Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Suggestions?

So Megan turns 30 on Sunday (She's gonna kill me for posting that) and I want to get her a very special gift.

Her dream is to go to NYC, which won't happen right away, but maybe later this year. Anyone know how I can get a cheap package or have any suggestions for MUST SEE'S/DO's?

I really want to make this special for her, so I am open to suggestions.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

A Little Clarification...

I probably should have mentioned this yesterday for clarification, but didn't really think anything of it until I received a few calls and noticed some of your comments. First, let me thank all of you for your concern, it really means a lot. Also thanks for your prayers.

Just to clarify a little bit, there is nothing happening medically or marriage related that are crises. Since I wrote the blog so early in the morning (something I can do since I work the morning show at the radio station) the thought never occurred to me that I might raise some fears.

I still can't share much, but Megan and I are at a bit of a crossroads and have some decisions to make in the coming weeks. Basically we have some tough decisions to make that we are wrestling through and yesterday was a point day relating to all of that. Like I said I'll share more in the near future, but can't yet.

So again, all is well. We are both healthy as far as we know, and all's well in our lives together (in fact I think it's pretty darn good that I'm blessed with such a great woman). Thanks again for our prayers yesterday, they were felt and we appreciate it so much.

Monday, January 28, 2008

A Special prayer need....

If you think of us today, could you please lift us up in prayer? I'll share more when I can, but we need your prayers today if you could. Thanks! I appreciate and pray for all of you often!

-Matt

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Skybus...

We had the chance this last weekend to head to Ohio for a little long weekend. We decided since it was a short weekend we would fly instead of drive. Normally we are looking at 350 to 400 for a round trip flight from Pensacola to Ohio. Everyone up home rants and raves about skybus which is based in Columbus. They are the no frills airline with DEEPLY discounted airfares. We had always thought about trying them out, but thought the only hub was in Jacksonville 5 hours away. However, we found out the fly into "New Orleans" but it's actually Gulfport/Biloxi which is only two hours away, so we thought we would give it a try.

We did not get the $10 fares, but evidently you have to be one of the first ten to purchase that flight to get the rate. I was amazed however to see airfares under 100 with less than a week before departure. We wound up paying 75 for the first leg of the flight and 55 for the second, but it was a direct flight at night.

The flight home was delayed an hour, getting us into Columbus late, but I was highly satisfied. There was plenty of room, the planes are brand new, and the flight crew including captains were awesome. They had fun (especially on the flight back yesterday), were very pleasant and did a great job. I WILL fly skybus again. It is well worth it.

The only downfall is a chance of a delay (but it's not that bad with delays), you do have to pay for luggage (checked-5 each for first two bags) and drinks/snacks, but I'll take that over a $400 ticket.

So check them out at their website and enjoy it. And those friends and family who live in the frozen tundra up north....now is no better time to visit! we'll come pick you up.

Your travel guru (yeah right)...
-Matt

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Idol Farce?

Well it is back...and honestly I am just not sure what to think this year. Of course I am talking about American Idol, and in the midst of the oh so wonderful writer's strike, it is one of the only "decent" reality shows that are permeating the airwaves right now since all of the good scripted shows are stuck in limbo right now.

On a quick tangent as it relates to television, there is one scripted jewel that premiered last weekend on Fox. It is a must watch if you are a fan of the Terminator movies. It is called the "Sarah Connor Chronicles," and I am impressed so far.

Okay back to Idol-I just really don't know what to think. Part of me likes the first few weeks with the "bad" mixed in with the good, but I'm already sick of it after two episodes. I get frustrated at the way they belittle some of the contestants by letting them through the auditions only to be made fun of on national TV.

HOWEVER...working in radio and being the local producer for a nationally syndicated show there has been a lot of talk about how "real" it all is.

Don't get me wrong, I know that reality TV is scripted to some extent. I know that there are several rounds of auditions, and I know that some of the "bad" contestants are people doing a "bit" for radio or to boost their careers. That's fine...I'm okay with that and some of them are really funny. However, what about the ones that really are sincere...and how many of them are sincere? The tall guy who butchered "livin' on a prayer"-I really think he was real and I feel bad about him. Or what about the guy who "sings low" and did "go down Moses" pretty sure he thought he could sing...don't know though. I am not entirely convinced that "I am your brother guy" was legit but who knows. I know this is all part of the grabbing ratings and viewers, but couldn't you shorten it...some of it is okay, but at least 2 weeks worth of 2 hours for 2 nights-a little much now, we've seen it. Let's get on to Hollywood.

Of course if you haven't heard, rumors are flying that the 50 finalists have been leaked to the net and several of them have had reps or recording deals in the past.

So with all of that and record labels dropping past idols (Taylor Hicks, Kat McPhee, and Jordin Sparks), I just don't know what to think. I am a little skeptical this year. I'll keep watching for now, but I need to see some breakout talent if they want to keep me this year. Let's have a couple more laughs and move on okay? Thoughts?

I am your brother...
-Matt

Tuesday, January 01, 2008

The battle at two years...

Welcome to 2008! As I sit here through a day of playing the Wii, watching college football, and a STREAM of shows about obesity and weight loss (a marathon of season 2 of TBL and TLC had several shows about morbidly obese people) laden with a ridiculous amount of advertisements for weight loss specials/gyms I realize that 2007 was a tough year. I start 2008 at 340, only 2 pounds lighter than last year. I wasn't nearly as motivated this last year as I was in 06 and it shows. I could give all kinds of excuses as to why I didn't lose, but basically I wasn't dedicated. So I'm not making any real resolutions this year. I am going to try something different...I will use all of the resources around me and keep SMALL goals instead of making outlandish hopes for the year. If I start small and achieve those small goals maybe I can get further this year. And I'll be honest...the Wii does help! Playing even for a half hour a day helps, it really gets my heart up. I don't know what this year holds, but here's to another year of battling on...anyone wanna join me?