The most unfortunate side of the arrest of former UGA director of athletics, Damon Evans, is not the impact it had on him personally but the impact felt by others. First and foremost his family has to deal with the confusion, frustration and anger they felt and probably still feel. He has to answer to his family before anyone else. Any time you see a situation like this the hope is that a family can find a way to get through and remain intact. He has explanations to give them.
With the hiring of a new AD we see the possibility of Evans personal actions impacting the lives of others within the Athletic Association. Much like leaders in any walk of life they tend to surround themselves with their closest associates. Does this mean there are further impending changes within the department? No one knows at this point, but the realization decisions can effect others quickly becomes a reality.
Damon is a good man. He is a great leader. He will have more than his fair share of job offers in the future. He sadly made a series of really bad choices all in one night. We all make mistakes, and hopefully gain the forgiveness of those we hurt. Right now he owes no one else that apology more than his family. He will land on his feet and hopefully his family will be with him.
Another birthday, a really fun acoustic ARGUS show, a trip to California, a couple of visits to the lake, tons of yard work ... the summer is almost gone, but it has been a thoroughly enjoyable. The best part is there have been no vacations ... yet. This weekend brings a five night trip to Saint Simons Island. We are fortunate to have family who not only likes us but provides us with some fun opportunities. Courtney's mom and step dad have a nice condo down there, so we have a great play to get away. This is our first real vacation on our own since our honeymoon.
We'll take a second real vacation in August as we'll travel north of the border. Flying into Buffalo, NY, we will rent a car and drive into Toronto. We'll do a little backtracking to hit Niagara Falls then spend the rest of the trip in the Toronto area. For those of you unaware, this will be my first trip to Toronto. Why is that important? The Blue Jays have been my favorite baseball team for as long as I can remember. Over 25 years of following this team with never a foot step in their home city or stadium. The time has come, and who better to share that experience with than my wife.
I'm sure this is not her ideal vacation, but we are told Toronto is a beautiful city with much to offer. We'll be documenting the trip and updating the Lowe Down with pictures and video. She has already been warned this could be an emotional trip for me. Over 25 years this team has been a part of my life. Granted they have fallen from grace the past 17 years, but they are still my team. Should be a great time.
The acoustic ARGUS show in NC was much fun. Without the services of outstanding drummer Donovan Babb, we had a set list full of old classics. While rocking out and playing a full band show is more ideal for me, there is something to be said for a solid acoustic show. We also had the distinct pleasure of Dr. Sarah Lee joining us on stage for a Vertical Horizon cover, "On The Sea." As always, our family and friends where there to support and cheer us on. When you have family and friends who allow you to do something you truly enjoy, it is a special feeling. Thanks everyone for allowing us to entertain yet again.
There are times where I wish I could live in a different city every 3-5 years. While the career has allowed for that so far, it has yet to take me west. San Diego may be one of the most relaxing, beautiful and fun places I've ever been. The trip to California was centered on the annual athletic administrators’ conference. The plan was to go out a few days early, see some donors and then make my way to the conference.
I also have two couples out there who were kind enough to show me a darn good time. Eric and Janice did the unthinkable and actually allowed me to crash with them for a couple of nights in SD. They were great hosts and took as much time as they could to show me around. Raphael and Amy took care of me while in Anaheim, taking me to dinner in Hermosa Beach. The landscape and weather were fantastic, but the company made the trip worth it.
So one more mention ... for the past three years Courtney has wanted to start graduate school. She had yet to find the program for her until this past spring when she applied for a spot in UGA's Instructional Design and Technology program. As of Friday she has already completed the first two classes with nine more to go.
I'm proud of her for numerous reasons, but mostly because she wanted to do something and did it. She wanted to obtain a master's degree, took the time to evaluate programs and picked one. I would be terrified to take the GRE and apply to a graduate program today. Sure there will be some stress once she is teaching again this fall, but knowing she can take this one at this stage in her life should allow her the confidence to attack the rest of her classes.