Todd and the Blog

How March Madness applies to me

2010-03-19T08:47:00.000-07:00

It's one day past round 1 of 2010's version of March Madness. It's spring break and that means one thing for me in the past few years (actually forever it seems) and there isn't a vacation, just trying to play catch up with work. The good thing is that I'm able to watch college basketball while I work. So, ying and yang.

Macy and Emily both filled out their brackets and so far Macy is looking pretty strong. Crazy how a 6 year old is close to making things work -- I love how she picked her teams: most of them just sounded good.

I'm desperately trying to write a paper, get some grading done and figure out materials for a class. It's going to be a fun week.

Talk to you soon.

Time

2009-12-24T04:35:00.000-08:00

Time is a curious matter. When I "think" about the days of my grandparents and their parents, I "think" they had more time on their hands. My perception of that time has always been one of curiosity. Most of my assumptions were -- "wow, did they get bored?" But I think the reality is -- I wish my family didn't have the schedule we do.

Just think about how the media portrays "time." If you aren't busy all of the time, then you aren't doing enough. Everyone is always time-crunched. In fact, Congress is about to embark on a "conference" for the health care bill. Regardless of what your politics or thoughts about health care reform, think about how quickly all of this has come about. And, think about how our representatives and senators are alot like us.

Is there any way you or I could find time to read more than 1,000 pages of material over a weekend? (In addition to all the other stuff we have to do?). My biggest fear is that the little things won't get paid attention to.

Much like my own life, I find the biggest problems are caused when I don't pay attention to the little things.

Sometimes I listen to my kids and learn that I've not paid attention to them. Or I listen to their conversations and realize that they are already stressing about being "late" for practice or "rushing" to get homework done.

Time is precious. I'm going reflect today and tomorrow about how important time is.

Heading out, thinking about the past, doing the present, looking at the future

2009-08-03T20:33:00.000-07:00

Well, here I go -- on the way to Boston. I'm a big history buff. In case I haven't said anything to you yet -- READ 1776 by David McCullough. Outstanding read about a year that means so much and could have meant so little. In fact, you should read it before the fall semester starts.

As I get ready for the trip to the Association for Education in Journalism & Mass Communications conference, I'm heading to a place that is historic for alot of reasons. Yes, I'm going to try and see as much as I possibly can. I'm very excited, though, to be able to run into colleagues. In fact, I'm having dinner with a group of academics on Wednesday who participated in a Scripps Howard Academic Leadership Academy. We all spent a week in Baton Rouge learning more about the leadership at universities. The dean of the College of Communication at Boston University, Tom Fiedler, will be there. They are doing a really unique curriculum there. In fact, undergraduate students can take shortcourses at their Center for Digital Imaging Arts . I'd love to figure out how to do the same here at Texas Tech.

Speaking of TTU, my students in social media this summer have done some excellent work related to the strategic planning for the college's social media presence. There have been some outstanding ideas posted. For my students: remember, how I said to write 3 of 4 blog entries -- if you read this far, just write 2 of 4. Feel free to enjoy this moment of knowing that you might be the only one who reads this....hmmm....also for the graduate students -- just knock it down to 10 pages. That'll do.

Now, back to thinking about social media and academia. What are your thoughts about if a "traditional form of media" does NOT have a social media presence? Is that a credibility issue? Will it damage their reputation? Do you think people would even care? It really brings to the forefront all of what we've been talking about this semester. I challenge you to be willing to take risks, but also remember your ethics, your need for strategy and your ability to manage (and provide regular updates).

I've really enjoyed thinking and studying social media this summer. It's been a blast. Make sure you check this blog out tomorrow with information and updates from Boston.

Cancer Takes Another

2009-07-18T21:26:00.000-07:00

Earlier this evening I received a message about a 42-year-old man who I had met once. A month ago, he and I were at a meeting together where he stood up and introduced himself. A few days ago, I got a e-mail about an urgent need for prayer for him. They had discovered a tumor in his brain and he was going to have surgery Friday (yesterday) morning. We were to pray for him, his wife and family. The tumor was cancerous and aggressive. He died this afternoon. No chance to undergo the chemotherapy and radiation therapy that would have followed in the weeks after the surgery. Why? It's 2009. As we (and trust me, I do worry about things such as "swine flu") worry about all flus, viruses, and other dreadful diseases, we need to ask ourselves -- WHY HASN'T A CURE BEEN FOUND?

This year alone, more than 500,000 Americans will die from cancer. 1.5 million will hear that they have cancer. Yes, cancer survival rates are increasing...more of us than ever are living with the disease. Despite the good, cancer still sucks. Cancer still kills -- in fact, just think about that 500,000 number. In the past 2 years, 1 MILLION people died (actually, the number is a little higher than a million).

So...my question is this -- have we just reached the stage that it just doesn't bother us anymore? Maybe we need to start planting small flags somewhere in the middle of America that represents each person that would die this year, maybe, just maybe someone would take notice and help end cancer.

My prayer is that you never hear those words: you have cancer.

At this moment, please keep the Griffin family in your prayers.

HOPE

Insight

2009-07-15T21:08:00.001-07:00

Had a great class today. The "social media guru" of Texas Tech came and spoke to the Social Media class about the TTU strategy related to Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Flickr and others. It was interesting to learn about the challenges facing universities (and every other organization) when it comes to trying to figure out what to do, where to do it, how to do it, what resources you need to provide, who needs to be in charge, what type of content, etc...can you really strategize for all of the above contingencies? I just don't know. But, you should try. Currently, the Texas Tech University Facebook page has approximately 12,000 members/fans. Pretty amazing...

Been thinking about a few things related to this blog and what I might want it to turn in to. Should it be related to TTU, academics, Relay, giving people hope....just not sure. Would love some feedback.

tc

Blah Blah Blogs

2009-07-14T21:16:00.000-07:00

As we continue to read Joel Postman's SocialCorps in the social media class, it is amazing to think about the lack of a social media strategy for ALOT of companies -- including firms that specialize in marketing and advertising. That being said, it almost isn't fair to criticize companies for not having a long-term strategy ready to go; however, after all of the strategic planning that has gone on in the corporate environment for the past 15 years, it's hard to believe that firms and organizations just can't get goals and objectives outlined.

Recent statistics published by the Pew Internet and American Life Project in January 2009(kind of makes you re-think 'recent') indicated that 75% of 18-24 year olds have a profile on a social network site. As age increases, the percentage decreases to almost no profiles for those 65+. According to statistics found at Facebook show dramatic increases in the number of Facebook users since January (increased to 200 million....and counting). Twitter has experienced an explosion since the first of the year.

All of these studies point to social media jumping through the diffusion curve and looking forward at all the companies who are missing the boat. There is still time....just make sure you use strategy > have a mission, goals and objectives for your social media plan. It might even mean that you allocate an employee to tackle your company's social media presence. (By the way, that doesn't mean to add responsibility to an 8 to 5 "techie"...it really means to pay them to do their job which would include developing social media for your organization. Just like you wouldn't give a video camera and expect your accountant to produce a television commercial, you shouldn't just tell your public relations director to blog and experience ROI. If that is the case, you get what you deserve.

Wow, what a mood. Better sign off for now...

Thinking about how quickly things change

2009-07-13T17:46:00.000-07:00

I left the office heartbroken earlier today because I had heard about cancer invading the life of another young family. They'd been told Friday about a "benign" tumor, then today found out that it was a malignant tumor of the Stage 3 variety. I'm really tired of cancer. It sucks. At the same time, it provides a opportunity to see what people want to do -- and that is to help others in need. Already there are those who are lining up to help this family and others who are thinking about ways to help.

Fight Back.

Monday with too much on my plate

2009-07-13T11:14:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered just why in the world you find yourself involved with way too many decisions to make. Life ain't that hard or that difficult, but today it sure seems that way. I feel like I'm drowning in the Sea of Way Too Much To Do. Oh well...life marches on.

As far as social media goes, I'm pumped to have Lisa Low from the Office of Communications and Marketing at Texas Tech showing up to class next week -- she's going to bring some enthusiasm and provide an idea of TTU's social media presence.

Topics for today: diffusion of innovations, social media strategies and a mini-case study about two grocery store companies.

Could be fun.
tc

All Star Break

2009-07-12T19:36:00.000-07:00

I always dread the All Star Break. The Rangers are either rocking and rolling before but not after or vice versa. They look great this year, but time will tell.

As far as the weekend goes, pretty interesting thoughts on a Sunday evening related to what is happening in the College of Mass Communications this week. First, we've got about 15 junior high school students in for the second annual "Video Tech" workshop. Josh Robinson, one of our staff members in the college, is putting this thing together with the help of Dr. Dennis Harp, Rob Peinert and others from our college community.

The second event this week will be finalizing some technology purchases for the college -- all with the idea of benefiting all of our majors. It's kind of exciting to think about what the fall semester is going to bring about -- all majors working together on projects (we are putting together a group with students who might be interested in working on projects related for submission to contests -- all types of contests).

Finally, this week in social media, we will be dealing with figuring out the mechanics of how all these social media work and wrapping up the week with virtual tours of blogs. Kind of cool.

Have a good night.

tc

Some early Saturday ramblings

2009-07-11T06:39:00.001-07:00

Wow...my bid for sleeping in lasted until 8. How I miss the days of high school -- when there wasn't work or something else going on -- when you slept until 12 noon or 1 in the afternoon! Now, well, it's time to play catch-up on some things around the house.

After going through some news this morning, some things caught my attention:
-New way of thinking about baseball statistics from the NY Times. A new system is being developed that will be able to measure exact distances for hitting, throwing, etc... (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/10/sports/baseball/10cameras.html?em)
-The "UFC" was front page on the LA Times this morning (http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-ufc-fertitta11-2009jul11,0,3089419.story)
-by the way, for movie fans, LA Times also has a piece about The Blair Witch Project turning 10 years old (http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-witch11-2009jul11,0,4594569.story)
-The fact that there were some Picassos hanging in Austin is amazing. Story discusses the theft of 8 Picassos from a home in Austin of a former gallery owner. http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/2009/07/11/0711stolenart.html

Hope you have a good Saturday. Enjoy.
tc

The Social Media Economy

2009-07-10T11:20:00.000-07:00

As we are living in a new era of media economics, I'm struck by fundamental changes in the overall media economy. From pricing structures for advertising on the local radio station to participating in one of the auctions available through Google, new media is totally changing the structure of the "media economy." Obviously, others much smarter than I have been writing, researching and talking about this for some time now. For example, Bob Garfield unleashed his "Chaos Scenario" all the way back in the old days of 2005 (http://adage.com/article?article_id=45561). Chaos 2.0 was released in 2007. Around the same time, Chris Anderson was researching and writing "The Long Tail" (http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/12.10/tail.html). These essays and opinions cemented the industry's recognition that new forms of media were and had been eating away at traditional media consumption patterns and, more importantly, shifting available advertising revenue into different avenues.

Media life has changed. The audience isn't just sitting in front of a television waiting for the next program to appear. The entire advertising industry has changed. None of this is new or novel, but it is time to re-think how we approach the economy of media.

Social Media and College Sports

2009-07-09T09:50:00.001-07:00

I am a HUGE fan of college sports -- especially college football. If I had to list my probably would watch instead of regular television, my rankings would be college football, MLB, NFL, college basketball then college baseball. A student in the social media class I'm teaching sent me the following links that I think are extremely relevant in today's world of college and professional athletics. Check out the four-part series at ESPN:

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/news/story?id=4308218

Have a great day!

Some Readings For Summer II

2009-07-06T11:55:00.000-07:00

Hello there. This summer we will definitely be spending alot of time talking about social media. Here are some extra resources that you really need to check out (in fact, we will definitely spend time talking about these):

Some Reading Extras Part I:
Anderson, C. (2009, May 22). The new, new economy: more startups, fewer giants, infinite opportunity. Wired: http://www.wired.com/culture/culturereviews/magazine/17-06/nep_essay

Anderson, C. (2004, October). The long tail. Wired: http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/12.10/tail.html

Kelly, K. (2009, May 22). The new socialism: global collectivist society is coming online. Wired: http://www.wired.com/culture/culturereviews/magazine/17-06/nep_newsocialism

Levy, S. (2009, May 22). Secret of googlenomics: data-fueled recipe brews profitability. Wired: http://www.wired.com/culture/culturereviews/magazine/17-06/nep_googlenomics

Many things

2009-05-02T17:08:00.000-07:00

Wow, alot has happened in less than a month. Yet, everything stays the same. We've got the Relay For Life of Lubbock County coming up in less than a week (May 8)..complete with the threat of things like Swine Flu, thunderstorms, etc...

Last weekend was special - did a bunch, but on Friday night got to spend some time with a friend who is in her second battle with cancer. It was alot of fun hanging out and seeing friends that I haven't seen in quiet a while.

Clear Channel is planning to lay off more employees. Radio continues to change.

Sports radio in Lubbock has drastically re-shaped itself (http://blogs.lubbockonline.com/centerstage/index.php?m=05&y=09). The fact that TTU/Learfield has decided to go with locally-owned Ramar Communications is very intriguing. I remember back in the day when all TTU football and men's basketball games were on KFYO-AM. At times, we would simulcast on Z102 big games such as bowl games for TTU football, but that was about it. Now, with the possibility of throwing TTU athletics across a wide spectrum of AM and FM stations; English-language and Spanish-language. It should be interesting for all involved.

Talk to you soon.

Random Thoughts About Today

2009-04-07T07:09:00.000-07:00

It's been a really crazy world...thinking about all that's been happening -- both "big" and "small." From earthquakes to national basketball championships, life stays the same, yet it is chaotic. Electronic media plays a big role in delivering the messages, but has it really changed since the days of KDKA? As I was watching the events unfold in last night's NCAA basketball championship game, I was perplexed -- how many times have the announcers said the same exact thing 10 years ago, 20 years ago?

Sometimes life appears to have changed, but it really hasn't.

Fighting Back

2009-03-29T19:43:00.000-07:00

The Relay For Life of Texas Tech event served up some interesting insights into the world of fighting back. The committee (made up of students who volunteer ALOT of time and effort) spent alot of time stressing over some major things this week (outside of the regular -- let's put on a gigantic fundraising event). On Monday, five days prior to the event, they were told that they would have to move the event to a different location...they've had it at the previous site for the previous six years (all six years of the event). They handled the situation, moved locations and really did a bang up job with what they had to deal with. In fact, it looked like this was the best turn out at a TTU RFL event that I've seen (my 4th this year). So, great job...terrific job.

I had the privilege of speaking during the Fight Back ceremony. I was going into the ceremony after hearing two inspirational stories of hope and courage a couple of hours earlier at the Ceremony of Hope. It's amazing what college students are dealing with these days. When I was in college, "cancer" was something old smokers got. Never really heard of any friends with the disease. Now it seems that every day we hear of a friend, a family member or a co-worker who is stricken or knows someone who gets told: "I'm sorry, but you've got cancer." The stats back it up -- 1 of every 2 men and 1 of every 3 women will get cancer at some point in their lifetime. 1500 people died YESTERDAY from cancer.

But, there is HOPE. Relay For Life has been around 25 years and has raised b i l l i o n s of dollars that go into the fight against cancer through research, patient services, advocacy and outreach.

In the past four years, I've traveled the cancer journey. I've been in the dark valleys and have lived in the moment of God providing beautiful and sunny mountaintop experiences. I know what it feels like to not want to go to radiation treatment number 21 (had to have 38). I know what it feels like when your five year old asks: "Daddy, are you going to be ok?" When I really wasn't sure that I would live to see her walk into her first day of kindergarten. I know what it felt like when just a couple of months ago my now 9-year old asked: "Daddy, will I ever get cancer?"

Wow. What a question. So, you ask -- why do you talk about Relay For Life so much? Because it is the only way I know how to Fight Back against cancer so that I can hopefully one day help my daughters live with knowing they will never have to hear those words....

Relay For Life 2009

2009-03-02T09:10:00.001-08:00

American Cancer Society

2009-03-01T20:43:00.000-08:00

Just some thoughts about the American Cancer Society and what the organization does and will do. Started to think about how long the organization has been in the business of fighting cancer. In the past few days, high school friends have been posting old pictures. There were a couple of pictures from "back in the day" when we had alot of events and fundraisers to stop smoking. Honestly, I remember some of those, but not alot. And, I for sure was one of those who thought: cancer will never be a part of my life...it's just for 2-pack a day smokers and old people. One of life's ironies, I guess. Now 43, I am proud to say I'm a 4 year survivor of stage IV squamous cell carcinoma at the base of the tongue. Cancer. In the early 1980s, didn't know much about the American Cancer Society. Today, I do. And, I'm glad. Just wish I would have been passionate then as I am now. Thank you ACS! Thank you Relay For Life!

Relay For Life

2009-02-22T14:17:00.000-08:00

Heard a great speaker this weekend at a Relay For Life event. She mentioned that some of her friends just don't "get it." They don't "get" why she goes away for the weekend, missing events, missing family stuff, missing friend stuff...There are many times that I feel the same. But, with Relay For Life and those that volunteer for that organization, I feel like I have a mission. There is no way that I will ever be able to find the cure for cancer and prevent my wife or our daughters from ever having cancer. BUT, if I can just take one more moment, one hour, one day or one weekend to spend time and collaborate with others..maybe, just maybe, those moments will help find that cure.

To find out more about Relay For Life, go to: www.relayforlife.org

20 million HH

2009-02-03T19:25:00.000-08:00

Remember when 20 million sounded like a gigantic number? Tomorrow, the U.S. House of Representatives is set to try to *again* vote to delay the DTV transition. The voucher program ran out of money back near the end of last year and there are approximately 20 million HH (at least that is the current argument) that aren't prepared and/or not hooked in to cable or satellite. In class today, we discussed the implications of those 20 million HH -- do they really matter to marketers? Or the government? Think about the demographics of those HH -- elderly, poor, etc...Now think about current television programming. Any new shows targeted to the elderly or the poor? Does the local television broadcaster actively promote to clients: Hey, we are number one with the 75+ age demo AND we are strong with those with HH Incomes of less than $15,000!

Definitely feeling cynical. Apparently, the White House would go for the delay. Are you in favor or not?

Time and Friends and Technology

2009-02-02T18:34:00.000-08:00

E-mail. Social media. Friendships.
It's funny how Twitter, Facebook, cell phones and everything "social media" should give us opportunities to communicate across great distances...renew friendships...cultivate new ones. BUT, isn't it amazing how that these great technologies, like just about every other one before these, have provided wonderful opportunities to communicate with great breadth, but with little depth. What is the courteous way to end a IM Chat? With a friend you've known for decades? With someone you don't know as well? What about a telephone call? Is it just a 42-year old who has changed? Or is it the technology?

Post Super Bowl Thoughts

2009-02-01T20:21:00.001-08:00

Blogging every two years or so....not bad.

Next.

Just thinking about the Super Bowl and how influential it can be. Obviously, people are already talking about their favorite ad. For me, I really enjoyed the "Sweden/Conan O'Brien" ad...but what was it for? Great job getting 'cooler-talk', bad job getting people to have an idea about the brand.

As I'm watching The Office, I'm amazed at how far television has come. Yes, the Super Bowl provides a huge launch for the 'next' show. NBC needs The Office and is probably going to keep growing its audience for the next season or so.

Talk to you soon.

Wow...too long

2007-06-18T15:12:00.001-07:00

It's been way too long for an update. Not much to say except that I'm back!

We've been going through a ton of emotions this weekend.

More later.

tc

I need to get a handle on this blogging thing

2006-09-14T19:24:00.000-07:00

Let's see....I'm pretty good at waiting 6 months between posts. But, here's to doing better! I'm getting ready for my "Look Who's 40" high school reunion tomorrow. It's hard to believe that we are there. 40. What a concept.

We've had a great week at TTU -- life's been hectic, but the advertising sales class is going great and we've gotten alot accomplished.

A friend and his wife had a baby this week.

I was able to actually "do" my kid's hair for school pictures this morning.

I'm telling you .... life is good.

Talk to you soon.

tc

Comments

2006-06-06T12:47:00.000-07:00

Hi there. I'm in Baton Rouge at an academic leadership conference -- it's been alot of fun.

Please reply to this message when you've listened to the lectures....more from LSU land later.

tc

Just some thoughts

2006-01-28T08:08:00.000-08:00

The wind is blowing again....no rain.....Lubbock is approaching 100 days without any measurable amount of precipitation. As Aerosmith would say: "Amazing".

We have been enjoying the new year. Kids are great. Losing teeth, making science fair projects and hearing a two year old say: "You want a piece of me" (totally in context during a 'heated discussion' with her sister).

Life is good.

In the undergraduate class this week, we've been discussing the ethics of advertising. With the Superbowl coming up, it will be interesting to watch.

Another big topic this week: M E D I A C O N S O L I D A T I O N
The CW and Dixar (Disney/Pixar).

See you soon.

tc

It's been a while....

2005-10-06T05:58:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since the last post. Actually, I don't feel too terribly bad because I've talked to a few others who have done the same -- and not posted. In fact, one of my favorite bloggers is snippets (http://www.robastewart.net/snippets/).

I just watched a segment on the Today show about a breast cancer survivor -- probably not the most appropriate term, but I consider myself a survivor, and I haven't even reached the 1 year mark yet. But I am and I think she is too. Her name is Kelly Corrigan. She has a website called Circus of Cancer -- (www.circusofcancer.org). I was particularly interested in reading her section about recurrence anxiety -- which I seem to be obsessed with lately. I talked to a prostate cancer survivor a few months ago and asked: do you ever 'not' think about it. I guess I'm not alone because his response was 'no'.

What a great day -- it's cool and rainy in the Hub! Could be interesting weather for the Joe Ely concert tonight. But it could be fun.......

Next Friday

2005-09-02T12:09:00.000-07:00

Well, it looks like the EM&C 3380 students will be collecting funds for Katrina victims next Friday! It looks like we are going to take the angle of: let's see how much we can collect in sixty minutes! Students will be in teams and stationed *for sure* in the Mass Communications building, the College of Business Administration building and the Student Union. Of course, I still need to get permission to do this.

Anyone else who is interested, please join us!

Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend.

katrina relief

2005-09-01T09:55:00.000-07:00

Although it's been a few days (weeks) since the last post, I've been struck with an overwhelmed, heartbreaking feeling about what's happened in the aftermath of Katrina. In fact, I've asked my EM&C 3380 class to come up with an advertising campaign and a volunteer effort to raise money for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. I can't wait to see what they come up with tomorrow in class. I'll let you know.

tc

is it just me...

2005-08-17T17:07:00.000-07:00

What a day. Is it just me or am I the only one who gets frustrated when the phone rings and you hear that 1 second delay and then get your "telemarketing guns" ready. I've got to quit getting so fired up. Since February, I can safely say that I haven't let much bother me. But, in the last week, I've felt my blood start to boil and just get fired up -- especially at the people who shouldn't get my wrath...they are just trying to make a living. So if I've offended you, I'm sorry.

On a brighter note: THE OFFICE IS CLEAN! It's pathetic when someone who has been working at the same place you are (for 2 years) comes up and says: have you always had this desk?

I've been listening to someone who I wouldn't have imagined me listening to and liking -- Michael Buble. He's kind of a modern day Connick-Sinatra type. His version of Mack the Knife is excellent. Man, I'm getting old.

http://www.michaelbuble.com/

Emily wants to say this about kindergarten: it's good and I know a few people from it.

cleaning the old office

2005-08-16T19:28:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not, I'm in the process of cleaning up the office. Honestly, I can safely say what others are probably saying: "It's about time." I found student papers stashed away in a box from 1999. GOOD GRIEF.

The girls are doing great. In fact it seems that Emily enjoyed day 2 just as much if not a little more than day 1. Her teacher is awesome. In fact, her teacher and I went to high school together. She's a little younger, but it's something I brag about way too much. I just think that I've known every caregiver/teacher that Emily has had since she was 6 weeks old!

We got an e-mail today from a friend who had surgery two weeks ago to have her thyroid removed. The initial samples were clear but they sent off some stuff to the Mayo clinic and it came back as 'cancer'. Man, I hate that. But, the good thing is they got rid of the thyroid and it looks like that's all they will need to do. Unfortunately, it brings back alot of emotions and I really wish that God would eradicate cancer. Just get rid of it altogether. Banish it from earth. Thump it out into the universe.

It's back to the final office cleaning tomorrow morning and then I'm going to try and get a manuscript out to a journal. Then...believe it or not, I'll start teaching Monday -- it's the week before classes officially start, but it's the IS 1100 class that meets the week before school starts.

Am I ready....heh, heh, heh.... :)

2005-08-15T15:09:00.000-07:00

Getting ready to "hit the books" at preschool and kindergarten!

1st day of kindergarten

2005-08-15T14:50:00.000-07:00

It's amazing what today has brought -- our kid started kindergarten! What's up with that. Most of those who are reading this blog (well, as of right now there are probably only 3 others, all who are in my own age situation) probably can related to the fact that everyone else who is dropping off their kindergartner is about 10 years younger than me! OUCH.

Just when you thought that "money" didn't make you happy, check out this story published in the LA Times about happiness:
Keeping up with the Joneses

Great.

First Thoughts

2005-08-14T16:10:00.000-07:00

Hi there. It's a rainy day here in Lubbock. Believe it or not, we got about 2 inches of rain last night -- and it was wonderful. Rain is one of my most favorite things in life. From the smell to coolness, it just makes me feel new again.

To be honest, I've only thought about 'blogging' for just a couple of weeks and I finally sat down and created this space. In fact, Rob Potter at Indiana University gave me some inspiration. His blog (http://www.theaudioprof.blogspot.com/) is one that I will frequently visit. (Plus, I'm going to have to call him so he can show me some tricks of the trade).

My wife and I have been using Carepages (www.carepages.com) to get information about our journey. We are still going to use it but this place will be for those random thoughts of things like 'rain'.