6 Months Later

It has been 6 months and there has been a ton of change. Julie has been promoted to a new role which is very exciting. 3 of my closet friends just had babies and my brother is going to have his second child soon. We have a new President and the company I work for is be acquired. We have been able to spend some time with our very close friends and we are grateful for the relationships.

Snorkel

Julie convinced me that we should take a snorkeling trip while we were in Aruba. At first I was really not that excited about the idea but after we loaded on the boat I understood why she wanted to do it. The boat was unlike most snorkel boats this boat resembled a pirate ship equipped with an Ipod and an open bar. The snorkeling was very good, crystal clear waters, many different types of fish and a shipwreck that happened right off the shore. All and all it was a very good time and we concluded the evening at a Brazilian restaurant.

Great Day

Today was outstanding Julie was able to water ski on the beautiful waters of Aruba. She truly has a tremendous talent and it was a once and a life time opportunity. We concluded the evening with a fabulous dinner at Ruth Chris. I am looking forward to another exciting day tomorrow.

Aruba - Golf

Today I decided to play golf at Tierra de Sol resort in Aruba. While I was tying to keep the ball out of the 30 mph trade winds Julie was enjoying a day at the spa. Golf was very challenging but it is amazing how you can build a course on the edge of the ocean in the rough terrain. I played the round with a gentleman from Boston who had a very interesting perspective on golf and life.

Windy but Relaxing

Today I have to say was one of the most relaxing days I have ever had on vacation. It started off with a nice workout, breakfast with Julie and then a day at the pool. I nearly finished a book from start to finish. Although the wind was out of control where we were sitting (wind tunnel) we still had plenty of sun and some needed relaxation.

Aruba

Yesterday Julie and I landed in Aruba for a well needed vacation. We have both been very busy at work and this is an opportunity to relax and embrace our time together.

Graduation

A couple of days ago I took part in my graduation ceremony at Kent State University. Although before the event I was not really planning on going I am glad I attended. It will be a day and an accomplishment I will remember the rest of my life.

Birthday

Last night we celebrated my wife's birthday. Although she still looks like she is 21 she is another year older and wiser.

On Tap

Last night I had a chance to catch up with a former employee who decided to start his own business. It is exciting to talk to him about the growth opportunity while building a business from the ground up. He has a vision that will drive his success for years to come.

Weekend News

This weekend was an very interesting to say the least. A friend of mine came in from New York so we decided to go to the Yankees - Tribe. It was a great event and I was able to spend time with 4 of my close friends. It is getting closer to summer and we had really good weather this weekend.

Golf League 1st Tee

Last night my friend Jim and I had our first night of golf league. It was a very good time to get together and play golf. Although neither of us played very well the exercise was good and weather was perfect. I am already looking forward to next week.

Hoop Dreams

Over the weekend Julie and I were able to assemble the basketball hoop that she bought me for Christmas. Putting the hoop together was certainly more difficult than we expected but last night playing hoops together was worth it. It feels good to get a little exercise and have a little fun together.

Dinner with Butlers

Last night Julie and I were able to have dinner with the Butler family. It is an exciting time for the Butlers as they are expecting their 1st child and Ron has finally finished tax season. Julie and I are lucky to have some of the best friends in the world and I am glad I met Ron over 10 yrs ago.

Cleveland Indians

Although the Indians did not come through again I had a great time at the game. I was able to spend some time with a couple of friends who are really great people. I am lucky to have a core group of friends who I can trust regardless of the situation.

GMAT

My wife has been studying for the GMAT and it is driving her insane. I actually find the use the standardized tests appalling for entrance into graduate school. We were going through some of the questions and I said you will never need this information to complete your MBA or at least I didn't. Oh well she is really putting in the time necessary to excel at the exam and I am sure she will do fine.

Family

Julie and I were able to spend a little time with her family this weekend. Although I had a few things to take care of in the Canton area we were able to have a very enjoyable dinner. We are fortunate to have a strong family that is behind us every step of the way.

Coppertop

A friend of mine and I have been looking for a place that is located somewhat in the middle so we can meet once a week. We finally found a golf course that is almost perfectly positioned and we are going to start playing together. The course looks great but the real fun is after the round in the clubhouse.

Orlando - 2008

It is amazing the difference the sun makes to your attitude. In NE Ohio we are not as fortunate as the people in Florida, Arizona, or California. It was refreshing to spend some time in a different climate for a few days. Although the golf scores were not great the time in the sun and fellowship with close friends was well worth it.

Opening Day 2008

Wow what a first game for the Cleveland Indians. I can honestly say I dedicated 15 yrs of my life to baseball as a young boy through college. Every time I watch a game I think back on those years and yesterday was no different. I was able to watch the game with a close friend of mine and it was truly a great event. Spring is officially here!

Great Weekend

This was the 1st weekend in sometime I was able to spend time with my wife. We had a great night each of the 3 nights and it really felt good to spend some time with her. Now that I am finished with school I have been able to dedicate more time to her, time well spent!

Change

My wife an I have made an agreement to focus on our health. It is going to be a challenge because we both have our shortcomings but together we can be successful. We make a great team and will have to work together on this journey.