The latest issue of Time had an interesting article regarding money spent on lobbying efforts in Washington.  The total spent in 2010 was $3.5 Billion.  Of that, the most money spent was for lobbying efforts for Finance, Insurance and Real Estate – $473 Million, almost twice the amount of the next closest group – Pharmaceuticals and other health products – $240 Million.  Not sure what it all means, but that is a lot of money spent trying to persuade legislators to support special interests.

http://bit.ly/gckopj

This was just sent to me by a neighbor and I cried while watching it.  If it touches you, too, please share it.

Carol

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These mega-homes reside in the country's ritziest and most esteemed locales.  Enjoy!

In the Manchester NH airport. No full body scanners or pat-downs, but did get my hands swabbed and tested for “chemicals”. I passed!

What could be better than sharingThanksgiving with people I love! I am so grateful to love and be loved, and I wish the same for you.

Well, neither pat down nor x-ray at the O. C. airport. Screening devices are in the airport basement but won’t be active until Jan. 2011.

Leaving shortly for my flight to the east coast. Can’t wait to go through security and see how the full body scan, or pat down, goes!

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Your neighborhood’s best defense against crime can be the very people who live and work there. Recruit them for a neighborhood watch program..

Waiting for a “short” sale to close. I feel so sorry for the clients – the processing time is inexcusable!

As we approach the Thanksgiving Holiday I go into my reflective state – a yearly occurance.  It seems that this year has been really difficult.  My first husband – the father of my children- died this month.  A very good friend just recently lost her son to brain cancer.  Today I received an email from a woman who is looking for sponsors for a marathon she is running to raise awareness for Leukemia and to encourage people to donate bone marrow:  her daughter died this year from this terrible disease.  My step-granddaughter is recovering from surgery to combat epilpsy.  All around me people are struggling with the effects of a difficult economy – losing jobs and homes, and along with those tangibles, they are losing hope and security and dignity. 

Then I start to feel sorry for myself – real estate is not nearly so much fun as it used to be, funds are tight, buyers are scarce and scared.  Sellers are frightened and worried.  I'm getting old and will probably never get to retire!  What a bleak world!

Then, just before I slip into a real funk, I shift my focus and look at the positives.  With all it's political and budgetary issues, California is still the greatest place I can think of to live.  My dog and my cats are great companions – to me and to each other.  I am old, that is true, but HEALTHY!!  My children are doing well and get along with each other and, thank goodness, with me.  I am lucky to be doing a job that I love.  My friends are plentiful and loyal.  I have a car that runs, a roof over my head, clothes to wear and enough to eat.  I am very lucky!  And I know it.

So, no more funk – I'll focus on the positives, deal with the negatives and keep on keeping on.  And please, you do the same. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Carol