Working in athletics you see a lot of different things and different people. You work with very motivated coaches, fellow administrators and student-athletes. You also deal with a wide variety of fans and spectators. Regardless of whatever school you work for, you do see a lot of the same things. However, today I had a first.

This morning, around 9:40 AM, I walked out onto our Baseball Field with two middle aged women. After removing a small bag from a plastic case, the ladies began spreading the ashes of their father around the diamond. Shortly after, we walked down to the football stadium and spread the remaining ashes in both endzones and at midfield. I received the call from one of the daughters Tuesday. Their father, Mr. Robert Harris, was a long time Vanderbilt fan and consistent donor to the program for many years. It wasn't as emotional as you'd think. Mr. Harris passed two years ago and clearly the majority of the grieving process had been complete for his daughters. However it was touching. Harris loved Vanderbilt Athletics. He loved being a Commodore fan and making his way to all of the sporting events. His dying wish was to become a part of Vanderbilt.

I know it is a somewhat somber thing to talk about, but this man had so much passion for Vanderbilt, he wanted to remain a part of it even after death. I've always said that I want to be cremated someday. It would be nice to have so much passion about a place to want to be a part of it. Yes that sounds strange, but I also believe it adds some closure. Harris became a part of our facilities. When his family returns for games, they will know their dad is with them. As a sport nut, I think that is a pretty cool thing.

Have I mentioned how crazy things are right now? Not enough time to get things done at work. I wish I could invent a new day at work where all you did was come in and get things done. No meetings, no phone calls, no emails. Just work. Alas, my life is not so simple. Don't get me wrong, I love what I do. All of you should know that by now. I just wish I had more time. I have tons to prepare for, and maybe someday when I'm bored I let you all know what I really do. I wish it was as simple as tossing a ball out on to the field or court and having teams go at it. But it isn't. Oh well.

I'm heading to Chattanooga this weekend to visit a friend. I've never been, but I hear they have a kick ass aquarium. These are things you miss when you get in your 20s and up. You really don't go to things like this unless you are a kid or a parent with kids. At least I wouldn't normally think to check it out, but this weekend I will. Like that long explanation?

Earlier today, Bid Red emailed me an instant messenger conversation we had back in 2002. It wasn't a ranking system of the girls we knew, but more so a mock draft. Big Red v. Jay Lowe in the 2002 Spring Street Draft. I remember having this IM conversation, and I laughed throughout. Reading it again made me die of laughter. There were attempts at trades, there was a controversial pick ... all the drama you could ask for. I know this makes no sense, but trust me when I say it is hilarious. If you aren't easily offended, I'd be more than happy to share.

I hope everyone has a great weekend. See you in August.

I never give this guy enough credit. Splendid article here. Of course, I Love the wrestling references. The Clemen's snippet at 2.5 is memorable, only because I was at that game with my friends Jacob and Newp. Wearing my Blue Jays hat. In the bleachers at Fenway. I survived. Can many others say that?

A great story is coming together in Toronto. Yes, I said there is a great story for a team that is 40-53. Dave Bush is a former Wake Forest Demon Deacon, who has his chance in the Bigs. A HELL of a performance in Oakland today. Bushie, I just wish the boys could've given you more run support. Any, for that matter. Keep that head up and the arm loose. It's awesome to see such a great guy get to live part of his dream.

Saturday evening's party was kick ass. It was great to finally show the house off to a bunch of friends. Lots of jaws hit the floor when they compared what they saw to the pictures we took when we moved in. Pretty remarkable. It made even me, who was a very small part, proud to have helped with the house. Everyone seemed to have a great time and enjoyed the atmosphere. My old friend Benton and his girlfriend Michelle even made an appearance. Good times had by all. Especially those of us who passed out in the backyard at 10pm. You know who you are.

Damn Apple. Damn them to hell. So I go and purchase a 20GB iPod June 1 for around $400. I love the thing, don't get me wrong. However, Apple decided to cut the price $100 this week. AAAAHHHH! Jerks! I suppose I can just pretend to ignore the change in price and just enjoy what I have. We'll see how long that comforts me.

I was supposed to go to a Dave Matthew's concert in Charlotte this weekend. Had it planned for several months now. Alas, work has reared its ugly head again and decided staying here was more important for me. ARRRRRRRRGGGGG. It is frustrating, but these are the things I miss. It is a busy time of year, and I have plenty of things I can work on this weekend. Sorry kids.
Sad happenings in the office ... I've watched both Michelle and Jillian pack up there offices in the last week. It is so silly to be sad about people leaving the office who will remain in Nashville, but they have both been wonderful to work with. Michelle is one of the reasons I made my way to Nashville. Oh well, she'll just have to go to more jazz nights with me to make it up.

On a brighter note ... if you are a light bulb powered by gas ... Newpy will be here Thursday night. Two weeks ago he started a road trip that took him from Chapel Hill to Houston to San Francisco. Now he is on his way back, and Nashville is a stop. In the midst of the craziness that is work, it will be nice to have an old friend stop be. Even if he is a damned jackass.

Thanks for reading.

This is one of the coolest things I've heard about in a long time. And YES, I've pre-ordered my copy already. T

his week also brought me my copy of NCAA Football 2005. This is the first college football game I've ever purchased. I did own a copy back on the old PS1, but I was given that by my old friends at CLC. What good people they are. Anyway, despite the fact I've only played the game for about two hours, I love it. I've actually banned myself from playing it until Sunday so I can force myself to do some work on the house at night.

We are getting close to finishing, and I will be thrilled when it is done. We DO have our first party there this Saturday. Anyone who is in the area should stop by. We'll kick off around 6pm. We'll have a couple of kegs. I just ask that everyone drink responsibly. Don't make me kick your ass.

The Major League Baseball All-Star game was last night, and I didn't even notice. I'm not sure if it is because my Blue Jays suck this year or the fact that I haven't been following baseball as closely this year. That is the one all-star game I always watch. Sad to say I was painting last night instead of watching the game.

Well, painting until the power went out in the entire neighborhood. We had a wicked storm last night that was knocking down tree limbs and scaring the crap out of me. Fortunately, I had some candles already in the house, and I was close to finishing my paint job. It is kind of frightening how much I depend on electricity. I couldn't play PS2. I couldn't check email. I couldn't watch tv. So I turned the iPod on and read a little. I've got a good friend who is a big reader. She loves it. I went through a brief spell where I was reading a good bit while in DeKalb. Maybe I need to take more time out of the day for simple things like this.

I did make a new purchase this week. We needed some form of kitchen table, so I took it upon myself to do a bit of shopping. I came across a cool bistro style table in a consignment shop. The table and two chairs look similar to this, but the table is square, not round. I figured there was no reason in me getting a full kitchen table for two reasons:
1) We don't have the room.
2) I'd buy something that my future wife would say is crap, and I'd have to throw it out.

The bistro table was an easy sell to me, as I figure when I do buy a house, I can use it in my bar area. Always thinking people ... this genius switch has NO off position.

Fourth of July was a great weekend. I did have a visitor in town, which made the weekend so much more enjoyable. A ton of us checked out the fireworks downtown, which was a great display. Probably one of the coolest I've seen. Oh, I did check out Dodgeball over the 4th. Such a funny movie. Stiller kills me. Between his outlandish characters and Vince Vaughn's dry deliveries, I was rolling. I really want to see Anchorman. These silly comedies are some of my favorites.

That's about it for the week. Come on down to the party Saturday night. If you are feeling up for it, we'll hand you a couple of nice cold beverages.