There is one thing I despise about DeKalb, IL. Just one thing ... for now ... I cannot stand the amount of trains that pass through this town. Yeah, I know they are serving a purpose by transporting goods all over the country, but COME ON! It never fails ... I'll hit at least one train a day either going to or leaving from work. One day, I hit three just trying to get home. THREE TRAINS?!?!?! Unbelievable.

So this weekend is our "Big Weekend" in athletics. We start off Friday with the official opening of our brand new Convocation Center. Our women's hoops team plays host to Wisconsin. Saturday is hectic, as we have our final regular season game of the year, and this one is huge. We play host to Toledo for the MAC West title. If we win, we're in. If we lose, Toledo still has to beat Bowling Green next week to win the title. Following football, we open the men's basketball regular season with DePaul in the new Convo Center. Both Saturday events are on TV. Sunday brings it all to a close with a wrestling match vs. 2-time NCAA champion Minnesota.

I've been really down lately knowing that our football team is playing so well that it might take away from my holiday vacation plans. No doubt about it I've been stressed with work, finding an apartment, trying to deal with car stuff and everyday things. So the idea of not being able to be with family on Christmas hasn't been sitting well with me. That is selfish, I know.

My attitude towards the entire situation really changed today at lunch. We held a coaches' luncheon at one of the dining halls, and Joe Novak, our football coach, spoke to everyone about the will, desire and dedication this team has shown this year. Joe certainly is a great coach, person and motivator. It really made me realize how important it is for me to be positive about everything that could take place over the next month. There are great opportunities for me to mingle with MAC Conference personnel, as well as people from the bowl games. I'm in a situation a lot of schools wish for every year. Going to your conference championship game and a bowl game is a huge deal. Yes, there is a lot of planning and a lot of work to be done, but that is why I am here and why I took this job. I'll be stressed through the holidays. I might not be home on Christmas day, but if that team and that coaching staff can put in so much time and dedication, the least I can do is the same.

I hope the Huskies take out Toledo this weekend. A little change of tune, I know. But one I feel I need to have.

I hope everyone is doing well. I haven't been great about keeping in touch. Life is hectic right now. If you can put up with me, you are a wonderful person.

So I raise a toast to family
Put thanks in my glass
In the arms of your loved ones
It's the only home that lasts

Last Wednesday, my grandmother passed away. Granny, as we all called her, lived a long and enjoyable 89 years on this earth. She loved her family. She loved her friends. She had the same loyalties to family and friends that I see in my mother. Those are the same loyalties I try and follow every day.

My mom called me with tears in her eyes last Wednesday as I was driving back to North Carolina. What was supposed to be an easy going weekend in Atlanta and Jacksonville, turned into a difficult weekend. Despite the situation, we were surrounded with tons of family and friends. That made the weekend a little more tolerable.

As I was driving down to NC last week, I thought a lot about Granny and what all she had done for me. As I was running through moments in my head, one thing stuck out to me more than any other. Granny loved my grandfather, Pappy. I mean, LOVED him. She adored the ground that he walked on, as did he for her. Pappy passed away when I was in 5th grade. During the holidays or anytime Granny heard some big band music, she instantly thought of Pappy. Every time she talked about Pappy, it was beautiful. As I thought more and more about this on the road, it made me realize I want that feeling someday too. To be able to grow old with someone as special as they were to each other, it is just a remarkable thing.

We held a service on Saturday. On a cold autumn afternoon, with a Carolina blue sky, we listened as our old St. Leo's priest gave a moving sermon. Monsignor Showfety knew Granny, but not as well as the rest of us. Yet he still knew how important she was to all of us.

Granny was my last surviving grandparent. I look now and see what both of my parents have gone through, and it is their strength that keeps them going. I watched on as my dad consoled my mom, tears welling up in both of their eyes. It was a difficult weekend, but we helped each other.

While at home I had the chance to visit with friends. Thursday was a Halloween party at Good Ol Spring Street. Even though I wasn't up much for a party, it was good to see the old friends. My mouth dropped when I walked in the door and started starring at myself. Yes, Big Red won costume of the night by dressing up as ... me. Heather and JoJo got in the act as well, dressing up as previous flames. Ok, so maybe Red wasn't the costume of the night, but it sure made my night! I've now been a Halloween costume. Can many people say that?

It was good to see Erich and Jennifer as well. We sat and talked about family ... the ups and downs. There is something so peaceful about sitting and talking with those two. They are friends, but might as well be family.

So I'm back in Illinois today. First basketball exhibition tonight ... huge football game this weekend vs. Bowling Green ... Sunday will be the two year anniversary of Steph's passing. And as important and as hectic as work is right now ... it just seems like life sometimes is more important. Life, family and friends.