A Week That Moved Faster Than It Should Have

This week felt routine on the surface. Nothing huge. No major milestone. No big dramatic moment.

But it moved fast.

I think part of that was being at a business conference most of the week. When you’re in conference mode, your days are scheduled in blocks. Sessions. Conversations. Dinners. Quick breaks. More conversations. You wake up early, you stay moving, and before you know it, the week is almost over.

Still, even in what felt like a standard week, there were some interesting moments worth sharing.

A UFC Headline That Resurfaced

If you follow UFC, you probably remember when Cain Velasquez went to jail. That story made a lot of noise at the time. He had allegedly pursued and shot at someone accused of sexually assaulting one of his relatives. It was emotional. It was complicated. It was headline news.

He has since been released.

I do not know all the details of where everything stands legally, but seeing his name again this week caught my attention. We had talked about it a long time ago when it first happened. It’s one of those stories that sticks with you because it blends fame, family, anger, and consequences all into one.

It is also a reminder that no matter who you are, no matter how successful you’ve been, life can change in a second. Emotion can override judgment. A single decision can reshape everything.

That story resurfacing was just one of those “I remember that” moments.

Four Wheelers and Good Times

While I was away, Holly’s dad, Mike, was out riding a four wheeler on the land. He looked like he was having a great time. Fresh air. Open space. Just enjoying himself.

Four wheelers are fun. There is no doubt about that.

They are also dangerous if you are not careful. I have seen enough injury cases to know that. Rollovers. Slopes. Unexpected dips. Someone thinking they are going slower than they actually are. No helmet. One quick turn too sharp.

Thankfully, that was not the case here. He had a great ride. No issues. No close calls. Just a good afternoon.

But every time I see someone on one, I can’t help but think about how many people get seriously hurt on them. It only takes one second for something fun to turn into something serious.

This time, it was just fun. And I’m glad for that.

Miami, Conferences, and Travel Habits

Most of the week, I was down in Miami at a business conference. I flew out of Hartsfield in Atlanta and stopped in the lounge before heading out. There is something about airport lounges that makes travel feel slightly more manageable. It slows things down for a few minutes before you step into the rush.

When I travel for conferences, I usually stay at the same hotel where the event takes place. It makes life easier. No extra driving. No traffic guessing. Just walk downstairs and you’re there.

The days fill up quickly. Conversations about systems. Marketing tweaks. Data. Growth. What’s working. What’s not working. I always enjoy those discussions. I like talking about improvements. I like talking about small changes that can make a big difference over time.

And for whatever reason, I never eat Chipotle at home. I just don’t.

But when I travel, I almost always do.

It’s predictable. Chicken. Rice. A little cheese. Simple. Clean. Easy. When you are in a new place and your schedule is tight, there’s comfort in ordering the same thing and knowing exactly what you’re going to get. No guesswork. No heavy meal that makes you regret it an hour later.

So yes, Miami conference. Lounge in Atlanta. Chipotle somewhere in between.

That was the rhythm of the week.

A Sold Out Show at a Smaller Venue

Holly picked me up Friday night when I got back. Saturday, we went to an Ella Red concert at The Masquerade in Atlanta.

We’ve realized over time that we prefer smaller concerts. Club atmosphere. Close to the stage. You can actually see the artist. You can feel the room. It feels more connected.

It was sold out, but still small enough that it didn’t feel overwhelming. That is the sweet spot for us. Good energy. Packed room. But not so big that you feel like you’re watching from a screen the size of a postage stamp.

There’s something about seeing an artist up close that makes it feel more personal. You catch the expressions. The interactions. The way they respond to the crowd.

Big stadium concerts are impressive. But the smaller venues feel real.

We had a great time.

The Micro Cooking Class That Caught My Eye

While walking around in the area, we saw a sign for something called a “micro cooking class.” It was about 20 minutes long. Focused on desserts.

That was enough to get my attention.

Double chocolate cheesecake.
Blood orange brownies.
Bourbon cherry drizzle.

Those words alone make it sound worth the time.

I am not entirely sure why they call it “micro,” other than the short length. But the idea of learning one focused skill in a short burst makes sense. Not a full afternoon commitment. Just come in, learn something specific, and leave with a new trick.

I snapped a picture of it. I may see if Holly wants to try it.

If you have ever done one of these shorter cooking classes, I would be curious to know if they are actually worth it or if they just make you hungry and send you home wanting more.

Coming Home to a Quiet House

After the concert, we stayed downtown Saturday night. When we came home Sunday morning, the house felt quiet.

Very quiet.

There is something about being gone overnight that makes the return home feel bigger. You expect the noise. The excitement. The greeting at the door.

And when that is not there, it hits differently.

We missed Ted more than usual. Those moments have a way of sneaking up on you. It is not dramatic. It is just subtle. You walk in and feel the absence.

That probably stood out more than anything else this week.

Bitter Cold and Waiting on Spring

To close it all out, it got bitterly cold. The kind of cold that makes you question everything. The wind cuts through you. The ground feels frozen solid. You start counting down the days until spring.

I am ready for warmer weather.

I am ready for longer evenings.

And I wish that groundhog had not seen his shadow.

Overall, it was a normal week. Business travel. Family time. A concert. Nothing huge.

But sometimes it’s those steady weeks, the ones without fireworks, that remind you what really fills your days.

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