MULTI-TASKING MUSINGS

Monday will be two weeks since my surgery.  With my main objective being to recover as quickly as possible, it has been surprising that I have been challenged to also conduct business.  It has really been testing to successfully do two things at the same time: healing my body while concentrating on yacht negotiations.  Why is it so difficult to do both when there is plenty of time during the day for everything?  Perhaps I was unprepared for the stress of surgery -- and a little impatient for healing.

Recovery is coming along well, though.  Every day I am stronger and have less pain.  The exercises that the therapists recommend are embarrassing for an old athlete -- simple things like tightening gluts and walking in place.  I understand that to recover, I need to go back to the basics and build from the beginning to be able to walk again without limping.  Always having the desire to push to the limit, I constantly tell myself to do only what is asked and no more; overdoing will just lead to extended recovery.  I guess the body needs time to recover each day and overdoing the exercises only prolongs the time to progress to the next level.  I've disciplined myself now to do only what is asked.

Trying to conduct business when my mind is on healing my hip seems to be more troublesome than expected.  Concentrating is difficult.  I guess the anesthesia and trauma may have taken their toll.  But I've decided to take council from the physical trainer and restart from the roots.  Its probably good to go back and start with basic calls and communications.  Pushing at this point might only set me back and hinder my business recovery.  Isn't it interesting how we need to return to the fundamentals in life every once in awhile?  I should have realized...  During my athletic career, we would start each season practicing the elemental skills and then progress to more challenging game situations so we would be ready to compete on a higher level.

Now that I think I understand progression in healing, I will carry it over to business and to my life in general.  Please don't misunderstand: I surely don't think you need a physical impairment to start from the basics and certainly don't recommend surgery to progress your business.  But I do recommend a little basic training every year to review foundational and key aims and objectives.

Can anyone relate?

SUCCESSFUL HIP SURGERY!

My apologies for the long delay in posts to this blog.  About ten days ago, I had hip resurfacing surgery and, after four days in the hospital, have been recovering at home.

For about 5 years, hip pain limited all the things I love to do.  Even walking was becoming very difficult and I couldn't do that without a serious limp.

Being a life-long athlete, I worked on trying to "fix" my hip by myself for years, but nothing worked for longer than a week.  As soon as I thought I was healing, the pain would return and I would be limping in pain again.

I found a great doctor in Jupiter, Florida -- Dr. Vincent Fowble -- who recommended the resurface procedure because, rather than cutting the head of the femur, it is machined and capped with a ball.  The device should last about 15 years and then I will still have the option of total replacement to extend the usefulness of the joint.  Soon, I should be restored to a very active live, even to playing basketball (a little further down the road)!

I thought since I was in very good shape, the recovery would be easy and I would be back to work quickly.  Its only been ten days, but I think I was a bit optimistic on the recovery time, although each day I feel better and stronger.  Simple things like getting out of bed are difficult, but each day I see improvement and progress.  I expected the hip pain, but am surprised by the soreness of other muscles like my lower back, arms, shoulders, and neck.  However, on Tuesday, the staples were removed and tomorrow I'll be in the pool, working out some of the kinks.  I can't wait!  I just have to keep reminding myself that this was major surgery and if I take time for recovery and do it right, I'll be reaping the benefits soon and for years to come.

Should I have waited 5 years to have the surgery?  ABSOLUTELY NOT!  I lost all that time trying to heal a joint that was damaged beyond repair and suffering the pain of just walking.  Would I recommend this procedure?  Most definitely!  And I highly recommend Dr. Fowble of Palm Beach Orthopedic Institute (http://www.pboi.com/physicians/vincent-fowble/) and Jupiter Medical Center.

More on that next time......

MARINE ELECTRONICS: THE 10 COMMANDMENTS

"Boats.com electronics expert Lenny Rudow offers up rules that will help your electronics live longer...."

MARINE ELECTRONICS: THE 10 COMMANDMENTS by Lenny Rudow

I stumbled across this very useful information about electronics care that is basic but important to know and worth reading.  Sometimes simple basic knowledge gets pushed aside with all of the technical information we read and have running around in our minds.  Making a simple mistake and marring the screen could effect the definition you paid big bucks to have -- and can cost quite a few dollars to repair. 

This is not only really good information, but is an entertaining read, as well!

"Pay heed to these 10 commandments of marine electronics

and your helm could look this good, too."

THE YIKE BIKE: Smallest Folding Bike in the World

Keeping you in touch with the latest in yachting's personal transportation....But maybe not for the faint of heart.....

The YIKE BIKE.  Now, here is something that every yacht owner should not be without.  Perfect for travel in any port-of-call.  Powered by an electric brushless DC motor, it unfolds in just 15 seconds, runs about 6 miles at speeds of up to 14 mph on a single charge, and recharges in just 20 minutes. 


Fabricated in carbon fibre for about $3,800 US or aluminum and composites for about $2,000 US., this compact, 23-pound, foldable electric bike holds the potential to revolutionize personal transportation -- or so hopes its maker!  It does look like it might take a bit to master it, though.


Lots of good information and video can be found at the website: www.yikebike.com.

NEW FORT LAUDERDALE INTL BOAT SHOW VIDEO

"Fort Lauderdale Yacht Show 2010/HD" was recently posted to YouTube by YachtsXL. Nice coverage of the 2010 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and surrounding area.  You'll see several Ferretti Group yachts throughout, and then the sales staff briefly at 3:43.  That's me third from the left!


Click to link:  Fort Lauderdale Yacht Show 2010/HD

DEEPGLOW UNDERWATER DOCK LIGHTING

I really don't know too much about these lights, but received the information by email the other day and thought I'd pass it along.


What a cool looking dock!  I can just imagine coming in at night and seeing these underwater lights.  Not sure if they would help with docking, but they really look great -- very tropical.  Also looks like they attract the fish, which could be a side benefit.  For the home on the water, these lights definitely would make the dock area stand out!

More information at: http://www.deepglow.com

GO DEEP WITH DOWNRIGGERS

Reading through SportFishingMag.com, I came across this article on down rigger fishing and thought it was something worth commenting on.  It is true that trolling with a full spread of lures covers a lot of the ocean, but there is an enormous amount of water under the surface and fishing with down riggers will reach the bottom dwelling fish.  This article explains the different types, uses, and depths you can fish. I hope you find it interesting!

Link to: "Go Deep with Downriggers" @ SportFishingMag.com

OUR AMERICAN CELEBRATION. HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

For as long as I can remember, the 4th of July was always a time of fun and celebration.  Growing up in a small, western Pennsylvania town, it was very exciting.  There were city fairs put on by the local firemen (all voluntary) to raise money for the local fire hall, parades, competitions with the other local fire departments, big family barbecues, and of course, fireworks.  It always was a great holiday but I never realized what it was all about until my brother left to serve in the Vietnam War.  Then I understood it was about sacrificing to serve your country for things that I took for granted.  Seeing him leave and watching the news every night changed the meaning for me.  Since then, several trips to third-world dictatorships have multiplied my thankfulness for the blessings we have here.  Now I really appreciate what a sacrifice all of those who served made for me and this nation.


As I celebrate Independence Day this year, it will not only be a great time to enjoy family, friends, food, and fireworks and to reflect on childhood fun, but it also will be a time to remember the price that was paid for us to enjoy the freedoms we have here in the United States.


As you spend time with your loved ones, please remember to celebrate and honor the many who have offered the ultimate sacrifice for our benefit.


I hope you have a happy Fourth.  I know I will.