12/31/08
12/26/08
This is Atticus. He is an awesome cat and we miss him a lot. He's currently staying with Indi's brother but we're looking for someone else to care for him during our travels, due to some issues. He's well tempered and very loving, and also won't aggravate allergy issues due to his non-dander nature. I'm normally a dog person and I love this cat. He's so mellow and laid back...and he's soft. All good qualities in a household pet!
12/25/08
12/19/08
12/14/08
Sequestered
When I was in Fifth Grade, our class put together a little 'yearbook' type deal to commemorate our 'graduation' from Elementary to Middle school. Among other things, there was section where we were to put down a nickname if we had one. I did not. However, I made one up ("Golfer" as I'd played golf once or twice at that age, and Dad played it often.) When the book came out, people poked fun at me because A) it wasn't true and B) it was lame. I desperately wanted to be accepted.
In Middle school, I added signatures from fictional movie and literary characters to the blank pages in my yearbooks so that there weren't the huge gaping holes between the various "Have a Great Summer" signatures.
I didn't have a girlfriend until I was 17. Aubrey was a nice girl, and I still remember our first kiss. She didn't have a great home life, and I personally feel those eight months were more of an escape for her than any real attachment. I, of course, latched on quickly since I hadn't received that kind of attention before. Prom was unmemorable.
When I moved to Topeka, I was often ridiculed by my co-workers. Whether it be my poor sense of style or generally conservative viewpoints, I made an easy target. My manager(s) normally picked me for the lesser duties knowing I wouldn't complain or raise any issues.
I have spent the majority of my years on this planet feeling out of place and that I have nothing to contribute. I haven't felt that I have the adequate skill to create anything of value, nor provide an irreplaceable value to someone else's life. I don't make friends easy (acquaintances, sure, but that's because I'm so amiable...it's nearly impossible for me to be difficult).
When I met Indi, it was the first time that I really felt like someone special. Our marriage has been the greatest blessing I've ever known. She makes me into a better person by challenging who I am (and why) and opening my mind to endless possibilities.
I still don't think I have a lot of value to add, but my upcoming trip is a big question mark for me. I've tried many times to break out of my shell and try to figure out who I really am. I don't know my place here. I feel like a drag on people and I need that to stop.
What do I provide or create that makes me different? What can I do that both makes me happy and makes others say, "That's why he is my friend."? I don't know right now. But I hope to soon.
In Middle school, I added signatures from fictional movie and literary characters to the blank pages in my yearbooks so that there weren't the huge gaping holes between the various "Have a Great Summer" signatures.
I didn't have a girlfriend until I was 17. Aubrey was a nice girl, and I still remember our first kiss. She didn't have a great home life, and I personally feel those eight months were more of an escape for her than any real attachment. I, of course, latched on quickly since I hadn't received that kind of attention before. Prom was unmemorable.
When I moved to Topeka, I was often ridiculed by my co-workers. Whether it be my poor sense of style or generally conservative viewpoints, I made an easy target. My manager(s) normally picked me for the lesser duties knowing I wouldn't complain or raise any issues.
I have spent the majority of my years on this planet feeling out of place and that I have nothing to contribute. I haven't felt that I have the adequate skill to create anything of value, nor provide an irreplaceable value to someone else's life. I don't make friends easy (acquaintances, sure, but that's because I'm so amiable...it's nearly impossible for me to be difficult).
When I met Indi, it was the first time that I really felt like someone special. Our marriage has been the greatest blessing I've ever known. She makes me into a better person by challenging who I am (and why) and opening my mind to endless possibilities.
I still don't think I have a lot of value to add, but my upcoming trip is a big question mark for me. I've tried many times to break out of my shell and try to figure out who I really am. I don't know my place here. I feel like a drag on people and I need that to stop.
What do I provide or create that makes me different? What can I do that both makes me happy and makes others say, "That's why he is my friend."? I don't know right now. But I hope to soon.
12/6/08
Favorite Band
I have a hard time nailing down favorites. Music, Movies, Foods...I love so much that it's hard for me to really sit and say, "Hey, I like that better than the rest."
However, upon some additional reflection today, I have to say that I have a favorite band. And that band is Mute Math. Their mix of electronic and rock influences, as well as a dose of uplifting Christian influence, rocks my socks off every time.
I first saw them live @ Oneighty, the youth group for Church on the Move. I didn't expect much, as I'd never heard of them, but a good friend of mine @ work (shout out to the Wofford) highly recommended them. So I went. I was moved to tears.
This was back when the only source for their music was at live performances. The Reset EP CD was mine as soon as the show was over. When I learned a full length CD was coming, I was stoked. I was even MORE excited when I purchased my tickets for their first Cain's Ballroom gig.
I rarely go nuts at concerts. I'm much more of a stand-there-and-nod kind of music listener. I out-and-out DANCE to this stuff. Their music is so complicated, yet so beautiful and seamless. Their drummer is off the CHAIN ridiculous, the only performer I've seen rival Brad's level of energy on the stage. Their lead singer is also very energetic, riffing on a Keytar and jumping on top of his old school organ during part of the show.
It's encouraging to see them slowly move into the mainstream. They have songs that are played fairly regularly on the Edge now and had a song featured on the Twilight soundtrack.
If you've not heard their stuff, please do yourself a favor and do so. They are on iTunes.
However, upon some additional reflection today, I have to say that I have a favorite band. And that band is Mute Math. Their mix of electronic and rock influences, as well as a dose of uplifting Christian influence, rocks my socks off every time.
I first saw them live @ Oneighty, the youth group for Church on the Move. I didn't expect much, as I'd never heard of them, but a good friend of mine @ work (shout out to the Wofford) highly recommended them. So I went. I was moved to tears.
This was back when the only source for their music was at live performances. The Reset EP CD was mine as soon as the show was over. When I learned a full length CD was coming, I was stoked. I was even MORE excited when I purchased my tickets for their first Cain's Ballroom gig.
I rarely go nuts at concerts. I'm much more of a stand-there-and-nod kind of music listener. I out-and-out DANCE to this stuff. Their music is so complicated, yet so beautiful and seamless. Their drummer is off the CHAIN ridiculous, the only performer I've seen rival Brad's level of energy on the stage. Their lead singer is also very energetic, riffing on a Keytar and jumping on top of his old school organ during part of the show.
It's encouraging to see them slowly move into the mainstream. They have songs that are played fairly regularly on the Edge now and had a song featured on the Twilight soundtrack.
If you've not heard their stuff, please do yourself a favor and do so. They are on iTunes.
12/5/08
12/1/08
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