Indoctrination

So we're going up to Ruston tomorrow because one of my nephews is getting baptized, and quite frankly, I haven't made too many trips to visit with family members and it's just time to do so.

We're supposed to go to the 9 a.m. service to see my eldest nephew, who recently turned 9, get baptized at Temple Baptist Church (Temple peeps, if you're reading this, holla at ya boy). A family lunch is planned afterward, and then soon we'll have to hit the road for the long drive south, stopping in Pineville along the way to pick up the pups (who get a free morning and afternoon at Granny's sans parents and grandparents -- PARTAY!).

There's only one issue with this schedule. The USMNT (that's U.S. Men's National [Soccer] Team for you soccer novices) plays in the Gold Cup final at 3 p.m. As most of you folks know, I'm a huge sports nut (hence the blog title), with soccer being one of the top three (along with football and basketball, with the order changing by the season). However, there isn't a team that I follow more closely than the USMNT.

I figure with a couple of impressionable 9-year-olds and a nearly 7-year-old, what better time to introduce them to the beautiful game than tomorrow, right? Now, I've just to get the kiddos on board with the plan. Let the brainwashing -- I mean, indoctrination -- begin!

So I have a little announcement ...

I wanted to let you guys in on a little good news ...

Elizabeth and I are moving back to Alexandria! I have accepted a job as sports editor of The Town Talk, and I am extremely excited to be headed back into the sports realm.

I've spent the past 13 months as a reporter for The Advocate in Baton Rouge, and three years prior to that as the city government reporter for The Town Talk. While I thought I would be able to navigate my way in a metro department, I haven't been able to find the kind of professional happiness that I had when I worked in a sports department.

I am anxious for this new challenge, being in charge of my own department. It's a job I've wanted for quite some time, and I thought it would be a natural progression having previously served as The Town Talk's assistant sports editor. I'm looking forward to stretching myself professionally and immersing myself again in the sports world.

My first day back in Alexandria will be Aug. 19, and I'm arriving back in town right in time for the start of football season. I have some great ideas and am looking forward to pouring my heart and soul into the Cenla sports scene again. I'll have more details once I settle in, and I can't wait to see some old faces again!