Feeling sick

I think I'm coming down with a cold so I'm trying to keep well rested today. I was supposed to get up early to run but it got cancelled and I used the extra 2 hours to sleep. We had two trials in court today and then I went to the end of a seminar. After my orthdontist appointment I thought that the 73 degree weather deserved some outside time. So I went the golf course late in the afternoon and got 9 holes in, shooting 43. I finished as the sun was going down and it reminded me of many similar golf games when I was in high school and college. It is always nice to see the sun set when you are outside.

I figured the fresh air would do me well. I hope to rest up again tonight and feel better tomorrow.

Tuesday Nov. 17

The week is clipping by. I did receive a check from a new client today so I've got some new work to do. I was at the court today and the day went by pretty quickly. I attended a seminar at the McAllen Chamber of Commerce on internet marketing and enjoyed it. I had a bit of experience with the subject having paid many $$$$s over the year for different web sites that never quite lived up to promise.

Highlight of the day was the call to Shadow Creek Golf Club in Las Vegas. I decided that I would shoot for the stars on my one round out there. Who knows when I might go back? Its already been nearly 6 years.

So I decided to make the call. I spoke to Joy who unfortunately told me that Thursday Dec. 31 was reserved for the high rollers. I was under the impression that golf was only available Mon-Thurs. I inquired about Monday but told her I'd have to check our flight departure. She suggested calling back later about Thursday and then also suggested that Sunday morning would likely be slow and that the chance was best for me then. She thought that everyone would be partied out by Sunday morning. She said the weekday rule was just a guide.

So I was really pleased I had called early and made plans to call back Dec. 1 to check on a tee time on Sunday Jan. 3, 2010. The round is expensive but it should be worth it, since it includes limo transportation to/from the course, cart, forecaddy and food and drink. Can't wait to get a chance to play this top 50 course in the USA

Rock N Roll 2009 San Antonio

I completed the half marathon in San Antonio today. I think my time was 2:20. I ran with my friend Tom and guided him in to his first half. He was pretty happy at the end especially when he sprinted ahead of me. He seems to go in waves, alternately running smoothly but with some bouts of tough breathing.

Several highlights were:

Good start organization

Ran right by the Alamo

Interesting course

Good weather

Seeing his family on the course

PF Changs afterwards as a race sponsor: lettuce wraps, wonton, dessert, fruit infused water.

Quick pickup by his wife Karen.

I stayed at his home on Saturday night and we had fun having dinner and then playing the guitar. We had some good conversations - I guess I'm at the point when I appreciate the honest approach.

Saturday I had a nice golf game with Dan. We actually ran into our mutual friend Tim who joined us. Tim used to live in Harligen but now lives in San Antonio. The course Fair Oaks Ranch was a really good one. Reminded me of the Riverside Golf Course in Austin where I spent my formative years. I played pretty well: 46-42 and gave

Dan a good game on the back 9.

Friday the Bishops Golf Tournament was a success. After we finished the older guys hit the hotel about 7:00 p.m and were done: "Goodnight!". I was not ready for a night watching tv so I changed and went out for a drive, a milkshake and a late movie. I saw "Couples Retreat" which I enjoyed, despite a quick snooze in the middle.

Thursday Nov 12

Its been a busy day at work getting ready to head out of town for 3 days. Friday I leave for San Antonio at 0600 so no time for anything (even a cup of coffee) in the morning. I'm playing in the Bishop's Golf Tournament at Canyon Springs (supposed to be a nice course). I'm staying in a local hotel Friday night. Saturday, I've arranged a golf game with a fellow attorney Dan at Fair Oaks Ranch in Boerne. If the course is anything like the house I visited there (see August Triathlon post), it should be top notch.

Saturday night I'm staying with my friend Tom and his family at his fine home in Terrell Hills. Then he and I are running the San Antonio 13.1 mile half marathon Sunday morning. I'll be running under the name "Karen" his wife who signed up but can't run this year. My friend/training partner Kristi will be there also, so I hope we can all run together.

Sunday Nov. 8

Today its been a nice day as has the previous few weeks. I have been looking for reasons to get outside. Today I decided to hit a bucket of golf range balls. When I got home I decided to wash the car. So now my swing is grooved for next Friday (Bishops Golf Tournament in San Antonio) as well as the follow up round with fellow attorney Dan (tenative) on Satuday. I'll be up there for the Rock N Roll San Antonio half marathon (13.1 miles). I'll be running as Karen, my friend Tom's wife who signed up but hurt her foot. I've beeen looking for ways to keep the running fun - an alias will be a good one.

Friday night we attended the Chamber of Commerce banquet honoring hospital general counsel Jim Darling. That was a nice event, although there did not seem to be as many people as in years past. I guess chamber participation mirrors the economy. Memorial had their last regular season game and had to win by 10 points to make the last playoff spot. There were ahead 21-0 at halftime but lost 24-21. So the football season is over for this year. Wait Til Next Year!

Saturday, I participated in the 2nd Annual Ride for Breast Cancer, a local cycling event put on by Texas Oncology and Team McAllen. I did the 40 mile ride. I had not riden that distance in some time so it was a challenge especially toward the end, but I got it done. I was pooped when I got home and took a long nap. Sarah went out in the evening so I cooked shrimp & grits at home based on a good recipe. That was a good end to the day.

Reading a good book called Go Like Hell which is about the Ford-Ferrari rivalry at Le Mans in the mid 60s . Interesting to read about event that happened right about when I was born!

Getting Better

I've been working on a new approach at work. Not only have I been recommending people to do various things (some which they don't want to do), I've started to add about three sentences on "Why" it is a good idea. Amazing how people start to listen when you list the proverbial three good reasons.

I tried it today. I've been working on a hard to settle case. Once I finally cracked the code, I quickly moved to send the documents to get signed. Along with three good reasons why they should sign. Hopefully I'll have them all back tomorrow or the next day. Best of all, it's bill time!

We've had some great weather lately. Its made for beautiful sunsets as well with the time change and the sun setting about 6:15 or so.

Tomorrow we're going to see Sarah's picture she had taken professionally after getting her braces off. The photographer is very nice. We're looking to get a family photo done soon as well.

I got the invite to go another trip, this one to Chile. It looks like it might be more trip that I'm ready for at this time, but it is fun to look at flights to Punta Arenas Chile. The area of Patagonia is very beautiful according to the pictures.

The Terminators fantasy football is going great. I'm doing better than ever and spending less time on it. Last night we gathered at Jorge's beautiful new house (complete with outdoor kitchen, projection TV, professional kitchen, wine cellar and rooftop patio) to watch the Monday night game. Livin' Large!

Halloween 2009

We had a memorable Halloween, hosting a surprise party (15th birthday) for Lauren. She came over with her parents, dressed up to go trick or treating. Imagine her surprise to find a houseful of friends. All the kids dressed up nicely and they had a good time with pizza, chips and sodas.

Our friends Ronnie & Bridget came over with their 2 and 1 year old children so it was lots of fun playing with them. Reminds me of the old days. You forget what its like to pick up a kid and toss them around! So light!

Today started the end of daylight savings so the fall back gave an nice extra hour of sleep. I played in the church band and we really rocked the last song, Trading My Sorrows (Yes Lord/Yes Lord/Yes Lord/Amem!).

It was such a nice day I wanted to do something outside. So after I met Susan and Sarah for lunch I went to play 9 holes. I hit a bucket of balls first and then walked, carrying my bag. I had an eventful day - could not hit the longer clubs off the tee without getting into trouble, so I hit a lot of irons. Good time.

I also saw the Michael Jackson movie THIS IS IT which was excellent - 4 stars. A great combination of movie, play and reality show. Even if you're not a Michael fan, you'd like it. And since everyone likes Michael Jackson, it was really good.