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4-21-08 -- Not much to say, except I'm ready for the warmer weather of spring and summer! Oh, and some timely words from an old acquaintance Ben Folds: Go ahead you can 10-31-07 BOO! -- My friend Dan...
9-8-07 -- Well, life is good and when life is good - I guess I have little to say, which in turn, means little blogging. This year has been pretty decent. The highlight of the year so far was a trip to Hawaii back in March, where I got to sample a good four islands of wonderful scenery and climate. I've also taken fun trips to Colorado and Las Vegas. Winston continues in remission from Lymphoma and is doing great. Most weekends, I'm either at the cabin or the lake. My key word for 2007 is integration. Studying and understanding philosophy is not of full value until you can figure out how to integrate it with your sense of life. If you are not integrating your philosophy with all aspects of your life, then you are being either intellectually lazy (for example: existentialism) or your philosophy itself is not sound. An integrated philosophy is a key to happiness and flourishing. Many religions promote an integrated philosophy, which makes them very appealing. Of course, the philosophies of religions cannot hold up to scrutiny, but the integration alone provides comfort and security to religions' subscribers. Imagine how much potential a philosophy holds when it can hold up to scrutiny and is at the same time, integrated. I am only beginning to see and harness the benefits myself. 12-27-06 -- Wow, I kept meaning to write up some update, but never got around to it. Has it really been that long? My job with US Oncology continues to go very well. I (and my peeps) have accomplished a great deal in my year and a half with this super company. I'm still very excited about my job. I finally accomplished one of my long term goals this past summer. I bought a nice log cabin in the NC mountains near Linville Falls. I'm very pleased. Here are a few pics for you:
On a sadder note, my dog Winston has lymphoma. He underwent chemo last summer/fall and is doing very well right now. I'm crossing my fingers for a long remission. Over and out for now... Winston and I are heading to the cabin! 7-26-05 -- I haven't had much to say lately, but let me provide you with a quick update:
9-27-04 -- Long time, no hear... Running my own business is so all-consuming. It is hard to believe it has been almost a year. So far, the experience has been a mixed bag. Unfortunately for me, the framing business in Atlanta has been in severe recession all year. I'm doing better than most of my peers and competitors, but that doesn't say much. I'll just keep plugging away and see what happens... Wow, the age of 40 is quickly approaching for me. I'm not as concerned (at least, not yet) about the milestone as when I hit 30 -- most likely because so many of my friends have proceeded me there already. I've accomplished a lot up to this point and have no real regrets. The only thing out of the norm in my life is the lack of marriage or every being married. 40 and never married is somewhat of anomaly. 4-7-04 -- Last week, his liver started failing and he went downhill very quickly. Despite his terminal condition, he was still able to make a last trip to the lake yesterday where he played in the water -- his favorite activity. This afternoon, right before he died, his beloved petsitter Sharon of six years came to visit and say goodbye to him. He summoned up enough energy to wag his tail one more time for her. Duke and I had an indescribable bond between human and canine. He was always there for me through two moves, a career change, four significant relationships (and breakups), and the death of my sister. We hiked hundreds of miles together, camped numerous times in the mountains and at the ocean, and enjoyed countless days on the lake. Best of all, he was a great listener and always cheerful no matter how bad a day I was having. Some of you will relate to the enormous loss I am feeling right now. Not only did I consider him to be my child, but my best friend, too. A lot of people and things have come and gone in my life, but Duke was a twelve year constant. Luckily, I found a second dog last summer -- Winston, a two year old golden retriever. While he will never replace Duke, he does ease some of my pain and the massive feeling of loss. 11-30-03 -- Back to Work as Entrepreneur!
In the little more than five years in which I've lived in Atlanta, I've
been through two layoffs and one departure on my terms (before the company
imploded two months later). I decided around the first of this year that
I would rather have control of my own destiny through owning and running my
own business. Since then, I had been on an exhaustive search to find a
business in which I could afford, is interesting to me, and with
good upside potential. I looked at countless franchises, coffee and
bagel shops, picture framing stores, a sign shop, and a public safety
uniform company.
Between February and July, I examined more than 30 opportunities but
could not find the right match for me. By the end of August, I resigned
myself to finding another healthcare IT position and I obtained my Project
Management Professional certification to strengthen my credentials. The
job search was proceeding slowly as I expected when I received a phone call in
early October (while I was in Wal-Mart) regarding a business that I had made
an offer on back in April but the owner and I could not come to mutual terms.
That business is an existing Fastframe (expert picture and art framing)
store in which I had a very strong interest in but the owner was firm on a
higher price than I was willing to pay. We ceased further negotiations
and I moved on.
The call was from franchise CEO of Fastframe in California. He told
me that the current owner had to sell the store quickly due to a family change (another
long store which I verified) and if I was still interested, I could probably
purchase the store for less than I had offered before. The only catch
was that I had to move very quickly because the former owner needed to be out
by the end of the month and the franchise requires two weeks training before
purchasing. The new franchisee class started the following week in
Thousand Oaks, CA. So, after some further but quick due diligence, I
made another lower offer in which the owner agreed to and I
found myself out in California for two weeks. (I was there just as the
fires were starting, but returned home before they intensified.)
Last Saturday November 1st, I embarked on a new phase (entrepreneur) of
my life as owner and operator of Fastframe #355. The store is
four miles from my home in Alpharetta in a GREAT strip center location.
The store has been holding its own despite no advertising or other business
building efforts by the former owner. I'm in the process of organizing
and learning the business while implementing a strategy to grow and
expand the customer base. I was hesitant about being part of a
franchise, but Fastframe's approach is different than most. I have a lot
of control and freedom over the operations but receive assistance in the right
areas. The new franchisee training was super and while I have a great
deal to learn, I am competent to operate and serve my customers.
(Fastframe has over 250 stores worldwide including 17 locations in metro
Atlanta.)
And so, I am back to work after being unemployed since mid-April. My
hours are very long and I have so many responsibilities, but I have control
over my career and my lifestyle in ways that I have never had. I'm
stressed and overwhelmed at the moment, but excited about the potential
opportunities. Please wish me good luck, economy, and health!
And... I have a substantial friends and family discount on picture
framing, art, and shadow boxes!!!
9-6-03 -- Movie Review: I viewed the independent film American Splendor with about ten friends last night. In usual fashion, we discussed the movie afterwards over barely edible burgers at the Varsity Jr. It appeared we had a pretty close to even split of those who liked and disliked the film. I fell into the dislike crowd. After reading some glowing reviews of the movie, I expected a decent movie. Somehow, I must have missed the boat on the movie's main character Harvey's virtues. What I watched was a sad portrayal of a sad figure who never rises above his circumstances and in fact, spends his lifetime wallowing in his weaknesses. Interestingly, some at our discussion table saw Harvey quite the opposite -- as making the most of his situation. I could not disagree more. (Keep in mind the movie is a portrayal of a real person and the real Harvey appears throughout the movie.) Now the movie is not without its cute moments. Some of the self-depreciating humor I could relate to and laugh at. But, overall I felt like an unwelcome voyeur into this man's minimal existence. In fact, I saw this movie as a guide on how not to live. How could anyone want his life opened up to the whole world when his life is so lacking and embarrassing? Obviously, from some comments regarding money made by the real Harvey at the end of the movie, he is a man devoid of pride and shame. Harvey is Fellowship of Reason's anti-hero. His debatable mental health issues aside, Harvey understands his life situation but does nothing to change it or improve himself. He is counter to all that I want and try to live my life as. The movie lacked a protagonist and in fact made me the viewer feel like the protagonist. So, since the movie did inspire thought and reflection on my own life, I will rate it a C- rather than the F that I originally wanted to rate it. 7/25/03 -- I know a few of my old friends and acquaintances are out there lurking. I'd love to hear from you, NO matter who you are! Please click on the email link at the bottom of the page to reach me. Wow! Life has been interesting the last few months. I quit my job just before the rowboat went down (company closed first part of July). I was searching for a business to buy, but have been unsuccessful in finding the right combination of price and opportunity. I'll probably re-enter the regular workforce and delay my entrepreneur aspirations until I am in a better position. I haven't given up yet, but it appears I'm better off working for someone else right now. Since I will probably return to the corporate world, I will need to find a position that suits me and I suit the organization. My track record of working for failing companies is really getting long. It was especially frustrating watching these companies fail and not regard my advice. In the meantime, I am having a nice summer. I've only taken a few regional trips and have a few scheduled for August. I also bought a motorcycle to satisfy my need for play toys. (I sold my boat and Seadoo in the last year.) I'm taking motorcycling very seriously by buying the right equipment and taking a safety class. To satisfy my mind, I'm reading philosophy this summer, mostly from Ayn Rand. I've also been attending weekly philosophy classes on Kant and Rand. It is interesting that I have always considered myself well-rounded, but I realized that I am very deficient in philosophy. As usual, I am building my knowledge from the bottom-up rather than the top-down. I started with the practical approach to life and now am finally learning the philosophical. I'm finding philosophy challenging since it is abstract, but as I progress, I am gaining real value. Philosophy really is the building blocks to understanding life and purpose. On another note, I'm staying active with Fellowship of Reason. We have grown this wonderful group to 49 members. I made the decision to stay in Atlanta for a while and FOR is why... or more clearly, my FOR friendships are why. In addition to philosophy classes, FOR has many informal social events such as pub nights and hikes (which I organize), movie nights, pot lucks, and more. I have always thrived on being around folks of like-mindedness and FOR offers that to me. I almost forget to mention I got a second dog. Winston is a 1.5 year old golden retriever who I got from a local dog rescue group. He is great and is providing good companionship to Duke. Duke is over 11 years old now and slowly declining in health due to old age. Enough for now. Cheer's to rationality, productiveness, and pride! 7/24/03 -- (I've rewritten some BLOG history below for personal reasons.) 4/11/03 -- I have been quiet for a while. I'm undergoing some major life changes after a slow period:
I'll have more to report soon. 1/18/03 -- Happy New Year! I just uploaded pictures from my Las Vegas trip over New Year's. LV New Years's 03 Enjoy! 10/27/02 -- Well, I have been back to work for a month or so. I'm working for a startup healthcare software company. I am implementing their project management methodology. The adjustment to being back to work and working for a new company has been a little rough. I think I am finally settling in now. Wish me well. 9/11/02-- It is hard to believe it has been a whole year since the attack on modern civilization. On the other hand, a great deal has happened. Since there are so many eloquent columns marking the anniversary better than I could ever imagine doing, I am reserving my opining. But, with a year of hindsight behind us, I am going to list my top ten ongoing action items resulting from attack and from my viewpoint as a proud American, an Objectivist, and a person of reason. If you have any comments, do feel free to email me.
8/25/02-- Still unemployed. Boring month. 7/25/02-- Well, I'm still unemployed. The job market continues to decline with the stock market. I'm not too hopeful of a position before October or November. After staying busy for quite a while, I'm starting to get a little bored. Other than unemployment, July has been great! I spent the first week of the month in Los Angeles at the annual conference on Objectivism. The conference was held on the UCLA campus. As last year, I came home energized after spending a week with like-minded others. Here's some pictures from the Los Angeles area and The Getty Museum: LA Jul 02 The weekend before last, I went on a fun trip to north Georgia with the Fellowship of Reason crowd. We rented a couple of cool mountain houses and took a white-water rafting trip down the Ocoee River in Tennessee. Food, drink, and great conversation consumed the weekend. 6/6/02-- I've been quiet for a while. Unemployment has been really busy. It is amazing how fast time moves when you're out of work. I've been doing assorted house and boat projects as well as recreating. I'm enjoying the freedom. The job market is the worst since I've been in the healthcare IT field. I'm expecting a long out of work period. In the meantime, I'm going to continue to use my free time productively and pick up various odd jobs as I can find them. I'm really enjoying my new boat. I've been hitting the lake about 2-4 times a week. Unlike a few summers ago when I sold my last boat, I've been able to round up several friends to venture out. With the exception of being out of work, the summer outlook is great! I finally loaded the rest of my pictures from my Fall 2001 VC Trip. Enjoy! 4/26/02-- I've been extremely busy the last couple of weeks winding down my job. Thankfully, things are almost complete. Bring on unemployment! I'm ready for a break. I did take a trip last week out to San Diego for some final business with my company. I decided to combine the trip with a weekend jaunt to Las Vegas. My friend Cheryl who lives in Atlanta joined me for the short but fun vacation. I have a few pictures under my photo album link. While we didn't win any money, we did eat very well enjoying dinners at the Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego, Emeril's, and Red Square, both in Vegas. We also experienced Blue Man Group show at the Luxor Hotel. 4/9/02-- Yesterday, I received my UNCG alumni magazine. As I was skimming it, I came across the terrible news that an old friend of mine from Governor's School passed away last year from lymphoma. I lost touch with Todd Carter years ago but nevertheless felt a sincere sadness and loss. Todd was a special person when I knew him and from reading a few newspaper articles about the more recent Todd, he really lived a great, full life. Farewell Todd, dear friend. 4/8/02-- I spent the past weekend in the NC mountains. I had a wonderful trip. Thursday night, I visited with my old pals Bill and Lisa in Hickory. I spent the rest of the weekend at my annual Residential College Valle Crucis retreat. The weather was perfect -- sunny and chilly enough for a big fire in the conference center's huge fireplace. I tried to challenge some of the current students on current middle eastern affairs. Interestingly, they were not as liberal as I expected. The current RC students are amazing as usual: well read, talented in the arts, free-spirited, happy, and benevolent. Go RC! Believe it or not, there is always hope for the next generations. Check out my trip pictures under my photo album link. 3/29/02-- My job continues to wind down. I will be unemployed April 30. I have little to do at the office right now and I had pretty boring week at work. At least my evenings were fun. Early in the week, I organized a small outing with the Fellowship of Reason folks to drink a few brews and converse. Later in the week, my old work pal Deb from Greensboring was in town to visit her sister and we got to hang and catch up. I'm off to Valle Crucis next weekend for my annual Residential College retreat and in two weeks, I am making a final trip to the corporate headquarters in San Diego. While on the west coast, I'm going to take a weekend trip to Vegas to visit Bouck and his family -- and then gamble away my severance pay. 3/24/02-- I fought through my basketball depression by taking my new boat to the drystack marina today. Duke and I spent a good part of the afternoon out on the water burning really expensive marine gas. All and all, I had a blast. My friends Mark and Ashley met me late in the afternoon for a quick inaugural ride. 3/23/02-- I'm still depressed about Duke's early departure from the NCAAs. I figured this year's team was not a championship caliber team, but it still surprised me they didn't even make it to the Final Four. I guess I have to choke on these words: Go Terps! 3/19/02-- I finally added some stuff to my About Me section. 3/18/02-- This past weekend I visited my folks in North Carolina. On the way up to NC, I had a nice dinner with my friend Lynne in Charlotte. While in NC, I rocked at The Connells show in Raleigh Saturday night. I also had a very nice blind date for the show with a cool woman named Mickey. I also saw my fellow RC alum Alan B. from Charlotte at the show as well as Connells' groupies Dede and Art. 3/13/02-- My life will be consumed with March Madness for the next few weeks. Go Duke Blue Devils!!!
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Duke,
my very best friend and loyal pal of the last 12 years, died today at
home.