Frances C. Rokicki, Broker~Mentor,CRS

I have set a goal, to clean out all of my "stuff." Every week, I fill one of those big black trash bags with things that I just don't use anymore. I keep saving things, why? How did I ever get so caught up in this? Here's the bright ideas!

I work out of my home. I started my own brokerage, 5 1/2 years ago. Keeping everything in one room has been a challenge, but, I have done pretty good with that. I am shredding old files, except for the last three years. I have files from the last 25 years! Yes, they all need to go. Many of the old forms, make me laugh. It's so much easier today, using Zipform Online. Who knew? Old computers, printers, cameras and more. All of it, has to go!

Yes, my children's things are sweet and will not be disposed of. Now that I have a Grandson, I pass most of the things on to him. Works out very well, because, it is still moving it out of my house.

Many of the personal items, will go to a local organization. I cannot throw good things away, when I know that there might be a need for them and they are in good condition. Easy enough. Just fill up the car and make a run to drop them off. Tax deduction, too!

I, usually, do a yearly cleanout in the fall. Having made this new goal to clean out my house, has moved up the time frame and ramped up the task. Some of the stuff that I have found, really makes me laugh. Good memories and good times.

What about all those old photos and tapes? Well, I noticed that Sam's Club, offers a service to transfer and store your photos and tapes on disc. I am looking forward to doing that. I think that I will make copies for each of my children and a few for my nieces and nephews.

There are companies, throughout the country, who make boxes for storage, of all sizes. If there is something that you absolutely, are just not sure that you can part with, I would suggest contacting one of those companies and safely store those items. Maybe, at a later date, you can decide what to do with those items.

Then, there is a tag sale. Not ready to do that, yet. It may be an option in the future.

Hope that your "stuff" let's you remember and keep momentos of some good times!

Are you signed up, yet? Preparing for this event, the travel, the luncheon networking meetings, and the grand show that Brian Buffini will be presenting, are all about to begin.

Remember to pack many business cards to share with others at the event. Southern California weather can be cool, so bring a light jacket or sweater.

The event will be held at the San Diego Convention Center. Plenty of hotels around this area to keep all of us:) I haven't checked the schedule for the Petco Park baseball games, yet. One year, we met and spoke with Roger (the Rocket) Clemens. We remembered seeing him in Boston when he pitched for the Boston Red Sox. Oh, yes, I am definitely, a Boston baseball fan!

There are beautiful beaches nearby, also. Just a short cab ride away. Area tourist attractions are the San Diego Zoo (which is awesome), Disneyland (about a two hour drive), Lego Land, Coronado Island, Catalinia Island (Just beautiful), the Queen Mary and more.

Hope to meet you there! This will be my tenth MasterMind Event. I have, in the past, brought my children, their spouses and good friends. All of us leave, changed, and renewed.

Whether you are young or old, learn to live and celebrate, every day. We all plan for the future and look forward to those days of rest and relaxation. Life can keep you busy, but, you must learn to relax and take time for yourselves. Time is flying by, so do try to pace yourself.

Here are a few goals for examples;

Plan that trip to the tropics. Feel that sand in your toes. Swim in that blue caribbean water. The Bahamas offer good discounts, all year.

Look into purchasing a "winter home." We New Englander's look forward to a trip to Florida during the winter months. Owning a second home, whether it be for skiing in New England or for the warmth of the sun, in Florida, it can be a huge benefit for you and your family. Florida is our favorite winter destination.

Take a cruise. They have two day trips, if you are short on funds or time. Taking the trip will clear your head and you will come home, refreshed.

Go for a ride on a lake or pond with a kayak or boat. Summer afternoons and early evenings are the perfect time to relax and refresh. We even throw in fishing when we relax on the weekends. We never keep the fish, just send them back to the water:) Yet, smiles are everywhere for the catch. Who caught one first? Who's was bigger? I used to name the ones that I caught! LOL! Such good times!

Walk, everyday. Whether it be in the morning or evening, the fresh air and exercise will make you feel better. We have bike and walking paths, here in my area. My bike is purple and easy to navigate:)

You can add some of your own. Whatever they may be, don't wait. Life is short and you need to enjoy every minute that you can. Twenty years from now, you don't want to remember the things that you were sorry that you never did. You will smile from the memory of the things that you did do:)

Go out, make memories and have fun!

Great achievement is usually born of great sacrifice, and is never the result of selfishness. Napoleon HIll

Many of us are busy running around, trying to keep the fires out of our business. During this market, many of us are sacrificing their time and money. Time spent with family is less, too Though, if you plan your day well, you can do both and successfully. Try your hardest, to make both work for you.

There is no better value than time spent with those that you love. It is a gift and should not be taken lightly. Balancing the time of work and life, is truly a challenge that we face, everyday. Enjoy those special moments in time, for they are what memories are made of.

Just a wish, for Dad's and grateful kids, to enjoy this special day!

My Dad was an excellent cook, great to have a catch with and we did many projects together. He could sew, cook, clean, paint, work on cars, and fix just about anything that he touched. Some of my best childhood memories are those silly days that I spent with my Dad, just working on yard stuff:) He was always up to something and seemed to need my help with whatever project he had planned to work on.

I thank my Dad, for all those moments of sharing, teaching me and loving me to pieces:) Those times are still, all these years later, invaluable!