I could not sleep the night before getting to the NAR Expo! I tossed and turned and really my brain was going on overdrive. See I had certain expectations of meeting many of my on line friends..some who I knew very well by reading them everyday and some who I knew I would meet face to face to turn around and start interacting on line and reading them everyday.
I constantly think of how life has evolved..with technology and social media..I am always amazed and dazzled by brilliance...but most of all appreciative
To experience this in my life time!
I've met some of my on line friends before but I knew this time it was going to be big...bigger than I ever imagined...so big...I would come back a very different person..even if this would be the only time I ever saw these people..it would be memorable for each and every person. Just knowing that and to be able to say I got to experience this in my lifetime I was moved...to tears!
To think some traveled as far as Hawaii or California or even New Hampshire..while I have read them admired them for afar...sometimes we email other times not...to calling or just reading one another and to finally get to met....to have 5 minutes of their time..to be able to touch them..hug them..and embrace and appreciate every moment...I was moved once again...to tears!
To be able to maintain a friendship for a couple of years.maybe meeting at another gathering...to not call one another or rarely chatting but reading what is going on in one anothers lives...to see them again...and be able maintain that amazing bond..I was moved once again to tears!
To be inspired via the net everyday by ordinary people..people like you and I who we have watched blossom into a dear friend or a leader not because their star quality has risen but because we took the time to get to know one another via the net..to getting personal with the first contact online..to face to face..to experience this in my life time...I was moved to tears once again!
I was reduced to tears when I saw Kristal Kraft, Theresa Boardman, Missy Caulk and Jeff Turner..Monika and Jay McGillicuddy. My on line friends so close..I admired them for years...respected them more than some of my peers ..and I was star struck..Lane Bailey..Susie Blackmon....Jon Washburn.. Brad Andersohn..and Active Rich. To talk to Chris Elizabeth ...Ann Cummings...TLW and Broker Bryant, .Ines and Rick, Bob Stewart and Neal Bloom..one again...
I didn't want to let go of the moments..I didn't want it to end.... I felt cheated in a sense..if only I had the entire day with each person..in some instances I spent only 5 quick minutes...but each person that I personally met and chatted with...I was moved once again by tears in appreciation to be able to experience this in my lifetime!
No one can take the day away from me or you..or the wonderful memories we have to cherish...
No photos or video's here.....but I promise..there will be quite a few posts with photo's and videos..one thing you can count on....I got stories to tell and I can tell you here and now I am really appreciative of social media and technology...so appreciative...just thinking about it can move me to tears!
Midori Miller is a licensed real estate associate with CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty, Real Estate Trainer and Manager. If you are interested in a career in real estate please contact me! All calls and inquiries are confidential. CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty is located in Volusia County with 3 office locations to better serve the public. Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach and Ormond by the Sea. midorimiller@yahoo.com (386) 453-3236
Sooooo much fun was had by all and I missed out on it. I am making plans now for next year.
I'm so pissed.....I can't believe I didn't get more pictures but for some reason some of the photos didn't come out when I went to look for them...i had one with Ann Cummings and Jeff Turner and I know I did....humm.
I too have to make plans for next year. Really like the fact that everyone shared there pictures.
Neal-I have to edit my photo's and video's and just like yourself...looking through my camera...I was so into meeting everyone face to face...I didn't get as many as l would have liked! Believe me..I have some great video though! :) The stories will slowly unfold.....
Midori, I'm so glad you were able to be a part of this. I'm looking forward to hearing more about it!
Everyone had such a good time - I wish I could have been there, too. (Bob and Jon are my hero's, lol)
Morning Midori,
So glad you enjoyed your time at the convention. Maybe we will be able to attend next year. I sure hope so.
You star struck? you're a celebrity yourself my dear. You contribute just as much as they do and people look up to you in the same way (us for 1). I can tell that you really love this network though and that makes it even easier for others to go to you knowing they will get good advice. You're a beautiful person inside and out and the Ultimate positive Optimist. :) You are an inspiration!
Midori, It was great seeing you and Albert again. There were so many people at the party is was mind boggling!! I know I missed out on meeting a lot of folks. It was all so overwhelming. LOVED IT......can't wait to do it again.
Broker Bryant I don't care what you say...you looked hot...I want your diet secrets! Seriously I loved seeing you both and was happy to see TLW...and thank goodness she is ok...she will always be lovely to me!
Castellum Realty-I am huge fans of yours and one day...we will meet! :) I think you guys contribute so much yourselves and I thank you and am humbled by your words...our interractions...and friendship.
For all of us who didn't attend, we've enjoyed the continuing reports. Sounds like it was fabulous!
Midori that is great you got to meet so many AR friends. I wish I had the opportunity to go.
Midori - I love the way your purity and appreciation comes out in this post. It must be amazing to really connect with great people online and then to be able to meet and network in person is just awesome. We have not been on AR long but already feel that connection and yearn for the next opportunity to be a part of something bigger !!! It warms my heart to see and read a number of posts of how great a time people had but more importantly their appreciation to be a part of it and have that interest to be a part of someone else's life as well. Is beautiful. There are certainly a lot of online celebs there - including yourself !!!!!
What amazes me is the quick adoption of myself by people in RE.net. I met a few people early on, they introduced me to their circle, and so on. Many of them have become mentors to me; always there to reply to an email, have a phone chat about something I didn't know or understand completely, and constantly encouraging me. Its a great community if you ask me and one that I'm proud to be a part of.
I'm still a bit jealous over all the people everyone got to meet. Glad you had a great time.
Matt-don't be jealous but start saving because one thing I learned...I have to start attending the Web 2.0 get togethers...I am going to be budgeting more events for 2009. I am amazed in how web 2.0 allows us to really get to know people before we even meet them face to face. I got some sprucing up to do..I learned so much..by 1 session..and more importantly I got to meet so many face to face!
Midori - A few people are pushing for me to hit Connect NYC pretty hard, so I may wind up going there this time around. It is great how everyone seems to know everyone long before they've ever "met." Like I said, its helped me tremendously.
One more way that active rain is a great resource, fun place to be, and a business tool!
I was so excited you finally meet you in person. We are checking out this morning and hitting the highway for a few days before I catch a flight back to Hawaii. I will probably post about the gathering after I return to Hawaii.
Randy-all I can say is WOW...I love ya and your brother too! No worries...I got a great video of you and Russ and can't wait to share it!
Featured @ Club Chaos
Midori - I saw a lot of pictures in other posts, which was awesome, but it was really cool to read your take on things. I wish I could have been there for this event, but I didn't feel good about subjecting my pregnant wife to the trip OR leaving her alone with our three kids for days on end. Maybe next year I can make it!
Midori -- It looks like such a great conference. I think that social media is more than many of us ever dreamed it could be! The relationships that have been forged are priceless! I can't wait to hear some stories! (lol) We will stay posted.
Oh Millie, I so agree with you, when I was at the RE BArCAMP, it was just awesome to meet the people that I connect with online, hard not to go groupie, lol...Us poor AR's that did not go to NAR this year have been in anguish over the fun you and others had,
Midori, I know how you felt. Every time I meet one of my AR friends I feel like we have known each other for years.
Great report, thank you. Looking forward to the photos and videos... I recently joined and I already feel like I know everybody just from reading their posts. It would had been fun being there. I hope I can make it next year. :)
Midori - it really is a small world - looking forward to your pics. Would love to attend one of these and put the face to the personality.
Midori,
Sorry I missed out as i was so close and yet so far due to commitments to others. BIG POUT!
Looks like a very wonderful experience Midori! :)
Thank you for adding your impressions....it is certainly getting the attention of those who didn't attend and making us mark our calendars for next year. See you there
Midori, nice to meet you... even if you did leave yours truly out of your post :) ... I have a beautiful pic of you and the gang on my most recent blog.
Katrina
Midori - Hugs and Greetings from Germany where I really wished I could have been in two places at once this past weekend. I really do hope that this opportunity presents itself again very soon.
I am sure everyone had the same reaction to meeting another online celebrity you forgot to mention- Midori Miller!
I hated I could not attend as it sure looks like a great experience. One day...soon I hope to meet all those AR stars - like you!
Katrina-do you honestly believe I am done????? I didn't even realize it was your birthday..so Happy Belated Birthday girl! :)
Midori, just got home, it was great to meet you in person as it was everyone. Gosh it is so cold here, 32 degrees, I thought about you being cold at the AR party. LOL I guess it is all relative, but my feet were really cold getting in the airport with sandles on.
Missy-do you miss Florida yet????? This morning I could feel the frost on the windows here but now at 12:45 its must be 80 degree out...I only wish I had more time with everyone..the time just flew by!
Sara-Thank you for the Zillow hat but my husband already took it from me! He actually was wearing it this morning to pump me up for work today...still in the party....celebration mode. I enjoyed seeing you again...prettier and sweeter than ever!
Hi Midori,
That's how I've felt when able to meet some of the cool people we interact with here on AR too (at Real Estate Connect in SF most recently). Wish I could go to all the big real estate events but for now I'm living vicariously by reading posts like yours.
Thanks!
It is cold in GA also :( at least compared to Sunny Florida and it was super to meet all of you!
Midori, I am soooo looking forward to seeing your photographs. :-)
I wanna see the pictures too!!! I wanted to come, but just couldn't make it this year...
I enjoyed your post. I wish I could have found you at the Expo. I couldn't make it to the AR Party. One of these days, I will get to meet you !
I think it's great to read so much positive feedback about the Expo! Hopefully I will be at a place in my career next year where it will feel like an investment that I can justify making!
Midori-it was so much fun meeting you and the others at the conference. You feel as if you know someone through their words and then when you get the chance to talk face to face you learn even more! I know all of your future plans will be a huge success.
Midori~Hey girl! It was great to have finally met you and now that we know each other a bit more, l look forward to working together and to having some GIRL POWER time!
I loved meeting you and I understand the feeling. Happens to me sometimes too. So nice to be able see the people who live in our computer. I had an amazing time. As soon as I can I'll write a post about the wondrful Party Active Rain had. It was a highlight too.
Hi Midori,
It was nice meeting you at the party, even though it is funny, because living and working in the same area, and driving 90 miles to meet.
Oh, well. This is life.
I read all the comments and was surprised that I did not recognize some of the bloggers, but they were there.
Anyway, a very nice blog. I got you photo on my second post about the Party, and I will send you a hi res by e-mail.
Thank you
I did not personally get a chance to go this year with some of our team members, but I will try again next year. Thanks for sharing.
Chris
I couldn't go either since we are down to three Realtors in our office, and there's no way I could take that much time to go...Bummed!!!I wanted to go to the YPN party so badly...next year for sure.
Thanks for a nice story Midori. But from what I am sensing, they were just as happy to meet you. I know it would be an honor for me!
I can't thank you enough for introducing me to AR. It amazed me how close the family really is. I am just glad to be a part of it all.
Hi Midori! I am SOOO jealous! So many of the people that you mentioned are among my favs and I would just have LOVED to meet YOU! I'm glad to hear that you not only had a great time but, a moving experience. Hopefully sometime during the next year I'll be able to participate in one of these AR gatherings (not just NAR) and meet some of my heroes--including yourself!
All of us are very lucky to have this type of technology and social media..I guess what I am trying to say is that when I was a younger woman...I never thought the world would evolve the way it has. As time progresses you really appreciate the changes...the changes..to make life easier...to reach so many people..by computer....in a matter of minutes and then to be able to gather and meet these people and touch them with not only words...or thoughts but physically touch them and talk face to face..it amazing to me.
Every time I meet someone for the first time in person that my original connection was on line..we know each other to a certain degree...for some that are really transparent...and them you meet them...you really do know them.
I am still at awe today...I talked about it soooooooooo much...it was hard to focus on other things...I am ingesting what I learned and what I experienced..
I can tell you next year...many things will change for me...in regards to what I do on line...and how I do it...but more importantly I am going to attending more conferences..especially WEB 2.0...because in truth I have so much to learn.
To be able to sit and listen to a panel with Jeff, Ines, Cyndee and Theresa was a privilege but more so because many of my on line friends were sitting in the audience listening and learning.
Katrina Madewell took photo's and you can clearly see I had shed a few tears..and the look on my face...dang it must have been priceless.
nice post Midori. I didn't make it to this event, but I'll be watching for the next one!
I am so disappointed that I wasn't able to join in on the fun -- definitely next year!
--- Kerry
Hi Midori - You've really captured in words how strong online bonds can become. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us.
sounds like it was a great time.. I want to attend the next big gathering..
West Coast?
I read your post earlier today, but I was interrupted just as I began commenting. I had to come back and let you know how much I enjoyed reading your very sincere and appreciative post. I KNOW I would feel the same way. GBU!
It was great to see you again Midori!!
Those parties can be a little hectic for me as I always want to get a few minutes to chat with as many people as possible. I'm glad we had a chance to chat if only for a few minutes!
Midori,
You are so sweet. I only wish we had time to sit down and talk...for hours and hours. I feel such a connection with you that one night was not enough. Maybe next year if you go to San Diego we can plan a night out for dinner. That would be awesome.
You rock Midori!!!
Midori,
Must've been a superb experience to meet with AR friends whom you knew from online but had never seen in real life. Smiles and hugs were probably easy to come by.
Midori,
I would have to say I am a fan of you. I like your articles and have followed ou down the blogging rabbit hole to find new ground. Keep up the good work.
Steve,
Maui
Hi Midori, I so thoroughly enjoyed the time I had with you and you are so much prettier in person. Your smile and eyes are so infectious that you bring sunshine to any rainy day. Time was the toughest parft of this convention. Trying to spend quality time with everyone was simply impossible. Hopefully next time we will be able to have more time to sit and chat.
Monika and Jay-I was telling Ann when it gets warm I have to head your way! I have always felt a fondess for all of you..and I too wish we would have had more time together..I tend to agree that the time just flew and there were so many people to meet...I didn't even get a chance to say hi to Alex Harb or Katerina and Nestor Gassett..I did not realize that Jim Lee was there either..so I know I missed some people. Next time and I am so very grateful...I got to hug you all...and see you and talk to you face to face. It was soooo much fun...and you can bet...next year I might be doing much more traveling!
p.s. I have to visit in the summer...the warmth..I'm a weather woosie!
Bob Stewart Was The Host With The Most!
I'll take 5 minutes or even two! It was just nice to see you again!
Sounds like a lot of fun getting to meet in person all of the people that you already know from online.
Midori....I was just getting into Active Rain (August, 07) when I went to the NAR convention in Vegas, so did not really understand the whole thing. Don't even know what kind of presence they had there (I sure they were) So, if I had made Orlando, I'm sure it would of been quite the experience for me as well!
I'm sooooo looking forward to San Diego in 2009!!!
Glad you had such an awesome time and came away with such fond memories!