Category Archives: Life Balance

When browsing recently through my digital pictures album I came across some pictures I took while visiting San Francisco when speaking at the Odd Couple marketing for speakers workshop. It reminded me not only of the fabulous time I had with my friends Alan Weiss and Patricia Fripp but it also reminded me of how much I enjoy mixing work and pleasure to the point that I often can’t tell one from the other.

Below are pictures I took from my beautiful Hyatt room and another of Alan and Patricia during a rare odd couple contrarian disagreement that needed a resolution once and for all.

“If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.”
Anne Dudley Bradstreet

It is that exciting time of year again. The trees are changing, there is an amazing fragrance in the air, the birds are back and their vocal chords are louder then ever, my convertible top is already down, my dog is in a better mood and so are my wife, neighbors and even clients. In my front yard, the beautiful white weeping cherry reminds me of the latest snowstorm already long time forgotten, while my gorgeous sour crab apple trees scream: “spring is here.”

I love each season with the changes it brings. Some anticipated and planned while others a surprise or a new challenge. Life is great and especially the journey.

(Click on images to enlarge):

My weeping cherry tree

My crab apple trees

My dog, Noodles

We said goodbye to the kids and are looking forward to their safe return home in June. Our driver is waiting to take us to the airport and luckily we do not need to mount the suitcase on the roof of the car again. On the way to the airport, I chat with him about life in Israel. He tells me that two of his kids serve in the Israeli army and he knows that there will not be peace in his lifetime.

Final Reflection:

1. Time with family is precious.

2. Life is too short. Try enjoying each every moment.

3. Engage in conversations with people. You will discover some amazing wisdom.

4. Take time to observe and reflect. That’s when most of the learning and appreciation may take place.

5. Education is key to our future and probably the key to reducing hatred among nations.

6. Technology knows no borders, helps create and establish communities, makes staying in touch seamless and if used well can greatly increase efficiency and effectiveness.

7. We often take things for granted. Gas prices, Choices, Life style, discretionary time, freedom, relationships, peace and health to name a few.

8. Wars are asinine.

9. Life is great.

Signing off,

Chad

Today is our last day in Israel and we started by visiting the gorgeous Yemin Moshe neighborhood overlooking the old city of Jerusalem. It is one of my favorite places to visit in Jerusalem. Located next to an artists colony hosting some of Israel’s best and most creative artists I find there is something serene almost magical about this place. I can’t help but take many pictures and videos of this place:

And the birthday girl again, my daughter Sharon:

I couldn’t help but also post this next picture depicting a rainy day in Jerusalem (the only one we had this week) with a creative blue umbrella (plastic bag) covering this guy’s hat.

We had dinner with the kids at the fabulous Moroccan Darna Restaurant which was a great way to wrap up this marvelous week.