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Peace of My Mind


It isn't every day you can do a world wide web shout out to a buddy.  So it is with great pleasure that I get to do exactly that today.  I'll make it brief and I'll try not to get too sappy.  First off, some context.  About a dozen or so years ago while a new citizen of North Henderson I sauntered over to chat with my neighbor who was mowing his lawn.  That kind of stuff tends to be excruciating for me - I'm neither clever, have no gab, and tend to be awkward in the small talk arena.  Anyway, it went well enough I guess and he later invited me over to his garage for a beer.  I went, and thankfully he overlooked my introversion and other flaws.  We have since ridden bikes together, opened and downed quite a few brews, savored the aroma of cheap and expensive cigars and talked of all things - both great and small.  His name is Tim Stage.  Neighbor Tim.  

Most of us fall into our careers by accident.  It's a good story but I'll condense it - Tim knew a guy who knew a guy.  He got a good break and was hired by Sherwin-Williams.  He is a paint technician.  Yeah, sounds boring doesn't it.  "Hey, Tim, don't get caught watching the paint dry."  But paint is exciting.  At least he makes it sounds that way.  He's good at what he does  -  he not only knows his business but he plays well with others.  






Last week at an annual Sherwin-Williams conference in Orlando, Tim was honored as Tech Rep of the Year.  That's a really big deal. I suppose I'll have to buy him a beer next time I'm up there.  Frankly I'd rather he'd taken a closer picture of those award presenters under the IMAX screen.

 And he and wife Carrie get an expense-paid vacation to Puerto Rico.    


So here he is in the middle flanked by SW bigwigs.  He cleans up pretty well, doesn't he?  Check in on him on a weekend and he's just like the rest of us slobs as you can see on tomorrow's Flashback Friday.

 It's not often we can send kudos for our friend's accomplishments.  The Wombie got a state award three or so years ago.  Me, I haven't done anything spectacular in 2 decades.  And I forget what that was.  So I'm real happy to shine the spotlight on a friend who done good.  

 It seems to me not all friendships are created equal.  Some bring a lot more to the table.  Tim brings an unequaled work ethic. He's supremely funny, loyal and smart.  I'm can't keep up with that so I'm definitely getting the bargain.      

 Congrats, Neighbor, and I'll buy you a beer soon. 
     

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