Tired

I'm flashing back to college today. I remember times when I was so tired that I couldn't force myself to stay awake in class. Well, not just class. I couldn't stay awake during movies, even ones in movie theatres. Today, I've been in meetings straight since 8 am. And I feel like this kid...

I recently had to update my resume (though by instructions of "not job search ready") and I started to wonder how do I qualify and quantify all that I do. I mean, I feel like my life has been much fuller in the past year. This is largely due to finding greater fulfillment inside and outside of my job. But, with all that I've added to my life, sometimes it just doesn't seem like I do enough. So, here's my philosophical delimma: how do you know when you matter? I'm not looking for affirmation that I do, in fact, make a difference. I rely on my faith that my efforts are not in vain. But, in chatting with a student who's having a faith battle, I started to wonder if my question really lies in wondering if others know that I'm making a difference. Do I only impact others if it's recognized and acknowledged by them?

I can't believe that my life is all about me. It's certainly not. I just don't know how to encourage others to not grow tired and give up.

Miss Teen USA contestant from South Carolina beats Michigan

By now, most of the world wonders about the educational system of South Carolina. From the times of my childhood when I could comprehend the news, I knew that South Carolina was near the bottom in states for the rankings of education. Then, a few weeks ago, this clip
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lj3iNxZ8Dww&mode=related&search=). As my friend Khorey pointed out...how do you get from a geography question to Iraq and South Africa? Who knows. Anyway, Caitlin had the chance for redemption on the Today show.

And the rest of the story can be told in the words of Pat Forde:

"First came word via "The Today Show" of a recruiting coup for the little school in the North Carolina mountains. Caitlin Upton, the freshly famous Miss Teen South Carolina, whose dingbat answer to a beauty pageant question became an instant YouTube classic, told Matt Lauer she planned to attend Appalachian State. This might not have dazzled the academic folks on campus, but I guarantee the male students are stoked.

Including the football team, perhaps? Maybe Miss Upton's commitment was the final motivation for the Mountaineers to defrock college football's winningest program in America's largest stadium.

Remember the score: App. State 34, Michigan 32. "

Marcus Buckingham

If you haven't heard of Marcus Buckingham, then let me tell you about him. First of all, he is beautitful (but I think he's married.) Secondly, he launched out of Gallop (you know the Gallop Polls at election time) to write some books and speak to people. His platform is focusing on your strengths to drive your success in life. I think that we get caught up in defining our strengths in terms of our jobs and careers. But, building on what Marcus talks about it, what if we discovered what we are passionate about and pursued our lives to build upon those qualities? I have to think that we would all be much happier and more fulfilled. Just a thought.

Check out Marcus and what he thinks here:
http://www.marcusbuckingham.com/index.php

What I Do

For the past fifteen days (and for nine months out of the year), I have the privilege to work with and support some student leaders as they work to make this college community a great place to live and learn. Here's a picture of us as a staff....

These kids are fun. Most of them don't take themselves too seriously. I try to live life like that as well. Too many times, it's easy to get caught up in the drama of things. But, I truly appreciate that when we're around each other, there's a lot of laughter.

They get to be the front line for all of the joys, sorrows, conflicts and victories that the students at Rhodes face. I get to support them through that. It's trying work. If you've been an RA, you know that it's not always easy (or natural) to bear all of these burdens around you. However, it's rewarding, at times. But, beyond all of that, these kids embrace the family that comes with the job. Individually, each achieves success in ways that are unspeakable (or, untype-able as it would be.) Collectively, they inspire me.

The 30th Candlelight Vigil for Elvis

Every August, Memphis becomes the hot spot destination. Not only hot because of our soaring temperatures, but really hot to honor the memory of Elvis Pressley. In August of 1977, The King died in his home, Graceland, in Memphis, TN. This year, the 30th anniversary of his death, I decided to head down to see the annual Candlelight Vigil.

We met impersonators from Spain, Italy and somewhere in Asia. We saw female Elvis impersonators, Elvis mantel pieces and the Heartbreak Hotel. (Yes, it's on the corner of Lonely Street.)

Beyond all of this, we didn't participate, because the line was a 3-5 hour wait. What's cool is that Graceland lets all of these people (for however long it takes) take a candle and make the journey up the hill to the grave of Elvis.

We wanted to see people crying, wailing and tearing their robes. Instead, we found people of all ages who were passionate about remembering the legacy of the one simply known as the King.

A visit...

My brother and sister-in-law flew in late last night. Oh, it was so good to see them. And, I am now tired because I stayed up a good three hours past my bedtime. I did entertain myself while I waited for them to call from the airport by watching that Braves play in, yet another, extra inning game. And like many of the other games that have gone into extra innings, they didn't do so well. But, it's always great to see pitchers used as pinch hitters.

On a different, yet sports related note, the Carolina Panthers just traded for safety Chris Harris from the Chicago Bears. Now, you might be saying, "so what?" I, for one, am excited. I've worked with Chris's twin brother, Gerald, for the past two years. Now, I have a real shot of getting to go to a NFL game. Chicago was too far for a weekend, but Charlotte is a completely different story. Plus, I like the Panthers. Random fact, Chris Harris was the guy who had the first interception in this year's Super Bowl. So, he's pretty good!

Inside a Volcano

This is what the inside of a volcano in El Salvador looks like.

I miss it a lot right now.