Here are some more images from Borders Century City. The October 22 book signing is only four weeks away, and I'm really looking forward to it.

♦Digg it   ♦del.icio.us   ♦Add to Technorati Faves

When Life Gets Stressful, Pack Your Bags and Fly Away

I’ve never been one of those people who jets off to spend weeks in Mayorca or Hawaii. But before going into surgery two weeks ago, Saeed and I took a quick vacation.

It’s not something that I do very often because it’s tough to carve time out of my busy schedule. But I knew how unpleasant being cooped up in a hospital would be

Vancouver, Canada is a wonderful place. At first, we wanted to spend time in the Fairmont, but it was booked. Instead we stayed in the Four Seasons and then the Hyatt Vancouver. Between the two, Four Seasons and Hyatt, I’d recommend the Hyatt. We had a spectacular view from our room and the impressive hotel’s location was ideal.

The Butchart Gardens on Victoria Island was the highlight of my trip.

Taking Work with Me, Kind of

Saeed and I can’t venture too far without thinking about real estate. After all, it's everywhere, isn't it? Vancouver has had an incredible real estate boom with luxury high rises and posh neighborhoods like Shaughnessy. But the real estate blues have hit this part of the world too. The word on the street is that Vancouver’s real estate market is slowing down.

Remember the Importance of Taking a Break

When I’m feeling burned out, but afraid of leaving the fort, I’ll go back to this blog entry to remind myself of the advice that I’ve published for all of you to see.

I struggle to pull myself out of the office for even a couple of days. It took a medical procedure for me to commit to rest.

The time away exposed me to a different culture and climate. The result? I came back a stronger person, looking at things with a fresh perspective, and with vitality.

Being a committed mom, wife, daughter, extended family member, friend, and businesswoman pulls me in many directions and puts a strain on my time.

I'm sure that you're probably really busy too. But regardless of our responsibilities it’s important to unplug ourselves from everything once in a while and to take time to renew our minds, bodies, and spirits.

♦Digg it   ♦del.icio.us   ♦Add to Technorati Faves

Technorati Profile

Technorati Profile

♦Technorati Profile">Digg it   ♦Technorati Profile">del.icio.us   ♦Technorati Profile">Add to Technorati Faves

East or West, It's Time to Celebrate

Los Angeles, my beloved city, has all the qualities of a densely packed metropolis only smoothed out over a vast urban landscape.

Last night was special for two reasons. First, we celebrated the opening of Nourmand & Associates newest office, located in the historic Hollywood Athletic Club.

Sunset Boulevard is a busy place on Thursday night, and the valet service provided a quick way for guests to make their way off the busy boulevard and into the building. The turn out couldn’t have been better, and the event was a complete success. When they arrived, our friends were treated to a delight of the senses. Guests were surrounded by views from the 8th floor office space, mouthwatering hors d'oeuvres such as chocolate covered strawberries and mini-tarts, and soothing chardonnay.

On the west side of town there was an equally memorable display--albeit in a more bookish setting. Drive a few miles toward the ocean from the Hollywood Athletic Club, and you’ll find the Century City Shopping Mall. On the second floor, across from Bloomingdales, you’ll see Borders.

Inside, the amazing staff set up several displays of my book, which promotes my Q&A that will take place on Wednesday, 22 October at 7:00 p.m. Howard, my son, not only designed the cover but is the creative mind behind the attractive visuals of the book and event.

Thanks to So Young and Yosi at Borders Century City. I am grateful for their professionalism and support of the local community.

I’ll provide more details of the event later. For now, please enjoy the photos.

♦Digg it   ♦del.icio.us   ♦Add to Technorati Faves

Discovery

Last week, I mentioned in a post that while I was recovering from my surgery, I spent a day going through family photos and documents.

I stumbled upon a poem that I wrote in 1972, when I was pregnant with my daughter, Nicole. She has been an incredible support for me. Specifically over the past few weeks.

First, by selecting the doctor who would perform the operation. Then by visiting me throughout the day of my surgery. (She works as a pediatrician in the same hospital.) It's nice to have a doctor in the family.

In 1972, little did I know that my daughter would one day be a physician in one of the world's most prestigious hospitals, a mother of two beautiful children, and the wife of a university professor.

The following is the poem:

I dreamed I stood in a studio and watched two sculptors there;

The clay they used was a young child's mind and they fashioned it with care.

One was a teacher and the tools he used were books, music and art.

The other, a parent who worked with a guiding hand and gentle loving heart.

Day after day, the teacher toiled with touch that was deft and sure,

While the parent labored by his side and polished and smoothed it o'er;

And when at last their tasks were done, they were proud of what they had wrought.

For the things they had molded into the child could neither be sold nor bought.

Each agreed he would have failed if he had worked alone.

For behind the teacher stood the school and behind the parent stood the home.

Little did Myra know then that her daughter would share her heart with a teacher.

♦Digg it   ♦del.icio.us   ♦Add to Technorati Faves

Always Strive for the Highest Ideals

Today I decided to go through the stacks and stacks of family photos that I’ve collected over the years. It was a doctor-approved activity and a fulfilling way to relax and recover from my surgery. I had my assistant, Victoria, buy me photo albums so I could spend a couple of hours organizing all the images taken over many years.

If the past is the foundation on which our reputations stand, I’ve spent my career making mine solid. Now, I enjoy the benefits of my good name, which has withstood the challenges that life has thrown at me.

Real Estate Tips from the Comfort of a Hospital Gurney

On Tuesday morning, I lay in bed shortly after being admitted to the hospital. The anesthesiologist entered the room and greeted me. This was the man to which I was entrusting my unconscious state.

He took my arm and prepared it for the drugs that would soon enter my body. I lay there watching him do his work.

“Alright, before we get started, I have some real estate questions to ask you,” he said.

“How did you know I was in real estate?” I asked.

He told me that my reputation preceded me. Beverly Hills is a small community, so people who’ve been in the business as long as I have, have become familiar faces.

“Would it be possible to talk about real estate later?” I asked. I promised him that I’d be available anytime after I was out of the hospital. For now, I wanted for both of us to focus on the surgery.

Your Reputation Will Help Others

A colleague of mine expressed how much he enjoys working with me. Daniel recently met with a real estate attorney regarding a complicated case. He recounted the story as follows:

Daniel entered the lawyer’s office. He nervously sat there and was concerned about the meeting.

“Where do you work?” the lawyer asked.

“At Nourmand & Associates,” Daniel said.

“With Myra Nourmand?” he asked.

Daniel described how this put both of them at ease. The real estate lawyer trusted my reputation, and Daniel appreciated the mutual connection.

It takes years and years to build a reputation, and one unethical move can sour all of your work.

As our nation’s economy shudders, and the walls of corporate giants are being shored up by government intervention, we must maintain the highest standards for ourselves. And over time, you'll inevitably reap the rewards of your positive work.

♦Digg it   ♦del.icio.us   ♦Add to Technorati Faves

Road to Recovery

I must confess. I’m going to cheat. Not much. Just a little.

My doctor told me that I have to rest for a week after surgery. I left the hospital on Tuesday, and I plan to return to work on Monday.

One less day will be fine, right?

I’ve admitted this before, and I’ll say it again. Getting tasks accomplished is an obsession of mine.

For me, procrastination is talking on the phone, noticing that the pillows need to get fluffed on a nearby couch and not fluffing them right away. Why wait? Continue your very important conversation and get up to straighten out those lumpy pillows.

I thank evolution for making me a skilled multi-tasker.

We women know how to juggle several responsibilities all at once better than most men. Yes, I admit that it's a reckless generalization based primarily on observation.

Here's my reasoning. From our prehistoric beginnings we had to give birth, recover quickly, put our infants on our backs and get to work gathering twigs, fruits, and maybe even hunt.

Fast forward two million years. We’re working all day, coming home to take care of our family’s needs, and sometimes dropping everything when our kids get sick.

We’re good at taking care of several things at once. Men on the other hand…try tossing an activity at them while they're focused on something, and see how they react.

I Drove Saeed Crazy Today

I’m feeling much better today. Last night, after returning home from the hospital, I didn’t feel well at all. Not only did I have the usual pains associated with post-op, but I caught this terrible cold before I went to the hospital.

Today, I’m still at home resting—doctor’s orders—and I’m in much better shape. So much so that I decided to do some organizing…of my husband’s stuff (mistake number one).

“There you go again Myra. You’re supposed to be resting, and instead you’re being the Energizer Bunny. Organizing and cleaning house,” Saeed said.

He’s right. But I’m doing my best to take it easy, really!

Thankfully, I have my family around me all day to remind me of this. While I was at the hospital, my mother-in-law didn’t leave my side. As I deliver this message to you, my dad has been with me all day. Nikki, my daughter, has visited me several times today. And of course, Saeed, as always, is my biggest support. I’m a blessed person indeed.

Being a career woman is fulfilling. It’s also hard work. And when you’re used to running around taking care of business, family, and friends, it’s a challenge to sit back and relax.

♦Digg it   ♦del.icio.us   ♦Add to Technorati Faves

Post Op

As the global financial markets were turned upside down yesterday, I was tuned out. This afternoon, I returned home after a brief hospital stay.

The benefits of having a daughter-doctor are enormous. Nicole, a pediatrician at our local hospital, arranged the best physician to perform the surgery that I underwent yesterday.

The procedure, which was nothing too serious, had been planned for awhile and was necessary after giving birth to my kids so many years ago. And it was a small price to pay for my three shining diamonds: Nicole, Howard, and Michael.

It all started yesterday morning at 7:00 a.m. By 10:30, I was on the road to recovery. It gave me peace of mind knowing that my daughter was working in the same hospital. She visited me throughout my stay. My sons, Howard and Michael, and my husband Saeed were there to show their support as well.

I left the hospital today. Saeed picked me up around 4:00 p.m. Yesterday, he brought me a red rose from our backyard. At the time it was a modest bud, not ready to reveal itself to the world. By the time I left, it unveiled its fully blossomed beauty. What a wonderful representation of my successful hospital stay.

Will I be able to sit still?

I’ll be recovering for the next few days. As my family and friends know, I thrive on goal accomplishment, serving others, and maintaining a full calendar. This will be a test of my ability to relax. And I’d better do so because it’s doctor’s orders.

I’m not allowed to lift anything heavier than my cell phone (I'll confess that it's been a trusted hospital accessory as I stay abreast of business back at the office), and I must avoid bending.

Some Rest & Relaxation Before the Hospital Stay

Before I went the hospital on Monday, Saeed and I took a trip to Vancouver. It was a perfect way to prepare myself emotionally and physically for the medical procedure. Although the operation was far from life and death, I don’t know anyone who enjoys surgery, not matter how minor.

Blogging will be a welcome outlet for me since I won’t be able to run around making business happen. Speaking of which, I closed another escrow prior to my surgery and another sale will wrap up shortly.

Next time, I’ll share more about my trip to Vancouver—Life threw a lesson at me while I was in Canada. And I’ll provide my observations regarding the current upheaval of our nation’s economy.

For now, I'd like to extend my immense gratitude to all my friends and family for their thoughts and prayers.

♦Digg it   ♦del.icio.us   ♦Add to Technorati Faves

Be the Great Observer

"When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen."--Ernest Hemingway

One of the most important pieces of advice I can give you is to watch and listen.

Observing and listening were two major factors in my early success. If you want to be successful or more successful than you already are, then watch successful people.

Examine Their Habits

What do they wear? What’s their body language when they’re interacting with others or handling difficult situations?

I’m asking you to wear your scientist hat. The great developmental psychologist Jean Piaget called children little scientists. They’re constantly evaluating and making sense of the world.

I encourage you to be a big scientist. Observe the qualities of the people you’d like to be like. Then emulate them. This doesn’t mean that if they drive a Bentley that you should take out a loan and buy one.

It means that you learn to communicate like they do. Imitate their body language. Dress like them (or as similar to them as your budget allows).

Talk Their Talk

What words do they use when they’re communicating with others, especially when matters are stressful? The reason why I emphasize difficult situations is that these are where the most amazing people shine.

John D. Rockefeller, called the richest person in the United States ever by The New York Times was known for his even temper. You may have assumed that this legendary figure of the Gilded Age was abrasive and bossy, but this wasn’t the case.

There’s a story of his son, John Jr. After graduating from college he worked for his father. At one point, he fell prey to an investment scam and lost $1 million (nearly $17 million in current dollars).

The young man couldn’t believe what he had done, and he didn’t have the resources to pay off the debt. He felt like a failure and now he needed to confess his foible to his father. When he told his father, John Sr. answered, “All right, I’ll take care of it John.”

And it wasn’t like John D. Rockefeller had a reputation of letting money like this slip by.

Ron Chernow, author of the bestselling biography of John D. Rockefeller describes that until age 8, his son only wore dresses. John Jr. had two older sisters and his parents clothed the boy in their apparel rather than buy him new attire.

Chernow explains why John Jr.’s father accepted his son’s confession with such kindness.

“It was a vintage Rockefeller performance: The true lesson lay in what he did not say and what he did not do. Rockefeller had sensed that his insecure son had castigated himself so unmercifully that bitter reproaches were superfluous. By showing generosity, he enlisted his son’s loyalty forever.”

Amazing! Imagine your child telling you that she or he has blown $17 million and is now asking you to come to the rescue.

Now I know that Rockefeller has more money than any of us will ever have, but his attitude under pressure is still remarkable.

More to come on the benefits of being a keen observer of your surroundings.

♦Digg it   ♦del.icio.us   ♦Add to Technorati Faves

Parenting is Harder Than Real Estate

When I first started out in the real estate biz, there were several fears that I had to overcome. One of the biggest had less to do with self-limiting thoughts and more to do with raw reality, the cold, harsh truth.

Beverly Hills was one of the most competitive markets to serve in the world (and it still is).

As in many cities, the big agents and brokers were local celebrities. They had built their reputations from years of work. They drove nice cars, had lots of assistants, massive offices, and earned big bucks.

And there was me.

While the hot shot powerbrokers were selling multi-million listings, I was at PTA meetings, my kids sports competitions and performances, in the kitchen preparing meals, and driving the car shuttling my kids back and forth from school and around town.

I wasn’t earning money being a full time mom, but I was gaining invaluable experience that would help me when I started my real estate career.

Lessons from Being a Mom

When you’re a mom or dad, you never have a vacation. It’s a 24 hour, 365 day commitment that supersedes all other obligations. It’s a job that requires immense preparation to make it as easy as possible. Laundry has to get done, grocery shopping completed, and meals prepared.

Then your kid gets sick or injured and you must drop everything you’ve planned to make room for parenthood.

To be a good mother means that you are caring and have a tremendous amount of patience. You must be aware of what your children are doing and you have to be organized. With little league practices, dress rehearsals, and swimming competitions to keep track of, I had to stay focused. Otherwise my kids wouldn’t make their appointments.

So I’ll sum up the motherhood experience: Round the clock work, concern for those around you, impeccable organizational skills, complete dedication to get tasks done, and motivation to take care of other’s needs. Does this sound familiar?

Without knowing it, being the mother of three laid the groundwork for my success in real estate.

Community Connections

Many of the parents whom I called friends became my clients. They’d tell me, “Myra I’m looking for a bigger house” or “Myra, l’m so tired of my agent, he’s not doing anything to sell my home.” And now that I was an agent, I offered to help them out. We trusted each other with our own kids, so the connection made sense.

♦Digg it   ♦del.icio.us   ♦Add to Technorati Faves