I had one such opportunity yesterday. I traveled with my boss, SAU President Dr. David Rankin, and SAU Tech Chancellor Corbet Lamkin to the Arkansas State Capitol in Little Rock. We had business to attend to, and with the General Assembly in session, let’s just say we weren’t the only ones in that grand building with a mission.

We were sitting in a room on the Senate side of the Capitol, and I kept thinking, “if only these walls could talk.” I would assume a lot of extremely important business has taken place in the room where we met. If I used the six degrees of separation theory and started with some of that room’s previous occupants, I would assume I could reach foreign leaders, kings, queens, famous actors and actresses, and maybe even some of my own heroes. But could I get to Reba through those six degrees? Maybe, just maybe.

But what stories could we hear if those walls did talk? The political scientist in me would love to know, and the journalist in me would love to write it all down.

The day wasn’t all politics, but there was enough of it to make me happy. I absolutely love to be involved in and study our political system. I guess that’s why I have a college degree in political science. Before getting to Little Rock, I had a unique opportunity. The three of us – in our shirts and ties – ate lunch at the Bear City Diner in Bearden. Let’s just say we probably looked a bit out of place in this particular diner wearing a tie. I was relieved that Dr. Rankin suggested we leave our jackets in the car.

Coming home we had a similar experience at a small diner in Sheridan. It is one that I have frequented more times than I could possibly count, but I’ve never caught the name. Who said you had to eat at a big named resturant to get a good meal? I don’t think you do.

That’s enough rambling from me for now. I hit the road on business again in about two weeks. This time, I’m leaving the state (and the nation if you count driving through the Indian Nations as leaving the country). I’m going to Oklahoma City for the C.A.S.E. conference. I’ll explain later.

The next two weeks will be my busiest at SAU yet. Despite assisting in research for energy grants, I’m helping with the planning for an alumni and friends of the university event at the Texarkana Country Club on March 17, and then there’s that little party we’re throwing for the university’s 100th anniversary on April 1. I wish it were a joke! It’s going to be the biggest blow-out of a party you’ve ever seen. I’m more than just a bit stressed. I’ll be glad when it’s behind us!