My trip to Arkansas (or Mecca)...

So, I participated with the security detail for the Board of Director's meeting for WM. My job for most of the week was anti-climatic. The team I helped was the Executive Protection Support Team. Executive Protection handles personal security for Executives and Board Members. The Support team helps them, primarily with drivers. So, their were 6 drivers and 2 command post workers. The command post was set up in the hotel where the Board members stayed and was the base of operations. I was one of the two that manned the command post. Since I was the FNG (military will get this immediately), I was the one watching it over nights. 6pm to 6am. I know, sucks. Although, I had to have been the highest paid night watchman in the entire country that week. Our job was to help coordinate the drivers movements and document them. We were also responsible for manning the IP phone system set up in the hotel for the members. Plus, all the little things that needed to be done. Not too bad if you worked during the days. Absolutely boring if you work at night. And for someone like me who likes to be on the move when I am at work, it was killing me.

On the up side, I did get to meet a lot of people and most of the board members, to include Sam's son and current Chairman. He was exactly as I expected. Not very flashy, very personable and very intelligent. I have worked for the company now for 13 years and this was the first time I have met a member of the "family". It was a great experience for that alone.

I was also able to attend the Shareholder's meeting (more like a concert mixed with the occasional meeting items) on Friday. I was attached to the security detail that escorted the Board Members in and out of the arena. They had great seats (in front of the stage to the right) and I was able to sit behind them during the meeting. Probably the best seat I will ever get at the meeting. Unless, of course, I ever land an executive job...might happen...just saying.

So, in between pesky business stuff...we had several performances. Ben Stiller was the host. He was extremely funny (his first joke was "man, you guys get up early (meeting started at 7am)...Target is still a sleep". That got a great response from the crowd) and I think he was really excited to be there. I don't think he has ever experienced something like that before. In between his on stage parts he would come down to the tunnel right next to where I was sitting. He was taking pictures of Miley's and Smokey's performances. He is also a fairly short dude. I saw Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley (for you who don't know they are members of the band called Kiss). Apparently, they are serious share holders. Gene, is NOT a small dude. Actually, he is a VERY tall man. To the performances...First was some Latin singer. She sounded OK, but she was smoking hot. The Latin American Associates really enjoyed her performance, especially the new associates from Chile. Close seats paid off here. Then Kris Allen (American Idol winner) performed. Good, little guy. Then Miley Cyrus performed. Close seats paid off again. She is entirely to hot to be only 16. I actually feel ashamed for even saying that. She was very good, however. Then Michael Jordan made an appearance. And the final act was Smokey Robinson. Not really my thing, but was good. His last song was a duet with Kris Allen. Which is what set up my claim to fame, which is I about "took out" the American Idol winner. Yes, sadly it is true.

My assignment after the meeting was to trail the board members who were being escorted through backstage to a back door that takes them directly to their bus. I was also charged with carrying the Sr Liaison to the Board's (Mike) bag. Big and heavy. I was some distance behind the board members trying to catch up. When out of nowhere one of Smokey Robinson's band members cut across straight in front of me. In my effort to dodge him and step out of his way, my right shoulder and the very heavy bag hits Kris Allen. Now Kris is a little guy. This moved him and I don't mean in an emotional way. The ironic part was Kris immediately apologized to me. Why I have no idea, because it was clearly my fault. I immediately told him "No, no...it was my fault...I apologize." I think he is really a nice guy. We'll see how long that lasts in show business. I kind of wished I had run into Miley. I would have asked for her autograph for Abby.

I can't help but think I have wasted my claim to fame. Oh well....

All in all, it was a good experience. However, I will not be doing it again. It put me way to far behind in my real job and I am way to high of a pay band to be doing that job. The company could have saved money by having a store APA or equivalent do that job. Apparently, my boss agreed because he told me this week not to do that assignment anymore. I was happy because it gave me an "out".

Well, until the next post, which will probably be June 25. That is my official anniversary. I will have been in Texas for a year and will be an Official Texan...Long live the Republic... lol.

That's funny...I don't care who you are.....

Happy anniversary.....Blog!

I am a little nostalgic!  As of the 21st, this blog is now a year old.  I will have been in Texas in a month.  It is amazing how quickly a year goes.  As you all know, prior to this move I had some rough times.  I will probably (based on how life goes) will have more rough times to come.  But I am thankful for a GREAT family and GREAT friends (both new and long lasting).

I guess, I just wanted to say thanks to all of you who have supported me and love me.  I love you all very much.

Hopefully this next year will be even better and you will all hear about it in my "electronic" diary.

Take care, Mark...

Las Vegas trip......

Here are some random pictures from my Vegas trip.  Fun was had by all.

Love this picture of the Paris Casino...

Mike doing his best Vito Corleone impression from the original Godfather movie.  Funny...

Everyone enjoying GREAT Mojito's and Fuente House cigars at the Casa Fuente Cigar bar inside the Ceaser's Forum Shops.  Have absolutely no idea where Kim is....and before you say it, she is not the one behind the camera.  That was the hot, barely clothed Casa Fuente Waitress....:)

First night at Margaritaville in the Flamingo and, appropriately, we were all drinking Margaritas....well, except Scott.  Lori was still in transit at this point...

I really enjoyed my trip and it was great to see everyone...until next time.

Casa Fuente...

A fine Corona (house), a peach mojito and a barely clothed hot
waitress...love Vegas!

Vegas baby...

Well, I'm on my way to Sin City and already had two "hickups"! First,
I got Taco to the pet hotel too late to drop him off. Thankfully Benny
was there! Crisis diverted!

Second, I decided to get to the airport early to see if I could get an
upgrade. I can't because I purchased the cheapest ticket on the
planet! I might have been able to if I was a Gold Advantage member,
but I just barely missed that qualification last year! I am a third
the way there this year so far!!! Maybe next year. I digress...it was
a good thing I did get here early because they changed my gate ( and
terminal, for that matter)!

All good now and I'm ready for Vegas!

I did get word, I will be working for Special Services on the Board of
Director's Meeting! The third quarter meeting was suppose to be in
Rio, Brazil, but it was cancelled. :(. Apparently, the company didn't
want to in the current economic climate. So, I will have to wait for
next years meetings for an overseas visit!

Well, gotta go..........

I am the "TOKEN" white guy.....

I bet you are dying to know what this post is about....

I feel the need to do a little explaining first... So we all live in a
world with racism and with that a need for Diversity Inclusion.
Which, of course, means employers must focus on hiring a diverse work
force. Now, in a perfect world it wouldn't matter what your race,
creed or color is...you would be hired on your ability and the rest
wouldn't matter (great concept...right?). Unfortunately and obviously,
this isn't a perfect world and racism does still exist. Which is why
we have- and need - Diversity Inclusion. Which is what my friend,
Meriel, does for work. Which might be how we got on this topic to
begin with....

So, we (and by we, I mean Antz, Meriel, Rebecca and myself) were
having our weekly "noodles" night (at a vietnamese resturant called I
Love Pho next to my apartment...btw, I am really bummed about missing
that the next two weeks) and discussed our ethnic descents. Now
Meriel is of Asian descent. Rebecca is half white and half Hispanic
descent. Anthony is of Asian descent...actually after listening to
his family tree he is of "everything" descent! To include a full
fledge Italian. Me, however...well I am as much of a white boy as a
white boy can be a white boy (I don't care who you are...that was
funny).

So, at the conclusion of our conversation last night...Rebecca
declared me the "token" white guy of our little friend group. In true
Diversity fashion.

So, now, in line with the many coloful adjectives I answer to...I will
also answer to "token white guy"......

Going ons......

Well, let me start with the history making event that took place last night with the Columbus Blue Jackets making the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. And to all you Blue Jackets fans...you're welcome. Because (obviously) it took me moving out of state and about 1000 miles away for them to accomplish this task (oh, and FINALLY firing Doug McClain had something to do with it as well). To top it off, it took a defenseman who never participated in an overtime shootout to sink the game winner. That is truly in Blue Jacket's style....

Things are going really well for me here both personally and professionally. I have been hanging out with Antz, Meriel and Rebecca on a pretty regular basis. We enjoy going out to see one of Meriel's friends band. They are really good. Then we usually come back to my apartment to play Guitar Hero. Because, as you may or may not know, Guitar Hero is for those of us who wish we were Rock Stars, but don't actually have talent to play real instruments....

The three of us are planning a trip to San Antonio in May. We are going to stay near the river walk, go to Sea World and visit the Alamo. It should be a fun trip. I'll have blog updates and pictures for it.

I am going to be really busy the next several weeks….
First, Curt is coming into town on Friday night and staying the weekend. I am planning on taking him for a tour of our Hooteresk (yes, just made that up) type restaurants. If all goes right, we should be able to eat 5 different times at 5 different restaurants all with scantily clad women servers/bartenders. God bless Dallas...

Second, on Monday morning when I take him to the airport, I will also be boarding a plane as well. I am traveling to Lake Mary, Florida again, but this time I plan on filling my open supervisor position. The personnel manager at that location has already pre-screened the 13 candidates and has narrowed the field for me (bless her). I hope I find what I am looking for. I will be traveling back home to Big D of Friday. As soon as I land I have to travel to my Carrollton facility to meet with a contractor who is giving us a bid on a new access system. Then I can collect Taco and go home and crash…

Third, I am going with Antz, Meriel and Rebecca to what is called the Scarborough Festival (which is basically a Renaissance Fair) on the Saturday after I get back. Then I have on day to relax (Sunday) because…

Forth, I am traveling to Arkansas on Monday to meet with the AP Team to accomplish some rather large projects we have been working on. I’ll be driving this time (bummer) and will be there until Thursday. I then have that Friday and Saturday to relax because…

Fifth, I will be boarding a flight to Las Vegas on Sunday morning for a well deserved and earned vacation. I will get to see a few of you and help Mike celebrate him slipping into Old Age….Also, I have every intention of visiting Case De Fuente to buy/smoke some fine cigars, partake in some really good Mojito’s and get my picture taken with the scantily clad Fuente Girls. Good bless Vegas….

So that is my April and will be “slightly” busy… Take care, Mark.

Oh, I just found out I may be working for EP (Executive Protection) for when the Board of Director’s meet for their board meetings. I would be working in the command post essentially “dispatching” the board member’s drivers when they need ground transportation. My boss has to approve it. This would be a really cool job and I would get to do it 4 times a year. Plus, it would give me great company contacts…..

Rock Star.....

OK, I know you all were desperately waiting to see me in my first Rock Star performance on Lead Guitar...

Enjoy....


Warning up...

High point of the song and RIGHT after her high kick...just funny.

Guitar solo...

Our drummer...

And the Lead Singer....

Just too fun. Like I said...Alcohol, friends and video games. Right up my alley....

Update.........

Well, I have been very busy, but very much enjoying myself. Not even sure where to start...I guess I will start with the newest news which comes from work.

I found out today that I won the Health and Wellness Division Asset Protection Manager of the Year for 2008. This is the same award that I won last year (I'm starting to feel like the Steelers with back-to-back accomplishments). I have to be honest, I was kind of expecting the award last year, but was not this year. So, this was a real surprise for me and I am a little "high on my horse" right now. It always feels great to be recognized for your accomplishments, especially when you work so hard and aren't sure you are making a difference. I finally feel like I am doing a job and a role that I was meant for. I only wish I had taken this step earlier in my career. But, hindsight is always 20/20.

I will be traveling to Lake Mary, FL next week for 3 days (March 4-6). I have to complete the Asset Protection Review for that facility and address a few problems that have come up. There is a real chance that one person in particular there will be exploring their employment opportunities based on my findings. It is never fun to term someone, but it is far easier when they are dishonest or unethical.

My personal life has been going very well. I have been hanging out with the oriental couple (Anthony and Meriel) that I met at the Cigar Shop. They invited me (and I went) to a Wii (Nintendo Gaming System) party. It was a BLAST... Basically, a bunch of people get together, drink, eat and play video games. Now tell me...Is that not right up my alley.... We played Mario Cart, Bowling and (my favorite) Rock Band. For you who don't know, Rock Band is a game where you can either sing, play guitar (and yes the controller for this looks and functions like a real guitar without the strings) or play drums. We had the most fun that night when we played this game. I was the Lead Guitar (of course), Anthony played the Bass Guitar, Meriel played drums (and she is really good at it) and Meriel's friend (who I might add is Asian, 30's, hot and single :) ) played as Lead Singer. Now, she can't actually sing but she was drunk. This, of course, allowed her to think she could and not know the difference. She got all into it...even high kicking her leg during our weak interpretation of Bon Jovi's Living on a Prayer. Actually we all got into it way too much. You would have thought we were actually on stage performing...well, except for all the other people in the room laughing. It truly was the most fun I have had in one night for a while. Also, the party was at the apartment of a guy who works with Meriel at JCPennies. The apartment building was downtown (and I mean DOWNTOWN). He has his own parking garage under the building that is gate and fence controlled. He lives on the 17th floor and has an impressive view of downtown and their salt water pool. It was a VERY metro-urban apartment and it was VERY nice.

My diet has gone really well...although I miss hamburgers. When I decided to start I was back to 213 lbs. which is about 20-25 lbs to much for me. I am currently playing around 195-198. My goal was to get to 185-189, so I have 10 more pounds. After I get there, I then want to add 10 lbs of lean muscle. Now, since I am inherently lazy this will be difficult for me. But, I think I have found a solution. This Saturday, I am going with Anthony and Meriel to rock climb. Ahhh, indoors.... There is a facility here that caters to indoor rock climbing. Nothing else. This works well with my plans as I want to focus on upper body strength. And it is fun. If I like it (which I think I will), I plan to go every week. We will see.

Also I have been hanging with a new friend named Jaxie (it is short for Jacqueline). We watched the scariest movie I have seen in a while last night. I think it was called something like Quarantine. It was shot like the Blair Witch Project...first person camera. Creepy. Jax has only lived here for a few months. She is also deaf. Well, mostly deaf. She lost her hearing when she was young. She can speak and I can understand her 95% of the time the first time around. She is REALLY good with reading lips, which is good because I suck at signing. It's kind of cool when we are in the car, I have to keep the map light on and tilt my head a little to the right so she can see and read my lips. That's the only way we can have a conversation in the car. And for all of you who are wondering, we are only friends...at this point. :)

I also have been chatting with my neighbor (who owns the Pet Hotel and has a pack of dogs) Amy as much as humanly possible :). Very nice girl and is really interesting to chat with.

Well, I have rambled enough…Miss you all and love you all. Take Care, Mark.

Update...

Well, things are going well. I took Taco to the vet on Wednesday. I had them do the K9 dental cleaning. As you know, they put them asleep for this. Daddy was REALLY worried all day. But, like the Trooper he is...he did just fine. Apparently, he was already missing 4 teeth. I guess that isn't unusual for small dogs to not get all their teeth. He did, however, have to get a tooth pulled on the top back left. I have to give him antibiotics for 10 days. Thank God it is in liquid form. He was a little lethargic on Friday so I went back to get some pain meds. Poor little guy... He is doing great today.

Just trying to relax today. I went out with Taylor last night to Sneaky Pete's to see that cover band. It really is amazing how good the are. They cover everything from CCR to Michael Jackson. And all VERY well sung. They pull a very diverse crowd...19 to 70 plus. Great time.

I'm going over to the Smoke shop. Anthony will be there, but his GF is in CA. Her uncle is in the hospital. I hope he is doing well, say a prayer for him. I think we might play a little Playstation tonight. We will see.

Work has been great, but very busy. I have another large theft case. It has required some '' stake out'' surveillance...I'm such like a secret agent...lol. Having a blast with it...

I would tell you all how ridiculously nice the weather is today, but nobody in the north (you yankies...) would find it amusing ...lol.

Miss and love you all...

Pictures...

As promised...pictures of the new apartment...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/91874780@N00/sets/72157613242156914/

Also, please enjoy these pictures of Jerry Jones' Monument to the football gods. They are suppose to have the 2011 Super Bowl there...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/91874780@N00/sets/72157613207137135/

Later...

Random Thoughts...Sorry in advance

This is the email I sent to everyone today about my address change without, of course, my address. If I missed anyone...I am sorry. Send me an email and I will send you my address....

For those of you who read my blog, I moved this weekend. I stayed in the same apartment community, but have gotten rid of enough crap to downsize to a one bedroom apartment. Ironically, this apartment is 12 square feet bigger than the two bedroom!! Basically, they took out the second bedroom and second bathroom. Then they made the rest of the living area bigger. Taco and I now have more room to play. I will be posting pictures on Flicker and my blog this weekend.

Also, I have met two single neighbor ladies. Both cute :) One is Kellie and she lives in a one bedroom by my old apartment and the other is Amy and lives next to my new apartment. Amy runs a pet hotel…imagine. I think I might use that one for Taco. They have web cams at her place so you can watch your dog when they are there. Cool... On top of that, it gives me an “in” with Amy. Kellie and I are supposed to “hang out” either this weekend or next. We’ll see how that goes. Oh, I also went out Saturday night with Anthony and Meriel (Asian couple I met at the smoke shop) and Taylor (a girl…she works at the smoke shop) to see a cover band at a place called “Sneaky Petes”. It is bar on the edge of Lake Lewisville (one of the larger lakes here). It is one of those bars on a lake where one side you can park your car and the other side you can park your boat (because everyone wants happy drunk boaters???). Ryan and Vicki, you guys would love this place. I had a blast. Also, I met one of Taylor’s friends who is in the Army and does the same job I did when I was in. He was drinking heavily because today he re-deployed to Iraq. I bought him two shots. I felt he was going to need them… I told him to keep his head down and eyes open. Nothing like walking around in an Iraqi town with C-4 and Dynamite strapped to your back… Oh…and Nicole called me on Sunday. A little weird, but it was good to here how she is doing. Apparently, she is having some medical problems. Oh…and I think Curt is coming down to visit for a couple of days in April (don’t worry Mike, it is before your birthday bash in Vegas…).

I actually have a beginning of a social life here…who knew. It only took me 7 months. I am supposed to go with the “smoke shop” people on Friday night to a place that is a huge bar/dance club and bowling alley. Not sure I would have mixed those two, but should be interesting to say the least…

I really miss “hanging” out with all of you and seeing you on a regular basis. But I have to admit, I am really enjoying living here right now. Maybe that will change, but it hasn’t yet. I was really apprehensive when I made the decision to take this job and move (a big one when you are making by yourself), but so far it has been really good. It kind of struck me on Saturday when I was talking with Kellie and she said “you know, you look really happy.” The comment took me back for a minute, but I responded with “you know, I really am.” Then I started thinking that I am happier right now then I have been for several years. I hope this doesn’t change anytime soon. I enjoy smiling.

I will be watching the Blue Jackets tomorrow. They need to do really well these next few games out of the break. Dad, you might actually see them in a playoff game…who knows.

Oh, and I am eagerly anticipating the Super Bowl. Especially down here where they hate the Steelers. They are beside themselves to think the Steelers will be the first team with 6 titles. I keep reminding the Dallas fans that we were the first team to win dual back-to-back championships and the first team to get to 4 Super Bowl wins (I also add that this feat was accomplished on the backs of the Dallas Cowboys…not once, but twice). And because of this “Glorious” history, we SHOULD be the first team to 6 wins. As you can imagine, this all goes over quite well with them. I usually have these conversations in well lit and crowded places, just in case. I now have talked so much shit that we HAVE to win or the comments will be endless. It is so much fun though…

Anyway, “long story short”… I know “too late

Been a while...

I haven't posted in a while because, well quite frankly, I really haven't had a lot to talk about.

I am doing really good and have been busy with end of year grap at work. I wrote my self eval Friday (i will send it in on Monday). And, of course, it was a great eval. We will see if my former and current bosses agree. I think they will.

I have been enjoying the weather here. It is about 65 today and sunny sky. I know you in the north still don't find that funny. On a serious note, I think the constant sun has really helped my outlook on life. I miss everyone, but love it here.

I am moving apartments on Friday. Kind of weird, I am going to a one bedroom, but gaining 12 square feet and cutting my rent by 160 dollars. I just need to downsize now that I have gotten rid of a lot of junk from my former life. I also will only have to go up one set of stairs instead of two. Really looking forward to that... My new apartment looks over the dog park, which will be kool for Taco.

I am sitting at Cutie Pies waiting for the Steelers game. I think we will win. We will see...

Hope everyone is doing well...

Going Downtown today...

Since it will be a high of 80 degrees today (that comment was for my northern friends), I decided to head into downtown via rail and play with the new camera. It is a beautiful day and what better way to enjoy it. I might head over to the art museum and see Tut. Will see.

Hope everyone is having a great new year...