What Is "The Goal"?

I've been on a reading tear lately. After taking a year to finish my Winston Churchill book, I've ripped through a couple of business books and a personal growth book.

The business book that I'm finishing now is called "The Goal".

The book has really captivated my thought processes, as I find myself looking at work problems differently.

Tonight I was thinking about how this would be an incredible book to discuss with my step-dad, Duane.

Duane was a through and through assembly plant guy. Although my dad and I would have had an interesting conversation about "The Goal", I think the discussions I'd have with Duane would be more fulfilling.

Looking at "The Goal", and my job, I wonder sometimes what the hell I am doing at my company. I still feel that I am there for a greater good, but I am really starting to wonder if it's got anything to do with the job itself. Is it possible that I am supposed to be there to impact people on a personal level, and not to improve the work that we do?

All I know is that I have really enjoyed learning all of the things I've been learning - from the alternative energy class, to economics, to proposal writing, to the beginnings of WWII... from all that I've learned about myself, and everything else...

It's been good stuff.

I simply wish that I could share it with the influential men in my life - Duane, Jim, and George. Let's meet for coffee in my dreams.

A few years ago, I took Sheryl to Cleveland for her birthday. Yeah, it sounds like more of a slap on the wrist than a present, but we had a really nice time, and I was thrilled to do something nice for her.

We spent one day with a dear friends of Sheryl's, and on the next day, we decided to check out the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame before heading home.

I personally loved the hall of fame. There were some amazing exhibits, and approximately halfway through, there were some mini movie theaters, which showed classic rock and roll films on loop. Sheryl and I relaxed a bit while watching "The Concert for Bangladesh" - which was possibly George Harrison's first major activity after the breakup of the Beatles.

I remember watching the film, thinking how magical that moment was - I had only heard of this recording and this movie, I had never expected to have seen it with my own eyes. And at the freaking hall of fame of all places!

Today, Sheryl and I had a great night at the Detroit Tigers baseball game. Comerica Park - where the Tigers play - recently hosted Paul McCartney's "On the Run" tour.

When I got home tonight, I went on Itunes to download a song I heard at the game - Muse's "Uprising".

And lo and behold, right when I opened Itunes, there was the 40th Anniversary edition of George Harrison's Concert for Bangladesh.

Yes, I downloaded it.

And as I listen to it right now, I think of the random thoughts that all seem to mesh together. And I think of all the amazing music that the Beatles released together and on their own.

Who could possibly compare?

40 years, George. You had your head and heart in the right place. You did some amazing things with your life, and you used your fame for the powers of good.

There is so much more out there in the world, and we all have something to contribute.

Inspirational Dirty Work (You Crazy Showbiz Kids!)

Tonight, we went to see Steely Dan at the Fox Theater. WOW, what a great show!

Obviously, they couldn't play ALL of their greatest hits, but with a setlist that included Aja, Black Cow, Hey Nineteen, Boddhisatva, Showbiz Kids, Dirty Work, Your Gold Teeth, My Old School, Reelin' in the Years, Josie, and Peg... how could you go wrong?

The songwriting that these guys come up with is inspirational. I found myself wanting to be in their stories - a part of their songs.

And wanting to write like them.

What a great (and refreshing) evening. There aren't a lot of bands that Sheryl and I can appreciate together, but Steely Dan is one of them.

Wow.
Wow!

Carolina on my mind

Despite getting land-locked in Tennessee, today we managed to get home from our trip to North Carolina.

It was an extremely productive week. We made some new friends who can actually help us make our trip down South, and we scoped out potential new homes.

While we were at it, we watched some minor league ball, and visited with family. We took a few tours, and  relaxed... believe it or not.

We've seen the prize, now we need to keep our eyes on it.

Are you ready to rock?

Beware the Ides of July... the time of year when the doping controls eliminate 10% of the Tour de France riders before a pedal is pushed "in anger".

Yes, the Ides of July. Time for Andy Schleck to step up and earn the top spot on the podium - I'm tired of seeing that rat Contador win!

I'm ready for the Ides of July - when Spartacus raises his arms in victory and pulls on the yellow tunic.

Dopers be damned!

Hello Andy? It's me again.
I need a mind-blowing creative experience.
You know my number.
Later!

45 (Revolutions per Minute)

"...Bells are chiming and tears are falling
It creeps up on you without warning, 45..."
- Elvis Costello, "45"

In June 1982, I went to my first concert: Blue Oyster Cult, with Aldo Nova opening.
To my frenzied 16 year old mind, it was a Dionysian orgy of guitars, drums, lights, and fun, fun, fun.
The next day, I walked my ass to driver's training - the 6-10am course.

In February 1998, I remember my step-dad (and overall wonderful man) announce "Today is the 40th anniversary of my 21st birthday".
And we rousingly toasted his health.

In October 2002, I celebrated the end of chemotherapy and radiation treatments at home with my mom, my aunt, and my uncle, drinking beer and watching the Red Wings on TV.
That day was my life - day zero.

Not being a parent, I found myself wondering tonight if by my celebrating my birthday, my mother actually celebrated every single birthday of my 45 years.

In a way, it could be like the Tralfamadorians in Kurt Vonnegut's book "Schlachthof Fuenf" - Slaughterhouse Five - where they saw humans as centipedes - each year was a section of body... the head was the oldest version, and the tail was the youngest.

Does that happen as a parent? Do you not celebrate each year of your child's life, but rather EVERY year of your child's life?

I'm 45. I've made the "45-54" age bracket.

My life is not as exciting as it used to be, but it is even more fulfilling than ever before.

I never thought I'd see that day, yet I can't wait to see what the next day brings.

For those of us in the Western hemisphere, tomorrow brings us summer.

Finally, my old friend has come home for a visit.

45.

When I'm 44...

I just read a little article in Wine Enthusiast magazine about Miranda Lambert. Whoever she is.

In the interview, they asked her the question: What would your 16-year-old self think of yourself now?

It made me think that this would be a good blog post.

Today, Sheryl and I went to a graduation party for one of her cousins' kids. It was nice. We had a lot of fun hanging out with her cousins. It was sort of like sitting at the kids table for Thanksgiving. I received some kind words from Sheryl's Aunt, and we laughed. A lot.

My 16-year-old self would not understand the nearly 45-year-old version of himself. In fact, the 30-year-old version of me wouldn't understand me.

The 16-year-old me might enjoy hanging out with me, but that's not a given. I was still trying to figure out my way through high school. Still trying to deal with the kids I went to school with. I don't think the current version of me could really tell the 16-year-old version of me anything that would stick with the 16-year-old me. No advice. No wisdom. Nothing.

That's how closed-minded I was at 16.

The 30-year-old version of me would like the current me, but wouldn't spend a lot of time with the current me because the 30-year-old me was out looking to party most of the time. I was still 4 years away from cancer. 4 years away from changing my neurotic mindset. And 7 years away from meeting my future wife.

7 years from changing my life - for the better.

My 16-year-old self would not have enjoyed today's graduation party. My 30-year-old version would have had a few shots beforehand. And my nearly 45-year-old self recognized that there are things you will be a part of that you never expected.

What is the most important piece of advice I would give my 16-year-old self?

Don't be afraid. You can do anything, and will accomplish a lot. Enjoy the ride.

The most important piece of advice I would give my 30-year-old self?

Don't try to force things. Everything comes about at the right time. Just make sure that you are in the best possible position when that door opens.

To all my other selves: Be gracious and appreciate what you've got.

God knows there's a lot in life to appreciate.

Days and Days and Days...

Last weekend, Sheryl and I went to a bar to see a musical duo - half of which was a former patient of hers. Had a nice time seeing Mario play. And since Mario and I are brothers-in-disease, it was just plain good to see him and talk to him.

That's something about the cancer survivors that I run across. We have a different point of view on life, and it's something that doesn't have to be spoken about - you see it in their eyes, hear it in their voices, and feel it in their touch.

The next day, we went to visit with our friends, whom we haven't spent much time with in a long time. Over wine and cheese, we caught up with stories, advice, and memories.

Life is built on weekends like that.

The workweek, on the other hand, was brutal. As a result, I took today off.

My day was essentially filled with a lunch date with my cousin and yes, an amazing bike ride.

The 13.6 mile ride today added to the 12 mile ride I did in yesterday's 100 degree heat. As usual, the rides did wonders for my head and body.

This weekend will be spent at the ballpark, with my mom and Bill, and with Sheryl's relatives.

I can't wait to see what life will look like on the other side of these next few days...

Take Me Out to the Ballgame...

Had a tremendous evening at the ballpark today. Had a crappy day at work, went to a doctor appointment, then went to the ballpark.

It was warm and sunny. Sheryl was in the process of getting her second Tiger's autograph on her mitt when the sky opened up.

It poured like Noah built an ark!

After a while, the rain stopped, and the game was postponed only 30 minutes. It was a nice night, and the sky gave us some cool pictures.

So here I sit, watching the end of the game - we left after six innings - and I smile, knowing we had a fabulous night at the ballpark, and got our salsa bowls, too!

Take the Revolution

There's a call for revolution
On the streets, throwin' beats
People don't see colors, just brothers
Thumpin' bass, dollar chase
Mos Def be the name of freedom
A show of strength, miles in length
Power to the people, the steeple,
God bless the children and mothers,
Wives, sons and brothers.
The life I need to show, I hope I don't blow
My chance to dance trance perhaps.
Can we focus on the prime, the locust of time
The scourge of man, I'm not a fan,
But I can stand hand in hand with my fellow man
And determine the digital linguistics
Statistics, the will of the mystics -
All around the world, they twirled like flags unfurled
Spinning like Rumi, sue me if you can't name that tune, me,
I try to report the retort from the resort
And the battle in the streets the deet-tails which without fail
Cause me to stumble, bumble, and mumble
mmmmmmmmmmmm
Are we awake or asleep yet?

First - Again!

Tonight I experienced another first. I attended my first wine tasting.

The event occurred at the Cloverleaf in Royal Oak. I had an absolute blast learning about some 50-60 wines. Ironically, I found that the wine tasting was much like the tequila tastings I have with my brother and uncle. Fortunately, I was able to try more wines in one night than I would tequilas!

I would like to thank the Cloverleaf for making me feel like I deserved to be there. Yes, I spend a lot of money there, but it's purely selfish...

I truly have come to enjoy wine. I never thought I would, and never thought I would. Basically, I never thought I would.

It has definitely been fun, and tonight opened my eyes to different types of wine drinkers, tasters, and snobs.

What a real treat!

For the record, I brought home two bottles... of something that was not even offered during the tasting.

Strange, strange world we live in...

Who

In 2008, I totally believed that the world was going to change. President Obama was inspiring as he took over the presidency.

But nothing happened.

I don't know, is it me, or are we totally lacking inspiration these days?

I saw a commercial on CBC while watching some hockey. It was awesome, talking about what a great country Canada is, and can be. It got me wondering about the topic of inspiration.

We take an awful lot for granted here. We are looking to lower our deficit, get our economy on track, and yet, our elected officials are polar opposites, and cannot agree on anything.

We need someone to step up and inspire us. We can be great, and I feel like we've lost that. Where is the great American dream, where are the real leaders? Who has the guts to make things magical again in this country?

It's time, isn't it?

Fonzie's Favorite Letter

With 37 points to spare...

Aaaaaaaaaa...!

What a relief!

What's Your Opportunity Cost? 

So... it seems like it was a million years ago when I started my economics class. You will remember that I took this class for... ummm, the heck of it. Because I was intrigued by what I could learn.

I started off well enough. I studied hard, did pretty well, attended every class, did all my homework, blah blah blah.

And then I started my new job. Oy! Who woulda figured that a simple job change could wreck havok on a class???

My grades plummeted, but I kept fighting through.

Still, my desire to ace the class carried me through. I continued to work as hard as I could, and as football players say, I left it all out on the field.

Tonight, I attended my last class - prior to next weeks' final exam. If I could swing an 85 on tonight's test, I figured I would have an A - regardless of the final (aka, I wouldn't have to take the final!).

I had not taken a few points into account, and ended up needing 43 points. Now remember, this was for an A. I already have a B locked up.

Well, I still don't know how I did on the test, but I will find out in a few days. The bottom line is... even if I get a B... I don't think I'm gonna take the final.

I learned a whole lot in this class regardless of the grade. And the sad part is that I really am glad it's over.

Come on A!!!!

Who's Your (insert patterned big cat here)?

Who's my Tiger?

Not sure, but Fabian Cancellara is DEFINITELY my Leopard! Holy cow!

Happy Paris-Roubaix!

Today is the first time in a decade that the weather in the D has been nice enough to ride on the same day as the Paris-Roubaix race.

So I whipped out my Moyo, donned the Bacon socks, slipped on the helmet, and off I went!

The first thing I noticed was that the winter hasn't been too bad to me. I'm still in decent shape since I last rode, and day-um, it felt gooooood! Yeah, the butt was a little sore, the legs were a little tight, but 7 sweet miles and 30 minutes later, I was itching for full-time sunny summer days - sigh!

It was obviously the first ride of the season - the dirt and crap on the road hadn't been cleaned up, and the roads stunk of winter garbage. But the itch in the back of my throat when I drew in a deep breath, and the chirping of the cardinals told me that it's almost time.

Mmmmm... good stuff man, good times.

With the Paris-Roubaix race on Versus at 7pm, I jumped in the shower, opened the windows, and I'm sitting in the recliner watching the Tigers get their asses kicked. I suppose it can't all be perfect, eh?

Tomorrow is a holiday of sorts in the D - opening day. It has taken almost 15 years for me to give a crap about baseball again, but my wife has succeeded in making me care.

There's nothing better in life than seeing my wife smile, and at this years' Tigerfest, I was in my glory watching her enjoy herself. For our anniversary, we were originally planning on going to Cooperstown, but instead opted for a Tigers 28-game season pass.

And starting tomorrow, we'll be lurking in section 321 behind 1st base. Come by and say hi. Buy us some hot dogs. Or Cracker Jacks.

I'm really looking forward to tomorrow. Opening day means that Spring is truly here. And we have seriously struggled with Winter this year.

Anyhow, we'll see you crazy mamma-jammas tomorrow - you'll recognize us with our Tigers duds from head to toe.

Bless you boys and all the rest of ya's.

Good to see the boys of summer in our neck o' the woods!

I am Leopard-Trek

George Clark gave me a book many, many years ago, called "The Snow Leopard". Along with the book came some wise words: Go seek your snow leopard.

Last night, Sheryl and I went to see one of my uncles. He was the only member of my family to be in Vietnam, and I remember like it was yesterday when he came home, and came to our house to visit. I was your typical excited kid, demanding his attention, showing him all the crazy things kids think of when they are trying to keep a special someone's attention.

I am now twice the age at which he came to visit us those many years ago. And this uncle had recently had a heart attack, and as I think about it now, I am elated to my core that he survived.

Survival is a big part of my own story. And I tie survival to bicycling - for some strange reason.

And then there's my cycling guru, whom I have recently heard that he's got a new struggle on his hands. And as happy as I am for my uncle Vietnam, I am crushed about my cycling guru.

My cycling guru and I love the amazing talent of Fabian Cancellara - who is now riding for the Leopard-Trek team. I can't wait to watch this team ride in the Tour de France.

But the only thing I think I would enjoy more is to be with my cycling guru and watch them race.

It's a strange life.

My new job is a new trail that I've never been down before while following the scent of the Snow Leopard.

My uncle and my cycling guru are the yin and the yang of life that happen.

Leopard-Trek is exciting, yet ultimately minimally meaningful.

And I can't wait to see what comes next on the trail.

Seek your own Snow Leopard.

Sometimes you're the bat, sometimes you're the ball...

No shit... It's been a rough week. Really rough, in fact. My poor wife has had to deal with a bear every night that she's seen me. I guess that's what angels do...:)

So this rough week, I think, spawned a night last night of fantastic dreams - but not necessarily good ones.

The earliest part of the dream that I remember had me at a party - much like a frat party. The room was all in black and blue and gray hues. Except for the blood. Someone was stabbed, and although I saw it happen, I was in a bad place, and had to pretend that I was cool with it (although I was horrified!).

I was free of blood on my hands and clothes, but my right shoe was splattered with it. I tried to kick the bloodied black shoe aside, but there was no escaping it. I needed to reclaim it before we torched the building down. Fortunately, I had the presence of mind to ensure I left no prints behind...

My gang drove our badly battered cars to the headquarters, where we entered huge wooden doors and walked into a large, expansive ballroom with wood floors. Wandering the ballroom was a lion and a mini Phil Collins (think "petite giraffes").

We went to the bar and ordered whiskeys, talking about the kill. I knew I was clean, and the rest of them were going down...

And I turned around, and dreamt about being outside in an English-type garden. Talking to a school marm looking woman, I suddenly became aware of a central theme during the dream - a phrase that came up often...

A phrase I woke up repeating as a mantra because I knew it was going to be important to my real life.

When I got out of bed I wrote it down:

"This is your rewrite - the story will become whatever you make it."

Wrapped around a tough week such as this, that dream mantra helps keep things in perspective.

We all have the power to rewrite the story that is occurring around us. It is up to us to decide how it's going to end.