I called an adversary on a case last Monday on her cell phone. We had previously agreed to speak on Monday. When I called, she advised me that she was out in Montauk for the day as she decided, Monday morning, to take the day off. I laughed, wished her a great day and we agreed to speak later in the week. 

Though a cherished song by Chicago who were not on the bill last night (Saturday, July 25), the title just fit as we enjoyed four bands at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre in Nassau County’s Eisenhower Park.  Weather-wise, it turned into a lovely, cool, dry eve.  Good music, my wife and official concert partner-daughter, a few good friends, dinner we brought in. Fun conversations before the show and between acts.  What could be better?  Mark and Amy arrived first and “secured” our spot.

At eighteen years old, people are asked to make one of the most expensive decisions of their lives. Choose a school, choose a major, borrow the money, and trust it will pay off.For decades, college was treated as the safest path to success. Today, I'm not so sure.In many cases, I don't think college is worth it. Spending four years and tens of thousands of dollars without a clear plan can leave graduates behind peers who entered a trade and built experience or maybe got involved with specialized training.

As I think back over my charmed life, I realize I have enjoyed more than my share of Glory Days, which I believe happened as a result of good planning, hard work, competitiveness and luck.   In my case, much of my luck was not random.  I like to think it was by design, as in "You make your own luck".  

Summertime. Hot weather. Thunderstorms. With thunderstorms come the concern of being caught in the downpour. And the great decision of whether to wait it out or just go.Fred and I had no choice that morning many years ago. And any concerns were immediately dismissed.We were running to the City and were on the Ed Koch (aka Queensboro, aka 59th Street) Bridge when the storm struck. Fully exposed and no place to go but straight ahead. It was pouring.

As a kid, I was taught not to believe everything I read. These days we can’t even believe everything we see! Photoshop and deepfakes are real!If something challenges my thinking, I verify. If it lines up perfectly with what I already believe, I verify that too.I rely on facts and evidence. Facts can be verified. Evidence supports the assertion. Together, they’re my pause button before I buy into any claim. This process has served me well as a lawyer, in life, and now as I focus on nutrition and smart supplementation.

As summer hits its stride, this seems the right time to ask.  Question warning – this is blog written almost entirely in questions.How do you shut down from work to leave for vacation?  How do you set expectations?Do you turn on your out-of-office and what does it say?  Is it formal or informal?  Do you identify a backup? While you are away, do you check email and assuming so, how frequently?  Do you return phone calls?  Is your laptop with you?  Are notifications still turned “on” on your devices? 

Last week, we went out to dinner with relatives we have not seen for a long time. I was really looking forward to seeing our cousins and having a relaxing dinner.