Stormy Thursday

It was about 2:30pm on Thursday, April 26. I left the house needing to get to Mid America Bank on Weber Rd. in Romeoville; I wanted to clear up a charge that went to my account as well as get a debit card for that new account. Following that, I had to get to Wal Mart on 127th & Rt. 59 to return a car filter that was the wrong size for our Saturn. The whole day was a rainy one. Earlier, at around noon, I ran my best 5k in a long time: 24:49 - despite the downpour that ensued during my last mile. That time will improve even more for sure.

I arrived at the bank where it began to rain hard while I was in there. After getting everything done, I left at around 2:50 or so. I was aware of the time because I know how Weber gets at around 3pm with traffic - I wanted to get ahead of it. The plan was to go north on Weber, turn left at frontage road (just north of Rt. 55) which would then turn into 127th and take it to the Wal Mart. I made my first mistake getting in the turning lane to get on Rt. 55-south. At first I was mad. I never do that. But then I got to thinking it wasn't so bad - I can take it to Rt. 126; go right on Essington and get to 127th from there. The sky was getting real dark awfully quick. However, I'm thinking that it was only another downpour coming.

So, I get off at 126 and turn right at Essington. Now, it is like night outside. Except for on the near-western horizon it was sunny. I still had my sunglasses on! Then comes my next mistake.

I end up turning left on 135th street instead. Now why did I do that? No idea. Whatever, I'll just drive straight ahead to Rt. 59 and then go north to Wal Mart. The sky is now really dark and, as predicted, the downpour begins. It was shortlived however. I get to 59 and turn right (north). It looked real odd to my right. There are still a number of farm fields that stretch east from 59 for a couple miles. Soon, I fear, the subdivisions will end up tearing them down. However, this time, as I look and see, maybe 500 yards or so away from the road, this wall of brownish-black. My impression was that it was one heck of a downpour! The storm was moving away to the northeast; I figured that was it for the rain. On my way down 59, several emergency vehicles were heading south.

I get to Wal Mart and make my exchange. The sky was almost sunny at this point. But, the tornado sirens start running outside. I leave the store. But, right as I get to the door, employees are yelling me back to get to the center of the building - there was a tornado warning. Ok, I know that is what you are supposed to do: go to the center of the building. However, I have seen too many news flashes of roofs torn off and down from large buildings from wind/tornado damage. I wanted no part of that place! If needed, I would hit the ditch that was just outside by the parking lot. Besides, I was just through that storm and it was sunny now. I get in the car and head home.

So when I get home I start hearing on tv about a tornado hitting Plainfield and Bolingbrook. I then find out that it hit at Route 126 and on Essington Road by 127th st. I then find out that it hit at about 3pm, right when I was there! Oh boy! That was close! What made me make those turns that I would not have normally made? Now, it wasn't the biggest tornado - fairly weak they say. Still, it was interesting how it all turned out. But the story isn't over...

I occasionally work 2nd camera for my dad at various playhouses during the year. That same night I had to go preview one in North Riverside (we actually record the following week). I couldn't remember the play we were seeing - there are so many, I can't remember them all. I get to the place and look on the marqee. What play is it?

Wizard of Oz

Queen

Last night I watched on PBS, clips from the "Queen with Paul Rodgers" live concert DVD. Wow. It brought back a lot of memories of when I was starting to learn the six strings! Brian May is one amazing guitarist - and that sound! People have asked me over the years who some of my main influences were and I tell them the usual suspects: Alex Lifeson, Neil Schon, Joe Satriani, Michael Schenker. I never mentioned Brian May but after watching and listening last night, I realized how much he actually influenced my playing. Mostly with his style. I know I don't sound like him (nobody does), nor play like him (nobody does) but the way he plays is something I relate to. I think only musicians might understand that (maybe more?) but there are players that when I try to jam their stuff it just comes easy and others where it doesn't. I think technique is not the reason (Satriani and Vai styles come easy to me). There is just some kind of stylistic relatability. On the other side of the coin, for example, I have always had trouble relating to how Eric Johnson plays. He is one of the best, no doubt. But, sometimes the language of of what he is playing can make it harder to do myself (although I still can do Cliffs of Dover!).

I do remember another way Brian May influenced what I do: originality on the guitar. I noticed on the concert that he used really the same custom guitar the whole time (unusual for many pros - you can see them switching guitars many times in a show). The variety of sounds he gets! I do remember way back when, looking for a new "good" guitar in that I wanted something versatile, yet original, like Brian had. Hence, I bought my Martin electric which I still use to this day. It is a very versatile guitar (I can safely play jazz to heavy metal on it). Granted, it is souped up a bit, but since I don't have the gift to design my own guitar stuff (like Brian May), this is the next best thing.

Speaking of Queen, anyone have favorite songs out there? It's funny that some of my favorites are the more obscure ones. "It's Late" from News of the World (which had "We Are the Champions") has always been one of my favorites from them. "Tie Your Mother Down" was one of the first songs I ever learned. The album "The Game" is one of my favorites from them. It had "Another One Bites the Dust" which was my least favorite song on the album. I really loved the song "Need Your Loving Tonight". I suppose I could go on.

So, while Rush is still the most influential on me, I think Queen is right up there. And I think many, many musicians out there (pros and amateurs alike) would agree,

Random Ramblings

On a lighter note, our Cubs pony league team is looking good. We are 1.5 - 0. The .5 being a suspended game for darkness. We are ahead 14-2 in the 4th. Alec sprained his ankle on the first game of the season last Saturday. Stepped on the 1st baseman's foot as he beat out a throw. It seemed real bad at first. However, it ended up being only a sprain. He is recovering nicely. Hopefully will be back playing in a couple weeks. He's a great player: alert, fast, can catch and hit, plus throws a great fastball and change! He's a great kid. Makes a dad proud! :)

Anyone watching Heroes? It's back and still real good!

Earlier in this blog I talked about a book I was waiting a long time for. I got it - although via Amazon.com and for about the same low price! Next to Lord of the Rings, and on equal footing with the Dark Tower series, the Chronicles of Thomas Covenant is one of my favorite fiction reads. This book, Runes of the Earth, is the first one in 20 years. There were two trilogies back then. This begins the third, and final one - although it is supposed to be 4 books. The only problem is that the last one is scheduled to be finished in 2013! Ouch! That will be hard waiting for.

Speaking of books, Wild at Heart is recommended for any guy who can read. I'm not done yet (yeah, reading two at the same time!) but there is some great stuff in there. I'll review when I'm finished.

New Rush CD out May 1st. Can't wait! (Sorry Mary!).

Asta la pasta. Till the next time...

Frustrated Fan

The Cubs suck. A very expensive waste of dung.

There. I said it.

Good night.

Fight the Good Fight

With everything going on lately an old song has come to mind. Back in the early 80's, there was a Canadian trio rock band that I really liked (no, I'm not talking about Rush!). They were called Triumph and had some great lyrics that I turned to a lot (way before I ever knew what a Christ follower ever was). I thought I would post these because they meant something to me (and still do):

The days grow shorter and the nights are getting long
Feels like we're running out of time
Every day it seems much harder tellin' right from wrong
You got to read between the lines

Don't get discouraged, don't be afraid, we can
Make it through another day
Make it worth the price we pay

The Good Book says it's better to give than to receive
I do my best to do my part
Nothin' in my pockets I got nothin' up my sleeve
I keep my magic in my heart

Keep up your spirit, keep up your faith,
babyI am counting on you
You know what you've got to do

CHORUS:
Fight the good fight every moment
Every minute every day
Fight the good fight every moment
It's your only way

All your life you've been waiting for your chance
Where you'll fit into the plan
But you're the master of your own destiny
So give and take the best that you can

You think a little more money will buy your soul some rest
You'd better think of something else instead
You're so afraid of being honest with yourself
You'd better take a look inside your head

Nothing is easy, nothing good is free
But I can tell you where to start
Take a look inside your heart
There's an answer in your heart

CHORUS

No Trip This Year

Yeah, it has been a rough week or so. The mission trip to Rwanda was canceled. So was GFR's operations there. It has a lot to do with political problems over there. Apparently they think GFR is some kind of threat to the government. Amazing. I really feel for the families that were sponsored over there. The funding has basically stopped. I can only hope that by teaching them "how to fish" will begin to sustain them for a long time. I am also hoping that the seeds planted over there will flourish. Who knows? Maybe it could be the beginning breeze to the winds of change over there. I hope and pray that is what will happen. Meanwhile we are seeing where to go next. I know there are other areas of the world to go. However, I don't want to go just for the sake of going. I need to feel the leading. I know it will come around. One place I am sure of is a return to France next year. Somehow that will happen. Stay tuned on that one.

Au revoir...

Tragedy

Most of you reading this know we lost some members of the CCC family last week. I knew Josh and his family. He did lights for us at church. He also played guitar which I had always asked to hear him play. For some reason I never heard him play. The other kid, Anthony, I didn't know so well; although, from the testimonies at the funeral, I wish I did. It was tough at the funeral. I really feel for the parents - JR was one I knew particularly well. I look at my kids and have realized that I need to value the time I have with them. They are gifts from God to us. So, if you have kids, just give them an extra hug. Here is the link to the article about them from the Plainfield Sun. Funny how this happened at the same time I took my son to a game in Milwaukee.

http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/plainfieldsun/news/334914,6_1_NA13_CRASH_S1.article

Idol Losers (winners)

I don't watch that Idol show. Never was in to it. However, there are names that I have heard of. I find it amazing that overall I have heard more from "runners up" on the radio than winners (Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood aside). So that makes me wonder. The point is to really get on the show. Winning guarantees nothing (Taylor, Rubben, Fantasia...hello? - I had to look those names up, couldn't remember them). Funny how the losers often are the winners. Case in point, who is big from last season? I have heard of Chris Daughtry and Jennifer Hudson (I never knew they were on Idol until after I heard of them). So the drama of who wins is gone really.

Take Your Son to The Other Team's Ballpark Day

Every dad needs to have a regular "take-your-son (or daughter)-to..." day. Find a common interest and go with it. One common interest that Alec and I have is baseball. We love the game. I watch it more than he does but he knows much that goes on. I coach on his team and we start April 21st (the weather better have improved by then!). Today we took a road trip to Milwaukee to see the Cubs play the Brewers. They list it as a 'road' game but judging from the number of Cubs jerseys and hats (as well as the cheers), I definitely see why it is sometimes jokingly referred to "Wrigley Field North"! We were happy about the fact that they have a roof! It was about 60 in there (compared to 29 degrees outside!). Traffic really stunk getting there: we arrived early in Milwaukee at around 11am. We were thinking we might even catch some batting practice! Then the wheels fell off. It took us about an hour and a half to go the last 5 miles! And to think it took us an hour to reach the Wisconsin line from Plainfield! Ouch!

Know what though? I don't think we minded. It was cool spending time with Alec. As time moves on, our kids spend more and more time with their friends. Times like this you enjoy. We had fun getting there, enjoying the game, and hanging around the park afterwards (waiting for the exiting traffic to die down). It was a quick ride home. We are going to do a couple more 'road trips' this season to different parks. Maybe Atlanta or Cincinnati or Pittsburgh or even Denver. We will see how the schedule and the money holds up in the upcoming months.

Oh, and by the way, the score was Cubs 6, Brewers 3. CUBS WIN!