Day Late, Dollar Short

I received many emails yesterday wondering why this week's edition of the blog was MIA. Well, you Gold Member Roberts On The Run™ Subscribers (and you know who you are - Jackie) know that you did have access to this post on Monday. Remember, just $79.95 a year upgrades your subscriber status so that you receive timely issues, insider information, great incentive programs such as FREE Jiffy Pop® popcorn for one full year, six-months of FREE gas at any Amoco nationwide, a $500 gift card for your nearest Apple Store, and many other great incentives. So buck up, support a great blog and its outstanding advertisers.

Okay . . . I made this whole thing up. There are no "Gold Members", no advertisers, and, well . . . probably no actual readers . . . except you. I just plain missed my deadline and was looking for an out. Sorry. But since you bothered to open the page, let's keep this thing moving. This week, let's take a look at some of the things on the web that have caught my attention recently.

My son, Murphy, has always had a talent for photography and videography, even at an early age. Take a look at this video he shot with a small pen camera during his early years. It's footage of one of his friends actually being struck by a passing car. My heart skips a beat every time I watch this, but thankfully the young man was fine, although obviously traumatized. Listen for the honking car horn just before impact. Murph recently uploaded this to YouTube.


Think some of the touchdown celebrations in pro football are becoming a little excessive? Well check out this victory "dance"(?) from the world of ping pong. Yes, ping pong . . .

Excessive Ping Pong Celebration @ Yahoo! Video

Murph recently introduced me to one of my favorite things on the web - Pandora radio. Are you listening? If you're not, well you should be. You simply type in the name of your favorite artist, then this site customizes a complete "radio station" with similar music based on your selection. I started by typing in "Brian McKnight" and LOVED every song that followed. Check it out now at www.pandora.com.

Okay, so have you been "Skypeing"? My movin'-and-shakin' bro-in-law Roger (who is always ahead of the technology curve) told me about this great online communications tool a few weeks ago, and I'm hooked. This (FREE) innovation instantly turns your laptop or computer into a video conferencing center. You can call and talk face-to-face to virtually anyone that has web cam capabilities. The screen clarity and sound is impressive. Look me up (jeffrobertsnyc) in the Skype directory now at www.skype.com.

Thanks, as always, for reading. Until next time, remember to pick up the pace and run your own race,

- Jeff

Walk In The Park

Ever have people who come into your life and inspire you? You know the type – if you told them this, they would probably humbly roll their eyes and say, “Who me?”, which of course makes you appreciate them even more. As luck would have it, I am blessed to have those kinds of people in my family. And on Sunday, Jackie, Murph, Aubrey and I decided to take a break from our fast-paced schedules and literally take a walk in the park. Come along and go for a stroll with us.

Aubrey's hero in life is definitely Elmo (of Sesame Street fame), but her brother Murphy is not far behind. If you've ever wanted to discover the true mean of "hero worship", just take a closer look at the opening photo above.


Aubrey has boundless energy and always keeps everyone in the Roberts family "On The Run"!


Just when I thought I had discovered all the outstanding qualities in my wife Jackie, she revealed one more - loving mother.


I can honestly say that if Jackie, Murph and Aubs weren't my family, I would choose them as my best friends. I thank God every day that they are both.


Thanks for reading and talk to you soon. Until then, remember to pick up the pace and run your own race.

- Jeff

Persistence

Sometimes, no matter how hard you try to avoid them, negative confrontations come across your path. Whether it’s a run-in with a difficult and seemingly unreasonable boss, a meddlesome “friend” who you just can’t seem to please, or in my most recent instance, a black Mustang that recklessly strayed from its own lane. After swerving, honking, braking and doing virtually everything that could be reasonably expected of me in a split second to avoid the racy vehicular pony, there was sudden impact. Thankfully it all occurred at a low rate of speed and Jackie and Aubrey were fine. The female driver of the other car however, instantly sprung into action, tersely calling the police, madly snapping photos of the accident with her cell phone and acting like, well, a victim.

As the police arrived on the scene, I was calm and serene in the knowledge that when the accident was documented and the stories were told, the truth would prevail and a double helping of justice would be served in my favor. Fate, as it often does, had other ideas. The first policeman on the scene had Mustang woman move her car, which effectively eliminated the visual evidence of her lane violation, a second policeman arrived after this to record the evidence, Mustang woman told a falsehood-filled account of the happenings, and before I could say, “Good afternoon, officer”, I was being informed that this was all my fault and I was responsible for the damages. Calmy, still knowing that the truth was on my side, I asked the officer if he wanted to hear my side of the story. He half-heartedly listened before informing me again that, indeed, I was in the wrong. Twice more, to no avail, I tried to state my side of the details.

Now the old me (as in the first-40-years-of-my-life-me) would have simply given up and become resigned to the fact that quite often life is not fair, and sometimes you pay the price for things that are not really your fault. But then a switch tripped within me and everything came completely into focus. The accident suddenly, in my mind, was less about the details and more about basic principles, about personal responsibility. As if in fast-forward mode, a reel of recent events quickly ran through my mind – other happenings that, like this accident, seemed a bit uncomfortable and well, just not quite right:

• The recent story I read of a children’s soccer league that refuses to keep score and gives all the kids trophies “because we’re all winners in life”. (I meet people who are more talented and accomplished than me every day – it inspires me to do more, be more.)
• Magazines that plaster their covers with content indicating how they are “going green” yet continue to litter my floor with tons of wasted paper in the form of those annoying subscription cards that seemingly fall out of every page. (Don’t tell me you are environmentally responsible – show me.)
• The nauseating fact that Jackie and I, after striving for years to live within our means, may now actually be paying someone else’s mortgage.
• The troublesome dilemma of why, if G2 contains only 33% of the calories of regular Gatorade, it actually costs more . . . I think this was the one that bothered me most of all.

Snapping back into reality, I took a step back from the accident, and decided to try one last time. “Wait!,” I said firmly yet respectfully. “Just for future reference, if I am ever in this situation again . . . “ then I proceeded to once again describe what had actually happened but this time spoke as if I were describing an accident involving someone else. After completing the scenario, the officer paused for a moment, then said, “Well, now that would be different. Are you telling me that is actually what happened?” And the rest was history – and vindication. Almost like those one-hour TV shows that resolve the storyline all too conveniently in the final five minutes of the episode, Mustang woman admitted that yes, she might have been in my lane, may have been a little confused with where she was going, and also confused on the details. The responsibility of the accident, it was determined, actually rested with the woman who was unable to reign in her horse . . . er, car. Case closed.

As were driving home (with a drooping fender), Jackie and I talked about how all too often in life, it’s more convenient to sit quietly and watch things happen in front of you, even if you don’t feel good about them. Especially lately, it seems that the loudest people are the ones that are heard - and followed. We decided that now more than ever, it's important to speak your mind, no matter what your point of view, to ensure that you always live the life you want and not the one someone else thinks you should be living. I read somewhere the other day that we are all the scriptwriters of our own lives. Maybe now's the time to focus, be persistent when you know you're in the right, and make sure that every chapter is a positive as possible.

Thanks for reading. Remember to use those turn signals when changing lanes. And until next time, remember to pick up the pace and run your own race.

- Jeff

Vacation Day

As I've always said, "just because you're at work doesn't mean you can't be on vacation." (That wisdom is sure to take you very far in life!) So, as we enter into yet another big week, let's pause, catch our breath and have a little fun. Heck, you don't even have to surf the 'net. This week, I'm bringing some of my favorite video clips to you that I've come across over the past couple of weeks. Let's get this party started . . .


Have you seen "Man v. Food" on the Travel Channel? Each week Adam Richman travels the nation in search of eating challenges. Jackie and I agree that it hurts our stomachs just watching these calorie-filled episodes, but Adam is one of the funniest people on the tube!


This guys reminds me exactly of how Jackie acts when we're at a sporting event and they turn up the music! Let's get our groove on now with this rhythm-impaired but enthusiastic dance maniac at a Boston Celtics game.


I always love it when people say that animals don't dream. Check out this sleep-walking (sleep-running?) pooch that seems to be chasing a imaginary hot biscuit . . . or pesky feline.


When anyone asks why I ride a bike instead of a motorcycle, I show them this video.


In one of my favorite movie clips, Peter LaFleur (Vince Vaughan) decides that playing dodge ball is just too challenging - so he quits. Then he just happens to run into Lance "Never Say Die" Armstrong in an airport. Awkward!

Hope you enjoyed the clips and have a great laugh-filled week!

Talk to you soon. Until then, remember to pick up the pace and run your own race.

- Jeff

Everyday Moments

They say the best things in life happen in the everyday moments. Lately, I have witnessed the infinite truth of this mantra. Often, I am guilty of wondering what's next - what's the next big event, major happening, or earth-moving experience that will come my way and continue to shape my life. But when my mind, body and soul are at peace, there is a silence and sudden clarity to the world around me. As if sharpening the focus with a camera lens, it suddenly becomes clear that even the seemingly smallest things that I often take for granted collectively reveal the true meaning - and happiness - of life. I'll share a few of these everyday moments now.


I'm so lucky that my two favorite girls in the world both live with me in my family. Here Jackie and Aubs share one last cuddle before Aubs has to say goodbye to her morning cartoons and head out the door to school.

Like many great photographers, Murphy hates to have his OWN picture taken. But my son continues to inspire me with his many talents and interests. Here is his interesting take on a palm tree from a recent trip to Florida with his mom. Murph always has an interesting point of view - with or without his camera.


The old adage is true - children grow up in the blink of an eye. I've seen it happen with Murph - now watch as Aubs experiences another milestone. She just can't wait to show Mom her first big-girl bed.


One of my many blessings is to have the opportunity to work from home AND have Aubs with me a few days every week. Share a "business" lunch moment with us now.


True friends are hard to come by. But my friend George is actually family - someone you can count on no matter what the situation. Here we share another adventure, holding down the back row during a weekend spin for charity. Of course, Murph was on hand to shoot the event. (It's nice to have a pro photographer in the family.)

I'll leave you with a quote that I heard (and loved) just the other day: "God's greatest gift is today - that's why it's called the present." Here's to making the most of every "everyday" moment.

Talk to you soon. Until next time, remember to pick up the pace and run your own race.

- Jeff

The Conference Call

Working for myself, I tend to wear many hats. Typically, when I don’t have a day of meetings, it’s my trusty NY Giants slouch cap. Another one is the welcome responsibility of taking care of my baby daughter Aubrey for a couple of days a week, as I run my writing business . . . at the same time. It’s not as crazy as it sounds. Although a very demanding boss, Aubs is easy to be around (and love) and can be bribed for up to a half hour at the time, simply by popping in her favorite DVD. This gives me opportunities to sneak a few steps away into my office for things such as conference calls with my clients. As a matter of fact, let’s join one now, in progress:


Client (Male): So, you understand what we need you to do on this?
Me: Perfectly – not a problem.
Client: I’ll put you in touch with Mr. Jackson for further reference, before you start writing the ads.
Aubs (From The Room Next Door): Baaaaaaaarney!!!!!!!
Client: That’s Mr. Jackson – not Mr. Barney . . .
Me: Yes, right.
Client: Are you okay?
Me: Yes, of course.
Client: You sure you can meet the deadline?
Aubs (Now In My Office And In Hysterics): Baaaaaaaaaaarney!!!!!!
Client: You sound upset.
Me: No, actually I’m just here with . . .
Aubs: DVD!!! DVD!!!
Client: You understand we’re writing prints ads, not a video – right?
Me: Yes, wait, hang on . . .
Aubs (SCREAMING): Broken, Daddy!!!!!!
Client: Wait, what’s broken? And did you just call me "daddy"???

Me (LAUGHING): Actually, I’m here with my baby daughter, Aubrey. Something seems to be going on with her Barney DVD. Do you have kids?
Client: No.
(LONG AWKWARD PAUSE, THEN AUBS LAUGHS HYSTERICALLY).
Me: Look, Jim, I think I have everything I need to get started. Sorry for the hysteria, but it’s all under control. I really appreciate the opportunity and will meet the deadline.
Client (Sternly – No Sense Of Humor): Well, I hope so.

Me: Thanks - and bye, Jim.
Aubs: Byyyyyyyyyeeeeeeeeeee!!!!
(PAUSE)
Me (To Aubs): You know, sweetie, I hope you always keep your sense of humor. Life is just too short to deal with sour pusses.
Client: Um, Jeff, I’m still on the line.
(EXTREMELY AWKWARD SILENCE)

Being in business for myself has brought my priorities into sharp focus. And Aubrey, Jackie and Murphy are always at the top of my list. Although I completely love my job, sometimes it's important to realize that we're all working to live, not living to work. And I'm reminded of that important fact every time Aubs smiles and calls me Daddy.

Talk to you next week. Until then, remember to pick up the pace and run your own race.

- Jeff

Virtually Yours

As I sit here jammin' on the keyboard of my Apple MacBook, monitoring my TweetDeck twitter updates, glancing through my facebook news feed, emailing clients, checking the latest sports scores on the ‘net, listening to a streaming radio feed on iTunes, and watching the latest MTV video download in the upper corner of my laptop screen, while simultaneously texting on my BlackBerry, I’ve come to the realization that we live in a virtual world.

With all of the communications technologies and “social media” that are always at our fingertips, staying in touch with family, friends, customers, complete strangers and events around the block and around the world, is an easy process that is always just a click away. The techno-cynics would have you believe that this inundation of electronic connectivity is the literal downfall of modern society; the cause of everything from carpel tunnel to Attention Deficit Disorder to the collapse of personal and meaningful relationships.

Call me an interactive apologist, but I have a virtually opposing point of view. My closet office (insert “closet” joke here) in my house has gone from a place where faded t-shirts and tattered overcoats went to die to a literal nerve center of interactive communication that has allowed me to stay in closer touch with the people I care about most, keep up with the latest info on the topics and happenings that interest me, and even start my own business. Granted, your interactive connection is what you make it. At its worst, it is a poor substitute for human contact and personal conversation. But at its best, it is a priceless opportunity to stay up to speed with family and friends, near or far – the fact that you are reading this right now effectively illustrates the point.

So at this time of year when we celebrate our relationships with loved ones, here’s to continuing to use the best available technologies to connect with the people who mean the most to us . As always, I am virtually yours.

XOXO,
Jeff

Extra Mileage


Congrats to my niece, Meagan (pictured here with her mom, Sheila and her crazy dad, Roger!) on celebrating her Senior Night at West Virginia University. Meagan has been a very prominent cheerleader for both the football and basketball team and will be graduating this year. Way to go, Meagan!



Murph has been at Disney World with his mom for the week and shot this image on his iPhone to share with us. (That young man has a very rough life - ha!) Watch for lots of additional photos from Florida coming soon to his web sites.


Thanks to my beautiful dates for Valentine's Day. Note Aubs's popcorn at the movies - she couldn't take her eyes off the screen!



Lance rides again at the Tour of California this week. The man himself continues to promote cancer awareness and he prepares to ride himself into shape for The Giro (Tour of Itay) and Le Tour de France this summer.


Not sick enough of my web presence already? Here’s where else Roberts is on the run (at least on the Internet):

http://www.robertsontherun.blogspot.com
http://www.twitter.com/jeffroberts
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1454040460
http://www.youtube.com/jeffrobertsnyc
http://www.powerbar.com/user/JeffRoberts.aspx
http://www.athlinks.com/racer/46773555/Jeff-Roberts.asp...
http://www.jeffrobertsink.blogspot.com

Thanks for reading. Until next time, remember to pick up the pace and run your own race.