Holla back, dog! The last week has been fairly busy. There are just too many things going on at work right now. I love what I do, and I think all of my friends and loved ones know that, but I get tired sometimes. Not that my job is thankless, because many people are very nice around here, but I am here to deal with problems. Sometimes the negativity that surrounds problems can get a person down. Today has been a hella long day, and I'm just ready for Monday to be over. I suppose I do bitch a lot, but I just need to vent from time to time. Doesn't everyone?

I had a great Saturday in Memphis. Me and some of the fellas from work spent Saturday night over there. We were able to check out a Redbirds game, and then we hit the infamous Beale Street. Any street in America that has music pouring out of its doors is damn fine with me. It helps when you are with a bunch of clown friends that make the trip that much more enjoyable.

I turned it down a notch last night and ended up taking in some jazz at the Bellevue Plantation home. My boss was gracious enough to take me with some of her friends. Oh, and I even got to dance with my girlfriend ... yes ladies, my heart has been taken. There is a precious 7 month old named Ann Katherine that is my new girlfriend. She really is the most beautiful baby I've seen. It almost makes you want kids. Well, until they start pooping and crying. Yikes.

I'm trying to get my life in order. Things are starting to look good with the house. Scott has done so much damn work, at least I've been able to learn a little bit from him. Although, I have become quite prolific with the paintbrush. I'm looking forward to the finished product, and that will have to be by July 17. Yes Nashville peeps, that is our first official party. Come ready to have a damn good time and drink some beverages. Utah Avenue has no idea what it is in for.

Oh, street address for those interested:
4107 Utah Ave
Nashville, TN 37209

Speaking of the house, I've got some painting to do tonight. I'll hit that after I help a friend move. What a great guy I am!

If Brock Lesnar can do it, happy for the guy. He was fun to watch in the WWE, but he's got a tough road ahead of him.

Oh, and in case you aren't an ESPN nerd such as the rest of us in this industry, you might not know that Ohio State is after one of our coaches. There should be some interesting developments over the next few days. You have to love college athletics.

Life is always interesting. I've just got to remember to smile more at work. I hope everyone is having a great week. The July 4th installment will come later this week.

A-freakin-mazing ... T Corbs is staying. And it is true friends, he is THAT damn good.

It's been a hella long week at work. Trying to get caught up after a few days of vacation is like walking into a firing squad. Despite the craziness, it's been a hell of a lot of fun. Things are starting to come together with my new staff, and I've been able to enjoy the camaraderie of my co-workers.

Thursday evening, a good group of us went to a Nashville Sounds game. Let me just tell you that what followed would scare women and children. It was a night of drunkenness .... I mean, SILLY drunkenness. But damn, I had a great time. Lots of good people, all enjoying baseball and some country music later on, and more importantly, the fine company of each other. It's good to do that from time to time.

Now I just need to detox for a few weeks.

My sister was awarded her graduate assistantship. KICK ASS! I spoke with my mom earlier today, and she was so proud of her. It was very cool to hear my mom be so happy for the both of us. Marian and I have done some very cool things, but it is all thanks to the parents and friends we've had. No question. We are very fortunate people.

So short one tonight, but I've got to get out of the office. I mean, it is 8:20. Peace out kids! OH, next time I write, I will have moved into the new apartment. Address and other info to follow.

What a tremendous weekend I have returned from. It is trips like this that make you want to move to the beach and become a hermit.

Last Wednesday I traveled down to Athens, before heading to Hilton Head early Friday morning. I was able to spend some time with a new friend who I find very interesting. It's always cool when you meet new people and get to know them. It's especially cool when she is a Bulldog.

Thursday, some of my old buddies rolled into Athens. Doug, who lives there, Keith and Jeff all hit the town with me for a few adult beverages. Keith and Jeff were pledge brothers of mine in the Georgia Alpha Chapter of Phi Kappa Psi. Doug, also a brother, was my grad school roommate. I've had the pleasure of being around these guys during some pretty amazing moments in their lives: Keith's wedding, Jeff's first child, Doug's graduation. Any time we can spend together is important. It keeps us sane, as well as allows for us to act like asses from time to time. You get us together, and we are the Webster's definition of trouble. Although, I think the city of Athens misses us.

The drive from Athens to Hilton Head was a bit long but not too bad. Seriously, who doesn't enjoy a good road trip from time to time? Once we arrived, we met up with Jonathan (Dubbie, as we call him), another brother. Dubbie is in the midst of studying for the South Carolina BAR, but found some time in his study schedule to meet us. We stayed at a pretty sweet Holiday Inn, which was located on the beach. Very cool place, with a great Tiki Lounge in the back. It was great for a few pre-nightlife drinks.

To make a long story short, the weekend consisted of us hanging out on the beach, watching the many bikinis that waltzed by, hanging out at the pool meeting some cool people and then venturing into the nightlife offered by the quaint town of Hilton Head. I can't tell you how many old stories were rehashed ... everything from embarrassing personal stories, to Al Bundy-ish stories of intramural football games. If you've ever heard a fisherman tell a story about the time he caught a huge fish, and every time you hear the story the fish has gained 15 pounds, well that is pretty much what our stories are like. But they are our stories, and it is just a cool feeling to relive them.

Speaking of stories, it is amazing how many memories hit me when I drive through Athens or Atlanta. Some good, some bad, but like the waves beating down the sand, those memories just flood my mind. As a young man, I grew up a great deal in Athens. I am critical on myself, and I feel like I didn't become a man until I had that first job, but to say I spent my formidable years in Athens would be an understatement. I loved every moment of my time there, and every moment of this trip. I would never trade times like that.

Oh, I did my best to hit on a celebrity while in Hilton Head. So there we are at the Tiki Lounge, prior to an evening on the town, and Dubbie points out that Lea Thompson is in the house. So, being the slightly droopy eyed man I am at the time, I walk over and strike up a conversation. I even tried to buy her a beverage, but she had to return to the set of a new movie she is working on. What a lovely lady though. Very nice, very sweet and she seemed very cool.

Now I'm back to the real world. As I suspected, life was hectic as hell when I returned to the office today. I plan on going home in about 30 minutes and crashing. I'm exhausted, and work didn't give me any naps today. The drive home was so tiring ... and actually scary in Atlanta. I've never driven through such pouring down rain before. Very scary, but i survived. Before I go, two shout outs ... to the 'Dores, for making a hell of a run in the NCAA baseball championships. It was a great season guys. Something to build on. And to my sister, who is a finalist for a graduate assistantship at ECU. She continues to impress us every day. I'm proud of ya kid!

It's Friday, 6:30 and I'm in the office listening to our baseball game vs. George Mason. Yeah, and I'm actually doing a little work too. The Lowe Down is my break for the night, which is welcome.

This is no sob story, as I just put away a great ceaser chicken salad and three beers at Two Doors Down, but I am kind of bored tonight. Most of my buds are out of town or busy, so I suppose it's Jay time tonight. Which is fine and probably needed.

The week has been hectic. I know I just updated Wednesday, but I've been running around like an idiot with a bunch of meetings and trying to prepare myself for football season. Yes, I know it sounds silly that I'm preparing for football already, but I've got to cover my ass. I don't want to hear any out of the ordinary complaints. Hell, we all know in this business you'll hear complaints, but I want to be able to prevent as many of the problems before they come up. It will be a daunting task, but I feel like it can be handled.

I'm scheduled to go to Hilton Head Island next week with some old fraternity buddies. The only thing preventing that, would be two Texas loses in the baseball regionals. After we win the Charlottesville regional, it will be up to Texas to determine whether we stay or go. If they lose, I'm 99% sure we would host whomever came out of that bracket. However, Texas is the overall #1 seed, so I imagine the 'Dores will be heading to Austin, which isn't so bad.

Hilton Head should be great. There are eight of us going, and they are all great friends. It is unfortunate that as you grow older, you grow apart from your great friends. I suppose it is a bonus though, when you actually get to hang out. It reminds you of all the good times, and also allows for you to act a little silly. I'm just looking forward to the beach. I haven't been to a beach in three years. My white butt needs some sun!

Off to get my hair cut. I'll probably work on the house a good bit tomorrow. Scott needs a break, and I need to make sure my ass does some work. Keep an eye on Regional baseball, as it will determine my life next week.

GO DORES!

My sister's birthday was this past Sunday, and if you are an avid reader, you know I think very highly of my sister. She has grown another year older, another year wiser and another year more beautiful.

But if you ask me to set you up on a date with her, I'll probably punch you.

So I did breakdown last Friday and actually used birthday money for its purpose ... which is to buy me something I wouldn't buy myself. Well, now I'm the proud owner of an ipod. This thing is awesome. It is easily the coolest toy I have, next to the big screen. It is kinda sad, but this has actually motivated me to start exercising again. It's like I needed the excuse. Well, at least it is working. I'm trying to get healthy again.

I'm not sure people outside of athletics realize how easy it is for us to have horrible eating habits. Especially those of us working events. By the time you get home from most events, you are too tired to cook and the only thing open is fast food. Not to mention the food you eat at the event, which is typically never good for you. Ugh. And now with my mom's diabetes, I really how important it is to keep an eye on your diet and exercising. So Mom, I'm trying to go everything you suggest. Hopefully it works.

And looking hotter certainly wouldn't be a bad thing either. I mean, if it is humanly possible to look hotter than I do now. Um, right.

This morning I had the first meeting with the new Facilities and Game Events staff. Yes, I am the director, but I'm working with three people whom I feel like can really become important pieces in this new athletic structure. As I told them today, we have the opportunity to be a very dependable staff that others will look to for leadership and guidance. I honestly am excited about the possibilities that could happen with this staff. I think the more we get to know each other, and the more we can depend on each, the more efficient this operation will become.

Well, Commodore baseball has been shipped to lovely Charlottesville, VA, for NCAA regionals. Although it is unfortunate our team can't compete at home this go around, I think being on the road will give them an added spark. There is something to be said for going into a hostile environment and knocking the home team on their ass. Good luck to the Dores this weekend.

I did almost decide to make the trip. Despite the 8-9 hour drive, I would have the opportunity to see the Dores, as well as visit with Greg, who is celebrating his five year reunion from UVA this weekend. NOT TO MENTION, one of my favorite bands of all time, JACKOPIERCE, will be playing there. As much as I'd love to be around all of that, I think it will do me some good to stay at home, listen to the Dores on the radio and relax. Hell, I might even try to play a little golf.

Yes, I am attempting to take up golf. I bought clubs from an old boss last year, and have put them to very little use. It is such an odd game and has to be one of the most frustrating things a person can try. But what the hell. If I plan on being some bigshot AD, I'm going to need to learn how to play. It's amazing how many business deals are completed on the links.

Off to work out and enjoy the rest of my day.