Looking for Direction

I've been thinking alot lately about my job and what the future holds for me. I have been praying about it and have gotten alot of advice from people on both sides of the argument. My struggle is to focus on what God wants, not what I want. I know that my first priority is to the Church and serving His body, but I don't want to be at a job where their just doesn't seem to be any long-term gain. I'm really close to making the decision to go back to school. But I don't want to do it, stubbornly, on my own. It is interesting to see where people turn to find direction. But what I see is more of people using something to justify whatever it is that they have already decided. I don't want to be one of those people. I want to have confidence in Christ that he will lead me where I need to go. Where I need to live, what I need to do, ect... I don't think I am there yet. Maybe I should read A Purpose-Driven Life. JUST KIDDING!! On another note, my Chicago Bears are rolling right now. Gotta big game this weekend against the Vikings. Hopefully we can keep it up. Later. DA BEARS!!!

Concerto de Mae!!

Thought I would write about the Mae concert last night at Sonoma State. My opinion of them has just sky-rocketed. I have always been a fan, that's why I went to the concert. But they fricken rocked!! Everything was tight, they got the crowd involved, they were energetic, even the lead singer was awesome, which I felt was their "weakest link" as a band. Vedera was the opening band and they did pretty good. The only negatives I could see was a small room that was packed with people. The show was sold out. The guy in front of me was acting like a goofy jack-ass trying to impress some high school girls. And the New Amsterdams had a rough night. Mathew had the hiccups for the first couple songs and their other guitarist wasn't there for whatever reason. Unfortunately, he adds alot to their music, so it was definitely lacking. Plus, I didn't like their set list. But everyone who has ever been in a band knows that everyone has nights like that. Mae absolutely stole the show. They tore the roof off the place, no joke. And the best part was, it was only 5 bucks. John Knight had a friend who goes to Sonoma State who got the tickets for us at a discount price. Sweet deal! Anyway, got me pumped to do some more shows. Hopefully we can get that rolling soon. Later.

Recording...

Well, it seems like it has been light-years since we recorded our last album. And now, we are finally getting to the point where we can release another album to the public. I am very excited. I think the best thing about it is the experience of being frustrated together as a band. Recording always takes alot of time and energy and can defintely push us to the limit. I can proudly say that we survived alot better this time than the last time. Pray for me this weekend, as I am going to lay down the vocals. I hope it turns out good. I really like this record and I think it will bless alot of people. I think we, as a band, have improved alot since our last CD and, although, I like the old songs, these songs have more substance to them both lyrically and musically. Hopefully we can get a few shows lined up soon and start playing live again. It's always exciting to see what the future holds so we'll see. Almost There is also getting ready to record their next album. John Knight asked if I would play Harmonica on the new album and of course I said yes. I feel honored to be apart of their lives as individuals as well as share in their musical abilities. Looking forward to hearing their new stuff. By the way, if anyone knows of a cool title for the album, let us know. Jordan opened up discussion on a title on his blog, so I want to open it up as well. That's about it for now. Thanks to everyone who has supported us along the way and helped out with our bands' endeavors. Much Love!! DA BEARS!

Season Opener!!

The football season kicks off Thursday with one game that will officially open the season. Then the rest of the teams will play their openers on Sunday and Monday. This Thursday, we have the Miami Dolphins and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Now on paper, this looks like a no-brainer. But if you call the game based soley on what the teams look like on paper, then I would say your not using your brain. While the Steelers are coming off a championship year and appear to still be a power-house in the elite of the NFL, There are some minor details you should note. First and most important, no Ben Rothlisberger. He's out, recovering from surgery, so that means Charlie Batch gets the start. A washed-up, back-up quarterback starting in the season opener which everyone and their mother will be watching. Sounds to me like it's hunting season on Mr. Batch. Also let's not forget, no Jerome Bettis or Antawan Randle-EL. We also don't know if Hines Ward will be able to play yet either, as he is coming off an injury. As for the Dolphins, I got two words for you, Dante Cullpepper. Now I know he had a rough season last year, not to mention tearing his ACL and two other legements, but there is no question about the guy's ability to make plays, his accuracy, and his arm strength. He is leaps and bounds ahead of the dolphins past options: Jay Fiedler, A.J. Feely, Gus Ferotte. And it's hard to criticize Cullpepper when he has quality targets to throw to. Randy McMichael, Chris Chambers, and Marty Booker are three very talented options for Cullpepper and will be all season long, barring injury. Without the distraction of Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown continuing to raise eyebrows, the Dolphins will be an offensive threat that cannot be overlooked. Questions will come up on defense, but as far as the opener goes, I think that the defense is gonna be gunnin for Charlie Batch. If they get at him early, it will be a long night for the Steelers defense. They will tire out early. So, I'll pick the Dolphins to upset the Steelers in week one. It definitely should be a good one to watch. I'll try and do the rest of the picks for Sunday and Monday later. It's Game Time, Baby!!