Back from Dallas

I was in Dallas today and got home about 7:30 p.m. I went up there to meet a new Sherwin-Williams person that I work with but had never met.

I got up there Friday and went to a great restaurant with my friend Bill B., Boi Na Braza, which was the first Brazilian steakhouse I had gone to in 2007. It was just as good as I remember. We had a really good visit.

Afterward I headed back to Plano from Grapevine. I was staying at Jeff's house, but Jeff was out of town, so I decided to go to the late movie Hall Pass, which was really funny. A lot like "There's Something About Mary".

This morning I got up a bit late. I had been interested in a day off and it happened. I got my hair cut at 9:30 and then got a little work done before the meeting.

I had made a car reservation for the wrong date but all worked out and I rented a 2010 Camaro which was fun to drive. Not exactly as fast as the supercars I 've been driving but a very stylish car.

I got the 3:35 flight back and got home. Tomorrow, court in Brownsville.

My former law professor and me

My former law professor was in McAllen yesterday for a continuing education presentation. Judge Cathy Cochran of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals started out with a young law student in the Fall of 1989 teaching Criminal Law. Back then she was Professor Herasimchuk.

She sat down for a few minutes with me for a few questions:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ks_3xfFMNNE

Mayor's Prayer Luncheon a Success!

The Mayor's Prayer Luncheon (40th annual) was a big success yesterday. We made the front page of the Monitor, a first.

Our speaker John Keller was very powerful. He was introduced by his father then his mother. After hearing of his traumatic brain injury, broken pelvis, 14 surgeries and 344 days in a coma, we were very shocked to see some one come out walking, fist pumping, eyes bright. You'd NEVER know from a quick look what had happened.

The people at Texas Institute of Rehabilitation and Recovery (where Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords is recovering) said they had never seen anyone so bad recover so much.

As they said PUSH - pray until something happens.

Our God is an Awesome God!

End of the weekend

I finished the blind date in grand style today. We played a GREAT round of golf under very tough conditions - very windy. I shot 90, Roger shot 86, but most importantly we hit nearly every shot we needed to. We shot 63 best ball which was the best round in the flight for the day, and got second place. So we each won $64 in the side bet on $25 each. Also we won some merchandise in the pro shop. So a very fine day of golf.

Meeting all sorts of new people

Today I was set up on a blind date of sorts. I had received a call wanting to know if I wanted to play in a golf tournament with a new club member. The call was from the club pro so he had a bit of sway. Having considered playing and being free, and thinking I'd give one for the team, I said "Sure". So after we talked on the phone, I went to meet "Roger" today.

Since it was a blind date, I figured he'd be tall, dark and handsome and ... I was right. Turned out we became fast friends and played a good round of golf together. We shot a 66 which was not far from the lead in our flight. So we've got a chance tomorrow. No one can claim we were ringers since neither of us knew each other before today.

We also played with my friend Julie's brother, who I didnt' know beforehand.

Also this week, I met two interesting people at the Heathly Valley Makeover Challenge, their writer Mary who writes under the name Jael Ravalyn. Since that rhymed with Davalyn, my very oldest childhood friend, I thought that was cool. I also met the person who was made over, Herlinda, fresh from losing 100 lbs. She said she was going to run a marathon so I'm already a supporter of that worthy goal.

So its a good thing when you get to put new numbers in your phone.

Post Valentines Day

Today is Tuesday Feb. 15. Of course yesterday was Valentine's Day so it was a nice day for cards, flowers, candy and dinner together at home. The 3 of us had a nice family dinner, just like Norman Rockwell would have pictured 2011.

Today it was back to court so the day was broken up with a trip there, back to the office, back to court.

Highlights for today were:

Completing the trust agreements
Giving Anna her recommendation for the Harvard Kennedy School Latino Leadership Institute
A visit to the orthodontist - smile looking great!
A visit to friends Norma and Vicki at the surgery office. Just for fun.
Buying a new tennis racket and shoes - I'm looking forward to getting back into the game.

New piano

I bought a new piano Friday night and it got delivered Saturday. I traded in the upright piano for a Yamaha baby grand piano, beautiful black ebony. Its in the front room as you walk in and looks great and also sounds great. Its like upgrading from a Toyota to a Lexus. Sound quality is terrific - nothing like a piano with the top up.

Tonight however, I've been banished from playing while Susan watches the Grammy awards on TV.

Today I was pretty tired this morning since we had gone to a late movie last night "Just Go With It" It was a good one, 3 stars, but 0700 came early today. At church today I received the Fantasy Football trophy for the 2010 championship. I had a siesta in the afternoon and then went for a few holes of golf. Perfect weather.

We exchanged Valentines' gifts tonight and that was a nice happy family event.

Weekend almost here

Tomorrow's Friday and I've definitely worked a full week so far. I was at work at 0630 today and didn't leave til nearly 1900. But I got lots done and enjoyed cooking a nice dinner and watching some basketball on TV. The Vipers were on Fox SW sports so that was pretty cool.

Tomorrow I've got lunch plans with my friend Mauricio, El Chilango (one from Mexico City). We'll be going to Peppers' which is a great place to see and be seen.

I watched Man V. Food today and found a good place if I make it to Boston anytime soon.
Eagles Deli. After the B.C. Eagles

Wednesday night

Its "Hump Day" and I'm glad to get home this evening. Cold weather has rolled in. I'm also glad that I went for a run this morning in perfect weather. I'll definitely have a sweater tomorrow.

After a nice break from court, I've been back this week. Today I had court in the morning and then had to go back later in the afternoon. So I'll be ready tomorrow morning.

I went to church tonight and heard of a movie to watch. I was going to order it from Netflix but when I got home and told SArah about it, she said "I have it right here". So we're going to watch it tonight. Its called "Catfish".

With my new staff there 5 days a week, I've been working very diligently. So the days are going by fast. I'm glad that I already got my trip to Midland in this year by driving. It won't be so easy to get away for a while.

Free weekend

Since I had no plans this weekend, I took full advantage. Saturday after the in-laws headed home, Susan and I went to Academy. I got some new things for exercise/around the house. Then she went to get Sarah and I went to the golf course. I had lunch with Larry and Barry and Kyle and then we played the usual 8 holes, and then 2 more. That's their usual arrangement. They hate to wait, so they usually start on the second hole.

Saturday night, we we home and I watched several movies on TV: Mamma Mia, Bucket List, The Holiday.

Today, I went to church and then washed all 3 cars. Then I went back to the course to work on my game. I hit some balls and then played the 3 hole loop twice. Reminded me of Bruce Lietzke talking about growing up and playing the 9 hole loop around the driving range, over and over and over.

The Super Bowl was a good game. We enjoyed watching it on our new TV. Susan made a great dinner. Sarah went to Oscar's house and it now home doing homework.

One of my favorite things

I went for lunch today and then played golf this afternoon. 9 holes, followed by 2 holes, followed by 6 holes. That is 17 now that I count them up. Didn't really keep any score since one good shot was followed by one bad shot.

We had a nice dinner at home, and have been watching some movies on TV: Mamma Mia and now Bucket List

Questions for the week

{one} what was your favorite sitcom growing up?
M*A*S*H


{two} what song always makes you happy when you hear it?
Highway to Hell (surprised?)


{three} do you still have your wisdom teeth?
no - 4 of the 8 permanent teeth I don't have


{four} what is your go to way to relax?
I like to go the movies


{five} do you play any instruments?
piano and guitar


{six} nude beaches: yes or no?
Why not?


{seven} do you chew your pens/pencils?
I don't even chew gum. See question about missing teeth.



{eight} can you change the oil in your car?
yes but its a chore I'll best leave to others


{nine} can you curl your tongue?
yes


{ten} can you knit or crochet?
I did learn some knitting when I was young

Like getting an extra day

Today most of the city was closed in the morning, due to ice and cold weather, so I got a late start. I did stay home for breakfast and then cleaned up my desk, file cabinet, inside and on top. Getting ready for taxes. Looks great now.

THen I went to the office. It was nice to have taken the vacation days so I had plenty of time to get some extra things done. Finished a couple of bills, got some short letters out, returned calls, signed up a new matter. Left at 5 to go the HEB and then made a nice dinner at home that everyone likes. We finished by celebrating dad's birthday (73) a few days early (Feb. 8). Happy Birthday!!

So it was like an extra Saturday today. Awesome!

28 Degrees

Record low temperatures have hit the City of Palms today. Sleet and freezing rain expected tonight. School cancelled tomorrow. Our trip to Scottsdale was scrubbed due to bad weather and cancelled flights all through today.

The good news is that I had already put in for vacation today and tomorrow. So I didn't have to go anywhere and had no appointments. I was able to work on some important new matters, have lunch with my client at Peppers, meet with an attorney and get home for dinner with the in-laws who were in town.

Now I've turned my attention to bills and clearing off my desk at home. I've made good progress and see the desk is brown now.

2011 Houston Marathon

Sunday January 30 2011, I got up at 0400 to run the Chevron Houston Marathon. I had a quick breakfast of yogurt, banana, cookies and tea. I had packed all my gear since there was rain planned. Leaving at 0450, I got downtown and parked on the street close to the Convention Center and walked it.

At 0545, the Protestant Church service started. Pastor Bowman and the praise band did another fine job. "Run from evil, Run to God". Sounds like what I like to tell people in my line of work.

At 0630 it was time to get outside. Some mist.

At 0710, our blue wave started. It was crowded at first and I wanted to hit my first mile split of 11 minutes. I did. Thereafter, I was even able to fell like I was slowing, and clicked off many more 11 minute miles. The first 10 miles was a light but steady rain - something you might think twice about going out it otherwise. My compression shirt was perfect - got wet but not baggy.

We hit the 13 mile halfway point and I was feeling good. Mile 14 and 15 and 16 went well, seeing my friend Jay. At mile 17, I saw my mother and father. Pretty cool to see both of them!

But about mile 18, I was slowing down. I was a little behind pace at the 30K mark (18.3) but it was a good time. Thereafter I could not keep the pace and fell behind. Sometime in the next 5K, the 5 hour group passed me and then a second 5 hour group. At that time, I just knew I wanted to finish as best as I could. My goal had been 4:45, but I kept on.

Toward the end, mile 23, I tried to get it going. It did not really get going, but I kept at it. At mile 25, I had written "Kick!" and I ran the whole way in, nearly falling at one point, but stayed upright. When I could see the clock I ran as hard as I could to make every second count. I knew I'd be close to my previous best of 5:05.

My clock time was 5:06 but my chip time was... 5:04!!! A new personal best!!!!

And under tough conditions. My coach Glenn later that day said that I should try a cold, dry place to race, like Las Vegas. Great idea! Anyone who has done 65 marathons has a lot of good advice to give.

Check out my detailed results here.