Retrograde by Cartel
We're All Going Somewhere by Abandon Kansas
Fin Del Mundo by Paper Mache
Sleepyhead by Passion Pit
Cemetery by Say Anything
A Dustland Fairytale by The Killers
I and Love and You by The Avett Brothers
The Gambler by Fun.
Tickets and Passports by Holiday Parade
Summer, Man by Taking Back Sunday
I tried to pick songs from a variety of albums and genres. I could have picked so many songs that it was very hard to pick just 10. My taste in music has grown by leaps and bounds this year and I tried to reflect that in my picks. So everyone enjoy the music from the past year! I am looking forward to the next 365 days of new music.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Top Albums of 2009
Owl City - Ocean Eyes
Favorite Songs: Vanilla Twilight, Tip of the Iceberg, Fireflies
Abandon Kansas - We're All Going Somewhere
Favorite Songs: Make Believe, Months and Years
Taking Back Sunday - New Again
Favorite Songs: Summer Man, Everything Must Go
All Time Low - Nothing Personal
Favorite Songs: Weightless, A Party Song (Walk of Shame)
Cartel - Cycles
Favorite Songs: Retrograde, Still Remains
The Avett Brothers - I and Love and You
Favorite Songs: I and Love and You, January Wedding
Seabird - 'Til We See the Shore
Favorite Songs: Rescue, 'Til We See the Shore
David Crowder Band - Church Music
Favorite Songs: Oh, Happiness, How He Loves
Fun. - Aim and Ignite
Favorite Songs: The Gambler, Barlights
The Killers - Live From Royal Albert Hall
Favorite Songs: The entire cd
We The Kings - Smile Kid
Favorite Songs: Anna Maria, We'll Be A Dream
Honorable Mention:
Mayday Parade - Anywhere But Here
The Stars of Track and Field - A Time For Lions
Holiday Parade - Tickets and Passports
John Mayer - Battle Studies
Passion Pit - Manners
Valencia - We All Need A Reason To Believe
The Best of the Rest:
The Swellers, Green Day, Muse, Phoenix, Brand New, The Academy Is..., Civil Twilight, Deas Vail, Phil Wickham, Relient K, Say Anything and 30 Seconds to Mars.
As with my favorite songs I tried to pick albums that represent a wide range of genres that I enjoyed this year. Some inspired me to change, some inspired me to dance but they all inspired me in some way the past 365 days. I hope everyone out there found great new music this year and I look forward to the next year of being inspired by great artists.
Favorite Songs: Vanilla Twilight, Tip of the Iceberg, Fireflies
Abandon Kansas - We're All Going Somewhere
Favorite Songs: Make Believe, Months and Years
Taking Back Sunday - New Again
Favorite Songs: Summer Man, Everything Must Go
All Time Low - Nothing Personal
Favorite Songs: Weightless, A Party Song (Walk of Shame)
Cartel - Cycles
Favorite Songs: Retrograde, Still Remains
The Avett Brothers - I and Love and You
Favorite Songs: I and Love and You, January Wedding
Seabird - 'Til We See the Shore
Favorite Songs: Rescue, 'Til We See the Shore
David Crowder Band - Church Music
Favorite Songs: Oh, Happiness, How He Loves
Fun. - Aim and Ignite
Favorite Songs: The Gambler, Barlights
The Killers - Live From Royal Albert Hall
Favorite Songs: The entire cd
We The Kings - Smile Kid
Favorite Songs: Anna Maria, We'll Be A Dream
Honorable Mention:
Mayday Parade - Anywhere But Here
The Stars of Track and Field - A Time For Lions
Holiday Parade - Tickets and Passports
John Mayer - Battle Studies
Passion Pit - Manners
Valencia - We All Need A Reason To Believe
The Best of the Rest:
The Swellers, Green Day, Muse, Phoenix, Brand New, The Academy Is..., Civil Twilight, Deas Vail, Phil Wickham, Relient K, Say Anything and 30 Seconds to Mars.
As with my favorite songs I tried to pick albums that represent a wide range of genres that I enjoyed this year. Some inspired me to change, some inspired me to dance but they all inspired me in some way the past 365 days. I hope everyone out there found great new music this year and I look forward to the next year of being inspired by great artists.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
I and Love and You
Tonight I was scanning through various websites that I enjoy looking at on a regular basis when I decided to go to one that I hadn't in awhile. I went to look through the t-shirts on To Write Love On Her Arms (TWLOA) and ended up looking through their blog. I cam across an entry about The Avett Brothers, a band which I enjoy listening to regularly. I thought it was worth re-posting on here because it's a powerful message that most bands probably don't send along to the world with their music. This is their mission statement that accompanies their album "I and Love and You." Enjoy reading.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Sex God. Chapter 8
I'm trying to finish off these books that I've borrowed from Christy and Dane and I decided to just finish Sex God. In chapter 8 I came across a passage that I struck me and I wanted to share it.
"We want someone to see us exactly as we are and still love us.
It's terrifying to let people see who we really are. To see the darkness in our hearts, our bad habits, all of the things we've done in the past that we regret. Our biases, our shortcomings, the things we aren't good at.
Being naked is terrifying.
What would it be like to be with someone who loves you exactly as you are?"
This is a moving passage to me. I think to myself, how many people truly know who I am? Hope many people can answer these question about me? I realize that this passage is talking about marriage and being "naked" with your partner and I guess that's the idea. There are only two people in this world who have seem me in this raw emotional state and while those two are the closest people to me in this world, I want someone else to see this side of me. Here is one last passage to think about.
"But opening up your soul to someone, letting them into your spirit
And thoughts
And fears
And future
And hopes
And dreams...
That is being naked.
"We want someone to see us exactly as we are and still love us.
It's terrifying to let people see who we really are. To see the darkness in our hearts, our bad habits, all of the things we've done in the past that we regret. Our biases, our shortcomings, the things we aren't good at.
Being naked is terrifying.
What would it be like to be with someone who loves you exactly as you are?"
This is a moving passage to me. I think to myself, how many people truly know who I am? Hope many people can answer these question about me? I realize that this passage is talking about marriage and being "naked" with your partner and I guess that's the idea. There are only two people in this world who have seem me in this raw emotional state and while those two are the closest people to me in this world, I want someone else to see this side of me. Here is one last passage to think about.
"But opening up your soul to someone, letting them into your spirit
And thoughts
And fears
And future
And hopes
And dreams...
That is being naked.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
The Fearsome Foursome
I know what you're all thinking. It's been too long since I've been on here. And you are correct. I'm always thinking of great things to write about at work, I just never remember to write when I come home. Sorry. It will happen again, just don't hold it against me. There hasn't been a whole lot going on since my last entry. Chili bowl was one weekend and Branden's birthday was last weekend. Both of those events were loads of fun with lots of great friends. My good friend Christy post lots of pictures from the event and you can creep everyone here .
Last weekend was Branden's party and it was successful. Craig won a free night in a VIP lounge at the Barrel House. KU's pep band was there to celebrate the first bball game of the year. The dueling pianos were pretty cool. It was great to see Boozer and Joe. Being all together was a long time coming.
Ive been saving this special nugget of information for just the right time so here it is: We got Honorable Mention in the Wired Magazine Costume Contest! They made a place just for us. Next year they are making a category, just for us. We're special! We even get free crap from Wired. We are so grateful for everyone who voted for us and for the men and women at Wired for working with us to acknowledge our efforts and ideas. You can see us here. Were no longer calling it a "Quad-Pod" but a "Fearsome Foursome." I think it works.
This weekend is the All Time Low, We The Kings and Hey Monday show. I'm stoked to go see the bands. I've been getting ready for it all week, especially with the release of 2 new WTK songs today, with the pre-order of their new CD, which of course I got. That's about all I have for now. Look for more engaging topics down the road.
Last weekend was Branden's party and it was successful. Craig won a free night in a VIP lounge at the Barrel House. KU's pep band was there to celebrate the first bball game of the year. The dueling pianos were pretty cool. It was great to see Boozer and Joe. Being all together was a long time coming.
Ive been saving this special nugget of information for just the right time so here it is: We got Honorable Mention in the Wired Magazine Costume Contest! They made a place just for us. Next year they are making a category, just for us. We're special! We even get free crap from Wired. We are so grateful for everyone who voted for us and for the men and women at Wired for working with us to acknowledge our efforts and ideas. You can see us here. Were no longer calling it a "Quad-Pod" but a "Fearsome Foursome." I think it works.
This weekend is the All Time Low, We The Kings and Hey Monday show. I'm stoked to go see the bands. I've been getting ready for it all week, especially with the release of 2 new WTK songs today, with the pre-order of their new CD, which of course I got. That's about all I have for now. Look for more engaging topics down the road.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
LOVE
So I'm inspired by an organization called To Write Love On Her Arms (TWLOHA). This is a non-profit organization that helps people who suffer from depression, suicide and cutting. I heard about this group from some friends last spring when I was going through a lot in my personal life. By no means was I depressed or considering ending my life but sometimes everyone gets down on themselves. I support this group because of the cause and because they are supported by many bands in the alternative music scene, which is the main genre of music I listen to. I love their shirt designs and don't mind spending the extra money because they are worth the cause.
I tell you that part because I needed people to be familiar with why I became inspired right now. TWLOHA Day is coming up November 13th. People are called on to write the word LOVE on their arms to show support for this cause. Simple enough, right? Well, I decided to start writing it on my wrist last week and keep it there until TWLOHA Day. So it's been on my wrist now since Thursday and each time I look at it I think about all different things going on in my life. Usually it deals with hard times in my life or hard times in the lives of my friends. I've known people who have been depressed and a couple whom have considered suicide. I'm very thankful they could pull through it and be where they are today because they have a great deal of affect on my life.
So I was looking at the word LOVE this morning because, each day, I need to re-trace the word so it does not fade. It's kind of like a renewing of my purpose for having it on there. And it hit me on this sunny morning as I was sitting on my front porch. LOVE. A simple-looking four letter word. However, it is quite possibly the most complicated word in the history of words. I think the impact of the word has to do with my night last night. Last night I went back and read through the blog entries of Craig Bower and Tyler Baxter. All of these entries came from our freshman and sophomore years of college. I cried. I laughed. I haven't been that emotional in a long time. Tyler wrote a great entry about love and what it means to him and his quest to find that special someone he can spend the rest of his life with. It was a great read.
Back to my epiphany this morning. Most of the time I look at the word LOVE I think of 3 people. Tyler, Brett and Craig. Together we were a quad-pod. 4 of the best friends anyone could ever have and inseparable. LOVE is a 4 letter word that I look at and associate with my three best friends. Without those 3, I would have never made it to where I am. I realize that Tyler isn't in my life anymore and I pray for him every night. That doesn't change my love for him and it never will. So, looking down at my wrist, I see a bond of friendship that will never be broken. LOVE stands for so much and it stands for different things for different people. Now I have another meaning to associate it with. To all of you who influence my life, thank you. The LOVE I have for you is probably more than you know.
So here is Tyler's xanga entry from Wednesday, March 23, 2005. It is at the bottom of the page. Please read it. It will be worth your time.
I tell you that part because I needed people to be familiar with why I became inspired right now. TWLOHA Day is coming up November 13th. People are called on to write the word LOVE on their arms to show support for this cause. Simple enough, right? Well, I decided to start writing it on my wrist last week and keep it there until TWLOHA Day. So it's been on my wrist now since Thursday and each time I look at it I think about all different things going on in my life. Usually it deals with hard times in my life or hard times in the lives of my friends. I've known people who have been depressed and a couple whom have considered suicide. I'm very thankful they could pull through it and be where they are today because they have a great deal of affect on my life.
So I was looking at the word LOVE this morning because, each day, I need to re-trace the word so it does not fade. It's kind of like a renewing of my purpose for having it on there. And it hit me on this sunny morning as I was sitting on my front porch. LOVE. A simple-looking four letter word. However, it is quite possibly the most complicated word in the history of words. I think the impact of the word has to do with my night last night. Last night I went back and read through the blog entries of Craig Bower and Tyler Baxter. All of these entries came from our freshman and sophomore years of college. I cried. I laughed. I haven't been that emotional in a long time. Tyler wrote a great entry about love and what it means to him and his quest to find that special someone he can spend the rest of his life with. It was a great read.
Back to my epiphany this morning. Most of the time I look at the word LOVE I think of 3 people. Tyler, Brett and Craig. Together we were a quad-pod. 4 of the best friends anyone could ever have and inseparable. LOVE is a 4 letter word that I look at and associate with my three best friends. Without those 3, I would have never made it to where I am. I realize that Tyler isn't in my life anymore and I pray for him every night. That doesn't change my love for him and it never will. So, looking down at my wrist, I see a bond of friendship that will never be broken. LOVE stands for so much and it stands for different things for different people. Now I have another meaning to associate it with. To all of you who influence my life, thank you. The LOVE I have for you is probably more than you know.
So here is Tyler's xanga entry from Wednesday, March 23, 2005. It is at the bottom of the page. Please read it. It will be worth your time.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Playoffs?
I had a couple ideas to write about that I had thought about whilst at work. Of course I didn't write them down and cannot remember them. Tonight the Tigers lost to Topeka-Hayden in the first round of the playoffs. That marks the end of the 2009 season and the first season since 1999 that my dad didn't coach. His last season ended agaisnt Hayden last year in a beat down. We all knew what was coming that night, even before we arrived in Topeka. Toward the end of the game I remember spotting my mother sitting by herself. My dad, coach Wallace and coach Hays all knew that this game was their last. No one wanted to admit it though. It was very emotional watching the last seconds tick off the clock. I shed a few tears as did the others. My Dad wouldn't hug me after the game and I knew why. We shared a look and that's all it took. Hugging would have brought us both to tears. My father is downstairs right now, watching television because he couldn't sleep. I think I know why. I love you dad. You'll always be a coach in my eyes.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Halloween 2009 pt. 2
I just wrote one of the best entries of my life and it just all got deleted. Instead of re-doing it all I will just write a summary of everything. This was probably the best weekend I've ever had, only to be rivaled with Cinco de Mayo 2005. That is probably the only time I've ever had experiences like this with my friends. The dancing at the bar, the epic costumes, amazing friends (both old and new), and of course our old friend Jager. There are just so many great parts that I can remember. I'm sure if you know me well enough you have or will hear about it. So I'll leave you guys with some thanks and a couple quotes.
Thanks to: The Bebermeyers, Elli Kingsley, Beer 30, David Crowder Band and co., The starry skies of Oklahoma and Kansas, Jessica, Derek, Wil, Morgan, Jen, Jennifer, Hannah, Abby and Joe.
This section goes out to the men who wore the cardboard suits of awesomeness with me. Branden, Craig and Brett were my brothers in arms saturday and it wouldn't have been the same if anyone else had been with me. I love you guys and your dedication to the idea of the costumes was just amazing. We had some great times, like dancing and singing We Are the Champions. That will never be duplicated. Craig, thanks for crawling into bed with me. I swore 4 years ago I would never cuddle on a twin mattress again and you proved me wrong.
"Why am I wearing your pants?" -Craig Bower
"That tasted awesome, let's pour another one. I mean if that's okay with you guys." -Brett Weller
"Da da da da da da da da da da Batman!" -Branden Heusted.
"Drink Triple, See double, Act single."
Thanks to: The Bebermeyers, Elli Kingsley, Beer 30, David Crowder Band and co., The starry skies of Oklahoma and Kansas, Jessica, Derek, Wil, Morgan, Jen, Jennifer, Hannah, Abby and Joe.
This section goes out to the men who wore the cardboard suits of awesomeness with me. Branden, Craig and Brett were my brothers in arms saturday and it wouldn't have been the same if anyone else had been with me. I love you guys and your dedication to the idea of the costumes was just amazing. We had some great times, like dancing and singing We Are the Champions. That will never be duplicated. Craig, thanks for crawling into bed with me. I swore 4 years ago I would never cuddle on a twin mattress again and you proved me wrong.
"Why am I wearing your pants?" -Craig Bower
"That tasted awesome, let's pour another one. I mean if that's okay with you guys." -Brett Weller
"Da da da da da da da da da da Batman!" -Branden Heusted.
"Drink Triple, See double, Act single."
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Halloween 2009 pt. 1
Most of you know how absolutely excited my friends and I were for this weekend ever since we decided what we wanted to be for Halloween. That, of course, was LEGO Batman characters. We spent more time on these than I've spent on a lot of things in my life. And they turned out amazing. Our costumes were probably the coolest costume I've ever seen. But let's go back to the beginning of the weekend because it was just all so much fun.
Friday: I left Wichita around noon for Tulsa, OK for the David Crowder Band concert. I had to drive most of the way there since Kaleb couldn't go and Elli took his ticket but it was such a beautiful day out that it was refreshing to listen to Crowder and think about things. After some great shopping at the mall we found we headed to the show. I was completely surprised by the venue it was at. Cain's Ballroom was very similar to The Cotillion in Wichita, which means that we were standing the entire time. It was such a good show. Both the opening bands were just really amazing and put on some good performances. Crowder was just awe-inspiring. They were even better than I had heard, if that was possible. Christy was right when she said a DC*B show is a different kind of show.
After the show I left Tulsa for Emporia. It was a 3.5 hour drive that seem just surreal. The sun roof was open and the stars were just brilliant. I had some new cd's that I burned for my trip so I didn't have to use my iPod the whole time. I fell in love with The Avett Brothers cd. It's just a solid cd with great tunes. I rolled into town right as everyone was getting done with Jimmie Johns. We hung out for a couple hours and then hit the sack.
We decided to tailgate saturday afternoon for the homecoming game. It was great to hang out with Joe, Wil, Jessica, Derek and everyone else who I hadn't seen in ages. I miss a lot of my friends from ESU and don't get to see most of them enough. I guess that's life though.
I'm going to head out for awhile and when I return, I will finish the crazy tale of the weekend.
Friday: I left Wichita around noon for Tulsa, OK for the David Crowder Band concert. I had to drive most of the way there since Kaleb couldn't go and Elli took his ticket but it was such a beautiful day out that it was refreshing to listen to Crowder and think about things. After some great shopping at the mall we found we headed to the show. I was completely surprised by the venue it was at. Cain's Ballroom was very similar to The Cotillion in Wichita, which means that we were standing the entire time. It was such a good show. Both the opening bands were just really amazing and put on some good performances. Crowder was just awe-inspiring. They were even better than I had heard, if that was possible. Christy was right when she said a DC*B show is a different kind of show.
After the show I left Tulsa for Emporia. It was a 3.5 hour drive that seem just surreal. The sun roof was open and the stars were just brilliant. I had some new cd's that I burned for my trip so I didn't have to use my iPod the whole time. I fell in love with The Avett Brothers cd. It's just a solid cd with great tunes. I rolled into town right as everyone was getting done with Jimmie Johns. We hung out for a couple hours and then hit the sack.
We decided to tailgate saturday afternoon for the homecoming game. It was great to hang out with Joe, Wil, Jessica, Derek and everyone else who I hadn't seen in ages. I miss a lot of my friends from ESU and don't get to see most of them enough. I guess that's life though.
I'm going to head out for awhile and when I return, I will finish the crazy tale of the weekend.
Monday, October 26, 2009
That Old Blue Chair
Yes, I know. It's been awhile since I've last updated. I get busy. My bad blogspot, I promise to work on our relationship. On to important things. This upcoming weekend is homecoming weekend in Emporia. Before 2 days ago it had been may since I had been back. I had so many feelings and thoughts being back and it was kind of hard to take it all in. That town had been my home for 4 long years. I found so many friendships there and had so many great memories. My time there ended on a sour note when I moved back home but like most things in your life, they happen out of necessity.
Saturday was the 1-year anniversary of the day I moved home and started working on the toxins in my life. I am looking forward to seeing my old friends again and going to the bar that helped get us through years of school. It means so much to me that my friends are there for me and we're celebrating Halloween the way we try to always do things: together. We are truely a "Tri-pod." I've leaned on my friends hard at times in the past and they have always come through. I've always tried to be the sturdy leg but sometimes you just fail. Epic. We've had some great times running the streets of Emporia, KS. I have a feeling this upcoming weekend will live up to our expectations.
I've been on the road a lot the last seven days. I went up to Lawrence to visit Craig and go trail riding. It was nice to have a long talk with him about stuff we had on our minds. The trails were just amazing. The adrenaline was flowing. I hadn't had that type of workout in over five months. Any time you need a helmet to ride, it's surely going to be a good time. I'm becoming friends with the people up there. Then it was off to Emporia friday to work on the costumes for next weekend. That was a long two days. Little sleep, little arguments, lots of thinking. It was quite the mentally draining experience. But the costumes are looking amazing. We had better win every competition we enter. We look that good. I then headed to Lawrence sunday night. We had planned to see a movie or something fun but we just ended up chillin' at Craig and Morgan's. That was low-key but relaxing. Craig and I mutually decided not to ride bikes in the morning and I headed home.
There is just something peaceful and mind-easing about a rainy drive home. Not a downpour but just a drizzle. The time in a car when I'm all by myself allows me time to re-group and re-think my priorities and how I feel about things. I needed the extra time this weekend. I've had a lot on my mind lately. Lucky for me I have friends and a full tank of gas.
"I've read a lot of books, Wrote a few songs, Looked at my life where it's goin,where it's gone....Nothing compares to the way that I see it when I sit inthat old blue chair."
My car is my old blue chair.
Saturday was the 1-year anniversary of the day I moved home and started working on the toxins in my life. I am looking forward to seeing my old friends again and going to the bar that helped get us through years of school. It means so much to me that my friends are there for me and we're celebrating Halloween the way we try to always do things: together. We are truely a "Tri-pod." I've leaned on my friends hard at times in the past and they have always come through. I've always tried to be the sturdy leg but sometimes you just fail. Epic. We've had some great times running the streets of Emporia, KS. I have a feeling this upcoming weekend will live up to our expectations.
I've been on the road a lot the last seven days. I went up to Lawrence to visit Craig and go trail riding. It was nice to have a long talk with him about stuff we had on our minds. The trails were just amazing. The adrenaline was flowing. I hadn't had that type of workout in over five months. Any time you need a helmet to ride, it's surely going to be a good time. I'm becoming friends with the people up there. Then it was off to Emporia friday to work on the costumes for next weekend. That was a long two days. Little sleep, little arguments, lots of thinking. It was quite the mentally draining experience. But the costumes are looking amazing. We had better win every competition we enter. We look that good. I then headed to Lawrence sunday night. We had planned to see a movie or something fun but we just ended up chillin' at Craig and Morgan's. That was low-key but relaxing. Craig and I mutually decided not to ride bikes in the morning and I headed home.
There is just something peaceful and mind-easing about a rainy drive home. Not a downpour but just a drizzle. The time in a car when I'm all by myself allows me time to re-group and re-think my priorities and how I feel about things. I needed the extra time this weekend. I've had a lot on my mind lately. Lucky for me I have friends and a full tank of gas.
"I've read a lot of books, Wrote a few songs, Looked at my life where it's goin,where it's gone....Nothing compares to the way that I see it when I sit inthat old blue chair."
My car is my old blue chair.
Meese!
Most people have words they use with frequency. One word I love using more than any other is "MEESE." That's right, I use a word to talk about more than one moose, and that word isn't moose, which is what most people will tell you is the correct pronunciation. Until now. I knew Craig and I would prevail in our fight to get meese in the dictionary. I even have a meese and fleece bath robe. I am the meese king. This link makes me so happy.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Living Life To It's Fullest.
My friend Dane posed the question about what it means to you to "live life to it's fullest." I have been thinking about it all day and I am still wrestling with the idea. So many people have a different idea of what it should mean. I try to not take life too seriously and just flow through it. Many people my age are already out of college, into their jobs and don't have the oppourtunities that I have. I am very lucky to have a job that is flexible with me and the things that I want to do. I love to go to concerts, see friends and just drive. Most jobs I know don't allow that to happen. I try to take every opportunity presented to me and that's because I see my friends in the "real world" and I don't want to be like that. I want to go to coffeehouses before work. I want to go see Passion Pit in Lawrence on a work night and work on the weekend instead. I guess to me, living life to it's fullest means spending as much time doing the things that make you happy and being with those you care about. Love what you do and who you do it with.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Top 25 Bands
I got bored at work today so I decided to name my top 20 bands. Well, that turned into 25 because it was just easier that way. So here are the top 20 bands I listen to, with the top 10 having the * by them. Feel free to give them a listen because chances are they are a good band.
Abandon Kansas *
All Time Low *
Angels and Airwaves
Cartel *
Coldplay *
David Crowder Band
A Day to Remember
Fall Out Boy
Green Day
Hawk Nelson
Hit the Lights
John Mayer
Kenny Chesney *
The Killers *
Mayday Parade
New Found Glory *
O.A.R. *
Passion Pit
Relient K *
A Rocket to the Moon
Taking Back Sunday
Three Days Grace
We The Kings
Weaver At the Loom
There's the list. Good? Bad? Lemme know if I forgot anyone.
Abandon Kansas *
All Time Low *
Angels and Airwaves
Cartel *
Coldplay *
David Crowder Band
A Day to Remember
Fall Out Boy
Green Day
Hawk Nelson
Hit the Lights
John Mayer
Kenny Chesney *
The Killers *
Mayday Parade
New Found Glory *
O.A.R. *
Passion Pit
Relient K *
A Rocket to the Moon
Taking Back Sunday
Three Days Grace
We The Kings
Weaver At the Loom
There's the list. Good? Bad? Lemme know if I forgot anyone.
Sex God (Chapt. 2)
I have finally gotten around to finishing the book Sex God by Rob Bell. The book is about "Exploring the endless connections between sexuality and spirituality." So far it's been great. I am past chapter 2 but I am going to write reactions the day after I read a chapter so that it can sink in and give me thoughts to write about. However, one passage in particular from the second chapter, entitled "Sexy on the Inside" has stuck with me. Here's what I found the most interesting:
"Music is powerful because it is sexual. It connects us. We generally don't think of it in those terms, but it's true. The experience of a great concert - with everybody singing together, waving their hands in the air, and a feeling of oneness permeating the room - has a significant sexual dimension to it. We don't know each other........but for an evening, we gather around this artist and these songs and we get along. The experience moves us so deeply because it taps into how things were meant to be."
This book has given me a new definition of "sexual" and it has opened up my thoughts about the way I've viewed a lot of things in my life. I will give my thoughts on chapter 3, "Angels and Animals" tomorrow.
"Music is powerful because it is sexual. It connects us. We generally don't think of it in those terms, but it's true. The experience of a great concert - with everybody singing together, waving their hands in the air, and a feeling of oneness permeating the room - has a significant sexual dimension to it. We don't know each other........but for an evening, we gather around this artist and these songs and we get along. The experience moves us so deeply because it taps into how things were meant to be."
This book has given me a new definition of "sexual" and it has opened up my thoughts about the way I've viewed a lot of things in my life. I will give my thoughts on chapter 3, "Angels and Animals" tomorrow.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Evolution on Facebook
Wow, 2 posts this close together? What's up is what you may be asking yourself, if you even read this. For starters, I am listening to the new Cartel cd via Twitter. I think it is so cool technology has allowed us to do this. Also, the cd is very good. I thought their last cd was good too but not many others did. I still love "Chroma" the best though but this may grow on me and pass it.
Once again, I love technology. Facebook, Twitter, they are all great. Some things just should be left off them in my opinion though. I don't take sides in the evolution v. creation debate even though I have my own opinions. I'm the same way with politics. I have my opinions and I keep them to myself. So when people try and argue with me or post stuff on their Facebook status that's a quick way for me to delete you. I would much rather you keep your opinions to yourself when it's on the internet. I don't mind having an intellectual conversation with someone as to why they believe in what they do and why they believe that. I love having friends on either side of the lines. But that is private stuff in my mind. So Craig, post that stuff if you want. Be a dick because I think someone putting this on Facebook:
"You want proof evolution is bull crap...take a look at the anatomy of the shoulder and tell me that was formed from a pile of goo. ME + 1, Evolutionists -300 billion give or take a few" deserves someone to call it.
Why would you put that on Facebook unless you want people to go ahead and put this:
"shoulder? how about something even more complicated, the eye for instance? That so called "goo" could refer to a group of organisms known as euglena, which are single cell eukaryotes capable of sensing and responding to light. Follow that light sensing system to a more developed system in organisms such as snails, and further more to vertebrates and the development of lens and color filtering mechanisms. Vertebrates have a wide range of eyes with which these attributes vary and have allowed some organisms to develop advantages over their prey...In addition to the development of these systems as a hint of the evolutionary process, the eye with which we visualize our world is far from efficient. The lens of the eye inverts the image on to the retina which converts this inverted image to the central nervous system where it is again inverted back to the correct orientation. Why would a superior being with the capabilities of creationism not create a system, not one without imperfections, but at least one more efficient."
My last part of this entry is about my tweet last night. It posted lyrics from the song "Suspension" by Mae. It has long been my song that I listen to when I like someone. It's just that kinda song. I don't really like anyone at this point in time but I put those up because I was with someone last night and it just reminded me of that feeling. This is a person who has been a family friend for quite some time and is someone with whom my mom has tried to get me to date in the past. However I am not quite "churchy" enough for this girl, according to her mom at least. So I put up the lyrics because at that point in time I had some sort of feelings for this girl (whom is very beautiful and smart, and very quiet). I miss that feeling of excitement and rush of attraction.
So here's a word to contemplate and for you all to say to friends, family and significant others. Let them know how you feel.
LOVE
Once again, I love technology. Facebook, Twitter, they are all great. Some things just should be left off them in my opinion though. I don't take sides in the evolution v. creation debate even though I have my own opinions. I'm the same way with politics. I have my opinions and I keep them to myself. So when people try and argue with me or post stuff on their Facebook status that's a quick way for me to delete you. I would much rather you keep your opinions to yourself when it's on the internet. I don't mind having an intellectual conversation with someone as to why they believe in what they do and why they believe that. I love having friends on either side of the lines. But that is private stuff in my mind. So Craig, post that stuff if you want. Be a dick because I think someone putting this on Facebook:
"You want proof evolution is bull crap...take a look at the anatomy of the shoulder and tell me that was formed from a pile of goo. ME + 1, Evolutionists -300 billion give or take a few" deserves someone to call it.
Why would you put that on Facebook unless you want people to go ahead and put this:
"shoulder? how about something even more complicated, the eye for instance? That so called "goo" could refer to a group of organisms known as euglena, which are single cell eukaryotes capable of sensing and responding to light. Follow that light sensing system to a more developed system in organisms such as snails, and further more to vertebrates and the development of lens and color filtering mechanisms. Vertebrates have a wide range of eyes with which these attributes vary and have allowed some organisms to develop advantages over their prey...In addition to the development of these systems as a hint of the evolutionary process, the eye with which we visualize our world is far from efficient. The lens of the eye inverts the image on to the retina which converts this inverted image to the central nervous system where it is again inverted back to the correct orientation. Why would a superior being with the capabilities of creationism not create a system, not one without imperfections, but at least one more efficient."
My last part of this entry is about my tweet last night. It posted lyrics from the song "Suspension" by Mae. It has long been my song that I listen to when I like someone. It's just that kinda song. I don't really like anyone at this point in time but I put those up because I was with someone last night and it just reminded me of that feeling. This is a person who has been a family friend for quite some time and is someone with whom my mom has tried to get me to date in the past. However I am not quite "churchy" enough for this girl, according to her mom at least. So I put up the lyrics because at that point in time I had some sort of feelings for this girl (whom is very beautiful and smart, and very quiet). I miss that feeling of excitement and rush of attraction.
So here's a word to contemplate and for you all to say to friends, family and significant others. Let them know how you feel.
LOVE
Forts/Happiness
So today my friend Christy made a blog entry about building forts. I can remember the last fort I built, or at least the last one I can remember. It was 1994 during the Stanley Cup Finals. I can remember this because it was the first time I ever wanted a team to win in hockey. I was rooting for the New York Rangers and I have no clue why. It was the first, and last, Stanley Cup finals I watched start to finish until this last year when Pittsburg won. The fort I built on the night the Rangers clinched the cup and broke their curse was epic. It encompassed 2 tables, 2 chairs, 1 couch and an entertainment center. That was the last fort I can remember building.
Do you ever get that feeling that things are just stagnant? I am not un-happy with my life but I am not happy. I'm just "getting through it." I am stuck here paying off bills waiting to go back to school but I just want to leave now. When was the last time you were truly happy with your life? I'm still thinking about that. I've always had great friends, great family and usually a good job that I enjoyed working at. But I can't remember being just happy, without a care. It was always school, a girlfriend, debt, or whatever else you can lump into this category. I can't remember waking up every day and just being happy with where I was at. Or at least the last time that happened.
I guess it was back in 2005 when I was a freshman at Emporia State. I didn't care about school that semester, so I guess that didn't stress me out. I was totally caught up in my friends, in living every day like it was our last together. As I just pointed out to Craig, we didn't care about shit back then. We were broke, single and not doing great at school. But we had each other and nothing else mattered.
Once again, I am happy with my life right now. I feel like I am a better person than a year ago. I have great friends, even more than when I moved back home. It's funny how life works out sometimes. I am excited for my future and that of my friends. I guess sometimes in life you just have to get by, even if it feels like running through sand.
Do you ever get that feeling that things are just stagnant? I am not un-happy with my life but I am not happy. I'm just "getting through it." I am stuck here paying off bills waiting to go back to school but I just want to leave now. When was the last time you were truly happy with your life? I'm still thinking about that. I've always had great friends, great family and usually a good job that I enjoyed working at. But I can't remember being just happy, without a care. It was always school, a girlfriend, debt, or whatever else you can lump into this category. I can't remember waking up every day and just being happy with where I was at. Or at least the last time that happened.
I guess it was back in 2005 when I was a freshman at Emporia State. I didn't care about school that semester, so I guess that didn't stress me out. I was totally caught up in my friends, in living every day like it was our last together. As I just pointed out to Craig, we didn't care about shit back then. We were broke, single and not doing great at school. But we had each other and nothing else mattered.
Once again, I am happy with my life right now. I feel like I am a better person than a year ago. I have great friends, even more than when I moved back home. It's funny how life works out sometimes. I am excited for my future and that of my friends. I guess sometimes in life you just have to get by, even if it feels like running through sand.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Lawrence
It's been a little longer since my last entry than I wanted but nonetheless, here we go. I had a good trip to Lawrence this weekend, which was my first time out with friends since I had my back surgery. It wasn't entirely what I had expected but it was fun. Went out on mass street shopping saturday afternoon. Hit up the Gap, American Eagle, Urban Outfitters and a couple other cool stores. I ended up with some very cool shoes that I am in love with. 
So sweet, right? I also got a new jacket on sunday on my way home. It was quite the process finding the right jacket. I found one at Gap on Mass but when I went to get one at Legends, in Lawrence, in Topeka, all the stores were closed. So I went to the mall in Manhattan and found this one in American Eagle, since Gap was out of the one I wanted in my size. Whatdayathink?
It also turns colors on me. Kinda starting to like that fact.
I had a chance to finally sit down and have a talk with Craig. It's been about 5 months since we've had a talk like that. We both had some stuff to get off our chests and I'm hoping he's having an easier time. Had a good time with some of his roommate Morgan's friends. They were all pretty fun to hang out with. We decided to have a "formal"night with ties. Didn't have any wine but that will be for next time. So all in all it was a great weekend. Lots of new music to listen to as well. I have some lyrics to leave you with and my thoughts.
"Well I'm what I am and I'm what I'm not
I'm sure happy with what I've got
I live to love and laugh a lot
And thats all I need"
All we need in life is a good perspective and good friends. It's hard to live this life if you keep your focus on the bad things that happen. Good always come from the bad. For Proof, just look here http://brockbeb.tumblr.com/ Be who you are and true to your friends. You always need them when you least expect and when you most expect. I've been blessed with great friends in Brett, Craig, Tyler, Joe, Adam, Brock, Christy, Dane and others. It's all I need.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Bucket List of Concerts
I'm sure most of us know what a "Bucket List" is. It's a list you make of things you want to try/attend/attempt before you "kick the bucket." I heard a reference to the movie today whilst at work. I was listening to the band O.A.R. and they are a band that I have wanted to see for about 4 years. My dad and I love their music and it is one of those concerts we would love to go see together. So that got me thinking: What is my Bucket List of concerts? So without further wait, here is my list!
All Time Low (Seeing them Nov. 20)
Angels & Airwaves
David Crowder (Seeing Oct. 30)
Fall Out Boy (Pre-Folie a' Deux)
Jack Johnson
Jackson Browne
John Mayer
Kenny Chesney
Led Zeppelin
Linkin Park
Mayday Parade
New Found Glory
New Grass Revival
O.A.R.
Owl City
Relient K
Sum 41
Taking Back Sunday
Weezer
Yellowcard
I was debating while making this list because I had a couple of bands that were on the bubble and I didn't know what my thought-process behind my list was. Do any bands that you like make the list? I decided to go another way. Most of the bands on this list are bands that I would pay more money to see. Also, bands I have seen and would really like to see again, i. e. The Killers and Coldplay, I left off the list. Only bands I have not seen, or bands that I have seen but couldn't appreciate, such as NFG, have made this list. Let me know what I missed or if there are any surprises you didn't expect.
"You only live once, but if you work it right, once is enough"
All Time Low (Seeing them Nov. 20)
Angels & Airwaves
David Crowder (Seeing Oct. 30)
Fall Out Boy (Pre-Folie a' Deux)
Jack Johnson
Jackson Browne
John Mayer
Kenny Chesney
Led Zeppelin
Linkin Park
Mayday Parade
New Found Glory
New Grass Revival
O.A.R.
Owl City
Relient K
Sum 41
Taking Back Sunday
Weezer
Yellowcard
I was debating while making this list because I had a couple of bands that were on the bubble and I didn't know what my thought-process behind my list was. Do any bands that you like make the list? I decided to go another way. Most of the bands on this list are bands that I would pay more money to see. Also, bands I have seen and would really like to see again, i. e. The Killers and Coldplay, I left off the list. Only bands I have not seen, or bands that I have seen but couldn't appreciate, such as NFG, have made this list. Let me know what I missed or if there are any surprises you didn't expect.
"You only live once, but if you work it right, once is enough"
Lyrics To Ponder
I listen to music. A. Lot. It's what I do. Every day I hear lyrics that either inspire me to change, or inspire introspection and reflection. So I'm going to start posting lyrics and songs that I find fit my life, either from my past or where I'm headed. So let's start with today.
"Cause I could spend my life just trying to sift through, What I could've done better but what good do what if's do now?" -Forget and Not Slow Down by Relient K
Reflecting on your past mistakes and failures help you learn what not to do in the future. However, dwelling on those thoughts can drive a person insane. Everyone makes desicions at times in their lives that might not be the smartest but that's the beauty of life. You live and learn. Only those desicions that result in death are the ones you can't learn from. So learn from the past and enjoy the future.
"Cause I could spend my life just trying to sift through, What I could've done better but what good do what if's do now?" -Forget and Not Slow Down by Relient K
Reflecting on your past mistakes and failures help you learn what not to do in the future. However, dwelling on those thoughts can drive a person insane. Everyone makes desicions at times in their lives that might not be the smartest but that's the beauty of life. You live and learn. Only those desicions that result in death are the ones you can't learn from. So learn from the past and enjoy the future.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
The Beginning
So I decided to start a new blog for some reason. I never use my Xanga I had and I wanted to start writing more, so, why not? I would like to do some different things. If you have any ideas or would like me to write about anything, let me know!
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