Well, I've done it. I've been to Vegas. Very little work involved. Actually, none. I was lucky enough to have a free Southwest flight and an opportunity to crash in a hotel room with Mookie and Lauren. Not such a bad deal.

The Vanderbilt bowling team ... yes, I said bowling ... had a tournament in Vegas this pas weekend, so I decided to tag along. In doing so, I was able to get my first glimpse of Sin City. To be honest, I'm not in a huge rush to get back. Don't get me wrong, it is a neat place. So much decadence and so many bright lights. My biggest problem? I don't like to gamble. I'm pretty much a wuss when it comes to that. It took me 36 hours before i was brave enough to throw some money down on the table. Even a few drinks couldn't take the knot out of my stomach as the dealer change my $100 into 12 chips. Mook was a big help though, otherwise I probably would've lost my ass. I ended up down to $20 before we got a new dealer. After "Jason" from china sat down to deal, my luck changed. Several drinks later, I had my hundred back plus $75. I figured it was time to get away from the table, so I changed out and cashed in my chips. Mook was mildly proud. He though I should've kept going. I was having fun, but i was pretty pissed when I was down to $20. I am just not a big risk taker. I've learned this about myself, and I'm totally ok with it.

The rest of Vegas? Pretty neat. After taking in a Saturday morning of NCAA bowling, I made a trip to the strip. As I walked past Caesar's, the Bellagio and the other casinos, I realized a lot of people had to loose a lot of damn money for this city to be as loud as it is. The buildings are unbelievable. So I stopped by Starbucks, picked up my green tea and kept walking. As I walked around, I could tell how people become so mesmerized with that place. The town does everything it can to take your money. Not many places have anywhere to sit, except at the slots or tables. Escalators all over the place for easy access. Free shuttles to the numerous casinos. Vegas certainly knows how to get your cash. I suppose it is fine as long as people are entertained.

I had fun with Mook and Lauren Even some of Mook's family made the trip. So much of everyone's time was taken up with bowling. I'm thinking three things here that would've made me enjoy it more: 1) if Mook and Lauren had more free time, 2) if I was out there with a bunch of buddies, or 3) if the little lady had made the trip with me.

I shouldn't complain though. A free trip and I made $75. Not so bad, eh? At least I'm now mentally prepared for my trip to Los Angeles in three weeks. Yep, a trip to the left coast, this one courtesy of Vanderbilt baseball. Man, I love my job.

Extended Family Remix

As we've done with Christmas past, we had a day of extended family. We haven't been able to see my Dad's family in awhile, and that mainly is because my schedule is so hectic. But we had the pleasure of having some of Mom's family over on the 26th. Another round of gifts and another round of Mom's really good holiday meal. Have I told you how much I love her whipped potatoes??? I need to learn how to cook.

It was good to see my aunt, cousins and other family members. We typically only see them once a year, which certainly isn't enough. I suppose we grow older and further apart, but life is just that way sometimes. Regardless, it was nice hanging out with them and being around family. We are all unique, that is for sure. But that is what makes us a family.

We now return you to your regular scheduled Lowe Down

ARGUS Recordings

It has taken us 4 years, and we still aren't done. Back in the summer of 2001, the ARGUS boys started recording what was scheduled to be the most influential album of the 21st century. After those initial records, a couple of other attempts were taken to finish the album. Greg's bass line adds, Erich's guitar and banjo adds. So on the 27th, vocals were added to 5 of the 9 tracks.

So yeah, it took way too long to get that done. Hopefully it will be completed this summer sometime. I feel like we've moved past some of these songs, but they are still ARGUS standards.

Doing the minimal recording really made me miss playing. I suppose I always hope there will be time for ARGUS, even if it is just me and Erich performing once in awhile. That is certainly hard to do considering we are all spread out over the southeast.

But ARGUS is more than the music. I love the music, but it is more about my connection with some of my best friends. Erich, Greg and Brian, which is how it all started, are three of my oldest and dearest friends. They've been there for very important times in my life, and I am very thankful for that. I don't talk with them nearly enough, but it is nice to know I can pick up the phone, call them and we are back to our old ways. They are great men, and I'm lucky to have them as friends.

We now return you to your regular scheduled Lowe Down

The Sugar Bowl

So a good friend of mine, someone to whom I know owe my first born, was able to hook me up with Sugar Bowl tickets. For the first time ever, the Bowl was played in Atlanta, instead of the tattered and torn New Orleans. Really, there aren't many better places to host college athletic events. I'll admit, I hate Atlanta. Now when I say I hate Atlanta that really means it would take about $200,000 a year for me to want to live there. I love to visit Atlanta. I have many great friends there, and really the Georgia Dome is a great facility. Over the years, I've gotten to know it in and out. Not only is it a very well laid out facility, but the people who run it are pros.

So the lady and I road down to the Dome via MARTA. For those of you that don't know MARTA, it is the city's transit system. Honestly, you normally wouldn't want to spend much time on it. However, when you've got 80,000 people converging on one place for a sporting event, chances you are safe. We were. There were a good bit of West Virginia and Georgia fans on the train, so it worked out well.

Once we got to the Dome, we tried to hook up my fellow Bulldogs Lauren and Doug. Lauren is a friend here in Nashville, who is a UGA grad. Doug ... well, Doug is Doug. He's one of my dear friends from UGA and he still lives in Athens. Anyway, we never caught up with Lauren, but we did make it over to see Doug and some of my other old school fraternity brothers. I'm certainly not in touch with those guys enough, but it was great to spend a few brief moments with Doug, Clay, Will, Jon, Benton and Hackett. All good people at heart. Some a little crazier than others. Jon has always been the sage of the group. He is a deep south Georgia boy, but really with the heart of a good natured man. He is the type of guy that always pulls you aside and really asks how you are doing. Doug and I do that with each other all the time, but we are closer in age so I see it as he and I are just great friends and we want to know what is up. Jon is a few years older, and someone I always looked up to in college. So I always appreciate his care and concern.

So after hanging with those clowns for a bit, the lady and I made our way into the Dome. We went straight to our seats first, which were on the top level BUT they were on the 45-yard line. OUTstanding seats. We then made our way to the drinks and food. Let me tell you something, we had free tickets, we spent a total of $5 on our road trip tickets on MARTA, and we STILL spent around $70 while we were there. Man, those drinks are expensive, but they were good.

Unfortunately before I could finish my first beer, the Dogs were already down 28-0. I thought we might have to leave at half time, but the Dogs really stuck in there and made a HELL of a comeback. So much so, they outscored WVU 35-10 the rest of the game. Apparently 28-0 is a difficult hole. And that damn fake punt. DAMNED FAKE PUNT! What a smart and ballsy move. I think the West Virginia coaching staff knew they had to do it. They knew if they kicked it to Georgia the game would at least be tied.

But alas, Georgia ended its season with a three point loss. At least the game was great to watch ... well, after the 28-0 WVU lead. Hell, all of the BCS games were fun to watch. And the National Championship game? I believe that is one of the greatest college football games I've ever seen. It had all the drama, all the hype and all the power. And despite Flippen feeling differently, I am a Mack Brown fan. Yes, he left UNC high and dry, but the guy brought so much prestige to that program. He is a hell of a recruiter and a pretty damn good coach too. He deserves it.

We now return you to your regular scheduled Lowe Down

The Education of Winston-Salem

I grew up there, so I'll always have fond memories of Winston-Salem. My parents and some of my very good friends live t here, so I'll always enjoy visiting. But as I've grown up and tried to make a name for myself, so has Winston.

You wouldn't know it if you just moved there. You'd think, hey they've always had a cool arts district. They've always had a sweet micro-brewery. Downtown has always had cool shops and fun night spots. In the words of any old NIU football coach, "not so fast, my friend."

Yes, Winston has been in a severe state of education the past 10 years. When I was a kid, Downtown was meant for work and that was about it. There was nothing there except offices and pawn shops. That has certainly changed. I'm proud to see the town growing up. Becoming an adult brings on a lot of responsibility, as does turning a nice family town into a place where people might want to live. They are on the right track. There is the possibility of a new downtown baseball park, which would certainly bring more shops and nightlife to downtown. More importantly, downtown condos are popping up all over the place. They are making the area much more suitable for young professionals. That's what you have to do if you expect a town to survive. It will only live so long on the old money.

I would compare Winston to that really cute girl who is fun to go out on a date with, but not quite the one you want to take home to mom. Not yet at least. I strongly believe Winston will turn into that perfect girl though. It has the potential, and it has the support of the residents.

Move there tomorrow.

We now return you to your regular scheduled Lowe Down

The Kahl-Holmes Wedding

I do have to take some credit for this wedding. I know, Jay patting himself on the back never happens. Heather and Michael started dating in 2002. Wow, that seems like a really long time ago. None the less, they had been friends for over a year, as we all hung out in Winston together all the time. They are both great people, but were struggling to find the right relationship.

One fateful night at good ole Burke Street, Big Red and I thought they might be a cute couple. So we did a little convincing on both sides, and then they took off with it. They've been dating every since and were married New Year's Eve.

The cute couple was kind enough to invite me to the rehearsal wedding, and with the little lady in town, we joined them for the meal. It was a really nice dinner and Michael even gave a few speeches. He did a hell of a job introducing everyone to his wedding party, and I got choked up when he spoke about Heather's brother ... who is around our age but just a bit slower than the rest of us. It was touching, and Michael did it right.

The wedding itself was so very nice. A cute little church in Greensboro housed the event. When Heather walked down the aisle, I thought Michael might loose it. He hung in their though. About mid way through the event, Heather started tearing up ... as did her sister ... and about every woman in the church. I think the best part was when they were announced husband and wife, kissed each other and then gave the knuckle bump before they walked back up the aisle.

The reception was at Bridger Field House, home of Wake Forest football. Good music, good food and some old faces. It was great catching up with some folks whom I normally don't get to see. The lady and I had a couple of drinks, but didn't want to imbibe too much. We ended up leaving the reception around 11 to go hang out with E and GLee, but I loved seeing Heather and Michael so happy.

They deserve it. Everyone does at some point, but this was the night for Heather and Michael to enjoy their new life together. I'm thrilled and happy for them. They are dear friends, and I hope marriage brings them everything they desire.

We now return you to your regular scheduled Lowe Down

Ridin' to Atlanta

So after the wedding and all of the holiday cheer with the family, the little lady and I made a trip to Hotlanta. This is her home town (ok, well Lawrenceville, but close enough), so we planned to hang out with her family. Oh yeah, and we also had tickets to the Sugar Bowl.

On the way down, I begged her to let us stop at my old Granny's house. Granny passed away just over two years ago, and I hadn't seen her house since. My aunt and her husband (2nd husband, so I don't know if he is a step-uncle or what) decided to redo the house in hopes of moving into it. Well, that was 3 years ago. Granted the house needed a LOT of updating and a LOT of work, so they are in the process of doing all of it now. Rumor has it we will do the family Christmas there this year. The house used to be family Christmas every year until Granny broke her hip several years ago.

Anyway, they are putting a lot of work into it and I really wanted to see it. So we rolled into Gastonia, NC, which is 1/4 ghetto, 3/4 really nice old homes. We drove over to Granny's house and my aunt's husband's car was in the driveway. Luckily, he was there working on the downstairs so we were able to see the house. The downstairs is in the process of being gutted. No longer are the floors or the kitchen or the kitchenette. The only thing that is actually finished is the upstairs. That part of the house is awesome. They've redone it, with minor changes but the changes they made are for the best. After seeing that part of the house, I can tell they have a good vision for the house. It is a hell of a lot of work, but they will get it done. It won't be the same house we all knew and loved, but it will be great.

So we made it to Lawrenceville and stayed at her Dad's house. I got to spend more time with her pops and her step-mom, as well as her younger sister. It actually was really nice. I had spent time with them before, but not this much. Hell, it was bowl season. There wasn't much to do except sit around and enjoy football. No complaint out of me. I ended up helping the little lady grade some of her 8th graders science quizzes. May God help our future. I'll leave it at that.

It was nice to take a road trip with the little lady. It is amazing how much you have to talk about in a four hour car ride. The stop at Granny's old place helped to break up the trip a bit and allowed me to show her a place I remember very fondly.

My buddy Brandon always says, "memories are nice, Jay." He's right. They are really nice.

We now return you to your regular scheduled Lowe Down

The Conclusion

How can I properly conclude one of the most enjoyable holidays ever? Well, I can only say it was a HELL of a break. I was able to forget about work for some time, enjoy my family, enjoy my lady and enjoy seeing a bunch of old friends. I mean honestly, it cannot get any better than that. I am so fortunate, so damn fortunate to have so many people that love me and so many people I love.

The only way to properly conclude this incredible installment of the Lowe Down? The answer is to simply look to the future. The year of 2006 is shaping out to be simply amazing. I attended the Sugar Bowl. Sure Georgia didn't win, but I got to go. For free. Dad had his surgery, so his health should only get better from here. He'll be walking without a limp and without help soon than later. More importantly, he is retired ... so this should be a year where Mom and Dad really look at their retirement and find ways to enjoy it. Sissy starts her internship at ... ugh ... DOOK. More importantly this is another step to her career. We are all proud. Greg gets married this year. An amazing man, weds an amazing woman. I'm sure there are many other great things that will happen to many more of my friends. I can't wait to sit back and watch it all happen.

As for me, the Sugar Bowl is just the start. I head to Vegas at the end of this month. Three weeks later I make my way to Los Angeles. I've never been to either place, and I cannot wait. I'll travel to Greg's wedding in May and my friend Jen's wedding in June. And yes, I'll take the lady to see a Cubs game when we hit Jen's wedding. In between LA and Greg and Sara's moment, Vandy will host the 1st and 2nd round of the Women's NCAA Basketball Tournament as well as the SEC Women's Golf Championship. I hope to make another trip to New Orleans this year, this time for NACDA.

Did I mention taking a lady somewhere? Yeah, and then there is my relationship. I cannot wait to see what 2006 brings for us. She is an amazing woman. I'm a pretty average dude. I'd be lucky to hold onto her for another year.

As I (finally) conclude this, I just want to say thank you to everyone who contributed funds to this project. It took a lot of time, effort, hard work and funding. If it were not for all of you, this dream of a 12 chapter Lowe Down would've never taken place. The internet has never seen anything like it, and chances are they never will again. Thank God.

We now return you to your regular scheduled Lowe Down

Santa and Presents

As you grow older, I think some of the luster of Christmas can be worn. You realize there is no Santa. You don't get toys anymore. Your Transformers are replaced with boxers and socks. Our family doesn't allow those things to remove any luster off of our Christmas.

After Mom's great Christmas Eve dinner, we always exchange family gifts. This is the chance for Sissy and me to give presents to Mom and Dad, and also to exchange gifts with each other. I like this time, because as a kid Christmas was all about us. We got all the goods. So this is the time, in our house, for the parents to be spoiled. Granted, I still have yet to be able to spoil my parents the way I want, but for the time being I try to give them things they need or like. Mom and Dad are notorious for not letting us know what they want for Christmas. Yes, the holidays aren't all about presents, but when your parents have taken care of you for years, it is nice to give them things to show your thanks.

I typically use this time to also give my sister something fun. In the past, I've been her supplier of electrical goods. This year, she wanted a jewelry box. It was interesting trying to shop for one of those, and even more interesting trying to make room for it in my bags. But apparently it all worked out, and she was happy with it. Thank you, Pottery Barn.

Christmas day is always still fun at our house. Yes, we know there is no Santa, but there is something to be said for waking up and seeing presents on the couch. Yes, that is how we still do it in my family, and I love it. I suppose it is a piece of my childhood which I still hang on to. Sissy and I usually wake up, make sure the parents are up and then we go into the living room for presents. It will be interesting when that changes though, and it is me receive the "parent gifts" on the Eve and my kids on the Day. Something to look forward to, I think.

So all in all, I made out like a bandit. Nice clothes, some good music and yes, even a toy or two. My R2-D2 coffee mug has already seen some action in the office. Quite the topic of conversation while I'm making tea. I did receive a nice North Face fleece from the little woman. I love that thing. So damn warm. And Sissy gave me a game which is gonna be so much fun when I'm sitting around the house and drinking with friends. We even played a couple of spirited games of Catchphrase with the parents. Dad and I kicked butt.

No, it's not all about the presents, but it is nice to be able to exchange things with the family.

We now return you to your regular scheduled Lowe Down

2005 jaylowe.com Awards

All of the presents have been unwrapped. Most of the Christmas trees are turning into mulch. The New Year has popped its proverbial cork, and now all of you internet lovers are looking for the one thing you've been dying for since January of last year. It is time for the prestigious jaylowe.com Awards to be presented to the 2005 winners. As in every year past, the competition was stiff. Each year, the nominees become more of an elite group and the winners will relish in 2005 being their year.

Please save your applause until all awards have been handed out. Now, without further adieu, here are the winners of the 2005 jaylowe.com awards:

Jackass of the year
Probably the second most prestigious award on this list, the 2005 Jackass of the Year is awarded to THE Horsemen. Unbeknownst to THE Horsemen themselves, 2005 paved the way for what we be the culmination of four great minds, great talents and great skirt chasers. Brandon, Rob and Homeboy, become true Jackasses by combining their skills and efforts with me, Jay Lowe. While I cannot accept any award on this list, these three men are most certainly deserving. THE Horsemen idea was born out of a common desire to have a great time, meet women and just plain kick ass. We've had an amazing time and really have jelled well as a group of damn good friends. THE Horsemen are known for keepin each other grounded, that is for certain. But they have also filled each other will positivist and believe. They are good damn friends, and they are now awards winners.

Greatest "Night out on the Town" of the year
There are typically too many of these to count, but this year the award goes to the evening of my 28th Birthday. There were many friends who receive a part of this award, as I celebrated my birthday in Nashville for the first time. It started out with a solid group of work friends at Sam's, the sports bar in Hillsboro Village. It ended with all of us dancing at Bar Nashville. Yes the place is 18 and up, but it was the only place we could find with good music and a dance floor on a Tuesday night. I love to shake my ass from time to time, and everyone humored me. It was a great night out on the town.

Movie of the year
If you know me, you don't even really have to read this one. Star Wars, Episode III is the winner. Nostalgia is a funny thing. Whenever I watch this film, it reminds me of my childhood. I was able to see how those movies in 1977, 1980 and 1982 began. George Lucas is one of my hero's, and I love the Star Wars story. I hope to pass it along to my kids someday.

Karaoke Song of the year
SWEEEEET Caroline ... da da da ... Is there any better song to sing at Lonnie's with a packed house? I think not.

Road Trip of the year
A second trip to Memphis receives honorable mention this year. It was THE Horsemen before we even knew what we were. It was four drunken asses harassing as many Memphis Tiger fans as possible, while trying to support our Dores in the NIT. Too bad it didn't help.

This year's award has to go to the Michael Ward and Steve Flippen for the road trip to Illinois. I flew to Raleigh, went to the beach with Ward and his family for about 24 hours, then we drove to Charlottesville the next day. After picking up Flippen, we finally end up with Ekhoff in Bloomington-Normal. A gambling boat, a few gentlemen's clubs and many drinks later, we end up back in DeKalb. The three idiots from North Carolina actually took their vacation BACK to DeKalb! Honestly, it was worth it. Being able to see old friends, play a little golf and enjoy drinks at Fatty's again was totally worth it. Even if we did oversleep for the Cubs game on Friday.

Best Moment of the year
My sister is awesome. She impresses me more and more as she grows into this great little woman. She was awarded an internship at Dook Children's Hospital late in the fall, which will help her complete her master's degree. When she called me to tell me the good news, I was so happy for her and proud of her. She deserves all life will bring her, and I believe it will be a very fruitful life.

Most Touching Moment of the year
Surgery is not a fun thing. My Dad had his hip replaced in October. Mom, sis and I spent a couple of days with Dad in the hospital. Dad is recovering very well from the surgery, but it is a tough thing for a family to watch one of their own have to undergo any procedure. I was touched, because of how much we all really do care about each other. Yes, mean words sometimes fly around in our house as they do in most, but We all do care about each other. Being there for Dad was important to him, and I'm thrilled he is doing so well.

Wrestler of the year
I can see Randy Orton winning this award in the years to come, but the most impressive wrestler this year has been John Cena. The white rapper has been, by far, the most charismatic personality on WWE programming. He's held the WWE Championship for several months now, and will probably continue to hold it for awhile. His actual wrestling skills are improving, but he brings the crowds to their feet every time he walks through the curtain. He's not my favorite, but I think he deserves of the award this year.

Album of the year
If it was a category, and there is really no rhyme or reason why it is not, Kanye would win song of the year for "Gold digger." I love that song, I can admit it. However, this is Album of the Year, and this award is given to Coldplay for X&Y. I love the sound, and I love that I can intently listen to this disk and there are times I can just put it on as background music. I have just recently gotten into Coldplay over the past two years, and actually had tickets to their Nashville show this year ... didn't go, long story ... but I appreciate their music, and while they had stiff competition in my mind (Keb Mo - Keep it simple, Los Lonely Boys - Live at the Fillmore, Rilo Kiley - More Adventurous), this was my favorite album of 2005.

Team of the year
North Carolina men's basketball, with their remarkable run to the 2005 NCAA Championship certainly receives an honorable mention nod here. I was fortunate enough to be there for the game with my mom, and watching my childhood team win it all was awesome. Although, I have to give this year's nod to the Vanderbilt Football Team. No, they didn't make a bowl game this year, but they gave some hope and promise to many Vanderbilt fans. The frantic 4-0 start was huge for the program. Even bigger? The November win at Tennessee. An opening victory over Wake Forest certainly gave me some bragging rights if nothing else.

Wedding of the year
I was fortunate enough to attend two weddings this year, both filled with really great friends. Matt and Mel were kind enough to invite me to their rehearsal dinner as well as the wedding. It was a fun time, and I shook my ass a good bit. The winner, however, has to go to Heather and Michael. Their wedding was on the last night of the 2005 year, making it the most dramatic and latest nominee. Michael and Heather, like Matt and Mel, are beautiful people. It was a blessing to be there and see them exchange vows. And yes, I take a little bit of credit for giving them the idea of dating each other. I'm one hell of a match maker!

Dumbest Moment of the year
Easy. On our Illinois road trip, I may have gotten so drunk that I tried to really fight with Ward. It was embarrassing, and I felt terrible about it the next day. Ward is one of my great friends, and I acted like a complete ass. At least he hasn't thrown the towel in on me yet.

Best Acquisition of the year
No major purchases this year. I suppose you could say I was trying to save money. Or you could say I just spent money on stupid shit all year. For Christmas, I did receive a great new North Face fleece from Courtney. Colors? Red and Black of course. So the fleece, and my VERY comfy Vandy football sweat suit are tied for the award this year.

Best Concert of the year
James Taylor, whom I've always wanted to see perform live, certainly gets a mention. Actually, He was my original award winner until I was reminded of the Neil Diamond concert I attended in November. No, I'm not the biggest Neil fan, but the entire night was what made it the best concert. We took a huge group of about 20 people, with free tickets of course, to witness one of the world's greatest showmen take the stage. We drank, we sang and we all had a blast. We even hit Lonnie's to rip off several Neil tunes.

Video Game of the year
NCAA Football 2006. For a kid that grew up on ACC basketball, I've learn to love and really appreciate college football over the past 10 years. This game is as close as it gets to being the play caller for a college football team. The graphics improve a bit each year, and it also helps I've been kicking Mook's ass most of the time. And yes, I predicted Texas as the National Champion when I led the Longhorns to a victory Tuesday night over Mook's fighting Trojans.

Best song to sing in a British voice
Kelly Clarkson's, "Since You've Been Gone," takes the award this year. She really has come into her own as a powerful singer, and I'm not afraid to admit I have her latest album on my ipod. And hell, signing a chick song is always good for shits and giggles anyway. Now singing it in a British voice? Now that is talent!

And finally ...

The jaylowe.com 2005 Lifetime Achievement Award
Last year, I mentioned this award might go to Dad. He has an interesting year with his retirement then his surgery, but Dad is still kickin' and will be around for a long time, so I'm not going to give him this award just yet.

No, actually this award goes to Misty, our family dog who passes away in June. Yes, little old yappin' Misty provided years of laughter, screams and love to our family. The same dog that would spring around the entire inside of the house, non-stop, for about 15 minutes was the same dog who would inhale a hotdog in about 7.8 seconds flat. We loved Misty, and she was a great addition to our family when I was in the 7th grade. Misty just got too old. She was having more health issues, as everyone does when they grow older. She was a feisty little pup, and we were lucky to have her with our family for as long as we did. Misty, you will be missed! Thank you all for attending this year's installment of the jaylowe.com Awards. Have a great evening, drive safe and tell your family and friends you love them.

We now return you to your regular scheduled Lowe Down .