It was a wonderful end to our Italy trip this past week. We finished up in Florence and then headed to our major wine destination, Montalcino, to try out the best Brunello in the world.
I must say it is very interesting to learn so much about wine and look at how my taste buds were five years ago versus now. There are some incredible Brunellos that I have officially fallen in love with, and I am excited to say I came back with a lot of wine.
What I’m most excited about when it comes down to my wine collection is sharing it with others, especially those passionate about wine.
I had a few minutes on Saturday to go to my wine fridge at the house and look at my collection, and man, have I done some serious work in the last two years.
I already have a list of people I’m going to invite over when the house is complete!
Now, as much as I absolutely loved my trip in Italy and I am very appreciative, I was ready to get home by the end of the trip. I do not sleep well in planes, even if I have a laydown seat, and when I got home at 1 AM on Friday, I knew I had some serious work to do when I woke up.
Sidebar real quick. Remember that big accomplishment from last week? Well, we woke up Monday and found out we had an issue and were short. Rough start to the week, but thankfully Philski was being kind and classy, so they patiently allowed us to clean things up.
Good job, team. Orientation has begun!
Ok, back to my main writing…
Back to reality. A great reality, but one that was going to be overwhelming for a bit.
In many ways, Friday was not a great day for me.
It wasn’t that I didn’t keep up with most things while I was gone, that’s not it. It’s that I couldn’t move the needle like when I’m in-office, and that means the “move the needle” tasks were waiting for me…
I got worked up a couple of times and even ended up throwing my phone at one point. I was very tired and coming off of drinking a lot of wine, so I was definitely strung out. This is not a version of myself that I am proud of.
The things I needed to do to get my mind right were not available to me.
Sleep and a workout… Not gonna happen.
Friday was a grind all the way to my evening of delusional dancing in the living room of my Airbnb lol.
Saturday I wanted to sleep in, but that proved difficult. Maybe it’s the time change, or maybe I just had a lot to do. Not sure.
I finally got to the gym, but I also got to my house to clean up and honestly just enjoy the work being done.
I also had complete silence.
That made me really happy. Just sitting there, getting my life together.
I have a lot to be thankful for. The people I work with were the ones mostly on my mind at that time.
I love working hard, and they love working hard. Our best team members are far from entitled and truly know what it means to earn their way.
I respect them and want to work hard for them.
Right now I feel like I am failing in a few areas, and the numbers show that. I’m struggling to get my sales numbers, and while I’m making progress on building my team, I’m still way behind.
It’s weighing on me.
It’s pissing me off.
I am taking action to get to my/our goals, but it’s taking a long time.
I do want to thank the universe, though.
The two guys I had lined up to join the team were not going to be the right fit. I was pushing too quickly, and I’m thankful those fell through.
I need someone hungry that I really believe in.
I think I may have found the right guy. Third interview today. Let’s see.
Outside of that, it seems the industry is really catching up to some of our technology. That’s not to say we’re not better, but we’d better keep the throttle down.
Thankful for our technology team. Gonna get back to see them soon.
I’ve got the better part of four weeks in Houston, and I’m stoked for that.
I want to see my hockey teammates.
I want to hang out with my friends.
I want to get my house in order.
I want consistent workouts.
I want peace and stability.
This is NOT a lack of appreciation for my world class trip I just completed. It’s the last two months of travel and not having a home that’s getting to my mental health.
I got a condo for a month and three days in I’m loving the stability.
Pretty cool view from 22 stories up, looking over the city.
Outside of all of this, I’m really missing my dad, and I’m worried about him. It’s bothering me.
I’m going to see him for a week in November, but that feels like too long. I may go see him for two days just to give him a hug and be with him.
He is the most consistent person in my life.
I call him nearly every day, even if it’s for two minutes.
“I love you, Dad. I’m doing my absolute best, and I wouldn’t be here without you. I know you went through hell to get me here, and I’m eternally grateful. Let’s keep going, together.”
He takes weight off my shoulders the way no one else can.
It’s his words of encouragement and belief.
He knows I can do it.
I’m tired of traveling, but I gotta get to him.
I just don’t feel like it can wait. I can’t go this week otherwise, I would.
We will see.
Headed to Cleveland for the day to film an automotive show. Should be a good time.
I’d prefer to be back in the office, but it’s just a quick trip, so no big deal.
This week I also have my close friend coming to town for the annual Member-Guest tournament. We’ve been disconnected for a few months, so I’m thankful for some time together.
Maybe crack open a special bottle of wine.
There’s a lot going on in my head. I’m doing my best to get it down on paper and make clear action plans.
Feeling heavy today. Feeling a little alone amidst the noise.
Not gonna let it bother me.
Let’s have a great week. There’s a lot to be thankful for.
– SJ