Category: Life Stuff

Happy One Year Anniversary, Tyler Mayforth and Georgia

On July 20, 2015

Allow this to be a disclaimer for this post: I have no idea how I’m going to format it. Most likely it will be a free-form type where I just post running thoughts. Anyway…

I don’t know when it was, but I recently celebrated my one-year anniversary living in Georgia. Yes, I, Tyler Mayforth, have been in the Peach State for about 365 days.

I say I don’t know when it was, but I could look back — or ask my dad, who helped to move me from Texas to Georgia — and find the exact date. For some reason, July 10 sticks out to me as my last day at the San Marcos Daily Record. My last column ran July 11, which would have been the following day. And for another reason, July 17 jumps out to me as the day I started at the Athens Banner-Herald. I could be wrong.

Over the past year, I’ve matured a great deal and been humbled more than I choose to admit. Life teaches you lessons when you think you have it all figured out. I’ll take those opportunities and not regret what I’ve done because I learned from each one. Am I proud of any of them? Not one bit. But they’ve happened — and I’m stronger.

Moving to Georgia put me in a foreign land and broke me out of my comfort zone. I’ve tried to explore as much of this state as possible, but there is still so much more to see and I plan to as soon as I am able. I hit several state parks, saw a bowl game in the Georgia Dome, had an awesome vacation in Savannah and discovered a bunch of great disc golf courses around the area. Later this week, I’ll be headed to Atlanta once again to see the semifinals of the Gold Cup. I read the Georgia Dome was sold out and with it being full of soccer fans, I can only imagine how much fun it will be.

Working at the Banner-Herald pushes me and molds me into a better journalist and co-worker. It’s still jarring to think this is my first full year at a daily newspaper. I’d like to think I’m holding my own and bringing my own style to the readers each day.

When it comes down to it, Georgia — and the Banner-Herald, for that matter — became my “What if?” Now, it’s my “What is.” A smidgen over one year later, I’m glad to have taken the opportunity and turned into the person I am today.

Fenway Park and Memories With Dad

By Tyler Mayforth

On June 21, 2015

In Life Stuff, Sports

My girlfriend recently asked me why I’d consider myself a Red Sox fan.

First and foremost, I’m a Phillies fan. Let’s get that out of the way. Most of my top baseball memories occurred while watching the Phillies either at Veterans Stadium, Citizens Bank Park or several road stadiums, including Turner Field last September.

When it’s not possible to watch the Phillies in person, however, I must make simple concessions and last Wednesday was one of those times. I had yet to attend a pro game and the Red Sox were in Atlanta to play the Braves, so we ventured west-ish.

I told my girlfriend that I spent nine summers of my life in New Hampshire at a great summer camp (William Lawrence Camp) and learned to like them through diffusion, but also went to three games at Fenway Park during that span. None of those trips compared to the first time I went to Fenway Park after my first summer at camp.

See, parents had the option of sending their boy(s) away for two weeks, four weeks or eight weeks. Until I moved up the ranks and became a counselor — which came with a mandatory 10-week tenure — my parents chose the four-week option. After all, it would be rather pointless and a lot of money to only spend two weeks there.

My first summer at William Lawrence Camp wasn’t the best as I battled a severe case of homesickness and bullying. Needless to say, I couldn’t wait to see my family when they came to pick me up from camp on July 20, 1996 (Yeah, I looked it up).

Once they rumbled up Federal Corner Road and plucked me and my belongings, we set out on a family trip to Boston, which was about a three-hour drive from camp.

The second day we were in Bean Town, my sister and mom went on an adventure while my dad and I set out on one of our own. Little did I know that when our walk ended, we’d end up in front of Fenway Park with the Red Sox facing the Orioles.

When we got inside the ballpark, my dad told me to follow him as we went to our seats. We kept getting closer and closer and closer and closer. I had to ask him a few times if we were allowed to be there. He said not to worry and sure enough, we sat in our seats — two rows behind home plate. As an 11-year-old, this was just insane.

I still remember the pitching matchup: Roger Clemens vs. Mike Mussina. Like most games I attend, I kept score — but have since lost that scorecard — so I had to look up if it was a pitching duel. Not so much. Clemens and Mussina went deep into the game (Clemens was lifted in the eighth; Mussina after seven), but weren’t as sharp as they could be (Clemens allowed five runs on eight hits; Mussina three on five).

I also remember there being a game-tying home run in the ninth inning (Jeff Manto hit it), but little else. Evidently Baltimore won 10-6 after scoring five in the 10th.

Everything about that day still make me smile to this day. I couldn’t see my face that day, but I am sure it broke through my face like a cartoon since it was that big.

My girlfriend also said something while we were sitting on the tailgate of her SUV before the game (and I’m paraphrasing) — “Don’t laugh at me, but there’s something magical about the ballpark. I don’t know what it is, but it’s just there.” I laughed like a boyfriend is supposed to, but deep down I couldn’t help but to agree with her.

Being Alone Isn’t All That Bad

By Tyler Mayforth

On June 5, 2015

In Life Stuff

Thursday is a weird day to have off work.

If it’s Tuesday or Wednesday, you know where to find me.

Recently Thursday switched with Tuesday and it’s a different story.

Today I decided to treat myself to a matinee showing at the movie theater. My ultimate decision came down to “Entourage” or “Mad Max: Fury Road.”

As serious internal debate raged as I weighed the validity of each option.

“Entourage” is a guilty pleasure of mine. How can it not be? It’s “Sex and the City” for men. I watched each and every episode of the show — and also have them all on my computer to pull up at a moment’s notice — and felt compelled to finish the run.

Then there was “Mad Max: Fury Road” and all of the praise it received from critics. Plus, it has all the makings of a great summer movie (tons of action and little plot).

Ultimately I decided on “Mad Max: Fury Road.” I could easily Redbox “Entourage” and not miss out on anything in the viewing experience that I would in the theater.

So I bought my ticket and went alone. If not for five other people who showed up five minutes before showtime, I would have been the only person in the theater.

I don’t mean this to be a sob story, actually the furthest thing from it. The movie was a blast (probably a much better pick than “Entourage”) and I don’t mind being alone.

Don’t get me wrong: I love hanging out with other people and being part of a team. In fact, I can’t wait to see my family in less than three weeks as they’re coming down to Georgia to celebrate me and my sister turning 30. Yeah, that one crept up fast.

But I truly don’t mind being alone. For the past eight years or so, I’ve been off on my own as I’ve embarked on creating my career from Maine to Texas and now Georgia.

Maybe being a journalist helped me learn how to function well alone. After all, you often chase a story by yourself, write by yourself, travel by yourself and all of that.

Some of the more recent positive happenings in my life have been after I branched out completely on my own. I did a solo road trip to New Orleans for WrestleMania 30 and loved every second of it after I got over the initial fear. I went to trivia alone the first few times, trying my best to hang tough with the better teams. I met my girlfriend after going to Terrapin Brewing Company alone on a spur of the moment.

I’m sure there are others and probably many more to come as I blaze my own trail.

Hi, Athens. It’s Been 10 Months

By Tyler Mayforth

On May 23, 2015

In Georgia, Life Stuff

Dear Athens,

How are you, my dear?

It’s been about 10 months since we got serious and started our relationship.

Time flies. I know.

Who could have imagined a long-distance, online courtship that started back in April of 2014 would turn into what it is today?

There was something different about you when I sent that first message. Yeah, I’ll admit it was a little bit cocky — but it caught your eye.

To be honest, you were my “What if?”

When I was much younger, another “What if” came into my life. So did a sure thing.

I’m ashamed to admit I took a run at the sure thing. It didn’t work out.

So when I saw you, I leapt at the opportunity. “What if,” became “What is.”

I don’t know if you see it, but there is a lot of admiration out there for you. Some might even call it “love.” After all, “Athens, I Love You” is the phrase of choice and even beget a Snapchat geocentric overlay the kids use these days.

One thing I noticed is that the people who use those aforementioned four words have been committed to you a long time. They might be lifelong residents, transplants or most likely students of the University of Georgia (woof-woof, etc).

I’m trying to feel that emotion for you. I am.

It took me a while to even think about uttering those words to San Marcos. I know I shouldn’t talk about past relationships in front of you, but it must be done.

I wasn’t planning on staying with San Marcos as long as I did. Two years max, I said.

But the longer you stay in a relationship, the more you grow — and learn.

I finally fell for “San Marvelous” one month after contacting you.

There was just something about the way she pulled together around her softball team and in turn, my coverage and in turn, me. I poured my heart into that month. As the kids say these days, “I felt some type of way.”

That’s probably why I cried when I put her in my rearview mirror one month later. I never shed a single tear over a previous relationship ending, but seven years — plus a lot of long nights, sweat and everything else — finally caught up to me.

Athens, I’m excited about what the future holds in store for us.

I’m learning to like you more and more every day.

Hopefully it turns into love.

Yours for now,

Tyler

Wednesday Night Means Trivia Night in Georgia

By Tyler Mayforth

On March 26, 2015

In Georgia, Life Stuff

What do a Mushroom Swiss burger and all-or-nothing trivia questions have in common? More than you think, actually.

Back in Texas, there was a restaurant called Tap Room. It had 42 beers on tap, but more importantly some of the best burgers known to man.

Every Thursday and Sunday, the Tap Room had incredible specials. Thursday was “Buy one burger, get one beer free” and then Sunday was “Buy one burger, get the other half-off.” Thursday was generally one of my lighter days in the office, while Sunday was a day off, so I alternated each week which day I chowed down.

Now that I’m living in Georgia, my days off are Tuesday and Wednesday. Those first few days off, I tried to find the best food specials in town to no avail. As much as I hate to say it, there aren’t any good burger joints in Athens.

March Madness and Spring in Georgia

By Tyler Mayforth

On March 17, 2015

In Georgia, Life Stuff

Forget December: March is the most wonderful time of the year.

Spring has sprung, birds are chirping and it hit 80 degrees in Athens, Georgia.

Plus, it’s time for the annual event where my bracket gets shot to pieces and I lose all but two of my Sweet 16 picks by the “third” round — or whatever they call the old “second” round these days. And by event, I mean the NCAA Tournament. The Big Dance. March Madness. Did I hit all the proper SEO terms? Good.

Finally, the long-awaited WrestleMania tale

By Tyler Mayforth

On March 13, 2015

In Life Stuff, WrestleMania, Wrestling

Growing up, I loved wrestling.

All right. You got me. I was downright fanatical.

Every weekend over the span of what had to be two years, I picked up a wrestling tape from the movie store (Remember those?) when my parents gave me and my sister free reign of the place.

Not only that, but I staged my own wrestling matches — complete with back stories and all — with stuffed animals. I’m not ashamed to admit that. Putting on an entire card of matches takes skill and creativity. If I remember correctly, Bear and Big Bunny put on some classics — mostly of the hardcore and last-man-standing variety — while Mickey Mouse and Goofy crushed the tag-team division.

You’re totally judging me now, right? Awesome! Let’s move on.

Hitting a Groove in Georgia

By Tyler Mayforth

On February 24, 2015

In Georgia, Journalism, Life Stuff

There are few feelings as gratifying as hitting a groove.

Any current or former athlete can attest to that statement.

Now that I’m out of my truly competitive days as an athlete — weekly trips to play disc golf notwithstanding — I try to find my rhythm other places. Recently, that spot has been in front of my computer at the Athens Banner-Herald.

When I moved to Georgia, I temporarily struggled with the idea of being on desk full-time. As I stated before, I loved every aspect of beat writing — from the chase to the break and everywhere in between — so it took me a few weeks to settle down.

Updating Social Media After Georgia Move

By Tyler Mayforth

On February 20, 2015

In Journalism, Life Stuff

One of the toughest things I had to leave in Texas when I moved to Georgia was my presence on social media.

As trivial as that might sound, I built my following from the ground up.

Heck, when I moved to San Marcos, Twitter barely moved the needle.

I doubt Facebook even considered the inception of the ‘fan page’ by then.

Nearly seven years later I had a strong following on Twitter with whom I interacted daily, a fan page with more than 1,000 likes and a blog that broke monthly page-view records like clockwork.

Then I wrapped up all of it with one simple tweet as I embarked on my 14-hour drive to Athens, Georgia, which is nicknamed the Classic City.

-30-

— Tyler Mayforth (@smdrtyler) July 15, 2014

Once I got settled in Georgia, I knew I had to start fresh. But how?

I’d no longer be on a beat, so a Facebook fan page wouldn’t be necessary.

I wouldn’t see a need for a blog since I’d be on desk and I’m not sure how many people would be excited to read about page design and parsing down 1,000-word game stories to a length suitable for print.

So what I decided was to create my own ‘brand’ through Twitter. If you’re looking for me on Twitter, you don’t have to look too far. It’s simply, @tylermayforth.

As I build my followers and look for more interaction, I post daily screenshots of the pages I design and any notes from the games I get to cover.

If you’re wondering where else you can find me online, wonder no longer.

Personal website: TylerMayforth.com

Work website: Athens Banner-Herald

Other: Contently

Like I said before, closing the chapter on my social media presence in Texas was tough, but I’m glad to have a new ‘brand’ that I can build upon in Georgia.

From Texas to Georgia

By Tyler Mayforth

On February 18, 2015

In Journalism, Life Stuff

Had to get a picture behind the welcome sign.

Had to get a picture behind the sign at the Georgia Visitor Center.

Wow.

Has it really been 10 months since my last post? That’s insane.

Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it. ~ Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

Let me take this time to recap the biggest change in my life since April 2014.

I’m no longer in Texas.

Back in July, I turned in my resignation at the San Marcos Daily Record and moved to Athens, Georgia. Now I didn’t move to the Classic City on whim (even though crazier things have happened). I accepted a position with the Athens Banner-Herald as a designer/online producer.

Leaving Texas pained me. It really did. I’m not afraid to admit that I shed legit tears as I drove along Highway 80 and passed the city limits sign. Seven years is a long time and I grew as a person and a journalist more than I could have imagined.

Moving to Georgia forced me out of my comfort zone once again, but I was ready for it. I knew what it took to create a new footprint since I had done it twice before and since I hit the ground running in each of my previous stops, I’d do it again.

Needless to say, I feel as if I’ve excelled in my current position. Not only am I getting the thrill of deadline in a completely different way, I am learning from some awesome folks with tons of experience. Plus, I’ve been able to write a few sidebars here and there, which keeps those award-winning skills sharp.

Thanks for reading. Hopefully I’ll do a better job of updating this site in the future.