Two Weeks in the Big City!

What a couple of weeks! I have to start off by saying that I'm not in Kansas anymore...I'm in the ATL! Well, actually I'm in Cumming (North Atlanta), better known as Suburbia, USA. But it is good. It is definitely going to take some more getting used to, but I'm going to continue to do what I do!

Living Arrangements: I moved into the basement of Uncle Chuck and Aunt Rob's House when I moved to GA. It has worked out great so far. Some of you may know Aunt Rob as my running and Amazing Race buddy. They are a great family, and one that I am glad and proud to be a part of. I look at Uncle C and Aunt Rob and their love for one another is amazing. I strive to have that kind of love with my future wife. Living with a family is definitely different after living in an apartment and/or dorm for the last 4 years of my life. But it is fun to. My cousins Emily (15) and Zach (10) are great and needless to say, I'm quickly becoming an expert at Guitar Hero! (Shout out to Cait, other cousin, whose at NGU!)

Job: In the previous post I entitled my job "Dream Job" because it is exactly what I want to do during this season of my life. And after two weeks...I can honestly say that it is going great. I am learning a lot right now, and am carefully placed up under the wing of Ian and Janine. I get to work from home and the office is a very cool energetic atmosphere. I have a little desk, but from time to time, I take the MacBook out to the porch and sit outside and do my work. You really can't beat it! I think reality will set in when I'm in Africa for 20 days in November working 16+ hours a day! But that's what I'm working/waiting for! The staff has been really supportive of me as I am learning and Ian and Janine seem to give me a little more responsibility each day. When all is said in done, I think I am going to really like what I am doing.

Atlanta: For years I've heard people say, "You know, Augusta's traffic is getting to be just like Atlanta". Or, "Woodruff Road is turning into Atlanta". Over-exaggeration of the century. I learned this quickly. You can really waste a lifetime sitting in Atlanta traffic. For Example, I went to Greenville this weekend to visit friends, and figured that if I left by 3pm on Friday I would be fine. Wrong. The 30 minute trip to the Interstate took an Hour. You really have to plan your drives. But, it's a great town. I know where the Wal-Mart is and I know how to ride the MARTA...is there anything else?!?!

Friends: I have to admit, I miss G-vegas. And I miss the friendships. It'll probably take some time creating and establishing friendships, but I figured that, and am ready for it. I guess I have two options to meet people: the bar or church. I've chosen to go with church. I have been to a couple of Singles get-to-gethers at North Point and have actually just joined a small-group. A group where you "do life together" I'm excited, we will see how it goes. It is kind of weird being dumped into the "Singles" pile of people anywhere from 21-50s. It's fun watching the old guys trying to be smooth and pick up ladies.


That is all I have from the ATL for now...Hawks tickets just went on sale so I'm out of here!

Goodbye...Sweet Greenville, SC

I told Dad on the way to Atlanta that it was funny how are conversations have begun to change. We no longer talk about mowing the grass and doing homework, but instead we talk about Mutual Funds and buying homes. Wow! Have I grown up that fast?!


So, Saturday September 15th was my move to Cumming, GA. I have to admit, I am pumped about the new and fresh opportunities, about my job, and about all the things to come, but I have to say...I'm really going to miss Greenville.

I really didn't fall in love with it until my Junior year at North Greenville Univ. Then, during the summer, I actually stayed in G-ville with Room aka Adam Blanton in a house on Wade Hampton. I worked part-time at The Cliffs Communities, hung out with my friends, started dating Ashley Austin, and discovered all that was Greenville. It was an amazing summer, no doubt about it!

I don't want to say that "I'm leaving Greenville behind" because I love it there. I would not mind even raising a family there one day. But with this blog I wanted to tell you about some of my favorite things in G-Vegas...maybe you'll get the bug...

Downtown Greenville-Best downtown I've ever experienced (and I've seen New York's and LA's). Great place to hang, eat, workout, study. It's all down there. From Cleveland Park where you can run and ride to the new High Cotton where you have to take your lady for an evening meal and try the mash potatoes.

Paris Mountain- A great view of Greenville and a great place to road bike.

Spill the Beans- Best Ice-Cream you'll ever eat in Historic West End G-ville.

North Greenville University- I had to throw the alma-mater up there. I mean, I did spend 4 years of my life at this place! Great Private college...I'm glad I went...but now I'm glad I'm out!

Gusto Cycles- A Great Bike Shop located on Wade Hampton. Great guys and you can ride all over Greenville using the shop as a starting point.

The Beacon- Well, this is Spartanburg, but only about 40 minutes from Greenville. Perhaps the best restaurant in the world. If you're looking for grease and more food than you can imaging eating, you better hit up The Beacon!

Barley's- The Best (and cheapest) Pizza you can get in Greenville. Open late, always a great atmosphere, and right in the middle of downtown.

Catalyst Church- This is a remote of North Point Community Church in Atlanta, pastored by Andy Stanley. A great place to go on Sunday Morning.


So these are just a couple of things that are unique to Greenville that I loved while I was there. Soon, I know, I'll have a similar (maybe longer) list of things from the ATL. Check out the links if you want, I have a meeting with Ludacris and Bow-Wow about ownership of the Atlanta Hawks!

Dream Job...

So I think I've finally gotten the hang of this blog thing...now the problem is: "Is anybody reading it?" Haha.

I wanted to fill you in on this past weekend: What a life-changing one that it was! I've been talking with the organization that I went to Africa with, Heart For Africa, for the last month. They were interested in interviewing me for an open position. Of course, if you've known me within the last 2 years you know that I have a love for Africa and want to do my part in helping that Amazing Continent.

I was definitely interested in the opportunity and put my best foot forward during the entire process. Could this be happening, could I really, maybe, possibly, be getting the job of my dreams this season?

Well the dream became a reality this past Friday. I got a phone call from the amazing Janine Maxwell, with the news that I was the newest member of this awesome organization. I will be the Partnership Co-ordinator and will help define and manage projects on the ground in Africa. Also, I will get to travel to Africa a few times a year. So to recap, because I'm on the floor right now as well! Orphans, widows, Africa, full-time job, the Lord's Will for this season in my life, being a small part of the solution for Africa...it can't get any better than this! Thank you, Lord.

Along with the other life changing events: I'm on the move. In two weeks I'll be moving to the A-T-L. Better known as Atlanta, GA. That's right, the city that I said I wanted to be my eventual home...that's where I'm going. I'm actually moving to Cumming and pumped about the new friends, new church North Point Community Church, and I guess the new start!

I'm not going to lie, I am a little anxious about the whole move and newness of everything. I love Greenville, SC and am very comfortable here...but, you gotta try something new every once in a while!

I'll miss everything here a lot though. No doubt about it. I have a funny feeling, though, that I'll be around...and that I may be back one day. Besides, Mark and I have to develop the first "Bagel Pitt" in downtown Greenville; then on to franchising!

Cyclism Sunday...in Greenville!

As you probably know...I am a big cycling fan. I love to ride, watch, and talk about cycling. Now, I know that some of you are probably laughing or questioning my choice of sports, but that's ok! I had someone (Debbie B) tell me this weekend that she would rather watch grass grow than pay attention to the world of cycling!

This weekend was a big weekend for US Cycling. Greenville hosted the US Pro Cycling Championships for the 2nd straight year...and it was awesome. This was the first time that I was able to witness a pro event and I have to tell you, I got chills when the riders flew past at speeds of 35-40mph. The ride consisted of an awesome sight-seeing trip of Greenville County. The Pros did three laps around Cleveland Park, 4 laps up the ungodly Paris Mountain, and then 3 more laps around Cleveland Park for a finish at Broad and Main for a total of 131 miles.

Levi Leipheimer took the win and beat out our man George Hincapie by a little over a minute. The race was a great experience and from our vantage point we were able to see the pros pass 10x. Ashley was even able to get a VIP pass and party like a rock star with George, Levi, and David Zabriskie after the race was over!