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October 2009 Family and Home Tidings Newsletter

Tidings Newsletter - Family and Homes Tidings Newsletter

Written by Randy Watson

Monday, 28 September 2009 18:25

Family and Home Tidings Newsletter

Brought to you by:

Roman Alfaro, Jr. and Randy Watson, Texas Real Estate Agents with Mission Realty, Inc. San Antonio, TX

October 2009

Simple Steps to Reinvent Your Career

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Re-inventing your career in a tough economy isn't easy, but it can open the door to new opportunities. Whether you're going solo for the first time or simply planning to pursue greener pastures, these simple steps provide a firm foundation.

Focus on the Future. Don't allow your mind to wander or worry about the past. Instead, focus on the future both mentally and emotionally. Create a blueprint with clearly defined action steps and target dates designed to jump-start your plan.

Take Stock. Make a list of assets that can be used to accomplish your goals. Everything from equipment and education to networking opportunities should be included. Prior accomplishments, experience and skills should be clearly detailed, as should making a list of any known deficiencies.

Invest in Yourself. Change always provides an opportunity for investing in your own success. Whether you simply need to brush up on a few skills or retrain entirely, don't skimp when it comes to investing in your own education or training. Consider alternative arrangements such as online learning, an apprenticeship or even volunteer opportunities to fill in the gaps while obtaining valuable experience at a fraction of the cost.

Get the Word Out. People can be helpful. Ex-employers are often happy to provide testimonials, while friends and family can provide valuable feedback about opportunities. Most important, learn how to actually ask for help.

Why Not Pass Me to a Friend?

If you’ve enjoyed this newsletter and found its information useful, please pass it to a neighbor, friend or co-worker.

And if you have any comments about it, don’t forget to give me a call or send me an email!

Quick Quiz

Each month I’ll give you a new question.

Just email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 210-734-5590 for the answer.

What do you call something that’s spelled the same forward and backward?

Mission Realty October 2009 Sudoku Puzzle

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Sudoku instructions: Complete the 9x9 grid so that each row, each column, and each of the nine 3x3 boxes contains the digits 1 through 9. Contact me for the solution!

The Seven Secrets to Relaxation

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While it might seem counterintuitive to practice how to relax, research shows it is possible to dramatically reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure and even aid healing by learning a few simple techniques.

Remember to Laugh. Scientists have found that laughter produces a cascade of chemical changes that can actually aid healing. Take time to laugh and smile at every opportunity. It's good for the body and soul.

Get a Grip. Researchers investigating a new way to reduce G-force blackouts among pilots discovered it was possible to lower blood pressure simply by focusing upon one's hand grip. The Zona Plus is a popular device, but similar systems are also available.

Schedule a Siesta. Establishing a regular routine of sleep is nearly as important as how many hours you rest. Rather than fighting fatigue with caffeine or other chemicals, schedule a power nap early in the afternoon.

Talk. Anxiety, anger and other emotional factors often undermine our ability to fully relax. Stop playing it all back in your mind, and learn how to constructively talk about your feelings. Psychologists report it's the best way to facilitate emotional health and decrease stress.

Walk. Taking a 10-minute walk is a great way to stay in shape and reduce tension throughout the day.

Watch Your Diet. Avoid stimulants like sugar, caffeine and other chemicals. Give your body the nutrition it really needs to stay in shape.

Adopt a Pet. They make great companions and can help you relax. It's difficult to feel anxious when greeted by the unconditional love and adoration of your favorite four-legged friend.

Birthdays to Remember This Month

Lee Iacocca, born October 15, 1924, was the former president of Chrysler Corporation. He is credited with saving the company from bankruptcy.

Paul Simon, born October 13, 1941, was part of musical history as half of the famous duo Simon and Garfunkel.

Johnny Carson, born October 23, 1925, hosted the Tonight Show on NBC from 1961 until 1992.

Jimmy Carter, born October 1, 1924, is best known as the 39^th president of the United States.

Ralph Lauren, born October 14, 1939, is best known for his designer Polo fashions, fragrances and clothing.

Benjamin Netanyahu, born October 21, 1949, was prime minister of Israel from 1996 to 1999 before being re-elected in 2009.

Worth Quoting

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It's Grouch Day this month, so let's start to feel happier with some quotes about smiles.

"Let us make one point, that we meet each other with a smile, when it is difficult to smile. Smile at each other, make time for each other in your family." Mother Teresa

"I have witnessed the softening of the hardest of hearts by a simple smile." Goldie Hawn

"A smile is the shortest distance between two people." Victor Borge

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened." Dr. Seuss

"Better by far you should forget and smile than you should remember and be sad." Christina Rossetti

"Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy." Thich Nhat Hanh

Did You Know?

Complete these well-known phrases.

That's ______ for the course.

The wolf loses his teeth but not his ______.

Ask no questions and be told no ______.

One man's meat is another man's ______.

God help the ______ man, let the poor man beg!

(Answers: par, inclinations, lies, poison, rich)

Wondering How Much Your Home Is Worth?

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How has the price of your home changed in today's market? How much are other homes in your neighborhood selling for?

If you're wondering what's happening to prices in your area, or you're thinking about selling your house, I'll be able to help.

Just give my office a call for a no-fuss, professional evaluation.

I won't try to push you into listing with me or waste your time.

I'll just give you the honest facts about your home and its value.

And maybe I'll also give you the "inside scoop" on what's happening in the housing market near where you live!

Just give my office a call at 210-734-5590 to arrange an appointment.

Alternatively, stop by at the office. The address is on the back page of this newsletter.

Quick and Easy Fixes to Spruce Up Your Kitchen

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Home is where the heart is, but everyone knows that the heart of a home is the kitchen. It should come as no surprise, then, that the kitchen is one of the most important considerations prospective buyers have in mind when evaluating property.

Use these quick and easy kitchen fixes to add interest and obtain top dollar for your property without breaking the bank.

Lighten Up. Older homes frequently suffer from low-light conditions, ugly light fixtures and power-hungry appliances. Replace unappealing tungsten bulbs with energy-efficient LED lights for an instant update that looks great and saves money. Invest in up-to-date appliances that improve performance and save money with energy-efficient settings, antibacterial wash modes and enhanced water filtration.

Counter-offer. Replacing countertops and freshening cabinets can be a relatively low-cost way to update your kitchen. Many hardwood cabinets can be easily restored with a coat of paint or quick varnish. Combine this with a new countertop, you can achieve a totally refreshed appearance without the high price. Add some stylish knobs and pulls to complete the look.

Don't Throw Money Down the Drain. Here's a quick and easy do-it-yourself job that just about anyone can tackle. Replace that ugly, worn-out faucet with a shiny new fixture to instantly update a focal point of any kitchen. It takes very little time, ensures a sleek new look and eliminates drips and other common faucet problems.

Are You a First-Time Buyer? Get My Free Guide

San Antonio Real Estate - Mission Realty

210-734-5590

San Antonio, Texas

Buying your first home is a big step and one that is likely to impact your financial future for years to come.

Make the process easier for yourself by asking for my free guide, "How First-Timers Can Make a Wise Buy"

Just call me at 210-734-5590 and I'll send it right out to you.

Some Halloween Recipes for the Little Goblins

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This Halloween, try serving the little goblins something extra special.

Here are some "ghoulish" delights that are sure to put a smile on even the most wicked trick-or-treater.

Pumpkin Seed Mix. Stop tossing the "good stuff." Turn it into a healthy, nutritious snack instead. Rather than throwing away the seeds when carving the jack-o'-lantern, wash and dry the seeds then bake until they're golden brown. Sprinkle with sea salt for an all-natural, ultra-nutritious snack that's so good even the kids won't suspect how healthy it really is. Add pretzels, nuts or sunflower seeds to spice it up a bit or create a great party blend for the big game.

Apple Goblins. Put a new twist on an old favorite by adding raisins, pineapple rings or other fun fruit garnish to traditional candy apples. Let kids decorate their own, or use flowers and other elegant touches for a sophisticated treat perfect for office parties or informal get-togethers.

Ask the Agent: This Month's Question

Print English Version

I'm concerned my house will not appear spacious enough for today's buyers. What can I do?

Get rid of clutter: This is probably the most important secret to increasing the illusion of space. Remove items you don't need from surfaces, particularly in the kitchen. Keep shelves tidy and not stuffed with books and ornaments.

Remove some furniture: Potential buyers need to be able to walk around your house without bumping into chairs and tables. Put some furniture into storage until you move. Leave a path through your rooms that buyers can walk through.

Organize closets: Make sure you've tidied your closets. Invest in an organizing system, if necessary. Remove clothing that you're not likely to wear from your closets.

Clean up the garage: People want to know they can fit a car (or two) in the garage and still have room for storing their possessions. So clear out your garage and neatly organize everything that must stay in there.

Recipe: Creamed Celery

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Serves 4-6

Ingredients

4 cups sliced celery, about 1/8 inch thick
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons chopped onion
2 teaspoon flour
½ cup cream
¼ cup chicken stock
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Place the celery and butter in a pot over medium-low heat and cover.

Cook slowly, shaking the pan often until the celery is almost tender, about 5-10 minutes.

Add the onions and continue cooking until tender, about 5 more minutes.

Blend in the flour with a spoon until you can no longer see any dry areas of flour. Then gradually add the cream and chicken stock and bring to a boil.

Continue to cook, while stirring, until the sauce thickens.

Family and Home Tidings is brought to you free by:

Roman Alfaro, Jr., & Randy Watson

Mission Realty

7272 Wurzbach Rd., Ste1103, San Antonio, TX 78240

210-734-5590

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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Thanks for reading! If you'd like to tell us what you think about this newsletter, or if you're thinking of buying or selling real estate, please get in touch.

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