Thursday March 18

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

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

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

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

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

A Tuesday

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

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

Spring is springing

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

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

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

Week going fast

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

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

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

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

Back from Houston

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

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

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

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

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

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

Another weekend here

Perfect weather today Saturday for... working at the office.

I did play golf yesterday Friday afternoon so I'm making the time up. Yesterday was great weather too. Shot a 91. I'm now going to get a handicap started.

Watching season 3 of The Office, which show was recommended to me. So far its pretty funny. Surprising how I can miss 5 years of a show on TV. I guess watching TV is not that important, with the exception of Monday Night Football, Seinfeld reruns, Morning Joe, Jay Leno on occasion, Flip That House, Diners Dives & Drive-Ins, L A Ink, and my favorite Man v. Food.

I took a guitar lesson last Wed. so I've got to work on those skills this weekend in preparation for the next one.

I'm going to Houston for a mediation on Tuesday, leaving here on Monday. So I expect to be at work tomorrow as well to get ready to be out of town. Lots of little urgent things to get on.

Fine Weekend

Looking back at what I wrote Thursday, I did play golf on Friday afternoon with 5 other people. I figured out why you always see so many carts. Lots of people at the country club have their own carts.

It was a cloudy day with a little mist of rain, but I figured if I didn't play then it would not happen. A good decision. I birdied the first hole to get off to a good start. Again fatigue set it as it was a long day swinging. Conditions were wet, cool, windy so I didn't hit the ball very far.

When I got home, I had to take a short nap to recover. Sarah went out that night so I watched some of my new show The Office on DVD.

Saturday I slept late (for me) and came to work and worked on my tax returns. We had dinner at home Sat. night. Susan & I watched the Hangover on DVD. I had seen in this summer in the theater (still had the stub from June 7).

Sunday I went to church but did n't play with the band. I went for a bike ride about 15 miles afterwards and hung out at home in the afternoon. I got a new book from the library, washed the car and we watched the Amazing Race together last night.