10 Years

Today is the 10 year anniversary of my arrival in Huntsville!

Little did I know all God had in store for me when he pushed me out of my East Tennessee nest and had me head south. To commemorate the occasion, here's a look back on some things I've experienced these 10 years, big and small and in no particular order:

June 5, 1999
Packed up the U-Haul and moved to Huntsville.

First job - the whole reason I left the land of Orange and White for more hostile surroundings. Though I've changed jobs once, I'm still at Adtran. Even with the ups and downs of the economy Adtran has been a stable employer with sound management. The work is enjoyable and plentiful and I couldn't ask for a much better environment or co-workers.

First roommates - A natural consequence of moving away from home and something of a shock to a studious, introverted 22 year old. Brady and Derek were great though and we were living large in a rented house and a town full of possibilities. After a year, Brady moved and me and Derek relocated from Madison to South East Huntsville. I really have to credit Derek, my personality polar opposite, for getting me out of my shell, redefining my comfort zone, introducing me to the wonders of home theater and correcting my embarrassing lack of appreciation for "Star Wars" (the original three episodes).

New church - Having grown up in one church, I didn't really know how to find another. After a year of looking, I was finally introduced to Whitesburg. It was quite different than I was used to. Baptist not Methodist. 2000 attendees instead of 200. Different teaching and preaching styles and a bunch of people my age.

New friends - Speaking of people my age, Whitesburg introduced me to so many new friends. Even for a quiet type like myself, it's not that hard to meet people when you host a party, Bible study or casual get together and 40 people show up. Every other week. The downside to meeting that many people, aside from all the cleanup, is the number of times you 'get' to help them move. Which happens a lot in the single, just out of college crowd. Especially if you happen to drive a truck. Still, the dirty dishes, bruised knuckles and broken backs were small prices to pay for all the friendships and good times.

My new social life led to a few other notable milestones:
A new pair of glasses. Yes, I've only bought one set in the last 10 years, but even today they're still a major improvement over the window panes I wore before.

My first introduction to ribs! In Tuscaloosa no less. As a Tennessee fan, I had some serious misgivings about this trip, but I now credit Dreamland for opening my culinary palette to a previously unknown world of grilled goodness.

Ice Cream! While no stranger to ice cream, about the same time I first experienced ribs, Marble Slab was discovered. It became such a favorite that we'd frequently bring it in quantity to the aforementioned parties, Bible studies and casual get togethers. The only problem was that the two nearest locations were Birmingham and Knoxville...

Laura! Most significantly, it was through Whitesburg that I met my beautiful, charming wife. A little over 6 years ago we married and have enjoyed a truly blessed life ever since. Aside from being my best friend, she's taught me, among other things:

I can get out of the garage and enjoy myself,

it's ok to still play with Legos,

not everyone likes licorice jelly beans.

Homeownership - It seems routine now, but it was a very big, scary deal at first. I do remember walking into the house with the keys, for the first time, and running around the empty rooms like a giddy 4 year old. However, I soon remembered that it's technically the bank's house and they're just nice enough to let me live in it.

Pilot's license - I credit Laura for supporting and encouraging me as I achieved a life long dream. As an added bonus, she's an excellent co-pilot. Capable in the right seat and always eager to go on a trip!

Broke 80 - on the golf course that is. Though a fleeting experience, I can claim to have shot in the 70s on more than one occasion now. No mulligans.

81 holes in a day - and who better to share it with than my Dad. When we showed up shortly after sunrise at Graysburg Hills, the guys in the clubhouse had no idea what we meant when we said we'd be playing all day. They soon found out and so did we as it took more than a couple of ibuprofens to get to the last hole. Up next, 100?

Left the country for the first time. It's amazing the places you can go when you don't spend 12 hours in the garage every weekend... Thanks to Laura's travel bug, we've had our passports stamped in the Bahamas, Canada and Italy.

Seeing the States - In addition to visiting Seattle, Myrtle Beach, Houston, San Antonio, and various spots along the gulf on "normal" vacations, we've also taken a few marathon road trips in a 2 seat pickup of all things.

The first saw us in Michigan's upper peninsula, Toronto, and Niagara Falls.

We followed that two years later by hitting Denver, Yellowstone, Mt Rushmore, and the Mall of America (Legos...) all in the same trip!

1st car purchase - Our trusty road warrior, the surprisingly comfortable Toyota Tacoma. Hard to believe it's already 6 years old.

First child - making the list by a scant 3 months, our little miracle Jackson. He's already got a taste of his parent's travel bug having made a whirlwind trip to Florida to see a Space Shuttle launch. What a little trooper and huge blessing. I can't think of a better note to end 10 fantastic years on.