So I recently made my way over to California to enjoy a trip with my best friend and wife for 10 years (on March17) to simply relax, rejuvinate and get myself in a position to catch fresh visions for things at work.

It’s funny because 2010 has been very good for us so far and the signs are very promising that it’s only going to get better. I’m sitting here early this morning at the Ritz Carlton lounge in Laguna Nigel enjoying a Vanilla Carmel Latte and reading the Wall Street Journal (not really good) and gazing out into the pacific watching my surf brothern catch really nice clean swell coming into the beach with perfect form.

I made my way out yesterday into the water after I picked up a board from a friend (Dave) at Almond Surfboards. Dave is making some really good boards these days and is quickly on his way to really be recognized. It’s hard out here in California to be noticed as a shaper. There are so many shapers out here that you really have to do something to stand apart and Dave has the tools to do so. He’s young and talented and incredibly artistic. He has the stuff needed for lasting power. Very excited for him and honored to have picked up his board to ride out here.

It tool some courage for me. A guy that hates wearing wet suits and cold water - I got excited and felt the urge to overcome my discomfort and pulled on my wetsuit to find it was ripped across my chest (basically leaving it useless) but that didn’t stop me. I had to get out there and had to do it for a few reasons. I wanted to defeat my inner being of the fear and discomfort of diving into 55 degree water with about 100 other surfers that I have never met. I also wanted to feel the rush of joy that comes from being out in the water - something I have enjoyed for the last 19 years.

I took the plunge and enjoyed it more than I could have imagined. It’s a rough group out in the water. Most people don’t realize that there is a code of conduct out there. No talking while in the water. None. Be serious and take only what you are sure you can ride and give the right of way to the guy inside of you pushing for the same wave. All of this is good for most buy
just doesn’t cut it for me. See, I like to go against the grain on just about everything I do. Not sure why, (yes I know I have problems - yes I am
talking it out as much as I can to figure out what’s going on upstairs in my noggen). So while I was out in the water I had a great chance to watch some incredible surfers and athletes and myself catch some great waves on an incredible single fin 5′10″ shortboard. It felt great. While I was out there I decided to break the silence. I started to talk to every guy that was around mr and that paddled by me. The looks on their faces was priceless. They had no idea what to do with me. I mean, I was talking and breaking rules - and doing it with a smile and joy. It made me reflect on life. Rules of life and these pre-determined thoughts of what we should and should not do. I’m talkig basic unspoken rules that usually keep us from meeting great people and learning what life really has to offer.

I decided yesterday to break out of that and today I’m going to continue that quest - in and out of the water. ;).

I’m thankful……. I could have not dreamnt of a better life. I am richly blessed and full of joy - content but not yet satisfied. I want to push harder. Conquer more fears and push myself beyond what I feel I’m capabale of. I want to see our business grow (Theory Communication and Design) so we can in turn bless our wonderful staff more and find other opportunities and places to give and I mean give liberally.

I sit here today on a Friday morning with no real agenda other than to find a new pair of rair denim, get some
water time in, enjoy my day with my beautiful wife and see some friends. The boys have the office cranking and are taking care of business and I’m starting to get my creative juices flowing.

It’s going to be a great day - and already is for that matter. Here’s to breaking out of the mold, learning something new, meating new people, trying something different and laughing and smiling liberally.

God is good. Enjoy your day as much as I am today!