On a personal note I lost two very dear family members last year my grandfather and niece.  Neither loss was a surprise nonetheless it still does make either one easier to swallow.  It reemphasizes how precious life is and that we should not take anyone’s existence for granted.

It does not look like my son Preston will have any major surgeries this year wich is a relief.  Do the awareness my family has we have become local Pathfinders for the Cleft Advocate.  While in the past we have supported overseas efforts and still will to an extent but the need for education and help at home is a more important goal.

I learned some great financial lessons over the last year as well.  Needless to say 2008 was not the best year for me on a personal level in that regards.  It probably was not for anyone who is the automotive industry barring a few exceptions.  My faux pas were not industry tied as much as poor planning and I am at a point in my life that should not be an issue.  I am not fortunate enough to be a member of the old money club, I have to create my own old money.

I am now consulting and providing services to car dealers full-time as a contractor and love it.  My business is growing by leaps and bounds.  I have to thank Jared Hamilton at drivingsales.com for some of this success even though he does not agree with my opinions all the time.  They are on the right track to make a difference in the Car Business however in my opinion they need to change some things internally.  I was affiliated with them last year and I chose to leave to pursue my own opportunities.

What is a New Year post without listing goals?  Here You go:

• Stop Smoking – It is way past time to kick this habit..
• Spend More Time with Family – I work more hours in a day now than I did when I had a regular JOB (just over broke) and need to set that balance.
• Build my business to a point where one client does not make a difference.
• Help my spouse revitalize our network of affiliate properties.
• Dust off my golf clubs – I was a 5 handicap until I tore my rotator cuff in 1994.  Since that time I have probably only played 10 rounds of golf.  I loved the game it was a passion that needs to be rekindled.
• And some I am not going to share here. 

Happy New Year to All – Wishing you the best success in 2009 however you define it.

I was inspired to say the least in what I read and realized that there are times to quit and times to keep plugging on.  I even used some of what I learned to encourage my son as well, because he was frustrated that he was not the fastest kid on the field. He and I will both make it through “The Dip”.  He now understands that a football team does not need just fast kids, they need big kids like him as well.

I understand that some activities I have been participating in may have no purpose while others have high value if I do not fail on the execution and the townhouse in St. Augustine may be the best thing ever for my family. Live and learn.

Get a coy of “The Dip” by Seth Godin