I managed to squeak out a day at my office on Tuesday, prior to heading to the mid-west for sales meetings and this weekend with my family. Albeit they are still in their 60's, my parents were celebrating their unbelievable 50^th wedding anniversary. Unfortunately, I left my laptop plug in my office in Dallas, so I was working a majority of the week without my electronic tether to the world. (Thank God for Blackberry and employees who have working equipment.) Gotta be honest here, it was a pleasure not to feel obligated to keeping in touch with anyone, with exception of the bare minimum requirements. My work load has increased dramatically since the end of the year, and I am under the perception that this year's success is dependent on how much effort we deliver during the first quarter of the year. We all know that last year was abysmal, and those who can crawl out ahead will certainly be able to take advantage of their momentum in the marketplace this year. Recently, we've spent a substantial amount of time reorganizing our sales department by focusing on our training efforts with said. We are much larger now, and though as much as we would like to hold onto that personal connection with our clients, that goal seems aloof and difficult to obtain here of late. So with that said, I am of the belief that if we create solid client development and engagements on a consistent basis, we are sure to continue with the goodwill we have already in place.

I arrived at my sister's late Friday afternoon, much in need of a nap. As I entered their home, I realized that the typical noise generated by a house full of teenagers is really out of my personal realm and recollection. I've been single and alone for nearly 4 years now, and I never quite realized that the drone of the television or stereo is much different than that of three kids, two dogs and a non-stop ringing telephone. With all children and grandchildren in tow, our group now adds up to an amazing 14 people, requiring more than 3 cars to get us all to our destinations. The first grandchild is now in his second year of college, with two more to go next year. I was shocked at the cost of college tuition these days, many over $20K annually, frequently wondering how students and parents alike will ever recover from the expense. My parents were so pleased to have all their descendants gathered for the Friday night fish fry for which we waited nearly 45 minutes, as they attempted to string together half a room of tables to accommodate our mass. Thank God for the Olympics this weekend as it became the simple stopping point when you needed a break from the incessant talking and catching up. I was asked many times how the company was doing, of which I responded, just great, 10 years and counting. I found irony in how the past conversations entailed how will you grow the business enough to make it work, to now that we've made it past $4M, what about quality of life? How much is enough? When will you take the business to a slowed down standard and start pulling off revenues for shareholders, rather than achieving the next milestone?

I couldn't help but wonder why nothing is quite good enough. I mean really, does anyone ever really appreciate their fellow man's efforts, by being just happy for them? I've got to say, the line of questioning was a bit disheartening, just when I am really impressed with our team and our results. Sure I am tired, and tattered by our driving efforts over the years, but when it comes down to it, we wouldn't be where we are at today if we didn't really enjoy what we do and have accomplished thus far.

Leaving southern Austin area at 6:30am was not an easy task, especially after the past couple of days and the shear amount of driving I have done since I left Thursday for San Antonio. Bhante needed to be in Ft. Worth by 10am for a luncheon with the monks at the Buddhist temple in that area. So off we went. I was certainly sleepy driving, especially with the fact that I had a slumbering monk in the passenger seat next over while we rolled down the highway.

We arrived at a home in south eastern Ft. Worth where another Sri Lankan monk has set up a make shift temple inside his rural home. I understand that he teaches and holds services on Saturday and Sundays for fellow Sri Lankan families and their children. The other monk was very shy and quiet as I entered the home filled with the smell of heavy incense and Buddhist artwork. I am so use to being around Bhante in such a casual demeanor that when I am near other monks it actually feels kind of weird. Even he said that his is so Americanized; his own behavior even makes even himself frequently uncomfortable, knowing how strict the Theravada culture is outside of his own life. In other parts of the world it would be unheard of for him to travel with a woman, such as he has done now with me on so many occasions.

When I returned to the house to get him later this afternoon I was happy to seek him. I mean genuinely happy to see him and have him back in my space. I could feel his joy and heartfelt presence just as I walked through the front door of the home. He made me laugh when he expressed his disappointment in mis-placing his saffron colored beanie hat, which he apparently left at the restaurant he and the other monks had their meal earlier in the day. He shaves his head and obviously he was a bit cold on top around the severe amount of snow and ice here in the metro area. All these guy's clothes are the same color as their sarongs, and I am sure it is not easy to find jackets, hats, over shirts and pants of the similar color. The monk's clothing is commensurate to their years in service and their basis of life's commitment to the life of a Buddha. A young monk is dressed in white to yellow while in training, once trained, their color is switched to saffron and then deep saffron orange. When they get older their color is changed yet again to a deep reddish brown, similar to the colors of a maple tree in the fall. Since these monks are from the southeastern hemisphere, their clothing is designed to support tropically warm weather, so when you get a guy like Bhante he must find warm clothes that compliment his attire.

We shared our evening with Karen Epps the minister of my church here in North Dallas. She came to the house and Bhante led us in meditation, after which we went to dinner together. Karen looked exhausted by the time we were done a mere few hours later. Bhante commented in the car on our way to his hotel that he was concerned that he talked too much during dinner and he did not pay enough attention to her. I wasn't worried, I told him, reminding him that I commented previously during our meal that you are spending time with the world, right along with Bhante. I realized I am use to his travels, the cultural variances, the quiet accent and the slow tempo he operates in. We even have some of our own inside jokes that no one else in the world could ever appreciate except just us two.

As I checked him into his hotel tonight he hopped out of the car, and clasped his hands to together and bowed with appreciation for today and our efforts together. He thanked me for sharing my blessings today with him, and I generously mirrored his gesture with a big smile on face knowing that it was the blessing of us being together is what makes the blessings itself.

As we talked on the phone yesterday, I explained that there would be a severe number of disappointed people if he did not get here as planned. His trip is full of one speaking engagement after another, including several church visits, personal appointments and trainings. Starting off his trip, yesterday he spoke to over 60 attendees in the Southern Houston area in the middle of the day, even though there was only a two day's notice of his arrival. It's no wonder, since his message is so interesting and refreshing, knowing how beat down we all have been here of late due to the crappy economy.

When I got him this morning at a home of a Sri Lankan couple I was reminded of how genuine his co-patriots really are. Invited in for a cup of green tea and a snack I enjoyed visiting with his hosts and sharing our collective memories of the different temples we each visited during our trips to their home land. I was telling Bhante in the car today that I am just so impressed with the Sri Lankan women and their genuine interest and caring personalities. Each one I have been blessed with the pleasure to meet and spend time with, was even sweeter and nicer than the last. This gal this morning was certainly no different. I was even blessed with his energy, personally, when a cop pulled me over for speeding and came back with some comment like my driving record was so good that he was letting me off the hook (that has never happened in my life!).

Today was really busy, inclusive of driving 4 hours from Houston to the small town just south of Austin. We met up with Ellen Debenport the minister of the church here in Wimberley. She was the leader of my church in Dallas and I've got to be honest here, I miss her presence, which was certainly there at her new place. I traveled with Ellen in 2007 when I first went Prague and it was evident by the stories Bhante and I shared today, that he and I have become fast friends since we first met during that trip. I am not sure why we are so compatible, coming from such different backgrounds and personalities. With exception that we both have flamingly orange cell phone protectors, he, on his Iphone, and I with my Blackberry. We chatted in the car on and off during our trip and we shared a simple meal at some local eatery with a gentleman named Jim who was at the church during our arrival.

I forgot what it was like to travel with a monk, the stares and uncomfortable looks by those in the public places. The young hostess at the restaurant was clearly happy to have such different folks in her shop, while I saw the guests looking away as I caught their eyes focused on our table. Finding vegan food items are a bit challenging, as Bhante ate a vegetable sandwich for dinner and we shared the Greek salad minus the cheese. Potato chips came with the meal tonight, as he informed me that he liked the kettle chips much better than the Frito Lay potato chips and the Diet Coke I handed him in the car earlier today during our travels… ‘cause according to Bhante, those are just gluttony since there is no nutritional value.

I couldn't wait to leave work today; as I've been working the “shampooper” nearly full time since Friday when someone fed my poodle, Brody, beef jerky on Friday at work when he was in attendance. See, my dog is a champion of crap, anything that begins with a “C”, cheetos, cheese, crackers, chicken, and any variety of ice cream imaginable. But, spicy foods? Oh, no that is where we draw the line, and I am paying the price. How such a small dog can produce such as volume of waste. And, thank God for my wet/dry vac and some Woolite Pet Cleaner, or I never would have survived. I've become excruciatingly keen to the dog jettisoning off my bed for the bedroom door, for the commensurate mad dash to the back door and back yard. Oh, back to the cold, wet weather.

Anyways…

Tonight my neighbor came over for the weekly meal and the latest version of the Bachelor. The reality television show that we've now been watching for the past six weeks or so. This time Heather, my sales associate and house guest, was present for our tour through American culture. I gotta love Heather for who she is, screaming at the television show that the recent contestant departure threat should stick around and see if she wins the proposal. Otherwise as Heather noted so many times, “She should just come work at Ellipse.” As we danced up and down the kitchen isles, my neighbor found it difficult to even hear the television, let alone give its content any sort of validation for what was being portrayed. Once dinner was served and the show over, she was “outta here” vacating as rapidly as possible on her way across the front yard to the safety of the silence of her own home.

Tonight we proceeded to switch over to the first season of Sex in the City, which I acquired at Half Priced Books this past weekend. As I plowed through the second season of the Sopranos, I decided to catch up on the serial cable show my girlfriends have quoted so many times over the past few years. Cutting our teeth on the first few shows this evening, I've got to say the transparent irony behind female to female relationships became ever so clear. Especially with having Heather in tow all night, though the high pitched voices, squealing commentary, voluminous laughing and plethora of inside jokes. Girlfriends will be girlfriends, even if they do get wine on your carpet or locate that mysterious source of dog poop between their toes, eeewww!

I was right on plan for the bit here and a bit there when I turned on the game at about 6pm. Only to be pulled into the tight horse race both teams created during the first quarter and such. Ok, just a bit more till the half time show with The Who and then onto some other form of distraction. But the game just got better, the best I can ever recall, actually. For the first time since the Cowboys won those three Super Bowls in a row some many years ago I was completely enthralled with a damn football game. People ask me all the time if I am interested in football, and I respond with “Sure, a guaranteed three hour nap… why not.” But tonight when The Saints came out with a successful on side kick to start the 3^rd quarter, I was not leaving the sofa or the local CBS affiliate. Whew – Whew! When the coach waived the trophy over the podium, making me nervous he would Drop it onto someone's head below. Whew-Whew! For the scenes of the quarterback and his small child in his hands who was wearing a noise canceling headset to protect him from the screams. Whew-Whew! For the city who needs something positive to talk about, besides politics and the recent mayoral election resulting in the replacement of Nagin with Landrieu. Whew-Whew! For all of us underdogs who make it work, regardless of what is in our way. A time to celebrate ‘cause there is a time for all of us, we just don't know when.

The annual Super Bowl advertising event was just as interesting as every prior year. With our fair share of Anheuser Busch's products in mass, Clydesdales and all, the never to be embarrassed Godaddy.com references to the web for more risqué material, the famous stock trading baby from E-Trade and the inclusive Frito Lay and Coke commercials. What was definitively missing, Pepsi, who noted their absence earlier this month in the Wall Street Journal. Gotta say Career Builder took it for me this year, with the underwear clad “casual office day” or soon to be week. And, the 30 second promo for Dave Letterman with Oprah and Leno on the sofa, that was honestly priceless. Being home alone this year, I was able to ponder the results of each placement with professional critique and goal setting memorabilia. For all the ads I was plundered with, I was a bit surprised that each and every one of them was directed to men, and many blatantly exclusive, such as Dove for Men skin products and car commercials explaining all the things men have to deal with, but they DO pick the car. Interesting that Madison Avenue chose to completely ignore the second half of the television watching demographics, though every home with more than two people in it today likely have a female or two present for the event. The more I thought about it, the more I concluded that Victoria Secret could have made an attention grabbing killing on so many fronts with their pending Valentine's Day lingerie sale starting this week.

Today included my monthly spa day, with a schedule change by the nail salon “Lesa, can you come 20 or 30 minutes late?” “Sure, I have absolutely nothing on my calendar today.” Well, really my plan was to finish the second season of the Sopranos this afternoon, and upon my time to leave the house I had a mere 45 minutes left in the final CD. Can't say how thoroughly I've enjoyed this television show over the past handful of weeks, I guess because so many things about Tony Soprano resonate within my own life. I really don't need to state the obvious, how he runs the New Jersey mafia, extorts people and kills others for a living, and I am just the CEO of a small company. Our similarities begin from there, including his handful of close companions following his lead each and every day in their effort to deliver on the expectations set forth by the New York home office. The way he terrorizes the FBI reminds me of my own antics within the multihousing industry itself. His incomparable generosity with his family members, though the frequent priority for the enterprise gets in the way, reminds me of my own my immediate associates and working environment dedication. I love how he does whatever is necessary to get the job done, and no matter what he delivers on the expectation. I certainly appreciate the personal anxiety he suffers daily, as my own burden is frequently enough to move me to tears and then some. I am not exactly sure why I have such an affinity for this character, knowing what he really represents. I guess it is his live or die connection to his business which strikes such a personal cord with me, feeling like I do today, I know that there is nothing between me and Ellipse.

Tonight upon return, a late meal was followed up by this evening's Cheaters, television program starting at 10pm. Not only is this show embarrassing for those featured, but the fact that it is filmed in Dallas makes it even better. There it is time for the first episode of the 3^rd season prior to turning in tonight…who knows, I might just be showering again in the middle of the night as I start the next iteration of my obsession.

I know we told you were gonna be 20 minutes late, but we were wrong, we're actually on time….

Last night after driving to Houston in the torrential down pouring rain for all 4. 5 hours last night from Dallas, I figured I would sleep like a baby once I arrived. I mean really, the Heavenly Bed at the Westin ($99.00, thanks Hot Wire!) should have put me down instantaneously. But no. With the last glance at the clock at 3:30am, I figured not having the leave until minutes from the 10 o'clock appointment could easily make up for the deficit. Until Heather Robinson, my associate sales person, says first thing this morning, “Crap, this place is 30 minutes away!” with exactly 45 minutes prior to our scheduled arrival.

Interestingly enough, I recalled in my weariness late last night that we set the alarm for 8:30am, since we were “just around the corner”. Hey, I am tired and beat down, and all that sofa work I did last weekend is barely keeping me up on my high heels this week. TGIF! Ahem, should I say TGTO, “Thank God Today's Over”. Ok, so the morning meeting was fabulous, and I've got to say that Deborah Holcombe, VP Asset Manager for GFI Management in Houston was not only enjoyable, but a sincerely enlighten business woman. I loved our solid business discussion and her insightful contributions, inclusive of that fun sense of humor and whit. Best of all, when during the meeting Heather's stomach growled like a small animal just entered the room. Obviously hysterical, knowing that we had just woke up, hauled-ass out the door at the hotel, praying we would not waste her time with us being too late. Oh, that was until we showed up a couple of minutes early.

Leaving their office with 10 minutes to spare for our lunch engagement with the team from Mosaic Residential , we hopped in the beetle for our next stop. Only to realize that Heather needed to confirm the location and address. Leave a message, head back into down town hoping that we can get a solid start. “Velissa, we're gonna be a few minutes late for our 12 o'clock lunch engagement. What? Oh, it's 1 o'clock at Jonny Carinos? Great, see you there.” Call back, no its Cabrera's Italian Kitchen, maybe on Voss Rd, but there are two right next each other. A text confirmation as expected and we're golden. So we head to our destination, arriving with 45 minutes to spare. Order appetizers; eat as much bread as possible with a glass of wine. A gift after the morning we had, completely negating the text message confirmation. And, the pending message that the meeting is at the other location. Heather reminds me exactly 10 minutes prior to our guest's arrival about the text, which now became the departure time for our mad dash to the other location. Hurry, hurry, until I looked down to realize we were out of gas and additional stop will be required. Yes, the additional stop as the car sputtered out of gas at the shopping center across the intersection from the restaurant, as we rolled into a quasi-made parking spot. “Dear God! Call Velissa and tell her we are now going to be late, yet again, as the ‘car broke down.'” The team at Mosaic was polite enough to caravan to our Cabrera's to meet up with us. A brisk walk back to the restaurant and our seats at the bar for the replacement of our calamari appetizer, which we were unable to consume due to our instantaneous notice of departure.

Howling, all seven of seated at the table couldn't stop laughing at my story about Heather stepping on the brake to keep the car from rolling while in neutral, albeit I was trying to push it into an actual parking space. OMG! What an embarrassing day! Only until I once again humiliated myself when I miss understood that Abe Ehimani, Partner at Mosaic, was attending the Olympics and not actually participating in them…Yes, there was not much left of the decorum at lunch when I referred to him as “Real Estate Executive by day, and Olympic downhill skier by night.” Then there was the comment that Whistler, located in British Columbia Canada, is just a short drive from Denver, right? And, the hits keep on coming. As I suddenly realize the damn sweater I was wearing was actually on backwards.

Well really, in and amongst the silliness, I've got to say the engaged heartfelt discussion with Velissa Palmer, Partner at Mosaic, about why we are entrepreneurs in the first place really made me pause. So much so, I noted a couple of her comments on a dry cleaning ticket in my purse, while requesting permission to share this on my blog this evening, after returning home via our once again rain soaked ride in the car. “Lisa it starts with the variance reports. Everyone has ‘em, only few of us really have so much to risk in delivering them.” She was referencing their nascent fee management organization and how Mosaic's value statement comes with personal investment and consideration. “Our employee base is key to our business development and mentoring is something we must all be committed to. Promoting them, and you, is beneficial for all of us. Integrity for what we do as a whole, and indentifying the best for each of us.” Note the use of the word “us”. I never use that word when referring to my employee development, I only look at the contributions between the parties, employee and company. I sincerely loved her reference to herself in the equation. She continued to explain; as employees are engaged into successful positions within the organization her job gets a promotion as well. She is responsible for the field operations of their $84M owned portfolio, and as young as she is, she is a part of that partnership base.

Some time ago, Velissa shared with me Mosaic's effort to raise capital for their first three communities, and she personally invited me to financial participate. I was flattered that she considered me a member of her high wealth network, albeit, I am a heavily capitalized small business owner. I was holistically impressed that this young lady 2 years ago was part of that prescribed management team. And today I was blessed with the very reasons as to why she is so successful and will continue to be a rising star in our industry. But, today I once again received something from her; the gift of new insight into what I was certain was a closed topic. I will take her message to heart, in my attempt to realize that I should include my personal rewards while I develop and promote those within Ellipse.

Frankly, what I got from her was dramatically more valuable than the ride to and from the Shell station with my $9.50 single gallon gas can. Though I was appreciative, I am certain Heather much more blessed, with the prospects of walking 3 blocks in 5” heels.

I was on the phone this morning with my associate Susan Wilson, telling her how much appreciate her support, incredible work ethic, company knowledge and passion for our company. I shared with her, that I am personally amazed that she still works at Ellipse, and she should have told me to shove it about five some years ago (shortly after she started) and numerous times since. I told her that I finally concluded that she is the most stubborn person I have ever met and that must be why she not only remains, but excels. She politely replied, “Well, I am stubborn, but that it not why I'm here. I'm where I am today, because, I love the company and what we can do for our clients. I truly believe in the products. And frankly, though I can crawl across the table and punch you out on regular basis, I love working for you. ‘Cause when it is fun at Ellipse, there is no better place in the world. And, I know when you and I have at it; something will come out of it to our betterment.”

My mind immediately flashed to my memories of 2006 when Susan and I traveled the multifamily industry tradeshow route from spring to fall handing out free tee shirts for our Buck Up and Wear It campaign for breast cancer awareness. During that 7 month period we, together, handed out 5,000 tee shirts to show attendees. And, collectively with Resident Check, Property Bridge and personal contributions, we delivered over $26,000 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation in November of that year. Susan was one of the personal reasons that Ellipse supported that campaign, along with Kristi Johnston, our VP of Operations, and Brian LaTatture, one of the then sales guys at Ellipse, all whose families had been impacted by breast cancer. Honestly, neither one of us could hear another story about a loved one, a family member, a wife, a sister, an aunt and a male family member or two, who were battling cancer, died from it, or thank God, recovered successfully from their treatment. I know one thing, for sure; Susan and I became sisters of a different sort that year, bound not by blood, but with the heart. We became warriors in a way and our relationship at Ellipse would never be the same from that final day at Brainstorming 2006 which ended our travels that year.

That's working for a small company where screaming matches occur due to strong personalities and even stronger opinions. I heard from a handful of folks who read my blog, and yes, yesterday was an interesting post. That I appreciate. Today, it was back to work, more diligently than ever, thanks to the compromises and decisions that occurred yesterday behind closed doors. Sure, some of us are still working through the hurt feelings that happen when there is a heated exchange. But, I personally pulled on my jeans today for another round of engagement and passion this morning. Albeit, a bit later than I wished due to the phone calls I started first thing this morning. How is that? One call becomes six and next thing you know it, you are calling your neighbor for a ride up the hill to share a late morning omelet at IHOP.

For me, those are the days when I am most productive; for someone is not walking into my office with some distraction or acceptance to take a telemarketer's call. Those are the days when your eyebrows are still a bit burnt and your hair just won't relax due to the strong wind it encountered in yesterday's discussions. But those are the days when the virtual camaraderie becomes the real version with an inclusive rally for what is right and the firing up of the collective passion in all.

I hung myself out there today when I exclaimed how 2009 was my worse year of deliverables since Lee and I started the company. I personally took the hit for poor staffing decisions, misguided planning, and lack of commitment. For those of us who survived 2005 with our three corporate acquisitions, mis-fired staffing placements and inexperience, I explained that last year was even worse, for me. Not the company, collectively the group delivered a 12% improvement over the prior year, and our current management team was just getting seasoned enough to have some solid impact. Seasoned, listen to me, what I really mean is roasted, fired and ground up enough to make thick skin and hard knuckles, even though we remain soft in the inside. Soft, for this company, each other, our industry and our steadfast convictions and we remain true to ourselves, through it all. Poor Richard, he's lucky he didn't get my half drank can of pop tossed at the door…

“Why don't we order a pizza and we will watch the Bachelor? I am leaving here shortly.” I stated as I called my neighbor's house to join me for a couple of mindless hours. We both hid from each other last night, I working our 2010 business Performa till 2:15am, and a horrible bout of poor circulation after spending 7 successive hours on the sofa with a laptop in my lap. Who knows what her story was, as the familiar kitchen light was off at an early hour. My dog and cat really didn't seem to mind the television blaring out the entire first half of the second season of the Sopranos. Must say, after 7 consecutive episodes of the show, even I got tired of the “F” word, gangsters and all. But the show kept me company and on task, as I was not going to bed without a plan to start my day. As it was, I was in for a 10am first of the month meeting with the sales team and I needed a vision on what was ahead of us all. We delivered an amazing January, excruciatingly close to our goal, and certainly better than what I would have hoped for. Especially considering there is nothing new when the calendar indicates a level of engagement for the New Year.

I owed one of my guys an apology, for being especially harsh in the meeting this morning about coming unprepared. I stood there this evening in the copy room with tears in my eyes, disclaiming my forgiveness, all the while hating myself for being a chick. Sucks, especially since an overzealous male executive would never even consider exposing their personal vulnerabilities like that, but I am what I am, a cuddly female grizzly bear, with some very sharp teeth. Break ‘em down, build ‘em up. Give ‘em direction, give them vision and look for them to deliver on your notions. Many people think that my thinking is so advanced, and that my explanations esoteric to the light that only a small group can actually grasp my eloquence. (How much on the scrabble board would that be worth?) I try to be a simpleton in my explanations, simultaneously while I try to give folks the big picture, ‘cause that I the way I like it myself. Where does what I am doing fit in the grand scheme of things? Gosh for not being one who likes programming, I guess I would be a good team member for a really huge development project. I could build my section to specifications and be done with it all neatly falling together in to a complete application.

Then again, I don't do well with remedial. Why settle, when we can kill ourselves and deliver the best? I am a take no prisoners type of gal here, tears and all.

Planning, operations, systems and staffing have been in the cards each hour over the past month, and honestly, I can't think of one person who didn't go home tonight without an extra line or two in our furrow. It's a good thing though, as I really see some possibility coming out of these many discussions. But what really interested me was the amount of stuff that seemed just fine when we implemented it over the past couple of years, that today just seems out of date and no longer functionable. How exactly is that happening? Does technology, the Internet or business change that quickly in today's market that we are in the constant need to modify stuff? Yes, I appreciate change, but to this level.

Today, the Apple Tablet computer was all over the paper. Everyone wanted to give an opinion, compare its offering and predict its viability. Gotta be truthful here, Steve Jobs looked exhausted in the USA front page image I which he was featured. I know what I deal with on a regular basis, can't even imagine being at the helm of the best industrial design company in the world. Their stock continues to climb, with hopes that Steve can continue to deliver in jaw Dropping product concepts that will change the way we interact with the electronic world. I am in awe for his reign as the king of pop culture (sorry, Michael Jackson). Who will dethrone him? Hate to think this new format might put a chink in his armor, especially since it requires a shoulder bag, or murse to carry the darn thing around. I guess I would like to see tiny LED projection devices that allow us to replicate the human connectivity to the traditional computer but with just a tiny consol in the right environment. You know something that projects the monitor screen on to the table, as well as the key board and mouse. Or, maybe we just got to the smaller format enough times that we are all now wishing for some type of a device where we can actually read the font and operate the key pad buttons with our fingers successfully.

Smaller format, more content, high portability. But is the current culture about getting back to basics and less data interaction? FaceBook postings are down, Blog readings are concentrated to available time, Linked In discussions are not nearly as prevalent. Who has time for social media? Gosh, all that networking we were so anxious to do at the end of last year has slowed to a halt, and getting a returned phone call? Oh, those are none existent hereof late. Can't say this is a bad thing, getting back to business. Implementing all those good intentions. It's good for us to engage in our professional relationships and core business practices. I've even been invited and will be attending a Rotary Club meeting tomorrow at Magiano's Macaroni Grill. Always wondered what that group does, besides small financial scholarships for needy college bound teenagers in the community…

Gotta say here, as everyone knows I hate Mondays, I abhor the month of January even more. Are we not all provided our next year's expectations on a silver platter in October, or in a companywide meeting, with confirmation during the final part of the last fiscal year? Then kapow…here is your new operating expectation. Can someone please let me know how this change occurred, when nothing eventful occurred between December 1^st and January 1^st, with exception of the flip in the calendar page? Man.

Today, I was exhausted from our executive dinner/event last night. But as noted, there are only four days left in our scrambling window, so work it was. Lee and I finished off our day with this evening's strategic development dinner hosted by the top level executive team at RealPage. Gotta say, for as much as I've called these folks the “evil empire” for the past 6 or 8 years, I must commend Dirk W., the president of the organization with some interesting, high level conversation. As a core integrator in the industry with regards to third party management and services, I am salivating over the opportunity to pass the olive branch to RealPage. And tonight, I sincerely believe some healing occurred. Dirk actually appreciated my statement on our client centric management focus, as he shared their value basis of ROI product pricing. I talked about how integration with the PMSs was of key importance, and he shared how RealPage has grown to a $100M gross revenue company. I included what it was like to be a leader of a self funded company, and he shared the some nuances of the spending spree the company Domin-8 operated on during their short tenure in the market. I did, though, appreciate his candor, his personal attention to my conversation and his industry knowledge. I am happy to say that I believe we are closer today in working together for the betterment of the industry in the future, for the sake of all parties involved.

I learned some business concepts today, just when I am starting to think that there is not much left for me to be exposed to. As CEO of a small company, I am finding myself more than impatient in discussions that are perceived as remedial. Lee is a much more patient person with that regard. I find myself getting agitated over the dumbest things and then finding my attention drifting off to some other topic. I liked being able to spend time tonight new concepts, albeit, I am honestly tired and it will take a couple of fresh days for those ideologies to sink in. I do appreciate that my applied business practices are based exclusively on my time spent at Ellipse. And that I am ok with, ‘cause I've been put through the gamut. But tonight, Lee said something that resonated dramatically in my mind's eye, “Lisa would do anything for free, if she thought she would make money at it.” The irony was there, and albeit, the tongue and cheek humor a bit painful. But when it comes down to it, the statement resonated with truth. I'm cheap to the bone, and I make business decisions based on my own perceptions. Tonight I sincerely understood what that means for me and Ellipse. I promised myself on the drive home, I too would look for the ROI in what we do, rather than just NOI. Yes, teaching the old dog a new trick really is not that hard, with me it is different ‘cause I guess because I really am just a mule.

What is it? We're three weeks into our new year and we are all worn out already? I'm being serious here. Last year ended with a whimper and we all leaped into our positions determined to make an immediate difference in 2010. Just as someone asked me the other day, “So what is your impression on this year?” “It's gonna be great.” as I proceeded to explain that our society put itself through the gamut over the past 19 months and we are all hell bent and determined to move on. I really think the mark moved down a bit and now we will all start over from here. Interesting that it is a new decade and all. I mean think about it, 1920 after WWI and 1940 after the depression, those decades were memorable with wealth and glamour. I am looking for these teens to deliver the same energy, social release and full living. I always said if we would just stop hording, things would turn around. I am pretty much certain there isn't a whole lot left to horde, so that means we've gotta start making stuff.

I heard back in the fall that the soup stocks were down at the grocery stores and that Campbell's was back to manufacturing and distributing their wares. See that does matter, ‘cause soup has the longest shelf life of all food products, and Americans were down to buying soup. I've got to be honest here, that indicated that we were not long for change and returned prosperity. I too bought some soup when I went shopping a couple of weeks ago, smirking to myself in the checkout stand that I was doing my part to engage the new economy…

I was reading Saturday's Wall Street Journal this morning before church. Obviously the ramifications of Massachusetts going to red put some concern for those operating inside the Beltway. Can't say I am all too unhappy about the change in energy, albeit a bit shocked. As I understand this election came as a surprise to many. Now the paper is ridden with the moved target of the current administration, Wall Street and the financial district. Along with job creation, the economy, the Bernanke renewal and what appears to be the abandonment of the effort for a national healthcare program. Gotta be honest here, as much as I try, I struggle with politics as usual and the associated short term cycles in which our elected officers operate. It's getting messy as many are running for cover and distance themselves from the elemental decisions, ahem, negotiations, that were rampant on the National Mall a mere three weeks ago. Maybe our country finally got what it needed, a clear and instanteous path to Washington DC via its constituents, thanks to the Internet, social media, blogs and link sharing. Everyone always said politics was dirty, but none of us every really had access to validate that statement for truth, until recently when we saw Montana with their no social security fee increases, Louisiana and a Senator Mary Landrieu's state deliverables and the look the other way on union health plan tax implications. Eeeewww. Not sure if the illustrious new senator from Massachusetts will be any better, and does it matter, anyways? Until recently, I would have said no, until the impossible became possible.

I started to think, was it the cost savings that I did the carpets for? Or, was it my compulsion on doing things right, which is the very same reason I don't use a housekeeper. Either way, I know one thing for sure; I won't ask anyone to do anything I personally won't do myself. CEO or not.

Dear God, I hope my feet are better in the morning. It might be a bit embarrassing if I crawled into church in the morning. ..

Let me start this post by asking this question, “When was I ever appropriate?” Oh, that would be never.Thus the reason I personally funded the start of my own company.

I left corporate America due to my distain to the energy removing, ass kissing, fear ridden environment that was killing my spirit. I started Ellipse so I could stand for what is wrong in business, the overzealous need for being politically correct and the lack of operations based by the heart. Yes, I do appreciate risk mitigation, operational standards to ensure people are working in an environment where they feel happy, supported, heard and commensurately rewarded for their participation. When I worked for several large telecom/wireless companies as a successful outside sales consultant, I was always supported by my immediate boss. That was a no brainer, with me delivering 300%+ of my quota, annually. These guys would move mountains if I could sell more. But I assure you, just a bit further up the org chart the female regional sales executive not only prohibited me from being successful, but doubled my quota one year just to cramp my style. Jealous of my success? Maybe. Was I a Budget breaker? Sure. Too much fun when it came to the guys in the sales office? Likely. I'll never know, obviously, I quit. Maybe that was her plan all along, move on the big-mouthed, trouble-maker, easy enough.

I've always spoken from the heart, a take no prisoners type of persona. My expectations are high, my ethics extreme, my exterior tough, my conversation crude, and my intentions are meaningful. Passion is my base for everything, I expect life to provide me opportunities and I will create more if necessary. Is that what an investor, business professional, employee or client looking for? Maybe… maybe not. And that's ok, because those profiles have never been there for us, just ask the many financial institutions we've been in front of over the years. Gosh in 2000 prior to the dot bomb we still couldn't get any sort of loan or funding, though money was flowing in the streets. And today, I am thrilled we didn't fall for those half baked, intentional low ball offers we did get, ‘cause today it's just Lee and I still standing. Don't worry, there are plenty of hard working people at this office who are politically correct in their business interactions, and they will glady facilitate your introduction or call. But, they are also not the risk taker here, either. Oh, that is my job, pushing the envelope in the market, product development, while facilitating the rest of us in getting what we want and need. Even though we are not in the right social network and I am good with that.

As I sat in a planning meeting today with my associates, in tears, exclaiming that I am not corporate material, and yes, I would never put my organization or its employees in harm's way. I take advice; I march in line and follow when asked with justified means, all for the betterment of the company. But, I assure you when I am told that I can't compliment an employee by name in public recognition for their professional endeavors and commitments to me and this company, because it can create a liability, that is when I say “I politely disagree” and “I'll take my chances here on this one.” This is when my renegade management style might bite me in the ass, but at least I'll go down trying with no regrets.

I've been the social director for Bhante Wimala , my Buddhist monk associate who is coming to Dallas on the weekend of February 13^th. He will speak to my employees on Monday in exchange for a trip here and a booked education session at a church or two. So here we go… three pastors, a couple of adult education coordinators and a personal call or two, I am getting some headway. His humanitarian efforts make an extremely interesting story, add his perceptions on healthy living and loving those about you, it's worth a couple of dedicated hours.

The weather is beautiful this evening, 50 degrees or so, unlike the bone chilling 20s we were just having a few weeks ago. I've spoken about healthy living and my daily one mile walks, and tonight was just glorious for both person and hound. One thing I've learned, I eat and drink whatever I want, and the only way I can do that is to get my one mile in on a daily basis. That cold snap added about 3 lbs. to my girth and that just will not do. I know what to do to take care of myself, plenty of rest, eat right, and exercise to combat the stress. I've written about it previously, a simple health plan is really not hard to manage and it sure as hell combats the stress one at my level can encounter. Tonight I am grateful for the nice weather, though I know there are a handful more cold days ahead, but none the less.

I've referenced my employee Naveen Nawaz previously, she is the absolutely beautiful (inside and out) young professional graphic designer from Pakistan, recently promoted to our Creative Director. I noted how she was in her home country for about 7 weeks over the holidays. I miss her drastically when she is not at work, and I worry like her mother when she is overseas. Thrilled to have her in our midst once again, I inquired about her trip. “Don't you worry when you are there?” She replied, sure, but you become acclimated to the daily bomb blasts and the street muggings after a few days. With that said, my heart stopped for a blessing to God for having her here in front of me, healthy and smiling. She continued to explain that the terrorists in Karachi are really Indian based, even though the world says they are members of Islam. See the Koran does not endorse killing, regardless of what prescribes that type of behavior and the world is being lead into believing that Muslims are behind today's terrorist network. Peaceful living should be the standard, and the radicals are shattering that all to hell. “Why don't people know this?” “Come on Lisa, it's the news… bomb blasts and killings deliver economics.”

In an attempt to make light of an excruciating uncomfortable topic, we started mapping the bomb and hand grenade industry to the Miller Heiman Strategic Selling sales management system, which we've been learning in the sales department. Laughing, our discussion digressed to the quality assurance program at the hand grenade manufacturing company appropriately titled “Life or Limb”. A result of “Life” meant the product was successfully deployed, though “Limb” meant some product improvements were necessary. Giggling, though we both appreciated the ramifications of the fact that there is really such as thing as a terrorist bomb manufacturer and that she and her family deal with this on a daily basis in her home country. I'll say it again, I am on my knees thanking God she is safe with us each day, for I know there are so many families with sons and daughters from our own country who are not as lucky as we are. For them and the rest of us who worry, I say the prayer of protection – The light of God surrounds us; the love of God enfolds us; the power of God protects us; the presence of God watches over us; wherever we are, God is. And, all is well.