I have started to carve away at the New Years resolutions. First one complete, FIND A BETTER JOB...
I have accepted and moved into a new position at our company. I am no longer managing a checkbook and doing the billing and HR for one of the divisions. I am now the Director of Information Systems and Technology for the entire company, along with supporting a company we are buying and assisting the owner with other properties he owns, etc. I am really happy to have the new job because of the change in the amount of time that I will be at work, and it allows me to really get back to the technology that I know will sustain me for years to come.
Now to get to the other things...
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Friday, January 9, 2009
Contemplating a career 'rebirth'
If you know me, you know I have one passion in the world... audio and lighting. It has been a true source of joy and escape in both my personal and professional life.
Right out of high school I worked at a resort that did 11 live shows a week in the 800-seat theatre, along with several other shows in different venues. We had a world-class recording facility, massive music library and thousands of costumes. It was probably one of the most exhilarating jobs I ever had. Granted, I was very young (20) and opened my mouth one day and ended up losing my contract. But it was a great job. Middle of the cornfield, no cable TV, just a great place with great people.
Well, 12 years later I am trying to go back to that job, but in a different capacity. Things have changed considerably, as now they book major acts in (Mark Lowry, Gold City, The Lettermen, etc) and I would be more of an Entertainment Director than a tech. I would still have the same joy of tinkering with some really cool tools, but I would be more of a manager than just a tech. And after the Navy years and management years I know I could do the job.
Pray that God shows his favor in the path I should take.
Right out of high school I worked at a resort that did 11 live shows a week in the 800-seat theatre, along with several other shows in different venues. We had a world-class recording facility, massive music library and thousands of costumes. It was probably one of the most exhilarating jobs I ever had. Granted, I was very young (20) and opened my mouth one day and ended up losing my contract. But it was a great job. Middle of the cornfield, no cable TV, just a great place with great people.
Well, 12 years later I am trying to go back to that job, but in a different capacity. Things have changed considerably, as now they book major acts in (Mark Lowry, Gold City, The Lettermen, etc) and I would be more of an Entertainment Director than a tech. I would still have the same joy of tinkering with some really cool tools, but I would be more of a manager than just a tech. And after the Navy years and management years I know I could do the job.
Pray that God shows his favor in the path I should take.
Friday, January 2, 2009
My New Years Resolution
I have several things to accomplish this year, so I guess I will get started:
1. Lose 50 pounds. Since I started working in the office full time a year ago, I have lost all physical discipline and have really balooned up. That needs to change, so I am going to lose 50 pounds by July 4th, so this year I can run away from the exploding tubes during the fireworks show that I couldn't get away from last year.
2. Get a more rewarding job. I like my job, but the 50 hours a week and the 20 hours extra driving are really starting to get to me. So I am working on getting back to the tech side, either audio or video somewhere.
3. Prioritize my family. I live to work, not work to live. That will change.
4. Enjoy my hobbies more. Saxophone, bass guitar, sound, car racing... these are passions that have been ignored in 2008.
5. Keep in touch with friends. I have 4 very good friends, Krista, Erin, Gene and Chris. I have not talked to them hardly at all this year.
6. Apologize to some other people that I didn't mention above.
So there it is... I will keep you posted.
1. Lose 50 pounds. Since I started working in the office full time a year ago, I have lost all physical discipline and have really balooned up. That needs to change, so I am going to lose 50 pounds by July 4th, so this year I can run away from the exploding tubes during the fireworks show that I couldn't get away from last year.
2. Get a more rewarding job. I like my job, but the 50 hours a week and the 20 hours extra driving are really starting to get to me. So I am working on getting back to the tech side, either audio or video somewhere.
3. Prioritize my family. I live to work, not work to live. That will change.
4. Enjoy my hobbies more. Saxophone, bass guitar, sound, car racing... these are passions that have been ignored in 2008.
5. Keep in touch with friends. I have 4 very good friends, Krista, Erin, Gene and Chris. I have not talked to them hardly at all this year.
6. Apologize to some other people that I didn't mention above.
So there it is... I will keep you posted.
Monday, December 22, 2008
A very Merry Christmas wish
I have been extremely non-committal in my postings this year, and I apologize to the readers as I have been so busy running a business and maintaining my hobbies. HOWEVER, I want to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and blessed holiday season. I will post more in the next week as time will permit, including a year in review for all the great things that I have been able to be a part of!
Again, may the joys of the season be overflowing in your life!
ben
Again, may the joys of the season be overflowing in your life!
ben
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Why I fear for my children... and yours
I have been so caught up in the election season that I have not even had time to write. However, as the days wind down to the election and we prepare to elect our next leader, my fears of what may happen start to increase.
Say we elect Senator McCain. Here we have a war hero (and no, you cannot play that up TOO much) and a patriot that has consistently stood for what is right. I will admit: I did not want him to be our nominee. I was a full-out supporter of Gov Huckabee. Still am. And I know that Mike will have a great chance again someday. However, we nominated McCain, so lets stay there and look at what we get. True leadership in the face of turmoil. Steadfast decision making that has no influence of popularity or political motivation, but looks to the core of what is wrong and makes attempts to fix it. Someone that reaches across the party line and makes attempts to repair what is broken on both sides of the aisle, not just point out what the other side is doing. A man that has defended our country both in uniform, and by standing up for what is right for the boys and girls that continue to wear that uniform. A family man that loves and understands the importance of family values, marriage, life and love. A man that fears God and does not engage in any dealings with those who curse God. All-in-all: a true leader.
Say we elect Senator Obama. A good man. A nice guy. However, someone that has been known to spend money needlessly. Someone, regardless of his belief in the war, did not wholly support the troops fighting it. Someone that believes in homosexual union. Someone that has been a follower of a 'less than Godly' pastor. A man that has said he would talk to leaders of countries that want to destroy us without any pre-tense. A man that can give a good speech, but has not followed up on any speech with good action. A man that has not extended across party lines to take care of the citizens that elected him.
Well, obviously I am a conservative. But it is extremely more important than that. I am an American. And my concern is that we will not have an America left for my young son if we don't get this right. Both candidates have done good and bad things in their past. This election has nothing to do with that. This election is about which candidate is going to put everything else aside and ensure they will come to work every day to do what is best and right for the citizens of the nation above and over everything else. We cannot be a country of ordinary people, because ordinary people fail. And when the world looks to the United States of America for the pulse of the globe, we cannot afford to fail.
Say we elect Senator McCain. Here we have a war hero (and no, you cannot play that up TOO much) and a patriot that has consistently stood for what is right. I will admit: I did not want him to be our nominee. I was a full-out supporter of Gov Huckabee. Still am. And I know that Mike will have a great chance again someday. However, we nominated McCain, so lets stay there and look at what we get. True leadership in the face of turmoil. Steadfast decision making that has no influence of popularity or political motivation, but looks to the core of what is wrong and makes attempts to fix it. Someone that reaches across the party line and makes attempts to repair what is broken on both sides of the aisle, not just point out what the other side is doing. A man that has defended our country both in uniform, and by standing up for what is right for the boys and girls that continue to wear that uniform. A family man that loves and understands the importance of family values, marriage, life and love. A man that fears God and does not engage in any dealings with those who curse God. All-in-all: a true leader.
Say we elect Senator Obama. A good man. A nice guy. However, someone that has been known to spend money needlessly. Someone, regardless of his belief in the war, did not wholly support the troops fighting it. Someone that believes in homosexual union. Someone that has been a follower of a 'less than Godly' pastor. A man that has said he would talk to leaders of countries that want to destroy us without any pre-tense. A man that can give a good speech, but has not followed up on any speech with good action. A man that has not extended across party lines to take care of the citizens that elected him.
Well, obviously I am a conservative. But it is extremely more important than that. I am an American. And my concern is that we will not have an America left for my young son if we don't get this right. Both candidates have done good and bad things in their past. This election has nothing to do with that. This election is about which candidate is going to put everything else aside and ensure they will come to work every day to do what is best and right for the citizens of the nation above and over everything else. We cannot be a country of ordinary people, because ordinary people fail. And when the world looks to the United States of America for the pulse of the globe, we cannot afford to fail.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Where we were... where we are going
I visited the National Aviation Museum of the US Air Force today here in Dayton. This is not my first visit, however it is the first in my adult life that I was there without a time constraint and limitations that kept me from enjoying it. Though I am not a veteran of the Air Force, I am a veteran, so the inspiration of the exhibit and the history still affects me and reminds me of my 8 years of service.
I could not help but be reflective of the recent anniversary of September 11, 2001. As I walked through President Kennedy's Air Force One, seeing where Lyndon Johnson was sworn in and where JFK's body was transported back, I was reflective of what I have always heard: 'I remember exactly what I was doing when Kennedy was shot'. The same is true of 9/11/01.
I was in school at Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL. I had just transferred from my last sea duty station and had then went to school in Norfolk, and was nearing completion in Florida. I was working on plans to spend my last couple of weekends with some friends in the Tampa area, when I called my wife during a break in class to say hello. She was in tears and was trying to explain what was happening when my instructor came to the room and quickly gathered us to talk about what was happening. After some debate, the base was closed down for 4 days and those of us with specialty qualifications in weapons and tactics were put on detail and watch till we found out what was going on.
Now, it didn't take the events of 9/11/01 to renew a sense of patriotism in my life. Anyone that knows me understands that. However, 7 years later, I find myself reflecting on my 8 years of service and what I think we should do as a country to instill some of that value in others.
First, all high school graduates or persons that reach 18 should be required to give 2 years in service to the country. Military, public service, whatever. Service in our country and for its people may in fact curve violence, crime and dis functionality that makes this country crippled.
Second, we as citizens should take a more proactive approach in our governments operations. Be a Republican. Be a Democrat. Be a Libertarian. WHO CARES! Be active and effect change! Volunteer with your party of choice. Educate yourself in the views and make informed votes. But vote. Be active.
Lastly, be proud of your heritage. Be proud of yourself. And be proud of your country. If you don't like something, don't complain. Act. If you don't think your getting a fair shake, work harder to get it. If you think you can't do it, keep trying till you can.
We have a long way to go. Seven years ago our integrity was questioned. Seven years ago villains attempted to threaten our sovereignty. However, we stood strong. We made it through. We came back and stood taller and stronger than ever before.
As Timothy said in his second book of the New Testament, 'I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith'. You should too.
I could not help but be reflective of the recent anniversary of September 11, 2001. As I walked through President Kennedy's Air Force One, seeing where Lyndon Johnson was sworn in and where JFK's body was transported back, I was reflective of what I have always heard: 'I remember exactly what I was doing when Kennedy was shot'. The same is true of 9/11/01.
I was in school at Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL. I had just transferred from my last sea duty station and had then went to school in Norfolk, and was nearing completion in Florida. I was working on plans to spend my last couple of weekends with some friends in the Tampa area, when I called my wife during a break in class to say hello. She was in tears and was trying to explain what was happening when my instructor came to the room and quickly gathered us to talk about what was happening. After some debate, the base was closed down for 4 days and those of us with specialty qualifications in weapons and tactics were put on detail and watch till we found out what was going on.
Now, it didn't take the events of 9/11/01 to renew a sense of patriotism in my life. Anyone that knows me understands that. However, 7 years later, I find myself reflecting on my 8 years of service and what I think we should do as a country to instill some of that value in others.
First, all high school graduates or persons that reach 18 should be required to give 2 years in service to the country. Military, public service, whatever. Service in our country and for its people may in fact curve violence, crime and dis functionality that makes this country crippled.
Second, we as citizens should take a more proactive approach in our governments operations. Be a Republican. Be a Democrat. Be a Libertarian. WHO CARES! Be active and effect change! Volunteer with your party of choice. Educate yourself in the views and make informed votes. But vote. Be active.
Lastly, be proud of your heritage. Be proud of yourself. And be proud of your country. If you don't like something, don't complain. Act. If you don't think your getting a fair shake, work harder to get it. If you think you can't do it, keep trying till you can.
We have a long way to go. Seven years ago our integrity was questioned. Seven years ago villains attempted to threaten our sovereignty. However, we stood strong. We made it through. We came back and stood taller and stronger than ever before.
As Timothy said in his second book of the New Testament, 'I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith'. You should too.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Grand Slam, Game over!
I have been waiting for this day for months. Finally, all the speculation and the anticipation is over, and we have finally been introduced to the Republican VP candidate. In a word, incredible!
Gov Palin is a formitable woman with a track record for change. She has busted up the politics of her own party and forced change. She doesn't back down, and she fights for what is right. This is truly the best pick for Senator McCain to make.
It is funny. The Obama camp made some rather disparraging remarks regarding the timeline and method that was being used, claiming 'political malpractice', and now we see that he cannot stop the train. Amazingly enough, McCain took everything the Democrats worked for this week and stopped it with one pick.
I now know I am going to stay Republican and vote McCain/Palin.
Gov Palin is a formitable woman with a track record for change. She has busted up the politics of her own party and forced change. She doesn't back down, and she fights for what is right. This is truly the best pick for Senator McCain to make.
It is funny. The Obama camp made some rather disparraging remarks regarding the timeline and method that was being used, claiming 'political malpractice', and now we see that he cannot stop the train. Amazingly enough, McCain took everything the Democrats worked for this week and stopped it with one pick.
I now know I am going to stay Republican and vote McCain/Palin.
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