I feel like I owe you an apology, as I've been out of touch for a few weeks; and I've been getting a number of emails and calls asking me "What's Up?"

Well, I'm not one for excuses. As my old Navy Chief Wagner said: "Excuses are like @$$-holes; everyone's got one and they all stink!"

However, I want to share with you the reason I've been out of touch for the past few weeks.

I wish I could say that I've enjoyed a great relaxing vacation out on some beach far from email, cell phones, and domestic beer; but that wouldn't be the truth.

The fact is that I've been laid up with a horrible, debilitating injury.

Back when I was in the Navy, I was involved in a training accident and ruptured a couple discs in my lower back. In the middle of a drill, I felt a "pop" and my legs collapsed from under me. I was unable to get up. At that point, it was three weeks before I could walk. After about a year-and-a-half of re-hab, I was able to walk again with only a little pain. However, I lost 40% of the nerve sensation in my left leg, and it's never come back. In the following years, physical therapy and treatment got me moving again; but every now and then, the injury rears up and shows its ugly head.

About 8 weeks ago, I started having back pain again. I went to my regular Doctor and Chiropractor, and started treatment & therapy; but it wasn't helping.

In fact, the pain is getting worse.

I did manage to make it on a fishing trip with my Dad and brother up in Canada; but endured a tremendous amount of pain. Each morning we took the boat out on the open ocean; and with each wave we bumped into, it felt like lightening bolts of pain were radiating up my spine and down my legs.

Despite my pain, we had a great time, and managed to catch a bunch of salmon, halibut and rock fish.

Our guide & host, Wayne Bazen, (Winter Harbor Lodge & Charters) is a super guy, and really knows how to put his clients on fish.

In fact, I even learned a thing or two about marketing on the trip; and I'll be sharing the lessons this week.

Upon returning from Canada, the pain has gotten progressively worse. I've been unable to sit at the computer to type, walk around; you know, basic life stuff. I've been laid up in bed; and even the simplest tasks are extremely painful.

Right now, as I write this, I'm standing at my tall table and typing, as that's the only way I can work right now. Luckily, I can think on my feet!

I hope you and those you love never have to experience pain like this.

At this point, I'm able to get back to work, as my mind has adjusted to a new pain threshold; so I'll be writing again regularly; sharing cutting edge, effective and field tested marketing tips.

While I've been laid up, I've developed some new products and offerings that I'll be sharing with you in the upcoming weeks. With the downturn in the economy, it's even more important to start and maintain your marketing efforts.

Stay tuned to get in on the very special limited offers coming up.

Thank you for your patience and well wishes! As always, I remain:

Dedicated to your practice development,

David Rachford, CPA