Music of 2013

Happy New Year!!!  Of course, that is what everyone is saying this time of year.  Rightfully so.  Each new year bring the hope of new and better things.  A chance to refresh, set again or push the restart button.  Many not only restart, but they also set resolutions.  Not only do many start a new, but the start by setting goals to help achieve their perceived utopia.  Sadly, by the time the calendars flip to February, these goals fall by the way side and some have already had their entire year ruined by life events.  Not for me!  Nope, no resolutions, no lofty goals, no hopes for a year without challenges or anything else that could destroy my optimism.  Simply stated, I'm gonna let the cards fall where they may and trust the God has everything under control.

I figured what better way to bring in the new year than to recap a few of my favorite albums of 2013.  I thought about going with the Top 10, but everybody has a Top 10.  From David Letterman to Sports Center, Top 10 lists are a plenty and I didn't want to copy everyone.  So, I'm doing a Top 6 list.  Yeah, cutting a list in half seemed cheap and unimaginative...and I like to be a little different. 

The list will comprise of some many people would not expect from me (especially since I listen to mostly Christian based music).  However, as a person who prides in liking music of mostly any genre, I figured why not include music from multiple genres.  Along with the albums, I'll provide a little quip or two about the albums.  And, if you're like me, I trust you'll enjoy the picks and take a listen to the albums.  Now, to the list and in no particular order.

1. Five For Fighting - Bookmarks
    I've not been a huge fan of FFF's music but have respect for what they have done - especially honoring hockey through their name.  But, in September I read a great article from John Ondrasik regarding this album.  Then, I went and listened to it.  BLOWN AWAY!  In particular, "What If" and "Rebel" stand out to me.

2. Righteous Vendetta - The Fire Inside
    I'm a huge fan of hardcore.  I've seen these guys live a few times and have always loved their music.  Then, back in August they show up in Cheyenne for a last minute add to a concert.  WOW! They KILLED IT!!!  This album solidified their presence in the hardcore music scene and proved to the world that they weren't playing around.  In particular, "Defiance" and "Fire Inside" get my blood moving.  Now I just need to upload these to my gym music and I'm good to go.  A great way to start 2013.  Another bonus with the RV boys, they are from Wyoming and I consider them friends.  Any band from Wyoming that brings it like these guys do get moved near the top of my list.

3.  Icon For Hire - "Icon For Hire"
     This self titled album was on my list of must haves.  Sure, some of you may question my sanity...or my age (considering it is a female fronted power pop rock group), but one listen to this album and you will understand why.  I really liked their first album with hits like "Make a Move" and "Get Well."  Upon hearing they were coming out with another album on Tooth & Nail I figured they would pull off a couple more mega hits.  YES!!! I was right!  Not only did they live up to my expectations, but they topped the expectations.  Indeed it is still power pop rock sounding, but Ariel and boys mixed in a little early Red Hot Chili Peppers sound as well with her fantastic semi rapping/talking in the middle of songs like "Cynics & Critics."  Simply put, this album was a great way to end 2013.

4. Love and Death - Between Here & Lost
    Fronted by former/now reunited Korn member, Brian "Head" Welch, this was an album I was gifted.  It pays to have friends in the industry, and this album was one of those blessings from someone in the industry.  Head shows his musical abilities are more than just playing guitar.  His vocals are pretty darn sweet too.  Anytime someone begins an album the way he does on "The Abondoning" should be recognized for genius.  By the way, if you do not like loud obnoxious music first thing on a Sunday morning, do not listen to this album.  Oh, and "I W8 4 U" is another great song.  One thing is for sure, Head does NOT hesitate to share his life or his faith.

5. Andy Mineo - Heroes for Sale
    I'm also a huge fan of rap.  Having a list of albums that included Lecrae seems a bit simplistic.  Yes, Lecrae usually lands on any list I could think of.  Adding somebody else to this list was a must, again just to be different.  Andy Mineo is the benefactor of being different.  If you have never heard Andy Mineo, you need to.  This whole album is pure lyrical genius.  As with any rap album, there are a lot of guest appearances (Lecrae, KB and Trip Lee to name a few).  Favorite songs so far on this album are "Uno Uno Seis" as he give props to the 116 Clique, and "Wild Things" providing a challenge to live where you aren't comfortable (and to share Christ to everyone no matter their social standing).

6. Foreverlin - Long Lost
    Their freshman album on Red Cord Records not only put them on a label, but has garnered them some serious national attention.  From regular rotation on Air 1 radio to playing in front of Thousand Foot Krutch at Lifest this past summer, or opening for Disciple, these four young men are primed for a huge 2014.  Their college rock sound resonated with everyone that heard the title track "Long Lost."  If you haven't heard of these guys, you need to.  Such great guys and some great talent.  Oh, and did I mention that if your band hails from Wyoming you get moved to the top of my list?  Yeah, these guys are from Cheyenne and Laramie and are personal friends over so many years. 

Well, that is all for now.  I look forward to more great music in 2014.  If you desire, hit me up with some of your favorite music of 2013.  If you do, please make sure you DO NOT include Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga or Robin Thicke.  You might get moved to the bottom of music friends list. 

As many of you know, I love food.  Some of my love for food has subsided, both during and after cancer treatment.  Though I still love some pizza, I haven't had a lot since I have regained my taste.  I am thankful I can taste everything.  I was able to drink OJ again, and I loved every second.  This post, however, is not about what I can taste.  This post is actually about one particular food, and the firestorm surrounding the actions of the venue that makes said food.

I REALLY LOVE the chicken the Chick-fil-A provides.  It can be the strips, sandwich, nuggets, or even the chicken salad sandwich.  Though not big on the fries, I can understand how people like them.  Their brownies are fantastic as well.  I am not sure how there are those in this world who have consumed food there that does NOT like their food.  But, to each their own and I will not complain about those who choose to dislike their food.

This also is not a blog about their food.  This is however about the statements they have made regarding their beliefs.  As many of you know, I support their right to express their beliefs.  They indeed have the right to express their beliefs.  Regardless of their belief, they are ensured the right to speak as they believe.  Why would I believe this?

First, Chick-fil-A is a business, founded here in America.  The first amendment right is freedom of speech.  Every person, no matter their social status/faith/age/race, is guaranteed this right.  Currently, this right has not be taken away from anyone.  This right is not exclusive to the right or left side of a political agenda, social movement, or anything else.  If you believe something, you have the right to speak your mind on that belief (even if it is just between you and a friend, or in public for the whole world to hear).

Second,  CFA is a private business.  They have no public board of directors dictating how they run their business.  Their board is made of up those hired by the owners.  Their is no public stock, no shareholders to answer to, and no federal regulators dictating their funds.  Even if this were a publicly held company, they still have the right to say what they desire, and spend their money as desired, as long as their profit/loss statement was reported as mandated by law.

My beliefs aside, here is what is puzzling me with this whole thing.  Why is everyone up in arms about this whole statement?  Both parties, left and right, are up in arms over the statement made by CFA.  The left is upset because they don't agree with the stance made.  The right is upset because the left is upset.  The left believes there should be some form of punishment administered to CFA for showing a hate towards others (which they did not do).  The right is upset because there are mayors blocking CFA from building in their cities due to hate (a double standard).    What is going to make anyone happy?  When will either side come to an awareness that there can be a happy medium?

Let me put this "controversy" into a different light.  Take Perez Hilton, or the Muppets, and have them say something anti right beliefs.  Sure, there are those on the right that will boycott those 2 entities.  If by chance someone squaks loud enough, maybe the whole right will here.  Again, this type of situation will create anger on both sides for the very reason seen in this CFA instance.  Perez and the Muppets are private entities.  They too are afforded the right to say as they believe.  Though they believe differently than you may, it doesn't mean they are hating anybody on the right or left.  It only means they have an opinion.  One does NOT have to agree with their statements, but the do have to afford them the decency of being a company (or person) making their business in America.

All this said, could someone please have a level head and accept the fact that, agree or not, Chick-fil-A has the right to state their business principals.  Just because they believe differently than you may, does not mean they hate you.  They are glad to serve people who believe differently than they do.  They do not have a sign out front limiting who they serve.  They only stated a belief.

Please, for the sake of those who think rationally, and logically, listen to the words being said and not what you desire to hear.  I am not saying you have to agree with any one belief, but at least be civil enough to respond better than people currently are.  Remember, we do live in America, where we have the right to speak as we believe, and there are people fighting for us for that right.

Church Observation

I've grown up in the church. I've attended, visited and/or been a member of many churches over the years.

I grew up in the Nazarene church. After high school I went to an Assemblies of God church on Wednesdays and the Nazarene church on Sundays. Vacations to Wyoming usually meant church with my grandparents in a Baptist church. In Jacksonville we attended a community church.  My parents are currently attending a Missionary Alliance church.

Suffice it to say, I've seen and participated in many forms of worship. Even in the same denomination there is a large number of differences in how each church does church.  However, one thing I can say, without hesitation, and can almost say as a fact...

If you find yourself needing a little more exercise, or just need a place to work out while you worship, I suggest you attend a Pentecostal church. Be it an Assemblies, Four Square or a Community Church founded by an Assemblies type church. Why you ask. Because one can work up a sweat with all the dancing they do while singing.

Music Therapy

My entire life, music has been my therapy. Music has been there through Sunday School, high school, getting me through really boring moments of church services, my wedding, through watching my kids grow and just about every other part of life. Now is no different.

Music has the power to destroy or heal, cause to cry or laugh, and other mixed bags of cause/effect. Right now, this very second, it is music that is healing me and carrying me through the roughest spot of my life (www.caringbridge.org/visit/WYOMusicMan to catch up to speed on what my life entails). And, as I sit at work searching through years (and I have a lot of them) of music, I can't help but think, what song is helping you through your day/week/month/etc.?

Sorry, I can't even answer my own question, especially since I have diagnosed myself with Music ADD. Seriously, I can't make it through one rotation on a CD before I'm changing CD's (and yes, that includes the pre baseball game mix CD I made for Ethan).

Have a wonderful _____________ (fill in the blank as to what you want to have wonderful).

Growing Kids

I am fearful! I'm also excited. I am currently a mix of the many emotions that every parent will go through as their kids grow up. And, as every parent navigates these times of child development, there are times where you chuckle, shake your head and ask, "Did that just happen?" Or, you stand up tall, stick the chest out and say, "That's my kid!" Well, I have experienced both of these in the last month, and that is just with Rachel.

Last month, out of the blue, Rachel announces to Janda that she knew exactly what she wanted to do. Knowing that she already wants to go to a hotel with some friends, swim and stay the night, Janda could only begin to imagine what she wanted to do. Well, the words spoken both surprised Janda and made her proud. Of all the things a soon to be 10 year old girl would want to do, she wants to be unselfish. She wants to give on her birthday. I won't go into details yet, just know that for a 10 year old to be to want to give for her birthday is indeed a miracle AND the moment I wanted to stick my chest out and say, "That's my kid!" And yes, the details of what she wants to do for her birthday will be posted sometime around January 1st, give or take a couple days.

Now, the moment in which caused fear, and the shaking of the head and asking, "Did that just happen" was in the early part of this passed week. Now, I know that my little darling girl will break many a hearts. And like any dad of a little girl, I also have a deep desire to lock her in her room until she is 30 (35 if I could get away with it). However, this moment had nothing to do with a boy...and I'm glad Janda is the one that she talked to about this...ummm...."problem". (Here is where you need to remember Rachel is turning 10 in FEBRUARY.) It seems Rachel is upset about development. After hearing a wonderful explanation from Janda, Rachel was less concerned about her rate of "maturity." For that, I am thankful. As for me...well....my thoughts are as follows:

Now that Janda has convinced her she is NOT ready for boobs, am I? WHAT THE HECK?!?!?! I'm in no way ready for my little one to have boobs!!! Dear, God!!! HELP!!! Amen!

Give me a couple more days, and I MIGHT be ready to share about Ethan's moments.

Green Eggs and Ham

Dr. Suess is one of the great literary figures of any child growing up. Green Eggs and Ham will typically be one of the first books a child will read once they can. It was one of the first books Janda and I read to our kids. And eventually, if you're like me, you will inevitably find a way to cook green eggs.

Just a little tangent before I get too far. You see, I can't confirm or deny that my brother or I convinced our dad to cook green eggs for us (dad was the resident kitchen adventure seeking type in our house). I can and will confirm that if in fact he did cook them for us, mom had no part in it. However, since I don't remember an enormous amount from my childhood, you are stuck with a mystery as to when I first consumed green eggs (but rest assured, my kids have seen green eggs they could consume). Green eggs though is where the food alteration experiments have ended as green ham doesn't look or sound right. Nor does it taste right. This is in fact something I know. My father would love to explain how we know green ham (or byproduct/pig byproduct) is slightly repulsive (thank you Kingdome memories).

Okay, back to the subject. When one reads Green Eggs & Ham, you are blessed with pictures of green eggs and green ham. Now, go read the story with out pictures. Really, please do! What do you read? Do you read anything stating the ham was green? Sure! The story does read "green eggs and ham." However, I beginning to believe that it was only the eggs that were green. Yes, the picture is of green eggs and green ham. But where in the story does it specifically state the ham was green? I believe Mr. Dr. Suess was taking liberty in his story telling and drawings of making the ham green. Why do I believe this? You try to make a pinkish/brownish meat green!!! Who cares if The Food Network has all sorts of recipe's for Green Eggs and Ham! None of their pictures show the ham as a solid green!

So, what do you think? Was the ham really green? Is it just a story to get kids to see if mom and dad will make food like this? Regardless, I love the story. Artistic liberty or not, still one of my favorite fun reads.

Oh yeah! The whole reason I thought about this is a little amusing in itself. Janda and I were having a conversation about her finger being blue due to adding blue food coloring to water. And in order to have green eggs, you have to add blue food coloring to the egg. Thank you Janda and your blue finger for causing mental stimulus for me tonight!

Apathy

Yup, the title says it all. At least, when it comes to blogging. However, I am changing that. I began working on a new project, which meant some writing. So, I figured I'd just dive right in. After more than a year of being absent from this blog, to jump right in on another project and abandon this one just didn't seem right. So, I guess you could say I'm jumping into the fire and bypassing the frying pan. So, I'm gonna give it my all to write more than once a year. Yes, that also means more than once a month. So yeah, I guess that's all I got for now. Nothing too deep, too special or poignant for that matter.

Well, back to work and no more wasting time typing a blog. Later all.