Future Mayor of Cherryhurst

About Writing

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Covey) — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 22:36:00 +0000

Atlantic view in Bahia, Brazil

“I hate writing, I love having written.” — Dorothy Parker

This morning, as I sat down to write, I had a number of thoughts, but wasn't sensing a common theme. I flipped through a few blogs I hadn't yet read from earlier in the week, seeking inspiration for a blog post of my own.

I came across a post by Tim Ferriss, whose content is normally full of pop and often interesting. His timing is uncanny, too. This particular post was centered on an interview with Paulo Coelho, Brazilian author of one of my favorite books, The Alchemist, among several other big sellers. The interview topic: How I write.

How people write is fascinating to me, and there are a variety of methods. The prolific novelist, John Irving, for example, is rigorous in his process of writing. It involves grinding sessions of up to nine hours per day, seven days per week. Coelho's process is seemingly more relaxed but no less complicated.

The idea of channeling thoughts onto paper is described well in this TED Talk, A new way to think about creativity, by Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love, which I never read. If you don’t want to watch all of the video, scroll to 10:00, when she speaks about the poet Ruth Stone and her feeling of a poem coming on, at which time she would rush to find a piece of paper and pencil so she could write it down.

The idea of writing over a scenic view is romantic, but it's the less glamorous in life that drives me to write: it's the observation of everyday life. It's the timely capture of thought. It's the discipline of a supporting process.

I’m a mere part-time writer, a weekend blogger. I don’t devote enough time to the craft for it to matter, but do find real satisfaction in keeping it up. In this, my fourth year of blogging (and post number 49), it hasn't gotten any easier—nor is any less effort required—to publish meaningfully.

My posts are usually part of an exhausting process, made up of many thoughts coming together into a single, coherent stream of words. On the whole, the process is cathartic, a form of stress relief, ending with a sense of accomplishment and a clear mind. The complete exercise ends up being beneficial to my mental health.

When I sit to write, I typically have a few thoughts in mind. Maybe I've scribbled them on pieces of paper during the week. It never seems to matter, though, what I accumulate in terms of notes. For this post in particular, I had 15 to 20 “ideas” scribbled, but none of them made the cut, hence my reason for poking around on the net for inspiration.

As a rule of thumb, I don’t write about my job. Blogging for me is as much about clearing my head and de-stressing from work as it is about personal fulfillment.

Like Coelho, I first procrastinate, seeking inspiration through a variety of websites, videos, etc., before getting down to business—and then I don't get up until I'm comfortable with where my post is headed.

Once I feel like my content is in a decent state and have shaped a body, I pass it to Emily, and she provides a few directional suggestions and an edit or two. From that point, it's hopefully a matter of tightening screws. I may break for a while, going for a workout or running an errand, and come back later for another series of edits. Then, voilà, I let it rip.

From beginning to end, one post takes me four to six hours. While the entire process can be excruciating, the result is worth it: a living, breathing repository of writing in digital form.

Without question, I like writing most when I’m done. Clicking “Publish,” and finally putting words online, is akin to finishing a long run or workout. I hope the reading involved is not such a process.

Discover Your Story

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Covey) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 01:37:00 +0000

(Chris Seay, Pastor at Ecclesia Church, emphasizes the importance of living your own story.)

Living your own story is about acting in a manner that is consistent with your set of core values. I admire those among us who act consistently, no matter the company or environment in which they find themselves. These folks are true to themselves. They are what I call the “consistent few.”

How many of the consistent few do you know? I know less than a handful.

A member of the consistent few looks at himself in the mirror every day, and sees who he should see, not an unrecognizable person living someone else’s life. He assumes his own story, mistakes and all. He doesn't waste time worrying about what others think, or care what’s said about him. He likes himself just as he is. He understands his own limits and motivations. He is not misled by artificial incentives better fit for another man.

Why is it important to be consistent?

In my life, discontent arrives when I allow myself to be pushed into doing something that’s inconsistent with what I believe—something not reflective of me. The contrary is true when I'm acting in a consistent manner. It is then that I find my flow and excel at whatever I'm doing.

The discovery of my story, in part, is found through writing. It is through this blog in particular that I have begun to discover, understand and appreciate the unique value in my own story.

That brings me to my relationship with the city of Houston, and how this relationship has also been a driving force in shaping who I am today. The city has been an integral piece of my story.

Born and raised in Houston, my relationship with the city has blown hot and cold.

For years, at the top of my bucket list has been to live somewhere else with Emily for an extended period of time. I think it would be amazing to live abroad with her.

In my experience, I've found nothing more perception-shaping than being steeped in the ways of another culture. Making such an experience as a couple has been a mission of mine. I've been frustrated at times that it has not happened for us, because for so long, my very fulfillment was staked into the idea that it would.

Moving abroad has always felt within reach. We live in an ever-flattened world, where business is regularly done across borders. I work for a company with offices spanning the globe. I work in the energy business, one of the most global there is. I have several friends and colleagues who have made life-changing journeys abroad.

To be sure, consulting in the energy world has provided plenty of short-term international experiences that I may not have gotten otherwise, but the right opportunity to move abroad has not come about. That’s not to state that it won’t happen, and if it were to happen, that we wouldn't openly accept it.

Looking back on the past few years, remaining in Houston has been altogether positive: I've come to love the city in new and previously unknown ways. I've come to realize that we are meant to be here.

While coming to appreciate the value stemming from our familial histories in Houston, Emily and I have carved out our own lives here. We have made space for authentic living in a city that, in and of itself, has evolved just as we have, growing more open and cultural.

As Houston continues its economic advancement, welcoming more people from all over every day, the quality of life here improves proportionally. It is rife with opportunities on a variety of levels. The city has developed dynamically, accommodating young professionals. Take the resurgence of Washington Avenue and the Heights for example, or the vibrant local coffee scene that is taking root.

At 35, my story—in a lot of ways—centers on Houston and the relationship I have with it. I have come to enjoy the city and its offerings. I'm content with it. So being here adds a measure of consistency to life.

There’s more to my story, yes, but the first step to telling your story is to discover it.

Thoughts on Thanks During the Holidays and Putting a Wrapper on 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Covey) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 02:49:00 +0000

Photo: Gib Rock Photography

The Holidays and Thankfulness

We’re deep into the holiday season by now, the period of the year in which I feel most fortunate. When I’m easily reminded of how lucky I am to have what I have in my life: health, amazing relationships, and various opportunities to do and learn as I please. The list goes on.

This year, I appreciate more than ever my lovely and supportive wife, Emily. She’s carrying our first child, due next April. And for the fact that she has experienced no complications thus far.

I don’t have to worry about the basic necessities, like running water, that others do. Living hand-to-mouth… I've not come close to it. I’ve got a job that pays me well, with a company I respect and work among people I admire. I work hard, but enjoy a huge amount of freedom unfamiliar to many people in this world. I live in a cozy home, in a city rife with amenities. What more could a man ask for?

The holidays make me especially thankful for my situation in life. I wish the same to be true for you. I believe it’s important to make note of the things for which you’re most thankful every once in a while, the holiday season included.

My 2011 in Retrospect: Work, Travel, Triathlons and Books

In summary, 2011 was a big year for me. Frankly, the fact that Emily and I are expecting a child made my year. Family and faith are the foundation of all that is my little oyster, and I won’t prattle on about either now. What I will do, though, is reflect on four other key areas for good measure.

Work: So much time and energy revolves around it, so I’ll start there. The most important aspect to my work–and something on which I maintain a laser focus–is to continually seek it in ways that are consistent with my own value system and the things I naturally enjoy doing (e.g., relationships, travel and writing).

I strive to be hyper-efficient with my time, a daily quest... perhaps obsessively so. I aim to prioritize things that matter to me. I can say that I got closer to that pursuit this year. My company is flexible in this respect, and I’ve gained more confidence over the year in making my mark given any circumstance. I expect to keep progressing.

Related posts from this year: Finding Flow and The Three Ps of Building Lasting and Meaningful Relationships

Travel: Any year that passes without my leaving the USA at least once is a considerable failure. Not a problem in 2011. By way of Columbia, Costa Rica and the UK (twice), I was able to travel internationally for equal parts business and pleasure, narrowly reaching Elite status with United (the airline formerly known as Continental for us Houstonians).

When I use the word "travel," I usually tag “adventure” onto it. My brand of travel is mission-oriented. I like to see, do, speak, learn, try–it all. Here’s to more of that in upcoming years, child in tow :-).

Related posts from this year: Another Way to Look at Unfamiliarity: An Adventure and Destination Home

Triathlons: Before 2011, I had never entered one. But after making my way through the Houston Half Marathon to start the year, I figured, why not keep my hand in the game and dive into the triathlon circuit.

I completed four of them–three Sprint distance races and one Olympic race. The final result? First, variety is good. I prefer the combination of swimming, biking and running to just running. Second, the Sprint distance is better than the Olympic, especially in the Texas heat. Third, triathlons are growing like crazy and to anyone with interest, they’re a blast… give it a go.

Related posts this year: Beginner's Tri and Finisher's Tri

Books: Along with travel, reading is the most important educational tool we have. I shut off the TV and make time for it. My list of genres is not too broad, filled mostly of biographies and modern history. It is through those that I gain the increased perspective on life and am reminded of its most important lessons.

Plus one or two that I neglected to record, I read 12 in 2011. For more on what I read, particularly now that I'm using the Kindle, check my reading list on LinkedIn and my highlights on Amazon. The latter needs to be cleaned up, so probe gently.

The five best books that I read in 2011:

1. Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand

If you have any doubt about the sacrifices made by allied forces during WWII or are curious for detail about POWs, this a truly unbelievable story of an Olympic track athlete who fought in the Pacific theater. Make this the next book you read!

2. Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl

This is a two-part book, a quick read that will put your life and relationships into perspective like none other. The first part is a humble account of Frankl's time in multiple Nazi-held concentration camps during WWII. The second is an analysis of the meaning of life through the lens of his life experiences. That he was a psychologist by training makes his observations particularly meaningful.

3. Leadership from the Inside Out: Becoming a Leader for Life by Kevin Cashman

From a professional standpoint, one of the coolest things that happened to me this year was meeting a professional "coach" at a party. We have since met a couple of times, and he has given me excellent advice. He recommended this book, from which I picked up a mountain of useful tips around effective leadership.

4. Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History by S. C. Gwynne

I had no idea the Comanches were as ruthless as they were. Wow, were they ever mean and tough. Parker, born to a white mother who had been kidnapped by a small group of Comanches at an early age, eventually became an influential chief in the tribe. When life on the reservation was unavoidable for his people, he accepted their fate and easily assimilated into the white man's world. Later in life, he was successful in business. Detailed descriptions of the Texas landscape fill this book.

5. My Last Chance to Be a Boy: Theodore Roosevelt's South American Expedition of 1913-1914 by Joseph R. Ornig

Theodore Roosevelt is one of my heroes. How he accomplished as much as he did before dying at the age of 60 is hard to fathom. This story is about the trip he took to Latin America after his presidency. Less known than his more chronicled eleven-month hunting trip to Africa, this one was probably more dangerous.

Afterword/Housekeeping: Donations, Five Year Plan and Remaining Posts from 2011

Donations: If you didn't see my post about my plan to run the 2012 Houston Half Marathon on behalf of the Buffalo Bayou Partnership, please look now (Run for a Reason: Buffalo Bayou Partnership) and consider a donation. Thus far, friends and readers alike have donated $1,210. Thank you!

Five Year Plan: The other morning I was reviewing a package I pulled together in 1998 that set a path forward for the years following my graduation from college. It was simply called, “Five Year Plan.” On review, it was surprising how closely the plan had actually unfolded. It was comprised of a vision, a couple of high-level goals and risks. Nothing tactical, mainly thoughts on a page for what I wanted over that time horizon.

Inspired, I'm working on something similar for the next five years, which I hope to nail down and share early next year. These plans are made in the face of one of my favorite quotes, “If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.”

Remaining Posts from 2011:

Talk To Me, TED.

35 of My Favorite Things

The Question of Why: A Blog with Purpose

Honest Reflection

Run for a Reason: Buffalo Bayou Partnership

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Covey) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 13:30:00 +0000

If the Good Lord's willing and the creeks don't rise, I will run the Aramco Houston Half Marathon on Sunday, January 15, 2012.

As part of my commitment to do so, I’ve chosen to raise money for the Buffalo Bayou Partnership (BBP). Joining the "barefoot running" craze, I intend to run the race in a sporty pair of Vibram FiveFingers, which should provide a new and different twist to training for–and finishing–the race.

Vibram "Speed," Buffalo Bayou and Downtown Houston

On the Rosemont Footbridge

Next year’s Half Marathon is capped at 11,000 participants. As an alternative to the annual event’s typical entry method (lottery system), late registrants, like me, often run for a reason. This entails raising money for a charity with reserved spaces in the sold out race. BBP is one of these charities.

BBP is “dedicated to revitalizing and transforming Buffalo Bayou, our city's most significant natural resource.”

Buffalo Bayou Park Shepherd to Sabine Master Plan

More than $5 million in bayou improvements have been completed, including the Rosemont Footbridge and new hike and bike trail segments. The Sandy Reed Trail (Shepherd to Sabine) is being resurfaced this fall, and over $56 million in improvements will begin in June 2012. This is all good news for Houston.

The Kinder Foundation, according to its website, proposed to serve as the catalyst funder with a grant of up to $30 million, an unprecedented gift to Houston's park system, for improvements to the existing 158-acre linear park extending 2.3 miles west of downtown from the Sabine Street Bridge to the Shepherd Drive Bridge.

The Buffalo Bayou Park Shepherd to Sabine Project total is $56 million. Beyond the gift, Harris County Flood Control District has committed $5 million for channel restoration, and BBP is raising an additional $20 million for other improvements.

I plan to raise at least $1,000, as part of an effort by the BBP to come up with that additional $20 million. While my part is nominal in comparison, every bit counts.

I will gladly accept–and appreciate–your donation, no matter how small or large. You can donate by clicking here, a link that will take you to multiple giving options.

On a personal note, this is a cause dear to me and my wife, Emily. We strongly support the ongoing development of Houston’s parks, believing that this work by the BBP will help to secure the city’s place among the country's best in which to live and work. For more, you can read her blog, Bettering Our Bayou Trails, where she covered this very topic.

As for barefoot running, I’ve never tried it, but have owned a pair of Vibram Classics for a couple of years, kicking around in them only casually, and read the book Born to Run, which motivated me to give the method a go, despite the extra training and attention required.

Wish me–and my feet–Godspeed!

Destination Home

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Covey) — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 03:00:00 +0000

Photo: Per Foreby

"There's nothing half so pleasant as coming home again." – Margaret Elizabeth Sangster

I’m in transit today, hopping the pond to Cherryhurst from the UK following seven days outside of my comfort zone.

After consuming all the porridge (oatmeal), fish and chips, other “pub grub” and English ale I can stand, I’m pleased to report that my time was well spent for business as well as personal reasons.

I've moved around a bit in my days, leaning toward the adventurous side of travel when I can. A well traveled fellow – for my age, anyway, and by US standards certainly – I've been to roughly 35 countries for various lengths and circumstances in my 35 years.

While traveling (internationally, in particular) can be wearisome from start to finish, the view is usually worth the climb.

There is the heightened anticipation before leaving, a unique sensation upon arrival, and typically much to learn, culturally, in foreign settings – just a few motives for my continued enjoyment of travel.

The journey home – a traveler’s final destination – is as much agreeable as that which precedes it.

Usually haggard by this stage, I’m buzzing with energy (or is that espresso?), knowing that another peak was reached – and descended.

I’m enriched with what I saw and tasted, what I absorbed while on the road. I’m inspired by those I met, the lives they’re leading. I’m fortunate to know them, that we’re friends now.

As I make my way home, I’m reminded of where my boundaries are and when to be cautious not to cross them. I recognize a keener awareness of the areas in my life that deserve added attention and structure. Such is the life of an explorer, reaching new horizons.

Packed with perspective, I carry home a renewed sense of self-discovery.

Fulfilled, you might say, is how I approach my next destination: home.

Honest Reflection

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Covey) — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 23:00:00 +0000

Photo: Anders N.

"The unexamined life is not worth living." – Socrates

This blog frequently serves as my vehicle for self-discovery and reflection.

I often take stock of life, mostly mine. If you’ve ever read the prose I post, you’re aware. I evaluate where I’ve been, where I’m going, how I’ve gotten here, how I’m getting there, and all things between.

Why do I do this, you ask?

Part of it, by blessing or curse, is that I’m wired with a philosophical mind. It’s also because I’m convicted that we get one shot to live life on earth, and there’s no sense in living it in any way but meaningfully.

I’m on a constant quest to improve my time here, and one way I do so is to reflect as often as I can.

Reflection may have many meanings, but I loosely interpret it to mean stopping between activities rather than moving from one to the other without awareness, be it at your desk, in your car or on your feet. Simply stated, it means taking a minute.

On this day, September 11, 2011, a particularly reflective one for my compatriots and me, I consider the importance of honest reflection. It is critically important in terms of linking the past to the future.

Reflection…

1. Allows for appreciation of accomplishment. Pausing to consider what was just done, especially if done well, akin to celebrating after a test or a project, is valuable simply for the sake of giving yourself deserved credit, even if on a small scale. Do it often.

2. Brings greater energy for future activity. Take time to consider what’s up next, rather than jumping right into it. Ask yourself first, how does what I’m about to do matter? It may be that you end up not even doing what you originally set out to do. Here’s the positive spin on that: The appropriate elimination of an activity may, in and of itself, be an accomplishment. Take credit.

Linking the past to the future through reflection increases our ability to focus on the present and offers more purpose to what we do.

Now my hope is that you have a chance to quietly reflect for a few minutes, appreciating your achievements and renewing the energy you need to do whatever you pursue next.

Give yourself the present.

The Three Ps of Building Lasting and Meaningful Relationships

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Covey) — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 16:58:00 +0000

Photo: Ben Heine

“No road is long with good company” – Turkish Proverb

To some folks, the importance of connecting with people is readily apparent. They instinctively act to create relationships that will last a lifetime. To others, creating such connections is neither obvious nor interesting. They mind their business, tending to the relationships they already have, rarely initiating new ones.

I like to think that I am a relationship builder. This may be my strongest trait. I’m super passionate about building relationships and keeping my connections tight. Ultimately, the people with whom I have relationships make my world go round.

I have contemporaries who certainly have bigger networks than I do. They effortlessly move around town, working any given crowd on any given evening. I’m not that guy, nor would I be. It’s not my style.

My MO is different, centered on the tried and true: quality over quantity.

What I do is work to nurture my existing relationships, while reaching beyond my comfort zone to form new ones when I can. Not hurried, but methodological.

I don’t waste my time networking without reason. I like to get to know a person well enough to understand how I might be able to help him or her, and vice versa.

This may sound direct, but it’s the truth, and why waste anyone’s time? A shotgun approach to networking is fine if you’re looking for free food and drink, but building lasting relationships with purpose is where the value lies.

I'm proud of my relationships, because they take effort to develop. I protect them, because they are genuine and established with trust.

Over time, I’ve built an active and diverse set of connections. They are arguably my most valuable asset. There is no science behind this build-up. Simply put, it is taking the time to get to know people. There is an art form, however, in knowing how to bring your connections to bear, making them count when the time is right.

How I build lasting and meaningful relationship can be framed into three Ps:

1. Positive. In everything I do, this blog included, I try to be upbeat and maintain a positive view of the world. This is my rule number one, which becomes incredibly important when building and nurturing relationships. Who wants to hang with Negative Nancy? I know I don’t. If people see that you’re happy, you've taken the first step to attract them into your sphere of influence. Now smile.

2. Purposeful. You must want to build relationships. If you have the bug, then the rest is easy. Building relationships is something I love to do. Early in life, I was less targeted in how I did so. There was nothing harmful about this approach, but while my intentions were good my execution was not. I met a lot of people, but the relationships, because there was often no inherent reason to form them, didn’t last. They yielded less value for me and others. These days, as my purpose becomes clearer to me in the context of my career and life pursuits, the meaning behind my relationships does as well. This bodes well for me and my contacts.

3. Personal. Definitely. Although I’m a notoriously late adopter of the latest and greatest technology, I do like and attempt to understand it as much as the next guy. I believe that technology is a net benefit to humankind, and there is no exception when it comes to building and maintaining relationships. However, to build deep relationships, technology is not the only facilitator. It is less personal than face-to-face interaction. Sure, I can catch you and half the working world online via instant message if I really want to. But I’d prefer to have coffee with you in a comfortable setting to understand how your and my missions can get aligned.

Meaningful relationships are built to last, and one CEO says they can take two to three years to develop before bearing fruit. I cherish my relationships. I look forward to nurturing them for years to come, and to forging new ones.

How do you view your relationships? Are you sizing them up wisely, asking, am I perceived as a positive person? Am I networking purposefully? Am I personally interacting with people, or am I doing so via the latest application?

Whatever your answers, consider connecting with others in a more lasting and meaningful way.

Finding Flow

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Covey) — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 12:30:00 +0000

(Photo: Susan Stroup)

Gaining satisfaction in work isn’t easy. Learning to love what you do is less easy. But there are ways to move in a positive direction, playing well the cards you’re dealt, and enjoying what you do every day.

Flow, initially proposed by Mihály Csíkszentmihályi (What a last name!), is the ultimate form of satisfaction. Defined as the “mental state of operation in which a person in an activity is fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and success in the process of the activity,” flow is achieved when you make the best of a situation, are ready, and fire on all cylinders when it is your time.

People may witness flow watching professional sports. As a kid, I watched Michael Jordan in his prime, and I remember him regularly finding flow, often in the most critical of circumstances. It was amazing.

Writers and other creative types often experience flow during work sessions. Listening to accomplished writers describe periods of high-gear productivity gets my juices going, no doubt.

Flow is not just for yogis, professional athletes and novelists. You can reach a state of flow in anything you do. It can be found no matter your work–whether you are dedicated to a corporation (like me) or out there swinging for the fences on your own. But getting there requires work and discipline.

When I reach states of flow in my life, it's worth writing home about.

Here’s my recipe for finding flow:

1. Light a fire in the belly. I don’t know who lit a fire in mine, but I’m glad to have one and know that it burns bright. Every morning, I take a few puffs from my pipe of gusto, and get after living.

2. Seek passion. This is ongoing in my life. The thought of doing what I love moves me to no end. In my wallet, I carry a quote from Steve Ballmer, Chief Executive of Microsoft. In his commencement speech to the students of this year’s graduating class at the University of Southern California, Ballmer said: “People think that passion is something you either have or you don’t. People think passion is something that has to manifest itself in some kind of explosive and emotional format. It’s not. It’s the thing in your life that you can care about, that you can cling to, that you can invest yourself in–heart, body and soul. Finding passion is kind of your job now.”

3. Explore other professions. You may have the greatest job in the world (or so you think), but that shouldn’t prevent you from noticing other ways of working. If you’re not looking at what others are doing, you may not fully comprehend your own situation. Interview, set up breakfasts or beers, whatever, just understand what your peers and friends are doing in their work. Observing what others do helps me to grasp how what I do fits into the larger marketplace.

4. Fail and forget. As one of my mentors told me, “There’s no such thing as failure, only feedback.” Failing to get into a certain school or land that “perfect” job can be painful, shameful and even humiliating. I know. But what I’ve found through failing, and have many times over, is that in hindsight, doing so only builds you up for your next set of challenges. In the words of Winston Churchill, “Success is going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.” Don’t fear failure.

5. Improve the situation. Like they say about the weather in many places, “If you don’t like it, wait a few minutes.” The atmosphere of work, like anything in life, will ebb and flow. If you’re stuck in a rut, start climbing out of it. If your work situation is truly horrible, then it’s time for change. Tweak as you go.

6. Commit to something with total focus. This is where the magic happens and mojo finds its way into the workplace. If you can find something that interests you, whether a corporate project, a non-profit service or an entrepreneurial endeavor, take on the challenge. If you’re committed, you will find victory and satisfaction. As written in one of my favorite reads, The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho, “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”

7. Work with good people. Build networks, work with people who have values similar to yours, hang around those you respect and who can teach you. Period.

8. Meditate. Try it, if you haven’t. No need to dress like Gandhi, or or even sit cross-legged. Find your breath above all else. I recently read that Gary Player, one of the world’s greatest golfers, now 75, meditates for 20 to 30 minutes every day. "I think it’s important to work on strength of mind, patience and gratitude," he says. All goodness.

9. Change. We all get burnt out. Realize when your flame is low, and address it. Recharge your batteries. You will benefit in the long run. Life is a series of experiences, and the more experiences you have, the better your chances of being satisfied when you reflect at the end of the line.

10. Let go. “Let it flow; Let yourself go,” is the opening line of Slow and Low by The Beastie Boys. Look it, we all want to control our situations. But we can’t. By letting go, we can begin to enjoy what’s given to us on a daily basis. It’s a gift, and by realizing that simple fact, we don’t have to be Michael Jordan to find flow. We can create our own situations to experience it.

Another Way to Look at Unfamiliarity: An Adventure

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Covey) — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 22:00:00 +0000

Photo: Butch Osborne

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

— The Road Not Taken, Robert Frost

With summer now fully in flight, many of us are taking time off to travel, and in some cases, escape the heat. Just returned from a trip myself, I’m contemplating the virtues of both travel and adventure, and how following the unfamiliar path will often lead to a positive outcome.

Let me first define what I mean by travel, and how my perspective of it relates to adventure: My family didn’t vacation regularly when I was growing up. It just wasn’t part of our program. So over the years, my concept of travel has evolved into more of an exercise in exploration and adventure than a relax-on-the-beach, Corona-style vacation. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I could literally spend half the year traveling. I thoroughly enjoy diving into a new cultural setting, sampling new food and drink, learning new customs and spending time with the locals of any given place. To that end, travel has always been a unique form of adventure for me, and it’s by traveling that I’ve learned to reach beyond my comfort zone and experience true adventure.

My curious and independent nature has led me to take an on-the-ground interest in life outside of the United States. My first such international foray came in 1995, at age nineteen, when a friend from high school, who was drafted to play semi-pro basketball in Puerto Rico, asked me to join him for the summer (after our freshman year in college), and I opted to go.

It was an unusual choice to make at the time, but I wanted the change in scenery. In retrospect, I'm glad I went, because the experience provided a chance for me to build inner fortitude.

Within a week, I found a job as a bartender in Ponce, a quaint city on the south side of the island. Let me tell you, there are not many better experiences than finding a job – and facing some healthy rejection before actually landing it – in a city outside of your own.

The experience I gained that summer was useful, providing lessons by which I still benefit today, not the least of which is a sense of satisfaction gained in facing and working through uncertainty.

I underwent a similar experience in 1999, after graduating from college. Upon the recommendation of a friend who knew I had an interest in sharpening my skills around the Spanish language, I left for Santiago, Chile, again not yet employed. I knew one person who was willing to show me the ropes, and that was all I needed.

Within two weeks, I had a position with a then-fledgling company, which served as my employer for the next eighteen months. This was another instance where, by making an unconventional decision, the outcome was unforeseen, yet desirable.

In neither case did I make a ton of money, but both experiences came during periods of life when my financial obligations were few. The time I spent stretching beyond my comfort zone would be difficult to measure monetarily, but worth every minute in terms of personal growth and development. Each contributed to who I am today. With a small amount of perseverance and a little risk, I became comfortable with operating in an unfamiliar environment.

By using these previous experiences as well as taking examples from others who have been influential in my life, I constantly remind myself to equally consider the uncertain over the comfortable when making choices. I view the unfamiliar situation as an opportunity to grow, and it is when such unfamiliarity is introduced that life becomes interesting and adventurous.

Adventure doesn’t always mean jumping from an airplane or climbing a 14,000-foot mountain. Whether journeying abroad or simply staying home, we can find adventure in everyday life. We’re all routinely faced with decisions that have no certain answer. Life is not smooth sailing. It's how we respond that matters.

I like to subscribe to a description of adventure provided by self-proclaimed adventurer Lane Wallace.

Adventure, in short, is what happens anytime I step out of routine and comfort into a place where my footing is a little uncertain, the outcome is a little unpredictable, but the possibilities are suddenly wide open.

There’s nothing wrong with taking the well-worn path, there’s a time and place for that, but I’ve realized that pursuing the unfamiliar route has its rewards. Trust your instincts, and the situation will almost always work to your favor.

Consider the unconventional choice when making your next decision. It’s not always the easiest route, but often the most fulfilling.

Safe travels, and enjoy the adventure!

Finisher's Tri

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Covey) — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 15:05:00 +0000

Four months ago to the day, I published Beginner’s Tri, my intention to make a go at an Olympic triathlon. Today’s post is a follow-up to the former.

I won’t get into too many details of the event itself, as Emily surprised me with a fantastic photo-video capturing the experience of that morning. You can give it a look-listen here. Enjoy.

I want to share a half-dozen lessons learned in my preparing for—and finishing—the CapTexTri.*

Lesson 1 – Don’t buy your bike, if you can get around it. If your race is local and there is no need to travel and pay for accommodations, your bike will probably be the biggest expense you incur. Did I pay for mine? Not exactly. A buddy called one morning early this year to let me know that he owed me. Yep, I introduced him to another buddy some time ago, and these two guys had since done a deal together. The bike ended up being an unexpected token of appreciation. Time to click into those pedals and ride!

Lesson 2 – Find a training regimen and take shortcuts. There are many parallels between a busy life and a triathlon. I won’t lie, I live a busy life. I’m not alone, many of us do. If you find yourself darting from one place to the next accomplishing this, that and the other and striking tasks from your to-do list, you more or less know the feeling of full-on triathlon training. It takes organization, focus and execution.

Ideally, you lay out a plan, and you work the plan day by day. Things happen, though, and the plan gets compromised. This happened to me. Well, what really happened is that I found a workout groove that worked for my schedule and felt good enough, so I shifted into cruise control. Good enough barely cuts it in the world of triathlons.

"No victor believes in chance." – Friedrich Nietzsche

I stated from the outset that I never intended to win the race, just finish it. In truth, I expected to do better than I did. Improvement can be made in leading up to my next Olympic, whenever that may be. For starters, I can sharpen my approach to preparation. Shortcuts are okay, if designed for efficiency. Mine were not and came from apathy. This shows in my time of 3:10.

Lesson 3 – Don’t underestimate the Texas heat; it will only make the race longer. I felt the presence of breathtaking heat (and warm wind with it) in Austin on Memorial Day.

Football coaches, when their teams are practicing for an away game in a stadium where a rambunctious crowd is expected to cheer, will play loud noises so players can get used to calling plays in those conditions. I could’ve employed a similar tactic, only for the opponent of temperature in this case, but I didn’t. In my training, I typically waited for the coolest time in the evening to hit it, and this, too, affected my time.

Lesson 4 – Just finish. This was the goal after all. Like so many things, easier said than done. During the race, I hit a wall in mile four of the run. Bam… It slowed me in a way I had never experienced, and I began to walk, in spite of the chocolate-flavored energy gel I downed. The race got longer, and I was served humble pie for the last two miles, running some but walking mostly. I stripped my drenched shirt, and felt somewhat better.

“Experience the journey,” I kept telling myself.

An equivalent in time to one showing of Dances with Wolves after the starter’s gun fired, I hobbled across the finish line in my own personal glory and with a newfound addiction.

Given the weather conditions, I wasn’t displeased with my time, but I can do better, and that strive is what will eventually draw me back into an Olympic to tweak where I can. I now know what I didn’t know before the race; that is, I can complete a triathlon of this length from end-to-end.

(Photo: Emily Covey)

Lesson 5 – Celebrate, after the race. This part comes naturally to most of us. Regardless of outcome, it’s impossible to change what we’ve done after the fact. We do what we do as well as we can, lay it out there, and then move onward. My kind of celebration: a tasty hamburger, a Pecan Porter made by local brewing company 512, and a vanilla milkshake, at a table with a built-in fan base of my wife, my mom, and my aunt/godmother.

(Photo: Emily Covey)

Lesson 6 – Take a rest, but not for too long. After the race and victory meal, I was subjected to a deep slumber. Ah, recovery is bliss – but it didn’t last long. We returned to Houston that evening. By Wednesday, I had signed up for another Sprint, scheduled for later this summer.

All levity aside, a final note from the Future Mayor: This “triathlonic adventure,” as one friend termed it, was a blast. I loved it from start to finish. The heat and wind were a bitch, but not an extreme one. To any goal-oriented type with triathlons on his mind, go for it! Check out TriFind.com; there are several to “tri.”

See you in the water and on the road!

*Disclaimer: There is no guarantee these lessons will lead to completion of triathlons of any distance.

The Question of Why: A Blog with Purpose

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Covey) — Mon, 23 May 2011 03:24:00 +0000

Why do I do what I do? I have been asking this of myself before approaching any meaningful labor over the last few weeks.

My initial motivation for asking “why” stems from watching Simon Sinek’s TedTalk, How great leaders inspire action. I was further motivated in reading a timely post by Scott Dinsmore, who apparently met Sinek and came away inspired to reinforce his revolutionary path to personal freedom. On with the chain reaction….

If you watch Sinek’s talk, you will grasp his basic message: By understanding and conveying why (we do what we do), we inspire action. Action on the part of our audience, our customers, whoever it is we intend to pull into our cause. In short, this is what great leaders do. Inspiring leaders start with why.

This post is dedicated to the question of why, specifically as it pertains to my blog. I could obviously choose to explore other current areas of my life (e.g., work or triathlon training), but will save those for another day. I’ve been curious to understand the value of blogging anyhow; hence, the focus for this exercise.

(Photo: Mike Licht)

Now that I have identified my activity, let’s get on with it. Why do I publish this blog?

1. To improve my writing—It’s not easy for me to write; it never has been. It takes time to post content of quality. It takes thoughtfulness and consideration of a readership, both regular and potential. But I enjoy it. There is a strong sense of continual improvement in writing that is gratifying to me.

I believe that effective written communication is as essential as ever before. Although diluted perhaps in the digital era, the importance of writing is not gone. Nor is it just for non-business types: one read-through of Jaime Dimon’s latest letter to J.P. Morgan's shareholders (of which I am not) provides proof to that end.

Anne Lamott, author of the superb book on writing, Bird By Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life, writes, "If you are a writer, or want to be a writer, this is how you spend your days – listening, observing, storing things away, making your isolation pay off. You take home all you've taken in, all that you've overheard, and you turn it into gold. (Or at least you try.)" Readers, this is true.

2. To chronicle life events—Weblogs, like so many things in life, are me-focused by nature, and mine is no exception. If I don't watch myself, my posts can quickly become “dear diary” sessions.

Although I'm fortunate to have had many unique experiences in my life, through travel and curious living and whatnot, I’ve never been one to snap a lot of photos, usually relying on memory to carry worthy moments into perpetuity. This blog, however, is the place to not only capture experiences, but also enhance them—a definite improvement upon my memory! Since kicking off FMOC in 2009, I've shared roughly 40 entries.

3. To discover and create—I’m always willing to try new things, and this blog is an example of that willingness. Blogging has become my creative outlet, just as yours might be playing the banjo or painting a picture. The process of observation and regurgitation, although rigorous at times, is rewarding to me.

4. To add color to my corner—FMOC covers a miscellany of topics. I'd like to think that I’m performing an act of greater goodness with it, but come on, that's a mighty bite to chew. This blog is for me. It is about making my little corner of the universe more fun and interesting. If I can provide content which is relevant to others now and again, that's time well spent. Inspirational... well, that's a bonus.

5. To inspire and teach—This is my reach: if I can give people ways to solve problems, to think creatively, or in the case of this post, to get inspired into action, I've gotten all I want and more from FMOC.

Here's the deal: I want to improve my ability to convey my experiences and perspectives so that they can be useful to others. I admire people who clearly communicate subjects, no matter the audience. It's a gift that few have.

I have grown (if I may be the judge) in my ability to write. FMOC is living proof. I'm not a writer, but in a sense, I'm becoming one. My hope is that eventually, in a way not yet visualized, this blog can become a vehicle for effective teaching (not professing!). I have a vision that life lessons can spring and flow from FMOC, and that these lessons will serve as a source of material from which others can draw and apply productively.

This is why I blog.

My immediate hope is that this post will be of use to you, and that you may incorporate a similar process of discovery by asking yourself the same question: why do you do what you do?

Here’s the process for uncovering the answer to your why, simply put:

1. Get started by picking an activity to which you devote time and energy. This could be your job, own company, or a hobby about which you feel passionate.

2. Ask yourself the question, why do I do what I do? And so it all begins, your inspiring others into action. To my knowledge, there’s no formal format for how to answer the question (at least not in this case). I chose to keep a list, because that’s how I tend to do things.

3. Feel free to share why you do what you do in the comments section of this post.

What is your purpose, cause or belief? Have I prompted you to consider the why of what you do?

35 of My Favorite Things

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Covey) — Sat, 14 May 2011 19:01:00 +0000

With flipped burgers among family and a few friends, my 35th birthday came and went in March. As this milestone year passes, I catch myself reflecting now and again on certain aspects of life.

At the risk of exposing myself, I’m sharing 35 of my favorite things. Most of these I take for granted.

Simply put, these make life worth living. As with anything finite, this list is not all-inclusive—but it is thematic, and I like that. Plus, I had to set a limit somehow.

(Source: Wikipedia)

Here goes, in random order:

1. Texas—I’m a proud (not loud) Texan. The Lone Star State, all 268,820 square miles of it, provides the best of nature, people and tradition. It is a state of mind.

2. Books—My preference is the traditional sort over an e-reader, although I’m boycotting the library indefinitely, after being forced to pay for a recent checkout on account of water damage. I prefer reading a book over watching TV any day.

3. US Craft Beer—Have you been to your beer store lately? There are more unique and independent beers available now than ever. They come in several varieties—Wild Ale, Double IPA and Imperial Stout, to name a few. If you drink beer, drink better beer.

4. Habanos Montecristos—A close friend once introduced me to Montecristo No. 4, a fine smoke indeed. If a No. 2 is offered, I’m not afraid to notch it up a couple of gauges.

5. Coffee—I enjoy a strong cup of java nearly every morning. I like a medium blend, from a French press if time permits (usually on Saturdays). If an espresso fits into my afternoon schedule, I might take advantage.

6. Cooking—When I have time to prep accordingly, I love to cook—especially for my wife. I don’t mind doing it on a whim, either, but I enjoy the process as much as the result.

7. Cultures—I embrace new cultures. My first immersive “cultural experience” came from behind the bar during the summer of ’95 in Puerto Rico. Payment for my efforts came largely in the form of the island’s finest rum, Don Q. It was the experience that mattered.

8. Language—I speak Spanish and Portuguese. There’s no better way to get to know people than by speaking their native tongue. It’s an instant “conversation starter.”

9. Entrepreneurship—To some extent, we are all entrepreneurs. In my view, we ought to focus on bringing value to the table, no matter where we’re seated.

10. Intense Exercise—I like a mix of exercise and squeeze in a workout whenever I can. Let’s call it stress relief. Since I’m currently training for a triathlon, it’s critical right now.

11. Adventurous Travel—The more unplanned, the better. It’s amazing what we can experience without plans, which is not easy for a planner like me.

12. Faith—I have it and am grateful for the gift of a being spiritually centered. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5)

13. Farmers Markets—It’s been positive to witness this scene develop in Houston. I’ve been a patron-advocate of farmers markets for years. Fresh and local food beats all other.

14. Getting Inspired, Inspiring—I’m always seeking inspiration, and when I find it, I pass it along to others. Case in point, watch this inspirational video of a dude on his orange bike.

15. Homemade Brownies—I’m happy to cook them, preferably without nuts.

16. Independent Radio—Radio remains an important medium. One way to get a feel for a city is to listen to its community radio station(s). Here are a few online standouts: KXT, KUT and WXPN.

17. Interesting People—I love to meet people, and feed off of those taking their lives in interesting directions. I don’t know who said it, but I like it: “Strangers are friends you have yet to meet.”

18. Lifelong Learning—I have three degrees, and while it’s unlikely that I’ll earn another, my personal learning curve is progressively steepening. Knowledge is a powerful asset.

19. Live Music—I have been to many a memorable show. The Grateful Dead in Memphis. Buena Vista Social Club in Santiago. Doing nothing with live music in the background is preferable to doing anything else without it.

20. Yerba Mate—Okay, so you can tell I like caffeine. This stimulant from the land of Latin America is oh so refreshing—and better for you than coffee, I’m sure.

21. Road Trips—Modern day roaming. The most out of the ordinary road trip I ever took was in Morocco. Emily and I took a scenic one to West Texas and back to Houston last fall. Have a look for yourself.

22. Swimming—Morning swims are the best, right out of bed. I like Barton Springs Pool. I love the Pacific Ocean.

23. Smoothies—Every morning, if not traveling, I make a smoothie for Emily and me. She calls me the Smoothie Operator, and I’m fine with that. There’s not much more nutritious than beginning a day with almond milk, banana, açaí and seasonal fruits. I recommend it.

24. Playing Catch—Give me a ball to throw and go deep.

25. Time Well Spent—Whether it’s being productive in work or looking back on a vacation day with satisfaction, time is your nonrenewable resource. Don’t waste it.

26. Vanilla Ice Cream—This speaks to my personality to a certain degree. While I like color, and lots of it, I myself am rather plain. No high fructose corn syrup, please.

27. Emily—I’m luckier than she is, I’ll put it that way.

28. Working Remotely—I’m fortunate to work for a leading-edge company that manages its oceanic workforce as masterfully as any. There are times when it’s considered efficient and productive to work from the virtual office. On rare occasions, I work in shorts.

29. Writing—To borrow a line from a fellow Texan, Willie Nelson: “I like myself better when I'm writing regularly.” It’s healthy for me, too, Willie.

30. Yoga—Once per week, if I can get there. I could tell where it is I go, but then I'd have to kill you, and that wouldn't be yogi-like. Once on the mat, my priorities promptly fall into order. Breathe.

31. Deep Friendships—I think my personality comes across as introverted at first. But more often than not, when I get to know someone, we become good friends.

32. Steak—Ribeye, New York Strip, you name it, particularly when I’m manning the fire. Try this way to grill a ribeye.

33. Granola—Maybe my last meal request. Don’t ask me why. It tastes great to me, and always has. A large bowl of granola makes a delightful snack.

34. The City by the Bay—As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, I’m a city guy, and my favorite among them all might be San Francisco. On a pretty day, there’s no place prettier.

35. Peanut Butter—Another fulfilling snack. I like to have a spoonful, sometimes before I go to bed.

However far along you are in life, I suggest performing the exercise I did above. It won’t take as long as you think (particularly without descriptions). Another Willie quote may best summarize why you should consider it: “When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.”

I’m not suggesting that my life needs a turnaround. It’s not perfect. Nobody’s is. But it’s on a straight enough track for me.

I believe that knowing who you are, what makes you tick and why, will lead to a pleasant life – not only for yourself but for those closest to you, too. If nothing else, creating a modicum of consistency between who we think we are and who others think we are can eliminate a certain amount of stress we place on ourselves by trying to be someone we’re not.

Buena suerte. Boa Sorte. Good luck.

Talk To Me, TED.

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Covey) — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 05:12:00 +0000

If you haven’t heard of TED by now, you need to get with it.

TEDx, a localized version in cities across the world, is taking place in Houston for the second time this June.

Just before bedtime tonight I went online for details and saw that, in order to attend the event, one must complete a full-on application. Great, just what I need, more reason to stay up late when I shouldn't. I was all over it.

As the clock struck midnight, I submitted my completed form to the website. Soon after, I'm posting its contents below. I welcome your thoughts.

Event Questionnaire

The following questions will help us understand the TEDxHouston audience, and your perspective on the 2011 theme. Where do we go from here?

Where are your roots and where are you planting your seeds? *
Tell us a bit about where you grew up, and something about your heritage.

I am a fourth generation Houstonian (prouder by the day!) and was raised in the west part of the city (Memorial). I attended University of Texas at Austin, earning an advertising degree. I spent every college summer outside of Texas (in order, Puerto Rico, Colorado, Spain/Europe and California).

After college, I lived in Chile and Brazil, working for a start-up, internet-based news agency and fiddling with an e-commerce endeavor for a total of two years. I then earned a dual degree MBA/Masters in International Management from the University of Houston and Thunderbird. I speak Spanish and Portuguese.

Today, I work for Accenture full-time and am otherwise constantly looking for projects consistent with my passions--like this blog, which gets touched up every so often.

My wife of three years (also a native, also a blogger!) and I live in a 1920-built bungalow-style home in Montrose. I ran my first Houston Half Marathon in January and am doing the CapTexTri in Austin on May 30.

Tell us about your hidden gem in Houston, a place that you find inspiring *
Describe the location and the reasons you picked it.

The neighborhood where I grew up (Sandalwood) and the neighborhood where we live now (Cherryhurst) are inspiring places which I would consider hidden. Each is different in its own way. Sandalwood has three lakes, and Cherryhurst has its own city park with a tennis court. Both have beautiful trees, friendly neighbors and make for safe walking at night.

How would you like to see your city change in the next 10 years? *
Name some of the ideal changes you imagine.

Houston should take its strength of attracting new people to the next level. The city's diverse population is an indescribable asset and can continue to grow as it has in the past or shrink as is the case in other cities, especially those in the northern US.

It should be the endless strive of city leaders to make the city as livable as possible for those who come here to earn a living. People come because they have to and they will stay here because they want to.

We must maintain our economic strength to attract talent. To put the city on par with the great cities of the world and continually retain talent, we must make the urban areas of the city more attractive places to be and generally enjoy. We are not there yet, but we are taking long strides. For a current example of how this is happening, look to the Buffalo Bayou Partnership and its beautification initiatives to improve the looks and usability along our city's bayous.

Name an international city you would love to visit in the future *
Describe your favorite place in the world, and the reasons why.

Is this a trick? An international city I would love to visit and my favorite place may not be the same, so I will take the middle path. A city where I have lived and that I like a lot is Sao Paulo. Day to day, I’m a city guy, and I like Sao Paulo because it is a city among cities. It is monstrous and diverse. (To my knowledge, there are more Japanese people outside of Japan in Sao Paulo than any other place. Fact check, please!)

It is not pretty (even on its best day) and always frenetic, but if you know where you are going and dig the culture, you can find remarkable gems everywhere. Its restaurants are truly outstanding, especially if you’re hungry for beef or pizza (or both). There is no better nightlife than that of "Sampa."

Describe your solution to a pressing issue in your community *
Pick any problem you can imagine and describe how you would solve it in an ideal situation.

An argument that I hear a few times a week these days revolves around public schools. This isn’t an issue isolated to Houston, but it seems to be more problematic here than in other cities.

Our inner city school system seems to be lacking to no end. People often either move out to suburbs for improved public education or stay closer to downtown but send their kids to private school.

I have read about private programs, like KIPP Academy, founded by entrepreneurs in Houston no less, which are delivering positive change and worth our support.

(Note: Minor revisions were made between the online application and this post.)

Beginner's Tri

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Covey) — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 19:27:00 +0000

“If the mind can believe it, the body can achieve it.” – Unknown

I won’t even try to fool you. I’ve never done a triathlon. But I’m gearing up for a “tri” that takes place on May 30, and barring injury or anything unforeseen, I expect to cross the finish line on that day.

A victory for me, simply stated: finish.

So, why a tri? Why now? I'll give you three reasons:

1. I turn 35 in March – a milestone age for me, and I want it to be a monumental year;

2. I finished the Houston Half Marathon last Sunday, so the juices are flowing and I’m feeling it; and,

3. There’s no time like the present to check a box on your bucket list.

(Me, Smiling briefly at Mile 8 of the Houston Half Marathon; courtesy of Emily Covey)

Over the last week, I’ve done a number of things to get myself focused for the next four months:

Built a basic level of knowledge about triathlons – I read a post at Zen Habits, which kept me in the active spirit and contains useful tri-related information, as well as a few links to online resources. There are essentially four types of tris:

Sprint
• 500-800 yards of swimming (pool or lake)
• 12-15 miles of biking
• 5K, or 3.1 miles of running

International (Olympic)
• 1650 yards of swimming (lake, ocean)
• 25-30 miles of biking
• 10K, or 6.2 miles of running

Half Ironman
• 1.2 miles (2,200 yards) of swimming (lake, ocean)
• 56 miles of biking
• 13.1 miles of running

Ironman
• 2.4 miles (4,400 yards) of swimming
• 112 miles of biking
• 26.2 miles of running

Registered (early) for the big event – My money is out the door, and I’m signed up for the International (Olympic) distance CapTexTri. Total cost: $153. Included is a $10 fee for USA Triathlon (USAT), required for all non-members participating. (Note: entering triathlons is not a cheap endeavor, especially when you add in the accessories involved.)

Joined a gym – In October of last year, the new Tellepsen YMCA opened in downtown Houston. That is where I plan to get my swim training done. I read somewhere that appropriately training for a triathlon could eat up as much as one hour per day. While this may be true, it sounds like a lot to me. I figure I’m in decent enough shape now to cut that down, making refinements where necessary. I’ll have an online exercise log up at some point soon. Until then, I plan to track my routine with pen and paper. A la Peter Drucker, "What gets measured gets managed." I’ve looked at a few training plans posted on Tri-Newbies Online and will identify and tweak one for my own use by the end of this weekend.

Found a training partner – I got word yesterday that one of my friends of forever committed to do the race with me. He did the same triathlon last year and knows the drill. The best part: he's an orthopedic surgeon. (Hey, you never know!) In the process of searching for someone, I discovered quite a subculture of people who regularly participate in triathlons. I can think of worse habits.

Bought a bike and swimming gear – After just running 13.1 miles, I have what I need to run six. The real equipment comes in the way of a bicycle, and not just any. If you want to reach speeds of better than 20 miles per hour, you need one that is aerodynamic and will move for you without too much effort expended. Looking around, I promptly stoked the debate among riders of whether to buy a tri-specifc bike or a typical road bike. Tri bikes are designed to reserve your legs (quads, especially) for the run that follows the ride. I chose to keep it typical. My selection: a Specialized Allez. It is a beauty. I made the purchase at West End Bikes, an exceptional shop with a knowledgeable and helpful staff, if you’re in Houston and in the market for one. A tight, butt-padded pair of riding shorts is not required, but I plan to sport some for increased comfort. A protective helmet and a pair of toe-clip shoes are also on my road to the finish line. As for swimming stuff, there is more to it than you might imagine: goggles and a suit for training, both of which I picked up at Tri On The Run. The goggles I bought came highly recommended and are made by AquaSphere. The key is to avoid, at all costs, water seeping into your eyes. A wetsuit is evidently useful for the CapTexTri (for speed and warmth). I don't have one, so I’ll need to somehow sort that out before the starting gun fires. According USAT, there is a unique rule (4.4) around wetsuits in triathlons, which I find interesting:

Wet suits. Each age group participant shall be permitted to wear a wet suit without penalty in any event sanctioned by USA Triathlon up to and including a water temperature of 78 degrees Fahrenheit. When the water temperature is greater than 78 degrees, but less than 84 degrees Fahrenheit, age group participants may wear a wet suit at their own discretion, provided however that participants who wear a wet suit within this temperature range shall not be eligible for prizes or awards. Age group participants shall not wear wet suits in water temperatures equal to or greater than 84 degrees Fahrenheit. The wetsuit policy for elite athletes shall be determined by the USAT Athletes Advisory Council. The AAC has set the wetsuit maximum temperature for elite/pros at 68 degrees for swim distances less than 3000 meters and 71.6 degrees for distances of 3000 meters or greater. Effective January 1, 2013, any swimmer wearing a wetsuit with a thickness measured in any part greater than 5 millimeters shall be disqualified.

Pledged to eat and drink right – Nutrition is the final aspect of training that I'll keep in mind. To the extent that I can, I'll stay away from useless sugar and employ, as much as possible, a diet rich in energy to burn efficiently.

If you know anything about triathlons and care to share, drop a line in the comments section below. I’ll provide an update now and again on how the training is going and definitely one after I finish.

With that, on this clear Saturday, it is time to start training – it is all about the bike today.

Fun facts about triathlons:

• The first modern swim/bike/run event to be called a 'triathlon' was held at Mission Bay, San Diego, California, on September 25, 1974. (Source: Wikipedia).

• On average, triathletes are from high socio-economic backgrounds with median incomes of $126,000. (Source: August, 2010 USAT Demographic Study)

• Brick training refers to training on two disciplines during the same workout, one after the other with minimal or no interruption in between, just as you would do in a race. (Source: BeginnerTriathlete.com)

Call Your Grandparents

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Covey) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 17:52:00 +0000

If my maternal grandfather were alive, he would be 94 years old today. He passed nearly four years ago, after living a life of 90 quality years. Today’s anniversary of his birth got me thinking about him, and more generally, grandparents and the influences that mine have had on me.

Although she died just before I reached the age of 12 in 1988, I can remember my mom’s mom, Susie, as if she were alive today. She spoiled me and my sister and cousins to no end. But that’s not the only way she showed her love. She was caring and sympathetic and never met a stranger. Some of her best friends might have been the sackers at the local grocery store. A lifelong Houstonian, she frequently hosted parties in her home. If not for her, my social skills would be weaker.

I heard Grandmom curse once, when I accidentally cut my wrist with a knife she bought me in the Galleria. Blood was all over the place. I deserved more than the “I shouldn’t have bought you that damn knife” that followed. She was a fine lady, and I miss her.

Two of my grandparents—my dad’s parents—are alive today, both of whom have enjoyed strong health throughout the years but are showing signs of slowing as they pass their mid-eighties.

I make a point to speak with my grandfather at least once per week. Most of the times we talk, my grandmother is by his side, listening—as she always has. We chew the fat, solve the world’s problems, and I come away with a refreshed perspective on life, thankful I made the call.

I can go on and on about the mark my dad’s dad has left on me over the course of our friendship, but will save that for another day. Raised without a father himself, he is a shining example of a Christian family man who leads by example. As modest as they come, Milton leads a simple yet productive life. He is well-read and has a memory clear enough to recall his childhood years in East Texas with swift precision.

Doris, his wife, has stumbled, physically, over the past year—but not in spite of her positive attitude. Even as her heart failed on her and she was set against the ropes of life early this year, she remained upbeat. Happy that she didn’t have to labor over meals anymore, she went on about how tasty the hospital food was… oh, and the variety!

Today, almost as if in step with each other, both of my grandparents spend their nights in an assisted living facility in West Houston. I visit them every so often, and they seem pleased to be there. I’m pleased they’re there, too—available for chats and reminders of what’s important in life.

Back to Bob—whose birthday it would be—I had the unique opportunity to speak at his funeral. Below, I have posted the text (italicized).

To this day, I’m grateful that he and I were friends. He and my other grandparents have each influenced me in their own ways. If they’re alive today, call your grandparents. You never know how something they say or do will influence you years from now.

October 10, 2006

Hello everyone, I’m Chad Covey, one of fifteen grandchildren present today.

On behalf of our family, many thanks to Monsignor Rossi for leading this service.

I’d also like to take a moment to acknowledge – and express our personal gratitude to – David Gautreaux, my grandfather’s longtime friend. His assistance to the last moments was above the call of duty, making the final few weeks better for all, especially Granddad.

Buddies like David are few and far between.

I’m honored to be here. I’m lucky to have had such a formative and memorable relationship with my grandfather. Many of my best and clearest memories come from being with him. Many of the most valuable and lasting lessons I’ve learned come from being around him. He was – and still is – a mentor to me.

Granddad was, by any measure, a successful man. A devout Catholic, he believed in the holy trinity. He had four daughters who meant everything to him. He was the Captain of their hearts.

He met my grandmother, Susie, following a heroic couple of years in the Pacific, where he piloted the notorious PBY Catalina. They met in Colorado Springs, and soon fell in love. They got married in Houston, where he applied his unparalleled work ethic to the oil & gas industry.

Granddad worked professionally until he reached his mid-seventies, but never let his day-job consume him. In modern-day terms, Granddad exemplified a positive work-life balance. His community involvements were various; he understood the importance of regular exercise, and in his Irish-blooded manner, could enjoy himself.

At the age of 60, when I came into the picture, he had lived a life rich enough to be complete, but he was long from done. He was always up to something proactive, rarely idle.

One of my first words was: “Bob.” I used to follow him around on the weekends, asking “what’s next, Bob?”

We’d putter around, fixing and building things and toying with his cars and other collectibles, including coins, stamps, prints, statues, and war memorabilia. We’d take a stab at the occasional task or adventure. One time, we made a kite. Another time, we woke up early to witness Haley’s Comet. We’d spend time in his home office, which was full of maps and interesting books.

He’d give me a sip of his cold Miller Lite, years before I should’ve had it. He’d usually reward me for a hard day’s work with something only he would own, like an uncut strip of $2 bills or a 25-pound, deactivated bomb. To wrap the day, we’d sit in his big, living room chair to watch television and share a half-gallon of Blue Bell ice cream – his favorite flavor was strawberry.

Part of the Greatest Generation, he was extremely patriotic and made it a morning ritual to raise the Stars & Stripes outside of his homes in Houston and on Lake Travis. His favorite animal was the Bald Eagle.

His political orientation was conservative. He was of the conviction that we realize our greatest potential with individual freedom.

He taught me to never turn down a profit and keep a diversified portfolio. Even in his final days, Granddad showed signs of saving that only those who were alive in the Depression-era would understand.

He was stern – and tough, but not without staying conscious of his purpose and confident of his reasoning. His attitude was upbeat – a trait that can serve us all.

One thing I most admired about the Man was his ability to talk with anyone.

He treated everyone he met with respect, showed them courtesy, and listened attentively to what they had to say. He was modest, but wouldn’t hesitate to relate a few stories and opinions of his own to keep conversations flowing. This innate ability was a contributing factor to why he had as many pals as he did – those friendships kept life full for him.

He had knowledge of a number of subjects, but did have some favorites….

He loved jokes, possessing a cheery sense of humor. He loved to travel, especially by airplane, seeing much of the world before taking off in a jet was commonly possible. When driving an automobile, he preferred back-road scenery to more traveled routes, leading my grandmother to once quip: “Bob, had Christopher Columbus not discovered the Americas, you would have.”

He also loved to teach….

He taught many of us to drive, no doubt before we had our licenses to do so. His girls and many of his grandchildren drive cars today, keenly aware of that voice: “Don’t accelerate toward that stoplight!” “Ease off the brake!” “Slow down!”

His competitiveness and focus never left him. He played great golf, with a lifetime low-score of 67 and a hole-in-one to prove it. Together, we’d play an old Navy game called Acey Deucy. We played at least a hundred times, and when I managed to snatch a victory from him every so often, more often than not, it was because he “let me win.”

His mind remained active and curious until he died. On any given day, you’d find him reading about his favorite sports teams, the weather, hand-picked stocks, and current events in the Houston Chronicle. He was on constant patrol for when his favorite WWII video was airing next on the Discovery channel… the television’s volume steadily increasing.

Thanks be to God that his days in pain were few. His death finally came in the presence of his beloved daughters.

While Granddad had previous brushes with death during his illustrious career in the service, there’s irony in his final passing. It was eerily similar to that of my dear grandmother, whose birthday was just yesterday.

A grand celebration for both of them… is in order!

In closing, I’d like to thank you for attending. In one form or another, my grandfather had a unique relationship with each of you.

The shape that he provided to my life is permanent and unforgettable.

May God bless you all and may peace be with my Friend, Bob.

After the Bell: Life Lesson in Keeping a Positive Attitude

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Covey) — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 23:57:00 +0000

(Kathy Covey rings a bell at M.D. Anderson; courtesy of Steve Covey)

My mom, Kathy Covey, one of the most tender-hearted and selfless people you could ever meet, recently rang a little brass bell in the Texas Medical Center. In so doing, she crossed a major medical milestone that marked the last of 16 chemotherapy treatments.

To say that she and everyone close to her is relieved is the understatement of our year.

My mom’s bell-ringing ceremony also signified an important life lesson for me: that, even in the presence of unexpected adversity, we should keep a positive attitude.

Last fall, when my mom first told me that she had a small lump in her left breast, she did not know whether it was cancerous. Her demeanor was upbeat, and she seemed unworried—an effort, I am sure, to reduce added concern on the part of her family.

Another mammogram a couple of weeks later revealed that the lump was malignant. My mom’s spirits remained unchanged.

What she found out next was that the recommended action to beat this cancer consisted of the notoriously body-weakening chemotherapy. This, after a considerably less invasive option, called Balloon Catheter Radiation, was ruled out, because the cancer had already spread into the sentinel lymph node in her left arm.

Under the care of Dr. Daniel J. Booser at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, the world class facility right here in Houston, an aggressive plan to win was put before her:

- Phase 1: 12 treatments (once a week for 12 weeks)
- Phase 2: 4 treatments (once every 3 weeks for 12 weeks)

Facing a rocky, 24 consecutive weeks of chemotherapy, my mom promptly began the steep climb with gusto on New Year’s Day, using her naturally positive attitude to steady herself.

Along the way, there have been setbacks, many waits and a handful of medical procedures. She underwent a surgery to install a port (“portacath”) below her collarbone, which made regular injections easier for the body to accept.

She is dealing with lymphatic obstruction (“lymphedema”) due to 18 lymph nodes in her left arm being surgically removed in December. The effect of lymphedema has been a tolerable, but uncomfortable swelling of the same arm.

Through it all, my mom jokes that she lost her marbles: 16 of them, in fact—enough to represent every chemotherapy treatment. On the advice of a friend, she removed one marble from a glass votive after each session to mark its completion. Her chosen repository? A new fish tank, sitting on top of a shelf in my parents’ living room. In the tank as well are two unsuspecting goldfish, “Che” and “Mo.”

(Che and Mo Covey; courtesy of Emily Covey)

My mom's journey with breast cancer is not complete. A 6-week round of radiation begins in 3-weeks’ time. But to finish chemotherapy was huge—a momentous day, a chance to celebrate, a source of great relief.

She would tell you that she is pleased to have passed the challenge of chemo and that enduring it will have been a mere bump on the road of life.

Where does she find her strength and how does she continue to keep a positive attitude, in spite of the obstacles faced? She assures me it is her faith in God that sustains her.

To that I say, “Keep the faith!”

A Humble Attempt to Describe My Experience in India Thus Far

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Covey) — Thu, 20 May 2010 03:30:00 +0000

(Kids of Dharavi; courtesy of Reality Tours & Travel)

Many people have recently asked me a punch-packing question, “How is India?”

Often with a pithy reply, I acknowledge that it is a solid, rewarding personal experience, that there is a lot of work to do, that the people are nice, and blah, blah, blah. Those are fair replies, to be sure, but none, individually or collectively, is wholly representative of my experience in India over this last month.

How could they be? After all, I am in In-freaking-dia, a country of nearly 1.2 billion people, a destination of spiritual enlightenment for Indians and non-Indians alike, a geographic marvel, an undeniable reflection of history and struggle, an unfortunate home to off-the-chart poverty, and oh, by the way, a hugely competitive force in today’s world of commerce.

Maybe I am taking the responsibility to answer the question too personally and too seriously. It is not mine to tackle. But my current environment and its effect on me have prompted me to consider it with a modicum of dedication.

In a humble attempt to describe my experience in India thus far, I lead with a quote, “The simple and astonishing truth about India and Indian people is that when you go there, and deal with them, your heart always guides you more wisely than your head. There’s nowhere else in the world where that’s quite so true.”

I lifted those words from Shantaram (“A Man of God’s Peace”), written by Gregory David Roberts, allowing them to be my personal mantra and reminder of patience while here. They have served me well.

My first thought is that India is packed with people. While it is the seventh biggest country in terms of surface area, India is the second largest in terms of inhabitants. It is expected to overtake China as the single most populous country in 2030. Its overpopulation is apparent.

In my everyday routine in Bangalore, for example, riding in traffic on the short way to work is a unique lesson in High Population Density 101. People—many of whom are pavement dwellers—meander in the roads, vying for space with smallish cars, smaller black and yellow auto rickshaws and noisy motorbikes. They all seem to get along swimmingly, but not without help from their horns.

In a more extreme case of India’s crowdedness, on a weekend trip to Mumbai, a colleague and I toured Dharavi, Asia’s biggest slum, where it is estimated that more than one million people live in an area of 1.75 square kilometers (.68 square miles). The sheer closeness of quarters was barely believable.

There, I saw people literally living on top of one another—yet they still manage to coexist in relative harmony, and have for more than a century—under the most squalid of circumstances and ethnically diverse atmospheres.

(Narrow Street in Dharavi; courtesy of Reality Tours & Travel)

That leads me to my next thought: the surprise of religious variety in India.

Most people reading this know that Hinduism is the majority religion of India. Hell, even I knew that. Hindus make up approximately 80% of the country’s population.

As a Christian myself, I learned early in life about Saint Francis and Mother Teresa. I figured simply on the basis of those two having been here that more Christians would be here. Just over 2% of Indians are Christian.

What I never realized, though, is that almost 14% of Indians are Muslims. India is home to the world’s third-largest Muslim population. What with all the burkas—at times—I feel like I am in the Middle East!

Sikhism, the religion of men who wear turbans, rounds out any major religious representation at roughly 2%. For an interesting—but saddening—story of the Sikhs, see Operation Blue Star and the subsequent assassination of Indira Gandhi.

My final thought brings me to the subject of Indian cuisine.

As I will be gone by the time monsoon season officially arrives next month, I consider myself fortunate to have been here during another season: that of the Alphonso (mango)!

The Alphosno is a delicious fruit, bursting with sweetness. I prefer one with two scoops of vanilla ice cream, but they can stand up delightfully well on their own.

Visiting Crawford Market, also in Mumbai, I took a spin through the mango aisles. To view that, plus additional footage of the city’s horn-filled and traffic-jammed streets, press play on the below video.

Other foods get my attention, but nothing is tantamount in taste to the Alphonso.

Supposedly, there are distinct differences between South and North Indian food—and even regionally—but I have trouble discerning them. Most plates have rice and a type of bread, usually fried, accompanied by dipping and smothering sauces, usually spicy.

One other point of note on the food is that I have not mastered the Indian way of eating with my right hand and not using a napkin! This is one of those things that I cannot explain. Forever and always a Westerner, utensils and napkins are for me.

There are numerous aspects of India that I would love to cover but did not… and probably could not. Left for another trip perhaps, I would like to delve more deeply into the spiritual significance of India, especially as it relates to meditation and yoga. Learn Hindi? Sure, maybe one day. Uncover the intricacies of India’s famed chai tea, which I have been drinking regularly? Another cup, Chaiwalla!

Dhanyawad, India—as of today, I am thankful to have spent a month with you.

We Need to Change: Video Blogging

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Covey) — Sun, 02 May 2010 09:25:00 +0000

In his legendary country music track, Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way, the late, great Waylon Jennings, sang, “We need to change.”

It is with that timeless phrase that I introduce my initial video blog.

Till now, blogging to me has meant words of text, with the occasional photo and outbound link included therein.

Hardly “the same old tune, fiddle and guitar,” this blog has enabled me to experience the craft of writing, which will no doubt continue. However, by incorporating video to my posts now and again, I shoot to make it more dynamic and interactive.

Where to begin? In Austin for SXSW, I put my fancy Flip Video to its first use.

One of my close pals and partner in adventure, William (see guest post here), and I stopped by Rosita’s Al Pastor, a charming curbside taco stand in East Austin, to grab a bite before catching the Flaming Lips play a show later that night.

The result… not perfect, but a start. Buen provecho.

Watch out for improved video blogging from Future Mayor of Cherryhurst. Enjoy the change.

Even Time Flies on Emirates

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Covey) — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 03:31:00 +0000

Upon reflection of the week that was, I write from my modest yet comfortable hotel room in Bangalore, a 25-hour journey from Cherryhurst, door-to-door.

I arrived to the city in the wee hours of Thursday morning, after an uncertain few days of travel planning. I was meant to be here last Sunday, but Eyjafjallajökull, the Icelandic volcano which has inflicted total chaos on European airspace, delayed my departure by four days.

It also forced me to alter my route. I was originally supposed to fly with Lufthansa Airlines from Houston to Frankfurt, followed by another haul of a similar length to Bangalore, but after excessive days of delay and cancelled flights that reached into the thousands, the executive decision was made: I would fly with Emirates Airlines, on a non-stop flight from Houston to Dubai, around the mess in Europe, and then onto Bangalore.

Fly Emirates I did, and it turned out to be the highlight of my week.

Due to volcano-related tangles, our departure from Houston was behind schedule by 45 minutes. I could have cared less, though, as I had dealt with bigger issues in getting myself to that point.

Happy to finally step aboard, I was met by a welcoming fleet of flight attendants, who offered glasses of champagne, water, and fresh-squeezed orange juice, as well as hot towels. I accepted their offerings.

One of them then showed me to seat 10B, my personal space for the next 15 hours on the luxurious aircraft that is Boeing’s 777-200. Once settled, I was pleasantly surprised to see that nobody would be sitting next to me.

This was my first time in business class, on any airline. My level of comfort had already evolved beyond anything I had experienced on a commercial flight, and we had not yet left the tarmac.

I flew coach with Emirates a few years ago, round-tripping from Dubai to Istanbul—a primetime ride, yes, but business class—I can now state—is on another level: to me, it might as well have been first class.

At takeoff, I noticed fellow passengers, who behaved as if they had been in this situation before, fiddling with their armrests and looking determinately at the personalized screens on the chairs in front of them.

As it turns out, they were familiarizing themselves with ICE, or Information, Communications and Entertainment, Emirates' on-demand multimedia center. Loaded with movies, podcasts, audio books—whatever one could possibly need to combat in-flight boredom—ICE has it all, including SMS messaging capability and access to cameras outside of the airplane for bottom and front views.

Dinner was excellent. I had a glass of French wine along with it. I watched By The People: The Election of Barack Obama, a documentary about the president's campaign to win the White House. Once finished with that, I leisurely reviewed the music selection, deciding on Steely Dan. Surely the sound of Aja would put me in the mood to catch much needed rest.

It did, and a flat-lying seat with a thin-spreading mattress only added to sleep inducement. Facing the artificial stars on the ceiling above, I was soon out like a light, with Emirates-furnished noise cancellation headphones wrapped around my head, and did not wake up for eight hours.

When I did awake, the friendly attendants were nearby, ready to serve, and to my knowledge, had not gotten a wink of sleep themselves. I stood up to stretch my legs, walking in a pair of Emirates-provided socks, with the intention to use a fancy dopp kit also provisioned by the airline.

Waiting for the bathroom, I struck up a conversation with the attendants and seized an opportunity to remember the experience with a photo, even if I had slept through much of it.

From Turkey, Serbia, and India, all three ladies led me to believe that they enjoy working for the airline. If Emirates treats its employees remotely close to how it treats its customers, it is well they should. There is something to be said for cheery attendants. They can make or break a flight.

Following yet another tasty meal, we arrived to Dubai International Airport (DXB). Upon arrival, I noticed, since we had left Houston late, that I was on a compressed timeline to catch my flight to Bangalore, so I needed to scoot.

I skipped through the Emirates Business Class Lounge, freshening up for a few minutes there, and before I knew it, was back in familiar territory: in a business class seat with Emirates.

Not long into the second flight, I was served another fine meal and a glass of wine, this time Californian. I knew what to do after that. Looking to the arm of my chair, I reached for ICE, delving into its deep music for a selection fit to accommodate a leftover tinge of sleepiness, leaned back and closed my eyes... into dreamland I went again.

Two hours later, I awoke to the sound of a pilot saying something in Arabic about our descent, and stumbled to the kitchen and bathroom areas for another pre-landing stretch. Meantime, I struck up a conversation with a congenial Indian attendant, a man of about my age (34).

Looking at my watch, I realized that we were on track to land early, but inquired to confirm that I was tracking in the appropriate time zone: "Are we arriving to Bangalore early?"

"Yes," he replied, "by about thirty minutes or so."

I smiled contentedly; this news of an early arrival had just completed my dreamy experience.

As I turned to head back to my seat, he said, "Even time flies on Emirates."

Indeed it does.

Fancy Food Show—Here I Go

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Covey) — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 01:14:00 +0000

My interests in international commerce and beer come together this weekend as I arrive to balmy San Francisco for the 35th Winter Fancy Food Show, where I’ll be volunteering at Booth 2415 for the fine folks of the Brewers Association.

The association’s Export Development Program, which generates publicity for the US craft beer industry and assists its affiliate brands in gaining attention and distribution in selected markets, will be coordinating the events at our booth.

Ten big-name craft brewers will be displaying their artisan-style ales and lagers. I’ll be serving and tasting them all over the next few days. Here’s the lineup:

• 21st Amendment Brewery
• Anderson Valley Brewing Co.
• Boston Beer Co.
• Brewery Ommegang
• Dogfish Head Craft Brewing Co.
• Firestone Walker Brewing Co.
• Kona Brewing Co.
• Lagunitas Brewing Co.
• Rogue Ales
• Stone Brewing Co.

To say that I’ve worked with Dogfish and Stone, both brands which I can buy in Texas, will be damn cool. But I’m particularly pumped to meet the representatives at 21st Amendment. From San Francisco, the hometown boys are fairly new on the beer scene. I’m intrigued by their can-format packaging and watermelon-flavored beer. Firestone Walker, of Paso Robles, California, has my attention too.

I’ve never been to this festival, so I’m not sure what to expect. On the show’s website, I note how vast it really is, both in its size and number of exhibitors. Thousands of vendors will be on hand, representing every corner of the “fancy” food world—from grass-fed beef to olive oil and yogurt, it will all be there.

An online contest (“Can You Spot the Next Food Trend?”) to predict the top five food trends that will emerge from the event caught my eye, appealing to my trend-spotting instinct. Willing to win, I go for it, entering my top five:

• Açaí
• Coconut Water
• Kombucha
• Raw Honey
• Yerba Maté

The two previous show’s winners were:

Summer 2009
• Blood orange
• Chocolate and salt
• Superfruits
• Gluten-free
• Eco awareness

Winter 2009
• Single-Serve Portions
• Fruity Additions
• Organic
• Sensitivity to Dietary Needs
• Exotic Spice Blends

While this event for me is mainly about the beer—the good kind, with benefits of its own—perhaps I'll learn of new, healthy ingredients to mix into smoothies on future mornings in Cherryhurst. (See ‘Smoothie Operator’ post last year.)

Cheers!

Survey Says: FMOC Lives on in 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Covey) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:42:00 +0000

Happy New Year!

Here’s a big THANK YOU to all who completed the 2009 Readership Survey.

I don’t plan to go on at length about the results. (Your feedback was primarily for my benefit.) If interested, please contact me directly, and I can share the general sentiments shared.

Nobody nailed the correct number of email subscribers… but since I’d rather give it away than keep it, I’ll send the $15 gift certificate to the person who guessed closest. Correct number: 23.

In the biggest news of all, Future Mayor of Cherryhurst will live on in 2010!

Considering all feedback (mine, included), I’m making a couple of tweaks that will manifest themselves in 2010:

1. New description & future redesign

Although the meaning of FMOC remains the same, the blog’s description has changed to read: “One Man's Quest to Take Office in a Quaint Corner of Montrose.”

On the whole, I like the blog’s look and feel, but the functionality can be improved. In the spirit of continuous improvement in the blogosphere, I’ll work for change.

I’m looking at ways to make the blog more appealing to the passing reader, and especially, more attractive for all readers to make comments.

Ideally, this blog will become a means of communicating with friends and followers alike, all in support of the FMOC campaign.

2. Less regimented schedule & more freewheeling content

The schedule will be less regimented, as will be the content. No longer will I be posting every two weeks. Posts may come more frequently, maybe less.

A biweekly schedule was useful because it allowed me to publish regularly... to avoid a collapse into the blogging ether. I also wanted to be conscious to not let my blogging interfere with my day job, so I intentionally posted on Sundays. This rigid schedule put undue stress on the Covey household.

The way forward?

Posts are intended to be freewheeling, a reflection of what’s on my mind at the moment—a complement to the daily proceedings of life. They will probably be shorter and (hopefully) to the point—as is the case with the blog’s description.

This year brings a looser and more spontaneous mayoral candidate… do keep reading, and enjoy:-)

FMOC Readership Survey 2009: Win a $15 Gift Certificate to iTunes!

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Covey) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 01:00:00 +0000

Nearly a wrap, 2009 is tick-tick-tick-ticking away....

Against the clock, I briefly reflect on the year that was for FMOC. This is post number 28, my final of 2009.

What started as an experimental, weekly muse in January subsequently became a self-imposed, death-defying biweekly publishing schedule in June. The results, while not altogether measurable, have been favorable—insofar as I am concerned.

While often having to dig deep on Sundays, following fun-filled weekends or before hard-hitting weeks of work, to produce some semblance of content, I managed to put forth intelligible posts on every cycle.

FMOC has been a satisfying experience for me on many fronts, but I can call out a few in particular:

1. It has afforded me a sliver of a presence online, complimenting my life offline. In a lighthearted way, I have crafted a brand. We are in a period for/of publishing like none other; the means to produce content is there for all. To anyone with even a remote interest in creating a blog, book, you name it, wait no more.

2. It has been a tremendous vehicle to keep in touch with friends, old and new alike. I don't know exactly how many people read FMOC or visit the website, but here and there, I get a comment, online or offline, which justifies the effort I give toward it and reinforces the experience as rewarding to me.

3. To teach is to learn. FMOC is my chance to learn about random subjects that are of interest to me, and by writing about them, I teach (that is the idea, anyway), therefore increasing my own learning—and writing.

The CEO of Accenture, Bill Green, has been quoted saying, "...we keep one foot in today and one foot in tomorrow." With his words in mind, I turn an eye toward the year ahead, with a request for your feedback.

It will be your gift to me. I want to know: should I continue to write FMOC in 2010? And, if so, what improvements can be made to make it more enjoyable to you, the reader?

I quickly assembled a readership survey, using SurveyMonkey. Its seven questions will take you no longer than two minutes to answer. Not every question is required (*). To sweeten the deal, I included one question (number 2) that, if answered correctly, provides a chance to win a $15 gift certificate to iTunes.

Click this link to gain access. Please be honest in your replies, completing the survey by January 8.

If the general response is to keep FMOC alive, I will consider all suggestions, eventually weaving them into the blog's design, functionality, and most importantly, content.

To everyone who has read thus far, many thanks for one year of satisfaction. I wish you much happiness, health and prosperity in 2010. (I have a positive feeling about it... you should too!)

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Life: Not Tapping Out

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Covey) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 05:06:00 +0000

Although never a supreme athlete, I have always stayed active and competitive, mostly through team sports—baseball, basketball, football, etc. But with age, responsibility and a full calendar, it has become harder to be involved with any group athletics.

Nowadays, I take brisk walks or jog, usually in the morning, which is my time to ponder the day ahead. I often follow those trips around the block with push-ups or sit-ups and other calisthenics to maintain strength and flexibility.

Early this year, though, I rediscovered a sport that currently has my attention—one that combines individual focus and team orientation and draws on my competitive nature: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ).

Wikipedia provides a suitable description of BJJ, “…promotes the principle that a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend themselves against a bigger, stronger assailant using leverage and proper technique; most notably, by applying joint-locks and chokeholds to defeat them. BJJ can be trained for sport grappling tournaments (gi and no-gi) and mixed martial arts (MMA) competition. Sparring (commonly referred to as 'rolling') and live drilling play a major role in training, and a premium is placed on performance, especially in competition.”

In the 1990s, BJJ was made more prominent outside of Brazil by renowned expert Royce Gracie, of the famed Gracie family, which is credited with founding this particular style of fighting. Royce took the MMA world by storm, winning three of the first four Ultimate Fighting Championships.

All told, I have spent almost a year in Brazil, most of which was in Sao Paulo. It was in “Sampa,” as the megalopolis is routinely called by its habitants, that I first discovered BJJ. With a friend who lived nearby, I dropped into a class one night and was immediately captivated by its natural flow. Despite the initial attraction, I never made it back to another class while in Brazil.

Fast forward five years to 2009. While driving through the Houston Heights, one of the city’s historic neighborhoods close to Cherryhurst, I came upon the Brazilian Arts Foundation, and within it, The Heights Jiu-Jitsu Club. I recognized this club as an opportunity to conveniently acquire a new skill, all while reconnecting with the rich culture and heritage of Brazil.

A day or two later, I phoned Marcos Cerqueira, the club instructor, who has a black belt from the Carlos Henrique Jiu-Jitsu Team and an impressive fighting record in his own right. (Click here to watch a short video.)

Our conversation went like this....

"Marcos, I have a lot going on during the spring and the summer; maybe I should wait until the fall to start your class.”

He replied, “Okay, that’s fine, but why don’t you drop by a class one day next week, have a look, then come back whenever you are ready.”

His open attitude was the only impetus I needed.

I stopped by the Brazilian Arts Foundation one night during the following week to check out my first BJJ class in Houston. I was hooked from that point, ordering an Atama Gi a few days later.

Marcos subtly continues to push BJJ to the top of my priority list, hinting that noticeable improvement comes with increased commitment, a truth I cannot disclaim.

Last weekend, we had our annual belt ceremony at BreakAway Speed, a training facility for Houston area athletes and where Marcos also trains students. To my surprise, I was awarded a stripe on my belt, an incremental sign of progress before graduating from one belt color to the next—hardly an accomplishment for some, but fun for me nonetheless.

(Me and Marcos; courtesy of Emily Covey)

(Marcos Cerqueira Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Class; courtesy of Emily Covey)

Life has generally improved for me since making the choice to try BJJ, so for that alone, I take a moment to thank Marcos for encouraging me to keep at it.

By no stretch am I the most dedicated person who trains under Marcos, nor are my goals as lofty as those of many of his other students. I try to attend two classes a week. I have not fought in a tournament yet, and frankly, am not sure that I ever will. Be that as it may, I have still learned a lot from practicing BJJ over the last several months.

There is certain respect for the opponent and self-control in BJJ that I appreciate. I enjoy the camaraderie shared among team members. I like the mental aspect to BJJ, which can be equated to a game of chess, one person reacting to the every move of another.

There are untold parallels between Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and life off the mat.

In fact, this morning, while reflectively reading a book, Streams in the Desert, I paused to reread a Bible verse (Galatians 6:9), which basically states a challenge, by Paul to the Galatians, “to keep on doing good and to not give up.”

This verse rings as true in life as it does in training BJJ.

While our lives are not full of joint-locks and chokeholds, we inherently face difficult situations. Just like in BJJ, the strategy in life is to overcome the challenges we face, growing stronger all the time by learning from others.

Not tapping out.

Recharge Your Batteries

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Covey) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 04:42:00 +0000

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a ‘connector.’ Maintaining connections with people is an activity that I thoroughly enjoy. I consider my network of friends and associates as one of my most valuable assets.

I also maintain a high level of productivity in whatever I do, be it work or play. I make it a priority to continually improve upon my productivity, focusing on the tasks worth performing, rather than those whose ends are undefined and do not build upon a reasoned purpose.

Being connected and productive is fulfilling and contributes to the rich life I lead. However, the combination requires much work and can be draining of energy.

It is not easy to disconnect and decrease productivity, recharging my batteries, but it is an essential component to being well, so I do it as often as often as I can.

What, in your life, creates stress or is exhausting? Whatever the drain is, step away from it—especially if you have not done so lately. You will be glad you did.

Recharging my batteries usually means travel, the more adventurous the better, ejecting myself from the normal routine—ideally, for at least ten days—resisting all temptations of the norm.

I turn off my PDA and leave behind my PC, shirking work altogether and allowing for total mental recuperation. I seek culture, reading and writing and engaging secondary languages, which, in my case, are Spanish and Portuguese. Physical exertion is a plus, too. I like to be outdoors, preferably riding a bike or taking a hike.

I find that when I return from time away from the norm, my relationships are stronger than before and I am as productive as ever.

I am fortunate in that Accenture, my employer, places a high value on its employees spending time out of the office. The company provides us five weeks of “paid time off,” plus a fair number of holidays throughout the year…an unbeatable perk, of which I take advantage.

I realize that, for a variety of reasons, you may not have access to the same benefit of exiting the grind. I realize that travel might not be your bag. But whatever it is that wears you down, identify it, and then completely step away—even if for a few days. And notice the difference.

Time away for your typical day is energizing and leads to improved health and happiness. You owe it to yourself and others to recharge your batteries.

Too Much of a Good Thing

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Covey) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 03:34:00 +0000

Earlier this year, when fall fell upon us, I took the time to write Fall Means Football Season.

What I have realized since then is that fall, in fact, does mean football season. But as for this fall, it also means weddings. And by that I mean five weddings in six weeks!

Emily and I have had the pleasure—and “I do” mean pleasure—of attending all five. This weekend marked the final one of the run. Hallelujah.

Emily and I are both from Houston, two years apart in age. We attended the University of Texas, obtaining the same degree while there but never knowing each other. Although we are from the same city and attended the same college, we have enough years between us that our circles of friends are not the same. There is some crossover among them, but not a lot.

We are lucky to have as many friends as we do. However, it can make for a busy schedule, socially, when many of them are marrying in such a short span. That’s what happened this fall.

To protect the innocent, I will not provide details of any of the nuptial events, but will briefly expand on a handful of observations that I find noteworthy upon reflection of their happening.

Of the five weddings, in three, Emily’s friends were tying the knot, and in the remaining two, my friends were. Nary a one included mutual friends as the bride and groom. Meaning, it is likely that I would not have been invited to three and she would not have been invited two had we ourselves not been married.

Of the five weddings, in three, one of us was in the wedding party—she in two and I in one. So, in those cases, not only were we attending these ceremonies and receptions (all on Saturdays), we were also attending the rehearsal dinners (all on Fridays), among other wedding-related activities. Three of our fall weekends were planned by people other than us.

Of the five weddings, four were in Houston. Three of those four took place at the same local country club. The fifth wedding took place in Dallas. And all of the weddings were “Texas-sized.”

Of the five weddings, two took place at the same time as University of Texas football games, approved by engaged UT grads and longtime Longhorn fans, the bride in one wedding, and the groom in the other. This, despite Mack Brown’s counsel to schedule weddings around games in a Texas Monthly article, Come Early. Be Loud. Cash In., issued in 2008.

Of the five weddings, all were fancy, with tons of tasty food and limitless drink, of which I partook on every occasion. Fortunately, no major hitches (fainting or jilted brides, etc.) transpired at any of them. Remarkable, really.

With that, I wish all of our wedded friends much love and happiness—and thanks. For the truest form of happiness to me comes now, as today marks the end of a season... the wedding season. Lucky for us all, fall continues, which can only mean one thing: it is still football season!