I Finally Get to Go Home and Hello Hilarie Burton

First off, I only back winners. We know that, right? I found One Tree Hill a little over a year ago, it inspired me, I started the One Tree Hill Podcast and the rest, as they say, is history. Then a few weeks ago I started following the Southern Gothic Productions blog and we all know THEY are winners. Enough said on that.

But now some of you have also heard about my Western Carolina women's basketball team - yes they are winners too. The Lady Catamounts are 2009 Southern Conference Tournament Champions - again WINNERS!!!

Winning takes a lot of work but has its rewards as well. My reward? Well, besides working for winners. I got to go home this weekend. Home, that means to me, where I grew up. Home to my parents house to see my mom, my dad, my sister, my bro-in-law and my niece.

College athletics is a hectic crazy business and you sometimes find yourself working 20 or more days in a row. I hadn't been home in three months and that is saying something since I only live about two hours away.

So, this weekend I am enjoying dinner out with family and friends, lazy Saturday afternoon watching SEC Men's College Basketball Tournament and going shopping for a new outfit for NCAA Tournament next weekend and a trip to Best Buy.

It is like I am living three lives, really. My family life, my life with my job in college athletics, and the life I lead with my One Tree Hill Podcast and the people I know there.

I have a quick story before I close. Amy from One Tree Hill Blog texted me Thursday evening and shared a story with me. She is in Wilmington, N.C. this weekend watching filming and got to meet and get her picture taken with Hilarie Burton.

She then informed me she named dropped me. Amy said "oh, Hilarie "Podcaster Denise" wanted me to say hello to you. At first I called Amy a liar and then told her to shut-up when she told me Hilarie's response but now I guess I believe her. She said Hilarie's eyes lit up and she got all excited and said "please tell Denise I said hello."

That is pretty cool I guess. Thanks Hilarie. You are the best. Can't wait to get you on the One Tree Hill Podcast - now THAT should be fun and interesting. Because as you know, again, I only back winners. And Hilarie, you are made of win.