THE REAL AMY
Mostly about Real Estate.
Or me. Or what I'm into.
But entirely real.
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I didn’t intend to post this; but then again, I didn’t intend to listen to this about 20 times in the last 24 hours either. My good friend, Alissa Kelly, who co-owns PR Plus is Las Vegas, has been doing publicity for this local Vegas band, Imagine Dragons, for some time. I saw them live at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas (incidentally, where I began my career in Marketing and Branding, prior to my life as a Realtor) this past fall and was completely blown away. This video is a perfect example of why I love this band. Their energy and passion is undeniable. The future’s bright for these guys. Have a listen—or 20.
Real FUN | Imagine Dragons
On any given Saturday morning, if I’m not with clients—you can find me at the Temecula Farmer’s Market. One of the highlights for me is seeing TJ Brown. He sets up with his guitar and a sign that says, “Please help me pay for college.” Turns out that college is Berklee College of Music—the kids’s got talent and I’m hardly the first to notice. But I can’t help but adore him. Here’s a sweet little song from his collection on You Tube. Also love his version of Let’s Stay Together.
Real FUN | TJ Brown
Real FUN | Kor Water Bottles
I often get people who are curious about the Kor water bottle I tote around—it’s definitely eye-catching. But, since I can’t buy anything without researching it to the “nth” degree—I feel confident in saying that I think this is the best bottle out there. Let’s start with the obvious—it’s really easy to drink from, no funky cap. Easy to refill, doesn’t leak—and the clincher? Goes in the dishwasher like a dream. I fancy the special edition bottles myself—but there are a bunch to choose from. For fun, it comes with a message inside the cap like, “laugh often” or you can make up your own, like “hello, gorgeous.” Whatever works.
Real HERO | Remembering 1LT Todd Weaver
Soldiers are often called heroes, with good reason. Their willingness to do what 99% of us will not—protect our country—is certainly worthy of being called heroic.
1LT Todd Weaver, his wife Emma and daughter Kiley
But, for me personally—my heroes are more than their remarkable achievements or tremendous acts of service. They live their lives as quiet examples of honor, integrity, kindness and humility. They inspire those around them to be better. They give of themselves without hesitation. They can be counted on.
There is no question that by my standards or anyone else’s—1LT Todd Weaver was such a hero. He was a close friend of my adopted soldier, 1LT Alex Pruden, who recently paid tribute to his fallen comrade in a beautiful remembrance on his blog (which documents their past deployment to Afghanistan). I did not know Todd, but was very much moved by Alex’s tribute. It left a mark.
If the measure of a man is how much he loves and cares for his family—then again—Todd could not have been more exceptional, by all accounts. His amazing wife, Emma, chose to share letters he wrote to both her and their infant daughter Kiley. After what Alex and Emma have shared about Todd, I feel blessed to have been inspired and moved by Todd’s quiet example. To have loved fully, served honorably and pursued a life of purpose—is a life well-lived and one that has made a difference to a lot of people. It’s my hope that in sharing Alex’s and Emma’s words, the light of Todd Weaver will reach even a little further.
I can’t help but think of his daughter Kiley and how she will grow to learn about who her father was and how much he loved her—and her Mom. If only we could all be blessed to know a love like that. While Todd is no longer here, his example lives on.
Both my father and Todd are buried in Arlington National Cemetery—I have to say, it brings me comfort to know that my Dad’s final resting place is nearby that of men like Todd. I’ll be sure to pay him a visit next time I’m there to see Dad.
Laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetary
Updated 1/8/12: I was able to make it to Arlington today and went to find Todd’s grave, which is in section 60. I walked for several minutes while trying to find him and was very moved as I made my way through the nearly thousand headstones. Some have photos affixed to the back of them, some with cards, mementos from their families and those who loved them. There are also much larger stones to pay tribute to those who were killed in groups (say in a helicopter explosion) during combat; reminders of people lost, who I couldn’t help but wonder about—who they were and the lives they’d led. When I found Todd’s grave, I smiled to see a can of snuff set atop his headstone, along with a bunch of other stones and tokens of love. While certainly, I did not know him, his story has stayed with me and it was my honor to bring him some roses today.
Real INSPIRING | Supporting Troops’ Mental Health
If you spend any time looking through my site, you’ll notice a common theme: supporting soldiers and their families. There is, in particular, one area that I am especially passionate about—supporting mental health services for our returning troops. It has everything to do with how I grew up. My father served 34 years in the Army, retired as a Colonel, having survived extended combat tours during WWII, a couple years in Korea, time in Vietnam and 4 years at the Pentagon in Intelligence. Obviously, I’m proud of his service. He was very proud of his service. He was, by all accounts I know of, a very good soldier and respected commander. What was rarely discussed was the cost of my father’s service. To him. To his spirit—to his peace of mind. To his family. Soldiers of my father’s generation didn’t have any support for their mental health—there was no group therapy. The closest thing to that was getting drinks at a bar with his buddies. And alcohol is certainly no remedy for combat trauma—those it is often used.
That’s why I was excited to see this article about a new approach for supporting the mental health of marines from Camp Pendleton. Particularly for those who have completed multiple deployments. I think it’s a mistake to believe that a soldier making it home is enough. That just because he has all his limbs and didn’t sustain a major physical injury means he’s going to be able to pick up his life where he left off. To think that he could is naive and childlike logic. As a nation, we owe them more. We owe them our support for their mental health and to give them a chance to heal the wounds no one can see.
Real GOOD | Harveys Sealbeat Bags
I often get asked about my purse, wallet, and/or laptop bag. I love them—not only because they look cool, but also because they wear well (my laptop bag is 4 years old). And if they need a freshening up? Send ‘em off to Harveys Bag Spa.
Real FUN | Debut of Solo Project from Ronnie Vannuchi of The Killers
It’s exciting to see the debut from Ronnie Vannuchi’s band Big Talk—a friend of mine, Taylor Milne, plays guitar and an even closer friend of mine was privileged to spend time in the studio during the recording of this album and assured me that it was going to be good. Well, it is. Listen to it here and go get it on iTunes. And keep an eye out for Big Talk—they’re going to be…well, BIG.
Real FUN | Private Cooking Class = Party
I’m the kind of person who believes that the party is always in the kitchen—personally, I like to socialize with food and bev within arms reach. But at Tracey Augustine’s Cashmere Bites, there’s a whole ‘nother level of fun when the party includes learning how to cook some amazing dishes. And more importantly—eating them. And perhaps as importantly, enjoying a glass of wine whilst everything else. As my girlfriends and I found out—it’s a fantastic way to celebrate a birthday. We’re going to make up reasons to go again soon (as if we need a reason), because it was just that fun.
Enjoying the fruits of our labor @ Cashmere Bites Culinary Studio
Real INSPIRING | Temecula Businesses Honor Marine
If it’s not obvious yet, I have a bit of a soft spot for soldiers. In part because my father was career Army and also, because I feel in debt to their service. To be blunt: I’m not willing to serve in our armed forces, so I feel indebted to those who are. That’s why I get so excited to see us “civilians” get together to honor those who have served on our behalf. This is the story of local Temecula business owners who worked together to surprise a deserving Marine who just returned home.
Sgt. Flak sets eyes on his suprise gift, presented in honor of his service.
Real GOOD | Power Crunch
It feels like a dream from which I do not want to wake up—I’ve finally found a protein bar that I actually want to eat. Not only want to eat—but drive across town to Trader Joe’s to buy. That I’ve ordered from Drugstore.com to make sure I’ve got plenty and don’t have to drive across town. I can’t even believe I’m writing such things—but it’s true. Finally. There is one that tastes good. Really good. Allow me to introduce to you—Power Crunch. Favorite so far is Peanut Butter Chocolate.
