Something Special About Jodi Macken of Macken Realty. By Geniusofdespair

I was so mad a Jodi and her mom with my first deal, because Macken Realty represented the buyer. But as I suspected, the Mother-Daughter Realty did not know the full story. They requested a meeting with me and my husband.

At their office in a beautiful conference room we were presented with pastries. A bad sign because I am always bribed easily with food.  I was expecting a fight.

The two Macken gals sat down and the first thing Jodi did was hand me a check and offer an apology. You readers who know me, know I am all about redemption and epiphanies. In that regard one of my heroes is Jack Abramoff,  evil lobbyist who is now crusading for reforming politics. Hats off to Jack!

In any event, my first deal had a problem (I asked my realtor a million times to check something and he did not) with the title company and some other problems. Jodi said that now, because of our problem,  she and her mother were personally reviewing all the files to make sure nothing of this sort happened or does happen again. Lillian Macken was visibly upset, her reputation obviously important to her. Jodi said that with the expansion they had left some of this over-sight to managers. We talked some more did an abrazame or two and left with the hefty check and a promise to sell our house quickly as our realtor, with a financial arrangement we were happy with.

Lillian and Jodi Macken came to our house. I do have to say that Lillian got to me. Not only did we trade Bascom Palmer waiting time stories (abysmal wait), she, like my mom was a realtor mom. She sounded just like my mother.  And Jodi's recollection of her childhood with a realtor mom mirrored my childhood.  Growing up with a realtor mom is grueling, how many times can you listen to a real estate story?

As the 3 of us walked to inspect the pool area, a little old lady passed us with a book in her hand. I said to her "You still read books?" She didn't understand. Lillian translated to Spanish. Anyway I did an abrazame (remember my abrazame campaign to promote love between ethnic groups?).  Then Lillian and Jodi also hugged the woman and the woman began to cry with happiness, so in need of touch from another human being. It was one of the most heart wrenching moments of my life and I had two people to share it with. Special. Jodi said it was an incredible moment.

Back to Real Estate, Jodi sent her young, beautiful assistant to show the house when she couldn't. I wasn't convinced she was qualified, But Sabrina was great. I grew to trust her abilities.  As Jodi texted me during the selling period, I learned how funny she was. And she is a pisser.  I really got to like her and her stories about  bringing up her daughters were hilarious.  I begged to have them for a day. I was going to make them watch meaningful movies all day, like in Clockwork Orange.

Finally my house had a buyer in a bad market. When it was time to negotiate I didn't get nice Jodi (where did she go?), I got tough Jodi. Wow, was I surprised at her skill with dealing with me.  I am not an easy person when prickly.  I am sure the buyer got the same Jodi as I was getting. So, the damn house is gone, I made more money because of our financial agreement and I am renting and happy. But I couldn't let  the real estate saga end without thanking my crack realty team of Matriarch Lillian Macken, Jodi Macken (Facebook buddy), and millennium Sabrina Beyda. You go girls!

My Abrázame Campaign. By Geniusofdespair

My Abrázame Campaign is moving along at super speed, I started it a month ago because of some friction I was seeing between  European Jewish and Hispanic women at the Michael-Ann Russell Jewish Community Center. A Hispanic woman from Peru was left in tears because she was scolded for speaking Spanish, I gave her a hug and so my campaign began. I hope it catches on with everyone.

I actually go up to strangers now and with arms out-stretched say: Abrázame! Which means "hug me" in Spanish. I don't know a lot of Spanish but this appears to be a very potent phrase to know. This campaign has been an enormous success. I have gotten nearly 100 hugs and about 90 smiles and you know what? It feels good.

Granted I am not a guy and I am not threatening looking, I also practice good hygiene. I always get a hug and sometimes a big smile. As the embrace ends, I say "Everybody needs a Hug." The last man I hugged said "thank you." The one before said "Yes, everyone needs a hug" then he gave me a big smile. I hug women too, I said ABRÁZAME to a woman on line in CVS and got my hug. She looked pretty depressed. I said it at the Orchid Festival at Fairchild Garden and got a bunch of hugs there. Got a few downtown on the street Monday.

Anyway, I hope I leave good vibes and add to my good karma. Who cares if some people think I am wacky. I don't care one bit.

Opps one more thing, It helps A LOT if your target understands Spanish.