New Year's Eve

We don't think of New Year's Eve usually as the daylight hours. But it's not only NYE, but also Saturday so that makes it extra lovely.

I feel like I'm already getting going for a New Year 2012. Monday I've got an appointment for weight training and I'm already getting started on the nutrition portion. My friend Jimmy said I should see some good results in a month, especially since "we dont' have to get through 40 pounds of fat first". So that's a good thing.

I went cycling this morning. While it was not much fun to get up at 0630, it was good practice and once I was outside, it was all good.

Now I'm watching the Texas A&M v. Northwestern bowl game. I've got my official Aggie Lone Star Tailgating Association t-shirt on.

I went to the McHi v. Memorial basketball game. The Law Office of Gregory E. Turley is a sponsor of the McHi boys basketball program this year. McHi won 45-42 in a close game. My sponsored athlete James Kittleman was on the front page of the newspaper today.

San Antonio

Today I came to San Antonio for an end-of-the-year client dinner. Glenn and I went to Texas de Brazil, for the full Rodizio experience. I had been to Texas de Brazil in Addison and the San Antonio version is as good, if not better. There is a large wine selection and the hostesses double as "wine angels" doing aerial tricks with harnesses and wires. You'd have to see it to believe it, but it is very cool and beautiful. Food of course is outstanding. And the restaurant is in an old historic building so they did a great job with it.

I did a little work at home before leaving about 10:30 and got here just in time to play 9 holes of golf at Brackenridge. I teamed up with Bill Burnett and John Bell who were enjoyable partners I met. I didn't hit any super shots but it was great weather and very nice to be out. I guess I could have played 9 holes and had a steak dinner in McAllen, but I am confident it would not have happened otherwise. So it was nice to get away. The drive were smoothly as well. I even ran into my friend Jimmy K at the Whataburger in Alice. That was fortuitous since I had been thinking of calling him. "I figured I'd just run into you at the Whataburger."

I had talked to Glenn about watching the Holiday Bowl (UT v. Cal) after dinner but after we went to 2 very crowded places we decided to call it a night. We both figured it would be better to watch in the comfort of home. Plus the TVs there were tiny. You know you're getting older when your TV at home is bigger than the ones at the bars.

Back home

We got home to McAllen from Kingsville about 4:00 today. It seemed like we were gone longer than one night, but that is probably because the house was still looking like Christmas. So we got things a bit straightened up. I went for a bicycle ride. When you can't remember the last time you did something, it's been a while.

We had a nice dinner at home and were all set to watch Black Swan when Sarah got home and announced she and her friends would be watching Super 8. Since I'd already seen that, I let them have the TV.

Looking forward to an "easy" day tomorrow. Then to San Antonio for an end of the year celebratory dinner at Texas De Brazil. Just got a coupon in the email today so that was a no-brainer since I'll already be there.

Christmas Day 2011

Last night we went to Christmas Eve church, then came home and had dinner and then opened our presents. Every one enjoyed their gifts: Sarah liked her Ugg boots, Susan her necklace, Greg his shirts, sweater and bracelet. We had a few gifts that got a laugh: the Christmas dish towel. It has quickly been re-gifted. Sarah got a few movies and we stayed up past midnight watch Julie and Julia. Good the second time around.

Today we slept in, opened our stockings and then got ready to drive to Kingsville. We got here about 2: 00 pm. and had a big afternoon meal. We've since been home all day. It was a cool, crisp day, perfect for Christmas..

We enjoyed watching some NBA basketball - glad to see them back.

Jordan

Jordan, who worked at my office in 2009, has now graduated from college and is back in town. So after we had met for breakfast this morning, I decided I could use his services again. So he came to work and helped out a lot today.

We were supposed to have the painting begin today but that didn't happen. So tomorrow. He'll be a good asset to run interference with the "I need this, where is that..." questions that come when work is being done.

The desk is getting clear and Christmas is just around the corner. It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Sunday eve

This weekend was a rainy one but there was a lot of things to do. Although I tried to avoid the major crowds and traffic, I did make it to the store a few times today. Each time, I walked there - a nice 8 minute walk. It felt good to avoid the left turns, the parking, the in-and-out of the cars. Plus it was green and attracts some positive attention.

Reminds me of one of my favorite books, Duane's Depressed, by Larry McMurtry. Duane decides that he has spent his whole life in the cab of a pickup truck, so he decides to get out and walk everywhere. Of course the whole town thinks he's really weird for that.

A little of both

I'm working on various matters. Today I was thinking, I wonder if my negotiating skills are not that good, or rather, it's a problem on the other side. I decided, a little of both.

No matter how good of a deal you propose, if the other side does not have the good sense or the money to make it happen, it will not happen. On my side, I guess I have to figure out a way around that problem.

I've got a new client coming in today. Hopefully, he'll have both the good sense and the money to hire me.

Rainy Saturday

Today was a day that turned out to be a good rainy day. I had to go to a workshop at 0900 for the Church school board which was from 9-1 p.m. So it didn't matter that it rained. We actually got a lot done and it was a good meeting. Afterwards, I went to Sports Authority to look for some dog-walking pants. I ran into a friend who encouraged me to sign up for the Marathon 5K so I went next door to the Convention Center to sign up. I ran into a lot of friends so it was meant to be.

I anticipate it may still be rainy tomorrow morning but that should make it a memorable run.

Here at the office now still getting new computers installed. Almost done!

A lot like Christmas

Day by day, we're proceeding toward Christmas. Now I know that we want to keep Christ in Christmas and the Reason for the Season, but there are still "Holiday" responsibilities that our society would like to impose on us. So the cards are getting ready, the stamps are being purchased, the gifts are being ordered, the tips are being calculated, the parties are being scheduled and so forth. I figure a little bit each day will get the job done.

Tonight we have our lawyer's bar association party which is usually a nice gathering. We have a toy drive as well so I'll purchase an unwrapped toy for that. Afterwards, I'd like to get home. There are many double booking opportunities and I'm trying to avoid those like the plague.

Blog observations

Checking around on the the blogs I follow, it seems that when its not summer, there's not as much information to post. Those long trips that are so interesting to follow just don't seem to happen. Everyone gets involved in work and school.

There are some good travelers out there. Our caddy at Flint Hills National who was Jay, was a travelling caddy. He said this was the first fall/winter that he was not in Florida. He had working in Kansas during the summer, and was making his way back to the East Coast for the spring.

It reminded me of the book Dishwasher about a man's quest to wash dishes in all 50 states. I found him on the David Letterman show. Funny story, the first time he was invited, he decided not to go and send a friend to impersonate him. Cashed the check to boot. And he got invited back, which was when I saw him.

Also another good book about travellers is Into the Wild which I'd highly recommend. It was made into a good movie as well.

Sunday December 4

It's the middle of the afternoon now and both Spencer the dog and I had a good rest this afternoon. It was a well-needed break, since I was working on finishing the Christmas lights outside. The house is looking good as a result.

Last night we went to the Quinceanera for Alexi C. and it was a big party at the McAllen Convention Center. Food was quite good and the entertainment was fun, even for the middle-aged crowd. I joked, had I known how I would age out of those parties, I would have had more fun at them. But on the other hand, I don't think I left too much on the table :)

It'd be nice to get out to the golf course this weekend since it is mild weather, but there's only so much action to take. Right now I'm watching the Texans v. Falcons. Yesterday the Longhorns v. Baylor was a good game, even thought Baylor soundly beat UT.

Saturday December 3

It was a nice day of not too much action today. We went out for a late dinner last night after the Christmas parade at the Argentinian steakhouse which is always a treat. As a result I slept a bit late today.

The parade was very nice. My friend Casey's daughter was one of the beauty queens in the parade riding by in convertibles. But what makes this 3rd grader special is that she is in a wheelchair with Spina Bifida. It goes to show, beauty takes a lot more than 2 good legs.

Also in the parade after the color guard, was the band, the Prancers, the cheerleaders and all of the football team. It was great to see everyone together again after the last game of the season.

I worked on hanging Christmas lights outside and got most of it done. The rest can be done tomorrow. It's always a big job (to me) with the ladders and getting into the attic and such.

I watched the UT-Baylor game and it was a good game. UT looked OK to start but Baylor closed them out. At least Baylor makes the Big 12 look good. Final score 48-24.

Flint Hills National

We left Hutchinson about 4:00 p.m Tuesday and made a reasonable 1.5 hour drive to Andover KS just east of Wichita. Getting to the course, we drove to our accomodations which was the Dower Lodge. This was a real lodge, down to the log cabin design. But it was quite large, 4 bedrooms, each with our own bath, and a great room and big patio, all overlooking the 10th hole. Top notch facilities.

In the locker room was a poster showing this as a "golf retreat", a place you could take 2 or 3 groups, with a top course, good food and drink, and away from a major city. This hit all of those categories.

Wednesday we had another frost delay but teed off about 10:30. There were relatively a lot of people there, especially compared to the last 3 places we had been. Breakfast highlight was the blueberry pancakes.

The course is a Fazio design, but it was unlike others. It was more playable and more of a classic design. It took cues from Prairie Dunes (since they are so close) but this had greens mainly sloping left to right instead of back to front. It had a championship course feel and I can see why the USGA has already had tournaments here. At the end of the round, I thought I could have stayed longer and continued to play - high praise. But we ended up going straight back to the airport and flying out that afternoon.

It was fun today to tell someone "I just played golf yesterday in Wichita Kansas".

Prairie Dunes

Driving out of Stillwater, we headed north on I-35, into Kansas and on the Kansas Turnpike. Speed limit was 75, but that didn't stop Richard from getting a ticket for going 88 mph. He handled the highway patrol well. Better him than me.

We got to Hutchinson KS about 7 but spend some time driving around looking for the hotel. The men were getting mighty antsy that they had not had dinner yet and it was dark. Like Jerry Seinfeld says, the older you get, the more you start acting like a kid again. We finally found the hotel and went to dinner at the Lone Star Steakhouse next door. It was quiet for a Monday night. Our waitress was called "Homeskillet" by the manager :) After dinner I was able to use the computer at the hotel which was great.

Tuesday morning it was cold again but we had breakfast and headed to the course. Prairie Dunes is a very historic and original course, located in the sand hills just northeast of town. This area looks like no place else, even the land right around it. Much of the course is just long grass, pasture-like. And the dunes are quiet large.

The clubhouse was remarkably nice and I enjoyed meeting the staff and seeing the place. It looked like my kind of place. We warmed up on the range and then went out. I carried my clubs and walked so that helped to warm up.

The holes here are all named with old-style names and signs which I liked. Greens sloped quite a bit, mainly back to front. There were many elevated greens with false fronts. You really have to be a good iron player here. I drove the ball well, made some putts and shot a good round of 89.

This being a small town, it was a jeans-permitted place, at least for the locals. I thought that gave it a very authentic vibe. The course was a true original and is certainly an inspiration to many other courses. It definitely lives up to its high rankings. In fact they should probably be higher.

Karsten Creek - Stillwater, OK

Monday, we left the home of Bill and Joyce after a nice breakfast and drove to Stillwater, OK. Like Tulsa, you may not know that Oklahoma State is the Duke of college golf, with OSU having won 10 NCAA team champions and is a perennial contender. A top 5 program deserves a top course, and, like at UT and other big schools, Oklahoma State has its own top course, which is Karsten Creek.

Located just out of the town of Stillwater, which looked very College Station like, we headed off the main road into a very rural area. The facility was top notch and being Monday morning and cold weather, we had the place to ourselves.

The course is a Fazio design and it has similar aspects to Barton Creek and UT Golf Club in Austin. So similar you could call it.. "Karton Creek". But that's a compliment.

Memorable holes were number 6 with a blind shot off the tee, and #9 and # 18, both reachable (for big hitters) par 5's that would be sure to give a lot of finishing drama. Course was in fine shape and we only saw a few other players. Those college students, even the top golfers, sure look young!

I would recommend the course not only for a good test, but also to see the history of the storied Oklahoma State program. They had a nice hall of honor set up and I enjoyed seeing it. I'll look forward to telling my friend Bob about it, since his son played golf at Oklahoma State and is a member of that Hall of Honor.

Southern Hills - in Tulsa

You might not think of Tulsa, Oklahoma as a golf mecca, but then you might not think of Tulsa as an oil patch boomtown either. Southern Hills in Tulsa has hosted 3 mens’s US Opens, 4 PGA’s, and 2 US Amateur, as well as US Women and Junior championships and 2 Tour Championships. What are they doing right?

It’s not easy to overlook this history, because this list seems to be everywhere at the club. On the scorecard, in the locker room, on the shopping bags. As the club history indicates, Southern Hills has found a way to make money for the club from these tournaments. And they invest the money back into the club in both the well-kept championship course, the sprawling clubhouse and the expansive grounds. Facilities were not only top notch but also top in size, making it a good place to host a large national event. Tulsa also has a good reputation as a city of people that get things done.

We arrived at the Tulsa airport and drove straight to the course. Driving in, we changed quickly and headed straight out, no lunch, no warm up, just on the tee. I had decided since I could not remember the last time I played (October?) that I would be content with playing the shots I was comfortable with. It was a good plan as I hit the shorter clubs with confidence, did not try and overpower any shots and generally kept the ball in play.

The course had the honor of being challenging but not overpowering. It helped that we played from the white tees but in general, the fairways were wide, the rough not so rough, the trees not too thick. But the trees did creep in the fairway just enough to make it a driver’s course. And the Hills! Very challenging were the namesakes. Chipping near the greens, nearly all elevated, was tough. On hole 9, I was over the green, hit what I thought was a decent chip that landed short of the green. It rolled past the hole, completed across the green, down the hill and ended up about 50 yards from where I had been! Amazing – I thought that only happened at #9 at Augusta National.

Speaking of, I thought that Southern Hills did looks a bit like Augusta, with the elevated climb to finish, the fast greens, and the ability to see across much of the course. It also reminded me of Colonial, which I found was not far off the mark, having the same designer Perry Maxwell.

The course was also free of visual clutter: no ball washers, buried trash cans and green stained concrete cart paths. There was a nice amount of water, not big forced carries but just enough to keep the ball straight, generally.

Very interesting was the creative logo.

From a distance it looks like a crest with a cross behind it. Upon further inspection, it has many different historical club aspects:

1 side of the cross: a rifle for the skeet range

1 side of the cross: a polo mallet for the polo

The bottom of the crest: a spur for the equestrian

Inside the crest/spur: tennis, golf, swimming

Vacation?

Had it not already been planned, I would not recommend going on vacation right after a holiday. It seems there is a lot of things that will have to be placed on hold (but not before a heroic final push Sat. morning) to get out of town.

I've said it before, getting ready to go on vacation must be a training for dying. There is a real sense of time speeding up and realizing that not EVERYTHING will get done. The good part is that not everything SHOULD or MUST be done. Priorization. That of course assumes you don't die suddenly, as my friend John put in describing his car wreck - "It all happened so fast".

Of course, one thing that cannot wait is the Memorial v. San Antonio Reagan high school football game playoff tomorrow at 3:00. I changed my flight for that one. Win or lose, it will be sure to be a game to remember. Likely the last home game for Sarah's senior year. Next week's game should be on the road, probably in San Antonio. But it could be at home or in Laredo. Go Mustangs!

Austin trip

We went to Austin for the UT - Kansas State game on Saturday. This was a difficult trip to plan because, when I decided to get the tickets weeks ago, we didn't know what time the game would be (11, 2, 7?) and we didn't know if Memorial would be playing that Friday night. We assumed they would and they did.

So that meant that we were driving to Austin very early on Saturday. While that was a good plan in the daytime, by the time the game started that evening, everyone was coming down. Next time, we don't do that.

We did get upgraded tickets from our friend Carlos Z and not only were they good tickets, the parking pass was spectacular. We parked right across from the UT Band Hall where the drum line was performing before the game. That was an up close and personal show. I got to talk to some of the band members and their parents. Not too far off from the high school band experience.

Our tickets were on the 35 yard line, lower level, under the overhang. So we saw all the plays very well. UT had a chance to win at the end after they put in Case McCoy, but they had to score a TD and they couldn't. Final: Kansas State 21, UT 17.

New blog

I've set up a new blog for my law practice

It is...

GTurleyLawCenter.wordpress.com

I'll be posting original new material that will also be appearing on my new website at

get-attorney.com

One of the previous problems I've had with websites is that its too hard to upload new stuff. But in the Web2.0 era, uploading is super easy with Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIN.

By the way, I've also got a new Twitter feed for the law practice

Twitter.com/turleylawcenter

Hope you enjoy!

Sunday

Less than 2 weeks until I go on the big golf trip. Three top 100 courses in one shot, plus a tough 4th course, Karsten Creek, for good measure. Maybe I should be practicing golf? Hasn't happened so far. Plenty of work to do at the office makes it hard to decide to leave for a morning or afternoon. Then the weekends has other good things to do. This weekend: Friday night football game, slept late Saturday, Lector training, shopping, church, grocery, cycling and car washing. I guess I could have fit some golf in: maybe next week.

LSU football game to forget

My friend John went to see an LSU football game and our other friend Robert found out about that. Robert's daughter is now a freshman at LSU. Robert asked John, "Did Greg go with you?" and John said no, but he was invited.

I suppose I'm due to go back and do it right this time. I did go to one LSU game in the 80s. It was November 1986 as I recall, probably the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend or probably the weekend just before. They were playing Notre Dame. I was dating an LSU student long distance and we had arranged this weekend visit.

It'll be so fun...we'll go to the game and sit in the student section.... lot of drinking and partying... everyone will be there. So I got my friend Clint to go with me. I guess we drove from Houston but it may have been Austin. As can expect it is a LONG drive there.

So the game was Saturday night and I guess we got there Saturday. First thing was that since I was not an LSU student, I needed an LSU ID to go with a student ticket. I of course had neither. So the half-baked plan was that there was 1 student ticket and the other person would buy a regular ticket. Being the Nice Guy, I got the regular ticket. I was then supposed to walk into the student section by some complicated handoff/switcheroo. Then, everyone would be standing so there would be no seating issues. What a great time it would be!

This was of course long before the days of cell phones. So we immediately got separated, security was wise to the handoff/switcheroo trick, and I found myself on the outside looking into the student section. After realizing that I was stuck, I went to my lonely seat by myself. To make matters worse, I was surrounded by Notre Dame fans in the upper deck. I never watched a game that I enjoyed less. By the third quarter I'd had enough and left. I figured I'd go back to the apartment. Of course no one was there, so I had to wait outside.

When everyone got back ("What a great game!") I found out that Clint while driving my car had "hit something" which I later gathered was a curb and gashed the tire. So the donut spare was now on. That of course was not part of the planned weekend (note ironic reference). So the next day we had to look around for a replacement tire as close to the original as possible, so as not to tip to my father as to this mishap. Again, this was before the days of Discount Tire, Big O Tires and Goodyear stores, so we had to look around for a Shell station to get that kind of tire (and charge it on the my Shell card).

We got the tire, stayed through the weekend and then left on the long drive home. By this time, we literally had no money between the two of us. Not even McDonald's money. So we made it back on the trusty Shell card, so desperate that we had to eat a sandwich at the Shell station from the cooler. And we were happy to have it.

John and Paul had a much better experience. They stopped and got LSU t shirts on the way to fit it. They got invited to a tailgate party with lots of good food. The game was during the day and LSU won, keeping their #1 ranking. And they had a decent hotel to stay in. I'm guessing they even had cash in their pockets for the drive home.

I guess we have these experiences so we know what NOT to do in the future.

Blogging

I've been inspired to do more writing lately. There are those that don't understand the purpose of blogging - usually those who don't like to write. But for those of us who do, its like free money. Practice, practice, practice. Things always look a bit more interesting when they're on paper (so to speak).

Today I had a meeting/event at 10 then 12.15, then 2.30. What that meant is that I was busy, and that I didn't have much time for anything else. After the last meeting, it was about 3.30, about 92 degrees and I was about done. Tired! So I came home to change clothes... and just stayed there. Figured I could do as much work from there as I could driving to the office. I was right!

The 10 am. was a ribbon cutting for the bank, so it was a good opportunity to see a lot of people. I was most pleased that when I found out about the ribbon cutting (since I had worked on the project), I let the architect know of the event. She was there, was most pleased that I told her about it, and they even mentioned her in the introductory remarks. So it was my good deed of the day.

Monday

The highlight of the day work-wise was to work on figuring out the jigsaw puzzle that is the multi-acre development (name withheld by request). There is an easment, then there is not an easement, then we want to make an easement again. Lots of complexity in a paperwork sense.

Fortunately I had read some good advice that you should not keep multiple copies of things. So after I cleaned those out, the final package looked very straightforward.

After work, our Maniac group had a tire pull exercise. What that means is that you strap on a harness attached to a tire dragging on the ground. Then you run 400 meters dragging the tire behind you. Then you run 400 meters back to where you started. Repeat 6 times.

I actually felt like it was a good workout. Then I got home and made a nice vegetarian dish, stir fried tofu and vegetables. Who knew that was so good?

Sunday

Today was the first day of return from Daylight Savings, so it was nice to wake up when it was light outside. About 7:45 with the time change, falling back. I had planned on not doing much this morning since yesterday, I got up (in the dark) to go meet the group for a 65 minute run in Cimarron, 20 minute drive away.

The other night we were going out and I went out and got some fast food. The Outlaw Spicy Chicken Sandwich. It was good - a calorie bomb as expected. What was not expected was that the next day I told Susan I felt hung over when I got up. "That Diet Coke must have been pretty strong!" she said. But after the day ended, I thought it was a food hangover and we agreed that the calorie bomb must have had something to do with that.

So I've been enjoying some good meals at home and have felt much better. Without the triathlon training, I've been burning less calories and eating less. So it's nice to get active again, after a 2 1/2 week break.

There was supposed to be a meeting at church today. While I thought it was a 1:30, turns out it was a 12:00 so I got there right as people were leaving. I was kind of mad, not really at anyone but myself and the situation. But I stayed and got the information across.

On the bike ride today, we rode into a very stiff wind, and I was only going 9 mph and pedaling as hard as I could, with still keeping the ability to keep going. It was tough, but it reminded me of going up the mountain in Colombia. 6 mph up, 36 mph down. That was worth the effort!

We finished the evening with a good dinner and watching the Amazing Race. Lake Malawi looked a like a very cool place. Next week they go to Denmark. It's cool the local events they find for everyone to do.

What a day

I had planned to get up early today for cycling, but....

I didn't quite make it up in time and sleep late.

Then I thought I might go to church, but I didnt' want to rush there for the (earlier) 10 am. service.

While out in the front yard, neighbor Brad stopped as he was driving. "Want to play golf today?"

"Yes I do." I replied. "How about right now?"

So off we went. Today was a beautiful day, about 73 F degrees. Neither hot nor cold. We played 9 holes, stopped for a leisurely lunch, then went back out for the final 9. As I was spending most all day outside, I thought there was no better place to be on such a nice day. I hit some shots good, some not so good, but enjoying myself the whole way.

Perfect intro for the practice needed for the November golf trip to 4 great courses in OK and KS, Southern Hills, Karsten Creek, Prairie Dunes and Flint Hills National. 4 of the top courses in those states. And in the country. So I'm ready.

Scotch-Irish

While at my favorite bookstore Paragraphs at South Padre Island, I picked up a new book "The Scotch-Irish" by James Leyburn. I had previously read a book Born Fighting by Jim Webb about "Scots-Irish" (his term) and it referenced "Leyburn" a lot.

As it turns out, Professor Leyburn taught at Washington and Lee University, a noted Scots-Irish institution founded in 1749 in a noted Scots-Irish area of our country. In fact, I spent many hours studying in the Leyburn Library there. During my time there in the 80s, it was simply called the University Library but renamed in 1994.

I believe that I'm part of that Scotch-Irish Great Migration from Northern Ireland by way of the Scottish lowlands in the the 1700's to Pennsylvania, then Virginia, then North Carolina and the Ohio Valley. So the book is an interesting heritage lesson. So far, I've been enjoying it.

Goals coming together

I'm thinking of signing up for the Galveston 70.3 Half Ironman on April 1, 2012. Really! No fooling.

That is 70.3 miles calculated by
1.2 mile swim (1930 meters)

56 mile bike

13.1 mile run

What's the magic of those numbers? They're half of the 140.6 Ironman which was simply started as a bet to decide which of 3 existing races in Hawaii at the time were the toughest. Swim? Bike? Run? Why not do them all? Back to Back!

Timing is good for April 1. That way I'd be in good bike shape for the MS 150 and then be able to take some time off for the high school graduation activities.

Something's got to give and it looks like the Houston Marathon 26.2 miles will switch to the 13. 1 Half Marathon. That would be good practice also.

I anticipate signing up by December 1.

Jury Duty

They say in this day and age that "social media is causing problems in the jury system". If anything, it's shedding light on a dusty corner of the world that is used to doing business in secret.

I won't start to give my opinion of the process today, but just to say that I completed one day of jury duty. I was not picked for the trial in the County Court. But our group was called back for Round 2 on Thursday.

As you can imagine, there's a lot of waiting, a lot of uncertainty and a lot of down time. Hopefully like legislation, the finished product is what really counts.

Footloose

Susan and I went to see Footloose this afternoon. So did Sarah, but she saw an earlier show with her new friend Jack. We liked it. It was probably a little better movie than the original (not too tall an order) but it did not have all the original music of the first. Hard to improve a soundtrack that sold 9 million copies.

I recall seeing the original movie as a freshman in college in May 1984. That summer my sister had the cassette soundtrack so I listened to it a lot. Lots of good songs.

Elizabeth was in town this weekend and it was nice to be together, even if it meant reverting to some old patterns as a family. But I guess those are all good events. They all like the Pigskin Competition as I thought they might. Everyone want everything explained to them but sometimes you just have to see things for yourself. I'm glad they were there.

Another good Memorial weekend

The McAllen Memorial H.S. had another good weekend in sports and activities. Tonight the Memorial Band received the highest rating of Division 1 at the Pigskin Marching Contest. That's their main goal every year and they work hard and focused on that goal. So its great to see success. Several former band members were in the audience as well.

The football team beat Rowe on Friday night. And the Volleyball team beat Donna today.

The whole family is in town: Ed Kate Elizabeth Joanie and Vivian. They've been a little disappointed that Sarah has been busy both nights and today but otherwise its been a nice visit. I think they all enjoyed the Pigskin Contest. It's quite a spectacle.

King of the Causeway Triathlon

Sunday was the KOTC triathlon at South Padre Island. As it is October, there are many things going on all weekend. Saturday night was the City of Palms Marching Contest. It ended about 8:30 pm so I stayed home until Sarah got back. Then I went to sleep and got up at 4:15 am to drive to South Padre Island. No traffic at that time.

I got there in time to get set up in T2 and then drove with Steve E to the T1 area. We had a warm up swim and then our 40-49 mens wave went off about 8:15 am.

I had a great swim and finished with a friend Mike who is a very experienced triathlete. He of course went out much faster on the bike. But I was happy with my bike time of 17.3 mph. Then on the run, at the end I got caught by fellow Maniac Terri and we ran in at a good pace. I told her we needed to sprint but she couldn't make it so I dashed in as usual. Finished the run in 27 minutes which was my best tri run time. So the total time was 1:24 good enough for 5th out of 11 in the Mens' 45-59 category.

During the run we went by the Paragraphs bookstore and I thought "I should go there afterwards". It was funny because the BikeFest was going on with all the Harley people. So among all the beer drinking and hell raising, I was doing my triathlon and thinking about book shopping. Doing it My Way!!

Wednesday

I haven't been on the blog lately - too busy living life I guess. We had a great trip to New Orleans for the weekend and ate our way through. In all the good restaurants we went to, we even hit a BAD one. To make it worse, it was my choice. Looked OK from the outside, but I guess I should have been tipped off by the fact that it was next to a Jimmy Buffet Margaritaville tourist restaurant. And the name was deceiving. Magnolia Cafe in Austin it was not - the was the Magnolia Grill.

Fortunately we redeemed ourselves with lunch at K-Paul's which does change over time, but always remains good. Two great meals at the Palace Cafe ( the redfish was the best thing I ever ate as the show says) and at Dickie Brennan's

This weekend is the final triathlon of the season, King of the Causeway at South Padre Island. I think I'm ready for a little break after this one. One good thing about the triathlon is the week off afterwards.

Memorial plays Sharyland this Friday in the Game of the Week. Two undefeated teams - who will remain unbeaten? Mustangs will have to play hard.

Happy Birthday

Today is Susan's birthday and her mother and father are here visiting. We had a nice relaxing day at home. Last night Memorial beat Mission High 41-14. The maroon uniforms of Mission reminded me of the Austin High Maroons (as well as a dismal football performance).

Today I went with John S. to see the Memorial volleyball v. Palmview. Memorial is ranked #2 in the district and they won. Afterwards we raced over to see the #1 team Sharyland play McAllen High (McHi) and Sharyland won. It was a big event Dig for the Cure to celebrate the October Breast Cancer Awareness month. Look for lots of pink this month.

College Station

I've only been to College Station twice before this weekend. Once in 1986 we went to see the Aggie Bonfire from Austin. But by the time we left late and picked up Greg S's girlfriend, we didn't get there until after 11:30 and it was basically over. We ended up driving back that same night getting home about 5:30 a.m.

The next time was in 2000 when I went for a one day seminar. Didn't even spend the night.

So this time, I was looking forward to seeing what it was all about. Sarah was going to have an official student-type visit with her friend Nicole. I was going to see a game at Kyle Field.

We left Harlingen for Houston Hobby and got to Houston at 8:15am. John picked us up and we drove the 2 hour drive to College Station, stopping first at his favorite place Rudy's BBQ for breakfast (yes - tacos) and then when we got to C.S., we stopped at the various tent sales set up to sell the Aggie gear. When in Rome, wear maroon to fit in. So we each got a shirt. Didn't feel the need to invest too much since we'd probably not wear it much again.

We dropped Sarah off at the dorm and paid $10 to park at the golf course right across the street. I checked it out - would like to play at the Texas A&M Golf Course the next time I'm there. We then went walking toward Olsen Field where my friend Ben said he has set up a tailgate party.

We got there and found him. It was a nice set up, and I saw another friend from McAllen, Dr. Moncada and his family. He has 2 daughters at A&M. We all then left to see the Aggie Band march out from the dorm area. That was good to see it set up and go out. A big band and the military aspect was on good display.

Then we went to the Former Student Center where it had AC and cold drinks and a big screen (movie sized) TV. We cooled off there and then went into our seats.

The seats were on the upper level and 30 rows up was a good walk, even for this triathlete! It was a full house and the cheering was on display. I tried to get into the spirit of things but they have their own traditions that it would take more than 1 visit to master.

At the fight song they sing "Saw Varsity's horns off". I don't believe that Bevo was ever named Varsity so I'm determined to research that. I tried to get Ed involved. He probably knows the people that played in the 13-0 game that resulted in the Bevo name.

Aggies lost 30-29 in a game they had a chance to win. They had the ball in the last few minutes but... threw an interception. Afterwards, back to the tailgate party. Lunch and Dinner, both there. People were from all over, not just McAllen.

That night we stayed at John's friend Vicki and Kyle's house just outside of town. Very nice house and we each had our own room. In the morning we checked out the various dogs, chickens, horses, donkey, alpaca and sheep they had. They have a most unusual dog a Great Pyrenees, which is a special shepherd to watch over and protect the flock at night. No coyote would mess with that beast. We had farm-fresh eggs for breakfast. Best meal of the trip.

Afterwards we picked up the girls and went to the famous Dixie Chicken for lunch. It was an old drinking spot and smelled like last night's party Bourbon Street style. Food was not as famous as its cold beer. But I've been there now.

We drove back and got home and after a long day of travel was happy to be home. I've got my Longhorn shirt back on now. Sarah enjoyed the weekend but I think it just cemented that UT Austin was a better choice for her.

September 11

It seems like a lot has changed in the 10 years since 9-11-2001. Sarah was 7, now she's 17. We then lived in Houston, we're now in McAllen. But watching the old news clips, it seems like it just happened.

I went to church today and remembered the Friday National Day of Prayer back on Friday, September 14, 2001. It was a special day and it was a nice memory today.

This weekend, there was a bike ride Pedal Against Child Abuse and I did the 25 mile ride for speed. Never would have done it that way without coaching. And it was a good ride. Averaged 16.2 mph and also rode to and from the Municipal Park start.

I've been trying to reduce my driving. Today the coach wanted us to go to South Padre Island but that was too far for me and I did the swim here after church. Afterwards I made lunch at home and then went to the golf course. I did also get to watch the Texans score a big win over the Colts to start the season off very nicely.

Labor Day Weekend

We are at home this weekend and I am looking forward to Monday off. I think I will go bike riding in the morning. Or maybe I'll sleep late. I was going to get up to ride with the group but failed to correctly set alarm and I missed them by a minute. So I rode by myself and it was nice and quiet.

This afternoon, I went shopping and got a few new pair of shoes. I stopped by the new Valley Running store and everyone there was very nice - seemed like home.

Sarah is recovering from a cold so she's taking it easy today.

I went to see Seven Days in Utopia movie on Friday night. I had read the book and believe it is an outstanding book. The movie, like many, has a hard time living up to the book. 2 1/2 stars. Beautiful Texas scenery though.

Monday morning

This is the Monday of the week leading to Labor Day. The Friday before Labor Day always seems like majorly bad things at work happen that you end up paying for for the rest of the year. So I'm thinking of being out on that day. Why not?

I'm hoping to close a transaction this week. It has so far gone according to plan. I need to make a checklist of things to do. First on the list: make the list.

Saturday was the Fishing for Hope tournament. I had a good time and caught two fish. Neither was a keeper but I did receive everyone else's fish so we had ceviche on Sunday. Tasty. As I told Susan, millions of people around the world probably eat fish for breakfast.

I got to go to the Paragraphs Bookstore on the island on Sunday. A favorite of mine. Got two good books that I'm working on reading plus a classic "Harry the Dirty Dog" about a white dog who turns black from dirt and his family can't recognize him. Perfect for our new white dog.

What's Up, Dog!

Friday

My car went into the shop yesterday so today, I walked to work. I've been thinking about a car-free Friday and today was the day. To complete the day, the car must remain in the shop. But if I need one, I'll just go pick up the Shelby or the Corvette. I saw our friend today and he was pleased that I was taking care of his cars.

A good productive day. It seems that people stick to their knitting on Friday and stay in a comfort zone. So when I'm making things happen, it makes the day go by fast. When I miss a Friday being out of town or something, I always feel I missed an opportunity to get something done.

Recalling an old toy of mine, I looked it up: The Spirograph. A collection of colored pens and plastic shapes that would allow you to draw geometric and unusual pictures. I recall working on one at the YMCA day camp I went to. As a child the arts time was more fun for me than the running and playing.

I've been working on my guitar playing more lately since I saw my friends. One was talking about how many songs you could play with just 4 chords. I thought "I know those 4 chords!" So I'm back.

Ready for some football

I enjoyed the Texans v. Jets game last Monday night. As a sign said Even thought its preseason, its still Monday night. Memorial starts Thursday Sept 1 but McHi starts the preceding Friday so I think I might go to that game.

Labor Day starts the UT season. The Big 12 is not so big any more and it is only a matter of time before the college game merges into 4, 6 or 8 superconferences and we will have the playoff systems that has been demanded by the fans/advertisers for so long. Until then, we'll just keep watching.

And the NFL starts on the following Thursday Sept 8. Glad that they figured out how to divide that pesky $9 billion. Last games will be on Sunday January 1 2012. Right around the corner!

Wednesday

Today was a productive day at work after I finally got going. Yesterday I went to my friend Jack's funeral. I had gone to Houston on Monday to see the Texans v. Jets. That was a good experience and we got sideline passes and had good end zone seats, 4th row. On Tuesday I flew back to Harlingen, drove down to Brownsville, went to the service, stayed with the family for dinner and then drove back to McAllen.

So today I was pretty beat. I think the emotional state has an effect on the physical. As I told my friend John, its amazing that I can run 10 miles and feel great, but a long day at work and I'm beat.

The paper route

My first job was when I was 12 years old and came about from walking home from school from the bus stop. Someone stopped in a car and asked "Do either of you boys want a job throwing newspapers?" Our neighborhood was new and developing and the job was opening up. I said yes - I guess I ran it by my parents - and the next thing I knew, there was a stack of newspapers sitting at the end of our driveway with a print out of the address it was to go to.

As I recall, I was to be paid $1.00 per paper per month. There were 15 or so papers so I got a check for $15.00 every month. This was in 1977-78. I delivered the Houston Chronicle which at that time was the afternoon paper for Houston. The morning papers was the Houston Post.

I would get home from school about 4:00 p.m and the papers would be there and would wrap them up in a rubber band (plastic bag if it were damp) and stuff them into a canvas bag which I had rigged to the front of my Schwinn bike and ride around to throw the newspapers. The bag was a bucket style with a shoulder strap and

THE

HOUSTON

CHRONICLE

printed on the outside. The letters were kind of faint to see, so I blackened them in with a Magic Marker.

I was particular about how to fold them (always with the "above the fold" showing). Also you could fold then into three sections with the right side showing if the papers were not too big. Monday and Saturday were not as big.

On the weekend, the Chronicle was delivered in the morning. Of course, Sunday was the big paper. That would come in 2 sections that I put together. Sometimes I'd throw it in 2 parts as well. Coming home afterwards, I always liked to read the newspapers, starting with the comics and then the sports.

Occasionally, I would have to deliver the bill as well. And even seek payment. That was not nearly as fun, since no one was typically home and I didn't know every neighbor. I heard stories that paper boys didn't do the collection anymore since there was some liability involved.

I was proud that I did the job regularly, rain or shine. Sometimes when I got home from school, kind of tired, there was the stack of newspapers waiting for me. Needing to get done. Like many jobs I got better at it as time went by. When I couldn't do the job if we had to go out of town (I guess I went to summer camp then), then the supervisor would do the job. I think he did the surrounding areas. He had many more than 20 papers to throw.

It was nice to earn some money of my own. I would have my mother take me to the Briargrove Pharmacy where they would cash the $15.00 check for me. I used to buy a lot of comic books which by the 7th grade cost about 35 cents each. A candy bar was about 25 cents as was a Coke from a machine.

I was sorry to have to report to the supervisor that my family was to move to Austin from Houston in summer 1979. I had to give up my first job. I gave proper notice and he seems sorry to lose me, a loyal employee. There was no paper route for me in Austin, as the paper was thrown by some guy who would screech around our circle to toss the paper, always in the driveway, instead of the preferred front walk target location.

Houston as a 2 newspaper town went the way of the paper boy, the afternoon newspaper and the 35 cent comic book. The Chronicle took over the Post in 1986, and the Chronicle then became a morning paper

Late night

I watched the movie Dog Day Afternoon on DVD from 1975. I remember reading the parody in Mad Magazine and so the images were familiar. It was a very good movie, appropriate for that time and place. It said it happened on Aug. 22 so that anniversary is coming up. They did a nice job of reflecting the temperature, like in a later good movie Body Heat.

I also finished a good book by Ben Mezrich, Ugly Americans, which is sort of a precursor to his other book, Accidental Billionaires, which was made into the very fine movie The Social Network.

Today was an interesting day in that I waited during the morning for things to unfold, and then went out for a bit in the afternoon, and everything started to happen. So I finished by working until about 7 and then came home.

A dream

My friend Jack Wilson died yesterday at age 65. I saw him afterwards at the emergency room and it was very clear that the spirit had left the body. No question that the soul makes the person.

Last night I had a dream of a soul (mine? his?) blowing in the wind like a leaf or a piece of paper. There was a lack of control - you were just going along, not knowing where, when. But there was also a calmness, a knowing that wherever you landed would be a good place.

Sunday

We got invited to go to the Palm Valley Church with the Portillo family today so we all went to the 11:30 service. It had a lot of excitement to it, with music and kind of a "start the show" feeling like going to a concert or to Cirque du Soleil. It would be a nice addition to have such excitement at more church services. The sermon was about Running from Evil and David and Bathsheeba so I thought it was a good one.

Afterwards, we had brunch at Cimarron and then made it home. I played 9 holes of golf in the afternoon and then sat around the pool with Brad, Judith, Mariana and Mark. It was much nicer at the pool than on the golf course.

Saturday afternoon

I came by the office to do an hours worth of work and that 60 minutes is now up. So I'm about to head out. Sarah and I are going to see Harry Potter this afternoon. A summer movie is always a good way to beat the heat. Reviews are good for the movie so I think I'll like it. Sarah's seeing it for the second time.

I would like to see the movie Horrible Bosses again another time. As the movie critic says, points for originality. So many sequels these days. (Harry Potter of course being an exception:)

Tonight it is shrimp N grits for dinner. The bacon and shrimp are already making my mouth water...

Home for the weekend

I'm glad to be in town this weekend after being gone a lot in July. I have just about cleared my desk so it's time to hit the door. Maybe catch a movie tonight.

Girls Scouts

Susan and I attended the Girl Scouts of Greater South Texas dinner last night honoring our friend Yoli. It was an enjoyable event and we had a good time for a good cause. There were videos of the top cookie sellers (800K boxes total sold last year) and some of the other scouts spoke. We made a pledge for the expenses for one Girl Scout for an entire year, including camp. Reminded me of Sarah's time in the Girl Scouts. We all agreed that it was quite a worthy cause.

Thursday

It is sure nice to be home. I've been settling back into the summer routine. This morning, I did have a good amount of work to do, so I got right to it.

Tonight there is an event for the Girl Scouts honoring our friend Yoli Cantu so Susan and I are going to that.

Sarah has been in the hot sun for band practice all week. You know she is tired when she goes to bed early. It's grueling, like football practice in the hot sun. Of course, I'm inside. Grass is always greener - those inside want to be out and vice versa.

Looking forward to a weekend at home. No plans so far. Still taking a well earned rest week from triathlon training.

Dallas trip

Thursday, after a stressful meeting, I flew up to Dallas arriving about 7:00 and Jeff picked me up at the airport. He had graciously agreed to lend me his extra set of golf clubs so I was able to travel light. I also realized he saved me $50 in checked bag fees. We met up with our friend Richard and went to Aboca's in Richardson where we are regulars. The proprietor Art hooked us up with some off-the-menu specialties. The rack of lamb was outstanding! Afterwards, we played pool at Jeff's house and checked out babes (for him) on Match.com. Now it on the phones, you don't even have to be at the computer.

Friday, we got the bikes set up for the Saturday Goatneck. Then we headed to Ridgeview Ranch for a round of golf. I played with the 1971 model Hogan irons and really liked them. Jeff played left handed and still outdrove me and Dino every time just about. After golf we went to a happy hour and then went to Denton and picked up our triathlon packets and Jeff got to meet Bill. We had a good dinner watching the Rangers at a local sports bar, the PourHouse.

Saturday, we got up at 0430 to drive to Cleburne TX for the Goatneck Cycling Ride. I had heard of it from Jeff so I was glad to go. My cousin Deborah used to live in Cleburne so it was nice to see what that was like. Very West Texas feeling to it. I had a good ride of 41 miles. Jeff did the 70 mile ride and finished not too long after me. We had lunch at the Cotton Patch which I thought would be the Lydia's Cafe of Cleburne. But it was more like a Chili's. It was fun being around all of Jeff's friends.

Saturday night we went to a party by Jeff's co-worker Katie who had just come back from a evangelical mission trip to Ethiopia. It was neat to hear her experiences and see the photos. Plus we had Ethiopian food. I liked it, but it seemed a lot of others were very closed-minded. Their loss. Every one asked "How do you know Katie?" I felt like the wedding crasher.... "I just met her!"

Sunday, we drove to Denton at 0430 (see a pattern?) and did the Pioneer Power Sprint Triathlon. My training paid off and I did all 3 disciplines well. I was particularly proud of my swim and my run.

Then I slept all afternoon to beat the heat. 106 F in Dallas this weekend. Makes our 99 seem OK. Jeff had to fly out to Orange County, CA in the evening, so he packed up, we went to the airport and I got a rental car. I saw the movie "Crazy Stupid Love" starring Steve Carrell and got a good night sleep.

Today, I was thinking "There's no place like home". I had my lunch meeting and an afternoon meeting and then hit the airport. I found out that Love Field was named after an early military aviator, Lt. Moss Love who died in the early 1900s'. I left at 4 and got home at 8:00 pm.

It was an action-packed trip but I must say that I'm glad to be back home and back to work.

Wed. July 27

This month of July is running out, like sand in an hourglass. Tomorrow I fly up to Dallas for a weekend with my friend Jeff of cycling, golf, triathlon, pool shooting and other general good fun. I always feel young around him. Especially since he is exactly 1 day older than me.

So it's another short week. Elizabeth is over at South Padre Island, but something had to go. So I'm staying home tonight. Such a good decision.

This afternoon, I've got several big work projects to at least get to a stopping point. And I have a meeting tomorrow to discuss an upcoming trial. Lots to do.

Triathlon plans

I talked to my coach today and she filled me in on what I thought was a good plan. I'm preparing for the Pioneer Triathlon in Denton this Sunday. Several other athletes are racing this weekend also, in Austin and San Antonio. So next week, a rest week! Following up, we will do some benchmark timing and we will push toward a good team showing at the October 17 South Padre Island triathlon.

I thought that sounded great, especially the rest during a hot August week. Of course, Aug. 8 I have outlined as a date to start Marathon training for the January 2012 Houston Marathon.

Also good news I have the Memorial football schedule and the first game is Thursday, Sept. 1. Can't wait!

Landa Park, New Braunfels

Tuesday, after staying the night at Clint's house, I left for home, after a week's vacation. My plan was to stop in New Braunfels to play the Landa Park golf course which I had seen many times but never played. It was a good plan since I had all day to get home.

I got to the park at 11 and proceeded out. The clubhouse was a fairly new building, but the course was a classic WPA design from the 1930s. Stone works were around. The course was fairly short by modern standards but still plenty hard. Several holes went back by the Comal River which was quite pretty.

It was a hot day of 100F so by the second 9 I was wilting, with breakfast having run out. I laughed that I had seen the course from Schlitterbahn across the river and thought of playing golf many times. Now that I was on the course, I was thinking "It sure would be nice to be in the water on this hot day".

I played the first 9 with Gary who was a local high school player. The second 9 I played with Bill, a future medical student. Bill had played Pebble Beach and Bethpage Black so I enjoyed hearing about those. We thought it funny that I just got back from PB.

Harvey Penick Golf Course

Monday, July 18, I took Sarah to the UT Women in Enginneering Program. We checked in at 12:30 and dropped her suitcase off at the new dorm room in Jester West, 7th floor. Then we went to the auditorium where after 10-15 minutes, all the students were escorted away. Just like the military, it was over!

We parents stayed for a very informative talk by the WE@UT staff. We learned about the admissions process not only for the university but also the Cockrell School of Engineering. So the students will get a good taste of what to expect.

Afterwards, I went to the Harvey Penick Golf Course, which I had driven by the past week. I didn't even know there was one, but it is off 183 on the east side. It is part of the First Tee of Austin, a nonprofit for getting kids interested in golf. At the course, they had a short course of 3 holes and then a regular length course of 9 holes. I played all of them walking and it was very full of character, high quality, quiet and just the right course for a new golfer.

The name was very appropriate. Mr. Harvey Penick lived in the east side of Austin and worked there many years. He started in golf as a young person and his coaching skills always emphasized keeping the ball in play and playing within yourself. I think he would be proud to have his name attached to such a course that carries on his experiences and teachings.

Travel Day to Austin

Sunday, July 17 was a long day according to Sarah. Looking back, I'd have to agree.

We left Monterey, CA at 0930 to drive to SFO. Everyone seemed a little grumpy. We stopped in Castroville CA for a quick bite since we had to leave Monterey at the appointed hour. We gravitated to the La Fortuna Bakery that advertised "Tacos". It was a little slice of home. Castroville is kind of like a small Rio Grande Valley town, the place where the local farm workers live.

Getting to SFO, we returned the rent car. We then split up as Susan was flying to San Diego through a different airline and a different terminal.

Sarah and I had lunch at the Lark Creek Grill in the new Terminal 2 which was very nice. I had read about it and was pleasantly surprised to find one in the airport. We then flew to LAX and then to AUS arriving late, 11:30 p.m CST. Sarah was none too pleased to be going to another camp instead of going home, but she did get a late call from a friend which perked her up and she got to sleep.

12+ hours of travel time was definitely a long day.

Pacific Grove

Saturday July 16 I got up early to go play golf at... Pacific Grove Golf Links. PG? What about PB? - Pebble Beach? When I called PB about a tee time I was told that there were NONE on Saturday and they were not suggesting I try to just go there. And I have been there and it did not look like a place that someone without a reservation would enjoy hanging around.

I took the road less traveled and it has made all the difference.

I showed up at PG about 7:15 a.m figuring that I could probably go off pretty soon. "How about 7:26?" said the starter. Perfect. I waited for my partners and played with Eric from Australia and Jazz Singh from Sacramento. Great name! Eric and I walked and I enjoyed hearing about how he was there. He came from Sydney for a 2 day conference and rented a house in San Francisco for a month. The plan was to work during the week and sightsee during the weekends. I gathered he was in the internet- based business, as you could work anywhere.

The course was a nice little gem. The front 9 (older) was routed through the town, and the neighborhoods. Lots of big old trees and somewhat hilly. It had a nice old style feel to it like Brackenridge Park, one of my favorites and also an old style, tree lined course.

The second nine was quite different. Across the main street, it was RIGHT on the bay, in the dunes. The old lighthouse was right there by the holes. Picturesque. The views were pretty amazing. The 11th holes was like Torrey Pines # 6, straight to the water. # 12 was an outstanding par 5 through the sand dunes. The dunes were characterisic, along with the sweeping ocean views. The scenic road was right along side us and we saw many runners and cyclists on it.

I talked with the teaching pro Ben Alexander afterwards and he told me the second dunes 9 was originally land owned by the Coast Guard and sold to the City of Pacific Grove for $1.00. He joked he would have paid $5.00 for it. Very nice fellow, we had a good discussion about teaching. He said he also worked at Poppy Hills and he could get me on for $55 instead of the usual $200. So I'd like to take him up on that.

This was the 4th time I've been to the Monterey Peninsula and still no Pebble Beach. I'm beginning to think it might be like a hole in one, something that may elude me. If it happens, great, but if not, I'll have other experiences. Like that 79 I shot recently - priceless!

Afterwards we did drive the 17 Mile Drive which we all liked. We ended up for dinner in Carmel at a nice place, Cantineta Luca. After a good dinner it was getting foggy and cold so we headed back and watched a movie, Something Borrowed. * * 1/2

Stanford University

I planned to get up early this Friday, July 15 to play 9 holes of golf at Tilden Park in Berkeley. But it looked kind of gray and I didn't leave so early. I figured I would just hit a few range balls in preparation for Pebble Beach.

The terrain change in Berkeley is amazing. You go from waterfront/sea level to just past the campus and then it is straight up the "Hills". More like a small mountain to me. Getting up there, you'd think you were in Virginia or North Carolina. The course did remind me of N. Carolina when I got there. Lots of elevation: the clubhouse is on the hillside and you have a nice view of the holes. Very pretty place.

The range was not so pretty but I hit my balls. Then I found some new golf shoes in the shop and bought them. I figured I would not see any like then at home. Afterwards I drove to explore the park a little and of course got all turned around. Good thing I had a map and got straightened out and made it back to the hotel right at 11.

We then headed to Stanford, stopping for lunch at the Burger Meister which was really good. If they had a t shirt I would have bought one.

We got to Palo Alto and found the parking. We were early for the 3:15 tour so we had time for a look around the University shop and then a cup of coffee.

Our tour was the largest we had been on. People from all over: Austria, China. The tour highlighted many of the new buildings: Gates, Hewlett, Packard. You could really tell that Stanford had done a big part in creating/monetizing the Internet and that money has flowed back in as reinvestment. State of the art. If you want to go into that field, you can really tell that Stanford is the Place To Be.

We also saw the older buildings. Definitely a California version of the Ivy League. One thing they pointed out was that Stanford was created as nondenominational, yet they have a huge cathedral completed with Jesus on Palm Sunday mural larger than life. It would fit in at Notre Dame (so I would imagine).

It had a suburban feel to it, like a Princeton. Therefore, it wasn't quite was Sarah was looking for. She said she liked Berkeley better. As did we.

We then headed south on the scenic route to Monterey, CA. I had not been this route over a mountain so it seems like a long drive. We made it into town, checked into the Hotel Portola and went to dinner at the local brewpub, Peter G's. I actually tried the small sampler beers with dinner and liked the Belgian version the best.

Bastille Day - July 14

Berkeley, CA: Today was the day to pick up Sarah from the Engineering and Robotics Program. We got a taste of "The Future is Now" as the two clueless parents driving around the college campus. We found the area of pickup ( it was a "newer" campus area that is primarily student residential). There was a parking area and Sarah came walking up with her new friend Joey. He was classic California, blond, tall, etc. And a nice guy to boot.

There wasn't much to the pickup so we did meet some of the new friends who seemed very enthusiastic about Sarah. No one really wanted to go but the bus was coming to pick everyone up. Just a few has parents coming to get them.

One thing I noticed inside was a candy dish but someone had taken the time/initiative to make a key for each flavor of candy and post it near: lemon, orange, lime, etc. I thought it was pretty neat - classic engineer brain!

No sooner were we pulling out that Sarah was crying, sorry to leave her new friends. They certainly bonded and that was good/bad (had to end :)) but she's already still in touch. I invited everyone to visit. Maybe they will.

Afterwards we went for lunch at Bette's Oceanside Diner which I had read about on Urban Spoon. Good choice. The area was called Fourth St. which was a redeveloped neighborhood. We walked around afterwards and saw some cool shops.

Later that afternoon Sarah and I hit the college store for some CAL gear. It was a nice big place. Sarah found a cap for Oscar that was just perfect for him.

That night the big 21st anniversary celebration was at Chez Panisse which was a place that I had heard about - 1000 places to see before you die. The reservationist had recommended the Hotel Shattuck which was right down the street. So we walked there, and sat upstairs at the Cafe - supposed to be a bit more casual than the downstairs.

Dinner was:
Proscuitto "Rockets" - greens wrapped in proscuitto


Shellfish Stew


Fresh fruit


Gelato/meringue





I'll post the actual menu later - but it was good! Fresh and simply prepared. Different but still accessible. Sarah and I went to see "Larry Crowne" later but it was only fair, * *. It would have been better to see Harry Potter but people were already lining up outside at 8:00 p.m. for the midnight and the 3:00 am shows!

Berkeley CA

From the Hotel Shattuck Plaza, Berkeley:

We left McAllen very early today for our 0610 flight. Arriving in San Francisco about 1:00 we got our rental car and headed straight to Berkeley. We were here in 2007 and it is nice to be back. Things are at least somewhat familiar.

The hotel is nice, recommended by the folks at Chez PanIsse where we will celebrate our 21st anniversary tomorrow. We looked around a few shops anD then hit Trader Joe's Grocery which was right up Susan's alley. We also saw a little brazil cafe that we plan to go by tomorrow. We will pick up Sarah and meet her new friend Joey. As her friend Nicole said, Sarah is always looking for the boys!

Back online

I've just received back my new laptop from Richard and it is working just fine. So I'll be able to get back in the swing of things after the Great Laptop Theft in Houston. Imagine the danger of parking your car in your parent's driveway and being there the whole time. Never would have thought it was a danger there, but ... assume nothing.

On to good news. My golf career is booming. On Friday I shot 79 at Cimarron, my best round in 10 years. I played with our new Rector, Father Jim. I played so well I can't remember when I had another, but it has been a while. I hit the ball well but most importantly got a few good breaks: made a long putt for par on # 4, chipped in for par on # 9, birdied # 18 with a career shot to the green.

Even better, I just heard today that I won the Ben Cox 108 Raffle, actually one of the prizes. There are 86 and I have pick # 10. So its a great combination of top golf and fantasy football drafting. Looks like I might get to select a great course in California.

So I had been thinking I would win both the Houston Marathon lottery and the golf raffle and I did! As I read, nothing good will happen until you believe that you deserve it.

A list

Top 4 golf courses

Cypress Point

Shoal Creek

Shadow Creek

Crown Colony

As you can see I've been reading a lot of golf blogs lately. So its got me thinking about things I like such as golf and travel. Some folks like to "collect" as many courses as they can - I'm about quality rather than quantity. Each of these was a memorable experience that I recall fondly.

Online contests

I've been entering lots of online contests lately. Its pretty easy to enter, and if there's a donation, its easy too.

So I might be winning:

A big golf trip

A new bike

A trip to see Paul McCartney in concert

Think positive! You heard about it here first. I already got selected for the Houston Marathon lottery so... 1 for 1!

July 2

Due to the rain and the trip to Houston upcoming, we decided to stay home this July 4 weekend for the first time, in a long time. It's been a great decision. Last night we relaxed with a little TV at home. Today I slept in a little and then went for a bike ride, just for fun. I guess I went 20+ miles and it was just for fun. Afterwards I went to the bike shop and got a new speedometer and got that put on.

I went to the golf course, just to have lunch, and ended up with some friends who were continuing play. I had my clubs from yesterday and went out for 9 holes. Shot 40 which was an excellent score. Especially being even par after 6 holes. The guys gave me a little ribbing for being a 15 handicap. Not for long!!

Tonight Sarah and I went to Game Stop where she traded in an old PS2 to get a new game and PSP. It reminded me of when we got the PS2 on her 7th grade birthday. Tonight we are going to see Cars 2 at the late show.

End of the Second Quarter of 2011

Its June 30 so its nice to look back at some cool things I've done so far this year:


The trip to Midland

Houston Marathon


Golf trip to South Carolina

College visits to Vanderbilt, Columbia and Princeton

Private show by Lady Antebellum in Nashville

Cap Tex Triathlon



Looking forward to next month - tomorrow. I've been working on getting ready for some vacation since its all coming in July. Sarah will be gone for 3 straight weeks from home and I've got a lot of time scheduled away.

Back from Kingsville

Tuesday I got up early to drive to San Antonio for court at 1:15. As I parked the car in downtown San Antonio, I noticed I had driven all the way there with an "I Love Justin Bieber" sticker on the back of Sarah's car. I felt like George Lopez in a TV show where he was driving his daughter's yellow Beetle with flowers on it when his car wouldn't start.


Court went quite smoothly. Speaking of "Quite" Sarah says that Mimi uses that word a lot. Like mother, like son.



I caught up with Susan and Sarah and we had a belated birthday dinner at Flemings, since I had a gift certificate "burning a hole in my pocket". Thereafter, Sarah drove me to Kingsville. I was pretty tired and when we got to the hotel, I got right in to bed.



Today, we had a nice time hanging out with Janet, Zach and Olivia. I took the kids to see Mr. Popper's Penguins and we all enjoyed it.

Someone to call

Maria who has been helping me at the office was diagnosed with cancer recently at had to have surgery. She was quite nervous and not only told me about it but also came by last Friday before she left for Galveston. She asked me to pray for her.

Good news is that her daughter called me today to tell me that she had a successful surgery. I thought it was pretty nice that Maria had put me on the Call List. I'll hope to talk to her soon.

Spina Bifida 250 - Done!

On Friday, June 24 at 0600, 70 cyclists left the parking lot of Fred Loya Insurance in McAllen led by the Official Pace Van driven by me. I was driving the support van and leading the faster A Group. And fast they were. We left McAllen heading toward McCook making good time. I'd say that the group was riding 20 -21 mph the whole way.

From McCook we headed north and west to San Ysidro, a small ranch town where we stopped at the local church. Father Rene was generous with our use of the parish hall. From there we headed north on FM 1017 to Hebbronville. At the Border Patrol checkpoint, the guards asked me if anyone else was in the van with me. Just me!

Hebbronville meant that I needed to refill the water, ice and Gatorade. As we stopped I set up the tables for liquids and any snacks. These riders didn't need much food but they were thirsty. We continued after lunch toward Freer, another 40 miles. The riders were OK that first 95 miles but roundly complained of the bad chip seal road and the heat. They were proud to finish but knew they had done something special. Toward the end we stopped at a picnic area and everyone enjoyed lingering in the shade.

In Freer we staeyd in local motels and in the junior high gym. I got a space in a room with Oscar who was whipped from the ride. He slept quite soundly until it was time to get up at 0400. I shuttled riders back to the start line. They left again at 0600 and I continued the drive on Saturday.

There was no AC in the Sports Federation van that I drove but it was nice in the morning. Driving at 20 mph keeping the right distance in front is challenging. Plus there was passing traffic and oncoming traffic to look for. We stopped for lunch in Jourdanton about 11 and left at 12. We arrived at the end in the Medina River Natural Area about 4 p.m. Not without two flats within a mile of the end. Plus, to finish in the park, there was a large hill - quite unexpected.

There was a celebration planned with the Spina Bifida Texas association. THey had invited many of the local families affected by SB. Children with different wheelchairs, walkers, crutches were there. I took the opportunity to visit with them and they were regular folk but placed in extraordinary circumstances.

I was honored that the group recognized me for my contribution as a driver with a Cinemark gift card. But most importantly, I was asked to make the check presentation and was able to make a few remarks and then make the donation for the group of $10,000 to the director. He was quite surprised and emotional. Then the final highlight was our ride captain's daughter Suzannah who has SB and said "Thank you - this makes me happy"

Summer Solstice - June 21

Solstice, meaning the furthest point on the frequency curve. Can't really say the first day of summer since summer seemed to start last month here. According to our meteorologist, May had some seriously high temperatures, August-like. On the car thermometer it read 122 today. Couldn't have been over 96 though!

The week is going slowly but surely. I'm going to Kingsville tonight to drive the route of the SB 250 on Friday, then tomorrow, I've got a busy day. Everything happens on Wednesday this week: lunch appointment, court hearing and dinner date.

Funny How Time Slips Away

I stayed behind today while Susan and Sarah went to South Padre Island. The day went by very fast. I got up to go play golf. We were to play at 9:30 so I got there early. Then no one showed up. So I decided to join the 10:00 group. As we were going to tee off, I checked a message that my old group was going to play at 11. So I decided to go forward. There was a heat advisory today and I was a little worried about being out too long.

I hit the ball very well and played with Bob T who is a good player. He's 72 years old and reminded me of my grandfather Wilton the way he looks and swings. It was a pretty cool thing to realize.
I made a mess of 4 holes on the back side and shot+ 10 on those 4 holes and + 1 on the other 5 holes.

Afterwards, after lunch, a shower and a talk in the pro shop, I got together with the 11:00 group and had fun hanging with them.

Then I went to my SB 250 SAG meeting. I've now gone from "not sure" about the duty to being Second In Command. Yes I've been appointed the back up authority for the whole event. Needless to say I've got a lot more information.

To end the day I went to see the movie Super 8. I liked it, kind of reminded me of other good Speilberg movies. * * *

Places to Play

Here are the places on the list to go

Austin - Roy Kizer - built in the 90s- I've never even seen it. Right next to Jimmy Clay

Concan - golf course near Frio River

Fredricksburg - Boot Ranch - my friend Skip want to take me there

Midland - saw the Midland CC - must play it next time

Carlton Woods - Ed wants to go there. He's the straw that stirs the drink of going to many of these courses.

Life List - Houston and South

Houston CC
River Oaks CC
Memorial Park
Bear Creek (Masters, President)
Lochinvar
Champions (Cypress Creek, Jackrabbit)
Falcon Point
Weston Lakes
Sugar Creek
Westwood CC
Brae Burn CC
Clear Creek

Clear Lake (RIP)

Bay Oaks

Bay Forest

Baywood

Bayou Golf Course - Texas City

Beacon Lakes

Glenbrook

Hermann Park

Meadowbrook Farms

Pasadena Municipal

Redstone

Southwyck

Golfcrest - Pearland

Battleground - Deer Park

The Falls - New Ulm

Timber Creek

Tour 18 - Humble
Evergreen Pointe - Baytown
Cypresswood
Walden - Conroe
Waterwood - Huntsville
Deerwood

Galveston CC

Magnolia Creek

South Shore Harbour

Weston Lakes

Whispering Pines

Beaumont
Henry Homburg/Tyrell Park
Beaumont CC
Bayou Din

San Antonio CC
Oak Hills
Pecan Valley
Fair Oaks Ranch
Quarry
La Cantera - Resort
Brackenridge Park
Olmos Basin
Northcliffe - Cibolo

Canyon Springs

Riverside

Seguin
Starke Park

Northshore - Portland

Padre Isles CC

Oso Beach - Corpus Christi

Kingville
L E Ramey

McAllen/ Valley
McAllen CC
Palm View
Los Lagos
Cimarron
Treasure Hills
Harlingen CC
South Padre Island GC
Tierra Santa - Weslaco
Shary Municipal
Monte Cristo - Edinburg

Shary Municipal

Life List - Texas Golf - Austin North and West

Austin C.C. / Riverside
Austin C.C. - Lake Austin (the "new course")
Lakeway - Yaupon
Hills of Lakeway
Flintridge Falls
Barton Creek - Crenshaw
Barton Creek - Fazio Foothills
Barton Creek - Lakeside
Barton Creek - Fazio Canyons
Lions Municipal
Hancock
Morris Williams
Jimmy Clay
Balcones CC
Onion Creek
Bergstrom AFB
Grey Rock
UT Golf Club
Austin Golf Club
Spanish Oaks

Pine Forest - Bastrop

Landa Park - New Braunfels

Harvey Penick Golf Course/First Tee of Austin


Marble Falls/ Horseshoe Bay
Ram Rock
Slick Rock
Apple Rock
Inks Lake

Packsaddle - Kingsland

Fort Worth
Colonial
Z Boaz
Hyatt Bear Creek


Dallas

Dallas CC
Brook Hollow
Preston Trail
Chase Oaks
Ridgeview Ranch
The Tribute

Tyler
Holly Tree


Lufkin
Crown Colony


Brownwood C.C.


Kerrville
Scott Schreiner


Abilene
Fairway Farms

List of golf courses - outside of Texas

Someone asked me about a golf course I played in Las Vegas in 2002 and ... I couldn't remember the name. So that has prompted me to list my life list. Courses I have played - in no particular order

Nevada
Shadow Creek
Revere at Anthem (Lexington) - aha!

California
Cypress Point
San Francisco G.C.

Pacific Grove

New Mexico
Red Eagle G.C.

Oklahoma
Oklahoma City G&CC

Michigan
Boyne Highlands

Alabama
Shoal Creek
RTJ Golf Trail:
Capitol Hill Judge/Senator
Grand National Lake/Links
Oxmoor Valley

Florida
Captiva Island

Georgia
Stone Mountain
Maple Ridge - Columbus

North Carolina
Reems Creek
Pinehurst # 2, #5, #8
Oyster Bay

South Carolina
Chechessee Creek Club
Oldfield
Furman University
Myrtle Beach (Pine Lakes/Heron Point)

Virginia
Lexington G&CC
Golden Horseshoe
Country Club of Virginia
Farmington CC
Ivy Hill

West Virginia
Greenbriar

Washington DC
East Potomac Park

Maryland
Burning Tree Club

Mexico
Cabo Del Sol
Palmilla

Canada
Victoria G.C.


*** Some thoughts on this list

Hard to remember everthing since the 1970s - thanks Google!
There are some great courses on this list - not super long, but still respectable
Golf in all 50 states? Would take some work!

Friday around the corner

This evening, I went to a party for the former board members of our county Bar Association. It was a nice event to celebrate the director's 10 year anniversary. Someone asked how long I've lived here and it is 9 years this month. It's home now and I'd have to say its been a good move and good transition.

Yesterday I went to a seminar on time management and today I was able to put the tips into place. As the trainer said, it's 10% knowledge and 90% implementation.

At the party someone asked "How'd you get so tan?" Let's see,... swimming, running, cycling, golf, all the things I've liked about the summer so far. In fact the best conversations were about triathlons. Am I getting boring...? or just passionate? :)

Monday Monday

This morning I had the A/C people coming by to do a small repair recommended at the last service. So I did some work at home this morning. Of course, there was not so much to do today. By the time I got to the office, I was already thinking of leaving. I decided to do two things. That finished at 5 and I was ready to bolt.

I did talk with my parents today. I usually call on Sunday but we had people over to watch the Mavs/Heat so by the time I realized the time, the game was over and it was 10:35.

This evening, I went for a training event with Coach Sandy, the tire pull. It was a good one, and finished at 8. I then made it home for a late dinner and watched North by Northwest on the DVD. I thought it was well done and enjoyed it, although I started watching it late and got a little tired toward the end.

33 holes

Playing with Larry today, I found out some information:

Playing at 0900 means "I'll show up at 9"

Not liking to wait means "let's go to another hole"

So we played 1-9, ran into another group, went to 16, played 16-18, then 10-18. 21 holes so far.

After lunch, we went to hole #3 and played 3-9, then 10-11, then 15, then 18. WE decided that was enough. What is the magic of 18 hole multiples? Like 26.2 miles, or 9 innings, it should be about the game and not the time spent. Good times.

Big day tomorrow

I'm planning to play 36 holes of golf. One round at 0900, the other after lunch. I was inspired by Wegoblogger31 of Wheaton, IL. He's putting together a charity benefit for a young man paralyzed in a ski accident and is planning himself to play 108 holes in one day. He even offered to pay green fees to those who would join him for 54 holes in Colorado. While it was tempting, it was short notice to go to Colorado. But I figured I could play it here.

The last time I played 36 holes in one day, was 2005 on the RTJ Golf Trail. I did that 2 days in a row. Since then I'm in much better physical shape and have a lot more experience in getting ready for something like that. So I've made a list, have things ready, have practiced, am rested and look forward to a big day.

Fine Day this Tuesday

Today I got up early - I had a client coming in at 10 and had to finish (read "DO") all the work. Of course I had breakfast scheduled with Sam from 8-9. So I got in at 7:30, did half the work, went to breakfast, came back, did the other half, and ... nothing. No show for 10 am. So after killing a little time I was on the phone and the client came in at 11! Not sure who was more surprised - I think he saw a look on my face like "I" forgot. Fortunately I kept my big mouth shut (not, "youre late") and had everything ready. I got a check and like was good.

Thereafter followed a swim at the noon laps and then a long lunch with Gary. If you knew Gary, you'd know that every lunch is a long lunch. But the wisdow makes with worthwhile. Just slow down and try and listen. You'll learn something.

Today, I learned about college/parenting/funding. It inspired me to get home early to work on the college plan. And lo and behold, it came out looking nicely on a 11 x 17 piece of paper. I learned abou the tgtp.org plan which should pay more than expected. Plus I reviewed our assets and the costs. And I presented it to Susan. So I feel a lot better with a plan.

As my friend Monte Alkire writes in his book Rope Your Dream:

Have a plan. Change it if necessary.

Hot day

So hot, that I decided to stay in most of the day. I did go to church today, first time in a few weeks. There was a combined service with a new confirmation class and a visit by Bishop Reed so there was a big crowd. Afterwards, I thought it best to stay home. I did some cooking, make a new dish, ratatoillie (sp?) which turned out very tasty with the organic vegetables that we had bought from the Farmers Market. Unfortunately I cut my finger while making it (not too bad, but still hurt).

In the afternoon, I cleaned up the papers in my home desk and also worked cleaning Sarah's room, doing some spring cleaning of her bed linens (including the mattress cover, box springs cover, bed spread. She'll come home to a nice clean bed. It's now nearly midnight and they are still on the bus to Orlando FL, and should arrive about 9 am. Monday, just in time to go straight to Blizzard Beach.

Question...

If you had your own talk show, who would your first 3 guests be?

Jerry Seinfeld

Lance Armstrong

Oprah Winfrey

Graduation Day

Our friend Alex graduated from McAllen Memorial H.S. today and so we were invited to join him and his family and his girlfriend's family for dinner at Romano's Macaroni Grill which was a good time. We were honored to be included. His dad John and I attend the football games together and enjoy watching the band of which Alex was senior drum line captain. John gave a nice toast and we had a good time. He warned me "This is a tough day". He said it was ironic that you give your all to the kids to see them grow up, and then you're sad when they do.

Alex will be attending Dartmouth College this fall. Matriculating: a word I learned today - to enter into a degree plan. Also learned to spell Salutatorian = he was 2nd in his class.

Today was a nice lazy day- thinking of Bruno Mars. Now that it is 90+ degrees, going out in the afternoon requires a second thought. Best to stay inside :)

2011 Cap Tex Olympic Triathlon in Austin

I finished the 2011 Cap Tex Olympic Triathlon on May 30 with a time of 3:35, which was 15 minutes faster than last year's time.

For the swim, I hit my goal time of 40 minutes right on the dot. Like last year, I had trouble getting started in the crowd (had google problems this time) but settled into a rhythm after the first buoy and swam a nice pace thereafter. Even passed a few people. Both transitions about 5 minutes each.

The bike leg was actually slower than last year even thought I thought I rode as well as last year. 1:35, which was 5 minutes more than I expected. I'll blame it on the windy conditions. In hindsight, maybe I could have pushed harder on the long straights. But I wanted to do well on the run.

The run course was pretty strong, and I started very nicely before heating up about 2 -3 miles into it. Sun was hot about then. Despite a bit of walking, I was able to continue to run and finished strong, 1:10 for the 10K, running about marathon pace, 11:35. I was just 5 minutes off of my goal time of 65 minutes.

Most importantly, I was not too nervous getting started. I knew I had the training to do the distances. And most surprisingly, I was not completely exhausted after finishing. So that was a nice finish to a good race. The 3 helpings of Chinese food tasted great that night. As well as the celebratory lunch today at Fogo de Chao!

Next on the list: http://www.trifind.com/re_16150/PioneerPowerSprintTriathlon.html on July 31.

Watching The Office

Season 6 on Netflix. Our cable box has gone out and so I had a frustrating time on the phone. "A technician will come Thursday". What a joke! Of course I have a full day of other event set on Thursday so I'll just add that to the list.

Even though the cable box was out, it is cool that you can now watch TV on the Internet. And to think that limited bandwidth used to be a problem.

Sarah is ready to finish school this year. I asked her if she could graduate early but she said she had 3 more necessary classes. Some of the recruited football players from UT now graduate from high school early to start UT in the spring semester so they can start practicing with the football team. She seemed interested in that.

Information Overload

While I was checking on line for some CLE programs this summer, I came across a free CLE program on Information Overload. As expected, I've got it running in the background while I am blogging :)

Today was a good cash day - surprisingly. I was not expected to receive a check, much less 4 of them. As a friend said, when you're making money, you're usually not that busy.

I did get 3 good things done - a will, a demand letter and 2 contracts today. So it was a nice opportunity to get some things completed.

Sarah' s getting signed up for a UT Summer program for a week in July. So I'm working on getting the papers signed (parental releases) and will get those faxed in tomorrow.

The Cap Tex Triathlon is next Monday, May 30. Its coming up and I'm ready for it. This evening I went for a bike ride, with Perceived Exertion 8/9 on a scale of 10. Heart rate was in the 130s which I thought was about an 8, while cycling.