It feels difficult to focus on real estate when the Canucks are in the Stanley Cup finals today. By this evening we’ll know whether we’ll take the cup - or not. What remains true is that for the second year in a row, Vancouver is in the international spotlight.

The power and influence of media through professional sports coverage represents millions of dollars of indirect “advertising”. Not only did we host the Olympics last year, the world witnessed the Canadian men’s and ladies’ hockey teams win gold medals in Vancouver. This year, it’s a similar scene as hundreds of members of the media are here in Vancouver to cover the final game of the 2011 Stanley Cup finals. That's a lot to be proud of.

However, as Vancouverites, we do have a tendency to complain about our home. The “un-fun” city, our weather, the cost of living here, taxes, parking, traffic - you name it. We like to complain. But, we have been voted (by others!) as the most livable city for five years running. Think about that. Other people would choose to live here more than anywhere else in the entire world – and we’re already here. I feel pretty lucky and patriotic about that. And whether it’s waving a Canadian flag or wearing a Canucks jersey, I love the feeling of togetherness, pride and celebration our city is enjoying right now.

The world is still watching. Let’s show them why we truly love this place. Good luck Canucks. Thank you for giving us another reason to celebrate why we love living here.

Grace Austin