Skip to main content

Growing Up and Moving On

Growth has been the mantra for yours truly in 2012. I mentioned about it in the 2011 DP Year in Review, and have done so several times in posts over the past ten months. I've tried to improve myself daily and attempted to mature as I have begun my years of the late-twenties. In doing so I have broken some habits, started new ones, and have ultimately been searching for that special something - that next step as I always called it - in my life. I wasn't sure what it was, or what it entailed, but I knew it was something there that needed to be explored. 

Well, after months and months of consistent prayer and asking the good Lord to not only make that next step aware to me, but give me courage to pursue it without fear, as faithful as he is, it was granted. After seeing a job posting online one night, I applied, and even worked some contacts I already had to learn more about the position. After a site visit, a job interview, and yes, more prayer, I was offered the position of a lifetime.

After two and a half years of working in Parks and Recreation, yours truly will be moving on to work in the highly touted NYU Athletics department. 

[sideblog: And for those True Tales of Parks and Recreation fans (which has been quite the hit), no worries, as I have a lot more entries, including some stories I can put to a blank screen.]

I can honestly say, and as corny as it may sound, this is a dream come true. Working in athletics has been the ultimate dream for me. Not to mention, I'll be doing EXACTLY what I've always wanted to do in running intramural and wellness programs, as well as having input on athletic facility procedures. To be honest, I still can't believe it. 

After receiving the phone call last Thursday, I pretty much mirrored the reaction of Shawn Michaels in 1996 when he won his first world title. And yes, I'm sure there are many of you that completely missed that pro wrestling analogy. But honestly, it was the first thing that came to mind, especially after mirroring his celebration motion when I accepted and ended the phone call. 

Finally...

Pretty much the motion I made in office parking lot...and yes,  there were a few weird looks

Nonetheless, this has been a long time coming. Looking back on those internship days of hoping to find a job and worrying that my life would forever be spent interning. To landing a pretty good job, but being miserable in the finance world filled with backstabbing and insanely long work days. To being laid off, and spending almost a year and a half working multiple part-time jobs and some odd-end jobs here and there while going to graduate school and feeling as if things would never turn around for me. To being called back to Parks and Rec and reigniting a professional fire in me that not only helped organize recreational standards within the park, but also revolutionized the way permits are being issued in this city. 

[sideblog: I learned earlier this month the City will model their new recreational and field permit procedure after the one I created and adapted at my current employer.]

And now this...Yes, this opportunity. 

It was all worth it. Every bit of the journey to this point. 

I wouldn't be able to have done this without friends who continue to make me feel like a million bucks when things looked bleak. Haters that did what they do best - gossiping, doubting and talking behind my back in jealousy. My parents who always believed. My wife who made me realize I was capable of so much more. And a loving God whose plan is always perfect, even when we have no idea as we run the course. 

It's not the end, and I'm sure there are more steps coming as I run this race called life, but this was the first step of many I've been searching for. The first big step as I continue to improve. And the first step as yours truly looks to continue to grow up. 

Recently Read

Still...American

O say, can you see? first generation dream-chasing foundation  maybe it wasn’t for me? But still, an opportunity. socio-mobility Hey kid, “Be the best you can be” For you, and a future be  Or two or three Don’t mind the history. It’s broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight Within by class, age, political party Or the mere color of skin. Embrace those (societal) ramparts so gallantly streaming over-Patriotic expression,  Ever redeeming I’ll use my boot straps, for sure! “We got money for wars, but can’t feed the poor?!” Keep ya head up… Straps up, too! Yet, still the bombs burst in air where democracy can be unfair Legacy pipelines everywhere School shootings here…and there, No care. Why is this us? just us? ‘Merica!!!  Send up thoughts and a prayer. But don’t tread on me… Whatever, our flag is still there. Praise God! For I still rather be here It’s Dr. King. Freedom to pursue. unappreciated blessings My pledge of allegiance is internally fiery, Tho...

Dear Son, Big Fan of the Kid Turning Seven

---7 Years Old --- Dear Son,  It’s been a while since I’ve dropped a few thoughts. Forgive me, I’ve just been watching. Just observing. Taking it all in. Trying to be a good dad. I’m punching the keys today from one of your martial arts practices. It’s your second with “the big kids” and also the second time I’ve found myself watching from the sidelines with anxiety, with pride, and with likely my biggest fandom for you yet in this space. My feelings are much more than you playing baseball or coaching you in basketball. Your disposition is different. Your excellence is different in this space. With martial arts, you stay diligent with the process. Respectful. Working hard. Getting better. In competition with and respecting the older kids you are training with. That’s what I’ve enjoyed. It encapsulates everything you’ve grown into thus far. Still empathetic as ever, but adding an element of self-ambition and drive - something I’ve prided myself on - and to see you mature into this m...

Quick Ponder: Living for Your Kids

Many, are willing to die for their kids. Few, are committed to live for their kids.