Long time readers will know that I occasionally go off on a rant or three. Often about things seemingly non-real estate related (like towing scams, though I would argue that any sort of community news or happening is very much real estate related).
Anyway, looking back over the last few posts, I see a little trend of what could be perceived as just wee bit of negativity. Heck, my good friend Howard Arnoff of Charleston Real Estate said this in a comment a few days ago:
Jay, you’ve been in attack mode for a couple of days, part time agents, lack of pictures (but I couldn’t agree more).
Who or what are you going after next
And that was before the whole Mill Avenue towing thing blew up.
So today’s post will be about puppies and bunnies (literally and metaphorically). Let’s face it, you don’t get much cuter and sweeter than puppies and bunnies. Unless you’ve got a heart of stone (or the mind of a serial killer), you can’t look at that photo up above and not smile and think “Aww, how freaking cute is that?”
(Incidentally, that photo is used with permission from Warren Photographic in the UK. They have some very cool work there. Give them a visit.)
Puppies and bunnies make me smile. Real estate makes me smile most of the time. The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and the Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that provide me the freedom to say what I think on this very blog – the good, the bad and the ugly – make me grin from ear to ear.
My friends and especially my family are way better than puppies and bunnies. So is a nice medium-rare steak with a frosty beer. Events like Ignite Phoenix, #EVFN and the amazing friends I’ve met in the Phoenix “social media community” pretty much blow away even puppies and bunnies. Ditto for me RE.net pals.
Wanna know another cool puppy and bunny moment? Getting emails from a Tempe police detective and the Tempe Community Relations Manager, a call from a Tempe Councilmember and the Mayor of Tempe all expressing the same frustration I have over the towing mess. Heck, even the guys at Monster’s impound lot must like puppies and bunnies as they were some pretty nice guys. There are puppies and bunnies to be found everywhere.
Let’s face it. Sometimes life sucks. Sometimes you have to deal with negative people, lousy service, general incompetence, a shitty real estate market and even getting scammed and ripped off.
Most of life though really is filled with puppies and bunnies. Those are the things you enjoy, and the things that make life worth living.
So if life’s bringing you down, if you find yourself letting the negative waves put you off, then get out there and pet a puppy and kiss a bunny or something.
Fear not. This blog isn’t changing to be some pie-in-the-sky let’s gather ‘round the campfire and sing Kumbaya kind of place. You’ll still get the straight scoop and my unadulterated opinion whether you like it or not. I ain’t sugar-coating nothing.
But today is puppy and bunny day!
So enjoy it damn it.
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Thanks, Jay. The puppies and bunnies have been missing from my life lately as well. I appreciate the reminder.
**Kris Berg´s last blog post..Consumer Alert – FHA spot approvals are on their death bed.
I HEART puppies and bunnies! But technically it’s Eat An Oreo Day! (which brings a smile to most faces… just like puppies and bunnies!) However, this is a nice reminder to look at the bright side of a stressful profession. After our talk at NAR Mid-Year I decided to search out more “puppies and bunnies” and big changes are in store for me soon! Thanks Jay!
Mmmmmm Oreo’s….
Yeah, eating Oreo’s is a definite puppy & bunny moment.
Nice post Jay. Seems like everybody I talk to these days, regardless of industry, is having a tough year. Sometimes we need to look a little harder to find the bright side..
Me? The kids are with Grandma tonight, so I’ll be enjoying some Puppies & Bunnies Jim Beam and quality time with Cheryl!
**Chris Butterworth´s last blog post..Phoenix is a Big Grid
Sweetie pies or kicks in the keister, Jay always does it with class.
Jay, I know you’re a real softy at heart and the puppies and bunnies makes a great picture. But I think what you had was catching because I posted a little rant today.
**howard´s last blog post..I can’t show you that home for sale
Snorrrrrrr…
I think I’ll go see what Jonathan Dalton is writing about.
**John Wake´s last blog post..Phoenix Area Home Market at a Glance – May MLS median sold price UP $4,000
Jay, I just want to welcome you to the “angry old man” club.
There is even a commentary in the AC Press from Gregory Rodriguez about this topic. He writes, “The snarling John McCain versus the unflappable Barrack Obama” in this short essay, We may be entering the age of the angry old man. I think you’re our source of unflappable truth and justice. Forget the puppies and ice cream. Howard has been a member of the club, too. It hasn’t been all sunshine down in the Carolinas.
And, please. When you go to the NAR don’t sugar coat it. Maybe the problem is we haven’t been angry enough. Maybe if we all spoke up sooner we wouldn’t be in this economic mess. Puppies and kittens are cute but no one wants stray dogs and feral cats running in the neighborhood.
Jay,
I’ve read several R.E. blogs lately where the blogger has been an obvious victim of the times and let it show, much more so than your post about towing. Let’s face it, the human condition has swings and sometimes an honest look at the hard to take stuff lets us appreciate the puppies and bunnies all the more. Thanks!
I think its great when bloggers use their blog to shine a light on something bad happening in the community like you did with the towing post. But there is also nothing wrong with puppies and bunnies as well
**Jill´s last blog post..Houston Real Estate Market Stats for April
I like puppies and bunnies also, but rember someone has to clean up after puppies and bunnies. As cute as they are they are poop machines. It is the yen and yang, sweet and sour thing.
Okay, enough puppies and bunnies… back on the attack Jay its more fun.
**Dean Ouellette´s last blog post..tempe-edgewater-condo-101-pool.jpg
Well, this was a nice change from some of the gloomy news! And on a metaphoric level, a nice way to remind us all to look at the bright side of things!
Sometimes, busy people need a break from their busy schedule and try to find their own puppies and bunnies. Thanks for finding time to share a “feel-good” story.
what a great picture, could do with that on a birthday card
As a side note to puppies and also forgotten kittens, cats and dogs. Please take a moment to consider the forgotten pets in the country in the foreclosure homes. We have the high summer temperatures and keep finding abandoned pets. (5 new kittens needing homes) Here is a link to the Maricopa Realtor ” Lost Our Home Pet Foundation – Our Mission” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D92wNI1WxC8
Jay – I think you should just tell it like it is
Of course you don’t need my permission.
It is truly refreshing to read articles such as this one…As our economy has hit some rough patches, more people are unemployed, etc. the morale and good attitude as hit a low as well. Having a positive outlook can change a bad situation instantly. I am delighted that someone has taken the time to write such an article of brightness. Thank you, Jay.
Jay always has that different angle to take. When dogs and cats can lie down together we might be able to see some significant changes. Good job Jay.
Great “wake up call” post-though things are bad or seem pretty bad at the moment, it is always important to focus on what is going well, and let the things you can’t control just work themselves out, because eventually, they will.
Hi Jay, thank you for the perk up. It’s nice to look at the good things instead of the bad.
Southlake Luxury Real Estate
i just love puppies .this one is a great pic.
i just love puppies .this one is a great pic.
I personally enjoy your rants. When dealing with negative people you need to detach yourself from their negative vibes. You have to continue to think positive otherwise your doomed for the day.
I personally enjoy your rants. When dealing with negative people you need to detach yourself from their negative vibes. You have to continue to think positive otherwise your doomed for the day.