I’m about to go out of town, to Little Rock – my mother is having hip replacement surgery tomorrow. Ten years ago, hip replacement was a big deal, involving months of pain and rehab. Now, from what I’ve heard, it’s routine. People who have had it have told me they were walking without a cane or walker 3 weeks later, and were taking dance lessons 3 months later! So, barring any complications, I’ll be back in Memphis tomorrow night.
Wish I could spend more time in Little Rock, but this is a key week for my BNI networking group that meets on Thursday mornings. We’re officially launching the chapter, which means we’re electing officers and giving it a name. Last Thursday I got 3 referrals for people who needed credit card services, and that’s pretty typical. So I make it a point not to miss BNI unless it’s a dire emergency.
Saturday is the annual St. Peter’s Picnic in Midtown. I always have a great time at outdoor festivals, and the picnic is for a good cause. So I’ll be there most of the day.
Sunday, of course, is July 4. Being Sunday, I’ll probably start the day with a bottle of champagne at Sleep Out’s, and being July 4, I’ll probably end the day watching fireworks. The rooftop of my building, Number 10 Main, is a great vantage point. Last year there were over 100 residents and guests on the roof. I was lucky enough to be standing next to a family whose kids were seeing fireworks for the first time, and they were amazed.
And Monday is a huge day – Sun Studio’s Rock’n’Roll 50th Anniversary Party, outside Sun Studio, 706 Union. Monday is the 50th anniversary of Elvis’ recording of “That’s All Right Mama,” considered the first rock’n’roll record. So at 11 am the festival will kick off with radio stations all over the world playing the record, and then bands will be playing all day. I’ll be there through the entire thing, but in particular I’m there to see my friends in Turbo 350, who will be closing the show at 11 pm. Rumor has it that Justin Timberlake will be in attendance, which means absolutely nothing to me except that he will draw a huge crowd.
That’s about it – will be missing an Mpact event today that I really wish I could attend. Every month, Mpact hosts Leadership Luncheons with the CEOs of some of the city’s largest companies and nonprofits. Well, today the featured speaker will be Jerry West, NBA All-Star and General Manager of the Memphis Grizzlies.
Off to Little Rock. Will be back tomorrow night!