As Randy pointed out Sunday, it is about time for me to update my blog.
So, here goes. Since it is finally official that Coach Cal is leaving (in fact, has already left - on a charter plane no less) Memphis for the University of Kentucky - this would probably be a good time for me to post my list of things I love about Memphis.

This was written in response to a request for people to send in their list of 10 good things about Memphis from a local blog. (http://smartcitymemphis.blogspot.com)

And so on to my rather wordy response:

There are so many things already mentioned that I emphatically agree with…like the rich musical history and legacy we have, and the way the city can rally together and become one united in a purpose – from providing help for Hurricane Katrina victims to supporting the Memphis Tigers. I am not a native Memphian, but I am proud to call it home. And while I admit that there are times I get scared, angry, discouraged, critical and even embarrassed about what goes on in this city – it is still my home, it is where I voluntarily chose to move and to live, and therefore it is my duty (and right) to defend it and do what I can to make it a better place for all. So, for my list:

1) The sheer number of churches - there's something for everyone, regardless of who/what/why you choose to worship (or not worship). AND the open mindedness of most people, which makes this possible.

2) The Mississippi River in all its majesty. I'm lucky enough to see it almost every day because I work downtown, and it never ceases to take my breath away. Speaking of the river, the fireworks show on the 4th of July.

3) Trees, trees, trees, and more trees. In all seasons, they are beautiful, from first buds in spring to the starkness of the bare branches in winter. I'm excited now for all the green to start poking through - but I love being able to actually see all of the bird nests tucked away in the branches right now, before the leaves hide them.

4) The fact that you can get anywhere - be it Millington to Southaven, downtown to Collierville - in about thirty minutes. For that matter, the fact that you could actually hit three STATES in less than thirty minutes.

5) The Farmer's Markets - both the one downtown at the train station, and the one out east at the Agri-center.

6) All the open, green areas, right in the middle of urban development. Shelby Farms, Audubon Park, Overton Park, etc.

7) The fact that I-40 doesn't go straight through Memphis, but around - because of the zoo! (Some people might not think this is a good thing, but I do - the beauty of the zoo and the surrounding area more than makes up for the minor inconvenience of having to switch to 240 temporarily. I once heard that this is the only place in the nation where I-40 doesn’t go straight through. I don’t know if that is actually true or not, but I get a kick out of it anyway.)

8) The medical facilities, such as the Med, Baptist East, Le Bonheur, and St. Jude's. While I pray that neither my family or yours will ever need them - I'm thankful to know they are here and available for those inevitable times when we do.

9) The opportunity to further your education at any number of institutions, from Crichton to Southwest to Memphis to Rhodes.

10) Fed-Ex and AutoZone! Two world class organizations that make their home here, and do great things for the community.

And there you have it. I actually had several more on the list, but cut them off.

So, even on this sad, sad day**, I still love Memphis. I will still cheer for Memphis basketball (except against Southern Miss), even if they lose every game next year. I may or may not cheer for Kentucky, though - that will depend on how many recruits and current players Cal takes.

**sad, sad day only as it applies to basketball - lol - we'll all get over it. Ain't like nobody died, you know. Except maybe Chris' dreams for his 2009/2010 season ticket profits on eBay.