I certainly have neglected this thing.  It’s only October 14th, and I’m making my first post of the month.  I’m glad I’m not doing this for money.

It’s been a hectic month, but I’m finally getting a chance to breathe this week.  I officiated five football games last week, and I’m about to wrap up one of three freelance projects.  I haven’t even started on the other two, and I’ve been asked to submit a proposal for a fourth one.

I thought when I got out of the television news business, I’d slow down.  I digress …

Things are still the same with David.  He’s kicking up a storm and doing well.  Less than two weeks before we head back to UAB and make arrangements for his birth.  I’ve got to finish cleaning out his nursery this week.  I’ve tried to do it, but I’ve been so busy I’ve not had time.  With less than seven weeks until he comes, time is now critical.

I might be in the press box for the Alabama-Ole Miss game this weekend.  It will be the only Bama game I attend this year.  It’s weird not shooting the games for the station anymore, but at least I pretty much have my weekends free.

I have a lot on my mind, including a lot of stress. But … there’s no need to unload here.  Just too much work and baby prep with very little time.  As always, though, it will all work out. 

Please continue praying for our baby boy …  Many thanks to those who have and still do.

As you can see, the ol’ blog design has undergone a facelift. One half is Alabama, the other is Auburn (duh). The banner at the top features Samford Hall at AU and Bryant-Denny Stadium at UA.

I never thought I’d have anything Auburn in my life, but I work there now. The new design symbolizes the two schools’ effect on my life. I paid thousands out of my own pocket to get my degree at Alabama. Now, Auburn is paying me a nice salary to work in Communications and Marketing (I work in Samford Hall).

So, I’ve merged the two into what I call “A Life Divided.” I’ll also be redesigning my web site to match. Who knows when that will be.

The man behind the “official” Columbus blog, Richard Burkard, also wrote about me and the farewell party. I hope you don’t mind me reposting your comments here. You were very humorous as always! Here’s the link to his blog (also listed on the side).

3 FEB 08: BROCK AND BREW

“It’s been a great four years,” East Alabama TV reporter Brock Parker told me Saturday night. But after next Friday, the reporting work will end – and in Parker’s words, “I still can’t believe I’m going to be working for the enemy.”

No, Brock Parker hasn’t been hired by WRBL or WLTZ. He’s joining the staff of Auburn University – and he’s a loyal graduate of the University of Alabama. “I already told them,” Parker said as he held out a class ring on his right hand, “this is NOT coming off.”

A farewell party for Brock Parker attracted a good crowd in downtown Columbus Saturday night — but a fellow Alabama grad sitting next to him told me he’s like a “traitor” to take a job with Auburn. I tried to comfort her, by saying Parker might be an infil-trator.

Brock Parker is joining the Auburn University communications staff. “I’ll basically be over the Auburn web site,” he explained – but as a loyal Alabama grad, he promises on fall weekends not to go beyond saying, “War Tide” or “Roll Eagle.”

Brock Parker found out about the Auburn University opening during the fall, at a Lee-Scott Academy football game. He explained what makes it so appealing, after about 15 years in broadcast journalism. “I’ll work from 7:45 to 4:45 Monday through Friday, I’ll hardly ever get called in – and I’ll go from two weeks of vacation to six weeks.” I clearly need to attend more Lee-Scott games….

The change of schedule especially pleases Brock Parker’s wife, because they have a young child at home. He won’t be working nights anymore – and he can train his little girl in how to properly say “Bah-mah.”

The farewell bash for Brock Parker took place at the Cannon Brewpub on Broadway. It had been five years and a day since I was inside that restaurant, attending another man’s farewell from a job. Only on that Saturday night, I was the only person to show up for him. I’d like to think it was because a space shuttle disintegrated that day – and not anything personal.

Are these posts becoming more and more common? What do they say about me? Do they say I’m no longer a happy and thriving person?

I think not, but I’m still in a valley in some aspects of my life. As far as home is concerned, it’s good. I’m trying to spend more time with the family, even if it just means me being around the house. As far as work goes, it’s… okay. Some serious drama unfolded this week (thankfully, I’m not involved) with some new hires. From what I’ve heard, I may have another reason to look closely at my future.

I became sick Tuesday night, and it progressed into Wednesday. I was only able to stay at work a few hours, then I came down with a 102-degree fever, chills, sick… It was ugly. Needless to say, that bled over into Thanksgiving. I was too sick to make the trip to Mom’s, and that broke my heart. I was looking forward to going down, but instead was forced to stay in bed all day. I went back to work today, but some of my symptoms also kept me from the in-laws Thanksgiving dinner tonight.

I hope I feel better in the morning. Tomorrow is the Iron Bowl here in Auburn. I’ve got my sideline and parking passes all lined up, and I should be able to make it. The family is heading to Mom’s place to make up for Turkey Day, but I still won’t be able to go since I’ve got to shoot the game.

I’m looking forward to seeing Brad, Charlie, Doug and a few other guys I work beside during football season. Unfortunately, this is possibly the last time I’ll see them until next year. These guys are really what make the games fun for me. As a reporter/photographer, you’re not allowed to get “emotional” at games since you’re with the media. So, these guys make it worth being there. They’ve become great friends.

We won’t be getting our Christmas tree until the 8th. I’m going to try and get our decorations down from the attic Sunday afternoon. We should be able to get those up and save the tree for last.

I’m glad it’s Christmas, but I hate when people ask me for gift ideas. I don’t know what I want. The things I “need” are too expensive, and I really don’t even want them. I’ve got Amy and Alyssa squared away, but don’t have a clue what to get Mom, Dad and Mary, or Amy’s family. I usually leave them up to Amy. She doesn’t like that too much.

I guess that’s all I have left in me tonight. Please keep us in your prayers. Life changes are possibly around the corner, and we need help from above. I won’t say what they are for now, but will in due time (if they come to pass). Please just ask for God’s mercy and will.

I hope you have a great night, and I’m looking forward to having my weekends free again!