The Excellent Adventure: Day 1

Here I sit.  In a tent, just outside of Rome, GA.  I thought about a title for this series on the way up here.  The best I could come up with was Excellent Adventure.  The creative juices were stunted with the larger emotions surrounding this whole operation.  The other alternative was Bogus Journey, but sequels generally always disappoint.  (Only Bill & Ted fans will get that reference.)  What am I talking about anyway?  If you don't know, I would refer you to this previous blog entry to catch up.

I arrived mid-afternoon after an uneventful drive up.  Atlanta traffic was good to me.  I was pleasantly surprised as I drove into the campground.  You never really know what you're going to get going to a new campsite for the first time.  With a nice clean entrance, and the scenery of the foothills and the Coosa River, I knew as I drove in that this location was a good choice.  I was greeted by a nice gentleman at the "trading post" who checked me in and directed me to my spot.  He told me I might have a little trouble getting my RV backed in, but that he would be happy to come spot for me.  I explained that there was no need for that as I was going to be in a tent.  He replied, "You're gonna tent camp for 11 days?!?!?"  I immediately shot back, "That's exactly what my wife said!"  We shared a few laughs and I was on my way.

Setup was a breeze.  My spot is very spacious and has plenty of room for my tent, a table, my supplies and my Jeep right next to the tent.  (I'm not opposed to bedding down in the back of my Jeep if I have to.)  The bathhouse isn't the nicest I've ever seen, but it isn't the worst either.  The bathrooms are heated and of course there are hot showers.  There is even a laundry facility...2 washers and 2 dryers.  Overall this is a great location.  With all the amenities I'm not roughing it in a true sense, but with the duration that I will be here that's a good thing.

Once everything was set up, I took off to get the lay of the land.  Priority number one was to find the exact location of the auctioneer school.  I'm glad I did, because it's about 2 miles away from where Google says it is.  The detour did take me past a very cool sportsman store.....which I stopped at, drooled over some things and got directions from some locals.  I found the right place, cut a u-turn and headed back to camp.  I ate a peanut butter and honey sandwich and sat down to type this.

I don't suspect that I'll sleep very good tonight.  Not so much because of the cold weather, but rather the thoughts racing through my mind.  I'm not gonna lie.  It all finally hit me on the drive up here.  I very deliberately asked God to soften my heart so that I could let him lead me through this transition.  I feel certain that I have allowed that leadership throughout the planning of this, but the doubt still lingers.  I know that awesome things will come of this, but I'm still just as nervous as a cat.

After an authentic campsite cup of coffee in the morning, it will all start in earnest.  It gets really real, really quick.  I don't know what the subsequent entries in The Excellent Adventure will be like.  Strange things are afoot at the Circle-K.  Either way, I'm planning to write about it.  I hope you'll read along.

Y'all take it easy,

Alex

It's a Whole New Balgame

I'm back.  Truth be told I never really left, but I did remain silent for a couple of years.  For those who know me outside the blogosphere, that is hard to picture!  So, what happened?  Well, I suppose life happened.

My smoking hot wife and I continued to raise our two little boys and deal with all the shenanigans associated.  They are 5 and 8 now.  Never a dull moment.  Of course, that gobbled up most all of our free time....as it should.  I planted the garden, as usual.  2012's plot struggled, but I actually had a really good garden last summer thanks to cooler temperatures and more rainfall that normal.  I got into the chicken hobby and I absolutely LOVE it.  I bought and sold an International Scout, flipped a couple of old tractors and enjoyed another successful year at work.  I got to witness God work in the lives of several friends and I was able to enjoy Georgia Southern's stunning victory over the University of Florida.  It was a good couple of years.  2014 is going to be good too, but it will be strikingly different.

In mid-January I resigned from my position of Director of Annual Giving at Georgia Southern University.  It was a tough decision to leave a job, a University and a group of co-workers which were all important parts of my life to this point.  Of course I still bleed blue.  I carried the flag before I went to work for Georgia Southern and I will surely continue after I leave.  Two things made the decision the right one.  First I believe that God's will  is for me to move along, meet new people, form new relationships and afford others an opportunity to lead our efforts at Georgia Southern.  Second, since the day I abandoned my previous entrepreneurial endeavor, the thoughts of getting back to it never left my brain.  My wife is supportive too.  That's a big deal.  Even though it will be a certain pay cut in the short term, she is on board.  (Sometimes she reads.... Hey MB...I love you!)  The right situation hasn't been available since I walked away last time.  Now it is.  Maybe God is leading me down a road in which I can learn a lesson. Maybe I'll make it big.  Maybe I'll flop and go cook tater logs at the local gas station.  Either way....it's time to give it a shot.  Back in September I purchased a concrete overlay and restoration operation.  I will be easing into the business with an eager spirit, but a patient mindset as I hone my skills and develop what I hope will become a successful business.  I plan to do some additional tractor restorations too.  There isn't a ton of money to be made in that field, but if properly managed, I can turn a small profit on something that I enjoy doing.  From there it really starts to get weird.  Stay with me....

Since I was a teenager I have always had a fascination with auctioneers and the auction business.  The idea of becoming an auctioneer was never really a serious consideration though.  Kids like me didn't do that.  We went to college, majored in finance and got a job at a bank.  That's what everybody did.  I didn't major in finance and go into banking, but I did fall right into the "bachelors degree to white-collar professional career" pipeline.  Don't get me wrong......  I certainly don't regret that.  I am very glad that I took that route and I am very thankful for the opportunities that it has afforded me along the way.  In fact, it has afforded me the chance to do something totally off the wall.  I'm going to auctioneer school.  The application has been submitted and the fees paid.  I'm really doing this.  Sounds nuts every time I type it.  But....it gets even more hair-brained.  Stick with me......

Auctioneer school will be in beautiful Rome, GA.  The classes last all day long for ten consecutive days.  the curriculum should be pretty intense, but I'm looking forward to it.  Actually, I'm down right excited about it!  That wouldn't be enough adventure for me though, so instead of staying in a nice plush hotel, I'm going to tent camp for 11 nights on the Coosa River.  I just hope Snowpocalypse III doesn't set it.  That would be a whole other level of high adventure.

One of the ancillary benefits of this adventure is that it will get me blogging again.  I plan to offer an entry each of the 11 nights that I will be spending in Rome.  Blogging from the tent.  How about that?  Technology is something special isn't it?  Stay tuned for that dumpster fire starting at the end of the month.  This could get interesting.  2014 is indeed going to be a whole new ballgame.  I'm motivated to pitch complete game shutouts, avoid arbitration and get a long term contract.

Y'all take it easy,

Alex

Courageous - A quick movie review

After hearing good things about the movie, I recently settled in and watched Courageous.  This is the latest in a line of inspirational movies from Sherwood Pictures.  The acting in these movies isn't going to win any academy awards, but the story lines are strong and the messages are enjoyable and grounded in Scripture.

As I watched I thought about my personal philosophy as a father and reflected on some things that I can do better.  It was a healthy exercise.  It reminded me of my duty and refreshed me spiritually.  Come on Alex..... a movie?  Really?  Yeah... really.  It was THAT good.  This is coming from a guy whose top 5 movie list includes Smokey and the Bandit and Back to the Future.

I don't want to spoil the movie, but if you're a Father, check out Courageous.  You and your family will be glad you did.

Y'all take it easy,

Alex

The Pledge of Allegiance

Image: Wilson Info Clipart
http://www.wilsoninfo.com/index.html  

I've noticed something interesting about the Pledge of Allegiance over time.  Let me first say that yes..... I have seen the Red Skelton video and I am versed on the history of the phrase "under God."  What I've noticed is the difference in delivery of that portion and how it varies between certain groups.
In 1996 I had the opportunity to participate in an American Legion program called Boys State.  The program is a week long exercise in which rising high school seniors run a mock government at the city, county and state level.  I loved the program so much that I continued on serving as a counselor for 8 of the past 15 years.  (I hope to get back on board at some point, but my own kids complicate it a bit)  It was there that I first heard the pledge of Allegiance recited with "one nation under God" spoken as a whole, continuous, complete verse.  I had always heard and been taught that it was broken into two verses:  "one nation ................................ under God.  No pause for the members of the American Legion!

Fast forward 15 years.  After joining our local Kiwanis Club I hear the same delivery from this group of men and women.  No pause.  I wonder is it an age difference?  Were children of the 40s and 50s taught to recite without the pause?  We also have a LOT of veterans who are Kiwanians.  Maybe it's something that they share as servicemen and servicewomen?

Nothing earth shattering.  Just thought it was interesting.  I recite it without the pause.  Any time that I'm in a group of younger folks or non-veterans I get odd looks.  There's always one or two others in the group who do the same though.  I think it's pretty cool.

Y'all take it easy,

Alex

Being a Father

"It seems to me that children thrive when they are part of something bigger than themselves. They need to feel useful, needed, as we all do.  We need our children.  Their assistance is a necessity if we plan on keeping this family warm, fed and clothed.  They are part of something bigger than themselves.  They are part of a family."

These aren't my words.  They are from a charming lady who goes by the pen name Enola Gay.  I enjoy reading her blog Paratus Familia  It got me to thinking about my own kids.  It made me wonder, what does it mean to be a Father?  Not a man, or a buddy or a glorified babysitter.  More specifically, what should I focus on to be a successful Father?  Wrote a Blog about it.  Like to hear it? Here it go! (That's an obscure Calhoun Tubbs reference for those that remember In Living Color)

I suppose the definition of "successful" could be up for debate.  For one Father it might be that their child grows up to be a doctor or a well-respected banker.  For another it might mean that they simply make it to adulthood without ending up in jail.  Whatever.  My point is that there may be differing degrees of how one defines success.  I've narrowed my own definition down to two traits.  If my boys can grow up to have a good moral compass and a strong work ethic, I will consider myself to have been a successful Father.  With those two qualities I feel like I will have prepared them for life and given them seeds which can produce fruit as they become Fathers later in life.

So there's the goal.  Objectives and strategies for attaining that goal are where it gets mucky....and it's gotten tough.  Holy crap has it gotten tough!!  Here I am five years in, with a five year old and a two year old and I'm only really just getting started.

I'll take the opportunity to share some info below.  Obviously I'm no expert.  I'm just a dumb redneck with a blog who has a couple of kids and I think this is the best way for me to raise them ;)  So far it's working out pretty well.

Three things I have learned to be fact:

1. They learn by watching me!

My boys have learned how to eat, talk, walk and pee all by watching me. (yes, I actually let my boys watch me in the bathroom.  Though the five year old is now banished, the two year old is still watching and learning, lol)  Should I really expect that they will learn their work ethic and morals any other way?  The way I figure it we have a relatively short window to work in since in a few more years mommy and daddy won't be cool anymore.  All I have to do is remember one rule.  Coach Erk Russell famously told his Eagles to just "Do Right."  Pretty simple.  No pressure right?  :)

2. They need structure and discipline.

I've found that my boys actually prefer structure.....maybe they didn't at first ;)  but they do now.  Their behavior is much better and their ability for retaining lessons is much better when there is a schedule.  For example: eat, play, bath, bed.  They know what's coming.  They expect it.  Once they figured out that it was beneficial for them they prefer it.  Kids need to be told what to do.  The only other option is that the child tells the parent what to do.  That is not a good situation.  I've seen it and I PROMISED myself that would never let it happen to me and my wife.  It's a disservice to the parent and the child.  As for discipline, it is a very unpleasant, but necessary task at my house.  The most recent lesson with my 5 year old has been actions and consequences.  All actions have consequences.  All of them.  Period.  The number one biggest challenge for me as a parent is punishing out of love and not out of anger.  It is a hard thing to do.  If I punish my boys out of anger the punishment was pointless.  If I do it out of love, lessons are learned.  That topic could make a great blog topic on its own.

3. Crying will not kill them.

Our pediatrician gave me that little gem.  The oldest didn't like tummy time and cried all the time when we had him belly down.  I asked the doc about it and he said, "Out of all my years I've never had one die from crying."  LOL, so there you go!  I applied that to every other opportunity that I could and it hasn't failed me yet.  Seeping through the night, staying in bed, getting dressed by himself, doing chores, the list goes on and on.  Once they figure out that I can outlast the crying, I win!  Horray!  +1 for daddy.

I've heard sermons and read literature about raising children biblically.  Proverbs 22:6 is a great model and I pretty much approach my fatherly duties in that way.  However, a much more memorable spiritual lesson came when a pastor asked, "Do you think your children see Jesus in you?"  That kind of question gets a man thinking.  It gets a man thinking about the image that he presents to his children, but also about the way in which he appears to his God.  Once I finally wrapped my mind around the fact that "my sons are to me as I am to God" my perspective changed.  I surely disappoint God all the time.  I whine, I groan, I am many times unappreciative, and I often don't understand situations and get angry as a result.  Sounds like any given afternoon at home with the kids!

So then Alex...where is your wife in all of this?  Oh she's there!  She's all in and we are a team.  We work together 100%  This ramble just took on a different approach.  I am a man and I have two boys.  I wrote in terms of being a Father.  Maybe a future blog is in order talking about what it means to be a Husband.  I have some pretty strong feelings about that too :)  Shoutout MB!  Holla!

I'm blessed to have the opportunity to have children.  They are a gift from God for sure!!  They're a responsibility too though.  Did I drop everything in life?  Nope.  Everything else sure did move down the list though.  It was a major factor in the decision to "Back 'er Down"  I hope to be able to look at this particular entry often to see if my perspective changes.  That is if I don't gouge my eyes out in frustration between now and then :)  As long as we all "Do Right" I think we'll be in good shape.

Y'all take it easy,

Alex

Things I've learned since I quit learning

Don't let the title fool you.  I strongly advocate education and the practice of continuing to learn throughout life.  I enjoyed a wonderful education and I wouldn't trade it for anything.  However, I've learned a lot since I finished up what most people think of as formal education.  Part of the Back 'er Down lifestyle is after all learning the simple things that get lost in our busy world.  I figured that I would share a few of those nuggets with you.  I hope a few of these resonate and maybe even result in a chuckle or two.

- It really is more about who you know rather than what you know.
- Physics can explain pretty much everything, but God created physics, so it's all cool.
- Any math more advanced than calculating simple interest is useless you are a Physicist.
- The only real difference in khakis and chinos is the price.
- Hustling can make up for a bunch of other shortcomings.
- When saying that your little man has a rash.....that's interpreted differently by people without kids.
- God always has a plan......even though we may not realize what it is at the time.
- Bream aren't really considered seafood.

- Planting, tending and harvesting a garden is a heck of a lot harder than talking about it.

- Sweating is just as good for your mind as it is for your body.

Have you learned anything since the finish of your "formal" education?  I'd love to hear about it.

Ya'll take it easy,

Alex

The End of the Year is Near

A month and a half!  Wow.  Has it really been that long?  There has been very little actual Backing 'er Down going on in the last 60 or so days.  My Alma Mater, and employer, Georgia Southern University's football team went on a tear in the FCS playoffs.  Between what I do for work and what I do as a fan, I have been on quite a tear myself!  Traveling, planning, hosting and screaming until my vocal chords were raw.....that would be what I have spent a majority of my time doing since I last wrote about the great art of making syrup.

There is nothing like the Holiday Season to get a man back on track though.  It's an opportunity to reflect on the year, rest up as a new year is on the horizon, and of course time to give thanks for the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  What a year it has been!  Sometimes I feel guilty for the way God has blessed me and my family.  I don't really deserve any of it.

The next couple of weeks will be spent at the Ponderosa.  A little time with the family, a little time working on projects around the house and maybe even a little hunting and/or fishing trip somewhere in there.  A few more blogs are on the horizon too.  I've been jotting down ideas over the last few weeks.  I have a lot to run my mouth (fingers) about:  kids, being a father, debt, deer in my garden, the actual cost of an automobile, the stigma associated with being frugal, why manatees are useless and I still have to get around to hooking up and writing about the solar panel array that I bought back in the summer.

Looking forward to the down time.  Hope everyone else has a chance to enjoy some down time of your own.

Ya'll take it easy,

Alex

First Fish, Fashion and Friends

What a great weekend it was.  My oldest son (4) caught his first fish!

We had originally planned on going camping at the river, but the extreme heat advisory that was issued made me call off the trip.  Not sure I would be nominated for the Parent of the Year Award if I hauled my child off to a river slew when the thermometer was still reading 99 at 7 PM.  We instead opted for a early morning trip up the river.  It was much more about riding and swimming than it was fishing.  We headed home for a nap around Noon.  A friend invited us to his family's pond that evening and that's where kiddo became a pint-sized Bill Dance.  He caught 7 fish!  I think it ruined him for river fishing, but he had a blast.  It's a memory that I will cherish forever.

Still having trouble wrapping my mind around the jean diapers.  I'm just gonna let it go, LOL.  I'm not exactly what you'd call fashion suave.  Golf shirts and brown pants pretty much take care of my needs regardless of the occasion or social setting :)  What's that saying about those living in glass houses? ;)

The Lord has blessed me with some good friends.  I don't get to hang out with many of them anymore.  Life progresses, careers and kids come along.  We're still able to keep in touch, but I sometimes yearn for the good old days.  Is that "nostalgia" or just "getting old?"  One of my best friends is getting married soon.  He's one of the last to take the dive.  Looking forward to celebrating this happy time with him.  Many friends are entering parenthood as well.  I pray that all of them will take these two sacred duties seriously and always give 100% to making sure they are successful.  I pray that they'll also help remind me to do the same.

"Backing 'er down" and living a more simple life has really shown me that my responsibilities are few, but important.  If I can manage to glorify God and lead/provide for my family, everything else kind of falls into place.  Of course I fall short  in those areas regularly.  That's where the three F's come into play.  I Fish to clear my mind.  My Fashion choices remind everyone how NOT to dress and leaves more money for my wife and kids clothes.  And my Friends help keep me on track.

Pretty good plan I reckon.

Ya'll take it easy,

Alex

My weekend of getting very little accomplished

This weekend, I didn't get a whole lot accomplished around the Ponderosa, but it was awesome nonetheless. The wife headed out of town Friday morning for a ladies weekend and that left your humble author alone with our two sons for the weekend. I often joke that I should have named them Bill and Ted because together they are a couple of "Wyld Stallyns."

A normal weekend of working outside, tending the garden and tinkering with the latest project, became instead a time to spend with my sons. The little one is still a bit small to take outside for long periods of time. You can't really get much done because you can't take your eyes off of him for an extended period or he'll be into something dangerous. We opted to stay inside most of the time and actually got quite a bit done there. Inside projects often get overlooked and I know the wife was excited to get home and see things tidy and organized. We washed clothes, cleaned the master closet and reorganized the pantry among other things.

The boys were a bit stir-crazy though, so a small road trip was in order. This worked out well because it allowed me to do a little shopping myself. Our first stop was BassPro Shops where the boys absolutely loved the giant aquarium. Upon first glimpse my four-year-old remarked, "That fish is as big as me!" Is that a shark?" It was actually a catfish, but a healthy one for sure. We picked up a gas can for the boat and generally walked around the store window shopping. The little one just gazed and took it all in. The eldest had a bazillion questions. That was quite alright though. I was more than happy to explain fish species, how boats worked and even had the opportunity to plant a little gun safety seed as well.

After lunch we headed to Harbor Freight where I picked up a few tools and fasteners in the spirit of my last blog. If you have one in your area it's a great place to get super cheap tools and equipment. The quality of some of the stuff may be a little less than some top-of-the-line brands. However, for things that you won't use often, or for which will see light duty, there is a lot of value in the items there. Combine that with the awesome coupons they offer online and you can get some really good deals. We loaded up on bungee straps, picked up a few saw blades, some bolt cutters and even got a free flashlight (thanks again to the awesome coupon offerings)

The big purchase though was my foray into solar panels. It's something that I've been itching to get into for a long time, so I finally took the plunge. I picked up three 15 watt panels, some wiring and a charge controller. Not sure what exactly I'm going to do yet, but at least I now have it and can begin to educate myself with some hands-on, practical application.

Until Mamma Bear got home, the rest of the weekend was spent with short walks outside, several naps and lots of playing. It was truly a great time with my boys. It's interesting to see how they are beginning to interact and feed off of one another. I have a feeling that I'm in for a wild ride over the next few years! It's always a good reminder about the struggles of single parents too. My hats off to them because it's literally a full time gig when they are the ages that my boys are. I thank God daily for my wife and the fact that we are able to lean on one another and have the blessing to parent as a team.

So it was a slow weekend with very little of the"important" things accomplished. That's what it's all about though. Focusing on what matters. The opportunity to "Back 'er Down" and play with two little fellas and 473 Hot Wheels cars? Yep. God knew that the wife needed a weekend off, that I needed to bond with my boys and that they needed to chill with Daddy. All four of us are thankful for it.

Ya'll take it easy.

Later,

Alex

Focusing on the kids, making rain barrels and corn

I have to make myself commit to writing or I completely forget. I suppose that could be one indication that I need to "back 'er down" and it could also be a good way to keep me on target as well. I received another gentle reminder about what "it's" all about last night at dinner.

As our family sat down to eat my oldest son remarked with a sense of surprise, "Daddy! you aren't working tonight!" the exclamation was as if it was a wondrous discovery that he just came across. "That's right buddy, I'm here with you guys tonight." His reply would melt the heart of any parent, "It makes me happy when you're home Daddy." No doubt that God speaks to us through our children.....no doubt.

I do indeed love my job. The spring has been spent traveling and taking the Georgia Southern show on the road to our alumni and friends all over the southeast. What a rewarding experience it is to meet other Eagles, hang out, and eat some great food! It's my dream job honestly. I love people and I love Georgia Southern. This particular part of the year is a three month grind though. I'm thankful to have been able to see all the fine folks, but I'm glad it's over too. I very much look forward to being able to tuck my boys in at night and get my oldest son out in the garden. I know that my wife is ecstatic at the prospect of having "the enforcer" back too, lol.

My rain barrel project is back under way. For those not familiar, I made a couple of batches of rain harvesting barrels a few months back and posted them on Craigslist. Never in a million years did I expect the reaction. I've sold 14 so far and have only recently been able to get more barrels. I got 5 more last weekend and hope to have all of them outfitted by the weekend. This is an excellent example of how we should keep our eyes open for opportunities at all times. I was able to make something for my own needs and then make a pocket full of cash to boot!

I promised my friend Gloria that I would write about corn the next time I blogged. To keep that promise, we're at that portion of my musing. My corn is doing pretty well despite the dry spell we had recently. One half of the plot looks a little weak though. I think the soil in that section is poor. I rotate the corn each year, so at least this gives me the knowledge of where not to plant it again next year. I'll just plant squash there. I honestly believe that you could toss squash seeds onto hardened clay and yield enough fruit to feed an infantry. If you're reading this....have never planted a garden and want to try, start with squash. It will give you big confidence booster. It will also give you a boatload of veggies that you'll be sick and tired of eating after a month.

Ya'll have a great day.

Later,

Alex

Here we go again.....with a new twist

Well whatta ya know! Old Alex is back blogging again.

Over the years I've written on politics, religion, motorsports or whatever other nuggets of interest made their way from my warped mind. I unplugged from blogging a while back because it just became too much to keep up with. Most recently I was doing opinion pieces on various forms of motorsports and defending NASCAR for what it was (that was a hoot!) Doing a preview and recap of about 5 different series became a bit much. I wasn't enjoying it much, so I did what all respected folks in media do. I edited an overpriced season finale and killed it off.

Well, over the last 4 years or so my perspective on life has changed quite a bit. Taxes and children will do that to a man. I'm fundamentally the same, but I found myself yearning for a simpler life. I've always been fascinated with simple living and keeping things laid back. I was never able to do that until recently. Like most I graduated college (PROUD alumnus of Georgia Southern University) and began the pursuit of "things." Life was good! I had a wonderful wife, a nice home, three automobiles. I lived 10 minutes from the beach, 10 minutes from downtown Savannah and my wife and I were making a heap of money!

We decided to move to the country about the same time we found that were were expecting our first son. Over the next four years I began to discover two things. 1: God has a plan for me (though I'm not 100% clear on what it is yet, lol.) 2: Some of the happiest people in the world go home each day smelly and tired.

This blog will be about my journey to simplify life. To live below my means, to be the best husband I can, to raise two boys to become good citizens. Most importantly to do it all without stressing out and trying to keep up with the Joneses.

Can it be done? Heck yeah! Can I do it? Not sure. I hope you'll read along and find out. I'd welcome your comments, opinions and advice. This is a blog that I will truly enjoy even if it's not read by a single person.

Later,

Alex