Relationships are more important.

My GF has been traveling for work for 6 days now. But it’s felt like a year. Sure, it’s fun to have a guys nights and have the whole bed to myself, but I miss her dearly.

This just reinforces everything I know. That my life is better when she is here. That she inspires me to be the best version of myself. That I need her in my life. That she is a big reason for my personal successes the past few years.

There is nary a relationship in my life that is more important than this one right now. Sometimes, I think I take it for granted. Just remember what it feels like without her. Treat her like the Queen that she is. Always.

I received one from a friend of a friend, thanking us for hosting a dinner party last week. It was so thoughtful and nice.

People do this.
Be one of those people.
Make the effort.
Better yet, let it become effortless.

Come May, it looks like Erick & I will be working together again.
Score one for networking.

Networking is everything. Research has shown that approximately 70% of jobs are filled through networking and personal relationships. Wow! This is a fact of life and I feel that everyone should use to their advantage.

If it weren’t for my relationship with Erick and making the commitment to keep in touch after he left the company, I wouldn’t be interviewing for a job on Tuesday.

I didn’t keep the relationship so I could one day possibly parlay it into a job. I did because he was a good guy that is loaded with passion and enthusiasm for life. Plus, he is freakin’ hilarious. The chance I may be working side by side with him again would be great. We work well together, but also make the day enjoyable with chat and banter.

Eating fish tacos at a local food cart in the parking lot of a grocery store with two locals. Enjoying the moment, the food, and our single serving relationship. It doesn’t matter that I’ll never see them again, for 15 minutes, we were great chums.

Thanks for the fish tacos and the memories.

Corrie is an old friend from high school and college. She is about an 8 out of 10 on the shy side, but I always seemed to bring out her warm personality when we hang out.

She was visiting a friend in Portland last night, and we were able to meet up for a drink and chat. It was wonderful. Talking about the good old days, as well as meeting her Portland friends.

This is really what it’s all about. These relationships are more important.

after 2.5 years of sitting in the “I’m Done” category. I don’t think “I’m done” anymore.

I feel I need to re-focus on this part of my life. I’m in a solid 3 year relationship, but sometimes I feel I neglect other relationships because of this.

Hanging out with friends, frequently call and email my family, getting to know co-workers, making new friends, keeping in touch with old friends…

Don’t forget the small stuff.

*Send Emails (weekly?)
*Send Thank Yous
*Send E-Cards
*Facebook friends
*Organize get togethers
*Make Personal Gifts
*Remember Birthdays & Anniversaries
*Be Social, have social skills
*Keep in touch with old friends
*Be bold, be unique
*Travel to see people
*Be present, listen
*Tell your family how much they mean to you.
*You only have one brother. And he’s awesome.

“The simplest of all rules for balance is to put people first. And of all the people whom you put first, put the most important people in your life ahead of everything and everyone else.” Brian Tracy