Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Tuscaloosa, Alabama -- I know exactly what you are thinking... why would I even PUT this dreadful place on my travel blog? Well, because it was one of my work trips (which is half the reason I am writing this blog), and I do believe some Crimson Tide fans would be quite disappointed in me for mocking their city/state because yes, I have to admit that I am making fun of both. A "roll tide" fan may ask why. Well here it is -- I have traveled through Alabama plenty of times and though it's Mississippi's "flipped twin," it's not quite Mississippi. Sure, I may be partial because there is not much to the big Magnolia (Tres says I love my home-state so much I should be an ambassador for it...), but I can at least tell you that Mississippi has better roads, highways, more understandable roadsigns, and not every so-called large town looks exactly the same. So maybe it's just the driving part I dislike so much. But I have to say, as a die-hard southerner and lover of all southern states, I can't place it on my "S*%@ List" (I'll leave that for those states above the Mason-Dixon Line). So, the state that "Stars Fell On" will just have to go at the bottom of the Worst Southern States list. Sorry, Alabama.

So some positives about Alabmama... well we know it's a southern state and that makes it a true positive, but in the cheerleading world, the state of Alabama is nothing but positive, and that's why I was there. The University of Alabama hold the largest UCA cheerleading camp in the nation. They have several camps a summer there, but the first two are two of the biggest. People from states all over come to this camp. I still haven't figured out why exactly, but they do, and it makes UCA happy! So, I was there to do cheerleading camp coverage for Varsity Wired, our video on demand channel. It was a hot two days in June (reiterating that south thing), but we got some great coverage that is now up on our great website! Here is the link to all the videos we shot at the U of A (the first one is my favorite)! Check it out!

CLICK HERE: http://player.theplatform.com/ps/player/pds/pgruYnncxl

Running out of Time!

I just realized how behind I actually am on my blog. Yes, I have been behind the entire time I have been writing it, but I told myself I would get caught up before I went to Cabo San Lucas. Well, that trip has been planned since like April, and I am still on the month of MAY in my travel blog when it's already SEPTEMBER! And guess what?! Those vacations sure do sneak up on you because a week from today, I will be packing a bag to hit the west side of Mexico!

I am going to attempt to get all of my past voyages recorded before this time next week! Here are the places you have to look forward to reading about from the last three months... starting with AL in June and ending with GA in August! Ah... I just love those southern states!

• Tuscaloosa, Alabama (work)
• Milwaukee, Wisconsin (work)
• Charleston, South Carolina (play)
• Knoxville, Tennessee (play)
• Atlanta, Georgia (play)

I'm almost there!!!!!!! Then in a week:

• Cabo San Lucas, Mexico (play, play play!)

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Just a little example of a Destination Wedding!

I have decided that destination weddings are the best weddings (and I am totally a wedding person). Here's why: First, you don't just get married, but you get married in a unique atmosphere... a place you are not used to and don't look at every day on your way to work or every Sunday when you are sitting in church. Plus, getting married is one of the most exciting things you will ever do in your life, so why not pick someplace extra-special to do it? Second, it's also a mini vacation before your honeymoon for you, your husband-to-be, and the fun people that attend the wedding. Who couldn't appreciate that? My third and number one reason for a destination wedding: When you get married somewhere not as "convenient" as somewhere in your hometown, only the people that really mean the world to you are going to show up. Not just Billie Jo and Bob down the street, who you haven't talked to in ages. Why would you want border-line strangers at your wedding? To me, weddings are intimate. You are saying eternal vows to someone and sharing the beginning of your new life with those guests at the wedding. I have no desire to do that in front of Bille Joe and Bob. I want to do that with the people who care enough (and I care about enough), to make the trip. NOTE: No where too over the top though... can't be expecting guests to dish out tons of money just to see you say "I do."

Molly and the girls from work!

Why am I going into this spill? Does it have anything to do with my "travel" blog? Well, yes it does! Because it's the reason I was in Gatlinburg, TN the second weekend in May! My great friend from work, Molly, and her now husband, Dale, were getting married. Both from the great, southern state of Georgia, but both work and live in Memphis. So, they decided to have their guests "meet in the middle." Plus, who could blame them; they had a gorgeous wedding on top of a mountain, with an excellent view, and a super-fun cabin reception. Very "southern-classy" just exactly the way I would describe Molly!

Molly, Dale, and the Varsity office that made it to the wedding!

Which bring me to another point: every wedding should reflect the person(s) getting married (to a certain extent). Let me explain. I was channel surfing the other night and came across a television show called "Redneck Weddings." You know wedding shows such as "Bridezilla," "Platinum Weddings," and "Whose Wedding is it Anyway?" Well, similar to that (as far as following the bride and groom around and showing the "plans" come alive), but not quite the same. These brides and their groomys were not having the classic wedding; they were having "redneck" weddings. No, not as a joke, but because they were proud of being so "country." Now, I am a southern girl, and anyone that knows me knows how proud I am of that, but there is a difference in "southern" and "country." These people had camouflage bridesmaid dresses, a "hay" aisle for the bride to walk down, and deer heads on the walls of the barn. Yes, I just said BARN... they chose a place where cows shit for their "I do's." I was disgusted.

I certainly hate to offend anyone, but this is completely unacceptable!

I then started thinking about all of the "bad" weddings I have been to. There have been more than enough. No camo dresses or deer heads, but things I will not even get into. All I am saying is be yourself, have a wedding that reflects the person you are, and do what it takes to entertain your guests, but ABOVE ALL... if you are going to be classy ONE TIME in your entire life, PLEASE let it be at your wedding!!!!!!!

Me and Tres in the mountains!

Back to Molly's wedding and the weekend in Gatlinburg. I could not have pictured a more perfect wedding for her and Dale... simple, classy, "southern" (thank God), and FUN! The ceremony overlooked the gorgeous Smoky Mountains, the reception was in a gigantic cabin with food, booze, and fun people. And the late night (because all GOOD weddings go past Midnight) was carried to another cabin where a group of about 15 people stayed! It could not have been more unique, reflect Molly and Dale any more, and of course... it was CLASSY! The wedding expert gives it a perfect 10!

Memphis, TN

Graceland - "The King's house"

Ok... I know it doesn't really count as a 'destination' especially because I live there, but for some people it's such an exciting place to visit? Yes, that's a question mark at the end of that sentence. I wonder the same thing. But here's why: MUSIC and ELVIS - The only two reasons to come to Memphis. I am not much a fan of the second one (my boyfriend's only disappointment in me he says), but people come from not only all over the country, but all over the WORLD to experience and learn more about "The King." This past week was Elvis Week, and let me tell you, people are EVERYWHERE celebrating the death (31 years later) of this man. I heard that last year on his 30th year death anniversary that Memphis, Tennessee brought in more tourists that DISNEYWORLD in Orlando, Florida. That, my friends, is a fact and one of the only reasons to be "proud of being a Memphian."


VIP 'in it!

So let's rewind... Since I am so behind on writing my blog, I want to go back to a fun weekend in Memphis. Although Tres and I WERE NOT on vacation, two of our good friends were... Trevor and Lori. They came to visit, and thanks to them, I experienced Memphis (for the first time) like a REAL tourist! For Lori, the trip could be compared to the same trip of a 50-year-old Chinese Elvis impersonator coming over from Hong Kong in a sparkly jumpsuit - AKA "a dream come true." Lori is a huge Elvis fan for some reason and though the trip for her was only a 2 hour plane ride away, she appreciated it just as much as that random Chinese man who had an approximate 20 hour plane ride.

Lori and Trevor LOVE Divers!

Day One - Our first stop once Lori and Trevor arrived was Graceland, or in Lori's words "The King's house." We took a special VIP Tour through the mansion (thank you Tres), so we got to experience it like no other. We cut in line, saw special sites, and felt like we took in Graceland on the highest level! Second stop? A night out (Memphis Style)! This means, Beale Street, Silky's (had to have a diver), Big Ass Beers on the sidewalk, a Trolley Ride, and food at a great restaurant (Spendini's). It was a superb and wine-ful night!

Who knew we would end up here?!

Day Two - An injured foot, day in the hospital, yet lots of Memphis fun. So the ijured foot and day at the hospital is NOT something a normal tourist has on his Memphis Itinerary, but it ended up on ours. Long story short - Tres had an air conditioning guy come work on his air, the guy dropped a huge piece of metal on his foot, sliced it open about 5 inches long and 2 inches wide, so we sat in the Emergency room until 2 p.m. Not exactly part of the "all-day Beale Street Music Fest" plans we had that day, but it worked out. Why? Because Tres is a trooper and he never misses a good time!!! Foot wrapped up good, a few beers kicked back, and a dreadful limp, he was ready to paint the town, which just proves that when you are in Memphis, you CAN'T BE STOPPED!

The crew at MusicFest!

We lucked up and ended up in a VIP Tent by one of the main stages (thank you Tres again). And can I just say I find it appalling that my boyfriend, who has lived in this city for a year, can pull VIP passes from all over the place when I have lived here for 24 years. What am I doing wrong?! haha! Anyway, the VIP Tent was a blast. Free booze, food, and the best music right in our ears without having to fight a crowd. Oh and did I mention Justin Timberlake's mother was partyin' in up in this tent. Another dose of "true Memphis" or what?! We couldn't get any closer than Memphis TRUE VIP style. And if only they knew, those Chinese Elvis's would really be pissed off at us!

With Mrs. Timberlake herself!

So, to wrap it up... here's what I have learned about Memphis. There are three things that people say make Memphis great: Music, Elvis, and Fed Ex, and I don't know about you guys, but I would say according to MOST people, these three things sure do make the world go 'round!

Daytona Beach, Florida

View from the balcony of my VERY NICE hotel room

You discover what REAL, serious traveling is when you get off of one plane early in the morning and hop on another one that very same day at sundown... especially when you leave one state and are back in that very same state the very next day. In my case, this time, it was Florida... The one state it just seems I can't get enough of (usually not by choice). I hopped on a plane in Destin about 6 a.m., touch downed in Memphis about 8 a.m., went home to wash clothes and re-pack (a skill I have mastered, I must say), and left that very night for Daytona Beach, Florida.

I will say one thing, going from a fun-trip to a work-trip all in one day is never fun, but you gotta get back to the grind somehow... may as well do it at one of the most well-known, popular beaches in Florida! Daytona is known for their cars driving on the sand. It's all really interesting: The sand on Daytona Beach is packed down so cars can drive on it. Well, they used to be able to drive on it. There's some rule now that is against it now, so only authorized vehicles are permitted on the sand. It comes in handy for a great run though. Name another beach you can run on, right by the water, with tennis shoes on and not get sand in your shoes or feel like your legs have turned into jelly from pushing off the thick sand. I don't think there is another beach like that!

Yes, this is the cheer competition I am refering to!

Once the work started, there was little time for my beach runs. The competition taking place was NCA College Nationals. If you have never been to a cheerleading competition, you are in for a treat, if you have never been to NCA College Nationals, you are in for a REAL treat. Picture a crazy-wild Spring Break taking place at a cheerleading competition. The competition is held right on the beach, near a few bars, and it's where all the action takes place: competition action and party action. A large stage is set up right on the sand, and cheerleaders, dancers, coaches, and fans who are finished competing or don't go until the next day, lay out (in their swimsuits) on rows and rows of colorful towels with a drink and one hand and a pom pom or some sort of spirit decor in the other. It's an interesting sight that I insisted on taking MANY pictures of, as you will see. Work crew taking a break!

OK, so enough talk of play, and back to work-talk (the reason I was there). This weekend, it was my responsibility to do video-work. There is always something different I work on when it comes to the Varsity Wired Video on Demand Channel that we have for Varsity.com. Sometimes, I am the reporter where I do all on-camera work, sometimes I write scripts for the videos, sometimes I organize and help with production, and other times, I upload the videos onto the site. In this case, I was the premier upload-er for the weekend. Sounds like a boring job, but it's actually the most important of all the "video" jobs. If the videos were never uploaded, no one could watch them! For some examples of the work I do, take a look at the website: http://www.varsity.com/vwired/index.asp

Just about half of the crowd at the competition!

Destin, Florida

Some of the very large group in Destin

For a trip that went from "going to just have fun" to "going to work," it sure turned out to be more fun than work! We were going to visit and hang out with Tres' posse, who were all there to work. Athletic Championships, the company Tres used to work for and a company ran by and employed by a close group of friends, was holding a cheerleading competition in Destin, Florida... so Tres and I were on our way to sun and fun! Nothing to complain about there! And, to make it even better, it was our first plane ride and trip together.

We ended up working the event, but it wasn't a bad schedule and everyone else was working, so what else were we going to do? We also took the following Monday off of work, so we had plenty of time on the beach and in the sun! I got my first sun-burn of 2008... the first bit of sun in a new year is always something to celebrate. And DID WE celebrate!!! We celebrated by the pool and at the beach in the a.m. and ate well and bar hopped in the p.m. What a fun mini-work-vacation!

Andrea and Tres at the Condo

Nashville, TN

Nashville - Because everyone needs a good ol' girls night out! This March 15th, me and three girlfriends from work set out for a night of fun in a real "country" city. But, this city is not so country at all. As many times as I have been to the Home of Country music, I have never been out and about in the downtown city lights, so that was the goal of this trip.

Molly, Kristin, Elizabeth and I shopped the day away at the outlet. I decided quickly that if I ever need to shop and haven't been to Orlando within a few months (my shopping spot), Nashville is where I will be driving. With all the stores a girl loves, including a Saks Fifth Avenue OFF Saks, I couldn't go wrong! While there, I spent my usual 3-4 hours in Forever 21, then headed to swaky Saks to pick me up a great pair of Marc Jacob shades, so I could be "Fresh out the water, with my Marc Jacob goggles." Lil' Wayne Lyrics... for those of you who are clueless to the rap world (my gorgeous boyfriend would say having no clue about rap is a good thing... I disagree)! haha.

Soon it was back to the hotel to show off our latest clothes and decide which of the new garments we wanted to strut around in that night. Three change of outfits, four change of shoes, and two change of hair-do's later, we were off to martinis and sushi! The Sushi Bar ended up being the best all four of us had ever experienced, which gave me EVEN MORE reason to come back to N-ville. We then hit up the town, bar hopping until we couldn't stop, which for us was only about 3 a.m. We were out of town, yet our boyfriends were still awake hanging out together at home in Memphis. Drunk (of course) and grilling out. At 3 a.m.? Yes, I said that correctly. The boys were at Tres' condo, and he could persuade a 50-year-old narcoleptic to stay awake until the sun rises!!!