Fiesta Friday!

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.

- Jeff

Paradise Found

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.

- Jeff

Don't Give Up The Ship

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.

- Jeff

The Love Boat

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.

- Jeff