Ok, I am back to blogging after resting and catching up for the last 4 weeks. I've only posted once in that time when I was bored to tears while serving at jury duty. I gotta say, I really needed that break. I've had a crazy year and it was nice to just lay low for a little bit, but to be honest... I really miss blogging. There's been a lot going on in my life and I'll be sharing again on a regular basis. I love blogging. If for no other reason than it serves as a public & photographic journal of my life. I love going back through my blog and seeing the timeline of my adventures complete with photos & video. I've been working on this years video Christmas card that I'll be sharing next week and it was so fun to see the whirlwind that was my 2009.

Over the last few weeks I've been tying up loose ends, organizing my home and office, making plans for 2010, catching up on Tivo, playing a little more poker, shooting family portraits, sleeping in, working out (gotta get a head start on the new years resolutions). I've also been to a few Christmas parties and I am looking forward to a couple more in the next week or so. I haven't even started my Christmas shopping. There's still plenty of time.

Anyway, let me tell you about the awesome day I had yesterday. About a week and a half or so ago, Mike Hanline, the co-owner of WHCC, which is the lab I've been using for the last 3 years or so invited me to a "business meeting" down in Texas at one of their satellite locations in Mesquite. They started by giving me a tour of the facility and it was amazing. I worked at a photo lab for 7 years right out of high school, so I knew a little bit about the lab business, but the lab I worked at would have fit inside of the employee break room at this facility (which is less than half the size of there main office in Eagan, Minnesota). The place is just incredible... so organized, so efficient. The amount of prints and press printed products they move through there on a giving day is mind boggling, and the accuracy and speed they do it with is almost unbelievable.

I also got to catch up with my good friend Troy Widner from PickPic, which is the online shopping cart solutions I've been using for over 5 years now. He gave me a little preview of what he's got coming out next month and my jaw hit the floor. I can't say to much and what I will say will be shared inside of the [ b ] School, but let me just say, once again, they are raising the bar and all of their competitors are going to be playing catch up.

Ok, so the real reason for the trip was to attend the Cowboys vs. Chargers game at their brand new stadium, which is something to marvel. It's like the 8th wonder of the world. Way more impressive than any pyramids or a big long fence in China. The place is massive, and well thought out. No detail was overlooked and no expense was spared. The place is plush.

From left to right: Troy, Chris Hanline (Mike's son), Mike, and yours truly:

The first thing you notice when walking into the stadium is the super impressive scoreboard/video screen. 140 feet of high definition beauty.

The view from our seats. 11th row, 47 yard line, padded leather chair... insane! We'd usually watch the play live, then just look up to watch the replay on the big screen. I could see for those who were sitting in the upper levels, they may be tempted to just watch the game on the screen since it's right at eye level.

The ride home was the best part of the day. No long lines at DFW, no security checkpoint, no walking forever through the terminal to your gate. Just park the car, walk 50 feet, hop on the plane, shut the door and then we were off. We had a wonderful conversation on the ride home to John Wayne airport and I am so stoked to be associated with these fine people.

I need some napkins with the [ b ] logo on them. Or better yet, I need a private jet with the [ b ] logo on it.

It was my first time flying in a private jet and it was awesome. I am a little spoiled and I now have a new goal for my business. ;-)

Even though the Cowboys lost to the weaksauce Chargers, it was still an incredible day that I will not soon forget.

Once again Mike, Thank you so much for your wonderful generosity! You are the best!

*All of the images were shot with the Panasonic Lumix LX3 that I borrowed from Jessica Claire and I am strongly considering purchasing for myself as a Christmas gift.