Starting things off right at Jose Andres’ Jaleo. The only paella pit in the US. Eating at his secret 22 course Vegas restaurant will be a goal in 2014.

Yep, we’re in Vegas.

#66 Eludes Us

We had an end of year company lunch for some of the sewers and cutters that we contract with. Although production has increased, revenue is down nearly 30% for LA Fashion Insider, Inc. So, for the first time since starting this blog, the goal of growing our business will not be met in 2013. The good news is that we changed course in July…

Squeezing some warmth out of winter.

#65 Done

Golfed Sherwood on a beautiful December day. It’s only been a few days since Tiger’s tournament, the the pin placements guaranteed a three put average. Dad, here are some iPhone slo-mo videos to study.

#92 Done

1. 2009 This was the seminal post of the blog, perhaps my life. I wanted to inform, surprise and entertain my family, so I decided not to reveal my future plans. Instead, this blog became my primary means of communication. Five years later, I still think about this post because it represents a dream come true. I dreamt about Paris as a kid, but…

#91 Done

Seeing these creatures up close in their natural habitat was definitely one of the highlights of our safari. On average, poachers kill 96 elephants a day. 75% of the Chinese and Vietnamese who purchase ivory, don’t even know where ivory comes from. The Wildlife Conservation Society is the leading organization protecting elephants throughout the world and has an A+ rating from charity watch.org.

#52 in Progress

Never would I have read a Toni Morrison novel if I wasn’t on the college freshman curriculum, but after reading, Beloved, I have changed my mind…. Just kidding.

Sonia and I took in Peter and the Starcatcher with my dad and Georgeanne. It’s the prequel to Peter Pan and proof that the second act can save a bad start.

The Hart and the Hunter

Another diet killer night.

#70 Done

Our annual Christmas party. And Sonia cooked, so closing in on completing #100.

A Little Housekeeping

Here are a few goals that will not happen. No regrets considering the things we did do. 3. Learn to fly Flew a lot, but let the pilots do the work. 8. Bears Game This has been on the list for three years, but it’s still not going to happen. 18. Dance Lessons Maybe next year. 21. Visit Five City Libraries Visited lots of…

#30 in Progress

And by paint the gutters, I meant have someone else paint the gutters.

Animals with the kind of medical issues that Delilah had are often discarded or, at best, neglected. Fortunately for Delilah, she found a family whose love and attention knew no bounds and helped her live a long and happy life. RIP pup.

#7 Done

Maybe not the best seats we’ve ever had, but being on the floor was a whole new perspective. The kids loved it, but the end result was typical of my experience. When I’m in the stands, they lose.

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like….

I awoke from a nap to this. I would’ve only gotten in the way, so I feel no guilt.

Thanksgiving

Reunited

Celebrated Devin’s B-Day at Mr. Chow and the SLS Hotel with a couple of Devin’s friends and Sonia’s cousin.

Happy 23rd Devin!

#54 Done

Highway 1 in Big Sur

#52 in Progress

I don’t always take baths, but when I do…

#61 Done

Bixby Bridge in Big Sur, CA

Sunset

I want him dead! I want his family dead! I want his house burned to the ground! I wanna go there in the middle of the night and I wanna piss on his ashes! And scene. That was my Robert De Niro as Al Capone ordering a hit from a cliff side resort pool phone.

Around the room

Around the Post Ranch Inn.

Executive retreat bonding exercise.

Post Ranch Inn

Oysters in the room. Executive meetings postponed until the evening.

A great view from cliff side room. Executive retreat meetings postponed until the afternoon.

#54 in Progress

Heading up Highway 1 along the angry coast for an executive retreat in Big Sur.

#52 in Progress

A look into how Italy works.

Ask Your iPhone Siri who her favorite college basketball team is.

Sonia, Devin and I joined our friends Tomiko, Pierre and Mei for dinner at our friend’s new Italian gastro pub, Scopa. The service has some kinks to work out, but the food was excellent.

A little decadence for lunch at The Ivy.

#86 Done

Not the longest of visits, but I got to see George and Rosie on their home turf. Picked a great game to go to as USC knocked off the favored Stanford.

High blood pressure season returns. Marquette loses to OSU at home in pathetic fashion.

No cold front here.

#100 in Progress

Blame it on Rio.

One dog wasn’t challenging enough to our travel schedule, so this was the solution. Meet Rio. She is a three month old terrier mix. And yes, she is a rescue.

#100 in Progress

A rare dinner at home. More on why later.

Championship Heartbreak, But…..

Picked to finish last, the Highlanders played to a tie for 120 minutes before finally succumbing to Cal State Fullerton in penalty kicks in the 2013 Big West Championship game. What made getting up at three a.m. this morning to fly across the country and race to Brit’s game was the surprise that she started her first game.

#68 In Progress

New day, new beach.

#68 in Progress

Sea Side is a very Truman Show type town. In fact, this is where they filmed the Truman Show.