C'est magnifique! There is no more doubt concerning who is the greatest tennis player in history. By winning the elusive French Open title yesterday, Roger Federer became only the second player in the modern era to claim every major tournament - the Grand Slam - and is now tied for the most major wins ever. Jackie and I are a bit of tennis freaks and Fed is our guy. It was a fun day of tennis watching in the Roberts' household yesterday morning - although Aubrey rooted for Federer's opponent, Robin Söderling, just to be difficult! Next up - Wimbledon!
Summer for the Roberts family is now in full swing. Watch for a post regarding our latest adventures, coming soon! Until then, remember to pick up the pace and run your own race.
It's been one of those weeks. You know the kind where work is so crazy the days fly by and your Monday blog post suddenly becomes . . . well . . . a Friday blog post. But no excuses or sulking here. Let's say goodbye to the work week and get ready to say hello to the weekend! Par-tay!!! I'm still excited over yet another one of my favorite athletes (and people), Helio Castroneves bringing home a storybook Indy 500 victory (his third) just days after being fully acquitted of tax evasion charges that would have sent him to jail for years. After closer review, looks like the Feds never had much evidence against the first-class Brazilian and the celebratory milk at Indy must have tasted oh so sweet, er flavorful(?), ummm wholesome(?) - well, you get the idea! Just goes to show you that you can't keep good people down. Greatness always rises to the top. I was there for Helio's first two victories and my buddy George was in attendance for this one last Sunday. Good times, great guy - great story!
Want to witness a special "feel-good" moment? Watch as a teary-eyed Helio is nearly speechless after his victory.
And yes, it's that time of year again - school is almost over! For all you graduates out there, as you enter the next phase of your life, remember to walk proudly - and carefully!!!
Have a great weekend everyone. And until next time, remember to watch your step, pick up the pace and run your own race.
During our recent visit to North Carolina, we stayed with my sis Sheila, bro-in-law Roger and their family at their beautiful home (more like a resort) on Lake Norman, just north of Charlotte. Quite simply, it was paradise. One thing we realized, though, is that the Baughan family's paradise is independent of where they live. These special people have such a positive spirit and sense of family about them that you can't help feeling uplifted in their presence - and you always feel right at home. So thanks to Sheila, Roger, Derek, Meagan, Colby, and Brock for giving us the gift of one of our favorite trips ever!
One thing I've learned about Jackie is that she has a passion for adventure. Watch as she gets the feel for a wave runner in the first video clip, then is tearing up the water in the second clip with Murph, just a few minutes later!
Roger is the perfect captain and basically rules the waters of Lake Norman. When I asked him who has the right of way when two boats are headed toward each other, he simply grinned and said, "Whoever has the bigger boat." There is a metaphor for life in there somewhere.
Colby did a little tubing as we cruised by . . .
Then caught a ride with Murph back to the dock.
Derek followed our wake - and flipped his wave runner.
Aubs absolutely loved playing with Aunt She-She and Meagan on the dock.
Blake stopped by the day of his wedding for a little fun in the sun on his big day.
We were also honored to be all together for Mother's Day during which Roger, Sheila and Meagan cooked yet another incredible meal and we just enjoyed each other's company.
My bro (actually my nephew), Brock.
Later in the day, Derek took Aubrey and Jackie on a fun ride in a luxury golf cart.
Sheila's gorgeous fish pond was a big hit with Aubrey, too!
We also took a drive through downtown Charlotte - very cool place.
Great times, great fun, great family. Thanks again to the Baughan family and hope to see you again soon!
Have a Happy Memorial Day weekend everyone! Until next time, remember to pick up the pace and run your own race.
Ever meet one of those people who just seems to have the world at their feet? That's my niece, Meagan - a real-life Elle Woods. After the wedding ceremony was over, guess who was at the helm of the largest boat on the lake? As always, Meagan seemed to have everything figured out and all was calm on the waters.
Of course, not everything was going so smoothly on the rest of the boat. As you can see from their expressions, Sheila and Mom came across a soda that had a few more ingredients in it than expected. Later in the day, the ship was rocking from the gyrating motions of Aubrey and Jackie who were bustin' a move near the dance floor.
Coming up in the next post, we'll take a look at everything else that happened during our Charlotte trip including lots of adventures on Lake Norman, (Word to the wise: Jackie turns into a daredevil when you flip her the key to a wave runner!), and our beautiful accommodations that we like to call The Baughan Resort! Talk to you soon. Until then, remember to pick up the pace and run your own race.
Every wedding is special and can bring a tear to the eye of even the most manly of men (are you reading this Roger?). But add my nephew Blake (one of my favorite people), his lovely bride Amber, my family, and a beautiful boat on a picturesque lake, and you have the makings of what can only be called . . . The Love Boat. This very special ceremony took place aboard "The Lady of the Lake" on Lake Norman, just north of Charlotte, North Carolina. Leave it to Blake and Amber to plan such a classy event - one we'll always remember. Quite simply, it was honor to be there and I am sure they will both look back at this wonderful day as the beginning of a lifetime of happiness. Murph was also honored to be one of the photographers, so sit back, relax, and get ready to set a course for adventure as you join us for the happy nuptials as seen through Murph's lens.
Thanks, Blake and Amber, for sharing your special day with us - and congratulations! Of course, there were more stories from the wedding (you will NEVER believe who was actually the captain of the boat) and our adventures in Charlotte. Watch for more exciting tales, photos and videos, coming very soon.
Until then, remember to pick up the pace and run your own race.
The Roberts family is spending a few days in Charlotte, North Carolina, or more specifically, Lake Norman. Lots of wild and crazy adventures will be documented in blog posts to come. Talk to you soon. Until then, remember to pick up the pace and run your own race.
I've always been inspired by greatness. And although he may be in a little bit of slump lately, Roger Federer is another one of my heroes in life. As a spokesperson for Gillette, along with Tiger Woods and Derek Jeter, Roger was recently featured in a new TV ad campaign (that almost made me wet my pants). Check out the new spot below.
Federer's Nike commercials are legendary as well. Check out what happens when he gets an unexpected - and creepy - visit from his "coach".
Another Federer Nike spot in which Coach Creepy instructs Roger on the fine art of jammin' out . . . with his racquet.
You probably know by now that Lance Armstrong is another one of my inspirations. After recently breaking his collar bone in several places, he "recovered" by riding in the Tour of Gila, a five-day race, mainly through the terrain of old mining towns in New Mexico. Since it is not an internationally sanctioned event, Lance could not officially ride for his pro team, so he talked two other world class cyclists - Levi Leipheimer and Chris Horner - into riding with him as a warmup for the Giro (the Tour of Italy, which starts this Saturday). Note the Mellow Johnny's jerseys - the name of Lance's bike shop and the official "sponsor" of the team. Needless to say, they kicked butt. Here is a lighthearted video before one of the stages.
A couple more things before before we part ways for the week:
Big congrats to my niece, Meagan who is graduating from West Virginia University after a standout scholastic and athletic career as a star cheerleader. Way to go, Meg!
My buddy George just started a blog of his own. It's sure to be insightful, irreverent, and entertaining - just like The George himself. Check it out now . . . before he gets arrested. http://wisdomofpeeps.blogspot.com
Thanks for reading. Until next time, remember to pick up the pace and run your own race.
Jeff is a dedicated husband, father, son, brother, uncle, endurance athlete, writer, traveler, sports fan, snowboarder, and adventure seeker. He strongly believes "Nothing great is ever achieved without enthusiasm." (Emerson)
C'est magnifique! There is no more doubt concerning who is the greatest tennis player in history. By winning the elusive French Open title yesterday, Roger Federer became only the second player in the modern era to claim every major tournament - the Grand Slam - and is now tied for the most major wins ever. Jackie and I are a bit of tennis freaks and Fed is our guy. It was a fun day of tennis watching in the Roberts' household yesterday morning - although Aubrey rooted for Federer's opponent, Robin Söderling, just to be difficult! Next up - Wimbledon!
