Cousins

Pre Jet Skis

I let Brittany drive and she reciprocated by tossing me off into the ocean.

A great dinner at Marmalade in San Juan with Sonia’s cousin and husband who are visiting from Chicago.

Before we left Chicago for Los Angeles, the kid’s daycare consisted of grandparents and aunts. It was during this time that their pallets fell in love with Puerto Rican food. Because of this, we sought out the busiest diner in old San Juan and ordered some traditional fare. Sonia and the kids were in heaven.

Exploring Old San Juan

#68 Done

#68 Enjoy 3 New Beaches Dipped my toes into the warm Puerto Rican waters.

Christmas

Christmas Eve

Even though the kids have grown, this Youmans Family X-Mas tradition continues.

#59 Done

59. Make Christmas great for someone I don’t know. Brittany and I returned to K-Mart and took care of a half of a dozen layaway accounts set to expire tomorrow. Hopefully it makes for a great Christmas for at least one of them.

#100 Done

We actually completed this goal awhile ago, but tonight’s chili makes it official.

#52 in Progress

Writers waxing poetic about doing what I would like to wax poetic about.

Despite a pathetic Marquette loss, Vegas was very good to us.

Can I get a win?

At the MGM in Vegas. More MU people that I’ve seen in a long time. Hoping for a win.

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.