it. I found myself in that position this morning.
Someone dear to me was in the area and I foolishly cleared my day thinking we would want to spend some time together. This friend has recently experienced some trials and I thought a little uplifting may be in order. The same friend has entered my life in a few of my trials and I was pleased to experience the friendship that was offered.I found,however, that I was not sought as a comfort or friend but someone requiring a particular energy or mood . I am a person that one must be "up for". I was not looked at as one who can offer comfort and peace but as a threat to the peace that was being sought.
WOW! I am not sure how to deal with the emotional temptation to feel a sense of rejection.I suppose the healthy thing to do is consider the sadness temporal and normal and go to on the next thing. As my dad wisely taught,"Kathy, everyone is not going to like you."
I do pray for the friend to find the peace they seek and for God to comfort them in this difficult time. I will also have to pray for myself that my tendency to self-protect will not hinder me from being there for someone who may not see me as that bit of a pain to deal with.

The Local Market

I have been really busy. I am guessing Edmond, Oklahoma is not in quite the peril of other states. This week I have had 3 listings sold. One in about 30 minutes. One buyer sold and a new listing and a new buyer. Next week I have to get back into lead generating and get my listings inventory built back up.
A good problem to have. Everything sold. I do have a signing appointment today at one. Yea!!

Zack the Top Producer

This one has the charm. He will be a top producer. He just needs to be Wickmanized.

Eric The Elder

Eric is an avid reader. He is also a very good leader.Gentle yet firm. I am sure he would be a great team leader one day. I can see him signing everyone's Weekly Report.
He can teach the SMART PROGRAM.I really can't see him making his calls though. I can hardly get three sentences out of him now. His small talk is...well...small.
He may even say "You FSBO?"

Climbing to the Top

Ben heard me talk about all I had learned in the SMART program. He is looking a bit smug because he thought he was already Wickmanized. He already knows how to chart new territory. He is only two and can get in the car, push the garage opener, and walk up the street. He has the nerve, he just needs to learn the dialogue.

This boy does not have his head in the sand!

Floyd Wickman watch out! This one was born knowing how to close. He is creative persistent and SMART!
He is also my second Grandson Mark Bailey. So remember that name. You will hear it in twenty years.I am not sure for what he will be famous, but he will be famous.

Floyd Wickman Team Training

Well I am almost there. Graduation is close at hand.I will leave next week with new goals and new tools in place to better serve my clients. In my twenty year career in the hair business I learned that education is the only way to keep your head above the water in the market. The same is true in Real Estate. Life does not allow us to become stagnant. We either rise or fall. Education is like that critical puff to a hot air balloon. It keeps you moving in the right direction and keeps you from crashing to the ground.

I am excited to implement the tools acquired to better serve those looking to buy or sell homes. One of the best benefits has been to manage my time better. I thought I was a good time manager but found I was working harder and not smarter. My goal is to continue to fine tune the process to better serve my clients and family as well as entertain a couple personal goals.

First Time Home Buyers Catch This

The OHFA is releasing a $31 million home loan issue, set for an April 28 opening making available 3.5% down payment assistance to qualified homebuyers across the state. Call me to find out!

Toastmasters Speech Contest

I was the alternate in our "Toast The Master" Club Contest, which is a nice way to say that I did not win. Jeff Gilbert won and will go to the International District competition on the March 21st. He did a great job and had wonderful content with a super delivery so do not let what I am about to say detract from his win. He would have won anyway, even if I had not went blank on three occasions. I gave new definition to the term "pregnant pause". I think it was going into labor because it gave birth to at least two more.
I am not sure how I can memorize an hour of content of a speech written and performed by R. C. Sproul and flub a 7 minute speech written by Kathy Presley. I paused so long at one point I was thinking the Chief Judge might call 911 thinking I was having a seizure. As for content one could have thought I had put the paragraphs in a shaker,threw them in the air and just spoke as they fell on my head, leaving several on the floor.
At one point, while I was attempting to come forth from the coma; I noticed words leaving my mouth. My brain was unable to determine if they were in fact sentences, phrases, or maybe just loose words.
I was determined to stand there and do something until the 5 minute signal. The green light finally let me know I could sit down. If I had ran to my seat before then I would have proven that at 53, I had not matured much since I was 13 and blanked out on a poem when I saw my Dad in the audience.
Someone in an effort to encourage told me it was a great speech. I could not help but think how impressed she would have been had she actually heard it. But it was a sweet thing to do. A romantic type may have bought it. I, being a realist, however, am aware that this nice lady would lie to make you feel good. So I will not be asking her if I look fat in anything.
I gave the speech to our Vice President of Education for two reasons. I wanted her to know that I really did prepare. She went to great lengths to set this thing up. I also wanted her to see how I could improve it, in case by some twist of fate I had to actually perform as the alternate.
We decided,in review, that I may have had too convoluted an opening line.This could have used too many brain cells and caused my inner computer to freeze up. It opened so many windows that I had to wait for a reset of the system. I would like to thank Ilene for her input.
So here I am ready to try again in the Humorous contest in the fall. I will beat this thing!

What's In the Foreclosure Prevention Plan

Daily Real Estate News | February 19, 2009 | Share

The Obama administration yesterday released its long-awaited plan to stem foreclosures. It's organized into three categories:

1.) Help for home owners making their payments but at risk of default and foreclosure.

Home owners with a Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac loan would be eligible to refinance as long as their mortgage doesn't exceed 105 percent of the home's current market value. Currently owners need to have at least 20 percent equity. Potential impact: 4-5 million households.

2.) Help for home owners already in default and in need of loan modification.

For lenders that voluntarily agree to lower a borrower's payment so that it makes up no more than 38 percent of the borrower's income, the government would share the cost of lowering the mortgage burden to 31 percent of income. Incentives to lenders to participate include a $1,000 payment.

Borrowers can receive up to $1,000 as an incentive to stay current on their new mortgage. Still in the works is a proposed provision that would allow bankruptcy judges to require loan modification (known as a cramdown) as part of a household's restructuring. That provision requires legislation by Congress. Estimated potential impact: 3-4 million households.

3.) Doubled resources to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

To encourage investors to buy the secondary market companies' mortgage-backed securities, the government explicitly backstops them to up to $400 billion, twice the current amount.

The plan does not provide help to investors or to home owners who are in trouble with a second home, nor does it apply to homeowners whose mortgage is part of a private-label mortgage security that is not backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.

"The administration's proposed plan, combined with provisions like the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit in the just-enacted American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will help minimize foreclosures, shrink housing inventory, stabilize home values, and move the country closer to an economic recovery," says NAR President Charles McMillan.

Source: REALTOR® Magazine Online

The Photo Copy Nazi

Today I was going to run in to Fed Ex Kinko’s to make some real estate flyers.
Sellers like to have fresh color flyers attached to the For Sale sign in their yard describing the wonderful things about their home. They know that those buyers will see the lovely pictures, fall in love and purchase their home at full price.
Buyers like to take them out, check the details they are interested in, and eliminate that home from their wish list. A lot of Buyers that I have worked with love them and think you are more professional if you have them.

A lot of REALTOR’S say don’t put the flyers out in the boxes. Their theory is that a buyer will look at the details on the paper and if it is not what they have in mind they will toss it aside; wasting paper, effort and a potential lead. They believe a buyer will drive by and say, “Honey call that number and see how much it is.” Then if it is out of their range the helpful realtor can say “I have one over in YourPriceVilla that I can show you in just 30 minutes.” Thus you have captured the lead. You have a phone number and a potential buyer. Poor seller, He is just out of luck. But he was anyway. They couldn’t buy his house.




So if his house won’t sell, well, you are still getting paid.
So I was at Kinko’s pleasing my seller by making flyers. Now this is a very simple procedure. You put your discount card in the slot. It is ejected. Then you put your credit card in that same slot. Not hard. Then you feed your paper in at the top. You push 25 (if that is how many you want) and then start. Now I am sure most 5th graders could do it. I have done it almost every week for two years. And like magic, the copier prints one, you push start again and out come the other 24 copies.
Not today.
I put in the discount card. Then I put in my credit card. I laid the photo paper in the feeder and all of a sudden disturbing my little world, a clerk walking quickly to the machine said, “Are you finished?”
“No, I just started but I won’t be long.”
I pushed the 25 copies, then the start button and got an error message.
I turned to her and said. “I am getting an error message.”
“Did you put the card in. It has to have a card.”
“Yes” I pushed the button to release the card to prove to her accusing eye that I had in fact done the deed.
“Now put it back in.”
“I will as soon as I run my discount card first.”



She stood there like it was taking 30 minutes instead of 30 seconds.
She grabbed the paper off the top feeder and frantically said, “Oh you aren’t supposed to put it in there. That is card stock and you never put that in at the top. You are supposed to open it up and lay it here.”
I kept it to myself that it was not card stock. I don’t know what training she had but it was clear she must have earned a PHD in photocopy science. But somehow they missed telling her about Photo paper.
She tried a couple of times her perfect way while assuring me that the machine was fine and it was totally my fault, and indicated that on the hundred previous occasions of my successful copying, in this way, that I had “just gotten away with it.”
Having had enough, I calmly told her that I would come back when she was less grumpy.
That got her attention. She gave me that professional smile, that so I don’t lose it smile and said.”I'm not being grumpy".
I calmly said, “Yes, you are”.
"I will just go the Memorial store".
So I drove to the Memorial store. I had to go that way to get to my listing anyway.




Guess what? I went in. I put my discount card in the slot. Then I put my credit card in the slot. I placed the paper(that exact same photo paper) in the feeder. I pushed the 25 and start. Guess what?
It made the one copy. I pushed start again and it made the other 24. Just like other every other time.
So if you are ever in Kinko’s and you’ve just begun to make copies and some one with a badge wants to know if you’re finished; just say yes, release your card and let them deal with what ever is wrong with the machine.
When they are all finished, if there is a problem, they should have it all ready for you.

A Funny Thing Happened

A funny thing happened on my way to Tulsa. Or did it actually happen when I got there, or even before I left Edmond? If one were very philosophical it could be determined that it was predestined to happen before I was born.In that case,perhaps it wasn't even my fault.Is there a possibility my husband would buy that one?
Anyway, I was late leaving and had the thought,"Maybe I should just get up early and leave in the morning.But then the sun will be right in my face and I will get sleepy and a hotel room is much cheaper than a wrecked SUV".So I packed my little overnight tote,grabbed a couple of outfits(in case one showed too many bulges) did my last minute check to see if I had my purse,my files, and my Toast Master's notebook and was on my way.
As I was backing out I noticed the gas gauge was on the half mark. I decided I would just stop on the way out of town. I looked and saw the gas was $1.71 and briefly wondered if it would be cheaper on the turnpike. Oh well, I decided, I am here I may as well get it. So I slipped my card in and while the tank was filling went in to get a soda for the trip.
I paid cash for the soda and walked back to hang up the nozzle. I looked up to see the clerk coming toward me with my soda. I took it, thanked him and made some comment about Alzheimer's. I kind of laughed at my goofiness and hopped in the car to begin my jog to Tulsa.
I tried to listen to Dave Ramsey but he was too sketchy with the bad reception. I changed the station and was listening to this wonderful sermon by John MacArthur. He spoke about trusting God enough to be thankful while we are in a crises.It was great. I loved it.
The first item,upon arriving, was to find the church where the training would be held. That was easy. A hotel was only three miles away and it was early enough that I could run by Wal-mart and see if they had a cute sweater. I saw a decent looking hotel and pulled in. The rate was good. I made mental note to check out the room before I committed.While the clerk was checking I realized that my credit card was not in my purse.I excused myself and went to see if I had set it on the seat. I proceeded to go through my purse, my files, (they could have slid in one), my notebook, between the seats, under the seats. I think I went through this three or four times. Now, what is the definition of insanity?
After concluding the worst. I went back in and told the clerk. Then the worst of it. I had to call my husband. I got to hear how he always puts his card in the same place, in his wallet every time. I got to be counselled on the importance of paying attention to what one is doing. I am glad he is taking his leadership role seriously.But maybe not right now.

There was only one thing to do. Drive back to Edmond. So I did.I was very torn and sad. The MacArthur sermon took on a bit of a different slant.It stung a tad.I cried a bit.I whined some. Then it hit me that God was speaking to me in this. He was telling me some not so comfortable things about my motives.I decided that I needed to trust Him. I need to trust Him when my plans are thwarted because His will never be.I need to live my life for Him and trust Him for the outcome. It may be what I have in mind and it may not be.I may be a huge success and I may die an unknown. The only thing that matters is that He is pleased.I used to know that.I am not sure when I lost my way. But I knew I had lost my way. I do not have to make a mark in this world. Jesus did that.I just want to walk in his foot prints. I just want to talk to Him. Be still and know that He is God. I think that means rather than me.
Once back in Edmond,I made a stop at the station, surprised that they were open since earlier they did not answer the phone.
Of course no one had turned it in.
I got the card cancelled and ascertained that only one charge had been made that day to the station. Whew! I was relieved. For some reason I asked again. I just got a strange feeling. The lady on the phone told me she had already changed the number and I would have to check back when I received the new card.
By the time I did all that,and took my Yorkie to the potty three times, it was quite late. I decided not to attempt driving with so little sleep. So I am still not trained for my Toast Masters position.But I am still His child.
After checking that card someone did manage to get a tank of gas or something for $19 and some change.I have to wonder what that recipient of free gas said to him or her self to make it okay in their mind. What conversation allowed them to pick up this card, either off the ground,off the counter, or maybe the floor of the store and use it rather than turn it in to the clerk. Were they struggling financially? Were they merely opportunist? Who can say. I just know that even that had to be filtered through the hands of God. So who ever you are out there, God loves you. Trust Him.

Two yorkies and a chihuahua

Bitsy and Suzee have made their piece with Bruiser. Now we have to work on Sammy(not pictured).

My first comment!!

Laughing at the boys

I have spent the last few minutes reading Rebecca's blog. I actually laughed out loud (no internet pun intended) several times. Just to think I used to get so annoyed over the same things and now they are hilarious. I guess it is all about perspective. Our pastor made a comment about how you are free when the last kid leaves and the dog dies. I look at Bitsy and feel a pang of guilt that I too have have wondered if she was going to be the oldest dog that ever lived. Maybe I should have bought the generic food. When I got her I was missing Rebecca and did not think about the fact that she would still be around long afer the empty nest syndrome had been cured. She really is a sweet dog, just a touch neurotic, but sweet. Now Suzee will be around after I retire. That is if you do not consider me retired now. One thing about being in real estate right now is it really gets you on your knees. I have prayed more than ever. I worry more about my listings than the sellers do. They do not have to worry. I have it covered. I thought I would be off this Sunday due to the Super Bowl but the paper did not get my email and left the banner on. So while everyone else is getting their house ready for the game I will be praying for a buyer to not be a sports fan.Surely there are two of us in the state of Oklahoma.