Some big things starting to fall into place

Sorry for not posting of late. I arrived in Lincoln to find out that our office's videographer had given his notice. Needless to say, I had an obstacle to overcome right out of the gate.
Let me sum it up this way: We use an expensive, awesome piece of equipment called a Tricaster to conduct our webcasting. Usually, learning how to use it comes as part of a full semester class on TV production technology.
I got a six-day crash course.
I finally have my head around things, and I'm happy to say I was able to livestream my first broadcast this past Monday.
So far in my time in Lincoln, I've traveled to Wichita and Newton. Next week, I get to make a pitstop in Leavenworth and see some family members before heading to film a training session in Parsons.
Tonight, I'm writing you from enemy territory. I'm just a short distance from the K-State campus in Manhattan. I got a few odd looks when I filled up the Honda CRV I'm driving at the gas station. The huge Jayhawk on my jacket really grabbed their attention.
Anyway, I've had a lot of fun learning about my new responsibilities and am finally starting to get into a routine -- or at least what I think is the routine -- about this job as a communications director.
One quick highlight: I got to tell a story about New Church Lawrence, a somewhat unique church plant in Lawrence that combined a push toward students at KU with people in the community. The result so far is a congregation that has about 60 students and about 60 adults from the community. For those of you not familiar with church plants, that's a huge victory. And the people I talked with are genuinely pleased with what's going on with this church so far.
The story was picked up by the United Methodist News Service. I'm not sure why, but I took more pride in that than I did all the times I had a story picked up by AP or Gannett News Service.
The one downer is it's pretty lonely here by myself. The weekends are the worst. At least during the week I get to talk to other people during the day. On weekends, it's pretty much just me except for Sunday mornings at church. And then, I've been careful not to get too involved yet because wherever Amy ends up serving a church in the Lincoln area, that's where Josh and I will end up.
We got good news about that this week. I can't share details yet. Really, Amy should be the one to do that. But I'm excited for the opportunity she'll have to serve God in a new way.
I think Josh is going to be pleased by it, too. But that's all I can say for now.
I think that just about catches everyone up. I plan to spend some time in the next few weeks to explore Lincoln a little more than I have so far. And I start talking to high school counselors next week to figure out which high school we want to enroll Josh in next fall.
Big things!
I miss my friends and family back in St. George. I'm hoping to make it back there at some point in April for a few days, but we'll have to see what the work schedule looks like.
That's it for now!

Made it to Lincoln!

I made it to Lincoln!
Let me tell you, 16 hours by myself on the road was not fun. Throw in a snowstorm, and it was kind of a nighmare.
The funny thing is, I didn't run into trouble until I got to what I thought would be civilization. I made it from St. George through nearly the entire length of Utah and across all of Wyoming on Tuesday. I stopped for the night in Sidney, Nebraska. I knew the forecast that night was for snow, but I couldn't go any further.
The next day started out with icy conditions from Sidney to North Platte. It took me about 4 hours to travel that distance (instead of the planned 2 to 2 1/2). From there, the highway was just about clear all the way to Grand Island.
I made it into Lincoln, and that's where my troubles started. I was pulling out of a truck stop when a person cut me off. I had to hit the breaks and slid into what I thought was a snow drift. Turns out it was a parking lot median. Luckily, a man with a chain offered to help pull me out.
I finally got on the road to my property manager's office to pick up my keys. I pulled in at exactly 4:30, the last time of the day they could check me in so I could move in Thursday. Well, the lot was all ice, so once again, I got stuck. This time, a woman who worked in the building and three young guys with a jug of salt helped me get moving.
Finally, as I was looking for my apartment, I got stuck in a "turn only" lane and had to turn right. I pulled into a convenience store, and, you guessed it, got stuck again. This time, a nice guy with a tow rope pulled me out.
To say the least the people of Lincoln made a great first impression for being so helpful!
I went into the office Friday. It was kind of an odd day to start, but it worked out really well. I cleared out emails and voice mails sent to or saved by my predecessor, who must have been a dynamo based on what I have heard and read. I also spent the entire day reading through the file drawers and getting them organized so I can find stuff.
My eyes kind of hurt last night, but it means I'll be able to hit the ground running Monday morning. Now I feel like I can be useful next week. People who know me know I can't sit still very long without something to occupy me, so getting all of that done was a good thing.
As I write this, I'm happy to report that I am all moved in. Stuff is put away. I'm getting ready to watch the KU-Oklahoma State basketball game this afternoon. And I may just splurge a bit and venture out to Taco John's either for dinner tonight or lunch tomorrow.
I explored the southern part of Lincoln today. I found Walmart, Target and ShopKo. I found two grocery stores and a Menards! (hadn't seen those since our Minnesota days)
At first I thought I was going to play hookie from church on my first Sunday in town, but I think I need the spiritual recharge and the interaction with people after being by myself for most of the past five days.
Anyway, that's the update for now. I'm here now and ready to get started in the new job.