Totally random thoughts in a VERY crowded mind. Mine, not yours…well, you know who you are. lol!

Travel. It IS all it’s cracked up to be. At least for me. Yes, it has become more expensive. Yes, airports and plane travel can be a hassle, but oh what fun. I/we have several trips coming in the next 6 or 7 months. I can’t wait. I love traveling through airports. It’s a thrill for me. Going places, especially new places, seeing and experiencing new things, all fun. I’m probably jinxing my self by “saying’ this!

Friends. We all need ‘em. Good ones? Hard to find. As our kids were growing up they experienced being hurt and let down by someone they thought was their ‘friend”. Tears, hurt feelings. Not friends anymore. I’ve always told them that if they have 3 or 4 true friends, that’s good. Well, what is a true friend? To me, it is someone genuine. Someone you can depend on to be there for you in your greatest time of need. Also, someone who will hold you accountable and call you out…for your own good. These people are really hard to find. I am thankful for the close friends I have. 😊

Losing it. I’m talking about weight. Why-oh why!- is it soooo hard to lose? I did my last CrossFit workout in May of 2020. Between then and now I’ve had back surgery, a heart catheterization, diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis AND … total knee replacement. Whew! I have gained roughly 25 pounds or so. I’m so grateful to be back to exercising. It’s so much fun. Losing weight? NOT so much fun! Water intake is up. protein intake is up. Monitoring food intake in check. Well, I’ll just keep after it. Move forward.

Free time. As many of you know, I sold my half of my company, Jarrell Black & Co. Last May. I’m still in the insurance and investment business. I plan on retiring for good in roughly 2 1/2 years. A byproduct of this change has been free time. What to do with it? For the last 35 years I’ve been classic “type A” guy. Hard driver. Grow the business. Serve the customers. Do what it takes. Now? I’m looking for what’s next. I pray that God will show me where He wants me to be. How He wants to use me. My heart is open. I am willing.

Last thing: thanks for reading my blog. Means a lot. You’re a blessing to me.

Be well,

Jeff