For My Dad - He Told Me...

Thank you for helping celebrate dad. He wanted especially to ensure everyone knew how well mom (his wife of 57 years) always cared for and loved him… and how much he loved the care he received and the people he met from Heartland Hospice. Thank you for loving my dad. 

I wouldn’t be half the man I am today if not for the beautiful example both of my parents set throughout my life. And for what I put them through in my early years, Dad earned every bit of every reward he’ll be getting. He left an indelible legacy behind, and there are so many moments I’ll never forget from my time with him. One occasion in particular (my High School graduation) left its mark, and I want to share his words with you all as we celebrate his life today. 

 He told me, 

 “Because you are my son and I love you, I offer the following. You are both gifted and accomplished, and of that I am proud. Be a good steward of the gifts, or the accomplishments mean nothing.” 

 I admired my dad’s faith. He was never in your face about it, but he always led with his witness. Faith drove many decisions he made throughout his life for his family, and these lyrics we’ll hear at his funeral mass speak to that faith: 

“I, who made the stars of night 

I will make their darkness bright 

Who will bear My light to them? 

Whom shall I send? 

Here I am, Lord. 

Is it I, Lord? 

I have heard You calling in the night 

I will go, Lord, if You lead me 

I will hold Your people in my heart”

His selfless work with Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity - the holidays and countless summers throughout my childhood he spent furthering their mission to serve the poorest of the poor at their house in Charlotte, NC were testaments to that witness. He taught me valuable lessons on service and charity… and gave me perspective. 

He told me, 

 “Humility isn’t thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less. Be Humble.” 

This would prove to be a challenge for my siblings and me. But I loved knowing how proud my dad was of each one of us, and he never missed an opportunity to showcase you on his social media or in conversations with friends. He simply never bragged on himself, oftentimes meeting you with his own brand of self-depricating humor he was known for. I am extraordinarily proud of my dad and the life he lived, and I was immensely proud to introduce “Dampa” to my own son Rory. 

He told me, 

 “Dignity is the capacity to hold back on the tongue what should have never been on the mind in the first place. Be Dignified.” 

I think about this often when I want to talk trash to rival sports fans (sometimes even with my own family). But with the exception of the locker room at halftime of a basketball game Dad was coaching, he was slow to outwardly criticize, and he was fast to love. In his final months, he didn’t ask for your prayers. That wasn’t his focus. He wouldn’t let you leave the room or the house without letting him pray for you, though. 

He told me, 

 “If you are a person of few words, you won’t have as many to take back. Be Quiet.” 

I can feel him reiterating that to us doing our best to honor him right now, as brevity is certainly not a strong suit in our family. But when you live a life as full as my dad’s, his kids are allowed to make an exception to honor him. Where he was few on words, he was big on action. I’ll never forget him jumping in his truck armed with a 1 iron golf club to go chase down 12 gang members who attacked my brothers in our driveway… or the time at Fleming Heights Apartments when armed robbers had him at gunpoint, and they soon fled with gun in hand as my dad chased them out with a pair of scissors from his desk. Dad was tough. 

He told me, 

 “Most of us will never do great things, but we can do small things in a great way. Don’t forget the small stuff.” 

Even though he was inducted into the University of Alabama Huntsville’s Hall of Honor, nobody clipped a better coupon. Nobody planned a better European pilgrimage off earnings from eBay. And if you were between the ages of 1 and 10, he was the best high fiver you’ve ever seen. My siblings knew him as “The Bread Angel” from his anonymous late-night grocery deliveries to families in need. And I saw him fix emergencies what felt like hundreds of times for his tenants at Fleming, never showing up empty handed… bringing both the necessary fixes and bags of candy to the families and their kids. Whether it was being a reader at mass, coaching his granddaughter’s JV girls basketball team, working with the Sojourners, rolling linoleum flooring in apartments, or helping clear thousands of roaches from the homes of mom’s hospice patients… Dad flourished in the “small stuff.” 

He told me, 

 “I before ‘e,’ but not before ‘we.’”

Nothing my dad did for the people he loved was convenient for him. It was late nights, tough conversations, and wisdom freely given. Dad always showed up for you. Without fail. If he couldn’t make it to you, he and my mom opened their house instead; to stay for a few minutes to rent free movies from his endless collection of VHS tapes (with an elaborate check-in check-out process to keep track, he really rivaled Blockbuster for a time... and he somehow survived the evolution from VHS to DVD), to stay for a few days if you were a seminarian for the diocese or a visiting priest, to stay for a few months if you were a family moving to Augusta and your house wasn’t ready yet, and to stay for a few years at God’s calling when he was asked to take guardianship of someone needing a parental figure. 

He finally told me, 

 “Remember that Killips isn’t just a name, it’s a family.” 

He was the absolute best role model and father God could have blessed me with. He was my hero, and I loved him immensely. I pray my kids look up to me and the example I’ll set half as much as I always looked up to my dad. 

There were two occasions my dad honored me with a “Go Dawgs, Sic ‘Em!” - my high school graduation and the rehearsal dinner before my wedding day. So on this occasion where we celebrate your amazing life, Dad… Roll Tide Roll.

Just as needed now as it was then

In speaking with a few close friends about faith related topics in the past few weeks, it became known the same challenges I went through years ago will continue to be apparent in the years ahead as I attempt to grow in faith. The following is a journal entry of mine I wrote during my sophomore year in college. I've shared it with several people in the years since, and I'm discovering it's even more applicable for me now than it was then... a sobering reminder that without fighting, there is no victory.

So I was thinking about a few things today. It has truly been one heck of a year so far. And despite all the trials, all the tribulation, all the frustration, all the regrets - God has continued to bless me with innumerable gifts. It becomes so easy to thank God when life is good; times when every piece of the puzzle fits so neatly together. As we all know, however, He never lets us off quite that easy. Perspective. Perspective is what I continue to gain in my day-to-day life. When it rains, it often pours. And suddenly - without warning - those pieces refuse to fit together. Situations go awry, people get sick, and we fall into making bad decisions. Struggle. Struggle is what I continue to do in many aspects of my life. In overcoming, it takes work, it takes faith, and it takes constant prayer. I can recall being nine years old. Most everything makes sense when you're nine, yet nothing really does at all. Kneeling in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in a small chapel in North Carolina, my focus was drawn to two words written by the Missionaries of Charity off to the side of the Crucifix - "I thirst." Jesus Christ, in all His abundant glory, thirsts. Desire. Desire is what I found in my heart that day... a desire to lay "it" all down for Him.

For what, or whom, does Christ thirst? The answer of course is me. He wants me, and He wants all of me - each and every moment of every single day. How can I begin to give myself to God when pain, frustration, and fear succumb my senses? It takes work, it takes faith, it takes prayer, and most importantly it takes a choice. God, in all His infinite wisdom, gave me free will - free will to choose Him above all things... when I struggle, when I have nobody to turn to, and when I need Him most of all. With a choice comes a sacrifice, and it's one I hardly find myself desiring to make. It's so easy to talk about making the right decision, but when it comes down to it am I willing to lay it all down? Tomorrow, God. It's always tomorrow, never realizing it's here today. Courage. God grant me courage - courage to be His instrument, to witness to those I surround myself with on a daily basis. Am I doing all I can? Does arrogance continue to plague my heart? Am I willing to let it separate me from my friends? My family? My relationship with my God? And what's it worth? Can anything compare to the joy and solace one finds in simple humility? I must continue to find the value in adversity. Mistakes are made, and I make them every day. God does not desire for me to dwell on them. I refuse to let regret hinder my actions any longer. Forgiveness. I ask for a sincere forgiveness, and I move on - continuing to acquire peace and zeal for unbridled perfection. Faith. God grant me the faith of a mustard seed... to become the man I'm capable of being... one with whom He can respond, "Well done, My good and faithful servant."

For You, Mason

I was born a few short months after my family moved to Augusta, Georgia where I spent the first eighteen years of my life.  In fact, until I moved away, I never spent more than four consecutive weeks away from my home state.  And throughout those eighteen years, starting at a very young age as my close friends and family will attest, I had a dream… an unquenchable desire to attend the absolute BEST college in the land.  My dream - and my folks will love this - was to grow up and attend the University... of Alabama.  But as I am sure you will agree… and as is true with most of our life journeys from a very young age until the time arrived for us to choose a college… I started to learn to make informed, smart decisions.  I became more intelligent… MUCH more intelligent, I became more mature… I BECAME a Georgia Bulldog. 

If choosing to attend the University of Georgia was an unpopular decision, choosing to join a fraternity was even more so. I don’t think I can recall one single person close to me at the time who approved of or supported that decision. I have absolutely zero regrets. Through my involvement, I had the unique opportunity to experience triumphs and failures I may have never had otherwise with dear friends I may have never met.. I claimed you as my little brother the first day you set foot in the house as a pledge, having no clue the challenges you endured or the type of man you’d become. To this day, I still don’t know if you were just using me for my status as an Arch Society member, though! We both pledged when we were sophomores... we both came in with a track record of action... and we both came in with a hunger to leave legacies. I wish I could sit here and claim you as my legacy at UGA, but that would greatly discredit all of your amazing accomplishments. Most students would kill to have the near impossible task of cutting three pages worth of amazing activities to just one on a resume. How many times did I try using my best sales skills trying to convince you to focus on less during your senior year? Did you listen?... eh, sometimes. Look where it all landed you - scoring a position in your dream company. Do you think your affinity for bow ties is a coincidence? Not anymore!

I still wish you’d stop for a minute to finally take stock of everything you did during your four years in Athens. Many of these successes we shared together... you just happened to do some of them better. I was inducted as an Arch Society member as a rising senior... you were selected as a rising junior. Arch Society Tom Cochran Service Award?... you claimed it exactly one year after I did. Academic Certificate in Personal and Organizational Leadership? Yup, we did that too. Same goes for representing UGA at the National Collegiate Sales Competition. I could go on about your other feats, but I won’t for fear of them making me feel like a chump. Yes, we shared in each other's successes. Perhaps more importantly, we were there to share in each other's failures as well. We had the amazing opportunity to spend time at one of the top institutions in the country, both of us without having to pay for tuition thanks to the HOPE Scholarship.  Our Alma Mater made a deep and sincere investment into both of us. Beyond that, you endured trials I will never understand, and you learned to lean on others for support... you also learned to stand for yourself.   The results of that investment were made evident the minute you were accepted to UGA... and the moment you turned your tassel this weekend and walked through the Arch for the first time.  I think we were both robbed when we were not chosen to be the student commencement speaker. So, I’m including a little of what would have been yours below, because your life is an amazing story of accomplishment and overcoming what you point to below as very long odds.

“Since our University’s charter was signed 225 years ago making us the first state chartered university in the United States, the Bulldog Nation continues to pay it forward.
I also have a secret to share with you. I’m a living example of what happens when you pay it forward. You see, I grew up in the foster care system starting at the age of 7. I moved to more than 10 different homes throughout the State of Georgia. Statistics show that only 6% of foster children who graduate high school will actually go to college… less than 1% who go will ever graduate. Fellow graduates and guests, I’m forever in debt to you. Without the humble service from people just like you, I wouldn’t be speaking before you today, nor would I have had the unique opportunity to experience triumphs and failures I may have never had otherwise with dear friends I may have never met. I’m here because one person stood up for me when I couldn’t stand.
Without your constant love and support, many of us may not be present here today. We have seen how just one person’s generosity can forever alter the life of another. I challenge each of us to never lose that drive to stand for those in need.
As we leave the stadium today to go and author the story of our generation… I encourage each of you to remember just one thing about the Bulldog Nation:
It’s our memories that set us a part, but it’s our service that holds up together… Never underestimate the power that your service can have on someone else’s life.”

Continue making the absolute best of it, Mason.  As Doc Childre once wrote, "It is no longer enough to be smart – all the technological tools in the world add meaning and value only if they enhance our core values, the deepest part of our heart.  Acquiring knowledge is no guarantee of practical, useful application.  Wisdom implies a mature integration of appropriate knowledge, a seasoned ability to filter the inessential from the essential."  Be wise. What in your time here have you found to be essential?  What develops your core values?  Cling to them. John Paul II also stated, "Freedom consists not in doing what we want, but in having the right to do what we ought."  What I have found to be essential is the need to positively influence this world I live in according to the gifts I have been given. It is clear you will do the same. Ambitious, driven, undaunted, caring. You encompass them all, bud. I am excited for you and for the world you now enter. I pray you hang on to your zeal and enthusiasm. I know that if you do, you might actually be able to make some changes. You were already chosen as one of a very select few foster youth in the entire country to help draft legislation in Washington. How amazing is that? Be proud. As my dad told me, humility is not thinking less of yourself.. it’s thinking of yourself less. Be humble as well. Lead in the same way you wore the Black Blazer - with pride and humility.

Mason, you amaze me and everyone you surround yourself with. Thank you for letting me support you and always being there to support me. Thank you for allowing us to view the world through your lenses.  These little acts of love represent just a few of the things you accomplished as a UGA student.  Know they have influenced me in a BIG way.  Today I applaud you for never being afraid – never being satisfied with mediocrity.  You continuously represented our university well, your inspiration is contagious, and I hope your efforts continue long after you leave. 


I’ll leave you with two quotes to always bear in mind as you move to this next step in your life. Our paths crossed three years ago. Three years later... you’re my brother and my best friend. To you...  Thank you so much.  I wish you the best of luck in all your future endeavors.  Let's do BIG things, because admittedly... we are kind of a big deal.


“From your very beginnings, even before He formed you in the womb, God has taken a great interest in you. He has been gracing your heart, your soul, and your whole self.”

"People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway. If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies. Succeed anyway. If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you. Be honest and frank anyway. What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight. Build anyway. If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous. Be happy anyway. The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow. Do good anyway. Give the world the best you have and it may just never be enough. Give the world the best you have anyway. You see, in the final analysis, it's all between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway."

74 - Part 1

"I'd rip the mike out of Bob Costas' hands and say into the camera, very sincerely, 'I'd just very much like to thank (pause) my sweet butt for being so good! Nobody's hittin' these shots but me, you fools! You see anybody blockin' for me? Catching balls at the wall? Throwin' me a pass? It's just me out here, by myself, home slice, and I am flat-out a witch with these here Pings. I can do stuff with these things that would've gotten me buried up to my eyes in the desert during the Middle Ages!' "


I have a few favorite numbers – each of them corresponding to something worth remembering in my life. Why else have a favorite number, right? Pick a number 1 through 10? I will always choose the number 2. This was the number I wore during my senior year soccer season which culminated in my fourth state championship in a row. Pick a number 1 through 50? I will always choose 25, as it was the number I wore during my senior basketball season. 1 through 100? Chances are that from here on out I will tell you 74… a recent change from 79. The entry below aside, you should be well aware of how much I enjoy playing golf. And as I mentioned last time, I went out with plenty of things on my mind and subsequently shot the best round of my entire life – a 74.


When the time came to play my first round of the year, I was pretty pumped. Check that – I was UBER pumped. It’s the little things in life, right? I booked the tee time the afternoon before, got a great deal, and left work in the best mood I had been in for weeks. After waking up the morning of, I cleared my bag of last year’s scorecards and put it in my car. No worries… I left in plenty of time to drive north of town to the course which is ranked #2 among public courses in Missouri, wanting to have an opportunity to hit a bucket of balls. This was my first tee time since my golf vacation to Hilton Head right before I moved out of Georgia after all. Well, that didn’t happen. While checking in, they told me there was an open spot in the twosome about to tee off. Decision time. Have enough time to practice so I wouldn’t embarrass myself after a four month absence?... or take the opportunity to tee off earlier – ensuring I would get my full round in before the sun set. I chose the latter…thus beginning the best afternoon I’ve had since moving.


I’ve been playing most of my rounds over the past year while attempting to not take any mulligans. The three of us in my group agreed we would probably need two balls off of the first tee, though. The two guys in my group did just that. I had my second ball in my pocket and ready to go when I teed up the first. Driver in hand, I took an easy swing that sent the ball several hundred yards… not in the creek to the right… or the woods to the left… it landed and rolled several more yards down the left side of the fairway. Off we went. That second ball? I never took it out of my pocket. Now, I started out last year wanting to break 100 every time we went out. It got to the point that I was breaking 90 every round out, regardless of the course we played. However, it didn’t matter what kind of day I was having… my score almost always ended up between 84 and 89. On one most glorious day out with a client in Atlanta, I shot the first sub 80 round of my life – a 79. I mention this to make sure you know how much of a minor.. eh… major miracle it is to shoot the score I did with the skill level (sometimes lack of) I have. Did I mention this was my first round in over four months? I duffed my second shot, leaving me a lob wedge to the green. Wedge in hand, I put that bad boy about ten feet from the pin. I was pretty pleased with the shot, buuuuut I subsequently left my par putt short (you have to hit it, Alice). Bogey. I also bogeyed the second hole. I got settled in, and then I started swinging those bad boys like it was my job.

Golf

If there’s one thing you need to know about me, it’s that I keep a camera in my golf bag at all times for the day I hit my first hole-in-one. I love to golf. I love everything about it… waking up early for a tee time before the greens are cut and dry… rushing home from work (sticks and shoes in the trunk), because you know you’ll get at least 15 holes in before you can’t see the ball anymore… owning a bag that has an insulated pocket for beers… speculating with your best friends as to whether or not the cart girl will give you her number… learning much about the game from my uncle... and having the opportunity to share my passion years later with my nephews. Most of all, I love to get out there on the course and just compete – with you, with the strangers I’ve been paired with, and with myself.

Growing up in Augusta, Georgia, it was only natural to enjoy being around the game. My house was just a few miles south of the most beautiful piece of land I’ve ever seen – the Augusta National… home of The Masters. The first big road I learned to drive on is even called Bobby Jones Expressway. Playing was always a pretty rare treat, though, as golf is a pretty expensive sport to enjoy. I pieced my first “set” of clubs together by paying for them $5 at a time from flea markets my dad would drive me to. My friends gave me hell, because my first three wood was made of… well, wood (and I’m proud to say I carry that club in my bag to this day). I purchased my first driver from a local driving range. My friends and brothers also gave me hell about this. Ahhhh, the Nitro Whacka Whacka. Yes, indeed. Well, they gave me hell up until the point they begged to take a few swings with that bad boy. I stole my first putter out of my brother’s bag, and I’m pretty sure I just never gave it back (sorry, Brian). Returning the favor, my brother now plays with my first “real” set of irons, a set I played with until my uncle, Dick, generously gave me his set of Pings. And I am becoming an absolute witch with these here Pings.




Early this past summer… finally with some spare change in my pocket and a severe hip flexor injury sidelining me from my running addiction… my roommate and I decided to play 18. I enjoyed it so much I went and played the next day. Soon thereafter, I was out on the golf course three to four times per week. I ended up coming to the earth shattering conclusion that I enjoy playing even more when my game improves – imagine that. I purchased and began using a driver for the first time in six years, and I stopped using mulligans in order to calculate my handicap index. It got to the point that when trying to decide whether to move to Tampa, Florida or Kansas City, Missouri, my dad actually threw in the fact that my golfing season would be much shorter in Missouri as part of my decision criteria. I laughed it off, but I would soon realize how much it really did matter to me once I moved.

Part of the reason I enjoy walking up to the first tee box so much is due to the fact I can find a round to be beneficial to my day regardless of the type of day, week, month, or year I’m having. I love to golf when I’m happy, I love to golf when I feel frustrated, and I love to golf when something is weighing on my heart. As I mentioned, the set of irons I use to this day are the Ping Zings my uncle gave me after a great round together near Lake Martin in Alabama. Uncle Dick comes to visit every year he can, provided his visit coincides with Masters week and the chance to attend a practice round or tournament day. Although, he did attend my graduation as well! Every once in a while, including this past year, we have the opportunity to make it out there together. He has a sense of awe for the game and its legends. The Golden Bear, Arnie’s umbrella and his army… I associate most of them with him. He’s a true Southern gentleman, and this is a gentleman’s game. Watching the subtle joy on his face when Jack, Arnie, and Gary Player walked down the fairway toward the green where we were stationed last year was an awesome experience. I’m convinced that when God calls Uncle Dick home, he’ll be doing nothing more than teeing off at the best links Heaven has to offer – probably Augusta, National.




February was a tough month this year… again. Ridiculous and frustrating events in Kansas City had me down already when I received a phone call from my mom in the middle of the month. My uncle has been diagnosed with esophageal cancer that was already tearing down most of his other vital organs. His prognosis is understandably frightening, and the whole situation became a focal point in my prayer life. I really wish God would choose more subtle ways of putting personal, trivial issues in perspective. Following the next few weeks, though, it became time to choose joy. And when the snow in KC finally melted away just enough to clear the greens and fairways, I set out to enjoy one of my absolute favorite activities. Golf, a simple thing in life, is a game I enjoy so much partly due to the influence my uncle has had on my life. I figured it would be an activity to help derail my mind from the negative and focus on the joy. Let me tell you something. With a heart focused on him, it became the best round of my entire life…

The Little Things

Do you aspire to great things? Start with the little ones. Focus on the little ones. For those who have known me for some time, you probably realize I’m very much “it’s the simple kind of things” guy. In fact, if you have not given me a hard time for being overly giddy or excited over seemingly frivolous actions, words, or experiences, you probably do not know me well enough. I want to laugh. I want rid my day to day life of unnecessary and self-created stress and drama. I refuse to let unfortunate circumstances keep me down for long (most of the time). As Emily would put it, I want to choose joy. I want you to choose joy as well. I want you to have THE best day EVER. Now, this is not to say there are not plenty of occasions that drag me down, disappoint me, or cause a certain degree of pain. There’s always a song, conversation with a friend, dog, mile long running route, golf course, beer, cookout, or piano to help deal with stress, though. Those times I do find myself upset or frustrated? You better believe I have an impeccable ability to turn it into motivation… to focus…to drive… to run an angry mile… to take it hard to the rim… to shoot a 74. By the grace of God, I am very resilient. I could not be more thankful that the seemingly little things in life cause this resiliency.

During my junior year at UGA, I was taking the first series of classes in the Institute for Leadership Advancement’s LEAD program, when Dr. Clawson gave us the semester’s task of putting together our Personal Development & Leadership Plan (PDLP for short). For the 60 of us in the program, this document was a source of many long nights and countless hours spent compiling 32 pages worth of reflection and information on… well, us. Each of us took time to interview four individuals who knew our strengths and our weaknesses well, and we asked them to share a few of these… finally asking them the simple question, “Why should anyone be led by me?” Sometimes, in order to best see yourself, you must look to others who know you well. I chose my friend and roommate (LJ), my first friend at UGA (Sara), my ex girlfriend (twice over)…, and my father. My dad attributed one of my weaknesses to being too task oriented and failing to see the big picture at times. It’s safe to say I took those words to heart. It’s safe to say I still do. I point to that conversation when looking for reasons to explain a child-like (or maybe just childish to some) love for the little things… the simple things… the important things.

Honestly, I have no idea how others make it through the day – much less the week – without a true appreciation for the little things. Tough day at work? Turn on a hot jam during the ride home. Most of the time, it really is that simple for me. When I graduated from UGA, my sister warned me about tough days… “I am just a little sad that you now have to leave all that behind and begin your life in the real world. You'll find that people out here are not as quick to pat you on the back for a job well done, nor are they as optimistic about the world as you are. Out here you will certainly face more temptations than the worst night in the frat house.” Absolutely. Just choose joy instead. Great day at work? Buy your favorite beer, pour it into your favorite glass, and send your brother a message… laughing about how great you have it. Yes, it’s tough out here at times. I’m just glad I have a family, friends, and my faith to help me realize there are much more important things to focus on – the little things.

There are so many people who made and continue to make a deep and sincere investment in my life. Whether it was a friend, a mentor, a professor, or a parent constantly calling from home… I have no doubt each and every one of us can point to an occasion when someone enhanced our development and prepared us for the road ahead. And the results of that investment are made evident every morning I climb out of bed. Today, I choose to continue making the absolute best of it.

Four Months In

More than four months in – wow. Is it really so difficult for me to believe I have been living out here for more than three months now? Nah. To tell you the truth, though, Kansas City has not always felt like home yet. Well, kind of. But in the short amount of time I’ve been out of the South, several amazing things occurred. I Rick Rolled Kansas City on Halloween (even if nobody here has ever heard of Rick Astley… Sad, I know), survived my first major holiday without any family members (rocked out grilling scallops wrapped in prosciutto skewered with rosemary sprigs at the Pauley’s, though), wrote my first crop of monster cases at work (after the frustrating yet laughable events of a little more than a year ago, I continue to serve notice that I have gumption), attended my first few big events in the area (saw Wicked during its run downtown.. sat next to a grandma and a mom with her high school daughter.. yeah, about that… also experienced my first Kansas home basketball game), and I hosted my first visitor to KC (in winter, no less). I found a new running route to enjoy (even if Cam’s dog, Maggie, is not here to trot alongside of me) and a new brewery to love. I’ve even made it through all of the winter months without ever turning the heat on in my apartment, resulting in power bills costing less than $30. Perhaps the most exciting thing that happened, though, came on an early morning drive down to Rolla, Missouri. Be honest, how many people would kill for the chance to hear Lil’ Troy’s, “Wanna be a Baller,” play on the radio while driving in your own Chevy Impala?? Well, the recipient of “The Hartford’s Secret Gangsta” office award was pretty pumped. I did take a three week hiatus from KC over the Christmas holiday (more on that vacation later), but I’ve had good experience overall so far.

Being away from family for extended periods of time is never ideal for either party involved. I’m not sure if my mom realizes I have no immediate plans to return to Georgia at any time in the near future. I do expect the Masters and Easter to be an annual excuse to get back to the South, but I will be joining my dad and two brothers in Indianapolis for the Final Four this year instead. Yes, I am extremely excited about this trip, as the Final Four is an event high on my sports bucket list… a list I did not expect to fall as quickly as it has been this year. Lucking my way into tickets for the BCS Championship, Final Four, and College World Series this year will help take big chunks off of that list, though. I’ll be away from friends and the other members of my family for a while. But, as Gchat, cell phones, and facebook constantly remind me, they are all much closer than the actual distance would have me believe. My folks demand constant updates on life and the huge business opportunities I’m pursuing. My sister gives me updates on her return to teaching and how my niece and nephews are doing (she also has a blog at www.raisingangels.blogspot.com). Aaron texts about Alabama football, and Brian BBMs me about Bama and Georgia sports with up to the minute opinions of beer and rock concerts as well (our last conversation went something like this… B, “Day of Rock Show > Morning after Rock Show”). I’m thankful for how well they keep me grounded. I’m thankful that they’re still there to celebrate my successes and let me share in theirs. I’m thankful, because I don’t like thinking about the man I would or wouldn’t be without their influence in my life. I have zero regrets about embarking on this new adventure in my life, but it’s not so wrong to miss the people who helped in your formation. As I continue to move through Lent, there’s one thing a pair of brothers helps remind me of. Always remember, there is nothing worth sharing… like the love that let us share our name.

February

It has become clear to me over the past three years that February is my least favorite month on the calendar. As the month progresses, new challenges test my will. I have found it to be tough both mentally and spiritually. Perhaps I experience these bumps in the road to help draw my focus upon the Lenten season which will once again begin soon. I used to hate Lent... 7AM mass with my folks before school every single day... giving up TV, candy, or whatever my vice was that particular year... stations of the cross and avoiding meat on Friday... it was never much fun. The older I get, though, the more I realize how much I need this season. Focus. Is there a better time to draw my focus away from my will and toward something of greater importance? It's tough, it's humbling, it requires many sacrifices... but it is so amazing. The book I chose to read last year, The Imitation of Christ, reminds me that without fighting, there is no victory. I need this season to focus on the things I hope will determine and build the man I continue to become. Through each trial, February often reminds me of how selfish my desires tend to be. The battle of "conquering me" begins in this month. This year, I'll be looking to the words of Saint Francis, who sought to focus on a life of servant leadership...

"Lord Jesus, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light. And where there is sadness joy. Oh divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love; for it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life."

Yeah, it sounds like he knew what he was talking about.

Just Do It

"There's a new world for the winning. There's a new world to be won." This is my life a year and a half after graduating from the University of Georgia. This is my life a year and a half after starting the job I pursued and knew I would find success in. This is my life more than 800 miles away from friends and family I spent the first 24 years of my life growing to love. This is my life. And this... is my Kansas City.

When Lent began earlier this year, I decided to pick up a book given to me by two friends meant to mentor me as a senior in high school. This book, The Imitation of Christ, is one of the most humbling reads one can ever have - a kind of "kick you in the butt" type of book. More than 40 days... Each night came with a new chapter and a new chance to refocus. Each night came with a new chance to grow. Each night came with a new opportunity to work at conquering myself. It's the perfect Lenten read, and I needed it perhaps this year most of all. During this time, I took note of several passages that jumped off the page at me. One, in particular, became a sort of a silent yet profound battle cry for what I have been trying to strive for all along. "Grant what You will, as much as You will, when You will. Do with me as You know best, as will most please You, and will be for Your greater honor. Place me where You will and deal with me freely in all things. I am in Your hand; turn me about whichever way You will. Behold, I am Your servant, ready to obey in all things. Not for myself do I desire to live, but for You -- would that I could do this worthily and perfectly!" I mentioned it was humbling, right? I could stare at those words for hours and still not comprehend the extent of what they entail. Whether you have the realization of this being the only way to find a true sense of peace in a life otherwise devoid of it or not, this has to be one of the most difficult things to convince yourself of wanting. Regardless, those few lines brought me right here... to right now. And when presented with the opportunity to leave behind most everything I know, I needed to be sure I was making a sound, well thought out decision. This is the way I operate. This is my life after all.

I'm trusting my judgement. For those who do not know me well, I take a painstaking approach to get to that point. I'm trusting God. Those words... place me where You will... had to make me sure of my decision to leave, right? Hell no. Following through is always the most difficult part, though. Benedict XVI has a saying for a time such as this, "Do not be afraid. Do not be satisfied with mediocrity. Put out into the deep, and let down your nets for a catch." Nike also has a saying, "Just Do It." And I did. It's awesome... it's exciting... it's scary. What causes greater fear than the fear of the unknown? I'm not sure anything does. I certainly do not want to live a life of mediocrity, though. And now I have a chance to prove something to myself. While I don't think I will ever be completely fearless, I do want to live my life to the extent I can say wisdom and a mature faith helped me determine a particular action was much more important than my fear. In that sense, I want to live a fearless life. Consider me motivated.

Super Bowl Party Event Critique

It was every male sports fan’s worst nightmare. The Super Bowl, a television viewing spectacle of sorts for sports fans throughout the country and world, is an occasion for fans and non fans alike to get together for food, fun, and viewing pleasure. In most instances, a serious sports fan prefers to view such a game with other diehard fans. However, in some rare instances, the ultimate male enthusiast ends up viewing the game with six females who are more interested in the commercials than the outcome of the game itself. This was my Super Bowl XLII party experience in a nutshell. While Super Bowl parties often fit under hospitality events, it could be argued that these have become hallmark and social events in many circles. This particular party was hosted by Ms. Jaclyn Marshall – an Early Childhood Education major – for members of her major cohort (group of students taking part in the same experiences in preparation to become elementary school teachers).

Invitations were sent via word-of-mouth to several members of Jaclyn’s cohort and to me, the unsuspecting boyfriend. Six girls were invited to stop by Jaclyn’s apartment to eat dinner and watch the football game. What is important to note is that the girls were encouraged to bring their significant others to the party. I arrived at Jaclyn’s Lumpkin Place II apartment just as the game was getting under way. She is currently the only resident in a two bedroom apartment, and the layout and spacing gave the potential for a great viewing experience. The television is relatively large and sits atop an antique stand three feet off the ground. In other words, when sitting down, the television is right at eye level. A soft three seat couch was set up on the wall opposite the television in the main room about seven feet away with a large coffee table in between to hold food plates and drinks. A single seat chair with ottoman was placed directly to the left of the couch, and a kitchen chair was set on the right side for additional seating. Given the likelihood of future teachers to sit on the floor, large pillows were placed on the ground near the television as well. About ten feet to the left of the television is the kitchen and bar with two additional bar chairs. Given that only six guests other than myself attended the party, the seating worked out nicely for viewing. However, given that the kitchen and bar were only a few feet from the screen, Jaclyn may consider placing the TV stand caddy corner so guests could view the game from a wider variety of places within the main room and kitchen of the apartment.

As has been my experience, the food was very typical for a television viewing event and party. Two of the biggest pizzas I have ever seen were ordered from Bulldog Pizza to provide the main dish for dinner. These incredibly large pizzas with extremely large slices fit the theme of a “Super” party. Guests were encouraged to bring side dishes, as we were told that pizza, drinks, and serving platters would be provided. These dishes – including small taquitos, chips and salsa, chocolate chip cookies and grapes - provided a variety of tastes to munch on as the several hour long game progressed. Since the game took place over several hours, Jaclyn cleverly kept the pizza warm in the oven for easy access at any time. The only thing I disliked was the drink selection. While the majority of the guests ended up being female, the limited selection of water and diet coke (there was one beer left in the refrigerator) catered to the female stereotype. Given that I was a stakeholder for this event as well, though, it would have been nice to have an additional option or two. Lastly, I might have purchased football themed paper plates and napkins to add to the overall experience.

Entertainment for the event was clearly the television programming itself, which included both the game, additional story lines, and the commercials. Conversation was kept casual in the actual apartment, a characteristic I believe can be found in most Super Bowl parties. During halftime, in addition to the television programming, guests were treated to an actual dance from Jaclyn and one other guest to the music of High School Musical. This certainly added to the liveliness of the event. Other than that, everyone enjoyed themselves by engaging in small talk, eating, and watching intently during the infamous commercials. While this was consistent for a hospitality event, I found it frustrating to try and pay attention to the actual television program and analysis over the many side conversations. However, the other stakeholders in this event expected the party to be more of an excuse to get together and enjoy each others company as opposed to watching the actual game. For this sole reason, Jaclyn’s party was a “Super” success. I was the only stakeholder who seemed dissatisfied at all by not being able to pay attention to the game as much as I might have liked to in a different setting. And even I ended up having a great time meeting people I may not have otherwise met while still being able to enjoy my Mecca of television viewing pleasure for the year. Following the conclusion of the game, guests were prepared “to go” bags with leftovers of the pizza, which was viewed as a very practical and nice gesture by the females in attendance. I immediately took advantage of my to go bag before I ever made it out of the door.

I truly enjoyed attending my worst sports viewing nightmare with future teachers. This was a direct result of good, prior planning by the event leader and the seamless execution of providing the dinner, substantial and comfortable seating, and entertainment for all who were in attendance. Perhaps most importantly, she was able to give us a medium through which we could actually view the game from such a large screen. As I mentioned before, the only thing I might suggest for a similar party in a similar apartment would be a different placement for the television and informing the poor, unsuspecting boyfriend that he would be the only male in attendance!

Event Critique #2

100... 99... 98...

Is January too early to get PUMPED UP?!... Absolutely not! Seniors, let the countdown officially begin! Do you feel like relaxing a bit and enjoying good music, snacks, UGA group performances, and learning about important items relevant to seniors including information on Senior Signature, the UGA Alumni Association, the senior class trip, official UGA class rings and Pandora? How does a chair massage sound to you?? Trust me; you do not want to miss the 100 Days Until Graduation Event happening at the TATE Plaza from 10am-3pm on Thursday, January 31st. In addition, UGA Bookstore representatives will be on hand providing information about their upcoming Grad Celebration Days. Make a donation to Senior Signature at the event or join the UGA Alumni Association and earn a chance to win one of our fabulous door prizes – including a diploma frame donated by the UGA Bookstore! Get with the program - life after college awaits and this is the day to start exploring all that is out there for you! Everyone is welcome.

What: 100 Days Until Graduation Event
When: Thursday, January 31
Where: Tate Plaza - Athens, GA
Cost: Free for everyone!

UGA Legislative Reception Critique

On Thursday, January 17th from 5PM – 7PM, the University of Georgia hosted its annual Legislative Reception. The event, which was held in Atlanta, Georgia at the Georgia Depot, was put on by the UGA Office of Special Events to give our state’s legislators and guests a chance to interact with each other as well as select students, administration, and staff from the state’s largest public institution of higher learning. The event, which could fall into a number of categories might best be described as a hospitality event, even though from the university’s standpoint it was more of an exhibition of the school’s best and brightest students and accomplishments. I had a chance to speak with the event leader, Tommy Altman, who mentioned that the planning for this event began one year ago following the conclusion of last year’s reception. At the reception, I had the unique opportunity to experience all aspects of the event from both an attendee’s and a volunteer’s standpoint, serving as a member of the Arch Society.

The stakeholders for this reception were not difficult to determine. However, there were many I was able to identify. Stakeholders for this political and financial event included the event planning team, Georgia Depot staff, UGA students, staff, and administration, the legislators (including their staff and families), and members of Georgia’s government. Parking at the Depot was very limited. However, since the location is only a block or so from the Capital building, most all of the attendees were able to walk directly from their offices after the work day was complete. No priced tickets were required to attend the reception, but it was understood that only government staff and legislators (including family) were to attend. However, there was no formal list, and people were able to come and go as they pleased.

The Georgia Depot has brick walls and high ceilings to resemble, not surprisingly, an old depot. Members of the Arch Society were stationed at both the outer and inner doors leading into the depot to greet guests as they entered. A coat check station was also available. In addition, President Michael Adams and Provost A. Mace were standing a few steps inside the room to greet guests. The setting was nice for the décor, booths, and food tables. Only a few tables and chairs for seating were set up near the back of the room in order to encourage extensive mingling among the legislators and guests with members of the UGA community. Large blowup Bulldogs, UGA balloons, Georgia blackout pictures, television screens showing highlights from the recently completed football season, and a gazebo featuring wooden, black arches were set up around the room to add to the theme. Food and cocktails provided by campus catering were divided among several tables all throughout the room for easy walkup access without long lines, and UGA ice sculptures helped decorate the red and black food tables. Student members of CURO were also on hand to discuss their research with legislators at their designated table that highlighted some of their accomplishments. UGA VI was also in attendance for an hour or so to appear in pictures with anyone who wanted to have one by a professional photographer. As guests exited, members of the Arch Society were on hand to distribute free gift bags to those in attendance which included a lapel pin and red Georgia sweatshirt.

Other than having the opportunity to appear in a photograph with UGA VI, there was no real WOW factor to the event. However, the food was outstanding, the décor and setting were great, and the event had a very laid back, professional feel to it. Given the high profile of the guests which included senators, representatives, and Governor Purdue, the event did an excellent job of fulfilling its purpose of being a reception. People seemed extremely pleased with the food and gift bags, and many mentioned how much they appreciated interacting with student Arch Society and CURO members about their college experience. Given how smoothly everything ran, I was very impressed with the event - even though it seemed very simple. Having the opportunity to serve behind the scenes a little bit showed me just how much work it took to make the event seem as seamless as it was! The only thing I would change for next year’s reception (if it is held in the same location) would be to have a separate station for the coat check to the side opposite the entrance to the reception room as you entered the outer doors. Since the coat check was immediately before the inner door, this caused a flow problem as guests began to exit the event. Finally, having a formal list for gift bags would have been useful; as guests often took more bags then they were allotted, leaving no gifts for people who did not leave until the event ended at 7PM. Overall, though, I was impressed with the planning and execution of the reception – especially given the profile of the guests.

UGA Spring Career Fair

Stressed about finding that perfect job? Looking for a way to gain invaluable experience and bolster your resume? Interested in networking with associates from more than 170 businesses and organizations looking to recruit UGA students of all majors? If you answered yes to any of these questions, I urge you to prepare your resume, clean your suit, shine your shoes, smile, and attend the 2008 University of Georgia Spring Career Fair! Over 170 employers representing the corporate, government, nonprofit and educational sectors will be at the Classic Center to talk with UGA students and alumni about internships and full-time positions. “The career fair was essential in helping me secure my position with The Harford following my graduation from UGA” says Brandon Fleming. “Not only did I receive information about the company and how to submit my resume, but it also gave me the opportunity to speak with and get to know the recruiters who would be interviewing me later!” Visit the Career Center website, http://www.career.uga.edu, to see the list of employers currently scheduled to attend and to view the Career Center's "How to prepare for a Career Fair" online video. Shuttles will be leaving from campus: 11:30am-5pm.

Who: UGA students and countless businesses and organizations
What: Spring Career Fair
When: Wednesday, January 30 2008 from 12 – 5PM
Where: Classic Center in beautiful downtown Athens
Why: Secure a job, internship, or just gain insight into more than 170 businesses
Cost: FREE – simply bring your UGA student ID