Day 9

Well we beat Estonia 3-0 last night on a couple of assists from Beckham. It’s good to have him back, he has had assists on 3 of the last 4 goals. We should have never released him to the U.S.



Yesterday was like a day back in the United States. Russ Becker was here, Jay Butler was here, Jonathan Stec was here, and I believe that Rudy was in Piccadilly. If ever there was a good day to get into a fight, yesterday was a good day…I had a posse here. Everyone says “allo”.



It has been overcast for the last couple of days, but very little rain. The temperature is 75 degrees, but the prospects for the weekend are sunny and 80. There are two beaches that are 1 ½ hour ride on the tube, not exactly the same as driving the BMW that you worked hard you whole life to drive, with the sunroof open, Frappicino in hand, to the shore on the weekend…but it will do.



I renewed my Oyster card this morning, and that felt pretty good. The Oyster card is like a pass for the tube system. Last time here, I would go up to the windows and buy day passes and then ask what train I would take, but now I have the Oyster card…like a real Londoner. You just kind of walk through the turnstile, put the pass on the magnetic pad, and walk through at a brisk pace(nose turned up at the day passers). I am, consistently getting on the right trains, and today a well-dressed Frenchman asked me if he was on the right train. He then asked me if I had dinner plans, so I am not sure if he really needed directions, but I felt like a native for a brief moment nevertheless.



My belt is fine. I have black shoes on today, so I, of course, have the black side showing.



Tomorrow I have a 4:00 with TMP Worldwide which I am pretty excited about. This could be a great opportunity for us, and the rep I am going with is a real up-and-comer, and it should be a great meeting. The team is responding very well to the changes, and seem to be very engaged. Next Tuesday is the big meeting where the entire plan is rolled out. Those of you who were here when I did this presentation a couple of years ago, will remember the type of presentation. Very, very exciting. I truly couldn’t have asked for better response and acceptance to suggestions, as well as engagement, candor, and involvement in the meetings. Time here has been well spent. This is a very talented team!



I should also say that I have had some great phone meetings with many of you, and if we convert the large prospects out there, we should break a record…and as we know, one is in(Handsome Phil’s).



After Tuesday, I will be asking a handful of you to become involved in meetings, so stay tuned. I hope everyone is well. I miss you all, and look forward to seeing you soon.



JV