Irony

While trying to fall asleep last night I though of something and it made me laugh. I used to leave Emporia every weekend that I could when I was going to school here. Now I'm living at home and going to K-State and all I want to do is spend my weekends in Emporia. I find that a tad ironic.

Dane and Christy

It seems that a lifetime has passed since I have started this blog, which coincided with my move back home. Every time I think about how long it has been I really struggle when figuring out exactly how long it has been (over 4 years is the answer). Most of you, if not all of you, know the story behind my move back home and it was something that helped my life a great deal. But one of the only reasons that my life has turned out so well in this time is because of the help of my friends, and a couple in particular. They would be Christy and Dane.

I had exactly 1 friend in this town when I moved home and if it weren't for Christy, I may not have gotten the opportunity to have the friends I do now. Christy was responsible for getting me to Church, introducing me to Abandon Kansas, introducing me to her family and friends, and helping me re-discover my love of playing music. It was a simple invitation to join her family while they were fire pitting that really changed my life. I wouldn't have become friends with Brock or Dane. I wouldn't have the relationship with God that I do. And I probably wouldn't be playing music. I owe her a great deal, more than I will ever be able to express quite honestly.

I can remember meeting Dane the first time I was around the Bebermeyer's fire pit. He didn't talk much to me, other than a simple introduction. But in the time since he has become someone that I can always turn to for advice, knowing he will always lend an ear. I got the chance to play music with Dane at his church and it was always a fun experience. We have been to concerts, we have been drinking, we have talked about girls and we have tried to write music in our underwear. We had some great memories in the few years that I got to know Dane and I can say, with great joy in my heart, that he is a wonderful person and I am lucky to have him in my life.

I didn't get the chance to say goodbye to the Wutke's before they left on their journey to Australia and I am awfully mad at myself for that. There was so much I wanted to say to them, gratitude that I wanted to extend, but it wasn't meant to be. I will kick myself for two years for not driving back to give them hugs goodbye. Luckily for me, and the rest of their friends and family, technology has allowed us to remain in close communication from across the globe. I couldn't give them my best wishes in person but here I am, writing them down, knowing they can read them.

It is a bittersweet moment for everyone in their lives because we will all miss them so much while they are walking along their journey that God has sent them on, but we miss them knowing that they are doing God's will. They are so lucky to have the opportunity to be in Australia and start their lives together, grow together. We all were skeptical of the idea, some may still feel that way, but eventually I realized that I was being selfish in not wanting them to go. I didn't want to give up my close friends. But they aren't gone, just on an extended vacation.

So Dane and Christy, even though you just logged of Skype without saying you were leaving (I am assuming you found the grocery store), I love you both so much and I couldn't be more proud of you. I am forever in your debt, eternally you might say. You have helped me grow into the man that I am today. I look forward to hearing about your adventures, seeing pictures, and reading about your lives over the next two years. Heck, maybe I will even visit one day. Stay safe, have fun, grow together, and please, come home soon. We all look forward to your arrival!

I'm Caught In Suspension

Well it's official, I am in Block A next semester. After getting a rejection letter on wednesday, I received an acceptance letter on saturday. It has been a whirl-wind few days for me on the road in Emporia, Lawrence and Manhattan. Today couldn't have been a better day. Friday couldn't have been better. Or thursday. Wednesday night was one of the best nights of my life. This song is a perfect descriptor of that night on the dock of Olpe Lake, under the moon and stars.

Suspension by Mae

It's All Good

I have a great life. Everything always works out and it is because of everyone of my friends and family. I could have spent the weekend freaking out about certain things but I knew everything would be fine. The last month has been hectic during school and I got through it and couldn't be happier. I have never had this feeling to end a semester. I could get used to it. Thank you all. With Love, Ian.

The Good Life by Valencia

Top Albums of 2011

Top albums of 2011

I chose to do 15 albums this year because there were not 10 that I could choose from. The top choices have been clear since they have been released but it's the middle of the pack down that was so hard to decide on. So here are my top albums from this great year in music.

15. Born This Way by Lady Gaga

14. Helplessness Blues by Fleet Foxes

13. When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes by Yellowcard

12. Simple Math by Manchester Orchestra

11. The Reckoning by NEEDTOBREATHE

10. Torches by Foster The People

9. Mylo Xyloto by Coldplay

8. Young The Giant by Young The Giant

7. Ad Astra Per Aspera by Abandon Kansas

6. Neighborhoods by Blink 182

5. 21 by Adele

4. The King Is Dead by The Decemberists

3. Barton Hollow by The Civil Wars

2. Bon Iver by Bon Iver

1. Economy by John Mark McMillan

Here are my runner ups: El Camino by The Black Keys, Ashes and Fire by Ryan Adams, Something Like This by Ben Rector, Take Care, Take Care, Take Care by Explosions In The Sky, Ghosts Upon The Earth by Gungor, Early In The Morning by James Vincent McMorrow, The Great Awakening by Leeland, Hurry Up, We're Dreaming by M83, Odd Soul by MuteMath, Patterns by Run Kid Run, Vice Verses by Switchfoot.

I'm guessing that "El Camino" will jump up this list quickly but it just came out and I have been listening to most of these albums for six months at least. The top 7 albums stood out so much to me and I haven't stopped listening to them all year long. Every artist there has broken the mold on their sound and progressed so much as an artist. It's been nuts to see how an artist like Bon Iver has changed from "For Emma, Forever Ago" to "Bon Iver." Even "Mylo Xyloto" completely blew me away by the direction Coldplay took it. It was honestly one of the best years in music in a long time. It will be hard to beat but next year I will see a new Killers and David Crowder *Band album, along with many others. I am looking forward to it.

What Do You Hide?

I took this from Donald Miller's blog. He's one of my favorite authors and always has insightful things to write about. You can check out his blog here. He wrote this in response to the recent sex scandal at Penn State as well as some other things.

Walking In A Winter Wonderland 2011

Last year I made a playlist that I listen to while I walk around campus in the winter time. It's comprised of songs that must have a specific feel. Most of the songs have an echo or ambient sound to them. Every year it changes and grows so I thought that I would give you a top 10 list of the new songs on this year's Winter Breezes Playlist. Without further adu....

10. All The Bright Lights - Chest of Drawers

9. NEEDTOBREATHE - A Place Only You Can Go

8. James Vincent McMorrow - We Don't Eat

7. John Mark McMillan - Murdered Son

*I couldn't find the album version so here is his acoustic performance

6. All The Bright Lights - Still Beating

5. James Vincint McMorrow - Hear the Noise That Moves So Soft and Low

4. Ryan Adams - I Love You But I Don't Know What to Say

3. Mae - Seasons i, ii, and iii

2. Ryan Adams - Lucky Now

1. Bon Iver - Beth/Rest (Piano Solo)