First of all, that's bullshit …

A lot has happened since the last post. To cut to the chase, I will be relocating to DeKalb, IL, for a job with the Northern Illinois Athletic Department. It's a big move for me. The job is going to be a great opportunity, and I'll get a chance to live in a new part of the country. I'm anxious, nervous and excited all at the same time. There is a lot to be done. Packing, finding an apartment, moving, really getting into the office and trying to keep my head above water. I imagine the next month or so will be pretty crazy, but things will slow down and I'll enjoy it.

So I've been trying to say "see ya" to as many people as possible. Spent Thursday night in Chapel Hill with some the Newport Brothers, Jmac, Scottie and the Blixt Sisters. Much fun was had. Drove to Greenville to see my sister Friday. Spent the night there hanging out with her roommates and Alex. Leaving my sister was the toughest. She is such an incredible young woman. I just made her promise she can't get engaged while I'm gone unless I approve! Really though, she means the world to me. Hopefully she'll get to fly up and check out Illinois.

Saturday was spent driving home … damn rain. The evening was spent with a great group of friends at the good ole standard, Burke Street. Big Red was awesome. Took my bar tab and put it on his. No one would let me buy a drink all night. I really just enjoyed "being in my element" as Erich says. Hanging out with friends, having a good time and just goofing off. That's what Saturday night was all about.

So now my time in Winston is lessening with each minute. I leave Tuesday for my first trek to DeKalb … suitcase in tow. I'll be back over Labor Day weekend to move my furniture, but it will be a very brief visit.

It's been a damn great two years here in Winston. I've learned so much from my job. I've seen great friends get married, and others have children. I really haven't reflected too much yet … I'm saving that for the car ride. But I do know I'm leaving behind some wonderful memories and some really damn good people. I do regret not being able to get back down to Athens before my move. My friend Mindy sent me a good email the other day, just reminding me how much that place meant to me. Even though I said my "good byes" to Athens when I left in 2000, I still love going to visit and have so many wonderful friends in Athens and Atlanta.

Well, there you have it. This will be my last post until after Labor Day weekend. I'll be leaving my wonderful computer at home until then. I hope I'll be able to survive. I imagine work will keep me very busy until then anyway.

So I say, "see you soon" to Winston. It is a comfortable place, and I'll miss everyone. If you feel that you need me close to your heart, I encourage you to check out the jaylowe store. Shop until ya' drop!

Talk to you kids in a couple of weeks.

First of all, that's bullshit …

opssage: Man, it's hard to believe the number of people that are moving on from Wake and Winston.
ASYork2439: yep....I was talking to Wil and came up with the perfect analogy for Wake Forest and our crew we chill with....It's like the Chicago Bulls dynasty....you knew it could not continue forever but the run was fun while it lasted.....but in reality change and new jobs are why we do what we do
opssage: hahaha ... great analogy!

Yes, sadly enough, just like any other great championship run, the run of fun is over on Spring Street. My roommate Mike Vest, aka Big Red, is moving out today. He has opted for a place that is a little cheaper and conveniently located behind Burke Street, out favorite watering hole in Winston.

The above instant message conversation took place between me and my buddy Alan, who will be Red's new roommate. He's so right. This run has been like that of the six-time world champion Chicago Bulls. Big Red and I have really made it a point to ensure our friends had a good time this year. Acting as co-social chairs of the athletic department has made for some interesting time. Of course there are always the random fun parties, but the themed ones seemed to work out the best.

The Halloween bash was unforgettable. Now, some people were a little worried about the "costumes only" stipulation, but it made for some memorable outfits. Anyone remember Dean as the Hooters girl? Or Suddes as Tigger? Dan had "borrowed" the fog machine from football and decorated the entire outside of the house. It was only a matter of minutes before kids were dragging their parents by just to see the house. Whether they could see to walk down the street because of the fog machine was another story. I swear to you, that machine was incredible. All of Spring Street was fogged out. Red and I took it upon ourselves to spend way too much money at party city and dress up the inside. But damn, it was worth it. Yeah, we all had to be at work the next day, but everyone still talks about the Halloween party.

The holiday party was next. This was one of your more "upscale" parties … well, as upscale as Spring Street cane be. Lots of people brought food and drinks, my mom prepared a ton of food and I bought my first ever Christmas tree. Even the G Man made an appearance. The house was festive, everyone looked lovely and it was a great time.

One of the greatest Super Bowls of all time was televised to a crowd of about 40 people on Spring Street. Thanks to the clever hands of Dan, who borrowed some chairs from Bridger Field House (which, by the way, are still here) and Elrod, who borrowed the football projection system, we had a wonderful 65-inch screen and plenty of space. Dean ran all the sides bets, of which I was the big winner … $20 … not bad. It was a great party and a superb game.

Since then, we really haven't had any theme parties. Typically though, we'll get the notion that everyone just needs an excuse to cut loose. Good ol' Chris Mack is typically the DJ on call, while Kelsey gets down on it with his break dancin' skills. Before the night is over, Holmes is usually always dancing on a radiator. Amy's used her Demon Deacon Dance Team experience to show us some moves. Dan and Heather usually sucker some other unsuspecting fools into playing quarters. Every now and again Tbarr would have to jump out on the roof to moon whomever was leaving the party. There have just been so many great memories for me in this house. I only wish I had a sign-in book for everyone that partied in this place. Yeah, it's been messy from time to time … but DAMN, I loved every minute.

So THANK YOU to everyone who entered this house. It has been a true joy. I'll still be here for the rest of the month, but it won't be the same without Big Red. It's like Michael losing Scottie, the Jackson 5 losing Michael, Maverick losing Goose (without the dying part, that is), Marris not having Mantle there to push him further. It just won't be the same.

On a lighter note, I found out today I'll be flying up to DeKalb, IL, for an interview this Tuesday. Wish me well!

First of all, that's bullshit …

You want to hear some real drunken' bullshit??? Here ya' go …

From the timeless film, Ferris Bueller's Day Off:

Edward Rooney: So far, this semester alone, he's been absent nine times. Including today.

NINE TIMES. Why does that number have so much meaning to me? I'll tell you why … I have either been the last to hook up with, or been the last boyfriend with NINE women who are now either engaged or married. At some times it is a funny stat to pull out amongst your boys while drinking heavily at the bar. At other times, it just seems lonely.

Yes, you've heard it here first. Even jaylowe feels lonely. Most every one of my friends know that I date a lot of women. I think it is the right thing to do. You find out what you like and what you don't. So I suppose, I've sometimes been given the term "playa'". I'm here to tell you that is the furthest thing from the truth. Yes, I date a good bit. Am I a playa'? Not at all.

Sometimes I wish I were. Things would be much easier. I'd learn to not invest emotion and feelings into the women that come into my life. I think that can be a good trait … for some. It isn't a trait I want.

Amazingly enough, jaylowe really wants substance. Deep down, he is tired … SICK and tired of "the game." I've played the game. I've been good at the game. I'm tired of the game. The game isn't worth it. I'm 25 years old. Am I afraid of ending up alone? Not at all … not one bit. Why? Because, at 25, I truly believe I've yet to meet the woman I'll marry.

I don't ask for much. Well, maybe I do. I want beauty … not something just skin deep. I want attraction. I want intelligence. I want artistic ability … even if it is just knowing the difference between Miles and Coltrane. Individuality is important to me. Someone who is comfortable with herself and can portray that to not just a group of friends, but to the masses. Strength … sometimes I lack it, so I might need it from time to time. I am a confident man. You don't want me for your job? You don't want me for your heart? Fine. That is your mistake. Not mine. I know what I am. Do you?

To quote my dear friend Darius Rucker:

This is my world. This is who I am. And I'm not gonna give up myself, to make your life better. This is how it is. I've got my whole life to live, and you can either except me or … "

It's so true. This is me. This web page … every time you meet me. I am me. I'm not trying to be anyone else. I'm so proud of what I have become, and if someone can't understand that, then too bad. My parents made my life easy as I grew up. Helping me and directing me along the way. But now my life is my life, and I'm a damn good person.

I never look for sympathy. I speak what I know, what I believe. If you want to know jaylowe, you are getting a glimpse.

First of all, that's bullshit …

GREAT weekend here in Winston. So I took my stab at painting Friday. Basically this will end up just being a hobby, sort of like my song writing. Last month, as been advertised on The Lowe Down, was difficult for me. Mainly my confidence was tested more so than it had been ever before. so I've since fought through that, but at the time I started scribbling down little drawings to express the range of emotions I had circling in my head. So with the paint, I attempted to put those feelings on canvas Friday. No da Vinci here people. The people in my paintings are nothing more than stick figures. But this is now my artwork. I really dig it and plan on doing more.

That evening, spent a night out with Erich and Jennifer at Carlisle's, a new pub here in town. Very cool place. More importantly, great company. Aside from the freaky girl with tattoos all over her arms and a shirt that covered maybe her nipples, the rest of the crowd was a little older. Which is nice when Burke Street gets a little old or when you just want to chat with your friends. So big fan.

Saturday was the first ever Spring Street Pig Pickin', hosted by my gracious landlord Dan. Great crowd with some old faces and some new. Had a really good talk with Steve about his decision to not offer me the job at Wake. He's always been willing to help me look for other jobs, which I will utilize as much as possible. And as I told Steve, I respect his business decision, but there is no humanly possible way anyone could convince me I couldn't do that job and do it damn well. Mike will be great at Wake and it gets him back to where he's wanted to be, working in athletics. And Lord knows I'll land on my feet. I'm too mentally strong to let anything get me down for an extended period of time. So to everyone that listened to me babble over the past few months … Tim, Red, Nik, E, JP, Newp, Greg, my family and everyone else. THANK YOU. I find strength in all that you give me. A great quote I heard from the famous Detroit Tiger's announcer Ernie Harwell last week … and I can't remember where he stole it from, but … I am a part of all I've seen.

It is so true. More over, I am a part of all I meet.

I hope everyone has a lovely week. I'll be sure to check in later. And a HAPPY happy birthday to Jennifer Grant! Love you sweets! Make sure your hubby spoils you today.

First of all, that's bullshit …

Finally, we get a great idea from our beloved government. This weekend is "back-to-school" tax break weekend. So if you go out and purchase any school related supplies or clothing, there is no tax on your purchase. How great is that? What, you aren't in school anymore? Big deal.

After considering it for a long time, I went out today and purchase some paint and canvas. Don't get me wrong here. I have absolutely no training in artwork. Never had an art class, except in middle school, and never even really done much drawing. But after some nudging from my buddy Alex, I decided to go out and buy some supplies. Now we aren't talking masterpieces here. I simply bought some very small pre-stretched canvas and two different paint colors. I figured, what the hell … I'll give it a shot.

Also picked up the Darius Rucker (front man for Hootie and the Blowfish) solo debut album today, entitled Back to Then. So far so good. The last track features Snoop Dogg, so I'm highly anticipating that. Oh yeah, no tax break on CDs.

The past week or so has been a lot of fun. Visited Michael Newport in Boone last Thursday. Spent last Saturday on Lake Norman, courtesy of the Blixt family. Erich had some seriously studying to do for his first set of finals in PA school, so Jennifer was gracious enough to let me ride with her to the lake in her Heep. Good times.

My good friend, and fraternal little brother, Jonathan Dube popped into town Monday night. He's been trying to talk me in to driving to California with him. I think he is leaving this weekend. As much as I'd love to take that trip, I feel like I should stick around here in case any job news surfaces. I'll probably be kicking myself in about a week when I could be chillin' on the Pepperdine campus in lovely Malibu, home to Jon's law school. I suppose right now, the job search is the most important thing. Am I growing up? God, I hope not.

So I applied for a job at Northern Illinois last Thursday. I think there is some promise there. The job sounds interesting, although I'll be curious to learn more about it. I already have one great friend up there, Steve "Candy Ass" Flippen. Flip's an old grad school buddy of mine, who has been braving the Illinois weather for little over a year now. During grad school, Flip and I would always talk about how great it would be to one day become athletic directors in the same conference. It would make all the sporting events that much more interesting. But I suppose starting out at the same university wouldn't be so bad either.

If the job with the NIU Huskies doesn't work out, looks like I'll be sticking around Winston for at least one more year. There is a position here with the Lawrence Joel Veteran's Memorial Coliseum that is a good possibility. Deep down, I'd really love to stay in college athletics, but this would give me another good year of administrative experience and would probably lead to me heading back to school to get my doctorate is sports administration. We'll see.

So go out and have a great weekend. Go purchase some art supplies … you'll help the economy and maybe even come across a talent you didn't know you had. Oh, and anyone in the Winston area this weekend should head over to Spring Street tomorrow night. Dan, our beloved landlord, is hosting a pig pickin'. So come on over around 6 and prepare to eat some fun, drink some beverages and have a great time.