Reflections2

I already had a post from a flurry of work on the Scamp that I titled Reflections, but I needed the title again for this post, thus Reflections2.

Friday was a day I'd tried to avoid, desiring to sneak out while no one was looking, but the boss wouldn't hear of it so they threw a big party to celebrate my retirement. I actually have a couple weeks left but this week is finals and then the faculty are gone until January. I didn't think that it was possible to keep a secret around this place, but they certainly did.

In addition to a video of reflections from faculty and staff, there were many people in attendance sharing their favorite memories. I was amazed at the stuff that I'd taken for granted and often totally forgotten that was seen as meaningful and special to people. While I've been fortunate the past several years to serve a key role in campus master planning and the construction of several buildings, that role wasn't really part of my job description - it just needed to be done. It's apparent from comments that others feel strongly that the campus is a better place - I couldn't ask for more!

My assistant joined my wife and I on several river trips. She clearly had an influence on the proceedings! Our VP of Academic Affairs was a professional musician before he got involved in higher education. He wrote an original song & music titled "On the River" illustrated with pictures she had from our various trips.

We don't have a history of extravagant farewells so I was especially honored when the campus took up a collection and purchased a new tent to replace the one I've nearly worn out. The Big Agnes Copper Spur 1 tent was the one I've dreamed about, but I wasn't willing to pay the price. I was overwhelmed and look forward to using it often. In addition, other college personnel provided a monetary gift that will become a spotting scope for viewing wildlife, and a GPS for finding our way home from this summer's Alaska trip.

As I reflect on the years with the college system, I continue to be amazed at the opportunities it provided.  I started as a faculty in a new Aviation Maintenance program and expected that would always be my role, but instead I've had unanticipated opportunities in curriculum development, faculty leadership. process improvement, and IT leadership in addition to the past nine years as a campus leader.  It's been a wonderful time that has positively impacted many lives but now it's time to find our way to the next chapter.

Another step

towards getting our act together for retirement, or as BJ calls it – sabbatical.  For a number of years we’ve used a desktop computer for personal stuff, and the college provided a laptop for business use.  Since we knew we were going to need a personal laptop, I’ve been watching for the right deal.  Sure wasn’t expecting that today would be the day, but stopped by a local store today just to see what they had in stock.  Turns out they had a 40% off sale on a machine that would do very nicely so I’ve spend most of the day getting it configured and getting some software installed.  As usual it will take a while to get it all sorted out, but it’s a step in the right direction!

Snaps Pin

I did pick up hardware at the local RV Supply for yet another upgrade on the Scamp.  A set of Snaps pins for the landing gear means cleaner hands when adjusting the landing gear legs.  Since the trailer is stored in the garage on jack stands so there isn’t pressure on the dollies, it took longer to open the package than it did to install the Snap pins.

What's with the title?

In April of 2011, I read an blog post by Peter Wood in The Chronicle of Higher Education Innovations blog in which he drew some parallels between a current independent movie and a leadership style seemingly prevalent in Higher Education. I saved a copy of the post since it struck a chord with me, and still occasionally reconsider it to see if it still resonates with me.

The movie he referenced was Meek’s Cutoff which tells the story of families in 1845 trying to reach the Willamette Valley in Oregon. They hire Steven Meek as their guide based on his assurances, yet he manages to bungle the job with a considerable number dying along the way. The movie shows Steven stating, “We’re not lost.  We’re just finding our way.”  That statement has stuck with me!

As I have reached this point in my life where it’s time to move from what I know to whatever comes next, the statement rings true once again, but in a totally different way. I know that I’m not lost - as a Christian I’m confident in the future. It’s just not clear at this point what occupation or specialization will command a significant portion of my waking hours. For now, I’m comfortable that we’re just finding our way.

What’s next?

At this point, I’m anticipating an initial period of travel and time with family. That may be followed by meaningful volunteerism combined with travel, or it might mean a paying job, temporary, part-, or full-time. There may be some house selling & buying, before January or after, or not...  

You’ll note that there is an unusual amount of “I” in this post. BJ is nervous, but supportive. You’ll see a lot more “we” in future posts. Meanwhile, I look forward to every day being a meaningful day.

It's time for another major change in our lives.  After 15 years maintaining airplanes and helicopters for Mission Aviation Fellowship, and over 22 years with the Community College District in Phoenix, Arizona, I've set a date to officially start my third major career.  I'm not sure what it will be, but I am sure about some of the components that will be included in anything that draws me back into a work environment.  The official last day of my second career will be January 5, 2013.

Meanwhile, we're getting the Scamp ready for some serious traveling.  In a month, we'll leave on a three week "test trip," going as far north as Glacier National Park and as far west as Yosemite National Park.

We'll use this space to track our travels and our musings, as we look for what's next.