More of This…

Alright so I am not a big “New Year’s Resolution” guy, but I thought I might take a moment to write about my thoughts for 2009.

In 2009 I plan to do more:

• Goofing Around With My Family - This is really important to me.  I have the most awesome family in the world.  It is easy to get wrapped up in the stress of everyday life and to forget to just have fun and play.  You only live once, and life moves too quickly not to enjoy it.  I hope to fill next year with more carefree days, smiles, and lasting memories.
• Playing / Writing / Recording Music - It has been a few years since I have completed the composition of an original song - something that I used to do frequently.  I would love to be able to write and record one song per month, which would provide enough for a new album of material by the end of 2009.  I have countless riffs and chord progressions sitting incomplete.  I would like 2009 to be the year that these noodlings make their way into some finished songs.
• Blogging - While 2008 was a solid year for me in terms of content, I would like to have more consistency in 2009.  I hope to add content more regularly and evenly - taking time to plan out more posts in advance.  I also need to get back into taking time to read and comment on some of my favorite blogs by others.  Additionally, I hope to get the podcast back in full swing in 2009 and to add more original video content too.
• Speaking - I enjoy public speaking.  It is something that I want to become exceptional at doing, and thus I need to do more of it.  I hope to be able to speak to an audience at least once per month in 2009.  I already have a few engagements lined up, and I am looking forward to securing some more.  If you are in need of a speaker for an upcoming event, let me know.   I love to chat about marketing, blogging, social networking, leadership, and other various and sundry topics.
• Reading - I love to read.  I see clear value in doing it.  It is something that is important, yet not urgent.  I read less last year than in years prior.  I want to make it a point to read a little every day in 2009.  I have a long list of books that I would like to read, and a longer list of books I want to re-read.  It is something that I simply have to “make time” to do as it will never make its way to the top of the urgent list.
• Exercising - I have a metabolism that is off the charts, allowing me to still appear to be in relatively good shape in spite of my lack of effort.  However, the sad truth is that I need to get in better shape.  I did not get enough exercise in 2008, and I know it.  Like reading, exercise is something that is easy to put off, but way too important not to do regularly.   I have already started a modest daily routine of crunches, cardio, and weight training.  Now I just need to stick with it.

• Giving - I want to make the world a better place through my actions.  Through my involvement in philanthropic and community organizations I hope to be able to be a catalyst for positive change in 2009.  While 2008 was a good year for giving, I know I can do better.  Making that happen will be largely about focusing on important tasks while eliminating the unimportant.

So there you have it.  I have high hopes that 2009 is going to be an amazing year.  Now its time to make it so.

What are you going to do more of in 2009?

Fore!

Attention Dayton Area Golfers!
If you are looking for a great excuse to get out and hit the links, consider playing in the 2008 Epilepsy Foundation of Western Ohio Golf Scramble.

The event will be held on Monday September 29th, 2008 at Heatherwoode Golf Club in Springboro, Ohio.  Things get started at 11:30 and the fun lasts all day long.

Not a golfer, but still want to get involved?  The EFWO is also seeking volunteers to help run the event and there are still opportunities available for business sponsorships.  If you are interested, please contact the Epilepsy Foundation of Western Ohio.

Here is a quick run-down of the day’s events:

Schedule of events
11:30 Registration and Practice
1:00 Shotgun Start to Scramble
6:00 Dinner & Speaker
6:30 Awards Ceremony
First, Second & Third Place

The Epilepsy Foundation of Western Ohio was founded in 1974 as a not-for-profit voluntary health organization that provides education, support, and advocacy for people with seizure disorders and their families. The Foundation also promotes understanding of epilepsy through educational programs offered in the community to schools, organizations, professional audiences, first responders, businesses, government, and the general public.

By supporting the Golf Scramble for Epilepsy, you will assist the Foundation in providing vital services and programs for residents from 11 western Ohio counties, which include Auglaize, Champaign, Clark, Darke, Greene, Logan, Mercer, Miami, Montgomery, Preble, and Shelby. With your sponsorship and participation, the Foundations can continue to offer its services to persons with epilepsy free of charge.

For more information, email the Epilepsy Foundation or download the event flyer.

Voices: Episode 5 - Kate Early

In this episode I sit down for a chat with fellow board member and chair of the Epilepsy Foundation of Western Ohio, Kate Early. Kate is a dynamic leader, an active member of the Dayton community, and oh… by the way… she is also a practicing attorney with Dayton based law firm Sebaly, Shillito and Dyer.  Kate is a native of Beavercreek, and a member of the Dayton Creative Class initiative.

Listen in as we discuss some of the legal implications of emerging technology, especially as it pertains to marketing.  We also talk at length about the Epilepsy Foundation of Western Ohio, the upcoming mud volleyball event, the need for volunteers, committee, and board members, and other topics.

Thanks to Kate for taking the time to chat.

Podcast: VOICES

Help! I Need Somebody…

Do you live in or around Dayton, Ohio?  Are you interested in spending an hour or two per month making new connections and sharpening your professional skills - all while making a huge difference in the lives of people in need of help? If so, please consider volunteering to help the Epilepsy Foundation of Western Ohio.

How can you help? The EFWO has numerous functional committees such as Marketing, Finance and Fundraising, Volunteerism, and Programming, which can serve to connect you with other talented professionals in your chosen field. This is a great way for young professionals to build connections and credentials, and for more seasoned practitioners to stay fresh. And, the time you spend, which is probably only about an hour or two a month, goes to help people with Epilepsy right here in the Miami Valley.

There are also numerous event committees in need of help within the EFWO. Currently, we are gearing up for the annual Mud Volleyball Tournament, July 12. This is an event that always needs helping hands because it is so much fun.  We are always in need of helping hands and creative thinkers, so if you are interested in lending a hand, contact the EFWO.  In addition to MUD, there is Wine and Jazz in November, Mardi Gras in February, and numerous other fundraising events - all of which need people.

If you are a seasoned professional looking to get even more involved in the community, consider applying to join the board.  We currently have a few open seats, and would welcome experienced leaders who are looking to contribute their skills to a great cause.  The process for this is understandably more rigorous than for joining committees, as the commitment and responsibility associated with being a board member is substantial.

Finally, if you just want to help out here and there - without being committed to anything - please volunteer to help our staff.  Like any good non-profit we run a lean operation, relying heavily on the kindness and generosity of others to get everything done.  There is an endless to do list, and a limited number of hands, so any time you can donate, even 30 minutes here and there, would be appreciated.

For more information on how you can get involved with the Epilepsy Foundation of Western Ohio, call (937) 233-2500 or (800) 360-3296 or visit us on the web at www.ohioepilepsy.org

Dirty Video from Dayton

When is it alright to do something dirty with your friends and co-workers?  When you enter a team in the Epilepsy Foundation of Western Ohio Mud Volleyball Tournament on July 12, 2008.  This year the theme is “Mudstock - Peace, Love, Mud.”  Starting at 9:00am and lasting all day, it will be located at Wegerzyn Gardens Metropark 1301 E. Siebenthaler Avenue in Dayton, Ohio.   This event brings in almost 25% of the annual funding for the Epilepsy Foundation of Western Ohio - so it is just as important as it is fun.  Get a team together, get dirty, and have some mid summer fun.  Registration is easy, and if your team registers in May it is only $275 per team.  Not convinced?  Check out these “dirty pictures” from last year’s event.  Need more proof?  Take a look at this cool video that Mike Kurtz and his team at UD put together.  Still not convinced.  Perhaps you are just not the dirty type.  You can still be a part of the fun.  Help the cause by volunteering to help with running  the event.   There are also opportunities for sponsoring the event, if your company is looking for a great way to give back to the community.  All we are saying is give mud a chance.  Seriously, there are very few events that allow you to have this much fun while doing something meaningful for others.  For more information contact the Epilepsy Foundation of Western Ohio.  I look forward to seeing you there.

Thanks to all of the sponsors and volunteers who have already worked so hard to make this event successful.

Mud Volleyball 2008