What a Weekend!

Hi Readers,

After this weekend I am in "hog heaven". Living in paradise (Scottsdale, AZ) is great anytime, but wow.

I have not been playing much golf lately. But on Friday afternoon I played a 9 hole networking event with 30 people from the North Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce. I met some great folks and played with a couple of fun guys, Jay Nielson and Peter McSorley, neither of whom I had met before.

We played at The Sanctuary, a desert course in great shape. Did I say it was 78 degrees? Definitely Chamber of Commerce weather!

On Saturday I got to play 18 holes with my daughter, Amy. Amy is a good player, a former college player in fact. She has not played since last summer because she was pregnant with Reese. We played at Sun City CC. I did not expect much, because well, it was Sun City. Was I ever in for a treat.

First, the course was a "Parksland" design as they say in Scotland. That means no desert - just grass and trees. Very rare for the Phoenix area.

Second, the course was tough. I gave it no respect going in. However the 3rd hole is a 201 yard par three where you you have to hit a slight cut around trees to get it to the green. That is when I realized this was not going to be a hit and giggle type round.

Third, we were able to walk! Again highly unusual in the Phoenix area. Did I say it was 82 degrees?

And fourth, playing with my daughter - always a treat!

On Sunday morning I did my volunteer work reading the newspaper for the blind on Sun Sounds of AZ radio. I was sure happy this was scheduled because I was really fired up about the AZ - Philly playoff game.

As we all know by now, the Cardinals shocked the world. The 4th quarter drive to win the game has to go down as the greatest drive in Cardinal history! Needless to say I am deliriously happy.

There is a business lesson here. The Cardinals have been extremely focused on success ever since the national experts said they had no chance in the playoffs. Thevisualized success and now are going to the Super Bowl.

The lesson? If you can see it, you can achieve it.

Until next time,

Chuck Trautman
www.nobsphx.com