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