Just another day at Bristol Motor Speedway

It's that time of year again, time for a little NASCAR racing in Thunder Valley. My Mom and I have season tickets to Bristol Motor Speedway and we even named our Beagle after the track. But over the last few years, the racing has not been the same. I know the point of racing is not to wreck everyone on the track, but there was something special about the beating and banging that went on during a Bristol race.

We skipped last year's Spring race to attend a Kenny Chesney concert in Tampa. I've often wondered when the races would start messing up my other travel plans. So, I guess my love for Kenny is greater than my love for Dale Earnhardt Jr.

But this year, we decided to hit up the Spring race. And boy and I glad we did...I finally got the chance to see Junior in the flesh! My mom & step-dad met him a few years ago at a National Guard event in Nashville. My step-dad's actually met Jr twice.

Both my mom & step-dad are retired from the National Guard, but still work at the armory in Nashville, on the state side of things. My step-brother still works for the Guard as well.  Needless to say when Jr moved to HMS a few years ago and the National Guard became a co-primary sponsor, things got interesting. Jr's the perfect face for the National Guard. I

Back to me and Junior...we got a call early Sunday morning....about 7:30AM or so. One of the guys my parents use to work with had extra VIP passes to meet Junior. We had no idea what else was going on, we just had to be at the track by 9:00AM. It was raining and we had just passed the Greenville sign when we had to hammer down and get up there. Good thing race traffic did not exist. We parked and ran (yes, I RAN) to Hospitality Village. Next thing I knew, we had lanyards around our necks and we were walking toward the National Guard hauler. Mom and I were handed die cast race cars and Jr was going to sign them  at 10:30AM.

Uh, what? I thought it was going to be one of those talking appearances, you know, where the driver just stands on the stage and just talks to the crowd. Yeah, this is when I thought I was going to pass out and the fact that I didn't have on any make-up really hit home.

It was still raining, I was hot from running and I didn't even have a tan to cover my lack of made up face. What a way for me to finally see Jr face to face...sans make-up. Great!

Long story short, about 20-25 of us were ushered in the hauler once Jr arrived. He was very polite and posed for photos even though we told not to ask for them, as they were pressed for time. Not wanting to screw things up, I had my car signed wished him well, thanked him and hurried down the steps. Then I got yelled at because I went to fast, so I got called back to take a photo with him. I wanted to crawl under the hauler and hide, but he thought it was funny. After everyone when through one of the guys asked my mom if she got a photo with her camera. She said no, so they ordered be back in there. You'd think I'd be giddy, but I was mortified. I didn't want him to be late to the drivers meeting, but again, he was very gracious and humble. He even "ma'am-ed" me. Now that's the only think I'm going to remember, Dale Earnhardt Jr "ma'am-ed" me!!

NASCAR's most popular driver

Skulls, skulls and more skulls...

Who doesn't love a good skull every now and then. Did you know that June 4th is Skull Appreciation Day? I found that out last year. I'll be in Hawaii this year, but I already have an outfit planned to celebrate. My mom is making me a blue skull sundress. I wanted pink, but they didn't have that fabric in stock.

Back to the point, my friend, who I'll call iLRokery finally brought in the extra Knoxville postcards I asked for. I asked him to sign the back for one of my friends. He decided to one up the signed copy he originally gave me. In his words, this skull was 1000x better than mine. The Jerk was right, so I took my copy and a few from my co-workers to make up do more. 

I thought he would complain. I may have abused our friendship in the past and may or may not have asked him to draw things on demand, but he's always come though for me. 

I put little Post-Its on the cards to give him a little direction, but the rest was all him. He keeps saying that he doesn't want to top the one prior, but he keeps raising the bar. He's also told my team that he's going to dumb mine down. He better not, If he knew what was good for him, he'd make mine the best of the rest -- haha...

I may be biased because he's a friend, but I really think he's got some talent. The t-shirts he ordered with the same Knoxville skyline are almost sold out. I've asked him to draw a unicorn with a rainbow for a t-shirt, but the idea keeps getting shot down. I told him I want a hot pink shirt of some sort before he packs it up.

I don't know if he's updated his website, but there are several pretty cool pieces up that don't involve skulls: iLRokery.

the skull that started it all

I asked for this one to be girlie

Mictlantecuhtli

Yes, I requested a Yoda Skull & a unicorn

The print

Mountain Adventures

Our Smoky Mountain adventures consisted of outdoor adventures on Saturday. Thankfully, we had beautiful weather. After a quick breakfast in the cabin, hats off to Chef's Allyson & Jessica, we headed to Laurel Falls for a quick hike. Yes, I really hiked. Good thing it wasn't too hot, so I didn't get all sweaty.

I have to be honest, all I could think about was zip lining. I've wanted to do that forever! I got a little worried when our first zip lining choice was already full on Friday, but I'm glad things worked out the way they did. We ended up booking with Foxfire Mountain and I'm already thinking about my return visit.

The people there were so friendly and down to earth. I loved our guides, although I can only remember Tim's name. Maybe because he was the one hooking us up to the line, I had to trust him. But "College Dude" who gave all the instructions was awesome and "Trainee" was just as cool.

Things did not start off too well for me, as I fell before we even to the first practice line. I fell on one of those little bridge thingys. I still have no idea how that happened, but what ever, someone had to do something stupid, so it might as well have been me.

Once I got hooked up to the lines, I didn't want to stop. I tried to "Superman", but it didn't work out to well, you end up on your back and have to get all twisted back in the right spot. I kept worrying that I wouldn't get turned around fast enough and slam myself into a tree.

Foxfire is home to the longest, 1500 feet and highest, 600 foot line in East Tennessee. Trainee wouldn't let me to tricks on that one, but told me I could on the last line. Just to be on the safe side, Tim had me tuck into a ball and give me a shove...so I wouldn't get stuck on the line. By the time we got to the last line, it was hard to believe almost 2 hours had passed. Jessica took off first and tried the "helicopter". I wanted to try something different, so Tim suggested I hang upside down. Sold! 

And now...time for the picture show....

I dropped my water bottle in mountain water

How pretty

View from above

God's Country

Dear Trainee, please buckle me up good

Let's get this show on the road

Easy peasy

The calm before the storm

The 1st platform, no biggie

Yes, I'm going backward to see the waterfall

weeeeeeee.......

1500 feet, longest line in East Tennessee, I needed a little help

Stupid bridge, at least I didn't fall on this one

Forget Superman, I'm Batman

Corn from a jar...

What a way to kick off the 2012 vacation season...Allyson and Adaya made their way up from Orlando to join Jessica and I in Gatlinburg for the weekend. Who knew taking 2 days off from work would feel so good. 

Last year the four of us went down to Savannah, so I wondered how much this trip would feel like a "vacation". Let me tell you, it did not disappoint. We rented a cute little cabin and had one heck of a relaxing, yet wacky time.

Allyson and Adaya flew in Thursday afternoon. Their flight was delayed by a few minutes. We're pretty sure it had something to do with that silly solar flare. Kidding....but once I scooped them up for the airport, we headed over to Jessica's to load up the car and grab some lunch before we began our adventure.

After we unloaded our car full of stuff at the cabin, we headed back down the mountain for a little tourist shopping. Before I forget, I must give Jessica kudos for navigating those tricky mountain roads.

Ole Smoky Mountain Moonshine Distillery was our first stop. They have moonshine tasting. I wasn't a fan of the pre-made Apple Pie Moonshine. I like Jason's Apple Jack better. I think the dude behind the counter was getting mad because I kept calling it Apple Jack. I hear there's a strawberry shine coming out soon. I love strawberries...this could get interesting.

After the shine tasting and shopping, we walked to the next shop, Bootleggers Homemade Wine. They were playing Kenny Chesney's "Back Where I Come From" on repeat. It was a sign. I'm not a big wine drinker, but the ones they had to offer were pretty good. We ended up with a bottle of blackberry wine. I also ended up with an orange and white shirt that said "High Class My Ass" on the back. Hello, Neyland Stadium!

I really wanted the shirt that said "Put the South in your Mouth", but that one didn't come in orange. Maybe it will soon.

When we travel, we like to dine at local establishments. If it's one of a kind, the more we like it. I found a menu for the Park Grill Steakhouse while checking out at Ole Smoky Moonshine. It was starting to rain, so we drove over after all of our taste testing. I opted for the Moonshine Chicken garlic mashed potatoes. Both were delicious. This was the first of many meals we would all enjoy.

More of the adventure in coming posts...until then, enjoy the picture show...

Cheers!

the beginning of NASCAR

the bear hunt begins

The clip that started it all...

My Twitter follower finally found what he was looking for...a video of Brad Paisley giving his hat to his daughter at the end of the Knoxville show. As he was searching for that footage, he came across the other video clips of us on stage.

This is another reason why I love country music. Fans are like family and most of the artists appear to be humble and want to connect with the fans. I'm sure Brad Paisley has an unlimited supply of cowboy hats, but the one he gave to that little girl probably made her night and it will be something she'll always remember sharing with her dad.

Kudos BP, kudos!!

The power of Twitter

I'm been tweeting since 2009. I have no idea what I did before it existed. It may sound silly, but I've met a lot of really cool people via Twitter. Mostly Vol fans, but I refuse to go to any kind of "Tweet-up" without my partner in Vol crime @poeticwayz.

But last weekend, one of my Twitter followers was at the Brad Paisley concert. I got a tweet asking if I was on stage. Based on the videos below, I think you know the answer to that. But here's my point, if I didn't use Twitter, I don't think I ever would have seen that youtube video. 

The same person who asked if I was on stage, was the same person to Tweet me the link this afternoon. I really wish I could remember more of the concert, cause it was a good one, but at least I'll always have the video to remind me how awesome a time it was!

Brad Paisley - Alcohol Pt 2 Knoxville, TN 3/2/12

I love Jessica's mad dancing skills & our Red Solo Cup toast cracks me up!!

Brad Paisley - Alcohol. Knoxville, TN 3/2/12

One of my Tweeps sent me this link today...it's a riot!!

Just another afternoon at TBA

I haven't been to a men's basketball game since Bruce Pearl left. But I felt I needed to be there as the Vols took on Vandy on Saturday. I didn't realize it was a sellout, but Jason found some tickets on Craigslist.

It was Senior Day and with a win and a Florida loss, the Vols would get a first round bye in the upcoming SEC tournament. Not bad for a team picked to finish 11th in the preseason.

The team has showed a lot of heart this season and I have never been more proud to be a Tennessee Vol. 

I will say this...listening to Travis at a basketball game is almost funnier than listening to Jason at a football game.

The only way we know, we roll in orange

Time Lapse: Brad Paisley to Vols and Vandy

It's Brad Paisley, y'all!

Friday night had the makings of one of those "nights I can't remember, with friends I'll never forget". The storms could not keep us from the Brad Paisley concert. This was the second time I've had the opportunity to attend a show and it was just as amazing as the first.

Before I continue, there are several people I want to thank for the experience. First, I'd like to thank Dena for showing us a first class time and to Kelly for letting me take her place at the show. And then of course to Jessica & the David's for letting me tag along.

Let's go back to the first class treatment...yeah, we were on the floor...next to the stage. Not a bad place to watch a show. Lots of room to dance, sing and have a good time. It wouldn't have been the same with any other group of people. It was so nice to be out and know that everyone was having a good time.

Carrie Underwood showed up to surprise Brad for "Remind Me". I was very excited as Carrie is one of my favorite female performers, but I thought the David's would drop dead of a heart attack.

And, oh yeah...we ended the night on stage for "Alcohol". You know what else I learned? The shot glasses are filled with Gatorade.  Just another concert in Knoxville, right?

Hello Brad, nice to see you again

Dena, the hostess with the mostess

I love this guitar

We had to pause and reflect

Cheese

Go Vols!!

Yup, that's Carrie Underwood

Before we took to the stage

One very happy Carrie Underwood fan

And here's the other

Thank you Knoxville, and good night

Do you have a secret?

We all have secrets. I just read the most interesting book, "A Lifetime of Secrets" by Frank Warren. This book is a collection of post cars and e-mails in which people confess their deepest, darkest secrets.

These secrets were submitted to the author from children to adults. Some talked of abuse, to lies, to how they view themselves. It got me thinking, why is it so easy to share your secrets with a stranger than a friend. It's simple, a stranger will not judge.

A few years ago I got an e-mail from a friend. It was basically everything I needed to see and hear, but it was about 5 years too late. I often wonder what sparked this message and what I was suppose to do with this information.

I feel like I need to respond with a few secrets of my own. But I fear mine are far worse than his...