No. 1 Florida Still Speechless
The Vanderbilt Commodores stunned No. 1 Florida basketball team by upseting the Gators yesterday 80-73. Now, I know this wasn't for the National Championship, but here in Nashville the town is going crazy. Not only did unranked Vandy beat an SEC team, Florida was ranked No. 1 and was on a 17-game win streak. We all know the drill of top ranked teams; eventually someone is going to beat them and there is always a good chance it will be by a non-ranked opponent. Vandy is known for their academics so I am all for them getting some sports recognition from time to time. I prefer to hear about Vandy's upset win on the news stations over Pac-Man Jones' run-ins with the law anyday!
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Monday, January 29, 2007
Lapeer County, MI
made the local Juarez, Mexico news this morning. I am back in Mexico on business this week; last week I experienced snow and this morning Lapeer County, MI made the news. There was a terrible semi and multi car accident on 69 in Lapeer County due to snow and ice. And they reported more snow and ice to come in the Detroit area today. It was weird to hear Lapeer County and it was in Spanish to boot!
made the local Juarez, Mexico news this morning. I am back in Mexico on business this week; last week I experienced snow and this morning Lapeer County, MI made the news. There was a terrible semi and multi car accident on 69 in Lapeer County due to snow and ice. And they reported more snow and ice to come in the Detroit area today. It was weird to hear Lapeer County and it was in Spanish to boot!
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Finally, I got to see SNOW!
And in Juarez, Mexico, of all places! I am on business in Juarez this week and last night Juarez and El Paso, Texas, got hit with a snow storm. Right now there is about 3-4 inches on the ground and it is still snowing. It is really pretty, but weird to look at the snow in a desert. Who thinks of snow when they are in a desert environment?!
And in Juarez, Mexico, of all places! I am on business in Juarez this week and last night Juarez and El Paso, Texas, got hit with a snow storm. Right now there is about 3-4 inches on the ground and it is still snowing. It is really pretty, but weird to look at the snow in a desert. Who thinks of snow when they are in a desert environment?!
Friday, January 19, 2007
My Memphis Vacation
Why Memphis, you ask? Let me explain. For 2 months now I have been anticipating a vacation to San Antonio, Texas, with my good friend, Dana. Dana was diagnosed with stage 4 non-Hotchkins Lymphoma back in August and went through several months of aggressive chemotherapy treatments. Her final round of chemo ended the third week of December so in November she decided she wanted to get away in January to 'celebrate' her final round of her first phase of chemo. Then after our vacation she could concentrate on what her next steps would be with her battle with cancer. Dana did find out in December that she is cancer free and she in now in remission! Her next steps in her treatments are still unknown, but this is great news. Back to my story...
We were looking forward to sunshine and shopping, and good eats and drinks. A terrible ice storm hit San Antonio the afternoon and night before we were to leave. Yes, an ice storm in Texas! And snow was to follow. We decided to go on the trip anyway. My travel plans were to take me from Nashville to Memphis to San Antonio; Dana's were from Flint to Atlanta to San Antonio. I left Nashville at 6:00am Wednesday morning and arrived in Memphis at 6:35am. By 7:00am I found out that they closed the San Antonio airport for the day or most of the day. OK, maybe not a big deal, I could get to San Antonio Thursday morning and just lose one day of being in San Antonio. And I knew Dana would be dealing with the same issue in Atlanta. The ticket agent then booked me on a flight for Thursday evening at 9:50pm on stand-by. STAND-BY?? So this means I wasn't even confirmed on the evening flight so I would have to stay in Memphis for 2 days, possibly 3, just to wait and see if I could get to San Antonio. I finally spoke with Dana and she had no idea what was happening with the flights in Atlanta. She was told that her flight would be delayed, but didn't know what time her flight would be that day. I finally decided I was going to head back to Nashville and cancel my trip to San Antonio since we were to leave San Antonio on Saturday anyway. So I was back on a plane by 9:30am and home by 10:30am! Dana finally made it to San Antonio late Wednesday night, but had to stay at a hotel for a couple of nights because her aunt was iced in at her home and couldn't get out to come to the airport to pick her up. I am sure this is not the vacation she was expecting either.
I guess I am not meant to take vacations! Back in November I had to go to NY to our Corporate Headquarters and a friend that I work with decided we should take a few extra days and live it up in NY City. Well, her husband had surgery and many complications so she had to cancel her trip which means my trip was cut short.
So if any of you ever get the opportunity to take a flight (no more than hour) and once you arrive at the airport take the next flight back to the city where you started, I would highly recommend it. What a thrill! I was very disappointed that I wouldn't be spending time with Dana, but I also didn't get to see Elvis while in Memphis!
Why Memphis, you ask? Let me explain. For 2 months now I have been anticipating a vacation to San Antonio, Texas, with my good friend, Dana. Dana was diagnosed with stage 4 non-Hotchkins Lymphoma back in August and went through several months of aggressive chemotherapy treatments. Her final round of chemo ended the third week of December so in November she decided she wanted to get away in January to 'celebrate' her final round of her first phase of chemo. Then after our vacation she could concentrate on what her next steps would be with her battle with cancer. Dana did find out in December that she is cancer free and she in now in remission! Her next steps in her treatments are still unknown, but this is great news. Back to my story...
We were looking forward to sunshine and shopping, and good eats and drinks. A terrible ice storm hit San Antonio the afternoon and night before we were to leave. Yes, an ice storm in Texas! And snow was to follow. We decided to go on the trip anyway. My travel plans were to take me from Nashville to Memphis to San Antonio; Dana's were from Flint to Atlanta to San Antonio. I left Nashville at 6:00am Wednesday morning and arrived in Memphis at 6:35am. By 7:00am I found out that they closed the San Antonio airport for the day or most of the day. OK, maybe not a big deal, I could get to San Antonio Thursday morning and just lose one day of being in San Antonio. And I knew Dana would be dealing with the same issue in Atlanta. The ticket agent then booked me on a flight for Thursday evening at 9:50pm on stand-by. STAND-BY?? So this means I wasn't even confirmed on the evening flight so I would have to stay in Memphis for 2 days, possibly 3, just to wait and see if I could get to San Antonio. I finally spoke with Dana and she had no idea what was happening with the flights in Atlanta. She was told that her flight would be delayed, but didn't know what time her flight would be that day. I finally decided I was going to head back to Nashville and cancel my trip to San Antonio since we were to leave San Antonio on Saturday anyway. So I was back on a plane by 9:30am and home by 10:30am! Dana finally made it to San Antonio late Wednesday night, but had to stay at a hotel for a couple of nights because her aunt was iced in at her home and couldn't get out to come to the airport to pick her up. I am sure this is not the vacation she was expecting either.
I guess I am not meant to take vacations! Back in November I had to go to NY to our Corporate Headquarters and a friend that I work with decided we should take a few extra days and live it up in NY City. Well, her husband had surgery and many complications so she had to cancel her trip which means my trip was cut short.
So if any of you ever get the opportunity to take a flight (no more than hour) and once you arrive at the airport take the next flight back to the city where you started, I would highly recommend it. What a thrill! I was very disappointed that I wouldn't be spending time with Dana, but I also didn't get to see Elvis while in Memphis!
Wednesday, January 3, 2007
Week with the 'Rents'
My parents spent Christmas and New Years with me in the south and what a week it was. We spent several days shopping for new furniture for my new house and moving the furniture that I have to another area of the house, most went upstairs to create a new living area in my bonus room. I even moved the TV and stereo upstairs to the bonus room and this is now my favorite room in the house! Yesterday, my La-Z-Boy recliner was delivered and this completed the bonus room. The rest of the furniture should be arriving by the end of the month.
During our shopping sprees, we found time to do some geocaching. We found 12 in total (14 attempts) near my home and there are still numerous more to find. The weather was nice for several days so we wanted to spend time outside and this was a perfect way to soak up the sunshine, get some exercise, and see parts of my city that I didn't know existed.
I have always enjoyed driving around and looking at Christmas lights in neighborhoods and towns. So one night we ventured out to look at the Christmas lights in the Nashville area. I think we saw 3 homes with lights! Guess putting lights on houses or trees are not that popular in the south.
And for those of you who really know us Reagans know we love to play games (board, card, etc.). We played Blink and Mad Gab several nights and laughed our heads off. Boy, are my parents competitive! We even made it to the movie theater and saw We Are Marshall. Excellent film and true story about the tragedy of the Marshall University football team and what happened to the town of Huntington, West Virginia. A must see movie.
I have learned a southern New Year's tradition. Eating black-eyed peas on New Year's Day is a southern tradition which is observed by many southerners. It's a tradition to eat black-eyed peas and turnip greens on New Year's Day. The peas represent copper and the greens are dollars. Southerners say each pea you eat equals one dollar's worth of earning, and each portion of turnip greens equals $1,000. This is to bring good luck and prosperity. I think it will just help clean out the digestive system! I didn't partake in this tradition this year, but I may have to next year. Some things will just take time getting used to.
My parents spent Christmas and New Years with me in the south and what a week it was. We spent several days shopping for new furniture for my new house and moving the furniture that I have to another area of the house, most went upstairs to create a new living area in my bonus room. I even moved the TV and stereo upstairs to the bonus room and this is now my favorite room in the house! Yesterday, my La-Z-Boy recliner was delivered and this completed the bonus room. The rest of the furniture should be arriving by the end of the month.
During our shopping sprees, we found time to do some geocaching. We found 12 in total (14 attempts) near my home and there are still numerous more to find. The weather was nice for several days so we wanted to spend time outside and this was a perfect way to soak up the sunshine, get some exercise, and see parts of my city that I didn't know existed.
I have always enjoyed driving around and looking at Christmas lights in neighborhoods and towns. So one night we ventured out to look at the Christmas lights in the Nashville area. I think we saw 3 homes with lights! Guess putting lights on houses or trees are not that popular in the south.
And for those of you who really know us Reagans know we love to play games (board, card, etc.). We played Blink and Mad Gab several nights and laughed our heads off. Boy, are my parents competitive! We even made it to the movie theater and saw We Are Marshall. Excellent film and true story about the tragedy of the Marshall University football team and what happened to the town of Huntington, West Virginia. A must see movie.
I have learned a southern New Year's tradition. Eating black-eyed peas on New Year's Day is a southern tradition which is observed by many southerners. It's a tradition to eat black-eyed peas and turnip greens on New Year's Day. The peas represent copper and the greens are dollars. Southerners say each pea you eat equals one dollar's worth of earning, and each portion of turnip greens equals $1,000. This is to bring good luck and prosperity. I think it will just help clean out the digestive system! I didn't partake in this tradition this year, but I may have to next year. Some things will just take time getting used to.
Monday, December 25, 2006
Friday, December 15, 2006
Let the Sun Shine In
While my brother and his family are dealing with the storm of the century in the Pacific Northwest, the weather here in middle Tennesse is picture perfect. It is strange that in December I am enjoying warm weather and sunshine and not dealing with snow or cold weather. I think I will enjoy my first Christmas in the south even if there isn't any snow!
While my brother and his family are dealing with the storm of the century in the Pacific Northwest, the weather here in middle Tennesse is picture perfect. It is strange that in December I am enjoying warm weather and sunshine and not dealing with snow or cold weather. I think I will enjoy my first Christmas in the south even if there isn't any snow!
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Company Christmas Party
I had my company Christmas party on Friday night. The theme was Casino Night and it was a blast. My company gave everyone $15,000 to gamble (of course, not real money!). The object was to win as much money as you could because at the end of the night you cash in your chips to purchase raffle tickets from your winnings. For every $5,000 you get 1 raffle ticket so even if you are not a gambler you already get 3 raffle tickets. The big prizes were raffled off at the end of the night and there was no limit to how many prizes you can win. Plus every 20 minutes during the evening door prizes were given away and no gift was under $100! At the end of the night I won $111,000 playing Black Jack - total $126,000 worth of raffle tickets (25 tickets). Up until the raffle ticket drawing I hadn't won anything so I was hoping to win one of the big prizes at the end of the night. I ended up winning an iPod with some accessories! I was so excited to win something because I never do and I won something I can use. I like this company.
I had my company Christmas party on Friday night. The theme was Casino Night and it was a blast. My company gave everyone $15,000 to gamble (of course, not real money!). The object was to win as much money as you could because at the end of the night you cash in your chips to purchase raffle tickets from your winnings. For every $5,000 you get 1 raffle ticket so even if you are not a gambler you already get 3 raffle tickets. The big prizes were raffled off at the end of the night and there was no limit to how many prizes you can win. Plus every 20 minutes during the evening door prizes were given away and no gift was under $100! At the end of the night I won $111,000 playing Black Jack - total $126,000 worth of raffle tickets (25 tickets). Up until the raffle ticket drawing I hadn't won anything so I was hoping to win one of the big prizes at the end of the night. I ended up winning an iPod with some accessories! I was so excited to win something because I never do and I won something I can use. I like this company.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Romeo Visit
I went back home to Romeo for Thanksgiving week. This was my first time being back home since I moved to Nashville 5 months ago. I didn't even get back home to pack up my condo!
I had a jam packed week, but it was fun. Although I already finished making all of my Christmas cards for this year, I needed some more. My Mom and some of her friends had already signed up to make some holiday cards so I joined them. We made some really nice cards and laughed a lot. I then spent several days visiting friends and shopping with Mom. A couple of my friends had babies since I had moved. Another friend was diagnosed with stage 4 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and is currently doing aggressive chemotherapy. It was so nice seeing her and spending a couple of days with her shopping, eating, playing PlayStation 2 and just laughing. We are planning a trip to San Antonio, Texas in January.
Thanksgiving Day was a bit different this year. My brother and his family went to Hawaii to watch their beloved Boilers take on the Warriors of the University of Hawaii. I, on the other hand, chose to go to a cold weather state and watch my Lions attempt to play football. The weather on Thanksgiving Day was beautiful (sunny and around 55 degrees) so Mom, Dad and I decided to go to America's Thanksgiving Parade in downtown Detroit and this year marked the 80th birthday of the parade. It is always so cold on Thanksgiving Day that we never go to the parade. We walked the parade route, stopping to view floats and bands. We also went to Campus Martius Park where the city erected the Christmas tree and what a beautiful tree it is. It came from the UP and is enormous. Then we headed to Ford Field. I chatted with our other season ticket friends and they filled me in on the season so far. The Lions started out hot on Thanksgiving Day, but then did nothing after the second quarter. By the fourth quarter the "Fire Millen" chants started and it wouldn't surprise me if the Lions fans held a second annual Fire Millen March. Although the Lions got beat and only showed up to play half a game, it is always a good time at Ford Field.
I went back home to Romeo for Thanksgiving week. This was my first time being back home since I moved to Nashville 5 months ago. I didn't even get back home to pack up my condo!
I had a jam packed week, but it was fun. Although I already finished making all of my Christmas cards for this year, I needed some more. My Mom and some of her friends had already signed up to make some holiday cards so I joined them. We made some really nice cards and laughed a lot. I then spent several days visiting friends and shopping with Mom. A couple of my friends had babies since I had moved. Another friend was diagnosed with stage 4 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and is currently doing aggressive chemotherapy. It was so nice seeing her and spending a couple of days with her shopping, eating, playing PlayStation 2 and just laughing. We are planning a trip to San Antonio, Texas in January.
Thanksgiving Day was a bit different this year. My brother and his family went to Hawaii to watch their beloved Boilers take on the Warriors of the University of Hawaii. I, on the other hand, chose to go to a cold weather state and watch my Lions attempt to play football. The weather on Thanksgiving Day was beautiful (sunny and around 55 degrees) so Mom, Dad and I decided to go to America's Thanksgiving Parade in downtown Detroit and this year marked the 80th birthday of the parade. It is always so cold on Thanksgiving Day that we never go to the parade. We walked the parade route, stopping to view floats and bands. We also went to Campus Martius Park where the city erected the Christmas tree and what a beautiful tree it is. It came from the UP and is enormous. Then we headed to Ford Field. I chatted with our other season ticket friends and they filled me in on the season so far. The Lions started out hot on Thanksgiving Day, but then did nothing after the second quarter. By the fourth quarter the "Fire Millen" chants started and it wouldn't surprise me if the Lions fans held a second annual Fire Millen March. Although the Lions got beat and only showed up to play half a game, it is always a good time at Ford Field.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Saturday, November 18, 2006
The Big Apple
I spent a few days last week in New York City. Yes, I actually got to go somewhere else besides Mexico! My company's headquarters is located in Manhattan in the Met Life Building at Grand Central Station. I stayed at a nice, but of course overpriced hotel in Times Square. I did all of the tourist sightseeing of famous NYC sites. Ground Zero was one of my visits and it was humbling. And to see so many people from all over the world there paying their respects was amazing. And to top it off I was greeted by a mouse at La Guardia airport!
I spent a few days last week in New York City. Yes, I actually got to go somewhere else besides Mexico! My company's headquarters is located in Manhattan in the Met Life Building at Grand Central Station. I stayed at a nice, but of course overpriced hotel in Times Square. I did all of the tourist sightseeing of famous NYC sites. Ground Zero was one of my visits and it was humbling. And to see so many people from all over the world there paying their respects was amazing. And to top it off I was greeted by a mouse at La Guardia airport!
Friday, November 3, 2006
WOW! It's Cold!
It was 28 degrees when I woke up this morning and it was chilly in my house. It took me a minute to reaelize where I was because it was so cold, I thought I was in Michigan! I should have turned on a little heat last night, but didn't realize it would be cold down here. I didn't expect it because it has been so nice here, plus I haven't watched the weather reports! The high today will be in the mid 50's, but we will be back in the mid 70's by Monday. At least the sun is still shining!
It was 28 degrees when I woke up this morning and it was chilly in my house. It took me a minute to reaelize where I was because it was so cold, I thought I was in Michigan! I should have turned on a little heat last night, but didn't realize it would be cold down here. I didn't expect it because it has been so nice here, plus I haven't watched the weather reports! The high today will be in the mid 50's, but we will be back in the mid 70's by Monday. At least the sun is still shining!
Saturday, October 14, 2006
WORLD SERIES BOUND! ROAR!!!
After sweeping the Oakland A's, the Tigers are heading to the World Series after a 22 year absence. And what a way for the Tigers to win the American League Championship with one of their famous walk-off homers. Way to go Maggs! I guess we should give the Yankees some credit; they did win one game against the Tigers!
And the question on everyone's mind in Detroit is "Who's Your Tiger?".
After sweeping the Oakland A's, the Tigers are heading to the World Series after a 22 year absence. And what a way for the Tigers to win the American League Championship with one of their famous walk-off homers. Way to go Maggs! I guess we should give the Yankees some credit; they did win one game against the Tigers!
And the question on everyone's mind in Detroit is "Who's Your Tiger?".
Saturday, October 7, 2006
WAY TO GO TIGERS!!!
The Yankees don't know what hit 'em! They're just lucky they didn't get swept! I miss being in Michigan and part of this excitement. Classy move by Leyland to let Bonderman try to finish pitching all nine innings. Detroit will be rocking tonight because "there ain't no party like a Detroit party because a Detroit party don't stop". Bring on Oakland!
The Yankees don't know what hit 'em! They're just lucky they didn't get swept! I miss being in Michigan and part of this excitement. Classy move by Leyland to let Bonderman try to finish pitching all nine innings. Detroit will be rocking tonight because "there ain't no party like a Detroit party because a Detroit party don't stop". Bring on Oakland!
Wednesday, October 4, 2006
What is the definition of the Fall Season in the South?
So, here it is October 4th and it is 91 degrees in Nashville. I can't help but wonder when fall will begin down here and what it will be like. Starting next week the temperature will drop into the low to mid 80's. Fall is my favorite season, but I don't think it will compare in color or weather to Michigan's fall season. I am not complaining that it is still beautiful weather here, but I need to get used to the idea that fall and winter will be so different for me. I have been ready to pull out my sweaters and sweatshirts for a month now!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM!!!
So, here it is October 4th and it is 91 degrees in Nashville. I can't help but wonder when fall will begin down here and what it will be like. Starting next week the temperature will drop into the low to mid 80's. Fall is my favorite season, but I don't think it will compare in color or weather to Michigan's fall season. I am not complaining that it is still beautiful weather here, but I need to get used to the idea that fall and winter will be so different for me. I have been ready to pull out my sweaters and sweatshirts for a month now!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM!!!
Friday, September 29, 2006
Cheesecake Factory
I broke tradition last night and left work at a reasonable hour to have dinner with some new friends I have made in Nashville. A group of 15 of us went to the Cheesecake Factory in Green Hills to celebrate one of our friend's birthday. This is the only Cheesecake Factory in Tennessee so it's always busy. The usual wait is between 45 minutes to 2 hours. What most people do is put in their name in as soon as they arrive to the restaurant, then they go shop at the mall or see a movie and when they arrive back to the restaurant, their table is ready. Some have really mastered the timing! It is definitely worth the wait. The owners are originally from Detroit, Michigan, and they owned a cheesecake shop there as well as catered to many upscale Detroit restaurants http://www.thecheesecakefactory.com/aboutus.htm. I have eaten there 4 times now and have always had a great meal. This is a must when parents come down for their next visit.
I broke tradition last night and left work at a reasonable hour to have dinner with some new friends I have made in Nashville. A group of 15 of us went to the Cheesecake Factory in Green Hills to celebrate one of our friend's birthday. This is the only Cheesecake Factory in Tennessee so it's always busy. The usual wait is between 45 minutes to 2 hours. What most people do is put in their name in as soon as they arrive to the restaurant, then they go shop at the mall or see a movie and when they arrive back to the restaurant, their table is ready. Some have really mastered the timing! It is definitely worth the wait. The owners are originally from Detroit, Michigan, and they owned a cheesecake shop there as well as catered to many upscale Detroit restaurants http://www.thecheesecakefactory.com/aboutus.htm. I have eaten there 4 times now and have always had a great meal. This is a must when parents come down for their next visit.
Monday, September 25, 2006
Fun Weekend in Nashville
After being in Mexico for a week on business, it was nice to come home and spend some of the weekend with my sister-in-law. Amy was in Nashville for a MOPS convention and we were able to get together for dinner on Friday night and hang out all day Sunday. We had a nice dinner at the Old Hickory Steakhouse which is located in the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. Sunday was fun showing her my new condo and some sights in Hermitage as well as Nashville. The next time she visits we will have more time to do more sightseeing.
After being in Mexico for a week on business, it was nice to come home and spend some of the weekend with my sister-in-law. Amy was in Nashville for a MOPS convention and we were able to get together for dinner on Friday night and hang out all day Sunday. We had a nice dinner at the Old Hickory Steakhouse which is located in the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. Sunday was fun showing her my new condo and some sights in Hermitage as well as Nashville. The next time she visits we will have more time to do more sightseeing.
Monday, September 11, 2006
Sunday, September 10, 2006
Thursday, September 7, 2006
Detroit Lions Assistant Coach arrested for nude, drunken driving
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060907/SPORTS01/609070331/1048/SPORTS
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060907/SPORTS01/609070331/1048/SPORTS
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