Entries from February 2008 ↓

I was telling a friend at work this morning that I thought Barack Obama was in command of a Reality Distortion Field similar to that of Steve Jobs. Everywhere he goes people are mesmerized, and his followers every bit as fanatical as those of Apple. Well, just this afternoon, (Fake) Steve confirmed my suspicions:

“It’s just a kind of energy that some people are able to channel. Goes with the charisma and the ability to persuade people with your speeches. It’s just a more extreme version of that same energy. I’ve never asked Barry about this but I kind of knew when I met him that he had it. Bono has it too.”

Is this some kind of secret society? Sign me up.

Farewell EPB Building
Originally uploaded by JHawbaker1800

Apparently this is old news, but the demise of the former EPB building is imminent. It’s always a bit sad to see an old building go down, and I’m hoping the future of this site holds more than just parked cars. Viva downtown!

Last night, I took some time to go through the archives of the last incarnation of Friday Night Running. I didn’t realize it had been over three years since the last post. So, what’s happened for me in the meantime?

Personally

At my last posting, Bailey was just over one year old. She’s now four, and we have another daughter, Ella, who just turned one. They’re fantastic, and they have a great time together. For photographic proof that we excel at reproduction, check out our Flickr account. These girls look like Genia, and that’s a very good thing. They also love music, and books, and, unfortunately, Disney Princesses. We’re working on the last one. At least I got Bailey to wear this Threadless tee.

One of the biggest pieces of news is that Genia is now a stay-at-home mom, something she’s always wanted. We’re only a couple of weeks in, but everyone seems to be enjoying it. Also, as of January we’ve been married eight years, and together for ten. Time flies! She’s a wonderful wife and mother and I’m looking forward to the many years we still get to spend together.

Professionally

A few months after I went on blogging sabbatical, I got my first professional marketing job. I spent two and a half years in Marketing Communications for Clarity, a division of Plantronics. I had a great time and accomplished a lot, from designing product packaging, ads and catalogs, to running a PR outreach to boomer and senior bloggers, to launching and managing three ecommerce websites. I also travelled a bit, and discovered that I’d love to live in Phoenix, Arizona. Who knew the desert was so beautiful?

Alas, this past December I decided it was time to move on and now I’m doing web analytics, seo and web usability for a large not-for-profit organization here in Chattanooga. I’ve already learned a lot and I’m really enjoying it so far.

I have a feeling that my loves of internet marketing and design will become regular posting themes, but only time will tell.

After a lenghty absence, I’m back. (Insert “If a tree falls in the forest… ?” joke here.)

I’m still tweaking a few things here and there, but I have some ideas and I’m eager to get back in the mix.

Grey Hunter: The Hunter Museum of American Art, downtown Chattanooga
Originally uploaded by JHawbaker1800

Ella’s Birthday Party
Originally uploaded by JHawbaker1800