I’m on a boat

Or rather, I’m going to be on a boat! Geof and I booked a cruise and we leave in a few weeks. I cannot wait to get away and this will be something different for us as a couple, since we’ve never been on one together.


Carnival Inspiration

We’re going to the Cayman Islands and I absolutely love it there. The island is beautiful and there are so many things to do. The bonus is that it’s the VH1 Best Cruise Ever and there are going to be a ton of concerts on the ship. Lifehouse, 3 Doors Down, Shinedown, SafetySuit and Carolina Liar (just to name a few) will be rocking the boat!

They’re also going to have 2 theme nights, one 80’s and one formal. It will be fun to put some ridiculous 80’s outfit together.

I went on a cruise to the Cayman’s a long time ago with a bunch of friends and did a tour to Stingray City where they take you out to this sandbar and you get to play and interact with the ray’s. I remember the boat pulling up and looking at this water that was as clear as a pool and then seeing these dark shadows swimming about. I was completely freaked out at first, but it was such an amazing experience. I hope to do it again, explore George Town, visit “Hell”, 7 Mile Beach and maybe even get over to the Turtle Farm. There is so much to do and I really hope to squeeze as much in as possible that day that we’re in port.


Stingray City


Hell - it was fun last time to send postcards to my friends back home postmarked from Hell. It's basically a tourist trap, but still fun.

7 Mile Beach

Annapolis Weekend – Part 2

Saturday, I ended up making another trip over to the Westfield Mall. Geof is not a huge shopper, so I didn’t want him to suffer. He was perfectly happy relaxing back at the hotel and I wasn’t gone that long. This mall was so crowded that you would have thought it was Christmas all over again. It took me 20 minutes just to find parking. Not fun. I got a few things from Nordstrom, White House Black Market and NY & CO. I was all shopped out and headed back to the hotel to get ready for our night.


Some of my shopping goodies

One of the big reasons for going to Annapolis was to see SafetySuit. I know what you’re thinking…3 times in 2 months…groupies. No…they’re just that good and now that Geof is a fan, it’s something fun we can do together. The show was at Anne Arundel Community College and it’s great getting to see a band that you love in a smaller venue like this. The interaction with the fans is really there and you feel like a part of it all. They played just about the same set list as with their other shows, but for me, it never gets old. I love each song in a different way and they have such great energy when they’re performing.


Doug and Dave rockin' out


Geof and me at the concert


So fun!

The guys stayed after the show again to meet and greet their fans. After meeting us at the other shows, they remembered us this time and again they were as nice as can be. The line was huge and after playing a few shows back to back you would think they might not be in the best mood to put on a happy face. If that was the case, you would have never known. They’re just the kind of guys you can see yourself being friends with and they make you feel comfortable. They’re so down to earth and you can tell they appreciate the support.

Geof had written a review after the last concert and the drummer (Tate) remembered him from that and thanked him. The rest of the band had read the review and also really liked it. I constantly tell Geof what a good writer he is, but he was humbled hearing those comments from someone besides me.


Jeremy, Tate, me, Dave and Doug

Here is a video from the show of a song that will be on their new album (which they’re about to start recording). The song is called, “You Don’t See Me”. The lead singer (Doug) does this solo at the shows with just his acoustic guitar. It is beautiful.

You Don't See Me

I don’t work for the band and I’m not being compensated in any way to say this. It’s the first band that has come along in awhile that has made me feel so passionate and want to spread the word. If they’re ever in you’re neck of the words and you’re curious, I would highly encourage you to see a show. This video gives a more personal/fun side of the band. They like to play pranks on bassist Jeremy. This cracks me up!

The Scare: Part 2

Sunday, we made the road trip back home and stopped for lunch at Don Pablo’s. Once we got home, we just unpacked and relaxed for the night.

SafetySuit

I have found a new band that is quickly becoming a favorite. They’re called SafetySuit and I just ordered their debut album Life Left to Go. I ordered it because I loved their first single, Someone Like You that was released a few months ago and this weekend I heard their new single, Stay on VH1. The song Stay has a great melody and a beautiful chorus. Both songs are wonderful and I read some reviews stating that if you like those two songs, you will love the entire album. I have to believe that it’s true after listening to a preview of each song on Amazon.

Some new bands hit the music scene and they’re awful. That is not the case with SafetySuit. They have a sound that is a cross between Puddle of Mudd, Fuel and 3 Doors Down. They’ve also been compared to U2. It reminds me of the rock/pop I used to love in my early 20’s.

This band also has good roots and seems to be grounded. According to their website, the band has been friends forever and got their start in Tulsa, OK where after some time playing together they entered a Battle of the Bands competition and won. After that it was time to move and got a fresh start, so they moved to Nashville, TN. where they were discovered by Universal. They recently toured with Puddle of Mudd and I wish them much success. I hope they continue making good music and that there are many more albums to come.