The Christmas Lights Are Up

My youngest daughter helped me put up the lights. After they were up, I let her climb the ladder far enough to look up on the roof. Don't worry Mom, she and I were extra careful.

Where Did It Go

Alas, where did the year go. In retrospect, it was a year of good times and of some not so good. Of many blessings and of many trials. At the beginning of the year I was very busy with 2 startup ventures. One fizzled and the other bogged down a bit and is just recently showing promise again. This is my third year without a paycheck job, my second year making less money than my dear wife, and my first year where I made less than I spent. So I am looking to 2006 with some trepidation. I know that this has been stressful on my dear wife, and I do appreciate her standing by her "unemployed" "entrepreneur" husband.

Seasonal Charity

At shopping malls I see the holiday charity solicitors. My response to them is that we have already given a lot this year. I think about all the people who have given so much and helped those who were less fortunate. It certainly was a year with plenty of opportunity to help others.

At the Gym

There are a couple of cuties at my gym. And some good looking women too. I don't know why it is, but when I see guys overly caught up in fashion or image I question their ... sensibility. I question some of the women too. The ones who primp and bath in perfume before working out. But the guys.... yeah, I know, don't be too judgmental before you get to know them.

I work out in the morning. I've found that morning workouts mean needing extra time to warm up. It also creates more opportunity to socialize. There are a lot of retired folk who work out when I do in the mornings and I've established a good rapport with their group. They have so many stories to tell. Lessons to pass on. Perspectives to share. Alas, it is inspiring finding a sense of community at the local health club.

Daughter Motivation

There is an old motivational story about a circus strong man. In his act he lifted a fully grown cow. He was asked how he got strong enough to lift a cow. He replied that he started with a calf and just lifted it every day until it grew up.

My daughters like to climb on Dad ... I guess I'm destined to get stronger. They are also growing up more than physically ... a whole other set of challenges.

We got their school progress reports and had teacher meetings. So far, we're doing pretty darn good; my wife and I! There were no surprises, and while progress reports reflect directly on the kids, it reflects indirectly on our efforts. Kudos DW!