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First Sugarland, Now Baseball

So, yep, I'm going to be in Sugarland withdrawal for quite some time. Now I have to keep my eyes open for new concert tours... maybe by P!NK or the very awesome Little Big Town. We shall see!

I'm already starting to fall into baseball withdrawal. My last outings all ended in rain. Thank you Isaac!

Last outing - Normal Cornbelters with Tom and Jim

We were so hopeful this game would be played, since the corn crib has a astroturf type of playing surface. Unfortunately, Isaac brought in thunder and lighting, so the umps called the game before it even got started. We retreated to Dunlap to play a baseball card game, baseball themed washers, and catch a little bit of The Goonies on TV. Still a fun evening, but I wanted a night out at the ballpark with Tom and Jim.

Second to last outing - Peoria Chiefs Fan Appreciation Night

I was supposed to meet a few friends at the game, but this was another one that didn't have a single pitch thrown. I watched the warm-ups, end of the year player awards, and a heck of a lot of rain fall from the sky. The Chiefs did a good job drawing out the evening and milking the concession stands. I guess they needed adequate time to drawn the 5 names that would we $1,000 each. Nope, I was not so lucky.

Third to last outing/Final game - Normal Cornbelters with Jim and Theresa

So, this trip was actually successful and I got to chit-chat with one of my favorite Peoria Chiefs from 2011, Pierre LePage. It was fun to be the only three people in the entire ballpark rooting on the visiting team, the Florence Freedom. They even made it to the playoffs. I'll admit I was tempted to drive up north to root them on, but couldn't manage with the weekday games.

As most know, the Cubs are beyond out of it this season, but I do look forward to catching a few more games on TV before the season ends. It would have been nice to get to Wrigley this year, but it wasn't in the cards. I guess I'll just have to wait until next year. Good thing I'm used to that.

Last Sugarland Concert Until...

So, I only had the chance to see Sugarland twice this year. I'm glad I squeaked out that last show just over a week ago in Memphis, TN. I know I always say this tour was better than the last, but with them putting the set list in our hands... this truly was the best tour!

Why did I choose Memphis? Well, it was the last indoor concert within driving distance. At the time I bought the ticket and reserved the hotel room, the thought of possibly being sick did not cross my mind. I was more concerned about being in a comfortable place at work to take the time off.

Sure enough, I figured out the work situation, but had to change my plans because of the Abu Dhabi cold I caught. I was going to combine the concert with a visit to Brian, Joyce and John in the St. Louis area, but refused to bring my germs into their house. That meant one more night in a hotel and then a full day driving back... ugh, would I have the energy?

Thursday, 8-23-12 - I worked a half day and then made my way through IL, down to Sikeston, Missouri. Roughly 5 hours away, leaving me ample time the next day to get to Memphis and do something touristy.

To fill you in on how I was feeling, the picture above helps show how cold I kept my room compared to my neighbors. I was not well and was en fuego.

Friday, 8-24-12 - I slept in a smidge and then packed up my things before heading to the lobby for a hot breakfast. I was unaware that a waffle maker = hot breakfast. I was disappointed, but full.

I drove to the FedEx Forum to check out the location for the concert and then promptly turned the wrong way down a one way street on my way to find my hotel. That got the ole heart pumpin'! With a lack of energy and little will to do anything, I decided to hit the dollar store, grab lunch, and relax back at the hotel.

I picked up some glow sticks and some materials to make some signs to bring to the show. I desperately wanted them to play the song So Long. I heard it live a few years ago, but they've never released it on an album. I also made the pick me sign, but as they should, they opted for a kid in the crowd.

Lunch was quite delicious. People suggested I go with BBQ and BBQ I did find!

I was looking for a cold treat afterwards, to help extinguish the fire left from the jalapeno filled hush puppies I unknowingly consumed. Unfortunately, The largest container of Baskin Robbins ice cream I've ever seen was just a big tease! But seriously, who puts jalapenos in hush puppies?


The home of the Memphis Redbirds, AAA affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, was smack dab in the middle of downtown Memphis. I loved theses signs.

I didn't count the feet to the ballpark, but did find it. No chance to look in the gift shop because there was a game that night.

My stomach started to growl again and following people's advice, I set out to find some more BBQ. I asked a Denny's worker on break where I should go. He suggested to go down the alley to Rendezvous. Excellent recommendation!

I made my way back to the FedEx Forum and passed the Starbucks where I saw and chatted with Travis McNabb, Sugarland drummer, when I stopped to get the cool treat I had been looking for after lunch.

Being a Sugarland Fan Club member and the holder of a ticket in the Sugarpit, I was able to sneak into the venue early with the rest of the die hard fans. That equaled a spot about 5 people deep on the floor, even after I went to the restroom and picked up some beverages.


Beverages... yes, water, and Pepsi... a LARGE Pepsi, loaded with caffeine!


But what do I do with this enormous Pepsi when I don't have a cup holder on the seat in front of me? Set it on the ground and hope that someone doesn't kick over my overly priced drink? I think not!

This is how I roll... turn the camera case into a Pepsi holster!


Mission accomplished! I'm at the concert with a kick ass view and enough caffeine pumping through my system to stay awake. My usual enthusiasm was lacking, but I thoroughly enjoyed myself and documented this concert with photos.

Okay, now look closely at the photo below below. Do you see the rolled up neon poster board? Yep, that's my poster. I did not think about it's inability to flatten out prior to my handing it forward in hopes of having Kristian or Jennifer read it and play my song.

Not to be forgotten, I saw Canaan Smith again and also Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics.

Kristian first came out to hang a Happy Birthday banner from the mic stands and add balloons to Canaan's belt. We sang Happy Birthday. Then Kristian came out to put birthday hats on all the band members heads. We sang Happy Birthday. What's a birthday without cake? Well, Kristian had that handled and made his third and final appearance with a candle filled over-sized cupcake. We sang Happy Birthday.

Here's the fully white make-uped and glitterfied Dave Stewart and his 12-year-old daughter. I don't recall what song she sang, but she brought down the house.

After the show, I made back to the hotel in about 20 minutes. Almost the exact time Susie predicted. I know, crazy! My parking spot could not have been any better... no wait to get out!

Saturday, 8-25-12 - Still sick and now with a lack of sleep, I had to make my way home. I don't recall how many stops I made to pick up caffeine or hit the rest room. Definitely more than my fair share. The important part is that I made it home in one piece. And had plenty of time, 8 hours, to replay the concert in my head.

I'll spare you the masses of photos I took, but I'm sure glad I have them because I don't know when Sugarland will be hitting the road again.