...the month of March is finally over. For some reason it felt like this month lasted a year! Maybe it was because I was counting the days till Savannah & Tampa.
Good thing Las Vegas is just around the corner. My friends have booked a trip to Seattle in the fall, but due to other travel plans in November, I won't be able to make this trip. This makes me sad, but I know there will be lots of pictures, so I that way, I won't feel left out.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
7.15.11
That's when it all ends. No silly, not the end of the world. That's like December 2012, or something like that. Part 2 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows will be released that day.
I'm already thinking about when I will see it and if I will take the next morning off, if I go to the midnight show.
Yes, these are the important thoughts that roll through my head when it comes to blockbuster summer movies.
I'm also planning my wardrobe. I wonder if they'll let me in the theatre with my wand? Or would they consider that a weapon? And I wonder if my friend Dave, in NYC will take his stuffed Hedwig to the show. I have a feeling Anne will make him leave her at home.
There is so much stuff in Book 7, I don't know how it will translate to the big screen. I'm a snob when they turn my favorite books into movies. I know there's no way to capture every detail, but with Harry Potter, some of the smallest details are the most important. I think another trip to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be in order. Maybe I could swing one in early 2012, you know, before the world comes to a crashing end.
I'm already thinking about when I will see it and if I will take the next morning off, if I go to the midnight show.
Yes, these are the important thoughts that roll through my head when it comes to blockbuster summer movies.
I'm also planning my wardrobe. I wonder if they'll let me in the theatre with my wand? Or would they consider that a weapon? And I wonder if my friend Dave, in NYC will take his stuffed Hedwig to the show. I have a feeling Anne will make him leave her at home.
There is so much stuff in Book 7, I don't know how it will translate to the big screen. I'm a snob when they turn my favorite books into movies. I know there's no way to capture every detail, but with Harry Potter, some of the smallest details are the most important. I think another trip to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be in order. Maybe I could swing one in early 2012, you know, before the world comes to a crashing end.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
More time off...
My mom called me this morning to inform me that my step-dad has a conference to attend this summer in Gatlinburg. We already knew about it, and I planned on joining them, time permitting.
The dates have been set & the hotel is "pet friendly". You know what that means...Bristol Peyton gets to go on vacation too!
The conference is in June. It's actually the weekend before the NKOTBSB concert. I think I will have to take at least 1 day off to spend with Bristol. I wonder they would let him in the Pancake Pantry?
The dates have been set & the hotel is "pet friendly". You know what that means...Bristol Peyton gets to go on vacation too!
The conference is in June. It's actually the weekend before the NKOTBSB concert. I think I will have to take at least 1 day off to spend with Bristol. I wonder they would let him in the Pancake Pantry?
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
A few photos from Tampa
Billy Currington
The Zac Brown Band
"...it's my Dad, y'all..."
It's a bird, it's a plane...it's Kenny
"The Boys of Fall"
Kenny & ZBB
Live a Little
Vacation #2 is officially in the books and it was well worth the trip to Tampa.
Kenny Chesney kicked off his 2011 Goin' Coastal tour in Florida last week. West Palm Beach was the first stop, but Raymond James Stadium was the 1st of 11 stadium dates.
We missed Uncle Kracker, because I didn't think the concert would actually start at 4:30PM. Mom and I got to the stadium just in time to see Billy Currington take the stage. He put on a good show. But I felt bad it was so bloody hot!
Since I didn't know I missed Uncle Kracker, I was super stoked to see the Zac Brown Band take the stage after the break. They sound amazing live and I can't wait to see them in May at the Smokies Stadium.
Zac Brown's dad walked out on the stage toward the end of "Highway 20 Ride". It was a really sweet moment. You could tell his dad was really proud of him.
I have to be honest, I think I was more excited to see ZBB, but when the sun went down and the stadium went dark, I remembered why I flew down to Florida. Perched on a swing, Kenny appeared at the 50 yard line and zipped his way to the stage. I was worried because the sound was a bit muddled and hoped it they would fix it quickly. They did.
I've often read articles and seen interviews where Kenny talks about being a perfectionist. There were a few glitches in the show, but to me, it makes it more memorable. He's so funny when he goofs up or gets emotional.
He's still reminds me of Bristol Peyton. He never stops moving and had a smile on his face the entire night.
For 2+hours, I didn't have a care in the world. To me, it was a near perfect show. (For the record, I consider his Vegas show in 2010, perfect.) But you know what really put this show over the top? The encore-encore.
What's an "encore-encore"? It was when the Zac Brown Band walked out on the stage at the end of "She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy". I secretly hoped they would sing a few songs...I never thought they would sing SEVEN!
They started off with "Dixieland Delight" and I literally about lost it. Once I heard the opening notes, I started jumping up and down like a crazy person. I'm pretty sure I did the same thing when Kenny played the same song in Vegas last year.
After that, it was time for "Knee Deep" and "Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven". It was so funny because it seemed like Kenny was just chilling, playing second fiddle to ZBB.
The night could have gone on forever...the whole stadium was on pins and needles waiting to see what they would sing next. We didn't have to wait long..."Jumping Jack Flash" was next, followed by "Jambalaya (On the Bayou)." I couldn't think of the actual name of the song, so I had to text my buddy. The sad thing is, the first person I thought about was Les Miles. Talk about a mood killer!
"Dixie Chicken" and "Runnin' Down the Dream" closed out the show. After that set I made a promise to myself. When ever Kenny goes on tour, I plan to be at one of his shows. But I would love it if I didn't have to leave the state.
Kenny Chesney kicked off his 2011 Goin' Coastal tour in Florida last week. West Palm Beach was the first stop, but Raymond James Stadium was the 1st of 11 stadium dates.
We missed Uncle Kracker, because I didn't think the concert would actually start at 4:30PM. Mom and I got to the stadium just in time to see Billy Currington take the stage. He put on a good show. But I felt bad it was so bloody hot!
Since I didn't know I missed Uncle Kracker, I was super stoked to see the Zac Brown Band take the stage after the break. They sound amazing live and I can't wait to see them in May at the Smokies Stadium.
Zac Brown's dad walked out on the stage toward the end of "Highway 20 Ride". It was a really sweet moment. You could tell his dad was really proud of him.
I have to be honest, I think I was more excited to see ZBB, but when the sun went down and the stadium went dark, I remembered why I flew down to Florida. Perched on a swing, Kenny appeared at the 50 yard line and zipped his way to the stage. I was worried because the sound was a bit muddled and hoped it they would fix it quickly. They did.
I've often read articles and seen interviews where Kenny talks about being a perfectionist. There were a few glitches in the show, but to me, it makes it more memorable. He's so funny when he goofs up or gets emotional.
He's still reminds me of Bristol Peyton. He never stops moving and had a smile on his face the entire night.
For 2+hours, I didn't have a care in the world. To me, it was a near perfect show. (For the record, I consider his Vegas show in 2010, perfect.) But you know what really put this show over the top? The encore-encore.
What's an "encore-encore"? It was when the Zac Brown Band walked out on the stage at the end of "She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy". I secretly hoped they would sing a few songs...I never thought they would sing SEVEN!
They started off with "Dixieland Delight" and I literally about lost it. Once I heard the opening notes, I started jumping up and down like a crazy person. I'm pretty sure I did the same thing when Kenny played the same song in Vegas last year.
After that, it was time for "Knee Deep" and "Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven". It was so funny because it seemed like Kenny was just chilling, playing second fiddle to ZBB.
The night could have gone on forever...the whole stadium was on pins and needles waiting to see what they would sing next. We didn't have to wait long..."Jumping Jack Flash" was next, followed by "Jambalaya (On the Bayou)." I couldn't think of the actual name of the song, so I had to text my buddy. The sad thing is, the first person I thought about was Les Miles. Talk about a mood killer!
"Dixie Chicken" and "Runnin' Down the Dream" closed out the show. After that set I made a promise to myself. When ever Kenny goes on tour, I plan to be at one of his shows. But I would love it if I didn't have to leave the state.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Will we turn the Bruce loose?
It would appear that the Bruce Pearl era is about to end in Knoxville. This makes me sad. Bruce Pearl has done a lot to build our basketball program and put it back in the national spotlight. Face it, football will always be king on Rocky Top and there's no one better than Coach Pat Summitt on the ladies side. Coach Pearl knew he would be third on the totem pole.
I'm going to be honest, there were times when I didn't give a flip out the men's team. Heck, when I was in school, no one cared about the men's teams. We could roll up just a few minutes before tip-off and we'd have our pick of seats.
Like all cycles, our football program began to falter and the next thing you know, we have a Big Orange spark plug, named Bruce Pearl. One of our part-timers at work was still a student when Pearl came on board. He said before one of our big SEC home games, Bruce went around the cafeteria, shaking hands and asking the students to come out and support the team. I thought that was cool and will always stick with me.
Another thing I'll never forget is the look on his face after last season's loss to Michigan State in the Elite 8. I hurt for him and the team. I thought this was our year...then the wheels fell off. We lost our leaders on the court and our leader on the sidelines.
The NCAA violations still bother me, so I won't dwell, but a part of me always hoped we could get past this and keep him on board. But as the months grew longer and more information became known, I knew we'd lose Bruce. I'm disappointed in his lies. I know he knows right from wrong. Why pick the wrong path? There are no secrets in high profile programs, or any program, for that matter.
But, the thing that bugs me the most is our AD giving an interview 48 hours before game, basically telling the world Bruce is done. Timing is everything, why do it now? In years past, our team might have rallied around our coach and played that much harder. To be honest, I don't know if these guys have it in them. I know they're just kids, but they're soft. No one wants to step up to be the leader. You can't have a successful team without a leader.
I'll still wear my orange tomorrow and I'll still be a Vol for life. Just wish I could have said the same about Bruce.
I'm going to be honest, there were times when I didn't give a flip out the men's team. Heck, when I was in school, no one cared about the men's teams. We could roll up just a few minutes before tip-off and we'd have our pick of seats.
Like all cycles, our football program began to falter and the next thing you know, we have a Big Orange spark plug, named Bruce Pearl. One of our part-timers at work was still a student when Pearl came on board. He said before one of our big SEC home games, Bruce went around the cafeteria, shaking hands and asking the students to come out and support the team. I thought that was cool and will always stick with me.
Another thing I'll never forget is the look on his face after last season's loss to Michigan State in the Elite 8. I hurt for him and the team. I thought this was our year...then the wheels fell off. We lost our leaders on the court and our leader on the sidelines.
The NCAA violations still bother me, so I won't dwell, but a part of me always hoped we could get past this and keep him on board. But as the months grew longer and more information became known, I knew we'd lose Bruce. I'm disappointed in his lies. I know he knows right from wrong. Why pick the wrong path? There are no secrets in high profile programs, or any program, for that matter.
But, the thing that bugs me the most is our AD giving an interview 48 hours before game, basically telling the world Bruce is done. Timing is everything, why do it now? In years past, our team might have rallied around our coach and played that much harder. To be honest, I don't know if these guys have it in them. I know they're just kids, but they're soft. No one wants to step up to be the leader. You can't have a successful team without a leader.
I'll still wear my orange tomorrow and I'll still be a Vol for life. Just wish I could have said the same about Bruce.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Concert Fever
Every few years I go through these concert waves. Last year was the summer of travel. This year is shaping up to be the spring/summer of music.
This time next week, I'll be in Raymond James Stadium at the Kenny Chesney show. I've seen him ever summer since 2008. This will make the 6th overall show, but for the 3rd time, I have to travel out of state to see him.
This is suppose to be one of his biggest summer tours, so I don't understand why there isn't a Tennessee stop. He normally plays Nashville around the 4th of July, but U2 already has a show lined up.
A little birdie told me that the reason Kenny doesn't play Knoxville is because you can't see beer at Thompson-Boling Arena. But for someone who claims to love and cherish his hometown, you think he'd find a way to get back where he came from.
Next month Dierks Bentley will be playing the Valarium. For starters Dierks puts on one heck of a show and the Valarium is an awesome place to see a concert. My only concern, it's on a weeknight. Might have to sip on the beer, instead of chugging it. But there's plenty of time to come up with a drinking game plan.
The already posted Jimmy Buffett show is scheduled for May and the concert I've been waiting years to see...June gives me the New Kids on the Block and the Backstreet Boys on the same stage. I'm very interested to see what the crowd will look like for this one. Will it be full of teeny boppers? Of full of people my age who will bring their kids? The people watching for this one will be epic.
This time next week, I'll be in Raymond James Stadium at the Kenny Chesney show. I've seen him ever summer since 2008. This will make the 6th overall show, but for the 3rd time, I have to travel out of state to see him.
This is suppose to be one of his biggest summer tours, so I don't understand why there isn't a Tennessee stop. He normally plays Nashville around the 4th of July, but U2 already has a show lined up.
A little birdie told me that the reason Kenny doesn't play Knoxville is because you can't see beer at Thompson-Boling Arena. But for someone who claims to love and cherish his hometown, you think he'd find a way to get back where he came from.
Next month Dierks Bentley will be playing the Valarium. For starters Dierks puts on one heck of a show and the Valarium is an awesome place to see a concert. My only concern, it's on a weeknight. Might have to sip on the beer, instead of chugging it. But there's plenty of time to come up with a drinking game plan.
The already posted Jimmy Buffett show is scheduled for May and the concert I've been waiting years to see...June gives me the New Kids on the Block and the Backstreet Boys on the same stage. I'm very interested to see what the crowd will look like for this one. Will it be full of teeny boppers? Of full of people my age who will bring their kids? The people watching for this one will be epic.
Fins Up
After years of talking about it, I finally caved and bought tickets for a Jimmy Buffett concert.
The first time, I was in 7th or 8th grade and had really good seats. I think we were less than 10 rows from the stage. I don't remember much, but I remember he put on one heck of a show.
I saw him for a second time when I was in college. I don't remember what year. I'm thinking it was 98 or 99. And I'm pretty sure Victor Ashe was still the mayor, because I think we saw him leaving Charlie Pepper's when we entered. Weird what I comes to mind when I try to recall past events.
The older I get, the more I long to live the Parrothead life. Although, some would argue I already do. I've always said I wanted to see Buffett one more time, before he decides to hang it up. I tried to get tickets for his Nashville show last year, but it sold out in like 30 minutes. It ended up being a blessing I didn't go home. That was the same night the rain started and the next thing we all knew, Nashville was underwater.
This year, I decided to buy tickets about 5 minutes they went on sale. As far as I know, tickets are still available, but I wasn't going to miss out again. I was afraid that he'd hang up the flip flops after that tumble he took in Australia a few months ago.
The first time, I was in 7th or 8th grade and had really good seats. I think we were less than 10 rows from the stage. I don't remember much, but I remember he put on one heck of a show.
I saw him for a second time when I was in college. I don't remember what year. I'm thinking it was 98 or 99. And I'm pretty sure Victor Ashe was still the mayor, because I think we saw him leaving Charlie Pepper's when we entered. Weird what I comes to mind when I try to recall past events.
The older I get, the more I long to live the Parrothead life. Although, some would argue I already do. I've always said I wanted to see Buffett one more time, before he decides to hang it up. I tried to get tickets for his Nashville show last year, but it sold out in like 30 minutes. It ended up being a blessing I didn't go home. That was the same night the rain started and the next thing we all knew, Nashville was underwater.
This year, I decided to buy tickets about 5 minutes they went on sale. As far as I know, tickets are still available, but I wasn't going to miss out again. I was afraid that he'd hang up the flip flops after that tumble he took in Australia a few months ago.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Fork In The Garbage Disposal
Who knew this dance had a name? Thanks to Adaya & Allyson for introducing us to this hidden treasure!
Laissez les bons temps rouler...
That's right...it's Mardi Gras. Which means tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent. This is when the Catholic in me comes out to play.
I can only speak for my fellow Catholic's on this, but starting tomorrow, we can't have meat on Friday's and and typically abstain from something for the next 40 days. I wanted to give up Coca-Cola, but I didn't have enough prep time. That's what I'll give up next year.
I have decided to give up the unthinkable, bacon!!
Did I mention I have 2 trips to take during Lent? Being in Vegas during this time is always the most difficult. Guess I'll have to go with the lobster tail or crab legs over the prime rib.
I can only speak for my fellow Catholic's on this, but starting tomorrow, we can't have meat on Friday's and and typically abstain from something for the next 40 days. I wanted to give up Coca-Cola, but I didn't have enough prep time. That's what I'll give up next year.
I have decided to give up the unthinkable, bacon!!
Did I mention I have 2 trips to take during Lent? Being in Vegas during this time is always the most difficult. Guess I'll have to go with the lobster tail or crab legs over the prime rib.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Where should I stop next?
As seen outside A-J's Dockside Restaurant on Tybee Island. So many wonderful destinations to pick from...how do I decide?
Sunday, March 6, 2011
I want one!
As seen on Tybee Island for Mardi Gras parade. I want a mini pet goat! If I bring it to Neyland Stadium, dressed in orange & white, I wonder if it would have the reverse Cubs/billy goat jinx?
Road Trip
And just like that, it's officially "vacation" season. Jessica & I loaded up the car to meet up with our friends Allyson & Adaya in Savannah, GA. This little trip couldn't have come at a better time. It was nice to chill with good friends and get a way from the grind, even if it was just for a weekend.
We weren't able to squeeze in a stop at Paula Deen's, The Lady and Son's, but that's OK, we found another place to start our eating adventure. We found our way to the Crystal Beer Parlor for lunch & any place with a "Sweet-tini" is a winner in my book. I normally don't drink a lot of martini's, but who could pass that up? It was delish, by the way.
We hit up the Olde Pink House for dinner before our midnight zombie tour. Once I saw "bacon whipped mashed potatoes", I was sold. Our meals were wonderful and the setting was beautiful, but we were seated near a very large, very loud & drunk group. Did I mention they were much older than us? But, at least it wasn't us acting a fool!
After dinner, we made a quick pit stop at the hotel to fill up our Tervis tumblers with a little Firefly & lemonade before our midnight zombie tour. The tour was interesting, but it could have been a touch spookier. I thought we'd actually be going into old buildings and stuff like that. I did not pee my pants out of fear. I had to potty mid way thru, but I don't do porta-potties, so I had to wait till the end. I didn't catch any crazy goblins on film, but there were a lot of orbs in my photos. Maybe it was the flash reflecting off the windows...or maybe the spirits were trying to send me a message. Either way, it was fun.
By Saturday, we were ready to hit up Tybee Island. We hiked up 178 steps to the top of the lighthouse and the view was well worth it. I totally forgot it was Mardi Gras weekend and little did we know, a parade was about to start near the lighthouse when we tried to leave.
The guy in charge had no idea what was going on, or how to direct us to our next lunch spot. This was a total, "WWDDD?" moment. Meaning, "What would Diamond Dave Do?". Simple, if Diamond Dave were with us, he'd have us at the front, leading the way & he'd be the Grand Marshall riding on the back of the car. He would also have the spectators throwing beads at him, while passing him drinks.
Sadly, since we didn't have Diamond Dave, we had to find our own way out. But we did find our way to AJ's Dockside. Yet another good & relaxing meal. The sun even made an appearance for a bit. And any place that serves homemade key lime pie is a winner in my book.
After lunch we headed to the beach. It was still a little chilly, so my toes did not touch the water, but I did wiggle them in the sand for few minutes. The highlight of my afternoon would have to be the mini-goat that was dressed for Mardi Gras. It was so cute!! It had a little green skirt & feather boa. I want a mini-goat, now.
Jessica & I stopped for a little pick-me up once we got back to Savannah. We hit up Lulu's. She got her coffee & I found the most delicious thing I've ever tasted in a glass. A key lime martini. I could drink one of those bad boys all day long.
Before we knew it, it was time for another meal. B. Mattew's did not disappoint! I had the bacon & bleu cheese pasta salad to go with my chicken salad pita. Now why haven't I put bacon & bleu cheese in a pasta salad before? Pure genius if you ask me!!
How did we end our worldwind weekend in Savannah? By going to Club 51. It was actually across the street from Paula Deen's. I wonder if Paula hits the dance floor too?
Let's just say what I saw in there was not what I expected. There were 3 levels of dance floors, but each had full length wall mirrors. The people watching was well worth the cover price. I still can't figure out if those were locals or visitors? Either way, we didn't last long there.
And that in a nutshell was Savannah...photos will follow.
We weren't able to squeeze in a stop at Paula Deen's, The Lady and Son's, but that's OK, we found another place to start our eating adventure. We found our way to the Crystal Beer Parlor for lunch & any place with a "Sweet-tini" is a winner in my book. I normally don't drink a lot of martini's, but who could pass that up? It was delish, by the way.
We hit up the Olde Pink House for dinner before our midnight zombie tour. Once I saw "bacon whipped mashed potatoes", I was sold. Our meals were wonderful and the setting was beautiful, but we were seated near a very large, very loud & drunk group. Did I mention they were much older than us? But, at least it wasn't us acting a fool!
After dinner, we made a quick pit stop at the hotel to fill up our Tervis tumblers with a little Firefly & lemonade before our midnight zombie tour. The tour was interesting, but it could have been a touch spookier. I thought we'd actually be going into old buildings and stuff like that. I did not pee my pants out of fear. I had to potty mid way thru, but I don't do porta-potties, so I had to wait till the end. I didn't catch any crazy goblins on film, but there were a lot of orbs in my photos. Maybe it was the flash reflecting off the windows...or maybe the spirits were trying to send me a message. Either way, it was fun.
By Saturday, we were ready to hit up Tybee Island. We hiked up 178 steps to the top of the lighthouse and the view was well worth it. I totally forgot it was Mardi Gras weekend and little did we know, a parade was about to start near the lighthouse when we tried to leave.
The guy in charge had no idea what was going on, or how to direct us to our next lunch spot. This was a total, "WWDDD?" moment. Meaning, "What would Diamond Dave Do?". Simple, if Diamond Dave were with us, he'd have us at the front, leading the way & he'd be the Grand Marshall riding on the back of the car. He would also have the spectators throwing beads at him, while passing him drinks.
Sadly, since we didn't have Diamond Dave, we had to find our own way out. But we did find our way to AJ's Dockside. Yet another good & relaxing meal. The sun even made an appearance for a bit. And any place that serves homemade key lime pie is a winner in my book.
After lunch we headed to the beach. It was still a little chilly, so my toes did not touch the water, but I did wiggle them in the sand for few minutes. The highlight of my afternoon would have to be the mini-goat that was dressed for Mardi Gras. It was so cute!! It had a little green skirt & feather boa. I want a mini-goat, now.
Jessica & I stopped for a little pick-me up once we got back to Savannah. We hit up Lulu's. She got her coffee & I found the most delicious thing I've ever tasted in a glass. A key lime martini. I could drink one of those bad boys all day long.
Before we knew it, it was time for another meal. B. Mattew's did not disappoint! I had the bacon & bleu cheese pasta salad to go with my chicken salad pita. Now why haven't I put bacon & bleu cheese in a pasta salad before? Pure genius if you ask me!!
How did we end our worldwind weekend in Savannah? By going to Club 51. It was actually across the street from Paula Deen's. I wonder if Paula hits the dance floor too?
Let's just say what I saw in there was not what I expected. There were 3 levels of dance floors, but each had full length wall mirrors. The people watching was well worth the cover price. I still can't figure out if those were locals or visitors? Either way, we didn't last long there.
And that in a nutshell was Savannah...photos will follow.
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