Gavin had a double whammy at Scouts this afternoon. As the SPL, Senior Patrol Leader, he’s the emcee for the Court of Honor, the meeting in which Scouts receive their new ranks and merit badges. This meant that he was the scout in charge and up in front of the group the entire time.

Seeing him present to a large group and do a little public speaking makes me very happy. Experiences like this really help us get past the nervousness and fear of presenting to a group, I’m glad he has the opportunity to grow like this.

It was also a lot of fun seeing him move just a little to our right to collect his Star badge. He’s put in a ton of hard work and only has a couple of ranks to go, Life and Eagle. Super proud of his progress.

There was one point in which he called Dominic up for an award, talk about an awesome moment! So proud of both of their experiences!

Thanks!!!

Gavin had a double whammy at Scouts this afternoon. As the SPL, Senior Patrol Leader, he’s the emcee for the Court of Honor, the meeting in which Scouts receive their new ranks and merit badges. This meant that he was the scout in charge and up in front of the group the entire time.

Seeing him present to a large group and do a little public speaking makes me very happy. Experiences like this really help us get past the nervousness and fear of presenting to a group, I’m glad he has the opportunity to grow like this.

It was also a lot of fun seeing him move just a little to our right to collect his Star badge. He’s put in a ton of hard work and only has a couple of ranks to go, Life and Eagle. Super proud of his progress.

There was one point in which he called Dominic up for an award, talk about an awesome moment! So proud of both of their experiences!

Thanks!!!

LOL – I remember the first time I hit a “big” number blog post I wanted to make it even more special than normal. After 2,365 times I’ve gotten over that. Each day I’m alive should be seen as it’s own milestone.

Definitely going to be short on details, I’m exhausted and ready for bed. Here’s the short version, concise, if you will.

LuLu made the trip with me up to Mom’s today and was an awesome travel companion. She let me listen to my audiobook as long as I occasionally rubbed her belly.

What a great day at Mom’s! Two walks, outside time, great food, excellent conversation, and total chill. Was so nice catching up, relaxing, and hanging out. So glad we were able to reschedule our planned time together from last weekend so quickly. I had an awesome time 😁

Over the last handful of days I’ve received updates from Dominic on his New Orleans trip for band. Hearing about his adventure has me smiling often, so glad he had the opportunity to go on this adventure!

Thanks!!!

No wonder I’m feeling exhausted as I am now laying in bed! One of my normal blogging routines is to walk through the day step by step to consider all I’m grateful for. I’m a little shocked at just how much happened since I woke up this morning. Here’s a taste of the list:

• Morning run with the smell of rain in the air
• Driving Gavin to school for a change
• Getting text updates throughout the day from Dominic on his NOLA adventure
• Presenting my upcoming talk to someone for the very first time
• Receiving thoughtful feedback and wonderful ideas from a trusted friend and advisor
• Seeing teammates continue to grow
• Taking an opportunity to tag in and help some teammates
• Seeing the stitches on the curveball as it left the pitcher’s hand
• Experiencing firsthand the benefits of making friend me before you need them
• Helping to connect friends for their mutual benefit
• Living some of the difficult moments my teammates regularly work through
• Seeing a great idea one to fruition
• Decompressing with Becky after we’ve both had ridiculously busy days
• Spending time with friends at a bar and enjoying excellent conversation
• Having the guts to order my first official mocktail
• Watching a little Seinfeld with Becky & Gavin while snuggling with LuLu
• Knocking out a few games with Gavin before bed
• Laying in bed exhausted, satisfied, and feeling a strong sense of purpose and joy

What a day it’s been!

Thanks!!!

One of my all time favorite business thought leaders is Jim Collins. I’ve read almost all of his books at least three times… except for the one I didn’t realize existed! Somehow I missed seeing this book when it originally came out which still blows my mind.

What’s been especially insightful in reading this is the way he uses this book to tie so many of the concepts from last books into The Map for growing a truly great business. Not only am I receiving new concepts and ideas, I’m getting an awesome review of so many of his past concepts. Seeing the integration of all the ideas cultivated through the last two and a half decades has been profoundly insightful!

Thanks!!!

We’re all still getting used to things be different in our home with Skywalker gone. It hits each of us at different times for different reasons. She was definitely very loved and will be missed for a long time.

This evening we’re heading up to greet Matt at the airport as he arrives back in Wausau. No big deal usually, but now it would have meant leaving LuLu home alone during the work day and again the majority of the night. Rather than leave her home alone we decided to adjust. Look who’s riding along with us tonight?

It’s going to take a while to figure out our new normal, but we’ll keep adjusting until we get there.

Thanks!!!

While I often dive into details about my gratitude tonight it doesn’t seem necessary. I’m grateful and proud of my sons, they understand that it is okay to have and show emotions. So proud of them and the way they are handling the loss of Skywalker.

I just wish there was away I could ease the pain and hurt they (& Becky) are feeling. So many memories back to losing Dad, this feeling of powerlessness is brutal. Times like this become so difficult to focus on gratitude rather than hurt.

Thanks!!!