Running clear

Recently, as of July I have started to run again. This started due to age catching up in the form of weight, blood pressure and cholesterol. Thankfully it is proven successful.

The funny thing is that the runs have become a big part of my thought process. I look forward to getting on the treadmill (since it is icy and cold out) but more so enjoy getting outside. I find that when I do run it enables a greater level of concentration for the things I have on my mind, it also allows me to clear those thoughts from my mind. That clear mind feels great.

I think this works well because I block out all other distractions. I don’t have to consider anything but the basics, well and a car or two and an occasional dog!!!

I find this whole thing to be rather meditative and I love it.

Oh Boy!

Well there is not much to say except Oh Boy!

Back to work went well but I can see that not everyone has taken the positive position that I have and it is draining.

I will not be deterred, I will continue to win them over one at a time.

Opportunity to succeed is in front of us all …. carpe diem!

Back to the grind

Well, let me start with a follow up to harmony …. it did not last, most things don’t.

We all managed to go to a number of stores yesterday and we all got along and took turns and really enjoyed the time together … so while the original harmony went out of tune a new sing started.

If the rest of you are like me it is back to work tomorrow after a long time away, for me about a week and a half. I enjoyed the time greatly.

The thought of going back to work does not thrill me! I do however look forward to once again starting a new year at work and making a difference. Last year my personal commitment was to leave work by 4:00 everyday and by all accounts I succeeded. This year I am looking to continue that trend, I find it very liberating.

From a professional perspective I am looking to challenge myself in a number of ways to make the days more interesting and fulfilling. You see I enjoy most of my work but there is a great deal of negativity given the economy. I anticipate that most of that work is done. My challenge now is how I can engage some 100 people that I count on to make me successful. Granted, I have ten direct reports that I count on tremendously and they do a great job keeping the focus.

For me, more visible, more positive and more fun at work. Sounds easy but I can tell you it is a challenge as there are so many critics that offer their opinions.

Well, that's it for now ….. there is work to be done, before there is work to be done.

Harmony – what a great sound!

I was thinking about yesterday, the first day of a new year and how might it be different. At the time I could not see how it would be much different, if at all. This morning as I was running and again a few moments ago a thought struck me that I guess I have taken for granted or just did not notice before at all.

You see, yesterday was a lazy day, we (Lisa, myself, Brianna and Emmarose) all spent the entire day in the house in various stages of interaction. The part that struck me this morning though was the nearly 6 hours that Brianna and Emmarose played with each other without the need for any adult intervention. They spent time with each other and their toys. Some time with the TV, but most of the time they were simply friends. There was no fighting bickering or arguing. There was no calls for mom of dad to help, or to make one or the other “stop” It was just peace … harmony!

Again this morning as we had a lazy start to the day (well Brianna and Emmarose did).  The neighbors, Connor and Ryan came knocking on the door at about 9:30. They wanted Brianna and Emmarose to come and play in the snow. The girls finished their breakfast and dressed as only girls can do (it seemingly took forever) and went outside with Connor, Ryan and Kati.

They all played in the snow, helping each other into the tree, out of the tree and pulling each other in the wagon. They all played with Kati and they had a great time…..  Harmony!

This naturally evolved into time in the house, downstairs with the Wii. You would expect that this would cause problems but 4 children, 4 Wii remotes and Mario Carts created more …. Harmony.

Next came snacks, hot chocolate, and cookies and popcorn. Again they all sat around the table in …… harmony.

During this harmony yesterday and today, Lisa and I enjoyed each other’s company. Had some discussion and even made dinner together. Same thing in the morning today, we made breakfast together and just enjoyed the time. Funny how the harmony the children were experiencing helped us to realize a similar harmony.

Don’t get me wrong … the 4 children are still downstairs playing the Wii … the clock is ticking and I can’t help but feel the the fuse is lit and the KaBoom! will happen at any moment. I am sure my instincts are correct but I will wait and see.

Thinking back over this as I write I can’t help but feel that I may have missed this harmony in the past by letting the little things overshadow it. I am not sure???

I guess this answers how 2010 can be different. The girls are changing, Lisa and I are changing and rather then notice what is easy to notice I will take time to notice what is often overlooked.

Enjoy the day!

A small beginning

Well, I am not sure that this will do anything at all but I have always wanted to start a blog. Seems very self-centered to think that people may care about me or what I think, however that is not the reason for the blog. It is more selfish than that since I am viewing it as a means to vent from time to time.

Don’t get me wrong, I will certainly take time to brag about my wonderful family and things that are going on in my life. I will also take the time to share my unvarnished opinion of certain topics that strike my fancy.

I have no idea how often I will update this or even if it will go further then today but I will sure give it a try!

All the above said, I have to say that the NHL Winter classic is great and the league needs to expand on this format. I understand that the game next year could be slated for Yankee Stadium and the Rangers as host, how great would that be?

Well, Happy 2010 to all.