Thanksgiving was a full, full day. The day included, but was not limited to: Turkey Bowl '08 (Single guys win for the 2nd year in a row!! whooohoooo!), HSM3 with Chad (It only makes sense to see it after playing football), Thanksgiving with family (delicious, fun and games after dinner (phase 10, mad gab)).
Black friday:
-woke up at 9:30 (so nice)
-listened to and played music for awhile.
-watched some tv online.
-saw Changeling with my mom. (A very well-told story with a favorite setting of mine (late 20's, early 30's). Thought they could have dove further into the lessons learned by characters.)
-decided to practice/learn more piano
....Saturday:
-anticipation of a hard day
-worship team set up and rehearsal
-joy in singing hymns at rehearsal
-nice bike ride
-mowed lawn
-went with Matt Nalamlieng to a cliche christian book store where I found a few good buys in the used section.
-had fun at the Charter Oak Library
-watched Steven Spielberg's Close Encounters of the Third Kind. (beautiful film).
-21 Choices
-House
-now i'm home.
it looks like I made it through today. (whew)
Things I learned from the past few days:
-The joy of hanging out with a bunch of great men overrides my lack of passion for football
-Sometimes I wish I were back in musical theatre
-You can make something fun if you put more effort into it
-there's something about the name of Jesus.
-I am so lucky to be a part of a group of musicians that loves the Lord.
-I am alive. God is Love, and Love is real. (mewithoutYou line)
whew.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
ACSI Convention, Alumni, And (Disney)
Some notes on events that took place around my first teacher's convention:
-It's a lot of fun if you sit with the right people.
-I still want to be a teacher.
-There are A LOT more women than men in the Association of Christian Schools International.
-I'm ethnically diverse.
-I saw the people from my 7th Grade Catalina trip (that I chaperoned), and they remember me as the "Flight of the Conchords" guy.
-It's an odd feeling going to an alumni event.
-It's fun to go to disneyland at 9:45 p.m. with the Chad and the Mehringers.
-Disneyland is right across the street from the convention center, making for easy disneyland visits after the convention.
-standing in the rain for 45 minutes wearing a child's dodgers jacket whilst waiting for FAntasmic! (which got canceled) is quite a memorable experience.
-That mexican place at disneyland is tasty.
-walking from the Mickey and Friends parking lot to the Convention center can take around 25-30 minutes at a slow pace. Here's what I saw on the way:
-At the disneyland parking lot, i wonder if all the California cars are nice or mean to the visitors:
At the alumni reception, Chad and I looked at the ceiling lamp things for a minute:
The End.
-It's a lot of fun if you sit with the right people.
-I still want to be a teacher.
-There are A LOT more women than men in the Association of Christian Schools International.
-I'm ethnically diverse.
-I saw the people from my 7th Grade Catalina trip (that I chaperoned), and they remember me as the "Flight of the Conchords" guy.
-It's an odd feeling going to an alumni event.
-It's fun to go to disneyland at 9:45 p.m. with the Chad and the Mehringers.
-Disneyland is right across the street from the convention center, making for easy disneyland visits after the convention.
-standing in the rain for 45 minutes wearing a child's dodgers jacket whilst waiting for FAntasmic! (which got canceled) is quite a memorable experience.
-That mexican place at disneyland is tasty.
-walking from the Mickey and Friends parking lot to the Convention center can take around 25-30 minutes at a slow pace. Here's what I saw on the way:
-At the disneyland parking lot, i wonder if all the California cars are nice or mean to the visitors:
At the alumni reception, Chad and I looked at the ceiling lamp things for a minute:
The End.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Sunday: Wood's of Holly, Lakes of Silver, and Sunshine Eternal...
Man, that title makes it seem like this post is going to be so legit. (sorry, it's not)
Sunday was a day of days for me. You see, usually Hollywood and it's surrounding areas make me uneasy, and I don't usually find extreme joy in being in that area. But I think I got new eyes or something yesterday, because for some reason, I was totally intrigued and enchanted with those areas.
First, I went to meet up with a teacher from high school, Todd Davis, who I've not seen since 2003. We met at a place called the Casbah Cafe, and it was so funkally cool.
They have such a diversity of what's going on in there, and you can just feel the creativity flowing from the people who normally inhabit it. (that's hard to say)
So Todd and I sat down over some chai and caught up on what we've been doing, how so-and-so is, and various future plans. Then, I found myself being brave (for me, at least), and I was able to ask him about what he has learned in his relationship with his wife. (This is something I've been asking many a person or couple lately.) The main words that stuck with me were, "It's the hardest thing to do...but in turn, also the best thing." (A lot of other insight came at those ellipses). It was really good for me to hear.
Then he took me to his secret studio, in a very secretive location, and showed me some of his paintings:
It was an excellent, excellent time just talking and learning from Todd. (and it only cost me $50. (silverlake parking ticket. well worth it, i say)
Then I went to Ameoba Records for an hour and a half, which wasn't nearly long enough, and I limited myself to only four purchases, which came out to $25. (Gotta love the used section.) I bought: The Almost, Patrick Park, Tally Hall, and Sunny Day Real Estate.
Next, I went over to my friends Rob and Sarah's place. They helped start a church plant in Hollywood called, Hollywood Church, and it is totally legit. (there's that word again) They moved into the heart of Hollywood to help grow it, and that TOTALLY inspires me, and just adds to the enchantment of that area. (I don't know why it's enchanting to me now. seriously)
Anyway, they have a Film Society that meets once a month, and I told him I was going to be in the area, so I could swing by. We watched Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, which is one of my top 5 favorite films.
We discussed and analyzed ideas from the film for like 45 minutes afterwards, which I absolutely loved. We essentially discussed what happens after the film ends, and came up with a lot of interesting theories and ideas for what we're supposed to see, realize, embrace, or learn from this film. I don't want to spoil it for anyone, but if you'd like to talk about it, I'd love to talk about it with you.
After that, I drove down to La Mirada to stay with my former roommate, current friend, and world traveling associate Chad. I am attending the ACSI Teacher convention at the Anaheim Convention Center on Monday and Tuesday, and so Chad's room will be my hotel of sorts for the duration of the convention. I'll post about that a little later, though.
Anyway, Sunday was really cool and growing for me, because my first instinct would not to have done all that stuff by myself. But I did, and I'm really glad I did. Also, my newest quote of inspiration is this:
Oh, do not ask 'what is it?' Let us go and make our visit.
T.S. Eliot's The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock
It was on the menu of the Casbah Cafe.
Sunday was a day of days for me. You see, usually Hollywood and it's surrounding areas make me uneasy, and I don't usually find extreme joy in being in that area. But I think I got new eyes or something yesterday, because for some reason, I was totally intrigued and enchanted with those areas.
First, I went to meet up with a teacher from high school, Todd Davis, who I've not seen since 2003. We met at a place called the Casbah Cafe, and it was so funkally cool.
They have such a diversity of what's going on in there, and you can just feel the creativity flowing from the people who normally inhabit it. (that's hard to say)
So Todd and I sat down over some chai and caught up on what we've been doing, how so-and-so is, and various future plans. Then, I found myself being brave (for me, at least), and I was able to ask him about what he has learned in his relationship with his wife. (This is something I've been asking many a person or couple lately.) The main words that stuck with me were, "It's the hardest thing to do...but in turn, also the best thing." (A lot of other insight came at those ellipses). It was really good for me to hear.
Then he took me to his secret studio, in a very secretive location, and showed me some of his paintings:
It was an excellent, excellent time just talking and learning from Todd. (and it only cost me $50. (silverlake parking ticket. well worth it, i say)
Then I went to Ameoba Records for an hour and a half, which wasn't nearly long enough, and I limited myself to only four purchases, which came out to $25. (Gotta love the used section.) I bought: The Almost, Patrick Park, Tally Hall, and Sunny Day Real Estate.
Next, I went over to my friends Rob and Sarah's place. They helped start a church plant in Hollywood called, Hollywood Church, and it is totally legit. (there's that word again) They moved into the heart of Hollywood to help grow it, and that TOTALLY inspires me, and just adds to the enchantment of that area. (I don't know why it's enchanting to me now. seriously)
Anyway, they have a Film Society that meets once a month, and I told him I was going to be in the area, so I could swing by. We watched Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, which is one of my top 5 favorite films.
We discussed and analyzed ideas from the film for like 45 minutes afterwards, which I absolutely loved. We essentially discussed what happens after the film ends, and came up with a lot of interesting theories and ideas for what we're supposed to see, realize, embrace, or learn from this film. I don't want to spoil it for anyone, but if you'd like to talk about it, I'd love to talk about it with you.
After that, I drove down to La Mirada to stay with my former roommate, current friend, and world traveling associate Chad. I am attending the ACSI Teacher convention at the Anaheim Convention Center on Monday and Tuesday, and so Chad's room will be my hotel of sorts for the duration of the convention. I'll post about that a little later, though.
Anyway, Sunday was really cool and growing for me, because my first instinct would not to have done all that stuff by myself. But I did, and I'm really glad I did. Also, my newest quote of inspiration is this:
Oh, do not ask 'what is it?' Let us go and make our visit.
T.S. Eliot's The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock
It was on the menu of the Casbah Cafe.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Happy Five Iron Frenzy Day
Five years ago today, my favorite band played their last show in Denver, Co at the Fillmore Auditorium. They had played 8.5 years, and had made an identity of being goofy, fun, and seriously devoted to serving Jesus Christ. That was why Five Iron Frenzy connected with me so much. I like to be fun and goofy, but I also know the extreme importance of knowing God, His love, and the Gospel. That's what Five Iron Frenzy was. Plus, they were better than most other ska-core-rock-punk bands out there.
At the last show, the singer, Reese, declared that day Five Iron Frenzy Day (Nov. 22nd, 2003). So, I thought I would give a quick post to acknowledge them.
Four of my friends and I were able to attend the final show, and I will always remember the times we had driving 18 hours to Denver, staying with some guy we didn't know (I met him on frenzyboard.com, the five iron frenzy messageboard), going to the show, and getting to hang with the band the next day. There were many, many good times that went down those three days. Thanks to D, Josh, Matt, and Justin for those memories. (and thanks for giving me your "last show shirt", josh)
Happy Five Iron Frenzy Day to you!
Friday, November 21, 2008
Do you agree with Yoda's saying...?
"Do or do not, there is no try."
(it seems like 'doing' constitutes 'trying')
Anyway, after watching the movie, Facing the Giants, which I thought as a movie was fairly cheesy, had novice actors, and token characters, I was reminded of how I used to feel with certain situations.
The one walk-on back-up kicker tells his dad, "I'm glad they didn't put me in. At least that way, I didn't mess up."
I've had that same point of view for a long time, but have recently decided to throw it away and just try....or, to please master Yoda, do.
I wonder if Yoda would like football...
(it seems like 'doing' constitutes 'trying')
Anyway, after watching the movie, Facing the Giants, which I thought as a movie was fairly cheesy, had novice actors, and token characters, I was reminded of how I used to feel with certain situations.
The one walk-on back-up kicker tells his dad, "I'm glad they didn't put me in. At least that way, I didn't mess up."
I've had that same point of view for a long time, but have recently decided to throw it away and just try....or, to please master Yoda, do.
I wonder if Yoda would like football...
Girls sports, people vs. activity, and BBQ sauce...
Yesterday, we had our final day of Girls Soccer try-outs. In my time spent with the girls team, I noticed that girls are much more encouraging on the athletic field. This may just by my experience at SGCS; but the mood, in general, is much more light-hearted and pleasant, but still with a competitive edge. Go figure.
Yesterday, I also played pick-up basketball with some guys from my church, which is an every-other-week event. I don't like basketball, really. I don't have a lot of fun in the actual act of playing the sport. However, I go to play because my desire to spend time with these guys outweighs my dislike for playing basketball.
Today, one of my students spilled BBQ sauce on my shoulder. He spilled sauce on the locker room floor the other day as well. I like BBQ sauce on some things, but I don't like it on my floor, or especially my shoulder. Things I would like on my shoulder: a Parrot with a really extensive vocabulary, maybe some good-smelling flowers, a small chimpanzee, a lemur, a nice shirt, any amount of dollars, a never-melting big stick popsicle.
Yesterday, I also played pick-up basketball with some guys from my church, which is an every-other-week event. I don't like basketball, really. I don't have a lot of fun in the actual act of playing the sport. However, I go to play because my desire to spend time with these guys outweighs my dislike for playing basketball.
Today, one of my students spilled BBQ sauce on my shoulder. He spilled sauce on the locker room floor the other day as well. I like BBQ sauce on some things, but I don't like it on my floor, or especially my shoulder. Things I would like on my shoulder: a Parrot with a really extensive vocabulary, maybe some good-smelling flowers, a small chimpanzee, a lemur, a nice shirt, any amount of dollars, a never-melting big stick popsicle.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
My current favorite Christmas song...
...is Little Drummer Boy.
Sure, nearly half of the lyrics consist of "pah", "rum", or "pum," but the whole idea that we don't have any great "things" to offer our Lord rings so true.
So what should we do? In LDB's case, he decided that he would play his drum for Him. But did he just play half-heartedly? Did he just play a lame song? Nope. He played his best.
Go play your best for Him.
Oh yes, here is the current rendition I'm semi-addicted to. It is by The Almost, and has drum kit, acoustic guitar, and bass. His voice is sort of "emo" sometimes, but I'm digging it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVGKr924Nlw
Sure, nearly half of the lyrics consist of "pah", "rum", or "pum," but the whole idea that we don't have any great "things" to offer our Lord rings so true.
So what should we do? In LDB's case, he decided that he would play his drum for Him. But did he just play half-heartedly? Did he just play a lame song? Nope. He played his best.
Go play your best for Him.
Oh yes, here is the current rendition I'm semi-addicted to. It is by The Almost, and has drum kit, acoustic guitar, and bass. His voice is sort of "emo" sometimes, but I'm digging it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVGKr924Nlw
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