Better As A Memory...

I heard this the other night...it still strikes a chord...and I fear it always will.

Sales Tax Holiday

It's that time of year again...the annual Tennessee sales tax holiday. In year's past, we've had 2. One in the spring and another in the fall. I thought I had missed it this year, because I hadn't heard much about it.

But, I have been informed we'll be tax free on certain items starting at midnight on Friday the 5th and running till Sunday the 7th.

It kind of stinks for parents who need to go back to school shopping. Many schools started this week, so the "holiday" didn't really benefit them.

I really don't "need" anything, but I'll probably come home with something. Maybe some new Sperry for Reef slippers. I want to hit up the Ralph Lauren outlet, but the crowds will probably be insane. I don't think I want to fight that. Guess I can always stock up on winter work clothes or shoes...can't ever go wrong with shoes...

Scoop'd

Any business with the tag line "bringing you Hawaii one scoop at a time" is going to catch my attention. In case you're wondering, Scoop'd did get my attention with one little menu item....Hawaiian style shave ice.

I don't eat snow cones, I eat shave ice. I guess you can take the girl off the island, but you can't take the Island out of the girl.  Hawaiian style shave ice is actually 'shaved' off the block. It's very soft and fine. They are traditionally served with one scoop of vanilla ice cream or azuki bean paste in the bottom of the cup/cone. Some stores will drizzle sweetened condensed milk over the top. This is normally called a "snow cap".

 

Since I missed the soft grand opening on Thursday, I ventured out there this afternoon. As soon as I walked up to the counter, one of the owner's, Crystal, welcomed me into the store. Another good example of the power of social media.

I already knew I was going to get a shave ice, but there were so many flavors of ice cream & sorbets, I had to stop and drool at the glass. I got a sample of the red velvet ice cream and fell in love. I will be back for that one. I'm pretty sure I saw Kona coffee ice cream on the menu as well. That is my all-time favorite flavor. So, I'll be going back for more anytime I'm out in Turkey Creek.

But back to the shave ice, I ordered my  usual strawberry and was pleased to see the plastic cups they used, just like back home. I got 1 scoop of vanilla ice cream and couldn't wait to taste it. Crystal looked a little nervous, but had no need to be. It was perfect! It was better than the one I got at Lappert's Ice Cream in Vegas. If they had those little wooden spoons, it would have felt like I was 5 again.

There are a lot of different things out there, not just shave ice & ice cream. They offer cakes & pies, sundae's, floats, sorbet's and even coffee. The space is open and bright and very comfortable.

I think I'll take my mom out there when she drives in for the Bristol race. I give this place 2 shaka signs. I hope you all stop by for a visit, you won't be disappointed.

Daytona 500 Champion & Knoxville native...

...Trevor Bayne was named 2011 Professional Athlete of the Year by the Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame.

I actually walked right past him and didn't realize it was him till it was too late. I couldn't believe how little he was. He couldn't have been more than 5'6" and maybe 125lbs soaking wet. But he's just as cute in person as he is on TV. I thought about leaving Jr Nation for about 2.2 seconds.

2011 Daytona 500 Champion

They do exist

I saw Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, twice. The second time, Guinn & I went to see it in 3D. I thought all of the 3D movies would have the Harry Potter style glasses.

I saw it for the second time opening weekend. I was shocked when the girl at the ticket window gave me the regular glasses. I even asked the guy working the line, but he told me they were all out. Confused, I shot text to my co-worker, who's boyfriend works for Regal. It was then I found out those glasses were only suppose to be for the midnight shows.

I watched the film in those cheapo glasses and didn't think another thing about it. But when I got home, I got a Tweet from someone showing me that the Pinnacle DID have my beloved glasses, I was sad.

The next day, I went into the office and half joked that I was ready to write a strongly worded letter to the management at the Pinnacle. Apparently my co-worker told her boyfriend what had happened. Sometime between then and now, he went out there to figure out why I was told they were out for my show, but available for another.

He made a few calls and found a few pairs still floating around in Kansas City. So, he had them flown in for me. How awesome is that? Another point to show the power of Twitter! But overall, much thanks to Dean for going out of his way to hook me up with the specs!!

They're all mine...

Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame Dinner & Induction Ceremony

While I was on vacation, Brad accepted the invitation for us to attend the 30th Annual Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame Dinner & Induction Ceremony. I didn't even know this was going on. Once I got back to the office, I realized it was going to take place on Thursday the 28th. That's "Free Tea Day" at McAllister's. I'm not going to lie, I was a little sad I'd miss out.

This afternoon, I found out Scoop'd is going to have a private event for friends & family the same night. I've been waiting for them to open all summer! They're suppose to serve Hawaiian style shave ice! But, I can always hit up the grand opening.

The event I'll be attending will benefit the Boys & Girls Club. My company purchased a table for ten and since Brad & I have been helping with the Great Knoxville Rubber Duck Race, which also benefits the B&G Club, it just made sense for us to go.

Former B&G Club member, Bernard King will be the guest speaker. Not only is he a B&G alum, he's also a former Vol and NBA player. Former Vols QB Heath Shuler and Reggie Cobb are two of the inductees. I was hoping for Peyton Manning.

I also noticed that Daytona 500 winner Trevor Bayne will be named "Professional Athlete of the Year". I hope he's actually at the event and doesn't pre-tape his speech. Should be a good time for all.

Flashes of Light...

Clip of "Larger than Life" in Orlando, 7/22/11. After all these years, the Backstreet Boys still have a few slick dance moves...