#ThinkKit11 Day 31: Defining 2012 in a single word ...

Well. We made it ... 31 straight days of blogging some thoughts, ideas, directions, and reflections of 2011. T-minus 60 minutes on the East Coast, T-minus 2-hours here in the CST. Personally, 2011 won't be one of my favorite years to remember, outside of receiving a fancy-looking piece of paper from Indiana University. So ... without further ado (and before I have a beer to celebrate 2012 ...)

Saturday, Dec 31: Setting Intention
What one word describes your year ahead, how you'll approach it, what you wish it to be?

Since publishing my last blog entry early yesterday, I've been chewing about a singular word that will hopefully describe what I'm hoping 2012 will bring my life. After using and abusing Thesarus.com to hit upon that perfect word, I kept coming back to one of the first words I thought of, and, while it may not be perfect word, perhaps it can become the perfect word.

"Devote"

While I believe there is such a thing as luck, devotion to one's actions ... and one created his/her own luck. But let's expound a little more on this word.

DEVOTE: I'm devoted to getting employed. Not only that, I'm devoting myself to making sure my what I'm doing makes me happy. I'm devoted to finding that job that makes understand the statement "Do what you love to do, and you'll never work a day in your life." Maybe that's why I've struggled, but let's be honest, I'm not a spring chicken anymore, and I personally think I've earned the right to think about employment that way.

DEVOTE: 2 hours, 35 minutes. 155 minutes. 9300 seconds. I'm devoted to that time. In 2009, I completed the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon in 2 hours, 48 minutes. It was my first Mini under 3 hours. Back then, I was devoted to that goal. In 2010, I devoted myself to not only beat my sisters in the 500 Festival's 5K, but also do it in under-40 minutes. Mission accomplished (38:22). I'm registered for the 2012 MiniMarathon - and my goal, my devotion, is very simple: 2:35.

DEVOTE: I'm devoted to start dieting properly. I need to. I have to. My goal - 200 lbs. That's a big stretch for me, so perhaps 210-215 is more realistic. Look, I used to weigh 300 lbs., and in the span of 2 years, I went from 301 to 194 lbs., and my doctor told me to gain weight, as my system and body structure couldn't/shouldn't take that. But, I'm devoted to at least try.

DEVOTE: I'm going to devote myself to being the best person I can be. I like wearing my heart on my sleeve. I like being able to speak my mind, even if I've fallen off the turnip truck in my thoughts. I don't want to go inside during life's stormy weather, but rather learn to dance in the rain. I want people to look outside a "robust" exterior, and see the person I really am, but you know what ... maybe that's another devotion I need to make in '12 - from a personal perspective, just be yourself. Stop trying to be the person everyone wants me to be.

****

With that said, the Smallbox #ThinkKit11 blog project is now complete. I hope everyone enjoyed the run. I hope I get to do a few proper blogs in the near future. And - if any of you have any leads in Indianapolis for Usability, User Experience Design, Information Architecture, or some mix thereof ... well ... </raises hand> </ReadyToWork>

Peace!

#ThinkKit11 Day 30: Looking for the full set ...

Here we are, 28 hours from 2012, and two blog entries remain in SmallBox's #ThinkKit11 project. Time's fun when you're having flies, right? It's been challenging to keep up-to-date, doing a blog entry every day, but in retrospect, it's been rather fun. Let's look at today's topic:

Friday, Dec 30: Removing Obstacles
If money, time or other commitments were no obstacle in 2012, what would you do?

Hmmmm ... this one is kinda strange to me, to be honest. Outside of a 7-week stint up in Chicago this year, I've been unemployed for almost three years. Not necessarily by choice, mind you - but if you think about it for a minute or two, outside of school work, I've had many opportunities to do things I've wanted to do, even while on a budget and not having to ask my boss for a day or week off.

So ... as we enter 2012, I am fully expecting some significant changes to life. Surely, full-time employment is around the corner, somehow, someway. I am now starting to look at rental places in the Indianapolis-metro area, something that will be large enough for myself and my dog. I am also connecting / reconnecting with as many contacts I can regarding employment opportunities to spread my wings in HCI & usability. I am ready for change and adventures.

Now, with that out of the way ... there are plenty of things I would really like to do in 2012 (or any year, for that matter). So, if I were to take money, time, and all other commitments away, and just go do something I want to do, what would it be? I don't think it's really time to be putting things on a "bucket list" is it?  So, I go with something relatively safe ... I'd like to complete my list to have visited all 50 U.S. States.

As I mentioned in a previous blog, I've been fortunate to have traveled a good piece in our country, but there are many unseen areas I would love the opportunity to visit, perhaps even take my golf clubs to. Here's the list of the twelve states I have yet to visit:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Deleware, Hawai'i, Maine, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina.

As you can see, there'd have to be a number of different and specific trips necessary. A flight to Hawai'i. A flight to (*gulp*) North Dakota, since I have the surrounding states covered. A trip to Maine (perhaps through Boston - which I like better than NYC). A trip to South Carolina via Charlotte, NC. Might be able to hit Dover via Washington or Baltimore. Perhaps an Alaskan cruise would be in order. Arizona & New Mexico would have to be another trip. Oklahoma & Arkansas would have to be one trip. Alabama & Mississippi would have to be a trip as well. So you can see - in order for me to finish my "journey of 50 states", I'd have several trips to plan out.  Who knows - I might be able to knock out one of those trips anyway this year, as I'm kicking around going to the IndyCar race in Birmingham, AL, but I'll have to see about that first.

I know that's kind of a cop-out answer, but I don't know how to really answer it. Let me put it to you this way ... when I was a senior in HS, my Advanced Sr. English teacher asked the class to write a descriptive narrative on where we would go on our summer break if given $500 dollars and a new professional-grade bicycle. I wrote a detailed adventure from Southern Illinois to the Grand Canyon, up to the state of Washington, and then back. I got it returned with a "REDO" grade, stating I needed a healthy dose of realism. I wasn't the only one in my class - over 2/3 of us had REDO's. It was humiliating, but it also made me think. Yes, it is wonderful to dream big, but it will take a dedicated effort over a great period, in order to achieve.  That's why I didn't mention "I'd like to travel in space", or "I'd like to climb one of the world's highest mountains." Both of which I would love to be able to do have the opportunity to do so, but I have to be realistic.

You know ... perhaps that 2-seater ride in an IndyCar for a few laps around IMS should go higher up on my list. That should be my motivation for losing weight this year - get down to 200 lbs., and I'm out $500 for a 2-seater ride, followed by a few laps of my own in my own IndyCar. Some people want to run away to the circus - I want to run away with IndyCar. :)

#ThinkKit11 Day 29: Leavin' On a Jet Plane ...

I've been fortunate enough to have done some traveling. I can say I've visited four countries (set foot in three of them), and 38 of the 50 U.S. States (none beginning with "A"). Yet, I'm always looking for the next adventure.

Thursday, Dec 29: New Places
Is there somewhere you really want go in 2012? Somewhere local? Or anywhere in the world?

If I could list three cities I'd really love to visit in 2012 which I have never visited before, they would be (in no particular order):

1. Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida. I've been to Florida three times in my life. Two trips to Mickey-ville, and once to Miami & Key West. Yet, I've wanted to head to Tampa/St. Pete for many years. I'd love to head there in late-March to catch this year's IndyCar Grand Prix of St. Pete, as the city was home to Dan Wheldon, and there won't be a dry eye in the stands when they honor him there.

(PS - for 2012, could race officials rename the race "Dan Wheldon Memorial Grand Prix of St. Pete" please? That would just have a nice ring to it for this year - and there's little doubt all drivers would bust tail to win the race in the inaugural race for the new DW12 chassis.)

But, besides the race itself, I'd like to check out a few other places, too. I've heard resounding applause for the new Salvador Dali museum. I'd like to hit up a Tampa Bay Rays baseball game at Tropicana Field. Plus, I'm a sucker for roller-coasters, so Busch Gardens would definitely need (*ahem*) thorough testing.

2. Toronto, Ontario, Canada. I've had this one on my list for many years. Don't get me wrong, having an IndyCar event there is outstanding (and I'd love to go), but I also have some friends whom live there (fellow IndyCar fans, and my Halo "clan" is based there), and I'm sure they can give me the low-down on where to go. Toronto has a large "design" culture there, as I've seen several documents, drawings, and application/engineering designs with references to Toronto. I can only imagine what flying into YYZ would be like, since I'm a fan of Rush. Similar to Tampa/St. Pete, I want to see Rodgers Centre (formerly known as the SkyDome), try out a few of their world-famous breweries, plus I GOTTA check out the CN Tower, because this looks FREE-KING AMAZE-ZING!!!

3. London, England, United Kingdom. If there was ever a year to check out London, this would be the one. Many of you know the 2012 Summer Olympics are there, and I've always wanted to go to the Olympics at some point in my life (I was devastated when Chicago didn't get awarded The Games). But there's SO much more in London I want to experience. Somehow, my family roots (father's side) have some connection to the U.K., but we've never really gotten the opportunity to do a genealogical study on that side of the family. I've always hoped one day I can fly my father and myself over there for two weeks and "study abroad". Plus, I've heard so much about the city and country that I really just need to bite-the-bullet, and go for it. My only exposure to the UK was that I had to change planes at Heathrow (which is the 4th country I've been to, but when you don't leave the airport, it doesn't count).

***

So, there's three cities I'd love to see in 2012 ... sadly, the odds of me seeing two of them are pretty remote, but I'm going to try to get to one of them. Decisions, decisions ...

#ThinkKit11 Day 28: New tricks for a new dog ...

Wednesday, Dec 28: New Skills
What new skill do you want to add to your repertoire?

Gees, there's so much I'd like to be able to learn over the next 366 days (remember - 2012 is a leap year), I'm not sure where to start. But, I'll try limit myself somewhat:

1. I would like an opportunity to really become adept at cascading style sheets (CSS). Now - hold up. I have 2 Masters degrees in computer-related programs, and I don't know CSS? While I do know the concepts of CSS, and have been able to use some of it, I think it's safe to say I've only scratched the mere surface of what I can do with it. If there's someone that would love to show me the CSS creative ropes, I'll be a willing student ready to put nose-to-grindstone.

2. I would like to improve my digital photography skills. OK, this one needs a little work. I have a Canon PowerShot S2 IS camera, which I've had for at least 4-5 years. It's a solid piece, though it's showing age. I've had many photographers (professional and semi-amateur) look at my shots and say I have potential. However, when it comes to aperture, F's, lens attachments, and all the associated terminology bells and whistles professional photogs know by heart, I'm a clueless wonder. I would really love to find a class or non-credit program, whereby I can learn these things.

2A. I would like to become more adept at Photoshop or Fireworks. I have a good base with Fireworks, since I've worked with that software for a while, but even still, I'm pretty confident I've only used < 25% of its full capability. Photoshop, to a lesser extent. Everyone says Photoshop is the all-powerful, all-everything, and yada-yada. For some people, that's awesome, but for me ... I don't think I need to be all-powerful, but much more knowledgeable.

3. I would like to learn how to physically build a computer. All of my desktop & laptop computers have been purchased through a store or online. Just once, I'd like to build my own computer - to my own preposterously ridiculous specifications. I'm not a hardware expert by any stretch, but I've installed memory, hard drives, video cards, audio cards, etc. - how hard can it really be to put all the pieces together and create a modern-day Frankenstein?

One last one ... non-computer related.

4.  I would like to learn how to diet & exercise properly. Look, I'm not a picture of perfect health. I need to get better at maintaining a proper diet, and getting onto a regular exercise regimen. I think one of my current downfalls is that I'm unemployed, which means I currently have to watch my finances much more closely, which means eating cheaper (less healthier) food, and not joining a fitness club. A fitness club may not necessarily be required, but let's be honest - exercising with someone who will keep you motivated is better than no motivation whatsoever. If I get back to Indianapolis soon, I'd like to have some help. I also recognize losing weight is a long journey, not a quick fix ... It's time to get on the slow boat to China and get this thing going.

***

So, that's my list of skills I hope to learn (or learn more) about in 2012. Any/All suggestions towards these are greatly welcomed! Until tomorrow ...

#ThinkKit11 Day 27: Making new connections ...

It's funny ... just when I start thinking I have this "blogging" thing down, there are days you get writer's block. Since about 8am this morning, I've been chewing on this question:

Tuesday, Dec 27: Making Connections
If you could meet someone new in 2012, who would it be? Or would you rather spend more time with someone you already know?

With where I currently am in my life, I'm not sure how best to answer this. 2012 is an election year, but with all the expected mud-slinging that will be taking place soon, I'll have my fill of politics for the year by end-of-January.

If you'd like a cop-out answer, then I'll answer it by saying - I'd love to meet a hiring manager that is willing to give me an opportunity to spread my wings in usability and user experience design, and get to work again.

Perhaps another answer might be: I'd like to meet a group of people that are willing to listen to a start-up idea I have, bust tail, and really get it out there. Two years ago, I was in an HCI class, to which my partner & I, in our final project, came up with something that, to this day, my professor thinks has potential to make us retire by 45. I'd like to do that, but I've never done a start-up before.

Now, if there was one person I'd like to meet whom I've never met before, perhaps Don Norman. Dr. Norman is a well-known, well-respected engineer, and is considered a "godfather of usability". He's written wonderful books, has presented papers to worldwide conferences, and is at the top rung of HCI & Usability. I would love to have the opportunity to meet him, shake his hand, introduce myself, and really have a good sit-down session with him.

In 2007, I purchased Norman's book "The Design Of Everyday Things". I read the book cover-to-cover, and became inspired. It it home, because some of the philosophies he introduces, I could see in real life - in regards to (a) "Yes, that's the way it should be", and (b) "No, that makes no sense. Why?" It was probably the most "deep" book I've read since my undergraduate days. I started looking at things differently from that point on.

One of my first professional projects worked with an application called W-6, a scheduling program that determined "Who does What, Where, When, With what, and for Whom" (hence "W-6"). Since starting my HCI coursework and this new career direction, there's a 7th "W" that rarely gets talked about, especially when it comes to website, software, & mobile application design ... "Why". Why do people want to group categories this way versus that way? Why are people clicking the wrong button in this scenario? Why do people think Version A is better than Version B? I find myself asking more "Why" questions nowadays than any of the other 6 W's mentioned. There is little doubt Norman's book has changed my design philosophy.

This Christmas, I recieved "Emotional Design: Why We Love (or Hate) Everyday Things", which was Norman's follow-up book. I've only read the preface, and already, I'm becoming inspired again. I can't wait to really dive into the guts of the book, make some highlights, and then put them to good use ... whenever employment comes my way.

***

Now, is there someone I've already met whom I'd like to spend more time with? Yes. I'll probably get to see her again, hopefully at least twice this year. The two of us share many things in common, but there's so much more I'd like to learn from her and about her. Does she know I want to? Heck no - she has no clue. One of my resolutions this year is to not hesitate to ask her out when I see her next - perhaps not as a date, but - well - as two people whom deserved better 2011's than what the two of us received. Both of us saw pretty big highs & awful lows this calendar year.

Twenty seconds of insane courage is all it will take to change the way I look at the world. Perhaps hers as well. Besides, life's too short to live it alone.

***

Don Norman books of interest (via Amazon):
The Design Of Everyday Things (link)
Emotional Design: Why We Love (or Hate) Everyday Things (link)

Don's Website: http://jnd.org/

#ThinkKit11 Day 26: Forward thinking ...

Christmas has now passed, but the holiday season is still in full swing. However, there's only 6 more days in 2011, which means it's time to begin looking forward to 2012. Without further ado:

Monday, Dec 26: Forward Thinking
What are you looking forward to the most about the next 365 days?

2012 will unquestionably bring change to my life. At least, I really hope so. I mean, to be honest, the list is long for what I'm looking forward to, such as:

• SuperBowl XLVI in Indianapolis
• 2012 Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament
• The 500 Festival MiniMarathon
• The 96th Indianapolis 500 in May (although it will have a little bittersweetness to it)
• Hoping I can take my nephew to qualifications this year.
• Brickyard 400 

(OK ... I gotta get sports of the brain ... ) 

Let me get back to the subject at hand. What am I looking most forward to in 2012? You know what - I thought about this for a little while today, and I keep coming back to the same thing. Unless something regarding employment comes in and just overwhelms me with and unbelievable opportunity, I'm looking forward to moving back to the Indianapolis metropolitan area, and continuing my permanent job search up there.

Don't get me wrong. Six months after graduating from IUPUI and having to move from Indy (to save money), I've enjoyed being with my family, even though permanent employment keeps slipping through my fingers. I've been put in charge of babysitting dogs during family vacations, worked at my dad's office on computer issues, and got to see both my niece & nephew in holiday programs. I've been able to do some things I've wanted to do for a long time that I might not have gotten the opportunity to do with and related to family.

However, I think most of my family knows that my heart lies in Indianapolis. Since leaving, I've been back there at least four times. It draws me back. It makes my heart yearn for more.

• I miss having a Boogie Burger & Side Wok Café every once in a while
• I miss Thr3e Wise Men and their $6 growler refills
• I miss taking Camber to the Broad Ripple Dog Park & Plump's Last Shot for an afternoon/evening meal.
• I miss having IMS just around the corner (relatively speaking, of course)
• I miss the Monon Trail & Eagle Creek Greenway
• I miss the traffic (yeah, I know, I know ... but I do miss living in a county with more than 5 intersections with stoplights)
• I miss hitting up the Indiana State Museum, IMA, & the Eiteljorg Museum.
• The list goes on ....

I think the gameplan will be for me to get up to Indianapolis a few times in January to scout "opportunities" for Camber & myself, without breaking a bank. I'm currently working on a few employment angles (contract or fulltime), so we'll have to see. Sure, I can move into a one-bed place, but when you have as large of a storage unit as I have, plus a large golden retriever, I'm hoping there's a place that would accept us for who and what we are.

I'm sure Indianapolis will do that. After all ... it's Indianapolis.

#ThinkKit11 Day 25: All is calm, all is bright ...

First off, from my family to yours, Happy Holidays! Santa Claus showed up in Southern Illinois, even though it was 50*F and nary a snowflake in sight

Sunday, Dec 25: 'Tis the Season
Share a photo from your year that highlights giving, thankfulness, traditions or finding peace.

I'll post two quick ones for the day here in Southern Illinois:

First, Christmas morning always begins with a "calm before the storm". My niece (6) and nephew (9) stayed the night, along with my sister. They finally - FINALLY - crashed out about 11pm, although my nephew put up a pretty good fight waiting for Santa to show up.

Unfortunately, my brother-in-law works the overnight shift as a police sergeant, and got off work at 7am. No one told my niece & nephew that Christmas would be slightly delayed and they could sleep in. Those two were loaded for bear by 6:00am - ugh. So, we had a little bit of breakfast waiting for their father to arrive. I took the dogs outside to "relieve them of their 'duties'", and snapped a Christmas sunrise:

My brother-in-law arrived at 7:45am, and the Festival of Flying Paper was in full effect. Granted for the two kids, it was a matter of "quantity" over "quality", so they were thrilled unwrapping individual Skittles, pens, pencils, and a bevy of other toys. Although, I'm not sure if it's natural for both kids to be given their own Nook Color tablets, but hey, knowing my father (their grandfather), I just KNEW something was coming that would make my mom and my sister roll their eyes in disbelief.

After things had settled down, the paper no longer airborne, and a few naps were taken by those older than 12 (myself included) ... and then some good fresh coffee ...

A wonderful Christmas dinner with the immediate family, a viewing of "A Christmas Story", and a plethora of desserts to make a dentist wring his hands in anticipation later, and we were ready to being playing & reviewing our new gifts. While I took a number of good photos of the flying paper and all, there's one picture that stands out, because it was a matter of sheer luck and timing.

My niece (the 6-year-old) was showing off a new Lego sorter. It's actually pretty cool! You pour all your pieces into the top, and then shake it. The big pieces stay at the top, and the small bits filter to the bottom bowl. To me, it was ingenious. However, when she came over  to get her picture taken with it ... well, let's just say she moved just right and ....

After seeing this (and knowing my li'l niece the way I know her), this is somehow quite fitting. She's always hungry, but yet seems to never gain an ounce. She's also always wearing a smile that makes you think she's up-to-something. Somehow, someway, I have this feeling this picture is going to end up in the archives for many years to come.

Anyway, that's Christmas 2011 from Southern Illinois. I haven't decided what first I'm going to play with ... Lego Harry Potter for the Wii, or start reading one of my two new books. The Wii seems so much more fun.

#ThinkKit11 Day 24: Youthful memories in a book ...

Saturday, Dec 24: Gifts
Did you give or receive a meaningful gift this year?

Years ago, there was no such thing as gift cards. We used to work off of Christmas wish lists, hope we got the right things, and then if not (or if they were broken), it was Exchange Wars the next day. I don't want to say gift cards have ruined gift purchasing, but they have lessened the "personal touch" or meaning behind a gift, in my opinion. Unless I'm absolutely desperate and have run out of time, I'll purchase gift cards. Otherwise, recipients are getting "something"!

When I was seven, I started collecting baseball cards. It was a simpler (and cheaper) time in Smalltown, USA. I could walk up to our locally-owned novelty store, buy two packs of baseball cards and can of RC Cola for $1.00. Over the years, especially those in the 80's, I collected baseball cards. I had a percentage of my weekly allowance dedicated to baseball cards. A few of my friends and I would head over to Vincennes, IN to two baseball cards shops and go crazy.

Once I got to college, my collecting days started waning, but I've always kept my baseball cards. I could talk about collecting them with friends, talk to them regarding how to collect, what to look for in collecting, and the like. Over the years, I've heard horror stories about how friends sold off their collections, lost their collections to a flood or a spring-cleaning mother, and what not. But my parents knew my collection held a special place in my heart and childhood, so they stayed with me. I can't tell you how much I have invested in them, nor can I tell you how much my collection is worth. But they will stay with me for a while, even if they are currently in storage.

Fast forward to 2011.

This year, my nephew received 3-4 packs of baseball cards from his grandfather, and an addiction started. My brother-in-law was able to find perhaps 100 of his older baseball cards from the early-90's, so my nephew now has more in his collection - although he doesn't know any of the players (other than Jose Oquendo, since he's a Cardinals fan - WHERE did I go wrong).

This year, for my nephew's 9th birthday gift, I gave him his first baseball card book. It had plenty of sheets for his cards for display. I also gave him a package of individual card holders and a couple of specially-made boxes. I also told him about my baseball card collection, which he didn't know about. He's now begging me to move back to Indianapolis permanently, so that he can "coerce" me to take him to a Colts game, but I'm thinking he really wants to see my baseball card collection (once I'm out of storage). He wants to see old cards and old "Cards". This afternoon, I'm heading back to his house for the first time since receiving his baseball card book - I can't wait to see how he's got his book arranged. Perhaps there's a $20 bill going to wind up in his pocket with a promise to take him to the baseball cards shop in town.

I can't wait to talk baseball cards again with him (and eventually, I hope, with my son or daughter). It's Christmas Eve - I can't wait to be 9 again.

#ThinkKit11 Day 23: A walk to forget ...

Friday, Dec 23: Destress

What did you do this year when things got hectic? How did you unwind?

Stress is everywhere. Everyday, we have a little bit of it. Perhaps it's just a morsel of stress, comparable to a bonbon sized taste. Other times, it's a bonbon with all its friends, relatives, cousins-twice-removed, all riding along shotgun in the locomotive engine.  Let me just say - this year, I'm kinda surprised I wasn't given a share of stock in Advil with all the headaches I've encountered.

However, I will say, one of the better ways I try to de-stress myself is to go for a walk. I know - it sounds crazy. But I don't mean going for a walk around the block ... I mean going for A WALK!

A short walk for me is 2 miles. A longer walk, perhaps Broad Ripple to 96th St. or to at least 465 on the North side, and back. I did make it to Carmel & back one afternoon when I really needed to vent. When I lived on the west side, I found (more like used/abused) the Eagle Creek Greenway, next to the Colts HQ, and Eagle Creek Park. Every once in a while, I even enjoy a round of golf hoofin' it, rather than cartin' it - in fact, I'd prefer it, but sometimes, the folks I play golf with aren't up to the challenge.

There's something about losing one's self in a walk, or a run for that matter. Every now and then, I take my iPhone or iPod (still rocking the 5G, mind you). Camber goes with me from time-to-time, but after about 3-4 miles, I might as well be walking a 60 lb. bag of potatoes. Other times, you know, sometimes, its good to leave technology at home, take my ID and a single credit card, and just go.

And after a good walk of losing myself into nature, I'm better. Stress may not necessarily be 100% alleviated, but my thoughts are gathered, my plan of attack for the rest of the day is readied, and I'm good.

I've already registered for the 2012 MiniMarathon. It'll be my 4th go-around. My last one was in '09, and it was the first time I broke 3 hours (2:48). I've already set a goal of 2:35 for this year, which will mean I will need to be running at least 5 of the 13.1 miles. It's do-able, but you've gotta start with a good base. Trust me, I may not look like the picture of perfect health, but outside of an cousin-in-law addicted to Ironmans, I've done 4 more half-marathons than most of my family :)

So go lose yourself in a walk. Just go. Take your ID & credit card, leave all technology behind. You'll thank me later.

#ThinkKit11 Day 22: Influences of 2011 ...

Apologies for yesterday and being a touch late today ... guess I get to do two blog entries today. No matter. Parents are still shopping/wrapping, and the homemade Chex mix is in the oven, so ... let's get bloggin' ... 

Thursday, Dec 22: Influence
Obama? Oprah? Mom? A furry friend? Who made a difference for you this year? 

In short - I don't know.

Hold up. What the %$&@ kinda answer is that? Well ... it's a tough answer, to be honest, because there really hasn't been a single, true inspiration I can look back on this year and say "That's my inspiration". However, in fairness:

• Camber. After hard days at school, whether attending late night courses, spending oodles of time in the library, or conducting intense HCI testing sessions ... there have been many MANY days I wondered whether all the work, all the unknowns about employment, and the directions I am taking in my career (and my life) ... is it all worth it? Coming home to a warm face, a wagging tail, and usually an appetite. Yeah - it's worth it.

• Dr. Davide Bolchini. In grad school, you will always have one professor that stands out to you, because of his passion for a particular subject. For me, that's Dr. Bolchini. He came to IUPUI in 2008 from Italy and has immediately established roots here in Indianapolis. He has an innate passion for HCI, but more importantly, he has a passion for educating people and it reverberates in each of his presentations and his research efforts. If anyone gets a chance to attend one course or lecture with Dr. Bolchini, do so - well worth your time.

• INDYCAR fans. Just before starting my capstone (in Sept. 2010), I received an email (from the series) stating it might not be a good idea. Little did I know about the Verizon agreement. Regardless, I "tweeted" out a pre-project questionnaire link to my Twitter followers if they had ideas. The response was not only overwhelming, but also quite inspiring. It was like I struck a nerve in fans, and they wanted to see what I could do with an idea. They kept me inspired through the entire project, because without the end users wants & needs, I don't have Masters #2.

Sometimes, inspiration come at you like a ton of bricks. Other times, it just from a look, a though, or a dream - nothing truly physical, but still tangible. Those are the ones you remember, because they touch you, they resonate, they influence - not just now, but for years to come.

#ThinkKit11 Day 21: I'll buy THAT for $20 ...

I don't want to say we're in the homestretch of the SmallBox #ThinkKit11 blog project, but alas we are. Day 21 has special meaning to me ...

Wednesday, Dec 21: Creation
What did you make this year? Whether something personal, like a song or some art, or a work project, share your process and the end result of your creation.

Of all my creations this year, I am most proud of my Masters project prototype. So, hold up - why am I proud of something I built that is, to be honest, non-functional? A fair question, requiring a fair answer.

After performing a significant research effort on the nuances of mobile application design, I created a prototype and (more importantly) a test plan for a proposed INDYCAR Live Timing & Scoring device for the Apple iPhone. It was in response to Verizon's announcement of creating similar apps for Verizon phones, to which Verizon iPhones were not announced yet.

So, what was the challenge? First, how does one even go about creating a mobile application prototype, without the need to go through Apple's approval process within iTunes? Second, how do you make an iPhone app? More importantly, how do you make a prototype app that you can test on an iPhone, and yet still call it a disposable prototype? The Fall 2010 semester made me answer those questions.

In the end, I created a HTML-based prototype for a proposed INDYCAR Live Timing & Scoring app for the iPhone. In February, I conducted several usability tests using the prototype successfully to gain feedback towards possible design directions worth future investigation. Doing a usability test is more than "What do you like/dislike?" It's peering into a test subject's thoughts, feelings, engagement with technology. It sounds easy, but it isn't.

However, statements like: "I would buy that from iTunes right now for $20. Will it be available for the first race this year?" ... those are the ones that make you realize what you're doing (or what you want to be doing) is worth all the hard work.

Below are a few quick screenshots of the mobile application itself, along with a few links to various documents from my capstone project. You're welcome to review if you'd like. Incidentally, I did submit these documents to INDYCAR personnel, and have received many compliments from them. Now ... if only I could get my foot in the door with them ... please?

Screenshots:

Links of interest:

Access the iPhone prototype:

• Link to instructions and test script
• Note: this app was made with iPhones in mind, though it is unknown how other mobile devices will act accordingly, since it is - after all - a web site.

Final Presentation:

• Link to Final Presentation
• Note: This is a 2.7MB pdf, so be warned. I have included speaker notes
• One day, I'll give this presentation via YouTube, so you can hear my personal/professional thoughts, too.

Final Report

• Link to Final Report 
• Still trying to find a good journal or organization to publish this report, although, to be honest, I did submit this report to INDYCAR, so it make it into the right hands (I hope).

#ThinkKit11 Day 20: Grateful for being grateful ...

It's 11:50pm on the East Coast, so I'll try to keep this one brief, although it's a topic we should think about more often, not just during the holidays ...

Tuesday, Dec 20: Gratitude
What are you grateful for this year?

I am going to remember this calendar year as one of the most stressful years I've ever encountered. From wrapping up the Masters degree, to the continuing challenges of Job Hunt 2011 (now becoming Job Hunt 2012), to having to depart Indianapolis to save some funds, to trying to keep my dog fed during this time of stress ... well, let's just say save for a few good events, there have been several times I've been waiting to hit the "reset" button, or at least the "fast forward" button, to get to 2012.

However, even through this year, there have been plenty of people, places, and things I have been grateful for in 2011. I won't go into a big diatribe on each ...

• Family: They've been my rock. They've always been my rock. When I started this adventure for Masters #2, I knew I was venturing off a "safe" path, and going down a treacherous path of an unknown destination. They've taken me back in (temporarily), while I continue job hunt. While on my contract, my parents & sister re-adopted my dog as theirs. They've cheered me up, they've cheered me on, and they believe. For that - I'm grateful

• Good Friends: We all have different varieties of friends. Friends from our youth. Friends from graduate programs. Friends with common interests & beliefs. Friends that believe in you, thick and thin, regardless of how loud you yell "Hey, y'all! Watch this!" Sometimes, a phone call or a quick email from a friend - even a long lost friend - can make your day or week.

• Indianapolis: Can you be grateful to a city? Yes. For each item wrong in a city environment, there are fifty items right. The city has given me joy, it has given me inner peace, it has given me relaxation, it has given me culture. If you give yourself a little time, think about it for a minute or two. Whatever city you live in - aren't you grateful you live in that city? If you're not, why are you there? Life's too short, and you're never too young/old to dream big.

• Avon (IN) & Carbonadale (IL) Panera Breads: Hold on, I know - why single out two specific Panera Breads? Easy. When you're in a big city, most Panera Breads will have a 30-minute WiFi limit during the lunch hours, mostly in order to keep people moving through. These two gems - no limits! I cannot even fathom how many hours I've spent at each of these places ... just, um ... leave me an outlet, please.

• "Bubba4": One final recognition needing explanation. Bubba4 is my laptop computer, an HP Pavilion dv9000. The original "Bubba" & "Bubba2" have long met their makers, and "Bubba3" is my desktop computer. Over the last 4 years (since December '07), I have put Bubba4 through the wringer. It's been dependable, it's introduced me to social media, it's finished a Masters degree with me. There were times I wanted to punch its lights out, curse at it, fly it some "angry birds" - but it's still going strong, bagel crumbs and coffee stains and all.

Look, let's be honest, there's too much to be grateful for. And perhaps that alone - no ... definitively ... that's what I'm really grateful for. I'm grateful for being grateful.

#ThinkKit11 Day 19: New tricks for this old dog ...

Let's not beat around the bush today ... lock-n-load:

Monday, Dec 19: Something New
Knitting, a new language, underwater basketweaving... what new things did you learn this year?

When I was about to begin my first semester in graduate school for Masters Degree #1, I went to the bookstore to sock down $200 on 3 books (*ouch*). Walking out, I looked at the plastic bag, and it had a quote on it:

“Education is a social process; education is growth; education is not preparation for life but is life itself.” - John Dewey

Whoa. Deep stuff right there. But what he said makes sense, in some fashion. Human beings have an innate sense of curiosity. We're born with it, we grow up with it during school, we expound on it during our college days, and we (hopefully) make use of it in our professional and personal lives. It's when we stop being curious and learning new things that we start to age.

I've always said grad school was more fun than undegrad, because the topics you start delving into are more focused and more in line with topics you're really wanting to learn, not what you're required to learn. This year was no exception. During the spring, I took an "Information Architecture for the Web" course, which was taught under the IU School of Library and Information Sciences (SLIS). I have made web sites now for over 15 years, but even in this one course, I gained a TON from it.  For example:

• I learned how to use lightboxes, which was a first for me. Since I wasn't afraid about reading Javascript, I could customize it a little bit. But don't ask me to write new Javascript - I can mostly read it, I can modify it, but creating it new - I'm not so sharp.
• While I know of CSS, there's so much more I learned in this class. Now, I find myself wanting to open up books and examples of CSS design, not necessarily on how to do it, but what is right and wrong with certain designs for certain industries.
• Ever heard of Dublin Core? I hadn't until this class. NOW - I use Dublin Core information in conjunction with Metadata. It just feels right now.

Now, all of this information is well and good, but you've gotta be able to use it properly in order to really understand it, right? We were given a final project to roll everything we had learned in the class into a single web site for a photographer in Crawfordsville, whom has been wanting a new web site for several months. Each of the students were to go off on their own branches and make the web site. While each site would be used for their final project grade, each of the submitted sites would be reviewed by the photographer, and one site would become her new site. I figured I would have a little advantage in the class, but there plenty of creative people in class.  In the end, the photographer selected my site as her new web site! With a couple minor tweaks at her request - VOILA - she had her site, and I couldn't have been happier for her (and for being able to stretch myself in a passion of mine - web design).

Life is all about exploration. However, the greatest exploration is the exploration of one's own mind. Dewey is right: Education really isn't preparation for life. If it is, we're in a world of hurt. Education is life itself, because we should never turn down an opportunity to learn something new and explore. Keep exploring what you can learn about - you might surprise yourself!

Links of Interest:
FancyBox: http://fancybox.net/
Dublin Core (from Stanford University): http://studentaffairs.stanford.edu/soap/toolbox/dublincore

Shamless plug for the web site I created this Spring:
Portraits by Natalie Gomez:  http://portraitsbynataliegomez.com/

Let me know what you think about these sites!

#ThinkKit11 Day 18: Fun ... cubed!

Eighteen days into the SmallBox #ThinkKit11 challenge. Didn't know I could do it for this long or not, but here we are. One week from today, we are with our families, enjoying good food, and mostly, playing with our new gadgets and gizmos Good Ol' St. Nick brought us ... or at least what our credit cards burned a hole in our pocketbooks on.

Sunday, Dec 18: Technology
What technology changed your world this year? Pick a gadget, a website... how did it make a difference for you?

While I was in Chicago on the failed contract-to-hire, one of the managing directors asked a colleague and I to take a look at some cool gadgets for usability and user experience, so that a blog entry could be created accordingly. So, in essence, he bought us some games to play with. Now, I'm a gamer - I always have been. Beginning with an Atari 2600 and coin-op games, I've enjoyed the hand-to-eye combat with forces of evil in digital format, whether they are aliens, bad guys, or other drivers in the same game. However, let's be honest, some of these games aren't very educational, or if they are, they are very limited in their expansion.

One game that was given to us to review was Sifteo Cubes (http://www.sifteo.com).  They are three cubes, each with an LED display, that allow a user to physically manipulate the cubes in a certain way, whether they are shuffled, flipped, tilted, spun around, whatever. Game play is done completely through the cubes themselves, to which the only additional needs is a laptop computer and a free USB port. Games are downloaded (free or by purchase) using Sifteo's homespun application (think iTunes). Each of the cubes' LED displays also doubled as a clickable "button", so if there was an action that was needed, press the LED itself!

Sifteo Cubes

Now, when we were turned loose to play with them and try to write a blog entry, one of the things we started thinking about was the overall audience? Who would really play with these, and how would they play with them? In my opinion, I could easily see my 6-yr-old niece playing with them, as she's at the right age for educational games. However, my 9-yr-old nephew ... meh ... I think he'd probably play with them in their current state as more of a novelty game, but I'm not sure he'd play with them for extended periods of time.

At the time of Sifteo Cubes release, there weren't many games just yet. The one game that keeps me thinking was a maze game, whereby a gopher would need to traverse a maze to find a turnip, but you had to manipulate the cubes so that you could move the gopher further in the maze. It forced you to have spacial thinking about something as simple as a maze, which is brilliant, in my opinion. One other game that stood out was an ordering game, where you had to maneuver the cubes into a certain order (such as A - B - C) as quickly as possible. That might not sound hard, but people could set up their own matching game, and give them to their children, perhaps as a learning tool for a particular subject they may be having difficulty with.  For example, could you quickly put these in the right order: Taft-Harrison-Coolidge ... makes you think on the fly doesn't it?

Alas, there were some concerns we had. First was the overall cost for the starting system: $150!! For 3 of these cubes (each about 1.5" square), a transponder to go into the USB port, and a charging station. You could buy an additional three cubes for $45 each - meaning for the whole 6-cube set, it would set you back almost $300! Crikey! And for a game system that (at the time) I targeted only for 2nd Grade and below.  There were only a limited number of games ... guessing 10-15 at the time ... and only a handful of development companies that were starting to take on designing & building Sifteo games. All sounds were played through the laptop computer, not through internal cube speakers, which is odd knowing today's available technology. And, you were required to have the computer running at all times. The cubes were "tethered" to the running computer, so you couldn't download a game to the cubes (using the cubes' flash memory), then take just the cubes on a car ride. No computer - no fun.

In fairness, could I see someone actually purchasing the cubes? Yes! Elementary schools might consider purchasing them, so that the systems remain in the K-2 grade range. Educators could really capitalize on their utility as a supplementary learning mechanism that kids of that age group could really find fascinating - and that's what school districts need to uncover ... how to make learning fun again. Too often, we hear of regimented educational programs that, while powerful, churn out unhappy kids. Kids like to play video or computer games, so why not capitalize on this idea in the classroom!

Do I see potential for other opportunities? Sure. As my colleague presented, I could easily see an electrical engineer designing a new circuit board using these. I can see a budding D.J. mixing complex music beats. I can see an artist trying new colors for digital imaging. I could see uses in fashion, in media, in sports. The mind begins to really think about the possibilities in education, especially those in the middle school and high school levels. Even in those programs having special educational needs.

It never hearts to dream about possibilities, and what might come.

#ThinkKit11 Day 17: Well, now I know ...

So now that I'm caught up, let's look at today's topic:

Saturday, Dec 17: Choice
What was the wisest decision you made this year?

This one, just as many topics in #ThinkKit11, required me to do a little thinking, but for the right reasons. I'm going to remember 2011 for some good reasons, but interspersed with some not-so-good reasons as well. It's been a rough year, with high highs, and low lows. But in the end, it's still going to be a year to remember. However, if there's one decision I'm going to look back on and say it was my wisest decision, I'm going to go back to August, and say it was the decision to accept the contract-to-hire position in Chicago.

Now, I can see a few of you raising an eyebrow in curiosity, especially when I've stated in past entries that I'm unemployed. Let me explain.

When I started my first full-time professional position, I worked with several consultants. In fact, I was the only person in my little group that wasn't a consultant. Thus, for all intents and purposes, I worked a consultant's life - work hard, work long, but play & party hard. For who I was at the time, life was pretty good. I got to see how consulting life was a lot of work, but also would provide a good variety. I really fell in love with the idea of becoming a consultant. Lots of travel, lots of variety, lots of everything.

Life has a funny way of changing things on you.

The decision to accept the contract-to-hire position for becoming a User Experience Consultant position worked out great for a number of reasons.

• First, it got my foot in the door to entering a full-time UX position.
• Second, it proved to me that, while I was entering the next phase of my career, my education at IUPUI was well spent, and the knowledge level in HCI & Usability were very comparable, if not exceeded, to peers I was working with.
• Third, it demonstrated to me that, while I might enjoy the role of traveling consultant, my life - or perhaps more in particular, the desired lifestyle at this point in my life - is probably not suitable for doing such.

Right now, I think I lead a good life, even if I am unemployed. I have a great family, even though I'm still hopelessly single. I have a great dog who is loads of fun to have around my feet. I have this innate passion for golf and IndyCar racing. I have a truck that's 12 years old with balding tires, yet it still gets me from Point A to Point B with minimal complications. I have some great personal challenges ahead of me that I want to accomplish, such as losing weight, eating healthier, and prepping for the 2012 Indianapolis MiniMarathon. If I were to enter a full-time position as a worldwide traveling consultant, it would be not just chaotic, but many of the things I personally enjoy, I might have to give them up altogether.

The opportunity in Chicago made me also realize something I hadn't seen before. My paternal family roots are 100% Southside Chicago. My great-grandfather built a house on the southside that survived The Great Chicago Fire. My grandfather was born in the living room of that same house, and he lived there for over 80 years. My father's eyes light up with glee each time he gets the chance to return to Chicago from Southern Illinois, and I make no bones about it - Chicago is one of my favorite cities in the world to visit. However, I also realized that while my family roots are clearly Chicagoan - my personal roots, well, they aren't. They're Indianapolis. And you know what - I'm good with that. And I really think my entire family is good with that, too ... so long as I settle down there, too.

The decision to end the contract after seven weeks was mutual, although both sides may seem as though they were the ones whom initiated the severance. I wasn't happy about the direction and vibe I was feeling, even though I wasn't letting that trickle into my work. But now, I have a deeper appreciation for those whom have this lifestyle and can make it work, juggling family and travel demands along with work. I needed to see that for myself, firsthand and up close. Now that I have, I'm a better person for it.

I know I am.

#ThinkKit11 Day 16: Disappearing money isn't so bad ...

OK, so I'm a day late. Yesterday, I was rolling northeast by 6:30am Central to head to Indianapolis for Christmas shopping. I was all over the city and surrounding areas, from Speedway, to downtown, to Keystone, to Castleton, to Noblesville, to Carmel, to Zionsville, to Avon, and finally to Mooresville. In the end - my shopping's done. Then again, would that really be considered "shopping"? I didn't really peruse merchandise, but rather had a one-track-mind at a store for a person or two, went after it, thought about it, then plunked down the credit card and moved on.

Anyway, let's catch myself up, although this one will be brief.

Friday, Dec 16: Helping Out
How did you get involved in your community this year?

I wish I could say I got involved in my community this year, and from one angle, perhaps I did, but from a different angle, perhaps I didn't do as much as I should. So let's try this - did I volunteer any time for the betterment of the community? Let me answer that question this way - yes and no.

To be fair, I guess you could say I didn't do any community volunteer work. Normally, I don't mind it at all, and would like to do so more often.  This year, though, has been an utter whirlwind, in regards to wrapping up school, job hunting, having to move, getting pseudo-settled into two places in S. Illinois, doing a contract up in Chicago, etc.

Now, the other part to the question is: Did I help out when I could? Absolutely, I did.

When I see Girl Scouts selling cookies at a store, I'm a sucker for Thin Mints, so I pick up a box (or 2, or 3, or ... ). I know my money goes to a good cause, and I hope it goes directly to that particular Girl Scout group. I participated in the Mutt Strut at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which benefits the Indianapolis Humane Society and several of the kennels in that organization. So I have confidence my money is going to be used properly. I also attended in the May Indy TweetUp "Beat Cancer Bash", a benefit celebration and mixer with Racing For Cancer, whereby for the price of admission, you can rub elbows with IndyCar drivers, teams, fans, and everyone in between. I even won an signed IndyCar t-shirt in the silent auction.

I'm sure I'm missing a few other times whereby I have contributed money to groups. Being unemployed has someone put a damper on my generosity for the time being, but my heart still tries to be in the right place for causes that I have vested interest in.

So, in closing ... even if you haven't been a true "volunteer" this year, you can still have a generous heart. Find a cause that's near & dear to your heart. Because, hey, life isn't always smooth sailing - one day, it could be you that's on the receiving end of generosity. Pay it forward, and your heart will be rewarded.

Links Of Interest:

Indianapolis Mutt Strut:  http://www.indymuttstrut.org/

May Indy TweetUp: http://mayindytweetup.wordpress.com/

Racing For Cancer: http://racingforcancer.org/

#ThinkKit11 Day 15: Roundball indulgence ...

As a disclaimer, I might have to do Friday's a day late and do two entries on Saturday. I'm actually heading back to Indianapolis Friday morning (early-early) to wrap up Christmas shopping for 2011. So, I'll be out and about going who-knows-where for who-knows-what. Should be fun. Wonder if I should poke my head into the SmallBox offices to introduce myself? Anyway - Onto Day 15:

Thursday, Dec 15: Indulgence
What did you indulge in this year? Get yourself or someone something extra special? Do something you've never done before? 

Indulgence is a word I don't get to use regularly these days. It's kinda hard to indulge in one's self when you are (A) unemployed, and (B) going 90 MPH with your hair on fire trying to wrap up graduate school. Indulgence for me in 2011 was going to Panera Bread for Sunday bagels with my dog, rather than heading to a grocery store for the same. It's funny how priorities really change when you've been unemployed for as long as I have (nearing 3 years).

In any regards, perhaps the indulgences I had during 2011 were not necessarily indulgences, but rather keeping traditions from when I was employed for so long. One of those traditions is the Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament.

Each year since the tournament's inception in 1998, a long-time high school friend of mine (whom is now a season ticket holder for Illinois Basketball) and I get together for the tournament. We're Illinois graduates, and proud Illini fans. Every year before my relocation to Indianapolis, we would get a hotel room in downtown Chicago or Indianapolis, go to all the games, and just have a great time. We'd go find a good place to eat and drink, and - you know - just be kids again, just like we were back in 2nd/3rd grade or so. Since moving to Indianapolis, we've stayed at my place the last 2 tournaments - once in Broad Ripple, once from the West side.

The last 2-3 years, we've added a new addition to our two-some, his fiancé (now wife), whom is an Indiana grad (as am I - officially). Thankfully, she is also a basketball fan, and I think it's safe to say eventually - whenever the day (or decade) happens, my girlfriend/wife will also join the three of us for four days of college basketball.

This year was a little more special. He mentioned this year that we might not be able to go out as much as we normally do. I took this rather odd, but just started wondering. Sure enough, they had found out they were now expecting their first child. Nevertheless, there was still plenty of fun between the three of us -- and we had an automatic designated driver! Score! A good meal from Ted's Montana Grill to celebrate was certainly in order, and enjoyed by all 3.5 of us! In September, a future Illini or Hoosier came into the world and everyone's doing great.

Next year, he has already stated there's a good possibility he won't be able to continue our tradition of attending, due to his fatherhood. Surely, our tradition will not end with the birth of his son, can it? I'm now in a state of convincing the grandparents to "borrow some of their time" so he can be himself again, but I dunno. So - Brady ... if you read this ... knock it off. Get us tickets! We got some basketball to watch in March!

And Sammy - hope you don't mind. One day, you, too, may join in our guy's long weekend.

#ThinkKit11 Day 14: Back Home Again ...

Wednesday, Dec 14: Reconnecting
Where do you go to reconnect with you? Did you experience a place where you found solace?

When this blog topic came up, I had to think about it for a while. Actually, I'm glad I needed to think about it, since I had a 2.5 hr. road trip this afternoon. Where did I find solace? Where do I reconnect with myself? I recognize these questions as completely interpretive, and everyone will have their own interpretation. So as I'm flying low on I-64 East towards the IL/IN border, I think it finally came to me in the form of a question:

Outside of being with my direct family, where is the one place on Earth whereby I am completely and utterly at peace, and that all is right in the world?

To that question, I have a definitive answer: Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Pagoda - 2009

Now, I can hear many of you sighing at your computer screens: "Gees, another race story. Enough." Well, hold on, cowboys/cowgirls ... Davey's got some brief 'splainin' to do.

Where I grew up in Illinois, all of our television stations were either from Evansville, IN or Terre Haute, IN, so we would have to watch the race at night, rather than live. I can vividly recall watching the 1981 race - where dad drug the TV (and all of its 13 channels of splendid glory) to just inside the dining room so we (or more likely, myself) could watch the race. The next year (1982), my dad took me to the track for the first time. We watched the last day of qualifications, walked along the bleachers, got to go up into the Master Control tower (since he worked at a radio station - Credentials? WHAT credentials?), and had a great time as father & son. I was hooked.

Over the next several years, I lived in several cities in Central Illinois, yet I always was proud of my Indy 500 and IMS passion. In 2002, I received an opportunity - otherwise known as my department was downsizing and it was time for me to move on - to work in Lafayette, IN, which would put me smack-dab between two of my favorite cities in the world, Chicago & Indianapolis. On the day I put in my initial offer on my house, I did a time trial of my own: it would be 72 minutes, one-way, from my driveway to IMS.

I cannot put into words how I felt when I realized a dream of mine was going to come true in 2009. I was going to live in Indianapolis. I know that sounds kooky and all, especially since, to be bold & honest, I didn't know oodles about the city itself, other than IMS and the north-side shopping. From that point on, I've known, perhaps I've always known, that this special place in Speedway, IN was a part of who I am today. Again, to be honest, there isn't a day that goes by where I don't think about the track. Perhaps one day, when I'm married or have kids, or both, or ... well, let's just stop there ... I won't have time to reflect on IMS, but it's probably going to be a while (on all accounts - even though my parents are still waiting for me to settle down - sorry Mom :). I've now grown quite fond of Indianapolis, but not just for the track. There's too much to mention in this blog entry to begin, but I think it's safe to say IMS was the catalyst.

And each time I walk under the main tunnel off 16th Street, or through the main gate at 16th & Georgetown, there is a noticeable relaxation in my persona. An added hop in my step. A certain twinkle in my eye. It is a connection between myself and my 8-yr-old alter-ego of a soul that screams but a whisper ......

I'm home.

#ThinkKit11 Day 13: Get your kicks on Route 66 ...

Today's topic is about, well ... I'll let you read:

Tuesday, Dec 13: Getting Lost
Share a time that you got lost this year. Did you learn anything?

Allow me to preface this by saying this ... it is really difficult for me to get lost. My parents had us kids reading maps by the time we were in kindergarten & 1st grade. There were no such things as Gameboys, DSi's, or even for that matter DVD's (let alone car DVD players), so during our long road trips (Montreal, and Boise, ID, to name two ), we would read/study the Rand-McNally atlas to kill time. Through school, I could name all 50 states by 2nd grade, and recite them in alphabetical order within 45 seconds by 6th grade. Fast-foward 20 (+/-) years, where GPS and mapping technology gets us around, although there are times where I do think we become too reliant on GPS maps. Not that it's a bad thing, but the term "getting lost" - you really have to do yourself an injustice if you really do "get lost". Now, in an unfamiliar setting, it opens the door to adventure.

During my brief stint in Chicago, I made a promise to myself I would take the Metra train into Chicago one day. I have ridden Chicago's "El" before, and know my way around downtown, but I had never taken the Metra trains from the suburbs to downtown. You get your tickets at a real train station, or on the train itself through a real live conductor. It runs on a schedule, and yada-yada ... trust me - it's a train ride.

With Chicago, I have always prided myself on knowing directions downtown, even if I don't recall street names. But somehow, I really got turned around when I got off the train. The end station (Ogilvie Transportation Center, or OTC for short) was downtown, just west of and right next to the Chicago River - that much I knew. However, when I exited the station - no river. Just a sea of people. So I start walking, thinking I'll eventually find the river. Plus, I had arrived early into downtown, and I was needing a cup of coffee.

(Note: come to find out later that eastbound trains arriving into OTC make actually turn south into the station. So, when I exited the station, I thought I was walking east toward the river - I was actually walking south about 2 blocks west of the river. Darn this original iPhone!)

When I typed in "coffee" into Mr. iPhone, it came up with a place I hadn't heard of: "Lou Mitchell's Restaurant". So, passing up a Starbucks and a Dunkin' Donuts (since I can get those relatively anywhere in Chicago), I found Lou Mitchell's. You know ... in Chicago ... if it says "Serving the world's finest Coffee.", I'm one of those people to say - "This I gotta try."

Oh, doctor!

During my 30 minutes there for breakfast, I was given a free doughnut hole, and saw ladies and kids receive Milk Duds. Wait, what - Milk Duds? Come to find out that the creator of Milk Duds long ago was a patron of Lou Mitchell's, and (being Greek), Lou would always give sweets to welcome woman & children into his "house". The coffee was absolutely top-notch stuff - I was wired for days! The food was stick-to-your-ribs good. I had always known "Route 66" had started in Chicago, but never knew this little restaurant is traditionally known as the start of Route 66. Dignitaries and politicians love this place, and I had never - NEVER - known about it.

I know about it now. And I won't be forgetting it anytime soon!

For more information:

Lou Mitchell's Restaurant

565 W Jackson Blvd
Chicago, IL 60661-5701

http://www.loumitchellsrestaurant.com