Random Thoughts

It has been a while since I last penned a journal entry. I want to thank all of the well wishing and prayers that have come my way in the interim. Your kind words and positive thoughts represent an incredible blessing.

On Tuesday, October 21st, I will be undergoing out patient surgery for the insertion of what is called a PEG Tube. I realize that in most cases, surgery is not tied to a very positive event. However in this case, the PEG Tube should be a very inviting proposition all things considered. Essentially the PEG is a soft piece of rubber that will be secured inside my stomach and then routed a few inches outside of the skin. The tube is then used to supplement my daily caloric intake and hydration. Consequently, the next time you see me I hope to have some weight back, specifically some "junk back in the trunk". Also, if we happen to go to dinner, don't accuse me of being cheap if all I order is the soup. The chances are that I probably enjoyed a delicious meal through a straw before joining you.

If the Seminoles go 8 and 4, Jimbo Bowden should be coach of the year in the ACC. If they go 9 and 3, Jimbo Bowden should be coach of the century!

Am I the only one that thinks Urban Meyer and Steve Markowski are twins separated at birth? For you that don't know Steve, he is one of my best friends and father to my God Daughter. He is also an avid Gator fan and Urban Meyer impersonator but with much more personality.

We traveled to California for vacation at the beginning of the month. I have not been everywhere but I am pretty well traveled. I think the coastline of the Monterrey Peninsula is the most beautiful back drop in the country. If you have not been to the Lodge at Pebble Beach, go. If you do not have the money, save. I have been two times now, and I have been awestruck on both occasions.

With respect to life and politics, I feel actions speak louder than words.

As a life long Red Sox fan, is it okay that I find myself not feeling bad about the pending defeat at the hands of the Tampa Bay Rays?

How mad are Mitt Romney and Hilliary Clinton right about now?

Finally, as several of you know, one of my main points of focus has been attempting to identify my calling in the next chapter of my life. Real estate has been so good to me for so long that it is hard to think of doing anything else. As I have told many a soul, this is not a job nor a career; this is a lifestyle. However, I realize that a mute mortgage banker that rolls in a 10:00 AM and strolls out at 4:30 PM has his limitations. My partners have been so understanding as this process has unfolded; I am deeply indebted for their patience and support. They only thing that I regret is showing them my new Dynavox computer that actually speaks for me. Now each morning, I am required to give the weather report because my computer has the same voice as "Local on the 8's" from the Weather Channel (AT&T Mike). They also make me type in off color humor, which doesn't sound so bad when I switch to Audrey with the English accent.

Now back to my original premise which was finding a new calling as my real estate career winds down, whenever that may be. Early one morning this week a concept kept coming to me as I desperately tried to get more sleep. When I got into the office, within about 5 minutes the following was completed.

Alas, the Lord has taken my tongue so that I shall say no more, but he has given me eyes to witness his grace and ears to hear his song of redemption. The Lord has provided me with strong hands to apply pen to parchment and record his great works. In this glory I will find strength, and with this pen I shall surely move mountains.

Not being the brightest bulb, I didn't see the significance of this at first blush and I guess not being able to speak and relying upon a computer to speak for me wasn't enough. Amazingly, until I literally printed this and was reviewing for typos did I realize that my answer for life's next chapter was right in front of me. I will write! I have no idea what I will write about nor what form it will take. If you have any ideas, I would love to hear about them. Otherwise, I will see you at a book tour coming soon!

In retrospect, it is amazing how most times the answers to life's questions are right in front of us if we just take the time to look. As Deepak Chopra says, "the disease of hurrying up" is a major factor in today's culture. I hope you will take a break from your personal rat race to account for all your blessings and take an inventory of the truly important things in your life. You may be amazed at what you are overlooking and the answers that lie before you.

God Speed my friends!