Michele

LOL. Ori, you're a good friend just because you are a good friend. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Didja get photos? If not, it never happened....(BTW, your pm was rather funny! Thanks for the laugh!) Linz: Know what? I think Dad's going to have fun, so more power to him. I don't care that MM usurped me - after all, I'm always here, and MM invitations come along rather infrequently. But honestly, I'd turn him down. I don't think there's all that much there to pick, from what I've seen. OTOH, I don't know that for sure...it could all be a publicity thing, that whole smug arrogance, that conceited ignorance. But that's all right, I'll live with not knowing first hand. Sometimes intrigue is a more potent motivator than accord. True dat. I'm just not intrigued by MM, however, nor by any of the "celebs" that spout a party ticket (no matter which). It just doesn't interest me. Now, should Stephen King call me, I may just have to ditch whomever I had plans with and have dinner, but that's going to happen when the sun rises in the west. So I don't have to worry about that! I'd consider dinner with Clinton, as well as Bush, and jump at the chance for dinner with McCain or Lieberman, but other than that, there aren't too many politicians I could stomach eating with. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

If I wait until I see the skygods sitting out, it's too late for me...so I am when the students go on wind-hold, so do I. Uppers? I don't think I've jumped in anything more than 40K, but I could be wrong. I don't look at them too much regarding the decision to jump - it factors into the spot, and also my opening height, but what it's doing at the top of the sky can be 180 different than what it's doing on the ground... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

ROFL...yes, he's said as much, too. He questions what he did wrong. He raised me with all the liberal democratic values - and according to him, I've been tainted. 'Course, that doesn't stop him from loving me, so it's all good. Makes for some interesting conversations, which we actually keep civil...and worse for him is my brother is far more republican than I...and Dad scratches his head and wonders about that, too. I tried to reassure him, by reminding him that he raised up two children to be independent thinkers, to research and to understand issues, and to come to our own conclusions about things, rather than just follow our parental influence. It worked, perhaps too well for his tastes, but it worked. LOL! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Val, you are far prettier than she is. I've met you both, so I can say that. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Muenkle, you don't think I'm going to be showering with coal soap? ROFL! Oh, see, now that's an idea. I could do that, and do a presser about it, and get all the rabid republican people in my area to work with me! Oh, wait. That's like 3 people. Not enough to continue a career with. So maybe I'll forgo the presser. BillV, if MM is selling bikes, then he has discovered the great beauty of working for a living, rather than spinning SH and kiteflying families. ROFL... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Ain't it scary? ROFL...oh well. Pops put up with me and my shenanigans for years (still does...), so I guess I can do the same for him. It's gonna be hard, but...well, he is my father, after all. It will be a very interesting shopping adventure, though. I'm sure I'll hear how wonderful MM is, and how great a producer/director, and all that stuff... Oy. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

You haven't ever read any of my porn..... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

So some of you know who my father is. I thought *I* knew who he was...until about 6 this evening. I did know our politics are "slightly" different. Dad calls me to reschedule our annual Christmas shopping jaunt (yes, he's a jew, but goes Christmas Shopping anyway...). He told me he had a lunch to go to. In a kidding voice, I asked who was supplanting me for lunch... Michael Moore. I thought he was kidding at first, and then realized he was deadly serious. OY! Who'd'a thunk it??? It's some sort of publicity thing, but it's a very limited invitation list (like 6-8 or something like that). Dad, of course is honored. I, of course, am horrified. But he's making it up to me. I told him to give MM my business card, and tell him to call me. I had some things I wanted to discuss with him. Dad promised to give my card....whether MM will call or not is another story. And Dad is taking me to a very nice dinner instead of a deli lunch. Oh the horror of it! I still love Pops....but this is proof that senility has set in. He is 82 on Friday, after all. Ciels- Michele PS. In case you think I think less of my father, I don't. I love him, despite his enamored attitude towards MM. My Dad rocks, even when he does really silly things like this. ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Kevin, I'm curious. How long were you out of work? how long didn't you pay child support? Why didn't you go to the courts and tell them what was happening, and see if there wasn't something you could work out? Why did you ignore the letter the DMV sent you, letting you know your DL was being suspended? Did you pay your child support directly, or was it garnished by the courts? And if so, why was it being garnished? Have you ever stopped paying child support before? What have you been living on? How come you left your last job? My point is, you allowed it to get this far. It's absolutely not fair to the kids to not pay the child support, but if you can't, then you can't. But there are ways to handle it so as to preserve your abilities....sounds like you didn't take advantage of them. And before you tell me "I didn't know about them," why then do I know about them, a childless, single woman who would have absolutely no reason to know about this subject at all? It's easy info to obtain. Sorry you're in a bind. But my sympathy is limited to also saying see how you placed yourself there, and what it has cost the children (I could care less about the ex...she's grown.) and not just in terms of $$. Figure out what you can do about it now and go do it. Take those steps, fix the problem, and move on. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I got to watch my neice, Mayah Janele, being born, two days before my birthday. What an incredible, moving event. My brother had the video camera up high (he's 6'4", and had a better view...). I was watching my sister-in-law and the Dr., and then my brother bonked my head...and I looked up at the viewfinder. And saw this head, this baby, this life coming into the world, and tears dripped down my face. Then we saw that the cord was around her neck, but the Dr. got that handled quickly but then Mayah didn't feel like crying. She was fine, just doing things her way like her Noni (me). She opened her eyes, looked around, and shut her eyes again really fast. Dr. rubbed her a bit, and then they laid her on the table, and there she wailed a storm. 'Twas a miracle, that sweet soul coming into the world. And an honor for me to be present then. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

The difficulty arises when one considers the french author who wrote a book that was a bestseller (in France) about how 9/11 was a conspiracy; when one considers the rampant glee which occurred in parts of the globe when 9/11 occurred; when one considers the tin hat brigade who actually believe this sort of thing. When one plays upon that sort of conspiracy theory, there will always be people who believe it. And when it's the US government who is the "bad guy," it takes on a whole new life...because it's easy to hate us, the government, and our actions in the world. It becomes an issue because of the belief it garners...not because it's real. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

(Airdvr, I guarantee the person at the dentist's office is NOT happy. Tolerant, perhaps, but not happy. Just thought I'd add that observation...) Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Perhaps what you meant to say was "on US soil." You're too smart not to understand that the USS Cole, the Embassies, and several other attacks occurred against the US during the interim between '93 and '01. On another note, while it's a beautiful building, it really does resemble a trailer in the trees. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Agreed. I am not sure I agree with your assessment regarding the housing prices, although I do understand why you think that way. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

It would prevent me from buying a new car...which would also prevent me from paying the exhorbitant "luxury vehicle" taxes, and desimulate the economy. The other issue I see with this, aside from the ones indicated above in the thread, is that I'm a realtor. I depend on my car more than the regular 9-5'ers (although not as much as PeregrinRose, apparently...), and thus it would be a taxation based on occupation...which is a whole 'nother issue. Gonna be interesting...I may need to move to Oregon with my brother! LOLOL!!! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Smiles, that is very very close to what I had in my head. Nightingale, I like that idea...but to use it would eliminate sellers...but it's a great buyer's piece for open houses, and for distribution. That's going into the hopper for sure. Bigway, thanks for that! Great lines, great thoughts, and I tell ya, I appreciate it. Tigra, yes, please share your experiences via pm with me. I won't use names, just what's happened with real people and real agents, and truth! That's the best way to teach, I've found... I had several colleagues look at my layout today - experienced, well-seasoned agents (20+ years in the business), and all of them were enthusiastic about the card. Several suggestions (along what I've heard here) about changing the size/color of the parachutist, et cetera. One agent held the proof for a while, and I commented that he was doing exactly what I want people to do - hold it for more than about 3 seconds before it goes into their pocket, to either die a wet death in the laundry, or go out with the trash. That's all this is designed to do - get their attention, connect my name with something, and stay in their head. As for me missing some of the market, there will always be a segment I don't reach - because I'm too young, too old, too fat, too skinny, too rowdy, too quiet, too pushy, too laid back, too something for their taste. That's fine - gotta leave some for the other realtors....LOL. Overall, the concept seems to be generally well received (both on this site as well as several others I post to, not skydiving specific), and it's been completely encouraged at my office among my colleagues. I'm in the final stages of revamping the card to accommodate suggestions made here, and will make my decisions tomorrow. Thanks all, and it's not done yet - so add your thoughts/comments to the thread! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Thanks, Johnny. What I was trying to find out was if the business card made a difference. You had already been "cautiously" referred, talked to, been faxed listings, and had decided on 4 homes to see prior to your receiving her business card. That's the info I was looking for. It wasn't a cold contact, where the card will make a difference. It was a warm contact, and that's handled a whole 'nother way. (This is not said to discount your opinion on the card, however...simply to clarify for myself as to where you're coming from.) And the feedback really helps. I'm teaching a class on client needs, and would love to use this (and any others people would care to contribute, good or bad) in the class. May I? It's great when I can use real experiences, and discuss them with my trainees. Gives them some real, tangible issues to contend with. So if anyone else wants to give me a bit about what they like/dislike in a realtor, I'd love it! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

But why did you start talking to her in the first place? How did you meet her? What made you decide to go looking with her specifically? Referral from a friend? Open house meeting? Cold calling? Standing in the supermarket line? How did you first come in contact with her? Thanks...and btw, that's great feedback regarding what you liked that she did...I appreciate that, too! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Shoot, if I could get my company to sponsor it, how cool would that be? Alas, not yet...maybe next year, but not now.... As for the kiss, well, I'll try to arrange it better...but still. It caught you by surprise, and that was the point! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Johnny, why do you remember her? What did she do that created the impression that she was the one who you wanted to work with - *before* you worked with her? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Great feedback. I do appreciate it very much. Some changes which will be made: the parachute is much smaller in my mind's eye, and the layout of the information will be more spaced out. Additionally, the phrase "when my clients say jump..." will go underneath it, which will tie into the back photo. I recognize the concept that people don't want realtors who take risks, who are reliable and dependable. The idea behind this card is to be different, to "stand out" from the other 3,500 realtors in my area, and to start conversations. Most people either put a photo of themselves on the front (I've never liked that, but that's industry standard), or photos of houses (again, I don't like that at all...). My goal was to get something which would catch someone's eye, and have them look at it for more than 3 seconds while they're throwing it away (hopefully they'll keep it, but who knows...). "Branding" is hard to do right; most people will use their family, or will use their pets...and while that's fun, when about 1,000 people are doing the same thing, it becomes "common" and there's nothing you remember from them. This way, at least they will think "oh, that's Michele, the one who jumps out of airplanes" when they see me or my card. It's single purpose is to get people to remember me, and think of me when they're thinking of real estate. And also, statistics show that the average realtor is between 49-58, while the average transaction participants (buyers and sellers) are 30-45. The subtle concept underneath all of that is that I am "youthful" (hah...) and more in their age range...which means I share common traits with them, which means I'm more approachable. Or so it's supposed to go.... I will get the parachute smaller and towards the top (which is again what I had originally planned), and get the slogan's first part set out (I tried in photo shop, but it didn't work...I'm a clutz in PS...) under the canopy. That may help tie it together... I do appreciate the feedback very much. Thanks a ton! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Hi, all. So I finally have a company that will allow me to create my own business card (within certain parameters...but still.) I finally got it relatively close to what I want...both front and back. I'd like your opinions, if you wouldn't mind (and no, no boobies are contained herein...sorry, guys!). In case you can't read the caption on the back of the card, it reads (top left) I don't ask how high. . .(bottom right) I just jump. Thanks in advance! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

She sounds as stubborn as you! LOLOLOL!!!!! Keep letting her know you love her, and that you'll be all right when she leaves. Let her know this completely, totally, and without reserve. Just keep on letting her hear that, and telling her what she means to you. Even if you don't get a response, keep on. She can hear you, and she knows already, but love her out the best way you can; she'll take that love and build a spirit bridge that will remain between the two of you forever. And know that I am (and we are) here for you, and that you're still in my prayers and thoughts. Let me know if you need to talk, vent, or need a shoulder. Hugs to you, my friend. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~