It sounds unbelievably cliche but I CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S CHRISTMAS ALREADY! This year has been simulataneously the BEST and WORST year ever. I’ve taken a lot of hard lessons this year which I know will serve me well in the future but I also faced a lot of setbacks. Here are some high/lowlights:

#1. I LOST MY DRIVER’S LICENCE FOR HALF THE YEAR

I admit when I make mistakes. I got caught for the umpteenth time texting and driving (I can’t blame the tesla’s auto drive because I know it’s against the law) which forced ICBC’s hand to suspend my license till April 2019. This caused a whirlwind of impacts because I’m a REALTOR and a “BUSINESS GUY”, I need to travel for appointments so I ended up getting a driver. I always thought I was an extremely extroverted person so I wouldn’t mind having someone attached at my hip but as it turns out having that alone time in the car between appointments really helps me relax and make better decisions. I have now found a newfound appreciation for some alone time! I’ve been taking walks now to get that time to myself and it has been very rewarding for me. Negative becomes positive!

#2. I TOOK A LONG VACATION FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 5 YEARS

I’m hyper-routine person that loves my family, friends and work deeply. So I never feel the urge to travel because I have so much fun in Vancouver. I promised Pri we would go to Europe and that we did. It was an eye opening experience for both my education and our relationship. We got along so well and had a lot of great times and I got to see all the paintings and sculptures, listen to the music and taste the food that I have been hearing about my whole life. I gained a wider perspective but I really missed home after a few days. I love Vancouver and my normal life so much and it was a further realization of all the good I have in my life.

#3. THE REAL ESTATE MARKET WENT FROM SUPER HOT TO SUPER NOT

The market took a tumble this year so sales were down a bit from last year for my personal business. This is the first time this has ever happened to me. For the last 13 years, every year has always been a bit better than the last. I was doing everything exactly the same as I have always done but things didn’t sell as quickly so there was a drop off in total sales. I was happy with the year overall but we’re planning on ramping up the marketing and improving services more next year. We ended up ranked 10th overall for REALTORs in Greater Vancouver but I know we can do better. Something to look forward to

#4. I PITCHED FOR A BIG PROJECT AND LOST

I pitched for a large scale tower project in Greater Vancouver and LOST. I worked very hard on it, did everything I said I would do in previous projects and still LOST… In fact I don’t even think I was close. Reflecting back I know where I made the mistakes and will improve but it always hurts to lose. I think this may be the best thing and I won’t be discouraged for the next one. I know I need to improve and am willing to do so. Perhaps I wasn't ready for a project of that size, I’ll be ready next time!

#5. I MOVED TO KERRISDALE

I moved to a new place without a tenant downstairs or neighbour above or below me for the first time in my life. I always wither shared a room or lived in a condo or house with a suite. I LOVE THE PRIVACY but my social life took a toll because no one wants to come here its so far. I gained an appreciation for my own space and privacy which I’ve never had. Plus and minus but overall a plus.

#6 TO BE CONTINUED…

This post is long… I’ll continue another time