It is a story for the ages. One of betrayal, one of deceit. One where you pull for the bad guy, just because he is cool, yet you yearn for the good guy because he kicks so much ass.

I have to admit, while walking out of the theater on Wednesday, I was a bit sad. I had just watched what is scheduled to be the last installment of the Star Wars movies. Many people make fun of the droves of fans that come out for these films, and to be honest, I wasn't in a huge hurry to see the film. I wanted to see it at my leisure, and I did. But walking out, I knew something was different about my life mainly that this was the last new Star Wars film I'd ever see in the theater.

I suppose that sounds silly to many folks, but you have to understand you are talking about a movie franchise that is older than I. Imagine if someone said there would be no more James Bond films. People would be in outrage. This is slightly different, in that it was an epic story. It has come to a conclusion, but it is one I'm sure many folks would like to see continue.

To be honest, I am one of those folks. This story has captivated me for years. Something so powerful, even my parents came to love it simply because I did. It reminds me of my childhood, my innocence. My parents bought me every toy I would want. I think I had about 6 Darth Vader figures, JUST because I loved the movies.

The final installment came out two weeks ago, as Episode III hit the theaters. It was supposed to tie all loose ends from Episode II and Episode IV. To be honest, it did just that. It told the story of a man who cared, who loved. His passion and love moved him so much, he wanted to find a way to change people's fate. Can you blame his character? If you could find a way to keep alive those you've lost, wouldn't you fight for it? I know I would.

Episode III was a very good film. It wasn't great. I found myself not very interested in the first 30 minutes or so, but once the true story began to take shape, I was in. I wanted to see it all take shape. I wanted to see Anakin be seduced by the darkside. I wanted to see Obi-wan take every step he could to save the Jedi. I wanted to see Yoda make his mark, before he was cast away into hiding. I am a HUGE dork, but this story is so much larger than me. It is larger than any film double-trilogy we've seen in my lifetime.

And it happened. The entire story was spelled out in front of the world. The emperor's seduction. Anakin's fall. Obi-wan's fight. The birth of Luke and Leia. There were some moving parts of the film ...

The massacre of the Jedis was incredible. It was so well scripted, with each death seeming poetic. Even the death of the young Jedi at the hands of Anakin was remarkable, even though disturbing. You finally see where his passion and desire turns into hate and greed. Greed for power, and greed to honestly help his loved ones.

The story is now over, as far as George Lucas is concerned. I may be a big nerd and read some of the books, but I think the story is over for me to. He did it justice. He told the original story of Luke, and he finally showed us how Anakin became Vader. It is a lot to deal with, but I think it was done well. I kept trying to look for plot holes, but as much as I looked, the more I wanted to ignore minor details and just appreciate it for what it was, a story of love and family.

Look, I know I sound like a huge nerd. I'm not afraid to admit it. However there is no other science-fiction I find myself enjoying like these films. This was an epic story, one which told itself over my entire 28-year-old life. There will be no other story which will surpass it, in my eyes. I love these films, and as silly as it sounds ... I cannot wait to show these to my children. God bless DVD. At least my kids will be able to watch them in the appropriate order.

So thanks for reading my babble about Star Wars. I doubt you will ever see another post about it, until the day I show my children the films. Until then, may the Force be with you.

I am a bum. I haven't written in almost a month, yet I've got so much to talk about. I've had a lot of fun and exciting things happen over the past few weeks, but after learning some news this weekend, I've put a lot of things into perspective.

Two very good friends of mine, who have fallen in love, have lost their jobs. Well, the love and the eventual arrival of a newborn forced them to resign from their posts. It is sad, and unfortunate, and also leads me to second guess some of the decisions in their office environment. Without getting into detail, there just seems to be some hypocritical situations going on. On the other hand, my friends made a mistake or two and now they have to learn from those mistakes. They are both tremendous people, both with such drive and determination. I hurt for them, not because of their new found love or because they will have a child together, but because they have had to remove themselves from something they love. They will land on their feet, there is no doubt in my mind about this. I'll do anything I can to help them. There are good people you meet in your life, and the only way to show those good people you appreciate them is to be there for them in their time of need. It is the very least I can do.

Well, the past month has seen me take two trips to Athens, create a credo for this summer, host the SEC Track and Field Championship, and watch our baseball team fall out of the SEC championship. Chronological order works best, so here goes nothing:

SEC Track was probably one of the busiest events I've ever put on. And let me get this straight by saying it wasn't just me by any stretch. It was an entire team effort, and it paid off. Our volunteers were the biggest help, but the entire staff really did a solid job putting this event together. We had no reason to be hosting this event. We have a track and a field, but that doesn't mean we have a facility. With cramped quarters, we were able to squeeze everything in, and we even had over 2,200 spectators on the final day. Crazy. I'm thrilled it has come and gone, but it was a great learning process.

The two trips to Athens consisted of a VU/UGA baseball series in early May, and then the 2005 NCAA Women's Tennis Championship just this past weekend. Both weekends were great, and I was able to spend a lot of time with some really good people, but the tennis championship has held a special place in my heart since my undergrad years. It is just this totally encompassing event, which takes over the city for over a week. I'm sure other universities do a fine job when it is their turn to host, but having it in Athens is just such a special thing. I was fortunate enough to volunteer a good bit, watch some of my kids play and then also enjoy the Athens nightlife. Hey, you HAVE to do that when you are there.

I suppose it started in Athens, but the Summer of Jay is upon us all. Yes folks, this is no joke. Some friends and I were at lunch a few days ago, and I decided it was time to come up with some goals for the summer. Why do I need goals? Because I want to enjoy my summer and better myself. So without further adieu, here are my 2005, Summer of Jay goals: 1) Meet more hot women - This one is pretty simple. Even if i just meet some and they aren't feeling it, they might have friends who want a date with jaylowe.

2) Exercise more - I've been on a good routine all spring, but the past month has kept me too busy. I need to get back on the wagon!

3) Do more things outside - Hiking, jet skiing, swimming ... just enjoy the beautiful southern summer.

4) Be more outgoing with folks I don't know - I've had some friends say to me, "Jay, you can get along with anyone." Well, I want to put that more to the test. I want to meet new people and I want to be more aggressive when it comes to talking with women. No need to sit on my hands while I'm out on the town.

5) Make contacts at NACDA - This is a conference for college athletic administrators. Plain and simple, get to know more people. Don't kiss ass, but just befriend new colleagues.

6) ENJOY vacations - I took very little vacation last summer, and they were usually short. I want to take sizeable vacations and actually enjoy my time away from work.

7) Be a playboy - Now, I'm not saying become a HO, but I want to let my personality shine a little more. I want what everyone else does ... to be wanted. Life is more fun that way.

8) Nissan Z - I've been talking about this car for months. I am challenging myself to find a way to make it happen. I don't make rash decisions, so it'll be well thought it. If at the end of the summer I feel like I can't do it, then so be it.

9) Find a good date to the James Taylor concert - It is July 30, and I have two tickets. that shouldn't be too difficult.

10) Organize my work stuff - I tend to keep a messy office, yet I know where everything is. I can improve on this.

11) Become a better family member and friend - My Dad has retired, my sister has one more year of grad school and my mom is still keeping herself busy. I just want to be a better support system for them. I think of myself as a good friend, but I've become increasingly selfish over the past few years. Friends and family mean the world to me, so it is time to reorganize them in my priorities.

12) Get a little crazy from time to time - Be safe, but just enjoy my life. Let loose a little more. Go dancing some night. Be true to me, but make sure you have a damn good time doing so.

It is sad to say, but VU baseball has taken such a dive, we have played our way out of our own conference tournament championship. There is still a possibility for NCAA play, but it will be difficult. The team deserves to be playing better and winning more, but it has been a rough past few months. Not sure if they will make NCAAs, but we'll find out next Monday. Enough babble out of me. Just help me live the Summer of Jay!