I, Slacker

My Last Day As Slacker

2005-05-13T21:15:00.000-07:00

Everything has an end. Only the fool thinks he's invincible and I'm all but a fool, just a simple slacker soon to be retired.

What a journey this has been. Spending all my time just slacking, contemplating, listening to my own thoughts, exploring every angle and letting time flush through my life like blood through my veins has been the purest form of luxury. I've felt pleasures beyond my wildest imagination, lust that goes beyond earthly desires and light that is brighter than the sun.

I'm relaxed, re-energized and re-born as I stand here before you. My mind is pure and my heart is full of passion. I'm ready to fight the evil empire until justice is done.

Vacation Separation Anxiety

2005-05-12T09:19:00.000-07:00

- Why did we have to leave Los Cabos?, I screamed when waking up in the middle of our first night at what we currently call home.

The Margarita is still so clear in my mind, as the sun and the sand. I'm going through a severe vacation separation anxiety attack right now. I need my daily Cohiba, lunch Bandera and afternoon Siesta.

I can already feel how the cold, damp San Francisco weather is sucking me into it's deep dreadful jaws. How the "No Smoking"-signs grow bigger, how the evil eyes are being magnified when mentioning the pure pleasure of a cigar. How the traffic jams are jamming all senses and I'm bumper-to-bumper with crazy, stressed-out, angry people driving Mini-Vans and SUV's.

I'm trying to hold onto the memory of sand inbetween my toes, of the smooth taste of a tequila anejo or reposado on my tongue mixed with lime and salt, and of the sun heating up a sun deprieved body until the cooker plings "Ready - the roast is done".

But it gets harder and harder for every minute. I can feel how my tan is slowly disappearing, melting like an icecream left in the sun. Every force in the universe tends to find it's equilibrium. The context defines that equilibrium and figthing it is useless, a waste of time, a mad man's job.

But better mad than pale, I think and head slowly to the humidor to light up my morning Cohiba.

Cabo San Lucas

2005-05-07T22:28:00.000-07:00

Yeah, it's that time of year when we are celebarting our anniversary. It's actually the first time. The celebration of anniversary is a big step in life. It means exchanging the celebrations of all the big moments of bachelerhood to one single one: your marriage. Your anniversary is now what GMT is to time: ground zero.

We are doing it in style this year by flying down to California Baja and Cabo San Lucas or what is more known as Cabo Real. The Windows of Paradise is our destination. Why? Cause the make they best Margaritas in the world. Believe you me. Just cause you crunch all your past celebrations into one doesn't mean that you lost the feelin' for what's good in life. Marriage just sharpens your teeth but doesn't make them whiter.

You Know You Need To Get Back To Work When...

2005-05-05T19:55:00.000-07:00

1. You start to organize your contacts in the Address Book into categories (Friends, Family et cetera).
2. You are contemplating re-wiring the surround sound system.
3. You are organizing your shirts per color, size and style.
4. You are actually folding your underwear when laundered.
5. You look forward to answer mail from solicitors - in writing.

Waiting For The Postman

2005-05-04T12:28:00.000-07:00

The daily errands are done. The pasta is cooking on the stove. The wine is uncorked and ready to be enjoyed. If only the damn postman could be here. I'm eagerly awaiting three new Netflix movies to be enjoyed in the solitude of my own comfort (i.e. the missus is in New York).

I deserve some last slacking after last night when I stayed up late and read up on global management and the new pivotal capabilities. Yes, it's that for many undefined area of international business knowledge, cultural adaptability, perspective-taking (spatial intelligence in m y own words) and playing innovator. The author of the book argued that it's beyond the basic MBA studies and business skillset. Well, I wouldn't argue against that.

When researching for more resources within the area of global management - from a managers perspective - I realized how few books there are. Noone has really attacked the subject. It could be cause the academia within leadership thinks that it's like managing domestically or it could be that the area and expertize is just in it's infancy. Well, after 6 years as a global manager I would argue the latter.

Well, I know what I'm doing. Or at least I've a good sense of what I'm doing. Or something to that extent. Let's just say that directionally I'm on target.

Movies To Slack To

2005-05-03T07:37:00.000-07:00

I'm eagerly awaiting a new batch of 8 movies from Netflix. I returned all of them during last weekend and have been restless since then.

It's always such a pleasure to grab the mail to find that red envelope stuck inbetween nasty bills and wasteful catalogs. You know it's good news but not how good: Is it the action adventure or the romantic thriller? The suspense is always killing me.

But sadly to say, as my extended vacation is coming to an end so is my 8 movies-at-a-time subscription. It's actually expiring tomorrow so I really hope I get my new batch by then.

See I have found out that if you cancel your subscription you get to keep the movies you have at that point for about a month. That should keep me going well into June.

Two Weeks Left

2005-05-02T12:12:00.000-07:00

When I look back at my time off it's hard to imagine the reluctant sentiment I felt in the end of February. It was still officially winter and I felt pretty much like the old palm trees outside our house: gray and scrubby.

These very same trees are now standing straight and proud; letting their green leaves sway in the spring wind and hosting flowers bursting to blom. I'm in the same joyful state. I feel rested, relaxed and reborn. I'm looking forward with excitement to rejoin my collegues and slay the evil dragons wherever they might be.

- So you have learned nothing?, my inner voice echoes in my head. Well, I do but we'll see if we can go from theory to practice, I answer the voice.

To find happiness through the balance between work and family is no lesser than art. It takes integrity to dare, ambition to want and strength to carry through. But you reach a point where it becomes crucial for everyone that you do, especially in a wired / wireless world where your PDA is your office and always on. It's also a challenge when your work is your hobby and your curiosity and eagerness to learn is not following the industrial 9-to-5 schedule. Innovations or ideas are hard to schedule.

The technological breakthroughs should liberate and not confine but seldom do - at least not in a world where testosterone is the fuel. And I have to admit that also my tanks are full.

My Favorite Expressions

2005-04-30T12:53:00.000-07:00

I have found myself using more and more corporate words eventhough I'm in a slacking mode. The one that I seem to use the most is "Pull The Trigger" and "Charge The Hill". I like the notion and action of them both. Since I'm an old Saphir-Whorf disciple I have a strong preference for words and thoughts that feed of each other. You cannot, without having a rich vocabulary, think big thoughts and vice versa. At least that is the simplification and media snippet of the theorem.

Metaphors are powerful and the images that these expressions provide are clear and actionable. They clearly derive from centuries of battle - first about land and then about market share. But I enjoy them in any daily occasion as well since they fend off the sometimes unwanted need of thinking to much.

To Pack For The Perfect Trip

2005-04-28T19:55:00.000-07:00

- How do you get all your things to fit in the bag?, the missus said just before we left for BA.

Hmm, I thought. It's time to share one of my deepest secrets; to let her into the most exclusive brotherhood of travelers and reveal centuries of travel experience.

I can only convey what is important for a man to bring. I might add a second version once the missus is fully up to speed. She is darn close.

First - everything needs to fit into a 20" or 22" carry-on bag. Checking-in luggage is a no no. It just increases the time spent at the airport as well as the risk of having anything stolen / delayed / completely lost. Bring a smaller bag for books, computer et cetera. Most airlines allows a carry-one plus a 'personal' bag.

The second advice is all about content and here are a few ideas:
- A blazer that works both during leasure days and dressy nights
- A few dress shirts that do the same
- 2 pair of shoes - one comfortable for the day (yet stylish) and a pair of suave for the nightime
- A few polo shirts always works - they are half shirt and half t-shirt and will get you in anywhere day or night (i.e. avoid t-shirts - not versatile enough)
- A sweater that can go under the blazer for cold spring or fall evenings but also for breezy days
- A sports jacket / coat
- A few pants - from comfortable jeans to dressy slacks
- A pair of swim trunks / shorts
- Colored socks and underwear
- If it's late fall or early spring a nice scarf and a pair of leather gloves are highly recommended
- Possible a light-weight PJ
- Toiletry

That's about it, just a few things that will ensure that you are comfortable throughout the days as well as stylish during the evenings. This is the time to focus on quality and versatility and not quantity. Remember, you can always have the hotel launder you clothes if you'd like to stay longer.

Now over to the ever so important accessories and gadgets:
- Computer / DVD-player
- iPOD (including power cord and USB cable)
- Triband Phone
- Digital Camera (including extra battery, charger and USB cable)
- Cigars but be careful bringing the cutter
- Compact headset for the VoIP
- Airplane charger
- 5-7 favorite DVD movies
- WiFi card (if not built-in)
- A book
- A pair of sunglasses

But what about a couple of shorts, the fanny pack, the florescent PJ's and the "Go Warriors" cap you ask? Hmm, Well, if you are traveling to a football game that is all good but nowhere else.

Finally, it's important these days to bring your own food. Flying is not what it used to be. The recommendation is to prepare a light-weight travel basket with wine, water, good sandwiches, pasta salad, cheese et cetera to ensure a quality meal while the rest of the plane is chewing energy bars and sucking on old buns. A content stomach can face any challenges and sleeps much better. It's also a great pleasure to let the crew know that you prefer food over doggie bits.

Bon Voyage!

Butts And Beer Bellies

2005-04-28T13:21:00.000-07:00

We left Buenos Aires last night after more than a week in this wonderful city. My local friend Luis ensured us at our last lunch together that we had been very, very lucky with the weather. Only one day of cold weather (i.e. below 60 F) during more than 8-9 days in the fall proud, sunny capital.

I knew I was going home when I saw all the big butts and beer bellies enter the plane, including the flight attendants. We didn't see any obesity in South America - people seemed so healthy. My guess it's due to the healthy intake of steaks, salads, wine, cheese, coffee, the afternoon walk and the late afternoon siesta. The recipe of a happy and healthy life is so simple. Look at the Mediterranean and Asian cultures - they get it. Why cannot we?

The flight home went very well but I'm already missing the fantastic time we had. But rest assured, it's not the last time. I have already started to scout tickets for our next visit this fall.

Día Nueve: Teatro Colón

2005-04-27T19:44:00.000-07:00

The last day and we both feel a little bit sad. We started the day by visiting Teatro Colón on Avenida de 9 de Julio. The guided tour of the building wasn't that intersting and we unfortunately did it in english with all that it brings (weird people from Kansas). Spanish should have been the choice.

We met my collegue Luis at Bar 6 in Palermo Viejo and had a fantastic 2-hour lunch. Palermo Viejo reminds me of Notting Hill in the mid-90's. Still a little unknown but buzzling with ambition and change. Luis answered all the questions we had about Argentina during the past few years - about the sentiment and about the future.

As the sun set we had too take farewell for this time, but not the last. Buenos Aires had during our first stay brought out it's best show and we were both bedazzled and in love. The people - except for that last crazy cab driver - were so friendly, the city glowing and the food radiant. As the Governor used to say: We'll be back!

Día Seis: Brasserie Petanque

2005-04-24T20:31:00.000-07:00

Late night. Late morning. We woke up around 9:30am, just in time to make the light breakfast of cafe con leche, croissants and zumo de naranja. The breakfast was follow by a 45 minute workout session to buff the torso and sharpen the guns.

Anyone that voluntarily sweats for 45 minutes deserves a great lunch. So the missus and I headed off to the San Telmo area in a very fall like and windy Buenos Aires. It was the first day for a few weeks that the temperature had ventured below 55 during daytime. We were both cold and eagerly looked for a lunch restaurant where we could host the Sunday feast. Our plan was to check out the flea market in San Telmo and then lunch at Pappa Deus. But the freezing BA got the best of us and we fled into the first restaurant on Calle Defensa. It happen to be a fantastique french brasserie - Brasserie Petanque.

I started with caracoles and the missus with an onion soup. We then attacked the steak frite and the lomo with gratin daphnois. We shared a Crêpes Suzette as the gran final. But no meal is complete without a great wine, in this case a young, fruity Tempranillo.

Two and a half hours later it was time for La Cuenta and the short walk back to our hotel for the daily siesta. It lasted until La Cena.

Día Uno: La Llegada

2005-04-19T15:58:00.000-07:00

We arrived this morning after a very comfortable and well-planned trip (pad on shoulder). No incidents if you exclude the rumble with the elderly Argentinian gentleman who insisted that the numbers on the overhead bins are solely assigned to that pair of seats - i.e. his. Therefore I was under the pressure to move our carry-ons which he so graciously did himself faster than you could say "tronco". Well, we exchanged views, discussed, bumped torsos and finally agreed on a solution that would work for both of us. We parted with a smile and a handshake.

The missus and I started with a real Parrilla lunch right after check-in. Well, we actually had a rather nice breakfast by the pool before that but nothing compared to the meat we had at La Caballeriza in Puerto Madera. It was obviously paired with a bottle of Malbec from San Telmo Winery. Clearly made for men with chest hair and cojones.

After the meal, with the fall sun shining at about 75 degrees F we were both carefree and went for a stroll to El Centro and then back along the old harbour for a 2-hour, well-deserved siesta.

It's now time for a late dinner at Aires de Patagonia where we have booked a table in the smoking section so we can finish the day with a musty cigar. But before that the plan is to enjoy the culinary treats from the southern parts of Argentina.

Buenos Aires

2005-04-17T23:26:00.000-07:00

We are heading to Buenos Aires tomorrow at noon. It has been one of my dream destinations for quite some time. I've learned - through all my readings - that it's a magic place for anyone who loves affordable cuisine, wine, passion and life.

The dollar is really playing in our favor and I'm hoping to add a new leather jacket to the collection as well as a lot of great photographs and a few bottles of wine. But mostly I'm looking for inspiration, to broaden my mind, get a fresh breath of a new world and relax after 8 weeks of hard slacking. It's a lot of work, you know.

Living Well

2005-04-17T23:19:00.000-07:00

Living well is the best revenge they say, but it's also the greatest pleasure. Few things beats the company of good friends, great conversation and a culinary dinner. The exchange of thoughts, laughs and dreams broadens the mind and soothens the soul. It add perspective to current dramas and refocus the essence of being.

You Think Too Much

2005-04-15T22:53:00.000-07:00

We were in Taos, New Mexico, a few months ago to celebrate a family friends birthday weekend. It was the second night and the third cocktail party. I was halfway into declaring some intellectual stance on who knows what when one of the guys in the crowd - also a family friend - uttered the now famous words: You think too much!

I swayed backwards for a second, two or three. The gentleman - which we had spent the previous night drinking and smoking cubans with - was spot on I realized. It might be a nordic trait, or family or even personal - who knows. The desire to observe, then contemplate, then gurgitate, then digest, then regurgitate and so on. Until every thread of reality is gone and any kind of valuable thought is transformed into a demented hysteria, into a pretentious nothingness trying to kling on to an academia that is refusing it's forced association.

"You think too much", he said. I knew he was right. It was the illness I had been born with, brought up with and that had been chasing me for my whole life. The false desire to regurgitate every single blink, force every conscious thought into a sterile analysis without friendly input or passionate love.

I learned everything I know from that night. I sent the desire to ponder and rationalize on my own to the door. Walk that way, I told the crazy fucker. I'm done with thinking too much. I want to make dragonflies in the sand without reflecting over the future. I just want to feel at home, in my own skin without having to reflect, just act and react. I think too much, I thought.

And Martha Broke $20

2005-04-15T15:26:00.000-07:00

I'm painting Smiley's in my mind and heart. The reward of being right AND making some greenbacks is oh so sweet. But it has taken over 6 weeks for MSO to break it's 200 DMA and go under the magic 20 bucks a share. But it did happen and there are few things sweeter than when a plan comes together. A perfect ending on a great week which could only be celebrated with a cigar and a Margarita.

Could Slacking Be Pernicious?

2005-04-12T21:27:00.000-07:00

Well - I will try to answer that for ya. During my time as a neo slacker I've kept a paper journal with three columns. It's a basic PMI analysis (plus, minus and interesting). The interesting reflections I've shared with you, my faithful slacker community. But I've been holding back and as one of my buddies always says: Never Hold Back. You shouldn't. So lemme share a few pros and cons with you if you will.

Plus:
- Spending a lot of quality time with the missus
- Spending a lot of quality time in rejuvenating solitude
- Spending a lot of time with family and friends*
- Having time to read AND think
- Doing basic DIY in our home
- Learning to cook a lot of new really great dishes, mostly french and italian
- Learning a lot about a lot of new things (taxation, countries, technical analysis, media coverage)
- Watching all episodes of the Monk and most of CSI: Las Vegas
- Loosing weight but not gaining muscles (the latter should actually be under Minus)

Minus:
- My bank account is staring at me with an empty and disappointing look
- My banker is staring at me with an empty and disappointing look
- The wine fridge is echoing AND staring at me with a disappointing look
- My humidor is just staring, being as empty as it can get
- Finally, the neighbors have started to stare as I pick up the WSJ at the time when they leave for work, only wearing the now famous sweats and Yahoo! cap

My basic math skills tells me that there are more plus than minus if giving every submission equal weight. So back to my original question: Could Slacking Be Pernicious? Well, I think my case has proven that the answer to that question that hasn't just pondered my mind but so many other mediocre minds is nope. It's actually the opposite. What that is I've no idea what so ever. If you will.

*) Nota Bene: The trained reader has already discovered the lack of the word quality in regards to time with family and friends. This was not intentional but could be a freudian slip. What do I know - never took philosophy.

My 52nd Country

2005-04-12T17:14:00.000-07:00

Argentina will be the 52nd country I have visited as per Travelers' Century Clubs definition of the world. I've covered all continents except for Antarctica. It sounds like a lot but I'm still a little disappointed. After all those years on the road I'm still 48 countries short of becoming a member.

Well a few more trips to Asia, Africa, South America and the Caribbean and I'll be a member soon. I believe that we can hit Uruguay, Iceland, Japan and possible a Caribbean island before year end.

Is Martha Breaking $20?

2005-04-11T18:00:00.000-07:00

You better believe it. She is going down. But I would be careful since it's expiration on the April's on Friday. Max pain will most likely be around $20. Great opportunity for day trades though.

Friends & Family

2005-04-11T12:31:00.000-07:00

I'm having pasta everyday this week to save up for our trip to Buenos Aires on Monday. Maybe not everyday but almost. And I tell you, it dosn't feel like a sacrifice. In college it was only pasta, no parmesan or mushroom sauce. Now I'm enjoying tortellini in olive oil and peppar sauce with sprinkled parmesan and a glas of red. It's still inexpensive but cranked up a notch.

I would happily eat this kind of pasta everyday if life keeps being this good to me. I'm fully enjoying this extended vacation with relaxed days and foreign visits. Two of my best friends just visited for a week. We have known each other for the past 15 years, travelled the world and shared dreams.

It has really been great to spend everyday with them reconnecting and catching up. They are academics in financial economics and business ethics and our discussions were everything but boring. It got me re-interested in continuing my shelfed academic ambitions. Well, I think I'll let the plans stay on the shelf for a while. I've bigger fish to fry for the time being.

My kid brother is flying in on Wednesday from Los Angeles where he is on a business assignment. I haven't seen him since my wedding almost a year ago so that's going to be a lot of fun. The missus is flying back from her business trip to Mexico the same day so I'm on the hook to plan and execute a delicious Welcome! / Welcome Home! dinner. It shouldn't be that hard or unpleasant. I really enjoy cooking - it's creative, tranquile and you get to drink wine BEFORE dinner.

That's What I Call A Siesta

2005-04-08T18:11:00.000-07:00

It was close to perfect. Slowly dosed off in the sofa after a light morning 'work' session, lunch at Zoetrope, some afternoon errands and a just started episode of CSI Las Vegas. I muted the TV and was out about 45 minutes. Oh mother of all that's sweet and pure - What a siesta!

The right afternoon timing, the right location and the right duration. I love when a plan comes together. I hail thy God of Siesta and will thy celebrate by a large scoop of chocolate chip fudge. Performance should find royal reward!

C'mon Shake It Up Baby Now

2005-04-06T10:04:00.000-07:00

I'm shaken but not d-sturbed. I can feel the energy coming back - slowly. The past few weeks have been very productive. I have attacked all kinds of DIY tasks around the house that the lack of time prevented me from doing in the past. It doesn't matter what level of sofistication we are living at, it's still very rewarding to do physical work.

It feels great to have gone from doing everything to nothing and now back to something. I wouldn't compare it to a days work but it's slowly getting there without getting in the way of doing nothing.

I actually have to restrain myself from doing more, just to spend the days as they were intended. Every morning I wake up and feel I should learn a new language, mountain bike California and run for president (in some obscure European nation). Well - if that ain't recovery I don't know what is.

My college buddy who is doing his PhD in Boston is here during this week and we plan to drive up Highway 1 to Point Reyes today. The sky is blue and I can already hear the roar of the engine as we accelerate through the curves along the coast.

April Fools Day

2005-04-03T19:27:00.000-07:00

It pleases me that so many fell for my April Fools Day blog. You all know who you are! ;)

It's Time For A Change

2005-04-01T07:23:00.000-08:00

The Missus and I agree: it's time for a change. We have now lived in San Francisco for 3 years and in Denver, London, Stockholm, Greencastle, Madrid, Savannah, Barcelona and LA before that. Life is just too short not to explore the world.

The idea is to visit a few new cities within the next weeks to find where we should spend the next couple of years. We are now planning a trip to Buenos Aires but are also eying Melbourne, Hong Kong and Cape Town for our future life. One thing is clear - it has to be a new continent, some place outside of North America and Europe.

If everything goes as planned we should be packed up and ready to move by June 1st this year. I know, it doesn't give us much time but when your mind is set on something it's all about execution.

Balding, Fat And Almost 40

2005-03-31T21:10:00.000-08:00

Why didn't anyone tell me?

The Big Picture

2005-03-31T20:44:00.000-08:00

I've always been so much more interested in the big picture than in details. Always preferred context before content even when the latter was said to be king. But I've also learned that the devil is in the details.

I think the big picture is what is keeping you out of trouble. Just look at Martha Stewart, Bernie Ebbers and the alike. If they wouldn't have been so greedy they wouldn't have become fellons.

In Martha's case she risked everything for $40 grand. The media is convinced that she is a great comeback story cause people love comeback stories (which will enable more advertizing). That's the 10-minute, 1 feet over the ground perspective.

But try to take a huge step back to, try the 180 degree view and things come into perspective. Ask yourself: What is really important in life? In that context a lot of the daily noise becomes irrelevant. The details without the big picture are just worthless junk. Why do x, y and z if they don't amount to anything grand.

But the big picture doesn't need to impact millions to be grand. It's enough that it impacts you and your life. I'd say that nothing is more grand than when you are 80 years old and can look back at your life with a chuckle, a sense of pride and a strong sense of personal accomplishment.

The Boyz Are Back In Town

2005-03-31T09:56:00.000-08:00

The first phase of decompression, relaxation and reflection is coming to an end. My buddies are about to arrive and the social slacker is now preferred. No mumbling about Feng Shui, soul searching or lets hold hands. None of that crap.

The first arrival is later this afternoon and the next on Saturday evening. It's going to be great fun. As much as I have come to love slacking in the most accomplished sense, seeing your buddies can cure the worst illness.

PS. Big hugs to my homies in Stockholm who couldn't make it this time.

Alex's Roasted Chicken

2005-03-29T16:02:00.000-08:00

[Watching Blade: Platinum Edition and drinking Marques de Riscal Reserva 2000.]

Finally, after many tries I got the roasted chicken right last night. It was my buddy Alex and his reciepe and my Bouchon readings / tastings that lead me to the perfect result. I was on the right track all along but had problems with a) getting the chicken as tender as I wanted and b) getting the potatoes perfectly roasted in the same pan.

(4 people)
Chicken:
5-6 pound chicken

Paste:
butter
pancetta
lime zest
thyme

Potatoes:
8-12 small potatoes
salt
olive oil

Open a bottle of wine (Pinot Noir) and pour yourself a glass. Put on the latest Hotel Costas CD and crank up the volume.

Turn the oven to 450 degrees (F). Mix the butter, sliced pancetta, lime zest and thyme in a bowl. Use a-lotta-butter as Alex would say. Rince the chicken. Insert the paste under the skinn of the chicken. Be generous.

Cut each potato in 4 pieces. Add them in a bowl and add the olive oil and salt. Mix.

Put the chicken in a roasting pan and in the oven for 50-60 minutes. Add the potatoes after about 40 minutes.

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after it's done. Cut it into several pieces and serve with another bottle of Pinot Noir. Enjoy!

Vamos a Buenos Aires!

2005-03-28T14:24:00.000-08:00

We finally pulled the trigger and booked a trip to what we percieve as being one of the coolest, most suave and passionate metropolitan cities in the world - Buenos Aires. Feel how the words kisses your tongue when you pronounce them. How your whole body becomes softer and start to move in waves. B-u-e-n-o-s A-i-r-e-s. I feel my booty shake - shake that booty! [Hmm, sorry - got carried away!]

See London, New York or Cape Town doesn't come even close. They are too hard, to rough to say, to serious. L-o-n-d-o-n bounces off your tongue like a basketball. N-e-w Y-o-r-k feels too pretentious, kickin' the sides of your mouth to just come out with an osing poof. Saying C-a-p-e T-o-w-n is like drawing blanks. There is nothing. Nothing.

But Buenos Aires rolls around on your tongue like a great Rioja, teasing your senses as well as inviting you to a fabolous time. Buenos Aires seduces you by it's pure name. What won't it be able to do with it's magnificent presence? Bootylicious!

Slacker Pants

2005-03-28T14:18:00.000-08:00

So why are they called slacks, I thought? Anyone, anyone... Slacker? Elementary my dear Dr. Slacker - the name comes from the intention to seek freedom in doing nothingness. Holy Toledo!

The Ultimate Accomplishment

2005-03-24T19:30:00.000-08:00

An iSlacker is a person who takes time off to reflect, think and reinvent. It's a person who feels comfortable with taking a step back to make the leap of their dreams. Someone that is ready to sacrifice being king of the hill to find their inner peak.

Life needs direction, mission and purpose to go from being less ordinary to extraordinary. It needs passion and energy to survive and thrive. It needs confidence and conviction to blossom. Life is what makes life intersting. Everything else is just props to booster our egos and flaunt our mojos.

Taking time to find life as it was meant to be is the real challenge. Finding it is the ultimate accomplishment.

PS. Check out my new iSlacker Store.

The Comfort Of A Daily Routine

2005-03-23T20:12:00.000-08:00

I've entered the second phase of my leisure trimester and slacking has now become my daily routine. I've gone from sleeping in and watching movies to a very busy schedule filled with doing errands, reading, studying, thinking and cooking. It fills your day - easily.

The ironi is that I'm back doing what I do for a living: analyzing emerging markets and business opportunities. Well, mixed with watching TV / movies and doing the occasional hussle which I don't get the opportunity to do at the office.

This time-off is like a rubber band; I get to stretch it further than usual to get enough far away to realize that my life is great. I call it my rubber band theory. It also include a number of other more subtle realizations and insights. But that's for another blog.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2005-03-17T07:55:00.000-08:00

I read in today's WSJ that a small domestic brewery - Dogfish Head Craft Brewery - is challenging Guinness on St. Patrick's Day. I mean c'mon, isn't anything sacred anymore? Does the ka-ching justify any foolish action?

Just ask yourself - Punk - what sounds the most genuine on St. Patrick's day when ordering your favorite brew at your local pub, a Guinness or a Dogfish?

Hmm, I wonder. Lemme think and ponder this tough question - NOT. There are some things in the world that there is no substitute for. Guinness is on the very top of that list. It has tradition, heritage and history. Guinness is in the core of our very existence. It's part of our soul. It's like mother and apple pie. You just don't mess with it!

But I say: Bring It On! Bring... It... On. [snapping his fingers from left to right to left, making a z across his face]

Cheers!

Siento Tranquilo

2005-03-15T20:42:00.000-08:00

We are just back from a small dinner celebration. A very spontaneous, non-planned action which felt very rewarding. It put the P back in present. We tend, as humans, to focus too much on past and future, and too little on the present. Slacking is only about the present.

I had a single expresso on the way back. Reminded me of the days in Spain except for I got it in a paper cup and it was from Starbucks. We stopped by the book store and bought 'The Kite Runner'. Another spontaneous action, unforced and present.

The concept of time, space and content has really changed since I took time off. I'm much more patient, disciplined and restrictive which creates a focus and confidence that opens up for spontaneity. I know - it sounds like a lot of mumbo-jumbo but it feels darn good. And who cares how it sounds - I'm a slacker.

Hmm, Unpatient He Is?

2005-03-14T16:53:00.000-08:00

Four weeks almost on the day and I'm getting a little unpatient and restless. My mood has gone from total couch potato to eagerly sucking up any kind of knowledge I can get my hands on. In the early days of this time-out I watched TV for hours. Now I get bored just thinking about all the crap on TV. The only thing I watch now is Jim Cramer's new Mad Money and the late night Animal Planet.

I order new books from Amazon every second day, mainly about financial markets, security analysis and trading. I haven't been able to keep up with the latest deliveries though. Got two new books today that I won't be able to start reading until Wednesday. I have to focus on exciting my short position in MSO since the stock is still in a beautiful, unbroken downtrend.

I have also been using VoIP much more since I got the new headset last week. It's the killer app. - all for free. The audio is superior to both our ordinary home phone and my cell phone which is nothing less than amazing. And I can call all my buddies around the world for absolutely nuttin'. The world is changing!

Slacking Makes Your Future

2005-03-13T19:43:00.000-08:00

Slacking creates freedom. Freedom brings opportunity. Opportunity makes your future.

Thank God It's Friday!

2005-03-11T16:46:00.000-08:00

It's been a long rough week. I had no idea that being a house man took that much time. How did I ever have time to work?

The day usually starts around 6am for the first cup of java and to check the Dow and Nasdaq futures. Then a close monitoring of the activity around the opening bell.

After sending of the missus to work (to bring home the bacon), I have my breakfast and read WSJ. The morning is filled with idea creation, research of potential investment strategies and tracking of the current positions. I have lunch around 1pm, right after the closing bell but keep watching the after hours.

I do some exercise around 2pm - biking and/or working out. Then it's movie time which has been challenging this week due to the great sunny weather. Our living room faces west so around 3-6pm it's like a sauna. I usually fall asleep halfway into the movie and wake up around sunset at 6-6:30pm when it start to feel a little chilly.

The evening starts with a glass of red wine and the preparation of the dinner. It's either very well planned or just on impulse. The missus arrives around 7pm and we discuss the daily highlights and have dinner together.

Then I enter into the state of deep contemplation, either reading or thinking. Usually ending up falling asleep around 9:30pm while watching an early episode of Frazier or the Monk.

So you see, I deserve some slacking time this weekend!

Go Martha! Go Martha!

2005-03-09T17:13:00.000-08:00

I've with great interest been following the Martha madness since she got out of prison. Not that I'm that interested in her or her products. I think she represents a very old world view and stuffy attitude towards such fun activities as cooking and gardening. I understand that she doesn't try to cater to my consumer needs and if she did she would be in trouble. No, she is looking to satisfy the house wife from the fifties that honors matching pillow tops and having the meal ready when the husband arrives.

My interest is purely financial. I noticed on the day of her release that her stock was hitting an almost all-time high of $37 intra-day. I looked through the key statistics: current earnings, future growth (top and bottom line) as well as guidance. I wanted to find out where this mega growth was going to come from that the stock price implied. I mean, the stock had gone from around $10 in the middle of last year to $37 last friday. There has to be a story, I thought!

I did the math in my crazy mind giving MSO a generous P/E of 30 and therefor a projected EBITDA of $62MM this year. I quickly found out that the company LOST over $60MM last year and is not planning to get back in black until 2006. The P/E on Friday was 800 and the top line growth negative.

Hmm, this is the first no-brainer short I've seen for a long time, I thought. The company doesn't make money, is not planning to make money and former executives are selling their stocks. It just have to get a Fibonacci haircut, possible retracement of 38%, 50% or even 62%. We have so far seen a drop of 32% in 4 trading days and my target is $18 within the next 3-4 days. But it could get close to $10 in a few weeks.

Martha - I'm slowly becoming a great fan! ;)

Things Are Coming Together

2005-03-07T17:00:00.000-08:00

The Salice Salentino is a little young but works for a lazy late afternoon. The sun has still another hour before it desends and our venetian shades are at 45 degrees. Spring is finally here and I enjoyed the first day in months, only dressed in jeans and t-shirt. You cannot beat that feeling.

I believe my body and soul is becoming accustomed to a life of leisure. I'm starting my 4th week off and I feel very carefree. I still have a few things on my to do list to knock off and today was very productive. I think I executed as many as four, including leaving our house and venture into the world.

I even went for a short bike ride and did a very basic workout. Not bad. I hope my to do list will be terminated by friday so I can spend the next 8 weeks just doing nothing.

Why OHMSS Is The Best Bond Movie!

2005-03-05T14:33:00.000-08:00

I've always been fascinated by people's favorite Bond movie. Most cineasts would argue Goldfinger, The Spy Who Loved Me or Moonraker. And to their credit, they are damned good! But they all lack the classic European Le Bon Vivre and have to much of futuristic mumbo jumbo.

OHMSS has it all: fantastic locations, several car chases, a mean villain, great couture, romance and a beautiful AND smart Bond babe. And let us not forget the soundtrack - "We Have All The Time In The World" by Louis Armstrong. Oh, I forgot to mention the absolute coolest Bond car ever, the Aston Martin DBS. It's the only classic Gran Turismo a gentleman needs to have.

But even more important, it doesn't need to lean on a fire breathing dragon, a underwater Lotus or a space station to come to life. It's key driver is the hunt for Ernst Stavro Blofeld brilliantly played by the late Telly Savalas, spiced up with the romance between Bond and Tereza di Vincenzo (played by Dame Diana Rigg).

The following dialogue between Tereza and Bond says it all:
Teresa: The story of our life, James?
Bond: Just keep my martini cool!

That's what life is about: ensuring that the Martini, Margarita or whatever drink you fancy is being and staying cool. What more can a man ask of life?

Becoming A Walkaholic

2005-03-03T18:23:00.000-08:00

This is the third day in a row that I have walked across town. Today I started earlier than usual, around 10:30am, and directed my steps towards downtown. It took around 40 minutes and felt pretty good in the early spring sun.

I was so into my thoughts that I almost forget how I got there when I reached the end of the destination. I had no other objective with my excursion than browse for my general interests: books, CD's, DVD's and t-shirts with unusual prints.

I decided to take the bus home since I didn't want to overachieve this early in the process. The bus went through Chinatown which is always such a fun trip. They got the best veggies and the most critical customers. I saw a lady who dug deep into the bunch of asparagus to find the right... bunch. And I thought they were all alike. The asparagus that is.

The great thing with this walking extravaganza is that my sleep is great. No dreaming (that I can recall) and now serious thinking. Just pure delightful sleeping. I hit the sack around 10pm and I'm out until 8am. And people say you need LESS sleep when you get older. Ba-humbug!

Slacker Man Walking

2005-03-02T08:44:00.000-08:00

I had to get out of the house yesterday. I craved fresh air, cardio exercise and a trip to the book store. There are so many threads to follow up on after a week of watching TV. How does hi-low card counting work? What's Belize like? Who was Truffaut, really?

I decided to walk to the book store which is at least a 5 mile hike. I stopped for a burger and then spend about 45 minutes in the store, randomly browsing thru shelf after shelf. I didn't buy anything but I found a number of interesting books. The most satisfying was that I could spend an unlimited amount of time just browsing. If I'd wanted to.

[The best book stores in the world to just browse for hours are the Waterstone's by Piccadilly in London and Hanlin Shucheng in Taipei.]

I did the same exercise at the record store and found several great new CD's. One that really caught my ear was Matt Bianco's / Basia's Matt's Mood. It's a wonderful mix of suave brazilan bossa, sexy movie music and jazz. I did not buy it cause I wanted to check out the price on Amazon. What do you know, the record store was cheaper. Well, I guess I have to walk back to get it one of these days.

I was on the road for 2 hours, re-discovering the pleasure of strolling, turtle-walking, casually taking a promenade (walk in french).

I justed realized that there aren't a lot of american-english terms for walking. Cause people don't walk, they drive. If you know any other words than walk and stroll, please let me know!

Frankie Says Relax

2005-02-28T20:03:00.000-08:00

I'm entering my third week as a full time professional slacker. It's starting to feel really relaxed. I don't have any must do's hanging over me which is liberating. Not even mental or social obligations bather me anymore. Who cares if I sleep until 10am? I can always go to the post office tomorrow.

The feeling of false urgency - more lethal than cancer - is gone. I'm getting closer to my true self, starting to reconnect with my inner truth. It's a wonderful warm experience, like having massage every awaken moment of the day. I know in the bottom of my soul that I need to do this to be able to take the next steps in life. I have to go through this katharsis to evolve and re-invent myself.

When doing everything in 110pmh (including driving), slowing down and even stopping is a new experience. It's okay to see everyone else pass me lap after lap. To climb higher and faster on the ladder to success. It's okay cause the value creation is not only measured in time anymore. It's about being brilliant and apply talent to solve tough problems. Remember, Heureka's derive from relaxation not stress.

This time off is the MBA for my soul. In a time when people are being force fed information, knowledge and data, the salvation is perspective. Perspective is the result of experience, reflection and time.

Remember the era when experience was reflected in time?

Netflix Grand Cru

2005-02-25T08:50:00.000-08:00

The three movies-at-a-time program is far from enough when being home full time. It doesn't guarantee enough flicks to ensure that my movie craving mind get satisfied in any choosen moment.

Today I ordered the 8 movies-at-a-time program and am happily looking forward to a mailbox full with action, comedy and foreign film. If I plan it really, really well I'm sure I can get 2-3 new movies a day delivered.

If I use a conservative base - let's say 2 new movies per day - I would be able to see at least 180 movies during this slacking time off mine.

But I'm sure I can improve that number considerly by returning movies on a daily basis, get our mail man to deliver new mail before noon and by having themed back-to-back viewings. I could also team up with a neighbor who also has a 8 movies-at-a-time program and share the 16 movies we would get every day.

Then I could... [our hero's brain is now doing overtime and need a rest before the elevensis].

So It Begins...

2005-02-24T16:52:00.000-08:00

I open up my newly purchased copy of Keller's Bouchon and quickly flick through the pages until I get to the Poulet Rôti. Poulet Rôti and it's distant cousin Cordero Asado have always belonged to my favorite culinary experiences.

Today I'm ready to attack the challenge of making Poulet Rôti at home. I'm just back from Whole Foods with a large chicken, lemon, thyme, parsley, garlic and the other crucial ingrediences.

I'm going to start with a glas of Castillo de Ygay. It's one of the last bottles of '95s that we have which reminds me that I need to call the Wine Bank and ask them to send another case.

Cheers!

The Perfect Siesta

2005-02-23T10:05:00.000-08:00

Ahh, it seems like it was only yesterday. Hmm, I think it was actually yesterday when I had one of my most perfect Siestas - ever. In our family we don't call it nap but user the castillian word Siesta. There are several reasons for that: both the missus and I have spend a lot of time in Spain; napping seems so unproductive and has a lazyness associated to it; and the word Siesta reminds us of the well deserved, under-the-tree, just-after-lunch rest to have enough energy to embrace the nightly challenges.

So yesterday afternoon, after a splendid light pasta lunch, I headed to our sunny bedroom for a well-deserved, productive Siesta. I laid down and started to slowly fall asleep while thinking happy thoughts. The warm bed reminded me of those happy days, sleeping under the tree by the beach in Spain. I let myself drift away, both physically and mentally. There was harmony. My body, soul and mind was in instant connection. I had found the critical zone.

A few hours later I woke up. The sun had set and the missus was back from work (?). I headed up a little to hasty, trying to establish local and time. That's when I realized that I have a lot still to learn about Siestas. They shouldn't be terminated that abruptly, but more with a gentle varm touch. They should lead into a soft-spoken contemplative mindset accompanied by a glas of Cava and some Tapas.

I still have som much yet to learn about the life of slacking and it's many hidden secrets. But as any eager student I've to be both patient and disciplined to find out what so many have been searching for but failed to find.

And Then There Was Sun

2005-02-22T19:09:00.000-08:00

It's been raining like no tomorrow for the past few days. But today the sky is blue and the sun is shining.

My second cold for the year is getting much better. I'm still trying to figure out why I got hit so bad. I suspect it's due to my complete relaxation since taking time off. The body felt that I put my guard down and the bacteria saw the opportunity for a second run. It's how short interests act in an overbought market - getting ready to kill you.

Anywho, with the new surround, lots of movies and a fridge full of goddies I've been doing fine. Today I'll start on my relaxploration program for the next few weeks.

Rules Of Engagement

2005-02-21T19:38:00.000-08:00

There has to be rules to this slacking madness; something that guides me through the rough sea of leisure life and random daily choirs.

1. Don't wear a watch to measure time but to look good. Time is unimportant. Looking good is everything.
2. Sleep in. Have siestas. Nod off. Pass out.
3. Avoid multi-tasking. Focus on the task at hand which could be doing nothing. Multi-tasking is stupefying.
4. Have the phone turned off except for when having Safeway deliveries. [You have to let the guy in.]
5. Follow interesting subject threads and see where they lead. Take time to explore.
6. Turtle-walk when getting the mail or the WSJ. Absolutely no running, young man.
7. Instead of driving, take a cab for city destinations. Free your mind from all the decision-making.
8. Embrace your passion and dig deep. Construct and deconstruct. Find out how things really work. Only to satisfy your own obscure curiosity.
9. Roll the dice. Take chances. Go all in when the odds are in your favor.
10. View the world with 80% humor and 20% compassion.

And Out Goes The TiVo

2005-02-18T19:13:00.000-08:00

Our new TiVo turned out to be a lemon and is now on it's way back to where it came from (land of mediocrazy?). The whole experience was very damaging to my relaxational program. I spend 4 sweaty hours trying to figure out what I had done wrong in connecting the set-top box.

I finally understood that it wasn't me but the box. But that took a lot of fiddling since I'm stubborn and fairly good at tech. A leathal combination in this case that delayed my lunch with 2 hours as well as got my heart rate up to unhealthy levels.

I called customer care and I think the lady who answered was happy that there was a phone line between us. She wanted to know what actually didn't work with the TiVo. What? Well if I only knew. She succeeded in turning my well-known sarcasm into sardonism within milliseconds.

At that point I was far from eager to play and just wanted to know where I could dump this piece of s**t. She further pissed me off by refusing to pay for the return shipment. Hmm, I buy their product online, it doesn't work and I have to pay for the return? Seriously, it took several inner mental exercises including saying the word WOOSA before I could return to close down the conversation - in a polite manner. Hmm, who am I kidding.

So now I'm rethinking the design of our home entertainment center. I might come back to the TiVo solution but don't hold your breath.

Waiting For TiVo

2005-02-17T10:39:00.000-08:00

I got my new rear satellite speakers and the new TiVo delivered yesterday. I've been waiting eagerly for my new slack toys, like a kids longing for Christmas. They arrived 5.35pm yesterday and I've been cutting wires and fiddling with setup menus since then. I still have a few hours to go until the TiVo is 100% functional and ready to record TV shows without any disturbing ads.

But the 5.1 surround system is now alive and kickin'. I test drove it yesterday and used Star Wars IV and Bad Boys II to show the magic to the missus. She looked overwhelmed, as I would imagine our neighbors did. That's right, the kid is back in town and ready to turn the funk up.

Now it's time for my elevensis (smoked bacon and eggs) and "The Game" with Michael Douglas. I guess wanting routine is a human habit.

It Was Easier Than I Thought

2005-02-15T21:00:00.000-08:00

I couldn't in my wildest dreams (oh boy, do I have WILD dreams) imagine that slacking was that easy. I took it to the extreme the first day: we missed our 8 o'clock flight to Albuquerque with a solid half hour. So what! Let's take the 11 o'clock flight and have a Bloody Mary drink-off to kill off some time, I told the missus.

The past few days have been a fantastic journey back in time, almost back to college. I have slept in, had numerous Margaritas, read books and enjoyed extended afternoon siestas. Every evening has been spent at a new cocktail party in the art community of Taos, New Mexico. Sipping drinks and chatting with artists, donors, collectors and a general audience of connoisseurs and retirees.

I feel very confident to say that I outperformed all retirees I met in Taos this weekend. Noone came even close to kickback like I did. And everyone of them was at least 25 years my senior. This slacking off business is much easier than I thought.

The Journey Has Begun

2005-02-11T05:49:00.000-08:00

It's too early in the morning. Our flight leaves at 8am PST from SFO to Denver and then further to Albuquerque right after lunch time. I can already envision the awesome Margaritas at the Pink Adobe in Santa Fe.

I had a fabelous drive from work yesterday. All packed up and with the top down. It was around 60 degrees all the way up to the city. Spring was in the air. I was amazingly comfortable with staying in lane two and three in about 65-75 mph. That's pretty unusual but I think I subconsciously wanted to extend the pleasure that 280 has given me over the past 2.5 years. I did hit it on the entry strip by Apple. Hard to resist sometimes. The roar the engine creates in those moments is pure passion!

Hmmm, lemme see - the boots are on, the buckle shines and the cigars are packed. Yes, honey - I AM ready!

Count Down

2005-02-10T07:39:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning to a beautiful blue sky, watching the sunrise color all the buildings to the west. The Golden Gate Bridge was clear from fogg and looked like on fire. A smaller sailboat passed under the bridge. An adventure has begun.

I feel like it's the last day of school before summer vacation. I got my grades and I'm ready to go. My bags are packed and the bank account emptied. I'm on a road to exploretation. When I look out over San Francisco I get the same exhilirating feeling as when I visited Paris for the first time (on my own) more than 15 years ago. I can smell the scent of a new beginning, of a new time, almost a new era.

I was asked yesterday how I planned to spend the next 90 days. The point of taking a break is NOT to conform to working life by planning, executing, beating deadlines and wearing a crisp drycleaned shirt.

But I know one thing, the next time I'm on my way south early in the morning it will be to catch some waves. And maybe while ripping it up I'll just fall in love with the sea all over again and decide to become a marin biologist or a deep sea skipper. Wouldn't that be something!

I'm Taking Some Time Off

2005-02-09T14:08:00.000-08:00

I'm taking 3-months off and am more psycked than when I blast past Mini-Vans in my sportscar doing 110 mph . The roar, brother, the roar!

The plan is to do-be-do absolutely nothing that could be accused of creating any tangible or intangble value. After close to 10 years in the Internet industry and 5.5 years with Yahoo! it's time for a short breather. I need to get energized for the next phase of the Internet revolution.

The first plan of slack attack is spending this weekend in Santa Fe and Taos, New Mexico, with family friends. I'm not promising anything but I might go after the world Margarita chugging record.

¡Ariba, abajo, por el centro, por el dentro!