This past thursday I went to Chicago to meet up with some old friends, take some meetings and get some work done. I ate burgers @ Kumas, drank coffee @ Pick Me Up and saw some loud music @ the HOB and some place in Elgin.
It was killer to see friends, and hang with the boys.
I am not a fan of Elgin, IL.
I AM a fan of Chicago, IL.
I am not a fan of Northern IN.
I am a huge fan of Indianapolis.
So tonight (Saturday) we were in Grand Rapids @ the Orbit Room. The Haste the Day guys played a great show and I managed to get some good footage of it. I was very pleased in how they performed. Zach, Boner and Jordan came out to the show. It was so good to see those guys. I get to see them once or twice a year and when I do it's good.
We are driving back to Indianapolis right now. I am looking forward to some sleep, working out during the colts game, church and some hangtime. Really looking forward to the hangtime. For sure.
Nooma 14 was very thought provoking. I just wrote 2 paragraphs and then deleted them. I don't really know what to say or think. If you haven't watched Nooma #14, then watch it and ponder it. It hits home because i've been thinking alot about how busy I am and that I have to schedule GOD into my day or He is forgotten.
Maybe I need to stop what I'm doing, take a few breaths and ponder what I'm breathing.
Thank God for that.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Happy Holidays
I thought I had something to say but I don't.
I am very excited about a lot of things.
God has provided so much this past year. I am very excited about next year. Much anticipation of things to come.
Getting office space with a view. Bringing on more people and taking on more work. Growing the pie.
I want to ride my bike across new zealand next year. That would be AWESOME.
Goodnight.
I am very excited about a lot of things.
God has provided so much this past year. I am very excited about next year. Much anticipation of things to come.
Getting office space with a view. Bringing on more people and taking on more work. Growing the pie.
I want to ride my bike across new zealand next year. That would be AWESOME.
Goodnight.
Friday, November 6, 2009
It Doesnt Get much better than this
Seriously. It's been an amazing year. New memories, new friends, new successes, new promises for next year. Bring it on 2010.
That is all.
That is all.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Fall.
I'm getting ready to leave town again for about 7 days this time. I've been thinking a lot about Fall and all the symbolism that comes with fall. The leaves change colors as if it's some sort of swan song signaling the changing of the times itself. Old dies and decays laying a foundation for something new to once again to appear.
This resonates with me.
This year I really feel as though I have shed something only for it to prepare me for something new and for that new "something" to spring forth and be good. I don't know. Last year was some what of a crap year. This year was a busy one and a distracting one which was helpful. I feel as though my walk with Jesus is finally starting to get back to a centered place. Last year around this time I found myself in a period of INTENSE spiritual focus. It was the first time in my life when I couldn't imagine doing it alone. I clung to Jesus as hard as I could to get me through each day, and on several days, to just get me through a few hours. That, however, is not sustainable so once the dust had settled, I felt the tension band slingshot me to the other side of the spectrum.
These past few months have really been a return to equilibrium of sorts.
Finally coming back to the middle.
I have a desire to actively pursue Jesus again. Not just be complacent in my "savedness."
I've shed a layer and now that is giving birth to something new and that is what I am reminded of when i see the leaves changing. When the world allows a year to pass away.
Thank you Jesus.
This resonates with me.
This year I really feel as though I have shed something only for it to prepare me for something new and for that new "something" to spring forth and be good. I don't know. Last year was some what of a crap year. This year was a busy one and a distracting one which was helpful. I feel as though my walk with Jesus is finally starting to get back to a centered place. Last year around this time I found myself in a period of INTENSE spiritual focus. It was the first time in my life when I couldn't imagine doing it alone. I clung to Jesus as hard as I could to get me through each day, and on several days, to just get me through a few hours. That, however, is not sustainable so once the dust had settled, I felt the tension band slingshot me to the other side of the spectrum.
These past few months have really been a return to equilibrium of sorts.
Finally coming back to the middle.
I have a desire to actively pursue Jesus again. Not just be complacent in my "savedness."
I've shed a layer and now that is giving birth to something new and that is what I am reminded of when i see the leaves changing. When the world allows a year to pass away.
Thank you Jesus.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
memory lane.
A few years ago i had the opportunity to head out to Turkey with a handful of people from my church body. I had never been to Turkey, nor had I ever been to or near the Middle East. With great expectation and anticipation I went. I don't know why I haven't written about this until now but I was talking to my friend John this evening about my past experiences in Turkey. John is getting ready to go to Turkey, Syria and hopefully Iraq and he mentioned his excitement to go to Damascus which immediately brought back my memory of seeing Ephesus.
We stayed in a town Kuşadası (google maps here) which is right on the water and is 20-30 Km away from the ancient site of Ephesus. The day before we were to go to Ephesus as a group, my friends Chris, Eric and I rented scooters and we took them for a ride up the highway to Ephesus. -- Funny side note here, Eric wiped out in an intersection and i left him high and dry because it was embarrassing that he couldn't keep a 100cc scooter under control (big love for you Eric!!) haahaha, I still laugh about this. -- Anyways, we rode up to Ephesus and my first experience of this city was one that will never leave my memory.
As we approached the site, the sunlight was waning quickly. We saw the remnants of the amphitheater carved into the side of a massive mound of earth. We turned down a dirt road that was lined with fruit trees that were in bloom. The fragrance was mesmerizing. I felt like I had been transported into a movie scene because of the surreality of my surroundings. Some of the petals of the trees were being blown off in the wind and here we were. We were in the presence of thousands of years of history. (Eric and Chris will not let this story go without me including the tidbit about me being extremely sick and throwing up in the grass at Ephesus).
The next day we took a tour to Ephesus. The guide dropped us at the top of the hill so that we could walk down the main street of ephesus and see it all as we approached what was, 2000+ years ago, the port area near the amphitheater. I still to this day am awestruck by the thought of walking on the same pieces of stone that Paul walked down. Standing in a place that I had only read about in the Bee Eye Bee Ell EEE. It was as if the memories of those people were still there and could walk out from behind a pillar and touch you. The culmination of this was sitting in the amphitheater and listening to Jeff as he read from his bible. His normal voice was as easily heard 150 feet up into the seats, as it would be standing next to him.
I wont forget it.
We stayed in a town Kuşadası (google maps here) which is right on the water and is 20-30 Km away from the ancient site of Ephesus. The day before we were to go to Ephesus as a group, my friends Chris, Eric and I rented scooters and we took them for a ride up the highway to Ephesus. -- Funny side note here, Eric wiped out in an intersection and i left him high and dry because it was embarrassing that he couldn't keep a 100cc scooter under control (big love for you Eric!!) haahaha, I still laugh about this. -- Anyways, we rode up to Ephesus and my first experience of this city was one that will never leave my memory.
As we approached the site, the sunlight was waning quickly. We saw the remnants of the amphitheater carved into the side of a massive mound of earth. We turned down a dirt road that was lined with fruit trees that were in bloom. The fragrance was mesmerizing. I felt like I had been transported into a movie scene because of the surreality of my surroundings. Some of the petals of the trees were being blown off in the wind and here we were. We were in the presence of thousands of years of history. (Eric and Chris will not let this story go without me including the tidbit about me being extremely sick and throwing up in the grass at Ephesus).
The next day we took a tour to Ephesus. The guide dropped us at the top of the hill so that we could walk down the main street of ephesus and see it all as we approached what was, 2000+ years ago, the port area near the amphitheater. I still to this day am awestruck by the thought of walking on the same pieces of stone that Paul walked down. Standing in a place that I had only read about in the Bee Eye Bee Ell EEE. It was as if the memories of those people were still there and could walk out from behind a pillar and touch you. The culmination of this was sitting in the amphitheater and listening to Jeff as he read from his bible. His normal voice was as easily heard 150 feet up into the seats, as it would be standing next to him.
I wont forget it.
Sudamerica
BOGOTA part ONE: When we got into Colombia, most of us were pretty much shot. This was the end of what felt like the longest 2 days of our lives. In all actuality, the 22nd WAS the longest day of our lives. We got to experience 36 hours of September 22nd because we started in a time zone where the days start and we ended 4 zones away from where the days end. Colombia started off like most of our central American experiences. Kids everywhere wanting more than one picture, autographs, personal time, personal affects, etc. We got a quick bite, met some people, went to a signing at a tattoo shop that lasted 3 hours and then we got in a van for a 2 hour drive out to a town called FUSA.
FUSA: We stayed in this "summer camp" type of house that had multiple rooms with tons of beds and bunk beds. We all had a quick bite and then crashed out instantaneously. Most of us woke up around 8 am or earlier because our bodies were still screwed up by Australia. WHen we woke, we were greated by Will (the promoter)'s parents who made coffee and traditional Colombian foods for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Some of us went for a walk, a few of us swam in the pool, mike, dave and I went to town with George (will's father). The day was filled with hang out and relaxation. Beer here is $.75 a bottle. I enjoyed a few before retiring to bed.
Today we all woke to repeat the same as yesterday. Almost all of us went into town this time. We took a public bus into town and copped a lot of odd looks. We went through the market and looked at the fruits, veggies and stuff. Giuseppe and stephen were terrified the entire time but played it off as if they weren't. We walked until we were exhausted and then went back to the house. We ate tons of good food, drank some beers, played futbol, billiards, swam, etc. It was a good two days of relaxation. In the evening we played music on the stereo and i talked with the guys that were with us taht spoke little english. We both fumbled through our second languages to have what fealt like meaninful conversation. Before bed we wished Will a happy birthday and ate some cake.
BOGOTA part TWO: We drove back to Bogota today. I got incredibly sick. We loaded into the show, sound checked, and then left to get food. I dry heaved in the middle of plot of grass inbetween 3 streets. I wasn't convinced it was a flu bug because the altitude was almost 9000 feet above sea level so ithought it might be altitude sickness. We sat down to an authentic Colombian meal ofseasoned steak, chicken and chiguiro (big rat). Also plantains, potatoes and coca cola in the bottle. I ate as much as possible before sleeping on the floor 3 floors above the stage. The guys played and the kids exploded. Literally. They were diving off of balconies and head walking and all that fun stuff. It was INTENSE. After the show we went to the hotel and i sweat off my sickness under many blankets.
In the morning we all slept in and left for the show and load in around 2. The show was at a Church and it was exactly how you would expect a church show to go only this time it was in spanish. The show was packed and fun but the day wasn't without it's headaches. The guys playeed, and I got some decent footage on the camera. We left the show and went back to the hotel. I settled with Will and we high fived. Mike and I talked for a while before going to sleep. The next day we were all very anxious to get the show on the road and hit Panama. I was anxious as hell about trying to check in with a terrible airline and having no real ability to communicate effectively. I can understand quite a bit of spanish thanks to it's similarities with English and all the contextual clues. But That doesn't mean i can say things eloquently like I might be able to in my native tongue.
At the airport we had very few hassles. We checked in, paid no additional monies and then left to go through security. The security check was surprisingly extremely thorough. After security we went through customs and then after customs we went through a drug check. Men sniffed my bags and they pat me down AGAIN. This time, i decided i would scream and giggle when he touched me. He laughed and waved me off quickly.
PANAMA: I'm not going to write anything about panama. It was frustrating, and on many occasions i felt unnecessarily unsafe. It didn't have to be that way, but it was.
Landing in America was one of the best sensations. I hadn't been that excited to be on american soil in a LONG time. The familiarity of home is very comforting after a long stressful trip. I lost 6lbs on this trip. Probably from stress. I wouldnt trade it.
FUSA: We stayed in this "summer camp" type of house that had multiple rooms with tons of beds and bunk beds. We all had a quick bite and then crashed out instantaneously. Most of us woke up around 8 am or earlier because our bodies were still screwed up by Australia. WHen we woke, we were greated by Will (the promoter)'s parents who made coffee and traditional Colombian foods for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Some of us went for a walk, a few of us swam in the pool, mike, dave and I went to town with George (will's father). The day was filled with hang out and relaxation. Beer here is $.75 a bottle. I enjoyed a few before retiring to bed.
Today we all woke to repeat the same as yesterday. Almost all of us went into town this time. We took a public bus into town and copped a lot of odd looks. We went through the market and looked at the fruits, veggies and stuff. Giuseppe and stephen were terrified the entire time but played it off as if they weren't. We walked until we were exhausted and then went back to the house. We ate tons of good food, drank some beers, played futbol, billiards, swam, etc. It was a good two days of relaxation. In the evening we played music on the stereo and i talked with the guys that were with us taht spoke little english. We both fumbled through our second languages to have what fealt like meaninful conversation. Before bed we wished Will a happy birthday and ate some cake.
BOGOTA part TWO: We drove back to Bogota today. I got incredibly sick. We loaded into the show, sound checked, and then left to get food. I dry heaved in the middle of plot of grass inbetween 3 streets. I wasn't convinced it was a flu bug because the altitude was almost 9000 feet above sea level so ithought it might be altitude sickness. We sat down to an authentic Colombian meal ofseasoned steak, chicken and chiguiro (big rat). Also plantains, potatoes and coca cola in the bottle. I ate as much as possible before sleeping on the floor 3 floors above the stage. The guys played and the kids exploded. Literally. They were diving off of balconies and head walking and all that fun stuff. It was INTENSE. After the show we went to the hotel and i sweat off my sickness under many blankets.
In the morning we all slept in and left for the show and load in around 2. The show was at a Church and it was exactly how you would expect a church show to go only this time it was in spanish. The show was packed and fun but the day wasn't without it's headaches. The guys playeed, and I got some decent footage on the camera. We left the show and went back to the hotel. I settled with Will and we high fived. Mike and I talked for a while before going to sleep. The next day we were all very anxious to get the show on the road and hit Panama. I was anxious as hell about trying to check in with a terrible airline and having no real ability to communicate effectively. I can understand quite a bit of spanish thanks to it's similarities with English and all the contextual clues. But That doesn't mean i can say things eloquently like I might be able to in my native tongue.
At the airport we had very few hassles. We checked in, paid no additional monies and then left to go through security. The security check was surprisingly extremely thorough. After security we went through customs and then after customs we went through a drug check. Men sniffed my bags and they pat me down AGAIN. This time, i decided i would scream and giggle when he touched me. He laughed and waved me off quickly.
PANAMA: I'm not going to write anything about panama. It was frustrating, and on many occasions i felt unnecessarily unsafe. It didn't have to be that way, but it was.
Landing in America was one of the best sensations. I hadn't been that excited to be on american soil in a LONG time. The familiarity of home is very comforting after a long stressful trip. I lost 6lbs on this trip. Probably from stress. I wouldnt trade it.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Gold Coast onward
BRISBANE: We flew out of Perth on Virgin Blue airlines to Gold Coast. Gold Coast is a small beach town on the eastern side of Australia. 1600 miles, 2 timezones and one layover, we land in Gold COast. Chucky and Daniel picked us up and we drove to Brisbane. The flights were long, boring and you had to pay for EVERYTHING. No meal, no beverages, no nothing. We stayed at a cool best western in brisbane and after a quick check in, we all crashed.
At about 11 in the morning, we packed up and headed out to the Koala park. We cuddled Koalas, had a photo session, ate some lunch, played with kangaroos, looked at dingos, crocs, wombats, Tasmanian Devils, and ate some ice cream. Photos coming, btw. We headed off to the show. It was awesome! Over 300 kids, everyone went nuts, the neighbors complained about the noise and we got a song cut short as a result, but it was still fun. Great great show and it was all ages. Splitting age groups is stupid. All ages is the way to go!
We crashed out after some pizza and tim tams.
GOLD COAST: We left around 10 am. The plan was to get to Gold Coast early, get in the ocean while the sun was high and hot and then head to the show. Chucky isn't the best driver and he blew out on of the trailer tires in the first 20KM. We pulled over and I didn't want to step in and steal their shine so I left to get a beer in the AC. A wrecker showed up to tow the trailer and thankfully it didnt fit on the truck bed so at this point I decided I would help these guys get US back on the road. We changed the tires, rotated them, and then the wrecker filled us back up with air and we were off. We could have been on the road faster but I didn't want to seem like the know it all that I probably am.
We got into Gold Coast and had about 45 minutes to an hour to get food and catch the beach. I walked off the beach without my shoes only to realize what I had done as the ocean attempted to claim them. I got my shoes and we headed off to the show. The show was small, upstairs, hot and fun. We were bored all night so the guys made me shotgun Coca Cola until i puked. We played and then stayed at the dirtiest house i've ever slept in. I went to sleep as fast as possible in an attempt to get the night over quickly. We got up at 4 am and headed to the airport to fly to Sydney.
SYDNEY: The flight to Sydney was fine. 1 hour, fast and easy. We were picked up by the Big Exo Day staff. They took us to the hotel where we all crashed out. The guys slept in the lobby until the rooms were ready and I headed out with my friend Ashley. I hadn't seen her in a while and it was so awesome! We got some breakfast and coffee then we went back to the hotel, i dropped some stuff off and then we all headed out to the festival. The festival was incredible. Aside from some initial headaches, it all went off without a hitch. Stephen, against the wishes of the event staff, worked the crowd up into a tizzy. 2500 kids moshing is always fun.
We hung otu with the HIllsong staff, watched some tunes, ate some food and headed to the HOtel. Ashley and I went out to get beers. Our conversation went quickly deep. it was a great time of hanging out, good beer and realness. She caught her bus and I found my way home. In the morning we all got up and went to church at Hillsong. Darlene Zschech was leading worship (look her up if that doesnt ring a bell). It was a really cool experience. We then had lunch and loaded in for our last Australian show. The Gaelic club was the home of the show, the show was well attended and we had a great time. The guys crushed, and the kids were stoked. Ashley likes her some Haste the Day now, which is always good haha. We loaded out, had some beers and then crashed out.
Monday was our day off and we went Surfing at Bondi. My buddy Tim from Quicksilver took us out to Bondi, got us boards and suits and we all tried our hands at surfing. I, however, got sick and panicked almost immediately so I came in after only 10 or 15 minutes. I filmed the rest of the day. We went to the hotel for a quick clean up and then walked to the Opera House and back. Dinner and a couple beers and we were all exhausted.
LOS ANGELES: We were supposed to fly out at 1:00PM on September 22nd. The funny thing is that we were delayed after boarding for 3 hours. We left 4 and it was a LONG flight. We got in at 12:45PM on September 22nd. Snoozing, and getting ready for our flight to Colombia right now. We shall see what the next few days bring.
At about 11 in the morning, we packed up and headed out to the Koala park. We cuddled Koalas, had a photo session, ate some lunch, played with kangaroos, looked at dingos, crocs, wombats, Tasmanian Devils, and ate some ice cream. Photos coming, btw. We headed off to the show. It was awesome! Over 300 kids, everyone went nuts, the neighbors complained about the noise and we got a song cut short as a result, but it was still fun. Great great show and it was all ages. Splitting age groups is stupid. All ages is the way to go!
We crashed out after some pizza and tim tams.
GOLD COAST: We left around 10 am. The plan was to get to Gold Coast early, get in the ocean while the sun was high and hot and then head to the show. Chucky isn't the best driver and he blew out on of the trailer tires in the first 20KM. We pulled over and I didn't want to step in and steal their shine so I left to get a beer in the AC. A wrecker showed up to tow the trailer and thankfully it didnt fit on the truck bed so at this point I decided I would help these guys get US back on the road. We changed the tires, rotated them, and then the wrecker filled us back up with air and we were off. We could have been on the road faster but I didn't want to seem like the know it all that I probably am.
We got into Gold Coast and had about 45 minutes to an hour to get food and catch the beach. I walked off the beach without my shoes only to realize what I had done as the ocean attempted to claim them. I got my shoes and we headed off to the show. The show was small, upstairs, hot and fun. We were bored all night so the guys made me shotgun Coca Cola until i puked. We played and then stayed at the dirtiest house i've ever slept in. I went to sleep as fast as possible in an attempt to get the night over quickly. We got up at 4 am and headed to the airport to fly to Sydney.
SYDNEY: The flight to Sydney was fine. 1 hour, fast and easy. We were picked up by the Big Exo Day staff. They took us to the hotel where we all crashed out. The guys slept in the lobby until the rooms were ready and I headed out with my friend Ashley. I hadn't seen her in a while and it was so awesome! We got some breakfast and coffee then we went back to the hotel, i dropped some stuff off and then we all headed out to the festival. The festival was incredible. Aside from some initial headaches, it all went off without a hitch. Stephen, against the wishes of the event staff, worked the crowd up into a tizzy. 2500 kids moshing is always fun.
We hung otu with the HIllsong staff, watched some tunes, ate some food and headed to the HOtel. Ashley and I went out to get beers. Our conversation went quickly deep. it was a great time of hanging out, good beer and realness. She caught her bus and I found my way home. In the morning we all got up and went to church at Hillsong. Darlene Zschech was leading worship (look her up if that doesnt ring a bell). It was a really cool experience. We then had lunch and loaded in for our last Australian show. The Gaelic club was the home of the show, the show was well attended and we had a great time. The guys crushed, and the kids were stoked. Ashley likes her some Haste the Day now, which is always good haha. We loaded out, had some beers and then crashed out.
Monday was our day off and we went Surfing at Bondi. My buddy Tim from Quicksilver took us out to Bondi, got us boards and suits and we all tried our hands at surfing. I, however, got sick and panicked almost immediately so I came in after only 10 or 15 minutes. I filmed the rest of the day. We went to the hotel for a quick clean up and then walked to the Opera House and back. Dinner and a couple beers and we were all exhausted.
LOS ANGELES: We were supposed to fly out at 1:00PM on September 22nd. The funny thing is that we were delayed after boarding for 3 hours. We left 4 and it was a LONG flight. We got in at 12:45PM on September 22nd. Snoozing, and getting ready for our flight to Colombia right now. We shall see what the next few days bring.
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