Friday is here again

Hello -
I am going to try to remember to write in this blog every Friday. Let's see how I do.
I have been out of the country this past week attending an AE (Association Executive) Conference in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. It was quite an experience and I even learned a little French. I knew they spoke French, but I didn't know that was the first language and English was the second. I am sure they had a hard time understanding this Arkansas twang just like I had no clue what they were saying in French. Even my wake up call each morning was in French. All I knew was they were calling to wake me up. I am sure it was nice, but you would never prove it by me.
All of the attendees of this conference were AE's (like me) or CEO's of Realtor Associations and our counterparts from Canada. We all seem to have the same issues and face the same challenges. Of course our geography and area cultures are different, but our memberships are all REALTORS trying to make the best of a difficult time. Every AE I talked to, not matter where they were from, commented their numbers were down due to the market. But we all are looking for ways to improve our services, and ourselves. I learned quite a bit and hope to be able to put that new knowledge to work for my members.
I got to know some of our Arkansas AE's better and found even though we were from all parts of the state we had some things in common and some things that were different. These ladies are a great group of women (there are also a couple of men AE's in Arkansas but they weren't in Quebec) that I have grown to rely on for answers to questions and I value their opinions. I hope in your business you have someone like that also. We all need them!
Now, back to my time in Quebec. I really love AMERICA! My cell phone worked there, but I had to get an International calling plan for one month. My debit card, which I use all the time, did not work and I was advised not to try it. Well, I tried to use it in the Quebec airport on an ATM and it didn't work. I didn't get any money back. I would pay for something in American dollars and got change in Canadian money and I had no clue if it was right or not. Oh, and the TV in my room only had about 6 channels that were English. I saw an ad for Walmart in French. That was really weird. I thought I was going to get to watch some Little House on the Prairie - it was in French! Laura Ingalls should not be speaking French! BUT - in all fairness - Quebec City is very rich in history, and is a very clean city. The food is excellent and all meals start with great bread. The people are really nice with the exception of a couple of cab drivers. And I am sure they think we Americans are crazy. I enjoyed the experience of being in another country, but I was thrilled to use my debit card in Chicago O'Hare at McDonalds. (I got McNuggets at a McDonalds in Quebec and they were McCrouquettes.)
Well, I better go for now. It is 5 o'clock in downtown Rogers and the chimes from the Methodist church one block a way will start ringing any time now. I just love that. I remember those chimes ringing from my childhood. But that is a whole 'nother blog!
Have a great weekend and next week! Hope your business and your life is going great!
I wonder if anyone is reading this.....