GAME ON: I'm Ready to Give Back in Unique Way, While Putting Other People's Dreams in Spotlight

On January 24, I decided to “adopt” six people and help them mark something off their life lists. I simply wanted to give back in a new and different way, writing about the experience along the way. (Original post)

Well, I’ve chosen six people AND I’ve identified something on their lists that I feel like I can help them accomplish.

Some of these people had a Bucket List (big-ticket items they want to accomplish before they die), while others had a list of life’s simple pleasures they wanted to embrace sooner than later.

It didn’t matter to me – I just wanted to help them accomplish something that was significant to them.

NOTE: It was important to me that “helping” didn’t revolve around monetary support. Example:

LIST MAKER: “Buy a new house”

ME: “Here is a check for $300,000”

I wanted to focus on the skill sets that I could bring to the table, my connections and/or my ability to take their excuses and flush ’em down the metaphorical toilet. (Besides, I’m unemployed and poor.)

It has taken me almost a month to take the next step, because I’m being extremely deliberate in mapping out the process. I want to be able to re-create this over and over and over again.

Why?

Because I firmly believe this could turn into a global movement – encouraging people to temporarily take the emphasis off themselves and help someone else. Like I mentioned before, I feel like this is a completely unique way of giving back.

I'll explain.....

Feeding the homeless at the shelter and mentoring at-risk kids is important, but so is putting an emphasis on someone else’s hopes and dreams.

While people sleeping on the streets is tragic, so is seeing people going through the motions and not truly living life. While it’s heartbreaking to realize there are hungry and sick people in the world, it’s just as sad to see people living in a haze of complacency and excuses.

My goal for this project is four-fold:

• Help pull people out of their ruts (before they end up in a ditch);

• Inspire others to live boldly;

• Reinforce the importance of taking the emphasis off yourself and helping others,

• And motivate people to pay it forward.

I will accomplish all of this by putting God front and center (yeah, I said it).

<<<

When I created my 101 List, I decided to dedicate it to God. I wanted to treat it like a gigantic thank you note to Him for allowing me to truly live an adventurous and amazing life.

This “adoption” project is another chapter in that thank you note. It’s about making my faith come to life.

In a recent sermon at church, the pastor stressed the importance of not just “talking at people about Jesus and the promise of God.” He encouraged members of the congregation to let their actions do the talking.

The sermon notes stated: “The way we live will show others that what we believe has life.”

Through this project, I want to inspire others to adopt this same mentality: A gigantic thank you note to God and a road map to truly live an adventurous and amazing life.

It all revolves around love and gratitude – the two things that have the power to change the world.

So....GAME ON!

It’s my pleasure to introduce three of the wonderfully great people who agreed to help me launch this project. (I’ll introduce the other three in a future post.)

I wanted to share a little about them, the task I’ve chosen to help them accomplish and their insight on this wild and crazy idea.

Jason Smith
Jason is a local business associate of mine that has become a friend over the last couple/few years. He has an entrepreneurial spirit and refuses to stop looking until he finds what he’s looking for in life. (I think that’s why we’ve become fast friends.)

He’s a TCU graduate (Go Frogs!) and he was born without a right hand. The ONLY reason I bring this up is because Jason wants to meet Jim Abbott, the former baseball player (right) who overcame the same disability to pitch in the Major Leagues.

I told Jason, who played baseball at TCU, that I’m going to use my contacts and resources to make this happen. I also told him that I think this has the potential to be a wonderfully great story.

When asked about where he’s at in life, Jason said: “Confused.”

“I’ve had some great accomplishments,” he explained, “but am without a clear direction for my career.” He hopes this endeavor helps him gain some insight on what he’s supposed to do next.

“I’ll also have a cool story to tell,” he added.

GAME ON!

Paige Rodges

Paige and I met each other when we worked together at J.O. Design. Confession: We worked together for almost 6 months before I realized how much of a kick-ass all-star she is. Smart. Funny. Tremendous perspective. Need a writer? This girl is quick, sharp and on-point. Everything she writes makes me laugh – EVERYTHING! (I’ve NEVER expressed that about ANYONE.)

I knew I had to “adopt” Paige based on her answer to this question: Are you an optimistic person?

I’ll paraphrase her answer: “Glass half full...BUT glass breaks...blood...hospital...doctor tells you that you have cancer...death.”

Wow!

Optimism, realism and tragedy collide in the same metaphor. (That’s hard to accomplish...unless you have a creative mind that is spinning out of the control like hers.)

The task I want to help Paige accomplish is easy: Take her husband, Barry, on a date to a dueling piano bar.

How am I going to help her accomplish this? That’s still a secret, but it’s super simple. (Reminder: Excuses. Flush. Metaphorical toilet.)

When asked to characterize this off-the-wall endeavor, she explained where she is at in life: “I’m trying to deconstruct and rebuild my outlook,” she said.

Then she quoted the book “A Million Miles in a Thousand Years” by Donald Miller. She described the premise of the book by saying: "Set backs beat you down, and you have to regroup and decide to write a new story for yourself.”

GAME ON!

Will Berend

Will and I went to college together. We lived across the hall from each other in the dorms and were fraternity brothers. After all these years, we’ve kept in touch, even though he’s lived in Minnesota for almost 10 years.

I think we have the power of social media to thank for that.

Will and I are a lot alike. He recently sent out this update to family and friends – see if it sounds familiar:

“I wanted to send an update about my business Open Door Consulting. Due to several circumstances Anna and I have made the decision that it is time for me to look for a job. Please know that this is not a failure as the past year has gotten me ready for a new career and has provided the opportunity to make many valuable connections. I certainly was striving to make Open Door Consulting a serious contender in the social media consulting market, but the time has come for me to return my focus on finding a job to help provide more stability in our lives.”

Will lives boldly. I applaud that and love that about him.

I also love the fact that he’s embracing this opportunity with both arms.

“Some times I need a push and someone outside of my every day life to help provide a little more drive to do something different,” he explained. “On top of that, the last year has been a very interesting one for my family. We've learned that we must follow what makes us happiest. It's not always easy to do, but I'm going to take advantage of any opportunity that I’m presented.”

I’m actually going to help Will

cross two tasks off his life list:

• Go on a vacation with his wife alone

• Take his wife to New York City for the holidays

My wife and I are going to babysit his sons next December so they can jet off to New York. We’re also going to utilize some airline passes that my wife has to get them there.

Easy and doable, but potentially very impactful. (Again, just helping remove excuses.)

Will’s response to our offer reminded me of the potential power of this project. He said: “First of all, we accept. I can't believe what you're offering and I'm very thankful for how thoughtful you all are. I never expected this. THANK YOU!”

GAME ON!

Calling All List-Makers: Game On!

Everyone has some sort of life list, right?

Call it whatever you want:

A Bucket List.

101 List.

If I Win the Lottery List.

Things I Want to Do Before I Croak List.

I can’t believe I feel compelled to explain this, but....

It's usually a list of big-ticket things you want to experience in your lifetime. Some of these lists are written on a cocktail napkin, while others are eloquently typed-up and uploaded to a fancy web site.

Again, it seems like everyone has one. Even anti-list makers have several unspoken "before-I-die tasks" mentally filed away.

The phrase “I should put that on my list” is totally accepted, understood and never questioned.

Some of these life lists have timetables. “Prior to death” is the hands-down winner, but I've also seen "before we have kids," "before I buy a house" and “before I’m forced to use a walker.”

My first life list was 101 things I wanted to accomplish in 1,001 days. (Confession: I’m the guy who
flamboyantly displayed
his online.)

Honda has even embraced this society-wide phenomenon with its new marketing campaign: Leap List. The concept, a CR-V can help you accomplish your goals before you whatever...celebrate your next birthday, settle down, etc. (So wonderfully brilliant!)

OK....the “What is a Bucket List?” tutoring session is officially over...quickly on to my point: I want to help people mark things off their list (kind of like the CR-V). I also want to write about the experience.

I mentioned this in a blog post exactly two years ago. The post referenced a VERY similar concept that MTV picked up and ran with – “The Buried Life.” I mused how I fiddle-farted around and let them “steal” my idea.

Update: The show has been cancelled, and I still think this is a tremendous way to connect with people, help them do something they’ve always wanted to do AND tell their story. (Again, I want to do it differently than they did on the show.)

How do YOU fit into all of this?

I’m ready to get started and I need your help. All you have to do is:

• Re-visit your life list (find it, write it down or dust it off);

• Attach it to an e-mail and send it to me;

• I’ll see if there is something I can help you mark off;

The only other request: Allow me to write about it (why was this on your list, what did it mean to mark it off, etc.).

Do NOT start making excuses before we even get started. The ONLY argument I’ll accept: “I don’t need anyone’s help.”

BUT as soon as those 5 ½ words enter your consciousness, you have to start attacking your list and marking tasks off. (Reminder: There is a reason these tasks still don’t have a line marked through them.)

Since this is an uncharted endeavor – I’m going to start slow. I will “adopt” the first six people who reach out to me.

Now, if you’re on board and don’t need anymore convincing – stop reading and send me your list. The accompanying message can be as simple as “Game on!” or “Let’s do this!”

If you’re on the fence, I want to share the premise of a book that changed my life: “Into the Wild” by John Krakauer. It’s a true story about a 20-something nomad named Chris McCandless, who hiked into the Alaskan wilderness and died. (I’m not ruining the book – it says that on the cover.)

Before his tragic and premature death, it was always about the next adventure for him. He wrote in one of his journals, “The core of mans' spirit comes from new experiences.” During his last days, however – alone in an abandoned bus in the snow-covered wilderness – he made a note next to the following passage from "Doctor Zhviago."

“And so it turned out that only a life similar to the life of those around us, merging it without a ripple, is genuine life, and that unshared happiness is not happiness...”

In his dying days, Chris McCandless (right) realized that the experiences that he had were extraordinary, BUT they were meaningless because he didn’t get the chance to share them with someone else. Next to that passage, he wrote “HAPPINESS IS ONLY REAL WHEN SHARED.”

No one should suffer the same fate as Alexander Supertramp – the colorful alter ego that Chris McCandless adopted during his journeys. I’m not even referring to him dying in the abandoned school bus in Alaska. No one should mark the last task off his or her life list, look around and have no one there.

“Congratulations to me!” – highlighted by the deafening sound of silence and maybe the occasional chirping of a bored cricket.

Life is short. I’m sure your list is long. Let’s share an amazing experience TOGETHER.

Game on?

LIST UPDATE: Trying to be 'a one man wolf pack'

NOTE: This part three in a three-part series updating the status of my 101 List. These are brief little nuggets on things I’ve recently crossed off and/or about to conquer.

COMPLETED ITEMS
No. 62 Go See a Movie By Myself

Date Completed: July 23, 2009

Details: This is one of those simple tasks that can get lost in the shadow of items like “Take a Self Portrait in Every National Park” (No. 81). I think it’s these “little things” that make these lists special.

I like going to the movies by myself – and I probably take doing it for granted. Same with eating a double scoop of ice cream (No. 47) and making Christmas cookies for my neighbors (No. 36).

Sadly enough, if I didn’t have these things on my list, I might not even think about doing them in the heat of the moment.

• Nobody to go to the movies with: “I’ll just rent something from Blockbuster.”

• Mid-December: “Wow! I love laying on my couch in my underwear, drinking eggnog and watching ‘Christmas Vacation’ for the 76th time.”

Anyway, I went and saw “The Hangover” by myself. It was a perfect evening – TK was out of town and the Rangers were off. I sat in the dark, enjoyed the hell out of my buttered movie popcorn, and laughed uncontrollably.

Cross it off!

No. 74 Start a Customer Service Blog
Date Completed: July 27, 2009

Details: All of this is laid out in a blog post all its own. (click here to read)

I will say this, though: Please don’t settle for poor customer service. If it’s bad – say something, AND if it blows your socks off because it’s so good – say something, too.

DONE!

UPCOMING ITEMS

No. 41 Break 4-hour mark in a marathon

Projected Date: November 15, 2009

Details: Already started 16-week training program for this 26.2-mile achievement. Running the San Antonio Rock 'n' Roll Marathon.

No. 63 Attend a Book Signing

Projected Date: August 10, 2009

Details: I actually set this up for my kick-butt author friend Shauna Glenn. (I’ve doing a little PR/marketing for her) We scheduled her on a “Texas Swing” of independent bookstores across the state.

No. 88 Be the Mascot at a College Football Game

Projected Date: TBD

Details: I can’t really provide any particulars on this – it’s a covert mission inside the game-day festivities of an unspecified collegiate athletics department.

No. 98 Buy a T-Shirt from Threadless.com

Projected Date: Sooner than later

Details: I’ve added some “spice” to this task – I want to purchase a T-shirt that I actually voted on AND it got printed. I could easily go on there and buy a kick-butt shirt like, “When You Think About It, All Galaxies Are Far, Far, Away.” (visit Threadless.com by clicking here)

101. Participate in a "No Shave" month

Projected Date: September 2009

Details: I had a mock two-week run earlier this summer and I think I’m ready. I’m going to do it in conjunction with the Rangers’ postseason push.

In honor of the Rangers’ Wolfpack bullpen – which was inspired from a monumental monologue from “The Hangover” – I will let it go for 30 days. (I plan on documenting it using Daily Mugshot)

“I tend to think of myself as a one man wolf pack...”

HOMELAND INSECURITY LEADS TO DETAINMENT

I may be somewhat a newbie or a rookie when it comes to writing a blog, but I have already figured out what makes the best posts: THE UNADULTERATED TRUTH.

I’m always searching for new content that’s fresh, inspiring, informational and/or fun – but it’s the stories that actually find me that end up being nothing short of priceless.

This is one of those gems. (Actually, this has the potential to be the crown jewel.)

I’ve also learned in my first 11 months of blogging…when you have a treasure like this – don’t write it to death.

So I won’t.

Here’s the story: I was recently detained at the Canadian border because I tried to film myself using my passport for the first time.

It wasn’t because they suspected me of narcotics or human trafficking….NOPE! I was detained because I set my Canon PowerShot on the dashboard of my rental car to document a trivial moment in my life.

I was forced to get out of the car, explain to a gentleman wearing a bulletproof vest that I was shooting a video for my blog.

As soon as those three words crossed my lips – “for my blog” – I felt like the biggest wiener in North America.

I could have stopped there, but that would have been too easy. I think it was the sidearm, the badge, or the possibility of never seeing the United States again that turned me into a babbling idiot.

Oh…let’s see….I explained my 101 List…how using my passport was No. 8…how I came up with the idea….some of the things that I’ve already crossed off….what I hope to cross off in the near future.

SUCH A WIENER!

I even told the office to watch the two previous videos that I self-recorded prior to arriving at the border.

“They explain what I was doing,” I said confidently.

WIENER! WIENER! WIENER!

In all seriousness, you know what his response was?

“It could be all part of your plan.”

WHAT PLAN?

OFFICER: “Do you REALLY not see how recording a border patrol officer would be a problem?” (If you didn’t read the question like I was a sixth-grader busted for smoking pot in the bathroom, you might want to re-visit the overall tone.)

ME: “I was only filming myself?”

OFFICER: (Obviously annoyed that he had to rephrase his question for this blogging American moron) “Do you REALLY not see how recording a CONVERSATION between you and a border patrol officer would be a problem?”

I was nothing short of baffled, but I refused to travel down the path of no return and utter one of the following two phrases:

• “I really don’t, officer.”

• “It was a stupid camera, NOT A BOMB!”

I saw flashes of rubber gloves and my pants around my ankles, so I responded honestly: “I didn’t think there was really going to be a conversation….”

OFFICER: (Tone reminder: Sixth-grade…marijuana…busted) “You’re honestly telling me that you didn’t think that you and the officer were going to have a conversation?”

Then, I just started to babble as my eyes danced around nervously: “Canada. First time. Didn’t know.”

He asked why I was going to Canada.

He asked if I had ever been in the back of a police car.

He asked me hard questions about e-Partners in Giving – questions that my investors hadn’t even thought to ask.

(Upon further research since the detainment, I realized the Johnny Borderpatrol was trying to catch me in a lie.)

They searched my car.

They made me erase anything on the camera that had to do with the border.

Then I was free to go.

As I gathered up my things, I looked the officer in the eye and said, “I’m sorry. I really didn’t know I was doing something wrong. I never would have intentionally…”

OFFICER: (very firmly) “Don’t apologize. You just need to be more aware.”

WOW!

I just half-heartedly smiled and thought to myself: “I think someone is just being an a-hole now, but I guess when your dealing with a legitimate threat to national security – someone armed with a point-and-shoot camera and the power to blog – you can’t let your guard down.”

As I walked back out to my violated rental car, I started to get pissed. Not because I was one smart-ass comment away from “face the camera…now turn to the left.”

I was upset that I had NO proof that I used my passport.

All my self-recorded creativity was erased forever.

Or was it?

Without further ado, I present my first short film “Detained.”

UPDATE: TRYING TO STAY FOCUSED ON 101 LIST

I thought it was about time for an update on my 101 list.

RECENTLY COMPLETED TASKS (view photos)

8. Use my passport

Used it crossing Canadian border on March 11, 2009. No documentation (photos, video, etc.) – blog explanation to follow. (Teaser: I was detained)

45. Participate in regular Bible Study
Completed 16-week men's fellowship at McKinney Bible Church; Focus of class: "Winning at Work and Home."

52. Go to a rodeo
Went to Stockyards Championship Rodeo on Feb. 1, 2009

73. Ride on a train
Rode Amtrak Train from Denver to Glenwood Springs, Colorado, in route to ski trip in Vail. (blog here)

COMING SOON

10. Go to a Texas Rangers game at a visitors’ ballpark

Going to try and slide this in on one of my business trips OR one of TK's over-nights.

53. Post a video on You Tube

Going to post reenactment of No. 8 (see above) 

41. Break 4-hour mark in a marathon

I have put a lot of focus on this – next week, I will log 31 miles of training. Reminder: I am raising funds and awareness for Back on My Feet (more info here)

74. Start customer service blog

I'm so close to having this ready to roll. To put some added pressure on my self...launch date: April 1st.

76. Play paintball OR
79. Play a round of indoor (simulated) golf
For cost-cutting measures, Anthony and I haven't done anything crazy fun in a while. I think my Little Brother deserves to join me on one of these adventures.

86. Ride on a motorcycle

I have already planted the seed with my brother. I'm hoping we can get a ride in before summer rolls around.

A LITTLE BEHIND

81. Take a self portrait in every National Park

I knew this was one of my biggest/most difficult endeavors out of the gate – since I have ZERO under my belt after 222 days, you can multiply that degree of difficulty by 63.

93. Read 200 books

By no means am I giving up on this task, either, but I'm only at 11. I wish I had read my own tips before putting this one in ink. (read tips here for creating a list here)

SOLD OUT: Craig's List has been conquered

I did it!

I sold my sink.

I am no longer a Craig's List virgin.

It may have been one of the easiest sales I ever had to make, too. (I will say this ... Craig's List makes it extremely simple.) I've already started looking around the house for other items.

a

If you missed the poetic ad that led me to this proud moment, here it is:

(click to enlarge)

Seriously, I really enjoyed the whole experience – from writing the ad to getting that heavy sink out of my garage.

The best part was the couple who bought the sink – Chelsea and Corey. Chelsea and I talked on the phone for 10 minutes – we're like old pals now. Corey, who picked up the sink, was very cool about letting me snap some photos for my blog.

(I sort of felt like a dork at first, 

but just like gas...it passed.)

MARK No. 55 OFF THE OLD 101 LIST!

(complete list here)

UNLIKELY SOURCE STARTS 101 PHENOMENON

EDITOR'S NOTE: I am now posting "mini nuggets" five days a week (Sunday through Thursday) and one "significant" blog post one day a week.

Where did the 101 List come from? (my list here)

Since the first time I heard about this 1001-day "exercise" in living life to the fullest, I've been nothing short of intrigued.

Well, I may have unfortunately found the answer.

At first, I thought a gentleman named Michael Green hatched the idea. Every 101 List that I glanced through, pointed right back to him. (He even has a web site dedicated to the endeavor.)

So there was no other choice, I HAD to go straight to the source ... I decided to drop Mr. Green a line. (In New Zealand, nonetheless.)

He wrote back via e-mail: "I just published my list and I wrote up the mission, criteria, and the goal setting tips that gets copied around. I'm told the earliest reference to the idea comes from an old teen TV show 'Breaker High' from 1997."

Not familiar with "Breaker High?" Neither was I. 

See if this video helps – It didn't with me:

Anyway ... here is an excerpt from Episode 30 

(Entitled: "He Shoots, He Scores")

TAMIRA: So Jimmy, what’s up with Sean anyway? He’s all of a sudden got this huge interest in sports…he hates sports.

JIMMIE: Oh right…that. You see, he’s got this list of 101 goals to complete by a certain day and tomorrow will be that day.

TAMIRA: Oh, and one of his goals is to make a sports team?

JIMMIE: Right, right…the other two are to see his name in bright lights and kiss a pretty girl. It’s right funny, eh?

TAMIRA: So…that’s all I am? A goal on his list?

JIMMIE: Oh, yeah…it makes you right proud to be a part of it, eh?

Tamira storms off.

Later on in the episode – 

after her and Sean make up.

SEAN: I waited 1,001 days for this kiss … I didn’t want to waste it, you know? And I would wait 1,001 more if that’s what it takes for it to be with you.

Drew throw's up, while briefly quenching his intrigue.

MYSTERY SOLVED? 

Hopefully it's  just the beginning.

NEW BLOG INITIATIVE STARTED; SINK FOR SALE

EDITOR'S NOTE: I've made a conscious blogging decision ... From this day forward, I am going to post "mini nuggets" five days a week (Sunday through Thursday), and write a blog post with some "meat" once a week. The "minis" will be interesting/inspiring articles, videos, or random thoughts and/or updates. It will also give me a vehicle to spread out my smaller posts over a couple of days. (Instead of making really long blog posts, like I have a tendency to do.)

So, without further ado..."mini nugget" No. 1:

I have taken steps to mark No. 55 off of my 101 List. I have placed a classified ad on Craig's List. (I've never done this before.)

If you are interested in buying a "cast-iron, double-bowl sink," you've got an inside track. Make sure you read the disclaimers on the potential sale, though.

Check out my ad here:  http://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/hsh/998124883.html

BLOGGING ENDEAVOR GETTING DIFFICULT

EDITOR'S NOTE: This is post No. 6 in a week-long blogging initiative.

I’ve decided that small, easily digestible nuggets of thoughts and information would be the best way to blog heading down the stretch of this week-long experiment.

BTW: Blogging everyday is tough. I will definitely return to once a week – if not every other week – after the last post.

ONE MORE HOMEMADE GIFT
I can’t show you photos or even tell you exactly what my brother made for his homemade Christmas gift this year, but I can say this:

IT ROCKED THE HOUSE!

Hands down, he made the most elaborate gift in the history of our 10-year tradition. There was no “cry factor” involved, but there was a definite “kick-butt factor."

The reason why I can’t give you all the details –I’m trying to talk him into producing more and actually selling them. (His gift was that dang good!) I’m doing a little legwork for him right now to see if he can get this side business up and running.

I will share some of the “construction”

logistics with you:

• He said at least 40 hours of labor went into it;

• He said there were 18 trips to Home Depot.

We exchanged gifts with him and his wife Koleen just this week. Thanks to his remarkable gift, we definitely closed out the Christmas holidays with a BANG!

e-PARTNERS GETTING SOME INK
I recently received the most recent edition of “The Director,” the official publication of the National Funeral Directors Association.

This particular issue was a look back at the NFDA Convention in Orlando, and right on the cover – literally front and center – was a photo of the e-Partners in Giving staff.

The camera captured us attending the convention’s “Party with a Purpose,” which benefitted Habitat for Humanity.

The GREAT part of that exact same photo – it was used THREE other times inside the magazine.

We did receive some legitimate PR in the story about the convention’s Habitat build. Here are the excerpts:

“… Rounding out the NFDA team was the staff of e-Partners in Giving: Drew and Tanya Myers, Stefanie Lewis and Denise Martin.”

“When asked, team members quickly agreed that, if given the opportunity, they would be honored and eager to volunteer again for Habitat for Humanity. In fact, e-Partners in Giving has partnered with the Habitat chapter in Fort Worth, Texas, and is helping to raise the $56,000 needed to sponsor a build.”

“Drew Myers of e-Partners said, ‘I’m hooked on Habitat. It’s a tremendous was to give back in more than one way. There’s the financial aspect, but there’s also the rolling up your sleeve and breaking a sweat.’ Myers and his crew look forward to bringing their Orlando experience to the Fort Worth build.”

STARTING TO READ INTO IT
I just want to say thank you to all the people who have recently suggested books for me to read.

I am really in a rhythm right now – mixing in audio books in the car and flipping pages during meals and before I fall asleep.

I’m currently reading/listening to two tremendous books (both recommendations):

• “The 4-Hour Workweek” by
Timothy Ferriss is a funny, but poignant prose about taking control of your life and truly living.

I was just identified in the book – a person who “works just to work.” I’m starting to realize that’s not a good thing.

• “Hot, Flat, and Crowded” by Thomas Friedman takes a hard look
at the planet and how we’re
impacting it.

One review on Amazon.com captured it perfectly: “Friedman writes on world population, the increase of the global middle class, and the growing energy crisis. All of this has contributed to a world that is in desperate need of an energy solution. The thing I like about Friedman's approach is he's optimistic and he's practical.”

I’m currently reading a chapter about “energy poverty” in Africa and Asia. Very interesting and eye-opening.

Please keep the recommendations coming. (Reminder: I have 843 days to read 189 books.)

I'M STILL COMMITTED TO 'ATTACKING LIFE'

EDITOR'S NOTE: This is post No. 4 in a week-long blogging initiative.

Someone asked me the other day:

 “Are you still doing that list thingy?”

I responded with as much sarcasm as I could muster: “Nope…I decided to quit! I figured since there were only 850 days remaining, I didn’t have a fighting chance.”

COME ON!

Reminder: If I say I'm going to do something … 

I’m going to do it.

His question did provide a reminder, though. I need to keep people updated on my progress and continuously direct/link them to my 101 List (complete list click here).

I definitely missed out on some opportunities through December, like No. 36 (Make Christmas cookies for my neighbors). There’s always next year, right? I guess that’s why it’s not 101 things in 365 days.

My biggest missed opportunity recently was No. 88 (Be the mascot at a college football game). I was approached by a former co-worker at TCU, who is familiar with my list, and asked if I wanted to suit up for the Frogs’ last home game of 2008. I had already promised my Little Brother, Anthony, I would take him to the game.

Again…there’s always next year, right? 

(I can only hope that rational applies in this case.)

I’m steadily progressing on some tasks: No. 27 (Accumulate 1,000 volunteer hours) and No. 93 (Read 200 books). I have 139 community service hours and I just finished book No. 11 with No. 12, 13, and 14 already started.

Here is a quick list of tasks that should be completed by the end of April:

• No. 5 (Go camping with my wife): I’ve started thinking about a road trip to see my buddy Greg in Arkansas. Instead of holing up in some cheap hotel room along the way – a night under the stars might be an option.

• No. 41 (Break 4-hour mark in a marathon): I’m running Nashville’s Country Music Marathon on April 25th.

• No. 55 (Sell something on Craig’s List): I have a cast-iron sink in my garage that has Craig’s List written ALL over it.

• No. 64 (Host a dinner party): This Christmas my mom gave me a gift certificate (right) for her and a friend of hers to clean my house. I refuse to let a VERY clean house go to waste – the dinner party would be the next day.

• No. 92 (Complete one Home Depot “Do It Yourself” workshop): Tanya and I are discussing a minor renovation of our bathroom.

There is one significant task coming down the tracks in October – not to mention several other tasks that probably should be marked off before then.

On October 18th, I’m going to participate in the Longhorn Half Ironman Triathlon in Austin. (No. 39 – Complete a half Ironman Triathlon).

Before that, I have to accomplish No. 42 (Purchase my own road bike) and marking off  No. 37 (Hire a personal trainer) probably wouldn’t hurt.

There are still a couple tasks that I HAVE to make significant progress on in 2009, specifically:

• No. 21 (Post revenue 

of $1 million)

• No. 80 (Eat a hot dog 

& drink a beer in every American League ballpark)

• No. 81 (Take a self portrait in every National Park)

QUITTING? 

DON’T ASK ME ABOUT QUITTING! 

(These three tasks alone are going to make it one heck of a story when it’s all said and done.)

There is one task that I’ve already marked off, but I hope I can add to it:

No. 32 (Inspire someone else to do 101 things).

I have three friends who have forwarded me their lists and said thanks for motivating me to do this. I’ve had a dozen friends and family members who’ve said, “I’ve started my list, but I can’t think of 101 things.”

If you've started a list, are considering it, or even dead set against it, I encourage you to read my blog, “ ‘THE LIST' HAS OPENED MY EYES.”

Another great site is the home base for the phenomenon. I encourage you to check out that site as well. (click here to visit that site)

'THE LIST' HAS OPENED MY EYES

When I made my "101 List," I made a promise to myself that I wouldn't let it consume my blog. I saw flashes of my posts constantly focusing on logistical issues, like....

.... how am I going to visit 58 national parks – one located in American Samoa – by May 2011?

... how am I going to bank roll this little project? 

(I thinking it will end up costing me $100,000.)

.... when am I going to have time to work?

I definitely want to keep everyone updated on my progress, but do you really care that I only have a one-month window each spring to accomplish No. 13 – riding with storm chasers? (Or that fact it's going to cost me $2,600.)

Anyway....I thought I would go ahead and break that little promise to myself right out of the gate. I have two reasons for already blogging about "The List":

1) I marked off my first task.

2) I have some small nuggets of advice for anyone thinking about making the radical leap and making a list of their own. I've already heard whispers that some of my friends and family members are considering it, which is AWESOME, but heed my warnings.

(BTW: If you DO lay out 101 things to do in 1001 days, please forward me a copy of your list and confirm that I was your inspiration....I would LOVE to keep my momentum going a scratch No. 32 off my "List")

LET THE GAMES BEGIN 

(in honor of the Michael Phelps whipping tail in Beijing)

Scratch it off – No. 51 is no more! (For those that haven't memorized my list...that was: "Participate in a wine tasting.") Last night, Tanya and I attended one in Dallas.

Here is an actual conversation before we went:

FRIEND: "Are you guys crashing it?"

ME: "No."

FRIEND:  "Did somebody invite you after they read your list?"

ME: "I think it's just a coincidence." 

FRIEND: "Oh...I thought they felt sorry for you because you hadn't accomplished anything on your list yet?"

WELL NOW I HAVE....AND THERE IS NO STOPPING ME! (Still only 14 American League ballparks, one Fathead, and a $1 million to go!)

Here are a few highlights from my wine-tasting experience:

• Paul, the leader of the wine tasting (pictured right), referred to himself – in all seriousness – as the "Wine Master." (Love it! Love it! Love it!)

• I tried 14 different wines – some were awesome, while others tasted like astringent. 

• I learned there are certain wines that actually go well with turkey. (Again ... astringent.)

• I learned Ritz crackers cleanse your pallet between "tastes."

• I learned that you actually don't spit out the wine in buckets if you don't like it. There is a bucket, but it's for pouring out wine you don't prefer and/or emptying your glass after you wash it with water.

• I learned that "flabby" is actually an appropriate description for wine. (FYI: Lacks acidity.)

• I purchased a nice bottle of Dos Rojos – the Wine Master described it as "a wine that will put hair on your knuckles." 

LISTEN TO ME VERY CLOSELY

Here is a little preface to my advice: I'm sticking to my guns on my list. Even though I've second-guessed myself about 136 times over the last week. I refuse to change and/or amend my original list.

Now....here are some things EVERY potential "list maker" should think about:

• You are only dealing with so many seasons

If you make your list "official" in the next couple of weeks, you only have two summers for those dream vacations. On a positive note, if you have a lot of activities that involve the snow, you'll have three winters to get those tasks done.

• Money talks and...

....you better be paying attention. A trip to Italy, Australia, and South Africa by 2011 sounds awesome, but if you have to exhaust your children's college fund in order to do it ... not so awesome. Keep in mind that doing really cool things costs a lot of money, too. 

(e.g. Riding in a hot air balloon: $175; Skydiving: $295; Buying a round of drinks for an entire bar: Who knows ... priceless, I guess.)

• Embrace life's simple pleasures

I kind of wish I had more things like No. 47 ("Order a double scoop of ice cream") or No. 58 ("Let my dog play in the ocean.") Just take that hind site for what it's worth. (To help you understand, re-read the first two bullet points.)

• "Giving Back"

I love the tasks that fall under this header on my "List." I definitely stretched myself in this area, but I think that's why I love it so much. I encourage you to put some emphasis on the causes in this world that tug at your heart strings.

• "...With My Wife"

I'm really glad I created this category, but I'm excited that Tanya is going to share A LOT more than those seven tasks. My advice: Include your spouse. I really think you'll enjoy your "List" a lot more.

• More focus on "Spiritual Life"

I wish I had more tasks under this category. I think I got too caught up in the "big ticket items," forgetting that any task listed under that header ARE the most important. Like I said, though, I'm sticking to my guns. I unveiled the list to the world, and I'm going to do every last task on it. This is something I am going to do, though – I'm dedicating my entire "List" to Jesus Christ. I'm treating it like a gigantic thank you note to Him for allowing me to truly live an adventurous and amazing life.

Here are three Bible verses that exemplify this journey of 101 tasks in 1001 days:

Brothers, I do not consider myself 

yet to have taken hold of it. 

But one thing I do: 

Forgetting what is behind 

and straining toward what is ahead, 

I press on toward the goal to win the prize 

for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

– Philippians 3:13-14

g g g

They feast on the abundance of your house;
you give them drink from your river of delights.
For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light we see light.
Continue your love to those who know you,
your righteousness to the upright in heart.

– Psalm 36: 8-10

g g g

So I commend the enjoyment of life, 

because nothing is better for a man under the sun 

than to eat and drink and be glad. 

Then joy will accompany him in his work all the days 

of the life God has given him under the sun.

– Ecclesiastes 8:14-16