Another life goal DONE!

In the past 12 months, I've really been making some headway on the Life List, all those things you'd like to do. I credit ready Phil Keoghan's book No Opportunity Wasted (NOW) in which he talks about writing these goals down, letting others know of them, thereby getting more

involved who can help.

For example, my trip to South America: my friend Oscar was glad to take me as his guest to Colombia. Lots of people still afraid of that.

When I got back, I let my dad know that I was interested in going to see the Masters. A week later, he had tickets.

Today, I achieved another goal. "Drive a Ferrari". My friend Gus took me for a drive and I got to drive his 2005 Ferrari Superamerica. Details from Wikipedia below:

Superamerica

2005 Ferrari 575M Superamerica

Ferrari 575 Superamerica Hood

The Ferrari 575M Superamerica was an innovative convertible version of the 575M Maranello; it featured an electrochromic glass panel roof which rotated 180° (both are production car firsts) at the rear to lay flat over the boot. The Superamerica used the higher-output tune of the V-12 engine, rated at 540 hp (403 kW) and Ferrari marketed it as the world's fastest convertible, with a top speed of 199 mph (320 km/h). The GTC handling package was optional.

A total of 559 Superamericas were built; this awkward number followed Enzo Ferrari's philosophy that there should always be one fewer car available than what the market is demanding.

Top down, it was a unique driving experience. Unlike any car or motorcycle. Best comparison would be a fighter jet.

The car does not even comfortably shift until 7,000 rpms. 80-90-100 mph in great control. Lots of poise as Gus said.

A real treat!

Monday

I'll be in Dallas for business and to see my friends Jeff and Bill B

The weekend in review

I can't remember what I did Friday night to start. I'm sure I was at home - actually I was waiting to get Sarah from a birthday party. I ended up working late that night - got home about 7:30pm.

Saturday was my rest day from triathlon training. I didn't get up until 8:45 am and made breakfast at home - delicious! Then I had a meeting at 11 with Ralph and Elena and then went to play golf with Armando. We had lunch with Larry and Barry so it was a good start. The golf ended up being cool and windy and it was a tough day. Piecing together the score was a 95. I've got to get back into the swing - these 90s are not impressing anyone especially me.

Sat. night Sarah was home so we decided to see the movie "The Bounty Hunter" Two stars. Has Jennifer Anniston ever made a good movie? She plays the same dingbat from Friends every time (and I still see them!)

Today I did a 45 minute bike ride followed immediately with a 10 minute run. Tough but got it done. Church at 11. Then we went to Peppers for lunch where Javier was trying out some new dishes. There Oscar asked me to play golf so I went and played another 9 holes. Much better weather, 70 and clear. I still shot a 48 so I guess I'll keep practicing.

Thursday March 18

I listened to a conference call today about "Rainmaking" and it was a good one. It stressed that a one time client would not make you money but cost you. So I took the advice and got rid of a client who had been nothing but trouble. It was a good feeling. Not easy but the right thing to do for everyone.

This eve I went cycling with the Team McAllen. It was a tough ride (having ran this morning) but I kept up doing 18.9 mph for the loop. Then I came home and had a good recovery dinner. I've been working on eating better with my triathlon training going on.

The swim lesson was yesterday and I learned a lot. When you find out the right way to do something, it sure seems easy thereafter. Tomorrow more swimming from 12 to 1.

We had a good trip to Austin last weekend. Susan wanted to stay at the Domain so I booked a hotel room there at the Aloft. When we got there, it was like a dorm. Not good for us at all. Everyone was displeased but it was midnight by the time we got there. The next morning we checked out and into the Westin next door which was MUCH better.

We had a good steak dinner at Flemings and also enjoyed seeing UT beat Iowa in baseball Saturday 3-1. We also watched 2 good movies on the pay per view, Blind Side and Up in the Air (again for me)

A Tuesday

Today was a relatively easy day for whatever reason. I got to work at 0830 and got ready for tomorrow's cases. I came home for lunch and went to work then to a guitar lesson. I did some more work and picked up Sarah. Back to work and then back for Sarah. We went to the grocery store and I was inspired to make some tasty veggie burritos with sweet potatoes and black beans. Lots of good fiber.

I guess today turned out as it did because it was a good cash day. As I heard, when you are busy you're not making much money. When you're making money, you usually not that busy

Spring is springing

I started my triathlon training today so it seem appropriate to see that the trees are started to bud out and the weather is mild - spring is here.

I did what Coach Sandy said to do: warm up jog for 6 minutes, main run for 10 minutes, cool down for 6 minutes, counting the laps on the track. I ran my usual pace the first 2+ laps, a harder pace for >4 laps and then a slower pace for the last >2 laps.

This past weekend I played in the McAllen Country Club championship. As the new man, I was plugged for an 18 handicap and put in the last flight. I shot 98 the first day with several balls in the street. I knew I'd do better the next day, just a question of how much. I shot 91 the second day and that was 41-50. I had a 9 (+5) on the 13th hole and the pressure really got to me after that. Just like the old days! But it was a decent showing for the the first time and I'll look forward to a big improvement next time.

Week going fast

I'm here at work now (taking a little break to update you). I"m working on a bankruptcy case and have just about gone as far as I can before getting the clients in to go over everything and get it signed and filed.

I'm getting my bike back from the shop today. Maybe I'll get a ride in on Saturday morning. I'm playing in a golf tournament on Sat. and Sun. so I'm looking forward to trying my skills with a true rules environment. Hopefully I'll rise to the occasion. Then we are seeing Tim McGraw in concert Sat. night. Sarah is bringing her friend Ashley who is already counting the days.

I've been watching The Office on DVD and it's a funny show. A bit uncomfortable at time - like Seinfeld. They share a lot of common people in the mix.

My guitar lessons are going great. The new instructor Brooks is a real student of theory and has a lot to teach. Perfect for me. I'm learning a lot.

Back from Houston

I was in Houston on Monday and Tuesday. I actually flew from McAllen MFE to Houston IAH on Continental so that was different. I probably could have got all the work done in one day but 2 days made it a nice trip.

Monday morning I met with Robert to discuss our mediation. I had thought we might go to lunch thereafter but he had a 1:00 meeting so I went down the hall where John worked (convenient eh?).

We went to Chipotle (one of my favorites) & then we stopped by his house. He let me stay there to make call, use the computer and work. That worked great - working while the door was open to the nice day outside and the dogs hanging with me.

Dinner was at Ed and Kate's and I stayed there. We ended up playing some new games for me, dominoes and bridge so the night went by quickly.

Today, I got ready for the mediation from 9-12 and the case did settle. As the mediator put it "pay whatever it takes to get rid of this case". The usual 50% settlement. Then we had a nice lunch and a long one, at Maggiano's. They had a special for 2 people for $40 and he joked it was like a Valentine's Day special.

Then I stopped by a store I like where I got a nice jacket this last Christmas. Its actually a cigar store - the proprietor is nice so we had a good visit. Then I headed to the airport, and flew out.