Orange for Summitt

It's a Friday, in August...I normally wear orange this close to kick-off, but today I had an another reason to don my favorite game day color. Today was the day to  unite and show support for one of the greatest college coaches of all time. Lady Vol head coach, Pat Summitt.

Earlier this week, Coach Summitt announced to her team, the university, fans & community that she had been diagnosed with dementia. It's one of those moments I'll never forget. I had just gotten back from lunch & checked my Twitter timeline. I saw 2 things, something about an earthquake in VA and Pat Summitt's statement.

My heart sank. Forget the natural disaster, there's only one Coach Summitt and there's nothing she can't beat. But how do you beat something like this? I'll tell you one thing, I believe this horrible disease has meet its match in Summitt. If anything, she will no doubt help to raise awareness on the subject.

She has always given her all for Tennessee and I know I'll do what ever I can to show my continued support while she toes it up with her toughest opponent thus far.

I think Coach Summitt would approve

Service with a smile

I'm a big fan of good customer service, but then again, who isn't? I had another good experience at Nama Sushi this afternoon. Jason & I had both been craving it. But at the last minute, Keith & Travis decided to join us. No big deal, the more the merrier.

We had a good lunch, as usual, but before we got the check, our friend Stanton, brought over a plate full of assorted desserts. This plate was full of mochi ice cream, chocolate mouse, chocolate covered pretzels and diced fruit. Lucky for us, Keith doesn't like sweets and Travis wasn't in the mood to try the mochi ice cream.

So, that left me & Jason...you better believe it was a battle to the death. I got the Kona coffee mochi and he got the mouse. I think that was a fair trade.

This is the second time we've had lunch there and Stanton surprised us with dessert. We never expect it, but it is a nice surprise. It's the little things like that, that make me want to go back for more. I'm so happy that Nama moved closer to my office, but I'm even happier that there seems to be a steady flow of customer's every time I'm there.

If you haven't been Nama's new location on Gay Street, you're really missing out!

Scoop'd, out in Turkey Creek opened a month ago, but they've already won a spot in my heart. The first time I walked in, they already knew who I was and gave me a $1.00 off the shave ice. It wasn't even about the price, it was an awesome gesture. What other ice cream shop does that? The fact they offer my favorite ice cream of all time, Kona Coffee, doesn't hurt either.

Over the weekend, I got a Twitter direct message asking for my e-mail address. They wanted to send me a coupon for a free shave ice or ice cream on my next visit. I wonder if me being the Foursquare mayor, at the time, had anything to do with it?

I'm 99.9% sure I found out about Scoop'd via Twitter before they actually opened. I love the power of social media.

A few weeks ago Brad & I went to Pete's for lunch, shocking, I know. But what happened after we paid, almost caused both of us to pass out. Pete asked if he had given either of us one of their "25th Anniversary" t-shirts. He hadn't, so he went looking through the boxes to find on in our size.

Score! We finally got our Pete's Coffee Shop t-shirts. That's almost as good as getting something on the menu named after us. I still haven't given up hope that I can change the Greek omelette to "Nikki's Greek Omelette". How good does that sound? I think it would be a hit!

It's like Cheer's, they all do know my name

Cheese...Cows...Wow...

My weekend adventure took me to Monroe County. I made a stop at Sweetwater Valley Farm to pick up a little cheese. I had always heard how good it tasted. I got to sample it first hand when we had a department cook-out at Brad's farm. I could have eaten the entire cheese tray.

He had 4 types of cheese, but the tomato herb was my favorite. There are a few stores in Knoxville that carry Sweetwater Valley Farm cheese, but of course, they don't carry the type I like. I picked up some pimento cheese for my step-dad and 2 more blocks of tomato herb for my mom.

I've already told Brad if my parents like the cheese, he'll have to make another run to the Farm before I go home for Thanksgiving. It's probably less than 5 minutes from his house, so I don't feel bad sending him on a cheese run.

I cubed my block tonight and I'd say 1/4 of it is already in my belly. I have no self control when it comes to cheese!

My current favorite


I felt bad walking out of the store without anything for Bristol Peyton. Since he shouldn't have cheese, I got him a little stuffed cow! The bloody thing is so cute, I might have to hang on to it myself for a bit!

Since Bristol can't have cheese, he got a cow

You know what really grinds my gears....

...people that call in on a Monday. What you choose to do with your PTO is your business, but if you call in and flat out tell me "you're not feeling" it. I will mentally judge you and remember it when we meet for your annual review.

...people that complain they don't  have any work to do, then complain when I give them more work to do. There's always something I can do. Shut your trap and work.

...people that don't listen to what I say and get mad when I correct them. There's a reason I'm your boss. I don't pull that card very often, but when I see a problem, I correct it. If you can't follow simple directions, I suggest you pack your box and meet me in HR. Better yet, I'll pack your box for you and leave it in HR.

...people that continue to harp on a previous employer. Guess what, every company is different. Just because you think "they wronged" you, doesn't mean I feel the same way. When you go out of your way to create a forum to discuss your previous employer with former employees, I will lose respect for you. Grow up, move on.

...when the Laundry Monster eats one of my socks.

13 days and counting...

...till it's finally football time in Tennessee. I don't know why, but this has been the longest off season ever. Nothing makes me happier than a football Saturday in the South.

The local radio stations have already started playing Rocky Top in the morning, that's about the only thing that will get me out of bed. Granted, it makes me want to throw on shorts & a t-shirt and head to Neyland, instead of the office, but at least it wakes me up!

The trash talking has already started, which doesn't surprise me. But the person doing the talking breaks my heart. My own cousin is a Florida Gators fan! Talk about a knife in the back. Granted, he went there for graduate school, but come on...out of all the schools in the SEC, he picked Florida?!

But I cut him a little slack since he does cheer for the hometown boys, the University of Hawaii & we both will root for Notre Dame. Must be a Catholic thing. I'll cheer for the Irish every time, except when they play my Vols, Navy or Hawaii. Navy's had ND's number the past few seasons, we'll see if they can keep that up. Did you know that match up is one of the longest running in college football? If not, now you do.

Shopping for babies...

No, I'm not in the market for a child, so you can all relax. I have to go to Babies-R-Us again this weekend to help a friend pick out a gift for a baby shower. Everytime I go in that store, I freak out. I'm not sure how other stores are laid out, but I've never been past the front of the Knoxville store. I do most of my shopping in the "infant care" section or where ever you buy the bibs, bottles & other feeding things.

I do not mind buying shower gifts or other things for my friend's children. But sometimes when there are showers at work, I feel like I'm pressured to buy a gift. If I don't know you that well, sorry, I'm not going to come to your shower just because we work for the same company.

And there's another thing I don't understand, if you earn a moderate income, why do you register for the most expensive products on the market? Do you expect someone to buy this for you? If so, who? And why? Just because it's expensive, doesn't mean it's good.

I guess my biggest issue is, I don't like being limited to a registry. It's hard for me to buy something I don't like or think is useful. At the same time I don't want to go off the registry too much because I don't know what you may already have or what you will need.

I like to put my own spin on things too. If you're going to have a girl, there's a good chance I'll stick a football or some kind of sporty thing in the gift bag. And if you have a boy, I'll probably buy the most annoying gift, just because I think it would be fun. Sorry parents & future parents, that's just how I roll.

I'm no angel, he's no saint...

I feel like I've been on a lyrical kick of late. I blame the CMA Fest that aired last night. I have a thing for Kid Rock. I have no idea why, but I always have...it kind of freaks me out. I loved 'Picture', his duet with Sheryl Crow. But now, I can't get their current duet, 'Collide' out of my head.

You And Tequila

"When it comes to you
Oh, the damage I could do
It's always your favorite sins
That do you in"

Probably one of my favorite lyrics...this one applies to my life in more ways than one...I can always count on a little music to ease the soul.

A Quacking Success...

Another year, another successful fundraising event to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of the Tennessee Valley.

My company is a "Quacker Backer" for this year's Great Tennessee Valley Rubber Duck Race. This year, we sold 1,808 ducks that will 'race' their way down the Tennessee River on August 20th.

Each $5 donation gets a little guy in the river. So if my math is correct, the Boys & Girls Club will be getting a check for $9,040. I know we beat our total from last year, but that just seems like an odd number. I'd like to be able to hand over a check for $10,000 next year.

There is still time to donate! Follow the link above to contribute. Online donations will end at 11:30AM on Saturday the 20th.

Give him 6...

Is there anything more beautiful than the checkerboard end zones in Neyland Stadium? I think not. Peyton Manning was in town for our home opener last season. My mom called to tell me that he was on TV and he was wearing a checkerboard belt. Since I was at the game, I had to Google the image.

Turns out, Peyton was wearing a Smathers & Branson needlepoint belt. They offer a wide selection of belts and a handful of college teams. I thought about ordering one, but for one reason or another, I never got around to it.

A few weeks ago, I tweeted about how I wished they would offer these collegiate belts for women. I mean come on, we like sports too and we like to look extra stylish when we're rooting for our team.

Turns out, Smathers and Branson (@SandBBelts) has a Twitter account and responded to my request. They advised me that their belts can be customized for women. Done,  I was sold.  I ordered it the next day.

It's the little things like this that make me appreciate social media.

The image below is a men's belt. Mine will not have leather, a wooden loop will serve as the buckle.

Better As A Memory...

I heard this the other night...it still strikes a chord...and I fear it always will.

Sales Tax Holiday

It's that time of year again...the annual Tennessee sales tax holiday. In year's past, we've had 2. One in the spring and another in the fall. I thought I had missed it this year, because I hadn't heard much about it.

But, I have been informed we'll be tax free on certain items starting at midnight on Friday the 5th and running till Sunday the 7th.

It kind of stinks for parents who need to go back to school shopping. Many schools started this week, so the "holiday" didn't really benefit them.

I really don't "need" anything, but I'll probably come home with something. Maybe some new Sperry for Reef slippers. I want to hit up the Ralph Lauren outlet, but the crowds will probably be insane. I don't think I want to fight that. Guess I can always stock up on winter work clothes or shoes...can't ever go wrong with shoes...