119/365
February 5, 2024
Lakewood Ranch, Florida
It’s Monday, and it rained. It rained some more and then rained into the evening.
Sometimes, I find the rain pleasant because the cloud cover offers some relief from the sun. However, today, it was fitting because I notified my leader of my intentions to leave the organization. His reply was curious but also heartening: He asked me to think about it for another 24 hours. I agreed.
118/365
February 4, 2024
Lakewood Ranch, Florida
I managed to sleep in until 7:30 this morning! Perhaps too much sleep, but I think my body needed a little more recovery.
I’m about 11 rolls behind in development, but I have plans to knock a few out tomorrow. I was going to tackle a few today, but I noticed some laundry collecting in the laundry room (where I develop). I learned some time ago that having anything going in the washer or drying machine makes for a lot of work in the scanning and post-scan work. Dust abounds!
Wendy had plans with her neighbor friends so the girls and I finally made it over to Arts-A-Blaze art studio on Main Street. Chloe painted a pencil holder while Ellie opted for the kitten. After that, we went over to the nearby miniature golf location for some “putt-putt.” It was fun to see the girls work the angles and use a little geometry to try and find the best route to the hole. Chloe had one hole-in-one, while Ellie had several close calls!
A fantastic wrap a busy weekend.
117/365
February 3, 2024
Venice, Florida
I rose at 5:30 this morning to pack up my bike and head over to Balm Boyette for some early morning miles on trails. The scene was pretty spectacular! Dense fog dusted the foilage and shrubbery with dew, making it look like a coat of snow. I managed 18 miles and felt very refreshed!
Around 6 in the evening, we met up with Wendy’s mom for dinner over at Fin’s in Venice. Unfortunately, Walter hasn’t been very stable lately, so he opted to stay home. Overall, we made the best of the occasion and had a great time. I opted for a whole Red Snapper, which I enjoyed very much!
There’s a quote by legendary chef Anthony Bourdain that goes something like this: "Order the thing on the menu you haven’t tried or are unfamiliar with. It’s a grave mistake to fall into the predictable tastes from yesterday’s experience.”
116/365
February 2, 2024
Bradenton, Florida
The day was delightful in every way.
I had my final panel interview, which was subsequently followed up with an offer to join the organization. I believe this is the platform I need to accelerate my growth and bend my intentions into action.
The family wrapped up the week by participating in Braden River Elementary School’s annual bonfire. While everyone was off chatting and trying to find their kids on the nearby playground, I spent time trying to figure out the setting that would capture the intensity of the fire and include shadow detail. Fortunately, Tri-X 400 film has a great deal of flexibility, but getting it right in camera also has personal rewards!
114/365
January 31, 2024
Lakewood Ranch, Florida
Wendy wasn’t feeling great this morning, so she opted to have a substitute teacher cover for her day. I helped ready Ellie and Chloe and then drove them to school.
The temperatures have been hovering in the mid to low 40s, so that’s been enjoyable. When this happens, the ponds tend to fog and steam up as the sun crests. I usually kick myself for not stopping, but today, I did! I took several photos from different perspectives, but the one I’m looking forward to has a bird nestling on a tree while the fog hovers behind it.
A scene like this reminds me of Walden and simple living amidst natural elements.
113/365
January 30, 2024
Lakewood Ranch, Florida
Yesterday, I finished my 5th book of 2024. While it does feel like a badge of honor, I can feel my mind changing and becoming sharper. Perhaps the combination of reading and exercising more intensely reconnects me to what’s good and returns me to alignment. I’m enjoying feeling refreshed, not just through mindfulness but also by pushing my body to respond. I think the next step is to seek outside counsel. There’s only so much I can do between my ears and through the written words of others. I feel compelled to seek guidance from a mentor.
I’ve already picked up the next book, Can’t Hurt Me, by David Goggins. In addition to listening to his exchange with Joe Rogan and his audiobook, this will be my third go-round with this one.
Late in the afternoon, I drove to Alafia for a few miles on my bike. On the way back, I saw horses on the property I usually pass by, this time standing close to the fence line. They were so focused on feeding that neither of the two paid me any attention.
112/365
January 29, 2024
Lakewood Ranch, Florida
I took a personal day to assemble my thoughts for my panel interview on Friday. I had difficulty collecting my thoughts, so I decided to put on The Last Dance and watch the final three episodes. If there’s one thing you can say about Michael Jordan, he was relentlessly focused on improving and winning.
I started the series a week ago, but one part of the third episode caught my attention—Michael Jordan’s use of a professional coach. That coach was Tim Grover, who wrote the book, called Relentless. It’s one of those books you have to read, watch the accompanying series, and do it all over again to pick up on the breadcrumbs.
Life leaves clues.
111/365
January 28, 2024
Sarasota, Florida
I exercised three times, and felt like I had more to give. They weren’t particularly full-on stressful, but today’s activities follow the 5 miles I ran yesterday. It consisted of walking Ripley for 2 miles, working out at “The Y” for 50 minutes, and a 4-mile run. After, I sat in my 70-degree pool to help my body cool down and recover. I haven’t yet jumped on the ice bath wagon, but I can see how it would benefit the nervous system and overall recovery.
After that, I spent time outside reading with Wendy while the kids played in the pool. After joining them in the hot tub for a bit, we went to Walt’s Fish Market for dinner. There, I took a picture that reminded me of Louis Jay’s black-and-white work.
110/365
January 27, 2024
Tampa, Florida
Today, I woke up a little sluggish after the week and activities last night. I could have lulled all day and made excuses for inactivity, but I kept thinking about Kobe Bryant and a podcast I listened to some years ago. He mentioned being invited out one evening by his teammates. He said he would agree to go out if they went out with him the following day.
“I hung out with you. Now come hang out with me.” -Kobe Bryant
His version of going out was a wake-up call at 5 AM to work out. That is what separated individuals like Kobe and Michael from others. It was their ability to recognize the daily work needed to achieve the goal of championships.
Refining your craft when no one is watching.
109/365
January 26, 2024
Tampa, Florida
Today I was able to link up with my potential future boss, Casey. We met at the downtown restaurant, Ulele. I absolutely loved the food and the environment, especially in this cooler, less humid time of year.
The more I talk with Casey, the more I feel like the move to his organization is a good thing. It will be a good fit. I’ve been searching for something. I couldn’t tell if it was something lacking in me, the solution I bring to market or the environment. Net of it, I am excited about the field, but not about the solution I offer to my customers and prospects today. On the other side, I currently work for a larger, multi-product, multi-billion dollar organization.
In the evening, we met up with friends in downtown Sarasota for some dinner, followed by a trip to McCurdy’s Comedy Show.
107/365
January 24, 2024
Lakewood Ranch, Florida
On my morning walk, Ripley and I stumbled across a flock of birds. In typical retriever fashion, she had to investigate which sent 50 or more scattering about in the air. The light was limited, and my frame rate was very slow. I’m hopeful for something unique!
I finished the book Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday. I think the choice is reflective of what I’m seeking in an employer—a challenger that is challenged.
106/365
January 23, 2024
Duette, Florida
Feeling clear-headed and mindful. I honestly think that is life’s ultimate drug—being in flow.
Today, I received instructions for the next series of my interviews—a sales challenge. The fortunate and unfortunate part is that I often overprepare. However, before even starting the work, I look for my best thoughts—clarity. This usually happens when I’m alone walking, running, or driving. So, this afternoon, I took my car out on some open desolate Florida state roads and embraced the void. These roads remind me of the song, Fly Over States. Places that exist at a different pace, but modern convenience never takes us down these straights.
We wrapped the evening by helping Ellie do her homework and Wendy helping Chloe with hers. We’ve been pushing them to continue learning and reinforcing their in-school lessons at home with a few select digital tools. It’s almost a gamification of school, which is OK—whatever motivates them to show up and compete, I can agree with!
105/365
January 22, 2024
Venice, Florida
While catching up on Tim Ferris’s blog, I heard about Transcendental Meditation. In the blog session I was reading, Tim was spending time with Jerry Seinfeld. I was initially curious about how Jerry has been relentless with his craft. Everything from his systems to his writing and how he thinks about comedy: he definitely puts in the work, even now, several decades after his sitcom ended. As you’d expect for a comedian, he’s constantly looking for material. However, it’s what he does when no one is around. The writing. The testing. The rework. The testing. And so on.
I’ve careened a bit.
In the session, Jerry spoke at length about his organization and systems, but what surprised me the most was how he works through creative lulls and even depression. He mentioned using Transcendental Meditation to remove his lull, refocus, and rebuild his energy levels.
Mind space.
104/365
January 21, 2024
Wimauma, Florida
Today, I read the book Chop Wood Carry Water. I had previously read the Kindle version of the same material but opted for the physical book so I could easily look over my highlights and even notes in the margin. That’s one limitation of the digital platforms. Aside from being a closed system, I find that it limits the experience of full immersion.
On a side note, one of my 2024 goals includes reading more. A lot more. I have a baseline goal of reading 25 books, with an aspirational target of 35 or more.
103/365
January 20, 2024
Tampa, Florida
Wendy received a gift card from a parent of one of her students, so today we decided to venture into Tampa and take advantage. Columbia is one of Florida’s oldest restaurants and specializes in Spanish-Cuban and tapas-style plates. We agreed on baked silver dollar mushrooms, stuffed piquillo peppers, and crab croquettes. Deliciousness!
Afterward, we ventured further into downtown Tampa to watch the Children’s Gasparilla Parade. It’s a slimdown, more age-appropriate version of the Pirate Fest scheduled to happen next week. However, it was pretty eventful where many of the makeshift pirate ships rolled by in succession, while tossing beads, blasting canons and vocalizing their best versions of “Arrrrrr” and something something .... “matey!”
A great family day!
102/365
January 19, 2024
Lakewood Ranch, Florida
I was invited to the third round of interviews today, this one with the VP of Sales for the company I’ve been engaged with recently.
I didn’t overthink or go so far as to prepare any materials for the conversation. Actually, I did one thing. I printed a picture of a Georgia Bulldog, and when he joined the call, that was the first thing he saw. As a graduate of the University of Georgia, he laughed and appreciated the gesture. However, this was a conversation about vibes - whether I felt good about him and his leadership style.
Fortunately, it was all good and effortless. I’m enjoying this ride.
101/365
January 18, 2024
Tampa, Florida
I drove north to downtown Tampa today for a partner event. I arrived early and hoofed the streets, looking for peculiarities. On one occasion, I walked by an empty parking lot and noticed a stairway that appeared to be floating.
After our meetings, we stopped by a local eatery with the collective group for appetizers and spirits. I didn’t want to stay long, but the regional leader needed a ride home. On the way, we had several interesting, mostly work-related exchanges. While I appreciate him as a friend, he confirmed for me all I needed to know about my next moves.
100/365
January 17, 2024
Miami, Florida
I didn’t manage much sleep last night, but I didn’t want to waste the opportunity to venture out and hoof the streets of downtown Miami. I could walk and walk and walk around Miami and still feel like each time was the first time. The people are active, and the scenes are beaming with color. The city has taken on a cultural sense far removed from traditional American metropolitan cities. And it’s pretty amazing! It has the urban sprawl, high rise that is typical, but there are so many pockets of uniqueness.
Taking from Venezuelan, Cuban, and broader Latin influences, it’s a nice change.