New Jersey and New York - first time I have been truly cold as an adult

As we were flying over jersey, the calm sunny views that I was now used to from tampa was replaced by white all over the ground, seen from the plane I landed in Newark, still in shorts. Mo picked me up which was nice, and we went to him. It wasn't too cold, even with the snow around, and I figured thats the way it would be for the rest of the trip. Spoiler: it was not. 

Thursday morning I got to go to YIPC to hear Tan lain (and get an aliyah). Then got a bagel and donut, and headed into the city on a train. In the office, I had some good meetings, went out with Scott to Mr. Broadway (amazing conversations) and did some 1:1s. I left around 4, got to Passaic Station, and walked to Terhune. I changed quickly and walked to Bar Mitzvah. Bar Mitzvah was very fun. the shnitzels were there. There was a fun game that Eli and I came in second in, to Tan and his friend. My bad. But it was fun to see everyone and chill. After the BM, Tan and I went upstairs and played 27 holes of indoor mini golf which I ordered for the kids but we opened ourselves. It was really fun. 

Friday morning I actually slept til 8, got up, went to city and davened there. I really only went in for 2 meetings, I was at Teddy's Pizza by 12:30. From there I got Shiff a present in the store next door, and then played more indoor mini golf with Shosh and Tan. I then went to help bring stuff to Brook. We got ready for shabbat, Mo couldn't believe I didn't have a button down shirt, but it was what it was (tried to fit into his suits but none worked). 

Shabbat was beautiful. The meals were so fun, I was sitting next to some Blus. And the candy and food was delicious, Tif spoke amazingly. Friday night, the walk home, I was legitimately freezing, my ears hurt. 

Shabbat Morning Tan had a moment but ended up reading very nicely. I did PD too fast but it was Gabbai's fault for getting the math wrong. While tan was reading haftarah, I passed out the bags, throwing the ones I legitimately could. Felt like I was the t shirt guy at a baseball game. lunch was good, spencer spoke wonderfully. I sat next to Sari and Susan for this meal. Then I took such a great nap. Woke up, was nice to chill. 

Saturday night, Leez and I had to go get some Chicken Cock Bourbon. We drove to cedar grove, got out, and got it. Then Mo and I went to get some delicious Teddys. All Shabbat people had been speaking about the storm coming sunday, but I didn't really know what it meant. I got mikes chicken and leftover chicken that I ate cold the on Sunday which was so helpful because there was no delivery at that point. 

Sunday I woke up to inches piled of snow. I realized I should get to the city before I can't so I got an uber. Was the first time I ever felt I should tip the driver (I didn't but I thought about it). I got to my hotel around 10:30, did some work, and saw that the Harry Potter Play in Times Square was playing at 1. No one else wanted to go, and I didn't really know how I would get there in the blizzard. But at about 11:45, I decided I was ok and not awkward going alone, left the comfort of my room, walked outside, realized it was a dumb idea, walked back inside, realized the reason I thought it was a dumb idea was because I didn't have a baseball hat protecting my face on my beanie, got the baseball hat, walked to the subway, paid to go into the wrong station, got out, paid to go in the correct station, took the train to Times Square, and walked to the box office through the storm (really was crazy). Tickets were only 125$ for a row H ticket, so I jumped on that. I then waited inside the building for the show to start. 

It was a show I always thought about going to but could never imagine the scenario that I could go - and it was magical. Literally, no idea how they did some of the effects, like books opening, people floating, the time turner working and making the whole thing go warped, the dementors, spells, and so much more. And it was incredibly cool that Tom Felton (Draco) played Draco. He got a standing ovation when he came on for the first time, and then also a standing ovation when he said "Potter" in his way for the first time. Story great, actors incredible, seats amazing, experience amazing. Then I walked over to Dave and Busters to watch some playoff football. I was only there for a bit, and then started to make my way back. The crew was watching at a sports bar, which they didn't let me in because I didn't have ID and looked young. We started leaving, I saw Ofir across the street, threw a snowball at him (how many people throw a snowball at their CEO). We walked back to the hotel, and Ofir pointed out a hotel that he usually stays in. I looked at it, and saw Jason Kelce. I walked over and said "Jason"? And he's like "Yeah". I said "I'm Daniel from Israel, a big Lions and football fan. And I love your podcast. He said that was cool. I asked him why he wasn't watching the game, and he said he was going in to watch (yes I kept him basically outside in the vestibule during the storm). I asked for a selfie, got one, and then left. We went back to the hotel, had a little dinner (I had the cold chicken since there was no delivery), and then I walked back to my room, had an amazing shower, watched the second half of rams seahawks in bed, and went to sleep. I do enjoy sleeping when I know no one is coming into my bed pajama wise, but I do miss the little ones a lot. 

Next morning we had our CKO beginning. I didn't have any sessions that day, but it was super interesting to hear all of theirs. One funny story is the lunch that I asked tali to order cancelled, and she was Rosh Gadol about ordering me a different one from a different place. Problem was, it was kosher style. So we had to order a different one for me. I left the last session early, got a subway to Port Authority, a bus to Clifton Gardens, and walked 30 minutes in the snow to the Bat Mitzvah. Was great to see everyone and Shimi, but I was only there for an hour or so. Adina was very excited to say bye see you next week when they come. 

I went back to the city in an uber (wiht Muhammad) to Apollos where we had a dinner. I didn't win any awards this year which was strange, and a lot of people thought I should, but it is what it is. I got a ride back to the lobby, where there was a group going to bowling. I joined, and ended up winning. I even had the lead when I was the last bowler out of the 12, so I took a knee to run the clock out. Ended up bowling a 124. Was very fun. 

The next morning, Neil and I took a freezing cold walk to the water and to ground zero, was my first time there. The whole in the ground actually hits you very deep. The walk was freezing, and I slipped on ice and cut my hand on the ice 2 minutes into the walk. the walk was nice, getting to chat with Neil was nice, and the river at sunrise was stunning (and so super freezing). We walked back, I showered, davened and started the day. 

I gave two sessions on the day, about AI and about ICP/ABM. Of course, I included a sweet spot analogy with a baseball bat. Both were good I was told, and I enjoyed doing it. 

After the day, we had lawn games. I walked with Roenen (co founder) for the half hour in the cold, and made it. I played a little corn toss but mostly Lawn Pong. I won the first game with a partner, lost the next couple, but when me and Reagan joined forces, we went undefeated for 6-7 games. 

It was also fun chilling with friends from Tel Aviv team and others. Then we decided to walk back. In total, I walked 13.5 KM on the day. I was exhausted at 11 but forced myself to stay up until the brit which started at 12:30 our time. Amichai Yair, beautiful name. Was fun to see my people on camera, but was crazy to not be able to communicate. I imagine thats what death must be like, where you are watching everything but not able to interact. Then I went right to sleep for my last sleep of the time. I woke up later on this morning, around 7:45. I felt I deserved the little lie in, plus I know its not happening again for a while. 

We had a good last day of CKO, Scott gave an unbelievable session about sales strategy. The last message Reagan gave was there is a presidents club after next year's CKO where we will be able to stay after with our spouse (paid for) probably in Portugal. Gotta earn that. I packed up my room and then I ubered to Cedarhurst Target and Burlingtons, where I got some gifts and snacks. I then met Cheryl and SA for Dinner at Traditions (ate blooming onoin, poppers, buffalo wings, and kishka). Was amazing, Then Aunt Cheryl drove me to JFK, and business got me through to the lounge within about 15 minutes. Waiting to board now. 

So excited to be going home. I physically felt like I missed Shifra especially and the kids especially as well (differently). So excited to see them tomorrow and especially that I am not leaving them until at least April.

Tampa!

 First leg of this trip was incredible. I like travelling in business class, with the lounge etc. But there were crazy lines in the airport, so took a long time to get to the lounge. But while there, they upgraded me to a row with no one in front of me (originally they upgraded me to a middle seat with more leg room), so I had a ton of space in front of me and a window. It was a very enjoyable flight, slept a ton which I needed and hung out with the lovely couple next to me. I landed and then headed to rent a car. I had an amazing 4.5 road trip on the way, speaking to people, joining work calls, country music, Lions podcast, stopping for a slurpee and snacks etc. Florida is stunning, I don't know why people in America live anywhere else.

I got to the hotel, checked in, showered, and walked 20 minutes to our office. It was great and productive with Reagan and Jon.  From there, we went to a tea shop, where R was disappointed I couldn't eat anything since it wasn't kosher. In fact, there was no where kosher in tampa at all that could deliver. (note to self next time). Reagan also bought me a lightning hat and earphones. 

From there, we went to publix to get me some dinner (more reeses and cookies). And then we walked to the Lightning game. The game was super fun, we were able to get down to 15 rows from the ice, and we had a great view of the goals. Lightning won 4-1.

From there R dropped me back at my hotel and I showered and went to sleep. 

In the morning I woke up at 530, took care of a few things, and went to walk the riverwalk to watch sunrise on the bay. It was stunning. I then jogged back to the hotel, ran to my room, and went into the pool (brought bad boxers so I could just leave them there instead of bringing wet bathing suit in my suitcase. It was so peaceful and beautiful in there. From there I walked to the office, listening to a work call. I stopped at publix to get bagels (I picked up some cream cheese at breakfast and also had some cereals). 

Work was great, got to interview Kristi in person, got to go through my tasks and roadmap with Reagan. Then we had our performance review. 

It was very positive. His main feedback for me was don't always answer even if you know the answer - sometimes better to ask more qualifying questions. Also to work on collaboration with other dpts where needed. 

Here was his actual feedback:

Zacks has taken on many projects and help onboard Myself, Scott, Derrick, Jon, Eric, Dana and Neil. He is truly our enablement function on the sales side

He also has helped build out our budget and plan for 2026 - helped us build our investor decks and data - relaunched our gong functionality

Most importantly has built out our ICP - persona and ABM program! Which is a massive undertaking...

- As discussed the goal is to fully rollout a project. Start to finish. From Dream to Actual even if we do less. Don't change too much because your speed is a power too. Get alignment with reagan if you feel quality may slip for the sake of another project

Act as an owner: Many examples of taking on projects (Like ABM) and fully owning it as if it was your own org/company.

Then at the end I asked for a 4k raise and director title. He largely approved and said he needs to go through HR but he has no qualms about it. Just that we will go through new expectations when that happens. Amazing. 

Then I walked/jogged back to hotel to get car, drove, thought I was in more of a rush than I was, brought car back, realized I owed 277 USD if I didn't fill the car up, so then I drove out with the car to go fill up myself (43 USD). Then rushed back, and then went to do check in and boarding. Turns out domestic is much shorter, but was extra nervous because of the lines yesterday. 

Now on a flight to Newark and very excited about the next few days. Bar and Bat Mitzvah, CKO, etc. Should be amazing (though cold).

I love Tampa and south Florida, hope to come back.

My Big Boy

 My biggest boy has been getting in trouble lately. Not totally sure how to handle. First it was being violent at recess, then it was disrespecting teachers. We'll sort him out, he is a good kid. 

Shabbat in Zichron

 After a long time, we finally got to go to Shev for Shabbat. It was so nice, to see where they live, and that they are happy. And was REALLY fun to watch our kids play together. We are so lucky to have kids the same age (except Rinat)