Blake’s Journal

Everything is a once in a lifetime experience. 

fish for breakfast

Tomorrow I will close my fifth week of training as a manager. I have three to go.

I read the fish philosophy today after breakfast. I've read FISH! before, but never really implemented it in anything I've done. With my new position now looming a mere three weeks away, I've gotten the urge to experiment with fish philosophy and perfect it before taking the reigns.

I have a passion for developing people and helping them succeed. Loving what you do is a vital element in being successful. It will make you want to work harder. This is where the fish philosophy starts. I just don't know how to share it with others.

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the start of something big

Last week I started a new career. Oh yes. I did.

This is the start of something big. GIGANTIC. I have entered the real world, and there is no turning back. I have started to think about things I previously couldn't have cared less about. Things like health insurance. A new car. And upon my initial training period, a new city. Thus, a new apartment. Ah! What have I done? 

It's ok. For once, change is a good thing. I feel like I have finally been given the opportunity to make something of myself. And that's just what I'll do.

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Filed under  //   awesomeness   career  

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Happy Squirrel Appreciation Day!

Today is Squirrel Appreciation Day. Who'd a thunk it?

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Just as I was starting to feel bad for the little rodents - with not being appreciated and all - I find out they have an entire day designated specifically for them. Who started Squirrel Appreciation Day? As it turns out, Christy Hargrove of WNC-Rehab takes credit for founding this special day. 

I am the founder of Squirrel Appreciation Day, which was started in 2001. It falls on January 21st, and while there are no official events scheduled, you can help celebrate by putting out extra food for the squirrels.

Extra food? Hey, it's a start. Personally, I believe we should host parties and whatnot. Just don't invite this guy

So, in honor of these furry rascals, check out the Top 5 Web Squirrels of all time... brought to you by urlesque.com.

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Filed under  //   holiday   image  

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Spectacular Sunset on Lake Murray

     

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Rainbow!

Taken in Gilbert, SC on Jan 17, 2010.

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Last morning in Athens...

It's 2:35am in Athens, Greece. We're leaving in 25 minutes for our flight to Munich, Germany... then to Charlotte. We've heard reports of heavy snow in Germany along with nightmare security. Here's to hoping for a smooth flight. See you back in the states!

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Filed under  //   greece09  

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Tour of Greece: Day 3 - New Years

Just wanted to give ya'll a quick update. I haven't had much access to a computer while in Greece, so this will have to do for now. Posts from days prior will be updated later.

So, 2010 has arrived in Athens. We celebrated new years in great American style at Hard Rock Cafe.  Then, just before midnight, we went to Syntagma Square -- or Contitution Square -- the main square in the city which lies just in front of the Greek Parliament. You can say Syntagma Square is like the Time Square in NYC -- complete with countdown, confetti and fireworks. Huge amounts of people were there to bring in the new year... and I must say this: What you've heard is true. Americans are loud. We were the only people vocally ooooing and ahhhing over the fireworks and scene. So much so that many of the people were video taping the us while in total awe of our excitement.

This was the highlight of the day... and even topped seeing the Acropolis and the Olympic Stadium used for the 2004 games. I have so much more to say but have little time. I'll add more to this post later.

Until then...

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Filed under  //   greece09  

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Tour of Greece: Day 2 - Arriving in Athens

                               

Our flight arrived in Munich, Germany around 8:05am. The flight was incredibly smooth. The Munich airport is large and extremely clean. It's also very quite, although, we were warned before we left the states that Europeans tend to be very quiet compared to Americans. Yup, I can see that...

I got my passport stamped! I'm officially in the EU. 

Aboard our second flight from Munich to Athens we flew over the Alps. It's one of the most breathtaking views I've ever seen. Shortly after passing over the mountains the flight attendants started passing out food. This time, its cheese, bread and grapes. Quite tasty, actually. 

Upon arrival at the Athens airport we met our tour director, Roberto, loaded the bus, and began a 45 minute drive across the city to the hotel. We finally made it to Hotel Candia, our humble abode, in what seemed to be the dirty part of the city. I guess it will do. We were given free time until we had to meet back up for a scheduled group dinner in the Plaka, which is the old (but very nice) part of the city.

In our free time, we learned how to take the Metro (the Athens subway). Thankfully, everything is in two languages. Greek and English. It wasn't too hard. We visited the main square in the city called Syntagma Square or "Constitution Square" located just in front of the Greek Parliament. It kind of reminded me of Time Square in NYC, but without the skyscrapers.

The group met back up and took the metro to the Akropoli stop which is just below the Acropolis. We ate at Vizantino Taverna - a simple Greek restaurant with simple Greek food. I can't call it yummy... or even good. But it sufficed after a long day with barely nothing to eat. After dinner, we headed back to the hotel to catch some shut eye before the next day.

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Filed under  //   greece09  

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Tour of Greece: Day 1 - The Flight

The group met in Charlotte around 3:00pm for our 5:25pm flight. Check-in, security, and boarding went smoothly. The Charlotte airport seems to have their stuff together. 

Wheels up at 5:25pm. In flight we were served drinks and crackers, then dinner which consisted of stuffed pasta, salad, and a brownie.   We each had our own personal touch screen TV located in the seat back in front of us. We had the option of watching TV shows and movies, which is a good thing... because there's not much else I can do for eight hours at 34,000 feet.

Flight continues on day 2...

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Filed under  //   greece09  

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Countdown to Greece

Tuesday marks the beginning of a trip I've been looking forward to for quite a while. I will be making final arrangements in the morning to make sure I have everything I need before my first visit to Europe. Excited? You bet.

On the Itinerary? A 9-day tour of Greece -- including over-night stays in Athina (Athens), Patra, and Argolida, and visits to Delfi and Olympia. 

Look for more updates soon. Hopefully, I'll have access to a computer to post updates during the trip. Otherwise... I'll be posting my journal and photos upon my return. Until then... Bon Voyage!

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Filed under  //   greece09  

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