Probably the best part of our friendship was our mutual love of the gym. I can honestly say I was in the best shape of my life when Cris and I worked out together for about a year at 6AM, 5 days a week. Holding each other accountable to be at the gym or to do stadiums on a Saturday. Pushing each other and having damn good results from that accountability and encouragement.

Over time I became friends with Cris’s family and I can’t thank them (and in particular her Mom) for the many times they fed me or sent food or offered me a place to be over the Holiday’s if I chose to be.

A couple of years ago, Cris met a special guy and shared with me her excitement. Their relationship led to marriage and it has been great, as her friend, to see that happiness in her life. Although we infrequently chatted over the last couple of years, Cris remained one of those special friends.

Recently her husband landed his dream job and Texas and as of today, Cris (and the dogs) are off to join him. I couldn’t think of a better way to recognize a great friend than to make sure she was remembered in my blog. I wish them a safe journey and a great life in Tejas (a flipping awesome state)!

Quite inconvenient and fairly annoyed.

Over the last 12 years, I’ve watched both the boys grow up and both become incredible men in their own fashion. Kyle impressed the hell out of me by slowing gaining a little maturity and losing the temper. Kyle’s strength’s have always been his work ethic and integrity. Even has a kid these were very admirable characteristics he possessed and they have served him well into adulthood. So when Kyle proposed to his girlfriend Katie last year, it was only a matter of time before they made me feel old by getting married.

The wedding took place at the lakeside mansion of a family friend. Beneath a tent, pink and white decorations festooned the chairs and tables. By the lake, chairs and a stage were set up for the ceremony. The wedding was good sized…I’d venture to say there were 200 guests. One of the more amusing aspects as the wedding began was there were roughly 8-10 flower girls…I kid you not. The ceremony officially began with Katie, the bride, arriving in a horse drawn carriage. Kyle waited at the front of the audience in a white tux. The wedding was very emotional and sweet barring a couple of interruptions by passing speed boats.

Following the ceremony, it was time to party. There was a great BBQ buffet for the guests and several beautiful cakes. Bryan, Kyle’s younger brother, delivered one of the most epic best man speech’s I’ve ever heard…he absolutely killed it. Sydney, Kyle’s youngest sister likewise delivered a very sweet Maid of Honor speech.

Apart from the surreal feelings of watching someone I took care of as a kid get married, it was an awesome event. I was able to see people that I hadn’t seen in YEARS and it was amazing to catch up with everyone. People got married, people had kids, etc, etc. It was one of the better times I’ve had in recent memory in catching up with people I ACTUALLY wanted to catch up with.

On Sunday I attended the 4th Annual Rotor Fest with the Central Florida Rotary Crew. Wow! What a turn out! Dozens of rotary powered cars of all years, makes and models! For those who don’t know, the Orlando rotary scene is predominantly Puerto Rican. So I’m generally one of the few white dudes in attendance and certainly the tallest person! The Central Florida Rotary Family is such a great group of people and I always feel very honored when I have the opportunity to spend a day with them!

The seats were nice and courtesy of a local country station. The crowd was a mix of Frats/Sororities and honest to God country people. A gentleman sitting next to us was hands down wearing the tightest jeans and shirt I’ve ever seen on a skinny dude in my life. Hipsters would have been envious.

The show was very good and I actually recognized about 5 of the songs. Dierks himself did a good of interacting with the crowd both while performing and in between songs. He also displayed more than a passing familiarity with Gainesville and the Gators. That being said, the loudest cheers of the night took place when he brought members of the Armed Forces on stage.

I have to admit, it was a nice, change of pace evening and it was nice to be out having fun with Lindsay as my Gainesville time is so precious at the moment. I may even consider another concert in the future!

Seven days out from the event, the unnamed “big time” speaker who’s first name begins with an O and has a last name that starts with P sent over a contract showing a fairly serious case of “forgetfulness”. Originally he was supposed to cover the room and split profits with us. The new contract specified that we were responsible for half of the room and 60% of what we made would go to him.

At this time we decided to do our own competing event. Long story short, our so called “partner” decided not to do his event. So what did we do? We had ours.

Pulling a day long event together in about 7 days was a bit interesting. We really weren’t certain what was going to happen or who was going to show up. We didn’t charge for anyone to come and put out the word through all the Real Estate groups. We also involved a number of local Real Estate investors who are well known to be part of the program.

When it was all said and done, we had about 70 attendees and had a great day. We had a room full of young and old and new and experienced. Everyone had a great time and the reviews were fantastic. We brought several people into our coaching program and most importantly provided value to all who were there.

So..what’s up with the play on words of both Toy Story and Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy? Well here’s what’s up. After over 15yrs in Gainesville, I knew it was time for a change. Burnt on web business, poor business this year and in search of new opportunities I chose to move down to Trinity, FL with a couple of friends/business partners. The goal? Finally get my shit together completely.

I’ve had success in buying and renting real estate but it was time to move into something bigger…apartment complexes! Along with Real Estate, I’ve had the opportunity to be a coach to new investors…a role I’m loving! I remember the fears and uncertainties I had when I first started buying real estate and I’m able to use that to help the new investors.

I’m also closer to my sisters which is nice and I’ve been able to see both of them as well!

The week was full, as always, when working with fellow entrepreneurs. I miss the energy and excitement more than anything which in turn helps keep my momentum moving forward and positive. Activities during the week included going to the gym almost every day, multiple RE meetings and touring several properties.

The highlight of the week was Friday night when Bonnie spoke at one of the Tampa REIA Meetings. I was asked to “take the stage” so to speak and help review some of the programs and my own personal experiences in buying real estate. The experience was very fulfilling as it feels great to speak with people who are considering entering the world of real estate investing and have many fears.

I had such a great time on this trip. It is very nice to be around fellow entrepreneurs again and being part of the energy and doing something almost every waking minute. I even got to see a swimming Chuinini! Haha!

On the way home, due to the torrential rain, I pulled over because I was so fogged up I couldn’t see. Hit not one, not two but THREE huge potholes which tore the 99 Spec lip off the front and and messed up my front bumper a bit. Will have to work on that tomorrow.