Entries Tagged 'Family' ↓

My older daughter Bailey found this tonight, probably on our evening walk around the neighborhood. She’s 4, and I’m frequently surprised by what can fascinate her or grab her attention. Tonight, this is what did and she gave it to me with strict instructions to keep it.

One day, long after it is inevitably lost, at least I can show her this blog post about her special gift.

This was the quote on my Starbucks cup today:

By the time executives get married, take on a mortgage, raise kids, cope with the crabgrass, climb the corporate ladder, do their best to manage career pressures, build their net worth and get into their 40s, they’ve lost touch with what they believe in and care about most deeply. -Allan Cox, CEO coach and author

I refuse to believe that it has to be this way, that you can’t have it all and be true to yourself. Then again, I’m not interested in most people’s definition of having it all. Do I want a satisfying career? Yes, but my goal is not to reach the top of the corporate ladder. I want to build my own ladder, chart my own course, and enjoy the journey with my family by my side.

Evening Outdoors
Originally uploaded by JHawbaker1800

After dinner on the patio at Mellow Mushroom, we walked down past the aquarium to the riverfront for some playtime.

Does anyone know a good medical malpractice lawyer? I think we may have a case against Genia’s OB/GYN because apparently her tubal ligation procedure failed. The doctor should at least deliver #3 at no charge, right?

UPDATE: April Fools! No #3 on the way…

Terror on the Walnut Street Bridge
Originally uploaded by JHawbaker1800

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.