I haven't taken the time to really pass along this news, but there are some drastic changes taking place in our household. First off, we are moving to Ohio.

About two weeks ago, I accepted a position in development/fund raising at Miami University, in Oxford, OH. I'll be staying in athletics, however moving into an entirely new area. I've loved game ops and facilities, but I craved something new, something more. I believe this tremendous opportunity will give me more direction with my career. I cannot be any more excited for this transition. Yes, so I'll be leaving Vanderbilt. It saddens me to leave some great people, but life does move on. This was a great place for me. I learned so much about myself and about the work I love. It also enabled me to meet my beautiful and wonderful fiancée. Many doors have been opened, many new faces have been engrained into my memory. I'm so lucky MK and Franks took a chance on me three years ago. The believed in me, and that is exactly what is happening at Miami. They believe in me too, something I need.

So last weekend we were in Ohio house hunting. We walked away a bit discouraged, not finding what we really wanted. Our real estate agent, who has been great throughout this whole process, talked us into looking at a home that was way out of our range. She really just wanted us to see the quality of the work. Well, low and behold this past Friday I get a call the builder is cutting his prices to try and move his houses before the end of the month. We made an offer, and we are now home owners. WOW. Everything seems to be happening so quickly, but it is a hell of a lot of fun.

The house is going to be great. It has just about everything we'd want except a fenced in back yard. The back deck will also need some steps at some point, but we'll get to all that. We have an office, enough bedrooms to accommodate our families, a two car garage and a bitchin' kitchen! It should be a great place to entertain, so we'll have to make some friends quickly!

This past Thursday night, MK was kind enough to hook us up with tickets to the Predators hockey game. Preds won big, and we had a great time, but as we came home we were greeted with a surprise we were not expecting. A little tiny puppy was sitting at our doorstep. We are convinced someone left him there. The poor guy was very cold and screaming. Loudly. So we took him in, introduced him to our other mutts and he's been staying with us since. It looks like Mom and Dad might be giving him a good home, as we'll see them this weekend. Little Yoda is fitting in nicely at our place in the meantime.

We were lucky to have Doug and Lindsay come up for the weekend. It was a surprise for the Little Lady, as I know how much she enjoys being around the people she loves. Plus it gave me a drinkin' buddy for the weekend. We our place was full this past weekend with four people and five dogs. Yes, Doug brought his two dogs. We had a bit of a farm feel going on, but maybe that was just the smell. Regardless, it was great having them here and spending time with them.

So yes, a lot has been going on lately. I will be sure to keep you posted as my days at Vanderbilt come to an end. Only seven more left.

Already well into the new year, and like a fine wine, the 2006 jaylowe.com awards needed a few more days to ferment.

We've got another great group of award winners this year. I ask everyone please hold your applause until all recipients have been properly honored.

Now that everyone is on the edge of their seats, I proudly present the winners of the 2006 jaylowe.com awards:

Jackass of the year
This young man has been a jackass for quite some time. He was the same jackass who tried to introduce himself to the college ladies as "three leg." That failed miserably. This jackass also lived with me during the ever so important grad school year. More over, this jackass has always opened his door every time I've returned to Athens. Yes folks, Doug Brouillard is this year's Jackass of the year. Aside from all of the funny and intoxicated times we've had together, he single handedly gave me encouragement and friendship as I made a huge decision this year. Ok, so encouragement is a stretch. We are talking about Doug here. He is the wanna-be eternal bachelor. Regardless, the guy has always been a tremendous friend. Cheers to you, Douglas.

Greatest "Night out on the Town" of the year
Several of the awards this year will center around, "The Ask." Yes, in 2006 jaylowe took the plunge into engaged life with his little lady. She has been one of the true highlights of my life, and that is why it is easy to spot our engagement night as the best night out on the town in '06. We were surrounded by family, friends and, more importantly, each other. I even had the little lady dancing! A feat not accomplished by many men. Of course all of the nights since have been wonderful, but that was the beginning and certainly a night we hope to never forget.

Movie of the year
There was the good (Inside Man, starring Denzel), the better (Borat), the great novel turned decent move (DaVinci Code), the throwbacks (Rocky and Superman), and the down right disappointing (Nacho Libre). All of these had their own little flair and caused some enjoyment, however this year's title goes to Mr. Ferrell and "The Ballad of Ricky Bobby." Will trips me out. The guy can be over the time at times, but his movies are laugh out loud funny. I enjoyed this move from start to finish.

Karaoke Song of the year
don't just stand there, Bust A Move ... Probably didn't get as much air time as it should've from me this year, but it still deserves the cup.

Road Trip of the year
There was the road trip to kick off the year, January 1, 2006, from Winston to Atlanta for the Sugar Bowl, and then the two trips up to Chicagoland. Both were great. The second trip centered around the horsemen, Us Cellular Field and a bunch of beer. The earlier one centered around a wedding, a cubs' game, seeing the newports, and a bunch of beer. This is a tough call, but I'm going to have to give the nod to the first Chicago trip. Yes, this one was with the little lady. I was able to show her the "friendly confines," on a beautiful June day. We were able to hang out with the Newport brothers and to see a couple of my old friends get hitched. The horseman trip would've won this award, but the bathroom situation where we stayed was gross as hell, and I probably shouldn't repeat the stories anyway. Horseman code.

Best Moment of the year
It was a great plan that almost failed ... because of Doug's dogs. Yes, my secret plan of proposing to Courtney in Athens with our families and friends there to see it was almost spoiled by the dogs barking in Doug's house. Courtney thought I was in Birmingham at the SEC baseball tournament, alas I was sipping a beer on Doug's couch. I was watching the games though, if that counts for anything. Regardless, once the moment finally came it was well worth it and clearly the best decision I've ever made.

Most Touching Moment of the year
The morning after the engagement, the little lady and I met my parents and sister for lunch. As we walked in, they gave us the perfect gift: a shadow box with little mementos from the previous nice, including a picture of our engagement. I'm not nearly that creative, and it certainly touched the sentimental chord in my heart.

Wrestler of the year
Now for the fun stuff. I suppose I should preface this award with the fact I do not watch TNA. I used to be a WCW guy, but since Vince bought them, I only watch WWE. And honestly, I don't watch it that much any more. Regardless, my award this year is being handed to Booker T., or King Booker. This past year he was finally given what he deserved: another run with the title. He is one of the few surviving faces of the old WCW. He has been waiting patiently, doing everything the WWE has asked of him since his move there in 2001. Damn good for Booker, and I congratulate him on this equally prestigious accomplishment.

Album of the year
This young lady has been in my CD collection since I lived in DeKalb. I remember arriving home from work one day, opening a free cd I'd received in the mail. I played it all the way through while checking email and hanging out in the apartment. Her voice was so versatile. She could sing jazz, country and pop. I loved her sound and knew I'd always be a fan. In 2006, Alice Peacock released her third album, "Who I Am." The disc is more piano driven than her previous works, but it makes it so much more soulful. The production is top notch and really carries her voice well. I actually get to see her in Nashville in a couple of weeks, where I will of course present her with her award.

Team of the year
Vandy football had another big win this year, knocking off UGA in Athens. Yes, even I can enjoy bragging rights over my alma mater. The rest of the season was very up and down, so unfortunately they won't walk away with this award two years in a row. NU men's soccer captured the MAC championship and an NCAA bid in only Coach Steve Simmon's third season. A tremendous accomplishment for a coach whom I totally respect. However, this year's award must be presented to the Wake Forest Demon Deacon football team. An improbable run (at least for my feeble mind) through the ACC, taking the division and conference championship game. And then there Wake is, representing the ACC in the Orange Bowl. Wild, crazy, amazing and just damn cool.

Wedding of the year
The little lady and I enjoyed our trip to Chicago, as we were able to attend Brian and Jen's wedding. However, this really is an easy award to hand out. Greg and Sarah Lee stole the show this year. Their wedding was beautiful, with a lovely church, wonderful families, great friends and a kick ass reception. I was so honored to be a part of their wedding. Greg has been a dear friend for many years now. I'm so blessed to know him. We are all fortunate his life led him to Sarah, as they are a wonderful balance for each other. I proposed one week after their wedding, and seeing them share such an amazing moment made me realize I was doing the right thing. I wonder who will win this award next year?

Dumbest Moment of the year
Typically I very much keep my cool at work. I try to let certain things slide off of me, and I believe I've really learned to pick my battles. Sometimes people bring out the worst in you. Especially when they are wearing a horribly orange blazer and coach for UT. Yes, good old Bruce Pearl and I had a little verbal altercation about 10 minutes before tip-off in our final men's basketball game of the 05-06 season. Basically it was a lack of communication on their part and I let him know I didn't appreciate it. In so many words. I wasn't very proud of it, but it has made for a great story.

Best Acquisition of the year
If you follow the Lowe Down, you know we now are the owners of two dogs. They are spoiled, horrible, eating us out of house and home, yet I just love the little punks. Easy winner, hands down. Second place? That ROCK on the little lady's hand. I think i'm getting a plasma screen tv in return, but I'm not holding my breath.

Best Concert of the year
Sadly, I didn't hit many concerts this year. I suppose I was saving my money for some big purchase or something. Regardless, the little lady, Brandon, his brother and I were able to take in a Los Lonely Boyz concert at the Ryman. If you plan to visit Nashville and don't know what the Ryman is, you might as well go to Jerusalem and not pray. I'm not kidding. In Nashville, the Ryman is not only a landmark, it is like a holy Mecca. So many wonderful and famous acts have played this place, and LLB certainly didn't disappoint. They are freakin' amazing in concert. I've seen them twice now and highly recommend it. The opener, Ozomatli, was pretty kick ass as well. Sort of a rap, rock, reggae fusion. Great stuff, great show and thrilled to say I paid my respects to the hallowed pews of the Ryman.

Video Game of the year
No, I haven't upgraded to a "next gen" system yet. Still pimpin' the PS2. For the cost those things are running, I'll stick with the PS2 for awhile. Regardless, this year's award goes to Star Wars: Legos II. I love anything related to Star Wars, and to see a lego version of Chewbacca on the screen is priceless. Very addicting game.

The jaylowe.com 2006 Lifetime Achievement Award
Unfortunately the beginning of the new year brought the passing of a dear old friend. I would expect to see a tribute to her in next year's awards. However, the 2006 award goes to Dean Smith. What say ye? He hasn't coached in almost 10 years? Yes, I realize this. However, in 1997, on a fateful day in Winston-Salem, NC, Dean Smith became college basketball's all-time wins leader. A record he would hold until January 1 of this year. Yes, '06 would be the last full year of Dean having this recognition. You see, I grew up a huge Tar Heel fan. Dean is a legend, no, ICON to me. Watching and listening to Carolina basketball games with my parents was such a highlight of my childhood, and Dean was always like the story teller. No matter what situation the game was in, you'd basically turn and watch Dean. He'd tell a story to his players which would then play out in front of the fans an opponents. No, he didn't win every game, but he won a shit ton. And he did it with class.

I refuse to acknowledge the man who stole Dean's record. I suppose it could've been worse. Could've been a Dookie.

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.

My old friend Elizabeth sent me an email last night saying she had some sad news about our old friend Karen. Elizabeth and I finally spoke this morning, only for me to learn Karen decided to loose a battle with depression she had been fighting most of her life. Karen took her life, and ended up passing away in a hospital bed last evening. Even worse, she was 14 weeks pregnant. I feel so much sadness for her parents, who I've met, and her husband, who I've never met.

Elizabeth, Karen and Hunter were the three amigos back in high school. They all lived within a half block of each other, and they loved spending time together. I felt like they were the female versions of me, newp and erich. Just three people who found some common ground and really grew fond of each other. They were inseparable.

I became good friends with this crew junior year of high school, growing quite fond of Karen. We eventually became very good friends and dated most of our senior year of high school. You could say Karen was my first love, even though at the time I don't believe either one of us know a damn thing about love. We had a tumultuous relationship ... first me chasing her and then her chasing me and then just months of a relationship. It ended somewhere in June, the summer before we left for college. We both knew it was the right thing to do.

Karen and I had remained somewhat in contact ever since. It just goes to show how good of a person she had become. We even partied hard together, dancing on tables, at Elizabeth's wedding reception. Her spirit was incredible. She was always very full of life, although sometimes she just seem to let her mind wonder. I suppose we all do at times.

The last I spoke to Karen was to let her know of my exciting news ... that I was going to propose to my little lady. It was a hurried conversation, but a sincere congratulations and good luck ended it. I actually thought of her over the holiday. She's one of those folks who celebrate the birthday and Christmas within a couple of days. I should've picked up the phone for a call, but I didn't. It's hard not to reflect on the high school friends when you are home. I only still speak with a few of them often, but I do find myself wondering how life is treating the others. And then I get a call with this news.

I've been in a state of funk all day. Of course I am saddened by the news. Karen was a big part of my life, and she really made my heart grow. I think about her parents, and how they watched us grow as two dumb kids thinking they were in love. They always welcomed me into their house, and my parents did the same of Karen. Life was so easy back then.

I'm not sure of funeral arrangements yet. I'm hoping Elizabeth keeps me posted. It isn't an easy pill to swallow, but as Elizabeth and I both agreed ... we hope she is in Heaven and that God realizes she was over taken by a disease.

My thoughts and prayers are with her family, her husband, her friends and, of course, with Karen. I want to thank her for the spirit and self esteem she added to my life. She was such a beautiful part of it. Karen was in my life for a reason, and I believe it was to help shape the man I would eventually become. I will think about her often over the next few weeks, and then, as time fades, my mind will be filled with other memories and new experiences. However, Karen's face and spirit will be forever engrained in my mind. I pray God is with you Karen. You will always be with me.