A trip down memory lane...

I decided to take a little trip down memory lane this afternoon. I don't think I've been to St. Edward since I finished the 8th grade back in 1993. Not much has changed. The playground looks so much smaller now, but everything else looks just like I remember it. The buildings have been renovated, I think there was a fire or some kind of water damage some years after I left.

 "Be your best!"

Since it was just down the road, I decided to stop by Father Ryan as well. I know I haven't set foot on campus since my 10 year high school reunion in 2007. Sadly, I'm going to miss my 15th as I'll be in Hawaii. Then again, I did tell everyone to "take a good look", as I probably wouldn't attend another reunion. But now, I kind of wish I'd be in state for it.

A few things have changed over the past 14 years. We added an on campus football field. I didn't have a chance to drive back there this afternoon, since there was some construction going on with the Field House. I've lost count as to how many Field Houses we have now. But, we do have a free standing library and drama center. The campus looks nice, real nice. There are times when I miss the high school days. I miss the minimal responsibility and I even miss the uniforms. I never had a problem with school uniforms. It made getting ready in the morning so much easier & since we could wear just about any shoe in the world, I lived in my Dr. Martens boots.

With our state of the art, 2,376-seat stadium, it's no wonder the Titan's worked out here during the lockout and why it hosts the ACC schools for the Music City Bowl workouts.

What do you get for the people who seem to have everything?

You do what I did...have an artistic friend draw a portrait of your dog. No really, I did that. I never know what to get my mom & step-dad for Christmas. You name it, they have it. But the one thing they can never get enough of...anything with Bristol's face on it.

I don't know that Keith will ever be satisfied with his finished products, but I adore the drawing and I know my parents will too. Now, the only problem I have is, who to give it to? I honestly think I'll give it to my mom because I have another project in mine for my step-dad for his birthday, in July. That should give Keith plenty of time to finish it and be proud of his work.

A few weeks ago, Keith finally started a website for his art. I may be partial because he is my friend and all, but I think the kid's got talent. He's suppose to make t-shirts with some of his artwork on it and I even got the OK from Pete for him to hang some pieces in his coffee shop downtown. He'll sign his pieces, ilRokery, take a look at what he's posted so far. See something you like, let me know!

THE HOBBIT Trailer

The nerd in me is going bananas....

What happened to 2011?

I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels this way, but what in the heck happened to 2011?! I thought 2010 was jam packed, but I feel like I haven't stopped traveling this year.

Starting in March, I think I've taken about eight "vacations". Some of them were quick weekend trips to Nashville or Orlando, but all of them helped recharge the batteries and realize how blessed I am to have such an amazing circle of family and friends.

Speaking of friends, 2011 was a year of total re-connection. Friendships I thought would never see the light of day were back with a vengeance. And friendships I never thought would exist, came out of no where.

2012, it's going to be hard to top 2011, but I can't wait to see where this next year will take me...buckle up and enjoy the ride!

I'll Be There - The Jackson 5

Michael Jackson the Immortal World Tour - the review

While in Vegas, I ventured to Cirque du Soleil's: Michael Jackson, the Immortal World Tour. Now, the only other Cirque show I've seen is The Beatles: LOVE. Obviously, you can't compare one to the other, but the MJ show left me in tears.

It's hard to explain the show without photos, but the "story" centered around his lack of childhood. Many of his songs were haunting and the dancers were off the chain.

My favorite was the dancer with 1 leg. He was so inspiring. He was in a lot of dance numbers and the crowd went nuts every time he took center stage.

The show ran about 2 hours and left me wanting more. There were a few things that I didn't like. The "Thriller", "Beat It" and "Bad" sequences were way too short. For "Thriller" I was hoping they'd have Michael dancing in the background.

And I didn't really like how they combined "Beat It" and "Bad". But I loved the "Smooth Criminal" sequence. I was starting to get antsy toward the end. I was worried they weren't going to do "Billie Jean". But they did that I loved the outfits. They were like old school Adidas track suits. But when the lights went off, the trims and sneakers lit up.

I started to cry right before the encore. The main curtain dropped and they projected a young, Jackson 5 Michael. He was singing "I'll be There". I kept hoping that he would pop up on stage at any given moment.

All I have to say is, if you're a Michael Jackson or Cirque fan. This is a must see show. Don't worry if you can't make it to Vegas by the end of the year. The tour will travel the country in 2012 and then take up permanent residence at the Mandalay Bay in 2013.

All I Want For Christmas is You

14

That's how many days I'm actually working this month. I'm not quite sure what happened to November or how we're a month away from 2012.

The last 2 years have been filled with lots of adventure, headache, heartbreak & growth. I wouldn't change a thing. Guess I better finish out 2011 in style...