Let’s face it. Times are tough and none of us are making the millions we dreamed of when we were in college. (Well, if you are, don’t tell me – or at least share the wealth.) There are rumblings of a “double-dip recession” and slowing economic growth across the land. (Again, if it’s booming where you are, you don’t have to tell me -unless you’ll pay for me and my family to relocate there and give us all jobs.)
So, I decided now’s the perfect time to start a side business. Yep, no better time than the present to start a new business and make a little extra cash.
Ok, so I’m not talking about opening a new store or business and quitting my “real” job, but instead, taking a skill and hopefully turning it into some extra money. After all, Christmas is just around the corner (not to mention Matthew’s birthday is in November), and who couldn’t use a little extra cash?
That said, I’m officially launching my photography business. Biggs3 Photography, or by logo design, biggs3, has already had a bit of success. I’ve actually taken some senior portraits and am close to booking a few other sessions. *Happy*
Hopefully, this business will take off and I’ll be able to earn a little extra money in time for the birthday and Christmas season. After that, hopefully I’ll make enough to actually open a true “studio” and really supplement my income. Then, I will be really happy.

I must admit, this week has definitely been one of trying times. The week started with an uncle hospitalized in Mobile, another hospitalized in Dothan, and then my dad having a heart cath procedure in Dothan. In other words, a lot of potential medical nightmares. Fortunately, everything has turned out alright. Both uncles are at home and my dad’s procedure showed no problems.

Let’s just say everyone in my family has been breathing a big sigh of relief and a few extra prayers and thank-you’s to the big Guy upstairs.

After all that, I resumed my weekly trip to a local middle school to teach seventh graders LifeSkills. After three weeks of no classes … well, the seventh graders weren’t really ready for me to be back (and I’m not sure I was ready for them, either).

Then, I took part in my monthly Leadership Dothan class on Thursday. That was a welcome relief and definitely a fun day. Most of you know my bizarre fascination with aircraft, and since our day included a visit to Pemco at the Dothan Airport, I was definitely in a state of bliss (not to mention getting to tour an aircraft under refurbishment).

Today, however, has been another wild and crazy day. Always working to make sure our fundraiser at work will be successful, I began developing the plans for another fundraiser. This one, to revolve around Red Ribbon Week in October. Follow that up with  another social media and social media marketing class to a group of professionals (women – 22 of them connected to the medical industry), and let’s just say I’ve had a busy day.

The speaking engagement, however, is part of my new side venture, Biggs3 Communications. It’s a way to put my skills to work and hopefully make a little extra cash. You know, that stuff we all can use some extra of, and with Matthew wanting everything he sees now, it is absolutely a good thing. And I have to thank my good friend – and social media mentor – Ike Pigott, for making this side venture possible. (Thanks, Ike!)

Tomorrow, the fun continues when we head back to Andalusia for daddy’s birthday dinner – which we are so glad to celebrate after receiving the good news from his heart cath earlier in the week.

Yes, it’s been busy, but I’ve been blessed with the rewards of the busyness.

-JB

I have been so busy lately I’m not sure I’ve been coming or going. In fact, I think I’ve actually met myself on the road a few times.

To begin with, our family has moved from Andalusia. Yes, we’ve left our first home and moved to a new town, into a new house, in a new county. Because both Kiley and myself are now working in Dothan (about 80 miles to the east), we decided it would be easier (and actually cheaper) to make the move. So now, we live in Slocomb – a small town famous for its tomatoes.

Of course with the moving has meant sorting through five years of stuff (yep, hard to believe it’s been five years on April 30 since we got married). It’s totally amazing the stuff (and crap) you can accumulate over five years. Add Matthew’s toys into the mix … let’s just say if we wanted to open a store, we would have plenty of inventory.

Work has kept me busy, too. I’ve been teaching drug prevention courses to sixth and seventh graders two days a week. That’s something I’d never thought I’d do – at least teach that age. Plus, my private communications and marketing business is starting to gain some traction. I’ve taught a few social media marketing courses at Troy University Dothan and been a guest speaker at small business development class for entrepreneurs. Hopefully the Biggs3 Communications is about to really take off.

Compounding all of this – I’m busily preparing for a HUGE fundraiser for work – Dancing with the Stars! We have a great group of local celebrities and dance pros helping us out. Now, I just hope it turns out great (and raises lots of money).

But despite all of that, life is still good. I’m enjoying it more and more (despite turning 35 a few weeks ago), and Matthew continues to be growing and learning so much at his new school (also a new experience). Yes, life may be busy, but life is definitely still good.

Wow! Since my last post life has been moving at such a quick pace. I know I promised to be a better blogger, but time just got away from me.
So, once again to bring you all up to speed, here’s a look back at 2009.
The year started well enough. Not much happened – life was going great. Both Kiley and I were busy working and Matthew was just chugging When the year started I was still with the Red Cross getting ready for a big fundraiser. It came – was a success, and that was that.
In June, I departed from the organization and found myself searching for a new opportunity. Fortunately, a great group of people in Dothan came through. I went to work with the Dothan-Houston County Substance Abuse Partnership as community outreach coordinator and a drug prevention educator.
It’s a lot of fun and totally different than anything I’d previously done. (Well, not completely, just new.)
In the interim between jobs we took Matthew to Six Flags over Georgia with my parents and sister’s family. Thankfully, it was just a day trip. It was too hot and Matthew really wasn’t quite big enough for Six Flags yet.
As the Fourth of July rolled around Kiley, Matthew and me visited some of Kiley’s friends for a weekend in Panama City Beach. It was wonderful – and a celebration because I started to work the next Monday in Dothan!
Time rocked on and I settled into my daily 1 1/2 hour commute each morning and afternoon. Not a bad drive, actually. It’s my own little decompression and quiet time.
Work continues to move right along and I’m loving every minute of it. Kiley says I’m a different person since I don’t have all that other stress. I like it, too.
Of course with the change came the challenges of finding new insurance. After an exhaustive search, I found some and now we’re back on track.
The holidays have rolled around – Thanksgiving was a road trip to Fairhope (well, Foley actually this year), and spending time with Kiley’s family.
Christmas was a bang – literally and in the Christmas sense. Santa came and visited Matthew – he got all he wanted. (He still hasn’t quite gotten riding his bicycle down though.) Christmas morning, we made a flying trip to the emergency room. While trying to see what was in his stocking, my little man pulled the stocking holder down and it busted his head open. Forty-five minutes and a little glue later, all is well. (It’s just not Christmas unless something goes wrong or someone winds up in the hospital is it?).
Now, we look forward to 2010 and the challenges it brings. We’re hoping for a better year – and hoping it’s not as wild.

I’ve been a bad blogger. I just realized I haven’t made a single post to Jeffery’s World since April! Quite a bit has happened in that time, so I’ll try and catch you all up and then get back to writing like I should.

First off, if you’ve been under a rock for the past five months or so, let’s talk jobs. I’m not with the Red Cross anymore. Yep, I’ve hung up my disaster vest and put away the bug spray (well, for traveling anyway) and made a career change.

I’m working in this wonderful new position as a community outreach coordinator/fund development officer for the Dothan-Houston County Substance Abuse Partnership. If you’re wondering what that means, its drug prevention education and I’m helping keep our youngsters educated about the dangers of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and other destructive decisions.

It’s a lot of fun and a great cause. (Less stress, too!) On top of that, I’ve done just about as many TV interviews working here as I averaged with the Red Cross – about one a month. I work with a great group of people (and did I mention they’re ALL WOMEN!), and things can get interesting around here from time to time.

I pulled off my first event – a Red Ribbon Week event – where we wrapped a portion of downtown Dothan, Alabama in red ribbon. We raised about $5,000 for a first-time event. I was a little disappointed, but the crew was happy – so that made me happy.

Moving along, Matthew is now 3 – yes, that’s right THREE! To celebrate his birthday we traveled to the Kingdom – you know, the one in central Florida lorded over by a mouse?

It was a lot of fun. Matthew was great and had a wonderful time. Kiley and I had a great time seeing Disney World through his eyes giving us an entirely new perspective on the place.

I’ll fill in details in future posts, along with pictures, but thought I’d just catch you all up as quick as possible.

Now, we’re looking forward to Thanksgiving (we’ll be traveling), and of course, Christmas. Santa’s planning on being very nice to Matthew this year, and well, with Christmas comes another event at work – but that’s another story, too. Pajamas, milk and cookies, elves, Santa – and lots of fun.

Until then, have a great one!

Kiley and Matthew on the train at the Montgomery Zoo.

“Lions, and tigers, and bears – oh my!” No, Matthew wasn’t saying that familiar little quote, but he was saying “Tigers! Monkeys! Elphants!” Ok, he had some trouble saying elephant and rhinosceros, but then again, he’s two, and could you say them right at that age?

Anyway, Kiley and I both had an unusual Friday off and decided we needed to take Matthew somewhere and spend some real family time together. Our options were kind of limited … we’re taking a big vacation to the Land of Mouse in November, so budget was the buzzword.

We opted on a trip to Montgomery to the zoo and then to a Montgomery Biscuits baseball game. Yes, that’s the name of the minor-league team in Alabama’s capitol city.

Matthew had never been to a zoo, and the only baseball he’s ever watched was a little league game of his cousin’s. Not quite sure how the day would go, Kiley and I prepared for the worst (extra diapers, extra sippy cups, changes of clothes, etc.), but hoped for the best. What we got was absolutely the BEST!

Matthew had a tremendous time at the zoo. Seeing the animals in real life and up close was a delight for him – and for us. We were able to truly see the zoo through his eyes. It’s one of the most amazing feelings I’ve had as a parent, yet. The wide-eyed innocence and amazement took me back to childhood and my first visit to the zoo.

There was the usual zoo fare – monkeys, lions, tigers, birds, etc. But, Matthew’s favorite animals by far was the family of elephants, especially the baby (well, as much as a 200+ pound baby can be called a baby) elephant that has the same birthday as he does.

The day was beautiful, too. Sunny skies, 80 degree temperatures (ok, it was closer to 90, but the Montgomery Zoo is very well shaded), and not a large crowd. Matthew also totally was enthralled by the train – which of course we had to ride.

We could not have asked for a better child – or better memory of his first visit to the zoo.

Matthew and me at the Montgomery Biscuits baseball game.

But, the day wasn’t over yet. After the zoo we headed to Riverwalk Stadium, home of the Montgomery Biscuits, a AA affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays.

Matthew loves sports, and what better way to give him the chance to see some great baseball than with a visit to the local minor league ballpark.

The Biscuits are still relatively new to Montgomery, having come to the city in 2004. In that time, they’ve won two Southern League Championships, so we knew we should have a good time.

We weren’t wrong. Matthew got into the game, calling out to the players, clapping and cheering. He was enthralled by “Big Mo,” the Biscuits mascot (not a biscuit, but a gigantic anteater – go figure). He watched the game, played with the folks behind us, and tried to do the “YMCA.”

After the game, we headed back down I-65 home. He talked himself to sleep on the way back. Kiley and I talked about the day and how good Matthew was. We agreed, there is no better time than family time.

Where has spring gone? It’s turned off down right cold – again. Of course, I shouldn’t be surprised. Afterall, there is always one last cold snap before Easter, and this year – even with Easter in mid-April, the weather has turned off cold once again.

But, despite the cold, it is very apparent from looking in my backyard that spring is defnitely upon us. The azaleas are in full bloom (well, they were until all that rain made them uglier than a possum that’s become roadkill), the amarillas are blooming, the snowball tree, and yes, the bridal wreath. But, the true sign is that the dogwood trees are blooming.

That’s really the sign I look for every year. Flowers and shrubs bloom, but it’s the dogwood that’s the true signal for me that spring is here. And just like what the dogwood symbolizes, spring is the season for rebirth – emerging from the doldrums of winter and bursting with energy and life.

And for all the beauty that spring brings every year, the beauty that comes each spring is from that beautiful gesture made over nearly 2000 years ago.

We’ve all heard the expression “The grass is greener on the other side.” But, how true is that? Is the grass truly greener on the other side?

Now, I know it’s not referring to actual grass, but rather is a nicer way of saying “this job will be better than your current one,” or “living in this town would be better than living where you do now.”

Is that true? Is what we want always better than what we have?

In some cases it may be, while in others – well, maybe we should just be content with what we already have.

It’s like my fascination – almost romantic to a degree – with how much better life was back in the 50s. I have this unwieldy belief that life in the 1950s was all Norman Rockwell and apple pie. Of course, I know better, but it’s my romanticized version of life in the 1950s.

I also know that it’s highly likely that someone will look back on some point in the history of my life and think, “Gee, life was so much better then. It was so much simpler.”

And then, they may be having the internal conversation with themselves about “the grass being greener on the other side.”

It was a weird, drama-filled, unexpected week at work – but then again, when you’re in the disaster business, that’s not totally unexpected. Thankfully, Friday (even though it was Friday the 13th) wasn’t too dramatic and I had a nice out-of-town meeting to take my mind off some things.

On my back from my meeting I got to thinking about how great some of my friends lives are – or at least on the outside they appear to have it all. But you know what, the more I thought about it the more I realized my life is pretty great, too, and I’ve done some pretty nifty things of my own.

In my previous life – as a reporter/editor – I had the chance to interview some pretty important and fascinating folks. I’ve interviewed U.S. Senators and Representatives, governors, federal judges, celebrities (actors, singers, and yes – even a model), and of course, some of the most interesting everyday people just like you and me. I’ve been back stage at concerts, in the dressing room of a couple of musical acts, on the tour bus of a dynamic duo, and more. All in all, it was a pretty interesting career.

But it’s not just about all those people I had the chance to meet and interview. I’ve done some pretty neat things. Been to numerous concerts – my first at age 8 – in both the country, pop, rock, gospel and bluegrass genres. That’s more than some people can say.

I’ve flown in airplanes (big and small), flown more than 200 miles in a helicopter, and got to pull the trigger on a rocket launcher once.

Not bad for a boy from a small town of 10,000, eh?

And the best part of it all, my life is still pretty interesting and fun – my 2-year-old, my wife, and the rest of my family keeps it that way.

So when I start to let my mind wander and then start wondering about all the other great stuff, I have to stop and think for just a minute – “Life is good, and for all I’ve done in the past, the things to look forward to in the future will be all the better with my son and the rest of my family.”

JB

Yes, it snowed in southern Alabama Sunday! It didn’t stick in my neck of the woods, but that doesn’t matter. It snowed! Matthew got to see it and run around for a bit in the flurries and I was able to get some video. No, we didn’t get to build a snowman or have a snowball fight, but that’s just fine. It snowed. That’s one of the good things about southern snow – usually, it lasts for an hour or so and is gone a few hours later. Usually, that is.

Here’s some video: