I woke up this morning feeling particularly fresh.  I've tried taking full advantage of my jet lag by resetting my body clock to sleep at 10-11 and wake up at 4:30-5 so like any good farmer i was up early.  I love early mornings before everyone wakes up and I have time just to myself.  I normally get up, do the bathroom thing, read a bit, review my calendar, exercise and write a short to-do list all before 7am.  Productivity Badge Achieved.

I had a super packed day of meetings today and it started with an Oakwyn staff meeting at 8:08am at our office.  I had the luxury of not leading and having my business partner Morgan take charge.  She brought in Mcdonalds and used it as a tool to speak about their staff culture and teamwork.  We had amazing response to the meeting and I think it was our best staff meeting yet!  Its always amazing seeing all the staff at the same time.  I always remember when we only had 1 or 2 staff in the meetings at a time and now we fill the entire boardroom.  One of my BIG DREAMS is to hire 1000 people and give them amazing jobs where they can do their best work, safely and creatively.  We have about 15 so far so only 985 to go!

I met a cool experienced agent that was recommended by one of our current agents, did some training, recorded 2 podcasts ( https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-michael-uy-podcast/id1425331646?mt=2 ) (https://open.spotify.com/show/4FHN5B7vffZqpFgtCRuG21 )  and did/won a listing presentation in Chinatown for a small 1 bedroom condo.  All and all a solid day.

I was super proud of myself for my discipline too.  I resisted going for Chinese food after work and opted to go home and eat a wholesome meal at home.  I've been wanting to get healthier before my birthday.  My target is to get under 200 lbs before October 8.  I am 212 currently so I'm getting there.  Wish me luck!

LESSONS LEARNED:

- In the POD, Thomas shared his story from his childhood sleeping in a warehouse with not much growing up.  It made me reflect on my childhood and how grateful I am to have my brothers and sisters, mom/dad and grandparents around me.  I need to touch base with them more often.

- DELAYED GRATIFICATION > INSTANT GRATIFICATION:  I am visualizing myself as a svelte 200 pound man on my birthday so I always need to make choices for the long game.

Hello world,

In the 80's, I used to watch a television show called Mr. Belvedere about an English Butler that serves an American family.  The culture, socio-economic and family clashes created all kinds of hi-jinx but what I remembered most about old Belvy was that at the end of every episode he would write in his diary and reflect on his thoughts.  I have been wanting to do this for quite some time so I thought I would embark on a journal journey and write a semi daily diary/blog/inane rambling about my adventures as an Asian, thirty-something, real estate, business guy with an attitude. 

It's September 3 and I had a pretty freaking fantastic, ironically un-labourous labour day.  I've been on a health kick since coming back from a trip to Europe a week ago so I biked to the gym this morning to make a crossfit class then travelled back home to have a nice long coffee with Pri at our favourite coffee shop Q Coffee on Dunbar and 40th.  When we arrived at the coffee shop it was empty and Pri asked if she should save our favourite seat on the patio with the shade.  I replied with "up to you". As soon as we entered some dude sat in our seat.  Pri is some sort of psychic (and possibly a psycho for dating me).  Every time she has one of these reserve seat moments she should always follow through.  I'll listen more closely next time.

I then had time to do what I never get to do, hang out at home alone while Pri went to meet up with a friend.  We had a client appreciation party the night before and my house was filthy so I cleaned up.  I am trying to do this thing where I try not to distract myself and just stay in the moment so it was SUPER FUN cleaning up.  I took time to truly appreciate our home and reflected on the amazing clients that came yesterday that contributed to me being able to live the little life I carved out for myself.  I was so happy to see everyone yesterday and it meant a lot to be able to break bread with them and learn more about what is happening in all their lives.  They will never know how much they have impacted my life.  It's sappy and sentimental but I think of all of my clients and realtors in my office as my guardian angels helping me provide for my family and do the fun things I get to do everyday.

I also got to hang out with my staff Jill, Angus, Brigid and Kelsey.  They have grown so much over the years, every time we do one of these events I think about the last year and they were all so nervous and awkward the year before and now they are so much more comfortable with themselves.  Adulting.

LESSONS: 

- Listen to Pri's intuition and act on it right away

- Stay in the present moment and enjoy the quiet moments at home

- Wear thicker shorts or use a mat when you do situps.  I think I have rubber floor burn on my backside from the gym.