Saturday, December 12, 2009

One of My Dreams





I've been a good girl all year, Santa. Hint, hint, hint.

Thursday, February 5, 2009

FAR SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE NEAR

FAR's 2008-2009 Scholarship/Essay Contest for High School Seniors, which offers a total of $28,000 in scholarship funding, needs to have entries postmarked no later than Monday, Feb. 9, 2009.

To enter, students must write a typed, double-spaced essay, 500 words or less, on the topic, "How Does a Realtor® Professional Benefit the Community?" All essays, along with an official Essay Cover Form, should be mailed to the Florida Association of Realtors, 7025 Augusta National Drive, P.O. Box 725025, Orlando, FL, 32872-5025. Need the scholarship materials?

Go to FAR's Media Center Web site at http://media.floridarealtors.org/scholarshipinfo.htm, and you can download the scholarship contest rules, required essay cover form, list of FAR District Vice Presidents and other materials.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Great Recipe

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimateanti-depressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Talk to God about what is going on in yourlife. Buy a lock if you have to.

3. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to __________ today. I am thankful for______________.

4. Eat more foods that grow on treesand plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.

5. Drink green tea and plenty of water and eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli ,almonds & walnuts.

6. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

7. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past,negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

8. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed outcharge card.

9. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

10. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

11. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

12. You are not so important that you have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

13. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

14. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

15. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

16. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'

17. Forgive everyone for everything.

18. What other people think of you is none of your business.

19. GOD heals everything - but you to ask Him.

20. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

21. Your job won't take care of you when you are in need. Your friends will. Stay in touch!!!

22. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

23. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for __________. Today I accomplished _________.

24. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

25. When you are feeling down,start listing your many blessings. You'll be smiling before you know it.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Register To Vote NOW


Voter registration deadline nears for March 10 election!

City of Sarasota residents must be registered by Feb. 9, 2009, to be eligible to vote in the city of Sarasota Regular election, scheduled for March 10, 2009.

To register to vote, one must complete a Florida Voter Registration Application Form. Forms are available at SAR, supervisor of elections offices, city halls, county libraries, county offices, social service agencies and many area banks or may be downloaded from the supervisor of elections (SOE) Web site at www.srqelections.com.

Supervisor of Elections Kathy Dent also recommends that voters verify their registration information. A voter who has moved, had a name change, or needs to update a signature since the last election may download a Voter Registration Application from the SOE Web site or call the supervisor of elections at 941-861-8600 for more information.

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Get Up Off That Thang

"The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary."

Vince Lombardi

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Pine View Is Old!

Here's a link to the Sarasota Herald Tribune's article on our 40th anniversary celebrations tomorrow:

http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20090122/ARTICLE/901220363?Title=Pine_View_celebrates_40_years

I'll be out of town but wish a fabulous time to all who attend!

Monday, January 19, 2009

24 Qualities That Geniuses Have In Commom

DRIVE. Geniuses have a strong desire to work hard and long. They’re willing to give all they’ve got to a project. Develop your drive by focusing on your future success, and keep going.

COURAGE. It takes courage to do things others consider impossible. Stop worrying about what people will think if you’re different.

DEVOTION TO GOALS. Geniuses know what they want and go after it. Get control of your life and schedule. Have something specific to accomplish each day.

KNOWLEDGE. Geniuses continually accumulate information. Never go to sleep at night without having learned at least one new thing each day. Read. And question people who know.

HONESTY. Geniuses are frank, forthright and honest. Take the responsibility for thins that go wrong. Be willing to admit, ‘I goofed’ and learned from my mistakes.

OPTIMISM. Geniuses never doubt they will succeed. Deliberately focus your mind on something good coming up.

ABILITY TO JUDGE. Try to understand the facts of a situation before you judge. Evaluate things on an opened minded, unprejudiced basis and be willing to change your mind.

ENTHUSIASM. Geniuses are so excited about what they are doing, it encourages others to cooperate with them. Really believe that things will out well. Don’t hold back.

WILLINGNESS TO TAKE CHANCES. Overcome your fear of failure. You won’t be afraid to take chances once you realize you can learn from your mistakes.

DYNAMIC ENERGY. Don’t sit on your butt waiting for something good to happen. Be determined to make it happen.

ENTERPRISE. Geniuses are opportunity seekers. Be willing to take on jobs others won’t touch. Never be afraid to try the unknown.

PERSUASION. Geniuses know how to motivate people to help them get ahead. You’ll find it easy to be persuasive if you believe in what you’re doing.

OUTGOINGNESS. I’ve found geniuses able to make friends easily and be easy on their friends. Be a ‘booster’ not somebody who puts others down. That attitude will win you many valuable friends.

ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE. Geniuses are generally able to get their ideas across to others. Take every opportunity to explain your ideas to others.

PATIENCE. Be patient with others most of the time, but always be impatient with your self. Expect far more of yourself than others.

PERCEPTION. Geniuses have their mental radar working full time. Think more of others’ needs and wants than you do your own.

PERFECTIONISM. Geniuses cannot tolerate mediocrity, particularly in themselves. Never be easily satisfied with your self. Always strive to do better.

SENSE OF HUMOR. Be willing to laugh at your own expense. Don’t take offense when the joke is on you.

VERSATILITY. The more things you learn to accomplish, the more confidence you will develop. Don’t shy away from new endeavors.

ADAPTABILITY. Being flexible enables you to adapt to changing circumstances readily. Resist doing things the same old way. Be willing to consider new options.

CURIOSITY. An inquisitive, curious mind will help you seek out new information. Don’t be afraid to admit you don’t know it all. Always ask questions about things you don’t understand.

INDIVIDUALISM. Do things the way you think they should be done, without fearing somebody’s disapproval.

IDEALISM. Keep your feet on the ground — but have your head in the clouds. Strive to achieve great things, not just for yourself but for the better of mankind.

IMAGINATION. Geniuses know how to think in new combinations, see things from a different perspective, than anyone else. Unclutter your mental environment to develop this type of imagination. Give yourself time each day to daydream, to fantasize, to drift into a dreamy inner life the way you did as a child.


Source: Agent Genius Magazine: http://agentgenius.com/?p=9251

Monday, January 12, 2009

Florida Association of Realtors® Offers Scholarships

Attention Florida high school seniors: Time is running out for you to win up to $6,000 to help pay for college tuition next year. Better start writing - there's less than a month to go until the Feb. 9, 2009, deadline to enter the Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR) 2008-2009 Scholarship/Essay Contest for High School Seniors, which offers a total of $28,000 in scholarship funding.

Students must write a typed, double-spaced essay, 500 words or less, on the topic, "How Does a Realtor® Professional Benefit the Community?" This topic gives students a wide range of real estate professional fields to write about, including residential brokerage, commercial brokerage, industrial and office brokerage, farm and land brokerage, real estate appraising, property management, land development and real estate counseling, to name just a few of the specialties.FAR's scholarship program benefits students from across the state, with $1,000 in prize money going to the top essays in each of the Association's 13 districts in the state. Students with the 13 district-winning essays then compete to win three $5,000 FAR scholarships on the statewide level, for a total of $28,000 in scholarship awards. All essays, along with an official Essay Cover Form, must be postmarked no later than Feb. 9, 2009, and mailed to the Florida Association of Realtors, 7025 Augusta National Drive, P.O. Box 725025, Orlando, FL, 32872-5025.

"Florida Realtors feel privileged to be able to help deserving young people continue their dreams of a college education," says 2009 FAR President Cynthia Shelton. "There is no better investment in the future of our communities, our state and our nation than to invest in young people and help them realize their potential. Our successful scholarship program, now in its ninth year, is just one way that Florida Realtors give back to their community."

FAR's statewide scholarship awards program is open only to high school seniors who reside in the state of Florida and plan on continuing their education at a college, university, technical school or other institution of higher learning. The college or institution of higher learning does not have to be located within the state of Florida. Children whose parents are licensed real estate practitioners are not eligible for contest entry; nor are children whose parents are employed by any local Realtor board/association or by the Florida Association of Realtors.

Scholarship contest rules and the official essay cover form are available at public and private senior high school guidance offices throughout the state. Or students, parents, teachers - anyone - can go to FAR's Media Center Web site (http://media.floridarealtors.org) to download the required essay cover form, list of FAR District Vice Presidents and other scholarship/essay contest materials.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Christina Pitchford Perez Is a CENTERFOLD!

Who would have thought? Glasses and all!


Seriously, this picture was part of a double page centerfold spread in the Florida Association of Realtors about what makes agents unique.

Here's the full article: https://www.floridarealtors.org/FLRealtorMagazine/2008/December/1208DiscoverBrand.cfm.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

GObama!

Some pics from the 2008 Democratic Party Party in Sarasota.... The rest didn't turn out so well because of all the press lights but the evening was a blast. Lots of excitement and positivity. This is where we also celebrated Barbara Ford-Coates' re-election as Sarasota County Tax Collector.


Here I am with my friend Maura's mom and aunt, some of the coolest ladies ever!


Me and Eve Johnston, fellow Pine View School alum and another awesome lady.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Sarasota's 5 Year Economic Development Strategic Plan Survey

Always complaining for ways to have your voice rise above the crowd? Here's your chance. Take a few minutes to fill out the survey. Read the letter from the EDC below and follow the appropriate links:

As a neighborhood leader you may know that the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County is working with local and regional partners to update a five-year economic development strategic plan for the community. The purpose of this plan is to identify targeted opportunities that would diversify our economy, and increase the competitiveness of our existing businesses so they can continue to be a vital part of our region. We recognize that this will require us to assess and build on our own assets, as well as explore new ideas.

To help develop this plan, we need your thoughts. The following links will connect you to a 15-minute survey that will ask you to identify the region's strengths and weaknesses in key areas that support a strong economy. We recognize that this survey may be a bit long, however, it collects an array of valuable information and serves as a foundation for a multi-year platform for the economy. Therefore, we strongly encourage you to take the time to provide your input.

This survey information will be combined with other quantitative data and information to create a community assessment and narrow down options that the economic plan will explore in more detail. At the end of the survey you will see how your answers compare to others who have taken the survey-real time feedback.

If you are a member of multiple business or community organizations, you may receive this request more than once, but you need only take the survey once. If you own or manage a business and also belong to a community organization, please take the survey as a business participant.

If you own or work in a private sector business please select this link www.starassessment.com/survey/sarasotabusinesssurvey.

If you lead or serve a nonprofit business group (e.g. chamber), a community organization, neighborhood group, public agency or other similar group, or are an elected official or citizen please select this link www.starassessment.com/survey/sarasotacommunitysurvey.

We appreciate your feedback by November 18.

If you have any questions about this survey please e-mail questions@starassessment.com. Thank you for your participation - your input is greatly valued.

Regards,
Emily S. Sperling
Community Relations Manager
Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County
Live Oak Corporate Center
2601 Cattlemen Road Suite 201
Sarasota, FL 34232
(941) 309-1200 ext. 106 Fax (941) 309-1209
esperling@edcsarasotacounty.com

Can I Have Your Laptop?

Seriously. Any givers out there?

If you're not using an old one, can I have it? I really would like my big holiday charity round up to be collecting, refurbishing and distributing laptops to kids at Phillippi Shores Elementary without computers at homes. The laptop is ideal because its new owner could take advantage of free Wi-Fi spots around town, allowing them the benefits of internet access without the monthly cost that kids obviously can't pay.

Is 5 laptops a realistic goal? Please help.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Scholarships Available

The Florida Association of Realtors is offering Florida high school seniors a chance to win up to $6,000 in scholarship funding through its 2008-09 Scholarship/Essay Contest.

Read the full story: http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/n5-111108.cfm.

You never know unless you try! And keep your eyes posted for the Sarasota Association of Realtors scholarship opportunities too. I'll post again when the official info is released.

Public Opinion Wanted

The Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority (TBARTA) has been holding community workshops in the seven-county area. They have now scheduled two on-line workshops.

A live, moderated PowerPoint presentation will be given at the first hour of the online workshop and repeated in the second hour. In addition, TBARTA representatives will answer questions and ask for ideas and comments from the online audience.

Below is information on the two online workshops:
  • Thursday, November 1311:30 am to 1:30 pm

Visit http://www.tbarta.com/?q=node/1944 for login information

  • Tuesday, November 185:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Visit http://www.tbarta.com/?q=node/1949 for login information

For more info, check out their website: www.tbarta.com.

Friday, October 24, 2008

News On A Few Of My Favorite Things!

Goodwill's Centergate Bookstore (corner of Cattleman and Bee Ridge) is celebrating it's 9th Anniversary tomorrow with free birthday cake AND 25% off everything in the store. If your are a book lover and/or have kids, you must stop by to check out their collection and deals.


Also, tomorrow is G.Wiz-O-Ween! From 5:30 to 7:30 admission is only $3 per child for trick-or-treating, ghostly games, spooky science and more. Last year was lots of fun so make sure to dress up and come on out tomorrow night!

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

VOTE!

My kids and I will be on the corner of 41 and Bee Ridge today to support Bill Furst for Sarasota County Property Appraiser! To learn more about Bill, visit: http://www.furstforfairness.com/.


Remember to get out and VOTE! It's your right as a US citizen. Don't take it for granted.

Monday, August 25, 2008

Show You Care: Clean the Coast!

Come clean up the coastline with me, my kids and a bunch of great volunteers from the Sarasota Association of Realtor's GRAS (Green Realtor Alliance of Sarasota) Saturday September 20 at 8 am around John Ringling Causeway. Follow this link for more details and the registration form: http://www.sarasotarealtors.com/about/event.cfm?eveID=74.

This is a great way to get your kids involved as volunteer opportunities for kids are few and far between.

Hope to see you there!

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Florida KidCare Increases Enrollment

Gov. Crist and the Florida Legislature this year approved more funding for Florida KidCare, which will enable 38,000 more uninsured children to join the federally subsidized program and obtain healthcare coverage. The program is open to all families regardless of income. Officials note that the program is free for those eligible for Medicaid.

Monthly premiums depend on your household's size and income. Most families pay $15 or $20 a month. If you need to pay more, Florida KidCare will let you know. The full monthly premium to enroll in KidCare is about $128 - less expensive than most private insurance. More than 1.4 million children are enrolled in Florida KidCare, which gives them access to preventive care such as regular doctor visits, immunizations, dental check-ups and prescriptions.

For more information or to apply for Florida KidCare, go to www.floridakidcare.org. You can also call 1-888-540-5437 to receive an application by mail.

Source: Florida Association of Reators

Jungle Gardens Back-To-School BASH!

What a great way to spend your last weekend before school starts AND teach your kids how to give back to their community! This Saturday from 10 to 4pm.

Free for kids between 3 and 12 with school supply donation worth $3. All school supplies collected will be split between Sarasota and Manatee counties.
Hopefully Eddie, Mya and I will see you there!

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Shoes For Kids Please

My office, RE/MAX Alliance Group, is collecting new shoes for school kids to distribute in the Charlotte County Public school system. Sizes 4 youth and 6 adult are needed the most but we have requests for 7 toddlers up to 11 adult female and 13 adult male.

If you'd like to help out, drop the new shoes by our office on Webber and 41 or the ones located in Englewood and North Port--or email me at Christina@YourHometownConsultant.com and I'll pick them up and deliver them for you.