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.

Wow… It’s early in the morning. Try 6:20 at this moment. I never thought I’d be finished getting ready at this time of the day.

Yesterday was my first at Auburn. I had a great time, even though I watched software installs on my computer all morning. I finally got to do some Photoshop work and site design in the afternoon. It wasn’t much, but it helped Mike on a project he was given.

I’m still not in the AU system as far as e-mail, so I had to use a dummy account to get that project. That also means I don’t have access to the server yet, so Mike is having to e-mail me everything on my Gmail account. As long as it gives me something to do.

I’m really going to enjoy being there. I already knew most everyone, so I had a great time being around them. It’s a lot different from being in the broadcast world. I used to have daily deadlines, but not now.

For example, that project I was working on yesterday afternoon. When 4:45 hit, I was able to save it, close it and go home. I’ll work on it some more this morning. That concept is completely foreign to me.

Also, our computer in the bureau was at least 10 years old. It was as slow as your grandmother on the highway, but I was told yesterday that AU supplies you with a new computer every two years. My jaw hit the floor! Granted, you have to reload everything when they give you a new one, but it shouldn’t be too bad. I need to get an external hard drive and hook it up when the time comes.

So, I’m officially out of television and into web design and content management. I should learn more about my responsibilities this morning. I’m looking forward to it.

Well, I’m officially out of broadcasting after 16 years. I ended it last night with a story on Internet scams in Opelika. The truth of the matter is I shot it Thursday, and I didn’t even pick up my camera yesterday.

Sneaky? Yeah. But it’s like one of my friends said, “You’ve busted your tail for four years for that place. You deserve an easy last day.” Come to think of it, I actually did pick up my camera, but it was to give it officially to Taylor.

Taylor is my temporary/could-be-permanent replacement at the bureau. She’s an awesome young lady, and she’ll do well there. I’m glad it’s being left in her hands. I was sincerely worried someone would come after me who wouldn’t take care of my contacts and friends. She’s eager to report, and she’s a go-getter. That’s a good thing.

Meredith, one of my producers, gave the anchor and I a few seconds to do a send-off on the 6:00 news. She put up a graphic at the bottom of the screen that said “Goodbye Brock.” I didn’t see it until I got home last night, but it was an awesome thing to do. I really appreciated that.

So, all is said and done. I’m now a multimedia specialist at Auburn University. I’ve got better pay, better vacation and I can concentrate on being a husband and dad for the first time in a decade. Granted, I haven’t been either for that long, but I’ve not had a normal schedule since I got out of the Air Force in 1998.

I’ve got no regrets about this decision. Some people kept asking me if I would feel sad, or cry, yesterday. The answer is, “no.” I didn’t cry, I didn’t get depressed and I just smiled as I drove away. I’ve had a good run, a VERY good run. There’s no reason to get upset over that. Sure, I’ll miss everyone, but I’ll still be in touch on a regular basis.

I celebrated in my own special geeky way last night. After dinner and putting Alyssa to bed, Amy and I curled up on the couch. She fell asleep, and I watched “Star Trek: Generations.” It’s kind of fitting since it’s about passing the torch and starting a new chapter. Plus, it’s “Trek.”

Life is so, so good.

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.

Things are pretty much final now. I’ve been offered a job, I’ve agreed to the job and the current job has agreed to let me out of the last five months of my contract. What in the blazes have I been keeping secret all these months?

I can finally talk.

More than four months ago, I had a conversation one evening while filming a football game. I was asked if I’d be interested in applying for a job at Auburn University. Since the job is in the only office I really want to work in, that answer was easy.

I had been thinking for a while about a change, especially since Alyssa was born. My schedule for the last four years has been three nights/two days a week. It’s been horrible, and I haven’t been able to spend much time with my family. Not to mention being called out to work in bad weather, or if a major crime/disaster happens.

I also have only two weeks of vacation a year, which isn’t that bad. However, I don’t get holidays off. If I do want a holiday, I have to take a vacation day. I’m not complaining, but that’s just how news works.

What was laid before me was an opportunity to triple my vacation time, work no holidays and become a state employee. Considering Alabama has one heck of a retirement and benefit system, that appealed to me.

The thing with government is progress takes time. I was in the U.S. Air Force for four years, so I know how slow it can be. This really wasn’t any different. But, as a person who struggles with patience, God showed me good things do come to those who put their faith in Him.

Yesterday morning, AU finally called and offered me a multimedia specialist job in the Office of Communications and Marketing. I knew I would say yes since I felt at peace with it, and the monetary portion of it was much better than I anticipated. All around, I couldn’t say no.

These last two days have been emotional since I’ve been a broadcaster for more than 16 years. It really has bothered me since my bosses are great people, and they’ve done a lot for me. However, like my news director put it last night, I’d rather be the one cooking out on Labor Day than be the one doing a story on the one cooking out on Labor Day.

So, as of February 8, 2008, I hang up my microphone. Three days later, I start a more stable career in media and public relations. It’s a steady schedule every day, and the chance of being called in for something is almost zero. I’m thankful for this opportunity, and I’m very thankful to my station for realizing family comes before business.

That’s the only reason I’m making the move.