Snow Day

So the school district cancelled school today because of a severe winter storm warning. This made me chuckle. Granted, it snowed in southern Utah. Big whoop. Oohhhh. 3 inches. Cancel school. We don't want to risk the safety of the kids.

Let me tell you big sissies something about safety of the kids.

Growing up in Salt Lake, I remember walking home from middle school with the snow nearly up to my groin. I didn't hear one parent expressing concern about the safety of their children getting to or from school. The general sentiment from parents and teachers was "Suck it up you big babies!"

I remember school being cancelled ONCE. Once. That was after it had snowed two feet the night before. I'm not yanking your chain. Two feet.

I lived to tell about two winters my wife and I survived in Laramie, Wyoming while I went to graduate school. Those guys know about snow. There were mornings where I'd go outside and literally couldn't see my car. I remember having to drive to Mel's work to help her unbury her car so she could get home. They didn't cancel school. Those cold hearted Cowboys must have ice running through their veins. Heck. The "severe winter storm" we experienced today is just an average July day to them Wyoming folk.

Maybe I'm just green with jealous envy that I didn't get a snow day off work. I'm thankful that my kids were able to stay home from school today where they were very, very safe. One day when they're old enough to understand, I'll tell them what a real winter storm looks like.

Best Music Of 2008

I'm a music junky. Family and friends can vouch for the fact that I have music on in my house or office at all times. I'm surprised the under-cupboard CD player in the kitchen hasn't worn out yet. The following is my Top Ten List of the Best Music of 2008 (click on the song to hear the music or see the video):

10. Paul Cardall - Living For Eden: I've mentioned Paul's album earlier in the year. This two CD set is easily the best instrumental album I've heard this year. Song To Hear: "A Piece Of My Heart". I dare you to try and get this song out of your head after you hear it.

9. Chris Tomlin - Hello Love: I don't think this CD is as good as his previous albums See The Morning and Arriving but it's good. Fans of Chris definitely won't be disappointed. Song To Hear: "You Lifted Me Out". This one's a high-tempo rocker and one of his all-time best.

8. Remedy Drive - Daylight: Having met these guys and seen their show, I really respect a group like this who is willing to travel the country playing for anyone they can to create a name for themselves. Song To Hear: "Daylight". I was hooked the first time I heard this song.

7. Coldplay - Viva La Vida: Their newest isn't as good as their previous CD X&Y. Actually, there's no way it could be. X&Y is one of the best albums I've ever heard. It didn't leave my CD player for months. Viva La Vida is better than I expected though. Song To Hear: "Lovers In Japan". Don't let the crazy title throw you off. This song is awesome. I've listened to this song like crazy and haven't gotten sick of it. Please. Check it out.

6. Phil Wickham - Singalong: He put this live album for free download on his website. I almost feel guilty listening to something this good for free. I'm always a fan of music that consists of a guy with his guitar, and some fans that know all the songs. Song To Hear: "Beautiful". It gave me goosebumps. That's all I can say.

5. Jewel - Perfectly Clear: It should be understood that I was the most anti-Jewel human being a few years ago. She has been known to yodel, and I think anyone who yodels should be "accidentally" pushed in front of a bus. But.....her last CD Goodbye Alice In Wonderland is just so, so good. She also gets a few bonus points for being cute. Song To Hear: "I Do". This is an example of one of her songs that simply boils down to great songwriting and excellent arrangements. I pray she continues to avoid yodeling. I'd hate to see her in a tragic bus accident.

This is where the competition gets tight. It's hard to separate these last four. But if I have to...

4. Jon McLaughlin - OK, Now: I'm cheap. I don't spend $15 for a CD unless I'm pretty darn sure I'm going to like it. When Jon's new one came out, I was at the store the day it was released. I had no hesitation shelling out some cash. His debut CD Indiana was unbelievable. The piano-driven CD was free of the overproduced pop stuff that ends up on the radio. It was true, heartfelt music. My heart sank during the first listen of OK, Now. It lacked the simplicity and emotion I was looking for. It sounded overproduced. It has really grown on me though. I still think it's really overproduced, but Jon's style still shines through. Song To Hear: "Throw My Love Around". This song is sappy and lovey but I love it. There is a female backup vocalist who pushes this song over the top. I dare you to not like this song. Another great tune is "Four Years". So good.

3. Ferras - Aliens & Rainbows: Again, don't let the strange name and album title frighten you. This guy is really good. A mix of Jason Mraz/Coldplay/OneRepublic, almost every song on this CD is a keeper. Song To Hear: "Something About You".

2. Brandon Heath - What If We: I'm new to Brandon. This is the first CD of his that I've heard (I now have others on the way). This guy writes music beyond his years. His songs are catchy and are good at getting stuck in your brain. Song To Hear: "Give Me Your Eyes". You'll look at people differently after hearing this song. My kids are hooked on this one too.

And finally......drum roll please..........

1. Matthew West - Something To Say: I LOVE this CD. Matthew had some serious medical problems and was told he may not sing again. After throat surgery and a long period of not being able to talk, he eventually regained his voice (and now sings just as well as he did on CDs pre-surgery) and recorded this CD. This is another one that I bought without hesitation. He is without a doubt one of the best songwriters alive. Songs To Hear: "Something To Say", "You Are Everything", "The Moment Of Truth", and "All The Broken Pieces". It's impossible to feel sad or sorry for yourself when listening to his music. I own everything this guy has recorded. Please check him out.

So there you have it. My favorite CDs of the year. What are your favorites?

Bathroom Blunders

I’ve survived my time playing the piano at the Dixie Center. I’d have thoughts like “If I have to hear one more Cory Reese song I will rip out my belly button with rusty pliers.” Or “I’d rather eat a live parakeet than listen to another Cory Reese song.” I was able to meet some great people and hear some cool stories over the last week and a half.

There were a few things that kept me entertained during the time I was playing. One afternoon a bird somehow ended up in the building and was flying all over the place. It must not be too unusual there though because I soon saw an employee walking around holding a huge net that was larger than a basketball hoop. I don’t know that they ever caught it.

I was also fortunate to have my piano strategically placed in a position that gave me a perfect view of the bathrooms. The reason this is entertaining is because on two occasions I happened to see women walk into the men’s bathroom. The first time the lady walked right out. I’m wondering what her first clue was that she was in a men’s bathroom. I’m guessing it was the entire wall of urinals she saw when she first walked in.

The second lady was a little more clueless. She must have been in there for two minutes. Unfortunately nobody was in there, and nobody walked in while she was hanging out in the men’s bathroom. But believe me; I was uttering a silent prayer that a guy would walk in while she was there. I wasn’t that fortunate. Maybe next time.

Why I Play The Piano

I just finished up a weekend playing the piano at Santa’s Workshop in St. George, and will be playing at the Dicken’s Festival coming up Wednesday, December 3rd through Saturday the 6th. Between these two events I will have spent more than 70 (70!!) hours at the Dixie Center, with the majority of those hours spent actually playing the piano.

At the end of each day, my fingers feel like carrots, my arms feel floppy like spaghetti with marinara, and my back feels like I’ve been giving Hulk Hogan a piggy back ride to Philadelphia. I start to have thoughts of taking a hatchet to the piano. I have to fight myself to drive home instead of driving to the funny farm. The piano and I are not friends. We’re not even speaking to each other.

When I wake up the next morning I get a sinking feeling in my stomach when the realization hits me that I get to take a shower then drive back to the Dixie Center. There I see my arch nemesis, the piano. Then we spend the rest of the day together, still mad at each other.

I’ve played these two events for around five years. After every year, I don’t touch the piano again for a month or two. Finally we reconcile our differences, kiss and make up, and start hanging out again.

I suppose the obvious question is “Why in the world do you do this if it’s that bad?” Good question. I’ll let you know when I figure that out.

Just kidding. As difficult as it can be to play the piano for 12 hours a day, I also find it very rewarding. I’m humbled every single time somebody comes up and thinks the music is good enough to open their wallet and shell out some cash for a CD. I LOVE talking with people and hearing their stories about how they’re learning to play the piano, and giving an encouraging word when they say they’re having a hard time making their left hand work with their right.

It made me feel good to give a CD to a lady who told me that two weeks ago she found out she has incurable leukemia. It made me happy to talk to a nurse who works on the LifeFlight helicopter who put my music on her iPod to listen to when things get stressful during a flight. It’s rewarding to see a five year old walking with their parent into the Christmas festival but stop right in front of the piano mesmerized by the music.

If my payment for those experiences is a sore back, hop on Hulk Hogan!

Thanksgiving

I try to not be a person who only reflects on what they have to be thankful for during Thanksgiving. I have so much to be thankful for that I often wonder how I became so lucky.

I remember a church lesson many years ago where we were asked to spend a few minutes writing down all the things we were thankful for. I wrote down things like "family", "friends", "basketball", and "Hostess".

This list was written before I was married. I didn't understand about giving everything you've got in a marriage, and about everything you get in return. I didn't have kids so I had no comprehension about how you could love someone more than words with every cell of your body. I didn't fully grasp how many people make tremendous sacrifices so I can live in the kind of country, community, and neighborhood I live in. I didn't understand the difference between shallow high school friendships and friends who will be there through thick or thin, let you borrow their rock sifter, or help out with watching the kids when something unforeseen comes up. I was certainly thankful for Hostess, but at the time I hadn't experienced how wonderful, scrumptious, and glorious are pumpkin pies from Costco.

My thankfulness was not as developed for things like in-laws, parents, siblings, a good job, semi-reliable transportation, a nice house, cable so I can watch Jazz games, challenges, health, an ability to play the piano, a decent jump shot as long as nobody is guarding me, or a functioning air conditioner.

I'm thankful to be a husband and dad. Even though it's messy, I love having Snow White and Dora underwear all over the house, dirty fingerprints on doors, and spills on tables because I know they won't last forever and one day I'll miss all that stuff. I'm thankful for little kids who come out of their rooms at night when they're not supposed to and say "Daddy, can I have one more hug and kiss?"

I am without a doubt the most lucky, blessed, and fortunate guy I know. With all my blessings, I couldn't ask for more. Although I wouldn't complain about an unlimited supply of pumpkin pie.

Elementary School Rolls

I spent the afternoon at the elementary school. First up was lunch with the second graders. Jackson was thrilled that I was able to come for their Thanksgiving Dinner. All the food was decent, except for the roll which was, um, heavenly. For as long as I can remember elementary schools have owned the market on good rolls. I don't know what their secret 13 herbs and spices are, but they know how to make a good roll.


I sat next to a boy with a dripping nose, large elbows that often rubbed my ribs, and the happiest grin you'd ever want to see from a second grader. I was the Jerry Seinfeld of the lunchroom by calling the girls boy names, and the boys girl names, and referring to myself as Corrina. They were rolling in the benches. "Thanks kids - I'll be here all week. Don't forget to tip the waitress. Try the veal!"

Following lunch, I got to go help in Danica's kindergarten class. Ms. Creel had those energetic kids mesmerized and in the palm of her hand as she read them a book. I felt privileged to be a fly on the wall in her classroom.

It was a great afternoon. I'd be happy to help kids learn how to read colors, wipe snotty noses, help tie 27 shoes an hour, and have my ribs jabbed every day of the week. I'd be pretty excited about being able to eat more rolls too.

How To Be A Therapist

I'm a licensed clinical social worker, I do medical social work, and I do therapy in my private practice. Counselors and social workers have a reputation for being an odd bunch. I'm sure I help perpetuate that reputation. Because of my profession, I thoroughly enjoyed these short commercials. I believe I shed tears of laughter when I first saw them.





How does that make you feel?

People Are Funny

The following is a list of people who are funny:

• People who wear a Bluetooth to feel important
• People who clip their fingernails in church
• Dwight Schrute
• John Candy
• 4 & 5 year old girls that hear a song on television, then sing the line "Don't you wish your girlfriend was hot like me" over and over again (with said 4 & 5 year old girls being my children)
• People who show extreme dedication to their bowling league
• People who enjoy Star Trek
• People who collect their fingernails and scabs (Mel worked with a lady who really did this. I even got to see the collection once!)

Jordan High School Track

I own three sweatshirts. When the others are dirty, I choose my Jordan Track sweatshirt. I realized as I was wearing it a few days ago that this article of clothing has been in my closet for fifteen years. FIFTEEN YEARS!

I ran track when I was a Sophomore in high school. I ran distance and was in stiff competition to be the worst track athlete in Jordan High history.

The funny thing is that I didn't really like to run. I hated going to practice at 6:00am. I didn't enjoy pulling up the rear during a track meet. I made these sacrifices because there was a hot babe who ran track and I thought maybe if I did track too, I might get to hang out with her. I hoped my enthusiastic chicken legs hauling down the track would make her fall madly in love.

I'm not sure how or why, but the hot babe with pretty hair, mouse ears, and a beautiful smile showed an interest in me and even laughed at my jokes. She was hot.

Years later, that hot babe married me. Now, whenever I wear my Jordan sweatshirt, I remember the days when Mel and I ran track together.

Pearl Award Ceremony

My parents, Mel, and I had a great time at the Faith-Centered Music Association’s Pearl Awards on Wednesday night. I’m excited to announce that my CD "You Will Soar" which was nominated for Contemporary Instrumental Album….won!


Well, okay. Not exactly. “You Will Soar” and its creative, intellectually stimulating, well-groomed creator didn’t win. So, you ask, why have I posted a picture of myself jubilantly holding an award?

We happened to be in the back of the room before the ceremony started and we saw an award sitting unsupervised on a table. I have to credit my step-dad for coming up with the idea: “Hey – go grab the trophy and I’ll take a picture of you with it!” Brilliant.

Fortunately for attendees, there weren’t long, drawn-out acceptance speeches. But…had there been long, drawn-out acceptance speeches, and….had I won, I’m thinking my speech would have been something like this:

Wow. I’m humbled and flattered to be given this honor. I feel sorry for all you non-winners who drove from as far as southern Utah and are returning home with nothing more than heartburn.
I’d like to thank my wife and family for your support, love, and patience as I stay up really late at night to work on music.
I’d like to thank Hostess for your scrumptious Cup Cakes, Twinkies, and Snowballs. If I could choose any product to trigger Type 2 Diabetes, I’d choose yours.
I’d like to thank Hall & Oats for your song “Man Eater” which inspired me as a small child to be a musician.
I must thank radio talk show host Glenn Beck for making me laugh everyday on the way to work.
You like me. You really like me!
Thanks also to the Cowden family, whose cat jumps over our wall to eat our dog food when the dogs aren’t watching. I couldn’t have done it without you.

(Just for clarification purposes, that part about Hall & Oats is a complete and utter lie. Hostess part – not a lie.)

Trip To Zion

I went to Zion National Park last Saturday with Jackson and a few friends. The fall colors were absolutely amazing. They were by far the most vivid colors I've seen in Zion. Here are a few pictures from the day.

Big Mistake

I had an experience yesterday that ranks in the Top 3 Most Embarrasing Moments Of Cory Reese.

I got to (okay, had to) go to the dentist AGAIN thanks to a A N O T H E R crown that cracked. Kelsey is a dental technitian there who I've spent so much time with that she almost feels like a sister. When I got there, she came up excitedly and started talking. She said that she didn't know I was "the Cory Reese that plays the piano", and went on to tell me how much she enjoys my music, and how she heard her favorite Cory Reese song on the radio Sunday, and how she would love to get some of my sheet music even though she probably couldn't play it because it sounds too hard. She was very kind.

God knew that so many compliments at once would not be good for me. He wanted to keep me humble and make sure my head didn't get fat.

I realized after sitting there for an hour and 20 minutes that my zipper had been down the whole time. Thanks for keeping my ego in check God.

My Political $.02

I'm one of those geeks that likes to listen to talk radio, especially related to politics. I'm not a fan of Rush, but I get a pretty steady diet of Glenn Beck, Mark Levin, Sean Hannity, etc.

I also wasn't much a fan of last night's election results. Not much a fan of Obama or McCain. I saw an interview with Rudy Giuliani that I respected. The interviewer asked him what his thoughts will be if/when Obama is elected. He said something like "You know, in the morning we're going to wake up and we're all going to be Americans. I will support Obama, because if our president fails, we fail." If only we could rewind and have him on the ticket. Or Mitt. Or my politically intelligent brother-in-law. Or a poodle.

Despite my political disagreements with Obama, I was very proud, encouraged, and happy to see that an African-American could be elected president considering the history our country has. Amazing. And despite the fact that I think Palin is incredibly annoying (did you see her "dancing" on Saturday Night Live???), I was also very proud, encouraged, and happy to see that a woman could be a vice presidential nominee. I'm sick of old Caucasian males doing really dumb things in Washington and spending my tax dollars foolishly.

So there you have it. I've officially written about the two things my wife hates the most: baseball and politics. Could she be anti-American?

The REAL Way To Trick-Or-Treat

We took the kids to the church Friday night for the neighborhood "trunk-or-treat". My brother-in-law Matt and I continued my favorite tradition of Halloween: we have a little flashlight that makes noises. With the older kids, Matt would tell them “Say something into the microphone.” They were so distracted with that dumb little flashlight that I could reach my hand into their bag and retrieve a huge handful of candy and they wouldn’t even know it. I'm not exaggerating. An entire pile of sugar could be removed from their bag as they stared blankly at the flashlight.

I took a pillow case just for the candy we collected, and I got more in my bag than my kids got in theirs. We were mindful to make sure we were only taking candy from older kids who shouldn't have been trick-or-treating in the first place.

A word to the wise 16 year olds for future Halloweens: You will leave my house with less candy than when you got there.

Pearl Awards

I found out a few days ago that my CD You Will Soar has been nominated as a finalist in the 2008 category "Inspirational or Contemporary Instrumental Album" for the upcoming Pearl Awards. The Pearl Awards are basically like the Grammys organized by the Faith-Centered Music Association.

Another nominee in this category is Paul Cardall's album "Songs Of Praise". Not only do I consider Paul a good friend, but I also think he is one of the most amazing piano players and composers around. I was humbled to even be in the same ball park as him.

I think my family and I will plan to make the trip to the awards on November 12th to listen to performances from others in the faith-centered music group. It should be fun!