Vision, I don't need no stinking vision

Well, yes!  Actually I do.

You see, there are many things I want in life.  A boat, a $300,000 home, a camper, a mountain retreat, a summer beach house, a new computer, etc.  And its not just physical things that I want.  I want to live in a land where people respect individual rights, where everyone takes responsibility for their own thoughts and actions, where people are motivated to make the best out of their lives, where my kids are free to become the adults they dream they can be, where my wife and I live happily ever after, etc.

Well, all of these things require a vision of the life that I want.  And before I can start acting towards that life, I need to clearly identify what it is I want.  Otherwise, my actions could lead me anywhere.  How could I tell if a particular thing I'm doing today will help me get the things I want for tomorrow?  By what standard?  Should I buy a new car or a used car?  Do I want broadband Internet access or dial-up?  In my free time, should I go camping with my family, read a book on architecture, or write an op-ed for my local newspaper?  The answer to these questions all depend on the vision I hold.  The clearer my vision, the better I can define my goals.  The better I can define my goals, the easier it is to identify the actions necessary to complete those goals and actuate my vision.

Without a clear vision, I could not define my goals.  Goals require an awareness in the difference between where I am now and where I want to be.  If I don't know where I want to be, I can't define a goal.  Without goals, any action is equally valid.  No one action can be considered more important than any other.  By default, actions without goals tend to gravitate toward short term satisfaction and momentary pleasures.  Getting drunk with your friends every weekend.  Blowing your paycheck on frivolous entertainment.  Extreme adrenaline rushing thrills.  While occasional indulgences are useful for relaxing or making life interesting, they should not occupy one's central purpose in life.

So, yes, I do need a vision.  Yes, I do need a clear view of the world I want to live in so that I can direct my actions.   And yes, I will work toward that vision.

What will the Fall bring?

With the move complete and the boxes mostly unpacked, its time to start thinking about what to do this Fall.  My home office is mostly organized and, shortly, my work office will be ready for action.  With the right tools and determination, my goals will become accomplishments that I can talk about this Christmas.

Here are the things I will accomplish at work:
1.  Submit AMR article on Alternative solution selection
2.  Complete Data Governance and Ethics research plan/proposal
3.  Have a smaller research project designed for off time
4.  Have designed and executed a web development/ e-commerce curriculum
5.  Build friendships/networks within ECU and Greenville/Raleigh business community.

Personal:
1.  Develop and execute a workout regime that I enjoy, improves my overall fitness, and reduces my aches and pains.  Find a triathlon to complete next spring.
2.  Decide on the top 3-5 subdivisions/areas to purchase a home
3.  Establish productive habits for continuous improvements
4.  Complete the outline and write first 3 chapters of my book
5.  Redefine and execute my investment strategy/financial plan
6.  Reduce the amount of TV/movies watched to less than 5 hours per week
7.  Depending on budget, enroll each child in at least 1 extra curricular activity
8.  Write will

That sounds like a respectable start for the fall.  It should be a good time!

North Carolina - Here we come!

My wife, kids, and I are bound for Greenville, NC.  Our plan is to make this our last move for a very, very long time.  Its been an absolutely hectic 7 years and we're ready to settle down permanently.

With my new position at East Carolina University (ECU) as an Assistant Professor of Information Systems, I plan to make good on my dream job location that first captured my attention a few years ago. When I completed my PhD in 2008, ECU was hiring and I applied.  Of all the schools hiring that year, ECU was tops on my list of places to work.  Great colleagues.  Good IS program.  Near the coast.  Near my one of my best friends.  In a medium sized college town with lots of cultural activities.  Great state history.  Near enough to a larger metropolis (Raleigh) for everything we need that's not in Greenville (not much).  Only a half day's drive from the mountains for white water rafting, skiing, mountain biking, or just relaxing in a cabin.  Unfortunately in 2008, ECU had the opportunity to hire two amazing candidates instead of myself.  But three years later, they called me up to say they were still interested in me.  So here we go!

North Carolina is a beautiful state.  We are so excited to be moving to our new home.  My plans... to make my department, ECU, and NC proud to have me.  Not for their sake, but for my own.

3.5% down payment

It amazes me that after the incredible housing crises, that FHA loans still require as little as 3.5% down payment.  On top of that, buyers are often demanding $3000-5000 cash back at closing, essentially making their out of pocket expense $0.  In the past few months of our house on the market, we've had two offers like this.  Both have requested sizable amounts of cash back at closing.  While I understand that they may have good credit, the continuing drop in home values will only continue to put individuals into a hole they cannot escape if they are forced to sell quickly.  This will inevitably lead to more foreclosures and further price drops.  All because our government backs these loans.  These guarantees are what put our housing market into the mess its in.

Remembrance

In 2003, I met Brenda for a drink at a bar.  There was instant chemistry, which quickly led to a budding romance.  Ever since then, we have been through a lot, sharing a major life event in 7 of the last 8 years:

2004 - Engaged - Married - Moved to Alabama

2005 - Eldest child born

2006 - Middle child born 

2007 - Moved to Louisiana

2008 - Moved to Michigan

2009 - Youngest child born

2010 - Nothing happened 

2011 - Moving to North Carolina

Through it all, we have built our relationship stronger than ever with trust, support, companionship, and an immense pride in each other.  She is my one and only.  And on this day, I celebrate our anniversary.  

I love you, Brenda!!!