November Already?

The first 10 months of 2009 have really flown by for me. I can hardly believe its November already. But I truly am starting to get in the Christmas spirit. Maybe its because it has started to snow here at the North Pole. We have had fresh snow the past 3 days in a row and it really looks like a winter wonderland. Yes... here in the northern most part of the our property, right at the pole, we have snow on the ground year-round but we sometimes go months without fresh snow. The snow does get old, crunchy, and more of an "off-white".... especially in the reindeer run areas, if you know what I mean :-). But new snow changes all that. And there must be at least 2 feet of fresh powder.

It was a busy off-season for me. Lots of travel for both work and pleasure... and sometimes a mixture of both. I spent large amounts of time Europe, China, India, Japan, and the USA on business. Mrs. Claus and I made a few trips to Afghanistan, Iraq, Sudan, Somalia, and Kenya on a volunteer basis to help with various humanitarian efforts. And Mrs. Claus and I took a few breaks as well. As I get older, I find I need a little bit more rest & relaxation time during the off-season. Our break times included trips to Maui (1 month), the Six Senses Hideway in Vietnam (1 week... unbelievable place), and simply staying around the North Pole.

Now things are starting to gear up for the upcoming Holiday season. I am excited about it. Pre-season preparations are already underway. I have toured production facilities, met with the team, presented orientation to all of the new hires, etc. Later this week I'll make my annual mall scouting tour to determine which malls I'll personally visit this year (as opposed to sending a delegate. Yes... sometimes it is a delegate and not me. Don't broadcast that to your kids though, ok?)

One thing I'm concerned about though with the upcoming season is my physical fitness. I am definitely getting older. And to some degree I feel I have plateued with my current regimen. That combined with all the work dinners, holiday dinners, parties, etc. that I'm required to be at this year... not to mention my Christmas Eve indulgence of milk and cookies... I feel I have to do something different. Beginning yesterday (Nov 1st), I'm stepping up my exercise routine. I am going to maintain a more intense workout schedule through the end of December. So far so good as I ran hard yesterday (in the snow... it was great) and I have already lifted weights today. Hopefully all of you can watch my blog and if I seem to be slacking off, bug me to get back on schedule. In fact, maybe some of you can join me in committing to staying healthy through the Holiday season...?

Ok... I gotta get to it. The day is calling... and more specifically, Mrs. Claus is calling. The eggs are ready and she's not going to wait on me for breakfast.

Have a great day, everyone! Happy November.