When I Know Something, I'll Let You Know

I still can't report any progress on my latest endeavor. I've presented my plan to a financial institution and now we play the waiting game. For now, I'l tell you what I've been telling my closest friends and associates who know what I'm pursuing....."When I know something, I'll let you know!"

I Think We Can Do This

As, I've made my rounds around the internet, I've realized that my blog is getting a lot of attention lately. I've seen references to this site on other sites.

Mostly, the attention is coming from other folks in the media. I've been touched by the kind words that so many have written. There have been so many e-mails and phone calls of support. It really means a lot to me.

Having said that, let me say this..."I think we can do this!" After discussing my business endeavor with a financier, I heard those words today. I wanted to hear those words. Now, let's see what happens next.

Stay Tuned!

One Step Closer

Two days ago, I shared my completed business plan with a trusted family friend. This gentleman is a very successful businessman and we spent three hours together going over the strengths and weaknesses of this business opportunity.

Today, I got one step closer as I moved into another round of negotiations with the current owners of this endeavor. Things went very well today and sometime next week, I enter the financing phase of this deal.

How do we structure this deal to benefit everyone? Can we even pull this off? I'm confident that we can, we've done our homework and we've put together a good deal. Honestly, the biggest task that lies ahead for me is prayer. I'm seeking God's guidance on this one. This could be life-changing.

So please, keep me in your prayers. I sure do need 'em and some of you could use the practice.

Big Announcement...Not Today!

No news is good news. Actually, there isn't any real news to tell you anyway.

What I'm up to is very speculative. There is an amount or risk involved with completing this deal, but still I'm intrigued by it.

Some of closest friends and advisers are encouraging me to move forward, but with caution. As my grandpa used to say, "Don't put your cart before the horse." Regardless, when I am in a position to reveal the nature of this endeavor....I will.

I once thought that making a decision of this magnitude would be cut and dry, but there's more to it than I had expected. How many of you have ever had to sit down and write a business plan?

That's a lot of fun, isn't it? In fact, I should be working on that instead of updating this blog. So rest assured, there will be a Big Announcement, but not Today!

Good Morning Larry!!!

Today I'm in Washington, D.C. staying at The Ritz Carlton. How I ended up here is a long story. Nonetheless, this is good living. You just can't beat the service. Everything you hear about The Ritz Carlton is true. If you ever get the opportunity to spend a day or two at The Ritz,.....Do It!

The first thing we did when we arrived was to get settled in and then we ordered room service. The prices really weren't that expensive, but what the heck, you only live once, right?

Man, you should have seen me parading around my suite in an official Ritz Carlton bath robe. Wow!

Yesterday, while my wife, Barb was in a business conference, my son, Tristan and I went exploring the nation's capital.

We had a blast visiting the White House and the Washington Monument. I will remember to wear more comfortable shoes the next time I tackle a big city on foot. Anyway, we crammed a lot into one afternoon and spending all this time with my son is priceless.

Earlier today, while we were heading out for breakfast, we bumped into Larry King. (Yeah, the guy with the suspenders on CNN.) I was surprised to see him there in the lobby of my hotel, but then I remembered that it was the Ritz Carlton.

I guess Larry hangs out there quite a bit. He was kicked back on a sofa and carrying on a serious conversation with a couple of gentlemen. In passing, I said "Good morning, Larry" and good ol' Larry King replied, "Good morning"....and that was all there was to it. I just kept walking and Larry kept talking.

Now that I think about it, I don't think Larry King has ever seen me on TV.

You've Gotta Go To Hershey Park

If you've never visited Hershey, Pennsylvania then you've really missed something. We're staying at The Hershey Lodge and the folks are real hospitable. I was a little worried about my son, Tristan being loud, but every once in a while, I heard another kid down the hall making just as much noise.

This is truly a family vacation destination. Hershey Park has a lot of rollercoasters, but I didn't ride any of them. Oh well, my son is just 2 1/2 so it was nothing but kiddie rides. I guess we'll just have to come back.

Honestly, if you've never been to Hershey, you really deserve to come check it out. We spent two days in the park and we never even got to play in the waterpark. It's the most awesome waterpark that I have ever seen.

Well, I have another chocolate bar to eat. There is candy everywhere in this town. I can't resist the temptation. I must have more chocolate.

It's two thumbs up for Hershey, PA....The Great American Chocolate Town.

Hey, Aren't You....?

Yesterday, I was recognized by a woman who used to listen to my radio show. Big deal, right? Wait a second, I was meeting my wife, Barb and my son, Tristan for dinner when this woman from Myrtle Beach comes up to me outside of the restaurant and says, "Excuse me, aren't you Banana Jack?" So what, right? Well, it startled me because I was in Pittsburgh, PA.

I don't expect to get recognized that far from home, but it happened....not once, but THREE times. (For the record, my son took part in a model and talent search held in Pittsburgh and it turns out there were other kids from the Carolinas present.)

Earlier today, another woman from Florence, SC, who was there with her grandkids grabbed my arm as I walked by and said, "Aren't you the River Talk guy? It is you. I like that show. You know, it's informative."

Later in the day, as we were packing our suitcases in the trunk of the car so we could travel to Hershey, PA, a gentleman asked me, "Hey, is all this going to be on your tv show? Am I going to be on television? Are you working up here now?"

No, I'm not working. I'm on vacation. Tomorrow the family invades Hershey Park. I wonder if I'll be hearing, "Hey, aren't you....?"