hey everybody (you two.) i’m switching things up. in order to promote my music a bit more and attempt to write/blog more, i’m no longer using this wordpress. if you ever want to know anything about me ever again go here:
what exactly is it that I do?
Every high school graduate has been asked the question, “what do you do?” at least once, if not a thousand times. This question, as you know, usually is in regards to one’s occupation. The question could actually be stated, “what form of labor do you perform in order to earn some sort of payment in which you can sustain your way of life?” It is the same question, just slightly more complicated.
I have recently been thinking, why do we have to define each other by what we do for a living? Why is our identity associated with our job title as opposed to our personality or unique traits? Can you imagine the looks I would receive if after an initial introduction to someone, I asked them the question, “what makes you, you?” I tend to ask awkward questions to others already, so maybe this should become my new question in initial conversations.
It is especially hard for me to explain to others what I do. I am just going to say it straight up: I do weird things. Some people are doctors and lawyers, others are teachers and coaches, and many people work some sort of an office job. These are some of the jobs Americans do. Do you want to know what I do? I will tell you. I write songs, sing songs, play guitar, teach people about Jesus, record songs, make graphics, update web sites, put together student bands, teach said bands how to play music better, and sometimes make up gross games.
Sometimes people do not get what I do. So, in the spirit of online community, I thought it would be cool to slowly unveil the inner-workings of not only my job, but other things I do in a series of blog-tastic posts. Stay tuned friends.
summer gone
Really, where does this season go? It is as quick to leave as it is to arrive. Hopefully, everybody has had a somewhat restful, and productive summer.
I have not blogged much lately, but I am going to strive to be a better blogger. One reason I think I am not great at blogging is that I actually read few blogs. It is true. I simply am not aware of very many that I would actually enjoy following. That is where you come in, my four blog-readers. Give me some advice on some blogs I should be following that would inspire me to do the same.
To get things started, I will give you a blog that you should follow. It is my buddy Travis, who is currently traveling to every baseball stadium in the MLB. Check it out, he is an amazing photographer as well:
http://travismarak.wordpress.com/
Donald Miller Post
One of my favorite authors, Donald Miller, recently had a post on his blog in response to an article that was written about him. Apparently, the article stated some things that are unfactual concerning his stances and beliefs. I love Miller because I have always felt he is a guy that truly seeks after the truth and is refreshingly honest about issues. I completely relate to this post when it comes to whole liberal/conservative hype within the American church, because I have had plenty of friends on both sides and have never seen myself as being one or the other. Nevertheless, it is an interesting post.
Coffee
It has been brought to my attention that not all people see coffee shops as the “ideal” work environment. Of course, this is the first time I have ever heard a human being express this belief. I mean really, what is not to like about coffee shops.
First, there is the coffee. God’s caffeinated gift to the world. The only addiction accepted by all forms of society. Second, there is coffee-shop music. Always acoustic, always laid-back, always beckoning you to stay awhile, make yourself at home. Third and final, are the people. Everybody who comes to a coffee shop to study is automatically elevated in cool status. No questions, it’s an automatic bump in hipness.
Before you knock it, you have to try it. The next time you are in a rut at work or creatively, head to your nearest coffee shop, order up some tasty caffeine-induced treat, and get ready to enter your new zone.
P.S.: This post is brought to you by Conscious Cup located in Crystal Lake, IL. “Coffee so good, it makes your head hurt.”
What Is The Opposite Of “Instant”
People wiser than myself have repeatedly told me in my life that, “patience is a virtue.” I have never really doubted the truth of the claim because it seems to have proved itself many times in my life. Patience, combined with waiting has almost always seemed to reap benefits for me. Waiting brings unexpected learning, but only if one has the patience to bear it.
Lately I have been wondering if we are beginning to lose our ability to be patient, or at least see it as a virtue. Everything is instant in our world. Really, everything is. I know that I have started to lose my ability to be patient. If I do not get what I want, when I want it, I feel as if an injustice has been done to me.
The “instant” nature of our culture obviously gives us many benefits and advantages that other generations never had. However, I am just starting to wonder what we are losing by never having to wait or be patient for the things we desire.
Change All Over Again
So, Lori and I are moving again. Not far away this time, just a few miles to a new townhouse. I realized the other day that I have not lived in a house (dorm, apartment) for more than a year since I graduated high school, which was seven years ago now. Before that, I moved houses six different times with my family, assuming my calculations are correct. That’s roughly 13 moves, not counting the places I have lived in the summer.
Moving this much has undoubtedly shaped who I am. One of the main ways it has shaped me is that I love change. I thrive on it. I know many people would do anything to avoid change, but I seek it out. We are doing the whole packing, organizing, tearing down part right now, and I love it, minus the loading and unloading of huge furniture.
That being said, I still have a hard time believing that I have lived in Chicagoland for a whole year now! That’s crazy.
Best Dance Ever
I use to watch this all the time in college. This dude is like the “Rocky” of break-dancing. He comes out of nowhere and blows everybody’s mind! One of my favorite videos ever.
Nobody’s Happy
My cousin Ryan and I were talking about technology and how we take things for granted these days. I wanted to show him this, I know several of you have seen this, but it is pure genius.
