Salutations, Gentle Reader,
Thank you for indulging me in another of my “Tuesday Muse Day” reflections. As this is the final day of 2013, it lends itself to reflection.
Do you make New Year’s resolutions? I rarely do. It isn’t that I lack room for improvement, but I undertake reformation throughout the year, and rarely do those effort coincide with January 1.
This past year saw my first full year of efforts as a professional real estate agent, and it has been a rewarding transition. Although I understand how we got it, I don’t like the stigma of real estate agents as pushy, unlistening hucksters in hot pursuit of a buck. I’ve learned and demonstrated that one can succeed in real estate without stooping to unethical, disrespectful practices. I’m proud of what James Espositio has built at Sommerlyn Associates, and I look forward to many years of collaboration with him and others in helping myriad individuals find ideal spaces for their home and/or business. I’ve been humbled by some of the compliments I’ve received. Heather Glotzer, an agent with another NYC brokerage, wrote this to me:
“David, you are a rare breed in a sea of agents here 🙂 Thank you so much and I hope to work with you in the near future!”
Another client, knowing I have a young daughter, sent me an email thanking me for my work in helping him find his new apartment. As a tangible thank you, he asked if he could send a few books to my daughter. When they arrived, I was awed by his definition of a “few books”…
There have been the frustrations, as well–like the client who backed out of a deal 90 minutes before his appointment to sign a lease, or the client who continually vacillated between the UES and the UWS, would submit an app and then withdraw it two days later. Overall, though, it’s been a good year.
2013 saw my return to the stage in the Off Off Broadway St. Jean’s Players’ production of Fiddler on the Roof. I’m planning on auditioning for a part in a one-act festival next week, and although I’m not too optimistic about my chances, I’m going for a choral audition later this week. I rediscovered a love of singing with some forays at Marie’s Crisis Cafe and The Monster–famous NYC piano bars. 2013 saw me evolve from an omnivore to a vegan. I make a point not to proselytize–much–but I know without one bit of doubt that veganism is the healthiest, most ethical lifestyle there is. Within my first three months, I dropped 25 pounds and saw decreases in both my blood pressure and cholesterol drop over 50 points. More importantly, though, is that no living creature has suffered because of my diet. I’ve also purchased my last leather belts, shoes, and gloves. I’ll wear what I currently have until it’s time to replace them, at which time, I’ll be adding vegan friendly attire to my wardrobe. 🙂
I’ve met some amazing people this year. First must be Don. This man, who has forgotten more about real estate than most people ever know, has taught me so much and also shown a tenderness of heart… I think of Don as an older brother, and he’s going though a personal challenge now that is heart rending. His courage is testimony to the best elements of the human spirit. From Sommerlyn Associates is also J2. If Don is my older brother, J2 is my younger brother–who is wise beyond his years and who, with Don, joins me in forming a trio of friends that holds a mutual respect for one another. I met Sharon Lowe, director of Fiddler on the Roof and other people also associated with that play. Just last night, I joined Sharon and her husband Charles for dinner and a time to catch up on life since the final curtain. Through social media, I became friends with another person named David, who lives in the land of my ancestors: England.
What will 2014 hold? Who knows?
There will be smiles and laughter, frowns and tears. There will be personal and professional triumphs–and setbacks. I would like to think that there might be someone out there who would look at me and say, “David!, I think you’re pretty cool. Would you consider dating?” I pray that 2014 gives me much more time with my daughter than 2013 did. And I pray that 2014 brings you, my Gentle Reader, health and wealth–and the time to enjoy them.
Remain calm, and speak well.
Be kind to yourself. Be kind to the planet. Cause no suffering. Go Vegan!
David!
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