Just so everyone knows, Dad's hip replacement surgery was a success. He is recovering now, and should even be home later today. The new challenge is to continue this rehab. Of course Mom will be there to help and encourage, but Dad will have to take it upon himself to keep the ball rolling. This is going to be difficult ... difficult for Dad and even Mom. The patience and assistance from Mom is going to be in high demand. The drive and determination from Dad is a must. I'm hoping this rehab brings Mom and Dad even closer than they are. Marriage can be a pain in the ass, but I think they both have the ability to make this work.

I'll head to Jacksonville, FL, this Thursday to spend time with friends and take in the Georgia/Florida game, more affectionately known as the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party. My roommate Mookie, a former Ole Miss football player, likes to refer to the WLOCP as "just another game day in Oxford." Whatever. Regardless, I'll have to imbibe quite a bit to enjoy this weekend ... why? Because Georgia is going to be playing without DJ Shockley, their starting QB. The defense has several injuries as well, so I've already determined Georgia will loose this game. And it pisses me off. I suppose now, I can go down there and just enjoy the weekend and not have to stress about the game. Concentrate on Auburn, my Dawgs.







Ok, so I'm hoping my negative thoughts will turn into positives. I've got to try some type of fan magic!

While at home this past weekend, I did find the time to sneak out and see some great friends. I didn't tell everyone I was coming home, so if I didn't see you, I'm sorry. I don't get home very often, so it is nice to spend a bit of time with my peeps while I'm there.

Ok, basketball season is two weeks away ... unbelievable ... time to get my shit in gear.

Thirty years.

I'm not even that old. Well, I'm pretty close. A ton has happened to this world in 30 years, and my Mom and Dad have watched it all together. Tuesday was their anniversary. I feel like a terrible child. The best I could do was calling them a few times. It isn't fun to not be able to do nice things for your family. I wish I could've sent them on a trip ... give me time, Mom and Dad. I'll pay you back for all the love and life you have given me. But I digress ... my parents have been together for 30 years. Not many families can say that these days. It hasn't been easy ... it hasn't been impossible. They have put up with my sister and me both being total brats. They've managed through us both asking for the best things. More importantly, despite the disagreements and the frustration at times, they have believed in their children. Their strength has allowed me and sissy to become independent and driven. We want to succeed. That is because of our family.

Dad is retired. Mom still works a small bit. They both deserve to be sitting on a beach somewhere. One of these days, I hope to make that happen. I love them both will my entire heart, and I only wish I could've celebrated 30 years with them.

It just means the 50th party is gonna be off the HOOK!



What, you were expecting more? You were expecting me to talk about ESPN and this game vs. LSU on Saturday? I'll save that for Sunday. No more today. This one is for Mom and Dad.

Don't get me wrong, I would've rather seen the Red Sox win the AL East than the Skankees, but since when is the Wild Card a "championship"? MLB is claiming their wild card teams as "champions" now. That is possibly the dumbest thing I've ever heard ... Congratulations on being the "Not winning your division Champion" ... Does that seem odd to anyone else? And to be honest, I'm pulling for the Angles in the AL. The three other teams can fall off the earth for all I care.

Is anyone else watching Breaking Bonaduce? I have professed, many times, on my site how much I despise reality TV, so if I sound hypocritical learn to deal with it. This show though ... this is totally different. This guy is fucking nuts. It is the most massive train wreck I've seen on TV since the old Jim Rome/Jim Everett interview when Rome kept calling him Chris Everett. Actually, it is worse. Danny takes steroids, drinks incessantly and is so jealous his wife can't even goof around with her band mates. Each week the show gets more intense, and I am hooked. It is almost like he thinks he is invincible. I say I try not to watch reality TV, but really it is all that is on these days. So if you feel like your life is screwed up, take a look at this guy and you'll feel much better.

I missed it, and it won't happen again for another 10 years. Yes, my graduation class of 1995 from Mount Tabor got together this weekend for our 10 year reunion. Work kept me busy (let's pretend that game didn't happen though), so I was unable to make my appearance. Erich, Newp and the crew made me feel loved though, calling me both Friday and Saturday evening while hanging out with folks. It was great briefly speaking with some friends I certainly don't get to see often enough. Both E and Newp basically said it was a solid weekend, and most people were cool or as remembered. I do hate I missed it, mostly because it is just another excuse to hang out with some really good friends. Another time ... how about that 20 year?

Sour Skittles are my new addiction. They are incredible.

ESPN2 comes to town this weekend for the Vandy/LSU game. Yes, for the first time since 1999 Vanderbilt will be on ESPN and in front of a national audience. Trust me, for us to accommodate ESPN it takes quite a bit. We'll somehow make it work. I'm looking forward to it. It is an excellent experience, and as you can clearly read this doesn't happen very often. Despite our ugly loss this weekend, I think the boys will be ready for LSU. I'm hoping the anger and frustration of Saturday's loss is stinging them. I hope they remember how much fun it was to win those first four games and how miserable it was to see MTSU celebrate on our field like they won the national championship. Some people use different motivations, but that post-game celebrate would be more than enough to remind me I don't want anything else happening on my home field again.