I thought work would slow down this summer, but it’s been very busy. Also, I woke up at 4 a.m. with a brutal stomach ache, and I’m pretty sure it’s due to something I ordered last night for dinner. I’m a bit low-energy today.

So, I’d like to cheer up myself and write about all the great things that happened this week:

• DINNER OUT: My wife and I went out to dinner last night. It was a lot of fun. I enjoy all parts of the weekend, but to me, there’s something special about a Friday night out. You’re switching gears to weekend mode and looking forward to some downtime. But, I’ll be sure to order a different entree next time.
• MONTANA: We’re visiting my wife’s sister later this summer. We’re renting a house along the Madison River, and there will be 12 of us altogether. That river holds a lot of fish, and one estimate has pegged it at 1,500 trout over 10″ per river mile. I ordered my fishing license this morning and am really pumped to fish.
• SWIM LESSONS: Earlier today, this Saturday morning, two of my children had swimming lessons. It was fun to watch them giggle and swim around. I also had a chance to catch up with a good friend, Jim Whalen, who was at the pool with one of his sons. Jim has a child with special needs, and it was very moving to see him be so patient with his child.
• LUNCH WITH ERIC: Before a Board meeting for one of our companies, Eric and I grabbed some sushi. He’s a great guy, and I feel very glad that we are business partners. I always enjoy just shooting the breeze with him.
• MEETING WITH MY EXEC. COACH: We had another good meet-up. What’s better is that I was able to help her, as she thinks about her practice.
• NEW IDEAS: I met up with 11 entrepreneurs this past week and heard their pitches for financing. There were some very cool ideas. I’m amazed by how creative founders are. It’s pretty cool to see.
• RED SOX: The Yankees are in town. Should be fun.
• “IT’S NOT ABOUT THE NAIL”: This very funny video at the bottom of this post is making the rounds on the Internet. We actually had an impromptu showing of it at one of our company’s Board meetings. Lots of laughter.

So, those are the things for which I’m grateful right now. I’m now motivated enough I think to go grocery-shopping and cook dinner for the family.