Along the way we stopped at the Zappos Fulfillment Center/Outlet. I only wish it had been a weekday so we could have taken the tour. This company cares about their employee’s working environment. A putting green was centered in their outside picnic table break area. And after a few conversations with the staff I heard about the Wii, Guitar Hero, karaoke machine, and computers for gaming in the inside break area. I follow the CEO Tony Hsieh on Twitter but I really need to read his book.

The next stop was Lynn’s Paradise Cafe for a late brunch.

It had been 5 years since my last visit and the interior was just as fun and quirky as I remembered.

It was perfect for all the iPhone camera apps and all 4 of us were taking pictures constantly.

The 21c Museum Hotel was next. Sara had been before and we were really glad she took us here. I don’t want to spoil it, but if you’re a guy, be sure to check out the men’s bathroom. Not sure I can describe this hotel with a museum the best so I’ll let the pictures do the talking.

We grabbed a drink at their bar, Proof on Main, and then headed for Bardstown Road to hit up the mighty Ear X-Tacy and a few other shops. I randomly came across Cumberland Brewery and walked in for a a couple pints. The rest of the group soon followed for some pre-show food. I wasn’t expecting much from the food but I was extremely surprised and satisfied. I can’t wait to go back. We left Bardstown after grabbing some coffee at Highland. It wasn’t till later I found out that a friend of my late friend Aaron Marrs owns his own coffee shop called Quills Coffee. Had I known, it would have been there I got my java. Even their logo honors Aaron. So yet another reason to go back.

The show was cool. It was great to see Louis and catch up. He’s one of my favorite songwriters and I count it a privilege that I got to A&R his debut album. Not to mention I got to see so many friends of my late friend and co-worker Aaron Marrs at the show. Nathan Quillo, Lachlan Coffey, Bryan Todd, and Josh Inzer. The latter 2 were in Aaron’s band Forever Texas and Bryan is now playing in a band called Frontiers fronted by Chris of Elliott fame. I hadn’t seen those guys in 5 years and it really closed out the trip on an even higher note.

I love hanging with Bill & Ronee and for many reasons. One reason that surfaced on the trip was that they are one of few friends that we can spend time with that don’t have kids. And it’s not that I don’t like kids. I love my friends kids. It’s just that many of our friends that do have kids mostly end up hanging out with others that have kids. And I get it. It’s easier to hang with those people because the kids can play together. So I feel lucky to have the Powers as friends. We had left Nashville at 9:15am on Sunday and returned at 2:30am on Monday. In all it was simply a great road trip was great friends.

Who wants to be next?

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Grilled Chicken Burger Patties: On the box they only mention the microwave or skillet but they have been working just great on the grill. There’s some great seasoning already added and throw on a slice of smoked gouda cheese and these have been very tasty. Plus a box of 4 is only $3.99.

Smoked Apple Chardonnay Chicken Sausage: Started grillin’ these last summer. Chunks of apple in the sausage give it a light taste. A lot of flavor too. And the calories are a lot better for you than a Johnsonville braut.

Premium Salmon Patties: Only 80 calories each.  Add some Old Bays during grillin’ and these are the perfect light sandwich for lunch.

Free Range Chicken Tenders: Enough said.

Fruit Frenzy Bar: Not for the grill obviously but perfect afterwards and especially on a hot summer day.

UPDATE 7/7/10 – Mango Chicken Sausage: AMAZING. The perfect amount of sweet.

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Here’s what I have been “reading” for the past 3 years.

The Search for God and Guinness by Stephen Mansfield

Conversations With Tom Petty

Healing is a Choice by Stephen Arterburn

When Bad Christians Happen to Good People by Dave Burchett

Strengthen Yourself in the Lord by Bill Johnson

Wild at Heart by John Eldredge

And here’s to hoping I finish a few of these this year.

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So what have I been listening to the past few years the most? What do I get the most enjoyment out of? What do I recommend to artists and friends? Old albums. I’m talking about “classic” albums. In particular the 4 albums below. 3 of which were released before I was even born which points to their ultimate timelessness. I have known most of the songs from these albums for years but it hasn’t been till the past few years that I have really dug in to these albums as a whole.

Fleetwood Mac “Rumors” (1977)
9 of the 11 songs became singles or classics for the band’s career. The 12th song, the song they cut from the original master, became a hit too. The songwriting, tones, and vocals on this album blow me away.

Billy Joel “The Stranger” (1977)
6 of the 9 songs were either singles or have become classics. 4 charted on the Billboard Hot 100.

Bruce Springsteen “Born to Run” (1975)
8 songs. 4 radio hits. All have become classics. Seeing this album played from beginning to end last year was amazing. Did you know that even though the album is branded with the imaging of a guitar, all of the songs (except for 1 part in the title track) were written on the piano?

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers “Damn the Torpedoes” (1979)
4 of the 9 songs became singles or classics. The album introduced a new level of production especially with drums.

So if you are looking for something new to listen to don’t waste time trying to find the new “it” band. Just look to the past and I promise you’ll listen to an album that will bring more enjoyment than almost all of the new SXSW, Warped Tour, and Alternative Press bands.

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1. Star Trek
2. Up
3. Avatar
4. The Hurt Locker
5. District 9
6. Inglorious Basterds
7. The Hangover
8. Food, Inc
9. It Might Get Loud
10. Terminator Salvation

- Honorable Mention (in alphabetical order):
Away We Go
Carriers
500 Days of Summer
Taken
X-Men Origins: Wolverine

- 5 I Still Want To See:
Crazy Heart
Funny People
The Road
Up In The Air
Where The Wild Things Are

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I view half of 2007 and half of 2008 as a time of being torn down to almost nothing while trying to stay alive financially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually through it all. I saw the worst life had to offer but through it all I also saw some of the best it had to offer.

The remaining half of 2008 I view as a time I was able to build a new confidence and see things becoming restored to my life.

2009 was a year where I felt my life became completely enjoyable again. I was in a great relationship. I had a job that I loved. Finances were not a stress. I saw my family grow. I took many trips, experienced a lot of what life had to offer, and most of it for the first time. I was blessed. But with all those great things there was a downside. In some ways I became comfortable again. And with that comfort came many challenges…and regrettably I know I did not succeed at all of them.

I feel 2010 will be a year of change for me. The year has just started and I can feel it. Perhaps all for the good, but maybe for bad…but only at first. I’m not sure where exactly but I feel it coming. And with that change will come more challenges. I pray this year I handle challenges differently. I pray I don’t allow blessings to make me too comfortable. I pray I don’t allow fear to slip in. I pray I am ready.

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Love it. I also like the other shot. And yes, the excitement is building every day for the final season premiere (that happens on my birthday and as long as President Obama’s State of the Union isn’t that day). Have you seen my new Twitter icon?

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Sara and I have been together for over a year now.

Seeing AC/DC for the first time…which included a full size locomotive engine on stage.

LOST on Wednesday nights with Sara, the McNeely’s, and Adam.

A trip to Chicago in March with Sara to see the Jimmy Eat World “Clarity 10 Tour”.

Signing Abandon Kansas to Gotee.

My first show at the Ryman…Death Cab for Cutie.

A trip to Maui in May with Sara and her family…which included a day trip to Oahu to see filming locations for LOST.

My niece Eva Sephora was born on July 25 to my brother Brandon and sister in-law Samantha.

Holding Eva for the first time on August 8.

Carnton Plantation concerts from SixtyFour and an Eagles cover band.

Seeing Metallica for the first time…which included an encore with Lemmy from Motorhead.

Taking Sara to her first Penn State football game (a white out)…even though I was sick, it rained, and we loss.

Seeing Them Crooked Vultures…which included legendary bassist John Paul Jones.

A trip to FL in October with Sara to see U2 for my first time and go to Universal Studios.

Road trips with Sara that included visiting wineries off the Natchez Trace and Fall Creek Falls.

Seeing Jay-Z and Bruce Springsteen for the first time…a 3 hour set from the Boss included the entire “Born to Run” album.

Witnessing THE Titans win of the year at LP Field with a 99 yard drive and a 4th down last second touchdown pass.

Seeing SixtyFour go from a performance at a housing clubhouse in January to an electric show at 12th & Porter in December.

Spending Christmas in Indio/La Quinta, CA with Sara and her family that included a day at DisnleyLand, my first ostrich burger and date & banana shake, and evenings in the pool with 2 Buck Chuck.

Ending the year in PA with the Moist family.

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And yes, I changed a diaper…my first.

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