Chapter 3 – The Age of Aquarius

When the moon is in triple O seven’s house and the sunset is as vibrant as Scarlett Lauren‘s hair, a Gal-In South sent a word to King Tim Black with Kelly J Kitchens Wickersham talent for getting the word out and Marion Castleberry and Harry B. Parker tasteful direction in delivering a message in an artistic way.  Patriotic runner Tiffany Walker Hauerwas ran the word to Patriotic Flight Chief Tracy B. Lee who flew Naomi Valkyrie McDonald to the start line so they call call it the “Flight of the Naomi Valkyrie” with Keith Kubal who wanted to make sure the course went over as many Renaissance Faires as possible.

Lauren Gatlin decided to take advantage of the in-flight wi-fi and check-in with Lindsay Roche and Britanni Johnson and tagged the word through social media.  Since Bold Blogger Rhyanna Odom was in their row she showed them how to make the most of their post.  Chelsea Lee noticed they started trending and Rob Gonzo grew concerned that might target their flight by those that have incentives to keep the word a secret so he recruited Derik Gilpin and KP Smith to help come up with a plan.

Renee Anthony Sitton gave the signal Valerie Geare Chandler to proceed.  Valerie did her electrical magic on the emergency door allowing daredevils David Dawson and Dennis Raveneau to snatch up the word and jump out of the plane.  It should have been previously noted that that David and Dennis were not experienced or even well prepared daredevils as they did not have a parachute, but seems fitting to put that after the fact because it was about this time they had realized their mistake.

Now as we all know Jennifer Middleton Taylor and Crystal Merritt are big believers in positive thinking.  They were quick to point out this is an opportunity for us all to show our stuff.  Sirs Taylor Young and Richard Dean Johnson also inspired sprung into action with extra chutes and plunged after the seemingly doomed daredevils.

Famous Actor and Sky Captain to the Rich and Famous Bart Noggle was flying at a slightly lower altitude and saw the four skydivers and knew something must be wrong, so he fired up his afterburners to get in for a closer look.  He knew that if he was chartering the flight he would have made sure they had parachutes AND jet packs.  He put his plane on auto pilot and radioed Don Selasco to guide the plane in as he jettisoned himself out with the jet pack in pursuit of the skydivers.

Alida Jones watched and prayed from her window as Aaron Collins recommended they all do the same.  Tonja Maben secured the door to restore cabin pressure and then scolded those who did not put their oxygen masks on first before helping the children. Harold Y Valerie Huertas looked unimpressed knowing the day would be saved.

Bart grabbed one daredevil in each hand and the other two pulled their chutes and they safely landed in what appeared to be a Renaissance Faire judging by the dull swords and spandex.

Ryan Shreve ran up and bowed.  “All Hail the new King!” Coy Sevier and Jeff Baldwin swiftly appeared on the scene with lights and sirens.   “Stop in name of the law!” ordered Katie Casey.  The five raised their hands above their heads.
“Are we being detained?” Asked David
“You are under arrest for possession of an anachronistic jet pack and parachutes!” Commanded Coy.
“Anything you say will be improvised against you in the name of entertainment.” said Jeff.
“And charge them with breaking the fourth wall without creative license!”  added John Victor Allen.

“I have a creative license for working in Shane-Arts for over 2 decades!” defended Bart.
“When was the last time you had it renewed?” asked Peggy Stermer McMurtray.

Bart could not answer fast enough so Silky Hart Michero and Katie-Rose Watson took great pleasure in binding the hands and feet of the five new prisoners, the the five prisoners seemed to enjoy it more than they should.

“Take em away!” ordered Jeff and Coy.

“Where do we take them?” questioned Lindsay Roche

“Away!” Yelled everyone in unison!

“Take us to your leader.” pleaded Bart

“Let’s take em to the Queen. ” concluded Amy Wood

As they headed out a crowd of women had formed and where cheering and yelling various cliches such as “Off with their heads” by Ann Sheehan and “He’s a witch” by Bettye Zoller.

As they passed through various groves the shouted cliches seemed to come from various B-movies and cult classics.  As they came over the hill they could hear the music of Chris Arterburn and see the country dancers Candeda Michelle, Christi Smith Allen, Cat Preston and Christie Gard all choreographed by the talented Courtney Mulcahy.  Although this was supposed to be Renaissance Period music the prisoners all agreed it looks like the hippies form Hair singing the Age of Aquarius.  “That is what I was going for.” affirmed Courtney.

The beat blended into a fanfare followed up by Kami Kreaps announcing the Dancing Queen Anna Bananovna!

Carrie Breckenridge, CaSandra Cossey, Andrea Benningfield Roberts, Mara Richards Bim and Kristen Elizabeth Rice Jackson each stood behind their respective prisoner and dropped them to their knees in the presence of the Queen.

“Who are you?” She demanded in her sexy Russian accent

“Your devoted servants” charmed Bart.  After all this wasn’t his first rodeo and his charmed worked as she signaled for Gabriel Morgan Vinson to release them so they could dance.  Each of the prisoners took a dance partner and danced into each others eyes until there was not a care in the world.

That was until Burt Rutherford road up with Francis Alindogan in a Jeep with a Rpj Prod sticker on it.

“We are here to rescue you!” they said.

“Does it look like we need rescuing?” answered both Bart and Anna dancing in the pale moonlight.

For this moment, all seemed right with the world.

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Chapter One – Capricorn One (point 1)

Once upon a long time ago in a land far far away, yet somehow strangely relevant to current culture and issues, there was a beautiful protagonist.  For the sake of this part of the story we shall call “our protagonist” or #OurPro for short.  She was the muse for the masses.  Among those amused masses was the infamous energy artist  Christina Adolphsson and she thought she would journey to her to see what the energy had in store for her right after the first newest moon.  

As she set out on her quest she was stopped by the Mitchell Lofts in Deep Ellum to see what appeared to be Kurt Basa doing some physical improvisation with Ashley Bell.  Impressed, #OurPro threw down a few coins in the spirit of early street theater.  “WHY ARE YOU THROWING THINGS AT US?” shreaked an over-dramatic Audra Hatchett.  “Relax” soothed the calming male voice of Halim Jabbour as he picked up a coin to show to Audra.  “It’s money!”  Gideon Swift swiftly took center stage apologizing for the over-reaction.  “She suffers from Post Dramatic Show Disorder.  A condition that affects 9 out of 10 street performers over the age of 20“.

Our protagonist (#ourpro) charmed “She doesn’t look a day over 20“.  Moved by such a convincing performance Cathy Lynn Crockett, Candy Causey Frazier and Elizabeth Riley triangulated our protagonist as Tim NewKirk offered her a role.  She replied “Oh, I wouldn’t know what to say…” only to be cut off by Stephen Adly Guirgis who quickly said “Leave that to me and I will write you the best role imaginable“.  Matt Roc Jahnel chimed in “and I will make sure you look amazing“.  Jordan Galland said “I will make you a star with street cred”, Melissa Cashion said she would manage the production and Maggie P Adams assured “And I will always have your back“. 

Feeling she was properly inspiring their talents she smiled and let them know she must be on her way.  She blew them a kiss and they bowed and said this was not a performance but an audition for Tanya Smith Foster and Michael Cain and his twin brother real Michael Cain.  She felt the Jib Arm of Bobb Truax capturing the performance on camera and Britt Carver and Jeremy R Inman lending their talents to the crew. Charlcye Christa Bryson explained while they appreciate the inspiration they could not accept her coins for merely an audition. 

The beautiful protagonist politely refused the refund and suggested they split the coins with Barb Segal Rosenfeld and C.j. Davis.  “Why them?” asked Brandon DeShong and William Hudspeth.  “There are so many worthy of your valuable coins”.  Just then several shadows began to materialize into the familiar faces of Andrews W Cope, Carol Rice and Brittney Boswell.  “Because it’s our Birthday” said Rita Bostic Oden.

#OurPro asked Rita if money was what she wished for for her Birthday wish which led to a cynical debate on whether Birthday Wishes come true between Elian Haan and Wendy Rene’e on Team YES THEY DO and Shannon Marketic and Victoria Lansey on Team WISHES ARE SENTIMENTAL SORCERY.  While they had everyone distracted with their powerful points, C.d. Kirven provided a way for our protagonist (#ourpro) to slip out without disturbing the action.  There was Mike Lowe in the getaway bug.  #OurPro slipped into the VW and off they went jamming to a mix tape made by music connoisseur Jonathan Beckham.

After a quick stop by El Centro Stem they arrived safely back in Deep Ellum at an amazing party at St. Pete’s.  Of course it was amazing because it was promoted by Cynthia Long and Lisa Taylor.  Meredith Fugate toasted their arrival and went off on some inside jokes about Batman being a sex camel.  Kathi Kibbel explained some stuff about how batman camels can store their sex drive in their humps because “Science!”  Kathy Brintzenhofe was still mortified at the explanation.  Brittany Paige did an installation of Tree Art with some help from Asel Art Supply and Lc Cola was serving some drinks.  Zac Ramsey, Jakie Cabe, Daniel Forsythe, Peyton Hayslip and Thomas Surtees McWhorter are performing scenes from their latest project with Dan Nolen Jr and Christie Vela, while Christopher Carlos took notes.  Denise Cannizzo was dancing and Kirsten Brandt James was working her magic with Dream Venturini. Special musical guests Josh McGill, Michael James are keeping everybody moving while Justin Martin makes it all sound perfect.

Thom Pain was quick to point out this was HIS Birthday and not to be confused with the 1/2 Birthday of Tim Shane which was a trending topic amongst the guests.  Mary Ann Sherman was taking photos while promoting the Say NO to SELFIE movement.  The event was catered by Richard Chamberlain although host Steven Doyle told her all about the food and what was best on the menu while Suzanne Chavira told her what was best for her health from a super food perspective.  Dustin Hodge saved them a seat right next to the famous George Elwell.

Seated at the table was Alexandra Mauro and Dee Dogger quite enthralled in the festivities.  Our protagonist (#ourpro) took a moment to take it all in and listen to all the music as well as all of the simultaneous conversations.  She eavesdropped on Jim Kuenzer talking with Dan Glaser about the random improvisation auditions that seem to be popping up everywhere while Evelyn Jones Reed was talking about the nomadic writers wandering the world.  CC Stinson was listening intently to Emily Cheek, Jessica Roberts, Jane Willingham and Dallas Black Actors rant about the State of the Arts in North Texas.  Lori Claborn was talking about how the clothes make the man to John Wayne Daugherty and Kyle Hancock while Paige Martin Reynolds asked the question of who makes the clothes.

Colleen Coyle was talking about the weather and Mark Shum was wondering “Whether what?”  Wesley Williams was leading an online blog about how to network while waiting in line for the restroom at parties with Nina Harp, Lisa Mendoza, Dawn Glover and Harriet Boorhem.  Alix Milne was working the other line explaining to Lynn Hale, Carole Anne and Georgia-Marshelle Phillips Viertel why amphibious theater is so important to Water, Earth and Air signs.  Regina Cross was also networking their networking into power networking.   Jennifer Patton and Jennifer Styers are playing a game of one-upmanship for who is the better Jennifer.

There was a clanking of drinking glasses that was not at all like the breaking of reading glasses or the gnashing of teeth, but a sound that brought the music, performances and  Gutterth Live to a smooth stop.  The super smooth host Wilbur Penn was on the microphone with Heather Shaw Young to give a powerful and moving introduction to legendary theater teacher Kim Stinson.  As Mr. Stinson took the microphone a miracle happened.  It might very well be the greatest standing ovation of applause ever.  You know how you have to clap if you want a fairy like Tinkerbell to live?  Well this applause gave birth to an entire fleet of faeries. (or fairies if you prefer).

As you might imagine, some people freaked out and some where in awe.  This was all part of #OurPro’s plan.  Just as Santa has to deliver all those gifts on Christmas day, this muse could use some help in granting all those Birthday Wishes.  There was at least one fairy for every guest.  Some such as Tambry Haagen, Katy Lane and Suzanne Harper had a plethora.
Beth Jenkins explained what a plethora is for those that did not Google it.

Some guests such as Rosa Vasquez wished for everyone to experience joy while others such as Christopher Zielke wished for more wishes.  Andi Schlict and Nancy Kay Grossman kept their wishes to themselves as not to jinx them.  Tina Ng wished to keep her fairy as a companion.  Chad R Jung thought they were gremlins and kept shining bright light on them and Carolyn Lindeman was attempting to shoot them with a water pistol.  Some wished to have the lovely life of Lynne Lowder or see the wonderful world of Winona Wenying Yu.  Wanda Muston Yauch and Nancy Lamb asked to save their wishes for later.

Three of the fairies, Kimberly Powell, Jody Rudman and Molly Davis Nedley conspired in the corner to form the Cool Capricorn Club.  However by the power of three they were able to open a portal to the Sassy Sagittarius Supper from the previous year and bring 3 fairies from the past to the party.  Katherine Bower, Nevada Nicole and Janna Zepp crossed over and joined Kim, Jody and Molly to form the Wish Squad.  This will be important later for the prophecy which Karen Bower Robinson warned everyone of.  There will be a test.

Chris Widomski and David Willingham started the music again and the party began to pick back up and everyone was granted their wishes including Marisa Diotalevi made her debut.

It is important for you to understand where everybody is, who they are and what they want.  This will all come into play at some point.  As #OurPro was preparing to continue her journey, she did the rounds at the party to let people know she was leaving and make sure nobody was left out.  Molly Moroney said she had no idea that these parties were so much fun but Heath Billups assured her they are and she should always come when invited.

It did get a bit confusing when some guests such as Caroline Whitton Yellott and  Tanasha Friar cloned themselves into Carolines’s Country Living and Tanasha Nicole.  However this way they were able to thank everyone for coming.  Angela Allen helped #OurPro to the spotlight and Nancy Smith Munger got her a microphone.

“Happy Birthday!” wished #ourpro most sincerely as she mysteriously made her exit.  “How does she doe that?” asked Martha Russell Tiller.  “Where is she?” asked David DeRocha.  “Who is she?” questioned Chad Halbrook.

I have a feeling this is just the beginning said Genesis Alana.

An EPIC Mardi Gras Trip from 20+ years ago

Long long ago, before blogs and social media, I used to write tales of my travels in my journal.  This epic tale was written in pencil in my journal….

An EPIC Mardi Gras Trip from 20+ years ago

It’s almost time to leave
and I am ready to go.
Jamie and I are going to eat
As Tonya and Crystal wait for us to show

Tonya is now part of the crew
And we’re all ready to fly
Now all we have to do
Is pick up and say BYE….
to DALLAS!!!

Now the roads are dark
and we’re on our way
We’re talking about the Faire
and everything is okay

I sing some songs by Harry
As we drive through Cork and Bottle
The dark roads are scarey
So lets lay back and increase throttle

Alexandria is next on the map
Without a gas station for miles
I give the fuel gauge a tap
And away go our smiles
BUT WAIT, hope is in sight
There is a Texaco sign
F*CK, It’s CLOSED for the NIGHT!
So on a King Cake we dine.

Cars stop, then go on their way
I develop a PLAN
And then call Triple A
Now we’re on the road again.  

Hours later my tired eyes
Look down the infinite bridge
To see a happy sunrise

Driving in my sleep
In desperate need for a Bed
We stop at a rest area
DAMMIT, My CARE IS DEAD!

After a jump we continue 
Finally we’re in Baton Rouge
At last we’re in the hotel
And I begin to snooze.

Once again the car won’t start
So we go downtown to Western Auto
Of all the town this is the worst part
So we fix the car and go
back to the hotel, then on to Mardi Gras
With the T-tops off we sit still
In the biggest traffic jam I ever saw.

We find a place to park the car
And roam into the French Quarter
Every place seems to have a bar
And all the actions seems a blur

Pushing, Shoving, Making our way through
Holding hands, getting beads, watching parades,
Drinking, eating, drinking, so much to do
Taking pictures, finding restrooms as the day fades
Jenny and Greg are selling hats
And Jamie finally finds her drum
I eat oysters, which are aphrodisiacs

Drink some hurricanes and have some fun
We miss Jenny and stroll down Bourbon Street
Trying to hold hands of three women 
Who all these horny guys would like to… meet

I’ve perfected a “Go to hell” look to each of them
Oh Look, some boobs and a chain of bras
And there’s some legs swinging out a window
The wildest crowd has to be Mardi Gras’

Feeling kinda funny, it’s time to go. 
Covered with beads we find the car
Lock the doors and we’re on our way
Get some gas cause the drive is far
Can I have directions to the highway
I’m so tired and exhausted I feel high
I hear a sound as I increase speed
And OFF pops the T-Top into the sky
I stop the car to repair the deed
And rescue the T-Top from certain death  

Its not cracked, just scratched all to hell.
So I run back to the car to catch my breath
Maybe I don’t feel so well.

Jamie is sick, but wants to drive
So I pull over to give her control
This is probably best to make it home alive
So its off to dream land I go

I soon awaken by Jamie getting a DWI test
We have been pulled over by an A-hole
He tells Jamie she is under arrest
She tells him whats up and on we go.

We make it back to the hotel
The trip here makes me want to scream
But Jamie is lying beside me
She touches me and I begin to dream. 

OH NO!  What time is it?
It’s late and we’ve got to go
The weather is for shit
And the traffic is so very slow.

We are now in New Orleans after noon
They want to park my car in mid-air.
We have to get to the Hard Rock soon
If we can find our way there

Walking around, waiting to be seated
Shopping, looking, there’s 3 girls kissing
The Nachos are bad, and more are needed.
The Hard Rock waiter is dissing

Jamie and Tonya disappeare to a restroom
I worry as I sip my hurricane
Finally they return from certain doom
Now to continue the ADVENTURES OF TIM SHANE!

Down to Barracks Street to get a drum for Jamie,
Then back to Jennys Apartment.
Can’t wait for Bacchus! Can you blame me?
We get there early to get a good seat of cement.

It seems like we’re waiting forever
Tonya climbs a tree and Jamie hugs me
The size of this Fosters Beer is Clever 
Jamie is up on my shoulders to see

I share the rest of my beer
As the parade finally starts
The Bacchus Float is here
Harry Connick Jr, Ooh that SMARTS
Oh My GOD I begin to yell HARRY!
He throws his coins and beads
He turns around to see me
And points to me to answer my pleads
Then, in his own jazzy way
The throws me a handful of coins
Jamie and I follow him for a way
Seeing girls hunger from their loins
Then by a miracle of chance
He points me out once again
And we do a little “Tim Dance”
Snapping pictures like crazy
My camera stops working
Trying not to let this phase me
I beat the living sh*t out of this damn piece of non-working good for nothing cheap crap….

ANYWAY
Jamie and I rejoin the group
And we make a human totem pole
It’s amazing how low people stoop
to get beads people earned or stole

Jumping, leaping, Grabbing
PUSHING, pulling, Tugging
Laughing, pouting, anything for BEADS!

Several hours later, its finally over
But it seemed to go by so fast
Suddenly I’m exhausted and sober
I’m starving, is it time for breakfast?

We go to a local bar called Deja VU
I am rich with pounds of beads 
Everyone is drinking and smoking too
Clear us a table for WE HAVE NEEDS.

Jamie and Tonya go to the restroom alot
The things I am learning on this trip…
I sit and count all the coins I got
Some Jagermeister guy gives me a sip
Before I know it there’s a test tube in my throat
The shot shoots down my throat, tastes like Nyquil
By now I’m so high on life I feel like I can float
But the guy standing behind me looks like he’ll be ill
Watching him closely for he is going to spew
We all decide it’s time to leave
Some guy seems to like me so I do what guys do
And learn women aren’t the only one objectified for beads

We hit the streets with Jenny leading the way
I am really concerned for Jamies well being
For she hasnt’ felt good most of the day
What a wonderful time partying and sight-seeing.

Now we are back at Jenny’s at last.
Jamie lies down at Jen’s place
I join the others on the balcony with my mask
I’m covered with beads with feathers on my face

Tonya yells to some guy down below
“Throw me your tits and I’ll show you my beads”
Jamie tells us its time to go
Bless her, for she had to sneeze.  

We pack up her drum and my jester head
And set out on our weary quest 
Everyone feels like their dead
As we keep stopping to rest.

Walking down dark alleys we don’t want to
Looking for “Dixie Parking” on Gravier
Making our way out of this human zoo
Trying our best to get there.

AT LAST the Firebird is in sight
We load up and get ready to leave
It starts up and everything seems alright
But my car has been known to deceive.  

In the car we turn and burn
As we say GOODBYE to New Orleans
I know in my heart I will soon return
Whether I drive this car or by other means.

Before I know it we are driving in hell
As the party land fades in the distance
The smoke blinds us in this flaming cell
The heat wearing down our resistance.

It is all over and now the road is clear
Once again we feel the cool night
We’re on our way out of here
Oh NO ! We are losing our sight!
It’s almost too dark to steer.
Just when I thought it’d be alright
The damn alternator goes out
We stop for gas at this little store
I get out to pay, but I want to shout
Please don’t let anything go wrong anymore.

This new battery has alot of kick.
It starts the car with still miles to go.
I keep jumper cables and my stick
Very handy for what comes next I don’t know.

As we get closer, the lights go dim
Jamie, Tonya and Crystal have to be thinking
This Firebird just doesn’t like Tim
For if this was a boat we’d surely be sinking.
All the power of the car is gone
Flying in the dark, blind as a bat
The warning light is still the only thing on
We coast to the hotel and that is the end of THAT.  

 

 

It is now morning on our last day
I call home for some helpful advice
My last hope is to call Triple A
Buying a new alternator would be nice. 

We pack the car and check out
The battery is fully charged
We eat and then without a doubt
Hit the road while it’s still light.
Everything is fine until sunset
We get gas, then drive into the night.
It seems impossible but dont’ fret
I’ve done this before, and this is bad.

I turn on my lights as the power drains
People flash me as if I’m ad
The the stress drives me insane
The battery is dead and the car has no oil
We place ourselves in traffic to see the road
The car starts smoking as water starts to boil
We pass cops on our way to my abode
But none of them help me now
Terrell, Mesquite and finally Garland
We’ve made it, not really sure how.  

My dad comes out to give me a hand
The Firebird has had enough
And I get Jamie, Tonya and Crystal home 
The trip was tough
But now I drive safely home.

It was some of the best times
and one of the toughest struggles
and I apologize for these cheesy rhymes.  

Who Am I?

Last week I was in some leadership training when I was introduced to this riddle poem.  I found it to be very moving, intropsective and inspirational  I tried to find the original source as there seems to be a few, but there was something meditative about blogging it.  I encourage you to do the same.  

 
That is an answer I gave about a week ago.  I really do not like limits.  Keep reading… Okay, here it is…

 

WHO AM I?

I am your greatest helper or heaviest burden.

I am your constant companion. I am your greatest helper or heaviest burden.

I will push you onward or drag you down to failure. I am completely at your command.

Half of the things you do, you might just as well turn over to me, and I will be able to do them quickly and correctly.

 

I am easily managed – you must merely be firm with me.

Show me exactly how you want something done, and after a few lessons, I will do it automatically.

I am the servant of all great people; and alas, of all failures as well.

Those who are great, I have made great.

Those who fail, I have made failures.

 

I am not a machine, though I work with all the precision of a machine plus the intelligence of a human.

You may run me for a profit or run me for ruin – It makes no difference to me.

 

Take me, train me, be firm with me, and I will place the world at your feet.

Be easy with me, without clear intent, and I could destroy you.

 

Who am I?

 

I AM HABIT!

Goals and Resolutions for 2014

The years in which I wrote my goals and resolutions in journals were indeed some of the most productive years of my life.  Last year I came into the 21st century by blogging and met and exceeded every personal goal (except 1 in the physical fitness category and I have to admit that goal was a dangerous stretch).  So here we are with a new set of goals and resolutions for 2014.

Lets get Physical- My major fitness goal is to earn the SPARTAN RACE TRIFECTA!  This was my goal last year and it was not achieved yet.  However with all things that I do not master immediately I learned and adjusted for 2014.  It’s not just the physical agility and ability, nor about the mental strategy, but I failed to consider the logistics department.  I really wanted to do Seattle and Vegas but those are tricky to pull off between training, travel, companions, etc.  It was fun to do the Spartan Sprint down in Burnet where I had some help in the logistics planning.  To earn the Trifecta they must all be complete within the same calendar year.  I will not fail this year.  I will make each a destination and have multiple backup plans.  Of all the super fit, flexible and fantastic people I know, only one person my age range that has completed this goal.

Now I am proud of the fact that I maintained my weight loss and maintained a pretty healthy lifestyle all on my own.  2014 goal is to drop 20 lbs to be in the opTIMum range for my height and frame then rebuild with lean toned muscle.  I’ve renewed my membership at 24 Hour Fitness and plan to continue to workout outside whenever possible and maintain the Daniel Craig lifestyle and less James Bond (totally nailed the drinking and the stress aspect of the character, now I just need the Abs).  

 My professional career goal last year was “I will continue to grow in my current position increasing my productivity by at least 20%, averaging in the top 10 of my team and hopefully and making a place for myself on the national stage.”  I remember thinking that was a stretch but overshot this goal in a ridiculous fashion.  By March I had the #1 guy running scared and surpassed him by May.  By July I was a candidate for the position of VP over one of the largest BBB’s and by the end of the year I am a Vice President over multiple regions with a team under me that does more in 1 week than I anticipated doing in 1 month when I set my 2013 goals.  So where to begin for 2014?  I have a financial stretch goal that I will not post to the public, but once that goal is achieved I will form a foundation to philanthropically continue my support for the arts as well as assist my associates in the direction of financial independence.  I would now like the top 3 spots to consist of my team members in addition to myself.  With the arts and philanthropic side of my career I hope to launch a new era as “Shane-Arts” enters its third decade and reward you all for your support for the previous two.   

Spirituality was another area of extreme growth perhaps as a result of a significant amount of meditative “alone time”.  In 2014 I will continue to live in the present moment and begin and end each day with mindfulness.

Fun – They say the difference between men and boys is the size of their toys and I plan to travel by Rover, Bike and as I fully restore my very first car the Triumph TR6 to enjoy a lifestyle envious of James Bond or Batman.  

To recap

1.) Spartan Race Trifecta 2014
2.) Ideal weight and fitness for my height and frame
3.) Lead the best team in North America
4.) Launch my new artistic ventures
5.) Become a Jedi Master equivilant of being a Mindful and Peaceful Warrior.