Janaury 2013 Cruise – A Quick and Fun Getaway! (Part 1)

Jan20

There is never a good time to plan a vacation, even a short one. When times are slow, we’re out there hammering pennies from the pavement. When times are busier, as they thankfully are now, there are just not enough hours in the day!

Sometimes, everyone is better served if you take just a few days to recharge yourself – and that is what 26 of us just did!

We headed out at 7:00 Friday morning, January 11th for New Orleans. Sometimes, I would rather drive to New Orleans rather than fly. One reason is this “drive-thru daiquiri joint” in Pearl River, just outside of New Orleans.

We arrived at the Drury Inn Suites at Carondelet and Poydras Street around 3:00 pm. Several in our group chose to fly down and we all arrived at the same time. The Drury is convenient to everything – Carondelet turns into Bourbon Street one block over, Harrahs Casino is 3 blocks down, and they have a complimentary happy hour and hot breakfast included with your room. They also have a rooftop pool.

It had rained the entire day, but the skies cleared just in time for us to enjoy a night on Bourbon Street. First a visit to Harrah’s, where Beth picked up a quick $100. After dinner at Pat O’Briens, we joined all the other tourists and freaks on Bourbon Street.

I ran across these two girls. They said they were doing this to pay off their student loans. I believed them.

This cat was just a freak and couldn’t possibly have had a student loan, and probably wouldn’t pay it if he/she did.

Regardless of your level of social tolerance, Bourbon Street really is something to experience.

The cruise ships normally arrive in New Orleans before sunrise, and you can usually see them from the roof top of the Drury Inn. Not today!

The Carnival Elation had arrived, so after breakfast, we loaded up the car and headed to the Erato Street Cruise Terminal. Normally we would have left our car at the Drury Inn, which usually includes parking in their cruise special. This year, they are adding on to the hotel and building a parking garage. In other words, we had no choice but to park at the cruise terminal ($75), where we arrived at 11:15 am and were on the ship having the first drink at 11:40. The Port of New Orleans and Carnival Shoreside staff have mastered the process here!

This cruise was my 20th sailing, the 14th with Carnival and the other six with Royal Caribbean and Princess. I keep returning to Carnival quite frankly because I have had more fun on their ships. Damien Smart, my Carnival Vacation Planner, has always taken great care of us, and everyone that sails with us. People may think I get rewards or kickbacks for these cruises, but I don’t. I just recommend people that I have good experiences with. Give Damien a call at 1-800-819-3902, ext 82885.

Meanwhile, up on Lido Deck, you can see just how busy the Mississippi River is at New Orleans.

Nashville’s own Ingram Barge Lines has a huge presence here and the boats they have here make the ones we see on the Cumberland look like toys. Years ago, Ingram Barge’s main office was located in the Shell Building in New Orleans prior to Mr. Bronson Ingram moving it to Nashville.

And then there are numerous freighters like these all around.

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Most people don't realize that the Port of New Orleans is over 100 miles away from the mouth of the Mississippi at the Gulf of Mexico. The nice thing about cruising from New Orleans, no matter what the weather is on the high seas, your first and last 8 hours of cruising will be smooth!

Check back for Part 2 and find out all about the Carnival Elation and the ports of Progreso and Cozumel, Mexico.

Nashville Monster Truck Jam 2013 – Something to see!

Jan6

Just as we learned that Conde Nast Traveler magazine placed Nashville in the Top 5 Places to Visit in 2013, another reason to visit Nashville joined the list – the 2013 Monster Jam at Bridgestone Arena.

I had never seen an event like this in person, until last night. I must say it was quite an experience!

Bridgestone Arena was packed with all ages! Monster Truck racing is definitely a family sport and I am not sure who was more excited – kids, or their parents!

Opening Ceremony

There were many rounds of competition, and I can’t remember all of them – except they were loud! Many exciting moments too!

One segment of Monster Jam featured cycles jumping. Check this out!

And Middle Tennessee’s own PREDATOR ….

The popular Grave Digger flipped over, but was soon back in the competition!

But he was not out for long, as he came back to competition and WON the event!

Before the dust settled, the crew was on the field to load up the smashed cars and dirt to have our magnificent Bridgestone Arena ready for another terrific event!

Next time Monster Jam comes to town, go see it! And anytime you have a chance to visit our Bridgestone Arena, GO!

Trey Lewis is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Tennessee with Ole South Realty, 615.896.0019 direct 615.593.6340. Specializing in new home sales in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, Gallatin, Clarksville, and Spring Hill, Tennessee.

Jan1

nashvillehomesblog.com

Why not prme rib? Why not chocolate cake? Why do the delicacies for the first day of the New Year have to be things with a nasty coin dropped in them? Where all has that coin been anyway? I hope no one ate it last year.

Here is the history of the New Year’s grub according to about.com:

The practice of eating black-eyed peas for luck is generally believed to date back to the Civil War. At first planted as food for livestock, and later a food staple for slaves in the South, the fields of black-eyed peas were ignored as Sherman’s troops destroyed or stole other crops, thereby giving the humble, but nourishing, black-eyed pea an important role as a major food source for surviving Confederates.

Today, the tradition of eating black-eyed peas for the New Year has evolved into a number of variations and embellishments of the luck and prosperity…

View original post 555 more words

The Fiscal Cliff….. 1 – 2 – 3 …… Jump!

Dec29

Last week, it was to be the end of the World, according to the Mayan calendar. Did anyone stop long enough to think that there might be another page stashed somewhere?

If we just have our 2012 calendar hanging on the wall, and weren’t fortunate enough to get a 2013 calendar for Christmas, does this mean the world ends on December 31?

Now the news media and Congress jump on the band wagon and relate the looming fiscal cliff to the end of our financial world. Taxes will go up overnight and spending cuts, however those are defined these days, will go into effect. The end of the world? Hardly.

The fiscal cliff scenario may actually be a well-orchestrated plan. Democrats have been drooling for higher taxes for years while Republicans continuously demand spending cuts. Does anyone in their right mind think the budget compromise that created the “fiscal cliff” measures was thought to never become a reality?

Both political parties get what they want, and they get to blame the other party for whatever happens. That my friends is “win-win, Washington style.”

In the meantime, what can we do?

If you are waiting for the window of opportunity for home ownership to open wider, you need not wait any longer. At some point in the future, the Fed will stop buying mortgage bonds and begin selling. When the free market enters, interest rates will go up. They cannot conceivably go any lower.

Plus, mortgage interest and real estate taxes remain tax deductible. If you are worried about your future employment, your home is much safer owning than renting. Landlords have a tendency to evict quicker than banks will foreclose!

Make your plans now to watch the fiscal cliff debacle unfold from your own new home, if you are able.

The fiscal cliff needs to happen. Current well-meaning government programs provide incentives for people to continue their dependence on them. They actually should deter. Enacting the fiscal cliff measures would be the first financially responsible thing Congress has done to take our financial future seriously.

Let’s watch them mess this up too!

Merry Christmas! It’s never too late to get in the spirit!

Dec24

It’s been really hard to get in the mood for Christmas this year. Preventing the spread of good cheer have been many tragic events throughout the country, and the world. Let’s not go there right now. After all, It’s Christmas.

Whether it is time, talent, or treasure – giving and sharing is what Christmas is supposed to be all about. We look around and see the ones sharing and giving the most are the ones that can least afford to do so. Those are the truly blessed.

Enough negativity, I’ve got to get in the mood for Christmas – and quick!

The one thing I love about Christmas is music. Every style and genre – even some of the Christmas Rap is cool. But my favorite Christmas music are the classical pieces and traditional hymns of the season, especially when played on a massive pipe organ.

It is hard to believe that the largest operational pipe organ in the world is the Wanamaker Organ of Macy’s Department Store in Philadelphia, and it is played daily throughout the season.

CLICK HERE for the history of this amazing instrument, whose pipes occupy five full floors of the building!

Now listen to this. You’ll have no choice but to be filled with the Christmas spirit!

Good Times, and Bad Times that will get better!

Dec22

Have you ever had one of those days when you don’t know whether to laugh or cry?

Well I had two of those days this week! And they both seemed to go something like this…..

Well maybe not quite THAT bad!

The week had been extremely busy, but quite pleasant up until Thursday evening, when I arrived home to learn that our dear Ruby, the Blue Doberman, had destroyed a couch looking for her damn ball.

Now lets go to the kitchen to learn that a clogged sink had evolved into a loose drain fitting flange and a heck of a mess – with a house full of company.

But no big deal, I’ll just run to Home Depot and have it all fixed in no time! Then the phone rings – my aging mother’s legs are seriously swelling for no reason, so off I go to help. After getting the swelling to go down, we scheduled an early Doctor’s appointment for her the next morning. She would have rather died than visit the emergency room anyway.

Okay, making it short…..back home, back to Home Depot, got parts I needed, forgot wallet, back home, back to Home Depot, back home, fixed sink and then realized the grill needed propane. We finally finished dinner around 10:30 pm.

Friday was going to be much better, I just knew it. Mom’s appointment was early and would go smoothly, and the rest of the day would fall into place perfectly. That was the plan. I open my car door only to see the interior in shambles. My Ipad was gone, along with my laptop, and briefcase..and who knows what else! Yes, I left it unlocked.

So true.

After spiraling out of control, life pulled back together and all is now well again.

But it isn’t for everyone. There really are people out here having a tough time, with problems that cannot just go away over night. Although our economy is on the rebound, there are many still on the cliff.

GOOD NEWS! The Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) has extended its KEEP MY TN HOME program where it can help many more people keep their home. If you are unemployed, or underemployed with a 30% decrease in income since 2008, with household income less than $92,680, you may be eligible for up to 18 months of mortgage payment relief – as long as you don’t owe over $275,000 on your home.

If you know someone that is struggling, please let them know of this program. For more information, visit www.keepmytnhome.org or www.THDA.org. When someone loses a home, everyone loses.

There are still a few days before Christmas. Please make the most of it with your friends and family!

“Questionable Spending” – from Capitol Hill to Rocky Top

Nov27

There are always two sides to every story, and both sides rarely receive equal consideration when the story is told, most especially the way the story is told.

Such is the case with NewsChannel 5 Investigative Reporter Phil Williams’ relentless pursuit of one of the most efficient agency models in state government, the Tennessee Housing & Development Agency, or THDA for short.

The investigative reporter even suggests their motto “Leading Tennessee Home” should unofficially be the song “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” a humourous twist that got viewers and lawmakers’ attention, but certainly not the true picture of the agency, its employees, and accomplishments.

Former THDA Director Ted Fellman arrived at THDA in November 2005. His leadership transformed the agency from a beaurocratic behemoth to a well-oiled machine. I have been in Real Estate since 2000 and have observed the agency evolve first-hand.

What used to take weeks to process now is accomplished in 24 hours or less. The THDA staff gets the job done rather than “pass the buck” to someone else in another area, which we have all experienced in dealing with government agencies.

THDA employees take their job seriously and enjoy it. You will see them speaking at Rotary Clubs at 7:00 am as well as Realtor and other functions late in the evening. They believe in their organization. They believe in their mission. They produce results.

I know this not only from past experience, but from proudly serving on THDA’s Realtor Advisory Board. The agency is constantly reaching out to the public sector for input and ideas on how their organization can make an even larger difference in the lives of Tennesseans. In THDA offices, you can feel a spirit of cooperation and teamwork among everyone there.

Ted Fellman brought a culture to THDA that produced results. Experts agree that incorporating FUN into the workplace dramatically increases productivity.

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS http://www.robinthompson.com/makingworkfun.htm

Instead of public ridicule from a TV station, Ted Fellman and the Staff of THDA deserve a sincere THANK YOU for becoming a nationwide model for effective housing finance agencies. If the rest of the country recognizes this, why can’t we? That’s the side of the story that needs to be told.

SEE MORE ABOUT RECENT THDA AWARD HERE http://tn-tennesseehda.civicplus.com/archives/41/NCSHA%20Awards.pdf

Moving forward, THDA Director Ralph Perrey needs everyone’s support. The agency has accomplished so much for Tennessee and its productiveness need not be hampered in any way from outside sources.

Even though THDA does not spend taxpayer dollars and derives its revenue from other sources, Phil Williams did bring attention to the fact that those dollars were public dollars, which is a very valid point.

The public dollars that were spent by THDA on team-building exercises and employee rewards actually increased productivity.

That said, let’s go to Knoxville and investigate the spending habits of the University of Tennessee, where the spending of public dollars has not increased productivity.

One doesn’t have to go far….a severance package of $5 million for a football coach, who knows how much severance for Assistant Coaches, etc. What about the salaries for the replacements? And what do they do for fun?

They will say they are not spending taxpayer dollars, but revenue generated from the “program.”

Just like THDA does, except no one is going to question a thing….ever. Not even Phil.

In response to allegations, THDA Director Ralph Perrey says the agency is only going to spend money on what make sense for its mission and eliminate anything questionable that lawmakers would not understand.

It would be much easier to eliminate what they do understand. Enough said.

It’s that time again.

Nov20

Here we are. It’s that time of year once again.

Time to finish blowing leaves into your neighbor’s yard. Time to put up the garden hoses. Time for decorating. Time for holiday parties. So much to do in such little time. Damn.

The busy holiday season starts with Thanksgiving, when we gather with family and friends to give thanks for what we have.

We cook. We eat. And then we eat some more.

Then we shop so there is more stuff to be thankful for next year.

But Thanksgiving is a lot more than that. We just need to allow it to be. Before the busy-ness of the season kicks in, take a few moments. Relax. Think and reflect. (Eat just a little bit more too!)

We all have so much that we need to be thankful for and this song sums it all up:

After you reflect, say one more prayer for the service men and women that defend our country every day, and also pray that we remain a country worthy of their sacrifice.

Peace. And Happy Thanksgiving.

Good News for Veterans, and Active-Duty too!

Nov15

With Veterans Day being this week, I would like to take the opportunity to reach out to all Veterans and Active-Duty military personnel that may be thinking about purchasing a new home.

The great folks at THDA are always on the forefront of great programs that encourage home ownership, and they have a special program just for Veterans and Active Duty military. You don’t even have to use your VA Eligibility to use the program either… but you can and save even more!

This exciting program is called “Home Ownership for the Brave.” For more information, CLICK HERE. I just had the honor of welcoming a veteran who used this program into his new home last Friday!

This program is a valuable tool and can be used in many circumstances. Already have another VA Loan? Already used your VA acquisition limit? Debt Ratio issues? Simply want a lower interest rate? If you answered yes to any of these, you need to explore this program!

If you have a preferred mortgage lender, give them a call. If you don’t call me and I will recommend one!

Mortgage interest rates are lower than they have ever been. Why not pursue the dream of owning your home? An Ole South model home is a great place to start

Thank You, Veterans!

Nov12

November 11th is the day we as Americans celebrate and honor the sacrifice of all U.S. Veterans. This isn’t one of those holidays created by Hallmark. It isn’t one of those holidays to give bankers a day off, although they are getting this Monday off!

It is a official day for all of us to say, “Thank You” to a veteran.

Let’s carry the tradition one step further and say ”Thank You” to the active-duty soldiers too! And remember, those “thank-yous” aren’t confined to November 11th, they are deserved and appreciated every day!

But why November 11th?

Back in 1918, on the eleventh minute of the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, an armistice, or treaty of sorts, was signed to end hostilities in what we now call World War I. It was called the Great War back then because no one was planning a sequel at the time.

Here is an interesting link to the history of this all-important day:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ac/20101110/pl_ac/7163596_veterans_day_history_background_and_key_dates

Many are not fully aware of the differences between Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day. Here is another link of interest:

http://www.military.com/veterans-day/history-of-veterans-day.htm

These are official days set aside to honor, celebrate, and remember. But there is nothing at all wrong with doing that every day.

So, to all the Veterans out there, Thank you!