Opry Night – The Run Down

A basic run down of the paragraphs to follow - I had a near panic attack and I almost killed Chad Benefield, so let's get started.

I almost killed Chad Benefield because we were on I65 South headed to Nashville, the limit is 55 MPH and there was no one going less than 70. Now, I pride myself on my intense traffic driving skills.  The phone rings and it's my mother so I had to answer, I didn't want her to worry.  15 over the limit, bumper to bumper traffic, semi trucks front, back, left and right, Chad about to die in the passenger seat via heart attack and me laughing with my mother on the phone while one arming it on the steering wheel in the six thousand pound SUV that you see below.  We survived.

Later on, I bought these intense shorts.  50% off, I couldn't resist.

My payback then came from almost killing Chad and my first almost panic attack happened at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. A few days prior, Chad presented me with the Opry script... and it had my name on it, anxious excited!!!  It was my first time on the big stage.   The Night at The Opry!!

So here we go, one big breath, jump around like a moron, flail my arms and shake off a quick shiver and I'm ready... ready to stand backstage for 15 minutes so every bit of nervousness comes back.

The show begins and 7:30pm rolls around.  Basically I'm backstage foaming at the mouth and breathing like I have hypothermia. I mean.. it's the Opry!  The people that have stood on that very stage... goodness!!  I'm back there using Aaron Tippin as a leaning post.  I said to myself it wont be that bad because the lights in the stands were turned off, and when the lights are off and the spotlight is on you, you can't see the crowd... The Main Man Mike Terry gets on stage and welcomes Chad to the podium, he says a few words and for some unknown reason... someone decided.... to turn. Every. Single. Light. In the stands on... and there everyone is looking straight at me... (breathing intensifies).

I walked out, said a few words, highlighted my night as I read the Legend 650 WSM tag and opened up a yo-yo competition.  What an amazing night.  Everything went fine thankfully and I notched those few moments on the greatest experience list, what a fine pleasure.