2016 Year in Review and 2017 Goals

Here's How 2016 Started

As somewhat of an annual tradition, 2016 began with an absolutely amazing meal. I decided to stay home and cook with my Basset Hound Sweetpea. I enjoyed a Petit Filet, Lobster Tail and Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Truffle Oil. One final annual tradition: I always have a cocktail or wine from a planned travel adventure. For 2016, that was Australia. I enjoyed a Layer Cake Shiraz from South Australia which was sublime.

I poured a glass of Spanish Cava as midnight drew nigh. They say who you are with and what you do as the New Year starts will be very important to you throughout the year. I put on my Basset Hound sidekick extraordinaire Sweetpea's leash and 'allegedly' carried my glass of Cava down to the local Dog Park. Woof.

My plans are to end 2016 in a similar fashion. I will actually enjoy the same menu. This time a Chilean wine will be on the menu. My new Basset Hound and I will enjoy a midnight walk with Beethoven, LaSalle, Jackson, Kendall, Suzy Q and Sweetpea welcome to come down from the Rainbow Bridge and join us.

My 2016 Goals

I crafted a 3-5 year Life Plan a few years ago. I review my progress quarterly and update it annually. This is based on truly living life and going after what I really want in life. OK, you're probably curious as to what that is:

• I want to live and be present in a spirit of happiness - not from a point to always seeking it through things or some perceived unmet need. 
• I want acknowledgement, validation and appreciation. 
• I want to positively impact others.
• I want to minister to animals.

From the above, I defined goal dimensions, priorities and action steps.

The end result are these 2016 goals.

My 2016 Goals

How Did I Do?

M'eh, a bit disappointing due to factors largely outside of my control.  Here's some highlights.

Complete a Race on Every Continent

I raised much needed funds for Paws Chicago as a charity runner for the 11th consecutive year. I was proud of myself for doing this.

Due to financial reasons, I was not able to complete my 5th of 7 continents.

Explore the World - Spiritual Pilgrimage

Again, financial reasons curtailed my 2016 plans.

Quantitative Software Development

I've honed in on my vocational passion. I am fascinated with exploring data and seeing what it can tell you. I completed heavily quantitative coursework as follows:

• Earned Data Science certificate from The Johns Hopkins University.
• Completed 4 of 6 courses in Machine Learning from U of Washington.
• Earned Financial Technology / Future Commerce certificate from MIT.
• Earned 1364 Hackos by solving over 240 Java programming challenges on HackerRank . 

I know so much more about many things than I did at the start of 2016. Yay me.

Be a Good Dog Dad

Last, but not least - my trusty sidekick for 2016 was Sweetpea was an important aspect of my life. I wanted to really make her a priority. I am happy to say I did. We walked a few miles most every day and went to a local dog park 1-3x most every day as well. She is good company and brings so much to my life. Sadly, she went to the Rainbow Bridge in late July.

I rescued Roscoe from Belly Rubs Basset Rescue. Again, we've walked a few miles most every day. He's such a good boy and I am happy he is in my life.

My Favorite Things in 2016

Here is some highlights of my amazing year.

Best Meals

Casual and Local

Red Square is a traditional Russian and Turkish Bathhouse operating since 1906. My very good friend Tatiana took me there. She speaks the language of her people. I did the full Bathhouse experience. It was Friday when all the Slovaks were there socializing. Tatiana met me for food. Suffice it to say, we had outstanding service and the best food on the menu. It was cultural immersion extraordinaire. It truly deserves favored meal status. I rode my bike there.

Michelin Star Experience Local

The restaurant earned 2 Michelin Stars in 2016. Was there anywhere else that was worthy of my birthday celebration other than my fav neighborhood restaurant Acadia that is also next to my fav dog park? I also rode my bike there.

Casual and International

No travel.

Fine Dining International

No travel.

Best Sports Moments

Most of my sports teams have experienced life-long futility. There did not disappoint.

The Cubs Win the World Series

This arguably could be the best sports moment of my life as a fan.

The Carolina Panthers in the Super Bowl

All the Carolina Panthers did was string together a ridiculous 18 game winning streak which is 3rd longest in NFL history. They went 56 weeks between losing a game. They came up one game short of amazing.

My 2017 Goals

So what does 2016 have in store for me? My 2017 Goals look almost exactly like my 2016 Goals. I have just changed the Importance and Urgency of them.

My 2017 Personal Goals

Complete a Race on Every Continent

I am planning on running the Patagonian International Marathon for my South American race.

Quantitative Software Development

I plan to complete my Machine Learning, Probabilistic Graphical Models certifications and earn 7000 hackos in 2017. I also plan to begin using Codewars and earn 1000 kyus in 2017.

Move Daily - More Yoga, Less Running

I am going to make a higher priority of integrating yoga into my life in 2017.

Language Fluency - Spanish

I am going return to Conversational Spanish in 2017.

It's Going to Be An Amazing Year

Long story short, I intend to become more loving. I intend to become more learned. I intend to explore more of this great planet. I open my heart completely to all of these experiences.

I am going to enjoy this ride.

My 2015 Review - What a truly amazing year

Here's How 2015 Started

As somewhat of an annual tradition, 2015 began with an absolutely amazing meal featuring an Asian Continental menu from one of my most adored restaurants which also earned it's second Michelin star in 2015. Also an annual tradition: I donned a suit and favoured bow-tie. One more annual tradition: I pedaled my Dutch City Bike there despite the windchill being -5F. Another annual tradition: I felt a bit smug knowing I was not subjected to $100+ Uber fares like the rest of my dining companions. One final annual tradition: I always have a cocktail or wine from a planned travel adventure. For 2015, that was Africa. The Sommelier suggested a South African Single Malt which they happened to carry. I enjoyed a Three Ships 10 yr Single Malt from James Sedgwick which was sublime.

I biked home and poured a glass of Cava as midnight drew nigh. They say who you are with and what you do as the New Year starts will be very important to you throughout the year. I put on my Basset Hound sidekick extraordinaire Sweetpea's leash and 'allegedly' carried my glass of Cava down to the local Dog Park. Woof.

With my alma mater South Carolina already chalking up their bowl win, I enjoyed my traditional meal of Collard Greens, Black Eye Peas, Ham and Pot Likker Soup for a fortuitous 2015.

My 2015 Goals

I crafted a 3-5 year Life Plan a few years ago. I review my progress quarterly and update it annually. This is based on truly living life and going after what I really want in life. OK, you're probably curious as to what that is:

• I want to live and be present in a spirit of happiness - not from a point to always seeking it through things or some perceived unmet need. 
• I want acknowledgement, validation and appreciation. 
• I want to positively impact others.
• I want to minister to animals.

From the above, I defined goal dimensions, priorities and action steps.

The end result are these 2015 goals.

My 2015 Goals

How Did I Do?

Smashingly well. I attribute my success to taking the time for inward reflection and understanding what it really important to me. I spent my days doing such and so I spent a year of my life doing such. It truly is very fulfilling.  Here's some highlights.

Complete a Race on Every Continent

I finished all the World Major Marathons (Berlin, Boston, Chicago, London, New York and Tokyo) in 2014 so I set a goal to run a race of any distance on all 7 continents. I chose the Victoria Falls Half Marathon  for 2015. That goal scared me a bit to be honest. I had never been to Africa before. I wasn't sure where the money would be sourced. But I set the goal. The money did come. I enjoyed a very life-enriching travel adventure which I am sure will appear one day when my life plays before my eyes. I also raised much needed funds for Paws Chicago as a charity runner. I was proud of myself for doing this.

Explore the World - Spiritual Pilgrimage

In December 2014, I felt called to hike the Kumano Kodo in Japan.  Like my African goal, I wasn't sure where the money would be sourced. I set the goal. The money did come. I went in February, 2015. It was a brilliant journey of tranquil mediation and personal growth. There was also excellent cuisine and housing with the locals. I was also featured in a press conference and celebrated by the Japanese for an accomplishment.

I also discovered and felt called to hike the newly launched Cape Camino in South Africa when I was there for my race on every continent adventure. It too was an absolutely amazing experience. The South African people I encountered were absolutely amazing. The food and wine. Wow.

Quantitative Software Development

I've honed in on my vocational passion. I am fascinated with exploring data and seeing what it can tell you. I completed heavily quantitative coursework in Data Science and Machine Learning from MIT, Johns Hopkins, Stanford and U of Washington. I traveled to NYU for a weeklong intensive and heavily quantitative seminar on Advanced Risk and Portfolio Management. I know so much more about many things than I did at the start of 2015. Yay me.

Be a Good Dog Dad

Last, but not least - my trusty sidekick for 2015 was Sweetpea was an important aspect of my life. I wanted to really make her a priority. I am happy to say I did. We walked a few miles most every day and went to a local dog park 1-3x most every day as well. She is good company and brings so much to my life.

My Favorite Things in 2015

Here is some highlights of my amazing year.

Best Meals

Casual and Local

Jibek Jolu is one of the few restaurants in the country serving authentic cuisine from Kyrgyzstan in the country. This is a family owned BYOB place. They care about the food they serve. My very good friend Tatiana took me there. She speaks the language. Suffice it to say, we had outstanding service and the best food on the menu. It truly deserves favored meal status. I rode my bike there.

Michelin Star Experience Local

The restaurant earned 2 Michelin Stars in its first 10 months. Food and Wine awarded Best New Chef to Jake Bickelhaupt. Was there anywhere else that was worthy of my birthday celebration other than 42 grams? Not only a top 2015 meal but also makes my "Top 10 Meals of My Life" list. I also rode my bike there.

Casual and International

Sarashina Horii (3-11-4 Motoazabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0046 Tokyo, Japan). Masaharu Morimoto took Anthony Bourdain here during the Tokyo episode of No Reservations. Sarashina Horii first opened in 1789 with its claim to fame being its soba. It's clearly stood the test of time. Locals love it today. It did not disappoint.

Fine Dining International

Inside Zimbabwe's grandest hotel is one of the world's most distinguished restaurants: The Livingston Room which was honored as a Top 10 Hotel Restaurant in the World. It is a distinct nod to Zimbabwe's colonial days with tuxedo clad servers who know your name before you arrive. The service was impeccable and the food even better.

Best Sports Moments

Most of my sports teams have experienced life-long futility. There did not disappoint.

The Chicago Blackhawks Win the Stanley Cup

The Blackhawks were expected to be good but they entered the Stanley Cup as arguably the 5th best team in the Western Conference. They won it all. Sweetpea got to attend her 3rd Stanley Cup Parade. The Cup made it to a bar below my place. It was spectacular to be a fan.

Phenomenal Seasons by Chicago Cubs and Carolina Panthers

Honorable mention definitely goes to the Chicago Cubs who definitely exceeded expectations to make the playoffs and then beat the hated St Louis Cardinals in the NLDS. They'll be even stronger in 2016. All the Carolina Panthers did was string together a ridiculous 18 game winning streak which is 3rd longest in NFL history. They went 56 weeks between losing a game. Can't wait for the NFL Playoffs.

My 2016 Goals

So what does 2016 have in store for me? My 2016 Goals look almost exactly like my 2015 Goals. I have just changed the Importance and Urgency of them.

My 2016 Goals

Complete a Race on Every Continent

I am planning on running the Gold Coast Marathon for my Oceania race. I also plan to run the Hamburg Marathon as a Chicago Sister City Ambassador to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of my first marathon. I also am going to run the Chicago Marathon.

Quantitative Software Development

I plan to complete my Data Science and Machine Learning certifications in 2016.

Move Daily - More Yoga, Less Running

I am going to make a higher priority of integrating yoga into my life in 2016.

It's Going to Be An Amazing Year

Long story short, I intend to become more loving. I intend to become more learned. I intend to explore more of this great planet. I open my heart completely to all of these experiences.

I am going to enjoy this ride.

More American Musings - The Good, Bad And Ugly Of All Things Japanese

You Will Love the Japanese People

The Japanese, like every nationality in the world, certainly do not all conform to a unified system of behavior, thought or ideology. Regardless, here are some traits I and others before me have observed when visiting Japan.

If there were Nobel Prizes awarded to citizenry, the Japanese would have the Hospitality, Graciousness and Friendliness awards wrapped up. I encountered unbelievable kindness from the Japanese people in Tokyo and throughout the Kii Mountain Range. I will definitely cover specific personal experiences in future blog posts.

The Japanese are also largely extremely punctual which is in contrast with western standards. If you have a meeting with a Japanese friend or colleague, adjust your travel time to accommodate this. If delays are unavoidable, communicate as best as possible your anticipated arrival time even if you are just going to be 5 minutes late.

You will find a high degree of honor and honesty amongst the Japanese people. One of the things that stood out to me in this matter was the lack of bicycle locks. From Tokyo to small villages, bikes are a common mode of transport. Oddly, you won't see too many of them locked up. If there is a lock, it is a small cable that provides minimal security. This is a stark contrast to Chicago where I typically use 2-3 locks with the primary lock being highest security and the other 2 being medium to high security too.

You will find some, but not much English spoken along the Kii Mountain Range. It is advised that you learn basic Japanese travel and courtesy phrases. I used this free website. You can and should subsidize this with a quality Voice Translation app on your smartphone. The one I really like is Voice Translation by Axismobinc which is available on both Android and iPhone. I found the Japanese people are accustomed to using these to bridge the language gap.

You Will Also Love the Transportation System

The Japanese Rail system is one of the, if not the most advanced rail systems in the world. It is fast, clean and prompt to the minute. In fact, announcements are made to apologize for a delay as little as 30 seconds. The rail authority will even issue tickets of delay explanation to its users to excuse tardiness. 

It's highly recommended that you purchase a Japan Rail Pass. These must be purchased in your home country before you arrive in Japan. A 7 day pass will cost less than a roundtrip ticket from Tokyo to the Kii Mountain Range area. Most tourists purchase the regular pass. I like to spend a little extra for the Green First Class pass. The cost is very small relative to the cost of your trip and the benefits are definitely worth it.

Likewise, Tokyo has arguably the world's best subway and train system. The trains run frequently, are clean and are equally prompt. Note that the trains stop at midnight so you should plan your late night activities accordingly. You should also spring for a Suica or Pasmo card to make using the train / subway that much easier and efficient. These are not required but trust me, there are headaches and inefficiencies associated with not using them most notably that a paper ticket purchased to enter one subway line might not work to use another subway line in Tokyo. I've used the train with and without. I will never use the train without again.

There are Tokyo subway apps but the best method to navigate is Google Maps.

You Will Have to Adjust to a Largely Cash-Based Society

The Japanese banking system simply stated is not integrated with the international banking system. The Japanese people do not like using their banks either. These banks charge exhorbitantly high customer fees for almost every transaction possible. The end result is that the Japanese operate in a largely cash-based society. They can even opt to receive their company pay in cash.

This has ramifications for the westerner. Namely, ATM's are scarce. You will almost certainly have to use the ATM found in every Post Office while in the Kii Mountain Range. You can find an ATM in the Post Office, some 7-11's and some train / subway stations in Tokyo or larger cities.

You should also expect to pay cash for all your Kii Mountain Range accommodations, transportation, food and other purchases regardless of cost or quality.

Credit / Debit cards are more readily accepted in Tokyo and larger cities but you still should be prepared to pay cash for most things outside of your hotel accommodations.

It is also highly recommended to notify your banking and credit card institutions that you will be in Japan before you leave to prevent your cards from being frozen for suspicion of fraudulent activity.

You Will Be Appalled at the Public Smoking

Japan's tobacco industry is largely government owned and their smoking laws and attitudes are easily 30+ years behind the rest of the modern world. I don't think the "Smoking causes cancer" concept has caught on over there. Smoking is pervasive and you will have to actively seek out non-smoking options for dining, drinking and entertainment.

Fortunately, I did not experience troublesome smoking in the Kii Mountain Range area on my Kumano Kodo. 

You won't be so lucky in Tokyo or other larger cities. Fortunately there are options and there are smoke-free Tokyo website resources that can direct you to better bars and restaurants.

There may be hope for a smoke-free Japan. There is a strong push to host a smoke-free Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic Games.

My 2014 Review - Proud of my accomplishments and mourning my losses

Here's How 2014 Began

As 2013 ended, I was enjoying an amazing meal inspired by Parisian Life in the '20s at a Michelin starred restaurant. As 2014 began, I was at a Industry Private Party at the same Michelin starred restaurant. I was wearing a Brooks Brothers suit and a festive bow-tie. I road my Dutch bike there because I wanted to experience the city and the weather in its most raw. OK, I also wanted to be smug with all the others facing $100+ Uber fares on that night. It was snowing heavily and cold even by Chicago standards. This book Bicycle Diaries inspired me. I was with beautiful albeit unpretentious people. I was with very talented chefs. I was drinking Absinthe. That last part was a mistake, mind you. And most notably, I was alone. I rode my bike home as the sun rose. 

I spent New Years Day eating collard greens, black-eyed peas and ham while watching my South Caroline Gamecocks soundly defeat my ex-wife's Wisconsin Badgers. There wasn't a revenge theme mind you. I just like seeing my Gamecocks win.

I was in a major life transition coming into 2014. 2013 was a year that brought significant life stresses. The Holmes and Rahe Stress Score rates life events on a scale that measures the impact that stress has on your emotional and physical well-being. My stress score was "You have a high or very high risk of becoming seriously ill in the near future." as 2014 began. I experienced death, death of a marriage, job loss, new job, international moves without proper inward reflection, exploration and mourning. I had not said goodbye properly to these seriously life altering events. Without really letting these things go, you just can't open your life to exciting new things.

Note I did not become seriously ill. I like to think it is because I have fairly highly evolved stress management outlets.

My Newly Crafted Goals and Life Plan

As part of the inward reflection process, I devoted much time to really focusing on what it is I want out of life and what I need to do to attain that. The end result of that process was fairly detailed Goals and Life Plan document. Oh yes, you're probably wondering what I wanted out of life too. Well, that is fairly simple. I wanted happiness primarily. I also wanted acknowledgement, validation and appreciation. I also wanted to impact other lives and minister to animals.

I defined goal dimensions, priorities and action steps. I described my current state. I imagined my future state and how that would impact my life mission. From all that specific goals emerged. Here they are and here's how I did in 2014.

My 2014 Goals and Progress Evaluation

Wow, I Have Really Done A Great Deal

World Major Marathons

The World Major Marathons are Berlin, Boston, Chicago, London, New York and Tokyo. Having already done Boston and Chicago, I decided in 2012 that it would be a worthwhile goal to compete in the remaining. Doing so would support happiness on several dimensions; Personal Growth in Mind, Body and Soul and Health and Energy. I competed in London (2012) and Berlin (2013). I completed this goal by competing in Tokyo and New York City in 2014.

Frankly, the finish time of any of these races was very insignificant. Actually the race itself was no more than a compelling reason to travel the world. I like to experience the world by immersing with the locals and enjoying great food. I did that with gusto. Far more important though was the fact that I did these races for a cause greater than my self. I ran for Team PAWS Chicago and my efforts saved 27 animals as well as providing the immense joy that animal companionship brings to 27 people therefore bringing happiness to them too.

Language Fluency

I chose language fluency as a goal because it supported the dimension of personal growth. Language study supports the mind and opens the door to enriched travel experience and possibility of living in a foreign culture. I had very ambitious plans as 2014 started but decided to scale back at the end of Q1 2014 to focus more on Quantitative Software Development.

Explore the World

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.” ― Mark Twain, Mark Twain: The Innocents Abroad/Roughing It

I have decided to make travel a priority. It is very good for the soul and brings about much personal growth done right. In 2014, I decided that I would have one major travel adventure, one minor travel adventure and several long weekends. I traveled to Tokyo, Kyoto, Boston and NYC.

I also biked around Lake Michigan for a remarkable cause, ROW, that empowers Breast Cancer Survivors through the vehicle of a rowing team and fellowship. I felt empowered as well by experiencing the entirety of Lake Michigan all via pedal power at the speed of 15+ mph. I was scared in a good way when I started, I was equally exhilarated in a good way when I finished.

It should be strongly noted that just going somewhere to check it off a bucket list is a meaningless and empty endeavor. Everywhere I go I make it a priority to stay in an actual neighborhood, interact with locals, and eat local. I experience what makes that locale different and unique.

Lumosity Fluency

Lumosity is a "brain" cognitive training module. Scientific studies support that cognitive training is good for your mind. In fairness, some studies debunk this and claim the only thing that cognitive training does is make you better at playing the specific game. Regardless, I enjoy this and thus it supports the goal domain of personal growth. I made this a priority and did it an average of 6x per week for 2014.

Loving Relationship

I recognize that putting a time box on attracting love in your life is a fool-hardy endeavor. That said, I did seek such in 2014. I didn't find it. I suspect I was subconsciously blocking myself from intimacy and the reason for such was that I have not fully processed the loss I have experienced in this area.

Good Dog Dad

I was an awesome dog dad in 2014. I chose to be so because I strongly feel that my life's mission is to minister to animals and that they in turn are my Angelic messengers of God's infinite love. They ask for so little and in return provide unconditional love. 

Sadly, I lost my beloved Dalmatian Suzy Q at 11 yrs on the day before Thanksgiving. I held a Memorial Service for her and communicated with her via an Animal Intuitive. This greatly assisted me in processing the loss and grieving. I know she lives in my heart and we will be reunited in Heaven. Her physical presence is still missed on a daily basis.

And the Rest

The remainder of the goals are admittedly dry and a bit straightforward. They are as much means to an end as they are accomplishments. I won't bore you with the details of Conditional Value-At-Risk readings, Professional Sports Player Replacement Value models, R Programming nor my Portfolio returns. Each of these though were rewarding in that I stated that I wanted to do them and went out and made it happen.

What Will 2015 Bring?

Here's How 2015 Will Begin

I have dedicated the last day of 2014 to reflection, processing, letting go, closure, celebration and putting 2015 plans to paper or the digital equivalent. I am doing this while enjoying a glass of a favorite Spanish Cava.

I will end 2014 with another excellent meal at a Michelin starred restaurant. I chose an earlier seating because I want to ring in the New Year at home with my beloved Basset Hound Sweetpea. I can't think of anybody else with whom would rather do this.

My 2015 Goals and Focus

I am equipped with all I need for my life journey. These goals are but a means to learn, grow and love.... and then love some more from a place of self-love. They look a fair amount like my 2014 goals because those supported my life mission. There are however some important changes that are made in the name of life balance and a more authentic life.

2015 Goals - What Great Things Will Come My Way?

Changes for 2015

Funeral for a Significant Life Love

My first change for 2015 will be working on truly letting go of a deep soul connection that has stood in the way of my attracting a loving relationship. I was very recently blessed with the knowledge of the true reason for my marriage ending. I also received some additional validation on other events I somewhat suspected. All of this knowledge will greatly facilitate closure as well as really let me know what was going on with my love so that I can help her on a soul level.

As it sounds, I will have a formal bereavement. I will honor the happiness. I will let go of the bad. I will enjoy music that was meaningful. I will write a eulogy. I will give our meaningful relationship the funeral and pyre it needs.

Lastly, I will reach out and restate my forgiveness and offer the help I now know she needs from me.

Move Yes But With More Balance

I enlist several trusted counselors to review my goals and provide input on my life direction. One very powerful input was that I had always taken care of my mind through continual learning and body through athletic challenges but I was imbalanced because I neglected my heart and soul.

I am going to correct that. For every language lesson, risk management reading or quantitative software course I am going to devote an equal amount of time to meditation, prayer, and the simple act of giving Sweetpea a belly rub. For every run or bike ride I am going to attend an Astanga Vinyasa Yoga session.

Two Woofs Are Better Than One

A Basset is an Asset. Sweetpea needs a friend. She has lived her entire life with Dalmatians. We've decided she deserves a like-minded companion so we're going to rescue a Basset Hound.

A Spiritual Pilgrimage of 1000 Lifetimes

I walked the Camino de Santiago in 2012 as a Spiritual Pilgrimage. I am called to do this again. This time I will walk the only other World Heritage Pilgrimage in the World, Kumano Kodo Trek. I am excited to prepare for this on both a spiritual and physical level. Like my Camino, I am going to do this entirely on my own thus embracing the additional challenges of language and cultural barriers.

Race Around the World - Africa

I've already raced on North America, Europe and Asia. Next up on my continental challenge is Africa. I am going to race in Africa and explore South Africa. Besides running, I plan to explore the savannah reserves for wild life, swim with Great White sharks and explore, explore, explore... And rest assured I will eat well too.

Advanced Portfolio and Risk Management Bootcamp

Really deep applied math and financial engineering fascinate me. I am going to attend the premier boot camp of its kind at NYU Stern this year. The top professionals in the field will be there to present. I will absorb this information and become engrossed with the subject matter.

It's Going to Be a Great Year

Long story short, I intend to become more loving. I intend to become more learned. I intend to explore more of this great planet. I open my heart completely to all of these experiences.

I am going to enjoy this ride.