Big Hairy Audacious Goals

Sometimes we have to stretch ourselves a little. How often do we really stick out our own necks to perform? In an effort to both make the goal and publically declare it I am writing this post. On August 8th, 2008 I will run a half marathon here in Provo, Utah. The Provo River Trail ½ Marathon is an annual event along the Provo River in the canyon. Even though I’ve always been a runner this will be by far the longest race I’ve ever run. Up until now my morning runs consisted of 2-4 mile jogs and my longest competitive race was a 5K.

I’m pumped. I’m not excited about running 13.1 miles but rather I’m excited about doing something audacious. I’m pumped about bending my own limits and pushing it past the comfort zone. What I’m wondering is what each of you are going to do to stretch yourselves this year? What are you willing to publicly declare?

Here is a picture of the stretch of trail where I'll be running my race!

This is the view I woke up to on Saturday morning. I went on a ice fishing trip with the young men from the church this weekend. We went to the current creek reservoir which is close to strawberry reservoir in central Utah. The first adventure came when one of the boys informed me that the clothes he had on his back was all that he brought with him. This consisted of tennis shoes, jeans, t-shirt, and pullover hoodie. For camping in the mountains in February this was going to be a disaster. Luckily for him enough boys had enough spare coats, gloves, snow pants, etc to donate to his cause.

Ami made me a phenomenal tin-foil dinner which consisted of diced chicken and potatoes. I was the only one to cook mine in the fire as the other boys either brought subway or cooked their dinners over the propane grill. Back in my day...

Several of the boys were convinced they were going to build snow caves to sleep in and though several made valiant attempts only one 12 yr old was able to craft something big enough for him to sleep in it. The sad thing is that he was the only one who got any sleep at all. The rest of us spent the night trying to dream of warm climates and thicker clothing. Even in my thermals, snow pants, heavy winter coat, gloves, beanie, and LL Bean mummy sleeping bag I was freezing cold!!! We guesstimate that temps reached 20 below that night. It was horrible.

The next morning was exciting as we did a little ice fishing. We shuttled the boys across the reservoir on snow mobiles (my first experience driving one) where we dug small holes in the ice (about 8" deep) and put in our lines. This was my first time ice fishing also. There were a total of 4 fish caught between the 18 of us. The most excited moment was when one of the boys was reeling in a fish. I got next to his hole to grab the fish when he brought it out and just as it was coming out of the water it managed to jump off the hook and back into the water. I reaching in after him with my right hand and managed to grab him as he was swimming off. I pulled him out and chucked him onto the ice. It was some sort of reaction and I swear I'm not making this up. It was almost ninja like.

Jacob Paulsen

Picture of Mastermind session with Andrew James

We are working on a huge project for the portuguese/brazilian market

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Picture of Phenomenal Dinner!

Ami is such a gifted cook and I just couldn't resist sharing a picture of this delicious Shrimp Scampi.

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Social Media Revolution

Hey friends. I'm been absolutely amazed lately about how much time and money are going into the social media websites like Facebook, Myspace, YouTube, etc. Here is a short video I prepared to put on my website introducing it.

Life Continues

The last few weeks have been adventurous for us. Last weekend we were in Wyoming for the funeral of Cathy Higgins; the mother of Allison Higgons who is a good friend of Ami's. The trip went smoothly, but was less than super happy.

Our family has been sick of late. The cycle goes like this. Simon gets sick because the wind blows wrong. Then Ami gets sick because she spends all day with Simon. By the time Simon is getting over it and Ami is at the worst stages I get it. This go around Ami got it the worst of anyone being basically stuck in bed for two days over the weekend.

My most precious material possession (my cell phone) suffered a semi-fatal end. The earpiece went out the day before we left for Wyoming. I was "forced" to buy the brand new G1 for t-mobile. So far it has been a great transition. I would say we have had a crazy new year so far but we are looking forward to better times.

On a good note I have been extra busy lately teaching concealed carry classes. There is a strong rumor going around Utah that Obama is going to take away guns and concealed carry permits and that if you get it now yours will be grandfathered in. This is so ridiculous it makes me giggle when I'm falling asleep but it sure has been good for business.

Jacob Paulsen
www.jacobspaulsen.com

I'm a bad father

When I'm babysitting Simon but still need to get work done I just put on one of his favorite Baby Einstein DVDs on in my office. He will just sit there and watch for about forever. Don't anyone tell Ami!