A few people have pointed out that I rarely (okay, never) blog anymore. I suppose the main reason is that I was doing it as a form of accountability to keep working hard. As they say, life got in the way. So here are a few updates for those interested:
Update 1: We got a dog in late June. My present to Rebecca at Christmas was that we would get a dog. Hey, I didn’t say how fast! We were just really indecisive about it. But finally we pulled the trigger. Here is a pic of Tucky, now 4 months old. She is a “lab mix,” according to the Anti-Cruelty Society where we adopted her. We think the “mix” might be pit bull, but not sure. She is awesome. She can already sit, lay down, shake hands, and come to you on command. She enjoys tackling all other dogs regardless of size, and pulling down your shorts when you’re not paying attention.
Update 2: On the 1st of July, I sold my business. Seven Papa John’s stores in Chicago are no longer my responsibility! It was bittersweet. It was hard to let go of something that consumed so much of my life since late 2009, but at the same time it is a lot of stress off my shoulders. I am overall very happy with the decision and I AM VERY INTERESTED IN TALKING WITH ANYONE THAT HAS IDEAS OF WHAT I CAN DO NEXT! That was a not so subtle suggestion that you reach out to me if you have an idea or just would like to talk. The food business is probably not my first choice. I am open to anything, so long as I can be creative, help grow a company, and do something interesting. Rebecca is also looking and has years of operational experience at the corporate level if anybody knows of anything there.
Update 3: Progress. I am still getting stronger. My biggest hope is that Louie actually starts using some muscles that have been inactive for a long time, now. I would do anything for Louie to be able to step up. Right now I am still going up stairs with only my right leg. Since we are talking about that, I’m planning on doing the Skyrise Chicago event, again. Last year I climbed 70 floors of the Willis Tower in about 5 hours and 15 minutes. This year my goal is to climb the entire tower (103 floors) in under 5 hours. Under 4 hours if I really move it. So please pray for that. I’ve already started training and am much faster than last year. It’s really a cool feeling to know that I’m getting stronger. If you’d like to donate to the cause (money goes to RIC), here is a link to the page.
http://ric.convio.net/site/TR/SkyRise/General?px=1198622&pg=personal&fr_id=1100
I’m also handcycling, walking in halls with just one crutch and the wall for support, doing pullups, leg press, etc. Anything that will make me sweat and work off the sweets that Rebecca keeps making.
That covers the main stuff. It may be a while before I write again so please feel free to email me and tell me how you are doing.
Dear Lord, thank You for my life. Thank You for giving me a strong will so that I can overcome these challenges and look to the future. Thank You for giving me an ever-changing positive perspective and outlook. Keep me humble but give me confidence to follow Your will fully. Please be with those that are suffering or having troubles in life. Remind them of Your strength and power. Give them hope and courage. Heal them. Continue to heal me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Have a good one,
Chip
