Brainerd Lakes Real Estate News

    I hope these life lesson quotes are helping you, as much as they have helped me. We already know all this, but it is good to hear others say what we have been thinking.  It also helps to know that we are not alone in our experiences and times of testing and trials.  No matter what your chosen profession, there will be times when you experience an off-day or it may be even longer. How do you react ? What is your plan of action?

     "You're not obligated to win.  You're obligated to keep trying to do the best you can every day....Don't assume a door is closed; push on it.  Don't assume if it was closed yesterday that it is closed today.  It doesn't matter how many times you fall down, you get up."

                                              ~ Marian Wright Edelman, founder and president of the Children's Defense Fund

  photo by Krispy Krumb

   ~photo by saipal

     Why do people attempt to climb dangerous mountains?  Why do people try to break the records in the Guinness Book of World Records? Why do people try so hard to do what no one else or so few have been able to do? They like the challenge.  They think they can and often they do, go -  where no one has gone before.

     "My mother told me to believe that the only obstacles you're going to have are the ones that you fabricate for yourself....If you don't know how to do something or if something scares you or looks impossible, you're going to work a lot harder.  Whether you have succeeded or failed, there's more gratification in trying something that you haven't done and didn't know how to do." 

                            ~Anne Sweeney, co-chair of Disney Media Networks and president of Disney-ABC Television
 

     Are you ready to challenge yourself?  It's okay - you can do it! 

                                      photo by agoode

                                                SHHHHH ~ HE IS SLEEEPING...READ QUIETLY

    We are all uniquely made and have our own personal strengths and weaknesses.  We need to recognize what we proficient  in and what things we really are not good at.  There is a point where you need to accept yourself, as you are.  There is also a time to strengthen your weaknesses. First, you need to be able to recognize them. In business, we may be able to assign someone else that task ( i.e. - hire an accountant) or we need to study, practice and improve.

     "Integrate what you believe into every single area of your life.  Take your heart to work, and ask the most and best of everybody else too.  Don't let your special character and values - the secret that you know and no one else does, the truth - get swallowed up by...complacency."

                                                                       ~Meryl Streep, 13-time Academy Award-nominated actress 

complacency - A feeling of contentment or self-satisfaction, especially when coupled with an unawareness of danger, trouble, or controversy.

  You are enjoying your job and things are going well - until a door slams shut, a deal falls through, a contract has loopholes and your client goes through them.  You find yourself contemplating: becoming a hermit, taking a vacation permanently, going back to school and becoming a Climatologist.  All these may be the correct choices for you, but you need to listen to others who are wiser and unemotionally involved in the situation. Don't be afraid or too proud to ask for advice.  Find a good mentor and be one.

     "There is nothing wrong with holding an opinion and holding it passionately.  But at those times when you're absolutely sure that you are right, go find somebody who disagrees.  Don't allow yourself the easy course of the constant "Amen" to everything that you say."

 ~ Condoleezza Rice, United States Secretary of State                                                ~fish by katmere

I know that some of you will be spending time at your local mall shopping for just the right present for someone in your life.  This shopping takes time, it is extremely hard work and you GET HUNGRY.  Everywhere you look is another restaurant, another kiosk, the enticing smells, the sights - you have to eat now !

Don't let all this holiday spirit go to your head - or should I say your waistline.  There are good healthy choices to make even in the fast food realm. Take note that the calorie count listed is for ONE item. Three Junior sandwiches are three times the calories. No excuses accepted! 

    Just to really ruin this for you - stride out between stores and don't take the escalator or elevator. Work it!!!! 

• Arby's

• Junior roast beef - 273 calories                                                     photo by hanneoria
  
• Martha's Vineyard Salad (no dressing) - 276 calories

 

• Atlanta Bread Company


• Greek salad - 200 calories
• Garden vegetable soup - 100 calories
• Black bean and ham soup - 250 calories

 

• Au Bon Pain
  
  • Tomato Florentine low fat soup - 80 calories
  • Mediterranean chicken salad - 350 calories
  • Thai chicken salad 140 calories

   

• Baja Fresh Mexican Grill
  
  • Baja Ensalada with chicken - 310 calories
  • Side salad with Salsa Verde - 85 calories

   

• Boston Market


• Asian grilled chicken salad (no dressing/hold the noodles) - 300 calories
• Tortilla soup (no toppings) - 80 calories

 

• Burger King
  
  • Fire-grilled chicken garden salad (no dressing or toast) - 310 calories
  • Whopper Jr.zSB(3,3)- 370 calories

   

• Chik-fil-A
  
  • Hearty Breast of Chicken Soup - 140 calories
  • Chargrilled chicken garden salad (no dressing)- 180 calories
  • Chargrilled chicken sandwich (no sauce) - 270 calories

   

• Dairy Queen
  
  • Grilled chicken salad (no dressing) - 240 calories
  • Grilled chicken sandwich - 340 calories
  • DQ Homestyle burger - 290 calories

   

• El Pollo Loco
  
  • Chicken soft taco - 237 calories
  • Corn cobbettee - 90 calories
  • Pinto beans - 138

   

• Panda Express
  
  • Beef with broccoli - 150 calories
  • Black pepper chicken - 200 calories
  • Mandarin chicken - 250 calories

   

• Panera Bread
  
  • Low-fat vegetarian black bean soup - 160 calories
  • Low-fat vegetarian garden vegetable soup - 90 calories
  • Smoked turkey breast sandwich on sour dough - 230 calories
  • Classic Café Salad - 170 calories

   

• Subway
  
  • Turkey breast 6" sandwich - 280 calories
  • Veggie Delite salad - 60 calories
  • Grilled chicken breast strips salad - 140 calories
  • Sweet onion chicken Teriyaki 6" sandwich - 370 calories

   

• Taco Bell
  
  • Soft taco, Fresco style - 190 calories
  • Ranchero chicken soft taco, Fresco style - 140 calories
  • Pintos 'n Cheese - 180 calories

   At times, we will have periods in which we doubt as to whether the career path we have chosen is an appropriate fit for us. In fact, on the average, you can expect to have between three and five career changes during your lifetime, and up to six job changes within a career.  Whether you are a Home Stager, Realtor, or loan broker these bits of advice from others in this series, may tell you something that you have been needing to hear - right now.

     "Inevitably, if you aim high enough, you will be buffeted by demands of family, friends and employment that will conspire to distract you....You will find your strongest beliefs ridiculed and challenged; principles that you cherish may be derisively dismissed by those claiming to be more practical  or realistic than you.  But no matter how weary you may become in persuading others to see the value in what you value, have courage still - and persevere." 

 ~ Madeline Albright, 64th U.S Secretary of State ~

  What are your family plans for the day after Thanksgiving?  If you are in the vicinity of Nisswa, Minnesota - check out the CITY OF LIGHTS events. Welcome in the holiday season with fun, food , and yes, there is shopping involved for those who can not resist. The afternoon is full of events!

• Hay wagon rides start at 2:30pm, Motor City of Nisswa will have crafts & food
  
• Mrs. Claus from 3-8 with shuttle service provided at the Dairy Queen in the Nisswa Square,
• The historic Pioneer Village opens at 4:45pm by candle light with music, free hot cider & donut holes and crafts demonstration by the  Black Bear 4-H Club,
• Storytelling at 4:00pm & 6:30PM,
  
• Food merchants start at 4:00pm,
  
• Rachel's Bakery is having a cake walk at 4:30
• Bonfires are lit at 4:30pm                                                                  photo by Krisdecurtis
  
• Holiday carolers & holiday band start at 5:00pm,
• Lighting of the Luminaries at 5:15pm. COUNT DOWN TO TURNING ON ALL THE LIGHTS at 5:29pm,
• Love Lights A Tree Ceremony at 5:35pm,
  
• SANTA will be in the Nisswa Square at 2:30, then to the Gazebo at 6:00pm.
  
• To end the days' activities  -  the dazzling display of fireworks at 7:30pm!!
  
• Also, the businesses will be open to enjoy shopping and dining throughout Nisswa

      The Love Lights a Tree is lit with shining white lights - each light has been donated in memory or honor of a loved person in one’s life. If you want to participate in this, please contact the Nisswa Chamber, 218-963-2620. For more information call the Nisswa Area Historical Society at 218-963-3570

              ~All proceeds go to the Good Samaritan Homecare & Hospice Program in Brainerd.~

     The members of the Encore Art club in Brainerd, Minnesota are having a display of their paintings at the Brainerd Public Library.  The display will run through January 31. 2008.  Be sure to visit this free exhibition of local art work.  Members of the Encore Art club whose work is on display are: Lily Alwel, Irene Donhue, Phyllis Frankum, Lorna Klein, Virginia MacArthur, Jan Roberts, Helen Smith, Sandy Walker, Sherri Wagner and Gail Walsh. 

      The media will include mixed media, watercolor, acrylic, Asian ink, oil and abstract. 

The Brainerd Public Library is located at:

    The Oxtrot  Artists will sponsor an Oxpedititon of Art displayed in the Brainerd Lakes area with over 30 statues of oxen  uniquely painted.  The idea is reminescent of the Charlie Brown statues and the  regional horses  from the past years that gained great favor with visitors to the state.  The statues are sponsored by individuals and businesses and painted by area artists chosen by the sponsoring organization. The statues may be displayed in front of the sponsoring business or any where else they chose.

     This project is sponsored by the Crossing Arts Alliance in partnership with Avalon Studios and the Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce. It has been specifically designed to foster new relationships with area artists and businesses.  And of course, there is the all important aspect of tourism that keeps the Lakes area alive. 

     Babe the Blue Ox will be painting the town next summer and you have a front row seat to the beginning of this Tall Tale. Come discover what “Oxtrotting” is and how You can be part of the Oxpedition.

     If you have any questions or need more information please contact the Event Coordinator Josh Porter (218) 851-7965 josh@theoxtrot.com

                                                                                               Better Homes & Gardens table setting 

     Ever wonder how Thanksgiving became an official holiday in the United States of America? From our elementary history studies, we know it all started with the Pilgrims or perhaps it was the Puritans. There is a fascinating History of Thanksgiving video  here. 

It has changed much over the years and now for some is merely a time to eat , drink and watch the football game.  At our house, we still pause to give thanks to God -  for he is our Provider, Creator, Lord and Savior. Last Sunday our Pastor urged us to set aside some personal time on Thanksgiving to reflect and thank God. Whether it be before the guests arrive or after everyone else is in bed - I urge you to do this also. He is the Reason for this Season, as well.

Wikipedia: 

     The early settlers of Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts were particularly grateful to Squanto the Native American and former British slave who taught them how to both catch eel and grow corn and also served as their native interpreter. Without Squanto's assistance, the settlers might not have survived in the New World.

     The Plymouth settlers (who came to be called "Pilgrims") set apart a holiday immediately after their first harvest in 1621. They held an autumn celebration of food, feasting, and praising God. The Governor of Plymouth invited Grand Sachem Massasoit and the Wampanoag people to join them in the feast. Evidence to support that claim came from diaries of Plymouth. The settlers fed and entertained the Native Americans for three days, at which point some of the Native Americans went into the forest, killed 5 deer, and gave them to the Governor as a gift.

     National Thanksgiving Proclamations proclaim thanks for God’s providence in the events of the nation and, as President Washington explained in his Thanksgiving Proclamation, "for the many signal favors of Almighty God" in the lives of the people.

     As Congress recognized the importance of Thanksgiving observance, President George Washington issued a national Thanksgiving Proclamation in 1789. He wrote, "Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be—That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks—for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country...for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his Providence which we experienced in the tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed...and also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions—to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually...To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us—and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best."

     In 1789 Washington designated a national thanksgiving holiday for the newly ratified Constitution, specifically so that the people may thank God for "affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness" and for having "been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted, for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed... "

     The first official Thanksgiving Proclamation made in America was issued by the Continental Congress in 1777. Six national Proclamations of Thanksgiving were issued in the first thirty years after the founding of the United States of America as an independent federation of States. President George Washington issued two, President John Adams issued two, President Thomas Jefferson made none and President James Madison issued two. After 1815 there were no more Thanksgiving Proclamations until the Presidency of Lincoln who made two during the Civil War.

     President Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a Federal holiday as a "prayerful day of Thanksgiving" on the last Thursday in November. Since then every U.S. President has always made an official Thanksgiving Proclamation on behalf of the nation. President Franklin D. Roosevelt set the date for Thanksgiving to the fourth Thursday of November in 1939 (approved by Congress in 1941).