Raves and Rants

2011-10-17T10:14:00.001-05:00

Naperville Sprint Triathlon

2010-08-08T13:30:00.007-05:00

Today I finally did something I haven't done: do a triathlon. It was a sprint triathlon which is shorter than normal: 400m swim, 22k bike, 5k run. It was a great experience, one that I would definitely do again. There were also a number of things that I learned. My total time was 1:34:48 which was roughly what I thought it would be. However, well, let's break it down:

On a scale of 1-10, here is how I would rate my personal performance, based on what I know I am realistically capable of:

Swim: 2
Bike: 8
Run: 7

Pre-race: It was amazing how it was an orderly chaos. There were a lot of people there but finding my way around seemed pretty good. When I got to the bike area to get all set up, I realized that there was one thing I did forget: goggles for the swim. Oh boy. Well, you have to make the best of it. Someone did lend me their second pair but the strap was in bad shape and kept breaking. I figured I would just have to wing it without one.

Swim (12:36): Wow, real ugly for me. If I had just done an average swim I think my overall time would have improved alot. This was brutal. You are lined up based on what you think your time would be, which placed me towards the back. We waited about 50 minutes before our turn. Any warmups done before the race start pretty much became useless. One MAJOR thing I learned: never do all your training in a lap pool if the swim is in a lake. In a lake there are no push-offs every 25m, you can't get an extra breath every 25m, and there are lots of people sloshing around. I did good the first 100m or so, then lost it. I think I started way too fast for my ability. Freestyle turned into swimming on my back. I had to walk the shallow parts. Just really bad. I think I got overwhelmed and even had some brief panic. I kept wondering if I was going to finish the swim! Then I'm thinking how in the world I was going to do the rest! I did get through it though, then moved to the next phase...

Bike (46:17): I knew I would make up ground here and I sure did! Here is where the tide turned and I was feeling better about what I was doing! I averaged 17.7mph which isn't bad. What I learned is that I could have pushed it harder (I think 19mph could have been a realisic pace). This being my first time I wasn't sure how much I would have left for the run (considering how much energy I spent in the swim). I played it conservatively, which may have been too much. I found out later that I think I could have sped that up quite a bit. Next time I will get this right. Nonetheless, this part was real fun. I felt I was in a real good groove. I also had a couple of these chocolate energy gels. They were real good, believe it or not. I'm sure they helped!

Run (28:47): During my training, this was one I was struggling with. I couldn't get that time down to where I know I could be. However, during this race I did feel good about it. The average was 9:18/mi. Not long ago I was hovering around 8-8:15. However, during my training I was struggling to get below 10/mi, so there was some progress in this race. What was interesting during this run was that I felt I was getting stronger as I went along. That was interesting and encouraging to me. I think that I probably could have done a faster pace. Again, chalk it up to a learning experience: I now have a better feel on how to pace my run.

Transitions:
T1 (4:50) - I did end up going the wrong direction out of the transition area! The time could have been cut in half had I known. Being in the back of the pack at the swim, there weren't many people to see where they were going! Next time I need to survey the transition area better to know where to go! My bike location was indeed quite far from the exit. Otherwise, this was fine. T2 (2:19) - yeah, I knew where to go! :) I was also very close to the exit!

I am really glad I did it! It was an awesome feeling to finish. I have been meaning to do something like this for a while. The goal was to finish, and that I did! Time to find the next race...

Happy Birthday Mary

2009-12-01T00:30:00.003-06:00

Happy birthday to the person with greatest meaning in my life. One who is my best friend, my love, Mary. God clearly put her in front of me to complete us. She is one terrific woman if you haven't met her yet. I am so happy that she is in my life. Beyond happy, really. I don't know if a word exists for that. All I know is that she makes me smile and for me to always want to be a better person.

Mary, I love you with all my heart. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Psalm 31

2009-11-13T11:01:00.005-06:00

It has been a troublesome time in my life. If the saying "it is always darkest before the dawn" held any truth, than a very bright day must be coming up. God only gives us what we can handle? Well, He knows something about me that I don't because I'm not feeling that at the moment. Challenges with kids and finances have escalated in recent weeks. I have so much more admiration for Mary (like, I never did, ha!) who is dealing with the same stuff I am but in a much better way. I am so thankful (as I am every day), that God put her into my life.

Today I read Psalm 31. Except for the parts about the people that were after David's life (and stuff related to that), this fits things now:

1 In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness.
2 Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me.
3 Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me.
4 Free me from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge.
5 Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O LORD, the God of truth.
6 I hate those who cling to worthless idols; I trust in the LORD.
7 I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul.
8 You have not handed me over to the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place.
9 Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and my body with grief.
10 My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning; my strength fails because of my affliction, and my bones grow weak.
11 Because of all my enemies, I am the utter contempt of my neighbors; I am a dread to my friends— those who see me on the street flee from me.
12 I am forgotten by them as though I were dead; I have become like broken pottery.
13 For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side; they conspire against me and plot to take my life.
14 But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, "You are my God."
15 My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me.
16 Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love.
17 Let me not be put to shame, O LORD, for I have cried out to you; but let the wicked be put to shame and lie silent in the grave.
18 Let their lying lips be silenced, for with pride and contempt they speak arrogantly against the righteous.
19 How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you.
20 In the shelter of your presence you hide them from the intrigues of men; in your dwelling you keep them safe from accusing tongues.
21 Praise be to the LORD, for he showed his wonderful love to me when I was in a besieged city.
22 In my alarm I said, "I am cut off from your sight!" Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help.
23 Love the LORD, all his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful, but the proud he pays back in full.
24 Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.

Happy Birthday Alec!

2009-11-02T20:56:00.002-06:00

Today my son Alec turns 15! Way cool! No matter what has gone on in the past, I will always be proud of my son who is a good kid. He is growing up to be a young man that his father will always be there for. He has many great qualities and gifts that God has blessed him with: intelligence, athleticism, artistry come to mind right away.

Happy birthday my son, I love you very much!

Happy Birthday Katrina!

2009-10-18T06:04:00.002-05:00

Today, October 18th our little girl turns 18 leaving behind kidhood and entering young adulthood. I am so happy for her. She is growing up to be an awesome young woman. I am very proud to see what she has become. I am excited for what exciting and cool things await her future. Her dad and mom will always be there for her. I love Kat so much and hope it is a great birthday! We are going to Bengstons pumpkin farm then to Aodake for her birthday dinner.

Happy birthday sunshine! I love you!

Al was right

2009-10-09T22:02:00.005-05:00

I actually heard this today on the radio that was beyond lunacy. Before I say what it was, bear in mind that I am not a liberal nor conservative. However, every so often it is amusing to journey to the liberal FM radio stations and hear some real wacked out stuff. On the other side you can really hear some goofy stuff on conservative radio too. Conservative radio people are easier to be made fun of - maybe because they do have more colorful and popular personalities. Rush Limbaugh is the king of the conservative idiots. I was scanning the radio and arrived to his show hoping to hear his amusing take on Obama winning the Nobel Peace Prize (which I don't get). Instead, he had this bizarre topic on the subject of global warming, which he doesn't believe in. Well, I am not sure about it either. However, I do know that putting chemicals in the air that come from man made sources can't always be good. He was actually quoting some science guy, who is supposed to be repudable (maybe he is, maybe he isn't), that said that putting the carbon dioxide/monoxide emissions in the air actually helps the environment. And further, that by reducing the emissions it is actually harmful to the environment! What?? If he was tongue-in-cheek here he did a good job of hiding it because it was a real enough rant he had on the show. It helps the environment??? Wow, so, I guess we can tell God: hey Lord, you really messed up creation the last few billion years (or 6000 years - depending on your point of view) by not creating cars and factories,etc. from the beginning. Turns out God was hurting the environment by not having all that crap go into the air since the beginning of time. Yeah, right.

And Limbaugh was using this as just another piece of evidence to back up his opposition to environmental causes that come up in Washington. Look, a lot of those Democrats are screwed up (so are Republicans) but that doesn't justify that stupid statement he made. And what is more scary is that the Limbaugh faithful who believe everything he says (which is scary and bizarre in its own right) will go right along and support this crap.

C'mon Limbaugh. Get real. You really are one big fat idiot.

Muse - the Resistance

2009-10-06T16:20:00.006-05:00

Anyone who knows me also knows that my favorite band is Rush. Even through years when I left the prog rock scene (late 80’s – 90’s), Rush has always been there with their music. Also ranking up on my Top Bands' list are artists like U2, Pete Yorn, Triumph, Collective Soul, and Stereophonics. However, I think my most favorite band of this era is Muse. I just love their diversity in styles and how they constantly take new avenues with each new CD (not too different from Rush in many ways). I just picked up their latest, The Resistance, and am really digging it. This one has a bit more orchestrations than in some of their past CD’s, most notably the concluding trilogy, “Exogenesis”. Their Queen influences really come through in many of the tracks. You will pick it up right away in “The United States of Eurasia” and in the guitar solo (in style, not sound – no one can imitate Brian May’s sound!), of “Guiding Light”. I also really like how “MK Ultra” moves as well as the opening track of “Uprising”. I don’t know how many Muse fans are reading this but even if you aren’t, check it out!

Chumbawumba

2009-06-29T09:08:00.002-05:00

Heading to Summerfest today. I'm going to be seeing Animation play at about 6:15. They are opening for Heart. I will have backstage passes so this should be real cool! Probably meet the ladies from Heart too. Nancy has been holding up pretty good for her age. But, she was never just the hot chick playing guitar. She was, and still is, one of the better female rock guitar players around. Funny how there just aren't that many. We were talking about that at church the other day. Almost our entire instrumental musician pool are men; while the vast majority of vocalists are female. It is like that on the club circuit too. Interesting...

I plan on leaving at 1 and am not 100% sure who is coming with. I will know at 1! I am pretty sure Katrina is going and if Alec gets home in time from Watseka, he will go too (yes, he was there on his friend's grandmother's farm doing some work). New Orleans was a great thing for him. Time will tell how much he got out of it.

Running Updates...

2009-06-18T16:05:00.003-05:00

Before I go out for my 5k jog on this awesome warm, humid day, I thought I would update y'all on what is going on here. Sorry for the long time between posts, so much has been occupying my head space that I haven't made it to the blog. I'm going to summarize:

The Plainfield school district is NOT the great district it was always touted to be. I won't entirely elaborate but they have no concept on dealing with each kid's issues on an individual basis. The decision they made was completely unreasonable and excessive. In essence by making their decision they did NOTHING. They only go and penalize the family. I feel for low income families that are put in to a position to continue their child's education by having to take a financial hit (losing work time to home school or to find a private school). Plainfield East is now not the school of choice for the upcoming school year. In fact, no where within the district can he go. Home schooling (what they are recommending) is not an option here at home. We are all in agreement that a fresh start needs to be made. There is no need to prolong this any further. By going the district's route, it would continue for a while. Whatever happened to "No Child Left Behind"? I better stop or this rant will really ramble!

Perhaps it is for the better. We are looking at 3 private schools (there aren't many in the area out here in Will County): JCA, Providence, and Christ Lutheran. We are in the process of scheduling and visiting each. Christ Lutheran is very intriguing. It is a very small school located in Plainfield that just might be the place. We visited today. Mary and I like it so far. How about this: since I work for a church it is HALF off the tuition! $7000 - 8000 + fees (which is about the norm at all the schools) is WAY out of our price range. Half (which would be around $4000) helps for sure but we still don't have the money for it. We will have to find it and pray that God leads the way because we are clearly decided on having him go to a real school for his freshman year. Next week we hope to visit the other two, larger schools.

Meanwhile, Alec has been on a STUCO mission trip to help with the cleanup in New Orleans (hard to believe that it is STILL going on!). I have been hearing great stories from there. If you are Dan Vallaro's friend on Facebook he has some great ongoing pictures of the team that Alec is on. Sending Alec was one of those very clear directions from God. I know that it will be good. I can't say what the changes and results will be in his life, but I just have faith that it will be good. I am already hearing some great stories about him. One day I will share.

Rush stuff continues. Rehearsals will start in about 3 weeks or so. Stay tuned!

Gotta run...literally.

And then...

2009-06-08T15:00:00.003-05:00

Almost done with the Rush songs! Getting closer. The only thing is that some of the ones that I learned a month or two ago I have to revisit. I am sure I forgot some parts already!

Peaks and valleys. That is how the course of each day goes. We have good moments and challenging ones. I am learning a lot about parenting! I am also learning a lot about how you can only do so much. You just have to let them go sometimes. Let them burn their hand if need be. That is very hard to accept but feels to be the right choice. Oh, there are still rules to be followed and expectations to be met. I just can't have a tracking device to monitor every movement (do I REALLY want to know everything? seriously, think about it).

The days do get more manageable as time moves along. Tomorrow we hear from the school on a decision. I have a feeling I know what it will be but we will wait and see.

Later gaters, got guitar lessons to give...

2009-06-05T13:59:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was interesting. Apparently some virus or trojan sent out some nasty videos to friends on Facebook. The inbox was reeling with everyone either notifying me, making funny jokes, or settling in to panic mode (like I did it - right). There wasn't really any way to send out one general notice via Facebook. It just went about and happened. It was kind of a frustrating and helpless experience. The worse part about it was that our home computer was really messed up. I went through about 12 hours of clean up on that computer. There was a ton of things on there. Probably from a long time ago. Check this out: there were over 1500 things that it found! Granted, much of it was adware but there ended up being several trojans and worms gobbling around in there. That explains why it has been real sluggish in recent times! Thanks to my friend Larry Hummerich (from Answermaxx), I got some software to clean it all out. It is amazing how much better that computer is running. One interesting part of the process was to initially do a 'system restore'. It is basically like a flux capacitor for computers. You send it back to the state it was in a week ago (before the latest trojan hit it) and then start cleaning from there. Very interesting...and it worked!

Last night we had a GREAT time at dinner with the Carrolls and Eichelbergers. It was kind of a farewell dinner for Bill and Rachel. We were at Mon Ami Gabi in Oak Brook. There is nothing like spending and evening with some great friends. I don't know, we were there maybe 3 hours or so.

Good times...

The 300th Post

2009-06-04T00:28:00.005-05:00

I just discovered that this is my 300th post! Is that good or bad? I don't know. I am a bit tired right now. Just learned another Rush tune that isn't particularly hard (Time Stand Still). Today was the kids last day of school. Yeah, even for Alec! His diploma is getting mailed like they always do. So he made it! Katrina is a senior now. Yikes! She is really getting in to her plans for going to Greece next summer. She has been saving and planning and doing a great job of it. Today we sent our child back into the wild with the hopes that lessons have been learned and absorbed. I can only hope and pray that they have. For me, today has been a much better day too. Let's keep it that way!

Mary and I went to see Star Trek at the new Joliet Mall theatre. It was our second time seeing it but the first at that place. A very comfortable experience with cushy seats and lots of leg room! Check it out over there whenever you can. Naturally we are trekkies so it was fun seeing all the characters again. I am really happy with how the new actors kept many of the nuances and quirks of their characters. The first time around, I really caught the McCoy and Scottie character similarities with the previous actors. Today, I really caught on with the Kirk and Spock characters. And yes, the guys in the red uniforms still always get killed. We really saw it when the 3 guys were preparing for the space jump (how fun!). You just knew the guy in the red uniform was going to get it!

Maybe it is because I am so wrapped up in Rush but I couldn't help but see a strong connection with their song "Red Barchetta" early on in the movie (when they are set in Iowa when Kirk was a kid). If you know the song and see the movie, tell me if you see it too. The song isn't played but the scene is close to the lyrics.

Rush and things...

2009-06-03T00:41:00.004-05:00

So amidst all this insanity (which is slightly improving each day), I have been adding to my library of Rush songs for Animation. It really has helped me get through some of this a lot. I now have 26 songs down; 2 that are almost there (I have to figure the 2nd weird solo to La Villa and all the weird intro stuff to Xanadu); 3 that I have to remember again (shouldn't take long); and 3 that I haven't done before (Time Stand Still, Losing It, and Bytor). The song, Losing It, is of particular interest. It is on the Signals album (the one that has New World Man and Subdivisions). They had a guest violinist, Ben Mink play. He really did a lot. I am not sure yet how in the world I am going to cover it. I'm saving it for last I think.

Also, through all this, I have been practicing my new Roland PK-5A midi pedals with Reason software on the computer. Ok, many of you not musically inclined probably thought I just spoke a foreign language. Basically, I have some killer sounds for some of the songs that I control with these pedals. I'll have to upload a picture of them someday.

Today was a better day for me. I felt I have to get on with my life (much of the difficulties were just running in my head). It was good. I feel like I can laugh a little again. That is a big step. It was hard to for a while. Later y'all...

Michigan

2009-06-02T13:24:00.003-05:00

Alec and I drove up to Michigan yesterday to check out these small cottages at Lake of the Woods. It is in SW Michigan near the town of Decatur (very close to Sister Lakes which is a hot spot for Chicagoans). They are small but good enough for the price. We will have it for 5 days in July. I don't think that everyone will be there for the entire 5 days (schedules and such get in the way). Although, I think that I, for one, will take full advantage! I am wondering how much the kids will take before the "I am bored" thing comes up. But, you never know, they just might surprise us! We had to keep it to a reasonable price and some place that would accept our dog, Dixi. We originally anticipated a bigger family vacation but a quick series of major car repairs (like $2000 worth) last January put the kabosh on that. I think this will be fine. Yesterday's trip was one of those were it might have been a better idea not to take Alec. I don't think he was ever really in to going. To be fair to him, I probably should have spotted that right away. Oh well, it was still ok. I just need to be a bit more observant with regards to noticing when to give my children the space they need. They are teenagers after all!

Matt. 6:25-34

2009-05-31T11:18:00.008-05:00

Check out Matthew 6:25-34: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%206:25-34;&version=31. I know much of my personal tumoil over stuff happening the past couple weeks is self-inflicted. Then I read this passage. The last line is the most relevant: "therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." I get concerned over my son's future almost 24/7. This "oh my gosh what would happen..." complex. I am going to start by just dealing with today and today's concerns. It is hard to break such a cycle. But, it can and will be done. It's time to go back to finding joy in life again.

Is it over yet?

2009-05-29T21:13:00.000-05:00

Is American Idol over yet?

It is? did someone "win"?

How.....riveting....

Well?

2009-05-29T12:17:00.002-05:00

Doh! Missed a day. Yesterday was the hearing. It went well - all things considering. We will hear of a decision by June 9. It looks like probably an alternative school for the first semester next year. Don't know what that looks like yet. We will see then. It was about what I expected. This has been the longest couple weeks of my life. Very hard. And we have at least 4 more years of this. I don't know how I am going to hang on. I hope things settle soon. Now we are having the battle of getting homework done during this suspension. Ouch. He only has a couple more days of it from the school. I am thankful to have a lot of people to talk to and help out. This is really tough on me. Let's see how today goes. I did get some bike riding in yesterday since Mary was home then. That felt good. However, it looks I will have to be the "jailer" for a couple more days.

Yeah, that stinks...

Gettin' Through It

2009-05-27T23:35:00.003-05:00

I have great empathy for single parents raising kids. I really do. I can't possibly imagine going through all this without Mary. Somehow, thinking about things tonight, I believe we will. For the first time in a couple weeks I really do. Oh, we may still be in for some tough results tomorrow and next week. But we will get through it. Our home is not a broken home. It is a loving one. Yep, we got problems. Who doesn't? (If you say you don't, you be fibbin' you fool!). But with God in our house and with our family, we will persevere.

Amen.

Status for the Day

2009-05-26T23:03:00.003-05:00

I am actually looking forward to being able to get Alec back some freedom. It has been taxing on me for sure. At some point we will have to. That will be the only true way to see how he has taken everything in. Thursday is the hearing. It should be interesting. We are all a bit nervous about what may come out of it. We will just have to trust in God to guide us through.

I did pick up a couple fishing poles today. I think that he and I might do some fishing at the local pond tomorrow. I haven't fished in like forever. It should be interesting...

On another note, I have caught myself up on a lot of Rush songs for Animation. The first gig is official: Saturday, November 21st at Bobby McGee's in Chicago Ridge (around 104th and Harlem). Why so far off? There is a lot to do. First off, they are now working on the Milwaukee Summerfest gig (June 29) with the guitarist who is leaving. Then we do a few rehearsals in July. I will then take notes from them and then tweak various things with regards to what I have to play and settings I will use. Then some intensive rehearsals starting probably in September. To be a Rush tribute band, and play a lot like the studio recordings, is not like playing AC/DC with a few chords!

Whoo-boy, what a night

2009-05-25T21:40:00.003-05:00

After a previous evening of anger, frustration, feelings of betrayal, etc., I had absolute insomnia the entire night. I don't ever remember having such a thing. I spent the whole day just laying around watching old war movies. I think I managed a little shut eye. There is so much on my mind. However, tonight I experienced something tremendous and awesome. With the help of some of my awesome Christian brothers from CCC (Carlos and JR), there was some GREAT conversation with them, my son, and I. I am so much better tonight. I am not naive enough to expect that the magic fairy dust was spread and everything becomes instantly better. However, I am hopeful that at least a seed was planted. It is now up to us and our community to help nourish it.

All I can say is...

2009-05-24T22:59:00.003-05:00

whup, whup, I'm still here! Life at home is a challenge to say the least. We are in a crises of sorts with one of our kids. Yeah, it has the potential to be a big problem. Not good. Things are a bit uneasy here. Thursday is a big day, amongst others. If anyone is really reading this, all I can ask is to pray for our family and that we work things out together. Outside forces will be making some decisions on him. Let's hope that it will be hard enough of a hurt to change some things but still reasonable and helpful. Some progress has been made but it is baby steps right now: 2 steps forward, 1 step back. I have tremendous admiration for those who have survived raising teens. The end just seems so far out there. God help us all.

Other than that, things have been just...awesome.

See you tomorrow.

I was Reminded

2009-05-23T22:08:00.001-05:00

Mary reminded me today that it has been over a month since my last post! Has it been that long??? Ouch! I guess now it remains to be seen: will I have something more tomorrow? Wait and see...:)

A New Gig

2009-04-17T10:03:00.003-05:00

Whoa, man it has been a while since I have been here! Is anyone out there reading this?!? A couple days ago I successfully got the part as the guitar player in the long-running Rush tribute band. I am so looking forward to it! It will be a challenge to really nail it all down. The band is really a stickler for the details (you really have to be in a tribute band like this). The guitar stuff I really don't concern myself with, many of the songs that they do I have at least jammed to (in my room) in the past. Getting the sounds down, well, that is something to work on! What is going to be cool is finally getting down to using a lot of the software out there. I plan on using a lot of samples, synth sounds, and loops throughout the show. I will be getting the Roland PK5a MIDI controller which resembles the old Moog Taurus pedals. It will control the stuff that i will be using on Reason within the laptop. I think that it will be time to invest in a Mac to run all that. I really don't trust the PC with all the music.

One other great byproduct is how it will help my job as an Arts Director within the tech area. I have never been intimidated or dismissed a lot of the software out there - I just never got to it! Now, this kind of forces me to enter that world. I think that, as time moves on, one will see tremendous advances out at the Romeoville campus - at least in terms of the music production. The band also provides me for a great diversion. Learning and reviewing the 12 songs I needed to get during the Easter season actually helped me! It is amazing how you can get your mind off of your job once in a while and actually do better at it! I would be in my practice room for hours jamming on Rush songs. Then I come back fresh to everything I have to encounter at CCC. It is great. I find myself working much more efficiently and clear-headed as a Director. It also doesn't hurt that both guys know Christ: Jim even drums at Shorewood and just got baptized on Easter! It was a good test for me to see how things will be in the future with them. They only do about 5 gigs a year - perfect for me. So there are a lot of benefits for me in all aspects of my life. When I think of more I will post them!

Right now we are picking the songs for when I play with them in late fall: probably in mid-November. Meanwhile, I have to get working on the material. They are finishing the last gig with the guitarist who is leaving in late June: opening for Heart at Milwaukee's Summerfest. That is a great sendoff for him. He sounds like a cool dude (he is even willing to help me out with all the samples/sequences I need to get to - an offer I am definitely taking up on).

More updates later...

Earth Hour

2009-03-29T17:37:00.003-05:00

Earth hour was yesterday. Did you miss it? I think it was a cool idea to turn all the lights off for an hour. We just spent some time at the fireplace with a glass of wine. What would life be like without electricity? I bet most out there would have no idea what to do with themselves! That picture is of our fireplace raging yesterday.

Daddy Daughter Dance

2009-03-25T09:16:00.002-05:00

Saturday night was so much fun! I got to take my daughter on a date to the Daddy Daughter Dance over at the Arts Center. It was an awesome production put on by some volunteers from the church along with Highpoint Community. The room was amazingly decorated to match a medeval theme. Most importantly, Katrina and I spent time together. I know it isn't true, but sometimes I feel like I don't get in enough daddy time with her. We always want more, don't we? But we do spend time (actually, we are overdue for our Starbucks day). We started the evening with a spaghetti dinner I made at home to candlelight. Then it was off to the event. It was fun dancing the night away. It was even more fun than either of us thought it would be. True, it was mostly little girls with their dads out there but there were some her age. To be honest, it didn't matter. We enjoyed the time! It seemed to go by all too fast. It's funny, in this picture I look so much older and distinguished - not the crazy rock dude like I normally am. Katrina looks great doesn't she? Just like her mom. I love her so much.

Alec's Day

2009-03-15T19:28:00.005-05:00

That's our son! A picture tells a thousand words. I am proud of him and love him dearly. We have two great kids: Katrina and Alec - our greatest gifts from God.

Happy pi Day!

2009-03-14T21:13:00.002-05:00

Happy pi day! Yes pi. For those of you not mathematically inclined, pi=3.14 (plus an infinite number of decimal points - but who's counting?). Today the date is 3-14. How many times a century does that happen?

Seriously, you had to think about that?

So right now, I am eating apple pi(e).

Mmmmm....

It's Not Square Root Day

2009-03-05T23:18:00.002-06:00

Today is not square root day.

Just thought you would want to know.

I'm so sad...

Today is Square Root Day!

2009-03-03T11:43:00.004-06:00

huh? Well, this is something that only happens a handful of times in a century. It's 3/3/09, right? Well, 3x3=9, right? And the square root of 9 is...3! How many more times in a century does that happen?

Thank you for your attention to this riveting piece of news. I think that today I am declaring a boycott on the rash of dismal news out there. I think we all get it by now. Stuff like Square Root day makes for a more interesting life.

I don't know what to call this post so I will just create a run on sentence because I can and it is my blog that I can do anything with, you see? Yeah

2009-03-02T22:31:00.004-06:00

Hmmm, guess what tomorrow is? Yeah, one year ago...Oh, never mind. You can check last year's March 3rd post if you want to find out. Most of that junk is long past. However, I guess the date will always stick in my mind. One year later we now find ourselves in a much better spot than many others. Although, getting hit with a $500 car repair bill and another, oh...about $300 more, for another repair doesn't make life any easier. I think that we have to put on hold our family vacation plans for the moment. Note: on "hold" and not "cancelled". We will see. However, we have a roof over our heads (we are one of the millions seeking a loan modification, though) and can put food on the table and can pay the bills. That is much more than most. In fact, I think that we are in a unique position of responsibility. A year ago I was put in the "have-nots" category. This year, at least for the moment, we are in the "haves" category. It is a precarious one though (see car bill above contributing to dwindling savings - wonder if I hang on to the guitar?). Nonetheless, we are in a spot to not only look after but also help those in need. It could be financial - it could be something completely different. Whatever it is, we need to seek to emulate the God's generosity towards all of us. That is something that gets us through all of this.

So, a year ago tonight, I remember being very worried about what was to eventually become a reality. It has been quite a journey since then. It will be cool to see where that journey takes us next year at this time.

Baptism Parade

2009-02-23T10:48:00.003-06:00

At our 9:30 service we had no baptisms.

At 11:00 we had 12!! In fact, there were 5 originally scheduled. 2 were spontaneous before they actually started at the end of the service. 5 were literally spontaneous! It was really quite amazing. The planning beforehand was quite nuts. There was some mis-communication regarding when baptisms happen and when the choir sings. It ended up we had both. It was quite crazy in setting up the stage; planning and rearranging the service flow; convincing Dave to trim his speaking time by at least 5 minutes; moving a heavy drum platform off the stage then back on; and then having the baptisms at the end. It was crazy! After the 7 happened, more kept coming up. I was sub-producing for Dennis (because he was up there) and couldn't instruct the band on what to do. They were playing during this time (as was the choir!). I finally told them in their headsets that I give up, it's up to God now! I couldn't convince Bryan (on guitar) to jump in nor Craig (on keys) to do some headstands. I was about to take lunch orders for them - ok, maybe not! At one point (or 2, I don't exactly remember) the band did stop and the crowd (few left - we were already 15 minutes over in time - so what), was yelling one more! And it happened. The whole thing was quite surreal. You could feel the energy in the house. I think all except 1 were students coming fresh from a great BLAST weekend a week ago. Alec was there too. He was hanging around all the kids up on stage. The change in him, at least for the past week, has been nothing short of awesome. He is still Alec doing some silly things but for the better. He was actually there the entire morning with me helping out. Here are a few more pictures (all coutesy of John Randall):

A Randall Picture

2009-02-17T00:21:00.003-06:00

I really don't like posting pictures of myself. However, I got this from John Randall who took it at the service last Sunday (I was worship leading with the new geetar). He did a great job in the artwork. Man does he have a gift! It is truly a gift from God when you can even make a picture of me look good! Thanks John!

Nothing Back with Every Breath You Take*

2009-02-16T09:29:00.006-06:00

We had a great service last Sunday. Pete Alvarez is back! Great news there! One funny thing that I noticed. We did a song, Nothing Back, during communion. If you know it, pick the beat up just a little and sing the Police's Every Breath You Take (* title as corrected by "Mr. Stickler" Eric Bramlett). It's the same chords. During rehearsal I kept wanting to sing it (or at least play the guitar riff!).

Just thought I would share that with you.

Return to your regularly scheduled surfing...

The New Geetar - The final choice

2009-02-13T10:26:00.005-06:00

Here is geetar number 4. Yep, 4. I went through 3 PRS CE-24's before this - all with some kind of defect. Unbelievable. PRS is known for well made guitars. Y'all never saw #3 because I only had it a couple days. It was the only non-red one (gold) but had a loose neck (2nd of the 3 to have that). Well, this one is not a bolt on neck but a glued on one - MUCH better construction. A Custom 24 (not the CE like I was trying) 10 top with a black cherry finish. The only problem is it cost a few extra bucks than what I planned (like several hundred). But this was my train of thought: I think that in the long run it will actually cost less if you spend a bit more for something that is of quality that will last a long, long time. Plus, as any musician should relate to, when you pick up a particular instrument and just know it is the right one, you have to consider it. So I now have to come up with the extra $ on the side to make up the difference (with my promise to the family, who did support this purchase by the way, that nothing comes out of our income nor affects our giving). I think the best, quickest, and easiest way for me to do that would be to see if I can pick up a few gigs here and there. I have 12 months. Yes, become one of those musician "jobbers"! It really isn't that bad. I was kind of thinking of doing it before all this. So if 'ya know if anyone is looking or hiring for a gig...

Plus, I am selling my white Charvel (I think I have a buyer) and my Carvin 4x12 speaker cabinet.

This is one cool instrument!

New Giver's song

2009-02-10T09:22:00.003-06:00

It's not on You Tube yet (soon, I'm sure), but here is the link to CCC's website with the latest Generosity Conference's 'New Giver's song'. Total insanity while playing a parody of the Police's "Synchronicity":

http://www.communitychristian.org/video/video/1-adults/359-generosity-conference-new-givers-song

BTW, that guitar I'm using has already been exchanged for a third one. Checking it out.

Grammy Gripe

2009-02-09T09:42:00.002-06:00

I heard the Grammys were on last night. Oh boy, another over-blown, pompous, lets all be ridiculous awards show. I remember one maybe 12-13 years ago, one I actually watched, when grunge was big. They had this ridiculous number with the Smashing Pumpkins playing and goofy dancers going all around them. Who makes this stuff up? No, I didn't watch last night. I hate awards shows (except maybe the Oscars) - maybe a more correct statement would be 'music award shows'. Ugh! Let's just go to a concert (or see a concert on TV) and see how they really are rather than how some overpaid producer of a TV show wants them to be.

Of course, one could watch award shows to laugh at many of them.

I heard Jennifer Hudson's moment was awesome. Ok, I would have seen that. I'm guessing that was 'real'.

Last night, I read a book.

And played my guitar.

Whoop...eee

2009-02-09T09:41:00.000-06:00

I hear American Idol has been back.

Yawn...

This Keeps Getting Better

2009-02-07T21:29:00.004-06:00

If you go back to my post on December 17th, I showed a video posted of Redd Barron from 1991. That was the now long defunct hair band that Greg Eichelberger and Pete Alvarez were in. Greg just gave us this link on Facebook to prove that you can't believe everything you read on the internet. What is funnier is that there is a growing underground murmur about their band having a huge following! People are eagerly awaiting their next album! Go ahead and just google 'Redd Barron' and read some blogs from a variety of people. They have even been identified as a band from Japan and Germany. I love it! Stay tuned! I still think that Greg and Pete need to record a song (with the guys from that band) and post it - just for laughs. Watch and see what happens! Why, they could become famous!

Here is the link that Greg sent, then Google the name and read some of the talk about their band. It is hilarious!

http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=40936&comments=1

Ah New Red Geetar

2009-02-06T10:39:00.002-06:00

A couple weeks ago I finally, after about 12 years or so, picked up a PRS Custom 24 electric guitar. It is the first one I purchased in about 20 years. The funny part about this story is that Mary nearly had to kick me out the door to go get it! The opportunity presented itself and I took it (with some persuasion!). The guitar in this picture is actually the second one. I did pick up the first one at the Guitar Center in Joliet. After making a few adjustments to it I got it to really scream! However, I still had a nagging buzz in the neck that wouldn't go away. After taking it to a guitar tech at West Side Music in Joliet, we discovered that it had some uneven frets as well as a loose bolt-on neck. It could have been repaired but I only had it for little over a week! Since I actually bought it from Billy Terrill (the manager at the store at 72nd and cicero), I drove back up there where he had another one (almost identical). That is the one you see here. But, sad to say, I think I have to exchange this one too. Not because of bad construction (although there is a little buzz on the 13th fret of the low E string), but rather because I am just not "feeling it" with this one. Don't get me wrong, it plays great! Sounds great! However, and I think many guitar players (and musicians in general) would relate to this, I'm just not comfortable with it. I can't really explain it. The first guitar, I was 100% comfortable with it. It was just a shame that it had those technical problems. Billy over at Guitar Center has been way awesome with me on this! He has a couple more at his store. I have like 30-45 days to test drive these (CCC does give him business and will continue to do so as long as he is there). So on Monday I am going to try another one. He said it is kind of a cool looking black/gray color. Hopefully third time is a charm! Meanwhile, I do plan on playing this one at the Generosity Conference tomorrow. Should be lots of fun!

So yeah, I am a bit picky with this stuff. It's funny how it goes with instruments. It doesn't matter if it is PRS, Fender Strats, Gibson Les Pauls, or you name it: you could like 20 of them up with all the exact same specifications and I swear, they will each feel different somehow. It was that way when I picked out my Taylor acoustic. The one I have was 'it'. There were others that were of the same model that didn't feel the same. Fortunately at that time the first one home ended up being the keeper. I doesn't matter how much you play it at the store, the real test comes when you bring it home to your setup, playing in real-stage conditions. I'll let you know how it goes on Monday!

What's On My Mind

2009-01-27T18:50:00.002-06:00

Hey, I'm still here. Haven't gone away! I think that I have been distracted a bit by some stuff that is going on at home. I won't go into details but suffice it to say it is "teenager stuff". I think that should about say it all! I can't wait until this ends. It can really take it's toll on you. Mostly I deal with trust issues. I wonder how far I can go. Am I being too naive? Or, am I doing the right thing to maintain trust on my end? I'm not talking about being a pushover. No, not that at all. I'm just trying to figure all of this stuff out. I wonder all too often if I make the right moves or not. Do I make the right decision or not? The thing is, you never really know until much later - if ever. This isn't a movie where there is a script and you know how it is going to turn out. Many times you just have to go on your gut and hope it all works out. Sometimes it doesn't though, and that is where it can really hurt. Parenting just isn't easy. Challenges are unique to every age. A friend talked to me today about troubles with their 5 year old and asked at what point does it end. I don't think it does. It just changes. You just go with it. I can say one thing now: I do ask God a lot of questions. I know he has the uber-answers. I just hope that I open my eyes and my heart enough to listen.

Well, that has been on my heart and mind as of late. I think some of you can relate. Talk to you all soon.

First Gig Together

2009-01-20T21:45:00.004-06:00

This was a priceless night at C the J tonight. Alec and I got to share the stage for the first time. Here we are with a rock star 'tude. I am so proud of him. He is such a gifted musician. We did three songs. One of them he didn't know yet, Let God Arise. Naturally, he didn't listen to it until we were driving to the gig. By the time we rehearsed, he had it down. Now, I wouldn't recommend that method but there you have it. Katrina is the same way. This was a huge thrill for me. I think it was to him too.

I got a bunch more up on my facebook page.

New Member to the Family!

2009-01-19T22:12:00.004-06:00

Well, we have a new member to our family! Here is Katrina's hedgehog, Sonny. He is still little as you can see. Kat says he will grow to the size of a...mousepad. Yeah, that's it. More pictures are on her Facebook page.

Hotel California

2009-01-10T15:09:00.002-06:00

This morning for our Leadership Community "New Leader Song", we did Hotel California by the Eagles. This was one of the best ones we did (although I think I say that all the time!). The whole band was great but we had three guitar players all up to the task. We ended up learning the live version. The studio recording has like 6 or 7 guitars. What was great is that there is a live version on You Tube from their recent tour that was great to use. Thank goodness for You Tube! The video was great in that you could tell what each guitar player was doing for the various lines in the song. So, our communication during the week was made much simpler. Since one of our players, Chris Stell, had a double neck, he was Don Felder and did all of his parts. Bob King had the 12 string acoustic and did all of Glen Fry's lines. I got to do Joe Walsh's stuff. Although I did miss playing the classic intro/verse guitar parts, I was excited to play Joe's stuff. He is one of my favorite guitar players. It's like he almost inserts a quirky sense of humor in what he does. I can identify with that.

So, I was thinking today about the song. I have always liked it. However, after playing it I have come to realize that it could be somewhere in a top 20 of the greatest guitar songs ever made. There are so many of those songs out there but the way they put all of their parts together in this song was wonderful. If you really get into their solos, for example, they aren't technically difficult (mostly pentatonic scales). However, all the notes and runs mesh together perfectly.

I think that it could be in the top 5 amongst great double guitar songs. I would include it with Thin Lizzy's the Boys Are Back in Town and Boston's More Than a Feeling. I know there are others. Can you think of any?

TSO

2009-01-04T17:12:00.006-06:00

I got to go to the TransSiberian Orchestra concert yesterday. Oh my. It was my second time and even better than the first. The picture to the left, although not very clear, still somehow tells the story! We had a great seat on the floor right in front of the sound board. Highlights:

A great synchronized flame show to Requiem. Literally, shooting flames all across the back of the stage and behind the soundboard (and us). Amazing.

Funny moment came halfway into the show after they stopped and introduced the band. They said something about having a lot more songs to go. There was a brief (maybe 3 seconds) pause where the whole place was quiet and someone in the seats far behind us yelled "Freebird!"

If you haven't seen them yet, go next year. You won't be disappointed!

Before the show. We weren't that far away.

The soundboard right behind us. Maybe I can check our budget for one of these.

Ok, maybe not...

Here Come the Hawks...

2008-12-29T16:24:00.002-06:00

At least we still have one good team left this winter.

R.I.P.

2008-12-28T15:47:00.003-06:00

Hot Diva and the Rapper Dude

2008-12-26T23:24:00.003-06:00

I was at Lifetime Fitness today and heard another of those chick-diva songs with the pre-requisite rapper in it. Ho-hum. Will that ever get old? I think that the rap has kind of become the same as the guitar solo is to rock songs. You just have to put it in, even if it really doesn't belong there. You can pick any of the divas of nowadays where they sing great and then, BAM, there is that rapper dude going at it (Mariah, Nelly Furtado, etc.). Now, don't get me wrong: I don't hate rap. In fact, there are some that I like (eminem, Jay-Z). But, c'mon, are these producers just running out of ideas? It is almost like they just HAVE to insert a rap somewhere in the song!

Enough of the rant. As I was listening, I was thinking of what it might have been like in the earlier days of pop music if the guy had to rap his part rather than sing it. I had a few interesting ones come to mind:

Sonny and Cher: can you even try to imagine Sonny having to rap "I've got you babe, uh, uh.."? Yeah, that picture in my mind was pretty disturbing too.
Elton John and Kiki Dee: many of you might not know Kiki but they did a huge hit in the 70's: "Don't Go Breaking My Heart". A lot of jokes came out about Kiki about the time Elton came out of the closet. But, you know, I could actually see Elton attempting to rap that one...er, ok, maybe not. Yeah, I was just kidding.....really.
Ike and Tina Turner: I could actually see that one working for Ike if rap existed then.

I'm sure that there are a bunch more out there...

Christmas Highlights

2008-12-25T23:02:00.003-06:00

Christmas Eve was a long, busy, and prosperous day. We had a half hour concert prior to our 40 minute service. It was awesome! The 40 minute service felt like it was about the right length. There were so many highlights. One that I particularly remember is when we did this rock version of Drummer Boy with Joey - he is one of our newer STUCO vocalists/worship leaders. He nailed it! I told him to emulate Steven Tyler and he was dead on! Naturally the choir rocked. And, can I be a bit biased here? Romeoville does the best versions of TSO of any campus. WE just need an orchestra (one day). Carol of the Bells naturally rocked. We also did a new one called Christmas Jam. The instrumental leads off with a vocal introduction that Joey did (with his own flair!).

When it was all done, I exhaled.

When I got home we had Chinese food. It has sort of turned into this weird tradition of sorts the last few years.

We decided to open presents on Christmas Eve this year. We haven't done it for some time. It was fun! I think our dog, Dixi, enjoyed it the most. I swear, she KNOWS when it is Christmas time. When it is present opening time, she gets all jumpy. Naturally she gets a few doggie toys and acts like a 6 year old kid on Christmas. Even the cats, in their own aloof way, enjoy it.

Santa did drop some stuff in the kid's stockings over night. Some gift cards that I am sure will be spent well!

Most of Christmas morning is quiet - nice.

We had dinner at my brother's house in Evergreen Park. Lot's of food and presents of course! My brother-in-law Dave is in the "church business" like me (but in Austin, TX). We had a lot of "shop" to talk about!

Just when you think you knew everything about your parents I learned something new about my dad. He actually did own a Daisy Red Ryder BB-Gun! He DID get it for Christmas and was about Ralphie's age when he got it! (Those of you not in the know have never seen A Christmas Story - wait until next year: TBS plays it 24 hours straight on Christmas Eve!). It was funny how he related to that movie because he was a kid at the time the setting was in the movie (he cracked me up on his stories of triple-dog-daring kids to get their tongue on the flagpole!).

Hope y'all had a Merry Christmas!

A Good Day...

2008-12-21T21:12:00.003-06:00

God is on a roll at our Romeoville campus! The last several weeks have shown a remarkable quality in the arts. The music and worship have been awesome! This morning we did a couple of TransSiberian Orchestra songs: Wizards in Winter and Carol of the Bells amongst others. Carol of the Bells is one of the few "traditions" we have at CCC. I am not kidding when I say I can probably play Carol of the Bells in my sleep! I have played it every season for a number of years now. It has got to people expect to hear it at least once a Christmas Season (we will do two: we are on tap to play it Christmas Eve). I have to say that it is always fun to do. Wizards is my other favorite too. My only regret is that no one had a video of it. Oh well. Maybe Christmas Eve.

Here is a cool story from this morning: we had two scheduled baptisms at our 11:00 service. Both were kids. One of them, Jessica, attends our STUCO regularly. In fact she is a worship leader over there. Her mom has never attended CCC. In her testimony today she had said that her hope is that she will attend some day. Well, she was in the audience today! She was so moved by her daughter's baptism that she decided to do it herself! Wow! Talk about the Holy Spirit in action!

I'd say it was a good day...

The Day After...

2008-12-19T23:22:00.002-06:00

Christmas is a great time to celebrate the coming of Christ into the world.

But...

Am I the only one looking forward to December 26th? Anyone?

In the words of Peter (not the apostle but from Office Space) when asked what he would do with a million dollars: "I would do absolutely nothing". Well, no million dollars here but with all the busy-ness going on now, that idea looks quite inviting.

alias Redd Barron

2008-12-19T23:19:00.003-06:00

This is way hilarious. I guess there is another Redd Barron band out there somewhere! When you look at the You Tube videos, check the comments out. People are asking where they are playing now. They talk as if they just saw them somewhere! I mean, if you were a fan of the band wouldn't you LOOK at the video and see that it ISN'T them? This is from 1991 or 1992.

Unless there is something Greg and Pete aren't telling me...

Redd Barron - King Of The Hill

2008-12-17T09:36:00.001-06:00

Thanks to Pete for this one! Here are my good buddies Greg Eichelberger and Pete Alvarez back around 1991, I think, in Redd Barron. The hair was a bit longer, the posing was right on, and, well, check it out! (Sorry Greg, blame this on Pete and Brian!).

Spirit Move...Across the Land....

2008-12-08T21:12:00.003-06:00

Every so often this happens. As a creative arts director person you get to experience some good Sunday mornings, some challenging Sunday mornings, some funny Sunday mornings, some that you wish didn't happen, and some that did and you wonder how in the world you made it through. But then there those that become very special. This type of Sunday morning becomes a true heaven on earth type of thing. I am talking about mornings that go way beyond anything you could have ever anticipated. Mornings that are the type that people will talk about for a very long time. Yesterday was one of them. It has been amazing how people have been talking about it today. So many were touched in a very special way. God always shows up. But, I think that He will, at times, pick a day just to remind us that He can go way beyond anything we could ever imagine!

Yesterday everything, and I mean everything, was spot on. Yes, even the Campus Pastor Moment was way beyond awesome. :) Music it seems is usually (but not all the time) the catalyst in setting the tone. That was definitely the case yesterday! We had a brass band along with our favorite percussion guy, Micah. We incorporated a little Latino flair with David Danced to a touch of gospel, to rock and R&B. All the vocals were amazing. The energy was on fire. Dave's teaching was great - I really had my eyes opened to the meaning behind certain scripture (thanks to professor Dave!). The Advent/Communion moment (in its second week) continued to be real good. I think that people appreciated how we talked about our surplus in the budget going back to the community to help those in need (yeah, that was the CP moment). Dennis really shined during the offering prep. Hey, it was even Dennis and Renea's anniversary! And, at the end of the last service, Renea was so overcome with the Spirit that she was almost paralyzed with what to do next (she was supposed to dismiss at the end of You Are Good as we held a chord - it took a while. It was amusing to see the looks on the faces of the musicians on what to do next!). One of the brass players recorded the service. I can't wait to see and hear it!

But it is the stories afterward that really make it all worth it. How lives were touched. The stories are still coming in. It was great!

Joe Satriani vs. Coldplay

2008-12-05T13:40:00.001-06:00

Did you catch this in the news? It looks like Coldplay is being accused, again, of ripping off a melody of another song. This time Joe Satriani is making the claim. His claim is that the chorus melody of his song "If I Could Fly" (his is an instrumental) is way too similar to the chorus of "Viva La Vida". I agree that it is real similar. But I wonder. There are a bazillion songs out there in the history of man. It is just a matter of time that some melodies are going to sync up and be similar. The odds favor that. Think of the blues. Wow, a lot of repeats in that genre. But in this case, I dunno. I would find it amusing that Chris Martin (or any of the guys in Coldplay)is big Joe Satriani fan. Joe is probably one of my favoritest guitarists of all time. I hope that this lawsuit isn't a stretch for him and give him bad publicity as a whiner. I think y'all know the Coldplay song. But I grabbed one of the You Tube videos with Joe's song (it is from 2004). It is just his "chorus" that you would listen for. You be the judge...

A Little Zizzle-zing

2008-12-02T17:48:00.009-06:00

ZING, PHAT, ZIZZLE, this homey is still in the house with somethin' to say.

Mary's B-day was yesterday. It was awesome! What I did this time was, for every couple hours, send her a goofy picture message wishing her a happy birthday (she was at work most of the day). I had a lot of fun making these up the night before. Here is an example of one that I sent:

We also had an awesome dinner with the kids at Outback.

Keep on rockin' the Casbah y'all. I'll catch you on the next one...

Friday

2008-11-21T23:38:00.002-06:00

Friday is an off day for this dude! Well, at least for the director stuff. Around this time is my annual thank you to my former employer, Kroeschell Engineering: it's when they send me my annual ESOP shares installment. I am hoping this is the last year we take the $. The next few years it should hopefully be going to our 401k. I'm kinda glad that maybe I held off this year! Last year we did a major overhaul in the house - at least major to me. We finished putting in the Pergo floors in the rest of the house, thus finally getting rid of the disgusting carpet. When you have a mini zoo with a dog and two cats, the fur piles up. At least with wood floors, you can sweep it up. With carpet, man, what we tore up was way disgusting! Nobody has been as sick here at home. Hmmmm...

This time around we got a new couch for our basement. It actually arrived last week but today it was about getting some shades for the basement windows and rearranging the room. The windows open into window wells and look real ugly. It made a huge difference. After six years of living here we are finally going to see if we can make that room more welcoming. I think we are making headway. Much of the rest of the $ we got, however, ultimately went to 3 places in this order: a nice tithe to the church, beginning to pay off Mary's parents who so graciously helped with getting this house six years ago, and getting a savings account to where it should be. Although it is starting to look like there are going to be things sucking up some of that savings: the water heater is giving signs of decay, a new car battery, etc. - you get the idea.

I did close the evening out watching a western of sorts: "The Assasination of Jesse James by that Coward Robert Ford". Long title for a movie. Started a little slow but picked up about midway through.

KTUU 2008 Sarah Palin turkey interview

2008-11-21T10:00:00.001-06:00

A weekly log commercial break...

I don't know if any of you saw this yet. Ah, good ole' Palin just can't catch a break. Pay your attention to what goes on behind her (the poor turkey and the poor guy not knowing what to do!). You can't write stuff better than this! That is what makes it so funny -it isn't scripted! It is disturbing yet hysterical. I can imagine another SNL skit about this but I also can't imagine it being any better than this!

Thursday

2008-11-20T23:23:00.000-06:00

I try to make Thursday my "fix it/repair it/etc." day. We have lately moved our campus staff meetings to Thursday mornings. It didn't work well for me so I alerted them that there could be times I don't make that meeting (too many meetings spread out over the week!). Today it was cancelled. The early morning consisted of a meeting I had with Vanessa regarding possibly having her vocal diva class through School for the Arts. It has been real successful for her on her own and, to be honest, that might just be the best thing for her. Our campus has had a few vocalists come out of her class and ended up on stage (either STUCO or Adult). It is more of a pop vocal style as opposed to classical (which seems to be more what SFTA has). The diva class, I think, is very important considering where many people's interests are in this day and age. We might have her do a workshop or two next year. I hope so.

I spent most of the late morning and early afternoon at our Highpoint building troubleshooting some sound issues (most of which we corrected) and checking out a possible rear projector for as a replacement for what we curently have. Greg Eichelberger and Mike Wdovech were there at various times to help out. Mike is a great "Mr. Fix-it" guy - particularly with electronics. Greg was there for a short time to look at the projector he has that we might buy off of Waterfront (if it works). We couldn't set up the projector where I wanted to since the lift at that building is broke and in for repair. The image on the rear projection screen (a screen that has been there for the 10 years that building has been up and never been used) was naturally small since we were close up. We will try again when the lift is back. Otherwise, the image was great! If it works out then I will sell the other lemon that we have been using: an Eiki projector that has been sent back 3 times in the 1.5 years that we have had it. The hope here is that we could sell it at about half what we paid for it (maybe $7000) and purchase the one from Waterfront (the one Greg has) for $1500. As time moves on, we will see how things work out.

The rest of the day I just spent at home with everyone. Later in the evening I did get to working on the TSO songs we will be doing this Christmas season (I think I can play Carol of the Bells in my sleep now - I am not kidding!). Thursday night I do catch up on some shows I like: Survivor (wow, this was one of the best episodes in some time! I loved it!) and The Office. I do like watching Smallville. Some episodes are hit and miss, last night was a definite hit.

Wednesday

2008-11-19T22:00:00.001-06:00

I wish I could tell you today was one rip-roaring, exciting day. It was productive during the morning and afternoon. Wednesday is mostly spent with me being at home doing some of my administrative stuff. I do things like setting up the cue sheet for 3 weeks out, listening to the big idea podcast (it is probably more entertaining than informative - I get more from being at the big idea meeting); and working on other things like scheduling, picking songs for some of the other dates in December and, compiling in a readable format, the Christmas Eve service at Romeoville. I also spent a lot of time assisting some of my fellow arts directors in developing things on the artists website. Many of them have to create a separate space for Christmas Eve. I could have probably done it for all of them (it would have taken about a half hour) but I think it was best for them to struggle through it. We did have a step-by-step help page on how to do it. After you get it, it really doesn't take more than 5-10 minutes to create (it is always hardest the first time). And, with them knowing how to do it themselves, they can create spaces on the site for any special events that might be unique to their campus.

I do give two guitar lessons to a couple kids that are Jr. High/STUCO age. So, what did I work on with them? Classic rock stuff, naturally. One kid is fine tuning his acoustic guitar chops. I have always considered stuff from Led Zepplin for that material. Jimmy Page was never my favorite gutarist (expecially on electric) but as an acoustic player and writer he was awesome. So we have been doing stuff like Ramble On, Over the Hills and Far Away, and The Ocean (ok, actually an electric tune but it does go into odd time signatures - a good thing to learn). The other kid is the one who is learning Back In Black (AC/DC). That is always a popular one amongst that age. He is having a tougher time with keeping time (tempo challenges), so we have to work harder at that. To some it doesn't come easy. However, I do think that, over time, it can be overcome. I am one example of that.

After all that I had a visit to the eye doctor in the early evening. Katrina and I went. I haven't gone for quite some time and had a feeling I was going to need some kind of new prescription. We went to a place called Plainfield Vision. Everyone there was very nice and helpful. They also seemed quite thorough in the examinations. However, I left there feeling rather down (after arriving in an upbeat mood). The doctor during the examination got a little carried away with his "humor" regarding the "old" jokes towards me. Much of it revolved around how my eyesight was going to go super downhill over the next handful of years. He just kept at it. At first it was funny (and I do tend to blow off those "old" jokes - old is only based on a number and attitude). But it was becoming too much. As an example, there was one point where he did a dilation of my eyes for part of the examination. One short term result of that is not being able to see clearly close up. There was something he put in front of me that I couldn't read (because of the solution in my eyes) where he then said "that is what it is going to be like for you in a few years, (giggle, giggle)". Uh, ok, thanks. I feel so much better. It kind of was like that the whole time there. Yeah, I needed new glasses but man, lay off that stuff. Katrina did help me pick out a new style of glasses. Both of us were so picky, we were there for a while! They won't be the kind where I have to wear them all the time: just distance stuff (driving, maybe watching a movie, etc.) and reading (no, not bifocals! they called them progressive lenses). Most of the rest of my time they wouldn't be on.

For some reason I was tired early on. I was out by 10:30. That is early for me!

Tuesday

2008-11-18T23:30:00.001-06:00

Tuesday has always been a meeting day for me (except for a certain 3 months :)). Now it isn't as much. I do attend the big idea meeting in the morning but it is more as an observer now. That is fine. In the new climate it is the best way for me to best understand all that is planned. At the lunch hour is the monthly Arts director meeting. It basically is a review of stuff past and coming up as well as some things to know to help us be better at our job. This is one of the few times that we all come together face to face. Most of the afternoon then is really spent catching up on a lot of administrative stuff like scheduling, song selection and such. That is where I work at home. I did spend some time charting a song. I do enjoy that as well.

Through all of this there is still some down time at home. To be able to find that time is priceless and valuable.

We did have a meeting tonight about a C the J event planned for the end of December. I have to say that I have such a good Arts Leader over there (Craig Vokac) that I usually stay out of most things going on over there. He really does an amazing job. We need more Craig's in this world. He did, however, have some challenges in the planning of this event. So, I did attend and participate in the meeting. It actually went well. All we needed to do was hear all the ideas, take the best and then make it all come together. Kind of like the big idea meeting that started the day. So I kind of came full circle.

After spending a little time with the kids and Mary I had to catch up on another great Monday night show. I am into the Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles. It has been getting real good lately and this one was no different.

Monday

2008-11-17T11:58:00.006-06:00

Monday is supposed to be my "School for the Arts Day" in my daily work routine. Nothing is routine at CCC. Monday ended up being nothing typical. The day started after breakfast by paying bills. I do it twice a month - it works best for me to organize that way. I do like autopay options with some of the bills (the ones that are the same amount every month).

Our SFTA recital is coming up December 13th. This morning was spent working at home sorting out what student plays what at what level. We have about 35 students which is at the borderline of how many you want for one recital. I spent much of my time trying to go through the options of having one recital or two at the same time in different rooms. After consulting with my "mentors" (Jennifer Barrett and Becca Heye) I think that we will go with one recital with a 7th inning stretch in the middle somewhere. No matter how this ends up, it pales in comparison to planning for Fallapalooza!

Lunch was spent at a meeting with SFTA directors going over stuff.

After a little downtime in the afternoon I went to give guitar lessons (4-7pm). Some of these kids are really coming along. I pretty much went over their recital pieces. It is funny how the influence of Guitar Hero continues to this day. Here is the list of some of the songs the kids are going to be playing (all are between the ages of about 8 to 13): Green Manaleshi (Judas Priest version); Iron Man (Black Sabbath); Over the Hills and Far Away (Led Zepplin); Back in Black (AC/DC). As you can guess, this is easy for me to teach since all these songs are from when I grew up! But understand something here: these kids picked the songs, not me! I am still waiting for someone to want to play a riff from Muse or Mute Math or somebody newer like that.

The evening consisted of a meeting spent with most of the Romeoville Arts leaders at our house. It was great! The purpose of the meeting was to plan our Christmas Eve service. It was sooooo cool seeing all of them brainstorming and putting together the service! We did work from a template from Arts Catalyst team but it was an open book after that. some great ideas came up. This team really put their stamp on it and has some ownership in how it will look. Should be cool!

Before I went to bed I still had one important thing to do: watch Heroes. I think that it is finally picking up steam and getting better. I was wondering for a few episodes but it is now getting interesting:

"It's coming..."

Falla-praise

2008-11-16T20:55:00.002-06:00

Oh, and by the way, I never let you all know how awesome Fallapalooza went a week ago Friday. It turned out to be better than expected. I learned a lot while putting it together and am already thinking of some new stuff for next year. My partner in putting this all together, YB Arts Director Sean Bublitz, has some pictures on his blog. Here is the link for you to check out:

http://seanbublitz.com/

So You Want to Be an Arts Director...

2008-11-16T20:16:00.002-06:00

Today was an amazing service at Romeoville. We baptized 4 people - two of whom decided right then and there to get dunked! Later today, I was thinking of back when I did it. It was Mary, Katrina, and I. But what I was really reminded of from that day a number of years ago was the other person that was baptized at the same time. She was Jackie O'Connor - who eventually married my good friend Tracy Teague. The thing is that they have both passed on. However, I was smiling as I was thinking of all that. Someone who was baptized the same day as us is now with Jesus! I dunno, that somehow feels exciting to me.

The last 2-3 days have been filled with adversities with regards to getting ready for this morning's service. The highs and lows of being an arts director were definitely experienced by me. I am so proud and inspired by the band we had today. Everyone did an amazing job considering all that had happened. Here are some things of note:

One of our vocalists, Susan, experienced the passing away of her mom and literally had the funeral the day before our practice on Saturday. However, she was still there to continue to do God's work. She needed to do that, considering all that happened. She was an inspiration for all of us.
On Thursday we had to shuffle practice around. The artists doing the Beatles Christmas show found themselves with nowhere to rehearse on Friday/Saturday. They ended up rehearsing at the Arts Center big room. It could have worked out for us because everything would have been set up for the us when we arrived (and when they left) at noon on Saturday. However, that was not meant to be. Literally minutes after that was all arranged on Thursday I had a call from Grant (our drummer) who informed me that he had to attend a funeral at noon for the 19 year old daughter of a good friend of his. We scrambled last minute to get our rehearsal at 9am but had to quit at around 11 or so. The practice was good but a little rushed and we really had no time for any vocal rehearsal. I can't imagine how Grant must have been feeling. He was there none the less.
We had some bizarre technical issues Sunday morning with sound that delayed our morning rehearsal and kind of got things to a bad start. Thanks to Jeanne for just stopping all of us to pray! We later managed to get going and proceed with a quick rehearsal and cue to cue.
The aftemath had the good and the not-so-good. The good is what I am really holding on to. Besides the people getting baptized, there was a larger-than-normal amount of feedback regarding how people were touched by the worship. Wow! After all that God still does his work! It doesn't matter how much we try to screw things up! And then later I hear from unnamed sources that the backing vocals were really bad and that we need to take major action to work on it. Well, I think that as a leader you have to take it in and not react impulsively. Thinking now, I kind of take exception to that. I think it was a great service that had the results that we were ultimately after. You know, there are some weeks where things just don't go smoothly. We have to realize that we are not dealing with professional artists but rather people who are mechanics, office workers, mom's, etc. giving their time and talent to help people find their way back to God. Sometimes those people deal with adversities. But they still serve. They still do their best despite what the enemy puts in their way. Today was such a group that kept going. And, like I said, they did awesome!

I think that maybe this week I am going to do a 7 day log regarding what I do day to day as an Arts Director. It might be boring for you , maybe not. But, it might be fun and interesting to look back a week from today and see what I experienced in my life for those 7 days.

Economical Thinking

2008-11-13T18:48:00.004-06:00

You know what, when you see pictures and hear stories of what is happening in places like the Sudan and the Congo, it kind of puts into perspective how "bad" our economy is doesn't it? I mean, they have NOTHING! We whine and worry while typing on our PC's and laptops under our own roofs while others in the world have nothing. Even in this economic climate we still have so much to offer! So much to give! I know I have to think of that here at home. Sure, we have to tighten the budget at home. But sometimes when I think of it, that isn't such a bad thing. We shed off some of the wasteful and unecessary things in our lives and our homes and focus on what is more important: family, friends, community. I don't know how much worse the economy will be, but I do know that there will still be many of us around to help the less fortunate.

A New President and Thoughts on the Election

2008-11-05T00:01:00.000-06:00

So, we now know who our new president will be. The first African American president, Barrack Obama. I always thought that I would see a day like this in my lifetime - and I am glad to have seen it tonight. It kind of gave me chills watching it unfold on tv. To think of what this country went through just 40-something years ago during the civil rights movements. Yes, I did vote for Obama. To be honest, I did like both candidates but I felt better about him in office and much better about who the 2nd in charge will be. As I said earlier I consider myself an independent but did find that I voted about 2/3 Democrat for this election. Speaking of that, did anyone know who the Republican guy was that ran for Illinois senator against Durbin? I didn't even know until yesterday. I still don't recall his name. He lost big time - big surprise.

So now I wonder what all those ultra-conservatives are going to whine about now. I also hope those ultra-liberals don't walk around gloating. Both sides just drive me nuts. Today it was the ultra conservatives. I really take offense from some of those jerk radio guys when they have to label anyone who votes for Obama as "dumb", "stupid", "drones", etc. Man, when I heard that idiot that has the same name as my favorite band (Rush) say some of that stuff today it really angered me. What is more scary are the "drones" who follow crap that comes from the mouths of people like that. I feel sorry for those people. People who think that if you don't follow 100% of their ideas you are considered dumb and stupid. (this also applies to those on the other side of the political spectrum: the goofy, hard-core liberals). You know, it is OK to disagree. It is also OK to see if maybe someone with whom you initially don't agree with might have something good to say.

I thought McCain had a very nicely said concession speech. Clearly he was disappointed but he was quite gracious. If he had won, I wouldn't have been terribly disappointed. However, it was not meant to be.

It is amazing how many statistics and numbers people can come up with during an election: "did you know Charles that, based on our recent exit poll, at least 76% percent of people who like cats but hate hamsters voted the same as those who prefer ferrets over field mice..."

Speaking of stats, one that struck me was how many Republicans didn't vote! So maybe McCain was not your favorite guy. Maybe he did go against the grain a bit (one trait I do like about him by the way). But, not voting? Huh? Who are the ones not being so smart?

I was also struck by how interested Katrina was in this election. She is only one year away from being eligible to vote.

However, here is the best part of today: NO MORE POLITICAL ADS!!! At least for a couple years.

Now, off to bed...

The Scientist - Romeoville Campus

2008-11-04T15:16:00.001-06:00

Here is another one from that day (it was 9/14/08). Amber's first time on a vox lead for the adult stage! At around 1:00 to 1:20 or so, there is a little sound problem (ignore the feedback). It does go away. Just enjoy!

TSO Flight of the Bumblebee - Romeoville

2008-11-04T10:47:00.001-06:00

We actually did this a couple months ago but it just got posted now. I could have so many good things to say and compliment everyone who did this instrumental but I am going to let the performance speak for itself! You can't see him but Roger Segroves is on drums. The ones you can see are Mike Kochendorfer on guitar, Gerry Runge on bass, and Julie Bullock on keys (yeah, I'm on guitar too). Enjoy!

Happy Birthday Alec!

2008-11-02T22:39:00.002-06:00

Today is Alec's 14th birthday! Happy birthday to the coolest dude on the planet!

Progress

2008-10-31T16:54:00.002-05:00

Hey! Alec's report card was much better! Here is the big one: he took his midterm Social Studies grade of a F to an A for the first quarter! Woo hoo!

What the...?

2008-10-30T20:47:00.005-05:00

It's been a long time since the last post. Whoa. Maybe I've been doing a few things and been too busy! Hmmm...well, I think I will start up again.What have I been doing lately? Many things but one of them has been planning for our next Fallapalooza event next Friday the 7th. I wish I had more time to work on it because there are always ideas mulling around in my head that I would love to do. Next year. At least with this year's event being a little less, shall we say, complicated, I discovered that I could pull it off with the new job I have. One thing I have in my studio that helps with my thinking process is this little dry erase board hanging on my wall. I got it when I was still working at Kroeschell Engineering (they were going to throw it away). Through the years it has worked well with me sketching out my thought processes. The latest use is for Fallapalooza. Yeah, I could use something on my PC or index cards or whatever; but it seems that this suits me just fine. Here are some samples of my madness:

Katrina is 17 Today!

2008-10-18T18:30:00.000-05:00

My little sunshine is 17 today. Happy Birthday Katrina!

Presidential Debate

2008-10-17T09:41:00.005-05:00

Did anyone see that presidential debate the other night? I am confused and wondering what the media had seen that I didn't based on their reactions. Before I comment, you should know that I am not a political person. I have not decided on anyone yet. I don't consider myself a Republican or Democrat, liberal or conservative. I am very much Independent preferring to vote for the person rather that someone representing a party ideology (that feels too communist to me). I guess they would call me an "Independent Moderate". Regarding the two major candidates, I actually kind of like both of them, really. Yeah, they are politicians who do spew a lot of rhetoric. But overall, neither one really scares me on their own.

But that last debate, wow. Experts (who are the experts - really?), said that McCain really needed to go on an offensive to get back into the race. Well, I thought he came off as a whiny baffoon. He was trying too hard. That wasn't the same guy from previous debates and other public functions that had I seen. It was almost scary. Like he was following a script someone gave him on how to act and he was moving with the strings that were guiding him. Well, I know that they both are coached but that particular act didn't sit well with me. I was disappointed and thought that the media was going to blast him for it. Instead they said it was his best debate. Huh? Mary and I couldn't believe that line he said about Obama running 4 years ago to challenge Bush. We were actually asking ourselves "did he really say that?". But the media folks thought it was a good line. Huh? I don't know, is the media trying to manipulate us even more than they usually do? The debate was entertaining but, I don't know, one person seemed to have lost his mind.

I still haven't decided. McCain needs to score some big points back with me. He lost them on two occasions: his choice for running mate and this last debate. What will happen in the next few weeks. We will see...

Predictions (Revealed!)

2008-10-14T23:55:00.003-05:00

Go to the Thursday, February 21st post. I KNOW I said no more baseball talk this year but I was laughing while reading my take on the then upcoming season! Cubs vs. Brewers in the NLCS! NOT! I did predict that the Cubs get the division (I said 93 wins vs. the 97 they got). I got the wild card right with the Brewers (and I nailed their win total). I was close in the East. I thought the Mets but didn't rule out the Phillies. It did come down to those two. However, I was really off in the West! I seriously thought the Padres were a darkhorse winner! They ended up with one of the worst records in baseball! I never even mentioned the Dodgers! Since I am not really an American League guy I had no feel for those teams. Although I can almost guarantee you that I would never have even considered the Rays. Now, they are most likely another expansion team to get to the World Series before the Flubs.

Fallapalooza 2008

2008-10-14T23:33:00.004-05:00

Here it comes again, Fallapalooza 2008. It will be another fun event. I do have to say it was a later start to planning than in years past - mostly because of, ahem, a series of events that occured this past spring! It will be a great one. You know how songs or images can take you back to things in your past? It was funny after reviewing some of the videos how I was reminded of where my life was at at those times. Especially the videos from like March/April. Strange I would get that reaction but it was there none the less. It was indeed an emotional time. Ah well, that was then and this is now! Back then I never thought I would be part of planning another one, but here we go: Fallapalooza! Can you handle it?

Love Power

2008-10-08T12:54:00.003-05:00

Thanks to Joe McClennan for sending me this quote. Joe has been one awesome guy helping and guiding me through the "Unemployed" months and right up to this day. After hearing about our kid challenges (which are a bit better nowadays), he sent me this. I just felt I had to post it:

"We all have the power to give away love, to love other people. And if we do so, we change the kind of person we are, and we change the kind of world we live in."

--Rabbi Harold Kushner

Cubs Crap

2008-10-07T16:10:00.004-05:00

When I was a kid, my two favorite teams that I followed religiously were the Cubs and Blackhawks. It's funny, they are the only two major professional sports teams in Chicago that haven't won anything in my lifetime.

I remember as a little kid, when I was first getting into baseball, looking up in an encyclopedia (remember them?) who all the World Series champions were in MLB. I still have a vivid memory of having disbelief that the Cubs haven't won one since 1908. I can still remember checking and double checking.

And I was looking at it back around 1970.

Cubs fans, I share your disgust and anger. It is appalling what happened. They have to upgrade somehow to be a good postseason team. And, I mean upgrade in character as well as talent. Whether that is an internal change or getting someone from the outside, I don't know. But, when you have basically the same cast of characters as last year's playoff - with the same embarassing choke job - something needs to be addressed about that. We will see. Next year will be watched more guardedly. They should win the division next year too. But that isn't enough, not anymore.

Oh my, things have changed since the days we were just happy to get in the playoffs (just a handful of years ago).

Kind of how Sox fans were this year. How lame. And, Sox fans, you won one more game in the postseason. So what. I guess your players and our players can talk about that on the golf course as the postseason continues on without us. I have already heard that from some of them. Man, that is soooo petty (and not Tom).

I just read that this was the most times in a decade the Cubs were in a postseason. Ever. I don't know if that is a good or bad thing.

I probably won't watch much more of the postseason. This officially concludes baseball talk for this year.

Maybe the Blackhawks can surprise us all and win a Stanley Cup.

Oh wait, they need to make the playoffs first...

It Will Soon Be Over...

2008-10-02T23:54:00.003-05:00

How could a team embarrass itself so? As a fan, I am way beyond any hope for the Cubs this year. Barring a miracle (ha!), it will be over, just like last year, in three games this Saturday. I have come to a conclusion: this team is NOT built for the postseason. I repeat, NOT built for the postseason. Sure, they are built for a long season to take a division. But for something like this, they can't handle it. You can see it in their eyes on the field. They don't really believe. They are down. They can't handle it. I don't know what it is that is missing: leadership, lack of confidence, no heart; whatever it is, next year this team needs to change somehow to be built for the postseason. As it stands, this is the wrong group of players. They will never go anywhere with the team as is. I am not a general manager, I don't have the answers. But, it needs to change. Something does. This cast of buffoons can't handle it.

bambi meets godzilla

2008-09-30T09:57:00.001-05:00

This short video came up in our meeting this morning. Gives you an idea of where brainstorming ideas go. And no, we aren't using it! But it is funny!

Happy Anniversary

2008-09-23T10:01:00.004-05:00

I just wanted to let you all know that today is our 19th Wedding Anniversary. I just wanted to tell all of you that I love my wife Mary every bit as much, and more, than that great day 19 years ago. She is the most awesome ever and completes me in my life. We have two great kids (yeah, even with the challenges going on) and many other things in life to be thankful for.

I love you Mary.

Rick Miller performs Bohemian Rhapsody

2008-09-23T09:45:00.001-05:00

I don't know but I find this exceedingly funny.

DIVISION CHAMPS!!!

2008-09-20T22:35:00.002-05:00

Cubs get the division!! Next stop: World Series.

This has been one amazing week for this team:

Sunday: no hitter by Zambrano

Monday: one hitter (almost a no hitter) by Lilly. First time in MLB history that a team was held to one hit in two days.

Thursday: The amazing, almost improbable, comeback win against the Brewers. I just got my voice back today! Good thing since we had our Extended Worship night tonight.

Today: Division clincher. This time is a little different than in years past. It feels like it was long expected. It feels like it isn't enough anymore. I can see the team thinks that way too. That is good. The bigger prize lies ahead.

Go Cubs Go! Go Cubs Go! Hey Chicago whaddya say, the Cubs are gonna win today!
Go Cubs Go! Go Cubs Go! Hey Chicago whaddya say, the Cubs are gonna win today!

Great Game

2008-09-18T20:17:00.002-05:00

My voice is still hoarse. What a ball game today. I finally got to see a game at Wrigley this year and man-o-man what a game it was! I put it up there real close to the division clincher I was at in 2003 with regards to excitement and fun. It kind of stunk last night when they lost because today could have been the clincher. And imagine if that were to happen too! Well, it was a great ending: Soto's homer, Lee's game winning single. We had a lot of fun. There were a number of Brewers fans around us and that provided some added entertainment. It was all in fun. So no clincher today but I do take consolation in one thing: they will most likely clinch the division this weekend against the Cardinals.

Against the Cardinals. Ah...sweet.

Jesus Is My Friend by Sonseed

2008-09-17T10:37:00.001-05:00

Thanks to Julie Bullock for sending me this. Many of you might have already seen this video. If you haven't yet I need to give you a warning before you watch: pray to God for protection. Trust me, you will need to. It is the most awesome video ever in the history of Christian music. And also confirming why I thought Christian music was silly back in my hedonistic years of the 80's.

No Hitter! Cubs Win!!

2008-09-14T21:53:00.009-05:00

NO HITTER!!!!!

CUBS WIN!!!!

NO HITTER!!!!

CUBS WIN!!!!

NO HITTER!!!!

CUBS WIN!!!!

9/11

2008-09-12T12:12:00.005-05:00

Last night I watched the movie "United 93". I had recorded it some time ago but never was motivated to watch it. Well, since yesterday was the 7th anniversary I figured I would watch it. Very well done and from what I've read, about as close to accurate as it could be. What was interesting was that it wasn't a "drama" with big stars or anything. It let the moments speak for themselves and just followed along with what was going on. I was struck by many things: the fear on the plane, the warped fanatacism of the hijackers, the craziness of the control towers, military, and FAA headquarters; but mostly I was struck by the courage of the passengers to take over the plane. It was mostly to save themselves I am sure. But since, at that point, they knew what was going on outside that plane, they knew what was really up and attempted to stop it. We knew what the ending was going to be. However, their actions really saved many more lives and a national symbol that would have been crushing. As bad as things were with the Trade Center and Pentagon, can you imagine if the US Capitol was blown up? I have only seen that on "Independence Day" - I wouldn't want to see it in real life.

I remember everything about that day. I remember taking the train in to work - not knowing what was already going on. I remember getting into the office and first hearing of it by my boss, Pablo who had the radio on. Believe it or not I was going to make a reservation for a flight for Mary and I to go to New England in a couple months. I remember us thinking that they screwed up in a way because the buildings weren't coming down - then later hearing that they did. I remember how scared Mary was when she called. I remember watching the towers burning on a tv set up in the office. Nothing got done there that day. We tried for a little bit in the morning but eventually gave up. I remember all the panic on the news about how many more planes were taken over (none after the 4th one). I remember vividly the exodus out of downtown Chicago - the office was on Ontario St. and by noon the city was emptied. I remember leaving work in the early afternoon; Metra rearranged its schedule to get everyone out of downtown (many were thinking that Sears Tower was next). I vividly remember walking my 1.5 miles to Union Station through downtown Chicago and seeing how empty and abandonded the city was. It was very eerie. Literally no cars except for a taxi or two that would pass by. And hardly a person to be seen. It almost felt like I was one of the last people on earth. I remember how crowded Union Station was, however. I remember the train ride home. I remember getting home and talking with all the neighbors. I remember the president's speech that night. I remember how he said that those responsible will be dealt with. Some have, many haven't. I had a work project in New York at that time. Tuesday mornings I was normally taking the subway from Manhattan to Brooklyn - passing under the Trade Center at roughly that time. That Tuesday I originally wasn't planning on going. Good thing. I would have flown in on Monday night to stay just down the street. I remember flying down there about 2-3 weeks later (after the planes could fly again) and walking by there. It was a large makeshift memorial. There was a platform you could walk on to see the destruction and the work crews cleaning up. You could see all the buildings around damaged in some way. I remember talking to my contact over there (he was head of a construction management firm that we dealt with) and him telling me of some of their people who were lost. How they were on the roof one of the towers calling their loved ones and those at the office to say good bye. It is one thing to see all this on news specials but to have firsthand experience is another. He was telling me where he was when the planes hit the towers. He did see the first one and took off and left (he was about a mile or so away). I remember for the next several months the fear and anxiety that permeated the world: chemical attacks, anthrax, dirty bombs. It just kept going. I remember how the nation did pull together. I remember the patriotism that dominated everything. I remember the U2 concert we went to 2 months later (in Salt Lake City) and that screen that rolled all the names. It was still the best concert I was ever at, hands down.

I think we need to still remember and never forget. To remember why we are fighting in Afghanistan. I never agreed with the Iraq war but we need to remember and support those over there too.

What next?

2008-09-10T22:06:00.003-05:00

Man, this has been one heck of a week. And it is still going. We just got news that Mary's mom is in the hospital and that things aren't looking good. We really don't know what the problem is as of yet. She is on her way there tonight (Palos Hospital). It seems like it has been every day the last week that we are hit with some heavy challenge relating to family. I don't recall in recent memory dealing with what we are up against now. We need to be praying for her mom but also for Mary and the rest of her immediate family. Things with Alec are definitely improving but it will still be a while before things like trust and improved lifestyle get where they need to be. However, the good news in all this is that there is still love. Maybe like what was mentioned in the first post, we are still being given opportunities to come together closer as a family. Let's see where all this will go.

Whew. Well, at least the Cubs just won. There is something. I'll take anything now! :)

God Speaks (even in movies!)

2008-09-08T14:19:00.003-05:00

Finally watched "Evan Almighty" last night. I really liked it - the messages about family. Tough times here at home continue but there was a line in the movie that struck me and made me laugh and cry at the same time. God (Morgan Freeman - who else?) talks to Evan's wife at a diner after she and the kids left Evan due to his wackyness of building an ark. She doesn't know it is God but one of the things he told her was this: "if someone prays for patience, does God just give them patience or more opportunities to be patient?...if someone asks to bring their families closer together, does God just zap them with warm fuzzy feelings? Or, does He give them more opportunities to love one another?". Think about it. You know what, I have always thought that God doesn't get enough credit for being the ultimate comedian and still talk with infinite wisdom. Well, it was only a silly movie, but I seriously believe that God was speaking to me at that moment while pretending to be God in a movie speaking to someone who didn't know it was Him! (ok, read it again...now you know why I thought it was funny - the setting was absurd!). Anyway, it was something I needed to hear. Our family is coming together. We are at a point where opportunity is knocking at the door. How will it be answered?

Family Love and A Silly Song

2008-09-06T21:56:00.005-05:00

Our family has been going through a lot of stuff. I won't hit the details. But I do need to let you know that we have interesting ways and times to have conversations to resolve things. We had one last night at like 11:30 while sitting on the kitchen floor! Yeah, sitting on the kitchen floor! This isn't the first time we talk in weird places! But let me tell you something, despite the fact that we are dealing with stuff, I was actually heartened by having the conversation. You see, we have conversations! Even with the loud talk, things get discussed and hashed out. I can't tell you everything gets solved. But we do talk. You know what? I noticed today a difference in everyone in the house. Much more positive. And one thing is for sure: there is love between all of us in this house. That is certain. I have no doubt of that. You see, with LOVE I believe you can deal with anything. It is the greatest thing. Without love you have nothing.
____________________________________

Of course the only bad part about last night is I had to get up early this morning for Leadership Community and play another silly new leader song. It was a parody of "Hey There Delilah". Eric was out of town so he filmed himself with his brother Elic as if they were broadcasting via satellite from Cincinnati. I played live. It was really amusing how a number of people actually asked later if that was really me playing and if that was really a satellite feed or not! Well done. It was something different and real fun.

I am tired. Good night!

Twit(terrer)s

2008-09-05T21:43:00.002-05:00

Can someone explain to me the lure of twittering? I just don't get it. It is kind of like blogging-on-the-go: "I am standing on the stairs now"; "I am walking down the stairs"; "going into the ice cream shop now"; "walking outside". Wow, riveting. My friend Greg put it real good in his blog about Facebook (which applies to twitters): all this stuff supposedly gets us more relationally connected. Yet, all we do is have our faces buried in computer or Blackberry screens isolating ourselves from all that is around us. For all we know, we're typing to someone in the next room! I guess that this is where the i-generation is at. I just hope that all this technology doesn't move us so far away from personal contact that we forget how to say hello to someone.

Or farewell

Farewell...

What's up here?

2008-09-03T20:10:00.001-05:00

What is up here? 4 losses in a row? Nervous? Hey, it's the Cubs what would you expect?

Favorite Albums/CD's

2008-09-01T00:58:00.004-05:00

Back right before New Year's day, 1990, WXRT had a vote for best album/CD of the 80's. I remember having several conversations amongst friends about what the top 3 or 4 would be. It turned out to be a spirited debate! Today I was talking amongst a couple friends about the same thing: top CD's of the 80's and 90's. Well, those of you who know me would be surprised to guess that I would not have Rush in the top 3 of the 80's! Although, I think Moving Pictures was probably #4 on my list (yes, I still remember what my picks were!). Rush got real weird in the mid to late 80's with some of my least favorite CD's (Grace Under Pressure, Power Windows, etc.). If you were around then (or are into 80's retro) what would your top 3 be? Here is mine:

3. Tears for Fears/Songs From the Big Chair: EVERY song was awesome on this one! I was particularly stoked when I was able to get this one converted to mp3's. Everybody Wants to Rule the World, Shout, Head Over Heels, etc. were some great songs. Although nowadays it does have that dated 80's production, back then it was a great sound.

2. Peter Gabriel/So: At the time, talk about production value! This was a great sounding record! Produced really well. Red Rain just sounds incredible. Same thing about nowadays having that dated 80's sound but still there was nothing on this record that was bad. Ok, maybe that last song about birds was a little weird...

1. XTC/Oranges and Lemons: this one just made it (1989). I really wore out this CD big time. King for a Day is still one of my favorites. Andy Partridge could really write some great songs. The guitarist, Dave Gregory, is so underrated. The melodies that he put into it were incredible. When you listen, it becomes very obvious early on that the Beatles were a huge influence on them. However, this CD was one that clearly had a the sound for them and one that was my favorite of that decade.

I also had a couple of 80's instrumental albums that get high honorable mentions:

-Joe Satriani/Surfing With an Alien: Hey, it's Joe at his best! Even I can hear his influence in my playing. The concert at the Metro that year (1987 I think) was about as close as I came to a high level spiritual experience! :)
-Jeff Beck/There and Back: This was the first of all my records to get converted to mp3's. I wore this one out, expecially late at night. I would hit the sack and put this one on with El Becko to start. Right before I dozed out, side one would end. I then would flip the record and just make it all the way to the last song (The Pump) before slipping away for the night.

The 90's. I don't recall having big conversations about CD's of this decade. However, now that I think of them a little, I think I have some that would fit in a top 3 (although I can only list a number 1):

Rush/Test for Echo: Oh was I happy about this one! It was the first complete Rush album since Signals that I really liked all the way through (Presto being a slight exception). Driven is still a song that I can crank out so loud! And I know that Mary just loves this CD...

Collective Soul/Collective soul ('95 untitled CD): Around '98 and '99 I had many drives to a job I had to go to in Milwaukee (at least once a week for about a year). Since my car didn't have a CD player, and this was just before the days of iPods, I had this CD (and Precious Declaration) recorded on tape so I could listen to them on my Wisconsin journeys. December and The World I Know are my favorites (The World I Know has a great video to it - I love the ending - it seems depressing then ends up with a great hopeful message).

1. Beck/Odelay: Wow. He was soooo groundbreaking when this one came out. The songs were cool ('ya gotta love "Where It's At) but the way he used effects were ingenious - especially for that time. Another one that I wore out.

I am so sure that there are others for the 90's, I would have to gloss through my CD collection. But, these come to mind right away.

How about this decade (has anyone decided what we call it yet? The 0's?)? This one will be a tough one. Why? Because I am not really a CD buyer in as much as I am a song buyer. We can thank iTunes for that one. Let's give this decade a couple more years before we reflect on it.

Trip Pictures Part 1

2008-08-22T09:52:00.004-05:00

A rare shot. I guess when you turn 13 you don't want your picture taken! I had to get this one quick in the car.
Here was Alec at the skatepark in Carrollton, Ga. - 13 miles from my brother's house. The fact that there was a skatepark out here in country-bumpkin land was impressive to me. Also, the fact that Alec said it was one of the best ones he had been to was even more impressive.

A jump....

Whoa...dude

Rainouts suck.

Trip Pictures - Part 2

2008-08-22T01:07:00.000-05:00

We did make the game at 1pm the following day.

Some of the views from our seat. Not bad. The park was half empty.

Most of the half full stadium had Cubs fans. All of these people behind us were Cubs fans. We were so in the majority!

Trip Pictures - Part 3

2008-08-22T01:06:00.000-05:00

Here is one of the wacky roads we traveled on as we traveled to Gatlinburg. This is the Scenic Skyway in North Carolina as viewed from Google Earth (not my camera!). This is just a small sample of what I had to deal with. The straight line distance in this photo from left to right is about a mile and a half. However, the total distance driven is about 4 miles! And every turn is either up hill or down hill. The map shows this as a relatively straight line. Multiply this by a factor of 20 for the total trip in Tennessee and NC. Yeah, it took a while. Never totally believe what you see on a map!

Trip Pictures - Part 4

2008-08-22T01:05:00.002-05:00

Here we are at Rainbow Falls. A very cool place!
I don't think you can see it too well here but, almost like last year, we turned the corner on the path and came up close to a deer. It stayed ahead of us (maybe 10 feet or so) but never panicked and kept walking ahead of us. By the time I got the camera out this was the best shot I had.

There were a lot of newts. Alec was happy and looked for many.

Newts?
We didn't get all the way to the top of Mt. LeConte but made it to this ridge that had some amazing views. The path is to the left. It was a cool clearing of bushes that you just come up to after being in a tree environment.

Trip Pictures - Part 5

2008-08-22T01:04:00.002-05:00

Another great shot on the mountain ridge. I was at this spot 14 years ago but it was foggy then.
Now here was something peculiar. The picture isn't that great but on the way down the trail I almost stepped on this mouse-like critter. It never moved away! At first I only saw this vibrating, fuzzy thing in the middle of the trail. It was just this "mouse" eating or gnawing something. The weird part was that it was gnawing real slow - not fast like you would expect from a rodent. After a couple minutes it just casually moved on its way!

A narrow bridge over one of the creeks.

Even at the falls he didn't want his picture taken.

Trip Pictures - Part 6

2008-08-22T01:03:00.000-05:00

A rock-guitar pick! Tried it at home folks and it works!

"Rock" on...
Love the falls. Last shot on the way down to the car to go home.
No trip to the southlands is complete with an obligatory stop to Waffle House! This was our last chance on the last day (in Kentucky).

What? Already?

2008-08-21T09:38:00.002-05:00

IS it Thursday?? Already??? Wow. Since I got back I feel like I hit the ground running hard. I still have stuff for today. There is just so much to talk about and so little time to actually sit and type. I mean, when I do end up at home on downtime I just don't feel like typing stuff. I do enough during the day! How is it with you? I'm wondering if I lost that rhythm I was talking about a few weeks ago. Going on the trip and shutting everything down was a good thing; it is now an effort to find that tempo to doing things again. I have no doubt I will find it; it is just that it can feel a little frustrating at times. I still want to upload some of the pictures from the trip. Maybe tonight.

Kids are back in school. Katrina back now as a junior and Alec in 8th grade. What? Already???

Day 6 - Home

2008-08-15T21:30:00.002-05:00

The final leg of the journey home was somewhat uneventful - which was good since it was mostly driving! We did stop at one Starbucks in Indiana! Also, no trip to the South is complete without a stop to Waffle House. This morning we finally did. It must have seemed weird to the locals when I had to take a picture outside with Alec. We just don't get them up in "yankee-land". I am sure it could equate to some out-of-towners getting excited about posing at a White Castles up here! We got in at around 5pm. It was awesome to see everyone again. Alec headed right out to be with his friends. I was a little tired out after 7 hours driving. It probably, then, wasn't a good idea to open my Outlook inbox: somewhere around 50 messages came in! However, a large percentage were via Facebook. Man, I never thought I had so many friends! I even had one where I had to confirm I was married to Mary! Another large percentage involved me being cc:'d something that really didn't need my input. It really makes you realize what you end up reading every day.

I have a number of pictures but they might not get posted up for a few days. A lot going on the next couple days.