I am excited to announce a new video which features a crafty combination of original photography and my song "You Will Soar".
So as to preserve the beauty and majesty of the video, no pictures of the artist were included. Only pictures by the artist. You're welcome.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
School Dance Festival
Every year the elementary school holds a Dance Festival at the high school. Every grade dances to a different song. I believe this event is primarily a gage of how much parents love their children. Only pure love would cause rational adults to cram elbow to elbow inside a hot, sweaty gym with every other resident of the city, and every resident's extended family. Can you say "Fire Code Violation"? You essentially leave feeling like you've had way, way to many sweaty, moist people inside your personal bubble.
The highlight each year is the kindergartners who dance to a song called "Baby Eagles". Then, the last few minutes of the song each child picks up a strategically placed hula hoop and they hula like pros. It is, without a doubt, the most adorable thing you will ever experience. You suddenly don't feel so bad for having four other people sitting on your lap for an hour.
Here is a video of Danica singing the song Baby Eagles along with the actions. Aside from the lack of cute costumes and hula hoops, this is also highly adorable. And you don't have to feel violated to see it.
The highlight each year is the kindergartners who dance to a song called "Baby Eagles". Then, the last few minutes of the song each child picks up a strategically placed hula hoop and they hula like pros. It is, without a doubt, the most adorable thing you will ever experience. You suddenly don't feel so bad for having four other people sitting on your lap for an hour.
Here is a video of Danica singing the song Baby Eagles along with the actions. Aside from the lack of cute costumes and hula hoops, this is also highly adorable. And you don't have to feel violated to see it.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
New (to me) Music
I have been able to get my hands on some great music lately. Among my recent finds:
Mat Kearney – Nothing Left To Lose. Mat has had a handful of songs get some radio time, but his best music hasn’t found it’s way to most ears. I don’t like all the songs on the album, but the good songs are stunning. Check out “In The Middle”, the heart-wrenching “What’s A Boy To Do”, or my favorite “All I Need.”
Mika – Life In Cartoon Motion. I’ve listened to this CD more than any other over the past month. Each song is catchy, energetic, fun, and unique. This has also been the most requested CD by the youngsters. I’m good with that. Mika’s style is a little 80’s, a little pop, a lot quirky, and an ample mix of falsetto. Chock full of great tunes to run to. I like "Happy Ending" and "Love Today."
Taylor Swift – Fearless. This may be the first time I’ve ever agreed with 15 year old girls about what music is good. Don’t count on it happening again. Taylor’s cute, and has a pretty good voice, but her writing (both lyrics and music) is far, far beyond her 19 years. There is actually some very mature music here. The kids love this CD also.
Ryan Adams – Cardinology. The closest comparison I can think of for Ryan is Bob Dylan, but I like Ryan A LOT more. It seems like the beginning of songs on Cardinology start a little bland, but then you reach the chorus and get slapped with some of the best music in years. Take “Go Easy”, “Cobwebs”, or “Let Us Down Easy” (my fav) for example. Fans of old-school singer/songwriters will definitely like this one.
OneRepublic – Dreaming Out Loud. This is the best album I’ve heard in years, hands down. There is a varied style of music along the lines of Coldplay, including some faster tempo songs as well as some slower ones. I can’t say enough good about this album. It’s probably one of my top ten favorites ever. Check out “All We Are” or “Prodigal”.
If you live nearby, I’d be happy to loan you any of these to listen to. You’ll be glad you did.
Mat Kearney – Nothing Left To Lose. Mat has had a handful of songs get some radio time, but his best music hasn’t found it’s way to most ears. I don’t like all the songs on the album, but the good songs are stunning. Check out “In The Middle”, the heart-wrenching “What’s A Boy To Do”, or my favorite “All I Need.”
Mika – Life In Cartoon Motion. I’ve listened to this CD more than any other over the past month. Each song is catchy, energetic, fun, and unique. This has also been the most requested CD by the youngsters. I’m good with that. Mika’s style is a little 80’s, a little pop, a lot quirky, and an ample mix of falsetto. Chock full of great tunes to run to. I like "Happy Ending" and "Love Today."
Taylor Swift – Fearless. This may be the first time I’ve ever agreed with 15 year old girls about what music is good. Don’t count on it happening again. Taylor’s cute, and has a pretty good voice, but her writing (both lyrics and music) is far, far beyond her 19 years. There is actually some very mature music here. The kids love this CD also.
Ryan Adams – Cardinology. The closest comparison I can think of for Ryan is Bob Dylan, but I like Ryan A LOT more. It seems like the beginning of songs on Cardinology start a little bland, but then you reach the chorus and get slapped with some of the best music in years. Take “Go Easy”, “Cobwebs”, or “Let Us Down Easy” (my fav) for example. Fans of old-school singer/songwriters will definitely like this one.
OneRepublic – Dreaming Out Loud. This is the best album I’ve heard in years, hands down. There is a varied style of music along the lines of Coldplay, including some faster tempo songs as well as some slower ones. I can’t say enough good about this album. It’s probably one of my top ten favorites ever. Check out “All We Are” or “Prodigal”.
If you live nearby, I’d be happy to loan you any of these to listen to. You’ll be glad you did.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
In Concert
I love to go to concerts….which makes it all the more humiliating to admit the first concert I ever attended:
Michael Bolton. With all his flaming mane of glory. It is both surprising and highly disturbing that there was a time when Bolton was hip and ruled the radio airwaves. Ouch.
Michael Bolton. With all his flaming mane of glory. It is both surprising and highly disturbing that there was a time when Bolton was hip and ruled the radio airwaves. Ouch.
Some of the other concerts that I’ve attended in my day were:
George Winston – piano virtuoso
Marc Cohn – We attended this concert with friends Paul & Lynnette Cardall. I remember getting goosebumps during the show. It was one of my all-time favorite concerts. We were even able to meet Marc at an after show party.
John Hiatt
Billy Joel
Gin Blossoms
Coldplay
Jackson Browne (solo acoustic) – Mel and I made a road trip up to Washington state to catch a few of his shows.
Steve Perry (Journey)
Chicago (3-4 times)
Rascal Flatts
Brooks & Dunn (Sometimes you have to take one for the team. On my honor I did not Boot Scoot’n Boogie)
Jackson Browne/Bruce Hornsby/Bonnie Raitt/Shawn Colvin – Saw these guys twice at Red Rocks in Colorado and met Jackson backstage at both shows. This was the crown jewel of concert experiences:
Remedy Drive
Live
Depeche Mode
Toad the Wet Sprocket
Neil Diamond (The King Of The Sequins and horrible old-man dancing. Still a great show.)
Josh Groban
What have been your favorite concerts?
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Take Me Out To The Ball Game
I love baseball, and have been a fan of the Chicago Cubs since my younger days. My friend Paul takes "Cubs Fan" to a new level (obsession). On Wednesday Paul stopped by my house and said he had an extra ticket for the Cubs spring training game in Vegas that night and the next afternoon. In an act of pure spontaneity, I packed up a few hours later and headed for Vegas.
I took Jackson as my traveling companion. In an even greater act of spontaneity, I hoped that I could find a scalper to buy an extra ticket for him. I talked to one guy (who Jackson later said looked "crafty") offer a ticket for $70. I passed on that and later found one for $40.
Everyone around us was pounding beer like they hadn't had anything to drink for seven weeks which helped take our minds off the fact that it was COLD. We were hungry and I shelled out $14 for nachos, a small cup of popcorn, and a very small drink.
I almost skipped the game the next day because I felt so miserable, but ended up sticking it out. The weather was beautiful and our seats were on a grass hill in right field. The Cubbies lost both games but we still had a great time.
I took Jackson as my traveling companion. In an even greater act of spontaneity, I hoped that I could find a scalper to buy an extra ticket for him. I talked to one guy (who Jackson later said looked "crafty") offer a ticket for $70. I passed on that and later found one for $40.
Everyone around us was pounding beer like they hadn't had anything to drink for seven weeks which helped take our minds off the fact that it was COLD. We were hungry and I shelled out $14 for nachos, a small cup of popcorn, and a very small drink.
I almost skipped the game the next day because I felt so miserable, but ended up sticking it out. The weather was beautiful and our seats were on a grass hill in right field. The Cubbies lost both games but we still had a great time.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Surrogate Dads & Donuts
I had a difficult experience a few days ago at the elementary school. On Wednesday morning I went to the annual Dads & Donuts where teachers serve a scrumptious glazed donut and dads read stories for a few minutes before school starts.
In the kindergarten class I noticed an adorable little girl from our neighborhood who looked like a lost puppy. Knowing that she lives with her single mom, I went over and asked if she wanted to read a story with us. She jumped at the chance. I noticed that she didn't have a donut so I asked if she had already had one and she shook her head.
Then I asked if she liked donuts and she smiled and nodded. I said "Do you want to go get a donut before we read a story?" Her eyes lit up and she got a huge smile on her face. I told her we'd wait until she got back to start the story and she ran to grab a donut. I then realized that she hadn't gotten a donut because she she thought she wasn't allowed to without having a dad there.
As she sat down I heard her quietly say to herself "I don't even have a dad." By this point my heart was broken. I just wanted to give her a big hug and tell her that everything would be okay. Instead we read a Dr. Seuss book and ate a deep-fried carb bomb.
I haven't been able to get this situation out of my head since this happened two days ago. I'm not much of a crier but this made my eyes water. I'm a fixer - I want to do something to make matters better. I'm at a loss of how to fix this one though, except to pray and turn it over to the ultimate One who can heal broken hearts.
In the kindergarten class I noticed an adorable little girl from our neighborhood who looked like a lost puppy. Knowing that she lives with her single mom, I went over and asked if she wanted to read a story with us. She jumped at the chance. I noticed that she didn't have a donut so I asked if she had already had one and she shook her head.
Then I asked if she liked donuts and she smiled and nodded. I said "Do you want to go get a donut before we read a story?" Her eyes lit up and she got a huge smile on her face. I told her we'd wait until she got back to start the story and she ran to grab a donut. I then realized that she hadn't gotten a donut because she she thought she wasn't allowed to without having a dad there.
As she sat down I heard her quietly say to herself "I don't even have a dad." By this point my heart was broken. I just wanted to give her a big hug and tell her that everything would be okay. Instead we read a Dr. Seuss book and ate a deep-fried carb bomb.
I haven't been able to get this situation out of my head since this happened two days ago. I'm not much of a crier but this made my eyes water. I'm a fixer - I want to do something to make matters better. I'm at a loss of how to fix this one though, except to pray and turn it over to the ultimate One who can heal broken hearts.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Dogs Gone Wild
Our family did a few fun animal-related activities this weekend. The first stop was a dog park in St. George. This is basically the canine equivalent of putting a dozen kindergartners in a bounce house together after getting them all hopped up on Red Bull.
I took my camera and quickly realized that taking pictures of animals is HARD. If you think it’s hard to get a 4 year old to hold still for a second, take a trip to the dog park. Here are a few pictures from the trip:
I took my camera and quickly realized that taking pictures of animals is HARD. If you think it’s hard to get a 4 year old to hold still for a second, take a trip to the dog park. Here are a few pictures from the trip:
Following the dog park I took the kids, with loaf of bread in hand, to a place called Grandpa’s Pond to feed the ducks. The youngsters have been begging to do this for months and we had fun. We were there during perfect lighting at sunset and I happened to get this picture as we were leaving:
Friday, February 27, 2009
Pork Barrel
I have an experiment. I bet I can make your blood boil in two minutes or less. Click HERE for a rundown by my friend Glenn Beck on some of the nonsense that was included in the recently passed enormous "stimulus" package. A few examples:
$951,000 for "Sustainable Las Vegas"
$950,000 for "Myrtle Beach International Trade and Convention Center"
$190,000 for "Buffalo Bill Historical Center" to digitize their records
$950,000 for a Nature Education Center in Mississippi (What!?!)
$300,000 for the Montana World Trade Center (Montana? Really?)
I'd like to include an item in the bill.
I vote we put all the politicians in a boutique (the most miserable place I can think of) and make them listen to Madonna songs until they cry like little school girls.
$951,000 for "Sustainable Las Vegas"
$950,000 for "Myrtle Beach International Trade and Convention Center"
$190,000 for "Buffalo Bill Historical Center" to digitize their records
$950,000 for a Nature Education Center in Mississippi (What!?!)
$300,000 for the Montana World Trade Center (Montana? Really?)
I'd like to include an item in the bill.
I vote we put all the politicians in a boutique (the most miserable place I can think of) and make them listen to Madonna songs until they cry like little school girls.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
You Get What You Pay For
I subscribe to the idea that you get what you pay for. But....even though a $300 vacuum often works better than a $100 vacuum, that doesn't mean you should buy (or have the money to buy) the $300 vacuum.
That brings us to the topic of the Reese vacuum. Our previous cheap Wal-Mart version was nothing to write home about, but it served it's purpose. After years of faithful service she left us to join the Vacuum Gods. Mel has always wanted a Dyson vacuum and seized upon this opportunity. We weren't in the mood to spend $300+ for a vacuum, but she found a floor model Dyson at a big discount and brought it home to live at our house.
Thus far I haven't been tremendously impressed. I've heard women talk about their Dyson vacuum with as much affection as they talk about their husband. So I was expecting this vacuum to leave the floors glistening, make housecleaning effortless, and part the Red Sea all at the same time. Not so.
In my disappointment yesterday I flipped the vacuum on its side to inspect the roller brush at the bottom. Turns out the whole thing was clogged and looked like it had run over a toupee.
That brings us to the topic of the Reese vacuum. Our previous cheap Wal-Mart version was nothing to write home about, but it served it's purpose. After years of faithful service she left us to join the Vacuum Gods. Mel has always wanted a Dyson vacuum and seized upon this opportunity. We weren't in the mood to spend $300+ for a vacuum, but she found a floor model Dyson at a big discount and brought it home to live at our house.
Thus far I haven't been tremendously impressed. I've heard women talk about their Dyson vacuum with as much affection as they talk about their husband. So I was expecting this vacuum to leave the floors glistening, make housecleaning effortless, and part the Red Sea all at the same time. Not so.
In my disappointment yesterday I flipped the vacuum on its side to inspect the roller brush at the bottom. Turns out the whole thing was clogged and looked like it had run over a toupee.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
My Book Recommendations
I love to read. I've usually got three or four books going at a time. Me and the library are best friends. We hang out a lot. Here is a list of a few good books I've read lately. (Click cover for a link to Amazon)
The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch - I loved Randy's care-free, optimistic, happy attitude despite the knowledge that he would be dying soon. The story about dumping a can of Coke on the seat of his new car was my favorite.
The Anatomy Of Peace by The Arbinger Institute - This book completely flipped the way I look at myself and others. The ideas here are unique and life-changing. The lessons are weaved through the story about some parents who take their son to a wilderness treatment facility. This is definitely a must-read.
The Tipping Point, Blink, and Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell - Gladwell is all the craze in the reading world right now. I found The Tipping Point fascinating because it talks in part about marketing which I have a connection with through the music arena. Blink was probably my favorite of his, and talks about how we process thoughts and feelings. I'm jealous of his crazy, out of control hair.
Making Peace With The Image In The Mirror by Steven R. Hawks - I saw this book recommended from another friend's blog and put it on reserve at the library. I've since renewed it a few times. Working as a therapist, I've read a ton of books about self-esteem and this one is near (or at) the top. It's an easy read with excellent perspectives.
What good books have you read lately?
The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch - I loved Randy's care-free, optimistic, happy attitude despite the knowledge that he would be dying soon. The story about dumping a can of Coke on the seat of his new car was my favorite. The Anatomy Of Peace by The Arbinger Institute - This book completely flipped the way I look at myself and others. The ideas here are unique and life-changing. The lessons are weaved through the story about some parents who take their son to a wilderness treatment facility. This is definitely a must-read. The Tipping Point, Blink, and Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell - Gladwell is all the craze in the reading world right now. I found The Tipping Point fascinating because it talks in part about marketing which I have a connection with through the music arena. Blink was probably my favorite of his, and talks about how we process thoughts and feelings. I'm jealous of his crazy, out of control hair. Making Peace With The Image In The Mirror by Steven R. Hawks - I saw this book recommended from another friend's blog and put it on reserve at the library. I've since renewed it a few times. Working as a therapist, I've read a ton of books about self-esteem and this one is near (or at) the top. It's an easy read with excellent perspectives.What good books have you read lately?
Sunday, February 22, 2009
How To Spend $885
I sat in Dr. Bether's chair for an hour on Thursday. When that hour was complete, I swiped my card for $885.00 and walked out the door with a lot less money in my bank account.
What awesome thing did I get to buy for $885? Sit down for this one - a root canal.
Fortunately insurance will reimburse me for half this amount. And fortunately Dr. Bethers is awesome and does a great root canal. But still. Clearly I went into the wrong profession.
It would have been so much cooler if I could have spent $885 on a year deluxe subscription to NetFlix, or a really nice camera lens, or a Costco shopping spree, or a ridiculous amount of Cookie Crisp cereal, or someone to do my yard work, or an all-inclusive one week trip to Cancun (radio ad said $599 includes the flight!). Seriously. I could have traveled to Cancun FOR A WEEK for less than the 1 hour root canal cost!
Note to self: have all teeth ripped out, get dentures, then call travel agent to schedule an extended vacation in Cancun.
What awesome thing did I get to buy for $885? Sit down for this one - a root canal.
Fortunately insurance will reimburse me for half this amount. And fortunately Dr. Bethers is awesome and does a great root canal. But still. Clearly I went into the wrong profession.
It would have been so much cooler if I could have spent $885 on a year deluxe subscription to NetFlix, or a really nice camera lens, or a Costco shopping spree, or a ridiculous amount of Cookie Crisp cereal, or someone to do my yard work, or an all-inclusive one week trip to Cancun (radio ad said $599 includes the flight!). Seriously. I could have traveled to Cancun FOR A WEEK for less than the 1 hour root canal cost!
Note to self: have all teeth ripped out, get dentures, then call travel agent to schedule an extended vacation in Cancun.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Time Warp In Vegas
Mel and I went down to Las Vegas this weekend with her sister and brother-in-law. We went and saw a tribute concert to The Beatles and stayed in a luxurious room at the Excalibur (I'm laying on the sarcasm about the "luxurious" part).
Between snacks on the way to Vegas, dinner at PF Changs (HEAVENLY), a fruit smoothie and bagel for breakfast, and lots of candy on the way home, we consumed a ridiculous amount of food.
But something frightening happened on our way home from Vegas today. I don't know how it happened, and I don't know exactly when it happened, but I know it happened......we entered a black hole.
We were in some kind of time warp where time did not exist. There was no beginning and there was no end. By all observations our automobile was moving. We could hear the engine running and we could see the desert and weeds going by, but we were going nowhere. Somehow a drive that should take a few hours felt like it lasted at least 31 hours. It was excruciating.
We were fortunate to eventually escape the black hole and arrive home. I pray that this terrifying event won't happen next time we travel.
Between snacks on the way to Vegas, dinner at PF Changs (HEAVENLY), a fruit smoothie and bagel for breakfast, and lots of candy on the way home, we consumed a ridiculous amount of food.
But something frightening happened on our way home from Vegas today. I don't know how it happened, and I don't know exactly when it happened, but I know it happened......we entered a black hole.
We were in some kind of time warp where time did not exist. There was no beginning and there was no end. By all observations our automobile was moving. We could hear the engine running and we could see the desert and weeds going by, but we were going nowhere. Somehow a drive that should take a few hours felt like it lasted at least 31 hours. It was excruciating.
We were fortunate to eventually escape the black hole and arrive home. I pray that this terrifying event won't happen next time we travel.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
How To Fall In Love
I was at the elementary school a few days ago and saw some Valentine decorations that Jackson's 2nd grade class made. Joey's was by far the funniest:
How To Fall In Love
I will tell you how to fall in love.
First you find the gal of your dreams. Next you
invite her to Chuck a Rama. Then you
kiss her. Finally youre in love.
That’s how you fall in love.
The end.
I will tell you how to fall in love.
First you find the gal of your dreams. Next you
invite her to Chuck a Rama. Then you
kiss her. Finally youre in love.
That’s how you fall in love.
The end.
Friday, February 13, 2009
So Funny It Hurts
Here is one of my favorite videos of all time. I am warning you - this video is so funny it hurts. Literally.
PS - Stay tuned tomorrow for the most important techniques to fall in love. You won't want to miss this one!
PS - Stay tuned tomorrow for the most important techniques to fall in love. You won't want to miss this one!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Don't Watch The Price Is Right
The Price Is Right was on TV for the seven minutes it took to do the girl's hair this morning. Holy cow. The commercials during that show are downright depressing. Obviously aimed at senior citizens, these commercials helped me realize that I have a few things to look forward to in my advanced years:
- Macular degeneration
- Some kind of disorder where my eyes are always dry (fortunately there's a new prescription for this)
- Impotence
- Degenerative joints
- Arthritis
- Falling, not being able to get up, but luckily having a medic alert necklace
- Riding an electric wheelchair (okay, that one sounds kind of fun)
And it wouldn't be The Price Is Right if it didn't end with the customary reminder to spay and neuter our animals. Has anyone honestly said to themself "I wasn't going to get my dog snipped, but then I remembered this wise man who once said 'Don't forget to spay and neuter your animals', so I promptly scheduled an appointment for Fifi to see the vet." ????
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