Day #2 went exactly as planned… I took it easy, and did that very well.

Today I wrote a post to my CoolProteomics blog; something I haven’t done in months. Although it took me several hours to write, I was re-energized with the knowledge that putting more effort into this would be worthwhile for my business.

Outside of that, I didn’t get anything done.

But a good day overall and looking forward to day #3. Now that will be a different story! Much more planned, so little time.

Ciao!

An inch closer.

One more night and this trek is over.

I have had some time to think about my little accomplishment these last 20 days, and so, I am full of thoughts that never would have materialized had I not followed this path. The thoughts aren’t earth-shattering slices of wisdom; in fact, you’ve heard them before. It’s just that for me, the thoughts have transpired from just words to real actions.

And that is what I am really excited about. Actions. I know that even though I had my doubts on day #3, I still went forward and things started to crystallize. Why? Because I had a goal; I didn’t give up. Imagine if I could apply this template to other things? My business. My writing. My dreams? That’s pretty powerful.

I’m thrilled to have made it this far. As I have mentioned a few times already, I didn’t think I’d last three days. But here it is, the end to day #20, and I’m still clear-headed.

As I enter the 21st day, I’ll be thinking about my next 21 day mission. But before starting that next mission, I plan on partying with loved ones on a lake. I will most likely once again experience a hangover. Or two.

I’ll also begin a new love affair with a nine week old puppy. I have two wonderful, sweet and loving dogs at home, Thelma (my sweet blind dog) and Louise, but they stay close to headquarters. The puppy —currently without a name— will become my companion when I travel to distant lands; playing with the likes of Tesla and Otago. She and I will be great friends and I can’t wait to meet her. I tend to form very deep relationships with our animal friends, so this is such a treat.

Then after a few days, my next project, which will be revealed on day #21, will begin.

It’s past 2am, and I’m tired. It was a pretty shitty week, as far as my businesses are concerned, and I have to pay attention to that. Hmmm. I wonder how I might do that?

See you tomorrow… Allah willing.

Today, August 8th, 2008 is the 40th anniversary of my father’s death. He found out at age 50, when I was 2 years old, that he had cancer. Even though he was told he’d be gone in less than a year, he made it to age 61.

In many ways he beat the odds. And I’m happy he did. His positive spirit allowed me to be with him about 5,050 days. I unashamedly say he is my hero. Precious days.

It is also the opening night at the 29th Olympiad in China. They specifically planned the first day on 8-8-08 because 8 is a lucky number. I thought about that when I watched the opening ceremonies.

What does one have to do with the other? Absolutely nothing.

So day #13 was filled with highs and lows. I always get misty-eyed when I watch people doing amazing things in competition for their countries. And of course I thought about my father a lot. I always wonder what he’d think of the world if he could come back and spend a few days.

Boy, what he missed.

Today was one of those days. I did absolutely nothing constructive and felt like I was bouncing around and bumping into walls. It was a day full of false starts and promises. At about 5pm, ‘quitting time’, I was in the kitchen with no one around. I was a bit down, and as automatic as the bills every month, I reached for my favorite Cabernet. Who would know? I would, I thought. So I read the label, thought about it again, and put it back.

To add to the wonderful test, my sweetheart wife came home from a 14 hour day and thinking I’d be down today, stopped and bought me a bottle of my favorite Cabernet. When it rains it pours. I thanked her. It’s still in the bag on the counter.

Ramble. Ramble. Ramble.

One constructive thing tonight: I wrote Senator Bill Bradley an email to see if he’d like to read my book, Late Whistle.

Boy, I am down! By now —on a Friday night no less— I’d be one bottle into it and just be putting away my bong. As I say this I realize I really don’t miss it very much. Quite frankly, if I suddenly found myself on a spaceship headed to Mars on a 5 year mission I know I could do without brain medicine. Knowing that has made this mission worthwhile. Now, I won’t wonder.

Like a current in a river, I watch as today passes from view. Soon it’ll be a distant memory, and then one day, not even that. But tomorrow beckons. So let us sharpen our swords and be clear who the enemy is. For if it is within us, he is clever and daunting.

I have no idea what that meant. I think.

What a difference a week makes!

And you know what? It really does.

A week ago, before my holy mission began, I woke up Friday morning with a Thursday night hangover courtesy of Danny’s and friends (of course, totally voluntary by me). I recovered by bouncing against the walls and napping most of the morning. When my daughter called me around noon to tell me Randy Pausch had died that morning, I became very sad. After getting a few hours of poorly executed work done, I headed to my favorite place. My wine rack. Before you can say Slobodan Milosevic, I was pouring my favorite Australian wine (Wolf Blass Cabernet) into a nice shiny wine glass and toasting Randy. Several times.

And then I headed upstairs. To my second favorite place. Actually, it’s kind of a tie with my favorite place, which makes it a co-favorite place. So I went to my intergalactic world headquarters located on the second floor of my castle and parted the curtains to my closet. There, hidden amongst various debris and intellectual property, I pulled out my red plastic bong my kids gave me one christmas. I know what you’re thinking. And yes, I agree wholeheartedly. They should have given me a glass one.

So with no hesitation, and with red wine screaming through my veins and arteries, I gingerly sprinkled generous amounts of Indonesian weed (Bink-Chai) into the bowl and lit a match. The music played, I inhaled some smoke, and once again toasted Randy.

The occasion was death… and I went to town. Ironic, isn’t it?

But I had a great time. In fact, to be honest, i can’t wait ’till I visit that space again. Just not so often next time.

The following day wasn’t any different… in fact, it escalated. By Sunday morning, day #1, I was exhausted.

So here’s what pushed me over the edge… the scary thought that I was spending so much of my time repairing myself just to do it all over again the next night.

Why is this so important right now? Because I have people in my life I’d love to hang around with for a while. Like several decades. I also have many projects I would like to finish (and start). I don’t know how much time I have left but I am sure of one thing… whatever time remains I will enjoy in moderation and accomplishment. And fun. Lots of fun.

What a difference a week makes… indeed.