July 2006 Archives
Jul21

We Got IT.

Posted at 8:50 AM • View Comments

This weekend past, I made a visit to Lake Martin in Alabama.  One of my mom’s cousins has a house out there and every year we all make a valiant attempt to get out there.  I don’t think my immediate family has ever all been out there at the same time. 

It was really nice seeing everyone and I didn’t even see everyone.  When we were all evacuated during Katrina, my parents were in AL with family while my siblings and I were in TX.  The family in AL took care of my parents; and a few weeks later, when we moved to Baton Rouge, they drove trucks of supplies down to help us get setup. 

Needless to say, a good amount of emotion was spread throughout the camp amongst the hugs and kisses.  It was as if everyone was glad to see each other under safe and somewhat normal circumstances.  I’m always amazed, as people, how quick we can be to take others for granted; but the great thing is that we are reminded by people too.

During the 24 hours I was there, I had several relatives tell me how much they enjoyed my writing and how much it meant to them.  Honestly, I never knew how many people were reading my blog or were touched by it.  Their compliments meant so more to me than I can express.  One of my closest cousins told me I had ‘it.’  She explained to me that ‘it’ (not the ‘it’ from eBay) was the understanding of what really matters in life…family (the people who truly care for you).  I was quite flattered and did not know what to say.  I rarely do.  I’m terrible at taking compliments.

As I got on the road for my 3 hour trip back to Atlanta, I was thinking about ‘it.’  While I was flattered, I realized that I don’t have ‘it’ without the ones closest to me having ‘it.’  My family was a cohesive and calm unit.  Combining our strengths made us a strong force to take down.  The whole experience (which we are still feeling the effects of) took things from us but not one another.

Jul5

All Things Being Cyclical

Posted at 9:44 AM • View Comments

Often I think to myself that one of the best things I ever did for myself was begin to listen to my parents.  For whatever reason in high school, I was that typical male that knew everything.  Early in college, I was still that male but began to at least consider the option that maybe they knew what they were talking about.

When I look back, I truly believe that it has set the course for the way I view things now.  My father and mother have given me so much advice and guidance.  As I became more receptive, they became more open to giving it to me.  Most of the time I will consider the advice of people but dissect what they are telling me.  When my parents speak to me, I almost take it without question.  I know their only agenda is to see me be well in life.

It took awhile, but I finally came to terms with the fact that I would be forever indebted to these wonderful people and that there is absolutely no way I could ever pay them back.  However, I will keep trying to do so.  It can be dinner or lunch.  It can be randomly doing what I can to help them out. 

My father and I have a great relationship.  He has taught me so much about business acumen.  The intangibles…the intricacies of this world that can’t be taught in B-school.  No course, no book, nothing can teach what he has given me.  Another aspect whereby I can never repay him for what he’s given me.  Until now…

Due to the state of New Orleans right now, he is currently looking for a position.  For the first time in 35 years, he has to look for a job.  He’s has run his own outfits since graduating from college.  For him, I’m sure it’s a very humbling and huge learning experience.  When it comes to job hunting today, the only thing that looks the same as 35 years ago is showing up on time.  The networking, the hunt and the attire are all completely different.  My age, location and industry, lend me to live in a fierce world of competition.  I’ve spent a great deal of time and effort building up my network learning all that I can.  I keep building this entity.  It never occurred to me that the collateral I was building up would be used on someone else.  I’m teaching him about networking sites such as LinkedIn and The Ladders.  Also, about how companies filter resumes now and to get it actually read by a person.  The people he needs to speak to and which blogs he needs to be reading.

My dad is sending me his resume (available upon request).  He is asking my advice on what it looks like.  I am asking the contacts I have made to help me out with resume review and helping him find a spot.  It’s a new journey for him and the idea that I can help him out is one of the coolest things I have experienced.  It’s odd when I call my dad for advice now because he has several questions for me right back.  I’m so honored to be part of his decision process.

It’s the ultimate compliment to him because the advice I’m giving him is simply a reflection of the scope of advice he’s given me.  When I speak, it’s him listening to the mold of a man that he created.