Tony Wangrycht

On February 1, 2009, the Arizona Cardinals will hit the turf at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Florida and play the Steelers from Pittsburgh for a chance to win the Vince Lombardi Trophy...a once in a lifetime dream for many of the payers, coaches and team staff.

If you are in the area, there are plenty of parties and Super Bowl sponsored events going on all around Tampa Bay. Most start Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.

The NFL Experience is one of many events that allow interaction from visitors. Kick, throw and catch a football, get autographs signed, watch how they make footballs and collectible cards. Bring money with you, because it's nort cheap, $18.50 for adults, $12.50 for children. A beer will set you back $8.00. You can also purchase all types of collectibles and souvenirs. I attended the first Saturday with my Grandson, and had a blast...it's worth it.

On Monday afternoon, I ran into several of the Steelers at their team hotel, The Intercontinental on Kennedy Blvd, as they were checking in, ( I was visiting with a client in the adjoining office complex). I've never seen so much security, I would have thought that the President was in town.

No matter what the outcome, the Super Bowl here in Tampa is a WIN for our local economy.

Every year in late December I sit down and write a new business plan for the upcoming year. I write down what I have and have not accomplished in the year that's about to expire, as well as what I MUST ACCOMPLISH IN THE NEW YEAR. By doing this, I create my road map as to where I want to be and most importantly, how am I going to get there.

This year as I pondered my past goals, I decided that I needed to prioritize my projects by breaking them into smaller tasks. I needed to realize that some things that I do or need to do during my day requires more attention than others. This year, before I start my day, I take 10-15 minutes while I'm drinking my coffee to strategize my day. So far, it's working.

I also needed to avoid interruptions during my day. In order to do this, I allow my voice mail answer my calls, allowing me to screen them several times throughout the day. Yes, if I'm expecting the important return call, I do pick up. Controlling my interruptions thus far has allowed me to be more productive, thus far.

Most important, I'm known as the "yes guy". I never say no to anyone's request for assistance. That's also changed in 2009.

Most of us have probably broken our resolutions already. I'm trying hard not to break any of the above, and it has allowed me to procrastinate less. The more that I get done, the more that I earn, and earning more definitely motivates me, how about you?

Last night, watching the evening news, they ran a story on "public" officials wanting to ban all types of Holiday displays in their community. Today, I pick up the St. Petersburg Times and there is a story that employees at Florida Gulf Coast University are protesting a ban on Christmas decorations in common spaces on campus. What's up with this.

I grew up in an era where "all" Holiday decorations were enjoyed by all, no matter what color, race or religious beliefs. Over the past several years, I've noticed a trend, where there is more and more outrage on holiday decorations by various groups, due to their beliefs.

The United States of America is a free country, with freedom of speech, so we should all allow groups to display their decorations, as they please. If you have something to say about them, because you don't feel as they do, say it to yourself and let every one else enjoy the diversification of others, where they might learn something; otherwise, I say, let's do away with the Holidays, the after Thanksgiving sales, and pre-holiday this and that. I'm sure at that point the retailers will protest, when their sales are down, and would probably endorse public officials that believe in the AMERICAN Way.

Thank you for letting me share my opinion matter, I just think that things are getting out of hand. There are more important things to worry about.

I was reading today's St. Petersburg Times, and came across a featured story in the Tampa Bay Section, regarding the 30th running of the Turkey Trot.

The running through the streets of Clearwater began in 1979, when Jimmy Carter was the President of the United States. Less than 1000 people took part in the inaugural run. this Thanksgiving Day, more that 16,000, (over 16,600 participated in 2007) will run through Clearwater.

What started as, and is still a fun run, many of the originally runners from 1979 have gotten their children and other family members involved.

The fun begins on Wednesday evening with a kick-off party at Jack White Stadium located at Clearwater High School on Hercules Ave. Then on Thursday morning, before eating theit turkey with all the dressing, followed by pumpkin pie, the 16,000 plus runners will take to the street in either a 5K Run, a 5K Fun run for walkers/joggers and a 1 mile Gobbler fitness/run/walk. AND THEN at 8:30, the 10 K Turkey Trot will begin.

Why do people do this? Well, approximately $30,000 is raised, (last year) and all monies goes to local charities, including West Florida Runners Club Scholarship Programs, Big Brother/Big Sisters of Pinellas County and the Children's Heart Foundation. It's a fun event for all, benefiting good causes.

Check out the St. Petersburg Times or www.tampabay.com/turkeytrot.

If you've read my previous blog on Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo, you know that it is one of my favorite places in the Tampa area to visit, either with my family, or when I'm in between appointments in Tampa, and have time to kill.

Well, this Saturday evening, November 8, 2008, the Zoo, will be holding one of their premier events, ZOOFARI, beginning at 6:30 PM.

What is Zoofari? Zoofari is an eater's paradise. Over 70 of the best Restaurants in Tampa , and the Tampa area, bring out their best dishes for you to sample. I'm talking steak, chicken, pork, pastas and more, not to mention the deserts and drinks, (I'm getting hungry just thinking about all the food).

Prices start at $80.00, ($85.00 the day of the event), and is all inclusive. What a deal for you to sample the food from all those area restaurants that you have been wanting to try, but haven't. It's a great night out, not because of the food, but because of the cause, you'll be supporting one of the Nation's top Zoos, Lowry Park. It's also a good place to meet old and new friends, and to network.

Hope to see you there.