Summer Fun…

I’m not exactly sure when it happened, but Summer has arrived in Arkansas.  I’ve broken out my pair of outdoor shorts and have begun blinding the world with my white legs.  It’s quite a sight!  I even mowed the front lawn the other day!

But with summer comes weddings.  I have two in the next three weeks.  And while that’s light, compared to some people that I know, the summer wedding season has just begun.  Why couples, who claim they love each other and their guests, want to subject people (especially those with outdoor ceremonies) to the the excruciating heat while wearing their best clothes, is beyond me [wow, that was a long sentence...made even longer by this aside!].

When my sister gets married, it will be a January wedding – picked on date that is sure to snow!  I’m planning it – so it’s going to happen.

My summer will be quite interesting.  I have 2 new interns starting tomorrow.  10 weeks of torture…uh, I mean…meaningful work experience is coming their way!  Honestly, I remember my internship very fondly.  It gave me quite a bit of experience and exposure.  I’m hoping I can do the same thing for these guys.

I’m looking forward to a couple of trips for work and a real summer vacation!  In July, I’m heading to Washington, DC-Boston-New York!  It’s going to be pretty awesome and a real, non-working trip.  If you’re in the area – hit me up – and you can tell me all the good spots to check out.  I’m traveling by train between the cities – it’s a trick I picked up while in China.  Nothing like train travel.  It’s a nice way to go.

What are you doing for the summer?  Anything exciting going on for you??  Let me know.  Let’s make this an interactive blog!  Don’t forget to check out the Flickr pictures on the right…these are usually picked up while I’m out and about someplace.

Till next time…

-Chad

Survival…

Well, the move from North Little Rock to Sheridan has been completed.  Thanks to a terrific family, it went pretty smoothly.  Other than a few kinks to work out, living at home is not so bad.  We’ve settled into a routine and are moving forward.  One of things that I dislike is fueling my vehicle.  It’s happening too frequently for my taste.  But, the savings far outweigh the costs.

It’s almost summer – although, judging by the heat – it may have already arrived!  It’s been pretty hot outside.  When we broke into the mid 90′s in April, I thought I was going to have a heat stroke.  I can only hope that the summer is more forgiving.

I’m heading to San Antonio next week.  I’ve only been once before.  Not sure what all there is to do (besides the Alamo and the Riverwalk) but, I find something.  Any suggestions?

Oh, I got a new job!  It’ll be a great new position at ADEM.  I’ve had a great 4.5 year run in the Homeland Security Branch, but this will present a different set of challenges.  I’ll be in Public Affairs and working with media and public groups.  I’m really looking forward to it.  And I will miss the folks I’ve been working with.  They’re a pretty great team!

Quick couple of things…follow me on Twitter at @ChadStoverAR and check out my Flickr pictures on the right.  They’re pretty cool!

That’s all for now…goodnight everyone!

-Chad

The Time has come…

This is my last week living in North Little Rock.  Since 2002, I’ve lived on my own.  It’s been fun – definitely an experience.  So, as I get ready to move back to Sheridan and live with the parents for a few months, I look back and am proud of my independence.

There’s not a dire need for me to move home – except that I would like to save some money for the future.  In our economy of budget cutbacks and stagnant wages – our income hasn’t changed yet our cost of living has increased dramatically.  For instance, my rent two years ago was $590.  If I were to stay in my apartment for another year, it would be $685.  Yet, I make the same salary I did two years ago.

I will miss being super close to the office.  That is the best part of living here.  But, I will get to enjoy some family time for awhile.  My parents are good folks.  I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

I’m writing this in an attempt to delay packing boxes.  That needs to happen pretty soon.  I am, though, making several donations to Saver’s and Goodwill.  I hope some folks will get good use out of my stuff.

I’ll have lots of travel stories over the next few months:
May – San Antonio, TX
June – Denton, TX
July – Washington, DC; Boston; New York
August – Washington, DC
September – SURPRISE!

While you’re here – check out my INSTAGRAM photos on the right!  Just click ‘em and like ‘em.  You’ll help me out!

Take care!

-Chad

Here it comes…

Some of you may know, but for those that don’t, I am moving back to Sheridan in May. Lately, I’ve been reading stories about “kids that come home.”  Most are positive, but I read some comments from parents who were horrified at the idea and thought that children should never return home after they leave.

Fortunately, my parents don’t share this view.  And my reasons for making the move aren’t out of desperation.  I have a good job and am pretty stable.  But, I would like to save some money.  That’s another responsible thing to do.  In today’s economy, saving money is perhaps the hardest thing to do.  After paying rent, buying gas, groceries, utilities, insurance, car payment…you get the idea…saving money for a rainy day is the least thing you can afford.

With this in mind, as my lease comes to an end, I approached my parents about coming for a short amount of time.  My ideal time is between 8-12 months.  But, I’ve done what many fail to do…Plan!  I have a savings plan that is already generated.  I know what my priorities are over the 12 months and what needs to be paid.  The rest goes into savings.  I’ve set aside a small amount to replace things like 6 year old computers, and to take a small vacation.  But otherwise, the whole idea is to save money.

While this may look like “free-loading” off my parents, I would be expected to pitch in and help around the house – just as it was when I lived there as a teenager.  After being gone for over 10 years, it is good to spend quality time with my parents.  The drive to work each day may not be fun, but it’s a small price to pay.  Heck, with all this family time, I’ve tried to convince my sister that it’s a good idea to move home, too!  She politely declined.

During times where government employees (I am one) get the short end of the stick with eliminated raises, no cost of living adjustments and low-end salaries to begin with, and the constant talk of eliminating our jobs, we have to make large decisions.  I enjoy my work and so do my colleagues.  In the end, this is what’s best for me.

So, at 30 – I’m doing something that I swore I’d never and go home.  But home is a safe and nurturing place.  It’s always good to go home.

The World from here…

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately.  It keeps me up at night.  From the Presidential primaries to my future….the world gets a little different everyday.  But, different can be good and exciting!

I’m ready for the Republican Presidential Primary to end.  This is a little ridiculous.  The next time they want to change the primary season rules…don’t.  Leave them alone and reset them to the old system.  The only reason Rick Santorum is continuing is because no one paid any attention to him early on and now…because he’s magically in the race still…he thinks he has a chance.  Someone should tell him, it’s not his turn yet.  (or ever!)  At this pace, no will have any money left to compete in the general election.  That’s where we need to ensure that the best candidate wins.  I just wish Hilldog was in it.  There’s a leader.  No matter how you feel about her, you know where she stands and you can be with her or oppose you…but the lines are clearly there.  I almost got excited for a minute.  See…See what she does!

Here’s a little quote I came up with the other day…”When you think you see no more hope, no chance, no future…raise your binoculars…your hope, chances and future are just beyond the horizon.”  -Chad Stover

Sail on to the horizon….

-Chad

Change…

I was talking with someone this week and we were discussing change.  It seems it really is true that “change” is the one constant in the universe.  I recently updated my Facebook status to: “Writing the final pages of the last chapter of Volume II of my life. Volume III should be very exciting!”  It seems as if many things are changing all at once.

There’s too much to go into on here…but suffice it to say, a lot of things in my life will be changing and changing quickly.  But, change is good.  After turning 30 in November, it seems almost poignant that I’m entering a new phase of life.  People are moving, jobs are changing, relationships alter….and I’m surprisingly ok with it all.  I think I’m exactly where I need to be right now.

This post may sound cryptic.  I’m not hiding anything or pulling off surprises, but I’m always prepared to go where life leads.  Sometimes that means moving outside your comfort zones.  Sometimes it means continuing to plug away at your job.  Whatever the case ends up being, I know that I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing.

Odd note: I need to take down my Christmas Tree.  Yes, it’s still up.  I love Christmas!

Lastly, I simply hope that I make a difference.  It sounds corny and cliche, but I work pretty hard and if I what I did – didn’t make a difference to someone – it’s not worth it.  I think we should hope that we make a difference to those around us.

Until next time.

-Chad

Back Home…for awhile

Oh my…I forgot to update my blog since I got back from China and DC….yikes….

To be honest, I think I’m still recovering.  It’s been about 3 weeks and I’m still tired.  My feet hurt and my knee is killing me!  But, wow….what an experience.  I would go back in a heartbeat.  The culture, the country, the people….all fantastic!

I had two great tour guides with me.  Lane and Ben were very helpful at navigating throughout Beijing, Shanghai and Souzouh.  They were also very fast….at walking….and I certainly felt old when I didn’t keep up.  But it was certainly a fantastic trip.  I do hope that I can make it back at some point.  Wow!!!  That’s all I can really say!

Traveling abroad is certainly a way to enhance one’s understanding of global affairs.  I would recommend visiting China…GO….DO IT!

Here are some pictures and highlights of the trip!

Beijing or Bust…

Hello from the Detroit International Airport! From my iPad, I’m getting ready to embark on the biggest trip of my life! It’s Beijing or Bust!

My first plane trip was nearly 15 years ago. Since then, I’ve been able to go all over the US and to London and Paris. Travel is so much fun. Some of the things that people see as annoyances, I find absolutely awesome. Although I’ve never been to China, I’ll join a long list of my friends who have been there. The adventure is waiting on me.

Many of you who know me, know that I like to plan things out well in advance of travel. Besides the hotel and airline, my trip plans are wide open. And I think I will like that just fine. My only worry right now is, what am I going to do for a 14.5 hour plane trip? I’m sure I can come up with something!

I’m hoping that I will have a connection to update throughout the trip. If not, just know that I will have a lot to say when I get back.

Have you been to China? What was your favorite part?

Till next time!

-Chad

The White House Experience

Wow…What a week.  I had the great privilege to represent the State of Arkansas at the White House to receive the FEMA Individual and Community Preparedness Award for Outstanding State Citizen Corps Program.  It was a pretty surreal experience.  It’s not everyday you get to discuss issues of national importance with the Secretary of Homeland Security or a Special Assistant to the President.  I was very honored.  There are quite a few people to thank…and since I don’t want to forget anyone….I will just say that all of my colleagues, family, partners and citizen volunteers played major roles in making all of this happen.  Thank you.

I’ve done some laundry and re-packing for China!! I leave tomorrow and it’s going to be a fantastic trip!  I’ll try to update the blog as much as I can.  So, stay on the look for updates.  Better yet – subscribe!! Then you’ll know anytime that I post.

Here are some pictures of this week.

-Chad

On the Road Again….

14 Days….10 planes….2 countries…nearly 15,000 miles….who could ask for more?  This is what I live for!!!

This week I will be at the US Capitol and the White House.  I’m pretty honored to represent Arkansas and my agency for the FEMA Individual and Community Preparedness Awards.  Part of program is the White House Champions of Change series.  (www.whitehouse.gov/champions)  All of the award recipients from around the country will take part in discussions with the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, FEMA Deputy Administrators and a Special Assistant to the President.  It should be a pretty spectacular event.  My boss will be there along several of good friends from HOBY and Arkansas.  It’ll be broadcast live at the White House website (www.whitehouse.gov/Live) on Thursday – January 19 at 12:30 CST.

If you’re on Twitter – feel free to follow me at: www.twitter.com/ChadStoverAR or www.twitter.com/ArkansasCCP

I’m looking forward to seeing good friends and a week in DC.  It’s the last bit of work I have before it go to…wait for it….wait for it….CHINA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As I was doing some planning, I discovered that our arrival would be the start of the Chinese New Year – 2012 – Year of the Dragon.  I’m pretty stoked.  I don’t have a lot planned for the trip.  For those of you who know me…that’s a little out of the ordinary.  But, I’m going to go there with my camera in hand and have the best time ever!  I have a couple of folks going with me and I’m sure we’re going to the best of friends on the other side!  Right now, I’m plotting how to get upgraded on my 14.5 hour plane ride to Beijing.

If you’ve ever been to China, be sure to leave comments on important things that I should see and do.

I’m hoping to have an internet connection and blog while I’m there.  It may not be possible, but I hope so.  That way, you all can share in the experience.

Let’s explore the planet together!

-Chad