Destiny or Chance

The Road of Life

The events that will necessarily happen to a particular person or thing in the future. The hidden power believed to control what will happen in the future; fate. – Dictionary.com I have many favorite sayings that I find myself quoting regularly.  It seems that in researching the origins of some of those quotes I found that many of my favorite quotes are supported under Destiny: I often see postings on Facebook where people say things such as:  God must think I am a real bad ass, because he only gives you, what you can handle and my plate is always overflowing.   In fact and unfortunately for many he does test us all but he also gives us Free Agency (the power to make choices). Many bad choices lead to difficulty and handling the tasks we are given.   I have been quoted to claim a successful large franchise of lemonade stands from all the lemons life has given me along the way.  Always without exception I recommend that people try to look at the silver lining (bright side) from a bad situation. I was enjoying a conversation with a friend about destiny, and I mentioned that a person could be in a passenger plane that crashes and not be killed, if it wasn’t his destiny, he countered by saying that what I was saying was equal to:  he could aim a revolver to his head and pull the trigger, and that he wouldn’t be killed if it wasn’t his destiny.  I said to him that his statement was true to my belief, however, before he pulls the trigger to consider that, That very action could be the way he is destined to die.  If on the other hand he is not meant to die that way, He might he be destined to be a paraplegic for the rest of his days?  For me that falls under don’t temp fate (or destiny) with stupid and unnecessary challenges.  This also falls under the Free Agency (power to make choices). Every once in a while, I will come to a fork on the road (literally), and wonder what the outcome will be if I don’t take the regular path that I am used to taking.  I also wonder if I take the alternate path and something goes wrong, will I regret making the wrong choice.  Mind you I don’t spend too much time worrying about options.  The majority of my actions are well thought out in advance.

• Our destiny belongs to us and only ourselves. No one else owns it. In finding that destiny it is our responsibility. No one can give it to us, again it is ours. We have choice to go after it or not. Where fate is something that happens to us. Sometimes fate takes away our choices we have made. Yet it being something inside of us that leads us back to destiny or our choice to go after our destiny.  
• Fate can remind us to listen to our own intuition and show us the way back to our success we are searching for in life and the happiness in our hearts. Now destiny is something we have when start our life the path that we want to achieve. But we face the fact of, what is our destiny and how do we reach it or find it? This is where the fate comes in. Our inner being that nudges us in the right direction. In the long run destiny is our choice and fate helps us to reach it throughout our lives we have chosen to live. – Reference.com

Just because it is possible that our life is already mapped out, it doesn’t mean that we can’t make the most of what we are given.  Let’s prepare ourselves for the best possible outcomes.  I don’t believe that we can’t affect our lives by great effort, and faith in our own abilities and our children.  I am reminded of a joke about a situation where the town gets flooded and this very religious man, moves to the second floor of his house, to stay above water.  Eventually he ends up on the roof of his house again to stay dry.  First responders arrive in a power boat and offer to take him off the roof, and he says help the others, God will provide for me.  Next rescue arrives by way of the National Guard helicopter, and again he waves them off, by saying help the others, God will provide for me.  He unfortunately is swept away and drowns.  When he arrives in Heaven, he gets to ask God, why did you let me drown, and God answers, who do you think send the power boat, and the helicopter?  The best is yet to come…..

Dangers at Sea 3

Cruise Ship Fire

I can’t imagine ever finding myself stranded without transportation.  Whenever a winter windstorm knocks out our electrical power and television cable, I can’t tell you how many times I will walk into a room and try to turn on the power.  Seldom happens but whenever one of our vehicles is involved in a required repair where it has to be sent to the shop, I will always rent a car for the duration, I don’t like being without control.  Now picture yourself stranded on a cruise ship days out at sea, to say rudderless is not an exaggeration.

·       Mechanical difficulties and their consequences: Mechanical difficulties and fires on cruise ships have made headlines; thousands of passengers have been stranded for hours or even days at sea, often without power to support effective refrigeration, food preparation or sewage disposal. Backed-up toilets and leaking human waste can easily spread infections such as E. coli or norovirus. “Because of multiple routes of transmission, it is difficult to contain outbreaks,” Boctor says.

·       To reduce the risk of infections, Boctor advises that “special attention should be taken while removing vomitus and fecal material; surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected, and cleaners should be wearing protective equipment including, gloves, masks and gowns.” Norovirus can be resistant to common disinfectants. The CDC recommends that cruise-ship passengers wash their hands with anti-bacterial soap after using the toilet and before eating or drinking, in order to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses.

Now imagine yourself or a loved one getting a minor illness, and not being in the care of a physician that you know and trust, or that minimally came highly recommended.

·       Unqualified doctors: The ship’s infirmary may be staffed by an earnest health-care provider in a starched white coat, but there’s no guarantee that the “doctor” on duty is licensed to practice medicine in the United States – or anywhere at all.

·       “Historically, doctors were signed up to work for three to six months at a time, paid a salary and part of the proceeds of what was sold in the ships’ infirmaries,” attorney Lipcon says, “and they could be licensed anywhere, including in the country of the ship’s flag. The cruise line is not responsible for bad medical care as long as they hire a qualified physician.” Lipcon has even seen cases where the ship’s doctor didn’t have a license but was “just a graduate of a medical school in the Dominican Republic.”

Once again no one is really suggesting that cruise ships are all bad, but some have recently suffered from less than ideal PR.  A few too many incidences of illness, mechanical problems, and power failures speak volumes.  Do your due diligence if you are considering a cruise.  The best is yet to come…

Famous Car Chase Scenes

Bullitt starring Steve McQueen 1968

I have lived long enough to have seen many great car chase scenes in movies and even driven in a few myself on city streets, back in the day when I thought I was indestructible.  To be honest I have raced motorcycles, and cars, in Figure 8 Track, Oval Track, and Quarter mile eliminations, I have also raced Go-Carts with dual carburetors that burned Nitro for fuel.  So I have taken many a risk (safely of course), and the proof is that I am still in one piece.

 A new franchise of big screen movies (the Fast and the Furious) have come along and captured the imagination of teenagers and young adults.  However, when it comes to my generation, I know that we have seen better, at a time when we didn’t have all the technical and digital technology, where you can’t always be sure of what exactly you just witnessed.

I will only give you two great examples to consider; 

• Disputably the best is the chase scene from Bullitt, a Ford Mustang Fastback, against a Dodge Charger. A movie with Steve McQueen 1968.
• The second is the chase scene from the French Connection.  A 1971 thriller film, starred Gene Hackman, Fernando Rey and Roy Scheider

Scene From French Connection 

Do you have any other car chase scenes you can think of? 

·       Fast & Furious films: When "The Fast and the Furious" premiered in 2001, it was considered a dangerous movie to promote, given its gritty portrayal of illegal street racing. But as the sixth entry in the series hits the screen May 24, the Fast & Furious franchise has shed any sense of subcultural grit. F&F films are pure Hollywood action, with cars soaring through thin air, exploding out of planes and barely dodging shells from opportunistic tanks.

·       The pyrotechnics are half the appeal. The other half is the cars themselves — models that range from the ultra-obscure to the heartbreakingly iconic. Here are our 10 favorites: five from previous releases and five from the new film.- By Erik Sofge of MSN Autos

Two totally different styles of chase scenes, with very different types of cars, but definitely similar in the excitement they create.  Do you have any other car chase scenes you can think of?  The best is yet to come….

Dangers at Sea 2

Buffet Style Food Service

 Without much thought for quality control or consequences I am a big fan of buffet style restaurants.  Were it not for my wife who basically over sees my life for the sake of quality control, I might have already passed away or minimally be somehow incapacitated by now.  My wife is my conscience with regards to avoiding regrets.  She drops little hints and when that don’t work she gives me outright warnings to beware.  For the longest time I wanted to stop and order from a Taco Truck, but my wife wasn’t so sure it was a great idea, since we weren’t familiar with the company or its adherence to strict licensing and health requirements.

Now I hear that some of the worst problems with cruise ships may well be the food section:

• Unhealthy eating and drinking: Taking precautions is important to stay safe on a cruise — but also to stay healthy. “But health-conscious travelers face an environment filled with excess,” says Ellen Bauersfeld, a registered dietitian in Northridge, Calif.  “24/7 meals, hundreds of items on a buffet line – most of which are high in fat, salt and sugar. Even with good intentions, many fall prey to overeating.”
• Unhealthy foods trigger addictive changes in brain chemistry, Bauersfeld explains, adding: “Recent research has revealed the dopamine spike that sugar creates in our brains. Dopamine is a feel-good hormone that affects our reward/pleasure center a little like a drug. Unfortunately, it only feels good while we’re eating, which is why – as David Kessler, M.D., reported in his book, “The End of Overeating” – we want more and more and more.”  
• Additionally, Bauersfeld warns, “Mixed specialty drinks are in abundance on cruise ships. Not only are they high in calories, but, after a few drinks, impulse control and making good food choices become more challenging.”

Other than actually dying while on a cruise the next worst thing I can think of is getting sick from eating tainted food:

·       Food poisoning and norovirus: The Centers for Disease Control estimates that food poisoning affects about one in six Americans each year. “Symptoms of food poisoning include fever, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea,” says Dr. Samia Boctor, who has a certification in travelers’ health from the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. “If travelers consume contaminated food or water or touch surfaces contaminated by fecal material or vomitus, they can get infections with salmonella, shigella or E. coli. And norovirus needs special mention. These strains cause severe outbreaks that can send travelers to the hospital.”

·       According to the CDC, more than 90 percent of outbreaks of diarrhea on cruise ships are caused by norovirus. In 2012, 16 norovirus outbreaks were reported through the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program.  “Norovirus is easily spread, especially in crowded environments,” Boctor warns, “even by sharing food or eating utensils with someone who is ill.” 

No one is really suggesting that cruise ships are all bad, but some have recently suffered from less than ideal PR.  A few too many incidences of illness, mechanical problems, and power failures speak volumes.  Do your due diligence if you are considering a cruise.  The best is yet to come…

Dangers at Sea

Dangers at Sea

 I must admit (recent headlines aside) it has crossed my mind that a Ship Cruise to the high seas could be relaxing, and the ultimate fun.  In all honesty the only thing that has kept me in past years form booking a cruise is my wife’s dislike for them, and basically been stuck out to sea with minimal controls for getting out if you wanted to.  More information is now coming out by experts for why my wife may have been right all along:

• Summer break – no better time for a refreshing and relaxing cruise. Let the kids enjoy rock climbing, surfing, zip lining, ice skating and swimming while you savor crisp blue skies, warm sea mists and wine coolers on your balcony as you cuddle together and scan the whitecaps for a glimpse of an acrobatic whale. A lush buffet dinner awaits you all in a couple of hours; until then, there are many options for fun on your personal vacation menu. Unfortunately, although a cruise ship may seem like a getaway from daily life and its stressors, potential dangers lurk in every passageway and on every promenade. -- By Linda Reid for MSN Healthy Living

Think about it, even if you only fill a conference room with 50 people, you are bound to get a large mix of personalities, attitudes, and behaviors. Not everyone is “an open book.”  You don’t know what people’s backgrounds are, or even if they have a criminal background:

• Dangerous fellow passengers “People assume that a cruise ship is a safe cocoon and get a sense of overconfidence,” says Charles Lipcon, a cruise-line maritime attorney in Miami and author of “Unsafe on the High Seas.” “Their ‘antennas’ get turned off. But a cruise ship is like a big city. Would you let your 15-year-old run around New York City alone at 2 a.m.?”  Lipcon’s cases have included gang rapes of young girls and date-rape drug use. Reported sexual assaults on ships number in the dozens each year, and poorly trained or unqualified cruise-line security guards are often the only investigators after a crime has occurred.
• “Passengers think they’re in the United States, but they’re in the country of the vessel’s flag and under that country’s laws,” Lipcon adds. The FBI does have jurisdiction over crimes upon American citizens “on the high seas,” but it often has no evidence to work with. Cruise-line personnel, Lipcon says, typically “make no effort to preserve the crime scene. They vacuum the room and steam-clean the sheets.” The result: Many perpetrators remain unidentified – and unprosecuted.

The very last thing on my mind would be to try to direct your thinking or ideas of the ideal vacation, I do want to make sure that you are aware of some of the things that are going on in the industry.  Keep a look out for more posts on this subject coming your way.  The best is yet to come…

Independence Day

Happy Independence Day America

If we ever had anything to celebrate it should be our independence.  There are countries around the world where the government or lack thereof is so suffocating as make people desire death to living as they do.  The very fact that I can write this blog is a reason to celebrate our independence.  You are in such control of your future that you can decide how high you want to go with your success (social and economic).  Let’s not forget that with freedom comes responsibility; you decide how much you want to prepare for a job or career, you decide where you want to work, you decide if you want to work for someone or start a business, you decide where you or your children go to school, on and on, the choices and outcomes are all within your reach and control.  One major problem with independence and freedom; you quickly run out of people to blame for your lack of success.

Here is a fun fact about the fourth of July:

·       In a remarkable coincidence, both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the only signers of the Declaration of Independence later to serve as Presidents of the United States, died on the same day: July 4, 1826, which was the 50th anniversary of the Declaration. Although not a signer of the Declaration of Independence, but another Founding Father who became a President, James Monroe, died on July 4, 1831, thus becoming the third President in a row who died on this memorable day. Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President, was born on July 4, 1872, and, so far, is the only President to have been born on Independence Day.-Wikipedia

And now for some history:

·       During the American Revolution, the legal separation of the Thirteen Colonies from Great Britain occurred on July 2, 1776, when the Second Continental Congress voted to approve a resolution of independence that had been proposed in June by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia declaring the United States independent from Great Britain. After voting for independence, Congress turned its attention to the Declaration of Independence, a statement explaining this decision, which had been prepared by a Committee of Five, with Thomas Jefferson as its principal author. Congress debated and revised the wording of the Declaration, finally approving it on July 4. A day earlier, John Adams had written to his wife Abigail:

·       The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.

·       Adams's prediction was off by two days. From the outset, Americans celebrated independence on July 4, the date shown on the much-publicized Declaration of Independence, rather than on July 2, the date the resolution of independence was approved in a closed session of Congress. - Wikipedia

Historians have long disputed whether Congress actually signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, even though Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin all later wrote that they had signed it on that day. Most historians have concluded that the Declaration was signed nearly a month after its adoption, on August 2, 1776, and not on July 4 as is commonly believed. - Wikipedia

So as we celebrate this very significant event in our lives lets have fun and enjoy, our families, friends and neighbors with food drink and fireworks, but most importantly let’s celebrate our independence and freedom to do so.  Stay safe!  The best is yet to come….

She's A Lady (or Prince Charming)

She’s A Lady 

Just between you and me, is your partner your soul mate, your special lady (or for you lady readers; did you end up with your soul mate, your Prince Charming)?  Most of us won’t admit it openly for obvious reasons.  This is just offered as food for thought.  Nod to yourself once for yes, twice for no!

It obviously took me two tries to get it right, but I have no guilt in saying it, because after all, “it takes two to Tango,” and for all I know I am the one that didn’t measure up.  With maturity and success under my belt, I am comfortable not always being right.  Think about the many years that my generation has lived and the number of people that have passed through our lives.  I’m not talking about intimate relations, or even casual dating situations.

Prince Charming

I, personally was very reserved (cautious) with regard to exposing my feelings to be trampled or hurt.  I wasn’t a drinker or partier, so I guess I never had the courage (in a bottle) to take a risk.  I am referring to the very nice people around us that were always there when we needed a friend.  The people that always smiled and were extra friendly at the doctor’s office or the grocery store.  Some relationships actually start that way.  I always valued friendship above all else, and would never act forward and risk losing a friend.

Twice in my life, I’ve been told that the lady thought we could have dated, but I never asked, and another said that she thought we would grow up to get married.  I never knew how they felt, and I cared enough not to lose their friendship.  Yet, I lost contact with them over the years.  Fortunately they ended up happily married, and I know that I am.

One of my very good friends and I often talk about our lives and the twists and turns that we have maneuvered through.  As usual I don’t divulge names so he shall remain anonymous. We often get together just to share a meal, and sometimes to participate in sports tournaments.  My friend has been a recovering alcoholic for 29 years (I am very proud of him & since I don’t indulge we are the perfect friendship).  I don’t want to give a number but let’s just say that it takes more than one hand to count the number of times that he has been married.  Most if not all of those times can be accredited to the drinking problem.  He is a very good looking guy and I only hang out with him cause he is a chick magnate (just kidding, we are both way past that stage, we are already happily acquired).

My friend’s life would make a more exciting book than mine but he isn’t the reading or writing type.  As far as I know he never married bad looking or plain looking person.  I believe that his homelier wife was a Cowboy’s Cheerleader.  He blames himself for his marriage failures.  I, on the other hand (in baseball terms) only had one out followed by a Grand Slam!!

The original question might be; can you think of the one opportunity you allowed to go by, that might have been very special.  In my instance I feel that (and it applies to everyone as well), I captured the brass ring when I got married the second time so I am comfortable that I didn’t let the special one get away.  I do know for a fact that a number of very nice people that I admired have been in my circle of acquaintances, so there may have been ample opportunity for a keeper in the bunch.  Having said that, I firmly believe in destiny, and feel that what I have was meant to be.  The best is yet to come….

Fun in the Sun

California Beach

 Extreme weekend heat wave could bring temperatures above 120 to Western US

• A wave of record-setting, life-threatening heat is expected to blaze across the West this weekend, with temperatures in some areas projected to top 120 degrees.
• Death Valley, Calif., could even top 130 degrees Saturday through Monday, just below the world record high of 134 recorded there on July 10, 1913
• The cause is a high pressure system that will scorch a long arm of the Southwest. Temperatures in Phoenix and Las Vegas are expected to soar into the triple digits, with temperatures hovering between 115 and 120 degrees. In western parts of Arizona, temperatures could reach 125.

California Sun-The Rivieras

Summer 2013; after a terrible winter and worst spring, Mother Nature is not done with us yet.  Many people had plans for the summer vacation well in advance and we are not quitters. We’ve waited a long time for nice vacation on the beach or otherwise outdoors, whatever you do, use caution, when deciding how long to stay exposed to the elements.  The beach and clear skies are a nice combination to lure you and lull you into overstaying your time out. For many people fun in the sun, sand and surf means plenty of beer or other alcoholic beverages; a bad combination with extreme heat in the forecast (clouds better judgment).

Heat exhaustion and dehydration are known to cause casualties in weather such as we are facing in this summer’s forecast.  Drink plenty of water and don’t get over exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time.  Many elderly people can’t afford air condition systems for their homes, if you have elderly neighbors consider checking up on them, better yet put it on your to do list.

Las Vegas

One of the worst vacations I ever experienced was about 10 years ago and it happened at the happiest place on earth (Disneyland-Southern California).  The lines were at least 45 minutes long for all rides, and I had to spend lots of money buying bottled water just to pour it on my children’s heads to cool them off. My idea of a nice vacation on a very hot summer day is to stay indoors in an air conditioned room, or restaurant, and then go out at night in a place like Las Vegas.  I do recall one summer vacation in Las Vegas where the temperature at 3 in the morning was 92 degrees.

For many young indestructible people (or so they think- been there done that) there will be many other vacations.  For us older folk hopefully we are smart enough to know better.  The goal is to live today to enjoy another day.  The best is yet to come….

Friday Night Fights

Sugar Ray Robinson

 One special family ritual around our house growing up with my stepfather was Friday Night Fights on television.  In the mid 1950’s televisions were still not in every home or anywhere near, and unless I am not aware most if not all sets were black and white.  Gillette Cavalcade of Sports was the one major attraction for the man of the house, and it seems that all our relatives would come over to our house to visit on Friday because we had a television set.  In all fairness to men, my uncle Rudy (best BBQ expert I’ve ever known) would make the steaks “asada.” The ladies including daughters from 16 years old and up took care of the rest of the dinner in the kitchen.

The total meal included homemade flour tortillas (piled up as much as a foot high as they came off the stove), Guacamole consisting of plenty of avocados, diced sweet onions, and diced fresh jalapeno peppers, and tomatoes (some squeezed lime), buttery and fluffy mashed potatoes, homemade refried pinto beans, homemade rice, and green salad, and of course my uncle Rudy’s expertly “grilled carne asada.”  I remember that he used to pour some of his beer over the steaks as he grilled them for additional flavor (or so he said).  I don’t remember anyone ever getting drunk at the gathering but there was plenty of beer to go around for the adult men (Lone star or Falstaff) Kool-Aid and coffee for everyone else.  For dessert there was usually fruit (in season) my favorite was a slice of ice cold watermelon.  At that time in my life if we were poor, I didn’t know it because I was one happy camper.  Another sign that we weren’t poor is the fact that we were surrounded and in harmony with all our family members.  The event I am describing took place in Texas.

The aroma throughout the house was delicious.  Even if you weren’t hungry when the cooking started, halfway through the meal preparation you couldn’t wait to be called to the table.  I remember being amazed at how fast the flour tortilla stack disappeared.  After the meal the main event would begin.  Just the theme song would send chills of excitement in expectation of a great fight.

Gillette Cavalcade of Sports Theme Song

It would be many years down the road before I would fully understand how important in the development of the boxing sport this era was.  Some of the boxers I remember included: Sugar Ray Robinson, Carmen Basilio, Chuck Davey, Chico Vejar, Kid Gavilan, Gene Fullmer, Johnny Saxton, Tony DeMarco, Charlie Powell, and many more up and coming boxers.  The excitement in the room was contagious.  The men would be yelling at their favorite boxers to encourage them.  After the event was over, win or lose, we would still fill like a letdown because we would have to wait until the next Friday night for another family get together.

Some of us in the younger family member groups would eventually be sent outside to play tag or hide and seek.  Those get together times were so essential to maintaining great family relations, communications and goodwill.  Now a days we have a family board game night whenever the family comes together, and you can hear the competition spirit going on in our dining room after a wonderful meal, (our home is the gathering plays for pay per view programs) but I miss the old family members that are no longer around.  I guess they have been replaced by me and others like my wife, etc.  Life is like that; we get promoted by attrition.  Sooner or later we rise to the respected position of love and respect.  The best is yet to come….

Secret of Long Life

Modern Medical Science

We live in a time where medical science is so improved that if ever anything could be done to prolong your life or save it, the time is now.  I also happen to believe in destiny.  Meaning that, if your time to go comes up, all the science in the world won’t buy you more time.  As an example you could be brought back from drowning while on vacation, but if your time is up you could die in a car accident on the way home.  Forgive me if you feel that my thinking is too fatalistic, but I don’t believe that I stand alone in this case.

Destiny aside, and not knowing how long we have left, I also believe that we must do all we can to improve our chances at longevity.  First thing we can do is learn about our parents and grandparents health, some people don’t realize that their life’s journey is intricately weaved with their ancestors.  Not perfectly interweaved because every human being is the product of a mother and father.  As an example I am the product of my father and mother, and my wife is the product of her mother and father.  Consequently the makeup of our children is affected by the parents and their paternal and maternal grandparents and on and on.

I’ve looked at my family tree to see how long my ancestors lived and what they eventually died from.  I checked where possible their good and bad habits, and made some decisions of what I want to improve on by duplicating good habits and discarding the bad.  At least two habits that I seem to have inherited are: being monogamous, and working hard.  Both are choices that seemed good on the surface, but that I am not convinced that I followed consciously.  I just seem to have turned out that way.  Maybe, just maybe, I turned out that way because I didn’t have the Internet (Google) to influence me.

Back to medical science, I’ve said before that two contacts to maintain great communications with, are: 

• Your medical team, and
• The Internal Revenue Service.  When I’ve said that before, I didn’t realize that the communications with the IRS were automatic (NSA- sorry I had to throw that in).

In all seriousness, if your physician suggests a series of tests to help keep you informed and in good medical condition, you should consider going along no matter how scary the tests may be.  In the case of medical, not everything that is affecting you will kill you, but in fact could make your life miserable (a preventable stroke is a good example).

I don’t always love or like my doctor, but I do respect her knowledge and caring all the time.  This is a long way to go just to say that I recently had a Colonoscopy and everything turned up perfect.  Just another example of how to reduce stress, one less thing to worry about for the next 10 years.  The best is yet to come….