Finally Tattooed

For the last several years I've wanted to get tattooed with my children's names - and two weekends ago I made that happen. I stuck with my original plan - a star on each shoulder with my boy's names inside. I went with the timeless star design to show the love, importance and dreams I have for both of them. Dad loves you Landon and Brock!

New coffee habit

I was never a coffee drinker, in fact, I've hated the smell of coffee for much of my entire life... that was up until I had a week of sales meetings in August 2009. I remember that morning, clear as glass. I was exhausted after a full day of meetings and a late night dinner. As I hovered the morning snack bar, I thought to myself, I need something that will wake me up today. I know some people swear by coffee, so why not give it a shot. Sure enough, seven months later and I'm drinking this stuff regularly. I don't need to hit the coffee shops for anything fancy, I like to keep it simple... in fact, I like it black - nothing but the pure taste of coffee (this also keeps the calories to nearly 0 and eliminates the use of artificial sweeteners!) Salud!

Road trip... and what a trip it was!

3,360+ miles later, our road trip from Minneapolis Minnesota down to South Padre Island Texas is complete! The family had an excellent time during those 10 days; restaurants, museums, horse back riding, sea turtles, swimming, the River Walk, THE BEACH!!, etc. Of course anyone who knows me well, knows that I can not go 10 days with getting to a gym. So during those 10 days, I was able to make it to some type of gym (hotel gym, Anytime, Aspen Health Club, The Gym) 8 times!! I was proud of myself and of course transitioning back into the routine was simple.

Clogging the kitchen sink

I'll start of by saying that I love my wife - she does many wonderful things for our family, and does a fabulous job providing unforgettable experiences for my two boys. However, yesterday was a moment she will want me to erase from memory. Let's just say I have had a few discussions with her on how much food, and what types of food should go down the kitchen disposal. She was brought up with the philosophy that anything can go down the disposal. Well, only so much lettuce, carrots, potatoes, etc. can go down at one time before the piping gets plugged. So in the end, I made an emergency call to Roto Rooter (we can't go many days without a kitchen sink), they spent about an hour in my kitchen with a snake down the piping, and $200 later our kitchen sink is back to normal. That is right, $200 to unclog the sink!! I just hope the lesson has been learned... that could have been a nice dinner, or maybe the NorthFace gear that's been on her want list.

(Not my actual kitchen, or Roto Rooter guy who came out - I don't take pictures of service people in my house - but you get the idea)

Chicago Business Trip

While on my business trip to Chicago January 5th and 6th, I had the opportunity to stay at the Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport. The Hilton was clean, contemporary with great service. Since this was a one night trip, I did not pack my gym gear, however I had to see what I was missing. I have to say, I've stayed at numerous hotels ranging in all price ranges, and they had the highest quality fitness center I've ever seen in a hotel... I was amazed and wished I had my shorts and running shoes. The hotel is within walking distance from the airport, so the convenience factor was amazing. Also while in Chicago, I had the opportunity to eat at Gibson's Steakhouse (Rosemont). The food was delicious, service was great, and atmosphere relaxed... Highly recommended while in the Chicago area (I've experienced both local and chain steakhouse: Capital Grille, Ruth's Chris, etc.). What I ate: Big Filet Mignon, appetizer house salad, with shared baked potato, mushrooms and asparagus. What I didn't eat, but couldn't believe my eyes when they served to the table, their chocolate mousse and carrot cakes. These desserts pieces stand nearly 7 inches and can serve 5 adults easy... I was expecting a small slice. The trip went well, but of course it is always great to get back home to the family.

Mr. Hudson and itunes

After listening to a few tracks by Mr. Hudson (artist from the UK; worked on Kanye's 808's and Heartbreaks, along with a feature in Jay-Z's 'Young Forever') I became hooked. Check out the Straight No Chaser tracks 'Knew We Were Trouble' 'Supernova' 'White Lies'. Here's my dilemma, itunes has only released his album in the UK. Since we are only capable of purchasing from our current country, I'm not able to get these to my music library on my itouch - I can listen to them through youtube, but that is not convenient when I'm at the gym. I'll have to wait until the US release, which was due out on December 1st.

One of my favorite products

As a birthday gift last year, one of my sisters gave me the Cuisinart smart stick hand blender (pictured). Whether I'm beating eggs, mixing a protein shake, making homemade pancakes/french toast, etc. the blender does the job. I use it multiple times daily, never needing to be replaced (very durable). This blender can be easily packed in checked luggage when traveling on a plane. My sister bought this at bed bath & beyond for around $30, but any store selling kitchen utensils should sell it. Enjoy.

what's the purpose?

to provide personal updates and perspective on the realities of my life.

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