I love the Christmas Season. While I love the Season, it’s also the most hectic time of year for our family – especially this year.

The business venture we took over back in August has compounded our busy schedule but has also paid off in spades. We just finished up on a six week mission to reach out to and service every single location we have in time for Christmas. While we worked double time the last six weeks, the kids had several events going on with school and extracurricular activities that added to our busy schedule.

At times – we didn’t know which end was up.

The hectic schedule finally wound to a close on Friday, and by the time you read this, we’ll be off on a two week vacation with family. Long breaks like this is one of the many perks of the business, and it’s why we committed to working so hard that last six weeks.

While we’ll be vacationing the next two weeks, both Ronda and I are way behind on our goal setting that we do each and every year. It’s a habit that we’ve always done, but really didn’t take seriously until we got involved with YTB. It was one of the many tools we bought into in order to achieve success.

Overall both of us agree that 2011 far exceeded our wildest expectations and dreams. So much so – the future’s so bright…

We gotta wear shades.

(Oh COME ON! You had to of known it was coming.)

With the current year coming to a rapid close, we’ll be setting aside time the next two weeks to take a look at 2012 and beyond to dream and strategize about what we’d like to accomplish and what our world should look like.

Both Ronda and I are dreamers. On top of dreaming big – we also believe that somehow – some way the resources and avenues will find its way to us to make it happen. The most difficult part of the whole process is having the patience and persistence to follow through and take the appropriate action to make it all happen.

We’ve heard it time and time again, and I’m sure you have too at one time or another:

“Never – Ever – Give Up.”

I have to admit – there were times that a comment like that felt like lip service. I mean, I heard it, but the words didn’t have the impact that was intended, because I was still in the thralls of reaching for my goals but not quite achieving them.

If you’re feeling like that at this time of year, I want to ask you – actually I really need to beg you – “Never give up.”

Now – I don’t want to come across as hype or some pie in the sky dreamer. I can assure you, that I’ve been there – done that – and even have a T-shirt that says so. I know how the mind can play it’s tricks and that voice can be so loud that it can cancel things out.

But I want you to do this before the new year – because it’s probably one of the most important steps you can do to create a world that’s so bright – you’ll be wearing those shades.

I have a close friend who really helped me with this and most of you may remember Andy Cauthen. If you didn’t know Andy – you should have. Andy was President & COO of YTB Marketing, Inc. and a very dear and close friend. One of Andy’s legacies, was a popular series or course that he produced a number of years ago and caught fire on the subject of “Goal Setting“. It’s one of the finest and most thorough pieces we’ve ever read on the subject.

Andy not only goes into how to set goals, but the type of goals you should be thinking about. It’s a time to dream – and dream big.

Why is this step of goal setting so important? Try this exercise the next time you work on a jigsaw puzzle. Turn all the pieces over, and attempt to complete it upside down. Fact is – the pictures on the other side make a huge difference in completing the puzzle. And that’s what goal setting does – completes a picture. Think about it. You don’t take a trek across the country without a road map do you? You don’t build a house without a set of blueprints, right?

Far too many people actually plan to fail because the fail to plan.

If you want your future to be bright and full of promise – both Ronda and I want to invite you to take some time before the new year to set some goals and work out a plan. Neither one of us can truly express how much it’s meant to both of us. Not only in our professional lives – but our personal life including our family and our marriage.

If you’ve never done something like this – it’s time to start. But only if you really want to enjoy your life and be all you can be.

You only get one shot at this journey we call life – so why not take some time to plan it out so you can really – truly enjoy it?

Who knows you might be wearing the same shades and singing the same tune we are this time next year!

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I know all about the stereotype that guys typically don’t remember their anniversary.

Well…most guys don’t have a wife like mine.

Today, Ronda and I celebrate our 14 year wedding anniversary, and I wouldn’t trade her, or a second of our life together for anything in the world.

Growing up, I always had this image in my head of what marriage was like. Probably the most important quality I was looking for came from my own parents who will celebrate their 50th anniversary in just a couple of years.

See, the meaning of marriage actually has something of value to us. We made vows to each other to love, honor, and cherish each other – till death do us part. Granted, we’re both human, and there have been times in the last 14 years when we don’t show as much love as we should. But the fundamental commitment we made to each other is important to us because of our core values as individuals. Our vows are more than just words, and something we honor because of who we are.

Over the last year, and more so over the last few months, we’ve gotten much closer as a couple. My soul mate has always been supportive of my dreams and desires. Lately, I’ve been able to support her in her passion for singing and goals that she has as an individual. Watching her go after this has been a wonderful experience because I know it’s what truly in her heart. She’s blossomed all over again, and I’ve fallen even more in love with her because of it.

While her singing hasn’t worked out exactly the way she’s planned, her new assertiveness and gut instinct has her on the cusp of a truly tremendous opportunity that has literally fallen right into her lap. (It’s not a done deal just yet, but everything is lining up smoother than silk.)

Just as she’s been supportive of me throughout our marriage in my dreams and desires – I’ve actually learned from her what type of support she needs to be truly happy and fulfilled. People love the way they want to be loved themselves. It’s our most natural state – and if you think about it, it makes perfect sense.

I couldn’t be happier to support her in this way because I couldn’t be more honored to have this beautiful, caring, intelligent, and supportive babe as my wife. She’s always been everything I’ve ever dreamed of – even now. If I had to do it all over again, I can’t think of a better, more loving and supportive person to do it with.

She’s my fantasy, my soul mate, my dream come true. I couldn’t be more honored to call this woman my wife.

Princess. Thank you for the most wonderful time of my life. It includes more than just our marriage, because I loved you even before our first date. (And it was the best first date of my entire life.) You’re my best friend, my soul mate, the woman of my dreams – and I can’t thank you enough for being who you are as a wife, a mother, and a friend.

I’ve never been more optimistic about our future together because of what we’ve experienced in our past. You’ve shown me time and time again how special you really are – and I love you more this moment than the day we both said “I do” and meant it. You my love truly are my “permanent wife”.

I can’t thank you enough. I love you! Happy Anniversary!

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UPDATE: It was hard for Ronda to get any type of reading on the judges. She felt confident and sang very well – but in a cattle call of thousands, the judges appeared glazed over with her entire audition group. The most difficult part of this whole thing – it’s now a waiting game. She won’t find out if she made it until late March or early April!

I sometimes joke that when I moved to Atlanta, I found and then married a true Southern Belle and it was the best move I’ve ever made.

It’s hard to believe that we’ve been married for almost 14 years now. The time sure has flown by and we’re more in love with each other than the day we were married.

One of the best parts about our life together is how we support each other. Our vows to love, honor, and cherish mean just as much to her as they do me. That’s not to say we always agree, (we are individuals) but we do support each other no matter what that choice may be. Marriage and vows actually mean something to both of us and that’s a trait that’s hard to find in this day and age.

She said that I was the one who swept her off her feet when we first met. I gave her self-confidence back, and helped her with that “can do” attitude again. Oddly enough, I think it was just the opposite. The fact that this gorgeous, talented woman picked me to not only hang with but take care of makes me grateful to this day.

I’ve never been a big fan of reality shows, or talent shows on TV. I’d much rather watch paint dry than spend time watching American Idol. (As much as I love Steven Tyler and the music of Aerosmith – sorry.) However, there may be a change in interest this season.

See, my super model, super talented wife (at least she’s been that for me that last 14 years) is heading down to Atlanta tomorrow morning to try out for America’s Got Talent.

How cool is that?!

While her best talents have been reserved for here at home, taking care of her family the last 14 years, she’s got the voice of an angel that she wants to share with the rest of the world. Hopefully she’ll be singing for America during this upcoming season doing what she truly enjoys in her heart.

Both of us grew up and spent our early adult life entertaining. Theater and radio are on both our early resumes. Ronda also won several pageants here in Georgia and spent time singing across the state when she won contests in her teens.

Like so many of us, the days of “dreaming” were somehow replaced with “reality” and our lives took on a new direction and new meaning to conform with the rest of society. I’ve always known about her dreams because we’ve talked about her desire to sing many times over the years. Singing is what she truly wanted to do. We’ve talked about it, and she would consider it, but this is the first time she’s actually pulling the trigger to go after it.

And I couldn’t be more thrilled because it’s truly what she wants to do.

As her husband, I was the first to hear about her desire to sing for this show. When she asked, my first reaction was “you could crush this”, and while I never pushed, I always supported this direction because I know how happy she is singing. The desire grew as she researched and thought about songs to sing for the audition. Before long, other family members and neighbors began to hear about her audition and intent.

The family has always known about her voice, and when neighbors and friends heard her sing, they too became supporters.

It’s yet to be determined if the judges here in Atlanta will also become supporters, or if the judges on the show will give her an opportunity to travel to Las Vegas and Hollywood to let the rest of America decide. She’s committed to the challenge however, and no matter what happens over the course of the next few months with the show, she’s going after her dreams.

Joseph Campbell said it best in his quote “Follow your bliss.”

I couldn’t be happier nor prouder of her. She deserves it.

Congratulations Princess, I love you and you certainly have my vote!

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Phil Mickelson was once known as the best player without a major title. When Tiger Woods exploded onto the PGA scene back in 1996, questions if Phil would ever win a major began to circulate even more.

For me, Mickelson has always been one of those players I’ve always rooted for. It seems like ages since Phil’s second place finishes were the major topic of conversation after major tournaments. His third green jacket yesterday put Phil an elite group of golfers with names like Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicholas, Sam Snead, Gary Player, Nick Faldo, and Tiger Woods.

Mickelson’s victory and his moment with his ailing wife, Amy was a stark contrast to Tiger Woods’ behavior that was exposed to the public last November. Ironically, both the Masters win, his third Green Jacket, and his wife cements Phil Mickelson’s place in this era alongside Tiger Woods.

Phil’s dedication to his wife and family make him a fan favorite for even the part time viewer of major tournaments like the Masters.

There were so many shots during this tournament, but the one I’ll always remember was Phil’s shot off of the pine needles on No. 13 between two imposing trees trying to reach the green in two shots. A risky shot with Ray’s Creek protecting the green that could have eliminated Phil from contention. (Memories of The Shark back in 1996 and Nick Faldo winning ran through my head when Phil hit the shot.)

A stroke that will be overlooked because of his win however was back on the front 9 on hole No. 2 during his birdie bid. In the middle of the green, during his back stroke a seed dropped out of the sky from nowhere directly in line with the hole. As a result, the seed bumped the ball ever so slightly to the left which robbed him of a birdie bid early in the round.

He admitted during his press conference that the shot raised questions if someone was out to get him. Like a true Champion however, he put it behind him rather quickly with a birdie on the very next hole and he never looked back.

That’s what true Champions do. There will always be situations that appear to be beyond your control. You can’t let a little bump in the road ruin your main focus. 

Augusta National will always have a special place in my heart. It’s one of most beautiful places on earth for some of the world’s most elite golfers. Television, even HD TV doesn’t do this course justice. You have to experience the course for yourself to realize just how beautiful and majestic this course really is.

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I admit it…I’m spoiled. Some might even go as far as saying spoiled rotten, and they just might be right. Some 15 years ago I moved to Atlanta, found myself a true Southern Bell, and she agreed to marry me. I tell people all the time it was the best move I ever made. I couldn’t ask for a better soul mate, cook, mother of our children, home maker, and all around companion than what I have found in my real life woman of my dreams. I get teased all the time that I “Married Up” and I honestly have no defense, and would have to agree that I’m guilty as charged. I certainly hope that most don’t think it’s as drastic as Rod Stewart and Rachel Hunter, or Rick Ocasek and Paulina Porizkova. (One of those, what is SHE doing with HIM??!!) I would agree however she is the better half when it comes to this union.

I’m reminded of a quote in Monsters, Inc. when Mike Wazowski tells Celia, “I remember the first time I set eye on you.” (I think I looked just like that picture too!) I was blown away. I came to find out that this woman was a former Miss Emanuel County and Miss Valdosta State. Beautiful, intelligent, and an extremely talented voice that makes your heart just melt. However, the cincher for me…the first time she made me Lasagnas. If the quickest way to a mans heart is through his stomach, this dish certainly did it for me. It was by far the best Lasagnas I ever had. (If anyone tells my mother, that my wife’s is better, I will flat out deny it!) I’m the luckiest man in the world to have someone who loves me as much as she does, and who takes pride in taking care of me the way she does.

They say that opposites attract, and I’ve known this to be true in other relationships and even in marriage. However, finding someone you have common interests in and similar backgrounds I believe is key in helping a relationship thrive. Ronda and I have so many things we enjoy doing together and like a lot of the same things. We both wanted children, and even found that we had picked out the same names for our kids when we were dating. (Brittany and Brandon, who eventually changed to Brian.) We LOVE to travel and our passion is cruising. We are also both entrepreneurs, and have even found a business we enjoy working together, with YTB Travel Network. We still have our own interests and we’ve also found that each of us bring special qualities to the relationship. Ronda for example is a wiz with numbers and finances. I on the other hand am a wiz with anything dealing with the Pittsburgh Steelers. (Don’t knock it, in this household, it’s important!) It makes for a great combination!

Today, we celebrate our Diamond Anniversary, 10 years of marriage. It’s hard to believe that we’ve reached this milestone in our partnership; it certainly doesn’t feel that long. Of all the qualities I love about my wife, and there are many, there is one that stands out above all the rest. It’s the fact that the vows we shared ten years ago meant just as much to her as they did to me. Marriage means something to us, it’s an important union. There have been some rough times over the last ten years, but we both promised each other that we would stick together, for better or worse, sickness and in health, for richer or poorer. The vows we shared were important to both of us, and we both knew what it was like to have a partner that didn’t understand what that meaning meant.

We are off to the North Georgia Mountains for an extended weekend without the kids. (Thanks Mema and Pappa!) Before we left, I wanted to tell the world just how special she is, and how much she means to me. I am so happy and grateful she said yes. Because she did, I know that dreams can and do come true.

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