"Dance the night away is their claim... well, Friday night wasn't very happening when we visited John Wehner's Village Door Nightclub. $5 cover at the door allows you to "drink free" but the drinks this includes is so limited that its not worth it. But we gave it a whirl... had a few cocktails ($12 for a martini?! That's worse than Orlando's prices..)... and then headed on to the next place. The only positive comment is the bartender (name I don't remember) went out of his way to find a wine that I could drink without getting sick. Thank you kind bartender!! http://www.thevillagedoor.com/

And they are gonna let me run one of these things?! Ha ha ha

Since we are opening a Zip Line and Ropes Course in Myrtle Beach next month, I came to Sandestin to work with Russ, the owner of Baytowne Adventure Zone Zip Line this weekend. He and his staff could not be any nicer or more gracious with their time. Well... doing the zip line was a first for me. Their zip line is smaller than what we are putting in for our MB property but it gives you an idea of what we'll be in for. It’s a great way to get an aerial view of Destin’s Baytowne Wharf Village and its surroundings as you soar across the lagoon. Here are some pics of us being silly and having some fun on the zip line! For more information about Baytowne Adventure Zone, call 850-428-2736.

What fun! Though I did get stuck coming in on the second zip line due to winds

Tommy is all geared up and ready to go!

Charlie's Angels 2010 style

Yep.. another sushi joint. After training on the zip lines here in Sandestin, my three co-workers and I decided to try Osaka Sushi Rocks (I swear that's their name) for dinner. We should have listened to our gut instincts when we sat and commented on how bright the lighting was inside. Service was terrible, the rolls were beyond messed up and all of us were struggling with our stomachs hours later. Not a winner in my book. I won't bother giving you their information... don't waste your time.

Located on the Northwest Florida Gulf Coast in Destin, Florida, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is a 2,400-acre destination resort located between Pensacola and Panama City. This world includes 30 charming village neighborhoods featuring rental condominiums, villas, town homes and a wide variety of luxury beach hotel accommodations. On a work trip to Destin, myself and three co-workers are staying here for the weekend. Beautiful resort! Though here for work with little time for play, there is so much to do including tennis, kayaking, parasailing, jet skiing, boating, cruising, fishing, swimming, shopping and lots of options for eating and drinking! There is a tram that will pick you up and drive you around the resort starting at 7pm stopping at 3am. Talk about convenient. Spring Break is just starting here in Destin but this high-end resort separates us from some of that madness. Beautiful place! Check it out if in the area. http://www.sandestin.com/ExploreSandestin.aspx

Since moving into the Waverly on Lake Eola, I've gone without a gym membership choosing instead to workout in the condo gym or run around Lake Eola. Well... running around the lake is breathtaking on most days but can get monotonous and even challenging on our recent colder days. The condo gym just lacks so much... not just the equipment. I never thought of myself as a gym person.. enjoying the fact other people are working out around me. But alas I seem to be. So.. I've looked around downtown Orlando and decided to try out Metro 24/7 Fitness. It's located a few blocks from my condo and I see it on my weekly downtown runs. The hours appeal to me, the constant traveler, since they are always open no matter what time of the day. So Sunday I took them for a whirl. Nice small gym offering adequate amount of cardio equipment (its the smallest of their locations so the cardio area apparently fills up pretty quickly during their peak times), TVs for distractions (though oddly enough the channel selection seems limited), a plethora of free weights and weight machines and a nice section dedicated to abs only. There is only a group fitness room where classes such as yoga, bootcamp, abs, pilates, etc. take place. And don't forget Spin class! Plus this gym apparently has a class called Metro Running which is a running club on Tuesday mornings at 6am... I love that. I liked the experience, and that its only $26/month (with all taxes), plus only month-to-month, so I signed up! If you work out at the club, lemme know if I'll see you there. I'll hopefully be a regular starting this week.

"Being in two places at once" was one of the items on on Jamie's list when asked by Landon what she wanted more than anything... followed by "get a tattoo" and "get married in my parents' church". (A Walk To Remember reference of you who are scratching your heads) With as much traveling as I've done, I'm sure I've been in two places at once, more than once... but I'm counting this as a "new" experience because Jasmine and I consciously recognized it when we were on the border or TN and NC. This of course followed us driving too far into NC from the Smokey Mountain National Park and the infamous bathroom experience... and before the very scary skidding situation that brought terror into our hearts as the truth of how close we were to going off the mountain in our Priva rental car was. Thankfully God kept his arms around us that day, all day and night.

I work in the entertainment industry... and I wouldn't change one moment of my career choice. Each day is different and around every corner is a new "experience" to meet someone exciting or try something exhilarating. This past week our TN property opened a new Magic Show and a very special guest flew in just for the event. Adele Friel Rhindress is none other than the assistant for whom legendary magician Harry Blackstone Sr. created the illusion that forever dubbed her the “Elusive Moth.” As Terry and the team orchestrated the new Hall of Magic, a photo of a very beautiful young woman was placed inside one of the cases, autographed in 2008 to Terry. It sits surrounded by other memorabilia from Blackstone that has been collected over time. This past Thursday night I had the great pleasure of meeting Adele, the beautiful woman from the photo... and she is still as stunning today in her 70's as she was at the young age of 18 when she received the infamous butterfly broach gifted to her my Blackstone. I adored meeting her and hearing her stories and feeling the passion she has for not only magic and her past but for her beautiful relationship she has with Terry. So... Adele made my list of new "experiences" for she was truly a blessing bestowed amidst a rather busy task-oriented week.

So I see this place every day when I drive to the office.. and when I pass it running.. and always think to myself "one day I'll go there" but I never do. Did this morning! After a rough 24 hours between car issues and flight delays/cancellations, I grabbed a late breakfast at the Breakfast Club of Orlando this morning. Breakfast burrito and hashbrowns (healthy I know) were delicious, though I'm sure it would've been better had I been able to eat the cheese and sour cream that normally accompanies the burrito. Definitely a decent little breakfast place if you are looking for something downtown and within walking distance of the lake. Check them out: www.breakfastcluboforlando.com

As soon as you enter this restaurant, you are presented with a panoramic view of a beautiful seven foot high, 25,000-gallon tropical saltwater aquarium. Simply amazing. We visited the restaurant this evening for dinner and was pleasantly surprised by the amazing cuisine in addition to the spectacular service. The owner, Roy, who also owns Montego Bay which was my lunch spot today, came over to meet me... a fellow New Orleans native. Great guy. I'd return just to see him alone... sweet person and I can just tell there are lots of stories there that I haven't even tapped into yet. Wonderful dinner. Stop by if you are in town for sure!! The Sea Scallops were divine! http://www.saltwatergrillpcb.com/

Lunch today was a treat... always love finding a place where there is a bit of cajun taste thrown in by surprise. Apparently, Roy, the owner of Montego Bay, is cajun and definitely knows how to create a "bam!" experieince. I got to lunch here today with two of our new partners and what a treat! Not only does it have a fantastic beachy feel... with bright colors and fun dish names that just scream BEACH.. it also has a "cheers" feel. Walking in with my lunch dates, all eyes were on us. This small town certainly does recognize an outsider in the midst. We had several people stop by to introduce themselves to me over the course of our lunch, but in a very sweet small-town way. I loved it. My Mahi Mahi was fabulous and the ambiance even better. There is something for everyone at this great seafood restaurant. If in the area, be sure to check them out. http://www.montegobaypcb.com/

I know, I know.. this is supposed to be "new" experiences. Well, technically it is. Every Ripley's is different and this one also has the 4-D Moving Theater inside... so I'm counting it as a new experience since I've never been before today. Our partners for our new upcoming property owns the building so I got to spend some time today going through this fantastic attraction. I'm personally not a huge fan of the freak-show-ish items you often find in the Ripley's chain of museums... and this one promises the same adrenaline pumping frights... but I will say this attraction is beautifully laid out. I'm a sucker for attention to detail and they do a fantastic job keeping up with the property and giving the guest a great experience. The shipwrecked vessel is eye-catching from the road and easily invites you in. The 4-D Moving Theater was fantastic, taking you through the Earth's core. Definitely a recommended "do" if you are in the Panama City Beach area. Check them out on the web:www.ripleyspanamacitybeach.com

If you follow along with my challenge, you know I'm a sucker for great sushi... well, my first night in Panama City Beach, I went in search for the best in the area. Shan Kishi Japanese Fusion was hands down the winner when I researched online or asked locals in the area. Well.. maybe I've become a sushi snob. I have to totally disagree. When I called I was instructed to make a reservation as opposed to just stopping in... so of course I did. Upon arriving, I joked with the hostess (unsuccessfully) about my luck in getting a reservation. The place was empty except for one family of four. The service was slow and impersonal. The roll selection was decent in size but almost every roll consisted of tuna. Now I'm a fan of tuna, but I also like variety in my rolls. During dinner, one of the servers (Japanese young girl) came over and asked about my make-up. Flattered, we chatted for a bit and I gave her the details on what I used. She then came back over to talk to me whenever she could. At least I got attention from that point on, but it became a little much. Overall, it was better than some places to which I travel and struggle to find decent sushi.. but I still think Orlando is hands down the best sushi I've had.

The Mayor Carl T. Langford Park is a natural oasis from the bustle of downtown Orlando. Located at 1808 E. Central Blvd, this park has something for everyone in the family! Shady oak trees, wide sidewalks, a fun swinging bridge over the creek and playgrounds for both toddlers and kids alike.. there is a ton of stuff to do here. Again, why has someone not told me about this before?! In clocking miles for my half-marathon training, I ventured outside my normal path this morning and stumbled upon this gorgeous little park. Apparently you can also hold weddings here. Who knew!? It was a beautiful find in the middle of an intense run this morning.. so I took my time exploring around. Next date night with Gavin may end up here!

Why has no one told me about this wonderful little oasis from the city?! It's a mere mile from my condo and I discovered it on my morning run today. What a gem! Dickson Azalea Park is located at 100 Rosearden Dr. Orlando, FL 32803. Complete with small meandering paths, huge mossy oak trees and beautiful azalea bushes everywhere, its a perfect spot to bring a book or sketch pad and just get away from the hustle of downtown Orlando.

Beautiful oasis from the city!

Kung Foo Fighting Panda Style...

The Red Coconut Club is located on the second floor of CityWalk… in the old Motown location. It’s been there a while but I rarely get to CityWalk unless I have out-of-town guests visiting and requesting a trip over there. I worked at Universal for so long I try not to spend time there if I don’t have to. It’s a nightclub and ultra-lounge that provides intimate tables for mellow sipping of cocktails as well as a dance floor that encourages lively crowds to migrate from drinking at the bar to booty-shaking on the floor. The décor is is a little bit 1950s Vegas, a little bit Cuban, and a little bit Polynesian-tiki retro with vintage couches and bongo-shaped bar stools. If you ask me it’s a fabulously touristy club that I normally wouldn’t frequent but I had a blast with the girls! We danced until midnight and left glistening and ready for bed.

Poor thing... does she really have a choice but to just smile and take all these pics with me?!

The music was a throw back to our days in high school... super fun!

Gettin Low Low Low...