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Coming back the pressure was on at Morgan Stanley to perform, of the class of 205 who trained at the World Trade Center, already 25 % had left through not meeting their quota. I felt my client base was building nicely, but all doubts were put to rest when a little old lady called in who was not happy with her broker. Turns out she was worth a bit of money, and so any job security concerns that I might have had dissipated when her account came on board.

In retrospect, my timing with Morgan Stanley was off. The industry was suffering and I was more interested in a management opportunity than a sales opportunity. Unfortunately the opportunity never presented itself, so I was forced to put the old resume out. This time around I was pleasantly surprised at the interest shown due to the size of my book and client base, but after much soul searching (which was what the trip to San Francisco was about) I decided I had been happiest at George S. May in the project management role, and if circumstances had been different (supportive home environment) I might have stuck it out further with them.

So, I looked around at companies who I would like to join in a project management capacity, and came across Legacy Consulting, where I had known the owners for a number of years, and felt that they had carved a niche in the healthcare information systems market - which showed much promise. Initially they turned me down, but finally I convinced them to give me a try – which is where I still am, 4 months later, in a senior project management role. The work is challenging, and the hours long, but it is rewarding to see it all starting to come together. There is some travel involved (I write this from 33,000 feet en route to Cleveland) but still the flexibility to continue coaching the soccer team…

Which brings me to my favorite subject – soccer! The boys have had a good year, after the Comets fiasco we went back in to recreational soccer, I coached Jason's team (he played an age group up) in Keller, while William experienced a poor role model as a coach (foul the player, take the card but save the goal) – which was an education for him. I did my “National Youth License” in January – which is, as the name suggests, a national license that focuses on youth. Over here the parents are extremely competitive (when I grew up you were a sissy if your parents came to watch you, but here…) The program tries to put the fun and enjoyment back into the game and tries to encourage on-going participation (there is a big dropout in youth sports in the teenage years when mom and dad have less influence!) I considered coaching for other clubs, but after the Comets fiasco decided to do my own thing. The Lions Soccer Club (www.lionssoccerclub.org) evolved from players who we met through indoor and it was rewarding to see it finally coming together – Jason also on the team, playing two age groups up! The team started slow (I was in no hurry, I wanted them taught right! So we sacrificed the first half of the season to learn some defense. The latter half of the year we won 4 out of the last 5 games, so the team were really starting to look good. We ended the season with a trip to a tournament in San Antonio where they lost one, drew one, and the one they won was against a team in a higher division than they currently play!

I also took up refereeing – and have enjoyed learning that side of the game. It is much tougher than it looks – that much I can tell you! I spend the first half of the year doing the Classic League (top boys teams), and then had an ankle injury, so took it east for a while before getting back in to it with a few games in the Plano league and a few tournaments.

Still playing as well, managing the Strays men's over 30 team – we were pushed up to the 2nd division, so still out there having fun! Always amazed at how tiring the indoor game is – quick bursts of energy and then into the box to catch a break! The latest game we play is – wait for it 11:59PM!!! As manager I am my usual autocratic self – so we have yet to forfeit a game and “encourage” a turnout to each game.

When I look back at the year, it has been a long hard road – but fortuitous to end it on a good note. I would not wish divorce on my worst enemy, but the good news is that eventually your energy level comes back, the parting from the kids (I am blessed to have joint custody every other week – plus as their soccer coach see them almost every day away!) becomes easier, and the best part is – your house becomes your haven to return to and rebuild your energy after a hard day of work!

That's about it – other than I am off to London to look up some old friends between Christmas and New Year!

Love to all, Brent, William and Jason