Jamie Lidell: Jim
Awesome! (*****)
Kanye West: Graduation
(*****)
Leeland: Opposite Way
(****)
Nas: Untitled
(*****)
Third Day: Revelation
Release Date July 29th! Gonna be GREAT! (*****)
Usher: Here I Stand
(*****)
Man! Some dude always has to up the ante doesn't he!:-) A japanese
company Rocketplane Kristler has joined forces with wedding planner
1st Advantage to begin having wedding ceremonies while on a one hour
space flight. Cost would be a cool $2.2 million. The goal for the
space wedding services to begin is 2011, but they will be accepting
applications starting July 1, 2008.
Fellas...start saving:-)
After being stuck in a seat that didn't recline, I love this site. Haven't tried it yet, but it sounds cool. Check it out.
Link: Airline Seating Charts, Best Airplane Seats - SeatGuru.
This is as high as I get when climbing a tree...hahaha!
I did A LOT of this in Maui. It was cool though. I wore that Jeep OUTTTTT!
We spotted this tree along our 5 mile hike in flip flops:-) Very unique tree:-)
Sweet...right??? Delta is doing it up and it should be installed by 2010. I could have appreciated this yesterday:-)
I must say that the Road to Hana was probably more fun for me than most. 671 hairpin curves and 54 one lane bridges would make a lot of people curl up in a ball and call it a day. This was seen by one car going 10mph (speed limit was just 15mph) and honking the horn around every curve. Intimidating...yes the Road to Hana can be intimidating. Like anything you have to see the fun in it...or be a bit different than others...hahah. Below is a picture...yes that's for two cars:-)
I looked at the Road to Hana as a really long go kart track. I love racing go karts. The hugging of the curves, making up time on the cart in front of you...passing. I like the competition aspect:-) Well, on the way back I got passed by a "local". My goal from that point was to keep up with the local. My logic was simple. If they can do it, so can I. I worked out that Jeep and had the Wrangler doing things it never dreamed of doing:-) You'd have to be there to understand how fast 40-45 mph seems on this road. It was AWESOME!!!
Besides the driving we also saw some cool things. More pics on the Road to Hana coming. Here is a picture of the Jeep that became the race car:-)
Within a 150 feet of stepping off the plane in Maui, I saw Greg Oden (this past year's #1 pick in the NBA Draft/Portland Trailblazers) over on the side. He had just ordered some food. We walked by and then went back and Greg was nice enough to take a picture with Charissa. Why no picture for me? Well, I didn't ask. Greg shook my hand and I wished him good luck this coming season. Nice guy. Cool picture too:-)
I'm back!!! 10 wonderful days in Maui have concluded and I find
myself back on my couch updating the blog a bit. I'm working on two
hours of sleep, so I won't have much now, but hopefully some pics soon.
Peace!
For all of my loyal readers (you know who you are...hahah) there may be a few less posts around here over the next couple weeks. I'm heading to Maui tomorrow (Honeymoon) and will be there for 10 days. I hope the Four Seasons is ready for me...hahaha. Anyway, if you want to keep up with my ventures I'll be updating my Twitter and you can follow me on that:-)
Peace! I'll holla at ya when I get back:-)
Any idea who this is? Your hint...HBO. Read on to see who this is.
With the wedding nearly three months away now, I finally took care of booking the honeymoon. I've always taken care of the trips we've went on and usually it's been quite easy. The honeymoon however hasn't been quite as easy.
There are so many nice places in the World. So many. So many places I'd like to go. I've searched for hours upon hours since the engagement trying to pick just the right place. It's hard this time because unlike a normal trip, this is the honeymoon. You only get one honeymoon, ya know.
We finally decided on Maui, Hawaii. Honestly, Hawaii wasn't a top choice in the beginning, but after so many people giving positive feedback it quickly moved to the forefront:-)
The Four Seasons Maui, which happens to currently be the number one rated hotel in the United States, is were we will be staying:-) The hotel, flight and rental car are all booked:-)
I can't wait!
2007 was a year full of travel for me and Charissa. I know I went more places in 2007 than any other year in my life and enjoyed every minute of it.
Here is the list:
1. Nashville, Tennessee (Feb)
2. Cleveland, Ohio (April)
3. Orlando, Florida (May) I know I live around Orlando, but this was a paid trip from work to stay at Disney, so it kinda counts.
4. Palm Beach, Florida (June)
5. New York, New York (Aug)
This has to be the craziest/coolest/scariest idea I've seen when it comes to luxury hotel travel. The Poseidon Undersea Resort, scheduled to open in 2009, will have you (if you can fork out the money) living, sleeping, eating underwater. Pretty Cool!
Check out the links!
Link: Poseidon Resort | Goldarths Review - The Online Luxury Magazine.
More NY news to type about. I just purchased two tickets to the broadway show Wicked. Wicked is the untold story of the witches of oz. Charissa has read the book and apparently it is a huge broadway event. I have no clue, but we're going. We're going Broadway!
I picked up some US Open Tennis tickets, and good ones at that:-) My first pro tennis event will place me in Louis Armstrong Stadium, Row A! Now we just have to hope that someone good plays on Wednesday, the day we got the tickets to go:-)
One step closer to having the NY Trip planned. Just a couple of months away now!
Link: 2007 US Open Seating Charts.
Our trip to New York is now booked! We decided on The London NYC as our hotel of choice (link is below). Now comes the tough part...planning what we will do during our six day, five night stay in the Big Apple.
I'll keep you posted:-)
Link: Midtown Manhattan Hotels & New York City Luxury Suites – The London NYC.
I began to think I was a hotel snob a few weeks ago as Charissa's cousin asked me how the Hyatt was (we were up in Jacksonville to see Taylor Hicks). I responded with, "It's the Hyatt," and an raised eyebrow. I didn't think much of it...the question, the response or the Hyatt. I did feel my response was a bit misleading though as I gave it more thought. Here we dropped $230 for a night at a hotel and I responded like a mild mannered pompous...you know the rest. I responded honestly though and like Simon Cowell says often, "It just didn't have the WOW factor." It's the Hyatt.
To my brother and many people that see me spend money like it will be worthless tomorrow, this news of me being a hotel snob is probably nothing new to them:-) I accept their rational. I spend. I spend quickly at times. I accept that. I enjoy it. I like nice things. Really like them.
There is a difference though between liking and having to have. I don't require any of it. Yet, I can afford to indulge at times, so I do. I wasn't brought up spending $250 on jeans or $21 on shaving cream or $155 on a shirt or driving a Benz (though my Mom did and still does have a BMW...it's all your fault Mom...hahahaa, jk). The point is there is a difference between products at different prices, but wearing a shirt from Target accomplishes the same thing as a Hugo Boss (just doesn't look as good...hahaha). People who say there is no difference in quality, either have never had or are in denial.
To the point I go...I think. I'm here at the Holiday Inn Express in Jacksonville. We're here due to an unfortunate circumstance of Charissa's father being in the Hospital. The most important thing to us when choosing a hotel was being close to the Hospital. The Holiday Inn isn't even the Hyatt, but it accomplishes the goal and reminds me of my stays in hotels before I started throwing down for places to stay that gave me the "WOW factor." It's OK and honestly I am very thankful for the Holiday Inn right now.
At the end of the day I could care less about any material thing. I'm just thankful for each day my brother makes fun of me, my Mom tells me she's proud, my Dad asks me what I've been up to, my girlfriend loves me, and the list goes on and on. I'm so thankful. So blessed.
In a haste to be the best I can be, I sometimes loose track of the real goal and that was evident at least to me in my response about the Hyatt. Is it the nicest hotel I've been to, no not even close, but I should be so thankful to have the ability and opportunity to stay there. That should come across in my response as well.
I'm not looking to change my spending habits, just the way I look at them. I'm signing off thankful for the ability to even have this place to post these random thoughts. Thankful that someone reads them (Charissa, Bob, Mom, Dad, Ang, Aunt Bet)...hahahah. THANKS!!! If anyone else is out there reading, let a brother know!!
Peace out!
So we got back from Nashville a few hours ago, just in time for the Super Bowl. It's currently half time so I figured I do a little update on what we did while in Tennessee.
We stayed at The Hermitage Hotel and really enjoyed the stay. The Hermitage is Nashville's highest rated hotel and it showed in many ways. A high star rating coupled with southern hospitality made this hotel experience one of the better experiences I have had. The concierge was the nicest EVER! I mean for me to still be thinking about her service should tell ya something. The dinning was also wonderful at The Capital Grill located in the hotel. Really high end, well prepared and very creative cuisine.
The Country Music Hall of Fame was the first stop for us. It was amazing to see walls of gold and platinum records by artists ranging from Elvis Presley to Shania Twain. Also there were Elvis' gold cadillac and gold piano. The big display going on right now is Ray Charles. Everything from videos to sunglasses to braile magazines was there. One really cool thing was seeing the actual paper that some songs were written on by the artists who wrote them, including Keith Urban's, Days Gone By. I also watched a short video on how Dolly Parton approaches songwriting. I enjoyed it.
Friday morning greeted us with snow! After a little breakfast we jumped in the car and checked out The Hermitage, which is the home of former President Andrew Jackson. Charissa is much more the historian than I am, but it was still fun walking around and taking it all in.
The Loveless Cafe has been praised by USA TODAY as the best down home cooking spot in America. Martha Stewart regards the Loveless as one of the top 5 spots in the USA. So Charissa and I found ourselves sitting in the same dinning area that has seen celebrity after celebrity. We each had eggs, country smoked ham, and lots of homemade biscuits...mmmm. The Loveless Cafe is also featured in the book 1000 Things to Do Before You Die. Just 999 more;-)
Saturday night we went down to the Ryman and took in the Grand Ole Opry. The Ryman is my kind of history. So much talent as played on that stage and so many people have sat in those wooden bleachers. Saturday night the big name there was Vince Gill. I thought it was awesome to be there and just be able to take in music so easily.
The trip was really good. We spent time with Charissa's friends and had a good time. The journey continues....
Next week Charissa and I are headed to Nashville for one of her friend's engagement party. While I wasn't so keen on the idea of going up for a few days in the beginning, I am slowly warming to the idea. I've always wanted to visit Nashville and while this isn't the perfect time for me to visit, The Hermitage Hotel (see link below) should make it a whole lot better.
Hopefully we'll run into some record execs and I'll sign a deal to be a Superstar...though I guess that does come with some pre-requisites doesn't it:-)
Link: Hermitage Hotel.
I thought I would compile a list of famous faces we saw while out in Beverly Hills this past week. Here is the list:-)
1. Posh Spice of the Spice Girls and the wife of David Beckham.
2. Topher Grace of In Good Company and the 70's show.
3. Scott Storch and Poo Bear, both big music producers (50 cent, Paris Hilton, etc. etc.)
4. Marquis Houston a musician/actor
5. Andrei Kirilenko who plays in the NBA for the Utah Jazz.
6. Dr. Phil's wife
7. The Dahm Triplets, one is engaged to Dr. Phil's son and all there did pose in Playboy. Yes, one did have her eye on me:-)
8. The drummer from Fall Out Boy.
9. Ryan Reynolds from Van Wilder.
10. Jonathan Antin!
Featured Post
We got back last night from our trip out to Beverly Hills. The trip that was really all about a birthday present I got for Charissa. That present being a haircut with "the man" Jonathan Antin.
To say the trip was awesome would be a mega understatement. It was an unforgettable, wish you could live it every day, can you believe how great Jonathan was, kind of an experience!
Jonathan. The name says it all. Anyone who knows hair today, knows about Jonathan Antin. From his two shops, one in Beverly Hills the other in West Hollywood, to his successful hit television show Blow Out, to his product line Jonathan Product featured in Sephora and on QVC. He is the man when it comes to hair. The man!
There are few times in life were things actually live up to the billing and even lesser times when they surpass it. Our time in Jonathan Salon in West Hollywood was unforgettable. The experience so far exceeded our highest expectations that there is no way I will be able to get the true meaning of the time across in words.
From the staff, including Jonathan's assistant Jason, to Jonathan himself, it was top notch. The whole cut, from Jonathan inspecting (yes, really taking time and inspecting) the hair, to the wash, the separating of the hair, the cut, the blow dry, and the pictures, we were there around four hours. Yes, we. I love the show Blow Out and get a huge kick out of Jonathan. He is a "man's man." After spending some time there he seems to be a really great guy.
While we were there we talked with Jonathan about his show, Orlando, the Florida humidity, the birthday gift, his birthday, banking, marriage, and on and on. The guy was so freakin cool and generous, it still amazes me!
When the whole experience was complete, Jonathan posed for pictures with us (12 to be exact) shook my hand and gave Charissa a kiss on the cheek.
It feels weird typing this, but the $950 I paid for the cut seems like a bargain. I would and probably will do it again. If you have the chance you should too!
You can check out the pictures of our experience on the right, under photos...or by clicking here.
So when I set the hair appointment back in May, August seemed so far away...yet as time usually does, it ran and now we are all seven days into August. That means Charissa and I are merely two days from jumping on the plane and heading to California.
I must admit I am looking forward to it quite a bit. I've never been across the States and am ready to see what Rodeo Drive and the other Beverly Hills sites are all about. My goal is to take plenty of pictures and actually post them (if I can find that freakin usb connector).
For now, I really need to think about packing. Na, not right now;-) Hey, I'm a guy...what can I say:-D
So the days are counting down until we jump on the plane and head to Beverly Hills. After much research, we decided on staying at the Hilton. The choice came really out of convenience for what we wanted to do and it will hopefully be nice enough (4 stars) to keep me happy (I've become spoiled in my older age...ha). Anyway, I'll let ya know how it goes.
And the journey continues....
So August is right around the corner and I still haven't booked the hotel yet? Hotel for what you ask?? For Charissa and I to stay while we are out there for her haircut (click here to read about haircut).
So many choices! Any ideas? I'll let ya know what I decide...hopefully soon:-)
On Monday, Charissa has another birthday (you can ask her the age). So I got her a MEGA gift, just because! In August, I am flying her out to California to get her haircut by celebrity hairstylist, owner of his very own product line Jonathan Product, and Bravo network star Jonathan Antin of Blow Out. Jonathan's clientele includes Kate Bosworth, Ricky Martin, Liv Tyler and on and on. As of August 10th, it will also include Charissa Smith:-)
Price tag for a Jonathan Antin haircut, $750. Tip for a Jonathan Antin haircut, $200. Total trip experience, $3,000. The memories...Priceless!
Some of the Los Cabos pictures are now posted on the right side under photo albums.
I never truly understood sensory overload until i stepped out of the van at Marquis Los Cabos, the five star resort/spa Charissa and I would be staying at over the next few days. I will let the pictures try and tell the words, because even I, who enjoys to write feels humbled in the attempt to convey truly what we experienced. I suppose I am sure I will not grasp what enveloped us in Los Cabos, but I will do my best:-)
Rewind a bit to how it began. My brother and his wife picked us up at 3:50 a.m. for a trip to the airport (How nice is that?). We arrived about two hours early, like international flights require, for our 6:45 flight to Houston. Once we got to Houston we waited an hour or so and boarded a flight to Los Cabos, Mexico. In between those flights we had some Burger King...so much for eating healthy...ha.
As we began our descent into Los Cabos we looked down and saw the most gorgeous waters almost holding hands with pristine beaches. Smiles were all around. As we landed and began leaving the plane there was a definite weather condition change. When we left Florida we left with coats and as we stepped foot out of the Continental plane we arrived in beautiful, warm sun.
The Los Cabos airport was a bit different than what I have grown accustomed to here in the states. Much smaller. The plane didn't pull right up to the terminal like it does in the states. In Los Cabos, due to the size, the plane stayed on the tarmac and you walked down steps out of the plane and then into the terminal (I know there are places like this in the US to, but I rarely experience them).
Once we were inside and gone through customs we were greeted by a few gentlemen who wanted to sell us a cab/hotel experience, but once informed that we already had travel taken care of were very helpful in guiding us in the right direction. As we exited the airport there were many drivers waiting to give rides. A man from Teramar (our pre-arranged travel), before I could say a word, said, Mr. Kenneth Eller may I take your luggage. Pretty sweet! Charissa and I jumped in the van and after picking up one other couple at a different terminal, headed for the resort.
What was amazing to us on our 20 minute ride to the resort was the surroundings. We knew there would be nice beaches and gorgeous waters, but we didn't know about the mountains and desert like surroundings. So many unreal backdrops kept our heads on a swivel the entire time.
As we rode through the gates of Marquis Los Cabos and stopped in front of the open-air lobby(more on this in a bit) our doors were opened and we were greeted by Marquis staff to assist with our bags and show us to check-in. Everything was Mr. and Mrs. Eller...which was changed to Mr. Eller and Mrs. Smith:-) As we checked in we were brought a papaya infused punch in nice glasses to drink as we checked in and went to our room.
Rewind back to the open-air lobby. You know when you were a kid and you wanted that special toy and knew it would be nice, but when you really got it, it blew away your expectations? (Disclaimer: If you are over 35 you might not know this feeling, as underwear and school clothes don't quite get ya that excited.) Or really any experience that you had high expectations for and those expectations were totally blown away. That is the feeling of stepping into the lobby at Marquis Los Cabos. Marble floors with counters on each side. One side to check in, the other the concierge, golf, travel, etc. In the middle there were many couches and chairs placed about in the lobby and just beyond that a long pool of water seemingly dropping into the ocean. Did I mention the ocean...Wow...unreal. The view was incredible. (See pictures)
Continue reading "Marquis Los Cabos...a dream you get to live! A true epic!" »
I figured it would be great to post a quick note on the road, so here I am sitting in the hotel room in Atlanta typing out a short note. We got in late last night following the Third Day concert held at Atlanta Fest 2005, so we are all a little tired right about now. It has been a great time for sure. I will post a recap of the trip hopefully in the next few days. Stay tuned.
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