TBOD'S Big Boys' Toys "Gator Paintball" segment

Fear this: Black and army green body armour, electronic marker spitting out 30 hard hitting balls per second, 1 hour of experience in open field combat and let's not forget. . . the blonde ponytail.

Ok, I'll admit it. I'm not fooling anyone. I didn't strike a single drop of fear in the hearts of any of the pros I was up against. But, that's fine by me. My first paintball experience was totally memorable and totally AWESOME!

The guys at Gator Paintball, in Hudson, FL, set me up with the latest baller gear, let me borrow the best marker $$$ can buy, gave me some important safety instructions (so I wouldn't "shoot my eye out"), and then sent me out to battle. They also invited some of their tournament paintballers to come and play a game for us. These guys (and gal!) were serious pros and a little more intimidating than I had expected. All I kept thinking was how they probably couldn't wait to unload those paintballs and blast me into next week.

But, alas, I survived. I hit several times and got hit several times. . . with green paint instead of pink or orange, so fortunately, my favorite camo pants that I wear everywhere will live to see another day. If you are looking for a great stress reliever, a cool day out with friends, or are just super competitive by nature, I highly recommend a joyous day of paint splattering, welt inducing debauchery.

Airing now on Tampa Bay On Demand!

(video stills courtesy of BayNews9.com)

My "Virtual Euro-Trip" Xtra Point Trivia Segments!

So, Tom, my producer for the Xtra Point show on Catch 47, thought it would be really cool to spice up some of our weekly trivia segments. The idea was to have 5 weeks of questions about the now defunct NFL Europe and I was asked to create "costumes" based on each country or city we were presenting. . . Amsterdam, Scotland, Barcelona, London, & Germany. He would then make European landmarks "magically" appear behind me, as if I was right there!

To some, coming up with 5 costumes in less than a week might have been pretty tricky. . .but for me??? It was almost too easy. I am not ashamed to admit that I did not have to buy one thing. I love Halloween, I love costumes and if you need it, I got it!

Here are some screen captures from those segments that should be good for a couple laughs!

. . .as a Dutch girl in Amsterdam!

. . . as a matador in Barcelona!

. . . as a tourist in jolly ol' England!

and finally, as a Scottish lassie!

(video stills copyright: Catch 47)

TBOD's Big Boys' Toys "Classic Cars" segment

Our segment on classic cars just launched and I felt inclined to divulge a story about my life long love affair with a man named Shelby, last name GT500. He was born in '67, has Brittany Blue eyes and sexiest muscles I've ever seen. He likes it fast, demands attention wherever he goes, and is the envy of all who lay eyes on him. Long ago, I would often stare longingly at the photo of him on my bedroom wall that I ripped so carefully out of my Classic Mustang calendar. . . none of the other 11 would do. I dreamed of the day we would be together. Sadly, our paths have yet to cross, but one day. . .

. . .he will be mine, oh yes, he will be mine.

For our shoot, we visited American Muscle, a classic car dealer in Homosassa, Florida. They had a little bit of everything, including the "star" of our show, a Chevelle SuperSport. I absolutely loved driving it. . . thanks for letting me guys! Also, thanks to Paul at

Big Boy Toyz, for setting it all up!

Now airing on Tampa Bay On Demand, Channel 340!

TBOD's Big Boys' Toys "SCUBA Diving" segment

When my producers and I decided to do a SCUBA segment for Big Boys' Toys, I was beyond ecstatic. The kind of ecstatic like a kid getting ready to go to Disney World for the first time. . . it keeps you up at night because you can't stop thinking about how much fun you are about to have!

I had never tried it before, mostly because, in all honesty, I prefer to be "on top" of the ocean! That's why I've always stuck to snorkeling and skin diving where I feel I'm in total control of my breathing. I've been snorkeling since I was a teen and have seen my share of pretty awesome sights!

In Ambergris Caye, Belize, we hired a guy named Ramon to take us in his boat to some of the best snorkel sites, including a visit to "Shark/Ray Alley." Yes, just as it sounds. This is a spot where local fisherman dump their chum on the way back to the island, so naturally there is a lot of underwater activity. It was absolutely unreal swimming with a sea of nurse sharks and rays as big as me! Ramon also took us out again at night to see things from a different perspective. Just like on land, boy do the freaks come out at night! Armed with an underwater flashlight, I saw moray eels, porcupine fish and even made friends with an enormous Goliath Grouper that followed me around the entire swim!

In Tulum, Mexico, the water of the Gulf was as crystal clear as I have ever seen it. They also have "cenotes" which are sinkholes, of sorts. They formed over thousands of years from the cave systems which are so abundant in Mexico. You can dive or snorkel them and check out all of the crazy underwater rock formations. Unreal!

Finally, I have to mention the Florida Keys and the Bahamas, where the addiction began! It all started when a tiny seahorse floated right into my palm. It was one of those life changing moments when you realize how small -you- really are.

So, a great big thank you to Bill Jackson's Adventure Store and Rocky, my instructor, for teaching me a new way to "sea" life! I know it's cheesy, but I couldn't resist! It took me a little while to get comfortable breathing through the tank, but with a little practice, it becomes second nature. Next vacation, you bet I'm putting SCUBA diving on the menu!

Enjoy the show!

Airing now on Tampa Bay On Demand, Channel 340

Gearing Up!

Am I having fun, or what?

Shooting underwater footage

5 hour shoot is over!