Keeping The Vision In Front Of Me!

Interval training is hard as...MUY HARD!!!

Not a long workout today, but pushed it pretty good. Felt good, though it was definitely a climb.

Going to be doing a LIVE Stream broadcast of a tournament again tonight at 7pm on www.Kickgen.com from the New England Open. Supposed to be an appearance by an American Idol finalist too...pretty cool.

We have been working around the clock the past few days on everything. Going into this final 30 days (in the next couple of days) is kinda trippin' me out! I feel like there is still so much to do, and time just keeps clicking away. We will do this though, no doubt whatsoever! From the beginning I have said that no matter what comes of it, just to be doing this and to have my family supporting me and cheering me on along the way has shown me that I am already the Champion!!!

To boot, I have had so many friends like you come along side me and lift my arms in this battle and encourage me, and even get in my face when necessary. Together we are showing the world that anything can be overcome, anyone can bounce back - even when "experts" tell you there is no way.

I just keep the vision in front of me (literally...I have a US Open poster in my face every time I sit at this computer) and keep reminding myself why I am doing this: To honor my God, to care for this body of mine, to overcome the biggest hurdle I have had yet, for my wife, for my two boys, for my family and friends all over the world.

I hope you can come to the event, not even really to see me though that would be welcome, but to be inspired by some of the most amazing and talented people on the planet! I kid you not, these martial artists are the best in the world and to be around them, hanging out with them, watching the limits they have pushed...there is nothing like it. Check out www.usopen-karate.com for info on attending.

I spent some time last night writing and just staring at the stars...it was good to do some mental detox and realize just how big this universe we live in is. I am simply a part, you are simply a part...but together we can change and conquer anything!

Have fun and check us out on www.Kickgen.com tonight at 7pmest if you get a chance. Live chat open to everyone, so see ya there!

Memorial Day Observed...Thank You!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!



More about the "Why" of this Quest...

It Has Begun!
http://questfortheusopen.blogspot.com/2009/04/it-has-begun.html

A Warrior Rises...A Father Becomes A Hero!
http://questfortheusopen.blogspot.com/2009/04/warrior-risesa-father-becomes-hero.html

My Coach...
http://questfortheusopen.blogspot.com/2009/04/very-big-announcementintroducing.html

The Event...
http://www.usopen-karate.com

My community of martial arts friends...
http://www.kickgen.com

Rest Day Recovered and Busy Saturday!

Sitting at breakfast yesterday a.m. (Friday) I realized something that made my whole day...I MISSED A REST DAY ON THURSDAY!

At first I was like, "Dang it! I missed a rest day again!" Then I was like, "YES! That means I get one today!"

Just in case you were wondering, I thoroughly enjoyed my rest day! Back to the grind early Saturday a.m. Train early, Farmer's Market for some fresh goodies, probably another round of training, and then on to a Graduation Par-tay and UFC...

Update on my injury from last week: doing pretty well for the most part. If I feel any twinge of pain at all, I just back off. For now everything seems to be firing on all 8. Made me sweat there for a couple of days, but thankfully I have a good team of people around me making sure I don't do anything stupid (other than bike 10 miles in a deluge of rain!)

Holly is changing my nutrition schedule around slightly and Michael and I are revamping the training routine again. Can't get into a slump or a plateau at this point. Also probably taking a trip to South Florida this week to meet up with Lauren Kearney (www.laurenkearney.com) my coach and tighten up some technique.

Getting close, people, getting close. I hope to see many of you at the event in July! Go to www.usopen-karate.com for info on the event...

Some shut-eye for now and up and at 'em for a busy day!

The Challenge...The Misery!

Here's a vid in the middle of training for the U.S. Open, and more specifically doing the daily duties of my new training challenge set forth by Holly, my wife and all-consuming manager (see yesterday's post). It's pretty raw as we captured it on a cell phone on the fly, and I was already so tired I was slurring my speech and was soaking wet from this non-stop rain here in Orlando. It was miserable...cue the violins...




At this point, we have finished our forms training for the day staying on track for the challenge of a minimum of 5,000 before the U.S. Open. All I can say is I am not doing well right now...I will catch all of you LATER!

The links I mention in the video, by the way, are:
This site: www.QuestForTheUSOpen.blogspot.com (please share)
The U.S. OPen: www.usopen-karate.com
And where I write daily motivation and martial arts oriented material: www.Kickgen.com
Of course, you can also reach me on Fb and at www.twitter.com/dougmcgannon

Hope I can still feel my feet in the a.m.
Doug out.

P.S. - the bigger point here is that you (and I) can accomplish anything we set our minds to...got a dream? Go For It! Ok...now...Doug out!

Rock You Like A Hurricane...The 10,000 Challenge!

The rains could not stop us! Michael and I worked out in the rain today (it got real messy), and at one point "Rock You Like A Hurricane" popped up on my iPod. Thought that was funny! Rain or Shine, Hurricane or Drought...gotta' keep going. If you are living any where near Central Florida you know the rain has not stopped for two days straight.

It was cold at first working out outside. Kinda reminded me of when I raced triathlon/biathlons in Northern Georgia one winter. Got through the run portion and my teammates said I had something hanging off of my face. Icicles had frozen on my face and hair while running. CHI-LLY!

Can't stop for the weather though. Too little time, too much to do. The rain can be energizing though, especially when you love water like I do. Twas a little scary at one point as my front tire started hydroplaning during the bike ride...thought I was a goner for sure.

As for the challenge I was given last night during my date night with Holly...

She has taken over all the logistics of my training. Talking with sponsors, working with schedules, and making all kinds of things happen. We were talking through some training options and concerns and I mentioned how I was working through 1000 run-throughs of my kata (form) between now and the U.S. Open. She looked at me and said, "That's nothing! I want you to up it to 10,000!" At first, I thought she was joking...she wasn't. Then I told her she was out of her mind...she isn't. Then she leveled with me and said she knew I could push further than 1000 and she expected me to give everything I've got to the end...win or lose...nothing left on the table here!

We talked about it some more, and I began to think through it, remaining silent. When I got home I did some calculating. I would be doing kata 12.5 hours a day to accomplish 10,000. I showed it to her and we began to talk about what level was the minimum level I would have to train at in order to really be a contender.

We agreed that 10,000 was a goal to shoot for, but considering the time left we wanted to be realistic. She said she would accept anything over 5,000 prior to the U.S. Open, but to go as far past it as possible. We are still talking over 4 hours a day JUST ON A SINGLE FORM!!!
To be sure, this is not an unacceptable request in the scope of achieving Mastery. Regardless of what number I hit before the U.S. Open, I will continue afterward until reaching 10,000.

Before that, I've some real work to do. To boot, I must complete 10,000 repetitions in something else that is related to my training. Grrrr...

This is in addition to preparing for the other events I will compete in AND continuing my physical workouts for weight loss and general well-being AND my time committed to mental work AND working AND being a father and a husband AND sleeping AND brushing my teeth AND the time it is going to take to remind myself of how crazy I am for even attempting all this...you get the point!

I think it definitely worth it and necessary though. After all, to be a Champion, one must go farther than anyone else is willing to go, to do more, to study more, to practice more, to risk more, to sacrifice more...

Michael looked at me at the end of the conversation and said, "Well, if you really want it, you've got to do what it takes and this is worth it and it can be done." I was kinda' hoping he would be on my side, but he chose Holly's side in this...guess that's what a good training partner is for!

Wise words from my 17-year old training partner and one of my three closest friends in the world.

Nuff said!

P.S. - No wait, one more thing...HELP!

Back in Orlando...Almost Hit By Car (twice)...Into The Final Stretch Here!

Back in Orlando now...Gator Nationals was awesome, and I had a great time meeting some of you there. I have to admit, I relaxed on my eating plan slightly while there, and I didn't do as much as I would have liked in the area of actual training, but I think it was good nonetheless in terms of resetting mentally and giving my body another chance to catch up with itself.

Lauren and I had the opportunity to do some live broadcasting of the main events Saturday night during Kickgen.com's live stream of the event. It was pretty raw (we didn't plan anything, just went with it...) but it was a lot of fun and we have received some great feedback. Looks like there is more of that to come.

While working out today I was almost hit twice by two numbskull drivers who decided they had no reason to pay attention to the rule of law while on the road. That kind of stuff drives (no pun intended) me nuts... PEOPLE! Obey traffic laws and watch out for bikers and pedestrians!!! One of the guys just smiled at me and waved his fingers around his head like he was admitting he was a dummy...um, YEAH!

Working out today was light, and as soon as I was finished the storms rolled in. I laid down with the little guy to get him to take a nap. Ends up, he stayed awake and ran off to play and I was out for a few hours apparently! I have lost a bunch of sleep this past week with the injury, stuff going on at work, and trying to integrate new schedules, so I hope I'm nearly caught up now.

This weekend gave me an opportunity to relax, enjoy some great competition, meet some really amazing people and look forward to hitting training hard and heavy again. We are almost there friends. The US Open is right around the corner, and what I saw this weekend in terms of competition is no laughing matter. This weekend also helped me see how serious some people around me are about this Quest for the U.S. Open. Lot of open eyes for me over the past few days.

I need nothing short of a miracle to step on the mat with these people (my competition). One thing I realized though...I belong in the U.S. Open. I am meant to stand next to these men and women in competition. I have full belief that I can do this and do it well. I want to be worthy of it, so I will continue to train hard and focus like a crazy-man.

Getting some technology on board to make this blog better is slow-going right now, but I'm ok with it as training and preparing for the Open takes priority. If it takes a few more days or a week in order to train properly, I'm ok with that. Remember, I'm doing this with just me and a couple of other people physically helping me do things, and there will probably be fewer people the closer I get to the Open. It's just the nature of things...in the end, only I can stand on the mat and do what must be done. If there are those who don't take this seriously enough to put in the resources needed, or simply cannot go on further with me on this Quest...so be it, I'm ok with that too.

It's time to cut all excess loose and begin the final race to the finish line, so to speak. The U.S. Open is July 3-4, and there is a lot more work to do to prepare for it.

I thank you for your prayers and support, and I hope to see as many of you as possible at the Open or along the way on this Quest.

Here we go, folks...raise the torch...let's finish this race!!!

Holy Gnat, Batman! + Injury Update...

It must have been in the thousands...swarms and swarms of gnats tonight while working out. I mean, random, sudden bursts of gag-reflexing gnats out of nowhere like thousands of enemy battleships defending what, apparently, they think is their homeland...against me, on the way to the U.S. Open.

Aaaaahhhhhhh!

We just couldn't get away from the little things. Every once in a while I would take a chance to take in a deep breath (before I passed out from holding my breath) and SCHWOOOOZZZZSH! Mouth full of gnats. I was coughing up gnats, blowing them out of my nose, wiping them out of my eyes, and even digging them out from under my headphones! I wear board shorts to workout in and at one point I thought they were flying up my shorts...almost ran off the flippin' road at that point...terrifying!

They lie in wait, I tell you. Strategically picking off their prey... I can't stand 'em...enough of them.

On to more critical items...

Injury update: I did a full workout today/tonight, but only about 80% intensity (better than Monday and yesterday). Still small traces of the pain that set in earlier this week, but nothing like it was. It has caused some trouble sleeping a few nights this week, but I think I am catching up there. I have been receiving treatments each day and using hydrotherapy, stretching, massage, and other light therapies to help.

It was a bit scary, not knowing what was happening. But I think I am on the mend fully and should be back to full capacity following Gator Nationals this weekend. (btw...my friends over at www.Kickgen.com will be streaming live part of this event this weekend. Check out their website for some more info and tune in to some amazing martial arts action! My coach Lauren Kearney www.LaurenKearney.com will be there too.)

The worst thing for me this week is that I have missed a lot of time working my kata (martial arts form), and self-defense techniques. I am going to try and make up some time the next couple of days in that area, but without pushing too hard.

I had also felt like I hit a transition just before this happened where I was really beginning to burn a lot more bodyfat each day and was beginning to see some significant results. I don't think I lost my ground there, but the momentum has shifted and it will take a few days to build that back up again.

The important thing is that I am still going forward and overcoming this. This is part of what this Quest is about...overcoming those things that have kept me back for so many years, and doing things that other "experts" said I would never do again.

I am learning so much about me, my art, my body, and my relationships through all of this and these things are definitely worth it. I can honestly say I have already won, and we are still just under two months out (that is scary all to itself!).

Thank you so much for the support, encouragement, and prayers. Keep them coming and I hope we can all show the world what living a life of a Champion is really about together. You, after all, are a HUGE part of the Quest team and I love that we are accomplishing this together.

I spoke with the guy/company who is designing our shirts, and he says he will have something soon, so I hope to unveil the official "Quest for the U.S. Open" shirt mucho fast!

Do me a favor and pass the word along to your friends about this Quest and the U.S. Open. I would love to make some more friends along the way and hopefully inspire even more people to live the extraordinary life!

Transformations...

It's about transformation...at every level!

When I began this Quest, I wasn't thinking in terms of, "Ooh, a tournament, cool...", and I wasn't thinking in terms of trophies, awards, recognition, etc. As a matter of fact, I braced for the most intense amount of ridicule. I prepared myself for people who would make promises and not deliver, for those who wouldn't believe in me, and for those who would say there was no way. I was prepared to lose a lot...sacrifice...whatever necessary to pursue this Quest.

I've experienced all that and more (and most of it nobody but me and my wife and sons know about), but as I was finishing up training this morning with a stint in the pool I just began to realize more than ever that I would have to be like the water. Flexible. Fluid. The most powerful force on earth when necessary, but also nurturing, healing, and calm.

It hasn't been easy so far, and it won't get any easier leading up to the U.S. Open in July, but I must remain flexible and fluid, powerful and and at peace, for I know the Quest I have embarked upon is worth it.

This is about so much more than "just a tournament". This is about transformation. The transformation of me, my outlook, my perceptions, my abilities, my skill levels, my family, my future...you get the point. But it goes beyond me, it affects everyone around me and even those I don't know about. That is why I must continue on and reach to heights that would be considered worthy of the U.S. Open...worthy of the Martial Arts...worthy of...everything that is meaningful to me and to those who are supporting me.

This transformation runs deep, and any time you engage such a process, you better be ready for fire. As the fires rage, I must constantly remind myself to be like the water, that I can get through this, I can succeed!

New Phase of Training...My Training Routine...And Meeting A Fellow "Quest-er"

I spoke to my coach Lauren Kearney (http://www.laurenkearney.com/) briefly yesterday and we are on track for the next phase of my training. I am switching up my physical workouts this week in order to push past the plateaus I am reaching physically, and then she is leading me into some specific training on my katas and martial arts side of things. I'm looking forward to it, but I have to admit that I am a bit nervous too. I haven't been training hard and heavy in katas for a couple of years, and I know it will all come back to me (as it has in the past few weeks doing to bit that I have) but this is a very different level and I will be blazing into some new territory with what she has to teach me. Above all, I am excited and motivated moving into this new phase.

A few people have asked me about my training routine...stuff like, "When do you train?" "What do you do during your workouts?" "Where do you train?" "What are you eating or not eating?" "Is it easy?" (I always chuckle when I hear that one...) I have answers to all these questions, but I'll be honest and say I don't have a lot of time to fish out that type of info in great detail right now. I am however keeping notes and journals and details of my plans and will compile them for people to see soon. Right now, I have to focus on this singular task: Preparing ME for the U.S. Open.

With that said, I can give you some brief insight into my world. I train 6-days a week, with one rest day, and one "cheat" day mixed in as far as diet/eating is concerned. Even on my "rest" day I do something light, like walking, to keep my body "talking" and on the "cheat" days for eating, I don't go crazy. Maybe one meal is a former favorite, but slimmed down and then I work through the rest of the day wisely. Make sense? My meals are planned out for me and I simply eat what is given me most of the time. It's a very specific mix of foods and nutrition based on what I need and how much I need of everything to meet the demands of what my body is going through.

As far as physical training goes...I do a lot of bodyweight exercises, biking, walking, some weightlifting (but careful with that and not much), various other forms of cardio...things like yoga mixed in, as well as a lot of my basics in martial arts training...oh, and a lot of breathing exercises. That's really a snapshot as it is all scheduled out and strategically evaluated each week.

I play a lot too. That's right...play! I believe big time in the art and benefits of "Play". I will definitely explain that in future posts and when I make available my stuff in organized form, but "playing" is such an important part of life period and really breaks the "stress" of what I am trying to do here. It is strategic though, make no mistake about it.

Mentally I do a lot of training too. As a "Mind Coach" I know full well that what is going on in the coconut up top is a huge key to success and/or failure. I do a lot of visualization, meditation, journaling, reading, filtering, mental stress-management (my wife is a Certified Holistic Stress Management Coach - so I learn from her), and praying...praying not the least of what is on that list I assure you...especially when I start thinking about what a "Crazy" I am for even thinking about taking on this Quest. It is no small mountain that I am climbing here.

Keep in mind, everything changes weekly, and sometimes daily depending on the heights (or valleys) I am reaching in my training, so I am never bored in all of this. The fun part of this is that I see results daily. Little ones most of the time, but those add up over the course of a week or beyond. Some days I see big results, like I talked about in yesterday's post about my legs while biking, so results vary. I don't get discouraged about small results as long as I see consistency, and I don't get worked up too much about the biggies either, because the next day I could be in a whole different category and again, I am concerned about consitency.

Hopefully all this helps for now...more in the future for those that are interested.

On another interesting note, I met a fellow Martial Artist yesterday that said he is just beginning his training for the U.S. Open for next year. We chatted for a moment about it and I tried to encourage him and offered him my contact. I hope to meet all kinds of people like that on this Quest. My bigger goal is that somehow all this becomes an inspiration to others to join me in this Quest or jump into their own dreams all the way and make them happen.

So, to the friend I met yesterday just beginning his Quest and to you, I say "Go for it!" Let nothing hold you back...leave nothing to question in the end...where there is no trail - cut your own trail...where there are scoffers and doubters - smile at them as you pass them by...where there are encouragers - listen to them and let them energize you...and don't do this alone - find coaches, family, friends, mentors, and a support system to assist you and guide you along the way...but in the end (or the beginning)... "Go for it!"

Attacked With Swords During Training...

While training today, Nathaniel decided to increase the intensity of my workout. So, while I was doing situps, he proceeded to pound me with his foam swords...these are only a few of the pics as he was literally going all out on me. It was hilarious, but certainly does not make situps any easier. Michael was just sitting there laughing at me...thanks for the help training partner!

Oh, and Holly found this amazing recipe for Chimichanga's (sp?) that were healthy and she made it with the right portion of protein, carbs, and good fats...yum, yum! If you want the recipe, just email me or comment or something, I will be glad to send it to you.

Busy day tomorrow, so it's lights out for now. Hard to believe the U.S. Open is just around the corner...

Personal "Goals" Journal Entry...

As promised, here is a scan of a page in my personal "Goals" notebook. One thing I learned a long time ago, is that you have to write your goals down. Get them out, so to speak. One day I was listing some personal goals and I wrote down a goal to win the U.S. Open and the Disney tournament. Lofty by all accounts...but if it isn't out of reach, it might not be worth reaching for. The "B-HAG's" as we used to call them (Big Hairy Audacious Goals), have to be, well...BIG.

This entry was made a couple of years ago, way before I felt I would even be able to give a hint to the U.S. Open. As a matter of fact, someone had suggested back then to simply attend and enjoy the Opn as a spectator. Pfft. I don't talk to that person anymore...much.

So, you can see - this has been a dream/goal for a while (this entry is just when I wrote it down, it took me several years just to get it from my head to paper...I had been talking about the U.S. Open for a while before this). As for the other goals that are crossed out (for privacy, I gotta save something for another post :)...some have been accomplished, some are in the works...but of interest, 4 out of the entries on that page alone have to do with attaining high levels of training and recognition in the Martial Arts.

Here we go...

P.S. - Today's training was difficult, but good. It was a fast pace, and "heavy" on my body. I was mentally having a tough time aligning myself with training today. Ever have a day when everything seems to just be in the way...annoying? That was my morning. Then to make it worse, I was cut behind my ear and was bleeding like mad! Very frustrating, but engaged the training and came out the better for it...yoga later - woohoo!

Training from my perspective...

Here are a few photos taken from yesterday's training times. I took today off from workouts (still focused on nutrition and some stretching), because I forgot to take my one-day rest earlier this week and began to feel the effects this morning. Took the rest today...picking up again tomorrow and WILL NOT miss my rest day this coming week!

(1) I'm blurry because I'm so flippin' fast...or maybe it's because I'm dizzy...wait, I'm not taking the picture - maybe the photographer is dizzy. I don't know - but notice I am hitting the little black circle in the middle (actually at this point it was probably pure luck...or habit of training...because I was about to pass out from all these punches. What you don't see is that I am in a solid horse stance for these punches...100 at a time, over and over and over...you get the point!)

(2)My view from situp position in the backyard. Situps are my friend...at least, that's what I keep telling myself. I'll tell you for sure after the U.S. Open.

(3)The road ahead of me. Riding some new pavement during the bike ride section of the workout.

(4)O.k., remember that mit with the little black circle. Well, it went flying into the trees during my roundhouse kick portion. It hurt so much to keep kicking I just started getting mad to keep going and ended up with a flying mit a few times. Made me feel like big-tough-karate-man! HA!

(5)This pic is for my sis as she loves these bugs...this little critter flew up next to me the other day while jumproping, etc. and just stayed there through the whole workout...then took off. Kinda freaked me out a couple of times, gotta admit.

Tomorrow a.m. up and at 'em with some full-on workouts. Will work some more on katas/techniques tomorrow too. Plan is the have some yoga tomorrow evening. Don't laugh if you've never done yoga or think it's "girly"...yoga can kick anyone's butt...go ahead, I dare you!

I will also scan and post a small entry from my goals notebook from a couple of years ago. I carry it around everywhere with me inside my journal. After reviewing some things from the past...found it very interesting what I came across.

A Warrior Rises...A Father Becomes A Hero

Tonight I got alone and pushed. Pushed mentally, physically, spiritually. I know I will need to push more in the days ahead, but I went further than normal tonight. It's step one in raising the intensity of my training. And yes, this is much more than a physical pursuit of excellence. It is very much...as much...mental and spiritual as well.

Here's what I know...my opponents are digging deep. I must dig deeper. Not simply to try and match them...but to dig deeper inside me, for me, in spite of me. I don't see my opponents as enemies, but as those who would cause me to go farther than I ever have, and to overcome more than I ever have. They will make me better. Better will not be good enough, though. The Best will. That won't come from them. "Best" can only come from me.

A constant theme coursing through my mind tonight was that of a Warrior rising. Rising to meet the task set ahead of him...regardless of that task, it must be met. For now, my task is the preparation for and engagement of the U.S. Open. I must maintain a laser-focus on this task.

Holly, my wife, told me last night that my oldest son, Michael, is proud of me for doing this...that I was his hero, and he loved being here every step of the way for me and with me through all of this. Can I just say this...I want to make my son proud...and if he sees me as his hero, I have already won so many battles...on so many different levels. If a father and son can tread through blood, sweat, and tears (and there have been all of those already), and walk through both the fire of trial and the sweetness of triumph, and together rise to meet this challenge (in the society and world in which we live) - and I be called his hero by his own accord...is there anything else that can be said!?

Goodnight...I am going to spend some time with my son before bed.

A Very Big Announcement...Introducing...

As I told you in my last post...I have some very exciting news. When I began this Quest for the U.S. Open, it was me and my immediate family looking at a very big and daunting challenge in front of us. It still is! The reality is this: you cannot do something like this by yourself. Even though I had my family behind me, I knew it was going to take much more to achieve champion-level results. That meant I needed people around me who could take me to where I needed to go physically, technically, mentally, and otherwise. One of the biggies is I needed a coach - a Martial Artist - who could say, "been there, done that, and brought back the goodies..." Know what I mean...?

Well, not too long ago I began writing inspirational content for an amazing online Martial Arts community - http://www.kickgen.com/ - and a good friend at http://www.kickgen.com/ introduced me to the person who has agreed to coach me on this journey.

I have the greatest honor and privilege of announcing that World Champion Martial Artist Lauren Kearney has graciously agreed to provide me with the necessary coaching to prepare me for the U.S. Open in July.

Lauren Kearney, to me, is a Champion of Champions in both Martial Arts and Life! I have watched her compete in the past, and she is the type of person you watch and say, "One day...one day...I would like to reach to that level!" She has been involved in Martial Arts for many years, holds numerous titles (including the U.S. Open), and is a member of the esteemed Team Paul Mitchell competition team. Lauren is the BEST ladies and gentlemen, and it is a GIFT to have an opportunity to learn from her during this time.

I would like to ask you to learn more about Lauren, her accomplishments and what she is up to these days by visiting her site http://www.laurenkearney.com/.

This puts an enormous amount of pressure on me (in a good way) to really go to the extremes in this Quest. Thanks Lauren for even considering this, and better yet for giving of your time and expertise to me and this Quest. And thanks to http://www.kickgen.com/ for introducing us and putting this part of this in motion.