Monday Motivation - 10 Quotes of the Day

If you follow me on Instagram, you may have noticed I love quotes. If you follow me on Pinterest, I have a whole board dedicated to quotes. At home, I have journals that are filled with quotes that I love. Great quotes keep me motivated, give me confidence, bring me joy, and so much. With the current times, reading through some quotes each day helps me keep a positive mindset. For today's post and Motivation Monday, I just wanted to share 10 of my favorite quotes I have shared on social media over the last couple years. Feel free to save your favorites and share with your friends! Stay safe, all! Remember, we are all in this together.

"Today is going to be a great day. I can, and I will." - Gina Rodriguez

"When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on." - Abraham Lincoln

"Act as if ye have faith, and faith shall be given to you. Put it another way: fake it 'til you make it." - Leo McGarry, The West Wing

"Being challenged in life is inevitable. Being defeated is optional." - Unknown

"It's not the worry. It's not the what-ifs. It's the joy that stays with you." - Sandra Bullock

"Today or never. That's my motto." - Mary Poppins

"When other people treat you poorly, keep being you. Don't ever let someone else's bitterness change the person you are." - Unknown

"You got to stand for something even if you stand alone." - Song Lyric, Show 'Em What You're Made Of, The Backstreet Boys

"You have been assigned this mountain to show others it can be moved." - Unknown

"You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step." - Martin Luther King, Jr.

Staying Active and Having Fun

With most gyms closed, many out there are changing up their workout routines. Personally, I have not been a member of a gym for almost three years because I prefer getting outside for a walk or a run. My favorite workout spot is along the Dunedin Causeway because it is right outside my door. Unfortunately, it is a favorite spot for many people, and the last few times I went for an evening walk, I found it difficult to maintain safe distances from people.

As a result, I started looking for creative ways to workout at home on those days I don't wake up early enough to walk before everyone else. The free app Zombies, Run! is something I have used in the past. As the website describes it: "Run in the Real World. Become a Hero in Another. Only a few have survived the zombie epidemic. You are a Runner en-route to one of humanity’s last remaining outposts. They need your help to gather supplies, rescue survivors, and defend their home."

This app turns your run into a game, and who doesn't love games? If you are able to get outside for a walk, jog, or run and stay safe, this app will add a new level of fun to your daily workout. There are over 200 missions, and the app has made many of them free right now in light of current events.

If you are unable to get outside everyday, they have added some new stay at home missions. Essentially, you're all stuck inside because of an increase in zombie hordes outside (a little relatable, yes?). The 30-minute workout includes beginner and intermediate exercises. The first mission includes a lot of dance breaks (and who doesn't love dancing?!) with some other at-home exercises mixed in.

If you are interested in downloading the app and adding a new level of fun to your workout, download at the links below. Have fun!

Tower Life... Day ... Ummm... What day is it?

I have not posted recently about what I have been doing to pass the time while social distancing, and honestly the last few days have all been fairly similar as I worked out a new routine. One thing is for sure, no matter what I just keep swimming and remain grateful for all the good still surrounding us.

As most of you know, I am a Realtor®, and I am lucky enough to work for a brokerage, eXp Realty, that is completely virtual which means we have always been set up to be able to work from home easily and efficiently. That said, I have been spending a lot of time working at home and at the office (with only about 3 of us at the office at the time, we are able to practice social distancing and stay safe). In these changing times, the Floridays team is doing everything we can to still serve our clients and keep the health and safety of everyone our top priority. You can see the video from our team leader, Mark Middleton, explaining exactly what it is we are doing on our Facebook page HERE.

Many have asked me how the real estate market is doing right now. In some ways, things have slowed down. However, I have buyers who are actively looking, and I showed some properties at the end of last week. There are still sellers looking to list their homes. We had a new listing last week, and two more this week so far. With the ability to look at properties online and virtual showings and virtual open houses, there are still many ways to sell real estate and practice social distancing.

Personally, when I have met with buyers for showings, we greeted each other with a wave and a smile. We maintained distances from each other. I traveled with my long-time, loyal companion: hand sanitizer. Honestly, you can see it is well loved, and when I had a buyer tell me they couldn't find any, I gifted them an extra travel size bottle I brought along. To be honest, I have been collecting and storing hand sanitizer for years. I did not panic buy hand sanitizer or soap because it was not necessary. I already had that much stocked up. Will I need to stock up again after this is all over? Yes. Absolutely. 100% yes.

As for life outside of real estate, I really have started to turn into Rapunzel living in her tower. To date, I have completed five puzzles with another in progress, and one and a half books. I made two shirts on the Cricut. I did laundry. I have been cooking. Cleaned and cleaned and sanitized. I've colored. Played Sudoku and Words with Friends. FaceTimed with friends and family.  I have escaped my tower for a few outdoor walks as well for some much need fresh air and sunshine.

If you are like me and still feeling a little stir crazy at times, hang in there. For now, enjoy the time at home with family, play that game you've been meaning to play, do that craft project you bought supplies for months ago, read that book on your shelf, do that at home project you kept putting off. 

I believe as people calm down and adapt to the changes, find their new routine and normal for the time being, things will stabilize and get better. We will bounce back from this. Be kind to one another, take care of each other, and together we can flatten the curve.

5 Secret Weapons You Already Have For DIY Projects

As we enter into the second week of social distancing, if you are like me you may be going a little stir crazy trying to figure out what to do next to make productive use of your time at home. You may be thinking of some at home projects you have been meaning to tackle but keep putting off. This weekend I spent some time redoing my closet installing a new shelf and bar. However, I had the materials already, so a trip to Home Depot was not necessary.

Right now, you may have a home maintenance project that’s been lingering on your to-do list that you finally want to tackle, but you can't make the trip to your local hardware store or craft store because you're under a shelter in place order or the stores are closed. There are some projects you can tackle with items that are almost certainly already in your home.

1. Vinegar: There’s probably a jug of vinegar in your pantry right now. You can soak items in vinegar to remove mineral deposits (like in a clogged showerhead), and you can boil vinegar in your microwave to remove odors and make it easier to clean.

2. Cola: A can of Coke or Pepsi can be used to clean many surfaces, including your glass windows, porcelain toilet, or chrome fixtures. Just do some research before using it on metal surfaces, as it can be corrosive.

3. Baking soda: This item may actually be more useful for applications other than baking. A baking soda-vinegar paste is great for cleaning bathrooms and kitchens. Baking soda can also be used to absorb odors.

4. Butter knife: Screwdrivers are easy to misplace. If can’t find a screwdriver when you need one, a butter knife—preferably an older one that you no longer need for table setting—is pretty effective for both Phillips- and flat-head screws.

5. Toothpaste: Is there an unsightly scratch on your car or bike? The grit in tarter-control toothpastes makes for an effective scratch remover. Clean the scratch, apply some toothpaste, let it sit for a few minutes, and then buff it out with paper towel.

Day 2 - The Tower Life Continues...

Today was Day 2 of social distancing. It was the third day I didn't have to go to work, and it started to feel a bit weird. Another day at home, another day of finding ways to keep away the boredom.

First of all, as was pointed out to me yesterday, Rapunzel did meet her husband while living in isolation in her tower, so maybe there was hope for me yet. I decided this morning I would wait to see if my future husband would come bust me out. At 7:45 am, I was tired of waiting and busted myself out for a morning run/walk along the Dunedin Causeway. There were not too many people out that early, so it was fairly easy to maintain social distances. It was a gorgeous morning for a run. It was not my best run, but it was better than being stuck inside all day.

After breakfast, it was time to tackle a new project on my list: adding a second shelf to our laundry area to provide more storage. Proving once again that I don't need no stinking man, I hung these shelves myself with assistance from my mom. (Future Husband - if you're reading this, of course, I need you. Don't abandon me!)

With one of the at home projects complete (this social distancing thing is going to last for a couple weeks, don't want to do it all in one day), I turned to one of my favorite activities to do when passing the time - puzzles. The first one I picked to do was fitting given the recent themes of my blog posts. In the short time I worked on it, I made some decent progress. Yes, I am putting it together on the floor, on top of Magic Carpet. It's the perfect puzzle mat because it flies out of the way when I'm done working on it.

Before you start thinking I forgot about my other job as a Realtor, don't worry I did not. I made a few phone calls today, and in the afternoon with the assistance of my team leader, I had photos taken of a new listing and returned to the office to post the listing in the MLS. That reminds me...

NEW LISTING in New Port Richey, Florida! End unit condo in a wonderful 55+ community! Click on link for info and to contact me to schedule a showing!

I returned home in the early evening ready to relax and prepare for tomorrow. Each day we don't know how things may change, so although I am doing all that I can to "social distance" myself, I am also working hard each day as much as I can to keep my real estate business going.

Since I am not a quitter, I devoted most of the rest of my evening to finishing that puzzle, and while doing that, to catch up with a friend via video chat.

How was your social distancing today? Stay safe, friends!

Living that Tower Life Like Rapunzel

Although many of you have been practicing social distancing since the weekend, today felt like the first real social distancing day for me. I should have been at work at 6:00 am this morning to process shipment. Instead I slept in this morning and started wondering what in the world I would do all day and for the next couple weeks. That's when it hit me that all of us are about to experience what life was like for Rapunzel trapped in that tower. On a happy note, she provides lots of great ideas of what you can do to pass the time.

Here are some suggested activities to do to pass the day per Rapunzel:

• Sweep 'til the floor's all clean
• Polish and wax
• Laundry
• Mop and shine up
• Sweep again 

Once done with all those chores, Rapunzel provides some more entertaining items on her activity list:

• Read a book...or maybe two or three
• Add a few new paintings to your gallery
• Play guitar 
• Knit
• Cook
• Puzzles
• Darts (be careful!) 
• Baking
• Paper mache
• Ballet 
• Chess (and so many other games!)
• Pottery 
• Ventriloquy (ummm... okay...)
• Candle making
• Stretch
• Sketch
• Take a climb
• Sew a dress
• Brush and brush and brush and brush your hair 

Rapunzel starts her day at 7:00 am. I used to do that, but then we changed the clocks. Now, I continually wake up after 8:00 am. First task to tackle on this self distancing journey: getting back to the 7:00 am wake up routine.

Once I finally dragged myself out of bed, first on the agenda was getting in some exercise. I dusted off the old Nintendo Wii, popped in the Michael Jackson Experience, and started dancing the morning away. Per Rapunzel's suggestions, I also should have stretched... I did not...

Next on the list was cooking. Today, I decided to tackle Keto friendly chocolate chip waffles. They were Mickey shaped (of course!) and delicious. The recipe was from Simply Keto by Suzanne Ryan, and you can order her cookbook from Amazon. By the way, if any of you are missing the Disney theme parks and Mickey shaped waffles, you can buy the Mickey waffle maker I own from ShopDisney It makes 6 waffles at a time, and they are the exact size and shape as the ones sold at restaurants throughout Disney resorts. A little piece of Walt Disney World and Disneyland right at home!

By the time I was done with breakfast, it was about 10:30 am. Oh goodness, this was going to be a long couple of days. I know there are many of you reading this who are totally content laying around watching Netflix all day. I am not that person. Based on past experiences (i.e. 7.5 week medical leave), I get bored easily. I work two jobs partly because I just always need to be busy with something.

Luckily, I work in a small office which means I ventured into the office for a bit to stay motivated and up to date on all the changes happening rapidly in the real estate industry as a result of COVID-19. Don't worry, even with only 2-3 of us in the office, we still practiced social distancing...

 

(Side note: I have also determined that makeup is not necessary at this time.)

While working at the office, the news was released that the Governor of Florida was ordering the closure of all bars and nightclubs at 5:00 pm today, and restaurants were required to a max of 50% capacity. With the tide of things so quickly change, we ventured out for a late lunch at our favorite spot, Clear Sky Draught Haus, across the street for what may be the last time for a while. On the way back to the office, we continued to be in high spirits and channeled the Beatles when in the crosswalk (also worked great at maintaining acceptable social distances).

Once I returned home in the late afternoon, I knew I would be home for the rest of the night... no place to go, right? So it was time for some at home pampering! While relaxing with a face mask, it hit me that I won't be opening boxes upon boxes for a few weeks which means I could paint my nails and not have it be a waste of time! #Bonus!

I decided one way to make good use of my extra time was to work on finishing projects I started but never finished. So after months, I am excited to announce I finally finished knitting a pair of baby booties. Those cutie only took me about as long as it takes a human to grow a baby. So... win?

As you can see, my day was a mix of activities and work. As of now, it is my plan to get through the next few weeks without going crazy. Take note that I am finishing this blog post at about 7:00 pm. The rest of the night will be a usual evening for me, though. Relax, watch some TV, read a book, play the ukulele, color, and do a Soduku puzzle or two. The secret is out... each night I channel a 6-year-old and a 60-year-old. #sorrynotsorry

How was everyone's day of social distancing? What fun activities did you do today?

Stay strong! Be safe! Wash your hands! Don't touch your face!

Just Keep Swimming

Let's face it in the last week, a lot has changed. A LOT. Just over a week ago, COVID-19 aka Coronavirus was a news story popping up on social media feeds, a reminder that we all need to be better about washing our hands, and a real concern overseas, not in the US. Within a matter of days, the number of cases escalated quickly, and we went from business as usual to working from home, schools closing, events being cancelled, and the temporary closing of theme parks, stores, bars and restaurants. Now, all of us have quickly learned what social distancing is and doing our best to do just that. (Although, if you're an introvert like me, you've probably been training for social distancing your whole life...)

 

I am not going to use this blog to start discussing COVID-19 or anything related to that. First of all, I am not a doctor. Second, there is plenty of videos, articles, and opinions on that... every where. Instead, I'll take some time to discuss what I am doing outside of real estate work to socially distance myself to entertain you and give you some ideas of things to do when the boredom sets in. 

Having worked all weekend, today was really my first day off, which means it felt like a fairly normal day. I spent it getting a few errands done as quickly as possible. I picked up some supplies for a home project I've been meaning to do for months and will finally get done in the next few days (stay tuned...), grocery shopping (no, I didn't panic buy - grocery stores are not closing, there is not a food shortage, stay calm, folks), laundry (because that's never going away), some real estate work on the computer, and lastly playing the ukulele (when everything is changing just keep calm and jam on). In all honesty, it was a pretty average day off for me. Don't worry though, future posts will be way more exciting than today.

I know many people are disappointed, frustrated, and upset about cancelled plans, vacations, and events. Social distancing may seem extreme and crazy to some, but it does help and will make a difference. It's not a new concept, and during the 1918 Flu Pandemic, social distancing proved to help slow the spread of the virus and save lives. Embrace the time at home with your family, stay calm, and just keep swimming.

To end today's post, I will leave you with something to make you smile - penguins at the Shedd Aquarium on a field trip. 😃🐧 

Seller Tips - Getting Started

Several years ago, you may have been renting an apartment and dreaming of owning your own home. A few years later, you were a first time home buyer. Now, after some truly wonderful years living in your home, you are ready to sell - maybe you’re a newlywed or your family is outgrowing the home or you're relocating for a job. Whatever the reason, you want to list your home for sale, but you do not know anything about selling a home.

Similar to my First Time Buyer Tips post located HERE. Let’s begin with some tips to help you get ready to sell.

1. De-Clutter. Reduce the amount of personal items around your home and anything that you can live without for a while. Donate it. Pack it. Whichever you choose. The goal is to make your home look more open and make it easier for prospective buyers to picture themselves living there. Bonus: You'll have a head start on packing for moving day once your home sells.

2. Fix the Little Things. You know those items on your “Honey-Do List” that you keep saying you’ll do and then you push it off until next weekend? Take the time to fix them. Don’t worry about those huge projects that will take a lot of time and money. Focus on the little things - tighten a bolt, fix a squeaky door, replace cracked outlet plate, etc. - quick and easy items.

3. Paint. You don’t need to paint every room in the house. However, if there is a room in need of a fresh coat of paint or rooms with bold colors, paint those rooms with a neutral color. A gallon of paint can go a long way in improving the look of your home to prospective buyers and may even add some value.

4. Clean. Remember when you were a kid and your parents were having a party? You were tasked with helping to clean everything from the baseboards to the ceiling fans to all the windows? Your mom wanted the home spotless. Clean like that. Buyers will understand you are still living in the home, but a deep clean will make your home appear well maintained.

5. Interview Real Estate Agents. It is true that you can try to sell your home on your own and avoid paying a real estate agent. However, on average, using an agent usually results in a better price because an agent knows the market well and will be able to help you price your home to sell. Further, an agent is likely to be able to bring qualified buyers, market the listing professionally, and save you time. There is more to selling a home than just putting a sign in the yard, so instead of getting overwhelmed, hire an agent to do all the work for you. During your listing appointment, ask the agent about their marketing plan, sales history, and tools and technology they use to assist in selling your home. Interview a few agents then choose the agent that feels like the right fit for you.

These five steps will start you down the path, and you will be ready to list your home as soon as you have chosen your real estate agent. Stay tuned for future posts with tips of what to do once your home is listed.

#MedalMonday - Will Run for Bling

Confession: I don’t love running. Some… most days… I almost hate it. When I run, I am usually dragging my feet out the door. However, even when I say I am going to stop running, I keep doing it. 

For most of my life, running equaled failure to me. Every time I ran a mile in gym class, I always came in last. I eventually stopped caring and would just walk it. I excelled at other things, and I determined I just wasn’t a runner. That became my mindset. When I saw people running, I would think “I want to do that” and then quickly remind myself that I was not a runner.

About ten years ago, I was in Walt Disney World with friends, and it was the day after the Walt Disney World Marathon. I saw people of all athletic abilities, ages, and shapes and sizes walking around with finisher medals. My only thought was “if they can do it, why I can’t I?” At that moment, my mindset began to shift from “I’m not a runner” to “I can be a runner if I really want to be.”

After that trip, I did not go home and buy running shoes. To be honest, my focus was on finishing law school (I had one and a half years left) and then it was passing the bar and then it was finding an attorney job. The excuses piled up, but I never stopped thinking “I can be a runner if I really want to be.” 

Following years of excuses, I finally made the decision I was going to run my first 5K. I started a Couch to 5K program on my phone and got moving. I did a couple local 5Ks, and in November 2014, I traveled to Walt Disney World to run the Jingle Jungle 5K through Animal Kingdom.

After that 5K, I was hooked on running. I did not love it, but I still wanted to keep doing it. That runner’s high was real, the bling was awesome, and despite the pain and exhaustion involved, I still finished every race wanting to do more, and after only a few 5Ks, I set a goal to finish a half marathon.

A few months after that first Disney 5K, I signed up for the Disneyland Half Marathon in September 2015, and shortly after that, I signed up for the Wine and Dine Half Marathon in November 2015. My mindset had completely shifted from “I am not a runner” to “I can be a runner if I really want to be” to “I am a 5K runner” to “two half marathons? Let’s do it!” 

Every finisher medal I have received is a constant reminder that no matter how difficult something may seem, anything is possible. You just have to have the determination, the motivation, the drive, and the proper tools/methods to get there. 

I have learned to stop saying I can’t do something. Running has taught me that if I really want to do something, I can do it. I may choose not to do something, but that doesn’t mean I can’t do it if I really wanted to do it. I only needed to put in the work to get here. The sky really is the limit. Don’t hold yourself back with the mindset that you can’t do something. Believe me, you can. 

I sometimes think back to my younger self. After she struggled to finish “running” one mile, would she believe me if I went back in time to tell her that one day she would run 13 miles? Probably not. She would probably think I was mental. However, that girl who believed she was not a runner and never would be is now that girl who has ran in countless 5Ks, several 10Ks, and five half marathons. She just had to believe that she could.

“If you can dream it, you can do it.” - Walt Disney