The first of today’s trifecta of thankfulness was much like the others; very simple in if itself, yet so awesome and emotion provoking. It was a short text from Becky. Her doc appointment went very well and the treatments seem to be working. How awesome is that? In order for anything else to make sense we must have our life and preferably our health.

The second item today was a beautifully simple email that almost brought me to tears. The words were exactly what my soul needed in that moment. The note was the warm blanket needed on a cold day. I’ve saved it and will pull it out when I need that type of electronic hug in the future.

The third was also very simple and straightforward. As I drove to Dominic’s soccer game a thought crossed my mind. “If today was the last day of my life how would I feel about it? What would I do differently?” With all of the stress and stuff going on today and over the past week I’ve been focused too much on the stress. Those two questions caused me to pause and refocus.

I quickly realized that I haven’t been 100% present this afternoon like I should’ve been. With that shift in mindset I took a deep breath and focused on what I could control in the minute, I focused on what I was in front of me. How fitting that what I first saw as I smiled was the sun popping out through a cloudy sky? I chose to focus on the sun.

Thanks!!!

Thanks!!!

Today I spent much of my day in Rice Lake. The drive up from La Crosse is pretty stunning. Driving in the driftless area never ceases to blow my mind.

As I headed north it was almost like I was time traveling. The leaves started off as almost all green and then worked their way into a colorful display by the time I got to Rice Lake. On the way home it was like I was traveling backwards to Spring, from reds and yellows to green again!

Most of the drive was in silence as I have many thoughts I was focused on. That said, there were several times when those thoughts were totally derailed by the beautiful show Mother Nature was putting on all around me. Each awesome vista around each twist in the road brought great joy.

Thanks!!!

There haven’t been many unfinished meals in my life. Exactly twenty years ago tonight there was one I’ll never forget.

As I was still a little nervous about Becky backing out of our date I was sure to check in part way through the week to make sure we were still on. All systems were go so I headed down to La Crosse right after work in Minneapolis on Friday.

As luck would have it I took the slow way there via Hwy 61 which put my arrival a little later than expected. I’m pretty sure the Big Dude Upstairs may have been questioning this date as well as my parents’ 1979 Chevy pick up was stopped in its tracks with a flat tire. The old truck didn’t have the best of jacks and I was only armed with a pager (📟) as this was the dark period before cellphones. Even my eternally optimistic spirit was starting to feel the crushing weight of reality squish my dream.

I must’ve been quite the pitiful sight as I was cranking away on the jack and seeing the truck raise only millimeters every few seconds. The Big Dude Upstairs pretty much had two options as near as I can tell. Throw me a lifeline or put me out of my misery via a distracted driver (most likely changing out cds as there were no cell phones to look at 😉).

Mercy was the option and my lifeline came in the form of a super nice middle aged dude who had an industrial car jack in the trunk of his four door car. The working jack made short work of the tire change and I was back on the road. Thank you so much Random Good Samaritan Dude!!!

For safety’s sake Becky had a couple of friends and one of their boyfriends waiting at her apartment for me. By the time I was able to call her from a pay phone at the Kwik Trip in Lake City they’d already gone or left shortly thereafter. I’m pretty sure it’s because they knew I was obviously good people. I mean c’mon, I’m the guy who pursued and wooed her for hours while she was drinking until I got her to say yes to a date using some supremely excellent pick up lines. For reals, they could trust me, I’m an Eagle Scout (yup, that was one of my lines!). Stand back ladies, I’m all Becky’s! 🤣

Once I finally arrived at Becky’s apartment well over an hour and a half late riding my rusty steed that was older than Becky I reeked of exhaust. Pretty sure there was another minor miracle performed in holding the rest of the truck together for that long drive!

We saddled up and headed out to the most glorious first date location we could think of, Chi-Chi’s. It was only a matter of minutes into the conversation that I realized she was even more awesome than I’d picked up on at the wedding. Our conversation was awesome and we both felt pretty nervous. My nervousness was most focused on making sure I didn’t screw this up. Hers? I’m not sure if she was feeling like an exit wasn’t close enough or if she was nervous about having to let me down after the quest I’d just been on to get there. Who knows, you’ll have to ask her yourself.

For reals, it was amazing. In just a few minutes it was like everything in the world faded away, it was just the two of us, and it was perfect. I wasn’t planning ahead or seeing a perfect future, I was focused on enjoying the perfect present we were sharing. It was amazing. Period.

By the time we left there was still about half a meal in my plate. I was so caught up in getting to know her and spending time with her that I couldn’t focus on eating if I would’ve tried.

Here we are, 20 years later, and I still remember that i fishies meal. More importantly, I still remember that wonderful feeling of everything being perfect in that moment.

Thanks!!!

This has been a wildly full day from start to finish.  For reals, I’d be hard pressed to think of a day that was quite so jam packed in recent weeks.  The morning was filled but good.  An early start at work worked out very well as the work day was a blur of action through the later than normal ride home.  There was a quick break to eat while standing in the kitchen and then off to the races to take Dominic to band only to find out that he didn’t need to be there until 30-40 minutes later.  Run back home, pause for a few minutes and catch up on emails, and then back off to his concert.  Afterwards chill and enjoy dessert with friends, and now off to bed.  Whew, I’m going to sleep well tonight!

As I was thinking about my blog my initial thought went to a couple of the more frustrating things throughout the day.  Nothing terrible or brutal or anything, just extra stressors I wasn’t expecting.  Realizing a couple of mistakes I made.  A couple of projects that took longer than expected or that I didn’t have time to work on.  Feeling like there’s not enough time, no right answers, and feeling like I’m letting people down.  Throughout this busy day it hasn’t been all sunshine and rainbows.  I thought about all that for only a minute and then laughed at myself.  I could then hear my own voice asking myself the following:

“What about the time with Becky being outside this morning under the starry sky watching a satellite cruise across the sky and thinking back to camping in Boy Scouts when I would lay on my back and watch those same stars?  What about the time spent listening to a couple of great songs while driving to work with the moon roof open?  What about all the time spent with my teammates and seeing their successes?  What about all of the 40-ish texts from a group of friends spanning 40-ish years of memories in creatively chosen GIFs?  What about some of the successes with recent clients?  What about having a conversation with a teammate that was more focused on being a friend than a teammate?  What about the referral from someone who very rarely gives referrals?  What about the opportunity to fix mistakes?  What about the remembering the benefits fo taking time to make a decision when there’s time to make one?  What about an awesome time shooting the bull with Dominic while driving?  What about enjoying the beautiful fall weather and the sun?  What about time on the phone and then on FaceTime with my brother?  What about enjoying a marching band concert that Dominic and some of his friends are in?  What about randomly having friends over late at night to enjoy a totally unexpected dessert?  What about the tremendous feeling of accomplishment of knowing that I’ve really sucked the marrow out of the day today?”

And I laughed.  Yes, there were challenges, frustrations, and everything didn’t go as planned.  Who gives a shit?  {yes Uncle Buster, I know I shouldn’t swear in my blog, but this time it feels pretty fitting 😉 }  Really?  We all have stuff like that in all of our days.  Some days there is more, some days there is less.  In each day there is also an overwhelming amount of positive things. Some days there is more, some days there is less.  At the end of it all the deacons is mine to decide which I focus on.   Which should I dwell on?  Which will I let define my day and thereby define myself?

Today I am focusing on the positive AND the negative.  I choose the positive as it has filled my heart with joy many times over.  I also choose the negative as it has provided opportunities for me to learn, grow, and find ways to become a better me.  Today I intentionally choose to focus and reflect on both as my life is made more complete by all action of the day; and that intentional focus is something I’m so thankful for this evening.

To everyone who played a role in my day, thank you!!!  Whether we walked away happy or frustrated, in agreement or in conflict, or with a finished project or more questions our presence in my day has made it a day I am thankful for.

Thanks!!!

How’s that for a hodgepodge this evening?

The boys had a pretty successful weekend of hunting with their Grandpa Ken and Uncle Matt. Dominic got a nice little four pointer. Gavin opted to pass on a few does. When they got in the car to head home I got to hear all about the memories they made this weekend. Coming hot off the heals of a day that reminded me of my grandparents I couldn’t help but smile.

While on the drive to meet up to get the boys I was able to sneak in some extra thought time. The book I’m currently reading, Range, provided some unique insight and thought exercises that were an added bonus.

Speaking of bonuses, a few days ago I was listening to a podcast that reminded me to pause at the end of the day before I fell asleep. In that moment I think to myself, “I have lived.” There is no promise of another morning and by putting this thought in my brain is helps me appreciate the day I’ve just had. It also helps ground me the next day when something doesn’t go the way I’d planned. When I notice I’m getting frustrated I just think back to my thoughts at the end of last night and realize this is bonus time. That little mind hack helps me be more thankful for the bonus time I have.

Last, it’s dang near bedtime. Back in the day I’d argue and fuss over going to bed at this time. In younger days I wouldn’t even think of going to bed this early for fear of missing something. Tonight I’m pumped to get to bed, get a full night of sleep, and start my bonus day tomorrow well rested.

Thanks!!!

How could a day not be awesome when it starts with over 10 hours of sleep, right?

My mom headed down early this morning and we spent the day on a mini road trip. We hit a winery, an orchard, a restaurant, a museum, a scenic overlook, another winery, a grocery store and finally our couches. I’m chuckling to myself as I’d almost forgotten everything we fit into the day!

The part I’m most appreciative of is the time hanging out with my mom & Becky. When we’re all together there’s usually a lot going on and many other people around. Today it was just the three of us (sorry you were working Brad!). It was wonderful hanging out and shooting the bull. Nothing crazy, just tons of time enjoying each other’s company.

As we started to wind down after one of my favorite meals (cheese, crackers, and sausage) we fired up some TV while we talked. Don’t ask how it happened but we ended up watching Lost In Space. Yes, the 1965 version. The same one Nick and I used to watch at Grandma & Grandpa Lamping’s back in the day!

Becky eventually headed to bed but Mom & I persevered. I had so much fun groaning at the old show while we both through jokes out left and right. It was awesome!!! What a great combo; reliving childhood memories while making some excellent adult ones!

What an outstanding day it’s been, so thankful for this time together!😁

Thanks!!!

This morning was another long drive to start the day. Instead of diving into my audiobook I took a different option. I skipped right past the Audible app and opened up Music.

I bounced from one genre to another, often singing along in my own solo car concert. One song would remind me of another and then I’d see something totally different while finding that one on my car radio. I’m not sure that I’ve ever covered anything quite so eclectic. For reals. I honest to God covered music including DMX, Simon & Garfunkel, Rage Against the Machine, and Celine Dion. Yes, you read that right; I listened to her song from Deadpool 2. Throw in some mid-90’s favorites like this:

While audiobooks are still very much my jam today was a nice respite. Being able to just think while singing and listening was exactly what the doctor ordered on a nice cool autumn day.

Thanks!!!

Isn’t it funny how a simple nonchalant comment can lead to an awesome memory?  One of my Menomonie teammates offered up muffins this morning.  “I even brought butter,” she said with a smile.  At once my mouth started watering and a memory from long ago exploded across my mind.

Way back in the day my Mom would occasionally make muffins for us on Sunday mornings.  I wasn’t a fan of blueberry so she’d go out of her way to make some almost plain ones; adding a pool of jelly in the middle of them.  When they’d come hot of to the oven I’d see just how much butter I could get away with stuffing in the middle of the muffin before being scolded (not gonna lie, that still happens today).  The muffin would soak up the butter and I’d enjoy each delicious buttery bite of sweet baked goodness.  Mmm…  and now my mouth is watering again!

Just thinking back to those muffins had me smiling thinking back to lazy Sunday mornings at home.  No cares of concerns, just sitting around the bar in the kitchen with my family.  So many peaceful and wonderful memories.

Yesterday I joked with Becky that while yesterday was “My Lucky Day” today is “My Dad’s a Jerk Day.”  (in a loving way)  The morning after I’d fallen head over heels for Becky and pursued her with everything I could muster I woke up to hearing my dad tell Becky something.  The gift opening was at my parents’ house and Becky had showed up about the time I was waking up.

“Don’t worry Becky, I already let Mike down and told him you took your beer goggles off.”  Of course there was a bunch of laughter – just not from me.  The funny thing is that with the passing of time I can’t think of that comment without smiling from ear to ear.  That was Dad being Dad.  I definitely miss some of those one liners and little (yet loving) jabs.

Along with yesterday being the 20th anniversary of asking Becky out it’s also the same anniversary of this picture with my dad.  Thanks to an awesomely thoughtful gift from my mom this picture hangs in my office today.  It is one of my all time favorite pictures of my dad and I.  We had so much fun that night, I am thankful for those memories.

With the cool fall air and the painter’s palette colored clouds in the sky I can’t think of a better way to warm my soul than those memories today.

Thanks!!!

You’ve probably noticed I have a bit of a reading problem. While I consume most while driving I also have a paper stack that seems to always grow just a smidge faster than it shrinks.

Tonight as I laid my newest beauty on top I chuckled to myself. Of the books below it I’ve got a few started that I need to wrap back around to. Will I finish them before I start digging into the new one? 🤔 Only time will tell (in about 15 minutes).

Regardless of the choice I make tonight there will be at least the same, if not more, choices tomorrow night! My stack will probably not shrink and could possibly grow by tomorrow… what’s that? There’s a new Simon Sinek book coming out in two weeks? Dang, I’d better get reading!

Thanks to everyone who’s let me borrow books, shared book recommendations, or have otherwise pointed me in the direction of a certain author.

Thanks!!!