I'm sure for everyone who watched the situation with Hurricane Rita unfold on television, it likely appeared that everything in the southeast part of Texas was a complete mess. As one who survived the hype and subsequent turmoil, I can only agree. It was a mess.
Our home is just a few blocks away from the I-45 corridor and to see such a happening at our doorstep was pretty doggone scary! I probably should have taken some notes to log how I was feeling at this point, what I was thinking at that point, whatever. It would have made an incredible blog (from my perspective anyway). Of course, the fact that I, along with some 2.5 million evacuees, were not actually in harm's way would take a lot of steam out of such a story. That's the trouble with responding to such hurricane warnings. Mother Nature always has the final say and noone in their right mind can ever truly predict where such a storm will run aground. But, after seeing what transpired hardly 4 weeks before in Louisiana, anyone would have been foolish to wait around to see if the storm might turn.
Still, after spending $100 on plywood to cover the windows at my house, fighting the evacuee traffic to get to work, spending 1 1/2 days without electricity and dealing with the uncertainty following Rita, I've come away with a few lessons of my own.
First of all, planning is vital. There are people who are good at it and folks in charge need to find those people and give them a job planning for rainy days like this. A good planner would have foreseen people getting stuck in traffic and running out of gas along an evacuation route. That kind of thing happens in movies, for crying out loud. If something like this happens again and people run out of gas, get stranded, etc. there will be a lot of people demanding answers. So, while we're waiting for the next storm, someone needs to hire one of those "planning" types and put them to work preparing for the next "big one."
Fear can make a bad situation worse. The last thing people need is a reason to panic. Some folks don't even need a reason. It didn't help that Rita was right on the heels of Katrina. After watching non-stop coverage of the Katrina aftermath, people had been primed to respond to Rita. "Get outta Dodge!" If people are given a reason a reason to panic, strange things will follow in short order, which leads me to my next lesson.
The biggest tragedy of the evacuation had to be that despite what planning went on, people did what they wanted to. For instance, the evacuation schedule. There were folks who had been given mandatory evacuation orders, considered in harm's way in Galveston and all points from there to Houston, who were stranded on roadways as the storm made its final approach. Why? People in points north of them were already on the roads out of town. In the end, people did just what they wanted to. It's a good thing the storm turned when it did and didn't catch any unfortunate souls still on the roadways.
It's a collossal understatement to say that a crisis will bring the worst out in people. It's the stress, right? Any reasonable person can only take so much. Still, some are able to take more than others. But, what can be said about people who take out their frustrations on whoever or whatever might be in front of them? Heresay is abundant, but many eyewitnesses said a lot of the same things. People were acting like animals. Urinating and deficating in public places, intimidating and verbally abusing innocent people who were just "in the way." I guess a crisis will not only bring out the worst in people but will unearth the worst OF people. I have to say it looked that way along the I-45 corridor.
Everyone stuck on the road a few weeks ago was hot and tired. Most of them needed help of some kind and hopefully they received it in some form or another. Many were grateful for whatever they could get. Many wanted more and were disappointed that they didn't get this or that. Some were ungrateful and took their frustrations out on those who tried to help. Some saw it as an excuse to behave like animals. For me, it comes back to one's perspective. How does a person view their circumstances? Was this a crisis or an opportunity? Many saw it as a crisis and responded in kind. Fortunately, many saw this a an opportunity and both grateful and ungrateful alike were better for it.
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Day 1 in the New World
My first day at Sam Houston State was quite remarkable. It all started with NOT having to fight commuter traffic going to Houston. I have been fighting southbound traffic on I-45 for almost 8 years. For once I'm going in the opposite direction. That in and of itself is reason to be excited.
When I arrived at the office, I had to start meeting everyone, making rounds and making my way around campus. It turns out that a current employee at "Sam" is going to be my counterpart in my new job. She and I will be responsible for 60 student-employees between us. Quite a task for two first-time managers. However, both Kayla - my counterpart - and I have been assured that we will receive appropriate training to make sure we are prepared for our job. Pretty cool, I must say.
Probably the most interesting event of the day came when I was trying to set up my employee computer account. Sam uses a SQL database that contains old mainframe data from years back. Whenever my name was entered to perform a query (HR was supposed to have entered my user info), information over 18 years old was pulled up. I had forgotten, but during the summer between my Jr/Sr year of high school - 1986 if anyone might ask - I took the SAT and ACT had selected Sam as one of my school interests. Even though I had forgotten Sam, Sam had not forgotten me. Since HR had not entered my info, so I had to wait another day to get my new user account. No biggie. Still, it was funny to have seen the info contained in my prospective student file. I don't remember my entrance exam scores being quite that bad. Sometimes the memory fails us - for good and bad reasons. I think my memory had done me a favor. I'm glad that noone had accessed this particular information BEFORE I got hired. The outcome could have been quite different.
As for the rest of my first day, I really think I"m going to like this new job as well as the people I work with. It's hard to believe that I am working in the capacity that I am at this particular institution. I've been pinching myself since I realized that I had been hired. Who says we shouldn't expect anything more?
God truly does work in mysterious ways. Sometimes He pulls off stuff that amazes us all.
When I arrived at the office, I had to start meeting everyone, making rounds and making my way around campus. It turns out that a current employee at "Sam" is going to be my counterpart in my new job. She and I will be responsible for 60 student-employees between us. Quite a task for two first-time managers. However, both Kayla - my counterpart - and I have been assured that we will receive appropriate training to make sure we are prepared for our job. Pretty cool, I must say.
Probably the most interesting event of the day came when I was trying to set up my employee computer account. Sam uses a SQL database that contains old mainframe data from years back. Whenever my name was entered to perform a query (HR was supposed to have entered my user info), information over 18 years old was pulled up. I had forgotten, but during the summer between my Jr/Sr year of high school - 1986 if anyone might ask - I took the SAT and ACT had selected Sam as one of my school interests. Even though I had forgotten Sam, Sam had not forgotten me. Since HR had not entered my info, so I had to wait another day to get my new user account. No biggie. Still, it was funny to have seen the info contained in my prospective student file. I don't remember my entrance exam scores being quite that bad. Sometimes the memory fails us - for good and bad reasons. I think my memory had done me a favor. I'm glad that noone had accessed this particular information BEFORE I got hired. The outcome could have been quite different.
As for the rest of my first day, I really think I"m going to like this new job as well as the people I work with. It's hard to believe that I am working in the capacity that I am at this particular institution. I've been pinching myself since I realized that I had been hired. Who says we shouldn't expect anything more?
God truly does work in mysterious ways. Sometimes He pulls off stuff that amazes us all.
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Moving On
Today is a strange day. It marks the last day with my current employer, Stewart Title of Houston. Tomorrow is my first day with Sam Houston State University, in Huntsville, Texas. It's quite odd how it all worked out.
In mid July, I applied for a position at "Sam" in the Computer Services Dept. I've always wanted to work in an educational environment. I'm not exactly sure why. I suppose that just the fact that so much learning is going on I stand a good chance to learn a thing or two. Anyway, I had an interview with two of the supervisors in the department that was frankly, a disaster. I left pretty dejected. What was I to do now? I had been unemployed for 4 months by this time. I NEEDED to get a job.
When I got home, I received a call from a staffing company in Houston. They had a job they wanted to discuss with me. I jumped in the car and drove across the world to their office (from where I live, their office might as well be half-way around the world). The next morning I had an interview with the man that will be my boss until the end of the day. In this interview, everything I had done wrong the day before simply disappeared. No gaffes, sticking my foot in my mouth or saying something ill-advised. I was given a personality test and had a background check run on me.
Somehow I cleared those hurdles and got hired. I was driving further than I ever had for a job, but I had to pay the bills. Such is life. But, it was worth the drive. Stewart is a good company. My boss is actually a GOOD boss (just in case he might read this) and my co-workers - great to work with. I was a happy man. I haven't had a job I enjoyed for nearly 4 years. This was great.
Then, about 3 weeks ago, I received an e-mail that suprised me. One of the folks I had interviewed with at Sam wrote and asked if I would be interested in meeting a few more people. What could it hurt? I explained that I would have to meet after normal working hours. I wasn't about to ask off early and lie to my boss. She asked me to name a time. I did and braved torrential Texas summertime rain to get there. This time things were different, she made introductions, explained what the job entailed and how much it would pay. That was it. I was told that HR would contact me within a week - if I was the successful candidate. I knew about that. They told me that the last time. So, I left, feeling pretty good. Afterall, they called me.
A few days later, I got another e-mail from the same person. "Have you heard from HR yet?" My response was "No. Should I expect them to contact me?" Her reply was "yes." HR did contact me later that week, offered me the job, which would pay $5K more than what I was already making. Add to it that I would now be driving AWAY from Houston each morning instead of toward it. No more snarling traffic! All that was left was talking with my boss at Stewart.
That was two weeks ago. Today, I'm looking at the shortest tenure I've ever had on a job and can't believe my prospects before me. I have to pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming. I'll post updates here.
It's been an adventure. I now have a motto: Enjoy the Ride!
In mid July, I applied for a position at "Sam" in the Computer Services Dept. I've always wanted to work in an educational environment. I'm not exactly sure why. I suppose that just the fact that so much learning is going on I stand a good chance to learn a thing or two. Anyway, I had an interview with two of the supervisors in the department that was frankly, a disaster. I left pretty dejected. What was I to do now? I had been unemployed for 4 months by this time. I NEEDED to get a job.
When I got home, I received a call from a staffing company in Houston. They had a job they wanted to discuss with me. I jumped in the car and drove across the world to their office (from where I live, their office might as well be half-way around the world). The next morning I had an interview with the man that will be my boss until the end of the day. In this interview, everything I had done wrong the day before simply disappeared. No gaffes, sticking my foot in my mouth or saying something ill-advised. I was given a personality test and had a background check run on me.
Somehow I cleared those hurdles and got hired. I was driving further than I ever had for a job, but I had to pay the bills. Such is life. But, it was worth the drive. Stewart is a good company. My boss is actually a GOOD boss (just in case he might read this) and my co-workers - great to work with. I was a happy man. I haven't had a job I enjoyed for nearly 4 years. This was great.
Then, about 3 weeks ago, I received an e-mail that suprised me. One of the folks I had interviewed with at Sam wrote and asked if I would be interested in meeting a few more people. What could it hurt? I explained that I would have to meet after normal working hours. I wasn't about to ask off early and lie to my boss. She asked me to name a time. I did and braved torrential Texas summertime rain to get there. This time things were different, she made introductions, explained what the job entailed and how much it would pay. That was it. I was told that HR would contact me within a week - if I was the successful candidate. I knew about that. They told me that the last time. So, I left, feeling pretty good. Afterall, they called me.
A few days later, I got another e-mail from the same person. "Have you heard from HR yet?" My response was "No. Should I expect them to contact me?" Her reply was "yes." HR did contact me later that week, offered me the job, which would pay $5K more than what I was already making. Add to it that I would now be driving AWAY from Houston each morning instead of toward it. No more snarling traffic! All that was left was talking with my boss at Stewart.
That was two weeks ago. Today, I'm looking at the shortest tenure I've ever had on a job and can't believe my prospects before me. I have to pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming. I'll post updates here.
It's been an adventure. I now have a motto: Enjoy the Ride!
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Out Today...
Today marks the release of supergroup Switchfoot's 5th studio album "Nothing is Sound." The band has absolutely nothing to with East Texas except that I and my family absolutely adore the band. I still find it remarkable that I discovered their music in a sort of back-handed way.
I was looking for a CD by a band called "Pushstart Wagon" at a local CD Warehouse. I was told they sounded a lot like another band I was following at the time called "Plankeye."I wasn't really clear on the name of the band and when I saw Switchfoot's "The Legend of Chin" in the bargain bin, I thought I had found what I was looking for. Instead, I discovered what sounded like mid-90's college rock with a unique jazz influence. Really mature music for a young 3-piece band. We liked them so much, my wife and I drove to Dallas to see them at the Bronco Bowl with Third Day and All-Star United. Switchfoot was the opening band and we happened to be on the front row.
Now, some 8 years later, they've grown beyond their college rock sound to cutting edge modern rock. The Beautiful Letdown was a mult-platinum release and their songs "Meant to Live, Dare You To Move and This is Your Life" have been in commercials, movies and TV spots across the country and around the world. I've seen the band on the David Letterman Show, twice at the Cornerstone Festival and tonight they're going to be on the Conan O'Brien Show. They are easily my youngest daughter's favorite band. They are good role models for teens and young adults. What they have as a band is unique in rock-n-roll. You don't have to fit the stereotype of promoting sex, drugs and whatever else to make it. They've proven it.
So, tonight I'll be sitting up waiting for their spot on Conan. If you've not heard the new single "Stars," it might be worth sitting up late tonight, too.
I was looking for a CD by a band called "Pushstart Wagon" at a local CD Warehouse. I was told they sounded a lot like another band I was following at the time called "Plankeye."I wasn't really clear on the name of the band and when I saw Switchfoot's "The Legend of Chin" in the bargain bin, I thought I had found what I was looking for. Instead, I discovered what sounded like mid-90's college rock with a unique jazz influence. Really mature music for a young 3-piece band. We liked them so much, my wife and I drove to Dallas to see them at the Bronco Bowl with Third Day and All-Star United. Switchfoot was the opening band and we happened to be on the front row.
Now, some 8 years later, they've grown beyond their college rock sound to cutting edge modern rock. The Beautiful Letdown was a mult-platinum release and their songs "Meant to Live, Dare You To Move and This is Your Life" have been in commercials, movies and TV spots across the country and around the world. I've seen the band on the David Letterman Show, twice at the Cornerstone Festival and tonight they're going to be on the Conan O'Brien Show. They are easily my youngest daughter's favorite band. They are good role models for teens and young adults. What they have as a band is unique in rock-n-roll. You don't have to fit the stereotype of promoting sex, drugs and whatever else to make it. They've proven it.
So, tonight I'll be sitting up waiting for their spot on Conan. If you've not heard the new single "Stars," it might be worth sitting up late tonight, too.
Pitchin' in...
I talked to my Mother last Thursday. She was on her way from the Community Center in Malakoff, Texas - the town where I grew up. She had just finished her "shift" at the local make-shift shelter for Katrina evacuees. My mom is 76 years old and shows no sign of slowing down - at least she doesn't let on to any family anyway. She's a retired RN and apparently they needed medical staff at the town's shelter. She told me that she has been asked repeatedly to volunteer each day. She doesn't feel like she can come in that often, but she's trying to be available as much as possible.
It turns out that small communities all over Texas are doing the same. This was in the Dallas Morning News today about various efforts around the state. I'm a firm believer that it's important to help out one's neighbors - if for NO other reason - that one day that person might need some help of his own. Marvin Olasky has a great article about people who have been offering just what they have to help Katrina victims. It's not about how much is given but just that something is given. It's nice to see that courtesy and compassion are still alive and well.
Let folks say what they want about Texas and Texans. We've got big hearts and we like to wear them on our sleeves. God bless Texas and Texans!
It turns out that small communities all over Texas are doing the same. This was in the Dallas Morning News today about various efforts around the state. I'm a firm believer that it's important to help out one's neighbors - if for NO other reason - that one day that person might need some help of his own. Marvin Olasky has a great article about people who have been offering just what they have to help Katrina victims. It's not about how much is given but just that something is given. It's nice to see that courtesy and compassion are still alive and well.
Let folks say what they want about Texas and Texans. We've got big hearts and we like to wear them on our sleeves. God bless Texas and Texans!
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Mystery Worshipper
It's amazing what can be found when you're bored, you have lots of time on your hands and a computer with a broadband internet connection. I've been afforded these luxuries recently, due to a job transition. (I'm in a lame duck period at my current employer. I gave my two-weeks notice last week and have the remainder of this week and four days next week to serve here before starting my new job next Friday.)
In my surfing, I revisited a site called Ship of Fools, the Magazine of Christian Unrest. It's a site full of parody, satire and humor directly related to church and church tradition. Of course the name of the site comes from one of my all-time favorite bands, the Grateful Dead, which is known for their own bit of wit and humor. If you're a little cynical about what you see in the church world and Christianity today, the Ship of Fools might be just what you need to take the edge off your experience.
One of the coolest sections of the website is found at the Mystery Worship link. It is a running archive of several people who attend various churches incognito. Of particular interest to me and this blog is the account of the mystery worshipper attending the First Baptist Church in Athens, Texas, which is in the heart of my old "stomping grounds." There also is an account of attending Christ Church in Nacogdoches. But, I think my favorite of all the accounts has to be the account of attending the Cowboy Church in Rosanky, Texas where the mystery worshipper identifies himself as being from East Texas. How cool is that?
So, when you have time, pay a visit to the Ship of Fools site and have a look around at where the mystery worshipper has been. Who knows, he might even be sitting next to you at your church this Sunday! So, be nice...
In my surfing, I revisited a site called Ship of Fools, the Magazine of Christian Unrest. It's a site full of parody, satire and humor directly related to church and church tradition. Of course the name of the site comes from one of my all-time favorite bands, the Grateful Dead, which is known for their own bit of wit and humor. If you're a little cynical about what you see in the church world and Christianity today, the Ship of Fools might be just what you need to take the edge off your experience.
One of the coolest sections of the website is found at the Mystery Worship link. It is a running archive of several people who attend various churches incognito. Of particular interest to me and this blog is the account of the mystery worshipper attending the First Baptist Church in Athens, Texas, which is in the heart of my old "stomping grounds." There also is an account of attending Christ Church in Nacogdoches. But, I think my favorite of all the accounts has to be the account of attending the Cowboy Church in Rosanky, Texas where the mystery worshipper identifies himself as being from East Texas. How cool is that?
So, when you have time, pay a visit to the Ship of Fools site and have a look around at where the mystery worshipper has been. Who knows, he might even be sitting next to you at your church this Sunday! So, be nice...
Monday, September 05, 2005
Getting Involved
Ever since the tragedy in New Orleans was making itself known, my wife, Danelle, and I, were concerned about friends and family we knew in New Orleans as well as Louisiana and Mississippi that were likely affected by the storm. We also wanted to get involved in some way, make a donation, volunteer - just do something - to lend a hand. We got our opportunity last Friday night.
My mother and father-in-law had gotten word that two of Danelle's cousins, Danielle and Michelle Latia and Michelle's son Blair were on buses out of New Orleans to Houston. At some point along the way their bus was re-routed, due to spreading word that the Houston Astrodome had reached its capacity. They had landed in Leesville, Louisiana and were staying at a Red Cross shelter at the local First Baptist Church. My inlaws live in San Antonio and were distraught at the thought of what might have happened to their kin and contacted Danelle and I about making the trip to get them. So, we set out from Conroe and drove through some beautiful East Texas scenery to Louisiana.
The trip was about 2 hours one-way. When we arrived at the shelter, we were met by friendly volunteers, plenty of food, water and other refreshments. There were a few refugees besides the cousins. We were told a couple of busloads were still on their way. We asked if there was anything we could do to assist the volunteers, but they in turn asked us if we needed assistance. It was nice to find out that the cousins had landed in such a good place.
We loaded up the Knoxmobile and headed back to Houston to Grandma Lillie's house. On the way, we heard of the conditions that the cousins had faced on their journey west. We're thankful for the opportunity to have helped out. Most of the time we think lending a hand or providing assistance is a really big thing. Gotta give lots of money or make some heroic effort to do something for someone else. We didn't get to do very much. All I did was drive and my wife kept me awake. After having the weekend to sleep off the trip, it feels good to have gotten to take part in helping folks in need. I wouldn't mind doing it again.
My mother and father-in-law had gotten word that two of Danelle's cousins, Danielle and Michelle Latia and Michelle's son Blair were on buses out of New Orleans to Houston. At some point along the way their bus was re-routed, due to spreading word that the Houston Astrodome had reached its capacity. They had landed in Leesville, Louisiana and were staying at a Red Cross shelter at the local First Baptist Church. My inlaws live in San Antonio and were distraught at the thought of what might have happened to their kin and contacted Danelle and I about making the trip to get them. So, we set out from Conroe and drove through some beautiful East Texas scenery to Louisiana.
The trip was about 2 hours one-way. When we arrived at the shelter, we were met by friendly volunteers, plenty of food, water and other refreshments. There were a few refugees besides the cousins. We were told a couple of busloads were still on their way. We asked if there was anything we could do to assist the volunteers, but they in turn asked us if we needed assistance. It was nice to find out that the cousins had landed in such a good place.
We loaded up the Knoxmobile and headed back to Houston to Grandma Lillie's house. On the way, we heard of the conditions that the cousins had faced on their journey west. We're thankful for the opportunity to have helped out. Most of the time we think lending a hand or providing assistance is a really big thing. Gotta give lots of money or make some heroic effort to do something for someone else. We didn't get to do very much. All I did was drive and my wife kept me awake. After having the weekend to sleep off the trip, it feels good to have gotten to take part in helping folks in need. I wouldn't mind doing it again.
Thursday, September 01, 2005
Crisis or Opportunity
Hurricane Katrina poses to be one of the most significant events of the 21st Century, right along with 9/11 and the Iraqi Conflict. Economists are speculating that the economy has begun to feel the affects of an event that could impact the entire global economy. On a personal level, this event has touched the lives of thousands who have been left with no home to go to. Just yesterday, a friend who works in the downtown Houston area talked about seeing entire families walking the streets, which isn't a normal, every day sight. If you happen to be looking for a hotel room anywhere within the Houston area, you're likely to find no vacancy.
Over night, thousands who rode out the storm in the Lousiana Superdome began arriving to stay in the Houston Astrodome. Hundreds have been turned away. Still, many more are on the way. The Astrodome has been reserved through December in anticipation of a slow rebuilding process.
In the midst of such a tragedy there are those who take advantage of the situation, while others try to help. Facing the aftermath brings with it pitfalls and opportunities for each of us. How will we respond as individuals? As a nation? It remains to be seen. On thing is for certain, however...we all have a long way to go.
Over night, thousands who rode out the storm in the Lousiana Superdome began arriving to stay in the Houston Astrodome. Hundreds have been turned away. Still, many more are on the way. The Astrodome has been reserved through December in anticipation of a slow rebuilding process.
In the midst of such a tragedy there are those who take advantage of the situation, while others try to help. Facing the aftermath brings with it pitfalls and opportunities for each of us. How will we respond as individuals? As a nation? It remains to be seen. On thing is for certain, however...we all have a long way to go.
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