I don’t know what it is about these stories, but something jerks at me inside each time I see them. Jason McElwain’s story is one of the most inspirational stories of our lifetime. It’s a great story of fulfilling a dream. A modern day Rudy. And the story of Rick and Dick Hoyt is an amazing story of love, commitment. Both are undeniably inspiring.
I feel that this world is full of traps and pain and it is so easy to wear emotional scars. But, in the fogginess of this world, these stories of Hope and Love stand out. It’s something I believe in. It’s something that I feel that Christ himself stands for. He tells us that He came so that we may have life, and have it the the full. That He came into this world as a light. That’s His story – Hope. And this is our story – wading through the darkness. The chord that pulls within us when we see these stories is the sweet knowledge that someone out there has succeeded. These stories charactarize obstacles larger than those in the average person’s life. And that’s what makes them useful to us.
Here is a dream fulfilled.
As the narrator says: “What we all want in life, is a shot. But what we do with it – that’s the story we all want to tell.”
And this is love. Where does your strength come from?
I’m trying to include my son in everything, so that he can live a life like everybody else.
The below video shows Team Hoyt competing and completing the Ironman race. I dare you to watch as Dick and Rick sprint across the finish line and not be touched. Their story is nothing short of incredible. I hightly recommend buying their Ironman story on DVD. It’s a great story of love, devotion, inspiration and determination.
I was driving around town today and saw this sign at the bottom of an exit of I-77 and Morehead. I thought this was interesting. Is House.com going to copy the RealEstate.com business model and start trying to convert some of their own leads into sales?
A friend of mine, who’s in the industry as well, tipped me off recently that House.com had moved their operations from NY to Charlotte. So, seeing the sign on the side of the road wasn’t too surprising. But, it did make me wonder about House’s business model, and about Charlotte in general.
Charlotte is quietly becoming the mecca for online real estate. Now, there’s no way that it can compete with the prowess of Emeryville, Seattle, or the Valley. But, just take a look at which companies call Charlotte home.
In addition to LendingTree and RealEstate.com, I also believe that IAC has parts of GetSmart.com, Domania, and iNest here. If not in total, some representation of these three can be found in Charlotte. I also was informed recently that the new CEO of NewHomes.com was pulled from Charlotte to their Florida home office.
I was curious about what House.com was up to. So, I shot an email out to Dan Parisi – no reply. (He rarely does). Then, I figured I would call the 800 # listed on the sign. After asking a few questions to the customer service rep I was informed that their plans for opening a brokerage are on hold, and they are focusing on obtaining more agent relationships for their lead network. That’s cool. Sticking to your core biz strategy is never a wrong move.
But, with all of us in the same town, we should all get together for a drink and chat. It would make for a fun game of trying to find-more-about-your-competitor-than-they-can-find-out-about-you.
So, Dan, Eric, Gary, Michael, Doug… when’s the first pow-wow?
Most of you know that around Christmas last year I purchased a barely used 2005 Dodge Magnum. I love this car. It’s such a smooth ride, has tons of room inside, and looks very gangster. The only changes I want to do to the car are maybe add a bit more tint to the front windows and possibly change out to a better radio receiver.
But, in the 8 months that I’ve owned the car, I’ve noticed one very important trait about my new vehicle. It is an animal killer! Literally. Not counting small insects, I am positive that I’ve mamed, wounded, and killed more animals driving this car moreso than anyone other car I’ve driven. I’m not sure why this is. Is it that this car is sneaky? Is the engine quieter than other cars? Does the engine hum in a frequency that attracts animals – kinda like a dog whistle? There has to be something to this.
Be patient, and listen to this guy. A great message for the American public of why we fight for and defend freedom. This is an amazing video from a well spoken Marine. I’d have this guy in my corner any day. Here’s the text of his prose…
Will Smith tells the kids at a Nickelodian Kid Awards show what the key to life is. He says it’s Running and Reading. I think he may be right. Give a listen.
Because this is a happy place – happy thoughts.
Everyday I see that I am not as good as you – and everyone else. But, that doesn’t mean I give up.
It’s not always rainbows and butterflies…
Just one chance, just one breath, in case there’s one left.
No updates I haven’t blogged here in a very long time, and I’m sorry. Twitter and Facebook now are my two discharge points for daily thoughts. I will blog big events and thoughts here on a more seldom basis. (Comment)
1 Tim 6:17-19 17Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. (Comment)
Real estate marketing I recently met Mary McKnight via Twitter. She seems like a cool professional with a heart for real estate marketing. Great minds think alike! ;) I’m looking forward to following her tweets @REBlogGirl. (Comment)
I was driving around town today and saw this sign at the bottom of an exit of I-77 and Morehead. I thought this was interesting. Is House.com going to copy the RealEstate.com business model and start trying to convert some of their own leads into sales?
Most of you know that around Christmas last year I purchased a barely used 2005 Dodge Magnum. I love this car. It’s such a smooth ride, has tons of room inside, and looks very gangster. The only changes I want to do to the car are maybe add a bit more tint to the front windows and possibly change out to a better radio receiver.
