Hey Family,

So here I am the long lost brother who has not posted on the blog for 3 month or so. Or at least that is what I was told by Chad today on a phone call. Chad and Kristen are our good friend that live in Irvine. He checks out our blog periodically to check in on what's going on with us. So he helped me see the light.
Everthing in our house is going very well. Definately settled and loving the home. I just arrived back in town from 2 trips to very hot places. The first was to Phoenix and the second to Las Vegas. None of the days had a high less then 105 degrees. Very educational conferance though and I learn a lot about inspiring people in my life and work. I am in charge of the credit card program for Outlet in the Pacific NW so that is why I went to Vegas and was able to stay at the Marriot for 3 days and enjoy a great speech from a motivation speaker. I was very inspired by his message and it all revolves around "Finding your Red Rubber Ball". I will probably share the little book's message with some of you as I talk to you guys but it really hit me hard. It spoke to seven things we can do to never lose sight of the red rubber ball (or our dreams)

1)Committ to your red rubber ball and it will fuel your decisions about what you study, where you work, whom you befriend, and how you act.

2)Build and nuture relationships, and others will help you pursue your red rubber ball.

3)Be creative and discover new oppourtunities

4) Do the lonely work - those unglamourous tasks that no one asks you to do and that others may never notice - and you will surpass expectaions

5) Speak up and challenge boundries and you will overcome them

6) Expect and Respect the unexpected and you'll acheive your goals faster

7) If you maximize each moment and focus on the present, you'll create the furture you desire.

Kevin Carroll is the guys name and if any of you have seen the commercial for Nike that has people on a city street in suits and ties and police all playing tag during the work day. That was his idea. It was the PLAY idea. He also inspred the Livestrong wristbands. He has a blog at kevincarrollkatalyst.com that has stories from around the world.
But one quote from the book that I love was the following

"The master in the art of living makes little distinction between his work and his play, his labor and his leisure, his mind and his body, his information and his recreation, his love and his religion.
He hardly knows which is which.
He simply pursues his vision of excellence at whatever he does, leaving others to decide whether he is working or playing.
To him he's always doing both"
James Michener

I thought I would share that message with you guys. Sorry to bore you all. Anyhow, congrats Mike and Brooke on Ben. Love the name!! I am off to bed as it is late.