Schoooooooooooooooooooooool's out, for summmmmma!

This has been an amazing week! Monday - I was able to meet with the Superintendent to finalize a plan for the Fall. The BGC of Bandera County will be moving elementary school members in Bandera to Alkek and opening a Teen Center at our current location. This is the Facebook post I created earlier tonight: In the Fall, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bandera County will be adding another unit to our organization. We are calling this - Project Fall Forward! Lakehills members will continue to attend Lakehills as normal right now. If a member attends the Bandera Unit, things are going to change.... In another amazing partnership with Bandera ISD, we will be opening a new after school site at Alkek Elementary for all members at Alkek (age 6 - 5th grade). This will MOVE all current members of this age from our current building to Alkek Elementary after school. We are so excited and thankful for the partnership we are developing with Alkek and can't wait for this to become a reality on the first day of school! At our location on 715 Maple Street, we will officially open a new unit - A TEEN CENTER! We will open on the first day of school in the Fall for ONLY 6th - 12th grade members. This is an exciting move for the teen group and we will be opening doors that have never been experienced before. To be a part of these new adventures, contact us soon! We are excited for great things to come in Bandera County! Thank you all for the continued support! Greg Parker, M.Ed Chief Professional Officer

Moving Fast...

There are many things that go into a CPO/Executive Director's job description. Just today, I set three vision meetings, took a van to get fixed, discussed our IT issues, attended a webinar for future AmeriCorps members to possibly join our club, had a finance meeting, worked on our website, started recruiting a couple candidates for a Teen Director, discussed summer scheduling and gathered data for staff conference next week. Let's just say after a trip to Oklahoma this weekend and no sleep plus a busy Monday, I am definitely tired. I usually make sure I workout once every other day for a small portion of time, but the last two days I haven't - tomorrow I am back at it along with a golf lesson. There are certain things that really help you take your life in control and that's what I plan on doing the rest of the week PLUS this weekend. Next week we have a staff conference which will take me to South Padre Island - I think there will be some R & R at least one night that I am there, for sure! It's really time for me to start committing to eating well - I can feel when I eat like crap and can tell for days! If nothing else, it will help my daily lifestyle and keep me going with a busy life. I would encourage everyone to do the same - even if you change small things about crap you eat!

Teenage Wasteland

Well, it's around 12:30 and I just walked in the door. The very first thing I did was walk to the kitchen and make myself a Gin and Tonic - it's pretty nice. Today has been one of my favorite days at work, by far! First, I have to mention that I got up this morning and made it to CrossFit again! This morning I got amazing time with my administrative assistant. She also brought me the Bandera Courier, in which was a article about my arrival and my basic abstract of the month I have been in Bandera. Wow...I have been here 5 weeks, officially! The office work that I got completed today was all about the outcome plan that I am creating for the Fall, which makes my office time feel really accomplished. This afternoon, I was able to make it to our elementary school unit for a staff meeting - I hadn't been there this week, so it was great to get there for a little while. After leaving the school, I went straight to the golf course! I started lessons this past week and I actually have my second one in the morning, so I wanted to go to the driving range to get a little practice. THEN came the best part of the day - the first Teen Night I was able to host! Tonight we had around 35 teens show up, which I hear is the most that we have ever had at a Teen Night. We had tons of food with ice cream, basketball, video games, game room activities and my favorite - THE THUNDER GAME! It was great to play basketball with a few of them, learn more about them and then watch my team take Houston down. It was basically myself and two other kids against all the rest of the group. It was great to get a win in tonight, for sure! The biggest win to me though, was having that many teens come just to hang out. I guess I'm learning that because there isn't much to do in this town, a simple gathering of kids with a few activities really does bring a lot of people together and I really do think they all had a great time! My feet are KILLING me for the first time in years and all I want to do is lay down, but I had to make sure and record this great day first! Very thankful!

...And I live in a smalltown...

There is something to be said about small town folks - many of them stick together. What's funny about the month that I have been in Bandera, I have met what I feel MOST of the residents. From our kids, parents, the city council, Marshall, Sherriff, Superintendent, business owners and general citizens around town. Today, I got a phone call that I wouldn't have expected. Without getting TOO far into it, I will just say that this person really has a great WANT to help kids. There is only one problem about "wanting to help" and not taking the right channels. If you know anything about small towns, you know that relationships basically play every major role in business. I use to tell my old boss in Tulsa that I would NEVER go by the "good ole boy" philosophy, but I have to say, that I caught myself having to play the game in Sand Springs. Well, it's times ten here in Bandera. Although, there are positives to this philosophy that I'm starting to understand. Honestly, most people that are in at least, THIS small town, are really here to help each other. Just an example, I met someone a couple weeks ago that plays a major role with children in the community. Today, I had a random phone call from a citizen that really had a great idea to help with what our programs are doing and putting it together with helping kids through another avenue. Basically, she wanted to partner with us. She mentioned that this person I met a couple weeks ago didn't like her idea. Well, because I met this person and they were very credible, I went straight to them for advice. I sent an email to my connection and within 10 minutes, they were in my office to explain why this random phone call wouldn't be a good idea. Now, I already had pictured about 10 red flags with this phone call. Meeting with my connection just really sealed the deal. Sadly, we aren't going to be able to help this person. It sounds like a great cause and great way to help kids here in town. It all basically comes down to the plan, approach and delivery of your ideas. If you don't have any connections or relationships in these small towns, you're doomed. I use to think ALL of these philosophies were bogus. Today was a great example of how I believe leaders of a small town can come together to do what is best for the masses.

Way Down In Kokomo...

This weekend has actually been pretty great! Friday night, I came home and went to bed pretty early because I woke up early and worked out. Saturday, I worked out and then went to a local Volunteer Fire Department's fundraiser and auction. I walked away with the newest set of Adams golf clubs for $150, which was a great deal from what everyone tells me. Right after that I took a drive to a couple towns around me to just explore - I'm still learning the area, so it's great to go get lost sometimes. After driving for a couple hours (welcome to this area - to drive anywhere, it takes a while), I went to the golf course here in town - I'm starting lessons on Wednesday! I'm pretty excited because I've always wanted to play but never have made time. Something I've learned about myself is that I have to do one of two things to actually commit to something; 1. Pay money or 2. Commit to formal lessons/teaching - that is just how I learn. It's the expensive way although when I commit to something to that degree, I usually spend a lot of time doing it which makes me excited. Today, I got to do my laundry (yes, it sucks) and then eat dinner with a friend from high school, which was pretty awesome. For some reason, the theme of TV this weekend has been watching shows or movies from when I was a kid. It's so crazy to see movies when you are an adult and catch a completely different perspective! I've been lucky my first month to see someone each week from home or Oklahoma at least. It's really helped my transition and made it easy to also meet people around here. Going to make it to CrossFit three times this week, get started with golf lessons and then meet with our major foundation. Ready to kick it off!

Don't Wake Me Up

One thing that I LOVED about working at Williams - I wasn't tired all the time. Since moving to Bandera, I've noticed that I physically tired a lot more than the past year. I've had the hardest time waking up in the morning, which I hate! When I worked at a job that I wasn't really happy to go to everyday, I was excited to workout and start my day. Now, I am so far away from my CrossFit gym, that I really can't look forward to working out, I just go to work. I don't like that. I'm trying to decide a way to wake my butt up everyday. At this point, it's getting very frustrating because I am EXCITED to wake up and go to work - the minute I am there, I immediately get excited about what I am doing. Just can't wake up. I am going to be looking for things to get me excited everyday - including a group of guys to workout with here locally. Looking forward to waking up...

Opportunities and Expectations - where are yours?

In Boys & Girls Clubs, we have an outcome plan that includes "The 5 Key Elements for Positive Youth Development" called "Opportunities and Expectations." I want to take a second to give my definition of these two major words. As an adult, I often have to remind myself that everyday is an opportunity. We are given the chance to be the best person we can be through our profession, as a parent, volunteer, in our faith and through our daily actions. Even as a young adult, the opportunities that we are given are really those that will end up determining our future. In my eyes, the expectations that are set for yourself are the ones that will allow you to achieve those opportunities. At some point in your life you have to make a decision. It's not really a DIRECT decision, but if you think about this, it makes sense. You make small everyday decisions that, over time, really give you more freedom. I just think about myself at age 13. When I was 13, I proved to my grandma that I was able to handle a job. Because I got a job, I was able to save money to pay for insurance while my grandma paid for my car. Because I had a car, that brought tons of responsibility on myself that I really didn't think of as a teenager, but now as an adult...wow! A 16 year old, behind the wheel? At 18, I chose to move 100 miles away from home and attend college. While there, I worked and joined a fraternity over a 4 year period, then gained my Masters degree while working full-time. I'll stop there. I promise I wasn't trying to glorify any part of my life - I truly had it great. A family (my grandmas being the majority) that REALLY supported my decisions, friends that were there every step of the way and my faith in God that really got me through various situations. Because I gained trust through my family, friends and several employers along the way, I was given more opportunities. The older I got through time, the more that was expected of me. I make more mistakes than most, every single day. Sometimes, I make life altering mistakes...in the last 5 years I would say I've probably made a horrible decision that ended in a worse consequence each and every year. We learn from those. There are many reasons why this "Opportunities and Expectations" phrase runs through my head, daily. Today was just another example. Our staff are great - I would go as far as exceptional, even, at times. Today was the first day that we asked ALL of our staff to start running a program called Power Hour (after school educational enrichment, basically). Usually, our staff really are just there to support people running programs, but today we asked them to start running them on their own. I really wanted to see where our staff were with their abilities in leading a group. While they did great, I was able to see where they were individually. As a leader, this was my opportunity to help our crew learn, which is how I am going to take it. Knowing they have the opportunity to learn more professionally and gain valuable experience, their expectation level goes up. Then (to me) their value as a person and professional continues to rise. If we were running a basic daycare and they were just expected to watch kids eat and play board games, they wouldn't gain experience or value. Sometimes, I struggle with setting TOO high of expectations for others because I basically set very high expectations for even myself. Being in Bandera, alone, has really given me the opportunity to learn more about myself, grow as a person and create new hobbies without me knowing anyone. This helps because I really care A LOT less about what other think - in turn, this is better for me! Making my personal expectation higher will present new opportunities for my future. That's the adult version. When we are adults, we also have an obligation to show kids great decision making. We show them by our actions that we are creating opportunities for ourselves AND for them. They aren't stupid, people. They get it. If you are sitting around doing nothing with your life and they see that, they won't know ANY different! That's what they will have to look up to, unless someone else gives them an opportunity. As a harsh saying, don't be upset when that kid looks to another adult to find more opportunities and expectations for themselves. They strive on it. You should, too!

Be Still & Know...

Yesterday, I had a great day at Six Flags with a friend Jessica. We got season passes and rode all kinds of rides - a great Saturday in San Antonio! Today was great! There was a local church that had a fundraiser a month or so back and they said they wanted to give part of their earnings to a local organization. I was very pleased to be the organization they decided to give their funds to and today I got to go and tell the Boys & Girls Club story. As most people know, I love speaking engagements. I've decided that the first time I speak to organizations and groups around town, I am actually going to tell MY story to introduce what the Boys & Girls Clubs can do - followed by what we are doing here locally in Bandera County, TX. It was great to be back in a small church atmosphere. People were very welcoming and open to learning more about what we do - I even got a volunteer out of the day. It was great!

Do you even lift?

For almost two years, I have been going to classes at Fuel Fitness in Sand Springs. It's been incredible and seriously life changing (I don't use this term often). Because I moved to the San Antonio area, I of course needed to find a new place to workout. This past week, I started attending CrossFit Bandera Road. The hard part of living in this small town is that there isn't much to do...for anyone. I suppose that if I wanted to drink my life away, there are plenty of bars to hang out at and then plenty of churches to attend on Sunday. I have chosen to try and actually LIVE my life. I know - weird. Long story short, I am having to drive around 30 minutes to get to the CrossFit gym that I attend. Right now, it's really hard because I feel that I had a great support system at Fuel. I just have to remember, that at one time I didn't know people there, either. It took a while to start developing relationships...and even then, I knew people already on a small level. I went tonight and on Wednesday. The two nights have FREAKING KILLED ME! I feel sore as crap, but know that it's all for the greatness of my body and fitness. Mentally and physically, I feel amazing. This past Wednesday the workout was; 20 min AMRAP (as many rounds as possible) in 20 minutes - 5 pull ups, 10 push ups and 15 air squats. I went 9 rounds, which was pretty good for me. I basically died a little each round. Tonight, we did these things called clean and jerks THEN we had to do toes to bar, which was insane to mix up. We did 10 reps of one then 1 of the other - all the way to the opposite side. 10/1, 9/2, 8/3, 7/4, 6/5, 5/6, 4/7, 3/8, 2/9, 1/10....yes, a lot. If I can keep my eating under control, I really feel like this will be an amazing transition. Although, if I had never attended Fuel, I would NEVER have been able to do any of this. Huge shout out to Matt, Rose, Amy, Tracy, Lindsey and Patrick for helping making this journey happen!

Welcome back, welcome back, welcome....back!

I really thought about creating a new blog when I moved to Texas this month. After deciding that I would start one again, I went to the BlogSpot site and realized that my old one automatically popped up. Because I REALLY liked the name of the blog I created a couple years ago and just the fact that I would rather keep everything together, I decided to just keep on going! The first one will probably be long... The last year of transition In June 2012, I decided that I wanted to get more involved with my Masters degree and join the corporate world of Training and Development. I left the SA to contract for Williams as a trainer for an Asset Management System. Let's just say that it wasn't really something I truly enjoyed. It was really just not fulfilling me and it helped me realize that I really wanted a job where I knew I was making a different, leading and creating vision for those around me. A few conversations that I had with my friend Jessica made me realize....because there are SO MANY bad managers/leaders in the world, if I feel like I am a good one, I am doing the world a disservice by NOT being one - HA! Therefore, I received an opportunity to become the Chief Professional Officer for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bandera County, Texas. Well, now I'm in Bandera and have been here for the last two and a half weeks... This town was a shocker to say the least. I have always lived in a suburb of a bigger city - Sapulpa and Sand Springs both had around 20k people and of course Edmond was a lot bigger. What do all of these places have in common? A Walmart - it's that simple. When I interviewed in Bandera, the board president told me I would be shocked at what was in town and believe me, I was for sure! Here is a run down - a grocery store, Family Dollar, a few gas stations, Sonic, Churches Chicken, Dairy Queen and as many bars as there are churches. Although for me, that is a nice little challenge. My immediate thoughts are - what am I going to accomplish here? What BIG things can happen? That's what I'm going to be doing. I am VERY excited about this opportunity and really pumped about the challenge of a setting that I have never experienced in my life. I have dedicated to myself that I WILL NOT be marrying this job. When I worked in Sand Springs, it was easy for me to just pull a 50 hour week, EVERY WEEK. I have walked into this position a completely different person, understanding that if my life never happens...there won't be a director left to lead this organization. I am eating clean, working out on a more than regular basis and taking time to continue a few hobbies I've started the last few months. I have decided that for me, I'm at a place where I would really start working with teens. While we are low on staff, I have decided to concentrate my time on this particular age group. So, for a while...my posts might be about my experiences with them! Luckily, I am going to have an outlet for my thoughts on how to mentor them and work with their age group. Looking forward to posting more soon - because I am by myself for right now, I am looking forward to writing more and getting my thoughts out!