About Oconee County, SC

People often ask me why I am doing whatever I am doing. And today, I was reading an article about the economy and all the bad "press" that's hitting the headlines and it all came together for me. When I do something for someone else, it makes me feel better. I am not looking for something in return or even a pat on the back and although an occassional thank you is nice, I don't expect it. Just think of it. When you are feeling blue, you can lift your own spirits by doing something for someone else.

My passion is the Guardian ad Litem program. I can be feeling like everything in my world is falling apart and I visit one of my kids and get that great big hug and nothing else matters. The Guardian program accepts volunteers to work with children assciated with DSS cases. My role is to be a voice for the child and make sure that their welfare is looked out for during the DSS intervention. Sometimes I support reunification with the family and sometimes I don't. What I do support is that child has someone, a constant presence, in what is happening to them in their lives.

Several of my children have aged out of the system and I still hear from them occassionally. They call to let me know what is happening, call for advice or just call because I "give it to them straight."

So, if you are feeling like the stresses of your life are weighing you down, give a hand to someone else. In today's economy there are lots of things you can do. Just simple things like making sure to REALLY tell someone to have a good day or holding a door for someone. Offer to pump someone's gas or help them get their groceries out of the cart and return the cart to the bin. It doesn't have to be big but it will be contagious!

If you are interested in learning more about the Guardian ad Litem program, in Oconee County call (864) 638-2267. Or you can visit the South Carolina website at http://www.oepp.sc.gov/gal

There was an interesting article in the Independent regarding a possible new interstate to run thru the Upstate. I am not sure how I feel about it.

We need the economic development. There would be immediate impact from jobs to build it, and jobs over the long term from new stores and restuarants.

But do we want to destroy this most beautiful asset we have? For a highway and some new fast fodd restuarants and gas stations? Those are not the jobs we might want, but they are jobs.

But some manufacturers may overlook our certain parts of the Upstate because of this. I am really torn on this issue. I love the beauty of our area but I want to see economic growth.

What do you think?

I also found this cartoon somewhere while reading other blogs and thought it might bring a smile to your face. Remember to smile, it makes people wonder what you are up to!

Prior to moving to Clemson, South Carolina, I frequently visited the area to see friends and take small vacations from the busy tourist streets of Charleston. I loved the quaint downtown which being as small as it is, still bustled with large numbers of college students and local families. I loved the 360° views of the lakes, the trees, and the mountains (things you tend to appreciate much more once you live in the city). However, I was worried that in moving to Clemson, there was one thing I would grow tired of and become annoyed with very quickly --- the color ORANGE.

Orange is everywhere you go! The stores downtown are all decorated in bright orange and Tiger paws. I've never seen so many people drive orange cars or wear orange clothes on a daily basis. Even the usually red Bilo sign...is orange. Never being a huge fan of sports, this town and its locals enveloped a pride I just couldn't grasp. I worried that in the end it would only drive me insane.

Soon after moving, however, my feelings changed. That bright orange is what ties this area together. People cannot get enough celebrating of their Clemson teams and how they make this small area of South Carolina stand out on the map. Sitting around the restaurants and sports bars in town on game days, you can't help but participate in the excited shouting and cheering even hours before the game is scheduled to start. Supposedly, even the tailgating events are larger than those of Pro-games. That pride even continues on throughout all of South Carolina with school alumni and long-time fans.

So, yes I love the old downtown, the country breeze, and the distant mountains and lakes, but I also love that Orange Pride that I now accidentally find myself a part of. I haven't been driven insane...I've only felt more at home. You can even catch me on game days --- proudly sporting my own bright orange jersey and Tiger paw earrings!!

Kristina Deaton, Sales Agent
Weichert Realtors, The WaterLinks Group
Contact at (731) 612 - 7587
Email - kristina@wrwaterlinks.com

www.WRWaterLinks.com

"It's been a long December, and there's reason to believe maybe this year will be better than the last."

Unfortunately, this simple song lyric rings true for the majority of the U.S. population for 2008. Gas prices, the Presidential election, the stock market, and just the economy in general has had people worrying about their once stable future and keeping a tight grip on their pockets. The effect it has had on families really hit me when I listened to my Aunt try to explain to her children why they wouldn't be receiving as much for Christmas. Yes, it was a long December....it was a long 2008.

Even being one of the top investments in the country, the effect on the Real Estate market has been no different. With the surplus of inventory and the outstanding low interest rates, the market is leaning strong for buyers, yet the media coverage has people too frightened to test the waters. When I tell people that I'm now in the Real Estate business, their reaction is always the same. "Real Estate!?! Why would you do that in this economy?" However, my feelings are that if I can use this time to really learn and make my way, then I will be ten times the agent when the market turns around.

And that attitude can be applied to everything. If you can stay focused, smart, and make it through today, it will only make you better down the road. Yes, it has been a long, rough year for everyone, but I can only believe that this year will be better. The uncertainty of an impending election is gone and at least for now, gas prices are much more tolerable. So, let me extend to everyone the best for the New Year and a better 2009.

Kristina Deaton, Sales Agent
Weichert Realtors, The WaterLinks Group

www.WRWaterLinks.com

Weichert Realtors, The WaterLinks Group and Lake Keowee

As each week goes by and the agents of Weichert Reators, The WaterLinks group continue to explore the homes and land of Lake Kewoee I continue to be suprised by what this area has to offer.

At Weichert Realtors, The Waterlinks Group we make it a point to have all our agents be familiar with inventory there is on and around Lake Keowee. Every week we continue our exploration and develop a strong insight into what is out there for us to offer our clients.

The large number of homes and lots that are available and the variety of all the different developments make it a pleasure to be apart of this Real Estate Market.

Not only does this market offer potential buyers a full array of homes or lots but an economic environment that is very comfortable when in comparison to other areas. Low utilities, fair taxes to just mention a few.

I have live here for over five year and when I talk to friends around this country and even in this state they are suprised at what this area has to offer.

What a way of life!!!!

James A. Smith, Broker-In-Charge

Weichert Realtors, The WaterLinks Group

www.wrwaterlinks.com