Category: Nashville

Pomp & Circumstance

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It’s that time of the year when I have to say goodbye to the senior class. HAPPY GRADUATION! It is all happening…fast!

Right now, many of you are having a jumble of emotions and you are justified in anything you might feel. This chapter is closing but the book has actually just started getting good.

Here are some tips:
1. I love that the students are fulfilling their Nashville/Vanderbilt bucket lists. That’s right, do all those things that you “didn’t have time” to do for the past four years. Perhaps do some things that you were embarrassed to do. Experience these things with the people you really love or just take in a few adventures by yourself and take an opportunity to reflect on all that has happened from move-in Day to your last day of classes.
2. Know that you won’t keep in touch with everyone. In fact, you might have even come to the realization that you really don’t want to keep in contact with some of the people you’ve chosen to spend time with during college. That’s okay. You’ll have to be intentional about keeping in touch with your friends. Social Media will make that much easier than when I graduated in 2005. Remember, you’ll have Homecoming, Alumni Reunion Weekend, and keep up with cool events in the cities in which you and your friends live. Plan a trip. Be sure to get people’s new addresses so that you can send them cards or care packages. Senior year is the time to drop the peripheral people in your life and really focus on your real friends.
3. Make sure to have a final meeting or meal with your favorite professors. They are fantastic resources and in case you want to go back to school it would be good to let them know your future dreams and that you’ll be in touch with them after graduation.
4. Say “Thank You” to those people that have had an impact on your college experience. Maybe you had a fantastic Panhellenic Advisor “ahem” or an academic advisor. Perhaps your House Director, RA, or coach really added value to your world. Let them know. I’ve enjoyed having dinner with some of my favorite Class of 2013 graduates and I know we’ll keep in touch.
5. Take lots of pictures. Gather your friends and take a little jaunt around campus and take pics in the most beautiful places on campus. Go to those special spots where you have great memories and document a moment. Make plans to meet up with your friends on graduation day so that you can take cute cap and gown pictures. Actually print these pictures and frame them for your new apartment or office. When you get a little “college sick” it will be nice to look around and see places and people that you love.
6. Get yourself packed before your parents arrive. If you’re ready to go then you’ll have more time to enjoy graduation day without worrying about taking time to pack. Remember to purge as you pack. Donate 95% of those t-shirts to your younger friends as you really don’t need 100 shirts with your sorority on it post graduation.
7. Do graduation! Don’t think you’re too cool for school. Make it the event that it is supposed to be. You are graduating from college–what a privilege! Go to the baccalaureate ceremony, go to ceremonies for your school or college, and attend the big graduation ceremony. I was lucky to go to a college with lots of traditions that took place during graduation weekend. I promise you won’t regret fitting these items into your schedule. Also, remember that a lot of these events are really for your family and for you all to celebrate together your accomplishments.
8. Wear comfy shoes and an outfit you love under your robe. No one wants to be in that polyester for too long :).
9. RELAX! SMILE! Be proud of yourself. You’ve worked hard and you deserve this moment. Breathe and take it all in because it is a moment you don’t want to forget.
10. It is okay to cry and you’ll probably do that most of your ride/flight home. For many people it doesn’t hit them that college has come to an end until it is time to pack and go to the next destination. Have some tissue handy and make sure that mascara is waterproof. Goodbyes are often hard and part of that is because you’re afraid of not knowing what happens next. Let it all out and then work on getting ready for the next adventure ahead of you. Remember when you left high school and were freaked out about college? Granted, going into “the real world” brings a different set of responsibilities BUT you attacked college and you’ll do the same this time around.

Just remember, that there is so much ahead of you. I thought life couldn’t get any better after college but it did. I like myself way more than I did at 22. College is AMAZING but those four years were not the best years of my life. Don’t get caught up in that often repeated story. As an alumni, remember to take advantage of the benefits of being connected with a college/university. Seek out an alumni chapter in your new city, perhaps sports are a big deal at your school and there are watch parties in your new home. You can donate money, sit on young alumni boards, and serve as an alumni interviewer for prospective students in your city.

Close up of a graduation cap and a certificate with a ribbon

Congratulations! Graduation is a milestone moment and whether you do or do not know what you’re doing after graduation, please enjoy this time. For many of you, it is the first of many graduations but I promise it will always be the most memorable.

Later y’all!

Nom Nom! Nashville’s 50 Best Restaurants

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50 Best

I’m a firm believer that food is the great unifier of the masses. I can break bread with pretty much anyone and when you’re in a new city and you’re on a mission to find friends then food dates are your best strategy to success.

Eating your way through a city has 2 main drawbacks: 1. Food is uber expensive and can take up a lot of your disposable income. 2. My waistline is not the same size it was when I arrived in 2011. Oh well, I would have spent that money on dresses anyway and there is just a bit more of me to love.

Nashville Lifestyles has come out with my food bible for this year and I’m eager to being setting up some food dates with new and old friends. The 50 Best Restaurants cover the gammit and there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Excited to try:
– Arnold’s Country Kitchen (#1)
– Etch (#3)
– Rolf & Daughters (#8)
– Caffe Nonna
– Germantown Cafe
– Mas Tacos Por Favor

Already had the pleasure:
– F. Scott’s (#4)
– City House (#5)
– Margot Cafe & Bar (#7)
– 1808 Grille
– Burger Up
– Eastland Cafe
– Firefly Grille
– Kalamatas
– Loveless Cafe
– Merchants
– The Pharmacy
– Silly Goose
– Silo
– The Southern
– Table 3
– Tin Angel
– Urban Grub
– Valentino’s
– The Yellow Porch

Yum! Yum! Excuse me while I begin asking people out on dates :). Maybe, I’ll choose you ;).

Later Y’all.

“30”

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30 happened 13 days ago.

I always thought I would throw a huge bash for my 30th birthday but I kept it pretty low key with a Happy Hour at Cabana with some of my favorite people. I can’t help but feel good that people took time out of their lives to help me celebrate my life.


I then went off on an adventure with Ms. Berry to Austin, TX. Can’t wait to share with you the deets of my trip. Good times :).

30 came and it is still here.

It is one of those ages that society has forced you to think about and try to figure out, “What’s next?” “Am I moving too slow?” “Am I too late?” “Is this thing ever going to happen to poor little ‘ol me?” “Have I done enough?” “Is this all there is?” and really “Why am I not where I thought I’d be by now?” Here’s the thing, the answers to those questions don’t magically appear on your 30th birthday so what’s the use of being stressed out on your special day in the world. The day that God decided to give you to the world does not need to be spent in a drunken and depressed stupor. It needs to be spent celebrating how far He has brought you. That’s what I did and continued to do in TX. That’s what I’m going to aim to do everyday for the rest of my life. Do I worry about certain things? Yes. I just won’t let those thoughts paralyze my joy. Yesterday happened and there is nothing I can do about tomorrow so I have to live the truth of my current moment. That is all that is in my sphere of control.

I’m going to treat 30 just like I did 29. I’m going to attack it and work to accomplish my goals, but as per usual I have to understand that my plan can always be trumped by His and I can’t be mad at that because I’m in a pretty good place in this world. Is life perfect? No. Is it horrible? No. Am I blessed? Beyond words. I’ve had a few extra gray hairs pop up (They each have a fraternity/sorority chapter or member name –shh!). Luckily, the old adage of “Black don’t crack” is gospel truth. Amen!

I’m still under the impression that anything can happen and I’m trying to be open to what’s in store. 30 is a number and a state of mind. To be honest, on a good day, I think I’m still at 27 but working with college students often moves my mindset to 45. Like I told my friend Kayte, “3 decades down and 7 to go”. I’m not even halfway there yet ;). Time is moving fast and I don’t want to fool myself into thinking I have all the time in the world BUT I do think it is incredibly important to celebrate all that has happened and to enjoy the present.

I love my birthday and I can’t imagine not wanting to celebrate it with friends and family. I also won’t be one of those people who celebrates the 2nd anniversary of her 30th birthday. Who knows? That might change one day but I hope not because all in all I’m just happy to be here. Aren’t you?

Later Y’all

The Happiest 5K on Earth! or “The inside of my nose is still blue and I think I’m coughing up rainbow dust.”

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Hey Y’all!

Sorry for the break in life updates. I’ve been in a weird place lately and that place hasn’t led me to post updates. I’m working my way to the summer. The students have 13 more days of classes. I love them but we are at that time of the year during which we have to break up for 3 months. “It’s not you, it’s me.”

The Color Run –Before
Waiting to Start
A break in the action
The Color Run–After

My friend Jana convinced me to participate in The Color Run. She had a team, Color Me Tender, and our friend Lisa and her hubby Michael (The Bergs) joined in for the fun. Now, when the decision was made to register for this 5K, I had all intent to actually train to run the 3.1 or 3.2 miles around Nashville. However, life got in the way and this event snuck right on up on me and before I knew it I had to make a mad dash to the 24-hour Wal-Mart to purchase the white apparel strongly suggested for the race. The speed at which I went to the store greatly outpaced the speed at which me and Lisa walked the run.

I’m sure you all have heard of The Color Run, correct? All the cool kids have those pictures in which they look like a bag of Skittles while smiling with their other cool friends having the absolute bestest time EVER!

Here’s the reality of The Happiest 5K on Earth:
-In my mind there were people throwing the colored dust at you as you made your way along the course. However, there are color stations and when you get to one there are volunteers covered in dust while wearing masks and sometimes goggles who have bottles of dust to squirt at you and barrels of dust to throw at you. My friend Lisa was pummeled in the face at the yellow station. Yellow, orange, pink, and blue are your color stops. Once you get over the first shock you start getting into being sprayed by strangers and in order to produce the ultimate Facebook pic you start making sure that all sides of you are equally covered in color. The runners were able to escape full coverage while us walkers bore the brunt of the assault.
– The race was supposed to begin at 9AM. Well, we didn’t start walking until 9:40AM. Why? It takes time to refill squirt bottles of colored dust.
– If you should ever do this event, please carry a mask because I coughed for about a week or so after the event due to inhaling loads of dust AND to my utter surprise my tissues were covered in blue for days since the dust attacked my nostrils.
– Make sure wherever you do the race that they have good speakers. It would have been more appealing standing in a mass of people dressed in white if I’d been able to dance to the pop music being blared over the speakers.
– Make plans to get a mani and throw in a pedi just for good measure after the race. My nails were blue and green.
– Make sure to take something to cover your car seats post race unless you want to have tie dyed upholstery.
– Wear layers if it is chilly. I sported long white pants, a white top, my Color Run t-shirt, a hoodie, and a hat. All White Everything! I looked like an ice cream man but I was warm.
– Everyone gets a packet of dust to throw at The Festival at the end of the event. I mean, okay. There was a dance party with lots of techno dance music which I heard was fun for like 10 minutes.
– Yes, I took photos and they are on Facebook. Fine, you got me and I’m putting them here too for you to see. Deep down, we all just want to be cool :/.
– Make plans for an epic shower post race.

Was it fun? I mean, it was great to walk through Nashville with a friend. We chatted and saw the city from a different perspective. The run supports a great cause, Amputee Blade Runners, and it only cost $20.00. The people watching was worth that much. We received a nice t-shirt, a headband, and a pack of colored dust for our efforts. The color stations are actually quite beautiful and the blue was my favorite. I think the vast majority of the city participated in the race which is also cool to be a part of such a widespread event. We laughed and giggle while also briefly questioning our choice to participate in this activity. Would I do it again? I would never say “never” BUT I’m not really chomping at the bit for next year’s race. Though, if you’ve never done it I wouldn’t deny you the opportunity. It is coming back to Nashville on October 20th, 2013. Be there! Be a Color Runner! Perhaps we can meet up for drinks after you shower ;0.

Later Y’all

On Friday, I’m in Love…

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people love to eat

with Nashville restaurants!

I was asked on Friday by my friend Jana which restaurants in Nasvhille are my favorite. This question is super hard! I enjoy visiting new restaurants in the city. Food and Friends are always elements of a great time. Here are some that come to mind:

1. Cantina Laredo @CantinaLaredo1, in the Gulch i.e. LA comes to Nashville
2. Cabana @CabanaNashville— Dinner/Drinks, It’s on the card so beware of student overload.
3. The Southern @TheSouthernSOS— Dinner/Drinks, Sapphire Steak Biscuits and close proximity to Bridgestone
4. Eastland Cafe @EastlandCafe
5. The Pharmacy Burger Parlor and Beer Garden @ThePharmacy1, sit outside in great weather and get a milkshake
6. Patterson House –Dinner/Drinks, it is a speakeasy and the coolest place I’ve ever been
7. Tavern @TavernNashville–Brunch/Dinner, go to see and be seen
8. B&C BBQ –Strip Mall Cuisine
9. Taziki’s @Tazikis— Vandy Fave!
10. Silo @siloTN— The South puts on a suit.
11. Wild Hare @TheWildHare1— Good luck finding it but when you do, you’ll be happy.
12. Valentino’s– Have someone else pay for you. A groupon is great.
13. 1808 Grille @1808Grille— Have someone else pay for you.
14. Copper Kettle @Copper_Kettle–Brunch, Be prepared to wait.
15. Gabby’s Burgers @gabbysburgers–Make sure you can nap afterwards.
16. Garden Brunch Cafe @thegardenbrunch–Brunch, Obvi. All they do is brunch and they do it well. A little gem on Jefferson Street. Yes, there are gems on Jefferson Street.
17. West End Cafe @westendcafenash–Lunch–Strawberry Field’s Salad
18. Rosepepper –Make sure you have a DD for the margaritas.
19. Suzy Wong’s House of Yum @suzywongyum Arnold Mynt from Top Chef owns this place.
20. Monelle’s –Bring a wheel barrel to get out of the place.
21. Loveless Cafe @LovelessCafe–Breakfast– Make Biscuits, not war.
22. Sambuca @sambucanash–Dinner/Drinks/Live Music
23. Whiskey Kitchen @WhiskeyKitchen— sit on the back patio, full service and great weather
24. Bolton’s Hot & Spicy Chicken–Everything about the place says STAY AWAY! The food, however, will have you cozy up on a picnic bench with a mixed cast of characters from far and near who would never set foot in this part of town unless for a good reason. They all just want to indugle in the goodness of the hot chicken and fish. Get some greens, some mac&cheese, sop up some sauce with your piece of white bread and drink your canned soda. AMAZING!

Happy Eating! Check out @yelpnashville.

Later y’all.

On Thursdays, We Give Thanks.

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Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. –Thessalonians 5:16-18

Lord, I thank you for the following:

1. The ability to read and not only to read but to possess a great love of books. I participated in Read Me Week by reading to a group of 3rd graders at Napier Elementary. It was a fun way to spend my morning. I read “Giraffes Can’t Dance” which is really cute and the students got into the storyline. It was especially fun when they started showing off their own dance skills. One book apparently was not enough because they sweetly demanded another and suggested, to my surprise, “Madeline”. I didn’t even know that “Madeline” was still a thing. They knew the entire book but they just wanted to hear it again. I remember my weekend trips to the library to check out a stack of books that were supposed to last a lot longer than they did. I spent all of my measly pocket money on Babysitter’s Club, Sweet Valley High, Fear Street, and L.J. Smith books that have recently been made into CW TV series. I accumulated so many books that my mom forced me to give many of them away. I always had a book with me wherever I went and everyone knew that when I was quiet that I was in a corner with my nose in a book. To this day, that is still my happy place. It hurts my heart to know that there are children and adults in this country who are illiterate. We also have classrooms and school libraries that have inadequate book collections. This is why I want to host a Book “Em Book Collection Event. It is on my list.

2. My teeth. Superficial, right? I know, I know, they are all going to fall out one day but for right now I’m going to show ’em off. An electric toothbrush, Crest 3D White, floss (I mean, every now and then), and mouthwash make up my daily routine. My aunt gave my brother and me a dental care kit for Christmas. Let me just say, I knew I was no longer a kid by the sincere excitement I expressed over my new toothbrush. My mom, brother, and I have Kool-Aid smiles. We smile with all of our teeth. Tis bright like sunshine, you might say. I mean, I like to think that I brighten up people’s day ;).

3. My copy of “Jesus Calling- 365 Daily Devotional”. Just reading that one page in the morning creates a whole new path for my day. Reading His word brings me peace and happiness. My disposition changes and I feel ready for the day after spending moments in reflection and prayer with Jesus. This book is my guide. It sits on the side of the bed that I don’t use so that it is easy for me to grab and open when I awake in the morning. I keep my Bible and journal in the same place for when I need to reflect by writing or when I want to jot down my prayers. Try it! Your day will change.

jesus calling

4. When I get packages at my door, no one steals them from me. Ain’t that a blessing? I’ve had a box chilling at the front of my door for days and there it was when I came home waiting for me to take it into its new home. You might laugh but that’s a real concern for people. I guess it means that I can trust my neighbors to not intentionally harm me or the things that belong to me. I feel safe. I don’t know my neighbors well but we recognize each other and speak to each other in the parking lot or on the steps. It is interesting to think about how people build a community or at least community norms with each other without ever really expressing that desire or much of anything else to each other. I guess the general rule is “Be a good person.”

My latest package? A red crock pot from my mother to match the rest of my red kitchen accessories. This weekend, I will cook up a nice meal for me, myself, and I.

Well, that’s what I have for now. Glad to be starting this weekly series again. Always feels good to think about all that you have to be thankful for in this world.

Later Y’all.

Oh, when the Saints go MARCHing in…

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March is here yet again…February is a mere 28 days of love and Black History.

What’s on my plate for March? Well, so happy you asked.

1. Reviving “On Thursday, We Give Thanks” and “On Friday, I’m in Love”. Sorry to leave you hangin with those series. Life happened and blogging was put on the backburner.
2. Office of the Dean of Students Movie Day (Argo) and Junior League Book Club in the same day. I can’t take the excitement!
3. JohnnySwim at Music City Roots at Loveless Cafe. Love this duo so very much!
4. Kairos’ Girls’ Night Out
5. JLN Kids in the Kitchen
6. Cultivating Excellence: Women & Gender Leadership Symposium. I’m a panelist with some really hotshot ladies.
7. 2 Girls on the Run Nasvhille Friend/Fun Raising Events
8. Flashdance at TPAC
9. Cross Point moves to its new location. Chapter 2 begins!!!

Whoa! Great times are ahead in March. It is going to be busy BUT I gotta step back and take in the whole picture. This month is a plate of incredible and I’m ready to dive in :).

Later y’all.

101 for 1,001

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What are you doing for the next two years? Mackenzie Horan has it all figured out. Check out her list here. She is the author of the adorable blog Design Darling.

She came up with 101 things for 1,001 days. That’s about 2.75 years to get 101 goals, dreams, and tasks completed. Sounds good, right?

Of course, I love a good list so I started trying to come up with 101 things that I want to do in the next 2.75 years…

This is a lot harder than I thought. Here’s what I have thus far:

1. Join a professional association for Leadership Educators.
2. Invest in a new camera.
3. Take someone I want to learn from out to coffee/dinner/lunch at least once a month.
4. Run/Walk a 5K.
5. Do more guest blogs.
6. Send email to leadership friends for insight into their world.
7. Get personal business cards.
8. Take on a Board/Council position within the Junior League of Nasvhille.
9. Be nominated for and apply again for Nashville Emerging Leader Awards.
10. Participate in a Nashville based leadership development program.
11. Go to Bluebird Cafe.
12. Be an extra on ABC’s Nashville.
13. Contribute to a new charitable cause on a bimonthly basis for 1 year.
14. Eat at 1 new restaurant per month.
15. Make it to the gym 3X per week for at least 3 months.
16. Join Toastmasters.
17. Drink at least 2 bottles of water per day for at least a month.
18. Pick an exercise class and stick to it for at least 3 months.
19. Send 2 random cards to friends at least twice a month.
20. Do Karaoke in Nashville.
21. Go to Gatlinburg, TN and Memphis, TN.
22. Take a trip every 8 months to a new destination in the US.
23. Make plans to go abroad and go!
24. Pay off debt.
25. Clean my house at least 1x per week. I live alone. I’m messy.
26. Get my car detailed.
27. Grocery shop every month. I eat out A LOT!
28. Join CABLE.
29. Go on a date.
30. Cook 1 meal per week.
31. Recommit to a small group.
32. Take a trip to W&M.
33. Read at least 1 new book per month.
34. Send my mom more cards. She keeps them all.
35. Find my signature scent.
36. Buy a great pair of tailored black pants.
37. Take time alone with God in the mornings at least 3X per week.
38. Read the entire Harry Potter series.
39. Get a massage.
40. Find a primary physician.
41. Go on a hike.
42. Clean up my computers (work/home).
43. Decorate my home like a grown up. Curtains? Coffee Table? New TV?
44. Throw a dinner party/supper club in my home.
45. Send out Christmas Greetings.
46. Seriously, plan my return to school for my Ed.D.
47. Plan and have a classy 30th birthday party.
48. Professionalize my closet.
49. Invest in big girl heels.
50. Return to learning the Spanish language.
51. Go home at 5 as often as I possibly can.
52. Leave at least 1 night per week during the weekday that I don’t have any evening plans.
53. Be a lead facilitator or Keynote Speaker at more events.
54. Be accepted as a LeaderShape Cluster Facilitator.
55. Host a book collection event for Book ‘Em.
56. Make more 1:1 connections with students at Vandy.
57. See a therapist.
58. See at least 1 live musical performance a month.

eek! Still 43 more things to go…I’m working on it. Of course, many things that I want to do are at odds with each other but it is all about prioritization and doing things on a budget. Planning is such a joke, right? Life happens in ways that tends to kill most of our plans but at least I can use this to orient me and help me make a first step. We’ll just have to see what He has in store from there. What God has for me is for me and it might not be anything on this incomplete list :).

Later y’all.

So, this was fun…

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Me, on Back Down South

Thanks to the lovely Caroline Fontenot for having me as a part of Back Down South. I’ve enjoyed this blog from the day I began reading it in 2012 and it is quite cool to actually be featured as a part of the lovely, stylish, and southern crew that makes it so special. Also great to know that Caroline is just as cool in person as she is on the Internet.

Nashville just keeps handing out special moments. Blessed!

Later y’all.

“Happy Hour”

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We are the “after work” generation.

I was with a friend at Valentine’s Day dinner and she inquired about the latest happenings of my life. What I noticed was that Monday- Friday was jam packed but I reserved Saturday/Sunday–“The Weekend” to do absolutely nothing. We both laughed at the backwardness of my schedule but realized that is has become the norm for us single in the city 20-30 somethings.

The question is always, “What are you doing after work?” Every bar/restaurant has a “Happy Hour” that contrary to its name lasts for way longer than 1 hour. People plan full scale social events for weekday nights. By the time we get to Saturday, we are pooped. We spend that time catching up on sleep, exercise, grown-up household duties, work we didn’t finish while in the office, and low key friend fun, or personal time to just breathe.

Going home at 5 is a rarity and with the invention of DVR, Hulu+, Netflix, and reruns for the Bravo crew, it almost seems unnecessary to do so. We need something to look forward to when the clock strikes 5. It actually becomes an excuse so that we don’t stay any later at the office than we need to, “I have plans.” There exists a desire to have a goal or a game plan after a day of running the professional rat race. Plus, who actually wants to go home alone, again. We gotta put ourselves out there, right? Our walk to the parking garage becomes a stride of pride as we make our way to the nearest $2.00 rails and 1/2 off small plates. We’ve made it through another day and to celebrate we need to show others while wearing our “work clothes” that we’re champs. Let’s blow this popsicle stand that pays off our student loans. Life’s too short to take all of our awesomeness home at 5pm. Let’s feed the local economy and our egos at the same time. Let’s let off some steam and commiserate with our friends. Let’s invite folks we don’t know to an innocent happy hour. I mean, we can hold a conversation with almost anyone over one drink, right?

Next week alone I have the following: dinner with a co-worker/friend followed by a lecture by Melissa Harris Perry on Monday, drinks and my first hockey game on Tuesday, a session on Conference Placement Etiquette on Wednesday, student meetings on Thursday night, and a date night with a friend on Friday night. Saturday morning, I go out of town until Sunday evening and then I start all over again. If it wasn’t for that brief trip to Clemson University, you can bet I’d be on the couch catching up on primetime television.

I guess I should enjoy this “after work” life for as long as I can. Should I ever acquire any dependents, I can 100% guarantee that “after work” will have a totally different meaning. For right now, bring on the happy hours, the too long dinners, and the Nashville networking circuit. I’m game but I’m actually not free after work again until the 2nd week of March…

So, what are you doing after work this week?

Later y’all