Lazy Sunday morning

Sunday morning and the dog and I are spending it with a cup of coffee and my iPad. It is absolutely one of my favorite things to do. The only thing missing is Angie, but I am glad she is in Oregon with our kids. I know their time together is important and I wish I could be there.

I have a photo of the dumb dog haning out with me, but I can't figure out how to load it on the blog. I mean, I know how to upload photos, but for some reason the site is not recognizing that it is on the device. Oh well.

The dog and I are going to head out for a 3 mile walk, it's about the only thing I can manage these days with my back being in the shape it is. I really miss the days of swim bike run! When I see someone running or cycling I definatley get a pain in my heart and wish I could get back to it.

The last four months of work have been the most dynamic of my 20 plus year career. We are integrating my company, CCE and Coca-Cola North America. I have been responsible for designing the customer teams across the US and US based global customers. It has been very difficult but very rewarding. I have learned more than I ever thought I would. Soon I should officially hear about my next role in the new organization.

Have a great week everybody and I look forward to seeing my kids and grandkids (you too Angie) this Wednesday!

Inspiration from Stephanie Hayes

For the last two years I have been living and working in Atlanta with all of my family back in Oregon. As Angie and I have worked to "figure this out" we have learned the importance of consistency, routine, timing and communication.

So far it has worked OK, but it isn't perfect and it is hard to be away from your family. Particularly true when that family begins to grow with the addition of grandchildren. Skype is a wonderful thing and I enjoy it immensely as Danielle begins to interact with the camera as if we are in the room. I can't wait until Madison does the same. But even Skype only fills one need for connection.

Now that I have an iPad, my mobility and ability to connect has gone up. I am getting better at Facebook ( I know, not that hard right?) and I really enjoy reading what is happening with my kids, Angie's sister and mother and my brother and sister's kids.

One of my favorite things about Facebook is the ability to link a URL to a post, like when Stephanie posts on her blog and then posts a link on Facebook. I really really like it when she posts a video of Danielle.

So that is where she has inspired me. I am going to do my best to keep a regular post as a way of connecting back to family and friends while I am here in Atlanta. I have learned with age that nothing is permanent and that includes my time here, but for now, I would like my kids to have a way of connecting with me in addition to the regular phone and skype calls.

So, here we go!