Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Lifes Adventures

Everyday is an adventure in life. I wake up everyday and am excited about what will unfold (at least in most circumstances). I make choices that effect so many lifes including my own and I pray daily that I am following Gods path and making the right choices. Today I got some confirmation that a couple of the resent choices were right. There have been some major changes in my life and I am staying positive that they are for the best in the long term.

I am working alot now. I am running Danny Boys and making some real changes. We are adding cleaning the restuarant from front to back, changing staff, new servers, bartenders and cooks, cleaning the restuarant from front to back, adding new menu items, renegotiating contracts and adding liquor. It is amazing the support I am getting from most of the staff and management. Customers are really starting to respond favorably as well to the changes.

Real estate has been a roller coaster. Crazy deals. Some positive and some negative. Fortunately things have changed for the positive in the last few weeks for some of the deals I have been working. Then this afternoon I got a call from a client who I havent dealt with in 10 years. It so happens he is interested in teaming up with another client I have in the entertainment/hotel industry. What a neat opportunity. Thats why I love the business I do. Clients from different states and different periods of my career and we still call and deal with one another. There is nothing like creating or putting a deal together.

Speaking of putting a deal together..... I was going to try to open a new venture until yesterday. The deal fell flat on its face. There is always another opportunity! I do not stress over lost opportunities because there is always another coming if your looking.

Now to the big competition. I am not doing as well as I have been in the past. I am working so much that by the time its 10:30 or 11 pm its time to work out. About and hour and a half later than usuall. It is difficult and to push up the heavy weight or to keep motivated. It is also hard to eat well when I am on the go or stressed. Thus I am down in weight but also in the weight I can lift. I plan on keep working out and pushing hard, but I have taken a few extra days off than planned. I will be back at it hard tomorrow. Trust me I am not giving up and still believe I can finish first, I just need to get my act together quickly.

Well another day goes by, but memories will last (except mine dont last as long as they used to...haha). Its like my hair. Weazy likes grey, but I told her its falling out faster than its going grey! Haha..................

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Change

I know its been a while since I have posted, however my laptop got a virus. I typically post at night using my laptop. My good friend Tony took care of me and got me up and running again.

I am enjoying a glass of merlot and just finished the show brothers and sisters. What a great program. My sister past away of cancer so I can relate in some scenarios of the show.

Now I am watching poker. I want to be able to make it to the world series of poker soon. I am hosting a hold em tournament for the North Coast Young Proffessionals at Danny Boys. That should be a fun night.

Well we have about 45 days left in the competition. I am staying strong with the lifting, however my eating as been ok. I have decided to really push the last 30 days to trim up but to try to bulk up until then. I have a hurt left arm that is holding me back and is not healing quickly. I am pushing through the pain however I know its not a wise move. Everyone else is still staying true to their workouts except for one. I really think that the competition is all about the last 30 days. I am getting to a point that I will post some preliminary pictures coming to the final.

This is a tough week at work. While I have a big Sysco food show and cocktail party I am looking forward to I also have some major changes taking place at work. They are tough changes I am not looking forward too. I do have some good showings and interest on property that I am expecting offers on this week. Time will tell.

Well I am going to finish my wine.......

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Friends

I really realized how I have some great friends today. My laptop got a virus last week, thus one reason for not updating my blog. Tony, my neighbor, friend and softball coach (haha) took it into his possession to help me solve my problem.
Mac, who is in the competition with me, went out to lunch together today ( as we usually do) and really enjoyed the conversation. Its amazing that to people in the same industry who are technically competitors really get along so good. Its like were brothers. Yes we do fight, but it never last long.
Brian, my assistant, has really been there to support me and my businesses the last few weeks. Even after getting married, he has really stayed focus and has helped to look at growth and the future of the business. Very much appreciated!
Weazy and I went to a chamber after hours and really enjoyed our time together. We met some great people and their companies. I am truly impressed with the North Coast Young Proffessionals and their dedication to the orgainization. They are truly trying to make a difference and an impression. Weazy and I then grabbed some dinner and I really enjoyed our conversation. We got some time to spend talking about our new venture and some ideas we both have.

Now to update on the competition. I have stayed true to my workouts. I lift and either run or do abs 6 days a week. I must admit that while my eating has not been perfect, I have sustained a pretty healthy diet. I am looking into some vitamins and proteins to start the first of the month. A visit to GNC will surely help. I think I have a chance of winning if I stay strong. I am going to time my run this week to see if I have shaved anytime off my 7 minute mile (thats just in case the compeitors are reading this blog). Trust me if I ran 7 minute mile I would not be working so hard. However, one of the competitors thinks he can run a mile and a half in 10 minutes. We'll see?

Real estate is going strong. I put two properties in contract last week, however I am having difficulties with one of the transactions. I also listed a few new listings with a few more coming on line. I am excited about the activity and am hoping for a continued busy fall.

Danny Boys is starting to get the regular customers back now that the tourist are gone. I am excited about spending some more time working there. We are changing up some food items and hiring some new staff. I want to work with them to help them serve the customer better and with a smile. I really appreciate everyones business and support. We just had some new door hangers prepared and we are going to start delivering them out tomorrow. I am excited to see how are return is.

Till next time................

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Ode to the weekend

Well I know why I am not on the cover of mens health.... the weekends. While I must say I do well eating for breakfast and lunch, dinner is quite different. I must say that Weazy and I are looking into a new venture that deals with food and we have to do research. Thats right, eating hamburgers and french fries at a wine bar in Rocky River is research. Or having more wine and desert at the wine bar at Crocker Park is more research. I must say that I surprise myself how well I eat during the week. The weekend nights are tuff!

My workouts continue to be strong. This is a light week for me. We are into our third week and my workouts are consistant. This will be a recoup week and I will go back to hitting it strong next week. I am still on track to win this competition.

Real estate is going great. I have new great listings with a lot of activity. Most of the activity is coming on 31 acres I have. I also listed a great investment property in Sandusky. The other active listing is an investment property in Sheffield.

I went to a food show for new ideas for Danny Boys and came up with some new product. I will be trying it this week and hoping to have specials next week! Watch for announcements.

The boys are doing great at baseball. Their fall ball team is 4 -0. They have some tuff competition this weekend. Weazy and I took them to see its raining meatballs. That was a really good movie, however not necessary to see in 3d. Weazy is doing great at teaching. She just got an awesome review. She continues to impress me daily!

Til next blog!

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

2 weeks

We hit the two week mark in our competition today. I am partially proud for where I am today, however I thought I would have a little better results for all the hard work and sacrifices I put in. I guess that says that I was more out of shape than I thought. My weight is down and since I switched my workouts my strength is increasing. If I can stay true and strong to my diet and my workouts I am truly a top contender. I will say I am taking this competition as a lifestyle change, not just a 90 challenge.

We finally were back to a normal night as a family. I picked up Nathan from school and came home and mowed the grass. He went out and played with friends with his brother while Weazy made a delicious dinner. After a nice family dinner we played tickle monster, watched tv and then the boys headed off to bed. It was good for all of us.

Work is great. I am spending alot of time in Cleveland with my listings, however Sandusky market is finally picking up. I have gotten some great listings and we are aggressively marketing for buyers.

The restaurant sales have slowed as the tourist season has slowed. We are aggresively being creative with new marketing, new menu items as well as working on bringing mixed drinks in the to fray.

Weazy and my new venture is moving forward. We have some big meetings on Thursday to review the property. Some of the other assets we need to make it work are coming along. The new venture is exciting, however it will take several months to get going.

Till next post....

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Football Season

Well its that time of year where the pigskin is flying. However, in my families case its still baseball season. I went to the baseball diamonds on Saturday morning at 10:30 and didnt leave until 4pm. No I am not complaining. We had a blast and we won both our games. The second of the two games was a come from behind win. All the boys did well.

Saturday night we went to the big Huron vs St. Paul football game and unfortunately watched Huron get smoked. We then went to Danny Boys for some appetizers, pizza, beer and to watch the Ohio State Buckeyes lose to USC. As much as I am a Michigan fan (and it was awesome that they beat ND) I cant stand to see USC win and particularly to Ohio State. While I am eating pizza and fries two of my competitors settled for salads. I must say that this is a 90 day challenge that I want to make a lifestyle change, thus I need to have a day to eat pizza and drink beer. I will say my desire for Coke has diminished which is a positive. I was able to get a great chest and tri work out in on Friday and big leg workout tonight. Saturday was a day of to recoup (ok I didnt get a chance to work out).

Sunday we went to church. We were late and it was packed! I then had an open house and it rocked. Twelve couples came in and I had 2 interested parties and 2 couples looking for a different property which I think I may have what they are looking to purchase. Not a bad day! We finished with a family dinner at my parents which will be the last in this home. They sold there home in a week and have not found the right home to purchase yet. What a blessing to be able to sell there home that quick in this market!

I will finish the post by saying that I am working on a new business venture. I am looking at the location tomorrow to put the business and I am excited! I wont say much other than it will be exciting to tell all about as I set it up if the location works! Until the next post............

ps. I looked at other blogs and their sites are set up much better. If anyone knows how to set up a header with picture and background colors... do tell! Thanks

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Hard work

Well they say hard work pays off and I am starting to see it. I have worked out twice a day for the last 7 days and its starting to show. The bad news is that last friday I kinked my neck and have not been able to look to the right. My chiropractor is on some luxury cruise sticking it to me. Great! Thus I resorted to Andrea who does my messages and does an excellent job. After wrenching on my back and neck for 45 minutes I left sore and it is slowly loosing up. I am down 6lbs starting to lean up and getting ready to really hit the weights at the end of this week. I have changed my routine up and am doing p-90 for 3 days and my weight training the other 4 days.

Now the competition: Quiet Brian is staying true to his diet and workout. I am sensing some weakness in the run, but I think he will be a surprise in the bench. Big Daddy has stayed true to his diet and is increasing his workouts. I am truly surprised but extremely happy with his performance so far. Focus Factor Brian is hitting the treadmill and workouts hard but struggled eating this weekend. He did impress with lunch today, but was it just a front or will he stay strong. Now Dr. Mind bender is bringing it strong. Regular work outs with a reduced diet he will be a threat in several categories. The "Surprise" will be just that... Dont know how well he is truly doing. Now Tim the Toolman has undergone some life changes and has delayed his start unless he is just feeding me lines.

This truly is life changing and it becomes addicting... the questions is who can stay strong for 90 days. Its longer than we all thought and will take tremendous dedication.

I have experienced the same in real estate. Hard work is starting to pay off. I have several new listings with activity on most my properties. I am excited about the next few days and am hoping for an offer or two. I must say I have the coolest house open from 12 to 3 on Sunday. Come and see this amazing house with a custom finished basement with bar and entertainment room. Gourment kitchen with a two story deck and a patio below. This is a must see to appreciate! I also listed the 31.5 acres I described in previous blog. Only $189,000. It will be posted on my website soon. Only $6,000 per acre.. $189,000!

Weazy has settled in to school and the boys have finally started calming down. The boys have their first double header for fall ball on Saturday and Dom started flag football today. I love fall.... football season! Speaking of which I think Michigan will surprise all and beat OSU this year. But first OSU has to get through USC and that will be a challange. I hope they win. Huron has a huge game Saturday night. They look good and I am hoping they pull off a big win.

Well I finally get to enjoy a glass of wine and sometime with Weazy ! Later....

Monday, September 7, 2009

My O My what a Holiday

Whose idea was it to start this competition prior to a holiday weekend? While I didnt do too bad with my workouts I definetly over indulged in the pm. My breakfast and lunches were as they should be, but Danny Boys Pizza at 11:30 at night with a few brews didnt help my standings. Or taking my son and father in law to Put In Bay for a day doesnt bode well with a diet. The good news is my workouts were strong, my morning meals were good and I really enjoyed the weekend.

Well its late Monday night and I am watching the Miami and Florida State Football game while working on the computer. I am ready to hit the office first thing after my morning workout. I have a jammed packed week. I am working on possibly to new business ventures, trying to make an addition to Danny Boys and sell some properties. I have a few new listings and a couple of big showings this week as well.

Until tomorrow......

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

FOOD!

Its amazing that when you try not to think about food, you think about it more. I had an extremely busy day at work today. I had a full slate of meetings starting at 8 am and ending at 7pm and had to drive back and forth to Cleveland twice. Being busy I didnt think the diet would bother me today...however I was wrong. Going from two eggs, sausage and hashbrowns to a green tea and granola bar just wasnt the same. Then a chicken caesar salad for lunch made me really hungry by the time dinner rolled around. Dinner being late was a chicken breast, rice and cantelope..... WHERE ARE THE FRENCH FRIES????

To top the day off, one of my managers at Danny Boys made the above smore pizza for me to try. I asked her to do it a couple of weeks ago so we can run as a special this fall. Definetly not the day to give me that, however was impressed with the look at the recipe she came up with.

I was succefull with my two a day work out. Cardio and abs in the morning and Chest and back at night. I ate too close to my big work out tonight and didnt feel so hot at the end of it. Alls good now.

Well my competitors are taking this serious to start, it will see where we all are in 30 days (or even in a week).

Well another busy day tomorrow. I think I need a good breakfast and I will try to make it up with a light lunch! Day 1 successful!

Monday, August 31, 2009

Chicago - Weigh Ins

What a weekend. Weazy and I went to Chicago to see her cousins and some friends from South Carolina. We drove out on Friday and were there 4 hours later. What a great time. Fun people, good drinks and great food. What else could you ask for?

Well weigh in finally came. Surprisely everyone made it to weigh in tonight. All the numbers are pretty close after final review except for me. I weigh the least of the group with the smallest amount of body fat. This means I am going to have to win the 1.5 mile run, bench press rep and best overall transformation. Its crazy thinking that when I wake up tomorrow I cant go out to my favorite restuarant and get my normal breakfast. I dont know how long I can make it on Granola and strawberries. I ate Wendy's for lunch and had snickers and coke today because I know I cant have them for the next 90 days. Let the competition begin.

Work has been picking up. Received a new listing on a 2600 sq. ft. home. Received a listing call on a 2,900 sq. ft. home and am supposed to write an offer on a home I have listed in Bay Village tomorrow. I am working on another two listings which I should now if I got them by the end of the week. Need a home? How about a 177,000 sq. ft. industrial warehouse in Cleveland?

Well gotta get ready for a big day tomorrow......

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Day 2: School Starts

What a day. Started off with the family going back to school. My boys are in 2nd and 4th grade now. I cannot believe how quickly they are growing up. Each year has gotten better and better, however they are becoming more and more independent too. This was also Weazy first day of school too. After 9 years off to take care of the boys she is back working and loving it. She got to come home to an email from a parent with a nice compliment!

Work was good today. Showed several homes (and condos) to buyers. Went on a new listing tour today. The property was 31 acres of which 15 acres of woods, 10 acres of farmland and 5 acres pond. Priced to sell at $160,000. If I get the listing I will definetly post pictures. I then sent out an email blast on 22,000 sq. ft. industrial property for $1,290,000. I was surprised how quickly I started getting responses to the emails. The property is on Rte 250 located between Rte 2 and the Ohio Turnpike.

Finally the boys had their first Fall Ball scrimmage. The team did well. What a learning experience for them with stealing and so much more action in the game. They brought home a win for the crowd! Dom was beamed 2 of the three times up to bat, but hung in there.

Now to my contest. Man I feel like I am moving slow. I decided not to gourge myself anymore and be happy with my current weight for Monday. I did some studying on food and with some help from a friend I got some really good food hints. I am learning what a study this is and how each of us is so different in metabolism and how we process our food. I may have to start my work out tomorrow so I am not sore all next week. If you have a helpful hint I am listening. I hope this blog helps me keep committed, so I look forward to some responses!

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

First Blog: The Reason - The Competition

Wow... my first blog. haha. Well if you know me I like to stay up on technology, particularly cell phones. Weazy (my wife) and I recently went and saw Julie and Julia at the movies which among other things is about a girl who starts a blog. Found it fascinating that people end up searching these out or actually reading them. Then over the last couple of weeks I have seen more and more info on blogs, thus my attempt.

The two other reasons for this blog are:
1. I am proud of my businesses and like to share my interest with others

2. I entered into a competition with 5 (possibly) six other friends and thought this would be an exciting way to share about the contest and the characters (my friends) that are participating.

THE BUSINESSES:
Edmond Hoty Real Estate is a Real Estate Brokerage company that also handles management and development of real estate. We sell both Commercial and Residential Real Estate.

Danny Boys Italian Eatery is an Italian restaurant located in Sandusky, Ohio. The restaurant recently won best Italian Restaurant!

I will post more on the businesses and their activities as I go forward!

THE CONTEST:
We have agreed to enter into a body transformation contest. As we get older and older we have been living more and more in the past rather than being proud of who we are today (physically that is). So he goes the contest:
1. Percentage of weight loss
2. Percentage of body fat loss
3. Who can rep 185 lbs on the bench the most
4. An all out 1.5 mile race (sharpen your elbows)
5. Overall body improvement.

Official weigh in and pictures are Monday August 31 with the competition starting on September 1st and going for 90 days. That's ending on November 30 (yes after Thanks Giving). This is a no holds bar competition where anything goes.

Being the wise one I thought, I decided to pack on the pounds as I am lightest of the group (I think). However, that has taken a toll. I never thought I would get to a point where I didn't look forward to my next meal or want to eat healthy... boy was I wrong. I have gained approximately 10 lbs in a week and I am ready to start this contest. I don't think I can wait until Monday for final weigh in.
Here our my competitors:
Quiet Brian
Big Daddy Mac
Focus Factor Brian
Tim the Tool Man
Dr. Mind Bender
and me "Papou" I wanted my other nickname but they vetoed it.

I am not sure I am ready to post the pictures of me in my current shape, however after some transformation I will post before and after pictures.