What's With All The Refrigerators at Wholesome Choice Pet Market??

Their TurnWritten by Ray Shay

I know it is not a surprise to any of you, but I sometimes think about things in a different way.  When I was a kid, I was a lot like our son Raymond.  I frequently imagined things that weren't, and wondered, why not? 

I have learned when a thought or idea comes to me, I need to write it down or start to work on it right away.   If it is strong enough to awake me, I know I have to get out of bed and get started.  I have learned no matter how hard I try to ignore a thought or idea bouncing around in my brain, blissful sleep will not return unless I act. 

That is what brought me to our kitchen table this morning a little before 3:30 AM.  About two hours before Theresa and I regularly start our day.  I told myself I could write for thirty minutes and get back to bed and catch that last ninety minutes of sleep, but I of course was kidding myself. 

As I went downstairs and turned on the lights, my eyes began to adjust to the brightness as I tried to focus on the torn square piece of paper that was resting on our kitchen table.  It is the piece of paper that had awakened me from my deep sleep. 

San Diego Union Newspaper

It was actually the front page of the San Diego Union newspaper that one of our three sons had insisted Theresa cut out earlier in the week.  He wanted to hang it on his bedroom wall.  The title of the story said it all.... "Chaos in Boston."

Our family has been watching closely the tragic events in a city I have always admired and wish to visit someday.  We ultimately had to turn off the television, but I knew our kids were still getting updates on their Instagram and other social media feeds. 

As I leaned back in my chair and rubbed my balding head, I thought how life seems to have a series of different events we experience as both children and adults.  It struck me these experiences are not much different than walking through a turnstile on the MBTA (Metro Boston Transit Authority) or the entrance at a ride in Disneyland. 

Two of the mandatory turnstiles we all must go through are, of course, our birth and our death.  All of the other turnstiles will vary to the individual.  If you counted all the other different turnstiles a person could walk through in life, it would be in

Twin Towers NYC

the millions. 

Each turnstile is ready to turn with a loud "clunk" as the person experiences something new.  It may be a school graduation, sports, a sickness, loss of a family member or a divorce.  I did the big "D" turnstile many years ago and it is one I would not recommend. It was not very much fun. 

On September 11, 2001, most of us walked through the rusty and old turnstile of evil people coming too our country to try and stop our freedoms by killing our neighbors, our heroes, and our children.  It was a moment in time we will never forget.  

Since September 11, 2001, our Local, State, and Federal agencies have done well keeping terrorists attacks from occurring in our America.  If I had looked at the terrorism turnstile about nine days ago, I would have seen proud soldiers, law enforcement and many local San Diego companies, including Qualcomm, Northrop Grumman, Cubic as well as other defense contractors blocking access to it, preventing us from experiencing the heart breaking events we recently witnessed.

That all changed in one of the most heralded and historic places in our country, which is also a great place to run a marathon and the birthplace of our nation.  A beautiful city, Boston, Massachusetts. 

 It was now our turn to walk our children through that terrorism turnstile.  To try, and explain why people would do such a thing.  All week the questions came at us, "Dad, Mom, why did they kill those people? They bombed children at a run?" The list went on and on. Theresa and I realized this was our children's 9-11.

With the death of one terrorist and arrest of the second, that turnstile quickly closed. I wish that it would never open again, but I know better.

By helping to walk our children though this turnstile in life it made me think of something else. It could be a coincidence, but this week our twelve year old son Raymond

Raymond Before and After!

announced, (with his mouth half full of sushi) he was going to attend the United States Naval Academy.

The following day, he also made me stop after he saw a sign that said, "Military haircuts." The barber offered to cut it to zero on the sides but I hollered "No, my wife will kill me. Let's go #2 on sides and #3 on top."

We told Raymond he could be a Naval Aviator like his uncle and my father.   Raymond quickly shook his head from side to side, "Nope dad.  I don't want to sit back. I want to lead the fight."  I reiterated our family rule that we would be proud of any of our boys to join any branch of the military, but they must get a college degree first.

I looked at Raymond and all of our sons eyes before I looked away and took a big sip of my ice cold Sapporo beer and thought about how fundamentally idiotic terrorists are to attack our people or anyone in any country that have tasted true freedom.

When they do such gutless and cowardly acts they will be found wherever they hide and be killed or placed in confinement for the rest of their lives.  But even more importantly, due to their foolish and misguided actions, millions of Americans will begin standing in a very long line at honorable and well maintained turnstiles with the sign above them that simply reads, "public service." 

May God bless the people of Boston and the growing line of public servants who keep us safe and our freedoms intact now and in the future.  It is because of them, the rickety old and rusty turnstile of terrorism opens so infrequently on our precious soil. Thank you. 

Warmly, 

 

Ray & Theresa Shay  

Info@TrustShay.com

  

Copyright 2013 All Rights Reserved.  No duplication of this material without written consent of Shay Realtors.  

Shay Realtor's - Broker's Corner

 

The latest news on local real estate by Ray Shay, Owner/Broker Associate of Shay Realtors of REMAX Ranch and Beach - #1 in home sales in 2009, 2010,2011 and 2012.  

 

It has been a crazy week with lots of people taking advantage of the changing market.  Just a marketing tip to keep in mind if your property is listed on the MLS.  It seems crazy when I see any listing for 85K or a few million where there are only a handful of pictures available for viewing of the property.  You as a seller have a much higher search engine rating if you max out the available pictures. I know the market is hot, but you still need to get the most of your marketing opportunities.  If you have any questions give me a call on my cell phone at (858) 449-4970.

Local Market Update     

We can provide you with custom weekly reports. You will find easy-to-read graphs with statistics, and valuable information broken down into bite-size pieces about current market trends specifically for our 92127 zip code. Call or email us today for your custom condo or single family home report.

(858) 449-7355 or info@shayrealtors.com 

Monkey Rolls and Del Norte High SchoolWritten by Ray Shay

I still recall the eerie silence as we rode in a mustard yellow colored school bus as it pushed it's way through the rain and wind towards our home football field at Madison Junior High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  

My fellow ninth grade football players and I stared straight ahead in the tense and uncomfortable silence which seemed to hold us all captive within the metal shell of the bus. You could have heard a pin drop between the occasional grinding sound of metal when the bus driver shifted gears.  

All of our uniforms were heavily soiled and a couple of my teammates uniforms had splatters of red blood which had faded to pink because of the rainy game conditions. The stench of adolescent sweat and grass filled the air and was just further testimony to our hard fought battle.  If my mom had seen me I know what she would have said, "Raymond, your soaked to the bone."  But today, it was much worse then that. We had just been defeated and embarrassed by a rival middle school.   

Following our losing effort, our coach was his usual loud, clear and decisive self as he hollered extensively with his lips stretched thin on how each of us had let down both our fellow teammates and our school.  As the sun moved closer to it's westerly destination, I could see it break through the clouds as it scattered broken light across our high desert mesa town which is located at base of the Rocky Mountains.

Our coached made it crystal clear we would be not be going to the hot showers in our locker room or the school parking lot to meet our parents.  Instead, we were returning to our patched grass and dirt gridiron, we called home.  It was time to practice what he had failed to do in the game.  When the bus lurched to a stop he ordered all of us off as he yelled, "helmets on, mouthpieces in."  

9th Grade - Madison Mohawks Photo Day  at the base of the Sandia Mountains.

At almost a mile high above sea level, we began running wind sprints in waves until our lungs burned before switching to "monkey rolls" in the muddiest portion of our field, (which if you did not know is a grueling drill where three players repeatedly tumble over each other). The drill is both exhausting and makes it blatantly obvious if a player is slacking.  

As darkness began to creep across the field, I recall having to close my eyes and mouth while doing the monkey rolls when I struck the dirty water.  I could taste the mud as our couch was screaming something about never quitting, never giving up, and never letting your teammates down.  

Rutgers Basketball Coach Mike Rice Abusing His Players 2013

Which brings me to Rutgers University Basketball coach Mike Rice and his idiotic behavior which was televised last week.  Our three boys were talking about it, so I took a look, but I could only watch a few minutes before I turned it off.  It was just so wrong.   

My very first thought was why Coach Rice was not fired when the Athletic Director of the school was shown the evidence of his outrageous behavior over a year ago?

I am sure there are other professions with no tolerance for character flaws, but I really think coaches, teachers and of course cops are in such a sacred position of trust that they should only hear two words when they betray the trust of the community, "You're fired."  

I just don't get trying to rehabilitate someone after such egregious conduct. He should have been shown the door, regardless of how many numbers he has in the win column on some meaningless piece of paper or awards in a trophy case.  It is and always should be about the student or the player.  Which brings me to Del Norte High School.

I usually drop off our two sons, Troy and Raymond at Lacrosse practice in the parking lot of DNHS.  Like the vast majority of parents we trust the principal Greg Mizel to run what my dad would call a "tight ship."  I was thinking of my old Junior High football coach and Rutgers University controversy when I decided to bring a chair and watch practice but also to, "snoop around."  

As both of our sons ran ahead to get to practice, I saw members of the track team sitting in the stands of Nighthawk Stadium. The first thing I noticed was the broad smiles of not one but almost all the athletes and frequent laughter as a coach I have never met, stood at the base of the stadium seating.  He was speaking about how proud he was of the athletes and what they had accomplished.  He mentioning several specific events over the season that resulted in the athletes laughing and cheering.   

Over about the next two hours I just wandered around. Of course Troy my fourteen year old thought I was standing too close to his lacrosse practice and whispered to me, "OK Dad, why don't you go watch Raymond's practice." That kid cracks me up.  

It seemed every field and facility at the school was in use including track, cross

One of the many coaches providing guidance to athletes at DNHS

country, swimming, tennis, lacrosse, field hockey, and possibly more.  I must have seen eight coaches interacting with many of our children, our future. I saw patience and I even heard a "please" thrown in when one coach asked the athletes to do something.  I had to smile.  

Some people have said our kids attend the "Crown Jewell" of Poway Unified School District because of the amazing facility that cost in excess of 150 million dollars to construct.  The most expensive public high school built in San Diego County.  I say they are wrong.  I say we have pretty awesome schools in the area because we have great principles, teachers and coaches at all levels and for the way they treat and develop our kids.   

I would like to believe if any principal who had evidence of poor character by a member of their staff would quickly say those two words and move on.  There are too many great coaches or teachers waiting to take their place.  

I don't really know for sure if that post game practice in the cold rain growing up really changed me or not. During the entire season our coach pushed us to play harder but he never abused us. He also never touched us other then sometimes putting a hand on our shoulder pads or holding our face mask to look us directly in our eyes.  

I still recall his booming voice echoing across that football field so many years ago.  And though he was tough and demanding, we each knew he cared about each of us.   Coach, I don't know if your still with us but wherever you are, "thank you."  I have never forgotten the lessons you taught us.

       

Enjoy your week,

 

Ray & Theresa Shay  

Info@TrustShay.com

  

Copyright 2013 All Rights Reserved.  No duplication of this material without written consent of Shay Realtors.   

Shay Realtor's - Broker's Corner

The latest news on local real estate by Ray Shay, Owner/Broker Associate of Shay Realtors of REMAX Ranch and Beach - #1 in home sales in 2009, 2010,2011 and 2012.  

Our Yard Sign

3 Reasons you may want to sell your home today!

 

The first is obvious.  Demand is strong.  Secondly, supply is low so we are frequently able to get above appraised value and lastly, once prices get higher and more sellers get out from under water, home prices will likely stabilize as more inventory hits the market.

A final consideration is we have seen a dramatic surge in requested home building permits in San Diego County.  That means investors are starting to build again.  The current perfect storm can put the wind in you sails if you want to sell your home.  If you have any questions give me a call on my cell phone at (858) 449-4970. 

Local Market Update     

We can provide you with custom weekly reports. You will find easy-to-read graphs with statistics, and valuable information broken down into bite-size pieces about current market trends specifically for our 92127 zip code. Call or email us today for your custom condo or single family home report.

(858) 449-7355 or info@shayrealtors.com

The San Diego Home Frenzy DanceWritten by Ray Shay

There is a new dance in San Diego County which is now spreading across the country. It tends to be especially popular in highly sought after places to live like San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and even right here in river city...San Diego.  

It was this new home buying frenzy which recently led me to pulling our Shay Realtors company car to the curb halfway down a previously quiet culdesac street in 4S Ranch.  I stopped near the home we had just put active on the multiple listing service, (MLS) to warn the adjoining families about what was about to happen. 

I didn't say there would be some "crazed" people driving down the street soon, but it was what I was thinking.  It is simply people that want to purchase a home for their families.  With so little building in the last few years, the home shortage experts have been talking about seems to be approaching.   

I warned the children and their parents to watch out for a swarm of cars in the next couple of hours.  Residential neighborhoods where new listings are priced reasonably, are like the early morning of a garage sale where you might be selling say, random pieces of gold bouillon.   

 

I get it. I know what led to this strange dance between buyers and sellers. Many of the perspective buyers feel the "home train" is rolling down the track and they will not be able to get on with their families unless they buy a ticket before the prices jump higher and the interest rates ratchet up.  

Some of the buyers have tried to get on the train only to be bumped off by an all cash buyer, someone that can afford to pay over appraised value or a buyer that waives a "no appraisal contingency ticket" in order to get on.   

The conductor on the train has been pretty sad lately because as little as a few months ago he could easily get veterans on with their VA loan or first time buyers with a minimum amount of a down payment.  

The challenge recently is they are now being frequently left on the platform.  The conductor doesn't even want to look them in the eye because as much he may like them and appreciate their tough position, it seems cash and no appraisal contingency gets the few remaining seats available. 
 

When I returned about an hour later the music had obviously started as the dancers were all lined up.  About nine people were waiting in  line that stretched from the front door out on to the driveway.  They were each waiting their turn to see the house.  

In a way it is a crummy dance.  I approached the people waiting with their agents and opened the front door and agreed to be the bouncer.  They could all see the home at the same time, but please no pushing or shoving.  

Home Prices Rising

I know it is great time for sellers and we work hard to get them great prices for their homes but there was something nice about seeing so many young families get homes in the past few years.  The current conditions emphasize the importance of having a professional assist you in your home search.  

   

On the sale side many of our listings we get close to a dozen offers and we sort through and counter them each strategically to get the best deal for our clients.  On the buy side, there are many things you can do to help you get the deal.  Amber, Paul and Yolanda on our team specialize in that area.  It certainly helps having a strong and experienced advocate, or "Buyer's Specialist" assisting you to get your spot on the "home train."  

I know the conductor wishes he could yell out, "All aboard." but unfortunately that is kind of what got us all into the mess several years ago.   It is free market, competition and for a change the buyers must first be qualified to purchase before they can even stand on the platform hoping to get on the train.  Maybe we did learn a little from our past.

Enjoy your week,

 

Ray & Theresa Shay  

Info@TrustShay.com
 

  

Copyright 2013 All Rights Reserved.  No duplication of this material without written consent of Shay Realtors.  

Shay Realtor's - Broker's Corner

 

The latest news on local real estate by Ray Shay, Owner/Broker Associate of Shay Realtors of REMAX Ranch and Beach - #1 in home sales in 2009, 2010,2011 and 2012.  

Our Yard Sign

The common belief among housing experts nationwide is that home prices will continue to climb as inventory remains low and demand high.  Ivy Zelman of the research firm Zelman &  Associates predicts a 7% increase this year and about a 5% increase next year.  

An interesting side light is more homes are being sold prior to hitting the open market.  Some clients want to avoid the "circus" of multiple offers and want to sell their home more quietly.  This tactic can be successful while it may detract from getting an inflated price and the pressure to complete the transaction from back-up offers, each persons  circumstance is different and is dependent on a variety of issues.  Don't hesitate to give me a call on my cell phone if you have any questions at 858 449-4970.

Ray 

Local Market Update     

We can provide you with custom weekly reports. You will find easy-to-read graphs with statistics, and valuable information broken down into bite-size pieces about current market trends specifically for our 92127 zip code. Call or email us today for your custom condo or single family home report.

(858) 449-7355 or info@shayrealtors.com

Moms & WarriorsWritten by Ray Shay

Sunrise

Theresa and I were having one of our private discussions as we relaxed in the early morning silence of our home, long before the sun had announced it was a new day.  All three of our boys were soundly asleep upstairs, intertwined in their warm blankets.   Our youngest son, Ryan surely had one of his thin arms wrapped around one of his favorite teddy bears. The single lucky bear he had selected the evening prior to move off of his dresser and hold close to his heart while resting his little chin on the bears fuzzy brown head.  

Raymond  and Uncle Mike

I thought of our boys sleeping as I took another sip of my coffee and prepared to tell Theresa something that moms really do not like to hear.   It was about our middle son, Raymond.   I started out by explaining our previous days adventure with Raymond and, "Uncle Mike."   After two years of delays, I had finally taken Raymond to the paintball park at Camp Pendleton. 

I purposely delayed the event for a variety of reasons, but mostly because I am not too big on guns.  Despite almost 25 years on SDPD and many years on the SWAT Team, I prefer to downplay the allure of any gun. I view them as tools for professionals, not necessarily something you simulate playing with while at a paintball park.  Despite my personal baggage, we had an awesome time.    

Raymond

As Theresa and I sat around our kitchen table, I described what I had seen.  It was something unique and easily recognizable if you know what to look for.  I had witnessed it countless times in both tactical and police operations.   

It was the last scenario of the day and most of Raymond's teammates had been eliminated, including Uncle Mike and myself.  Despite being outnumbered, and outgunned, Raymond remained calm, tactically smart, and moved with precision as he ultimately defeated the enemy and "won" the battle for our team.  

In some ways I wish I had not seen it. After a pregnant pause I finally told Theresa, "I saw Raymond's eyes as he confronted the long odds.  There is a warrior inside of him."  I felt a slight twinge in my heart, when I said it.   Theresa very maturely responded, "you did not," I replied, "yes, I did" she again said, "you did not. He is only twelve years old." 

In the early morning darkness we both repeatedly went back and forth several times until our sentences were shortened to "did so, did not, did so, did not." We finally both stopped with a nervous chuckle as we sat there in an uneasy silence.  I knew we were both contemplating what it may mean for Raymond as he selects his own path to manhood.  Where would life take our not so little boy?

I came to the conclusion it was better not to look so far ahead.  After all, regardless of what profession he ultimately choose, calmness under pressure and a strong desire to win will always pay dividends.  Being a warrior is not always limited to a field of battle or entering an urban hostage environment.   

Jimmy as an Adversary Pilot  at Top Gun

A few nights later, we met some good friends, Kathy and Jimmy DiMatteo and their children on the patio at the Hotel Del.  Our friendship extends back almost twenty years.  Jimmy is a Naval Aviator and a proven warrior who has trained and supervised America's finest fighter pilots in air combat operations at Top Gun.  Jimmy goes by the call sign of, "Guido."    

I am not sure what the proper protocol is but as long as I have known Jimmy, I have never called him "Guido."  I Just think calling him by his military nickname is an honor earned by other aviators and military personnel who have risked their lives to serve our Country.   Aviation may be in my blood, but I think I could get sea sick riding on the ferry to Coronado.

Over all those years, Kathy has always been right alongside Jimmy every step of the way.  They remind me of my mom and dad.  Kathy deserves an award like all  military spouses.  I will never forget the many challenges our mom endured raising seven kids and supporting a man in combat.  I don't know how any spouse or partner does it.  They are the unsung heroes. 

Mom and Dad

As we sat on the patio overlooking the Pacific Ocean, I did not bring up the "warrior" thing.  I felt I had adequately covered that earlier in the week.    

From our elevated location, we could see the blue lights on the military boats supporting US Navy Seal Team members as they trained in the dark and chilly Pacific Ocean.  Their blue colored boat lights would dip rhythmically with each incoming wave.

We also watched as a wide variety of military aircraft approached North Island Naval Air Station.  Each time, without fail, Jimmy's eyes would drift skyward as the silhouette of planes and helicopters were visible passing through the periodic clouds and beneath the stars.  

The partial image and the sound of their engines were enough information for Jimmy to rattle off the type of flying machine and other cool stuff concerning the aircraft and their pilots.  The same type of things my brothers and dad would always say.  I didn't mention it, but it was comforting, as it reminded me of a prior generation of Naval aviators.  I guess once you are a brown shoe, you're always a brown shoe. 

  

As we wrapped up the evening, I took the below picture of both of our families with a neighbor kid thrown in for good luck.  As I looked at the resulting image  on my I-phone I thought about Kathy and Theresa surrounded by their children.  I then thought of all the other countless moms across our great country.  

  

The same moms who only six or fewer years ago may have seen a look in their children's eyes that indicated they may someday be warriors.  Or they noticed how their child may have stood up for a classmate and said to themselves their son or daughter may one day be a leader, a protector.  Those same kids are now the beloved men and women who are in the ocean and flying above us remaining forever vigilant to protect us and freedom around this dangerous world. 

I know the next few years of our lives will go by very fast and if our children choose to join the military or law enforcement we will of course support them and be very proud and we will not mention the worrying which is just part of the deal.  But no matter how big, hairy, and stinky Troy, Raymond and Ryan become, I think we are like most moms and dads everywhere, who tend to remember our children as little boys or little girls and how sweet it felt when they were safely sleeping in their bedrooms.  

Enjoy your week,  

 

Ray & Theresa Shay  

Info@TrustShay.com
 

  

Copyright 2013 All Rights Reserved.  No duplication of this material without written consent of Shay Realtors.