Entries Tagged 'Life' ↓

Hot WWDC News via SMS
Hopefully you already know that tomorrow is practically a holiday. That’s right, it’s the first day of the Apple Worldwide Developer’s Conference, where Steve Jobs is expected to announce the new version of iPhone. Expect 3G, GPS, iChat, Solar Power and premium espresso. For those of you as brand-addicted as I am, theilife.com is providing an SMS update service for hot news during the keynote.

Cycling Photography
The changes are slim that I’ll be posting photos of myself in cycling attire, but thanks to the Fat Cyclist, I know now the art of hiding your gut while being photographed in a skin-tight cycling jersey.

Pop Phone
Seth Godin posted a YouTube video of cell phones cooking popcorn. The video’s authenticity is in question, but it’s entertaining and thought-provoking since the brain cancer/cell phone link has been back in the news.

…Finally
Last but not least, Hillary’s Fond Farewell. Senator Obama, if you’re listening, do not name Hillary your running mate unless your goal is to completely undermine the powerful brand you’ve built.

My younger brother is a history buff. The kind with bookshelves full of obscure titles about Russian history and his other personal favorite, Napoleon (they’re both short and aggressive). Now he’s tackling a subject a little closer to home — a biography about our father.

They were sitting at my kitchen table yesterday afternoon, going over a rough timeline of my father’s 20 years in the military. My dad loves to tell a story, so there were a lot of interesting and funny anecdotes shared. He’s never talked that much about his military service, but he fought in Vietnam and served tours in Germany and Korea. One of the stories he shared really struck me as a great example of his restraint and convictions.

For a while he taught a rifle course at a college in Pittsburgh and had his uniform spit on by a student in an elevator. The young woman said something to the effect of “if we didn’t have to pay for all you people, we could go to college for free like they do in Russia.” I can imagine many people would’ve told her to catch the next flight over. Not Dad. He stayed silent and let the woman go on her way, probably feeling smug about her personal protest. Dad’s perspective was different, believing that anything he might have said or done in response would have only reflected poorly on himself or his country.

We Interrupt This Program…
Originally uploaded by JHawbaker1800

Genia and I are in New York City through Monday to celebrate her 30th birthday. So, to keep up with our travels, check out my Twitter feed or check my photos on Flickr or Facebook (links at right).

I have some cool post ideas in the works, but regularly scheduled FNR content is on hold until late next week.

Fun and Educational
Originally uploaded by JHawbaker1800

Bailey has been spending a lot of time at www.starfall.com

Do you remember the scene in Spider-Man 2, the morning after Peter Parker decides he is Spider-Man no more? He’s strolling through the city, a bit clumsy but nevertheless quite pleased with himself…

That’s me, walking to the office on the days I manage to hit the gym.

Urban Night Bicycling ™
Originally uploaded by JHawbaker1800

Last night I celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with a nocturnal bike ride, touring St. Elmo, downtown and the North Shore. Our official pit stops included Big River, The Local and some lady’s front yard near the finish line.

That’s the world-renowned Josh Green posing triumphantly for the camera.

Signs of Life
Originally uploaded by JHawbaker1800

It looks like Spring is almost here…

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.