As many of you know, my eventual career goal is to become an athletics director and a major Division I university. I know that will take years of hard work and dedication, all of which I'm willing to give. However, I hope I never lose sight of people along the way. One thing I have quickly learned in college athletics is that no place is without problems. Georgia, Wake, NIU and Vanderbilt; they all have different problems. Some great, some small. One common problem among all of the places I've been is something so simple, even children can do it. Hell, even babies attempt to communicate with the world. It is something so simple, yet it seems increasingly difficult for adults to do as they grow older. Of course, this problem isn't limited to work ... relationships, friendships, etc. Maybe it is my personality, but I do try and listen to everyone I work with. Janitors, maintenance personnel, ADs, coaches, student-athletes and now chancellors. Yes, there is a food chain in the work place, as well as life, but I'm of the impression that no one person is more important than any other. Maybe that is foolish, but everyone plays a role. No matter the size of that role, it is important. We have a gentleman here at Vandy that handles the mail and "fix-it" projects within the building. I spoke with him earlier today, and I don't believe some of the other administrators actually know what he does. And he does a LOT. I think it makes an impression on people when you listen to them with open ears. I try and do that with everyone. I just hope that as I travel down this road to my career goal, I never lose sight of the importance of everyone on staff. You simply can't take anyone for granted.
Ok, I'll get off my soap box.
So should I go to a concert tomorrow night by myself? Badly Drawn Boy is playing here, and I'd love to see him play. The guy is from London and plays with 2 or 3 other guys typically. Kinda folky/rock stuff. He scored the movie, "About a Boy," which is one of my favorite chick flicks. Yes, I like a few chick flicks. Don't rub it in. Tickets are like $15, and I think it would be cool to see him live. I just can't decide if I want to go alone.
So here is a little something that made my day ... on the Japanese release of "Go," Vertical Horizon's new cd, there is a bonus track. Well, I don't live in Japan. I suppose I could purchase it off of amazon, but I have found a way to at least listen to the track. I'll share it with you all, but don't go copying this song and burning it on to a disc. So here ya' go:
1) click here
2) the username: vh; password: secret
3) click on the link that reads, "One time around.mp3"; wait for download and enjoy
It's a very catchy song, and I really wish it was on the American release of the cd. At least I can listen to it whenever I want now.
Ok, back to work. Thank goodness for a lunch break, or this page would never get updated!