went to watch Chips Moman and Marty Lacker get their brass notes on the Beale Street Walk of Fame in front of Superior Bar. I wanted to see this because I have never seen this ceremony before and because Chips and Marty were both very important to Elvis. Chips was instrumental in Elvis’ American Studio sessions in 1969, which produced “Suspicious Minds” and “In the Ghetto.” Marty was a close friend of Elvis’. For more about this event, please read my article at http://www.examiner.com/cultural-events-in-memphis/chips-moman-and-marty-lacker-recognized-with-music-notes-on-beale-street  

I have had a great first week (well actually 9 days) in November. I have been busy, which is why I haven’t blogged daily about my activities. Ironic isn’t it? When you are not busy, you have all the time in the world to blog and not much to write about. But when you are busy, you have lots to write about but not enough time to blog. Such is life!

It was announced on November 1st that U2 will play in Baltimore and St Louis next summer. On November 3rd, I bought tickets for both those shows. On the 4th, I did about half of my Christmas shopping in Southaven. I go to Southaven, Mississippi to shop because the sales tax is less than it is in Memphis and it is only a 15 minute drive. November 4th was the 22nd anniversary of the release of U2’s Rattle and Hum. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOC2nib5zNs

Friday November 5th will hopefully be the start of a new chapter in my life – a working chapter. I had an interview at the Westin Hotel on Beale Street for Concierge. I will get paid to talk with people about Memphis! I met with both the Human Resources Manager and the Guest Services Manager. A few hours later they called me back to ask me to come in Monday to meet with the general manager. I also got a new phone on Friday – the iphone 4 with 32 gigs.

Saturday morning November 6th I wrote a review of Jerry Lee Lewis’ new cd Mean Old Man, which is supposed to be published in the December issue of the online magazine Twisted South. www.twistedsouth.com

Sunday November 7th I spent the day showing my parents’ friend Bud around Memphis. He was in town for business, but came in a day early to see Memphis. The top three places I tell everyone to visit while in Memphis are Graceland, Sun Studio and Beale Street, so that’s what we did.

We started with breakfast at the Arcade then onto Graceland. It was fun going with someone new and telling him what I know about Elvis and Graceland. In fact half way through the tour, Bud took off his headset to listen to my stories.

After Graceland, we went to Sun Studio. Jason Freeman, from Bluff City Backsliders, was our tour guide and he was fantastic! I love Sun almost as much as I love Graceland! It’s not only Elvis there, but it’s Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and U2.

After touring Sun, we went to Beale Street. I took Bud to Alfred’s because that is my favorite place to eat on Beale. We spent a few hours there at the bar talking with everyone and watching football.

Monday morning November 8th I found myself back at the Westin meeting with the general manager. Assuming my backround check and references go well, it looks like I will be a Concierge at the Westin hotel on Beale Street. I can’t believe I’ll be getting paid to talk with people about Memphis and Graceland and Sun Studio!

In the afternoon, I went to the Zoo for Payton the polar bear’s 7th birthday party (it was also my goddaughter Keira’s 4th birthday). I love polar bears. They like to live alone and love to eat. My kind of animal! It wasn’t really a party per se, but there was a polar bear talk and we got to watch Payton eat fish and a pumpkin and play with a big fake iceberg. It was great except for the 30 running, screaming, pushing, knee high kids that barged in. ugh! Please watch my video of Payton celebrating his birthday http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQcNVu4InyY

Last night I went to the Grizzlies – Suns game, which they won! And I got to see Grant Hill play, which was fun. This morning I had my orientation at the Westin. I am not sure when I will start, but it should be some time this week. So since tomorrow may be my last free day, I’m going to Harrah’s!