You're the only Ten-I-see

Guess what? I'm going to Nashville! Yup, the "You're the only Ten-I-see" state. The music capital of the country. I think most of you will be relieved to know that I'm going for work and not for music.

Last week, when a boring meeting I was in was coming to an end, my work cell phone rang. So, I answered it. No, it wasn't Ed McMahan. To my surprise it was my boss' boss, Lloyd Brown, the communication director for the entire state. I think I can count on one hand how many times someone from headquarters management has called me directly in the five years I've had my job. My first thought was, "oh no, what/where is the problem?" But, he was calling to invite me to go to Nashville for the annual National Transportation Public Affairs Workshop - a true privilege.

He explained that he was asking me to go because I was nominated for Communicator of the Year, an internal award. I didn't win, but since the winner wasn't able to go, he wanted to know if I would go in her place. Without my knowing it, fellow coworkers had nominated me for the award. It's nice to know that I have coworkers who like working with me and appreciate what I do. Talk about a huge compliment.

I accepted and now I'm going to Nashville August 2-6 with two other coworkers. Hello 87-degree-average weather. I'll be rubbing elbows with communication executives/professionals from around the country. I'm really looking forward to it. Plus, I've never been outside the airport in Nashville. I can't wait to see the music capital of the country.

Don't worry, I don't think I will even test the karaoke waters while I'm there. I think the last time someone complemented me for my singing was in 5th grade when I was the lead for one song in a school musical. I lipsynced through the whole thing.

The funny thing about this trip is that Abby is going to Nashville in March 2009 for a work conference as well. I'll probably take a few days off in 2009 and fly out and enjoy Nashville with her. I'll let her do the Karaoke.