1. I’m Seeing John Mayer!

I (finally) will cross this item off my bucket list: I get to see John Mayer live! Mayer announced dates for a 2019 solo tour, which includes a stop at Spectrum Center in Charlotte on August 9. I have always wanted to see him in concert but timing and/or finances tended to get in the way. The stars aligned just right for it to work out this go ’round and your boy is stoked to be there!

2. Pack Women’s Hoops is 21-0

The N.C. State Women’s Basketball team is a perfect 21-0 after defeating in-state rival Wake Forest on Thursday. The Pack is the only undefeated team left in D-I Basketball and has maintained its unblemished record through some adversity, including injury woes. Way to go, ladies!

3. N.C. State Swimming and Diving Continues to Shine

UPDATE: The NC State men’s squad defeated No. 15 Arizona and No. 2/reigning National Champion Texas. The women’s squad also defeated Arizona. Full recap here.

What can I say? The Wolfpack Swimming and Diving squad continues to dominate, posting convincing duel meet victories against UNC and Virginia in the past two weeks. I had the pleasure of attending both meets and watching some incredible performances! The Pack in Austin, Texas for a tri-meet with Texas and Arizona beginning this evening. I’ll definitely be supporting the team from afar and look forward to catching back up with the Pack soon!

P.S. Check out this photo I took of Wolfpack swimmer, Justin Ress (center), competing in an event at the meet vs. UNC.

4. Thank You, Pep

I knew this day would come, but it doesn’t make it any easier. Julius Peppers announced his retirement on Friday after 17 seasons in the NFL. The defensive end and future hall of famer was drafted second overall from UNC by the Carolina Panthers in 2002 and has spent most of his career in Charlotte, save for seven seasons with the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers.

Beyond his work on the field, Peppers is an incredible person off the field. He’s a 2018 Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee after partnering with several charities and establishing his own fund to help folks who were affected by Hurricane Florence. But Peppers didn’t just throw money at the situation, he traveled to the affected areas and helped in a tangible way, something that I will never forget. That’s how Peppers has always done things. He gives 150 percent both on and off the field. For that, I am forever grateful.

Thank you for everything, Pep! Enjoy your well deserved retirement.

5. #OscarsChallenge 2019

Well, folks, it’s that time of year again. The Academy Awards ate quickly approaching, which means I will be seeing each of this year’s nominees for Best Picture and writing reviews on them. I already got a head start on it as I’ve seen three of the eight. You can check out the first three reviews as well as the others when I post them, all in one convenient place. Enjoy!