Melody Botting Real Estate Network

The SPCA is a nonprofit organization that cares for animals. It takes in many homeless pets per day. They care for them physically as well as emotionally. It is not all dogs and cats, however. They often get horses, birds, and an occasional pot belly pig. Every Year there is a contest held called 'PetFlix Film Festival'. The Grand Prize is $2500! Entries must be received by May 15th with a minimal $10 fee. I love this contest because the entries are very creative and, let's face it, I love animals. This year I am considering entering the contest. The competition is fierce but I am in real estate so I am used that.

Here are some previous winners- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwbTc4SGDFY&eurl=http://www.spca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=petflixfilmfestival_videos&feature=player_embedded

And check out- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkjM_ZHynwE&feature=channel

They are too cute to miss! I will try my best to be a worthy adversary.

BTW- If you are considering pet adoption please give the beautiful animals at the SPCA a chance. They are always looking for a good home.

I had to take my car into the dealership today for various reasons. It is a three year old Black Cadillac CTS. Though it has been the love of my life since day one, I cheated. I was given the latest upgraded model of the same car in a different color. Let me tell you something, when I turned it on it certainly returned the favor.

Since I had a little time on my hands I decided to treat myself to lunch. Allen, Texas used to be a small farming town. Things have changed as of late. There are many new and exciting things going on. One is the opening of a new shopping center called Waterscreek. It has everything you would need to spend an afternoon or evening. There are lofts and condos as well. The shopping and restaurants are second to none.

I love the landscape and sound of the creek running throughout. Check out the horses. They look like they are made of copper but I am really not sure.

I had an awesome lunch at Naan. The restaurant is owned by a very ambitious young woman. The service and food are spectacular!

So are you wondering who you have to feel bad for? My husband of course. I got so 'excited' about driving that car and hanging out in Allen he will not hear the end of it for a while. We all know I usually win these battles so he should just concede now!

If you feel inclined to watch the experience in a slide show please click below. I dropped by to say hello to a friend and her pet chicken and Lab Sam. That explains the end of the video.

I went to one of my favorite restaurants with a close friend. The service was unusually slow. When the waitress finally took our order I had sinking feeling she would get it wrong. (Sometimes you just know). I made a point to explain it clearly twice. After an unacceptable period of time a manager came to the table to tell me they didn't have what I ordered. I was disappointed because I was ‘in the mood' for something particular but I couldn't have it. Being that I had invested time already I decided to stay and deal with the change. When the order was delivered to the table it was wrong. I was getting irritated and made it a point to tell the waitress what was on my mind. She was apologetic and made things right immediately.

Then the check came. It was a lot less than what I expected so I had to do some close inspection. I saw that I wasn't charged for some of what was ordered. I called the waitress back over to the table. I showed her the mistake and she informed me she omitted some things on purpose because of the slow service and mix up. I told her I didn't have a problem paying what I actually owe and wanted her to adjust the ticket. She smiled and said, "I hope you have children and you are teaching them your principles. Most people would have paid and left." This made me feel good so I started to think maybe her service wasn't so bad after all. (I know, a sucker for compliments).

Let's fast forward to a few days later. I am at the same restaurant with a prospective new agent. (Still wanting to feed the craving). The service was good and the food was great! When the check came it was exactly what I expected. I hand my card to the waitress and she says, "You were you here a few days ago, right?" Me, "Yes, is there some sort of problem?" She said, "I heard how nice you were to the other waitress and about how you wouldn't let her under charge you."

Needless to say, the agent signed with me and will be coming on next week. Not too shabby, eh? My point of telling you this is not to toot my own horn. It is to remind you the smallest amount of kindness and sticking to your principles (regardless of your disappointment in others) will be paid back in Karma or in cash. Sometimes both!

Pirate Days in The Colony, TX.  2008 was a huge success.  The festive atmosphere included- Music from local bands, food with flair, many vendors, sword fights, and Pirates from 'far, far away'.  I was there to participate in the fundraiser for the Friends of The Colony Dog Park (non-profit organization).

Bounce House!

This really works!

He just wanted to sniff the camera!

Lisa and Harrison at our table the first day!

Brandon and Mel!

Back drop of Lewisville Lake!

There was an impressive turnout for the Bow Wow Pow Wow at Bill Allen Park in The Colony, TX.  Many people enjoyed the opportunity to spend time with other dog lovers and get to know local vendors in our community.  I am one of the volunteers raising money for a dog park.  The city has approved the construction but our non-profit organization will provide funds for maintenance.  I am not asking YOU for money.  I only ask you to view my video/slide show to raise awareness of the project.  Furthermore, if you have tips or suggestions regarding how to provide a safe and dog friendly environment for our new dog park please comment.