I Don't Mind The Drive

My commute to and from work takes nearly 40 minutes (each way), but I don't mind the drive. I use the time to decompress from the day's events and to look forward to the possibilities of tomorrow. It also gives me time to contemplate work requirements as well as class assignments. The drive affords me the opportunity to revisit completed projects and to consider or "write" the beginning (or sometimes the conclusion) of other undertakings. And sometimes the drive gives me a chance to sit in silence and reflect or sort of daydream.

This evening, as I drove home, I started thinking of a classmate's blog that is dedicated to his experiences with (or in) photography. I read it for the first time a few days ago, and responded to him via Twitter stating that I would love to learn more about photography when and if I had the time. As I continued to consider the possibilities of learning more about photography I realized a bit about myself. I think of myself as an artist without a medium, a writer without a story, a sailor without a ship, an adventurer without a destination, a comedian without a stage, and a hobbiest without a interest.

I wish I could be impulsive, pick the family up and move, spontaneously find myself somewhere new, find an adventure, and learn about comedy, photography, and wine. Perhaps find the gumption to find an audience, write a story, take a picture, be rebellious, and leave fears of failure behind.

Luckily for me, just as I began to convince myself to make revolutionary changes, or to begin a revolution, I pulled into my driveway and stepped out of my car and back into reality.

Lost in Technology

It's Halloween time again. Time for costumes, candy treats, cold-dark evenings, and horror flicks. Last evening I started paging through my cable company's Videos On Demand. As great of an invention as being able to pick and watch a movie without leaving your house is; it does not hold water to old video rental stores. Sure, throughout the month of October I could have watched many horror classics; but, what about the low budget "B movies" that are so entertaining?

When I was in high school I was lucky enough to have a great video store called Video City in a neighboring town. The place originally opened in an old railroad dining car, but quickly outgrew its environment in both members and video selection. To accommodate their customers, Video City not only moved across the street into a double-wide trailer, but also stayed open 24 hours a day - every day.

I have fond memories of late nights searching the "B-movies" for something funny and scary, maybe an old zombie flick or something with the Coreys (Haim or Feldman) in it. New movies came out on Mondays at midnight (Tuesday morning technically). The store would be packed on the nights that a "big" picture was to debut. At exactly midnight an employee would walk out with a box of available rentals and sling them onto the floor...people would dive after the copies like pigs being fed slop. It was always an entertaining sight. If you weren't lucky enough to snag a copy of your own you could speak with the manager and "reserve" a copy for a later date...usually a few days later.

Back then, summer nights were often spent playing hearts or spades with friends as an old movie played in the background. The card games would pause at good scenes or during heated discussions of films (purists would call them movies, but to me...they were films).

I remember one Video City employee never checking ID, allowing anyone with tenacity to go into and rent movies from "the back room." Even better, believe it or not, were all the horror movies that required the renter to be 18 or older. Evening after evening my friends and I would rent movies such as "Chopping Mall", "Dawn of the Dead", "My Bloody Valentine", and "Frankenhooker." Try to find these classics on your cable's Movies On Demand or even at Blockbuster or any other chain rental store.

As a lazy guy I love Movies On Demand, as a guy who loves "B movies" and older, less known films...I hate it. You also can't find a good B-movie at Blockbuster or any other mega-movie rental place; no, if you want this stuff you must go to your local mom-and-pop video store. Maybe even take a trip to Video City (you can find it near Apollo, PA), they'll be open...they always are.

As a final thought, you may be able to get these films from internet based agencies like netflix...however, there is just something special about walking through a store, looking at all the video covers, picking the box up and reading the synopsis, and then arguing with your friends over which film to rent.

The Final Furlong

With 30 of 32 class meetings completed, we are quickly approaching the final furlong...and the finish line is nearly in site. It is this time when many students begin to complain of "senior-itis" and may even begin "operation shut-down." But, before I slip into cruise control I would like to reflect back on the last 2 1/2 years. So much has happened and so many people have lent support; it would be wrong to simply complete the course work portion of the degree and not "tip my cap" in appreciation.

I can not begin to reflect upon my education without considering the faculty members (and their assistants) who have touched my life in one fashion or another. *Thank you for making me a better student.* I must also thank family and friends for their support. *Thanks for your words, thoughts, and patience.* I'd also like to thank the great people/students I've met as part of the cohort. If I were asked today about the best part of the doctoral program...I could only respond by saying the students. My words of wisdom to future cohorts would be to get to know your classmates, they will be there to support you, encourage you, revel in your triumphs, and commiserate with you in your failures (see the Great "C" Massacre of SU-2008). *Thank you friends, the knowledge I gained from discussions with you at dinner, or at the Mountaineer or Genes is priceless.*

Finally, I have to thank the two people who have helped me the most; my son Simon and my wife Brandy. I've spent (and there are more to come) many evenings in front of the computer after a very long day at work. (Above is a picture of Simon at my post.) I've asked for some "alone time" so that I could get work done in a quiet house. And I've missed out on so much time, something that can never be brought back. I would apologize, but I know that they are not looking for an apology. They know that I am working hard to benefit us all...it is my only hope that I am able to "make good" on this dream. I know that I would not be racing to the end of my course work and looking forward to comps and writing a dissertation if it were not for their support. *Thank you Brandy and Simon, I love you so much.*

Promises...Promises

Another week complete. What does that mean to me now? It means that I am one week closer to the conclusion of what has been a long soccer season...unfortunately it also means that its getting colder and closer to winter (it always snows or sleets at least once every soccer season). A completed week also means that I am another week closer to finishing the semester, both A-B's and WVU's to be exact. Honestly though, I'm not minding A-B's semester...its my WVU classes that are becoming arduous in my own mind. I keep telling myself that they are not difficult, but then I find myself sitting in front of the computer for hours. The perceived lack of down time and constant feeling of having "something due soon" has affected me so much more this semester than ever before.

Maybe it's time to make some promises to myself. Maybe its time to follow through on goals that have nothing to do with academia or my career. Maybe its time to schedule a trip. However, the thoughts of assignment due dates loomed over me like a black cloud while I was in North Carolina...making me feel like I missed out on an experience although I physically was right there. Maybe its time to scream. Or maybe its time to clear my head, relax, and focus on the next few months. Maybe some head service is needed.

I think it was the Byrds (and the Bible) who said "To every thing...there is a season...and a time to every purpose under Heaven...A time to gain, a time to lose, a time to rend, a time to sew..." Maybe its time I gain more personal time, lose some weight, tear myself away from the computer, and mend relationships with my family.

A long but exciting week

Another week in the books, but what a chapter its been.

This week was highlighted with both personal and a professional excitement.

On a personal note, this past Friday was spent driving to Graham, NC to see my sister, niece, and brother-in-law, as well as to attend a great concert. (A little back story.) Brandy has always been a huge U2 fan, and honestly I enjoy their music too. A few years ago we saw them in Pittsburgh and had a great time. We've also gone to Pittsburgh to see a U2 tribute band called 2U. 2U is owned (or at least operated) by a guy named Joseph Cumia...he is the brother of a Serius/XM "shock-jock" named Anthony Cumia from the Opie and Anthony Show. The band is touted to be the "Best U2 Tribute Band In the World" and has a contract to follow the band across the east coast performing at small venues near the U2 show. Back in March I found out that U2 would be playing in Raleigh and purchased tickets. In the past month I also found out that 2U was planning an Irish Pub called Napper Tandys. Suddenly I realized that this trip was going to be an opportunity to see both the REAL band and the TRIBUTE! Then, about a week before the trip I found out that Muse, a band I really like, was going to be opening for U2.

I could go on for hours regarding the pre-concert festivities with 2U at Napper Tandys and then the actual show (both Muse and U2 were phenomenal). The stage for U2 made the show both an auditory and a visual experience. Needless to say, I'd strongly recommend seeing U2.

At the same (ok, not EXACTLY the same time...but close...don't be so picky), I've experienced some great excitement in my profession. A portion of both of my IT courses are requiring the development of an instructional program or program using technology. I originally intended my project(s) to revolve around the development of an online approved clinical instructor (ACI) training or workshop. In researching the topic I found that very few programs use an online format, but did find a YouTube clip from Fresno State. I contacted the individual from the video via email and he replied with a few suggestions along with some contact information of others who have experience using an online medium. I contacted this individual and stayed in contact with the first. Through my correspondences I've found that a site for the repository of materials and resources is necessary. This caused me to ask the individuals if they were interested in a collaboration to develop an online program for use by multiple programs. Before I knew it, I had developed a wiki and embedded video, files, discussions, and links to show the possibilities available to learners involved with a forum such as a wiki.

I'm excited to say that thus far, a few days into it, the other "collaborators" seem responsive and eager to learn about wikis and developing a forum for conversation between professionals from locations throughout the country. It may seem strange to hear that I am surprised about this, however, coming from a small college and not having experience publishing or even working extensively with peers who do not work at institutions similar to my own I was surprised at how responsive the others have been. I guess I've never given much credit to myself or my contributions (or potential contributions) in my field. But now I am seeing a bigger picture, I can see that the project that I once thought about building for my own institution has the potential to be developed for many institutions. There is also the potential to complete a case study of the collaboration and possibly publish or present results.

How exciting!?