PikeNet Says Goodbye: "That's All Folks"

Enjoy the Show... "Say it ain't so!" That's one of the dozens of wonderful e-mails responding to Tuesday's Dispatch, Back to the Future: Sabbatical Countdown (Dec 12). But it's true. This is the last PikeNet Dispatch.

Of course, my use of the word "sabbatical" is a little misleading because it implies a return to work. That's really not my plan. This will be a permanent sabbatical. Better said, my new life will prevent me from returning to work. Sorry!

"So, Pike, what exactly are you planning?" Well, my immediate plan is to explore both ends of the cultural spectrum by attending the Daytona 500 and the Louvre Atlanta Exhibition in February. (Maybe I need a good psychiatrist.)

After that I've got some crazy ideas about writing, hiking and traveling, perhaps focused on my family's history in California. Two of my great-grandfathers arrived in San Francisco via Cape Horn in early 1850. Although they failed to find gold, they built and lost "fortunes," according to family lore.

There's gotta be a story there. In fact, maybe that's the root of my attraction to real estate brokerage. I've always valued independence as a cardinal virtue (just ask my wife). And few are as independent-minded as brokers.

But no matter what I do, I've promised myself to "enjoy the show." Growing older provides a delightful sense of perspective as the world around you experiences highs and lows. You might as well enjoy the ride.

Over the months to come, I'll keep you posted on my whereabouts via e-mail. If you'd like me to add your name to the mailing list, let me know. Thank you all!

-- Peter Pike