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It’s been over a year
Hello everyone. You’ve sat through the State of the Union and the State of the State; now it’s time to get to what *really* matters: The State of the Eric
I have to confess – I have been a lousy blogger. It’s been over one calendar year since I last wrote an entry. But enough about that. Let’s dive in, shall we?
What’s happened in a year?
I sent out a “2007 Year in Review – The First 133 Days”, with all my exploits at the 2007 Macworld, the addition of my little nephew Ivan Gambrinus to the Schmidt family, my attempt at running, and the Relay for Life. I blogged about only one of those things.
Man, was that ever a long time ago. The rest of 2007 was a blur, and 2008 is shaping up to be the same. Here’s what happened since May:
Dad update
As many of you know, my dad got diagnosed with cancer last February. Scary as hell, but I’m happy to report that thus far, treatment has been going well. He was well enough to travel back to Battle Creek for the holidays, the first time my parents had been “home” in over a year. Merry Christmas, indeed.
He just finished round two of chemo, and he is hanging in there. Thanks to everyone who has been sending the positive thoughts and prayers.
Earning Karma
In the second half of 2007, I found myself involved with a couple of major charity drives through the Kalamazoo Jaycees:
- In June, I was Team Captain for our chapter’s Relay for Life, a 24-hour walkathon that raises money for the American Cancer Society. Thanks to the hard work of our team (and your generous donations), we raised over $3,100.
- In October, I co-chaired an event called the Ghosts of Kalamazoo Historic Tour. In a nutshell, it was a tour around various haunted locations around the city of Kalamazoo. Response was overwhelming, and in two nights we raised over $1,100 for a local food bank.
I would encourage everyone to give back this year. Helping out your local community is a fantastic feeling.
Worst vacation of the year
It finally happened. All those years of running at high speed and high rpm’s caught up with me. That sound you heard last September? The one that kinda sounded like two high-speed trains colliding? That was me hitting the wall. Hard. It all came to a head in September….
It was supposed to be a soul-searching week away from work. One full week in the Pacific Northwest, a time for reflection. A chance to recharge my batteries.
And it was. For about 90 minutes.
My annual pilgrimage to Vancouver-Seattle-Portland had barely gotten started. On my flight from Kalamazoo to Cincinnati, I started to get this feeling in my stomach. What followed was 7 days of nausea, loss of appetite and general feel-like-crap-ness, all while away from home.
All the stress of the summer months – hell, of the last 6 years – hit me at once, and my stomach rebelled against me. Fairly certain it was ulcers. Took me awhile, but I have finally gotten it under control, I think.
That damn game
Remember that pro wrestling video game I have been working on? We were on life support, and things weren’t looking good. However, recent developments have given it a huge shot in the arm. Seriously. I can’t say anything right now, but holy crap, do we have something up our sleeves. Stay tuned.
Sellout!
In September I was made an offer I couldn’t refuse. LKF Marketing – an ad agency I had been working with for nine years, and loved doing so – started growing like crazy, and they offered me a part-time position. I accepted, so now I have the best of both worlds. Freedom in the mornings, financial stability in the afternoons.
Draw draw draw!
In June, I met a childhood idol: “Commander Mark” Kistler, a drawing instructor I used to watch on PBS. He was in town doing a series of workshops, teaching kids how to draw. When I heard he was in town, I rushed down there on the last day of classes.
He was a tad heavier than I remembered him (heh), but otherwise, he was still the same. It’s a very gratifying feeling meeting a childhood hero – and having him be a really nice guy. Here’s some pics:
In closing
And in keeping with the Commander Mark Kistler theme, here’s the mantra he teaches to kids. It’s just something to think about.
“Have an exciting amazing journey,
may you accomplish your dreams,
conquer your fears,
and laugh with joy each and everyday.
Along the way, remember to:
Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
For all the people you can,
As long as ever you can.”
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4 Responses to “It’s been over a year”
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February 25th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
Hey, Eric.
I enjoyed this. You’re braver than I am. I write a lot of stuff–but never about me. It’s good to hear about your “other” life. Thanks for sharing.
Bill
February 28th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Eric,
I think you are such an amazing person and love to hear all about your life. I’m so proud of you and all your accomplishments. I’m happy and fortunate you’re my friend!!!!
Nikki
March 1st, 2008 at 6:35 pm
Eric the “WebNerd of the Year!” You rock dude!! Keep up the great job you have been doing and keep the drive alive in all you do. Never sell out your dreams and always remember that the sky is never the limit… its just a temporary roadblock until your dreams can reach the stars!
March 10th, 2008 at 9:19 pm
Hi Eric and thanks for sharing your world with me.
It was a pleasure to see you out last month and I look forward to seeing you again!
Jenna