098/365
January 15, 2024
Wimauma, Florida
Today is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. For anyone has ever struggled to embrace people of other color, origin or ... I encourage this message from MLK:
“What did you have to do with your own birth [of being white, black or other]?
I was supposed to drive to Miami for a customer event but opted to stay home and drive first thing in the morning. While an early rise and a long commute, I dont want to be the one that looks back on my life and said “I should have ... “ for my family. It’s the small moments and for a few hours of sleep that may hold everything I need for the day or even the year.
Their smiles are so infectious!
097/365
January 14, 2024
Wimauma, Florida
We planned to visit the nearby carnival today, but the cooler temperatures redirected our plans. I decided that we needed a hike out in the trees, dirt, and among the shrubs. We only managed ~2 miles before the rain started to fall, but we enjoyed making our own way around some new trails. I’m excited that Little Manatee County River State Park is only 20 minutes away. We will be returning soon!
In the afternoon, I rewatched parts of Alec Soth’s, Photographic Storytelling on Magnum Photos. The comparisons of mirrors to windows struck me: some look out at the world, and some look in.
096/365
January 13, 2024
Sarasota, Florida
I probably could have used more rest, but I enjoy waking early despite my mind telling me otherwise. Doing so today helped me organize the girls and make our way to the nearby Cars and Coffee event at the UTC Shopping Center. The event supports The Haven, an organization that offers programs and services for adults and children with disabilities in Sarasota County.
My favorite cars were the unusual ones, mainly antique and often foreign. We stopped by a VW bus with a pop-up camper setup. He mentioned taking his family all over the country, visiting national parks, and being able to thrive in the narrow spaces. He said it was uncomfortable at first, but now they love how it’s become part of their life. He then offered me a Cuban espresso before departing—that is, high-octane espresso softened only by a little bit of sugar.
Wendy’s car has been having a lot of fits lately. The most recent issue was the failing rear door handles, and now the technology console is freezing up more often. While we made the necessary repairs, we started looking for a new car. We’re not in dire need to pick one up today, but it’s helpful to look at what’s on the market and understand the newer offerings. For Wendy, it’s all about maps and navigation. And I agree with her. The technology should be easy to use and then get out of the way of the driver.
095/365
January 12, 2024
Bradenton, Florida
Tipping in America is interesting. Having traveled a bit internationally, it seems Americans are very focused on gratuity and tipping. It’s in our face. It’s asking us for more, even in surprising places.
I heard an interesting counterpoint on this today when listening to a recording of the mastermind mentor, Ed Shoaff. He said, TIP means To Insure Promptness, and should be provided upfront. That way you change the level of the service before you receive it.
Mr. Shoaff went on to say, “Be a two-quarter person.” Don’t let cheapness sit with you for the rest of the day. Surprise the recipient and yourself through generosity.
In other news, I received word from Leica that one of my repairs is complete and the camera will be returned next week Thursday. I’m relieved! While these Leica bodies are built like tanks, they still falter. Having the M-A back in my possession will provide a fail-safe option if the MP falters.
094/365
January 11, 2024
Lakewood Ranch, Florida
Wendy’s car had an odd thing happen while we were down in Key Largo. Both of the rear door handles broke on the same day! Fortunately, we could still operate the doors, but in thinking about the reason for the breaks, the only thing that we could think of is, taller adults pull the door handle out, while our kids pull down and out.
Today, I took the car to the nearby dealership and was able to take a loaner vehicle while they work on the repairs.
The girls had tumbling class again, this time including Chloe. The girls were loving it! I’m so excited to see them stepping into something they’re challenged with but also enjoy!
093/365
January 10, 2024
Lakewood Ranch, Florida
After going through my usual morning routine of walking Ripley, sending the kids off, and heading to the YMCA for exercise, the day was wrought with the usual work stuffs. It was uneventful and somewhat mundane.
In the afternoon, I received a call from a couple of employment prospects. One is in a similar space, and the other in an adjacent software offering. Both are very intriguing, and it might be the change of pace I need to feel invigorated again. A bit of me fears the change, but the rest of me wants to get uncomfortable - stretch my [self-imposed] limits.
In the evening, Chloe and I worked on the artwork for the cover of her new journal. I love this style of photography. That is, capturing the moments as they happen.
092/365
January 9, 2024
Lakewood Ranch, Florida
I’ve been reading and enjoying the book, “B2B Is Really P2P.” I’m always struck by the importance of being present and holding an active presence with people. This always causes me to pause and reflect on my interactions with friends, family, and work associates. It’s humbling the more I think of all the times I could have put down “me” and looked outward.
“Wherever you are, be there.” -Jim Rohn
“Look closely, the world is more knowable than we may think. I take from all of this: Don’t brush aside systems as being incomprehensible. Patient Looking can be applied anywhere.” - Craig Mod
091/365
January 8, 2024
Lakewood Ranch, Florida
The girls were home today while mom returned to school for an institute day. While I also had to clock in, the girls were invited to see a movie with their neighbor friends, Jilian and Elliot.
After returning home, we took Ellie to her first day at Top Dog cheer and tumbling class. Despite being the youngest and smallest in her class, she absolutely loved it! She’s always been very active, but today, she showed us how excited she gets when pushing her limits. I’m so excited for her!
090/365
January 7, 2024
Lakewood Ranch, Florida
Today was a great day! It was the final day before returning to work, school, and everything in-between. Though it rained again, I grabbed Chloe and we went out to breakfast. I love our time together, as I do with Ellie. It’s a time to separate from the noise and get to know them individually.
After, we hung out together and bonded. Watched movies. Read books. Added to our journals.
Today I hit my annual check-in with the audiobook by Jim Rohn, How To Have Your Best Year Ever. Among the many, many life and professional lessons, these themes continue to stick to me:
To have more you simply have to become more.
Don’t wish it were easier, wish you were better.
Work harder on yourself than you do your job.
089/365
January 6, 2024
Lakewood Ranch, Florida
Despite the long day of travel yesterday, I rose early and felt surprisingly refreshed. Around 7 AM, the rains came and dumped a lot of water on Lakewood Ranch and surrounding areas. After it let up, I took Ripley out for our usual walk. For an English Retriever, Ripley looks more like a Chocolate Lab after a walk post-rain.
She looks especially happy to be home and exercising her animal instincts of adopting an earthly smell.
088/365
January 5, 2024
Marathon Key, Florida
Today, we drove home from Key Largo. We were able to break the trip up by stopping at Wendy’s mother’s house to pick up Ripley. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to visit Walter because he’s back in the ICU. His blood pressure has been off lately, often dropping well below the acceptable range. However, we chatted on the phone, and he sounded as strong as ever. We’re hopeful that he’ll soon get released and make his way back home.
We continued visiting over dinner at a Chicago-themed pizza place in Cape Coral before heading home. We finally arrived home at 10 PM, and I was thankful to be back in my own bed. I’m pretty sure I was asleep before my head hit the pillow.
087/365
January 4, 2024
Marathon Key, Florida
The family rose a little later, catching some much-needed rest after the many hours spent in the water yesterday. We decided to get off the property and try our hand at fishing.
We left the harbor around 1 PM for the expedition, approximately 10 miles off the coast of Key Largo. We were trolling at around 10 knots, which seemed very fast to me, but the way the skipper described the speed of what we were chasing, “These fish are the aggressive types!” We didn’t catch much fish; it’s often hit or miss with directional trolling, time of day, and the temperatures. However, it was a great experience being on the water and seeing the excitement on the faces of Chloe and Ellie.
We brought our catch of the day (just a few red snappers) to the nearby hook-and-cook restaurant, where we enjoyed dinner together.
086/365
January 3, 2024
Key Largo, Florida
Wendy wasn’t feeling well. I took the kids to the beach, where we kayaked, found a starfish, and played in the warm, sugary sand. While Chloe and Ellie played with other kids, I picked up my kindle and started reading Obstacle is the Way, by Ryan Holladay. Psychology of everything.
“Give yourself clarity, not sympathy. It’s so much better to see things as they truly are, not as we’ve made them in our minds.”
“When you break apart something or look at it from a new angle, it loses its power over you.”
The temps grew cooler so we went over to the pool for some relief, including some time in the hot tub.
We wrapped the evening early by bringing in some tacos and guacamole/chips.
085/365
January 2, 2024
Key Largo, Florida
Today, Mike and Stephanie arrived from Illinois. They decided to join us for a few days to celebrate Steph’s 50th birthday.
Today was fun for the girls. The hotel provided a lot of kid-friendly activities around the property, which is also another way for parents to spend quality time with their children. One activity managed to help me accumulate over 13,000 steps!
We wrapped up the evening with dinner at Calusa. I enjoyed Yellowtail while the kids ate the usual burger and some variations of noodles. It was a great day, and I’m looking forward to resting!
084/365
January 1, 2024
Key Largo, Florida
Wishing everyone a happy New Year!
We got up fairly early, too soon after going to bed very late. We packed the car to the brim and took off for Key Largo. After a brief stop at Wendy’s mom’s house to drop off Ripley, we drove another 3.5 hours and checked into our hotel around 5 PM. We managed to sneak in a quick dinner at Calusa, but we went back to the room to relax and nod off.
I’m looking forward to resting with my family for the next five days!
083/365
December 31, 2023
Lakewood Ranch, Florida
I woke up a little sluggish following some self-inflicted wounds from the prior evening’s dinner. However, I powered through it and managed to develop and scan six rolls of film. I am more than happy with the results!
Early evening we went over to our friends Bianca and Larry’s house to bring in the new year with friends. We ate and played games. Fortunately, someone looked at their watch before midnight, or else we might have breezed right through the new year without noticing!
Wishing everyone a Happy New Year!
082/365
December 30, 2023
Lakewood Ranch, Florida
Wendy had a hair appointment early on, so I took the kids to the YMCA to burn off a few lingering Christmas pounds. On the route home, I noticed the same antique 1970 Chevrolet car I photographed previously, so I veered over and took another photograph. The sun was toying with me a bit, so hopefully, the trust in my eyes (over the internal meter) served me well!
Later, we meet up with Jess and Aaron at a new restaurant in town, Fuego Comida & Tequila Lounge. I’m looking forward to hanging with them - it’s always a great time!
081/365
December 29, 2023
Lakewood Ranch, Florida
We leave for Key Largo early on Monday, so we decided to get our house in order, taking stress off the weekend following our trip. It only took me four hours to remove and pack everything—ONLY four hours!
Aside from the labor and hours, I wish the Christmas and holiday(s) season lasted longer. There’s something wonderful, if not magical, about this time of year. And those same feelings are reflected in the joy and eyes of my daughters.
080/365
December 28, 2023
Lakewood Ranch, Florida
Ellie wasn’t feeling well today, so we hung around the house and started taking down the Christmas decor. When removing the ornaments, Chloe thought she saw an unopened present in the back. She couldn’t wait and lodged herself underneath the tree only to find out it was used wrapping paper. Quite funny!
Late morning, I met with the prospective employer. It was a very comfortable conversation, initially scheduled for an hour, but lasted well over two. I’m going to keep pursuing it until something doesn’t feel right. Thus far, all is well.
In the afternoon and into the evening, I started putting together the 365 website. I would have pursued it if I had more time to customize something to my liking. However, the number of automated and pre-built themes made it easy to step into a workflow for now.