The Journey Home – Trick or Treat?

I'm back at my day job today.  Life is returning to normal after experiencing one of my greatest adventures ever with my wife in Las Vegas.  I'm still trying to figure out why I would remove my waterproof triathlon watch before entering the swimming pool and then leave it behind.  Maybe it was that second margarita at Lindo Michuacán, a Mexican food restaurant highly recommended by friends of our daughter.  I discovered my error the next morning and returned to retrieve my watch but the doors were locked and we needed to get to the airport early for a shot at a couple of standby seats.  Our gate was decked out with Halloween decor.  The agent spooked me when I handed him my two seat requests and he said, "sorry, we only have one seat left."

I kissed my wife good-bye and sent her home, reassuring her I would find my way home.  Like a bad trick-or-treater wanting more candy, I returned for a second visit and found a new gate agent.  "You can get a seat to St. Louis, they have room for you," she said. "I'll call over and tell them you're on your way."

I ran as fast as I could but the doors were already shut and there was a line at the desk.  I approached the man at the door and asked if I was too late.  He looked at his watch, re-opened the door and said, "Go get a ticket.  You have three minutes."

The agent at the counter was watching and hurried toward me to have a look at my driver's license before handing me a boarding pass.  Once I passed through the door, it was locked behind me.  I found the last seat on the plane and breathed a sigh of relief.  Three stops later I reunited with my wife who was waiting for me and we drove home, arriving just after midnight.  I'm going to replace my watch on the way to my day job this morning.  Next time, I think I'll leave it on when I go swimming.  The watch may have stayed in Vegas but we made it home.  Yes, this adventure turned out to be a treat.  Have a great day.

I Nearly Flunked My Travel Test

Most people I know have rigid travel schedules.  Everything is planned out to the second.  I'm on the other side of the spectrum.  My vacations look more like scenes from Mission Impossible.  The stakes couldn't have been any higher on my latest "mission" to see Phil Collins in Las Vegas over the weekend with my wife.  I had two tickets to his "Not Dead Yet" performance and all I needed to do was get there.

The alarm went off at 3:00 am the morning of the concert.  Our nearest airport was already sold out on all flights so we drove 95 miles in order to get a couple of seats on standby.  All Hell broke loose when we arrived at our hub and discovered our first three choices of flights were already sold out.  My head was spinning trying to figure out alternatives.  The male readers can relate to the next part of the story.  It's not in our blood to ask for help but I was about to fail big time on my travel test and reached out to the expert in our family for assistance.  Her solution was to set up a couple of standby requests on another airline for a small fee.  We needed to change terminals and rush to  our gate on the other end of the airport.  Her plan worked and we were one step closer to Vegas when we arrived in Denver.  Our happiness turned to horror when then next three flights suddenly filled to capacity.  We got the last two seats on the last plane to Vegas before the concert.  We arrived in time to check in, get a quick bite to eat and head over to the MGM Gardens.  The lights dimmed the moment we found our seats.  Phil Collins limped out on stage to greet the crowd and proclaim, "I'm not dead yet."  I give him an A+ for his performance, especially for conquering his ailments from a bad foot and a bad back.  As for me and my latest travel test, I'm not dead yet either.  Rigid travel schedules will never be in the cards.  All missions are possible if you resolve to never give up.  Have a great day.

Cancel the Search Party

I didn't expect to be off the radar this long but it appears many travelers had the same idea and I needed some extra time to find my way home.  There will be a full update in the morning.  All is well.  Have a great day.

Still Off the Radar

It's the good life.  Our phones are off.  The TV is off.  We're away from our computers.  This weekend is a throwback to the caveman days when eye-to-eye contact was the mode of communication.  I'm thankful to have this time with my wife.  This message was written in advance in order to clear the calendar.  Normal blog messaging resumes tomorrow.  Have a great day.

Off the Radar

The dust settled.  The leaves have fallen.  And the calendar reads family time.  Yeah.  I'm blocking some time to have fun with my wife.  Weekends off are a huge blessing.  We are officially off the radar.  No phones.  No TV.  No internet.  This is Heaven.  Have a great day.

The Block System for Your Life

The inspiration for today's message comes from observing a loved one's performance in his first year at a public university that uses the block system.  The block system refers to a one class at a time strategy.  This is laser focus on one subject for approximately eighteen days before moving on.  There are no distractions.  It's like building a house.  The first step is to draw up the plans.  Nothing else happens until the foundation is poured.  Construction crews focus all their energy on a single step before moving on.  Whoala!  A house appears.

Imagine a block system for your life.  Think about what you can achieve with super intense focus on one area of your life at a time.  Why not "block out" specific days and hours to be used solely for one item on your to do list?  I do find there are times in my life when things get muddled because I'm layering too many things at the same time.  This is inefficient and time consuming.  I can accomplish more when I have focus.  Give the block system a try and  discover the joys of focused energy.  Have a great day.

Steps, Stairs and Sleep

It's all about rhythm...steps, stairs and sleep.  Motion during the day and eight hours of sleep at night.  This works for me.  The best way to get deep sleep is to make sure you're getting adequate exercise.  Beware of sleep deprivation.  Your body needs time to heal.  I'm on my way to my day job for an early morning assignment.   My body feels energized after getting in some quality tennis on the indoor courts last night.  Have a great day.

Time to Go Home

This is it.  It's my last day helping out at my day job in our expansion area.  Time to go home.  It's been a great run.  I really enjoy all the new relationships and the new opportunities here in Davenport.  The new people on our team our amazing.  I'm ready to go home and be reunited with my wife and my day job people.  I would like to thank my wife for keeping everything solid on the home front while I've been away.  I'm looking forward to sleeping in my own bed and getting back to my normal routine.  It won't be long before we go through another round of expansions in our day job.  Right now it's all about rest and recuperation.  Have a great day.

Going Bananas

Picture yourself at your dream weight.  How close are you today?  Do you have a plan to get there?  My life changed for the better when I decided to try a food experiment and it's become a routine that will stay with me all the days of my life.  I'm literally going bananas.  And oranges, apples, pineapples, etc, etc.  Besides daily fruits, it's also about nuts, beans, seeds, and lots and lots of veggies.  I mix in small amounts of chicken, red meat and fish to give me some variety and I limit by fluids to water and wine.  It works.  This is the good life.  Try it, you'll like it.  Go bananas. Have a great day.

It's All About the Culture

I'm on my final three days of my special assignment to assist with our expansion efforts at my day job.  This has been a great opportunity to spend time with amazing people from all over the country who share a passion for spreading our culture and our values.  Perhaps one of the biggest lessons I learned during my time here in the Midwest is the art of letting go.   Looking back, it's the things I tried to hold on to that prevented me from living a full life.  I'm happy to report success in conveying our values to our new family members. 


I would like to share one more personal note before I head off to my day job this morning.  It's amazing to me how many  specific people God is sending my way to help nudge me back to my current project.  I've been stalled to deliver a book about my food journey.  The more I let go and let God be in charge, the more I'm able to see about what needs to be uncovered.  The answers are in the people I'm meeting.  Please know I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be and I will get the job done, no matter how busy my life may be or how many challenges I encounter.  Right now, I'm going to enjoy this day and the people I'm blessed to be with during our journey together.  Have a great day.

Back on the Courts Today

Our men's 55+ team had an early morning match this morning against a strong Quad City team.  We fought hard but came up short, losing 2-1.  It felt good to be on the courts.  I'm impressed with the level of competition at this age level.  I will need some extra practice time to keep up with these guys.  Have a great day.

Day Job Reunion Today

I'm on assignment for five days beginning today at my day job.  It's a reunion of coworkers from multiple locations around the Midwest to help get a new store off the ground.  I'm excited to join others who are like family to me.  The expectations are high for a successful opening and I will be a part of the support team.  I'll be posting updates while I'm away.  Have a great day.

Detour Today

I'm making a pit stop at urgent care on my way to my day job this morning.  This nagging virus in my body appears to be moving around.  I'm experiencing pain in my back and I want to get it checked out.  Have a great day.

Stay Focused On Your Target

Beware of the distractions.  They creep in when you get complacent.  Your goals need focus.  Remind yourself daily why these goals are important.  The closer you get to your target, the more visible it becomes.  You can do this.  Have a great day.

My First Teledoc Experience

I promised my wife and my mother I would make a doctor visit for my persistent cough which has been nagging me for three weeks.  Teledoc was a great solution.  The doctor called two minutes after I placed my order and prescribed medicine over the phone to help me.  There was no need to be in a waiting room filled with sick people or leave my home except to pick up my prescription at the pharmacy.  The copay was a bargain at ten dollars.

Teledoc is not meant to replace a primary care physician but it can come in handy for minor medical issues like mine.  Give teledoc a try the next time you need a doctor to assist you.  Have a great day.

Catching My Breath Today

Sometimes a timeout call is necessary.  That's what I have today – a day of rest and recuperation.  I'm home.  This last week felt more like a high speed chase than a casual life of an empty nester on cruise control.  The only one I know with a busier calendar is my mother and she's 364 days shy of 80.  The Merry-go-round is spinning and I need a day off to catch my breath before the next adventure.

I would like to thank my boss at my day job for re-arranging my schedule in order to catch the only available flight on Friday.  Everything had to be almost perfect – no traffic delays, no bags to check, a TSA precheck on my boarding pass to skip the long lines and a super human transition to my connecting flight in Detroit.  At times I felt more like being in a marathon race than on a pleasure trip to Arizona to see my beloved classmates at our 40th high school reunion.  The race came to a successful conclusion just prior to the midnight bell.  I got eight hours of sleep and woke up just in time to let my friends and family know I'm home safe.  I'm thankful for the opportunity to reconnect with my classmates, spend quality time with my amazing mother and replenish my vitamin D levels with some Arizona sunshine – a premium for Midwesterners at this time of the year.  Have a great day.

Happy Birthday, Mom

She's 79 years young today and I'm blessed to have the opportunity to be with her on her special day.  What a delight.  I don't know what her secret is when it comes to the aging process but she's figured something out.  Maybe it has to do with maintaining a full social calendar, spending quality time with friends and family, and holding your head high in challenging times.  Yes, she lives the good life.  Happy birthday, Mom.  I love you.  Have a great day!

40 Year High School Reunion is a 10

My high school classmates will always be with me, no matter how far we may be separated geographically.  Last night I got to visit with old friends from 40 years ago.  What a delight.  These people are amazing.  I would like to thank the reunion committee for delivering a full night of fun and great entertainment.

The older I get, the more I understand the importance of being connected to good friends, especially during times of trials.  For me, my high school years provided an opportunity to make new friends that make me want to be a better person.

Speaking of reunions, today is my opportunity to see my mother and celebrate her birthday.  She knows and loves many of my high school classmates and she will be asking for updates on their lives.  If I could sum last night up in one line, here goes... you inspire me.  Thank you for sharing your lives with me.  Have a great day.

A Fallen Hero Comes Home

We knew something was out of the ordinary when we noticed a large gathering of police cars and fire trucks with their lights on.  As we approached, I noticed they were all standing at attention facing our plane.  The flight attendant announced, "ladies and gentleman,  please remain seated during our military escort."  The passengers were hushed as a young man in his dress blues stood up, gathered his belongings, and departed.

On my way off the plane, I asked a flight attendant if everything was okay and she told me a fallen airman was being escorted home.  The experience moved me to tears.

May God bless the family of the fallen airman and all those who serve our country to keep us safe.  Have a great day.

Cutting the Chord

It's only one small step in our quest to become debt free but I believe it will help us with our family budget.  I ordered an indoor TV antenna for the local channels and have high hopes the signal will be strong enough.  If all goes well, we can say good-bye to our current provider and say hello to smart savings.  These baby steps add up to a life free of mortgage payments.  Stay tuned for our progress report.  Have a great day.

Go For It

Today is a new day.  There are mountains to climb and challenges to tackle.  I'm all in.  I think the virus attacking my body this week is finally out of my system.  It feels good to have my energy back again.  Have a great day.

Still Bouncing

Mother Nature is on the attack in my home state again.  The tornado sirens are going off everywhere and all the rivers are at flood stages.  Meanwhile, I'm still bouncing back from some kind of virus that is lingering inside my body.  The sudden spikes and drops in temperatures are making my recovery more challenging.  I'm hoping to be back at 100% soon.  Please keep the people of Florida in your prayers.  It sounds like Hurricane Michael may be the worst storm in 100 years.  Have a great day.

Bouncing Back

This is the second time in a one week period where my body is less than 100%.  I'm mustering all the willpower I have to get to my day job.  I believe bouncing back starts in your head.  I'm putting one foot in front of the other and going out into the world to do my part.  Have a great day.

Intensity

Are you ready to turn up the heat on your dreams?  This means intensity.  Sometimes this heat is generated by friction.  It's when complacency and imagination are in the same bed and complacency says, "go back to sleep."  Pull those covers off and get out of bed.  Do this every day, every time, no matter how bad the weather may be or how challenging the obstacles.  Your intensity determines how far you will advance.  Your dreams are worth it.  Have a great day.

It's All About the Baby Steps

What is your biggest dream?  Do you have a plan to turn it into reality?  How long will it take?  I like to give my dreams time targets so I have something specific to shoot for.  There are times when I feel like I'm moving in slow motion, as if everything is in baby steps.  The good news is that forward movement, no matter how slow, is advancement.  Baby steps add up.

Get specific with your dreams.  Write everything down.  Take a baby step or two today in the right direction.  You can do this.  Have a great day.

Debt Reduction is a Treasure Hunt

I know where the treasure is buried for most families.  Unfortunately, it's not in their own savings accounts.  The treasure is hidden in the secret caverns owned by credit card companies and banks.  Even though mortgage rates are at historic lows, families are giving up their rights to a dream few fail to achieve in their lifetime – freedom from debt.

If you're willing to go on a treasure hunt of your own, keep in mind there will be many temptations that may distract you from finding the prize.  Prepare yourself and stay on the hunt until you reach your goal of financial independence.  Have fun seeking your treasure.  Pack a lunch daily.  Cut the cable bill.  Your journey can be fun if you have the right attitude.  Don't ever give up.  Have a great day.

On the Move Again

It's a full calendar through the end of the year and beyond.  I'm thankful to have my health back at 100% and for the opportunity to visit friends and family soon.  The caveman food experiment volunteers are making a comeback after some setbacks.  I'll keep you posted as their stories unfold.  Have a great day.

Back on Track

What a difference a day makes.  I'm back on track.  I'm not sure what was attacking my body yesterday but I needed every ounce of will power to get out of bed and seize the day.  It was touch and go.  Midway through my day job I started to feel better and managed to get three sets of tennis in by the end of the day.  It feels good to be back in the normal range.  Have a great day.

Under the Weather Today

I won't be shaking any hands today at my day job.  Despite 12 hours of sleep and a couple of shots of NyQuil during the night, I'm feeling under the weather today.  This is day one of a ten day stretch and I'm the opener.  I'm pushing myself to get out of bed and contribute but I'm not sure I can make it to the end of my shift.  I'm going to push one hour at a time and do my best to get through this day.  Have a great day.

Seek God First

Have you ever asked anyone where the Kingdom of God is?  Do you know where it may be?  I believe there a Biblical clues for those willing to search for directions.  Finding answers may require a re-arranging of priorities.  Ask yourself, am I willing to seek the kingdom of God and make this quest my number one priority in life?

I've given up many things in my personal life.  The truth is these things don't add up to much compared to all that has been added since making God my top priority.  Matthew 6:33 is an important road map – "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."  Have a great day.

Seeking Summit Experience

My wife and I are on the adventure of a lifetime.  We've been on many mountain climbs together during our twenty-nine years of marriage but the challenge ahead requires teamwork and a relentless will to keep climbing no matter how many obstacles we face on our journey to pay off our mortgage before we reach the golden years.  If the elevation of our mountain were measured in dollars, we have over 100,000 feet to ascend in just over three years.  The demons in my head warn me it will be a cold day in Hell before we make it to the summit.  Maybe they know something I don't know.  That's okay.  I checked the long term weather forecast and it looks like Hell might freeze over while we're climbing.

We're fine tuning our debt reduction plans for ninety days before we leave the comfort of "base camp."  There are two time targets to reach by 12/31/19 and 12/31/20 before we make our final push for the summit on 12/31/21.  These time targets will give us the opportunity to make the necessary adjustments in order to complete our journey.  If you see a bonfire on top of our mountain in 39 months, don't worry.  We're burning our mortgage papers in celebration.  Have a great day.