Brenda Ballard, At the Beach and Beyond!

Too corny, but tonight it seems funny. Guess this day has gone on too long!

In order to keep you abreast of the ever-developing world of musical terminology, we provide herewith the latest additions to the esteemed Harvard Dictionary of Music:

ALLREGRETTO When you're 16 measures into the piece and realize you took too fast a tempo

ANGUS DEI To play with a divinely beefy tone... See More

A PATELLA Accompanied by knee-slapping

APPOLOGGIATURA A composition that you regret playing

APPROXIMATURA A series of notes not intended by the composer, yet played with an "I meant to do that" attitude

APPROXIMENTO A musical entrance that is somewhere in the vicinity of the correct pitch

CACOPHANY [aka CACOUGHONY] A composition incorporating many people with chest colds

CORAL SYMPHONY A large, multi-movement work from Beethoven's Caribbean Period

DILL PICCOLINI An exceedingly small wind instrument that plays only sour notes

FERMANTRA A note held over and over and over and over and . . .

FERMOOTA A note of dubious value held for indefinite length

FIDDLER CRABS Grumpy string players

FLUTE FLIES Those tiny mosquitoes that bother musicians on outdoor gigs

FRUGALHORN A sensible and inexpensive brass instrument

GAUL BLATTER A French horn player

GREGORIAN CHAMP The title bestowed upon the monk who can hold a note the longest

GROUND HOG Someone who takes control of the repeated bass line and won't let anyone else play it

PLACEBO DOMINGO A faux tenor

SCHMALZANDO A sudden burst of music from the Guy Lombardo band

THE RIGHT OF STRINGS Manifesto of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Violists

SPRITZICATO An indication to string instruments to produce a bright and bubbly sound

TEMPO TANTRUM What an elementary school orchestra is having when it's not following the conductor

TROUBLE CLEF Any clef one can't read: e.g., alto clef for pianists

VESUVIOSO An indication to build up to a fiery conclusion

VIBRATTO Child prodigy son of the concertmaster

I have escaped from home for a few days and yes, you've guessed it. I'm staying at a Marriott. "Leave a trail of genius" is the slogan or motto on Marriott notepads and is featured throughout the hotel on various brochures and paperwork.

This little phrase generated some rather serious reflection today. I began to wonder about my legacy and if I even had one. What do I want people to remember about me when I am no longer around? That is to say, when I've moved on, either from this mortal coil, or relocated to Costa Rica as per my exit strategy!

We learned in a Vision Quest session today that we should, if we haven't already done so, determine our purpose, and put it into a few words, on paper. I confess, I've struggled with that for years, both from a spiritual level and a simplistic position of why am I doing what I'm doing.

I've always ‘tested' as a RED. Control freak, Gimme the bottom line, Don't bore me with all the details, and if I've wanted something, I've always gone after it, and 99.9% of the time was not disappointed. Yes, I've been blessed in many ways.

I've always been one after answers, and like things orderly. I try very hard to be right. I've never enjoyed being under the influence because I don't like being out of control. Likewise, I don't like roller coasters, and prefer to drive(in the left lane) as opposed to riding shotgun, unless I'm sleeping.

I enjoy leadership positions as the jobs seem easy to me. I don't mind decision-making and love working toward the betterment of any organization I belong to. I like to think I play well with others, but I really don't know how to play. I just want to get the thing, whatever that is, done-efficiently and completely. Twenty years ago, I decided that I wanted a seat at whatever table where decisions were made about how I earned my living. That's when I worked toward becoming a Realtor® leader.

So back to leaving a trail of whatever...

I'd like to believe I've done no real harm. I hope I've left things I've touched somewhat better than I found them. I hope I've exhibited compassion and care for everyone, loving them as commanded. But please, please get with the program, or get out of my way. No genius, just decency.

My purpose will need a little more R and D. For tonight, I will end with the following:

What motivates me? Why do I get out of bed every morning? Why do I do what I do? Because it's what I'm supposed to do...

I think.

Our meetings in Washington DC have been wonderful. It is always great to see you all at these gatherings. The CIPS breakfast was fun and we welcomed the newest CIPS designees! I then attended the International Operations committee meeting where we were updated on a variety of issues and NAR positions from immigration reform(Silver Visa), foreign investor regulations, and other housing initiatives. I am so honored to be a presidential appointee to that committee.

Of particular interest to me was the announcement of a possible trade mission to Chile, scheduled for later in the year. Jose Serrano of Raleigh NC will be coordinating that. I really would like to participate in that. The Peru mission a few years ago was wonderful!

My dear friend Bonnie Carris, of Gig Harbor, Washington, invited me as her guest to the FIABCI gathering here in Washington and has finally talked me into joining FIABCI. Watch out, here I come everyone! Bonnie is really working the international business, from China to Viet Nam, to Central America and beyond. She has recently been appointed as the world FIABCI marketing chairperson. Bonnie and I go way back. Once upon a time, we were office partners in Emerald Isle, North Carolina. She will travel later this year to Cannes, France for a FIABCI gathering. Hooray for Bonnie!

Now I must trade hats and enter my other area of real estate speciality, the Women's Council of Realtors. Our activities begin today. The first session this morning was all about different aspects of social networking. LinkedIn, FaceBook, ActiveRain, and Twitter were all discussed with pros and cons for each. It proved to be an interesting and lively session.

I return to North Carolina on Sunday, to list and sell at the beach! I welcome your referrals!

On the 4th Wednesday of each month, the local chapter of the Women's Council of Realtors, the Crystal Coast Chapter meets to learn, network, and yes, upon occasion, we socialize!

Our programs are always stellar. You can check out our programs for yourself at www.wcrcrystalcoast.com! Today's meeting was one of the very best. Our ‘young turk' president, Amy Hahn, presented Blogging for Dummies. Folks, this was a great program! It was organized, and absolutely chock-full of great, useful information.

This is the same ‘young Gen Y turk', who about a year ago, would barely speak above a whisper from the podium. Today she had the audience in the palm of her hand! There was plenty of lively audience participation, and loads of humor. Thanks, Amy! You rock!

On a personal note, I am so proud of her for all she is doing and I am so grateful for Amy's diplomatic and skillful leadership this year. Her leadership potential is enormous. I am looking forward to, with great anticipation, her future volunteer roles. What an asset for our local chapter! The Crystal Coast Chapter is so fortunate to have her.

Amy

Our Mission

"We are a network of successful REALTORS® empowering women to exercise their potential as entrepreneurs and industry leaders."

Yes, I love WCR and I love 4^th Wednesdays. For one hour, I get to ‘feed' off the expertise, experience, and energy from a roomful of fellow professionals in the real estate industry. For the price of lunch, I always take away something that will help me in my own professional development and business. In one room, there is no question too insignificant to ask, no competition to worry over, and no industry issue which cannot be discussed. WCR is my professional organization of choice and my professional home.

Oh, in case you were wondering, we do eat real food too! The Country Club of the Crystal Coast has a phenomenal menu and chef.

For more information about WCR or for property anywhere in Carteret or Onslow Counties, call me, Brenda Ballard, 1 800 COAST NC or email me at Brenda@BrendaBallard.com

I am no exception! I've been reviewing, revamping, reenergizing for 2009. Here are my resolutions, not to be confused with the business plan.

2009 Resolutions

1. Fine tune systems and techniques; eliminate what is NOT working.
2. Empty drawers and closets of clutter
3. Refuse negative impulses and thoughts
4. Ensure that private, meditation time is NEVER preempted
5. Eat healthier
6. Walk each day
7. Pray without ceasing
8. Sing more
9. Envision future and goals each day
10. Keep learning, take more classes
11. Review my Spanish and practice it
12. Digitize all snapshots
13. Communicate more regularly with friends
14. Work international market-Central America

Regarding the business plan: is anyone else out there having a problem determining how many units they need to sell in 09? Based on my 08 production, those numbers would be ridiculous. So where does one begin? Do I start over, as if a rookie, when I've been in the business almost 20 years? Do I just pull a number from thin air and work toward it?

Last year, I took out my plan and looked at it each month and tried to pull rabbits from the hat. Nothing seemed to make a difference. This year, I am not even sure how to construct a realistic plan. My 2009 business planning process is speculative and based on concept rather than actual data. That makes me nervous. Is this something I can honestly say is going to be a business tool for me? Or, is it simply a paper exercise?

As I intend to remain in this business, I will NOT fold my tent and seek another career path, although my ‘numbers' might indicate that is the case. So, for tonight, my 2009 business plan is fluid. I will continue to be the real estate professional I know I am and work this business with all the energy, integrity and skill I possess. How's that?