What I have done is decided to quit my job.  I worked at Belkin for about six years and it was an incredible ride.  I was able to work with some great people as well as grow professionally and personally by leaps and bounds.  This job more than any other, was intertwined with my personal life.  I started dating my current wife (there’s only been one) a week before I started at Belkin, six years ago.

Leaving was a real difficult decision and painful as hell.  Also given that this current economy is so horrific, I wasn’t sure it was a good idea to quit at this point.  But I did what I had to do and am happier for it.

I am currently a student at USC getting a MS in Organizational Development.  I may decide to roll it up to a PhD but dude, that’s a five year commitment full time.  I like books and stuff, but that’s taking it to a new level.  I mean, I read Playboy and Maxim.

Now I am spending a ton more time with Buddy as he grows into early manhood. 

Also what I’ve found is that given my 15 years experience in technology, investment management and consumer products, I know a ton of people.  And these tons of people all want to work with me and feel like I can add value somewhere.  So I am going to start evaluating the different opportunities I have cooking and focus on the ones that have the best prospects.  Whatever way I go, it’s gonna be interesting.  Luckily I have a great wife who supports me emotionally and more importantly financially.

All this stuff was discussed and agreed upon over breakfast before getting away to Los Angeles.  We hit up the Hash House A-Gogo which is a popular breakfast eatery in San Diego.  The two most defining characteristics of this restaurant are (a) long ass lines (b) huge ass portions.

We started off with a “Hot Chocolate”, I think it cost $2.50.

Also a Coffee with cream, also $2.50, I think.

I ordered the “Andy’s Sage Fried Chicken” served with Fresh Spinach, Hardwood Smoked Bacon, Market Tomato, Gridled Mozzarella, Chipotle Cream and Scrambled Eggs.  This was a crazy eggs benedict dish and cost $14.95.  I could only finish a third of it.  But It was terrific.

My wife got the “HH Famous Meatloaf” which consisted of roasted red peppers, fresh spinach and smoked mozzarella.  It was da bomb.  My wife loves meat loaf and this was perfect for her.  I think she finished about half.  This cost $12.95.

My spiritual guidance counselor ordered the “House Smoked Salmon” served with fresh asparagus, sundried tomatoes, chili cream and two basted eggs.  It was great.  This cost $11.95.

“Flapjacks: Mango Coconut” costing $7.95

“Waffles: Sausage Waffles” costing $7.95

“French Toast” that was griddled French toast dipped in banana cinnamon cream, w/ pecan maple syrup.  Yummy, this cost $9.95.