There is definitly nothing better than Talladega Superspeedway. The sights, the sounds, and the energy from the fans is amazing. This was probably the best RP race I've seen at the track in a VERY long time. There was never a dull moment.
Again this year, I got up before the crack of dawn. As much as I complain about getting up for class, I never open my mouth at Talladega. Guess the excitement and who I get to see, really pumps me up!
When dad and I first got to the track, and checked in. We were going to be meeting the ABI boys at the Garage to do the sweep first thing. This was really weird. Usually we do the IMHOF first. Well, we never made it over there which is a shame. I love going over there and seeing the history. It's amazing.
As always, I get in trouble by a NASCAR Official. Apparently, they really can't read. My pass says SECURITY in big black bold letters. How come they never pay attention to that? He was a rude SOB. Thank God Jason heard it, and came to my aid. I probably would have been sitting in the Talladega Superspeedway Jail if no one was around. Before leaving the garage, I was almost taken out by Brian Vickers and his PR lady. Someone needs to teach her to drive. She was C-R-A-Z-Y!
After the garage sweep, we went over to check on the Reserve Deputies. They had the "honor" of guarding the AMP-Energy Stage. Dad had volunteered for the job of guarding Jr and decided to tell me on the way up to the track. I wanted to die. He had been working on it since Tuesday. Too bad this lady was a bitch, and ruined the plans my Dad and the Pepsi guy had been working on all week. I was suppose to get my car signed by Jr, talk to him for a while, he was going to pose for pictures, and then do his appearance. I let her know that I would get my car signed in the garage, and she didn't think that would happen. Guess I showed her!
Then we went back to the garage, for a second time, so Fozzie and I could go to Gatorade Victory Lane. I'm pretty sure we got that guard fired, and I pray we didn't. He could have said "No".
We always do Souvenir Village. Nothing really exciting there. I didn't even do any shopping. Thanks to my besest, Nikki, I did that all at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Dad and I decided to head back to the garage and wait for driver's to come out. I always get my picture with a few of them. Well, this time was different. I wanted my 88 car signed, and I got it. Mike Davis helped me with it.
Once we got to the Spotter's Stand, I was greeted by the smilin' face of TJ Majors. As always, Kim and I got our twice a year picture with him. He wanted to check it to make sure it was perfect. He is such a dork.
The race itself was fantastic. The lead changes, and Paul Menard saving his car. WOW! I will say this, KyBu's spotter needs to learn how to be a gracious winner. His ass almost got beat up by a 300lb man; all because he decided to spray his bottled water around like it was champagne.
Thanks to Judy from Talladega track for making this experience one that I will remember for a very long time. Can't wait to see her again in October.
Who knew leaving for Talladega at 4:30 this morning would bring so much excitement and drama. When Dad and I first got there, we had to check in with the security station. We were given our assignments, which basically were the same from April. Going to the International MotorSports Hall of Fame was awesome. The movie production company from "Talladega Nights" donated Ricky Bobby's car to the museum. WOW! That was so cool.
Afterwards, we headed to the garage area to sweep the garage before the teams and crews started to arrive. Guess who gets in trouble by a NASCAR official? It's me! He thought I had snuck in....when I told him who I was. he still didn't care and I had to get it approved by the cops aka my dad to stay. WTF! The guy was smoking something.
After breakfast, we went over to Souvenir Village. I just had to pick up a new Reed shirt, Brian hoodie, and somethings for friends. Who would I run into? Reed Sorenson! WOW! Boy is looking good. Then I was stopped in my tracks by Casey Mears. He is little. LOL! No offense to his fans.
Back to the Garage we go, you all know me, I find trouble anyways. I ran into Tony Eury, Jr. No seriously, I ran into him like a moron. Well, he signed my shirt for me, and when I made the comment about him going to "Toys R Us" he nearly hit the floor in laughter. For those of you that don't know, Tony Jr is calling HMS that, while DEI is K-Mart. Finally, it's time for what I came back to the garage to do. The Garage Meetings! I love Driver's Meetings. Well, instead of going to the meeting, Dad had to watch the drivers and make sure they were not "harmed" by fans. Guess who I was able to meet? Dale Earnhardt, Jr!!!! Holy crap, I almost died. It isn't the first time, but it sure was one of the most memorable. I was able to talk to him for a few, and have him sign my shirt. He is loving the fan support for the 88. Once the driver's meeting was over, I was able to meet up with BV again. He and I took a picture and talked for a few. He is so sweet, and I wish him nothing but the best at TRB.
Finally, onto where we were going to be watching the race...THE SPOTTERS STAND! Gosh, I love being high up. It makes me feel so important. Well, before the race started, my friend Kim and I met up and talked for a little bit. Her and I were able to flirt with TJ Majors. He is awesome, and I love him working with Jr. We also saw Dario Franchitti. His accent is sexy! By the way, BV's spotter is sexy! I think he has the best ass up there.
You all know about the race and I refuse to talk about it. Let's just say the highlight of my day was hearing the Tony Stewart fan cry because he didn't win. Oh boofreakinhoo!
Leaving here at 10pm, I didn't know what to expect. I had a feeling there would be a lot of Harry Potter fans, but OMG! People came out of the woodworks for this. I never knew we had that many people in town. Definitly learned a few something new.
As soon as I got my parking spot, I went straight back to the Books-A-Million magazine section and picked out some magazines that would keep me entertained while waiting. I refused to do the stupid stuff they had set up. I just wanted to get my book, get home, and start reading.
The first place I decided to sit was perfect. It was close to the registers, and I figured I'd be good sitting here. Boy was I wrong. As soon as I got comfortable, a bunch of high schoolers decided to sit right by me. No offense to anyone still in high school, but they are really immature.
I decided to get up and move. Well, this spot was even closer to the registers; however, I was getting trammbled. Sorry, but Kristin doesn't have a deathwish this evening.
Again, I moved. The whole time I am talking to one of my bestest friends, Heather. She is laughing at what she is hearing. I'm certainly giving her the play by play. By the way, Heather, thanks for keeping me company.
Whoever thought about this at Books-A-Million needs to be shot. They were so unorganized when it came to getting lines started. One girl decided to start one on her one, and about 100+ were in it. Those same highschoolers that decided to plop their asses by me, decided they'd be "smart" and cut the line. Well, you know me, I gotta put a stop to that. Me and this really hot boy decided that we'd tell them to move to the back. After 20 minutes of arguing with them, they finally got the hint and moved. What a bunch of morons!
At 11:30pm, the store manager decided that he didn't like our line anymore, and he'd put an end to that real quick. He came up with the bright of idea of moving us all. He got the asshole of the night award.
We still never got any order in our little lines. There was a lot of pushing and shoving, and words being said that were not G rated.
Starting at 11:45pm, the manager gave us a countdown to 12:01am. What a bunch of shit. My clock was faster than the bookstores clock. I just wanted my damn book, so I could start reading.
12:01am finally came and we got our books. I was the 6th person to get mine. WooHoo! I made it home safely. Now it's time to start reading. I'm so excited. I promise not to ruin the ending for anyone, well except for Heather. She refuses to read it.
Here are some pictures that I took with my camera phone. Enjoy! The Mob Starts!
Arrival of "Harry Potter and the Dealthy Hallows" It's getting closer to 12:01am, and we are getting restless. Manager of Books-A-Million letting everyone know it's 12:01am!
So, I'm sitting here trying to think about what to write. You all know how much I love updating my blog on a daily basis. It's a really good addiction. Be glad it's not alcohol. Some of you know what happens when I drink.
Anyways! Let me get back on course.
Today has been a great day, but very long. I finished my last day of Children's Hospital Orientation. Many of you don't know this, but I will be doing my Internship and getting lab hours there in the coming weeks/months. Still can't believe I'll be finished with the Orthopedic Tech program in just 5 months. Time flies when you're having fun and doing good in school. Bet you didn't know that I'm on the Dean's List for the 3rd straight quarter. I be educated.
I definitly learned a lot during orientation. It was really interesting to see the things that happen at the hospital. Now, I can't discuss it with you guys because of HIPPA. I don't want to violate that. I will say this though, if you live in Alabama and your child gets sick, find every way you can to bring them there. They have a great facility and the staff is terriffic. They will treat your child like one of their own, if not better.
I can't believe I'll be graduating in a year. It seems just yesterday when I was signing up for the classes and filling out paperwork to attend. A lot has happened in my life, and this seems to be the first good in a while. I am truly blessed.
Now, that I'm rambling.....I think I'll get off here and watch some television and relax. I got good news today, that I don't have to work tomorrow, so I am all for sleeping late tomorrow. I definitly deserve it!
