I guess I finally feel like talking about our vacation. We had a great time up in the Smokies. I wish it would've lasted longer, but I think we ended it at just the right time.

Saturday, we dropped off Chopper at Mom R.'s house and headed to Pigeon Forge, TN. Getting up there was a pain in the neck because of construction in Atlanta. The drivers near Knoxville didn't help things either. I wanted to stop at the University of Tennessee's campus and hurl rotten fruit at Philip Fulmer, but we decided I'd get in less trouble if I didn't.

We finally made it to our hotel about mid-afternoon. The weather was decent for a while, but it soon started raining. We unloaded the car and drove into Gatlinburg. We only stayed for a few minutes, but we immediately went into Cooter's Place. It was really neat to see all of the old stuff from The Dukes of Hazzard. I bought an orange “01″ shirt, and we headed back into Pigeon Forge. We ate at the NASCAR cafe and called it a night.

Sunday was just a day around Gatlinburg. We went into a lot of museums and shops. That place is ridiculously expensive. It costs well over $20 or more just to get in. I know, I know… It's a tourist spot. Still, though. It ate into our budget. It was worth it in the end. It was also our 6th anniversary which made it more special. We ended the night at the Alabama Grill.

Monday was Dollywood. Three roller coasters, a taffy making demonstration, a few other rides, and rain. Not really worth the price of admission we paid, but we made an enjoyable day of it nonetheless.

Tuesday was Pigeon Forge day. I took Amy to several outlet shops. She wanted to visit Pfaltzgraff since that's our everyday dinnerware. Needless to say, she spent like a champ. It was great seeing her face light up, though. She loves that kind of stuff. Anyhow, we toured some shops, and then went to Boyds Bear Country. If you're not familiar with Boyds Bears, they're basically designer Teddy Bears. They have a four-story barn (store) where you can buy all kinds of stuffed animals, or you can make your own. It was really cheap to make one at just $20. We made a light brown bear and dressed him up in a baseball uniform. We named him “Max,” and he now resides on a shelf in one of the guest bedrooms.

Wednesday we packed up and came home. A rather uneventful drive until we picked up Chopper. He naturally whined like he does on all car trips.

Needless to say, we're home. I worked the last two days of this week. I was really unmotivated, but it's all good. The week ended on a sour note with another murder here in town. That always brings me down. I also found out my friends Josh and Gretchen have resigned and will head to Raleigh, NC. I'm happy for them, but it'll be sad to see them go. I'm really sad to say my buddy Eric is heading off, too. He resigned and is heading to Norfolk, VA. He's a great friend, and I really hate to see him leave. The station is thinning out, but things should pick up soon.

That's all for now. I'm tired, and I want to spend some time with Amy.

You have got to be friggin' kidding me…

Supreme Court Rules Cities May Seize Homes

Way to kill off a big part of the American Dream…

…and the liberal judges are the ones who voted for it.

Thanks, Libs.

Per …

List 5 reasons why you are a dork.

1. I have two bedrooms full of Star Trek collectibles.
2. My Batman collection is quickly catching up.
3. I wear plaid… a lot.
4. When my wife makes me go shopping, she forces me to use coupons.
5. I actually wanted to go see Louise Mandrell while on vacation in Tennessee.

…we just got back from vacation. We've spent the last week in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and other surrounding areas. We're pooped, so I'll update later. Drew Nelson, I got your message when we got back. Sorry to hear the job was filled. Being a photog can be fun, but it takes a little getting used to for TV shooting. I wouldn't even begin to figure out how to get started. I had to learn from my chief photog at WTVM. I didn't know how to do it until I was hired as a one-man-band.

Off to bed a little early. It's been a long day, but the vacation was worth every minute. Amy and I celebrated our 6th year as a married couple Sunday, and I celebrated my 1st year at the station Tuesday. Got a great note from Lee, my general manager. I really appreciate it.

Night!

Anyone who knows me knows how much I ADORE the 1989 Keaton/Nicholson version of Batman.

My thoughts on Batman Begins?

Best…

Batman…

EVER.

Two and a half hours of pure enjoyment. So… why are you reading this? GO! SEE! NOW!