200th post

Well this is my 200th post in the blogging world and it has been fun expressing my thoughts and all and I thank each one of you who take the time to check this blog out and hope that you enjoy it. This is also the final day of 2007 and I thought I'd take a little time to hit some highs and lows of 2007 before I go out to the church to Rock the Cat Box.

This year was a year of realizing a few of my own personal goals. I got and still get to play a DJ on Joy FM, I have been able to do quite a bit over there running the board during football games, and even taking the helm for a few shows of Solid Rock Friday Night and meeting and starting friendships with some of the other DJ's there. I await the chance to go back over there and have some more fun playing music.

I also hit another goal by helping promote my first concert, APOLOGETIX came to the church in May and put on a great show and had alot of fun transforming our sanctuary into a rock and roll show. Started a little friendship with the band and even still email Karl and J periodically and hope to see them again down the road. I got the chance to help promote the RTCB tonight and am getting ready to rock out and have some fun. Hopefully down the line we can do more of this when the new building is finished. I think it would be cool to once or twice a year bring a concert to FFC.

It seems that this year has flown by and doesn't seem possible to be 2008. This was the first year that I spent away from the racetrack on the weekends during the summer. Retirement from that was enjoyable to have weekends free but at the same time I missed it because I've been so used to traveling and hanging out at the track. I was able to hang out and work at the track a few times late in the year and who knows what next year will bring.

I hope you all have a good New Years Eve tonight, hopefully you'll spend it with us at RTCB but if not enjoy and see you all next year.

Laser Tag.

OK I'm kinda slow at trying new stuff but tonight Tyson, Taylor and I went laser tagging with one of Tysons buddies and his father. It was his friends birthday and that is what he wanted was to go play laser tag at a place in Muncie called Playstation. It was pretty cool and I am ready to go again. I could see the youth doing something like this in the future. First game not even 30 seconds into my gun and vest broke. I got hit once and it said game over. It is supposed to reset itself in 5 seconds or less but nothing, I didn't even show up on the results page after it was over. Made sure not to get that vest again but it was fun.

Got back in time for band practice and this weekend is gonna rock. Christmas music is nice and all but who besides me was burned out on them this year. Last week did sound cool with the laid back atmosphere but this week should be good and even rockin again. This evening I also took down the tree. This should come to a surprise to those who know us well as we normally have it down before Christmas day is even over, normally before it even gets dark. Good to have things back to normal, whatever that is.

It's all over.

Christmas 2007 has finally passed, it was a great Christmas, a different Christmas, and a hard Christmas. The kids were very blessed with all the gifts that they recieved, and today I get to take them shopping so that they can spend that Christmas money they got. Everytime that they got some money they were ready to go shopping right then and there. Tammy and I's Christmas came back in July or whenever we got this new computer so it was a fun time watching the kids. They are very different as Tyson gets excited over anything and you can get Taylor everything she wants and her reaction is always the same very subdued with no excitement. I am hoping that the kids are not starting a new tradition as they woke up at 3 am for the second year in a row.

It was a different Christmas as we did a few things we've never done before like going to the Christmas Eve service which was wonderful, then we went with Mom and Dad to the MEs Zoo for a walk through which was also very enjoyable. We had our own zoo guide (Tyson) so it was fun hearing facts about all the animals. Taylor would do the same if we went to a TobyMac museum. Ran into the Dale's as I have not seen them for awhile and got to talk to Carlie for a bit about our little band project and all, ready to get it going full steam early next year.

It was a difficult Christmas for this was the first one without Tammys mother who passed away 4 months to the day that we were over there for our Christmas with her side of the family. All of the firsts are the hard ones without a loved one but she is holding up well. Tammy started a new job today so she was a bit nervous last night but I know the way that this job came about that God has a plan for her so its gonna be all right. Hope everyone had a great Christmas and enjoy the time off if you have it.

Few tidbits

Well Christmas is tomorrow and if this past week is any indication we will be getting woken up early by Tyson. Mom and Dad give the kids what we call 7 day gifts which are small little things that they get to open 1 a day for the 7 days leading up to Christmas. It kind of gets them started to get in the flow of Christmas, like they need help, and the past few days Tyson has been coming into the bedroom around 6 or so ready to open the gift for the day. All I know its gonna be an early morning tomorrow.

Watched "The Navtivity" last night with a few of the members of The Teshuva. Its a pretty good movie and I recomend it to anyone. There were a few things that I didn't know about like who John the Baptists parents were and that his dad couldn't talk for awhile because of his unbelief. I was watching and wondering how Mary must of felt like an outcast and Joseph as well and how some people kind of turned their back on them when they found out she was pregnant. I did learn that Joseph was one of the most unselfish, selfless man that ever walked the face of the earth.

2 Christmas parties down 3 more to go then things will be back to normal. My brother and his family got us an Atari Flashback 2 for Christmas. It has about 40 old Atari games loaded inside and we hooked it up to the TV and have played video games old school style for the last few days. It brings back memories of childhood playing some of those games. If you want a flashback come over and we'll play some "old school" games. The kids think is the funniest thing some of those games.

Real quick thought

As Christmas draws near and the excitment of the season gets ahold of you and your family take a minute to pray for those in this world, country, state, and even in your very own city who are sitting around an empty tree with nothing underneath or those kids who are going through a Christmas with no presents for what ever reason. My family and alot of yours as well are very blessed to be spending this time with family and "gifts" but there are way too many who will not be. When I hear of this it gets to me and I always think, "If I had______ I could really help those people out" But its not just __________ (Insert whatever in the blank) that could help them out, its a smile, a prayer, a word of encouragment or just a good thoughtful deed that could brighten up their day. I challenge you as well as myself to not just think about doing something about it but actually stepping away from yourself, your little bubble, zone whatever it is and reaching out to those in need. If God can move a mountain I know he can move me to do something like this and you as well, I just need to let go of the wheel and let Him take over.

Are you ready?

Well the days are winding down and before you know it Christmas will be here. Are you as prepared as you want to be? Are there still things to get with no time to get them? Are you in a panic and have no idea what or when or how you are going to finish getting ready? Have you even started? Have you been done for weeks allready and are just waiting now? I am proud to say that I think we are officially done. Its all over but the wrapping, my least favorite thing about Christmas. I know that things are crazy here in Muncie on an evening around 4:30 as what used to take 30 mins to get home now takes around 40 to 45 just trying to get through the traffic and the insane drivers who always come out at this time of year. Now I'm looking forward to Monday and Tuesday, one of the best parts of those two days are watching the kids and seeing the excitment and joy on their faces, I just hope this year they wait awhile to wake up Christmas morning. Tuesday afternoon it will all be done, the tree will be put up, and things will be back to normal, whatever that is.

I was ready to rock this weekend but that doesn't look like its going to happen, all in the new band have other engagements so no jamming tonight and worship Sunday will be subdued and even dare I say it "almost country." Say it ain't so. I am still looking forward to the service to hear and see the message as from what I see will be a great visual theme to it. See you all then.

Just a bit behind

Running a bit behind today because of either A) didn't set the alarm or B) turned it off when it went off and rolled over and went back to sleep. Anyway you look at it I didn't get up until 6:30 which by then I have normally been at work for a half-hour so things got off to a quick start this morning. You know that feeling running around like a chicken with its head cut off trying to cram stuff into as little time as possible. It always seems to throw the rest of the day off just a bit cause your trying to catch up but I'll get by. I view it as a preview of the next two weeks when there won't be an alarm clock everyday for me. Well heres to catching up and getting done in 9 hours what should be done in 10.

Christmas shoppers beware

Is it just me or do people who are Christmas shopping have no sense of what is going on around them. Why do some people think that they are the only ones who are in the store? Why does common sense seem to be left outside the building when shopping and sometimes it is left at home and not even brought at all. I don't know how many times yesterday while I was out shopping at some of the bigger establishments and people would either be walking so incredibly slow and or taking up the entire aisle. One lady and her friend, daughter or whatever she was came into the aisle and one stopped on the left side the other on the right and the cart was facing north and south on a east and west aisle. Are some people just that "focused" on their shopping or are they "clueless" as to what is going on around them? Am I that way when I shop? I sure hope not. And why is it that one thing that you are looking for cannot be found when you really need it. Two months ago or even a month ago there were tons of them no none to be found in town. I'm sure we will find it eventually. Any other horror stories from shopping this year? I won't even go into the traffic part yet.

Funny thing

Last night I was sitting in the computer chair just kicking back as mom and dad were there bringing the kids some gifts when all of the sudden as I leaned back in the chair POW the chair broke and i was stuck in a very leaned backed position that would rival any recliner and that little thing on the bottom of the chair that screws up or down or maybe its just for show became a projectile missile that went right over Taylor and landed about 15 feet away in the kitchen. It was a freaky but funny moment that looking back could have hurt someone but since it didn't it was pretty funny except now we need another computer chair AGAIN. Normally its the kids breaking them but this one is all me. Wish we had some video of it cause that would be funny.

B-Day, day off

Today is Tammy's birthday so if you see her or talk to her today be sure to wish her a Happy Birthday. She even gets the day off from work, but its not the kind of day off I'm sure she wanted. Found out last night that Tyson has strep throat and has to spend the day at home. Missed not going to church yesterday and seeing the service but I think it was for the best cause it looked like it was a mess out there yesterday morning. It sure was cool to look out the window this weekend and watch it snow but I'm just funny like that. Back to work for the week than 2 weeks off and I can't wait.

1st practice out of the way

Last night was the first practice for the band that I am a part of, only problem was the only myself and Jon the guitar player were there. The other 3 were busy so maybe next week we will be able to get all of us together to work on some songs. Jon and I did come up with a few ideas to work on and did work on a few of them including a Goo Goo Dolls song called Better Days which I know they are a "secular" band but that song has great christian overtones to it. I showed him one of my songs and we worked it out a bit and got the bulk of it down and ready for the others and then I showed him the song that Carlie, Jared and I recorded a year ago. Who knows where this will go and what will become of it but it is a good release and maybe we can see some lives changed through our music or maybe it just might be like a small group setting with instruments though.

In for the day with a sick kid so we will just sit by the window and watch the snow pile up. I dig the snow both literally and figuritivly but don't want none of the ice that they keep talking about. Hopefully we can still make it to church in the morning because I think it is going to be a cool service but if not I hope everyone stays safe and warm.

Here comes the snow.

Here it is early Friday morning and yesterday the National Weather Service issued a winter storm watch for us a whole 48 hours before the storm system even hits. I love snow and welcome it and get excited when they say we could be in for a big snow, unfortunately from my perspective this means that we will probably only get a couple of inches not the massive snow that they talk about. I know some people will be woohoo thats what I like no snow but I wouldn't mind playing out back with the kids throwing them in a big drift, having snowball fights and just having some fun in the snow. I do hope however that this big snow doesn't affect the services at the church this weekend, it is gonna be a great service. Last night was the first time that I've gotten to hear Tonya sing and sing she can, what an incredible voice. I only wish see could sing with us more often but then our kids would be missing out. We (as a church) are incredibly blessed by the staff in which we have and the talents that they bring to the table.

A few musical suggestions.

I've been going through a phase where I haven't been buying as many new cd's as I'd like, if it were up to me I'd be getting a new one every week, but I have come across a few good ones that I'd like to share with you. The first one actually isn't mine it is Taylors which she won at Youth Group a few months back, thanks Pink, it's Thousand Foot Krutch aka TFK "The Flame In All Of Us." Just a good rockin' cd full of energy and songs that just get me going. It came with the special DVD with the making of the cd which is always cool because you get a behind the scenes look at what goes on in making the music and such.

Another good one that I got the day after Thanksgiving for only $5 at the Family Christian Stores is Leeland's "The Sound Of Melodies." It is not a rockin' cd but the dude writes some great worship songs that would be a blast to do on a Sunday. Leeland is named after the lead singer who is only like 19 years old now and the cd has been out for a year or so and he is an incredible talent.

A couple of other ones that I've gotten are Indy's own Kids In The Way "Love Hate Masquerade" and Demon Hunter's "Storm The Gates Of Hell." Kids is just a good positive rocking cd, not much on the spiritual side on this release but good positive stuff that I don't mind my kids listening to. Demon Hunter is a brutally aggressive band that pulls no punches and is right up front with where they stand. Not alot of people would like alot of these songs as they are heavy and have the screaming going on but when they settle down a bit and just rock out and sing they are top notch. When I go back over to the Solid Rock Friday Night I'm sure I'll play some.

Now I need to pick up Seventh Day Slumber's "Finally Awake" and Red's "End Of Silence-Deluxe Edition" with the live dvd and a few others I can't remember, I'm so glad its Christmas time so maybe some of these will show up at the house. What is everyone else listening to these days? Any suggestions?

Steve Irwin Wrestling Gators Mascot

Here it is, hope you get a kick out of it like I did.

This is Sportscenter

I don't know how many of you watch SportsCenter on ESPN or even watch ESPN for that matter but last night they had a show called "This Is Sportscenter" which is their commercials that they run for the show with anchors and athletes talking about the show. I got a big kick and some good laughter out of some of them. They have been doing this for quite sometime so they have a bunch to choose from, some are more memorable than others but I was cracking up watching them. If your a big sports nut like I am you would get great pleasure out of this show. I am sure it will be on again. It takes shots at each sport and personallity on ESPN. I didn't see my favorite one last night I think I missed it at the begining, its with the late Steve Irwin aka the Crocidile Hunter and hes in the studio and he sees the Florida Gators mascot and jumps on him like he would a croc and does his whole "its a beauty" routine. The anchor is just standing there trying to tell him its not real. Just plain funny, I'll look for it and try and post it here later.

Tree is up

Well I can't remember when the last time we had our tree up this early but it is up and looking good. The kids were a big help and actually decorated it with the exception of the lights. For some reason they like to put on the tree skirt, stockings, and hats and such and then decorate it, Tammy took pictures so I'll have to put them on here sometime. They even wrapped their presents for each other and put them under the tree so as to make it not look empty. Its hard to believe that it will be here in 2 weeks and 2008 will be here in 3 weeks, where did the year go?

I am getting excited for a possible new venture that is starting Friday. I am joining a band. We have no name yet and one of the members I've never met, another one I met once and the other 2 I know really well and actually got to record a song with a year or two back so I am excited about getting back in with them. Should be fun and we will see where God takes this, it might just be a get together every Friday and jam and encourage each other or who knows maybe someday we'll tour and the Teshuva will come to our show and hang out with us. Who knows but it should be fun, I'll keep you posted on what is going down.

Crazy packed weekend

Do you ever have one of those weekends where your pretty much on the go the whole time? That was the case this weekend. Started out Friday with a little bowling action with the Teshuva, which is always fun. Got to bowl with PK, Pink, Autumn, and Zach and we had fun. There were some individuals beside us from another church who when they bowled a strike they all jumped up and chest bumped each other so Pink said that is what he wanted when he got a strike. Cooked up a little plan with PK so when Pink got a spare we ran up there to fulfill his wish only to stop and turn around at the last minute, sorry Pink but the look on your face was priceless. Got home around 1 am turned on a little Aquire the Fire on tv and saw RED preform, those guys just flat out rock. Went to bed only to get up around 8 to go to Tyson's Y-league game at 9. I was pretty dead and so was he I think. They came back in thrilling fashion to tie the game at 20 with about 2 seconds left in the game. That is how it ended though no overtime.

Got home relaxed shortly before doing some running around both east and west then had a Christmas program to go to. Tickets had the church listed on them but as we found out that is not where they had the program. They had it downtown at the old Masonic Temple which is now called something else but we got there about 10 minutes into the show. It was good and that is a pretty cool old place. Sunday had church, which was awesome of course. I have really enjoyed this series The Monster Within and have done some inward examination and found that there are things that I need to fix and I thank PK for bringing these messages and solutions. Taylor had a Christmas progam which she did an excellent job, said her lines perfectly and loudly. Went to a birthday party afterwards then Youth, which just keeps getting better and better and I am getting more comfortable with my role there. Excited about tonight cause there is nothing on the docket to do except, and I am scared to say this, put up our tree. Tammy its too early.........

Well the weather outside is frightful.....

Ah yes another lovely snow, it was so peaceful when I walked outside this morning at 5:20 just a beautiful scenery with all the fresh snow and lights glowing. That was all nice and good until I started to work and within a mile of leaving town I had allready got the car sideways in two different areas and I wasn't even going over 30-35 mph. The first time was kinda woah easy killer then as I got going again I got a good look at the field to the south of 32 then a good look at the one to the north then finally I was looking the right direction. The old heart started beating a little faster and I thought here we go were going in the ditch but someone else obviously took control and got me righted. Took a while to get to work and yeah I was a little late but I'd rather be late than stuck in a ditch somewhere. Hope this all goes away before tonights youth outing and that the freezing rain they are calling for doesn't make it here. Stay safe and enjoy the view.

Ready for a little practice

Tonight is another busy one with an M & O meeting at 6 than leaving that around 7 to go for band practice for Sunday in which yes the Christmas songs will begin. I wish I could play like Gary Hoey who has a cd collection called Ho Ho Hoey where he takes Christmas songs and rocks them up on some. They are all instrumentals but he does a great job and I wish I could play like that to kind of give a different flare to these tunes. It seems that every other weekend lately I've been gone or out for some reason or another so hopefully that is over and I can get back to playing every week, cause I've been missing that.

Welcome to winter a bit early

Don't know about you but I'm diggin' what happened last night and this morning with the snow. I know people think I'm a little different for liking the snow but I always have. Don't mind driving in it as long as others around me drive with their heads on straight which doesn't always seem to happen. I really like playing in it with the kids, stems from growing up and taking every advantage of playing in the snow as much as possible. It could be sleding behind a car, snowball fights, sleding out at Prairie Creek with 3 intertubes and about 7 people on them down the hill, going out to White River and messing around, bumpering cars, or just roaming through town staying out til early morning for no reason. I like this stuff and hope that there is more in store later in the season. Go ahead and bash me, I'll be waiting with a snowball for you at somepoint.

Good time

Tyson and I had a great time in Indy Sunday enjoying the Colts-Jaguars game, unfortunately for Tyson the Jags got beat but not without a fight. We got there around 11 not too long after the doors opened and just hung out watching the players practice and run through drills. Got a quick bite and a foam finger for him then off to our seats to get ready. That place gets pretty loud (you know they pump in the crowd noise, there is no way 57,000 + people could make THAT much noise ;}) when they introduced the Colts and they came running out. We were on the opposite end of where they come out but Reggie Wayne came running over to our section and started playing with and pumping up the crowd, I found out later that where we were sitting is known as Reggie's corner. It was fun and got a high five when the Colts scored from someone I have no idea who he was just a big fan I guess. I have never seen so many Colts jerseys in all of my life, everywhere you looked there were people in Colts jerseys. Tyson had fun and now wants to play football, after its over for his age group, so we will see what happens next year.

I do think that Indy floods worse than Muncie though, we had to walk about 6 blocks in the rain after the game and I think I've finally dried out but it was worth it to get to hang with the boy for a day just doing guy stuff.

Tomorrows view

This is the approximate view that Tyson and I will have around 1 pm tomorrow except there will be about 55,000 other people there as well. Look for us on tv, Tyson will be the one in a white Jacksonsville Jaguars t-shirt. Should be fun. Go Colts.