Preparing for our own Golden Globe Awards

This is a picture from our first "awards gala"---Rufus' Baby Dedication celebration in Maryland last fall. We had the help of both sides of our family to pull off this ceremony. And now we're gearing up for our next "awards banquet"--Rufus' first birthday party.

My husband made the comment last night when he was talking with one of his clients. He said, "You'd think we were planning for the Golden Globe Awards with all the things going on around here." And he's probably correct. From the painters who had to touch up the trim on the roof to the party supply company scheduled to deliver the tent and chairs tomorrow, everyday is full of "To Do" items that need to get done before the party kicks off on Saturday afternoon.

With all the friends and family planning to come, I'm going to have to take some preventive measures to alert my neighbors about the onslaught of people, cars and activity scheduled for Saturday. Because, we happen to live in a very quiet pseudo-retirement community with more people working now for pleasure and not for necessity. They're probably not used to seeing so many people come out for a child's first birthday party...but Rufus is something special. He's not only our first born but he's the first grandchild on both sides of the family....so whatever he does is going to be big!!

So Friday, I'm going to make my rounds around the neighborhood with little Rufus to invite all to the party and to prepare them for the celebration to come.

I'll keep you posted on the developments.

Traci....Little Rufus' mom!

I'm Back From Japan

I went to Japan to "corner" for one of my friends and training partners, Jeff Monson. Jeff was a former client of mine and now we train together and he had a huge fight in Japan, which he won.

Now I'm back home and we are planning for Rufus' birthday party. His birthday was on the 5th, but his party is this weekend on the 14th. We had to plan it this way because one of my Aunts had her birthday party last weekend and I was out of town.

While in Japan I did some great stuff. I went to the Kodokan, which is a very famous judo institute where many people from around the world go to visit and train. I also went to the Tokyo Dome rode on the roller coaster and did some sightseeing. It was loads of fun.

I had to do something so I wouldn't feel like a complete loser since I wasn't home for my son's and my wife's birthday. I had to keep my mind off the fact that I missed his first birthday. And although I wasn't home for my wife's birthday, my parents were in town, so that was good.

(I don't think my parent knew how tight they were holding my son in this picture :-) )

Take care, until next time.....

Rhadi Ferguson