Chris's Musings

Over the past couple of months, I have had a bunch of conversations with friends about what our "type" is... You know, what type of girl (or guy in the case of the girls I talked to) attracts you?  What type of person makes you stop and say.... (cue the Keaneu Reeves from Bill & Ted's)... Whoa! If I were an alien coming down to observe humanity and spent any time observing singles, I think I would scratch my head at how different humans will look at certain members of the opposite sex and say "Whoa!" while others of us would look at that exact same HOT person and say "Yeah, she's attractive, but I'm just not attracted to her."  I think the aliens would look at this apparently, uber-pickiness we have and conclude "No wonder they're all still single!"  (as if our parents and married friends don't) I wonder (and have wondered aloud in these conversations), are our "types" something that we constructed for ou

One of my favorite movies of all time (I probably shouldn't confess to this, since I haven't watched it in a long time) is the movie Dead Poets Society.  In this movie, a prep school teacher played by Robin Williams motivates and expands the worlds of a group of boys to pursue their dreams and to truly live. It all started with a motivational speech in the hall of students past gone by... in which he whispered. Car-pe-Di-em. Make your lives, extraordinary.   Carpe Diem... Sieze the day.  It is a motto that many of us hold to.  We don't want to merely exist.  We want to live and make our mark on the world we have been placed in.  We want to make a difference. And we pursue what "making a difference" means for us.  Many of these things are great things - projects to be tackled, organizations to be built, deals to be won, ladders to be climbed, experiences to be had. As a result, many of us our busy... and I mean very busy.  Busyness isn't necessari

It is day 3 of the "hostage crisis" more affectionately known as the "government shutdown" (or government "slimdown" if you read FoxNews).  The hostages of this leadership debacle centered in Washington D.C. are the jobs of 800,000 Federal employees whose jobs have been furloughed as a result of this process.  I have a few friends in this group. I will leave my opinions about who's right and who's wrong to myself.  Okay - maybe.  I wish that this childishness in our government would come to an end, and perhaps it may with a change of leadership.  However, people have families to feed, mortgages to pay, and jobs to do (such as my friends at the CDC), so I thought I would offer some "real solutions" to help motivate our leaders to take action.  And to be honest, I'm not going to be too partisan with this list so I'm sure that you'll equally laugh or be offended at some of these suggestions.  That said, here are my top ten.

This was too good not to share. Tonight in small group, we talked about deep friendships, especially friendships among guys, and used the story of Jonathan and David from 1 Samuel 20 as our launching point.  This is a story from David's life in which he confides in Jonathan about what he's learned of Saul, and Jonathan goes to bat for David (and risking his life in the process). There were two things that really caught our attention (I originally had about 20 things brainstormed and five large bullet items to discuss) and occupied our time. First, was that Jonathan got involved in David's situation instead of merely giving advice.  See Jonathan's response to David's complaint: Jonathan said to David, “Whatever you want me to do, I’ll do for you.” - 1 Sam 20:4 This is not a normal response in most of our worlds, especially in 21st century white collar America.  Generally, when a friend confides in us about a problem, our first response (as guys) is to give

Yesterday, after a long work week, I took off out of the city and away from the busyness of life and technology to go hike the Panther Creek Falls trail with a group of friends.  I have been looking forward to this hike for a while because a.) Panther Creek has been on my "really want to do" hikes for a while, and b.) I hadn't had the opportunity to get up to the mountains much this summer and had organized this day trip to do just that. I love hiking; I think I like getting out into nature in general but there's something about hiking that makes me feel happy.  Perhaps it's from my Boy Scout days and memories of treks to Philmont and camping trips; who knows? And I mean, I love hiking (not just walking).  If there isn't some adventure to where we're going then I'm not all that into it.  Panther Creek Falls was that kind of adventure.  Rumor is that it's one of the most fantastic waterfalls in Georgia and I couldn't wait to get to it. And

The other night, I went out to iTunes to add some Country songs to my playlist.  I've been listening to The Bull (one of the Country stations here in Atlanta) a lot lately and it was time to make a few purchases. Revoke my man card if you like, but I really like ballads.  One of the songs that I downloaded (partly because I love the lead vocalist's voice) is "If I die young" by The Band Perry.  I've been listening to it a lot lately, and have gotten really stuck on the words of the last verse... A penny for my thoughts, oh no, I'll sell 'em for a dollar They're worth so much more after I'm a goner And maybe then you'll hear the words I been singing Funny, when you're dead how people start listening Wow.  I don't want to speculate on what the song writer was intending to convey in this prose, but it appears like the desperate words of someone crying out for someone to listen; and in a final act of desperation destroying th

This has to be my favorite romantic song out right now... And I'm saving this dance. Yes, I am a "hopeless romantic" :-) "Hey Pretty Girl" Hey pretty girl, won't you look my way Love's in the air tonight You can bet you make this ol' boy's day Hey pretty girl, won't you look my way Hey pretty girl, can I have this dance And the next one after that Gonna make you mine there's a real good chance Hey pretty girl, can I have this dance Hey pretty girl, it feels so right Just like it's meant to be All wrapped up in my arms so tight Hey pretty girl, it feels so right Life's a long and winding ride Better have the right one by your side And happiness don't drag its feet Time moves faster than you think Hey pretty girl, wanna take you home My momma's gonna love you She'll make me sleep on the couch, I know Hey pretty girl, wanna take you home Hey pretty girl, let's build some dreams And a house on a piece of land W

Did you know that there is now a Waffle House kiosk in Turner Field? That was 13 games ago. They Braves haven't lost since!  They are 13-0 with a Waffle House in the building. Which only means one thing... The Waffle House is HOT.  Given that this is the case, here's a top 10 list of other uses of good WH mojo. 1.) Put one in Kyle Field.  Like... NOW! 2.) Take your next first date to Waffle House.  You think I'm crazy, but she could be the one! 3.) Before you get your PowerBall tickets, make sure you get it smothered, covered, and topped with some love. 4.) Who's to argue with some of Bert's Chili on your suit before that big interview? 5.) Carb loading before a marathon!!  Waffle... Hash Browns... PR baby. 6.)  Prospect meeting before the big contract negotiation (now, to be realistic, I've had pre-sales call strategy meetings at truck stop diners before, so this isn't terribly far fetched) 7.)  Did they announce layoffs at your comp

I was actually zoning out somewhat when this suggestion was directed at me.  I was out with a few friends fo queso and tacos at a nearby taqueria, awaiting the Smyrna fireworks show. My friend, a female, was talking about her experience with a guy that she's gone out with about three times now.  And then... "You know, you really should hold a class for guys" Of course, I was now paying attention and ready to tell my friend how unqualified I am to talk to anyone about dating.  (aka - you really should find a married guy to talk to us single knuckleheads about how to relate to women).  Then, she said something to the tune of... "Oh no, that's not what I mean.  I'm talking about guys having a plan." And she didn't mean having a plan for their life... or having anything figured out... she just meant that she wanted the guy to actually plan the date. Apparently (I'm hoping this guy doesn't read this, honestly), this guy whom she was se

I get into seasons where I listen to a lot of Country music, and I'm currently in one.  I've listened to the Bull on the way to work a lot.  Some of the songs are just good for the soul, and some are great for a laugh. I think it's interesting that you could be listening to a song like this, in which you heart smiles (I can be a sucker for romantic songs) and I think "oh wow - this would be a great first dance at my wedding.  My current favorite is this one... the lyrics are awesome (especially the ending) And then the very next song. Yes, the very next song. Finishes its chorus with these words... Chew tobacco Chew tobacco Chew tobacco... SPIT! Thank you Blake Shelton. And now I can't get that song out of my head for the rest of your day. Anyone else feel this confused? Okay - I may secretly like that Blake Shelton song... it is really really redneck, though ;-) I just wonder why Country stations always play a song like this behind an

Today, for the eighth consecutive year, I joined 60,000 fellow runners, aspiring runners, and people drinking beer down Peachtree Road for a t-shirt to run the annual Peachtree Road Race. For those that don't know, the PRR is the world's largest 10K race - fielding 60,000 runners that vie for a number through a lottery system and run for 6.2 miles in the heat to get a coveted t-shirt.  And some will walk the race route, collecting free beer from the bars along the way.  It's a very unique, and special experience.  It's also great people watching too. Given that it's the Fourth of July (and the PRR is at it's core a large Independence Day party), the fact that this is the biggest race perhaps on the planet in terms of attendance, and the terrorist attack in Boston last April, the police presence around the race was abundant and obvious.  I could tell that they were "on" when, upon leaving MARTA I said "thank you" to one of the officers in

I don't know if you know this about me or not, but I work my "9 to 5" primarily looking at a lot of marketing data; analyzing how to best market and position solutions.  In an strange way, the use of data and quantitative analysis has become the new "normal" for the 21st century marketer.  The advent of a new brand of software platforms called "Marketing Automation" tools - such as Marketo which I am a power user in and use heavily in my professional life and Eloqua which I've used in the past - and started the age where tech-savvy-ness (Yes, I just made up a word) and marketing "art" will be blended and are being blended.  It's really exciting to be a marketer today and one reason why I invested in my MBA, and will be more so in the future. So - what does this have to do with losing 30 pounds? Shockingly, I've been at this blog for close to 5 years now.  As a marketer by trade, someone who loves to understand how people

I opened up Texags.com the other day to see the article newsfeed blow up once again with news about Aggie football, and our beloved Johnny Football. I kind of wish it was about his game. Instead, it was another off the field piece of drama.  Thank you Twitter. Like most of us that hit the "send" button on something that we didn't use our brain to write... at 1:38am on a Sunday morning/Saturday night... (do recall that Manziel is 19... and with that comes all of the immaturity that comes with being that age, and perhaps some more), he immediately deleted the tweet and retracted it.  However, the news media (some of whom want to see him, and A&M, fall) picked up on it soon enough and it made national news.  Yes - I read about it on ESPN.com. Blow up the drama.  College Station is a fishbowl.  Manziel parties too much.  He's going to leave for the NFL at the first chance he gets!  Now the news media goes back and recalls an incident where Manziel, before he b

There are a few fortunate/blessed people out there that have never and will never feel the pain of having a romantic relationship end.  I've heard stories (like Louie's), and honestly I am a little envious. The rest of us mere mortals have loved and lost... or things didn't work out with someone that we invested a chunk of our life with.  This is probably more normal... in fact I heard (or read) somewhere that the eHarmony guy Dr. Neil Clark Warren estimates that the average person will date 100 people (I think that includes those blind coffee dates, so don't worry) and have a serious relationship with 6 people before they get married.  Ok - wow... that's a lot of "well, I'm not that into you" and "well, I'm sorry but it's not you it's me" type of conversations.   And can I tell you, breaking up (doesn't matter if you are the dump-er, the dump-ee, or it was mutual) really stinks.  It may be the best decision, but it s

I finally watched this video this morning, and like probably most guys that have seen it that have been on the other side of the conversation like this... We laughed. And were glad, if we were at home, that no one was around. Especially a woman :-) All of us guys that either are married, in relationships, or have been in relationships before have been in this precarious predicament before.  (I'll talk from my perspective) Our girlfriend opens up about something that's really bothering her, she's obviously distraught about it, and we in our infinite (and supposedly objective) wisdom can see the solution to the problem obviously staring us in the face. Supposedly.  It's like... "what you really need is... to take the nail out of your head." And honestly, let's give ourselves some credit because we do mean well and as guys we are natural problem solvers.  We're pretty smart (in our own minds) and can figure out how to make things better, and

Have you ever been in one of those situations where you feel stuck, where you know what you want God to do in your heart but there's just something blocking you from doing it, or asking for it, or in some cases, you don't even know what to ask for.  I've been in that boat before, and honestly this morning was one of those days for me.  Not going to embellish  but I just felt really overwhelmed and I went into my prayer time really wanting God to do something.   I read today's devotion in Jesus Calling, something that was really good for the soul, and I needed that reminder from the devotion today.  When I started to pray, I had this thought pop in my head, especially as my mind was really all over the place. " Now to him who is able  to do immeasurably more than all we ask  or imagine, according to his power  that is at work within us..." (Eph 3:20) And somehow, in that moment, it dawned on me that perhaps the reason that my mind was blocked was that m

I am currently car shopping.  This is, for me, the equivalent of last night's "shoe shopping" observation. I love to shop for cars; and get very analytical about my decisions when I car shop. My A/C went out on my '04 Accord, which hasn't been the best car but it's served me well for 2 1/2 years... and it's paid for (HUGE plus).  Given the age of my car and how expensive that repair would cost, it's time to think about a new car, even though I really wanted to be in the market a couple of years from now vs. today... but it is what it is.  I started out searching for small SUVs, because I want something that will support my active lifestyle and that seemed like a good fit.  My basic requirements are: I want the car to be technology rich (like, I can plug in my phone, iPad, etc.), stuff like rear cameras and all that I want the car to be fun to drive I want the car to be easy on gas.  I HATE paying a lot at the pump, especially after owning

This was a great Saturday.  I went out to the mountains with a few friends today to do a little wine tasting at a north Georgia winery on a LivingSocial coupon.  The excursion was really great.  I highly recommend taking the "cave tour" at Yonah Mountain Vinyards.  The owner, who toured us through the production facilities, shared a lot with us about how they run the production facilities and a few snarky quips. Not to mention, we got to taste a few really great wines.  I actually bought one (shocking, if you know my opinion of Southeast wineries).   After our tour, we grabbed lunch at a really good pizza place near Helen, GA and finished up our day at the Dawsonville Outlet Mall.  My goal, which I accomplished, was to get some new polos and work shirts.  I acquired four pretty good new shirts... mission accomplished.  My friends were perusing the outlets in search of some new shoes, and they walked into this store: Oh, did I mention that my traveling friends

'So they called together all of the rulers of the Philistines and asked them, "What shall we do with the ark of the god of Israel?'" - 1 Samuel 5:8 In my devotional reading time this morning, I ran across a story that I've always found somewhat amusing (this narrative has been preached by Louie at Passion Conferences before), but somehow today God popped a couple of thoughts in my mind that I thought I'd share. Over in the book of first Samuel (the story about how Israel's monarchy started beginning with the rise of Samuel the judge), the writer records how the Philistines annihilate Israel's army while two uber-corrupt priests are judges over Israel (a quasi-kind-of their version of the King at the time).  These two dudes decide to bring the ark of the covenant out to battle after they were beaten, as a trump card for their next battle, and in the process were slaughtered and the Philistines capture the ark and take it into their city (this is rec