Living again; brought back to life; revived; restored.

Redemption.

Something wild has been collaborating on the inside of me. It’s like I’m just finding out that my mind and heart have been conjuring up something without me. I mean I’ve always known I’ve wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself, but I’ve just kind of assumed that it was selfish ambition or that it would just somehow fall into place. I’m realizing everything i’ve assumed is completely wrong. I’m coming to the truth that my creator actually has a plan. My creator is showing me I was created for something beyond myself. I’m realizing that I can only do it with the help of my creator. I don’t have the answers for what this looks like. I don’t even know what it is at this point. What I do know is, is that I’m ready to contribute to the betterment of society. Something completely humanitarian, I can’t sit back and watch people like Tom’s Shoes have all the fun. The people that are doing great things in society inspire me. There’s a world hurting. There’s a world looking for something greater. The bible even speaks of it. “All of creation eagerly awaits for the revealing of the sons of God.” That inspires me. We need to Tear Down The Walls (United ref) and show the world something great, something better than it’s seen. We’re here to help each other. Those who know the way and those who don’t.
I believe we are a Modern Encore. We are today’s Jesus. Those who have found The Way are to be Jesus to those that don’t have anything greater, those that are still looking for the way…the Life. That is the greater contribution to society…to be A Modern Encore.
I’m looking forward to discovering what’s in store, to finding out what it is exactly I’m supposed to do with this re-discovery. All I know at this point is that I want to be involved with great people, who have great hearts, to accomplish something far greater than ourselves, all for a Great Cause.
Cheers to a Life of Love and a Love of Life.

Recently, through a series of events, I discovered I was going to have to pursue a position with another company. It was an “interesting” discovery for sure. Through this experience I learned some valuable lessons in relationships. I found that people, even in the business world, truly care. Sometimes when dealing with people on different levels you don’t get the chance to see how much they care. As I went around telling people of the discovery and decision, the reactions were all the same. Utter shock and disbelief. After about 3 days of this happening I remember getting in my car after one visit and just thought about how heartwarming this whole experience was becoming. Relationships are meant to be heartwarming. Acceptance. I was seeing people that I wouldn’t expect, rally around me in a time of need. I didn’t realize the extent of how much some of these people cared about me. I’m a relational person. I thrive on relationships, friendships. I strive for this. I’ve always heard that 90% of sales is relationships…this became a reality to me during this time. It’s forever changed my outlook on how and why I pursue professional relationships. I love sales because I am a relational person. I look back on the occurence now and I’m thankful. Not distraught. Thankful. Thankful that I got to see the beauty of a developed relationship come full circle. Thankful that I had people in business that truly cared. Thankful that there was proof that I had succeeded at my job. Thankful that people were still good at the core. Thankful for Relationships.

Ok, so it appears I’m a typical American who makes resolutions and loses sight of them by Valentines. A few of the goals are still just good ideas and goals. The guitar and Spanish thing hasn’t started yet. For that matter the writing/blogging obviously hasn’t started yet either. So here I am, mid year, making some changes. Working on that “Focused Growth.”
It’s a good thing there’s still some year remaining. I would like to accomplish some goals this year, I imagine that being a great feeling. Euphoric. We’ll see how things work out from this point forward.

On a recent 2 week trip to Brattleboro, VT with New Chapter, I was fortunate enough to spend my time in the Holiday Inn Express (options were limited…it was Brattleboro, VT). 2 weeks in a hotel of this sort can get to you after a while (2 days). A love hate relationship was quickly formed with my room. Those little things that you can only experience in a hotel were as funny as they were aggrivating! Am I the only one that notices these little things and wishes something would be done about it? Here’s a list of the things that are a part of my love hate relationships with hotels, feel free to add your own, would love to see what you have to add….

How the trash can liner never stays in place.
Microwavable breakfast, which explains why it’s free.
The outlets that are never convenient.
Lamps you have turn 4 times to turn off.
The creaky iron board that probably woke the entire floor everytime I used it; which was everyday bc I can’t travel without everything getting wrinkled!
Tiny refridgerators.
The pillows, they’re never as comfy as mine.
The smell, clothes sometimes end up smelling like they’ve been in a garage!
The sheets…dear god I hope they were clean.
Hotel Internet…it’s like having dial up again!
Deactivating my room key because of my cell phone (6 times in one day).
Fitness rooms with 6 dumbells and a bike.
House keeping coming at 915am even on a Saturday (yeah I forgot the do not disturb sign).
Luggage carts…why can’t they just go straight?!

I’m a big believer that the first thing that the housekeepers learn at housekeeper training is how to make a paper airplane? But appearantly they only learn the first step which I guess is why they always start the tp off as a paper airplane but never finish it!

Hotels aren’t all bad, there are those few things that I do love, such as:

Tiny shampoos that you can use as much of as you want, and not feel wasteful.
House keeping.
Free newspapers.
Getting to take the tiny shampoos home.
The feeling of being on vacation.
Hotel Air Conditioners.

Focused Growth. Focus. Growth. 2009. These are the words we’re using to describe 2009. Focus was the word I saw fit for this year and growth was the word Donna believed was for the year to come. We agreed to bring them together and aim for focused growth for our marriage, our careers, our life. This is all a part of our “Resolution.” This blog is a part of my resolution. A part of my growth if I may. I want to be more intentional about writing, more expressive with words and emotions, allow my thoughts to be captured somewhere. I want to learn new things this year, maybe attempt the guitar again, or pick up Spanish (since Espanol 1 and 2 didn’t stick). I want to travel a little more this year…LA & NY for sure, Love a whole LOT more. Love intentionally, to others around me, but especially to fall more in love with the girl who has taught me to love. I should probably read more this year, read more books that challenge me, grow me, cause me to be a better person in the main 3 areas. I want to turn 30 this year, OK maybe that ones the inevitable, but unlike a lot of others my age I’m actually looking forward to it!

Focused Growth is about focusing on the important things in life. The things that matter most, the relationships that surround us. I’m looking forward to meeting new people, I thrive off of this. I need to be a better friend to those that are currently around me, spend more time with the guys that have been put in my life, get to know the people in my life on a deeper level. The things that matter most…The careers that we embark upon. I’ve been guilty of getting out of focus with my career and not growing. But how can I expect to get anywhere in my career if I don’t have focused growth?! The plan is to be more intentional in the growth of the career path I’ve embarked upon, to be more focused in my responsibilities and passions in what I do.

The things that matter most….The Life we live. What does this consist of? Who knows!? But for us it consists of our health, fitness, lifestyle, finances, the fun we have, the people we surround our self with, seriously the list could go on and on. Basically the ambition is to have focused growth in everything that matters most.

That’s where the title of this blog derives from…it’s A New Normal. A time change the way we’ve done things , A year to live more intentionally.

Cheers to A Live of Love and A Love of Live.

Our Dream Board for 09