Category Archives: Blog

Thank you!

Seven years ago tomorrow, I had a big career-change moment. It put me in fight-or flight-mode — and I’ve been in it ever since. While it hasn’t been easy at times, I will say that it has been the best … Continue reading

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How to survive the 5%

Fairly long post warning: The alarm went off at 3:52 (don’t ask me why I set it at such a random time — I just did). I rolled over and with the precision of a Swiss Watch, I reset it … Continue reading

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The flight of the Avenger

The deck of the aircraft carrier pitches due to the rough South Pacific swells. You are a 19-year-old but have experienced enough hell to be 70. The hum of the starter gives way to the giant radial engine in front … Continue reading

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Lesson from this morning’s workout

Sometimes we get so caught up in our day-to-day struggles that we don’t notice the world is changing around us. We’re like the frog who boiled in the pot — we think we’re comfy in a nice, warm hot tub … Continue reading

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The smartest person in the room

Next Sunday, I’ll be addressing Phi Kappa Phi’s induction ceremony at Ole Miss. Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest, largest and most selective honor society. That means that I will be talking to a room of full of people … Continue reading

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Yes, Joyce Carol Oates, we read

Joyce Carol Oates is a much better writer than I am. She’s much smarter than I am, too. But dang, she sure wrote a stupid Tweet. Carl Rollyson (who I am sure is thrilled to be part of this poop … Continue reading

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The Siren Song

My phone dings, beckoning me with its electronic siren song. I, being properly trained like one of Pavlov’s mutts, immediately pick it up. There’s knowledge to be had after all. And my phone is ready to share. I quickly open … Continue reading

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And they lived happily ever after

Once upon a time in mass of land between New Orleans and Mobile, there was a beautiful kingdom. And in that kingdom were majestic oaks, beautiful homes, tall hotels and floating casinos. Brown water tickled the white sand. Barrier islands … Continue reading

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Show me the Heart: A lesson from Jerry Maguire

Last night, Amy, my family and I watched the movie Jerry Maguire. Written by Cameron Crowe and staring about every famous person from the 1990s, Jerry Maguire is the story of a sports agent (Tom Cruise) who, after suffering a … Continue reading

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An Open Letter to Tropical Storm Nate

Dear Tropical Storm Nate, I just saw your updated travel itinerary and it looks like you’re dropping by here for a visit — as in, “we’re under a Jim Cantore Warning!” Not good. I know, I know — your plans … Continue reading

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