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.