HAPPY NEW YEAR!

It’s hard to believe that in just a few days we will see another year come to an end. My grandfather used to say, “ the older you get, the faster time goes by ”. That never used to make sense to me as I was growing up, but I have to admit that I tend to agree with him now.

Thanks to your friendship and support, 2012 was another great year for Hotel Equities. We managed to grow our portfolio in spite of the headwinds of the global economy and the uncertainties regarding the outcome of the election and the impending fiscal cliff.

Although many uncertainties still remain, I am confident that together we will find new ways to prosper in the new year.

I wish you and your family the very best in 2013.

NO ROOM AT THE INN

I have often thought that God must have a special place in his heart for the hotel business. This thought is especially pervasive this time of year as we approach the Christmas season. 

To those of us in the hotel business, having no vacancy is a goal and a much heralded accomplishment.  But to a guest who has traveled for miles, being told that there is “No room at the inn”  can be cause for stress.   

The book of Luke contains my favorite version of the Christmas story. It is a story which took place over 2000 years ago when Mary and Joseph made the trip from Nazareth to Jerusalem to register in the census only to find the town’s inn was sold out.  In addition to being tired from the journey, it was time for Mary to give birth, and so Joseph began what must have been a frantic search for a place of rest and comfort.  

As Joseph approached the Innkeeper and was told that there were no rooms available, I can only imagine the sense of fear and concern that came upon him. Fortunately, the Innkeeper was a kind, compassionate and hospitable man who offered Joseph alternative lodging, in the stable adjacent to the inn.  

And so, as the story goes,  Jesus entered the world in a manger located in a stable next door to the sold-out hotel.  

But I can’t help but to think; What if there were more rooms available that night? Jesus would have been born in a hotel.  

As we prepare for this Christmas season, I am hopeful that we will leave room in our hearts to bring joy to someone less fortunate and that we will remain mindful of the real reason for the season. 

 

LIFE IS LIKE BASEBALL... PART 2

My two favorite teams are the Boston Red Sox and the Atlanta Braves. I have often been asked who I would root for if they ever played each other in the World Series. I have decided I will pull for the home team. My Red Sox better get going if they are going to make the playoffs. As I write this, they are in last place in the American League East. The Braves are faring somewhat better and are in second place in the National League East but appear to have a good chance to make the playoffs as a wild card team.

I can still remember the sweet smell of freshly mowed grass as a player. I had an opportunity to play 2 years of semi-pro baseball right after High School but quickly determined that I did not have “the goods” to make it to the pros and chose instead to join the Marines.

I now have the pleasure of watching my grandsons play the game. My grandson Eli has “committed” to play at Clemson University following his senior year of high school. This week I am in Phoenix Arizona watching him play in the Perfect Game 17u World Series. He is the starting Shortstop on the East Cobb Braves. You can probably tell I am a proud Grandfather.

Here are ten more reasons why I think life is similar to baseball;  

1-The grass is greenest in the spring

2-You represent your team off the field as well as on

3-Fans are like friends, they come out to see you more often when you are winning

4-It’s too late to practice when it’s your turn to bat

5-Someone needs to play the outfield

6-Thankfully the game has more than one inning

7-Learn to play the ball instead of letting it play you

8-You don’t have to hit every pitch

9-There is nothing quite like the smell of freshly cut grass

10-There is more than one way to reach first base

 

“For it’s one, two, three strikes you’re out in the old ball game!”