Fast forward to the Saturday night. The sitter has come for the children and they run off to play in their room. No big deal, nothing unusual there. But then Heather takes FOREVER to get ready. I mean FOREVER. Down to “honey do these shoes look better or do these shoes look better?” By this point, I’m getting irritated. Did I mention that I had been in bed with the flu for that week? So I wasn’t feeling well anyway and she’s asking me about her shoes? for a routine dinner with mystery friends? To make a very long story a bit shorter, the door bell rings and there is a chauffeur standing at the door and a stretch Expedition limo in the street. Finally it occurred to me that something strange is going on. But true to form, my initial reaction was, “she ordered a limo with a five hour minimum to go 5 minutes down the street?” She lovingly explained that she got a special rate for an hour and we set off in the limo. The kids appeared shortly after the limo driver did, dressed to the hilt. Daughter in party dress and son in suit and tie. The went for a short ride with us in the limo and they instantly started requesting that we buy one. Ha. That’s not going to happen. But it was a thrill nonetheless.

At the restaurant I was surprised by a group of wonderful friends (most of whom I am in a mastermind group with) and we instantly started a mini-mastermind meeting over cocktails. We can’t help it – that’s how we roll. We’re all in businesses that we love and are constantly striving to improve and most importantly – help each other – totally unselfishly. Mastermind groups are awesome.

The last surprise of the evening was just before dinner when Marilyn Monroe appears. She sings me a couple of songs (video below) and then she announces that she has appeared courtesy of the Bisnar Law Firm. My good friend and mastermind partner, Newport Beach, California Personal Injury Attorney, John Bisnar from  really got me that time. I’m going to think long and hard about how to repay him! A great time was had by all. It’s feels nice to have so many great friends.

I posted the video of Marilyn singing to me in case you wanted to check it out. I think the most funny aspect is that I don’t quite know how to react to it! The first few seconds are audio only but the video does start soon.

Surprise Party – Cameo Appearance by Marilyn Monroe? is a post from: Darrin Mish Blog

I raise my eyes to meet the giggles that my ears have heard and I see my wife, who has overheard my thoughts so obviously audible. She reminds me I am experiencing fatherhood and I admit to myself, and her, that the instinct is irresistibly strong and deepens as each day passes.  Thank God for the ever deepening love that He allows me to feel for my children as they grow, and the daily reminders to treasure them. Especially for today’s wake up call at how fast my children are growing and how the importance of each day is real. Not just each day but each hour and, in reality, each moment.  Yes, seize the moment!

As my mind wanders through these thoughts I arrive at the importance of life balance. I realize that just as life can slip by so can business opportunities and chances that will never again avail themselves to me if I do not take advantage, now. More importantly, my focus can slip away gradually and so slowly that I may not notice.

Just as our children, successes will slip away, unnoticed, if we do not nurture them and seize the opportunities as they arise.

Today I renew my personal vow to seize the day, to keep focus, and seek balance in my life such that my business successes, opportunities and most importantly my children’s lives don’t pass me by unnoticed.   Today I will open my eyes and I will seize the day(s)!

To your success,

Darrin

Work Life Balance is a post from: Darrin Mish Blog

Today she sent me a link about a project that she is working on that I think is really important. You can check it out here. I’m participating and I hope you will too. It’s this type of grass roots support that is going to make the planet a better place. I simply don’t think governments effect change all that efficiently or effectively.

NO one Gets Paid Until Value is Created is a post from: Darrin Mish Blog

RoadAtlanta & Skip Barber Racing Video is a post from: Darrin Mish Blog