It was bound to happen. I just thought I'd be able to make it longer than 12 days before I skipped one. Oh well. Instead of succumbing to defeat and dropping the whole thing, I choose to push ahead anew.
It was a busy weekend. Well, actually, it wasn't really that busy, but both Kathie and I were still feeling under the weather. Saturday was Brandon's 40th birthday party. He's no longer allowed to have parties during Packer games, because they lost. We're also trying to get the house ready for Emma's birthday party next weekend.
So, there wasn't a lot to really blog about anyway. Yeah, that's my excuse and I'm sticking with it.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Friday, January 11, 2013
Day 11 - Friday!
I wonder how many of the 52 Fridays this year will have blog posts titled Friday!
I'm really drawing a blank on what to blog about. It's been a long week. Between all the new things going on at work and having a sinus infection most of the week, I'm pretty beat.
I'm really drawing a blank on what to blog about. It's been a long week. Between all the new things going on at work and having a sinus infection most of the week, I'm pretty beat.
Day 10 - Happy Birthday Emma!
Six years ago, on January 10th, Kathie and I welcomed our second bundle of joy to our crazy family. It wasn't nearly as crazy then as it is now, but that shouldn't be a reflection on Emma in any way. Well, maybe a little.
Emma is a fun, energetic, smart and beautiful young girl. We are so blessed to have her in our family. She loves horses, drawing, reading and singing. I think she likes singing songs praising God the most. She's also very good at making up new songs.
This has been an exciting year for Emma. She rode a pony at a horse show, flew in a helicopter, camped at the zoo and even fed a giraffe! She also started Kindergarten, which she seems to be enjoying a lot. She also learned to ride her two wheeler and spent a lot of time riding with her friends in the neighborhood.
Trinity has a 'tradition' where parents bring lunch for the birthday kids. So Dad brought her taco bell for lunch. She wanted to sit with Braden at the 1st grade table, so we did. I think I probably got the 1st graders in some trouble with the joking. Mrs Zellmer yelled at us to be settle down. Whoops!
Emma wanted crab legs for her birthday. And boy did she enjoy them! Dad spent most of the dinner cracking crab legs for her to devour. She didn't try the octopus sushi I had, but she did thing the sucker pads that were on it were cool. While waiting for dinner to be ready, she was a bit grumpy. So I asked her why she was so crabby tonight... "Because I'm going to eat crab for dinner, Dad". Well, of course. Apparently the sense of humor doesn't fall far from the tree either.
I also had to leave the table for a while because I was laughing too hard. Conversation had turned toward when Emma was born. Braden declared that Mom had to have surgery to have him because he "was too big to come out of Mom's butt." Much giggling ensued, but mostly because Braden said butt. The adult perspective on that concept was a bit too funny for me, so I had to walk a way for a bit.
Emma is a fun, energetic, smart and beautiful young girl. We are so blessed to have her in our family. She loves horses, drawing, reading and singing. I think she likes singing songs praising God the most. She's also very good at making up new songs.
This has been an exciting year for Emma. She rode a pony at a horse show, flew in a helicopter, camped at the zoo and even fed a giraffe! She also started Kindergarten, which she seems to be enjoying a lot. She also learned to ride her two wheeler and spent a lot of time riding with her friends in the neighborhood.
Trinity has a 'tradition' where parents bring lunch for the birthday kids. So Dad brought her taco bell for lunch. She wanted to sit with Braden at the 1st grade table, so we did. I think I probably got the 1st graders in some trouble with the joking. Mrs Zellmer yelled at us to be settle down. Whoops!
Emma wanted crab legs for her birthday. And boy did she enjoy them! Dad spent most of the dinner cracking crab legs for her to devour. She didn't try the octopus sushi I had, but she did thing the sucker pads that were on it were cool. While waiting for dinner to be ready, she was a bit grumpy. So I asked her why she was so crabby tonight... "Because I'm going to eat crab for dinner, Dad". Well, of course. Apparently the sense of humor doesn't fall far from the tree either.
I also had to leave the table for a while because I was laughing too hard. Conversation had turned toward when Emma was born. Braden declared that Mom had to have surgery to have him because he "was too big to come out of Mom's butt." Much giggling ensued, but mostly because Braden said butt. The adult perspective on that concept was a bit too funny for me, so I had to walk a way for a bit.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Day 9.5 - Yes... I'm late
I missed day 9. I admit it freely. But I'll still write about the day to maintain the chain of events.
It wasn't a terribly eventful day. I ran a couple errand to get ready for Emma's birthday today. She wants crab for her birthday dinner. We'll see how that goes. Braden wanted crab too, but then decided he didn't like it anymore. Emma picked up on that and didn't eat much either, so Kathie and I had to eat a ton of crab. I know, it's a tough job being a parent some times!
I also brought home a dozen roses for Emma. She loved them. She was walking around the house hugging them! She helped Kathie put them in the vase and they're proudly displayed in her room. I also got a big cookie for her to bring as her snack. That started an argument with Alex. He's sure it's a cake. "Daddy, that's a big cake!" "Well, it's really a cookie." "No, it's a cake!" "See, look... it's a cookie". "Oh, it's a cookie cake!"
Work is still hectic. Things are starting to shake out of the transition period. It's a bit frustrating, but I'm trying to focus on the opportunity that's in front of me.
It wasn't a terribly eventful day. I ran a couple errand to get ready for Emma's birthday today. She wants crab for her birthday dinner. We'll see how that goes. Braden wanted crab too, but then decided he didn't like it anymore. Emma picked up on that and didn't eat much either, so Kathie and I had to eat a ton of crab. I know, it's a tough job being a parent some times!
I also brought home a dozen roses for Emma. She loved them. She was walking around the house hugging them! She helped Kathie put them in the vase and they're proudly displayed in her room. I also got a big cookie for her to bring as her snack. That started an argument with Alex. He's sure it's a cake. "Daddy, that's a big cake!" "Well, it's really a cookie." "No, it's a cake!" "See, look... it's a cookie". "Oh, it's a cookie cake!"
Work is still hectic. Things are starting to shake out of the transition period. It's a bit frustrating, but I'm trying to focus on the opportunity that's in front of me.
Tuesday, January 08, 2013
Day 8 - AKA as Day One
If the title confuses you, you don't work for RedPrairie... er... I mean JDA. And I survived, as did most of us. I was a little nervous during our two and a half hour 'Welcome to the new company' meeting today. There was a lot of good information and we definitely have some aggressive goals and visions. It's exciting.
I'm still looking forward to contributing to that vision with my new role. It'll take me some time to get my feet wet and figure out, first, what my goals are, and who I'll be able to leverage to achieve them. It's a good challenge to have.
Alex had his first speech class in the Waukesha school district today. We were nervous how he'd deal with a new environment, new teacher and new classmates. But Kathie did a good job talking it up to him, because he walked right in and started playing. He was obviously excited about it.
One of the things I've been wanting to write about is our hamster condo. Yes, hamster condo. Apparently a 10 gallon aquarium is not enough room for a Syrian hamster. I'm deferring to my wife's knowledge of hamsters and judgement on this on, as I thought it was plenty of room. I mean exercise was hardly a problem, since she ran on that hamster wheel all the time. Anyway, my wife began her normal level of research into a new purchase. I don't want to say she's tenacious about finding the right item in her searches, but let's just say she puts the O in Obsessive. After looking at hamster cages that were too small, required shipping from the UK or... well.. .just not good enough. She settled on a 20 gallon long aquarium and an aquarium topper that sit on top to give her a high rise condo. Well, the price range of that setup quickly hit the $150+ range.
I suggested may be we could find a regular hamster cage that I could retrofit to the top of our aquarium. Dubious, but willing to try, she agreed and we all headed off to Petco. Bindi barked at a cat they had and scared the bejesus out of a poor woman. But we found a 10 gallon topper that looked like it'd work great. We brought it home and Nibbles absolutely loves it. After some engineering feats by both Kathie and I, we managed to attach her wheel to the top of the cage. It's all in all perfect. And it was only $25.
Phew. I was worried she'd start looking on craigslist for hamster cages. Who knows what kind of things you'd find with a search like that!
I'm still looking forward to contributing to that vision with my new role. It'll take me some time to get my feet wet and figure out, first, what my goals are, and who I'll be able to leverage to achieve them. It's a good challenge to have.
Alex had his first speech class in the Waukesha school district today. We were nervous how he'd deal with a new environment, new teacher and new classmates. But Kathie did a good job talking it up to him, because he walked right in and started playing. He was obviously excited about it.
One of the things I've been wanting to write about is our hamster condo. Yes, hamster condo. Apparently a 10 gallon aquarium is not enough room for a Syrian hamster. I'm deferring to my wife's knowledge of hamsters and judgement on this on, as I thought it was plenty of room. I mean exercise was hardly a problem, since she ran on that hamster wheel all the time. Anyway, my wife began her normal level of research into a new purchase. I don't want to say she's tenacious about finding the right item in her searches, but let's just say she puts the O in Obsessive. After looking at hamster cages that were too small, required shipping from the UK or... well.. .just not good enough. She settled on a 20 gallon long aquarium and an aquarium topper that sit on top to give her a high rise condo. Well, the price range of that setup quickly hit the $150+ range.
I suggested may be we could find a regular hamster cage that I could retrofit to the top of our aquarium. Dubious, but willing to try, she agreed and we all headed off to Petco. Bindi barked at a cat they had and scared the bejesus out of a poor woman. But we found a 10 gallon topper that looked like it'd work great. We brought it home and Nibbles absolutely loves it. After some engineering feats by both Kathie and I, we managed to attach her wheel to the top of the cage. It's all in all perfect. And it was only $25.
Phew. I was worried she'd start looking on craigslist for hamster cages. Who knows what kind of things you'd find with a search like that!
Monday, January 07, 2013
Day 7 - Change Sucks
Change sucks. Today was a difficult day for many RedPrairie and JDA folks. Our merger is now mostly completed. As part of that merger, too many of our friends and coworkers were let go today. No matter what side of that fence you are on, it's not an easy day to go through. I wish all the people seeking new opportunities tonight the best. My thoughts and prayers are with them and their families.
Change sucks. But it also brings new opportunities. Tomorrow is being touted as Day One for the new company. We will try and look past the difficult times of today and garner excitement to being a new venture as a new company. It will be a challenge. Two companies merging to form a new company with close to 4000 employees obviously presents a lot of challenges. The message being pushed is one of excitement and enthusiasm. It's a difficult message a day after so many were let go.
Change sucks. But if we don't change, we don't move onward to better things. Personally I have a huge opportunity in front of me. It's one I'm very excited to take on. I will be the new product manager responsible for user experience for the combined company. I will interact with all the development groups and leaders to help define and drive our new user interface style and user experience vision. It's a big task, but one that the company seems excited to take on and do well. It's also a fairly undefined task. Step one for me will be to start creating a plan for this grand venture. That involves quite a bit; forging new relationships with sales, marketing and development teams. Learning about products and their users. Setting up UX teams and helping the succeed. Daunting? Yes. Challenging? Of course. Exciting? Absolutely!
Change sucks. This move closes some doors for me as well; as I move from my software development track to a product management role. I'll miss the technical aspect of my previous roles. I'll also miss the awesome team I had. While I'll still see them every day, I'll miss working actively with them.
Change sucks. I'll most definitely have to travel more as part of this new role. That obviously presents challenges for Kathie and my family. But I know I have her support and that she'll do absolutely great even when I'm away.
Change... Ok, maybe change isn't so bad. I suppose it's more in how you handle change and what you do with the opportunities that change throws your way. So as I bid farewell to some, I look forward to meeting many more wonderful people in these new adventures. As I look back at the day-to-day tasks I'm leaving behind, there are many I won't miss, some that I will. But as I look forward to the new challenges, I can only imagine where they will take me and the opportunities that are in store. With the support of my family, God, and my coworkers, I know I will succeed at making change not suck!
Change sucks. But it also brings new opportunities. Tomorrow is being touted as Day One for the new company. We will try and look past the difficult times of today and garner excitement to being a new venture as a new company. It will be a challenge. Two companies merging to form a new company with close to 4000 employees obviously presents a lot of challenges. The message being pushed is one of excitement and enthusiasm. It's a difficult message a day after so many were let go.
Change sucks. But if we don't change, we don't move onward to better things. Personally I have a huge opportunity in front of me. It's one I'm very excited to take on. I will be the new product manager responsible for user experience for the combined company. I will interact with all the development groups and leaders to help define and drive our new user interface style and user experience vision. It's a big task, but one that the company seems excited to take on and do well. It's also a fairly undefined task. Step one for me will be to start creating a plan for this grand venture. That involves quite a bit; forging new relationships with sales, marketing and development teams. Learning about products and their users. Setting up UX teams and helping the succeed. Daunting? Yes. Challenging? Of course. Exciting? Absolutely!
Change sucks. This move closes some doors for me as well; as I move from my software development track to a product management role. I'll miss the technical aspect of my previous roles. I'll also miss the awesome team I had. While I'll still see them every day, I'll miss working actively with them.
Change sucks. I'll most definitely have to travel more as part of this new role. That obviously presents challenges for Kathie and my family. But I know I have her support and that she'll do absolutely great even when I'm away.
Change... Ok, maybe change isn't so bad. I suppose it's more in how you handle change and what you do with the opportunities that change throws your way. So as I bid farewell to some, I look forward to meeting many more wonderful people in these new adventures. As I look back at the day-to-day tasks I'm leaving behind, there are many I won't miss, some that I will. But as I look forward to the new challenges, I can only imagine where they will take me and the opportunities that are in store. With the support of my family, God, and my coworkers, I know I will succeed at making change not suck!
Sunday, January 06, 2013
Day... um... 6?
Day 6. January 6th. That's a weird coincidence! Oh, wait, no it isn't... It should probably be easy to remember what day of the year it is until February. Then things get tricky. Imagine if it were a leap year! It isn't it is? Phew.
Today started at about 3 AM for me. I'm suffering from a pretty bad sinus infection. It basically feels like some kind of alien creature is trying to claw it's way out of my face. So it was a long, sleepless night. Nothing really helped the pain.
So, being wide awake at 6:30, I spent some quiet time downstairs before the kids woke up. Very nice, all in all. Just wish it wasn't because I was awake most of the night.
I was installed as co-chair of Trinity's stewardship committee today in church; an added bonus to a very nice service with communion. But after church, I decided it was a good idea to hit an urgent care for some antibiotics After the 30 minute wait quickly grew to an hour, and after I asked them to let a mother and her small, obviously miserable little boy in ahead of me, the doctor quickly confirmed my diagnosis and sent me home with some antibiotics.
Poor Kathie had to manage the kids most of the day, with me going to church alone, spending 2 hours at the doctor and then taking a 2 hour nap to try and appease the face alien. We have a lot to get done around the house, but I would have been mostly useless (more so than usual) anyway. I popped up from my nap re-energized got the kitchen clean, then proceed to get hit by another truck. So, I'm going to head off to bead at the bright and early time of 8:00.
I've also been meaning to mention Braden's latest Lego creation. The picture below is his rendition of the F-15 Eagle. I'm pretty impressed. He doesn't follow any directions for these. And I'm fairly certain we don't actually have an F-15 model anywhere in the house, so he did this from memory of the way the F-15 looks. For a 7 year old, I think it's pretty good. He even has Sidewinder missiles and bomb pods underneath. I really look forwarding to what he can do as he grows older.
Today started at about 3 AM for me. I'm suffering from a pretty bad sinus infection. It basically feels like some kind of alien creature is trying to claw it's way out of my face. So it was a long, sleepless night. Nothing really helped the pain.
So, being wide awake at 6:30, I spent some quiet time downstairs before the kids woke up. Very nice, all in all. Just wish it wasn't because I was awake most of the night.
I was installed as co-chair of Trinity's stewardship committee today in church; an added bonus to a very nice service with communion. But after church, I decided it was a good idea to hit an urgent care for some antibiotics After the 30 minute wait quickly grew to an hour, and after I asked them to let a mother and her small, obviously miserable little boy in ahead of me, the doctor quickly confirmed my diagnosis and sent me home with some antibiotics.
Poor Kathie had to manage the kids most of the day, with me going to church alone, spending 2 hours at the doctor and then taking a 2 hour nap to try and appease the face alien. We have a lot to get done around the house, but I would have been mostly useless (more so than usual) anyway. I popped up from my nap re-energized got the kitchen clean, then proceed to get hit by another truck. So, I'm going to head off to bead at the bright and early time of 8:00.
I've also been meaning to mention Braden's latest Lego creation. The picture below is his rendition of the F-15 Eagle. I'm pretty impressed. He doesn't follow any directions for these. And I'm fairly certain we don't actually have an F-15 model anywhere in the house, so he did this from memory of the way the F-15 looks. For a 7 year old, I think it's pretty good. He even has Sidewinder missiles and bomb pods underneath. I really look forwarding to what he can do as he grows older.
Saturday, January 05, 2013
Day 5 - Go Pack Go
Good win by the Packers. I almost felt sorry for the Vikings having to start a QB that seemed to barely remember how to throw the ball. Almost.
I was just wondering how long I'm going to label these posts with 'Day N'. All year, or will it get old?
This another short post. I'm pretty sure I have a sinus infection, so I'm going to bed.
I was just wondering how long I'm going to label these posts with 'Day N'. All year, or will it get old?
This another short post. I'm pretty sure I have a sinus infection, so I'm going to bed.
Friday, January 04, 2013
Day 4 - Long Day
This is going to be a short one. I'm beat.
Personnel actions started at work today as part of the merger. Even though I'm pretty certain that I'm okay, the emotion of a day where you see people walking out the door for the last time wears on you. There will be more on Monday. But then we can focus on a new company and new opportunities.
Personnel actions started at work today as part of the merger. Even though I'm pretty certain that I'm okay, the emotion of a day where you see people walking out the door for the last time wears on you. There will be more on Monday. But then we can focus on a new company and new opportunities.
Day 3 - And a Half
First.... let me just say I had this post written yesterday! On Day Three! But I didn't publish it before I went to bed. Argh! I've already blown my post a day commitment. But I hope everyone gives me a pass on this just once. Or twice. Or however many times I do this.
Day 3... Seven days until Emma's 6th birthday. Well, actually her 7th birthday. But she turns Six. She's pretty excited about her birthday and turning 6, even though it means we're making her keep her Boo Bunny and blanket upstairs in her room. That's a big step for her, since she's been pretty inseparable from them. We're also planning a small party for family and one or two of her friends. She doesn't want to invite the whole class. We think it's because she wants to spend time with her favorite friends. I also think it's because she's just a bit shy. This was a problem with her last party, but since it was at Salto's, it was a bit easier to invite everyone.
I've managed to stay out of the political arena on this blog for a whole two days! But I'm a bit frustrated about this whole fiscal cliff thing and how it affects me. Apparently I'm one of the rich... I wish someone had told me; I'd have been celebrating instead of trying to make ends meet. Somewhere in the whole fiscal cliff discussion, the expiration of the payroll tax cuts seems to have been forgotten by the mainstream media and the politicians. That alone will increase my taxes by over $2,000. Really looking forward to that!
It was also the monthly Culver's night for church. I get a kick out of Culver's night. Basically it's a night when one of the local restaurants donate 10% of their proceeds to our school. It's funny because when you go into the Culver's, it's like a church meeting. You see almost everyone from your kids' classes, teachers and pastors.
Kathie attended a meeting with the Waukesha School District's speech pathologist/coordinator today to go over Alex's test results. He was evaluated for inclusion in their speech programs. He tested at a moderately delayed level. It's interesting because what they sent home with Kathie was a lot of information about yelling and speaking loudly and how it affects your vocal chords and speech development. We, of course, are using that as leverage to help get Braden and Emma to be more quiet. After all, it's their job as big brother and sister to help Alex learn to be more quiet. Emma, in particular, will have some work to do to cut down on the screaming and yelling.
I saw this article: iPhone Rules for Kids on Gizmodo today. There's a great list of rules that parents should give their kids if they have smart phones. It's a well thought out list that details why the rule is important. We're a ways away from using it, but I really liked some of the thoughts in it. But what really shocked me was the absurdity of some of the comments left on the article. It sure seems like we've already fallen off a cliff where a whole generation of people don't understand the importance of interpersonal communication. Easy for someone writing a blog to say, isn't it?
Day 3... Seven days until Emma's 6th birthday. Well, actually her 7th birthday. But she turns Six. She's pretty excited about her birthday and turning 6, even though it means we're making her keep her Boo Bunny and blanket upstairs in her room. That's a big step for her, since she's been pretty inseparable from them. We're also planning a small party for family and one or two of her friends. She doesn't want to invite the whole class. We think it's because she wants to spend time with her favorite friends. I also think it's because she's just a bit shy. This was a problem with her last party, but since it was at Salto's, it was a bit easier to invite everyone.
I've managed to stay out of the political arena on this blog for a whole two days! But I'm a bit frustrated about this whole fiscal cliff thing and how it affects me. Apparently I'm one of the rich... I wish someone had told me; I'd have been celebrating instead of trying to make ends meet. Somewhere in the whole fiscal cliff discussion, the expiration of the payroll tax cuts seems to have been forgotten by the mainstream media and the politicians. That alone will increase my taxes by over $2,000. Really looking forward to that!
It was also the monthly Culver's night for church. I get a kick out of Culver's night. Basically it's a night when one of the local restaurants donate 10% of their proceeds to our school. It's funny because when you go into the Culver's, it's like a church meeting. You see almost everyone from your kids' classes, teachers and pastors.
Kathie attended a meeting with the Waukesha School District's speech pathologist/coordinator today to go over Alex's test results. He was evaluated for inclusion in their speech programs. He tested at a moderately delayed level. It's interesting because what they sent home with Kathie was a lot of information about yelling and speaking loudly and how it affects your vocal chords and speech development. We, of course, are using that as leverage to help get Braden and Emma to be more quiet. After all, it's their job as big brother and sister to help Alex learn to be more quiet. Emma, in particular, will have some work to do to cut down on the screaming and yelling.
I saw this article: iPhone Rules for Kids on Gizmodo today. There's a great list of rules that parents should give their kids if they have smart phones. It's a well thought out list that details why the rule is important. We're a ways away from using it, but I really liked some of the thoughts in it. But what really shocked me was the absurdity of some of the comments left on the article. It sure seems like we've already fallen off a cliff where a whole generation of people don't understand the importance of interpersonal communication. Easy for someone writing a blog to say, isn't it?
Wednesday, January 02, 2013
Day 2 - So far so good
Well, here it is all the way to Day 2 of 2013 and I've successfully blogged every day this year. Cue the sarcastic round of applause, please!
Well, that's about all I have to say today... but it counts, right? Yeah, you're probably right. I should probably not cut corners already on Day 2.
Today was the first day back at work for me. It was also the first day back to the only adult in the house for Kathie. I think I survived my day in a little better shape than she did, a fact that all the moms out there can probably understand. The kids start back at school tomorrow. I think they're a bit stir crazy right now. So hopefully getting back into a regular schedule will help things settle down a bit.
Braden, Emma and Alex had their first foray into 'skating'. Yes, skating is in quotes there. Not because they fell or weren't good at it, but because they didn't actually skate. The neighbors have a very large, homemade skating rink in their back yard and we took a trip up the hill to check it out. The kids don't have skates, so they tried 'skating' with their boots instead. They had a good time and no one had any head trauma.... although Dad was pretty nervous at the lack of helmets and other protective equipment. I imagine we'll be out looking for some skates soon. If I have to get back on the ice to help my kids skate, I suppose I can make that sacrifice. And if I also happen to bring my stick with me a play a little hockey too, that probably wouldn't suck either.
Well, that's about all I have to say today... but it counts, right? Yeah, you're probably right. I should probably not cut corners already on Day 2.
Today was the first day back at work for me. It was also the first day back to the only adult in the house for Kathie. I think I survived my day in a little better shape than she did, a fact that all the moms out there can probably understand. The kids start back at school tomorrow. I think they're a bit stir crazy right now. So hopefully getting back into a regular schedule will help things settle down a bit.
Braden, Emma and Alex had their first foray into 'skating'. Yes, skating is in quotes there. Not because they fell or weren't good at it, but because they didn't actually skate. The neighbors have a very large, homemade skating rink in their back yard and we took a trip up the hill to check it out. The kids don't have skates, so they tried 'skating' with their boots instead. They had a good time and no one had any head trauma.... although Dad was pretty nervous at the lack of helmets and other protective equipment. I imagine we'll be out looking for some skates soon. If I have to get back on the ice to help my kids skate, I suppose I can make that sacrifice. And if I also happen to bring my stick with me a play a little hockey too, that probably wouldn't suck either.
Tuesday, January 01, 2013
Day 1 - 2013
I told myself, as I counted down the final moments of 2012 with Braden and Emma, that I should really write a journal / blog post once a day throughout 2013. I've heard all the reasons for tracking your thoughts throughout the year. I also know how cool it would be to look back over the year and remember all those events, be they mundane, exciting, wonderful or terrifying.
So here I sit at 11:00 on Day 1 of 2013, typing away on my first entry in the journey of the new year. This is a post that can lead to 365 other posts extolling the year ahead. It's also a post that could be an empty promise. Only time, and my will power, will really tell.
I also struggle a bit with this type of journal. I want to be able to share my thoughts, feelings, memories and goings on with my friends and family. I'm also open to sharing them with perfect strangers who may find wisdom, ideas, entertainment or, most likely, humor in what I have to say from day to day.
I also realize that some of my thoughts need to be private. Not because they are perverted, weird, politically incorrect, etc... but because there are events in my life that I need to keep private for one reason or another. So, how do I completely journal about my life in a way that I can share with others, but still also log my own thoughts that need to remain private? I'm not sure I have the answer to that.... but for now, we'll just go with it. It is only Day 1, after all.
For example, I've spent most of my time off of work around the holidays pondering my future and career decisions. A week from yesterday will mark a different kind of Day 1, as my company will execute on all the integration actions involved in our merger. This will be an exciting day, a terrifying day, a sad day and a hard day. Those that will not be moving on with the new company will be missed. We'll wish them good luck as they move on while we silently thank God that we are not looking for new opportunities in a hard time. For some it'll mean new opportunities with new companies. For others, it'll mean new opportunities in the newly merged company. Others still may find themselves in roles they aren't happy doing. Like I said, it'll be a hard day, no matter where you fall.
And here I find myself skirting some of those private thoughts. I have decisions ahead of me that can lead to some great new opportunities. I'm excited. I'm scared. I can't wait to get started, yet don't know quite where or how to start. I look forward to the next year knowing that I'll have one of my biggest challenges ahead of me. I'm confident that it'll be rewarding and full-filling. And I'm confident that I will tackle this challenge with everything I have to offer. I welcome the challenges that 2013 brings me. And with God and my family by my side, I know I will succeed.
I've said as much as I probably can at this point. I should also be getting to bed soon. Emma, Braden and I rang in the New Year together, so I'm a bit tired. They didn't quite understand the concept of the new year, but they were thrilled to stay up until midnight! Emma kept asking "But why does the ball have to drop?" I failed to explain it in a way a 5 year old was able to grasp. I don't think Braden questioned it because he was just happy to be up. It was a fun night of bonding over a movie (Ice Age 3) and Xbox. For the record, Braden and Emma BOTH cheat at Kinect Sports Volleyball. That and the ceiling's too low in our basement for me to jump and spike. Ow.
So, Day 1. 2013. I like it. Writing has a way of centering me that feels good. I think I'll try this again tomorrow. And the day after. We'll see about the rest of the 365 days after that. One step at a time, as they say. So, before this post bleeds into Day 2 of 2013, I'll get my butt off to bed.
Happy New Year.
God's blessings.
Happy Day 1.
So here I sit at 11:00 on Day 1 of 2013, typing away on my first entry in the journey of the new year. This is a post that can lead to 365 other posts extolling the year ahead. It's also a post that could be an empty promise. Only time, and my will power, will really tell.
I also struggle a bit with this type of journal. I want to be able to share my thoughts, feelings, memories and goings on with my friends and family. I'm also open to sharing them with perfect strangers who may find wisdom, ideas, entertainment or, most likely, humor in what I have to say from day to day.
I also realize that some of my thoughts need to be private. Not because they are perverted, weird, politically incorrect, etc... but because there are events in my life that I need to keep private for one reason or another. So, how do I completely journal about my life in a way that I can share with others, but still also log my own thoughts that need to remain private? I'm not sure I have the answer to that.... but for now, we'll just go with it. It is only Day 1, after all.
For example, I've spent most of my time off of work around the holidays pondering my future and career decisions. A week from yesterday will mark a different kind of Day 1, as my company will execute on all the integration actions involved in our merger. This will be an exciting day, a terrifying day, a sad day and a hard day. Those that will not be moving on with the new company will be missed. We'll wish them good luck as they move on while we silently thank God that we are not looking for new opportunities in a hard time. For some it'll mean new opportunities with new companies. For others, it'll mean new opportunities in the newly merged company. Others still may find themselves in roles they aren't happy doing. Like I said, it'll be a hard day, no matter where you fall.
And here I find myself skirting some of those private thoughts. I have decisions ahead of me that can lead to some great new opportunities. I'm excited. I'm scared. I can't wait to get started, yet don't know quite where or how to start. I look forward to the next year knowing that I'll have one of my biggest challenges ahead of me. I'm confident that it'll be rewarding and full-filling. And I'm confident that I will tackle this challenge with everything I have to offer. I welcome the challenges that 2013 brings me. And with God and my family by my side, I know I will succeed.
I've said as much as I probably can at this point. I should also be getting to bed soon. Emma, Braden and I rang in the New Year together, so I'm a bit tired. They didn't quite understand the concept of the new year, but they were thrilled to stay up until midnight! Emma kept asking "But why does the ball have to drop?" I failed to explain it in a way a 5 year old was able to grasp. I don't think Braden questioned it because he was just happy to be up. It was a fun night of bonding over a movie (Ice Age 3) and Xbox. For the record, Braden and Emma BOTH cheat at Kinect Sports Volleyball. That and the ceiling's too low in our basement for me to jump and spike. Ow.
So, Day 1. 2013. I like it. Writing has a way of centering me that feels good. I think I'll try this again tomorrow. And the day after. We'll see about the rest of the 365 days after that. One step at a time, as they say. So, before this post bleeds into Day 2 of 2013, I'll get my butt off to bed.
Happy New Year.
God's blessings.
Happy Day 1.
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