Charlie - Plus the Good Life

The past few weeks have been fabulous and I'm happy to share the good things with which God has blessed me. As I mentioned before, I have a new job, so life has included lots of change and transition. But, as someone who craves routine and fears the unknown, I must admit they have gone extremely well.

Leaving my old job was sad in some ways, but very good in so many others. It's the people that I find myself missing. The work? Not so much. One of the most gratifying parts was turning in the blackberry and returning to the world of carrying only one phone (still TBD if new job will require a smart phone). Also, I read the Sunday newspaper today without taking notes on any news story that relates to the County. Little things, right? But also it has sunk in how much responsibility is now gone, and I feel like enormous burdens have been removed. Of course I know that new responsibilities will accompany the new job, but they are more closely alligned with my passions and strengths, and I am confident I will enjoy them more.

I took one week off between gigs, and Lisa and I traveled to the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex (not just "Dallas") to visit baby Charlie, my newest nephew. And his parents, too! Brian and Becky did such a great job and have a precious, sweet, and adorable baby. I'm convinced he is also very smart, as at four-weeks-old he was already extemely alert and focusing on people and things. He especially recognizes his daddy's voice and would look around when he heard it. He also smiled at his mommy while we were there. Brian said it was probably just gas, but Becky said it counted and I totally agree.

Is there anything better than holding a sleeping baby?

Handsome little man

We spent most of our time in Texas relaxing at home and spoiling the baby. He must have been going through a growth spurt, because he was eating and sleeping lots, even for a newborn. We also revisited some childhood memories and watched the Mighty Ducks trilogy, and Brian and I went running in the insane Texas heat - 106 degrees! We also ventured out a few times to do errands or eat. One night we went to Cowboys Stadium and walked around the monstrosity, and another afternoon we went to downtown Fort Worth to the stock yards. Lisa, Brian, and I did a human maze while we were there, which was surprisingly fun.

Post-race, with our prizes (mine was a popper toy)

Brian, Becky, Charlie - sweet family

After Texas, I has a couple more days off, then began my new job this past week. I worked one day in the office, then had a quick trip to New York for two busy days, and finished up back in the office on Thursday and Friday. Since the schedule was crazy, I don't feel like I got a full taste of what it will be like, but what I did see and learn was very pleasing. My co-workers seem great, and I'm very excited to be on a team in a public relations department, contrary to my previous job where it was just me. The work also seems to be a great balance of meaningful, challenging, and fun. I am learning about diabetes and blood sugar and thyroids and other things endocrine. I will travel some, mostly short trips for media tours in New York or other cities, along with some conferences, and I am looking forward to that. This week was my first time ever in New York, and although we were too busy to sightsee at all, I really enjoyed my time there.

In other news, next weekend I will be running the Jacksonville Marine Corps Half Marathon. This is the same race I ran last year for my first half marathon, so I'm hoping to complete it again with an improved time. If I publish it here, then there's some accountability, right? Last year my total time was 2:15:49 for a 10:22 per mile pace. My goal this year is to pace under 10:00 minute miles, for a total time of 2:11 or better. I would be super thrilled if I get closer to a 9:45 or even 9:30 pace, but even a 10:00 pace would be a good improvement. Updates to follow...