Somewhere between boots and saddles, briefcases and taxis…

Am I confused and somewhat crazy? Thank yous from the road.

The only way somewhere between boots and saddles, briefcases and taxis is a fun and enjoyable adventure is because of the efforts and kindness of people I find along way. Throughout my journeys, I am always meeting people, and when they ask me about where I have been, I feel like singing Hank Snow’s “I’ve Been Everywhere!” But since my singing is lacking at best, I refrain!

I get this feeling that when I come wandering into wherever I’m going on any given day and I meet a new person… the first impression I give is that I am a confused and somewhat crazy individual who doesn’t know if he is coming or going. Often times I will pull out my card and say “—follow the adventures at somewhere between boot and saddles, briefcases and taxis.”

I’m pretty sure these people think I am joking… so it’s with that in mind, I want to say “thank you” to some real good people I have met along the way and officially recognize them!

First, the Billings, Montana Dillard’s hair salon staff. I came in without an appointment and needed quick haircut. You all got me in fast and did good work! You asked me my mailing address and didn’t believe me when I gave you a DC address! We all had a good laugh, and I promised you I would say something about the episode. Well–here it is, and thank you!

Next, I will never be able to thank all of the great people at Texas A & M that made my first Aggie football game the most incredible experience! Oct. 9th found me with former A & M football players Robert Crouch, Randall Wiley, Tom Bevins and others at the retirement celebration for longtime A&M trainer and manager Billy Pickard. He was a part of the A&M program for over 50 years, dating back to the legendary days of coach Bear Bryant. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Pickard, and it was an honor to shake his hand. I also met Andrea Dry and Lydia Dubuisson. Both are involved in the A&M football. Andrea is the Director of Communications for the 12th Man Kick Off Team Foundation-—which does some really cool things–check them out at: www.12thMKOT.com. Lydia is known as the first female to letter in A&M football as a manager.

Saturday October 10th was game day! A special thanks to Texas A&M Letterman’s Club Director Cathy Capps and the folks that made Robert Crouch and me honorary game captains! Our title gave us access to the field as we escorted former players that were known as the legendary Junction Boys. It was truly an honor and an experience I will never forget!  Check out the pictures from the game on my October 11 post.

I also had the opportunity to hang out in the TAMU Ag Department box. Robert Crouch and Dr. Bowman played a special role in making that happen, and I thank them.  The list of thank yous could continue for another page, but I just have to say it was amazing to experience what it’s like to be a part of the Aggie family!  Many thanks to all the good folks that truly rolled out the maroon carpet to me in Aggieland!

Two more thank yous are in order. On Monday October 12th, I finished up a long day of work and meetings in Dallas. My colleague Robert Crouch had a discount for a massage at Massage Envy.  You might imagine that after 1000s of miles on the road and in the air, my body is bent in more directions than a pretzel. I walked in there, and it was a similar situation to the Dillard’s hair cuttery story… the staff thought I was crazy after I told them about my travel schedule and what was going on. Nonetheless we had some good laughs, and Tracey DeLitta Tousley did some impressive work in trying to line out my back, neck, head, etc. The treatment helped stop my headaches and fired me up for the busy week ahead.

Last but not least… on Tuesday, October 13th, I had to get a rental car to drive from Dallas to San Antonio. Well the rain in Dallas created a shortage of cars, and I was almost stuck in bind. Fortunately Megan at Enterprise pulled some strings and lined me up with a car, and I was able to make my way to San Antonio!

To everyone that keeps making Somewhere Between Boots and Saddles, Briefcases and Taxis possible… thank you!

Tags: 12th Man Foundation, Andrea Dry, Bear Bryant, Billy Pickard, Cathy Capps, Dillard's, Enterprise Rent A Car, Lydia Dubuisson, Massage Envy, Randall Wiley, Robert Crouch, Texas A&M, Tom Bevins, Tracey DeLitta Tousley