Are You Going to a Job Interview?

As you know, I commute a considerable distance to work (40 miles, one way). I always stop for gas in Trenton, Ohio--a very small, conservative, working class town--because they have the cheapest fuel around.

When I drive to work, I often think of how my journey begins and ends in two very affluent places (Oxford and Kettering Foundation), but most of the drive is a working class environment, with an economy stimulated by coal, steel, and manual labor. I don't always appreciate the beauty of Trenton and Middletown, especially when I get caught by one of their trains. Sometimes I'm even oblivious to the contrast in my commute, except when certain things happen to jar me out of my ignorance.

I am forced to wear a shirt and tie everyday to work. I've grown to tolerate it, but it's certainly not my preference. When I stop to get fuel, I occasionally notice some awkward stares from fellow gas station patrons, but I assume it's because I drive a yellow SUV. This probably isn't the case, I've decided. You see, when the gas station attendant waits on me, and if I'm feeling conversational, he/she often asks if I'm going to a job interview. The first few times it happened, I shrugged it off, but after the fifth or sixth time, I began to wonder why I kept getting that question. I have thought a lot about it, and I can only figure that I'm probably the only person they see in the morning wearing a shirt and tie. I decided to test my hypothesis, and follow up with a probing question the next time I was asked.

It finally happened this morning.

After I was asked--almost verbatim--if I was going to a job interview, I politely asked, "Why would you think that?," to which the woman responded, "Because you're all dressed up."

Fair enough, I guess. Considering this woman probably waits on 300 people in the morning, 5 or 6 days a week, and I'm probably the only one in a shirt and tie, I can't argue with her line of thinking. It just makes me more cognizant of who I am.

Celebrating the Day of My Birth

Yesterday, I turned 26. We had a little celebration at work, Erica made (bought) me a cake, we ate dinner with some very good friends, and played Uno with some other friends (they are very good friends, too). Erica had already given me my present a week early, which is shown below.

(this will probably be the topic of a future blog post. For now, though, just know that it is an unhealthy obsession I've had since 1994.)

As I was driving home yesterday from work, I began to reflect on my birthday, and what it all meant. My reflections can best be described by the following:

No more break in car insurance premiums, no more bar night excitement. Just new digits! As I was reflecting, I quickly started thinking about my life. There are only two conclusions I could draw:

and

All kidding aside, it was a great birthday. Thanks to all who wished me well!

I Might Have a Screw (Or Two) Loose, But....

Someone in this world thinks that I need to have my cabinets refinished. He/she is so sure of this fact, that he/she emails me at work every morning at 9:00 am.

Every morning when I arrive at work, I exchange pleasantries with co-workers, put my lunch in the refrigerator, make some green tea, and try to catch up on the world while I was sleeping. As soon as I finish, just like clock work, I hear a faint "ding" that lets me know someone cares enough about me to send an email. I admittedly get excited, only to discover it is from "Cabinet Refinishing" with the subject line "Your Guide to Do-It-Yourself Cabinet Refinishing."

I'm not sure what about my demographics says "do-it-yourself," "cabinets," "refinishing," or any combination of the three, but someone sure thinks so. I'd like to meet him/her and get the bottom of this.

I guess there are worse things to be solicited for online (e.g, .... well, you know what they are), but I can't seem to figure this one out. For now, I'll just take sanctity in the fact someone cares enough to email me with what he/she deems my best interest at heart!

Leadership Lineage

A couple of weeks ago, I attended Sigma Pi University, an international leadership conference for Sigma Pi brothers. 350 people were in attendance--the largest ever gathering at one of these events. I was asked to present on two things I know very little about: planning chapter retreats and crisis management. The presentations went pretty well, although I'm still surprised that students are interested in crisis management at 9:30 in the morning.

As with any conference, the informal gathering time was the best. I was able to reconnect with many brothers I met on the road during my time as a traveling leadership consultant. I was also able to connect with my chapter brothers from SVSU. Here is a picture of all 4 of us. Coincidentally, we are all past Sages (presidents) from our chapter.

You'll notice the haziness of the picture. It was probably 124 degrees that day, and I was in a shirt and tie. Needless to say, I nearly combusted after this photo was taken.

The trip also solidified my LOVE for Nashville. It is an amazing city, with great live music. I hope to live there (or a similar city) when all is said and done.

Mr. & Mrs. Johnson

Here we are. We have over 955 images, so I just thought I'd post a few of them here. Don't know what else to say, other than it was the best day of my life!

Wedding Post #2 - Rehearsal Dinner

Practice makes perfect; or so they say. After the bachelor party festivities, we commenced to rehearsing. Erica made me wear a shirt and tie so I could be presentable. (Just kidding. Love you honey.)

Everyone arrived on time, and we were set to go. We began by signing the marriage license a day early (please don't tell anyone). Pictured with us is Father Charlie, the man who helped make our marriage so. We couldn't imagine working with anyone else who was so kind and easy-going. He made us so feel comfortable throughout the whole experience.


This is the illustrious best man and maid of honor. They were signing the license here so we had official witnesses. (Side note: In Vegas, for an extra $200, your witnesses can be Sonny and Cher, Bonnie and Clyde, or Johnny and June Cash.)




One hour later, we were done with rehearsal, and ready to chow down on some pizza, salad, and cake.

Here we are all getting ready to eat so pizza and salad. Everyone looks so happy! (Notice only one person is paying attention in the photo.)








This would prove to be good practice for the following day:



And finally, this man. The rehearsal dinner took place in the town bowling alley. We stumbled across a very important person in the town, who apparently was a really good bowler. From birth, this man was destined to be a bowler, I'm sure.

I think I dragged everyone at the dinner to see this picture. I couldn't get enough of this guy. So happy he is. At this point, we were only one day away from being as happy as Mr. Ball.....

"Leave nothing for tomorrow which can be done today."

Do you know who said that quote? This guy:


This little gem comes from last weekend's trip to Nashville. We were at a "trailer park" bar (has an old car you can sit on, mismatching lawn furniture, old tires, green AstroTurf), having a few big boy pops, and who walks through the door? ABE LINCOLN. I, like other bar goers, couldn't believe me eyes. He looked just like Abe Lincoln. His beard was real, his eyes looked old and wise. He spoke very little. He had a top hat. I solicited him for the picture, and felt very uneasy talking with him. Quite possibly the strangest bar night I've ever had.

I spoke with our waitress, who tells us he is a real "Abe Lincoln impersonator." This brings up a multitude of questions:

• How does one choose this line of work?
• Are there fake impersonators?
• Is this a full-time job?
• Are his circle of friends fellow presidential impersonators?

(Better pictures to follow soon.)

New Hobby - Gardening

A small but dedicated group of us at work make use of the elaborate garden that Kettering so graciously provides us. Anyone can claim a plot (or more), but only a few of us do. My motivation for getting involved was purely pragmatic, as I figured I could save a few bucks by growing some food rather than paying grocery store prices. Like many fellow gardeners, I find myself relishing (pun intended) the experience more than the harvest. I think this is something I'll continue later in life.


Here is a copy of the report I filed for others at the foundation:

TO: Kettering Foundation Staff

FROM: The Gardening Group (Lara, Derek, Matt)

CC: Mother Earth

DATE: August 1, 2007

SUBJECT: Mid-Season Report

The Gardening Group has experienced a very successful first half of the season, and wishes to file a mid-season report. We have produced many cucumbers, peppers, greens, tomatoes, peas, beans, and basil. We “weathered” some attacks from squash bugs and things of the like, but managed to recover quickly.

While we are always happy to share our harvest, we are even happier to welcome new members into our group. We plan to plant our second harvest in a couple of weeks.