FIRE AND MOTION

There is Tremendous Perspective From the Top of a 40-foot Climbing Wall

2012-02-01T08:48:00.000-08:00

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is Part II of a three-part series about me walking into the “wilderness” with my 7-year-old niece and walking out with a completely different perspective on being a father. (Read intro post here)

– – –

Saturday morning was the “official” start of my niece’s father-daughter campout, which was a little confusing to me. After being there 12 hours and experiencing a miserable night of sleep, I was baffled by the term “official” on our itinerary. (Trying to sleep in the before-mentioned prison beds made things pretty “official” in my book.)

I guess Friday night wasn’t “official,” because we ate dinner at a local restaurant – complete with prime rib and an adult beverage.
I can understand that.

But I would have thought smores by the campfire and letting the kids run around like someone accidently left their cages open would definitely constitute “official.” I was wrong.

It didn’t matter...I was ready to “officially” get things started and tackle any adventure that came our way.

But before we jump into canoeing and candle making, my “wake-up call” on Saturday morning is worth mentioning. It definitely helped lay the foundation for the day ahead. (Reminder: Herding cats.)

The eight girls in our cabin were specifically instructed to stay asleep – or at least confined to their bunks – until 7 o’clock on Saturday morning. I guess that’s like telling a kid to NOT push that big red button, because the whispers and giggles started at 6:15. (They just couldn’t hold out for 45 more minutes.)

“Is anyone awake?” one of my 7-year-old roommates whispered
into the darkness.

“I am,” came a tiny voice from across the room.

Then there was the not-so-quite: “I’m still trying to sleep!”

I think a couple of the dads wanted to scream: “Me too!”

After a couple more back-and-forth whispers, little footsteps were added to the morning mix of noises – some were headed to the bathroom, while others were off to another bunk.

At 6:45 the “Glow Stick Incident” occurred, and there was NO WAY we were going to make it our 7 a.m. goal.

One of my 7-year-old roommates accidently busted open the glow stick that she received the night before. (Rumor has it that she chewed off the end of the glow stick, but I cannot confirm and/or deny that.) Regardless of how the plastic rod was penetrated, she felt inclined to draw on the cabin floor with the illuminated liquid.

It was a glowing mess – one that quickly became a hot topic of conversation in the cabin.

I was still lying in my bunk, aware of the glowing art project, but not that concerned. My niece was still in her bunk – being the model Wildflower – so I didn’t feel inclined to get involved.

Then I got my “wake-up call.”

With a hint of pride in her voice, my niece exclaimed: “My glow stick busted, too.” Then her pride was quickly replaced with confused concern: “Oh, no....it’s on my sleeping bag....AND my arm.”

“GIVE ME THE GLOW STICK,” I firmly said from the bunk below. (No one was asleep after my dad/coach voice rattled the walls.) Her little hand reached over the edge of the bunk bed and handed me the plastic stick.

As I demanded that she get down and wash off “the glow,” possible headlines filled my head: “Camper poisoned by toxic glow stick” and “DFW 7-year-old stained for life with glow stick goop.”

Everyone laughed at the glowing slime on her arm, hands, and PJs as she climbed down the ladder. She wore it like a badge of honor.

They begged her not to wash it off, and she probably wouldn’t have without another firm directive from me.

The cats were officially on the loose and the herding had begun.

– – –

When we finally got dressed and attacked the brisk morning, we didn’t stop until we laid back down on our prison beds that night.

• We played miniature golf

• We paddled a canoe

• We went on a treasure hunt

• We shot BB guns

• We went to the archery range

• We made candles

• We memorized scripture

• We participated in relay races.

Just trying to recall all the activities for this blog post made me tired – imagine actually doing this over the course of one day. WOW!

The really tiring part was all the walking between activities. (My niece asked how far I thought we walked on Saturday. I guessed 6 miles.) Do you have any idea how difficult it is to keep a “tribe” of 7-year-olds focused on a specific destination and moving in the same direction? Trying doing it for 6 miles.

Walking...walking...walking....“Squirrel!” (And now we’re running in a totally different direction.)

And then there was the barrage of rhetorical questions throughout the day:

“Are we almost there?” – I thought this phrase was only applicable in the car on long road trips. I was wrong.

“Can we go?” – If they were giving out a badge for patience this weekend, our girls would have missed out.

“Can I have another glow stick?” – No response, just tired glares.

– – –

My niece’s favorite part of the day was climbing the 40-foot rock wall. I was convinced that she would give a valiant effort, but I was skeptical that she’d make it to the top. I guess you could say that I had guarded realism.

She surprised the heck out of me AND provided me a welcomed slap across the face.

It was at the base of that rock wall – watching all the kids try to conquer the 40-foot climb – when my life started flashing before my eyes. (Specifically my life as a father.) While I started making excuses for Mary Grace before she even put on the harness, other parents refused to let their child quit before they reached the top.

"DO. NOT. STOP!"

“Settle down, Dad – it’s just a rock wall,” I thought to myself with a judgmental smirk. I made a silent promise to myself that I would never be that guy.

But when Mary Grace started to throw in the towel – about 25 feet up the wall – success was the only option. It’s like I knew there was a boost of confidence that waited for her at the top.

I didn’t scream: “Keep going!” or “You will NOT quit!”

I just encouraged. (Thanks to the before-mentioned dad.)

As she got closer to the top, I started to feel guilty for not giving her a chance out of the gate. She was going to make it and I was going to have roasted crow with a side of eggs for my afternoon snack.

“Almost there...a little more...YEAH, MARY GRACE!”

After she rappelled down the wall – and her feet were safely on the ground – I hugged her neck and told her how proud I was of her. But I was also subconsciously making a promise to my son.

“I will always encourage him to go a little farther,” I thought. “I will never protect him with excuses – especially before he even tries.”

Probably the two biggest parenting lessons I learned from my 7-year-old niece that day:

• If you want something bad enough – you WILL succeed

• A little bit of confidence can go a long way

That’s what I loved most about Mary Grace’s accomplishment –the intense shot of confidence it provided. I’m convinced that climbing that wall was her favorite part of the weekend because she tasted success.

It was my favorite part of the weekend because it started to open my eyes.

Butt Trumpets & Prison Beds Provide Perspective, Help Create Experience of a Lifetime

2012-01-30T09:47:00.000-08:00

When you take your 7-year-old niece camping – with grand visions of writing about the experience – it’s a little overwhelming.

My sister asked if I would accompany Mary Grace (right) on her inaugural father-daughter outing. It was part of the Oak Cliff Y-Guides program, which “encourages fathers and their children to spend uninterrupted time together as members of a larger group, building lifelong memories and bonds.”

“Her dad doesn’t camp,” my sister explained.

“Sure...sounds fun,” I responded with visions of blog posts
dancing in my head.

Confession: After spending 36 hours in the “wilderness” – I’m stuck. I have no idea where this story should start, and I’m even less clueless where it should go. There was just WAY too much fodder.

I HAVE decided that this adventure is worthy of two or three blog posts. Heck, I made that decision when I received the information packet and it said: “You are a Wildflower!!! Congratulations!!” (When I found out that I’d be sporting a leather vest (right) all weekend, too...there was instantly fodder for another post!)

But what’s my angle? My point? What’s the essence of these blog posts?

One potential theme: The fact that the entire weekend was like herding cats.

Then there were the prison beds we slept on.

I could get profound and explain what it was like to be around an engaged group of loving and caring dads for a weekend.

But I think the most logical premises would be:

• The fact that my life continuously flashed before my eyes, and

• The importance of selling the experience to my brother-in-law so I can hand him the baton for future camp outs.

This is the first part of a three-part series about me walking into the wilderness with a 7-year-old and walking out with a completely different perspective of being a father.

While some of this blog post will come across as bitching and moaning – that is simply for dramatic effect and humor. This was a remarkable experience with my niece that I will NEVER forget.

I didn’t realize how much I would enjoy herding cats.

– – –

It’s important to set the scene for the weekend, because the term “camping” is a little bit of a stretch.

It was more like summer camp. The fact we were at Collin County Adventure Camp, which is spitting distance from the 'burbs, helped remove the tag of "roughing it."

There were heated cabins – no tents. We had indoor plumbing – no wiping with foliage. And we ate in a cafeteria – no hot dogs and beans over an open flame. We even had two showers in our cabin – no stale smell of nature for a long period of time.

There was a campfire, but that was nothing more than a safe haven for the dads. The kids only paid attention to it when it was time to make smores.

Needless to say, I sent my sister a text letting her know that my brother-in-law could probably handle this “camping” experience. I intentionally didn’t go into detail about the cabin, though. I thought that would be counter-productive to my recruiting efforts.

If he glanced at the instructions and checklist for the campout, he would have been tipped off. It read:

“Mark your clothes...It can get crazy in the cabins!”

I giggled when I read the warning. After being there 5 minutes, I totally understood. (No giggling)

There were eight kids and six adults in a 14-bunk room, which meant there were little socks, coats, PJs, undies and shoes EVERYWHERE. Obviously, the dads did a good job keeping their stuff corralled, but those little girls were like walking tornadoes. I almost came home with a pair of tights and a Hello Kitty nightgown. (I’m just glad I took the advice on the checklist and I put my initials in my boxers.)

When describing the accommodations via text to my sister and brother-in-law, I didn’t mention the chaos. I definitely didn’t bring up the concert of sounds that filled the cabin.

When you have 14 people sleeping in one room (some of my roommates pictured on the right) – the noises define the experience as soon as the lights are turned off. It starts with 7-year-old whispers and giggles and ends with intense snoring and flatulence from grown men.

You knew it wasn't ideal when some of the dads were threatening to sleep in their cars, despite the 29-degree temperatures. No one made good on his threat, though. I’m convinced it was because they weren’t 100 percent sure if they were part of the symphony or not. (I definitely wasn’t sure...campfires do a number on my sinuses and we had a chili cook-off one night.)

In all honesty, I think the prison beds would have caused someone to snap before the ensemble of sleep apnea and butt trumpets.

While I laid awake at 3:30 in the morning – begging my brain to block out the sounds, the radiant glow of the TWO exit signs and the aches in my lower back – I worked-up a description for these beds:

Imagine sleeping on a very large cookie sheet lined with a partially inflated pool raft.

One of the dads compared it to a combination of a park bench and an airplane seat. Another dad said the inmates at Texas State Penitentiary in Huntsville would NOT be jealous. (That’s when I jumped on the term “prison beds” and didn’t look back.)

The mattress was definitely “memory foam” – the only problem it was remembering the person who outweighed me by 150 pounds and went immediately flat. (Reminder: An unforgiving cookie sheet was underneath the mattress.)

We all survived, though, and a plethora of adventures followed. There is nothing like a full-day of get-it-on after a horrible night of sleep.

Archery, BB gun range, candle making, rock wall climbing, treasure hunt, bonfire....

I’m just tired trying to remember everything.

That’s why I’ll save that for Part II.

Calling All List-Makers: Game On!

2012-01-24T18:21:00.000-08:00

Everyone has some sort of life list, right?

Call it whatever you want:

A Bucket List.

101 List.

If I Win the Lottery List.

Things I Want to Do Before I Croak List.

I can’t believe I feel compelled to explain this, but....

It's usually a list of big-ticket things you want to experience in your lifetime. Some of these lists are written on a cocktail napkin, while others are eloquently typed-up and uploaded to a fancy web site.

Again, it seems like everyone has one. Even anti-list makers have several unspoken "before-I-die tasks" mentally filed away.

The phrase “I should put that on my list” is totally accepted, understood and never questioned.

Some of these life lists have timetables. “Prior to death” is the hands-down winner, but I've also seen "before we have kids," "before I buy a house" and “before I’m forced to use a walker.”

My first life list was 101 things I wanted to accomplish in 1,001 days. (Confession: I’m the guy who
flamboyantly displayed
his online.)

Honda has even embraced this society-wide phenomenon with its new marketing campaign: Leap List. The concept, a CR-V can help you accomplish your goals before you whatever...celebrate your next birthday, settle down, etc. (So wonderfully brilliant!)

OK....the “What is a Bucket List?” tutoring session is officially over...quickly on to my point: I want to help people mark things off their list (kind of like the CR-V). I also want to write about the experience.

I mentioned this in a blog post exactly two years ago. The post referenced a VERY similar concept that MTV picked up and ran with – “The Buried Life.” I mused how I fiddle-farted around and let them “steal” my idea.

Update: The show has been cancelled, and I still think this is a tremendous way to connect with people, help them do something they’ve always wanted to do AND tell their story. (Again, I want to do it differently than they did on the show.)

How do YOU fit into all of this?

I’m ready to get started and I need your help. All you have to do is:

• Re-visit your life list (find it, write it down or dust it off);

• Attach it to an e-mail and send it to me;

• I’ll see if there is something I can help you mark off;

The only other request: Allow me to write about it (why was this on your list, what did it mean to mark it off, etc.).

Do NOT start making excuses before we even get started. The ONLY argument I’ll accept: “I don’t need anyone’s help.”

BUT as soon as those 5 ½ words enter your consciousness, you have to start attacking your list and marking tasks off. (Reminder: There is a reason these tasks still don’t have a line marked through them.)

Since this is an uncharted endeavor – I’m going to start slow. I will “adopt” the first six people who reach out to me.

Now, if you’re on board and don’t need anymore convincing – stop reading and send me your list. The accompanying message can be as simple as “Game on!” or “Let’s do this!”

If you’re on the fence, I want to share the premise of a book that changed my life: “Into the Wild” by John Krakauer. It’s a true story about a 20-something nomad named Chris McCandless, who hiked into the Alaskan wilderness and died. (I’m not ruining the book – it says that on the cover.)

Before his tragic and premature death, it was always about the next adventure for him. He wrote in one of his journals, “The core of mans' spirit comes from new experiences.” During his last days, however – alone in an abandoned bus in the snow-covered wilderness – he made a note next to the following passage from "Doctor Zhviago."

“And so it turned out that only a life similar to the life of those around us, merging it without a ripple, is genuine life, and that unshared happiness is not happiness...”

In his dying days, Chris McCandless (right) realized that the experiences that he had were extraordinary, BUT they were meaningless because he didn’t get the chance to share them with someone else. Next to that passage, he wrote “HAPPINESS IS ONLY REAL WHEN SHARED.”

No one should suffer the same fate as Alexander Supertramp – the colorful alter ego that Chris McCandless adopted during his journeys. I’m not even referring to him dying in the abandoned school bus in Alaska. No one should mark the last task off his or her life list, look around and have no one there.

“Congratulations to me!” – highlighted by the deafening sound of silence and maybe the occasional chirping of a bored cricket.

Life is short. I’m sure your list is long. Let’s share an amazing experience TOGETHER.

Game on?

Words Come Back to Haunt & Inspire Me to Take a Radical Leap of Faith

2012-01-22T11:14:00.001-08:00

Statistics show that the average person can expect to change jobs five to seven times in his or her lifetime.

I am humbled to say that I’ve already CRUSHED “average” and I’m quickly approaching legendary status. (Actually, the adjectives “preposterous” and “ridiculous” might be a better description for my resume.)

Since graduating from college in 1997, I have:

– Been a newspaper designer at two different newspapers
– Served as a college admissions counselor
– Coached football
– Been a football recruiting coordinator
– Worked in athletic administration at a major university
– Started my own business
– Helped a non-profit tell its story through marketing
– Been a consultant
– Worked at an advertising agency
– Peeked into the world of Oil and Gas.

That’s 11 jobs in 11 years. (Needless to say, I have an impressive stack of business cards with my name on them.)

Do I win something?

What about a lobotomy and/or a day pass at the closest mental institution?

My most recent career change is the reason for this blog post. Two days ago, I walked away from a company that I whole-heartedly believed in – making more money than I’d ever made before – because I was not appreciated and/or valued.

I quit without another job lined up, because I wasn’t being true to myself – going to work every day under a cloud of uncertainty and distrust.

Please know, when I say “quit” ... I approached the owners and said: “This will be my last day to work here. Thank you for the opportunity. I’m sorry it didn’t work out.”

I grabbed my computer bag and left.

It has always been important to me to leave a job on good terms, and to make sure that I left things in better shape than when I arrived.

That was not exactly the case this time, especially in regards to leaving on the best of terms. There was no two-weeks notice and/or mutually-beneficial exit strategy. (Obviously, there was not going away party.)

I can honestly say it was one of the least proudest moments of my life AND the proudest thing that I’ve ever done.

I had to walk away, and I had to do it right then.

A friend of mine put it best: “They didn’t deserve you.” And even though she made it sound like I was breaking up with a controlling, self-righteous, witch of a girlfriend, she was right.

If I had gone to work one more day, I would have been a hypocritical glutton for punishment. (More poetically referred to as a wuss.)

Was it easy to walk away? Hell, no!

Before my departure, my heart was beating out of my chest as I stared at a picture of my wife and son. My emotions ranged from sadness and anxiety to utter terror as I continuously asked myself: “What the hell am I about to do?”

Then it happened – a whisper from God. I received an e-mail from a friend that simply said:

Here's a reminder in case you need one:

“As our pastor closed us in prayer, I told God that I feel like I AM living ‘full throttle’ and I expressed my gratitude. Thanks to my faith in Him – I'm able to live boldly without any fear. (Not reckless...just boldly.) I'm able to take risks. I'm able to chase my dreams. I'm able to love with all my heart. I'm able to be the best husband, brother, son, and boss that I can be.”

My earnest response: “Wow! Who wrote that?”

Friend: “You did, nerd! In a blog post in 2009.”

The message spoke directly to my racing heart, but being re-introduced to my own thoughts and words was even more profound. My fear and apprehension was quickly replaced with confidence.

Before I received that e-mail, I was taking a leap of faith – clueless about what I was going to do next, But three VERY simple words gave me the courage to embrace my future:

“You”... “Did”...“Nerd”

It was a welcomed slap across the face – I FINALLY recognized that I need to leverage the gifts that God has blessed me with and inspire others through my writing.

So what does that exactly mean?

It’s time to write and write some more. It’s time to be true to myself and help other people do wonderfully great things.

Maybe this leap of faith will actually inspire someone to punch their fear in the face and make a radical change of their own.

I’ll close with this incredible reminder from Max Lucado’s
book, Fearless:

Fear never wrote a symphony or poem, negotiated a peace treaty or cured a disease. Fear never pulled a family out of poverty or a country out of bigotry. Fear never saved a marriage or a business. Courage did that. Faith did that. People who refused to consult or cower to their timidities did that. But fear itself? Fear herds us into a prison and slams the doors.

Lucado then asks: “Wouldn’t it be great to walk out?”

Yeah, it would....so I did.

Eyes Wide Open: Being an Absentee Father

2011-09-26T13:45:00.000-07:00

I recently described business travel as “glamorous.”

That was the best adjective I could think of after eating peanuts and drinking stale coffee on a 6 a.m. flight to New Orleans. (That was the most sarcasm-inducing “breakfast” I had ever eaten.)

I was in the Big Easy working on an out-of-the-box social media campaign for Tulane Athletics.

The only reason I’m sharing this boring behind-the-scenes information: I think it’s important that you know and understand why I abandoned my family for an entire week.

Why I abandoned my wife.

Why I abandoned my 19-month-old son.

Why I abandoned my dog.

FOR EIGHT DAYS!

I really thought I was a big boy. I thought I could handle it.

Nope.

I was standing on the doormat to hell, screaming: “Excuse me! I have a reservation for one!”

I was miserable. I missed them like CRAZY, and each and every day I missed them that much more.

Thank goodness my understanding and VERY cool wife kept me sane. She sent me two to three photos a day of my “Little Man,” and every time it made me smile.

I thought I share some of my favorites:

My boy loves ANYTHING with a steering wheel.

He's a fan of pickles, too.

I told you about steering wheels, right?

(I'm entering this shot into PWT Hall of Fame)

When I'm gone for long periods of time,

Crash starts interviewing new daddies.

Tell my son: "Show me your eyes"

and this is what you get.

Crash: Don't drink and drive!

An instant classic!

When I take him on an airplane...he's a little more hyper than this.

(Flying with his mom to see his grandparents)

"Show me your eyes!"

Social Media Experiment: Socially Inept?

2011-09-23T12:37:00.000-07:00

EDITOR’S NOTE: This was written Oct. 10, 2010, as part of a social media experiment that I decided to document along the way. I had dreams of creating this “scientific journal” but it turned into eight pages of babble. This is the third installment of a 3-part series. Click here to see introductory post.

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One of my last Facebook posts was a picture of me and my son at a Rangers game (right). He was looking up at me and I was acting like I was scolding him. I wrote a clever caption:

“CRASH: Dad, I like how the Rangers match-up against Tampa Bay in the playoffs. ME: BOY! If you just jinxed them...I’m going to spank your tiny little butt.”

Funny, right?

All I could think about after uploading that picture were the potential responses.

“How many people are going to comment on this post?”

“Is anyone going to ‘like’ it?”

“Cute baby photos with funny captions ALWAYS generate some dialogue...and then you throw in the Rangers. WOW! This should be huge!”

“Please! Please! Please!”

Confession: I’m not that pathetic, but I DID login several times to see if anyone had left a comment. (Actually, that’s more embarrassing than my pseudo, over-dramatic thought process.)

But that’s why we post and/or Tweet, right? To get feedback, comments, reTweets?

Otherwise social media isn’t very “social.”

This desire for online interaction started to impact my psyche, though. The adjective “obsessed” carries a lot of negative connotations, but it’s definitely appropriate in this instance.

I HAD to receive feedback.

More confessions:

• I’ve actually gotten my feelings hurt when no one commented on certain status updates.

Explanation: You think you’ve formulated just the right status update – it’s funny, engaging, something everyone can relate to. It’s one of those posts that even makes you giggle. But after you hit “submit”... crickets.

• I check my Twitter account daily to see if any of my thoughtful Tweets were reTweeted.

Explanation: Similar feeble explanation from above...but this is also the case when I share a funny or interesting news story, an inspiring quote or upload a fun picture.

• I would get excited when one of my random followers (Twitter) or a long-lost friends (Facebook) came out of the wood work to share their thoughts.

Note: No pitiful explanation needed.

I just hate the fact that I needed that feedback.

Why couldn’t I just be happy to live peacefully in my quite narcissistic world?

Why couldn’t I be like everyone else and post about where I was or what I was eating? No one is going to respond about a turkey sandwich or the fact I was at Starbucks AGAIN.

This need for online interaction even started to impact my life. I would stress about making the “perfect post,” which means I was thinking about it ALL THE TIME.

I was planning my next update during life’s mundane activities – taking a shower, driving to work and/or mowing the lawn.

But major life events were not exempt.

Example: I was planning my status update even before my just-born son had the birthing goop washed off of him. And I already mentioned the first time my son ate real food – I snapped a photo after his first bite and then raced to the computer.

Yep...missed it all.

I guess I just HAD to have one of my “friends” write “Cute” or “Like father, like son” to get me to my next post.

Social Media Experiment: Tweetest Time to Post

2011-09-14T07:45:00.001-07:00

EDITOR’S NOTE: This was written Oct. 6, 2010, as part of a social media experiment that I decided to document along the way. I had dreams of creating this “scientific journal” but it turned into eight pages of babble. Click here to see introductory post.

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While I’ve already admitted extensive use of social media on a daily basis – there are certain times when I become a status-updating fiend:

• During TCU Football Games

• During Texas Ranger Baseball Games

• When I am traveling

Kickoff...Tweet.

First pitch...status update.

Standing in security checkpoint at airport...Tweet, Tweet, status update, Tweet.

The only thing I can figure: I am obsessively passionate about the Frogs and Rangers and there is A LOT of down time at the airport.

We’ll...it’s only been two days, but I’ve already I received my first test in this social media experiment.

For the first time in 11 years, my beloved Texas Rangers played in a postseason game.

Reminder: First pitch...status update.

NOT THIS TIME!

It was the biggest game since 1999 and I couldn’t Tweet about it.

I couldn’t gripe about blown calls, crappy managerial decisions or missed scoring opportunities.

I couldn’t “cheer” with other Ranger fans when something magical happened.

Every time one of these moments occurred during Game 1, I instinctively reached for my Blackberry.

But I stopped myself, quickly realizing that my “sickness” was even impacting the way I watched a baseball game.

To help me cope, I decided that “detox posting” was necessary. (Fake posts typed into Microsoft Word.) I found it very comforting to share what I would have posted/Tweeted.

Here are my quasi-updates:

“I’m not throwing a pitch or taking a swing, but I am beyond-myself nervous heading into this playoff game. GO RANGERS!”
“Had big plans to watch game at local bar – nothing like baseball & beer at 12:30 on weekday. BUT THEN, I got a call from my sick wife. Homeward Bound.”
“A LOT of nervous energy...forced to clean house between innings. My house will be spotless by the time this game is over.”
“Making mental note of people who e-mail or call me during the game. They’ll be officially put on a list of people who don’t really like me very much.”
“Rangers win! Nerves temporarily calmed. Unfortunately have to get back to work. – dang you, 12:30 playoff game!”
“Since I’m superstitious: I have to watch rest of playoffs on my couch, son has to have explosive diarrhea & wife must lay on bathroom floor, trying not to chunk.”

The “detox posting” definitely helped, but I think I’m going to draw a line in the sand and just stop for the rest of the playoffs.

Maybe I’ll pay more attention to the game.

Maybe I’ll just yell at my kid and/or dog if the Rangers do something stupid.

Maybe I’ll just appreciate it for what it is – baseball in October.

Maybe I’ll actually enjoy a victory.

By the time you’re reading this...the Rangers could be World Champions. (Of course, no one will know because I wasn’t able to Tweet about it.)*

*Editor’s Note: Damn those San Francisco Giants.

Social Media Experiment: Disengaging

2011-09-07T18:40:00.000-07:00

EDITOR’S NOTE: This was written Oct. 5, 2010, as part of a social media experiment that I decided to document along the way. I had dreams of creating this “scientific journal” but it turned into eight pages of babble. Click here to see introductory post.

g g g

I used the phrase “walking away from social media,” but it was not that easy.

With smart phone applications, e-mail alerts and bookmarks – it was like I had to severe an umbilical cord.

I decided that “disengaging” is a lot more appropriate way to describe it.

I had to delete, cancel and enable features that had embedded themselves into my life. As I was removing all of this functionality, I seriously considered deleting my accounts. I thought it might be easier.

But the thought of that made me feel like a crack addict, debating on whether or not I should throw my pipe off the nearest bridge.

I got cold sweats, suffered from the shakes and thought of EVERY excuse I could muster NOT to do it. All of this while I laid on the floor in the fetal position.

“This is only temporary!”

“Experiment. Experiment. Experiment.”

“They really ARE my friends!”

“I’m not addicted.”

“Why is everyone screaming at me?!?!?”

“I want my mommy!”

Needless to say, I left the accounts active – just removed any reminders or temptations. It was like I put my crack pipe in my sock drawer, praying that I would forget where I hid it.

Example: I use a desktop application to manage my Twitter accounts – Seesmic Desktop. It is designed to sort my Tweets by followers, subjects, etc. It used to automatically launch when I logged into my computer. There were these little chirpy beeps that made me stop shaking.

It was my fix.

Now, Seesmic Desktop has a temporary home in my computer’s trash can and there is silence when I open my laptop.

It’s taunting silence.

Purging all these applications confirmed one thing: The warning signals of addiction were definitely real.

This was apparent again this morning.

I could have sworn that my 8-month-old son rocked a definite “DaDa” when I picked him up out of his crib.

Instead of jumping up and down and bragging to my wife, I looked frantically for my laptop.

“I have to update my status!”

“I have to Tweet about this!”

I snapped back to reality when my boy continued his morning declaration. “Blah da ma me blub a ma poo,” he said smiling and trying to put his foot in his mouth.

It was like he was saying, “Hey, Dad! I thought you weren’t going to Tweet anymore!”

I stopped cold and abandoned my quest for my laptop and/or my Blackberry and/or my wife’s computer and/or any other electronic device I could find to type 140 characters.

I started to ask myself, “But how will anyone know” – but I quickly returned to the moment. I ran into our bedroom and started talking trash to my wife. (Reminder: He said “DaDa” not “MaMa.”)

This incident did give me an idea, though. To help with my “social media detox,” I would jot down what I would have posted and/or Tweeted for that day, and include them in this journal.

Is that cheating?

‘And like that...he is gone’

2011-09-04T11:32:00.000-07:00

Almost a year ago, I officially dropped off the social media grid.

I walked away from Facebook and Twitter and went silent.

This was my final post:

“After that, my guess is that you will never hear from him again. The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he did not exist. And like that... he is gone.” (From Usual Suspects)

For the next three months, I did not update my status, share a link or “Like” anything. I didn’t accept anyone’s friend request, upload any photos, or write on anyone’s Wall.

There was no tagging, ReTweeting, or sharing.

I didn’t even creep around, looking at pictures of high school friends just to see how fat and/or bald they are.

For 90 days, I was completely rogue.

This idea came to me after working through a lot of head trash and excuses. It wasn’t an easy decision.

When I was still on the fence about the three-month experiment, I did a little math. (For a communication major this was unprecedented.) I figured I spent 2 hours a day “using” Facebook and/or Twitter.

After an informal survey, this proved to be pretty standard. (Excessive, yes...but not out-of-the-ordinary weird.)

One person commented on my Facebook inquiry: “30 minutes in the morning....5 to 10 minutes five times a day....30 minutes in the evening.”

Quick math: That equals 1 hour and 50 minutes a day.

(To keep the next wave of math easy, I decided to round up my social media consumption to nice and easy 2 hours a day.)

Let me know how this punch to the face feels....2 hours of social media a day equals:

• 14 hours a week

• 60 hours a month

• 730 hours a year

THAT’S 30 DAYS!

AN ENTIRE MONTH!

If you’re an hour-a-day user, you spend 15 days a year “using” social media.

If you’re disciplined and only spend 30 minutes a day “socializing,” that comes to 7 days a year.

Those numbers were mind-blowing to me, but that was NOT what prompted me to walk away.

Probably the three biggest factors were:

– I started to see warning signals of addiction;

– I realized I was missing out on a lot of things (Example: I was in such a hurry to post/share pictures of my son eating for the first time (right), I missed him...ummm...eating.)

– I started to see all the potential adventures that I was ignoring, because I was racing for my laptop to see what my “friends” ate for lunch.

One of those adventures that took a backseat to Facebook and Twitter was my writing, something I LOVE to do.

Sure, I was posting 140 characters of babble throughout the day, but it wasn’t feeding my journalistic monster. (I could have written one hell of a book in 730 hours!)

So I decided to document the experience along the way. I had dreams of creating this “scientific journal” but it turned into eight pages of babble – from the disengagement process to trying to figure out if I’m socially inept.

I thought it was time to share that babble. For the next couple/few days, I’m going to post my “journal” entries on this blog.

Update on my social media usage: Like one of my former players told me once, I'm on Facebook "more than a freshman girl at TCU."

Hats Off to My First Blog Post in 380 Days

2011-06-03T19:14:00.000-07:00

When I finally jumped back on the blog bandwagon – I thought I would be writing about my consecutive days of running (currently at 116 days), the fact my boy can now say four words (dada, tractor, thank you & uh oh) AND/OR explain why I haven't written a blog post in 380 days.

Nope.

This blog post – the first one since May 19th of last year – is about an old man and his ugly baseball caps.

There's no real point – just an interesting observation that inspired me to open my laptop and start typing.

It started while I was watching the Rangers-Indians game on TV. TK and the boy were at my parent's house and I was going to embrace my night of "freedom" by curling up with the American League Champions. (Ironically enough, this is how I spend most of my nights when my family IS at home.)

During the second or third inning, I noticed an older gentleman sitting in the stands, wearing the ugliest Indians cap I'd ever seen. It was neon pink with the politically incorrect – yet highly charismatic – Chief Wahoo above the bill.

Not really thinking a whole lot about it, I post a comment about it on Twitter:

Winner of Ugliest Hat Contest is at #Rangers-#Indians game. Sitting in front row near TX dugout - can't miss it on TV w/ left-handed batter

I thought maybe it would get a laugh – ha, ha....old guy with no style.

It was so awful, I snapped a photo with my Blackberry and posted the picture online. (I guess looking for additional chuckles at the expense of elderly people and their lack of fashion.)

I wish the picture did it justice, but I figured people would get the idea.

Then something interesting happened. In the next inning....the old guy switched hats. I was inspired to Tweet again:

Update on winner of Ugliest Hat Contest: He switched to a different ugly hat. Before it was neon pink w/ Chief Wahoo NOW just neon green

THEN it got CRAZY – because that old guy, sitting in the front row of Progressive Field in Cleveland, changed into a different hat EVERY inning.

It was kind of wacky and fun – to the point that the neon pink cap that initially caught my attention started to get cooler as the game went on. (Not to mention intriguing)

Thanks to the miracle of modern technology (DVR), I was able to rewind the game and capture most of his wardrobe changes.

After filling up my memory card with these random images, I wanted to know who the hell he was.

Thanks to another piece of technology that might start to catch on (Google), this is what I found out: I've been living under a rock.

This guy has been doing this for more than 10 years. His name is Tom O'Toole. Most everyone in Cleveland has seen him and/or knows about him.

The most interesting thing I found online – besides a Facebook Fan Page dedicated to him – was the fact no one knew how it started and/or why he was doing it.

If you have ANY insight – or have any friends in Cleveland with a clue – I'd love to hear his story.

About being back in the blogging saddle...I think my son Crash could probably sum it up, "Dada...uh oh."

Son's scream of death has scared me away from enjoying daily blessing

2010-05-19T08:54:00.000-07:00

I've started a new blog called "A Crash Course in Daddyhood."

I use this as a outlet for all the fodder that my 3-month-old son provides – from blowouts in his diaper to the simple pleasures of being a dad.

I thought I would actually share a quick post about Baby Crash on this blog, though. (You know...do a little marketing for my other endeavor.)

This post is short and sweet – a lot like my son.

The idea came to me this morning as I was leaving the house for the day.

Normally, Crash is up and around – propped up in our bed next to his sleeping mommy – smiling and laughing – or he's eating breakfast from the boob (mommy sleeping in this instance, too).

When I leave the house to attack the day, those smiles and giggles light me up. (Can't wait until he can wave!) I know that he barely recognizes me from the dog, but I'll take "barely" and all the facial expressions that go along with it.

This morning was different, though.

I left the house earlier than normal for a men's fellowship at church.

Crash hadn't stirred yet, realizing he was about to drowned and/or starve to death. (He normally wakes up with shrieks of terror in his lungs..."my diaper is wet and I'm starting to digest my bile! HELP ME!")

As I went to kiss him goodbye, he was sleeping like an angel in his crib.

I stood over him and just watched him breathe.

I kissed his forehead.

I kissed his cheek.

I touched his little hand.

I gently pinched the fat rolls on his legs.

I said a small prayer, "Thank you, God, for this wonderfully great blessing."

I'm sure I was smiling like an idiot.

After a few seconds, I thought to myself: "Why don't I do this more often?"

I pondered for a second, and then I realized (cue another big smile – and a slight head nod)....

When he's sleeping, I'm usually tip-toeing out of the room as fast as possible, trying to avoid the squeaky floor boards and praying that Brother Gus doesn't gallup into the nursery or start barking at his shadow.

I need to stop worrying about holding my breath as I dash out the door.

I need to stop fearing his scream of death if I accidently make a sound.

I need to just stop – take a couple minutes every day and watch our little miracle dream about the angels.

Click here for other Daddyhood blog posts

Maximum Impact: Giving Back for 7 Days to Recognize National Volunteer Week

2010-04-20T18:52:00.001-07:00

Happy National Volunteer Week!

I hope this blog post finds you giving back in some wonderfully great way.

As my calendar started to take shape for this week, I decided to put on my philanthropic hat once a day – give back in some way for seven consecutive days.

Again, I'm not pounding on my chest and/or looking for praise – I simply want to share my passion for giving back with hopes that one person takes notice, gets motivated and says, "I want volunteer, too!"

It doesn't have to be an army of people – or even a large group – I just hope I can inspire one person to roll up their sleeves and start giving back.

Here is a snapshot of my week (I also provided some statistics about each organization, the event or volunteering in general):

SUNDAY

– Volunteered at Big Taste for Big Brothers Big Sisters

• This is a fantastic event held in downtown Fort Worth. I ate a lot of delicious food, had a couple glasses of wine, and helped with the clean up. Reminder: Giving back doesn't mean you have to bust concrete – it can be light and fun.

Stat: Big Taste raised approximately $135,000 to help mentor kids across North Texas.

MONDAY

– Attended Western Region Board Meeting for BBBS

• The Tarrant County Junior Board – which I'm heavily involved in – received an invitation to attend this meeting. It was a great chance to re-spark my passion for Big Brothers Big Sisters and share where we are going as a junior board.

Stat: Children with a mentor in their lives are 52 percent less likely to skip school. (source: BBBS)

TUESDAY

– Took my Little Brother (BBBS) with me to Presbyterian Night Shelter

• I love taking Anthony (right) to the shelter with me. He is so engaged with the clients and eager to lend a helping hand. It is great to combine two things I care about very deeply.

Stat: Volunteering heightens psychological, social and intellectual development and growth in adolescents. (source: Kids Care)

WEDNESDAY

– Completed my application – which included getting a TB test – to be a mentor within local jails.

• My M.O. for giving back has evolved since I started volunteering on a regular basis. I believe that everyone deserves a fighting chance to be successful. That's why I'm involved with BBBS and the shelter. I think adding prison mentoring to my volunteer activities is the next logical step.

Stat: According to government reports, 30 percent of released prisoners are rearrested within the first six months and 44 percent within the first year. (source: Change.org)

THURSDAY (Earth Day)

– Attending Volunteer Appreciation Party for Presbyterian Night Shelter

– Planting a tree

• I was recently named Volunteer of the Year at PNS, and I am being recognized at the volunteer appreciation party. (Blog post on why I volunteer at the shelter.)

• In conjunction with Earth Day, I am planting a tree in our front yard. I tried this once before but the tree died. FAIL! If I'm successful this time around, I will get to mark No. 65 off my list AGAIN. (Click here to see original blog post)

Stat: Only 26.8 percent of the population volunteered in 2009 – mostly white women between ages of 35 and 44 years old. (source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)

FRIDAY

– Donating books and other items to Safe Haven, a shelter for abused women

– Running audio/visual equipment for men's fellowship at church

• Got the idea to donate books to victims of domestic violence from the wonderfully great book "How to be An Everyday Philanthropist." The author, Nicole Boles, points out: "Women who have no fixed address or who are on the run from violent partners don't have the luxury of taking their favorite books (or their children's) along with them."

Stat: Approximately 1.3 million women and 835,000 men are physically assaulted by an intimate partner annually in the United States. (source: American Bar Association)

SATURDAY

– Running audio/visual equipment for men's fellowship at church

– Playing frisbee golf with my Little Brother

• Great way to close out a busy week.

• I was already going to attend the two-day men's conference – "A Credible Man" – so I thought I would put my degree from Midwestern State to work.

• Since Anthony agreed to help out at the shelter on Tuesday night, I thought it was important that we did something fun. My wife made plans to go out of town with the baby, and she encouraged me to use that free time to hang out with Anthony.

Stat: There are 1,500 kids on the BBBS waiting list in North Texas. These are kids – just like Anthony – begging for a mentor.

REMINDER: This is NOT a typical week for me. Like I said before, I REALLY put an emphasis on giving back these seven days for #VOLWK. I'll take a much needed break next week.

If you are interested in giving back, here are few tips to get started:

• Don't shoot for the moon (e.g. seven consecutive days of volunteering)

• Keep it simple (Examples: Buy Girl Scout Cookies, donate toiletry items to a homeless shelter, recycle)

• Figure out what tugs at YOUR heart strings

• Be creative (e.g. Donating books to abused women's shelter)

• Make it part of something you're already doing (e.g. Growing a garden? Plant an extra row for a needy family.)

NEVER STOP GIVING BACK!

Taking Steps to Make Shadow Mission a Reality

2010-04-17T12:02:00.000-07:00

I have used this blog to express my affinity for the non-profit Back on My Feet several times.

• I shared the first correspondence I had with BOMF founder, Anne Mahlum. (blog post)

• I Tweeted at every mile of the Cowtown Half Marathon to raise awareness about this great organization. (blog post)

• I have solicited donations to support their cause on several occasions. (blog post)

Needless to say, I have a soft and passionate place in my heart for this wonderfully great non-profit. It combines two things that I love: Running and giving the homeless a fighting chance to be successful.

Since that very first e-mail that I sent Anne Mahlum, I have not been shy about my shadow mission: Bringing a chapter of Back on My Feet to Dallas/Fort Worth.

Well...the opportunity has officially presented itself.

BOMF is starting the discussion of adding five new cities in 2011. They started in Philadelphia and have already expanded to Baltimore, Washington DC, Chicago and Boston.

Through an e-newsletter, the organization requested suggestions for possible expansion cities next year.

They wrote: "Be passionate and persuasive and tell us why we should expand to your city in 2011 here."

I think I will.

Here is what I submitted:

A little over a year ago, I planted the seed to bring a chapter of Back on My Feet to Dallas/Fort Worth.

I sent Anne an e-mail and copied anyone and everyone who would potentially play a part in making this dream a reality in DFW.

I got mayors in on the conversation, high-wealth donors, runners and running companies. I included volunteers and shelter administrators from across the Metroplex.

I copied potential coaches and city officials. I even asked several homeless clients, "What do you think about this?"

It was wonderfully great to receive everyone's pledge of support. I was blown away by their excitement.

My affinity for the homeless problem in our area had already been established, and they quickly recognized and supported my passion for bringing a chapter to our area.

If Back on My Feet expanded to Texas, I would want to be involved in EVERY capacity – from full-time employment to fund-raising, volunteer coordination, and financial support.

Based on my philanthropic involvement, I feel like I am positioned to do this. I believe I can be more than a supporter of BOMF. I could be a champion.

I currently serve on the Board of Directors for Presbyterian Night Shelter, the largest night shelter in Fort Worth. I also serve on an advisory committee for the Cowtown Marathon and have worked closely with the Tarrant County Homeless Coalition.

Through a lot of prayer and self-analysis, I have finally figured out why I give back to the causes that I do. Whether it's Big Brothers Big Sisters, prison mentoring, or going to the homeless shelter once a week – I firmly believe that EVERYONE deserves a fighting chance to be successful.

A very similar vision/mission of Back on My Feet.

If BOMF brought a chapter to DFW, I would raise awareness about the organization, the homeless problem in our region, and the power of running. I would do this through my experience in communications – specifically media exposure, social media and events.

Last summer I traveled to Philadelphia to learn as much as I could about BOMF. I also wanted to prove to Anne and the entire Back on My Feet family that I was dedicated to making my vision of a DFW chapter come alive.

I volunteered for 20in24 – stayed up all night at one of the check points. I met tons of fantastic people, but the best part of my trip was actually running with a team before flying back to Texas.

Before I did that run, BOMF had peaked my interest.

After that, this organization had a hold of my heart.

I don't know who will be reading this "persuasive" essay, but hopefully my name, my passion for BOMF, and my intense desire to bring a chapter to the Metroplex is already recognized.

Maybe...just maybe...these 450 words will push us over the top.

Other general information:
• Based on 2009 homeless count, there were approximately 7,500 homeless across Dallas/Fort Worth

• In 2008, Fort Worth put an emphasis on ending homelessness, adopting a 10-year strategic plan.

CALL TO ACTION:

If you would like to support our efforts in showing our Back on My Feet that we are serious – you can financially support BOMF's expansion campaign. DONATE HERE

I Volunteer Because...

2010-04-10T07:25:00.000-07:00

I was recently named Volunteer of the Year at Presbyterian Night Shelter in Fort Worth.

I'm definitely not bragging – or fishing for an "attaboy" – I just feel like I should clarify a few things.

First of all...I was very humbled and honored by the nomination. Over the last couple years, the shelter has grabbed hold of my heart and gloriously ruined me. My wife and I have dedicated a lot of time and effort to PNS, and I felt like the nomination acknowledged that.

It made me feel appreciated.

It made me smile.

This might sound a little crazy – especially since I practically dared my friends and family to carry me across the finish – but winning the award was not that important to me.

Don't get me wrong....I'm glad I won – because I HATE losing.

But I feel like I snatched victory from the jaws of defeat with a couple Facebook updates and several mass e-mails.

As I started writing this blog post, my wife said to me, "Don't feel guilty..."

I don't.

It's just VERY important to me that people know that it's not the awards or the recognition that motivates me to give back. (I put that in several of the e-mails that I sent out.)

I thought this would be appropriate time to explain why I volunteer at the night shelter (I should have done this a long time ago):

I volunteer at the shelter because I believe that everyone deserves a fighting chance to be successful.

I volunteer because of the one-on-one interaction with the clients.

I volunteer because I want to measure success in my life by the relationships I develop along the way.

I volunteer because I want to make giving back sexy and cool.

I volunteer because I've been extremely blessed in my life – I want to pay it forward.

I volunteer because when I'm having a bad day, the shelter provides perspective.

I volunteer because the smiles and hugs of the clients warm my heart.

I volunteer because I love it when random people reach out to me on Facebook and ask, "Can I go with you to the shelter?"

I volunteer because I want to inspire my family and friends to give back.

I volunteer at the shelter because I love hearing stories about clients moving into permanent housing or getting a job.

I volunteer because significance is one of my top life facets – right behind spiritual and family.

I volunteer because every few months, a client asks me my name or "When are you coming back?"

I volunteer because I've started to recognize the power of presence.

I volunteer because that's exactly where God wants me to be.

Thank you to all of the people who voted for me and encouraged me throughout the "competition."

I also want to give a special shout out to B.J. Lacasse – she is the real Volunteer of the Year. She single-handedly put a face on the homeless problem in our community through her wonderfully great images. (Click here to see a news story about her exhibit, "The Street.")

Never stop giving back!

My College Archive:Fishing for the Definition of Individuality

2010-03-27T09:02:00.000-07:00

NOTE: "I was blogging...when blogging wasn't cool. From my hat down to my boots..." (Re-read & imagine Barbara Mandrell singing it.)

I recently found some of the columns I wrote on a weekly basis for my college newspaper. It was the mid-90s and "blog" was something we did the morning after going to the bar. I thought it would be neat – at least for me – to share some of my favorite ones.

g g g

I think it’s neat that there are people who watch fishing on TV.

I would rather watch something more exciting, like Styrofoam decomposing, but I think it’s cool people sit around and watch this sort of meaningless programming.

The other day, I was at a friend’s house, flipping through the channels when I came across one of these fishing shows. I surf past these types of shows all the time, but for some reason, I stopped on this particular episode.

And it actually got me thinking.

I could care less about fishing and anything associated with fishing – fishing lures, fishing line, fishing poles and fishing boats – but as I watched this particular episode, I started realizing that there are people who do care.

It’s hard to believe, but a fishing show made me realize that every person is different and special in his or her own way.

I actually started thinking about this last semester, while I was sitting in my geology class – but the fishing show pushed me over the edge and forced me to sit down and write about it.

In geology, my professor would stand at the front of the class and just talk and talk about rocks.

I know that’s what you study in geology, but you don’t understand...this man was all about rocks and never ran out of things to say about them. It was amazing.

At the start of the semester, I would poke fun at him for knowing so much about rocks, because I put rocks right up there with fishing shows.

But halfway through the semester, I stopped making fun of him – because I realized that’s what he likes. I didn’t care, but this man obviously did.

I guess you could say my geology class – which I only went to a handful of times – planted the seed of individuality. The fishing show forced the concept to take root in my brain.

I like certain things that other people could honestly live without. That’s what makes me who I am (I think the word I'm looking for is unique).

Think about this scary scenario:

If everyone were like me, we’d have millions and millions of six-page newspapers, filled with millions and millions of columns about stupid things – like showering in the dark.

There would be no doctors, lawyers, or garbage men.

If everyone were like me, Aerosmith would be the only band on the radio – with an occasional tune from Van Halen – and “The Paper” would be the Sunday Night Movie every week. The Cowboys and Rangers would have no trouble selling out their games, because those would be the teams everyone rooted for, if everyone was just like me.

There would be a run on Coors Lite, cookies and cream ice cream, and the No. 2 at McDonalds.

Chicken fried rice would be the national meal, and the guy you invented Snickers would be even more wealthy than he already is.

If everyone were like me, Demi Moore and/or Teri Hatcher and/or Gwyneth Paltrow would be in every movie ever made. There would millions of Land Cruisers on the road. And if everyone were like me, we’d all be living in Seattle.

As much as I hate to admit it...if everyone were like me, this world would be extremely boring.

If everyone were like you, it would be boring, too.

I guess I’ve always known this, but rocks and fishing shows really made me realize it.

I think it’s awesome there are people in the world that get off on working on cars, doing scientific experiments, and selling everything from hot dogs to insurance.

I think it’s great there are some people who like Coolio and others who like Garth Brooks.

I like the fact there are people who prefer ballet over football games and comedies over dramas.

I couldn’t imagine if everyone liked soap operas and hated sitcoms.

I like the fact when you go into a restaurant, there isn’t just one thing on the menu.

I guess you could say the world is like those variety pack of cereal – The Wheaties, Cherrios and Lucky Charms are all different in their own special way, but together they are one.

I have a brand new respect for fishing shows....does anyone want to watch an episode?

Me neither.

CRASH INTO ME: Being a Dad is the Coolest Thing Ever

2010-03-16T20:28:00.000-07:00

There are some blog posts that simply write themselves – the content is so compelling and/or poignant and/or humorous that you simply let your fingers go crazy and hope your brain doesn’t screw anything up.

This should be one of those posts, because...

I’m proud to introduce my first-born son – Crash Myers – to “the world.”

(I’m putting an emphasis on “should write itself,” because my sleep-deprived brain is working at the same capacity as a bowl of instant oatmeal.)

Right now, Crash is celebrating his 1-month birthday comfortably pressed against his mom’s chest, sucking the varnish off his vanilla-flavored pacifier, and counting down the minutes until he gets to enjoy the steak and baked potato that TK ate for dinner.

It’s so cool – not just the sweet scene described above – but EVERYTHING.

Here is an e-mail that I sent to several family members and friends right after he was born:

I just wanted to share this picture with you. (It was taken by our neighbor, Arlene.)

Update: Crash is a STUD and LOVES his mommy. (I think it's the whole breast milk thing.)

You think you're ready for something like this, but as I was singing him to sleep after his morning feeding, I broke down a little (in a good way). I don't mean to be over-dramatic and sappy, but this is the coolest thing EVER! How can people look at a baby and not believe in God and/or love?

Thanks for all of your support through this amazing adventure.

Love,
Drew

That incredible feeling – that hit me like a wave on Feb. 16th at 10:39 a.m. – has only gotten stronger.

Actually, this blog post is kind of difficult to write – because there are so many wonderfully great things to share.

To make it easy on my numb brain – I thought a logical place to start would be the delivery room.

There were several things that really stood out to me:

• My wife was an all-star. I even asked her between pushes if she had done this before. They broke her water at 7:30 a.m. and Crash was stealing our hearts before 11 o’clock.

TK rocked the pregnancy, crushed the delivery, and she could have received an honorary degree in lactation consulting. (“Are you sure you haven't done this before?”)

While we’re on the subject of my wife: She is the toughest, strongest, most wonderful woman that I know. She has such a huge heart – more than enough to love all her boys. Crash is a very lucky little boy.

• I didn’t lose it, like I anticipated. I thought I was going to cry like...well....a baby. I didn’t. There were a few tears, but the confidence and clarity, that Crash instantly provided, dried me up.

• I’ve always been terrified to hold a baby under the age of 9 months old. Changing a diaper? Ha! Right! When Crash crashed into this world, I instantly became Super Dad. God flipped a switch in my brain, and I just started doing whatever was necessary to provide for my son. It goes back to clarity and confidence. It was awesome!

g g g

After Crash was born, he was catapulted into the middle of his first battle. His arch nemesis: Low blood sugar. This fight sent him to the NICU, but he came through like a warrior.

The experience really brought me and TK closer together, and I was so proud of my boy – but it was all the babies in the intensive care unit that stole my focus and attention.

My Facebook status after we were discharged: “WE'RE GOING HOME! Thank you for all of the prayers. I have one more request, though. Please pray for all the families who still have a baby in NICU – there are almost 40 at All Saints alone. I bet you even know someone living this horrible adventure right now.”

g g g

Since we pulled into the driveway as a family, it has been a “trying” and “educational” experience. Those both carry negative connotations, but it’s totally opposite. In a sick and twisted, former football coach kind of way – this is fun.

I love trying to figure it all out – what works best...can we tweak his schedule just little...what if we did this...how can we improve that.

What do we need to do in order to "win" today?

The funny thing is: Even if Crash screams his head off for a couple of hours and signs off with an up-the-back blowout...it’s still so wonderfully great.

WIN!

Even though he doesn’t know me from Gus (our dog), I still love coming home and holding his perfect little hand and kissing his soft little cheek.

VICTORY!

Even if I'm forced to function on less than 3 hours sleep, it all fades away when Crash falls asleep on my chest during my quite time the next day.

CHAMPIONSHIP!

You know what...several people have encouraged me to write a regular blog and/or a book about being a dad.

They may be on to something.

This was the easiest blog post I’ve ever written.

NOTE: This post is dedicated to all our wonderfully great family and friends who have provided love, prayers and support over the last month. It takes a village to raise a child, and our “village” is nothing short of incredible. Thank you!

UPDATE: Launched my new "Daddy Blog" on March 19th

'For an extra $1 you can get the jumbo' Ummm...that won't be necessary

2010-01-21T20:31:00.000-08:00

I can’t remember if I’ve ever referred to myself as a “popcorn head” on this blog before. If not....

Hi, my name is Drew and I’m a “popcorn head.”

This finger-licking description refers to someone who has one idea after another pop into their over-stimulated brain on a regular basis.

Business idea...POP!

Concept for a book...POP!

Another business idea...POP!

Invention...POP!

Idea for a movie...POP!

POP! POP! POP! POP!

I’m serious....I have AT LEAST one idea a day. Most are stupid and/or frivolous, but some are decent and have a little bit of sticking power.

There are times when it’s very exciting to be a “popcorn head,” but most of the time it’s just frustrating.

Here’s an example: Around 2001, I had a GREAT idea for a movie. The concept was simple: Guys go to wedding thye're not invited to so they can eat, drink, and pickup bride’s maids. (I don’t think I have to tell you how this particular “kernel” played out – Ummm....Vince Vaughn, Owen Wilson, rhymes with bedding dashers.)

Dang it!

Here’s another example: I was convinced the future of news/sports was on a more personalized level. I could pick exactly what information I wanted (Rangers, Cowboys & college football) and not be distracted by the nonsense (NHL and NASCAR). I could read only the information I craved or watch the highlights of my favorite teams. Well....I would like to introduce everyone to ESPN.com – and most recently ESPNDALLAS.com.

Bastards!

Actually, it’s OK....because there is only one person to blame in this wide world of popping – ME! (It's not like the suits from ESPN got me drunk and stole my idea.)

These ideas infiltrated my brain, and I didn’t do a damn thing about it.

Sure, I might have jotted down some notes – I’m actually partial to mind maps – but I didn’t sit down at a computer and write out a screenplay for “Wedding Crashers.” When I thought of “My News,” I didn’t write a business plan and put it into motion.

My most recent “kernel” was quasi-high jacked by MTV.

It’s called the “Buried Life.”

Here’s the concept (straight from the show's web site):

Relying on goodwill, guts and gumption Duncan, Ben, Dave and Jonnie travel the globe in a purple transit bus to complete a list of ‘100 things to do before you die’ and to help and encourage others to go after their own lists. For every item they complete on their list, they help a stranger achieve one of their dreams. Everywhere they go they ask the question: What do you want to do before you die?

WOW!

I know someone with a list like this...oh yeah...ME! (remember?)

Now....here’s the difference. I was actually going to write a book about this. (The TV show idea is brilliant, but I was leaning in a different direction with the exact same concept.)

I had actually starting writing it. Here’s an excerpt:

We talked about our Lists and what we could mark off next.We also talked about how we could help each other cross certain things off.

The wheels in my head were spinning on a much larger scale, though.

“A gigantic thank you note to God...”

“Truly living an adventurous and amazing life...”

“Other List Makers....”

“Their journeys...”

“Helping them.”

I was finally able to connect the dots that were dancing around in my brain. “What if I reached out to other people who had made a List,” I thought to myself. “I could help them with their tasks – they could possibly help me with some of mine – and I could write about these wonderfully great people and this incredible experience.”

CRAP!

I had a very profound epiphany as I watched the first episode of “The Buried Life” – I don’t want another “kernel” snatched out of my hands. If I have a good idea – I need to go for it.

I did it with e-Partners in Giving, but my popcorn bucket is full of other ideas.

When this wild and crazy life is over – I don’t want to say “what if.”

I think back to the Mark Twain quote my mom gave me when I graduated from college:

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

Let’s melt some butter and get it on!

Starbucks Gives Soul & Spirit Unexpected Jolt

2010-01-12T18:06:00.000-08:00

Have you ever purchased something other than coffee from Starbucks? (And I'm not talking about a Cinnamon Dolce Latte or a Triple Venti Soy White Mocha.)

I'm talking about a travel mug, a French press, or a coffee grinder. Have you ever carried something like that up to the counter? Maybe?

What about a Starbucks CD? Probably not, but not out of the realm of possibility, huh?

What about a book? (Yes...I said book.) Nope?

Me neither.

I guess I've seen them there from time to time – stacked between the gift cards and the tip jar – but I paid as much attention to them as a "Bearista Bear." (Which DOES exist as well.)

When I was given a "Starbucks book" and encouraged to read it – I simply cringed. (It was like some poured the before-mentioned Cinnamon Dolce Latte on my crotch – extra hot, room for cream.)

When I had nothing better to do, I picked it up and started to thumb through it. For the first time, I actually read the title – "One: How Many People Does it Take to Make a Difference" – I was intrigued.

This little book is...

AWESOME!

It is a wonderfully great collection of quotes and stories that has a simple call to action: Change the World. I wanted to share one of the thoughts that really stood out in this inspiring publication "created exclusively for Starbucks Coffee Company."

There's a silent killer that stalks America. It's call "rustout" and it's far more deadly and scary than burnout. Sure, burnout can wear down your body, but rustout can wipe out your soul and your spirit.

"Rustout is the slow death that follows when we stop making the choices that keep life alive. It's the feeling of numbness that comes from always taking the safe way, never accepting new challenges, continually surrendering to the day-to-day routine. Rustout means we are no longer growing, but at best, are simply maintaining. It implies that we have traded the sensation of life for the security of a paycheck...Rustout is the opposite of burnout. Burnout is overdoing. Rustout is underbeing."

– Richard Leider & Steve Buchoz, The Rustout Syndrome

NOTE: After further research, this "Starbucks publication" was simply an excerpt from a broader book with the same name. It was written by Dan Zadra & Kobi Yamada. (Click here for more info)

A Victory of a Lifetime at the Fiesta Bowl

2010-01-07T20:27:00.000-08:00

“It doesn’t matter if you win or lose, it’s how you play the game.”

I love that statement...especially if you played well enough to crush your opponent and finish No. 1.

Confession: I love to win, I really hate losing,

and I think that quote is stupid.

To take it a step further...I’m baffled by people who don’t play to win.; I don’t understand why they don’t keep score in peewee sports anymore, and trophies for everyone?

COME ON!

I’m a staunch advocate of this philosophy:

Play to win or don’t play at all.

“Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing.”

That’s more like it!

Now, I would like for you to imagine me – and all my competitive juices – sitting at the Fiesta Bowl...clock reads 00:00...and my beloved Horned Frogs on the short end of a 17-10 BCS debacle.

As the Boise State Broncos celebrated with their fans, I sat with my head in my hands....devastated. (I could only imagine what the TCU players and coaches were feeling.)

Well, that disappointment stayed with me all night; I had nightmares about the loss, and on the flight home, I played the entire game back in my head – TWICE!

Did I mention that I hate to lose?

When we finally made it back to Fort Worth....my mentality started to change, though.

I reminded myself how I was going to start measuring success – not by money, fame, or fancy stuff.

I’m definitely not going to measure success by number of touchdowns scored by my favorite college football team. (No offense, Coach P.)

I’m going to measure success by the relationships that form along the way.

In that case....the Fiesta Bowl was a HUGE win.

First place.

Gold medal.

CHAMPIONSHIP.

There were six of us in our travel party and it was such a wonderfully great trip.

Not everyone knew each other, but that quickly changed after spending 10 hours in the El Paso airport. (We flew standby to Phoenix.)

Each person brought something special to the table – whether that was a leadership role, a motherly role, or simply a voice of reason.

We laughed a lot and created great stories. For example:

• Having pizza delivered to the airport and getting it scanned at the security check point;

• Kelly making friends with the courtesy cart driver;

• Meeting other TCU fans on their way to cheer on the Frogs;

• Illegally squeezing six people into one hotel room (and all the smells that go along with that);

• Getting a special 3 a.m. visit from some of our friends who work at TCU;

• Going on two runs (me & Kelly) in some of the most beautiful January weather EVER;

• All going to a nice dinner the night before the game and eating Coldstone right after;

• Everyone receiving a nickname (Some examples: Beano, Mounds, and Klumlover);

• Taking most of our group shots ourselves with an elevated perch and the built-in timer – these all turned out great and was a lot of fun to do. (“Would you like me to take your photo?” “NO! Get out of the way...CHEESE!”);

• Tailgating before the game with hundreds of other Frogs,

• And being a part of TCU Football history.

Travel Team 42, Boise State 6

That's one TD for each of us & two field goals for our Boise State "friends" we tormented at the game.

The pictures do a great job capturing our victory:

Headed to the airport

Acting out...before heading to the airport

Delirious already? Just wait!

Sign speaks for itself

Takeoff! (find Baby Crash)

Ummmm.....

There's that delirium – 10 hrs at airport

Kelly's new friend...BEEP! BEEP!

Our first self portrait in PHX

At the hotel

Our prom shot

Lunch in Scottsdale (with our waitress)

Pre-game (self portrait)

Our Boise State "friends"

Game Time!

Go Frogs!

Nancy, Margo & Klumlove

THE WINNING TEAM! GO FROGS!

(click here to see all the photos)

Do You 'Sleep in a Storm'?

2010-01-06T12:05:00.001-08:00

I had a marathon trip back from Fiesta Bowl (whole other post about that coming soon), but six hours on an airplane gave me the opportunity to start AND finish a great little book by Mitch Albom, author of "Tuesdays with Morrie."

I wanted to share a quick story from this book, "Have a Little Faith."

This is an excerpt from a sermon given by his rabbi in 1975. It really spoke to me:

"A man seeks employment on a farm. He hands his letter of recommendation to his new employer. It reads simply, 'He sleeps in a storm.'

"The owner is desperate for help, so he hires the man.

"Several weeks pass, and suddenly, in the middle of the night, a powerful storm rips through the valley.

"Awakened by the swirling rain and howling wind, the owner leaps out of bed. He calls for his new hired hand, but the man is sleeping soundly.

"So he dashes off to the barn. He sees, to his amazement, that the animals are secure with plenty of feed.

"He runs out to the field. He sees the bales of wheat have been bound and are wrapped in tarpaulins.

"He races to the silo. The doors are latched, and the grain is dry.

"And then he understands. 'He sleeps in a storm.'

"My friends, if we tend to the things that are important in life, if we are right with those we love and behave in line with our faith, our lives will not be cursed with the aching throb of unfulfilled business. Our words will always be sincere, our embraces tight. We will never wallow in the agony of 'I could have, I should have.' We can sleep in a storm.

"And when it's time, our good-byes will be complete."

I love this...

"We will never wallow in the agony

of 'I could have, I should have.' "

2010 Goals: 'Pick up that Sword and Let's Fight'

2010-01-02T13:08:00.000-08:00

When is the last time you had an epiphany – a thunderous punch of realization right to your gut?

Mine came a couple months ago, and it was more like a round-house kick to the face.

The sting of that epiphany has culminated into this blog post, which revolves around my short-term and long-term goals in every facet of my life.

First...how I got to this point: I don’t want to be over-dramatic and/or cliché, and say that I hit rock bottom – but I did hit something.

I was tired of pretending that I had all the answers.

I was tired of thinking that I had to be perfect.

I was tired of fearing failure.

My business was barely generating traction, I had no income coming in, and my first child was peeking at me through my wife’s belly button.

“Here I come, daddy!”

I was confused, and my confidence was in the toilet.

Like most desperate men, I gave myself a pep talk in the bathroom mirror and told myself to “buck up.”

“Stop crying, little baby! Figure it out!”

After a couple of weeks, that egotistical experiment made things worse. I was paralyzed.

Then I heard a whisper – one that I’ve heard before – and I realized everything was going to be fine. I imagined God standing in front of me, wearing his tattered battle armor and waving his arm – as to say, “Let’s go. Follow me.”

His whisper: “Pick up the sword that I’ve laid at your feet and let’s fight – together.”

He began opening doors for me that I didn’t even know existed.

One of those doors was a business advisory group in Houston – a wonderful group of successful entrepreneurs who were getting together twice a month to discuss issues of running a business.

"Hey...that's me!"

I inquired about joining the group, went through the interview process, and now show up in H Town every other Friday.

It has been a true blessing.

Since starting in October, the BAG sessions have provided clarity about who I am, where I am in my life, and where I want to go.

This clarity mostly revolves around goals – a strategic plan to live the life you dream of.

“What are some of your goals?” one of the members asked me during the interview process.

ME: “Goals? Well....I don’t know....I mean, I have....ummmm.....that would be a pretty good idea.”

Seeds of clarity and direction unintentionally planted.

For the last couple months, I have been working on my goals. I started out by taking a hard look at where I am and writing a “being statement” – my vision/dream of the person I want to be.

Then, I created a five-year plan and a list of goals for 2010 that fit into that plan. (I will do the same thing in 2011 and 2012.)

Most recently, I assigned Accountability Coaches to each of my life facets. (Click here to read more about that part of this exercise, including my list of hand-picked coaches.)

In this particular blog post, I wanted to share how I prioritized my life facets, explain where I am in my life, and include my “being statement.” I have provided links that breakdown the life facets, which includes the five-year plan and goals for 2010.

NOTE: These are NOT resolutions. The fact that I’m rolling them out on Jan. 2 is totally coincidental. These are my goals. My dreams. My vision of where I want to go.

Why I am sharing this with the world – or at least the 24 people who regularly read my blog?

It’s about putting leverage on myself. It’s about being transparent and not hiding behind the metaphorical mask.

It’s actually pretty invigorating.

I’m also a firm believer that if you write things down, you start training your subconscious mind to start making it a reality. (A blog is “writing it down” on steroids.)

Two things that I’ve learned in this process: 1) In five years, I’ll be 40 years old, and 2) The true measure of success should be the relationships that we develop along the way – not money, fame, or fancy “stuff.”

MY LIFE FACETS & GOALS

1. SPIRITUAL

Where Am I Right Now: Strong faith & relationship with Christ, but NOT attending church on regular basis

Being Statement: I will make God look good by the way I live my life, and use my faith as the foundation for the rest of my life facets

Five-year plan and goals

2. FAMILY

Where Am I Right Now: First child on the way – solid foundation of love & respect between me & my wife; Immediate family lives within hours drive – try to see them every couple of weeks

Being Statement: I will be the husband my wife deserves & the role model my children need

Five-year plan and goals

3. SIGNIFICANCE

Where Am I Right Now: Constantly put an emphasis on giving back & helping those less fortunate; My conviction statement: Everyone deserves a fighting chance to be successful

Being Statement: I will make giving back sexy and cool – be a motivation to others to give back

Five-year plan and goals

4. BUSINESS

Where Am I Right Now: I am president/CEO of start-up company, e-Partners in Giving...We have been operational for 13 months; Limited cash flow, morale low, and questioning business model; Forced to take "real job" – since company has not generated necessary traction/momentum

Being Statement: I will utilize my leadership abilities to develop a unique business model/assemble a like-minded team that inspires social entrepreneurs (Entrepreneur Incubator)– create, sell, repeat; Involved in the daily operations – not just financially invested – each project will fund the next

Five-year plan and goals

5. EDUCATION

Where Am I Right Now: Have Master's Degree in Ed. Administration; recently started Rapport Leadership Training; know how to say bathroom and beer in Spanish (bano & cerveza)

Being Statement: Advice from my grandfather: "Never stop learning." I will apply this advice to every aspect of my life

Five-year plan and goals

6. PHYSICAL (Health)

Where Am I Right Now: Recently had first physical as an adult – 'extremely healthy'; Have had some sleep issues in the past – nothing significant; Active w/ primary source of exercise coming from running; Social drinker – no smoking; Watch what I eat – limited fast food & no sodas.

Being Statement: I will maintain my current weight and level of fitness and inspire others around me to live an active, healthy lifestyle as well.

Five-year plan and goals

7. FINANCIAL

Where Am I Right Now: MESS! Extreme debt b/c of business (mostly credit cards); Limited Savings; No investments – except for wife's 401K

Being Statement: Money will never be an obstacle for my family

Five-year plan and goals

8. SOCIAL

Where Am I Right Now: Have a list of 101 things I want to accomplish in 1001 days (487 days left); Most social activities revolve around giving back; Limited funds have handcuffed us from going out a lot

Being Statement: I will not forget to have fun and maximize any situation that I'm placed in; I will focus on the success of the people that I love.

Five-year plan and goals

I NEED HELP! My Accountability Coaches for 2010

2010-01-02T13:00:00.000-08:00

Part of my realization over the last few months has included the fact that it’s OK to ask for help.

For most of my life, I’ve been pig-headed and stubborn about this simple practice.

“I can do it on my own!”

I’ve actually been a little arrogant about the situation, too.

“Not only can I do it on my own – I can do it better than anyone else.”

Ummm.....WRONG.

Realization: To be successful in life, I have to check my ego at the door and turn to more talented and capable people to help get me where I want to go.

That’s why I’ve assigned Accountability Coaches for 2010.

I went through my Rolodex (a.k.a my Friends List on Facebook) and hand-selected the individuals I want to help hold me accountable in 2010.

I did NOT ask these people to do this. I simply put the ball in their court, and I’m hoping that they step up to the plate to help.

These are people I respect and admire. They also inspire me in how they live their lives. (At least the part that I’m asking for help in.)

Example: One of my Accountability Coaches for “Family” is my brother, John. He is a loving husband and devoted son and brother. He knows the value of family and does not take it for granted. I’m convinced that John can help me keep family at the forefront of my priorities.

Reminder....I don’t want to seem like a good husband – I want to BE a good husband. I don’t want to seem like nurturing father – I want to BE a nurturing father.

I know John can help me in this area of my life, just like my friend Kelly can hold be accountable about giving back (significance) and my friend Will can make sure I’m having a little fun (social).

Some of my Coaches I talk to every day, while some I simply follow via social media. Some aren’t going to be shocked that they’re one of my Coaches, while others might say, “Drew who?”

I assigned two to three Coaches to each of my life facets (i.e. spiritual, business, physical, etc.) I chose more than one – just in case one of the other Coaches drops the ball. (I don’t want to fumble because someone else did.)

If your name is on the list and you aren’t interested in helping me – please let me know. (Definitely no hard feelings.)

NOTE: My wife is not one of my Accountability Coaches because she is too close to the situation. That held true for a lot of my other friends as well.

What does it mean to be an Accountability Coach?

Two requirements: 1) You simply have to ask me from time to time about my goals in that particular life facet (if you want to ride my ass...feel free, but you can just casually mention it from time to time), and 2) You HAVE to let me help you do something in 2010.

That’s it!

You don’t have to call me everyday.

You don’t have to fill out any paperwork and/or sign anything on Dec. 31, 2010.

Just call or e-mail and ask, “How’s it going?”

Here are my life facets and my Accountability Coaches for each one:

SPIRITUAL (goals here)

– Brian Hatton (college buddy)
– Matt Lewis (friend from TCU & church)
– Mark Wylie (friend from TCU & church)

FAMILY (goals here)

– John Howard (my brother)
– Dave Quinn (friend from West Texas)

SIGNIFICANCE (goals here)

– Kelly Imig (friend who works for Big Brothers Big Sisters)
– Catherine Ruehle (friend with huge heart for giving back)
– Jenna Sauber (friend who is huge advocate for Nothing But Nets)

BUSINESS (goals here)

– Mark Rusell (friend, entrepreneur & funeral director in Baton Rouge)
– Luis Caballero (friend, entrepreneur & marketing guru)
– Amy Schroeder (friend, entrepreneur & business owner in Dallas)

EDUCATION (goals here)

– Kimbra Quinn (friend from West Texas)
– Mike Bloomberg (friend & entrepreneur)

PHYSICAL/HEALTH (goals here)

– Greg Jones (best friend who recently started running)
– Chelsey Hughes (friend, runner & triathlete)
– Julie Brauer (friend & runner)

FINANCIAL (goals here)

– Brad Amidei (college buddy)
– JR Holland (friend from Fort Worth)

SOCIAL (goals here)

– Will Berend (college buddy living in Minnesota)
– Katie Giangreco (friend from TCU)

To read my blog post about my 2010 goals (click here).

LIFE FACETS: Social

2010-01-02T10:29:00.000-08:00

Editor's Note: This is a goal breakdown for one of my eight life facets – includes where I am now, a being statement, 5-year goals and goals for 2010. Some of the goals are tangible and some our intangible.

SOCIAL

Where Am I Now: Have a list of 101 things I want to accomplish in 1001 days (486 days left)

• Most social activities revolve around giving back

• Limited funds have handcuffed us from going out a lot

Being Statement: I will not forget to have fun and maxmize any situation that I'm placed in.

• I will focus on the success of the people that I love.

By 2015, I will have...

– Started more realistic 101 List, incorporating my wife and children

– Still have relationship with Little Brother (BBBS)

– Go on one mission trip

2010 Goals:

– Write a least one blog post a week

– Spend one-on-one time with each of my "inner circle"

– Continue seeing my Little Brother on a weekly basis

– Start doing research on mission trip

– Complete all the "little" tasks on my 101 List

Goal Breakdown

Accountability Coaches

LIFE FACETS: Financial

2010-01-02T10:26:00.000-08:00

Editor's Note: This is a goal breakdown for one of my eight life facets – includes where I am now, a being statement, 5-year goals and goals for 2010. Some of the goals are tangible and some our intangible.

FINANCIAL

Where Am I Now: MESS!

• Extreme debt b/c of business (mostly credit cards)

• Limited Savings

• No investments – except for wife's 401K

Being Statement: Money will never be an obstacle for my family

By 2015, I will have...

– Make $10,000 gross monthly income

– Have all e-Partners in Giving debt paid off

– Have substantial portfolio in place

2010 Goals:

– Put together budget w/ wife

– Hire financial counselor

– Put 12% of all income into savings & invest at the end of the year

– Pay off wife's car

– Consolidate debt to one low-interest credit card

Goal Breakdown

Accountability Coaches

LIFE FACETS: Physical (health)

2010-01-02T10:19:00.000-08:00

Editor's Note: This is a goal breakdown for one of my eight life facets – includes where I am now, a being statement, 5-year goals and goals for 2010. Some of the goals are tangible and some our intangible.

PHYSICAL (Health)

Where Am I Now: Recently had first physical as an adult – 'extremely healthy'

• Have had some sleep issues in the past – nothing significant

• Active w/ primary source of exercise coming from running

• Social drinker – no smoking

• Watch what I eat – limited fast food & no sodas

Being Statement: I will maintain my current weight and level of fitness and inspire others around me to live an active, healthy lifestyle as well.

By 2015, I will have...

– Complete 1/2 Iron Man Triathlon

– Run 10 half marathons – break 1:35 time in the process

– Help my son find the activity(ies) that he likes

2010 Goals:

– Get another physical

– Hire personal trainer

– Join running club

– Participate in Texas Independence Relay

– Complete my 3rd marathon (under 4 hours)

– Do one event with my wife (e.g. Turkey Trot)

Goal Breakdown

Accountability Coaches

LIFE FACETS: Education

2010-01-02T10:15:00.000-08:00

Editor's Note: This is a goal breakdown for one of my eight life facets – includes where I am now, a being statement, 5-year goals and goals for 2010. Some of the goals are tangible and some our intangible.

EDUCATION

Where Am I Now: Have Master's Degree in Ed. Administration; recently started Rapport Leadership Training

Being Statement: Advice from my grandfather: Never stop learning. I will apply this advice to every aspect of my life

By 2015, I will have...

– Complete all Rapport Leadership Seminars

– Have my real estate license

– Be fluent in conversational Spanish

2010 Goals:

– Take one real estate class

– Start conversation about communication class w/ wife

– Send three of our employees to some sort of sales training (me included)

– Continue to incorporate leaderhship books & biographies into my reading

– Buy Spanish version of Rosetta Stone

Goal Breakdown

Accountability Coaches

LIFE FACETS: Business

2010-01-02T10:05:00.000-08:00

Editor's Note: This is a goal breakdown for one of my eight life facets – includes where I am now, a being statement, 5-year goals and goals for 2010. Some of the goals are tangible and some our intangible.

BUSINESS

Where Am I Now: I am president/CEO of start-up company, e-Partners in Giving; we have been operational for 13 months

• Limited cash flow; morale low, and questioning business model

• Forced to take another job – since company has not generated necessary traction/momentum

Being Statement: I will utilize my leadership abilities to develop a unique business model/assemble a like-minded team that inspires entrepreneurs (Entrepreneur Incubator)– create, sell, repeat

• Involved in the daily operations – not just financially invested

• Each project will fund the next

By 2015, I will have...

– Made e-Partners in Giving a sustainable & profitable company and execute the best exit strategy

– Put together my "Dream Team" – 6 to 7 like-minded and motivated individuals

– Use funds generated by sale of e-Partners to start first company of Entrepreneur Incubator

2010 Goals:

– Give each of our investors the opportunity to sell back their share(s) in the company

– Hire a PR intern

– Pay down all debt

– Receive minimal pay check

– Send three of our employees to some sort of sales training.

– Add minimum of 100 funeral home partners

Goal Breakdown

Accountability Coaches

LIFE FACETS: Significance

2010-01-02T10:01:00.000-08:00

Editor's Note: This is a goal breakdown for one of my eight life facets – includes where I am now, a being statement, 5-year goals and goals for 2010. Some of the goals are tangible and some our intangible.

SIGNIFICANCE

Where Am I Now: Constantly put an emphasis on giving back & helping those less fortunate; My conviction statement: Everyone deserves a fighting chance to be successful.

Being Statement: I will make giving back sexy and cool – be a motivation to others to give back

By 2015, I will have...

– Made Fort Worth the most giving city in the United States, while personally accumulating more than 2,000 hours of community service.

– Brought a chapter of Back on My Feet to DFW

– Maintained & cultivated my relationship with my Little Brother (BBBS)

– Gone on one mission trip

2010 Goals:

– Accumulate 400 hrs of community service (almost 8 hours a week)

– Start prison mentoring

– Continue relationship w/ Little Brother

– Do five presentations that revolve around my conviction statement

– Research possible metrics/platform to make FW most giving city in America

– Serve on two Boards of local 501(c)(3) organizations

Goal Breakdown

Accountability Coaches

LIFE FACETS: Family

2010-01-02T09:57:00.000-08:00

Editor's Note: This is a goal breakdown for one of my eight life facets – includes where I am now, a being statement, 5-year goals and goals for 2010. Some of the goals are tangible and some our intangible.

FAMILY

Where Am I Now: First child on the way – solid foundation of love & respect between me & my wife; Immediate family lives within hours drive – try to sse them every couple of weeks.

Being Statement: I will be the husband my wife deserves & the role model my children need

By 2015, I will be...

– I want my immediate family to be in place, with at least three children (our own or through adoption)

– Have taken classes with my wife to improve our communication & build on the foundation we've already established

2010 Goals:

– Have healthy baby boy

– Go on one vacation w/ my wife (no kids)

– Start conversation about going to classes/counseling

– Start conversation about where we want to raise our family

Goal Breakdown

Accountability Coaches

LIFE FACETS: Spiritual

2010-01-02T09:38:00.000-08:00

SPIRITUAL

Where Am I Now: Strong faith & relationship with Christ, but NOT attending church on regular basis

Being Statement: I will make God look good by the way I live my life, and use my faith as the foundation for the rest of my life facets

By 2015, I will be...

– Not just growing in my faith, but sharing it as well

– I will be involved in a church family – not just attending Church on Sunday mornings

– I will have gone on one mission trip

2010 Goals:

– Find a church home

– Continue daily devotionals

– Incorporate faith-based books into my reading"

– Continue mentor program & fellowship classes

Goal Breakdown

Accountability Coaches

Train to Averageville is Leaving – Are You On It?

2009-12-30T18:35:00.000-08:00

I was recently introduced to a web site created by Chris Guillebeau.

It has a wonderfully great title: "The Art of Non-Conformity ... Unconventional Strategies For Life, Work and Travel."

AWESOME!

I'm still familiarizing myself with the site, but I stumbled upon his "manifesto" – "A Brief Guide to World Domination."

Here are some highlights:

• Main Concept: If you want it badly enough, and are willing to make some changes in your life to cause it to happen, you too can take over the world.

• What you'll learn: How your own personal goals can be directly related to helping other people. While you are pursuing your big ideas, you can also make a difference in the lives of others at the same time.

• His list of "11 ways to live unremarkably average" is eye-opening.

• He poses two questions that will put you on the path to world domination. (I'm working through them.)

If those four bullet points aren't enough for you to click on the link below...tell everyone in Averageville that I said hello.

"The Art of Non-Conformity ..."

Family Continues to Create Christmas Magic

2009-12-28T18:32:00.000-08:00

Leading up to Christmas, it didn't really feel like...Christmas.

The Christmas tree went up and our stockings were hung with care, but something was missing. Christmas cards started arriving and people in our neighborhood did their best impression of Clark Griswold with their Christmas lights...still nothing.

Even after I wrapped a couple of gifts, the holiday spirit just wasn't there.

Then I started thinking about traditions – specifically all the wonderfully great traditions we have in our family.

I thought about all the "kids" taking a group photo before we all hustle down the stairs to see what Santa brought us (right). I also thought about the amazing breakfasts Mom makes after we open gifts.

I ranked each tradition in an unofficial Top 10 list and shared it on Facebook and Twitter. The Christmas spirit was coming alive before my eyes.

When I started thinking about our tradition of making homemade Christmas gifts – No. 1 on my list – I was dancing around, wearing nothing more than an elf hat and Frosty boxers. (Not really...but you get my point. I was officially ready for the holidays.)

This tradition – which we started 11 years ago – makes our family Christmas extraordinary.

The week leading up to this Christmas, I thought about all the great things we've created, how many tears we've generated, and how we continue to stretch our creativity.

I started to get excited to see what everyone made this year.

Like usual...
the gifts were AWESOME!

I want to share some of our homemade
Christmas "masterpieces" of 2009:

DAD: Hand-crafted YoYos – he always creates something light and fun.

SUSAN (my younger sister): Personalized stationery

JAKE (my 18-month-old nephew): Christmas ornament with framed picture of him and the family dog, Maverick.

MICHAEL (my brother-in-law): I was the only person who received a legitimate homemade gift from Mike. He took a family cedar chest and turned it into an amazing toy box for Baby Crash. He used Texas Ranger baseball cards – new and old – to cover the top of the chest.

ALLISON (my littlest sister): Creatively designed desk calendars

MARY GRACE (my four-year-old niece): Hand-painted flower pots with planted herbs

MOM: Customized frames – she used some of my great aunt's linen to make a unique and meaningful keepsake.

KoKo (sister-in-law): Made delicious chili and gumbo – complete with Fritos and rice for the fixin'.

My wife and I joined forces this year. The first time in 11 years that I've done this. I had to, though. This year's gift was WAY outside my comfort zone – specifically since it involved power tools.

TK and I created "Hilltop Grove" on my parent's property. We "planted" six bottle trees – one for each branch of our family tree and one for our friends.

Special shout out to a couple elves: Greg (for helping dig the holes) and Chris (for donating most of the bottles.)

We wrapped one bottle for each person and put it under the tree. When they placed their bottle on the tree, they said one thing they were grateful for. Mary Grace said, "Love." Most people said, "Family." My brother-in-law said, "Dirk." (Yes...as in Nowitzki)

I didn't hang a "gratitude bottle" on a tree, but as I made this year's gift – sawing, drilling, pouring cement – I constantly said a prayer and expressed my gratitude for this tradition. I'm firmly convinced that 11 years ago that God whispered to my mom and gave her this crazy idea.

Christmas morning has never been the same.

Hopefully it never will.

REMINDER: Life Has No Rewind Button –You Might As Well Live 'Full Throttle'

2009-10-08T12:55:00.000-07:00

I'm starting to fall in love with the term "full throttle."

It has come up a couple times this week – the most impactful being at my men's fellowship class. Our pastor talked about loving more deeply, laughing more often, giving more generously, and living more boldly.

I LOVE IT!

He encouraged us to "untie our ropes" and live with no regrets.

Easier said than done, right?

Well, he also addressed the issues that keep us from "throwing off the bowlines and sailing away from the safe harbor," as Mark Twain so poetically put it. Those deterrents included:

• Lies (e.g. the assumption that there will be a tomorrow – "I'll start that next week.")

• Guilt

• Anger

• Pride

• Self-pity

As our pastor closed us in prayer, I told God that I feel like I AM living "full throttle" and I expressed my gratitude. Thanks to my faith in Him – I'm able to live boldly without any fear. (Not reckless...just boldly.) I'm able to take risks. I'm able to chase my dreams. I'm able to love with all my heart. I'm able to be the best husband, brother, son, and boss that I can be.

Is that too prideful? Definitely no self-pity, huh?

Anyway, I've already had the opportunity to spread the word about living "full throttle."

Some family friends have a 12-year-old granddaughter going toe-to-toe with Leukemia. She is so brave and strong – a true inspiration. (I kind of feel sorry for the cancer – Ms. Presley is a tiger.)

I wear a bracelet on my right wrist to let her, and her family, know that they're constantly on my mind and in my prayers. Her grandparents, who I know very well, have requested time and time again for photos of people wearing the bracelets.

ME: "Oh...I'll do it tomorrow"

and/or "I'll get around to it." (see lies above)

I was dropping the ball and finally said, "ENOUGH! It's time."

This is where it goes "full throttle" – instead of simply e-mailing Presley's grandmother a picture of me wearing the bracelet, I found EVERY picture I could put my hands on with the bracelet on display. I took those photos, added some music, and turned it into a short video.

The title (appropriately enough): "Going Full Throttle: Adventures of the Bracelet"

I also included little life lessons on each picture – specifically for Ms. Presley.

As I uploaded the video to YouTube and sent the link to Presley's family, though, I quickly realized that I was preaching to the choir about going "full throttle."

If there is ANYONE in this world doing that...it's Presley Boydston. Not only is she kicking the crap out of cancer, she is designing T-shirts, going to school, updating her blog, and loving the hell out of her family.

Through the e-mail updates that I receive – I know she has rough days, but I also know that she is loving deeply, laughing often, giving generously, and living boldly.

FULL THROTTLE!

I wanted to share the video with everyone.

Reminder: This is not about me – I just happen to be acting like a moron in every picture. This is about Presley and her courageous fight against Leukemia.

Keep your eye on the baby blue bracelet and let the life lessons sink in. (NOTE: You may want to make the video full-screen in order to read the life lessons.)

FYI: You can make a donation to Team Presley by visiting her e-Partners in Giving Donation Page (To show our support – we have waived our Convenience Fee).

WHY IS EVERYTHING 'WONDERFULLY GREAT'?

2009-10-05T16:19:00.001-07:00

I constantly use the phrase "wonderfully great."

I LOVE IT!

I wanted to remind everyone – including myself – of its origin.

This blog post was from November 9, 2008:

I was checking in at the Pittsburgh airport recently, I heard a conversation between a customer and a ticket agent that stopped me cold.

The customer was a middle-aged gentleman with a mental disability. When the gate agent asked how he was doing, he responded in the most genuine tone you can imagine. “Wonderfully great,” he said with a proud smile. (It was almost like he was thrilled she actually inquired.)

I couldn’t help but smile, too.

When the ticket agent was assisting me, we briefly discussed the dialogue between her and the gentleman. We both agreed that if anyone asked either one of us the rest of the day, we’d both be “wonderfully great.”

As I walked away from the ticket counter, I wondered why everyone can’t always choose to be “wonderfully great.”

DOES ANYONE HAVE A RAZOR I CAN BORROW?

2009-10-04T12:18:00.000-07:00

No Shave Month – No. 101 on My 101 List – is officially marked off.

I documented the uncomfortable/itchy experience using Daily Mugshot. You know what's funny, my mountain man look was a huge conversation piece at all my business meetings.

Daily Mugshot
(Can't see slide show? Refresh your browser)

1-MINUTE COMMERCIAL ABOUT E-PARTNERS

2009-10-03T07:01:00.000-07:00

At a recent Meetup Group, I "won" the opportunity to give a one-minute commercial about e-Partners in Giving to other entrepreneurs. Instead of focusing on the partnerships in our targeted industries – death-care & non-profit – I decided to put an emphasis on our brand of giving back.

I typed it up and wanted to share it here:

I used to be a “holiday volunteer” – you know...go down to the local homeless shelter on Thanksgiving and Christmas – maybe Easter...spend a couple of hours so I didn’t feel guilty about gorging myself later that day
with turkey and dressing.

Now I live by the mantra “Never Stop Giving Back” and spend anywhere from 25 to 30 hours a month volunteering.

Why...because I finally found my passion, and I completely blurred the lines of my life – business and pleasure, free time and work hours.

A little over one year ago, I took control of my life, quit my job in college athletics and started my own company – e-Partners in Giving, which is a web site that makes online giving as easy as possible.

Going into this, we were very aware that web sites like this already existed, but we felt like there are several things that separate us – the No. 1 thing being our dedication to walk the walk. We aren’t just encouraging people to give back – we are actually doing it.

Whether that’s spending time with my Little Brother through Big Brothers Big Sisters or staying up all night at Relay For Life event.

I have been gloriously ruined to take action, and I have found several causes that eat at my soul.

So I ask you...“What tugs at your heartstrings?” Once you find it, we encourage you to “Never Stop Giving Back.”

e-Partners in Giving can help you do that.

It's 5:45 in the morning...DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR NEIGHBOR IS?

2009-09-30T19:33:00.001-07:00

I want to share an e-mail that I recently sent to one of my neighbors. This is in response to a letter she shoved underneath my front door. I won't bore you with her whole letter – which was rather lengthy – but here are the highlights:

• Captain Augustus McCrae (my pooch) woke her up at 5:30 in the morning

• She marched an entire city block – at 5:45 a.m. – to tell me that he woke her up

• I wasn't home to hear her complain

• I'm rude

• She's going to call the city

Here was my response (this is straight from the heart):

Melissa,

My name is Drew Myers and I live at 2509 Honeysuckle. I got your note about my dog raising hell at 5:30 in the morning, and I wanted to drop you a line.

I tried to give you a call, but your line as been busy all evening. (Ironically enough...we had one of your “For Sale By Owner” sheets for a family friend who was interested in your house. I thought your name looked familiar. Your phone number and this e-mail address were listed on the sheet. Lucky for me.)

Anyway...I’m terribly sorry about Gus (my dog).
I HATE the fact he woke you up. I had a business meeting out of town this morning and was going to be gone all day. Instead of leaving him kenneled in the house – like we normally do – I HAD to give him access to the backyard.

Again, I’m very sorry about that.

I did want to address one thing that you implied in your letter....this does NOT happen all the time. Ninety-five percent of the time we are either home OR Gus is in his kennel. Does Gus Bark from time to time? Yes...he’s a dog. That’s one of the reasons why we have him. When people are lurking around our house at 5:45 in the morning...I’m glad he goes crazy.

Anyway...sorry again. If you DO feel inclined to call the city about this isolated incident make sure you give them my cell phone so they can get me anytime (817) 909-XXXX. (If you would like to call and discuss further– don’t hesitate to drop me a line as well.)

NOTE: If for some reason that happens again, just yell and tell him to shut the hell up. (That’s what I do to other peoples’ dogs – including yours.)

Take care,

Drew

HELPING KIDS – ONE NICKEL AT A TIME

2009-09-22T06:55:00.000-07:00

I need to share a VERY quick story, and I have a VERY small favor to ask. (I know what you’re saying... “Drew is on the giving back war path again!” This time it’s VERY

painless and it will only

cost you $4.)

As most of you are aware, I used to be a “holiday volunteer” (You know... I’d go to the homeless shelter at Thanksgiving and/or Christmas and serve food for a couple hours so I wouldn’t feel guilty about gorging myself later in the day.) But most of you also know that a little over a year ago my life completely changed.

When I launched e-Partners in Giving in May 2008, I realized very quickly that I need to do more than “talk the talk” in regards to giving back.

That’s when I became a Big Brother through Big Brothers Big Sisters. For the last 16 months, I have been a mentor to a wonderfully great young man named Anthony. We’ve done so many fun things – from waterparks and Frisbee golf to the final Dallas Cowboys game at Texas Stadium.

In a short amount of time, Anthony has changed my life. More than anything, he has made me realize that every single person deserves a fighting chance to be successful. Anthony’s story is tragic, but that doesn’t diminish his HUGE heart and his AMAZING sense of adventure. His home life might be a daily struggle, but that doesn’t deter his inquisitive nature and passion for fulfilling his dreams.

Again...

EVERYONE DESERVES A FIGHTING CHANCE TO BE SUCCESSFUL.

Well...we need your help putting five more kids right in the middle of this fight!

I’m not asking you to become a Big Brother or Big Sister (not right NOW, at least) – I’m simply asking for a $4 donation to support our Bowl for Kids’ Sake team. This is Big Brothers Big Sisters’ largest fund-raising initiative of the year and we’re making a push to get FIVE KIDS OFF THE WAITING LIST – one nickel at a time.

One nickel? Actually, 80 of them.

We’re asking people to pay 5 cents for every pin that we knock down during the BFKS bowling tournament on Saturday. Since we’re all AWFUL bowlers – we figured our average score would be around 80.

80 pins x 5 cents = $4.00!

Through a MASSIVE social media blitz, we’re trying to raise $5,000 for our bowling team. That would ensure that FIVE KIDS would get matched and that match would be sustained for one year.

The process is super simple and there are NO additional fees. Simply visit: http://www.epartnersingiving.com/bowlforkidssake

We’re trying to pull this off in 72 hours.

We encourage you to forward this e-mail to family and friends as well. (Don’t worry...nothing bad will happen to you if you DON’T, but if you DO...I would be forever grateful.) Other ways you can help – post on your Facebook page, Tweet about it, put it on your blog. Spread the word anyway you can.

Just think about it...if all of my Facebook friends made a $4 donation – we’d be well on our way. If all of THEIR FRIENDS made a donation – we’d start making a difference.

This is your chance to help change the lives of five kids AND change the lives of the five adults who will get the opportunity provide them a little time and a lot of love.

Thanks in advance for your support!

NEVER STOP GIVING BACK

BLOG FODDER: Screaming Kids & Fried Butter

2009-09-13T15:53:00.000-07:00

I have a file on my computer, entitled “Blog.” This is where I keep all my fodder – which is anything and everything that I think will make a decent blog post.

I get ideas from anywhere and everywhere – books, magazines, TV, friends, family, experiences, and of course Facebook.

My only self-imposed rule: Try to stay within my parameters – “Life, Business, and Giving Back.” I do this for the simple fact that it's blazed across the top of this web page. (Actually, I try to abide by that policy because nobody wants to read about my thoughts on politics, reality television, or what I ate for dinner.)

Here are some examples from that file on my computer (and a brief description on the possible focus/point of each post):

NOTE: Whether I ever get around to actually writing these is HUGE question mark.

• “Prayer for the families”

My new company partners with funeral homes to make memorial giving as easy as possible. This can be extremely sad. Even though we are providing a quality service to the families, they are still going through tremendous grief and heartache. Recently, I’ve been including these families on my daily prayer list.

Personally, I don’t handle death very well (another possible blog post) – and I’m sure I’m not alone. I just hope my prayer helps those families lean on God a little to get through the grieving process.

• “Am I REALLY ready to be a dad?”

This summer I went to Florida on a family vacation, which included my sister and her two children (a 4-year-old princess and a 16-month-old mama’s boy). I thought this would be a tremendous test for me and my expecting wife.

ME: “Bring it on!”

RESULT: Fail.

Without writing the whole blog post here and now, I’ll sum it up in four words: A LOT OF CRYING.

Needless to say, my life flashed before my eyes a more than several times on the trip and the anxiety level of being a daddy-to-be was ratcheted up a couple notches.

• “News story: Investor response”

Way back in March, e-Partners in Giving received some exposure in a local TV news feature. (see video here)

The story was tremendous for our young company, but it was a simple response by one of our investors that highlighted the 2-minute spot.

After watching the feature, he said, “I’m proud to have my money invested in this company.”

When things get rough – and I don’t know which way is up – I think back to that statement. It reminds me that even though our revenue stream is not where we want it OR need it to be – our brand and mission of giving back is strong.

• “The List”

My 101 List is ALWAYS combustible
fuel for my blog fire.

Example 1: Right now, I’m in the middle of no-shave month. (No. 101) What is that, you ask? Ummm...for one month, I don’t shave. Duh! I’m doing it in conjunction with the Rangers’ playoff push – in honor of the Wolfpack bullpen. (see my "Mugshow" to date)

Example 2: The State Fair of Texas is right around the corner, which means I have a golden opportunity to cross No. 78 off my list (“Eat a ‘fried concoction’ in front of Big Tex at the State Fair”). The featured fried fare this year is....butter. Yum!

• "Online fodder"

I also Bookmark online features that I’ve stumbled on – mostly having to do with business and entrepreneurship. Here are a few of examples:

• The Pleasure of Being an Entrepreneur
(click here to read)

• What's Your Brand U.0?
(click here to read)

• 20 Tips for the New Entrepreneur – from Savvy Auntie
(click here to read)

Again, when I actually expand on these subjects and dedicate a entire blog post to each one is up in the air. Every day I tell myself, “I need to be blogging. I need to be blogging.”

Hey...wait a second...

SUCCESS!

LIST UPDATE: Trying to be 'a one man wolf pack'

2009-08-02T18:19:00.000-07:00

NOTE: This part three in a three-part series updating the status of my 101 List. These are brief little nuggets on things I’ve recently crossed off and/or about to conquer.

COMPLETED ITEMS
No. 62 Go See a Movie By Myself

Date Completed: July 23, 2009

Details: This is one of those simple tasks that can get lost in the shadow of items like “Take a Self Portrait in Every National Park” (No. 81). I think it’s these “little things” that make these lists special.

I like going to the movies by myself – and I probably take doing it for granted. Same with eating a double scoop of ice cream (No. 47) and making Christmas cookies for my neighbors (No. 36).

Sadly enough, if I didn’t have these things on my list, I might not even think about doing them in the heat of the moment.

• Nobody to go to the movies with: “I’ll just rent something from Blockbuster.”

• Mid-December: “Wow! I love laying on my couch in my underwear, drinking eggnog and watching ‘Christmas Vacation’ for the 76th time.”

Anyway, I went and saw “The Hangover” by myself. It was a perfect evening – TK was out of town and the Rangers were off. I sat in the dark, enjoyed the hell out of my buttered movie popcorn, and laughed uncontrollably.

Cross it off!

No. 74 Start a Customer Service Blog
Date Completed: July 27, 2009

Details: All of this is laid out in a blog post all its own. (click here to read)

I will say this, though: Please don’t settle for poor customer service. If it’s bad – say something, AND if it blows your socks off because it’s so good – say something, too.

DONE!

UPCOMING ITEMS

No. 41 Break 4-hour mark in a marathon

Projected Date: November 15, 2009

Details: Already started 16-week training program for this 26.2-mile achievement. Running the San Antonio Rock 'n' Roll Marathon.

No. 63 Attend a Book Signing

Projected Date: August 10, 2009

Details: I actually set this up for my kick-butt author friend Shauna Glenn. (I’ve doing a little PR/marketing for her) We scheduled her on a “Texas Swing” of independent bookstores across the state.

No. 88 Be the Mascot at a College Football Game

Projected Date: TBD

Details: I can’t really provide any particulars on this – it’s a covert mission inside the game-day festivities of an unspecified collegiate athletics department.

No. 98 Buy a T-Shirt from Threadless.com

Projected Date: Sooner than later

Details: I’ve added some “spice” to this task – I want to purchase a T-shirt that I actually voted on AND it got printed. I could easily go on there and buy a kick-butt shirt like, “When You Think About It, All Galaxies Are Far, Far, Away.” (visit Threadless.com by clicking here)

101. Participate in a "No Shave" month

Projected Date: September 2009

Details: I had a mock two-week run earlier this summer and I think I’m ready. I’m going to do it in conjunction with the Rangers’ postseason push.

In honor of the Rangers’ Wolfpack bullpen – which was inspired from a monumental monologue from “The Hangover” – I will let it go for 30 days. (I plan on documenting it using Daily Mugshot)

“I tend to think of myself as a one man wolf pack...”

CRUSH MY EXPECTATIONS:Let the Customer Service Revolution Begin

2009-07-27T18:55:00.000-07:00

Customer service is now officially on alert!

After months of discussion and planning, I have launched a blog that makes companies accountable for the most important component of business – customer service.

If they fail – we will call them out.

If they crush our expectations with great customer service – we will sing their praises.

Without further ado, I introduce the CME* Revolution. (*Crush My Expectations)

Now, I am looking for foot soldiers to provide traction for this movement.

Your mission is simple: When you have a significant customer service experience – tremendous or awful – you give the manager/owner a pre-printed CME* card, and then you make a blog post acknowledging your experience.

The cards are simple and directs the individual to the blog – there is one card for a quality experience and a card for a negative one.

Examples:

We have also made posting your experience on the CME* blog as simple as possible. There is an online form that you simply fill out and submit.

There are only two rules to joining this movement:

1) You cannot use this blog as a means to get free goods or services,

2) You cannot use this blog as a personal vendetta towards a particular company or business.

We simply want to recruit an army of like-minded individuals – who are sick and tired of settling for crappy customer service.

Again, our society is too content with poor customer service and it is about to stop RIGHT HERE. We also have to stop taking quality customer service for granted and putting convenience and price ahead of it.

If you are interested in joining this revolution, simply click here to make $15 donation. (This donation covers all of our printing and shipping of our CME* cards.)

Once we receive your donation – we will forward you specific instructions and the links to your positive and negative surveys.

Once you receive your cards in the mail – you’re an official foot soldier in the CME* Revolution.

CUSTOMER SERVICE BEWARE!

YIPPIE! YIPPIE!If a Child is a Blessing, Put Me Down For One

2009-07-21T15:51:00.000-07:00

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the second in a three-part series, updating the status of my 101 List.

Almost a year ago, I wrote a blog post about a family trip I went on with one of my co-workers/friends.

It was one of those trips that could easily be a public service spot on birth control. There was a leaking bag of throw-up, skinned body parts and several comments like, “Can we pull over? I need to poopoo!”

Needless to say, there was a lot of chaos. (click here for original post)

It was perfect.

In that particular blog post – I announced to the world that I thought I was ready to be a dad.

As soon as I clicked “POST,” I heard the giggling from my friends and family around the country. Some of it was outright laughter.

Well...don’t pee yourself from laughing this time around....TK and I are pregnant. The first week of March, I’ll get the chance to mark No. 2 off my 101 List.

I’m going to be a dad!

YIPPIE!

I was on a mental-health trip to West Texas when I found out. I drove out the day before and TK flew to meet me Saturday night.

Saturday morning in my hotel room – before she had arrived – I read my Bible (something I’m trying to do more regularly), prayed, and wrote in my new spiritual journal.

Since we had been diligent about getting pregnant, a baby had become a constant on my prayer list. The wonderfully great thing about that morning, I actually wrote the prayer in my journal.

“My prayers today...for a baby.”

Less than 12 hours later, TK delivered the news.

“I didn’t know how to tell you,” she said. “I took a test last night – I’m pregnant.” (TK was little embarrassed she didn’t “drop the bomb” in a fun and unique way – I didn’t care. I was going to be a dad. She could have sent it to me in a text message as far as I was concerned.)

YIPPIE! YIPPIE!

We gave each other a big hug and a kiss, but quickly put together a game plan about telling the world. The emotional carousel of her miscarriage almost two years ago forced us to gently tap the brakes. We both agreed it was best to wait.

Once we got home from our weekend get-away, we scheduled a doctor’s appointment to see the heartbeat. We were told that once you see that little “flutter” on the sonogram machine – you have a 90 percent chance of carrying the baby to term.

We decided that would be the defining moment – when we could make it official and tell the world (a.k.a. Post it as our status on Facebook).

There was another reason that doctor’s appointment was so meaningful, though. That was the exact same visit – to see the heartbeat – when our world of being parents quickly came to a tragic and temporary halt during our first pregnancy.

Needless to say, there was enough anxiety in the doctor’s office to last a lifetime.

As the process began (no gory details), the anxiety and tension reached an all-time high.
I stared a hole through the monitor and held TK’s hand.

Finally, the doctor pointed out the heartbeat, the room completely decompressed. It looked like a peanut floating in space to me, but I didn’t care. His confirmation was like someone opened the airplane door at 40,000 feet.

YIPPIE! YIPPIE! YIPPIE!

A lot of people asked me if I cried. I didn’t – came close, but no tears.

I equate it to when I asked TK to marry me. There was a sense of confident happiness, but no crying.

NOW... I did cry like an infant during the actual wedding ceremony, so I’m anticipating myself being a fountain of emotions in that delivery room. (Hell, I’ve almost lost it a couple of times while writing this blog post.)

Thanks to everyone who has kept us in their prayers for the last couple years, and thanks to everyone’s kind words and congratulatory wishes since we made it “official.”

I ask all of you to keep those prayers coming – the primary one: That TK can actually make it 9 months without drinking a beer.

I just want to reiterate how excited we are, and how blessed we feel.

Now...back to my 101 List. I totally understand that Baby Crash/Baby Ily could completely derail my mission of pulling off this project.

Ummmm....I don’t care!?!?!

Whatever I don’t cross off in these 1001 days – I’ll roll it over into OUR list and try and tackle it together.

YIPPIE! YIPPIE! YIPPIE! YIPPIE!

Our little "space peanut"

List Placed Back into Spotlight; No. 65 Gets Axed

2009-07-20T13:45:00.000-07:00

I’ve started to put an emphasis on my 101 List again.

Unfortunately, death is the catalyst. It has recently reminded me over the last couple of months how short life really is. I had a loved one pass away (my Aunt Edie), and I have a half dozen friends who recently lost someone close to them. (That’s not even mentioning Michael Jackson, Walter Cronkite, and Steve McNair.)

Reminder: I consider my List as a road map to living life to the fullest, and a working thank you note to God for allowing me to wake up every morning.

Needless to say, I decided it was time to start marking some

things off.

I wanted to share some recent “cross-offs,” and provide an update on other tasks that I’m hopefully about to accomplish. This is the first in a series of three blog posts bringing everybody up to speed on my List (not to mention reminding myself to keep it on the front burner of my grenade-juggling life.)

NOTE: There is one upcoming event that could jeopardize the entire project. Stay tuned for that wonderfully great post (it will be No. 2 in the three-part series).

RECENTLY COMPLETED ITEM:
• No. 65 (Plant a tree):

To honor our five-year anniversary, I planted a tree for my wife, TK.

Over the last five years, I’ve stuck closely to the recommended anniversary gifts – traditional AND modern. I try to add a little twist of romance and surprise to each present – and I’ve definitely used some artistic license through the years.

Here are a few examples:

FIRST ANNIVERSARY
Traditional Gift: Paper
Modern Gift: Clock

DETAILS: I gave her a sundial (a.k.a. Clock Gift) for her garden, which she didn’t have at the time. We were living in an apartment. But the Paper Gift was the completed mortgage paperwork for a new house and, of course, a new garden.

THIRD ANNIVERSARY
Traditional Gift: Leather
Modern Gift: Crystal/Glass

DETAILS: I bought her a baseball with the NY Mets logo on it (Leather Gift) and a shot glass with “I Love NY” on it (Glass Gift). Here is that before-mentioned artistic license...those gifts represented the trip to New York that I had planned for us.

Here is the breakdown for this year:

FIFTH ANNIVERSARY
Traditional Gift: Wood
Moderns Gift: Silverware

INQUISITIVE NOTE: Who came up with this list? (click here to see it)

DETAILS: I planted a Magnolia tree in our front yard (Wood Gift). I thought it was appropriate on several levels – the main one being the fact that Tanya wanted a new tree in the front yard.

I specifically chose a Magnolia, though – that was the tree that greeted us every time we visited our Great Aunts, four of my grandmother’s sisters who all lived
together in Dallas. They were like

“extra” grandparents to me

and my cousins.

This particular tree was on my mind, because of the recent death of my aunt Edie, the last living sister. (FYI: I stole the idea to honor her memory from my cousin, Christine.)

Anyway, I thought planting that Magnolia was a PERFECT way to say,
“I love you” to my wife.

For the fifth-year Modern Gift – I got extremely “poetic.” (Reminder:

Silverware)

I definitely wasn’t going to buy my wife a fork, but we were in dire need of a new silverware caddy – a little sexier, huh? (Silverware caddy? You know the thing that sits in the drawer and organizes your utensils.) The one we received for a wedding gift bit the dust after 4 ½ years. (How do these things wear out?)

I wrapped the new silverware caddy and attached a note for her to replace the broken one “Right Now!”

In the drawer where the “crappy caddy” once lived, I filled it with baby utensils – the kind you use to shove stewed peas and creamed carrots down an infant’s throat.

Confused?

Oh, yeah...TK and I are having a baby. We found out last week and we are SO EXCITED! (Ironically enough...having a child is No. 2 on my 101 List and the one item that could derail everything – again, blog post coming.)

Does that make more sense?

At this point, you can scroll to the bottom of the blog and tell me how sweet I am. Actually – instead of that solicited compliment – can you give me some ideas for our sixth anniversary? Candy/Iron (traditional) and Wood (modern).

STUNNED SILENCE: Giving Back on a Whole Different Level

2009-07-17T13:43:00.000-07:00

The scope of some people’s generosity continues to blow me away.

In a good way.

You constantly see the “me, me, me” of our society, but there are still A LOT of people stepping up to the plate and graciously giving back.

It’s so refreshing to see.

Here are a couple wonderfully great examples that I recently saw firsthand.

We were finishing up our Adopt-a-Client initiative, when I got a phone call from one of my former co-workers at TCU, Alex Cunningham. He wanted to support our efforts of helping our shelter friend, Cole, get back on his feet. (original blog post here)

We were still searching for some miscellaneous items to help get Cole settled in his new apartment (e.g. bookcase, end tables, lamps, etc.).

ALEX: “I have this gift certificate for some custom-built furniture, would you like to use it?”

ME: “Are you sure?”

ALEX: “It’s some pretty high-end stuff and I wouldn’t waste it on my crappy bachelor pad.”

ME (laughing): “That would be awesome. Thank you.”

ALEX: “You should be able to get something pretty decent for $1,000.”

ME (not laughing): “HOW MUCH!?!?”

ALEX: “$1,000.”

ME: stunned silence

What I wanted to scream into the phone was:

• “You’re a stud!”

• “You rock the house!”

• “Are you kidding me?!?!”

• “Awesome! Awesome! Awesome!”

I played it cool, though. Once the shock wore off, I simply expressed my appreciation and enthusiasm with a heartfelt, “Thank you so much, Alex.”

I quickly reached out to Techline – the company who issued the gift certificate. This is where the story gets even more wonderfully fantastic.

I explained to the members of the Techline team what we were trying to accomplish.

They picked up the ball and ran with it.

You see, I didn’t realize that $1,000 at Techline MIGHT get you a simple nightstand. Reminder: This is high-end customized furniture.

TECHLINE SALES REP (Jennifer): “Don’t worry about it – let’s see what we can do for you guys. Let me talk to our owner, and we’ll see if we can hook you up.”

ME: stunned silence

That’s when Jennifer and the rest of the Techline team (Jerry, Carol and Carl – pictured right) elevated themselves to all-star status.

Jennifer called me back 48 hours later and let me know what our $1,000 gift certificate would get us. (Reminder: Normally, that amount would buy you a very nice drawer.)

The items being furnished for Cole’s apartment:

• Entertainment center, with bookcases on each side

• Bookcase

• Two end tables

JENNIFER: “I just sent you the photos.”

ME (looking at the images): more stunned silence

JENNIFER: “Drew....are you there?”

Techline recently delivered the furniture to Cole’s apartment. In the 103-degree heat, Bradley and Mark (also members of the all-star team – pictured right) hauled the furniture into his second-story abode.

They gently put the furniture in its appropriate place and added the hardware.

Cole wasn’t there – he was working – but his girlfriend, Adrianne, sat in stunned silence watching his new house become a home right before her eyes.

I would have given anything to see Cole’s expression when he walked into that apartment after a long, hot day at work. Just imagining his face makes me smile. I bet you anything he let out a “HOLY CRAP!” or something with a little more pop.

Here’s a little more pop,

compliments of me:

• Alex, you are

a bad ass!

• Team Techline, you guys are the shit!

Seriously, just thinking about how all of this has played out takes my breath away.

Thanks again to EVERYONE who supported this incredible project. A very special expression of gratitude to Alex and Team Techline – you guys are officially rock stars in my book.

TEACHER FOR A DAY: Shaping Young Minds & Crushing Dreams

2009-07-09T19:11:00.000-07:00

Right before school got out for summer break, I was asked to speak at a local middle school.

My friend, Jessica, was teaching a career investigations class, and she thought I could provide some insight to the 7th- and 8th-grade students she was molding.

HER: "Please help! They're tired of listening to me!"

ME: "Seriously? Career investigations? I've had seven different jobs and five career changes since graduating college."

Then it hit me like a inside fastball.

ME (quickly changing my tone – almost excited): "Yeah, I'll do it."

I realized my career path – one that has taken me from the newspaper biz to the football field to the wild and crazy world of entrepreneurship – was the best guidance/advice I could provide a 14-year-old.

THE PREFACE: Whatever your dream job is right now – it WILL change.

THE MESSAGE: That is perfectly fine. (Actually, it's normal.)

I started each presentation by having the students tell me what they wanted to be when they grew up. We had doctors, lawyers, a PR rep, and a graphic artist; there was one missionary; a couple pro athletes (obviously), and a whole lot of "I don't knows" (which I said was OK, too).

I did a little demonstration by having everyone stand up. I walked around the room, tapping each one on the shoulder and having them sit down. When I was done, there was one student left standing.

ME: "What do you want to be when you grow up?"

STUDENT: "Fashion designer."

ME: "Congratulations. You're going to be a fashion designer. Out of every student in this classroom – your dream will come true."

The rest of the class looked defeated – especially the future NFL stars.

ME: "For the rest of you...your dreams will come true, too. They'll just be different dreams."

I quickly reinforced my point.

ME: "It's perfectly OK to change your dreams and do something else with your life and/or career."

Then I shared my story.

In college, I wanted to write for Sports Illustrated – but went into newspaper design instead. Abandoned that after two years and a 1,900-mile move to Oregon. Worked in college admissions for two more years, before deciding to be a football coach. That got me to TCU, but made me hang up my whistle after three seasons. Then I was climbing the administrative ladder in collegiate athletics....insert crazy business idea.

ME: "See I turned out OK."

I couldn't tell by their stares if they understood or thought I was a loser for switching jobs every 2.35 years.

STUDENT: "You mean I don't have to be a nurse because that's what I told my parents when I was seven years old?"

ME: "Nope."

STUDENT: "Good – I don't like blood or urine."

I think they understood.

Other discussion items: (BTW: 50 minutes goes slooooowwww when standing in front of 20 prepubescent teens.)

• I made them write "MONEY" and "FAME" on another sheet of paper. Then I had them wad it up and throw it in the trash can.

POINT: If these two things are your motivation – you will NEVER be happy. Do something that you love and these things will come.

• I asked them what tugs at their heartstrings. Some said underprivileged kids, had a few abused animals, a couple said homelessness.

POINT: Never stop giving back.

• I told them the story about the salesman who heard his alarm clock go off for the first time in years, and how his boss told him it was time for him to get another job.

POINT: If you don't love what you do – something that makes you jump out of bed in the morning – DO SOMETHING ELSE.

When it was all said and done, I had given my presentation three times, sweat through most of the clothes on my body, and gained a new appreciation for middle school teachers.

Of course, I internally critiqued every performance. I was really questioning my "teaching methods" until I received the homemade thank you notes from all three classes.

I know. I know. My friend, Jessica, MADE the students write them, but there were a couple that stood out and the entire experience worth while.

Time for another career change? Professor Myers?

Giving Back Helps Define 'Independence Day'

2009-07-03T10:43:00.000-07:00

When I created my 101 List, I thought to myself, "I'll just put some interesting things on here and have some fun with it." (click here to see entire list)

It has grown into so much more than that, though.

Every time I scratch something off – it turns into this powerful experience. (Even eating a double-scoop of ice cream – No. 47 – which I shared with my Little Brother Anthony.)

My most recent "cross off" could end up being the most powerful experience on the whole list: No. 30 Adopt a Client.

The initial subtext on The List read: "Program through Presbyterian Night Shelter – helping a client make the transition into mainstream society."

That was accurate, but words could NEVER completely capture that experience.

On July 3, 2009, we officially adopted Cole Searcy and helped turn his new house into a home.

With the help of some wonderfully great friends and family, we were able to provide a hand up to Cole as he continued to put his life back together and get off the streets of Fort Worth.

We received a futon and TV (thanks, Connie & Raymond), bed and dresser (Christine & Travis), chair and ottoman (Kenny & Arlene), lamps and picture frames (Kelly), kitchen supplies and toiletry items (Denise). My sister Susan even collected items in lieu of gifts for my nephew's first birthday.

We had a tremendous response and I can't express my appreciation enough.

When we were initially gathering the items, however, we were going to drop them off at the PNS warehouse and let them distribute them to the appropriate client(s).

We were giving back, but doing it from afar.

Then I got a call from the shelter volunteer coordinator, Heather White. She informed me that one of the residents, who I had come to know and love during my weekly trips to PNS, was moving out. She asked if we specifically wanted to adopted him.

ME: "Yes! Yes! Yes!"

On the morning of the 3rd, we pulled up into Cole's new apartment complex and he was waiting on his stairwell like a little kid on Christmas morning. He quickly informed me that he chose to sleep on a pallet in the empty apartment the night before.

COLE (smiling ear to ear): "I didn't want to accidently over sleep and miss this."

With the help of The Bulldog and her husband, Matt (both all-stars), we hauled Cole's things up the stairs. With each load, you could see Cole's appreciation.

COLE: "It's almost overwhelming."

When he sat in his "new" chair for the first time and put his feet up on the ottoman, you could see the pride in his eyes.

He loved the TV.

He was thrilled to have his own bed.

He appreciated that we thought of the little things, too – like the liner to the shower curtain and some coat hangers. (All things we take for granted.)

COLE: "I'm going to have trouble sleeping tonight."

ME: "Why is that, Cole? Did you have trouble sleeping here last night?"

COLE: "Last night, I didn't have all this stuff."

I had to make one more trip to the apartment later in the morning. (Had to pick up some items that fell through the cracks – broom, trash can, etc.)

As I was saying good bye one last time, Cole handed me a homemade thank you card.

On the inside, he wrote: "I'm blessed to have angels like you in my life. You all are so special. You don't know the positive impact you have on my life and the lives of others. Keep up God's work."

I stuck out my hand for Cole to shake, he pulled me in for a hug.

When I got back to my truck, I said a short prayer and thought back to something Cole's girlfriend, Adrianne, said earlier in the day, "This gives a whole new meaning to independence day."

Cue the fireworks going off in my heart!

(click here to see all the photos)

HOMEWARD-BOUND: Items Still Needed to Help Turn House into a Home

2009-05-10T16:26:00.000-07:00

You can call it "stuff."

You can call it "crap."

You can call it "gently used crap."

WE NEED IT!

We've had a solid response regarding our assistance with Presbyterian Night Shelter's Operation Move Out, but we still have some work to do in order to make a house a home for one of Fort Worth's homeless residents. (Original blog post here)

I asked PNS to share the story of one of their clients in the program – someone who has picked themselves up, are standing proudly on their feet, and ready to get off the streets of Cowtown.

Hopefully this story inspires you to help us with this endeavor:

Melissa Bertrand has never had a home to call her own.

The 44-year-old has never had the chance – until now.

Melissa, who has been homeless on and off since she was a child, came to the Presbyterian Night Shelter about one year ago after being released from prison. Now, Melissa is one of 65 homeless clients participating in the Shelter’s Operation Move Out, a project where PNS is helping 65 homeless move out of the Shelter and into their own homes through funding from the city of Fort Worth’s 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness. The project kicks off in mid-May.

“This will be the first time ever that I will have a place to call mine,” Melissa said. “I am so happy – I’ve been dreaming about this apartment for a long time.”

Melissa, who grew up in Iowa, ran away from home when she was 10 years old because a family member was abusing her. Determined to escape her abuser, she hitchhiked more than 1,000 miles to California.

Because she was too young to work legally, Melissa worked odd jobs such as mowing yards, cleaning houses and working in the fields. When she was 17, she began working as a stripper.

“My life wasn’t great in California,” she said. “I hitchhiked again to Texas a few years later to start again, but it just got worse.”

Melissa, who was 29 when she arrived in the Fort Worth area, was homeless. She began taking drugs and entered into prostitution. For the next 14 years, she lived on the streets and in and out of motel rooms.

“I was addicted to heroin and doing every kind of drug I could get my hands on,” she said. “Everything changed when I went to prison.”

Melissa was arrested in 2007 on burglary, drug and prostitution charges and spent one year in prison.

“I prayed every day I was in there,” she said. “I just asked God to get me off drugs and change my life. And God answered my prayers.”

When she was released in 2008, Melissa came to PNS and met with a case manager who helped her enroll in Project WISH, an eight-week job-preparation and work-placement program at the Shelter. She graduated with an A in the course and moved on to computer courses at the Ladder Alliance, a nonprofit organization that works with shelters and other agencies to teach clients computer skills and how to seek employment. Because of her success, Melissa was offered a part-time job at PNS as part of the Hope, Opportunity and Accountability (HOA) program doing sanitation and janitorial work.

“I’m so glad I came to PNS,” she said. “I didn’t think I’d ever get a second chance nevertheless a job, especially in this economy. I’m so grateful.”

Melissa is now taking classes to earn her GED and wants to become a social worker.

“I want to be a case manager so I can help people just like they helped me,” she said. “I can definitely say that I know where they’re coming from and I can help them through it.”

And the question you're asking yourself right now – "How can I help?"

Like we've said before, we just need your "crap." (Again, I'm just using "crap" to get your attention – we are simply gathering items to help someone like Melissa get back on her feet.)

One more time...I’m asking you to open the garage, crawl around in the attic, delve into that hall closet and help us personally adopt one client. (If you have a lot of stuff you need to get rid of….I promise that it won’t go to waste.)

Here is the list of things we need (already donated items marked off – thanks to those individuals who have already stepped up to the plate):

• Mattresses, box spring, bed frames (twin size)

• Sheets, pillows and pillow cases (twin size)

~~– Sheets~~ (still need more, though)

• Furniture including chairs, table, couch
– Living Room Chair
– Coffee table
– Futon

• ~~Alarm clock~~

• Toiletry items such as shampoo, soap and toilet paper

~~– Toilet paper~~ (still need more, though)

• Towels and washcloths

~~– Towels~~ (still need more, though)

• Cleaning supplies including brooms, mops and cleaning sprays

~~– Cleaning supplies~~

• Laundry detergent

• Microwave

• Toaster

• ~~Television~~

• Vacuum

• Kitchen items such as paper towels, rags, hot pads, measuring cups, etc. (We have a little bit of stuff like this, but we need more)

• Monthly bus passes

EVER HAD TO CLEANUP PUKE? I ALMOST DID

2009-05-06T18:27:00.000-07:00

It’s no secret that I’m looking for a part-time job.

I haven’t announced it to the world by renting a billboard on I-35 or buying a 30-second spot during “The Biggest Loser,” but I’ve posted Tweets about it and mentioned it on Facebook.

And, of course, everyone knows what that means...

HELP ME!

I am still very much committed to e-Partners in Giving, but I made a promise to my wife that we would never have to be weekly plasma donors in order to pay our mortgage.

With our young company still trying to get legs, I have reached the point where it’s time to keep that promise.

Break out the want ads, start pounding the pavement ... I’m officially looking for a job, just like I did my sophomore year of high school. (Thanks to Little Caesar’s for giving a dorky 16-year-old a chance.)

A lot of people ask me, “What do you want to do?”

Cue the intense desire to throw-up.

OR an even more vomit-inducing inquiry,

“What are you willing to do?”

Yep...there was a little splash of puke in my mouth...OK....

swallowed it.....no harm, no foul.

Seriously, I do have a few parameters about re-entering

the real world:

• No retail (the mall is Satan’s den)

• No fast food (even though Kevin Spacey rocked the house
when he worked the drive thru in American Beauty)

• Nothing over 40 hours a week (please re-read paragraph five)

• No pyramid schemes (I was actually approached
by someone when I first started this search)

Over the last couple of months, I have filled out applications and/or inquired about the following positions (responses OR lack of responses noted in parenthesis):

• Sports Program Director at YMCA

(“We’ll be in touch.”)

• PT Activity Coordinator for Non Profit Community Center

(No response)

• Radio Producer for 105.3 The Fan

(Web site: “Your application has been received.”)

• Social Media Specialist / Social Networking Coordinator

at Texas Research Institute

(“...unfortunately your background does not meet our current requirements.”)

• “Love Movies? Articulate? Great opportunity ...”

(No response)

With my confidence in the gutter – close to completely redoing my resume by removing any “important” titles, making my Master’s Degree disappear, and actually putting Little Caesar’s back on there.

Then I got an e-mail from a friend regarding a job opportunity. (Awwww, the power of Facebook.)

It was a forwarded e-mail and her only comment was, “You did say anything... and part time...”

The job: Carpet cleaning.

Despite frantically looking for a barf bag, I ran through my parameters – no mall, no french fries ... "why not!"

My response: “I’ll do this in a heartbeat...What do I need to do to make this happen?”

Don’t throw up! Don’t throw up!

My friend sent me the contact information of the carpet cleaner, who she knew through a friend of a friend’s second cousin. (Or something like that.)

After the initial contact, the carpet cleaner inquired about a resume.

I sent it. (No Little Caesar’s or Toys ‘R’ Us)

Are you familiar with those enzymes released in your mouth right before you chunk? Cue 'em!

CARPET CLEANER: “Can we set up a phone interview?”

ME: “Anytime.”

Cue intense dry heave.

A couple of days later we spoke for 20 minutes on the phone.

CC: “Do you like manual labor?”

ME: “Like is a strong word, but I don’t mind it.”

CC: “What kind of pay are you looking for?”

ME: “Obviously a lot, but I’m thinking there is probably ceiling for carpet cleaning – ironically enough.” (giggling a little and VERY proud of my job-related humor)

CC: “I see you have your Master’s Degree...would you have a problem being an assistant?”

ME: “Ummm...have you ever seen American Beauty? I'm looking for the least possible amount of responsibility.”

CC: “What?”

ME: “Nevermind. No, I don’t think my educational background would impact my ability to clean carpets.”

CC: “We’ll let you know. We would want this person to get started next week.”

ME: “Do you guys ever have to clean up vomit?”

Days passed.

I actually started sharing this opportunity with friends and family – coming to grips with my destiny.

Another day passed.

Then I got the e-mail...

They decided to “go a different direction.”

WHAT?

I’M NOT EVEN GOOD ENOUGH TO CLEAN CARPETS?

I’LL SHOW YOU!

WHERE IS MY VACUUM CLEANER?

Wait...where was the nausea?

Why didn't I smell burning feathers extinguished by bile anymore?

Where was my urge to find the closest toilet and give it a bear hug?

After I turned off my vacuum cleaner in mid-stroke, I realized that was the BEST e-mail that I’ve EVER received.

I literally stopped, closed my eyes and prayed. “Thank you, God. I’m following you and I appreciate you keeping me out of the carpet cleaning business.”

With new sense of purpose and direction, I started wrapping the cord around the vacuum cleaner. I put it back in the closet, walked to the computer and worked diligently on e-Partners in Giving for the next several hours.

Not a single urge to throw up.

GIVING BACK: Going 'All the Way' For One Day

2009-04-28T12:17:00.000-07:00

I get an e-mail almost everyday, asking if e-Partners in Giving would be interested in some kind of volunteer initiative. (A lot of you can probably believe that, because I usually forward you a request right after that, asking you to be a part of it.)

Even though I have a hard time saying no to some amazing causes, I’ve started to be a little more selective. There aren’t enough hours in the day.

A few weeks ago, however, all the planets aligned and e-Partners in Giving was able to tackle three philanthropic endeavors on one Saturday.

MOM: “Can you help renovate a house for an underprivileged family in Glen Rose?”

Sure.

CITY of FORT WORTH: “Please note that online registration is up and running for the 2009 Cowtown Great American Cleanup...”

Same day. Different times. Let’s do it!

ME: “If we’re going to go, we might as well go all the way. What else can we do that day?”

SAMARITAN HOUSE: “Run to Joe’s 5K and 10K coming up...”

PERFECT!

In one string of e-mails...March 28th officially became e-Partners in Giving’s “Day of Giving.”

Of course, I can’t just go volunteer and not inform the world via Facebook or Twitter.

NOTE: I’m not bragging and/or showing off when I do this. I want it to be a motivational tool. I want people to say, “Drew is a pretty cool guy and he’s spending his Saturday giving back. Maybe I’ll turn off this golf tournament, skip my afternoon nap, or wait a couple hours to start drinking beer. I want to give back, too.”

Anyway...we were going to give back all day and I was going to blow it up via social media.

The following are the Twitter posts (and photos) from our “Day of Giving.”

A special thank you to members of the e-Partners in Giving family (especially TK and The Bulldog) for rolling up their sleeves for one full day of giving back. I love the fact that you guys have embraced our company’s vision and brand.

• e-Partners "Day of Giving" : Morning 10K benefiting Samaritan House, Cowtown Cleanup , and Christmas in Action (renovating homes for elderly)

• Decided to Tweet throughout our "Day of Giving" – 10K at 8 a.m. (Joe's Run) to benefit Samaritan House http://tinyurl.com/c9zz2j #giving

• When planning our "Day of Giving" – 30-degree weather & 30-mph wind gusts weren't in the forecast. Makes for better story. #giving

• e-Partners' "Day of Giving" itinerary: 10K for Samaritan House, Cowtown Cleanup (Fort Worth), & Christmas in Action (Glen Rose)

• 15 mins until 10K - NOT tweeting on course - cold, windy, great! #giving

• Running for Samaritan House, but representing w/ Back on My Feet T-shirt #giving

• 10K done (7:30 pace) Samaritan House provides opportunities to people w/ HIV & AIDS #giving

• Quick change in truck (junior high shower) starting Cowtown Cleanup #giving

• About 1/2 way done w/ Clean-up - a lot of trash b/c of old homeless camps - found vacuum & candy machine #giving

• Part 2 of "Day of Giving" done - I've got a truck full of trash & hour drive to Glen Rose (Christmas in Action) #giving

• Drive-thru for lunch - just realized that I haven't showered - nothing a little home improvement won't fix (little stiff too) #giving

• Part 3: Christmas in Action (renovating homes of elderly) http://www.christmasinaction.org #giving

• "Day of Giving" part 3 - cutting down trees & putting sheet metal around house Family w/ 4 kids, no dad & no $ #giving

• "Day of Giving" done - I'm pretty whipped and REALLY stinky I'm glad I did it! Never stop giving back #giving

• VERY sore from yesterday's "Day of Giving" -- starring down the barrel of a 17-mile run today. #giving

• Final Tweets from "Day of Giving" – Links: Samaritan House (http://tinyurl.com/c9zz2j); Cowtown Cleanup (http://tinyurl.com/d9npm2) #giving

• "Day of Giving" – Links: Christmas in Action (http://tinyurl.com/d6tpg5); Back on My Feet (http://tinyurl.com/d9ebb8) #giving

As I reflected on the day, I realized that each initiative was simply a hand up – not a hand out – to a group of individuals or communities. It was reminder how fortunate we truly are, and how a small gesture of generosity can go a long way.

Whether it was the Samaritan House residents cheering us on at the end of the race, or seeing the appreciative mother of four whose quality of life just improved tenfold – it was a powerful day.

NEVER STOP GIVING BACK.

DEFINING MOMENT: What is Real Meaning of 'DNF'?

2009-04-26T18:37:00.000-07:00

DNF is an acronym for “Did Not Finish.”

In regards to running, it’s unceremoniously placed next to the names of the people who never crossed the finish line of a particular race. You can usually find this unflattering distinction on the race web site and/or buried in the results of the local newspaper.

There are probably thousands and thousands of people who have unintentionally joined this infamous club.

Well, I am NOT proud to say that I’m now an official card-carrying member.

At mile 24 of the Country Music Marathon in Nashville, I walked off the course and into the medical tent.

I didn’t take one more step towards completing my third marathon.

My only glimpse of the finish line was through the ambulance window. I was being transported to a Nashville hospital for dehydration. (Symptoms: Severe cramps, nausea, light-headedness, wounded pride.)

No cheering crowds during the last .2 miles.

No sense of accomplishment.

No medal around my neck.

It wasn’t until I was discharged from the hospital – three hours and two bags of saline later – when the wave of emotions hit me. (It was like someone wearing out my soul with a baseball bat.)

I was calling friends and family to let them know that I was fine. (Very tired, very sore, extremely hungry – but fine.)

While I was on the phone with my mom, I just started to cry.

All I could think about was “DNF” – not the actual meaning and/or the fact that it would be next to my name forever in the Archived Results on the Marathon web site.

I just couldn’t stop thinking about what it represented:

• All my hard work over the last 16 weeks was for nothing.

• I set a goal and I was unable to reach it. (Probably the hardest thing to swallow.)

My emotions generated unnerving questions:

• Could I have kept going? (It was ONLY two more miles!!!!)

• Did I quit?

• Did I sell myself short?

• What did I do wrong? (Training? Diet? The way I approached the race?)

I played back every mile of the race, which kept the questions flowing:

• Too fast in mile 7 (WHY?)

• Let the long hill at mile 12 get into my head (WHY?)

• Not enough fluids after mile 13 (WHY?)

• Mile 16...I actually said to myself, “I’m in trouble.” (WHY?)

• Mile 17...started to cramp (WHY?)

• Mile 20...started to have doubts (WHY?)

• Mile 24....”Sir, are you OK?”.... “I don’t think so.” (WHY DID I SAY THAT?)

This was going to be my last marathon. My plan was to break the 4-hour barrier and switch to half marathons, adventure races, and triathlons. The training had taken its toll, and my love of lacing up my sneakers and hitting the pavement was bruised.

I had decided that Nashville was going to be the last time my legs carried me 26.2 miles.

Not finishing EVER crossed my mind, though.

As the warm tears cut through the salt residue on my cheeks, I realized that I HAD to run one more. I couldn’t finish my brief “marathon career” with a DNF.

Since I accidently left my confidence in the back of that ambulance, my doubt made me cry harder. I kept asking myself, “Can I do it again? Can I do it again?”

Well, it’s been 32 hours since I uttered those four pride-piercing words (“I don’t think so”) to the marathon medical staff.

Believe it or not it, the healing process has already started. (All the encouraging messages I received AND writing this blog post have helped considerably, but the fact that I’ve stopped feeling sorry myself and I’m now pissed off has changed my focus.)

I am more motivated than I have EVER been.

I’ve already decided that I am running the Rock ‘n' Roll Marathon in San Antonio on November 15th. (I start training the second week of August...IN THE HEAT.)

I WILL FINISH.

I WILL BREAK 4 HOURS.

I WILL MAKE GOOD ON ALL THE FINANCIAL SUPPORT THAT I RECEIVED FOR NASHVILLE (donations to Back on My Feet).

As we were packing up to come home from Nashville, I almost threw away my race number. I didn’t want to be reminded about that race in any shape, form, or fashion.

Then I remembered what Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski said after the Blue Devils got rolled in the ACC Tournament one year (109-66 loss to Virginia).

After the embarrassing loss, one of his staff members said with good intentions, “...here's to forgetting tonight ever happened.”

Coach K quickly interjected, “Here's to never forgetting tonight happened. Not ever.”

I must never forget about the 10th Annual Country Music Marathon. In the long run, this actually may be the race that ends up defining me.

I whole-heartedly support an organization (Back on My Feet) that helps individuals pick themselves up when they stumble, encourages them to dust themselves off, and most importantly inspires them to keep fighting.

If I felt sorry for myself for one more second (or remained embarrassed and/or defeated), I would be a hypocrite.

I didn’t finish the 2009 Nashville Marathon. I’m not proud of that reality, but I’ve accepted it.

That DNF next to my name stands for "Do Not Forget."

I won't.

It’s time to get back on my feet and fight.

I AM NOT THE 'SLUG OF THE UNIVERSE'

2009-04-07T18:43:00.000-07:00

e-Partners in Giving has had its share of success over the last 11 months, but it has also had its share of hurdles, roadblocks, and set backs.

The biggest challenge we have faced to date – and continue to face on a daily basis – is blazing new trails in the death-care industry. Through partnerships with funeral homes across the country, we want to make memorial giving as easy as possible.

Easier said than done.

On a daily basis we get a handful of “...but that’s how we’ve always done it!” or “...why would we want to change?”

There are some days that can be nothing short of a beat down, but we regroup and continue raise awareness/interest about a product and a service we firmly believe in.

I recently read something by Jack Canfield (co-creator of “Chicken Noodle Soup for the Soul”) that helped put our uphill climb into perspective. In his book “Success Principles,” he encourages the reader to “reject rejection.”

He says in order to be successful you need to learn how to deal with rejection.

“To get over rejection, you have to
realize that rejection is really a myth. It doesn’t really exist. It is simply a concept that you hold in your head. Think about it. If you ask Patty to have dinner with you and she says no, you didn’t have anyone to eat dinner with before you asked her, and you don’t have anyone to eat dinner with after you asked her. The situation didn’t get worse; it stayed the same. It only gets worse if you go inside and tell yourself something extra like ‘See, Mother was right. No one will ever like me. I am the slug of the universe.’ "

BRILLIANT!

He shared a wonderfully great acronym: SWSWSWSW.

“Some will, some won’t; so what – someone’s waiting.”

BRILLIANT! BRILLIANT!

He went on to give examples about those people who were turned down hundreds of time before they got a “yes.” (His “Chicken Soup” book received 130 rejections before eventually selling 8 million copies.)

The following words echoed in my soul:

“If you’re committed to a cause that evokes your passion and commitment, you keep learning from your experiences, and you stay the course to the end, you will eventually create your desired outcome.”

IS SOCIAL NETWORKING SLOWLY RUINING US?

2009-04-06T18:27:00.000-07:00

Are social networking tools actually making us socially inept?

It kind of seems that way –

at least in my world.

(I pray that I'm not alone.)

EXAMPLE:

IN FRONT OF MY COMPUTER

Status update ... Comment ... Tweet ... Tweet ... Tweet ... Upload Photo ... Comment ... Tweet ... Blog Post .... Comment ... Status Update ... Upload Video ... Tweet ... blah, blah, blah.

IN THE REAL WORLD

Friend: "So what have you been up to? Oh....nevermind, I already know. You update your status more than a college freshman"

Me: "Well, I've been ... oh, yeah ... duh .... I blogged about that last week. You probably read all about it."

These are slight variations on two VERY REAL conversations that I've had in the last week.

One was a random encounter that I had with an old college friend at the Ballpark on Opening Day.

We hadn't seen each other in probably 10 to 12 years, but after we hugged each other's necks, we had NOTHING to catch up on. Since we're friends on Facebook, we were already in the know.

There didn't need to be any:

"What are you doing these days?"

"Are you married? Kids?"

"We are you living?"

Heck, you can get all those questions answered just by visiting someone's Facebook homepage!

We did reminisce about seeing each other at another Ranger game years ago, but other than that quick story, our face-to-face reunion was kind of anti-climatic. (That sounds HORRIBLE, but I think she would agree.)

We had seen pictures of each other.

We knew which old friends we had kept up with.

We even knew what each other did over the weekend.

WE'VE BEEN RUINED.

(And not gloriously.)

There are other little quirks in the real world that I have to have a personal pep-talk about:

• In order to speed up a story OR avoid it all together, I HAVE to stop asking, "Did you read my blog post about...?"

More often than not... they haven't, my ego is now bloodied, and they're already disinterested in a story that I haven't even started to tell.

• I have to stop telling stupid Twitter stories.

Only 200,000 people actively use Twitter, so there is a GREAT chance the person I'm sharing this story with doesn't care OR know what the hell I'm talking about.

• "You don't have a Facebook account?"

If I EVER ask you that question with ANY judgment in my voice... you have my permission to PUNCH ME IN THE FACE.

Unfortunately, these examples are just the tip of the iceberg.

RUINED. RUINED. RUINED.

I'm not 100 percent sure, but I think I unconsciously started a 12-step process towards "recovery" with this blog post. It feels refreshing to acknowledge the gigantic purple elephant that has laid down in my personal life.

I'm not sure what step I'm on, but I think I'm on my way.

By the way...it was GREAT seeing you today, Ms. Carroll. Let's not let another 10 to 12 years get away from us.

<<<

PHOTOS FROM OPENING DAY

Opening Day 2009

Brother-in-law (Mike Bacsik) and his dad in pre-game festivities

GO TEXAS!

The Team

The Former Prez (George W.)

Taking the field

The first pitch

RANGERS 9, INDIANS 1