So it took a while to get back on Central Standard Time after being on the “left coast” for a week.  Unfortunately, I don’t get to lounge in my Lazy-Boy for long.  My calendar dictates what was to be a action-packed weekend, and you guessed it…more travel.

Saturday started off much earlier that I would have wished.  Apparently we had a deadline to leave the house, and I had not even made it to the coffee pot yet.  We had tickets to a matinée showing of Spring Awakening.  Although I enjoyed the show, it was definitely a departure from the normal “feel-good’ musical.

As most good church-goers know, we are fast approaching the season of Lent.  This can only mean one thing, Mardi Gras is around the corner!  As an former cajun I know how to “pass a good time”.  Fortunate for me, I have become acquainted with the Music City LSU Alumni Group.  This a group of people with a passion for LSU Football and beer-drinkin’.  My kind of crowd!  Saturday evening they threw their 2nd Annual Mardi Gras Ball at the rooftop lounge of the Viridian.  It was a blast!  We had catered food from Papa Boudreaux’s and an open bar.  We topped the night off with bites of king cake.  I had at least three pieces and didn’t get the baby!

We retired at the Doubletree downtown for our “staycation”.  I really like being a tourist in my own town.  It was kinda fun to walk around downtown and soak up some of the local flavor.  It is amazing what you ignore when pass by the same streets day in and day out.

The sun rises on Sunday morning and I can see the valet pulling our car around as we step out of the front doors of the hotel.  Where to you ask?  Well…Memphis, TN of course!

Most times that I travel the usual 200 miles of Interstate 40, my heart rate is at a normal range.  But this time was different.  This time I was on a mission.  I had 9th row tickets to see the legendary folk singer James Taylor.  But not only that, he brought along his 34 year old son, Ben Taylor who was headlining with him!  All of this taking place at the legendary Orpheum theater in downtown Memphis.  I was grinning from ear to ear as we pulled into town.  I just knew it was going to be a show to remember.

Before the show we decided to grab some grub at a rather unassuming burger joint.  As we are about to walking into the door, I almost trip over a rather large sign on the sidewalk.  It contained the name of the establishment and a little blurb about the fact that Adam Richmond from Man Vs. Food has eaten here!  Instantly, I knew we were at the right place.  I had eaten a late lunch, so I knew that I would not be competing today, but at least I could get a feel for what kind of burger it takes to make it on TV these days.  I look at the menu and I see it staring at me in the middle of the menu.  There it is, the famous Kookamonga Burger.

A whopping 4lbs of ground beef and 3lbs of toppings and cheese.  That’s right…a 7lb hamburger!!!  The waitress takes my order and I decide to downsize and go with a paltry 1/2 pound cheeseburger.   It turns out that this was one of the best burgers that I have had in recent memory.  I think the key was toasting the poppy seed bun just right and adding a dash of garlic powder.  We are almost through with our main course as I hear a loud voice from behind me.  Could this be?  Oh yes, it seems someone has stepped up the plate and decided to take on the Kookamonga challenge, and at the table right next to me no less!!  The chef brings out the burger and gets the entire restaurant to give him a round of applause.  After I unashamedly take a picture of this poor man and his over-sized burger, I quickly realize that he doesn’t even stand a chance to take this thing down in 60 minutes or less.  You could give him 6 hours, and he would barely get through the bun.  It was however and sight to behold and something that I will always remember.  If you ever find yourself in downtown Memphis, be sure to stop by Kooky Canuck for a man-sized slab of ground beef.  Be sure to bring your appetite, cause if you don’t you better bring your wallet….because this burger will cost you $24.99 (plus tax).

On to the main event.  8pm rolls around and with no opening act or large fanfare, two gentlemen and their guitars stroll onto the stage.  James in his usual nicely pressed shirt and jeans, and his son Ben in rather cozy “lounge-wear”.  Even though they look like they come from two different worlds, the minute they strummed the first note and sang their first harmony it was like they were the same person.  They truly have a unique sound and only something that can be shared with a father and son.  I have seen James in concert several times before but have never had a chance to hear Ben.  He is a little less refined than his old man, but still manages to impress.  His slightly gravely voice is still silky and dark like his father.  They took turns performing each others numbers and even threw in a Buck Owens cover for the locals, “Memphis Tennessee”.  After 2.5 hours they took their final bow and disappeared behind the curtain.  It was a great show and an even better memory.  Who knows?  Maybe they will roll into town again someday and I will get a chance to do this all over again.  I’m just sayin’…

So the Lake Tahoe area is getting it’s share of Snowpocalypse 2011.  Seriously, in the last 3 days it has had over 4 feet of fresh powder dumped on the slopes.  Perfect time for a ski trip!!  After all, I haven’t been skiing since 2008 and it would be a pity to waste such a beatiful storm.  All  I could think about at work was tearing up the slope, or as the locals from So. Cal say, “Shredding the Nar Nar”!

So a friend and I flew from Nashville to Reno on a 6:15PM flight.  We collected out ski gear at the airport and headed to rental car counter.  We quickly realized that due to the copius amounts of frozen precipitation, our standard choice of transportation would not be suitable for the road conditions.  We upgraded to a 4WD SUV and were hastily on our way. 

On the road to winter wonderland, and it’s only 11PM local time.  I guess that’s the price you pay when you take a flight after work.  We are feeling pretty comfortable in our 4WD vehicle until we saw local police working several accidents.  Cars in ditches and ice on the roads can be a little intimidating for a Southern boy.  We continue to make the 30 mile trek up the mountain at a blistering 20 Mph.  After a quick stop at the 24hr Jack-in-the-Box for a well deserved spicy chicken biscuit, we are back on the road.  Now this was not our average spicy chicken biscut, it was a custom order.  It was chicken, fried egg, and American cheese.  This may sound unappealing to some, but since it had been 6hrs since my last meal I was ready the eat the South end of a North bound mule.  Back on the road, and this time we are up to 30 Mph this time.

Passing thru Carson City now and I can tell we are getting close…because I see CASINOS!!!  We drive thru “the strip” after we pass both casinos.  Remind me to visit the $2.99 Prime Rib special sometime, because there’s no way that could be the worst late night decision you will ever make.

Getting really close now because I see a sign for the California state line.  We pass the sign and the GPS immediately tells us to turn left.  Really?  Yes, really.  The Embassy Suites parking lot is partially in Nevada and partially in California.  We check-in and quickly opt-out of the $25 per day parking fee, and instead park our rig in the free Harrah’s parking lot across the street.  There’s no way that we’ll need a shovel get it out next week, right? 

We finally arrive so off to bed.  Since it’s 2AM and that’s what most people do at this time.  I guess flying down a mountain with a piece of wood strapped to your feet doesn’t require much rest or mental alertness.  I’m just sayin’…

As it so happens I am scheduled to turn 33 today.  We will see if that actually happens due to scheduling conflicts and/or contracts already in place.  Regardless, the train continues to move through the station and doesn’t stop for no one.  After all, today is just another Tuesday.  Although not sure why, but people seem to be sending me more comments on Facebook than usual. 

Tonight, dinner with the wife at Morton’s.  I guess the weight of another year washes down better with a tender Filet Mignon and a glass of Cabernet.  After all, I am kind of a big deal there.   There was some nice man at the door who parks my car for me (for free)!  I don’t think they do that for just anyone.   I mean, last year they even took my picture and everyone autographed it.  After all what kind of value would it be to spend $200 at a restaurant and not walk away with a souvenir? 

I’m not worried about what the next 33 years might hold, I just hope they can follow the first act.  I’m just sayin’…

I did it, I finally decided to start a blog!  Hopefully this will force me to become a better writer and a better person.  What can you expect to see from me?  Maybe it will be a chance to let others know how I feel about things.  Also, it will let me share my passion for photography, mountain biking, music, etc.  I decided to title it I’m Just Sayin’ after a phrase that I use often.  I can’t promise to write a post every week, but I will do my best to update it frequently.  Who knows, maybe I will go viral and become a internet celeb…I’m just sayin’.

  I guess I should give props to my wife tonight for not making me turn Valentine’s Day into a big production.  This is normally when I put on an apron and cook my one meal for the year.  However, tonight’s events were quite the opposite, she cooked for me!!  After all, I think we have both had enough with annual Kung Pao Chicken. 

  What transpired on the kitchen table was magnificent.  It was Shepard’s Pie.  Although no lamb was harmed during the making of this movie, it was meat all the same.  For a first time recipe it impressed as if it were a long-time favorite.  The dim lighting and the personalized center piece made for a romantic setting right at home.  I for one was glad not to have to fight for a reservation at a crowded restaurant.  After all St. Valentine himself would have been proud to have dined with us tonight.  I just hope he sticks around long enough to help with the dishes…I’m just sayin’.

-RT