A random act of kindness

If you are worried about how much something costs, you shouldn’t buy it. That’s been my philosophy for years, and I apply it most often during vacations. I don’t want to worry about how much a meal, accommodations or an activity sets me back because worry hinders my enjoyment. Why spend money on something you … Continue reading A random act of kindness →

Even better than expected – part 4

(This is the final installment in a series about my career's twists and turns. If you missed the previous three posts, I encourage you to go back and catch up: Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3. Now, for the final chapter... so far:) When I left GTRI for Institute Communications at Georgia Tech, I … Continue reading Even better than expected – part 4 →

What’s in a name, part 2

Our youngest child is named “Carlton Fulghum Wallace.” Naming our third born was the toughest. Unlike with our second-born, Harris, we were able to find out he would be a boy at 20 weeks into the pregnancy. We considered the family names still available to us that we liked, and we kept returning to “John,” … Continue reading What’s in a name, part 2 →

Even better than expected – part 3

Note: This is the third in a series on the unexpected twists and turns of my career. If you didn’t see part 1, go back now and catch up on part one and part two. Transitions are never easy, especially when you believe you are following a calling. When I interviewed with CBF, then national … Continue reading Even better than expected – part 3 →

Even better than expected – part 2

Note: This is the second in a series on the unexpected twists and turns of my career. If you didn't see part 1, go back now and catch up at https://newsouthessays.com/2022/09/17/even-better-than-expected-part-1/. Learning the ropes of public relations from Ben McDade reinvigorated my career. Getting home before 6 p.m. every day reinvigorated my relationship with Carla. … Continue reading Even better than expected – part 2 →

Even better than expected – part 1

My life is full and has surpassed my highest expectations in profound ways. Carla is a beautiful person who chooses to share life with me through mundane, jubilant, and challenging times. Barron is a creative, goal-oriented and industrious son who shows gratitude and kindness. Harris is bright, engaging and is committing himself to a life … Continue reading Even better than expected – part 1 →

Putting the ‘grand’ in grandparents

I was blessed to know three of my four grandparents well. Minnie Ruth Elrod, my mom’s mother, whom we called Maw Maw, was always a part of my life. We had frequent visits with her when we all lived in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. She eventually followed us to Lake Wales, Fla., and moved in … Continue reading Putting the ‘grand’ in grandparents →

Back in my day

Hindsight and adulthood have altered my perspective, but when I reflect on my childhood, my daily activities offer clues about what life was like. Here are a few snapshots of growing up in suburban Dallas-Fort Worth in the 1970s and ‘80s: Rocking that '70s bowl cut, turtleneck and jacket, I have always been a fashionable … Continue reading Back in my day →

Like mother, like son

As I progress through my 50s, I can see the source of my personality and character with greater clarity. I was blessed to have good role models in both of my parents throughout my life, and I have tried to exhibit Mom's and Dad's best qualities. I credit Mom with my strength, determination, unselfishness and … Continue reading Like mother, like son →

Mom and math

Throughout my formative school-age years, my mother was very engaged in my academic career. She expected her three boys to make all A’s and excel in everything we put our minds to. A mathematician, she worked to ensure that we take the highest levels of math available to us, believing that the knowledge and the … Continue reading Mom and math →