Why I am not posting much...

I have suggested that a good blog is posted to at least twice a week. A great blog is posted to once or more a day with content that will attract and retain a target readership. I have also suggested that if you are not willing to post to your blog frequently, you should consider a different method of communication.

Then... I break my own rules.

I have been incredibly busy creating a local area events guide called “SOKY Happenings.” It is up to 52 full color pages with more than 10,000 copies being printed each month. I have personally created and overseen the entire process down to the smallest detail while remembering that suggestions, advice and good counsel is priceless.

We have been very fortunate to have several people who are willing to assist, write and offer guidance and there’s no way we could have done what we have without them. Yet still, every detail must be considered and addressed and that takes time.

Another reason I have stopped posting as often or as openly is due to some concern for privacy. I noticed that I would write my thoughts and ideas and soon find them used in other companies and/or products. While I should be flattered by this, I had to consider the consequences of this on my own business. As a result; I have metered what I write more stringently to protect my current business efforts as well as the many new businesses I have planned in the short and long term. (Anyone selling 10 acres in downtown Bowling Green? {grin})

I hope to be up and blogging again soon, but for the foreseeable future; I will be building a brick and mortar publishing company instead of blogging. I do post more frequently on my personal homepage just to keep friends, family and associates informed. www.DavidFrancis.org. All other collaboration is accomplished on private forums with secure access.

Thank you for reading and also for your letters of encouragement. I try to answer them all so if you haven’t heard from me, the letter could have been automatically sorted to the junk mail folder. I receive about 50 “spam” letters per hour and though I scan through that folder before I empty it, sometimes things are missed. As a rule... if I receive a letter, I always acknowledge it.

Planning for Change

It's 06:00 on the morning of the rest of my life. I am filled with more hope than I've allowed myself to feel in a long time. I am excited for the short term and long term future. I know that if I hope to achieve my business goals for '08 and beyond, I must start preparing for it. If I am going to continue to challenge myself, I must be ready and able to stand the tests. A strong body, a sound mind and good organizational "habits" are the ingredients to a secret sauce of success. Knowing this accomplishes nothing! Doing what's needed to make it so is the difference between success and failure. It's about the doing.

I've written about 4 blogs this weekend that never got posted. There are many things going on in my world these days. Too many opportunities; too many limitations; too many desires; too many hopes! I say too many only because I have become overwhelmed with the many influences on my life right now.

While omitting the details of the magazine in this post, I'll just say that it is doing better than I could have ever dreamed and is growing faster than anyone could have imagined. People have embraced our little magazine and are not only using it, but calling in to sponsor and support it. There are many planned changes for SOKY, but I no longer post the details of the company plans for strategic reasons.

Personal changes are HUGE! As the 6^th issue of the magazine hits the newsstands, I glance over my shoulder and see the many changes that I have gone through. Transitioning from web to print, getting more involved in social and community events and even changes in my own computer skill sets... the past 8 months have been filled with some of the most life altering and significant changes of my life.

Interesting observance; the changes I forced upon myself have also revealed some painful truths about some people around me. There are a few who I thought I could trust; a couple I thought I could count on; some that showed exactly what they were made of and it was not good. Another interesting observation about some people's character is that some cannot see, much less admit when or how they have wronged another. People can be so selfish that they ignore the pain they caused others and worse, blame those they have hurt in their own effort to justify their actions. I suppose it is simple human nature, at least for the criminally insane. LOL This goes back to my parables about the foundry and how the crucible of challenge will expose flaws, weakness and failure. Only the good metal can become a useful tool, the rest is discarded as it should be.

Back to changes.

Starting this morning, I begin the journey from fat to phat! (adj. Slang., meaning Excellent; first-rate: phat fashion; a phat rapper.) I will be ordering my Macintosh computer and transitioning completely from the PC to Mac! These two planned changes are significant and more complex than they may appear. The fitness aspect includes a complete change in diet and activity, not simply a visit to the gym or dojo, the change is one that will last the rest of my life and includes eating better, living better, weight lifting, calisthenics, yoga, Tai Chi, Kung Fu and many miles running the "bad weight" off. The transformation from a PC guy to a Mac daddy is very significant in that I will be discarding more than 20 years of experience on the PC, 12 years of experience developing websites and challenging myself to learn new and better ways to accomplish my goals and dreams.

I have some definite plans for 2008 as far as the growth of my businesses. They will be achieved. For now however, I'm improving my personal health and expanding my skills. I want to be better prepared for the changes and challenges intentionally planned for next year. With the thought of new businesses, many more staff members, more assets and liabilities, and yes, more risk, I want to be balanced and sound. I want to be ready for the many challenges ahead by preparing my mind, body and soul. I believe the new fitness plan will be an important part of my preparedness, as well the simple act of achieving these personal goals.

Yes... I took some pictures of my fat self yesterday. I'm almost too embarrassed to share them. Perhaps I'll wait until I have a better version as my physique improves. I can't believe how I've let myself go. As I've written before, I will concentrate on my waist. By shooting for a goal to reduce my waist from 40" to less than 34", I will also achieve my other goals for strength, stamina and appearance.

Oh, there is another personal change that I have "tried" in the past. This change is becoming more and more essential to organize the many aspects of my complicated existence. It is one that I am implementing right this moment and will continue permanently. It is the simple habit of taking time to think through the coming day and week. I have many roles to fill and even more tasks that must be accomplished every day. Now that my life is about thinking months ahead as a monthly magazine publisher, I have to consider many things far in advance. I must find a way to do this without losing focus on the here and now. I've actually gone to training on how to use a day planner, it's time to tap that old knowledge once again to get better organized and productive.

I have lots of plans and intend to do many things. My dreams include many things from technological developments to building and construction of an exciting area attraction. I know that plans change and some things are lost due to circumstance or fate, but the dreams I hold are what inspire me to make the needed adjustments in my life. I feel confident that no matter what the coming years hold for me, getting back into shape, learning new skills and getting back in the habit of organizing my life will improve my life here and now and prepare me for the ups and downs of life.

It starts here, it start now! (Literally as I have to post this and go to Sifu Sam's)

Fitness: Day One, again

Well I did it! I said I would and I did! I "decided" to restart my Kung Fu training today and boy am I glad I did! I woke up late, had to get my stuff from the office and had all sorts of "reasons" not to go including the fact I was late... but I went anyway.

Sifu Sam's methods are based on tradition and technique, but also power, strength and diversity. I missed the first part of the class which was yoga, but had a little Tai Chi, Kung Fu technique, strength training and weapons training. About an hour into the class, I could not lift my arms; I was sweating profusely; and I could not get enough water. I was worn slap out!

I mentioned to Sifu that I was going to the gym tomorrow morning and he advised against it. The fact I can't lift the weight of my arms already seems to confirm his counsel. I believe I will "allow my glucose levels to return to normal" as Sam advised, but also give my muscles a chance to heal. I don't want to overdo it in the first week.

That said, I am more aware of what I'm eating already! I've already consumed more than 1/2 gallon of water, some fruit and have boiled some eggs for snacking. I remember the last time I got into shape that it takes a good amount of attention to what I'm eating when I'm training.

The plan.........

• Eat better!
• Work out more often.
• Increase strength, stamina, and flexibility.
• Convert my fat weight to muscle weight.

Some goals:

• 1.5 Miles (2.4 Kilometers) in 10 minutes or less
• 6 Miles (9.7 Kilometers)  in 40 minutes or less
• More than 60 pushups in 60 seconds
• More than 60 sit-ups in 60 seconds

--- There are some other calisthenics that I will add later. Body weight exercises such as Hindu Squats that I intend to integrate.

Weight lifting goals will also be added after I get a good baseline of my current ability.

I don't know that I need to gain any weight, but I would like to reduce the body fat and increase muscle. The last time I was actively working out, I actually had to stop because I was gaining muscle so quickly that it caused me to be out of limits for military height/weight standard. That is no longer a problem so I can gain as much as I like. I weighed myself this weekend and I'm right at 240 lbs (168 8 kilos). I will have Carrie take come measurement tonight and will post them (and a photo) later.

So there you have it!! The difference between "trying" and "deciding" is clear. A decision results in action.

Maintaining the Edge

Maintaining the Edge
Monday 01 Oct, 2007
As submitted to pencilstubs.com

I have had a very tumultuous year! From major business disappointments and physical illness to great disappoint in people I once trusted; my life has been filled with many challenges over the past 12 months. There is a term that many people feel is over used and worn out; "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger." As with most quaint little one liners, it is an over simplification yet still, it hits the nail squarely on the head.

I wrote last month about some of the intense heat, pressure and skill that goes into making a sword. I used the example for business mostly but the same concepts apply to life and personal commitment as well. I believe that the pressures of life continually mold and shape us into the people we are. Just like the master Swordsmith uses each strike of the hammer to form the metal, life strikes us into what we ultimately become.

I have noticed that when a blacksmith is working metal, they are very observant at every stage. From the selection of the metal itself to observing and inspecting the result of each hammer stroke even while the metal is on the anvil. At every stage of the process, the swordsmith is constantly making adjustments to the sword, reheating it, quenching it, striking it and holding up to see what needs to be done next.

I believe that as life comes at us, we should constantly be looking for ways to become all that we are meant to be. Every situation in life, good or bad, is an opportunity to learn and grow. Our existence (the anvil) is being molded and shaped (hammer) by life's victories and defeats. We are like the metal that is heated, cooled, hammered and formed into what we will ultimately become.

When the Swordsmith is finally finished and the prized weapon given to the warrior, it must be cared for. Any signs of rust must be removed; the edge needs sharpening and it should be properly stored and protected. This is especially important after harsh use such as in sparing or in battle. The sword itself is tested and as a result, damage to the weapon is inevitable. Dings, scratches and dullness must be identified and cared for if the sword is to be ready for the next challenge.

Life can be like the sword. We learn and grow to become strong, sharp and ready for the challenges of life; when they come we are tested. It's when we are faced with harsh challenges that our metal is tested the most and we become scratched, dinged and loose our edge. Sometimes there is a need to inspect ourselves and polish out the rust or sharpen our skills in order to meet the next challenge.

As I hold up the last 12 months of my life in clear view, I can see some needs that should be addressed. As I put my life in the light, I can see some flaws, cracks and dullness that needs to be cared for. Nothing big, just some nicks on the blade and some scratches on the surface. Some things need more attention than others, but seeing them and knowing that care is needed is important.

As an avid blogger, I am fortunate to be able to go back and see some of the dreams, goals and aspirations of my heart over the past 12 months. Admittedly, I'm in a much different "battle" than I set out on, but the warrior and the sword are the same that set out on the campaign. Many things are different and some things are the same. What's most interesting to me is that most of the work that needs to be done not on things that have changed, but some things than have not.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining that things are so much different nor that the forge called life has challenged me to such extremes. Quite the opposite! I believe it was the confidence in my own metal that prepared me for the many changes and challenges. I believe it was my own willingness to see my flaws and make corrections that allowed me to believe in myself enough to accept challenges that would have been much easier to avoid.

So it's back to the smithy I go! A few minor adjustments and a little polishing to help this sword prepare for the next challenge and to further mold it into all it can become. There are many challenges that I have chosen to accept and I believe self evaluation and a willingness to learn from my mistakes and accept my limitations helps me be more prepared.

I share these thoughts with you in the hope that you can glean some useful tidbit for your own life. It's my way of stoking your fire if I can. These little hidden gems are brought to light for your benefit, and I am happy to be allowed to share them with you. What do you think? Am I crazy? Or have I helped you in some way? Send me a note; I am interested.

Change by Choice

Back to basics: I've joined a gym. Yep, I signed up yesterday at Bowling Green Athletic Club. This place is exactly what I've been wanting for so long. The club hours are outstanding, they have lots of equipment and it's right in the middle of town between the Kung Fu school and my office. 

5 years ago, I looked in the mirror and was horrified to realize that I had become "white, wide and weak." I had spent the previous 6 years hunch over a keyboard in a dark corner of my basement creating a small web development company. The only exercise I would get would be going upstairs to use the lavatory or to get more coffee. I was "white" because I never went outside. I was "wide" because I put on weight. I was "week" because I was not using my muscles. I changed it then, I will change it again. 

I made a change back then that not only changed my entire appearance, it also improved my productivity. It seems odd that taking 2-3 hours off in the middle of the day would actually increase productivity, but it did. There are many reasons why but basically, getting into shape through running outdoors and weight training improved my mind as well as my body. It also gave me time to think through challenges and also provided incentive to get stuff done so I could go to the gym. 

I am much more busy now as a publisher than I was back then, but I've known for a while that I need to lose weight and improve my overall health. 5 years ago I went from barely able to jog a quarter mile without resting to jogging 6.7 miles without stopping. I went from nearly 40" in the waist to 34". I built my chest, arms and core muscles and felt great. I could SEE the changes in the mirror, I could feel the changes in my strength and stamina and there was a tangible change in my entire life. 

I let it go. I got lazy; made excuses; found "reasons" why I couldn't work out and as result I don't fit into my clothes, tire easily and feel terrible. I've had two illnesses in the past three months which is so odd that my sons have even questioned my overall health. This "white, wide and weak" condition has returned. I don't think my waist has ever been this big, I tire easily and I just don't feel good anymore. 

So here we go! I signed up yesterday though my membership doesn't begin until September 5^th. I will use the time between then and now to go through my old gym stuff and create my plans and charts as before. Last time I used a book called BodyRX as a foundation, this time it will be different because I will be integrating Kung Fu, Tai Chi and Kickboxing into the routine. I will also be using some Special Forces body weight calisthenics for core strength and endurance. 

Time management... that's going to be the key. I've got to manage my time in a manner that allows me to go to the gym every day at a certain time. It's about discipline, commitment and follow through. I've been very disappointed in myself for not having the will and strength to make a true commitment. This is not another "try" this is a do. It will happen. 

If you're interested in the progress, check back here for updates. I may start a new blog or section of my personal website to share my journey. I will be taking measurements this week as well as pictures. This is going to be fun. 

A new term I learned yesterday applies... Fit Happens!

I have another website

I have another website which is the root of this domain; www.DavidFrancis.org. I frequently post my thoughts there before posting them here. There is a "blast message" feature at the top of each page that kind of gives daily status as well.

If you can't get enough of my writing (puhleeze), you can always check that site out for temporary information, latest information, photos as well as a means of contacting me.

www.DavidFrancis.org

Thank you for reading!

A sincere desire to make a positive difference

Excellence Thursday 26 Jul, 2007 7:35 am

This was the daily motivator on my personal web page today at MyWay.com.

"Excellence is not a skill. It is an attitude. Excellence comes not from education, money, ability or connections alone. It comes from a commitment to do the very best with whatever you have available."

~Ralph Marston

On the day after the completion of issue #3 of Soky Happenings magazine, this quote struck me quite solidly. In March of this year I decided to create, publish, print and distribute a brand new events magazine for my community. I knew it would be hard and I knew there was plenty I did not know, yet I decided to do the best job I can... and I did.

The process of creation presented a number of decisions as to the layout of the magazine, it also included decisions relating to the size, paper types and color. With the help of those I trust, I decided to strive for excellence and produce a high quality large (tabloid sized), full color magazine that included a staple binding. This decision was costly as it equated to more than 3 times the cost of my least expensive option.

What drove the decision for quality was based solely on the desire for excellence! The motivation for the new publication was founded on the desire to produce a high quality useful resource that the community would enjoy, use and embrace. Cutting corners on the end product was never an option because of the desire for excellence.

I spend countless hours building each issue making sure the details are addressed. If an element such as an image or graphics does not meet up to quality standards, then I choose another, build it from scratch or modify it so it does. Checking all advertisements, articles, photos for the right colors, fonts and dots per inch takes a lot of time, the end result is excellence.

Then there is the calendar grid. There are more than 714 events in the calendar. My wonderful wife spends the entire month researching, calling, checking and entering each event into the database. At the time of publishing, Carrie and I sit and double check each of those items as they are laid into the magazine. We highlight our sponsors, featured articles and make sure the text is formatted properly. Again, it would be easier to program the software to automate the process, but these extra hours are well invested in our pursuit of excellence.

More than an image to maintain, or a prideful pursuit, the drive for excellence is engrained in all we do. Sure we want something we can be proud of, and yes we want a good image for the new company, but at the end of the day we seek excellence out of commitment and loyalty to our purpose.

Where does it come from? I've asked myself this question many times. I think back to my education and training and wonder if this desire for excellence is due to being an Aircraft inspector in the Air Force. Could it be my experience as a chemical analyst in a production foundry that inspired perfection? Maybe it's my time as a Flight Engineer where the lives of our patients, passenger and crew depended on my attention to detail and situational awareness. It could also be the many years as a webmaster where I was committed to standards, security and quality for my clients.

I'm not exactly sure what has enabled me to be so diligent in my pursuit of excellence. I can see where it has paid off over the years. Just as the examples above, my attention to detail has resulted in perfect inspections, ribbons for 100% quality, awards from crewmates and commanders, promotions and yes respect from those who see and understand my investment.

Some of my friends call it "anal retentiveness." Coworkers and subordinates are sometimes frustrated by my inability to accept mediocrity. Even my own wife jabs me when I measure out every single ingredient in a food recipe, only later to make the comment, "I wish I could cook like this."

I believe the pursuit of excellence comes from a number influences and experiences. No matter where it comes from or what has inspired it, the results have been apparent through some of my achievements. It can also be frustrating when I invest time in programming or layout and no one in the world truly understand the depth of my commitment, but then in the end, I remember it's not about the accolades, it's about doing the job right.

Passion is a huge part of excellence! Looking back at the many jobs, responsibilities and tasks, I can see that my drive for perfection is directly affection for my passion or commitment to the cause. Case in point, I was Superintendent of Public Affairs in the Air Force as assigned by the Wing Commander and Public Affairs Officer. When my PA Officer was reassigned, my passion faltered. When the commander was reassigned, my passion evaporated. The result was a genuine lack of enthusiasm and my attention to detail was adversely affected. When I saw that I was not meeting my own expectations for excellence, I resigned from the position. With the passion lost, I could not find the motivation for excellence and I no longer wanted the job.

I could cite many more examples; the point is that passion does have an effect on excellence. In the absence of passion, responsibility, duty and commitment can and does replace passion, but only for so long. Eventually, at least for me, I seek new challenges that bring back the passion I long for and allow me to embrace the pursuit of excellence once again.

I am passionate of my new magazine! I am proud of my community and have a desire to make a difference. I want the work we do to be enjoyed and utilized. I understand this is a business and profitability is important, but the motivation to stay up for days without sleep or the attention to detail to ensure quality print does not come from "business." This motivation comes from a passion for what we are doing and an ingrained desire for excellence.

The reward far surpasses any monetary gain, the reward comes from the community and the letters, calls and e-mail that simply say "thank you." The reward comes through comments from my peers who point to the color, the quality, and the effort.

There is another humbling aspect of the pursuit of excellence, and that is the ability to seek advice and listen to others. I think the willingness to admit you don't know everything can be one of the most effective tools used in achieving excellence. The ability to accept criticism and to listen to those who offer it can help a person reach a higher level of excellence than relying on our own judgment and ability. Sure, the buck stops here and the decisions are ultimately made by the person seeking excellence, but to set aside the ego and control enough to truly listen to others can supercharge the engine that drives excellence.

I am proud of Soky Happenings! I am committed to making it a useful and attractive. I not only listen to others, I seek out advice and counsel from many people to help her achieve excellence. I believe that if we continue to build a resource that keeps our community in mind, the financial rewards will continue to grow. If we continue to seek ways to improve the magazine in a manner that serves the community and the readers the best, our distribution and reach will expand. In the end, if we continue to strive for excellence, the community of South Central Kentucky will be served and the business known as Soky Happenings will thrive.

Passion, commitment, enthusiasm, are all a part of what drives me; and through these intangible emotions, my heart is set on excellence. It is what inspires the attention to detail and thoroughness it takes to produce the product that is Soky Happenings.

Ralph Marston continues:

"Excellence comes from thoroughness, from attending to the necessary details while staying clearly focused on the purpose. Excellence comes from a sincere desire to make a positive difference."

~Ralph Marston

A sincere desire to make a positive difference... yeah, that's what I meant to say in the first place.

Ralph Marston has been publishing daily motivators for many years. Ralph is a graduate of Southern Methodist University with a Bachelor of Business Administration. A devout Christian, Mr. Marston has a passion for personal development and it is demonstrated through his commitment to the daily motivator. In short, he has achieved excellence through his passion. Find him at http://www.greatday.com/

life is fragile, questioning my own survival

Without getting all philosophical about the term "life," for this blog post I'm talking about my physical existence. I suppose it would be more appropriate to title this blog "our bodies are fragile," yet when our bodies are challenged we tend to consider the many meanings of the word 'life' other than heart beats, breathing or surviving.

I've spent the last week battling one of the worst illnesses I've ever endured. At times, I would find myself questioning "is this is it?" Those who know me know that I usually plow through sickness and keep working and I tried this time, oh I tried! I would find myself incapable of anything and lying on a twin mattress which is on the floor of a back office.

As I lay on this mattress with a winter coat, beanie cap and two blankets, attempting to stem off another wave of the worst chills I've ever experienced in my life, I began to question my own ability to survive this time.

Rewind almost 3 years when I visited my own (civilian) doctor for a full physical. He poked, prodded, tested and evaluated. What came at the end of all these tests were words that I never thought a 40 year old man with a history like mine would ever hear. My doctor looked me square in the eye and said, "you're going to live forever."

The words of Dr. Allan rang in my head like a song of hope, yet I doubted as I would go from nearly convulsing from chills to sweating so profusely that anything I touched would be puddled with sweat. Even when I felt well enough to sit at my computer, I would type away as sweat poured down my face, chest, back and arms as if I were in a sauna or steam bath.

This is the embarrassing part. I don't have health insurance. Nope. It's one of those things I lost in March along with a significant income. I had been talking to a few insurance agents and even started the process of selecting the right plan for Carrie and I but I had not filled out the paperwork nor written the check.

I couldn't take it anymore and went to the Doctor on Friday.

My symptoms were a little confusing. On the surface it would seem I had the ultimate flu. Chills, fever, aches but no pain. I was not congested nor did I have a sore throat. Without getting into the intricate details, I had no internal pains at all and the only other anomaly was an urgency when I had to urinate.

Arriving at the "Doc in the Box", urgent care clinic, I signed in and was marked as "self pay." I waited for 3 hours. Fortunately, my sweating subsided to a trickle and I did not have a "chill attack" while waiting.

Just like any doctors visit, we went through the usual routine of collecting vitals. One item of note, according to the scale at the office, I weight 245lbs. (That's going to change.) I had tried to take my own temperature at home and it came out normal, at the clinic however, they used their fancy schmancy ear temp reader and it came out at 102ø. I asked for a urine cup and said, "the doctor's gonna wanna see this."

Another 30 minutes in the exam room and a young Dr. entered, asked the expected questions and then began to scratch his head. I think he jabbed every internal organ at least twice in an effort to get me to wince. No pain! Just flu-like symptoms and evidence of infection in my urine.

The kind doctor explained that I had an infection and that my body had gone into overdrive to combat it. Since the fever, chills and headache were so severe, he concluded that I had a kidney infection and prescribed 1000mg of an antibiotic per day. I would have likely received a big ole shot in the pants but since I was "self pay" he explained it would be very expensive. I took a pass.

So, I have a kidney infection... isn't that interesting.    

I was happy that he was able to treat the symptoms without the need for a myriad of tests, I don't think I could have afforded all that. My experience with him was favorable and will go there again. The staff were wonderful and even apologetic for the wait.

As I was paying my ransom to be released, the nurse, administrative lady and even a drug rep who was restocking the shelves all recommended that I go to Wal-Mart to get my expensive prescription filled. They all said that my prescription "might" be on Wal-Mart's $4.00 plan. I queried further and they explained that Wal-Mart had an "affordable prescription program." I asked if I had to be low income, special needs or somehow qualify for this, and they all assured me that it was available to all Wal-Mart shoppers.

I took my prescription, which from the reaction of everyone at the clinic I believed to be very expensive to Wal-Mart, turned it in and low and behold... $4.00. WOW!

BENTONVILLE, Ark. - Nov. 27, 2006 - Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., (NYSE: WMT) announced that beginning on Tuesday, November 28, 2006, it is launching its $4 generic prescription program in 11 additional states, making the program available in all of its U.S. pharmacies. 

With the announcement, the expanded $4 generic prescription program will now be available in an additional 811 stores throughout California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Louisiana, Minnesota, Montana, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Wisconsin and Wyoming.  Though it kicked off the program in Florida in September, with intentions to spread outside the state in January 2007, Wal-Mart said customer demand led it to accelerate the rollout of the program - now available in all of its 3,810 pharmacies.

http://www.walmartfacts.com/articles/4627.aspx?gclid=CIyYhMDEmo0CFRcqIgodZgab2w  

I took my first pill and headed back to work. Since this was the first evening Concerts in the Park Friday, I felt it was important that we all be there to hand out copies of Soky Happenings and take some pictures. Bad call. My symptoms remained and I about melted from the heat.

My wonderful wife and son looked at me and saw I was absolutely covered from head to toe in sweat. I could actually see fear in their eyes as they encouraged me to walk slowly back to the car and go to bed. Not one to question looks of fear, I agreed.

I was relieved to have been diagnosed but apparently it was going to take a few doses of the antibiotic before recovery would actually begin. I came to the office on Saturday to get some work done, but found myself curled up on that all too familiar mattress on the floor shivering uncontrollably. I stayed all day just hoping I would feel better long enough to get some work done. It never happened.

Sunday was somewhat better though the debilitating headache was overly distracting. By evening however, I started to feel better and got some work done. I stayed all night but still got some rest. It was my first nights sleep without being awakened by a fit of chills or drenched in sweat.

I woke this morning at 6:00 a.m. and I'm feeling much better. The headache is gone though I am still a little sweaty. I'm going to try to take it easy and get some work done. I can deal with the sweat, but that headache was rendering me incapable of anything having to do with reading, writing or computing.

The inspiration for this post is not the need to bore you with the gory details of my most recent illness. I did feel the need to share why I have been so hard to reach of late as well as my experience with Wal-Mart. But the real inspiration is the concept of the frailty of life and how fast we can go from healthy to... well... not healthy.

A week ago Sunday, July 1^st, I was at a party with friends, playing volleyball, shooting off fireworks and listening to live music. Since then, my health had changed so significantly that I questioned my own survival.

It's interesting what you think of when you begin to realize your own mortality. I've had a very long and eventful life. I've seen and done more than most men do in three lifetimes. I am grateful for having so many experiences, so many friends, and such a wonderful family. I have plenty more living to do but if it ended today, it would end fulfilled.

As I consider all that I have accomplished, my tendency is to consider what I have not accomplished. Things that I would like to do; places I would like to go; skills I would like to learn and dreams yet to be fulfilled. I am satisfied with my life, what has made it so satisfying is how full it has been.

Another result of feeling so bad for so many days is the burning desire to feel better. I am recommitting myself to my own health and fitness. I've had "plans" to get back into the gym, go to Kung Fu class and improve my diet/nutrition, but I have lacked the follow through. I blame work and the responsibilities of business for not implementing the plan when in fact, it is more appropriately attributed to laziness, lack of willpower and/or an unwillingness to make (and keep) the commitment.

That will change.

We are headed to Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio Texas this week to attend my youngest sons graduation from Basic Military Training. Carrie, David III and myself will fly out there and be able to spend time with Jesse. The whole family... that's a nice way to spend the weekend. By the time we return, I should be done with my prescription, have gotten some much needed rest, had a break from the daily routine and have had a chance to put things into perspective.

When we return... things will be different!

Instead of writing what I will do, I am simply going to do and I'll let you know how it all turns out. (grin) I have written many times about my so called intent, my dreams and my hopes. I may elaborate in the future but for now suffice to say that having those moments when I considered it to be over, it has inspired me to live a more full and healthy life that is as full in the years to come as it has been in years gone by.

Bad Economy? My portfolio is doing fine.

About a year ago, I decided to "play" the stock market game. I purchased 1000 shares of four of my favorite stocks. It cost a tad over $500,000 to buy in because the stocks were expensive. This morning I checked my portfolio and whoa... other than Yahoo, I didn't do so bad. Expedia was a gut call and I should have put it all in there... darnit! :)

Symbol	Company	Last Trade	Performance	Percentage
BA	BOEING CO	96.77	+$16,905.00	+21.17%
EXPE	Expedia, Inc.	29.16	+$14,525.00	+99.25%
GOOG	Google Inc.	530.38	+$150,335.00	+39.56%
YHOO	Yahoo! Inc.	26.86	($3,695.00)	-12.09%
		Totals	+$178,070.00	+35.25%

No, I didn't actually buy the stocks. I simply used an online portfolio manager. Using the price of the stocks on the day of purchase (plus $15 commission per), my pretend portfolio is worth $683,170.00.

For the record, I have no interest in the performance of these or any individual stocks. This is just an example and for entertainment purposes... at least my own entertainment. I am not a stock broker nor involved in the trading of financial instruments in any way.

With the DOW over 13,500, I wonder how much better I would have done if the economy was not in such "disarray" as the MSM like us to believe. Oh, wait... the DOW has never been so high and economy is booming despite the highest energy costs in history. Funny how blind so many people choose to be.

Simply put... thanks G.W.! You done good!

Warbird Adventures

Everyone should have a goal (grin)
Sunday 24 Jun, 2007

WARBIRD ADVENTURES, INC. The world's largest and most experienced T-6 flight school. Located in Kissimmee (ISM), Florida. T-6 checkout's, aerobatics, tailwheel & formation training available 7 days/week with high time instructors. All training is video taped for student review. Insurance approved. (800) 386-1593. http://www.warbirdadventures.com

The prodigal son returns

David "Trey" Francis, (my eldest son) returns!
I will write more about this in the future but David Francis III moved back home yesterday. I've been all about getting my boys all grown up and on their own even to the point of teasing them that the locks would change when they reach 18... but for at least one month, my 'empty nest' is full again and I am pleased.

David returned to help his mother and father build their business. I am proud and excited that he is part of the team. I am overwhelmed with joy that he would even consider coming to work for his father full time. Somehow, it just makes me feel good that my son is willing to work for me. Somehow, it makes me feel as though I must have done pretty good raising him. Knowing that we are close enough to consider working full time together speaks to our strong bond as father and son.

I am happy.

Monday Madness

Two weeks from "GTP" day. (go to press) Feeling great though exceptionally overwhelmed with the task list. One at a time - go with the flow - this is going to be great!

Went to church yesterday... now that was unexpectedly enjoyable. Millions of memories from my childhood came as I listened to familiar hymns. I haven't been to church in years and though my visit was motivated by an article I'm writing, I've been wanting to attend this church for some time. Broadway United Methodist church... it's a good one.

Bought a yard tractor yesterday too! Funny how "going with the flow" worked to my advantage yesterday. Everything came together perfectly such as sale price, financing, rebates and even walking through the door at the exact moment when our sales guy was walking by. It took longer to drive the tractor to the front of the store than to actually buy it.

I mowed! So what? Well, that's another thing I haven't done in a while and it is something I enjoy. I used to own a "mowing company" and had as many as 16 yards. While mowing, my mind is clear and I think of many many things. I like mowing and having just a little time when I don't have to do anything but make sure my lines are straight... which I didn't do so well yesterday.

Crazy week, exciting week, busy week. I may not answer the phone so please leave a message.