Remember me as a time of day

Across the field you see the sky ripped open

2008-04-22T16:39:00.002-06:00

A few days back I was praying and all of the sudden I found myself proclaim aloud that "This is the only shot at April 19th 2008 that I have, and I want to make it great."

Life passes so quickly, I think it’s easier for me to understand this now that I have children that change before my eyes. When we were kids my mom always used to say “This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” – Psalms 118:24. Those words are so true, God made today with an intent purpose, not just to be another day. No, today is the day He planned for, a day in which HIS plan will be put forth. What amazing satisfaction I find in that, God has an incredible plan for today, even if today sucks as some days will, it doesn’t matter. I’m not saying I am going out and changing the world every day, but I am prayerfully seeking God and listening for His voice. When I started doing this on a regular basis I was blown away by the things that started happening.

2008-04-17T09:55:00.005-06:00

I love the sound a nice camera makes as it focuses and takes a picture. I have wanted a Nikon digital SLR for a long time and in light of recently losing my other digital camera I finally bought one. Yes, I found my old camera (that had been lost for several weeks) less then 24 hours after ordering this one, but its too late - its here and I am keeping it.

So here it is....

And this is the first photo it took.

Numero 3

2008-04-15T10:15:00.002-06:00

This story reminds me of the time Mark left his Honer at the Blue Bird after the show we played with the highly acclaimed buttrock group, Theory of a Dead Man. http://www.9news.com/news/watercooler/article.aspx?storyid=89961

I just remember the roadie telling us how they were heading to Europe after the show to meet up with Puddle of Mud or someone of that nature. God bless the old Strikethurman days, long live buttrock.

Email blog 2

2008-04-10T22:04:00.001-06:00

The new episode of The Office disappointed me tonight. It wasn't last episode of Seinfeld bad, but it wasn't worth the months and months of wait. You would think the writers would have some better material considering their long ass vacation.

Bone

Thank you Josh..

2008-04-09T13:08:00.003-06:00

for reminding me that I can blog via email. My new company has some pretty strict internet and security policies which only increase my lack of internet presence. It has been good though as I haven’t had the opportunity to surf and waste time, instead I have been busy doing what I consider a real job for the first time in several years..

Not that my old job wasn’t legit, it was just no longer challenging. Now I actually have to use my brain again, learn all new company policies, people, systems and products. I have to stretch myself technically as I don’t have a technical resource to lean on like I used to. In other words, this is much more satisfying because I can once again accomplish something, something great. So far things have been even better than I expected and the transition has been fluid. I was worried that after 8 years with my previous company the world somehow had nothing better to offer, thankfully I was wrong.

So, thanks for the thoughts and prayers. Please continue to pray that I sell a ton of software as Tiff wants a MacBook, I lost my camera so I want a Nikon D40x and my wardrobe was sorely in need of an update as jeans no longer cut it.

Bone

Ridiculous? Maybe..

2008-03-07T09:52:00.003-07:00

The airing of grievances

2008-03-05T09:12:00.002-07:00

Yesterday I was having a conversation with a friend and it turned into a discussion about our pet peeves. See, he brought up how he had recently been on a date and his lady friend (whom he had just met) proceeded to spend the entire night complaining about general life issues. I told him I could relate, "people with a negative outlook are really annoying." Then somehow the next 15 minutes turned into us taking turns complaining about things that drive us nuts, ironic? Maybe.

1. If we are in bumper to bumper traffic and I let you in, please offer a "thank you" wave.

2. If I ask you how you are doing and it happens to be a Monday, please don't refer to the fact that it is indeed Monday so you are "doing as good as you can for a Monday."

3. Please don't walk up and make conversation with me at the urinal. You are a complete stranger, make friends somewhere else.

4. Please don't use the word "irregardless".

5. If you need to talk to me, please don't send me an email asking me to call you. Pick up the damn phone.

6. If the group wants to go eat pizza, please don't be the guy that says "Can't do it, just had it 2 days ago."

7. If we are at a stop light please don't pull up in the lane that has to immediately merge. Get in line like the rest of us.

8. And last (for now) but certainly not least, please for the love of god don't be the guy in the restaurant, or in public in general, that has to scream at the top of your lungs while on your cellphone so we all think you are important.

Peanuts anyone?

2008-03-04T08:52:00.006-07:00

Recently I was on a flight to Seattle and there were some strong winds which caused the plane to rock violently back and forth, in fact as we were coming in to land it felt like the tip of our wings were going to hit the trees below. Across the aisle next to me sat a gentlemen who was afraid to fly and was actually on a plane for the first time. He was an absolute mess but thankfully next to him was a calm elderly gentlemen who said he had been in aviation his entire life as a pilot and an engineer. Once we landed everyone broke out in applause and nervous laughter as relief sat in, the elderly gentlemen leaned over and said "That was a serious situation, the pilot earned his wings with that landing."

This is footage of an Airbus 320 trying to make a landing in Germany this past weekend. There were some obvious fierce crosswinds that made for a close call but thank God the pilot was able to save the day. Can you imagine being on that plane??

Why did they wait so long?

2008-03-02T17:15:00.005-07:00

Just the other day I was telling Tiff how I missed the simplicities of small town life. One of my favorite memories was spending countless days at the local swimming pool with all of my friends during the summer. Mark and I would walk the 6 or so blocks with the $1.25 entry fee clinched tightly in hand. Once there we would quickly find a place to lay our towels, take off our shirts and jump in. We would swim and swim until the loudspeaker came on and it was time for a 15 minute rest period. We were never quite sure why they forced these mandatory breaks, but all we knew was this was concession stand time. The concession stand had all of the great american summer snacks; big hunks, laffy taffy, lemon heads, zots, and my personal favorite.. The Atomic Fireball. Oh how I loved the pain that damn fireball would inflict but just as it was unbearable, ahh the sweet candy center. We would gather around, each with a fireball in hand, count down and simultaneously pop them in our mouths to see who could stand the heat the longest before spitting it out and going for the fountain.

Fast forward 18 years and I find myself in a coworkers office last week discussing a little business. He casually offers me a small lemon head sized red candy, I accept and as I bite down I realize this is not just any candy, this is something I love, something I remember! I ask and his reply is "Yep, it sure is. They have them at Walgreens." Of course I make haste to the nearest Walgreens and just as he had promised, boxes upon boxes of the chewy treats.

My friends, it is so.. The

2008-02-20T12:51:00.007-07:00

A conversation I had today made me realize how absurdly opposed to change I am. I have always somewhat known this, but I had no idea how ridiculous it was. People always say that change is good, life is full of change etc, etc, but I find myself holding on to make sure things stay the way they are. The fact is things are good and the fear of something bad happening sometimes holds me back from taking the chance to make things better.

I have a blog in process that will change the way you look at the world, stay tuned. Until then, Bella says stay cool.

2008-01-14T13:46:00.000-07:00

Will this post make it to my blog once its all said and done? Possibly. I would guess less than half of what I actually start typing actually makes its way into public view. Once I am done I put it through some sort of mental checklist to somehow validate its "publishability".

I woke up last week and decided that this is going to be an excellent year. My family is complete, healthy, blessed, I have a wonderful support group of friends, God has been gracious blessing me with every provision. Growth surrounds me and I want to be engrossed in it as well; reading my bible with an addictive zeal, speaking life into this world, taking a positive attitude into every situation, living with the passion I had prided myself in -- I choose these things.

When I was young my mom would say "death and life are in the power of the tongue" (Proverbs 18:21) which I took quite literally. The seemingly simple wisdom of the Proverbs, what a wonderful "how to" book for life. You want self help, soak it up. Far to often people turn to complicated descriptions and analyzations of the scripture, and while there is nothing inherently wrong with that, it can be a crutch. I believe God laid the BOOK out for each of us to submerse ourselves in on a personal level and that He reveals it to us individually as we seek Him. Bible studies, small groups, conversations about scripture their revelations and meanings are great, I am specifically referring to the over-reliance on books about God rather than focusing on the book written BY Him. These Proverbs are simple enough to shape a young boy and powerful enough to guide a mans steps..

I blog therefore I am?

2008-01-08T21:51:00.001-07:00

Not really although that is how some of my closest friends think - if you're reading this that is probably you.

Bone you gotta blog more often, pgp.

Blogging is like breathing, do it or die Bone!

My answer to all of them/you is why? I spend ample time every day/week talking with you and conversing about anything and everything on my mind. Nevertheless, maybe I turned over a new blog-leaf. I WILL give this a shot, I WONT guarantee it will be worth your time or mine but so be it and enjoy.

pictoblog

2008-01-07T11:03:00.000-07:00

This is dead serious....

Sean and Josh doing the swan dance...

I hate cranium. It breaks up friendships and lives...

The first and best video of 2008, Bruce...

Farewell

2007-11-17T12:44:00.000-07:00

We must now call it quits. Walmart, you have been there offering your cheap prices, late hours and convenient locations for many years but no more. Too often you are overcrowded and to be quite honest scary. A few days ago I was viscously mauled by tube tops and jean shorts, all I wanted was a bottle of balsamic vinegar but it turned into a 30 minute ordeal. Hire a few more checkers? Open more self serve lines? Offer better training? These are all things that would help our relationship but alas it is too little too late. I have been moonlighting with Target for years, and now she is my one and only. Much the same as I said goodbye to McDonalds almost two years ago, this is it, you won't see me again.

My people

2007-10-31T15:56:00.000-06:00

What is better then this on Halloween? No, no philosophically ordained conversation on how this is the devil's holiday, just this. Discuss..

A perfect moment captured in time

2007-10-25T15:25:00.000-06:00

Her first smile, her first attempt at words. She has my heart...

The sun hung red

2007-10-24T14:22:00.000-06:00

Up at 6am to catch an early flight home, quickly packing, dressing and preparing to check out, a towncar to the airport at 7am. This trip cut short due to the fires that rage just south of LA. Monday morning I had no idea as I boarded a flight to the coast, today like many others I pray for those affected. We pull over; he unloads my bags and pulls away. As I walk into the airport it catches my eye, the sun rising in the east, so large and still it looks like it is hanging from a string, smoke accenting its color - a beautiful blood red. A sign I think to myself, may God bless and protect our children and beyond.

She sees angels...

2007-10-01T09:27:00.001-06:00

This last month has been one of the best of my life. You may have already heard but just in case you haven't, on August 29th @ 2 a.m. Tiffany and I were greeted by a beautiful little girl, Isabella Grace. Experiencing the birth of a child is the most intense, overwhelming, emotional event I will ever experience. I stood there mentally and physically exhausted holding Tiffany's hand as she struggled to find the strength she so badly needed. A rush of nurses, a doctor with concern in her voice, urgency outlined the moment. Seconds dripped by like minutes as I felt myself float to the top of the room, my mind decided I could no longer handle it, I was overcome. I stood in silence, still, other then my lips mouthing a heartfelt prayer. God please give Tiffany strength, please put your Angels around my wife and unborn child. My mind jammed with thoughts, Tiffany had been in labor for 10 hours, she was beyond exhaustion but still fighting knowing how close she was. How is it fair that Isabella's life was still in her hands? She conceived and carried her for the last 9 months. Her life has been consumed with our baby; eating right, resting, taking vitamins, endless doctors appointments, and on and on. But at the end of it all, even in her current state, she is still the one. Moments later through the rush of people I saw her. Beautiful and perfect in the doctors arms, we all caught our breath and waited... There it was, the sound of health and life, a baby's first cry.

The other day I was holding Bella and she was just staring off into space, not focused on anything but her gaze fixed and intent. I asked Tiffany "What do you think she is thinking?" Her quick, confident reply, "She sees angels."

Proper Protocol..

2007-09-26T15:38:00.001-06:00

Well it happened again.. Here at my office we have a mens bathroom that includes 2 urinals which are right next to each other and separated by a board bolted to the wall, and 3 stalls. Today, for the second time in as many months I was using one of the urinals when another guy walks in, steps up, and proceeds to put his arm up on the board, thus his elbow hanging halfway into my space. It may be hard for you ladies to understand but there are certain unspoken rules that we men follow when using the facilities. Here are a few of the notable ones:

RULE #1 - Provide Adequate Space Between Pissers

Do everything within your power not to choose the urinal right next to someone else's urinal. ESPECIALLY when there are other urinals available. If I am at the far left urinal, you should automatically know to move to the far right urinal. If you go directly to the closest urinal to me, I will assume you're trying to sneak a peak. This violates my personal space. Also, always keep your feet and or arms in your own space. The separation wall is not your personal arm rest so GTFO. Taking a leak is a sacred act, and we all deserve our own personal space when doing so.

RULE #2 - Noise Levels

Don't talk to somebody you don't know.  You may chat quietly with
an acquaintance, but must absolutely not call attention to yourself.

RULE #3 - Look Ahead

This should be understood but in case its not for the love of god never under any
circumstances look at anyone while you or they are going. Find a spot on the wall
directly in front of you and never look away. Breaking this rule is grounds for
an ass kicking with no questions asked.

Seasons Change...

2007-09-26T15:35:00.000-06:00

I decided to start blogging again and while looking through my blog today I found this. It was written on 4/3/07 @ 9:45 PM but for some reason didn't get posted..
------------------------------------------
Spring is here and summer is not far behind. Time goes by so quickly sometimes, before I blink it will be fall, I will have a new little one and Christmas will be a week away. I wonder why it goes by so much quicker as you get older. Maybe it is simply because we have kids in our lives who are constantly changing and therefore it is much easier to gauge the passing moments. I am not sure but that would be my guess. It makes sense because the first thing people tell you once you have kids is, "Cherish every moment, it will be gone before you know it." I cannot argue..

The best of...

2007-07-13T06:51:00.000-06:00

At the Chicago airport waiting on a delayed flight. Actually my flight here was delayed as well which is ironic as Frontier has signs all over the place saying "Running Late? Well we aren't. Just another reason Frontier was voted the top low cost carrier." Pfffffffffffffffffffffffffft!!

Anyway, I just saw the BEST unibrow I have EVER seen. I am not kidding, this guy looks like he could be a brother of those two mexican werewolf guys. You know the guys who have hair over every inch of their body? Seriously go now and google image search "mexican werewolf brothers". You're welcome.

The best day of my year (so far)

2007-06-19T08:52:00.000-06:00

Fathers day 2007 was a memorable one. Saturday night we caught a baseball game; baseball with my two sons - does it get any better? Sunday morning Tiffany and the kids made a wonderful breakfast for me, then we bought a new grill for my dad and spent the afternoon watching Mark put it together. Later that evening we all met up on our patio and we shared a few beers, some good food, and some smokes. Couldn't ask for a better day, although one day this September may top it...

My boys and I at the game -

My dad and I with our fathers day smokes -

We had grandpa take a break from his michelob and try a Belgian trappist.

BFFL!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-06-06T10:36:00.000-06:00

I want to play it! Poker night was a nice evening full of slandering yet insightful jabs, food, drink, a few dollars and some of my favorite people. Hoshi got spanked, Josh was awkward, Jared was blinded out, Sean sucked out on more then 5 hands, I smoked 3 cigars and Mark won.

on an unrelated note...

2007-05-30T21:59:00.000-06:00

Tonight I really miss playing live music.

Is it just me or

2007-05-30T21:30:00.001-06:00

Are there some things in life that will always drive you nuts? Perhaps its the way people use the word "irregardless" or the way some people sit in a restaurant talking on their cellphone so loudly that everyone can hear. For me all of the above apply, but today I was reminded of something that I despise even more, the Truck Balls. What are the Truck Balls you ask? Well, they are a set of synthetic bull nuts that hillbillies and hicks for some reason decide need to hang from the hitch on the back of their jalopy. I was on my way to work this morning and out of nowhere a beaten down loud old Ford truck comes rolling up sporting a set of these babies. I sat there wanting to slam my head into the steering wheel as I watched them swing with momentum. Billy Bob, Uncle Ned and Aunt Jane, for the love of god stop dumbing this state down! Done - Jonas

Its a girl!

2007-05-02T22:38:00.000-06:00

Well if you haven't already heard we are expecting a little one this September. Tiffany and I had talked about it for several years and finally decided to try for a girl. How do you try for a girl you ask? You read books, put a business plan together and pray. The backgroud..

We were in Tulsa at the Christmas Eve service this past December and Tiffany's uncle who is the preacher was sharing on how to put our faith in God and believe for what we need. Our oldest son Christian leaned over to Tiff's sister and said, "Nope, we don't need anything, mommy already has a baby girl in her tummy." Well this was news to all of us as we didn't even know she was pregnant. A week later on new years eve morning Tiff woke me up with a huge smile on her face, holding a pregnancy test that confirmed Christian's statement, she was indeed pregnant. Now, our family has a history of boys, I have 2 and my mom had 3 so having a girl was something we had to believe God for. Either way, boy or girl we would be happy. Fast Foward...

Last Friday our family went in for THE ultrasound. The nurse asked, "would you like to know what you are having?" and in the next breathe she said - It's a girl. We all cried and hugged and thanked God for his love and blessings. Come September the world will be a better place, blessed with little Isabella Ava Grace Thomas. YES two middle names, she is already spoiled!

God is sufficient, I need to learn this more every day. I often find myself caught in a mental spiral focused on meaningless garbage. I want to fall into love with loving God to the point where these things come and go and have no bearing on this simple truth.

That new carpet smell...

2007-04-09T23:18:00.000-06:00

Odd but I really love the smell of new carpet. Today I walked out of my office and they were installing down the hall. Not sure why I have an affinity for this smell but its just nice. Its one of those things you take for granted until you experience it that next time and you remember, man I love that smell.

I need a new layout..

2007-04-03T08:36:00.000-06:00

So who wants to help? Hoshi, I know you are bored from time to time and you just so happen to be newly single.. Mark, you called in sick from work due to diarrhea yesterday, which for you I thought was a normal condition so you obviously have time on your hands... Josh, you are in the midst of moving, looking for new employment and pursuing a beautiful love story so you are off the hook. Seanster? Never mind, you are an all or nothing guy and well.. Dammit. Ok, while we think about who is going to help me, lets all learn to properly fold a cat..

UPDATE: A very special thanks to Mark. Despite his bout with the runs, he was able to come up with this sexy new layout. Thanks Mark, eat a banana!

I don't post much -

2007-03-28T16:07:00.000-06:00

Last week we got to celebrate lil Joshua's 24th birthday. It was a wonderful time. Keep saving those pennies Josh, 3 for life..

"Shoes, OMG"

2007-02-15T22:55:00.000-07:00

I really suck at blogging and although I offer no apology for this, I thought stating it might make me feel better. Just in case they freeze my blog account due to weeks and weeks of inactivity I thought I would write tonight..

I just got done watching the "Pothole" episode of Seinfeld from 1997, and man what a classic. Jerry has an accident with his girlfriend's toothbrush; Elaine crams herself into a janitors closet so she is within a restaurants delivery boundary; Kramer adopts a highway and George loses his key in a pothole. How did Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David come up with so many fantastically crazy yet perfectly crafted episodes? Not sure why but I only watch when the reruns come on. I have all of the DVDs that have been released so far but can't remember the last time I popped one in. Its kind of like this; how many of you ever considered purchasing any of the Back to the Future DVDs? If for some reason you do have them, you never think to put it in and watch it. But when you are laying around on the weekend and it comes on TBS you spend 7 hours and watch all freaking three of them.

2007-01-06T23:39:00.000-07:00

Well it has been a busy few weeks. I haven't had time to post lately but hope you all had a great Christmas and holiday season. Sometimes things get so busy that it is nice to have some down time to really relax and enjoy moments. We spent Christmas in Tulsa with Tiffany's family and it was a great time. The kids got to spend time with their Great Grandparents and other family that we rarely get to see. Santa came and delivered some wonderful gifts, ate his cookies and drank some room temperature milk. All in all it was a fantastic time and if I wasn't so tired I would post a few pictures, maybe next post. Happy New Year, I hope your 2007 is full of fantastic achievements, life changing moments and everything else you hope it can be. Stay tuned for some news and updates as I will do my best to post a bit more.

Jonas

My brightest star..

2006-12-16T23:28:00.000-07:00

Well I am excited to announce that my 6 year old Taylor lost his first two teeth this week. As a proud parent it was a moment that I will always remember. Kids are perfect and innocent and make my life better every day.. Enjoy -

PS - I love the look on his face right after he pulls it out. Stunned, haha!

Foosball

2006-12-11T22:48:00.000-07:00

Why am I addicted to this right now? I am not sure but I love it and tonight I spent the better part of an hour online searching for a table. Soon I will have one of these babies set up in my garage and it will provide hours of competitive entertainment for those of us who love sports but are a weeee bit out of shape. Updates and news to follow as my search continues........

Until then watch this --------> LINKY

a 7 year olds countdown

2006-12-03T23:41:00.000-07:00

So tonight I got home from the Broncos game feeling a little bit crappy after our loss and I walked into to the kids room to kiss them goodnight. Well of course they both were already asleep and when I leaned down to wish them a peaceful sleep I found this tucked under my seven year olds arm. It is very easy to forget how special the holidays are with all of the hustle and bustle but this brought me back to reality and reminded me of the magic and anticipation that our little ones feel this time of year...

2006-11-28T23:20:00.000-07:00

Well thanksgiving has come and gone, man what a wonderful day this was and always is. I was thinking about it and realized that this holiday very well may be my most relaxing day of the year. Sure I love Christmas the meaning behind the day and all of the holiday spirit, but in terms of pure laziness and do nothing relaxation, thanksgiving takes the cake.

This year was spent as most every other year. Tiff and I take turns with Holidays splitting them between our families. One year we spend Christmas here and turkey day with her family in Lamar, and the next we switch it up. Well this year was spent here in Denver with the Thomas family and as is usally the case, I was tasked with the enormous responsiblity of cooking the bird. Why would they dare trust this crucial task to me? Good question, I have never thought about that but am happy to help out. So back to last Thursday. As stated in a previous post, thanks to Tiffany's southern roots we fry our turkeys instead of baking. Frying a turkey is definately quicker in terms of sheer cooking time but alot goes into the preperation. Once the day finally rolled around Josh met me about 9:30 in the morning in my back yard to help out and kick back while we watched carefully and made sure the fryer didn't cause a fire and give us a repeat of a small and accidental fire that happened behind my house earlier this summer (hoshi and sean, I was cleaning out my closet this last week and found the evidence you so hastily hid). All in all it went according to plan. Josh and I were lazy, we threw horseshoes, he widdled wood and enjoyed a cigar and a beverage, at the dinner the food was great and a stellar time was had by all. Hope yours was great as well!

Smoke em if you got em

2006-11-28T22:43:00.000-07:00

It is no secret that I am a huge cigar fan. I love all of the aspects that come with cigars, collecting and searching for rare sticks, the nuances of setting up a new humidor and most of all sharing a fine cigar with friends and family. The actual process of smoking cigar however; to me this is the pinnacle of relaxation although it may seem dramatically simple. It is like a reward, difficult to explain but somewhat like meditation. Sitting silently in the garage or on the deck or enjoying a poker game with friends and watching the smoke billow into the air is to me one of lifes simple wonderful pleasures.

Here is an article that I found from our very own Dennis Prager in which he discusses his love for a fine smoke. link here

"A good cigar is as great a comfort to a man as a good cry to a woman."
-- E.G. Bulwer-Lytton Darnley, 1845

2006-11-20T22:46:00.000-07:00

Recently Mark Josh and I had our first writing session since the transition. I walked away feeling very refreshed and almost re-energize. We come together with no pressure, no deadlines, no preconceived notions of what should be or has to be, rather the lofty dream of creating amazing notes and melodies once again. It is a wonderful feeling to not be set in a genre and to just be open to any and every idea that comes up. We sat there for several minutes just tossing out ideas of different sounds and instruments that we could use to create. We daily surf craigslist looking for xylophones, percussion, bells, whatever we can imagine we will use. Artistic freedom seems like a generic term, but finding it once again is a terrific feeling.

The other day my wife randomly asked, "what are your dreams, your goals?". Honestly I did not know how to reply. The classics came to mind, be financially secure, raise good kids who love God, etc, and while those are very important and I would never discount them, there was more to be said. I just didn't have the answers. Perhaps this transition in my spiritual life, my ministry life, and everything else has caused my long-term focus to blur. I turn to God for clarity and guidance and know that serving him can only lead to the good life. I pray for the ability to dream but refuse to question the unknown for no other reason then just to question.

2006-11-14T00:40:00.000-07:00

I don't even know what to say or how to intro this post. Over the past couple of years I have slowly stopped reading the news because of all the death and senseless tragedy. Maybe I have a soft heart, maybe it is impossible not to be affected my the endless stories of human pain. I read this story the other day and I was appalled, saddened and deeply hurt. I immediately thanked God for my children and prayed for their protection. Today they posted an update to this story which included pictures of the family. I scrolled through the slideshow and saw pictures that were full of life, hope and love. I sat in front of my laptop tonight and just cried thinking about those kids and how innocent and beautiful they are. My heart aches for the husband and father who must face life without everything. I can't help but imagine what last Friday was like for them. I am sure they woke up and went to work and about their day. They all made it home and decided to go downtown and enjoy some time together. None of them knew when they stepped out of bed that day that it would be their last together. How can people not believe in God? I guess some might ask if there is a god why he would let something like this happen. Of course he didn't "let" this happen but questions like that are hard to answer none-the-less. If you are reading this I ask that you take just a moment and pray for this man, Frank Bingham. Pray that he finds peace and comfort from the God that we selfishly ask so much from every day. Pray that if he doesn't know God that somehow through all of this he find Him. Goodnight.

Story Here

November 13th

2006-11-13T11:08:00.000-07:00

I love this time of year. First the weather; I am not a fan of high temps and sunshine, I much prefer clouds and precipitation. It's weird but when I wake up on a cloudy morning I am pumped, unlike most people who feel gloomy.

So this time of year, the weather, the holidays, friends, food, family, all great things. I just realized that Thanksgiving is next week, man it came fast! I always look forward to it because I get to fry a couple of turkeys while enjoying a cigar and watching football (have you ever had fried turkey? It may be Gods perfect food, I am not kidding). This may be the most relaxing day of the year. Yeah we have to do a bunch of cooking and preparing but somehow it is still relaxing because you know how it all ends. On the couch, pants undone about to burst while watching football and thinking about desert.

Stay tuned for a detailed post with pictures called "How to deep fry a cajun turkey and not burn your house down".

PGP STOP

2006-11-09T23:47:00.000-07:00

I am not sure why this erks me so bad but it just does. "Irregardless". People this is not a freaking word. When you say it you are actually saying the opposite of what you mean! Please for the love of everything holy stop and start using REGARDLESS! It's a shorter word so you should have no problem remembering it, and it actually means something. Yes I am obsessed and neurotic for posting this but so be it. Here is an interesting explanation I found, and yes I guess I am a pompous, rude ahole. xoxo

1. irregardless

Used by people who ignorantly mean to say regardless. According to webster, it is a word, but since the prefix "ir" and the suffx "less" both mean "not or with" they cancel each other out, so what you end up with is regard. When you use this to try to say you don't care about something, you end up saying that you do. Of course everyone knows what you mean to say and only a pompous,rude asshole will correct you.

Basketball with the wedding singer???

2006-11-06T22:59:00.000-07:00

So I was in LA on business all week and I stayed at the LA Athletic Club. It's a beautiful facility that has been around since 1880. They have a small amount of rooms as well as a members only athletic club, restaurant and bar.

Well long story short, last Thursday night a group of us who were staying there decided to play a little basketball. We started out with some 3 on 3 half court (a bunch of out of shape sales guys) which we played for about an hour until none other then Adam Sandler walked in. We all kinda did a double take and as he and another guy went to the other end of the court and played one on one. After a while they asked if they could join our game and sure enough Happy Gilmore is pretty darn good. I spent much of the night getting picked and watching him drain 18 footers. He was amazingly down to earth and didn't at all act like he was some celeb. Turns out he is a regular at the club and plays there quite a bit. It was a very cool experience.

no spellcheck today

2006-11-02T12:13:00.000-07:00

So let's see how this works. I am sitting in a meeting in downtown LA and posting from my blizackberry. Awwww the wonder that is technology.

Yesterday I was late for my flight so I ran through the airport, to the check in then security and so on only to get to my gate just as they announce a 2 hour delay due to "mechanical problems". Great, just what every passenger wants to hear, the landing gear wasn't working. I however didn't mind as I was hungry and wanted a beer. I settled into the little lounge next to my gate and had 2 seasonal brews and a basket of cheese fries. The flight went off without a hitch soon after, although there were several people at risk of missing their connecting flights due to the delay. Have you ever noticed that airlines will sometimes play some music once you land and are waiting to get to the gate? I noticed this a while back and found that it is usually some light jazz or something relaxing. I wonder if this is their way to calm peoples nerves. We hit the ground yesterday and with or without soon began to play lightly over the speakers. Awww the calm and contentment that I have always been able to find in this band.

So off I go through the airport and to the rental car shuttle. Get to the Hertz location and vwallla, they lost my reservation. No problem I will just stand in line and get a car. I finally get to the front of the line and explain my situation and the guy actually found my reservation but explained they are out of cars. This made me think of a Seinfeld episode where the exact same thing happens to Jerry. For a moment I think about saying "See anyone can just take reservations, the key is to hold the reservation. See, that's the point of the reservation." Just then the guy asked "would you like a free upgrade to a Silver Ford F-150?". I actually laughed out loud and wondered if I was being typecast. Ok,I thought, me in downtown LA in a 4X4 truck. I went to the ATM and withdrew 40$ and prepared to be mugged.

mindless fun soothes the mind

2006-11-01T00:40:00.000-07:00

On a lighter note, The Hosh just informed me that he put a few videos we made this summer up on youtube.com. Here is one from our fourth of July weekend.

11:50 PM

2006-10-31T23:57:00.000-07:00

Tonight was a great night. It ended up to be everything I expected it to be, although not as emotional as I thought. I think much of the emotion had been drained from us/me over the last few weeks and there was not much left to be said or felt. It was weird in that sense but I think there was a bit of relief. I don't have much to say right now, it is still soaking in slowly. Soon I will post pictures and final thoughts and close this chapter. For now I would just say hold your friends and family close tonight, remember that life is a quick breathe. I am tired now. Good Night.

Tomorrow it is...

2006-10-30T16:14:00.000-07:00

What a time for a first post, and why start now? I have started several blogs and xanga subscriptions before and get bored with them after a few months and stopped posting. Maybe it is different this time, maybe not.

Tomorrow is Jared's last concert with us and perhaps our last show all together. A little background might help.. I am in a band called Young America. We have been playing together and doing our best to spread inspiration and emotion through music since way back when. After 4 wonderful years of loyalty and dedication it is time for Jared to move on and face life and all it has to offer him and his new bride. Tomorrow we will take the stage with him for one last time. I am sure it will be an emotional and powerful evening full of hugs and tears, uncertainty and excitement. Through it all my feelings can only be explained as .... It is impossible to just type it all out in an undeserving, un-intimate fashion like this. I feel everything that can be felt, but after it all I am just passionate about tomorrow, whatever it is meant to be. I know we all constantly pain to find our goal in life, what we are here for, what about tomorrow... I say just today, just one step, just one feeling at a time. I find comfort in my wife, my kids, my God. I celebrate this moment and pray for clarity in the next.