Being Busy

I always forget how busy Decembers get. For some reason my brain is in a loop that says December will be the light, breezy time of the year. My brain is wrong.

I hate it when people say that they are busy. Always seems to be a clever way of pointing out how important they are. However, I've noticed myself slipping into the habit... mostly due to the month.

Between year end at work, Christmas and personal functions. It's craziness!

All that to say this.

No matter how busy you are, where you have to drive, the food you need to cook, tires you need to change, gifts you need to find or deals you need to close. Take some time to just rest.

That might be going for a walk, watching a movie or just sitting with the Christmas lights on. Whatever it is, this time of year is too awesome to not take a minute to smell...er... the... snow...

Seriously. As counter productive as it seems. Taking a break can give you just the right amount of edge to wrap up the big time drainers.

At least this is what I've come to conclude over the last two weeks!

Beautiful

One of the best things about radio (and one of the reasons I was interested in it in the first place) is all the awesome songs that you get to experience.
There are so many talented artists that are producing great material.

It's overwhelming actually, and really easy to miss some of the gems.

That's the case with Beautiful. It's a worship song by Phil Wickham that came out a few years ago. It went right under my radar upon initial release. However, life finds a way.

A friend sent me the song a few weeks ago, I've been hooked ever since!

It really captures the adoration aspect of worship. Singing praises to God.

"I see your face in every sunrise, the colors of the morning are inside of your eyes"

Talk about poetic. Also, the whoo whoo whoos are a nice touch.

Hopefully you enjoy it as much as I have been!

A Different Take On Up

Up is one of my favourite movies. It really is a masterpiece from Pixar.

"But it's a kid's movie" you say. You have obviously never seen Up. Or any Pixar film really. A Bug's Life, Toy Story, Wall-e all deal with some heavy themes. Up? It tackles death and morning.

Ya... fun topics for a kid's movie!

Something else I love are parodies. Good ones. Anyone can make fun of something. But a good parody understands what makes the original great (or lame) and embraces that.

That's what this parody of Up does.

It takes the style of Michael Bay (a guy famous for using a lot of explosions and lens flares) and adds it to the sentimental Up.

I thought it was funny. Hope you do too.

Praying For Our Enemies

This week was a terrible week in Ottawa. There are a plethora of posts about it on Facebook by now. I won't go into the details, you've likely seen them already. If not, there are better educated people talking about it on-line.

However, I will say that I've been thinking a lot about Michael Zehaf Bibeau. The shooter. 

More specifically - His family.

When tragedy like this hits, our first response is to pray for the victim and their family. Which is good! Don't get me wrong. Not praying for them would be awful.

But what about the culprit? More specifically, what about his family?

If I was Michael's father, I would be a mess today. I probably wouldn't even be out of bed. You're full of grief at the lose of your son... and the horrible things he did minutes before his death. Man, I'm getting down just thinking about it.

Assisting the "enemy" is something that human nature tells us to not to do.

Then I read Matthew 5:43-45

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[a] and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

Yesh.

That's why I'm trying to see our enemies differently. Michael Zehaf Bibeau did a terrible thing. However, his family shouldn't suffer for it. 

Had he survived, I think I'd still be writing this. Though I would change it slightly. Pray for the family but also the culprit. How to pray, is beyond me. I guess that's why we have the Holy Spirit. When stuff like this happens and we don't have the words.

OK! That's was heavy. Happy post next week, promise!

Grocery Shopping

It's something that divides a lot of people. Some love it. Some hate it. Some haven't done it in their entire life. I enjoy it... until I get home and realize I forgot one obscure item.

Thankfully, that has improved recently. I generally leave with everything I need.

I just need to fix my second issue.

Running into people I know.

Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with running into friends or acquaintances at the store... except the timing.

Haven't washed your hair today? Wearing track pants because you just had to "quickly run to the store"? In a hurry? You are guaranteed to run into someone.

It's also usually someone that hasn't seen you in a while and wants to catch up.

The worst is when you are in a hurry. A few weeks back I was at the conveyor belt when I realized cheese was on sale. Since I don't want a mortgage, I usually buy cheese when it's on sale.
So, it was off to dairy as fast as possible. Of course, in the process, you bump into someone. Then you have to look like a jerk as you say "hi" while running in the opposite direction.

Really, I'm in a rush... it's not you it's me.

Thursday, it was a different story. I was getting some stuff for the food bank and saw someone from a distance. Not only was I wearing house stuff... I had a shopping cart full of beans. While I do like beans... I don't like them that much.

So I avoided them. Least I look like a bean obsessed foodie.

I realized how trivial these concerns are in the grand scheme of life... However, when they happen, the last thing they seem is trivial.

Thanksgiving

I've been thinking a lot about Thanksgiving recently. Probably because it's this weekend. Also because I have a thing for turkey, potatoes and gravy followed by a slab of pumpkin cheese cake (you only live once... hence the slab).

Along with the fantasies of my plate stacked with perfection in bird form, I've been thinking about the food bank.

I know, talk about having two opposing thoughts.

We are so blessed to be able to have Thanksgiving meals. Some people flat out can't. They aren't even necessary "poor" either.

I knew someone that had a job... that was just making ends meet. That was it. They couldn't get any more work due to personal reasons (single parent). Thanksgiving would have been a luxury at that time in their life. Thankfully, the food bank was there for them.

The store I do most of my grocery shopping at has a drop off bin... that I've never even noticed before. How many other people walk past it? What would happen if everyone saw it and put food in it?

If you enjoy Thanksgiving, I want to challenge you to share that joy with others. Take something to one of the drop boxes. Pop a donation off to your local chapter. Whatever. Do it for the poor, the ones going through hard times or just because it's the right thing to do.

Also - HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!

P.S - That picture has me even more excited about Sunday...

Scotch Peppers

As mentioned in a previous blog. I like spice.

A lot.

The same goes for cooking.

I recently discovered Scotch Bonnet Peppers. They were listed on a handy chart in the grocery store as being one down from Ghost Peppers (the hottest pepper known to man). PERFECT!

Suffice it to say, Scotch Peppers began cropping up in a lot of my cooking endeavours. Especially when the recipe needed some extra... kick.

Making rice? Cook them with Scotch Peppers. Need burgers with some flavour? Fry 'em up with Scotch Peppers!

Of course, this is beginning to sound like a horror film. The main character has discovered something that brings them joy. However, soon it will deliver great pain and horror!

That climax of terror happened last Sunday. It was chilli day. Not that I have a chilli day... I was just making chilli that day....

While chopping some red onions (which was like reading a Nicholas Sparks novel) I whipped some tears out of my eyes.

Mistake.

Immediately, I couldn't see. Searing pain covered my eyes. The tears came like a flood (much like watching a Nicolas Sparks movie). I couldn't open my eyes.

Great. There go my retinas. I've ruined myself forever. All that is floating through my mind as I pour litre after litre of water on my swelling eyes.

Eventually, I realized I could in fact open my eyes. I just had to hold them open to convince my brain of that.

Why did that happen? I had been chopping Scotch Bonnet Peppers right before cutting the onion.

Moral - Don't touch your eyes when cooking.

Violated

I had a rude surprise awaiting me this morning. No, it wasn't a mess made by my cat (if it was, it would have been a shock. I don't have a cat). Wasn't some sort of dilemma facing my young child (same deal as the cat).

It was an open glove compartment in my car.

I know that doesn't sound like a big deal, but I never use my glove compartment. Ever. Why would it be open?

Better question. Why were the contents of said glove box and all other compartments... strewn all over the passenger seat?

Answer - I forgot to lock my doors the night before.

Someone decided they would "break in" (using the term loosely here) for the $1.50 I had. Thankfully, they only took the money (however, left the nice collection of pennies I haven't figured out what to do with... drat!).

I felt a lot of things when I realized what had happened.

Fear - Was this person still there? Were they watching me?

Concern - What was gone? Was it really just the money?

Worry About Being Late For Work - Great, now I have a mess to clean up before I leave for work.

Anger - They guy (or gal) could have at least cleaned up. Maybe left a note.
I'm not kidding either. I would have been less mad if they had said "Sorry, need bus fare, girlfriend left me. Thanks for the change."
I don't mind helping someone out (them stealing isn't cool, but at least I wouldn't have the nagging "why?")

Violated - This is the only feeling that I still have. This person walked up to my car, threw the door open and started going through my stuff. It's in the past. I can't do anything about it. I didn't even know it happened until this morning.

There's no real resolve to this post. I wish there was. However, I don't even have one.

It just sucks. Flat out. I know this post has a bit of a joking tone, but that's the only way I can get any relief out of the story. Trying to find the humour.

Keep your doors locked. That's all I can say.

Chris Bray - As I Fall

A couple weeks ago I had the chance to shoot another music video. This time with Chris Bray.

I had wanted to work with him for a while, we just couldn't line our schedules up! Thankfully we were able to, I'm so glad we did.

The church scenes were shot at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Barrie. What an awesome location. It was a real blessing to be able to use there sanctuary. The natural colours and lighting made it extra special.

The best part of the day (and trust me, the sets were a huge blessing) was our leading lady Shannon.

She didn't have any acting experience going in, but gave it her all and was more than willing to take direction. She even took her sandals off while walking on gravel to keep the look going. Ouch!

Hopefully you enjoy watching it as much as we did making it!

Bedside Tables

I moved half a year ago. It was one of the first major moves of my adult life. It was a really exciting time.

One of the loses with the move was some minor furniture. Namely, a bedside table.

Thankfully, I had some family that was downsizing with a bedside table to spare. Perfect.
The catch? I'd have to wait till September.

No problem... right?

I have the bedside table now.

I don't know how I lived half a year without one.

This has been a pretty ridiculous blog so far. It's not going to get any better. Sorry.

As much as I've loved the new apartment, the location, proximity to work. Everything. Something has been missing. That something was literally a bedside table.

You don't realize how much we are creatures of comfort until one of those comforts is gone... then returned.

There are people starving in the world and I "need" a bedside table. Fantastic.

It isn't even that useful really. It holds my Bible, has a lamp... box of tissues... that's about it. Yet, things are complete now. Weird.

Couch? Meh. T.V? Can live without it. Microwave? Don't own one. Bedside Table? A necessity.
Something important must have happened in my childhood involving a bedside table.

What's your "must have" comfort item?

A New Christ[mas]ian Movie

Some times my day starts with a lot of emails. Other times, I'm met with a bunch of things that need to be looked after ASAP. Others I'm greeted with the horrid feeling of realizing I left my lunch neatly packed by my door.

Today I was greeted with this.

My face melted into a cross between awe and wonder. Then to confusion. Was this some sort of awesome joke? Is that really Kirk Cameron exploding through a Christmas tree welding a candy cane and a manger?

Yes. It is.

Could this possibly be a real film and not some sort of twisted dream and/or parody?

It exists.

Is there a trailer for this sure to be wondrous film?

There is.




I honestly don't know what to think about any of this. Which is rare for me. Is the movie a documentary with a story? A drama? Over the top action?

It seems to have a bit of an irreverent tone too, which is also odd. Whether or not this makes it to the watch list has yet to be determined, however, I shall always cherish the memory of first seeing that poster.

What do you think? Watch? Pass?

To Kill A Mocking Bird

I went through Christian education. It's was great, but because of that, most of the books I read in highschool aren't the same ones you did.

Catcher in the Rye? Nope. Nineteen Eighty Four? Nada. Animal Farm. Yes actually, I did... but that was more because my Mom had a copy and I wanted to give it a read.

I've been working through some "classics" recently. To Kill A Mocking Bird was at the top of my list. 

Good thing it was too -- It's awesome.

I'm also glad I didn't read it in high school. It wouldn't have meant as much. 

If you missed out on this gem, it's about childhood. Sure, there's a court case and racial tensions and drama. However, it's not about that. It's about growing up. Kids living in an adult world. 

The thing that sells it for me, is how believable the whole thing is. Kids really would interpreter situations the way the kids in Mocking Bird do.

They would dare each other to touch the scary house, make up stories about why the cranky old lady down the road is cranky and would notice when stuff isn't right.

I loved it.

That being said, there is some mild language. FYI.

Next up - The Giver. What's a book you've really enjoyed?

Preparing For The 15th Anniversary

I'm really excited about Saturday. It's the 15th Anniversary of LIFE 100.3. I don't think it's hit me 100% yet. But, I can feel my sentiments growing.

LIFE has been a huge part of my LIFE for at least 10 years. Maybe longer. I'm not really sure when I started listening, but I have been hooked ever since.

I don't have any launch stories to share, but I have a bit of a fun one from the 10th Anniversary.

The decision to go was kinda last minute (*cough*thenightbefore*cough*). So a friend of mine, my Mom and I piled into our car and made the trek to Barrie. The show had been sold out for months. We were standing almost at the front of the line... without tickets.

As the line began to grow, we started asking people if they had extra tickets to sell. Sure enough, we managed to get everyone in! I don't recommend trying this at sold out shows. We were blessed it worked. If you can, just buy them in advance!

I remember the show really well. The lights, the booming sound at Emmanuel Baptist in Barrie.
Lincoln Brewster was the headliner. He was fantastic. If you've never seen him, he's a worship leader with a Mohawk and a habit of doing a lot of guitar solos in the middle of his worship set.

My favorite part, however was looking over at the LIFE staff and thinking "Man, I wish I was over there".

5 years later, I will be! Even as I type that, I'm reminded how blessed I am to be a part of this ministry.

O.K. Enough mushy gushy.

See you at the show with Peter Furler and Chris Bray!

Ordering Online

I order a lot of stuff on-line. I shop local too, but when it comes to custom art prints and discount music/video gear, the interwebs are the way to go!

With all that being said, I generally place my order and wait... with my breath held. It's sorta like when you were a kid and sent a bunch of cereal boxes back to the company to get a prize. You wait everyday for the mail. Sure, my adult brain knows there's no possible way the package will come that fast.... but I still hold out hope.

Recently I ordered a Steadicam (thing that prevents your camera from shaking while you move it). Once everything was said and done, they gave me something I've never had before. A working tracking number!

Normally these things only tell you when the package ships and when it arrives at Canada Post. Turns out UPS will tell you what the actual status of the delivery is. I've been following my glorious box of joy from South Carolina. Checking 5-8 times a day on my phone... I feel like a kid.

Do you ever get that excited over the mail?

1000 Islands Tour

Over the weekend I had the chance to check out the 1000 Islands (which I learned is marketing speak for the 1,864 Islands. Close enough).

Aside from being flat out beautiful (some of the nicest vistas I've seen outside of Muskoka). It's also got some really cool touristy stuff to do.

We went on the 1000 Islands Tower. It's 40 storeys high. Did I mention I had a fear of heights growing up? Thankfully, I think God has helped me deal with most of that... it's still there a little though...

From the top, you can see everything! It really is hard to describe just how beautiful it actually is. You really should check it out.

 

This is the view from the top (above). The picture of the ground is my favourite though. If you look really close, the speck next to the grey SUV/ Van is a person too scared to come up! I don't think the picture quite does the "butterflies in the stomach" feeling justice. But, that's the closest we can get.

After we spent some time in the realm of birds, we returned to the ground and then hit the water on a 1 hour cruise. 

I loved the scenery, but I might have liked the houses more. Some really creative architecture. I guess if you are living on a private island, you have the cash for a fancy house and well landscaped lawn. One of the houses had a bridge to a very tiny island. The house is in Canada and the island is in the U.S.A. There's a conversation piece!

All in all, I can't recommend a trip to the 1000 Islands enough!

Being A Good Friend

I love going to church. I love the worship, the sermon, the fellowship before and after. LOVE IT! That being said there are some days where it just doesn't click. You can ask me 30 seconds after the sermon ends what it was about... I couldn't tell you to save my life! It's not that I don't pay attention, I guess it just doesn't hit me.

This Sunday wasn't one of those sermons!

I was visiting a local church. The pastor was speaking on 1 Samuel. Talking about the friendship between Jonathan and David. 

It's changed the way I see them.

I always saw them as being good friends, but I never considered what that looked like.

In 1 Samuel 23:17 we seen a distressed David. Saul is trying to kill him. Jonathan (Saul's son) is there, trying to bring him some comfort.

What does he do? He reminds David of God's promise. David will be king. He could've given a generic "it'll all work out." He didn't though. Instead he talked to David where he was at.

That was the first thing that hit me.

The second was how Jonathan really is the hero of the story. He's there for David while his father is trying to kill him. Not only that, he's stepping aside so that David can be king. Jonathan is basically giving up his birth right. He's following God's plan even though it is going to cost him everything.

I wonder if I would do that. Would I be willing to lay my reputation, financial security or even life on the line for a friend if God asked me to? I'd like to think so. But thinking and doing are two very different things!

That's what I'm thinking about today. I'll likely be thinking about it for a while. It's inspired me to rethink how I treat friendships. How we as the body of Christ should look. Hopefully it does the same for you!

But....

It could just be me or it could be a trend. I'm not sure, but "but" seems to be the scapegoat of the English language.

Think about it.

You're enjoying a nice lunch with a friend. They look at you and say something along the lines of "I don't want to offend you but...". The words that follow after the ... are brutal. This friend doesn't mince words. They just say what they want (which is quite offensive) and then go back to their lunch. You want to say something back, but you can't technically. They "didn't want to offend you." You've lost the argument before it even started.

People do it with racist comments too. I'm not racist but... ya...

Maybe I'm just on the net too much. I keep seeing it and hearing it though.

I get that we do need to be frank and up front with each other sometimes, but shouldn't we still try to be tactful? If we really don't want to offend someone and still need to rebuke them, shouldn't we just say what the problem is?

I can't think of the scripture where Jesus says - Hey guys, don't want to offend you, but you are a bunch of white washed tombs.

Maybe I'm over thinking this.

And before you ask, no, I wasn't recently having lunch with a friend. I just needed an example!

I'm Back

Last week, after spending four months in Production, I returned to the air!

I love the Production department. It's a lot of fun and allows me to flex some creative mental muscles I don't normally get to. That being said, it's fun being back on the air.

What's been a bit of a challenge is the new shift. I was apart of The Slam for close to (if not over) 3 years. Terry Molinaro has since taken the reigns and is doing a fantastic job with the show. I'm glad he has it. I get to listen to it now!

Instead of The Slam, I'm on "Drive". That's the fancy way to say 4:30-7:00 in radio lingo. It's strange to go from the routine of The Slam (and all it's idiosyncrasies) to a new slot. But, change is good! It keeps you on your toes. I get to learn all the quirks and ticks of a new slot. Bring it!

I'm also loving the new hours. The Slam was cool because, you can sleep in (everyday), do whatever for the afternoon then go to work. In Production, things were different.... No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't go to sleep before 11:00. Generally I wouldn't be able to until 12:00 or even 1:00. It was frustrating. Especially getting up at 6:00-6:30. With a sleep schedule like that, I might as well have a kid!

This new shift is the best of both worlds. Start at 11:00 go till 7:00. Love it!

On-Air With Manafest

New things are good and bad. 

The bad is - something has to change for it to become new. Change can be scary. But the good part is that you get something fresh. Something that you never would have experienced before hand.

Saturday nights on LIFE are changing.

We've got a new show called On-Air With Manafest. There's no hidden meaning in the title. It's literally a show hosted by Manafest.

It's also awesome.

Seriously. It is. I'm not just saying that as an employee, I'm saying it as a fan of music and radio.

Starting at 9:00, Manafest takes over for 2 hours. He plays some of his favorite songs, tells some stories and gives some insights into the life of a touring musician. 

If you are a fan of music or Manafest (or just like to be entertained), check it! You'll be glad you did.

Superbowl Ads

The Superbowl happened last week. For sports fans, it's 4 hours of intense football (well... NORMALLY it's intense...). For non-sports fans, it's 4 hours of nachos, pizza and dip. Plus if you're in the States, you also get 4 hours of creative marketing.

You and I don't live in the states. However, the internet still provides all the commercials we could possibly need!

Here's my Top 4 (cause Top 5 lists are too mainstream)

#4 - Chobani Yogurt 

I've never eaten or even heard of Chobani Yogurt before. This commercial has changed that! Plus, bear.



#3 - The Truth (Kia)

The Truth is, Kia knows how to make a car commercial. This is funnier if you know a bit about The Matrix.



#2 - Tim Tebow

Not only is Tim Tebow poking fun at the fact he's suto unemployed, it's just plain ridiculous.



#1 - Doritos

I haven't laughed as hard at a video since What Did The Fox Say. This had me in stitches for minutes. It's a 30 second commercial.

Sledding

I've always loved it. Ever since I was a kid. Even though I have a real job, real responsibilities and am supposed to be mature. I still go sledding.

For the uninitiated, it's basically snow tubing... without the tube. Not as much balance required as snowboarding, not as many pieces as skiing. Just you sitting on a board with snow blowing in your face.

It's even better with friends. Which is usually the only time I do it. There's nothing like a bunch of 20 somethings hitting up a hill on a cold day and acting like they're 5.

It's a rush. Plus, this winter has made things perfect. Just remember to wear a hat... and boots. Things go south pretty quick otherwise.

Video Of The Year

I know, I know... lofty statement to make.
However, the year is still young enough to say stuff like that and get away with it.

And with that in mind, we get to enjoy this piece of comic gold. It's so perfect, you'd almost think it's staged!



And that my friends, is how to fall through a roof. With dignity, poise and style.

Best of 2013

Every year I do a music count down. I like doing it, but I also like to shake things up. So, this time round I'm going to do an everything count down.

That's right. Everything.

Favourite CD - The Almost - Fear Inside Our Bones

I love The Almost. It's rock music the way rock should be done! Fear Inside Our Bones wasn't as big a home run for me that Monster was, but it was still awesome. From the southern sound of I'm Down to the creativity that was displayed on Ghost, solid listen.

Favourite CD (That didn't come out this year) - FM Static - Dear Diary

This album is awesome! I feel like I would like it more if I first heard it while in highschool, but it's still a great listen/concept album. Really, if you want an example of how to do a concept album (telling a story throughout the disk) this should be your first stop. Paper Route's entire collection, vintage dc Talk, Newsboys and House of Heroes also got lots of play.

Favourite Movie (In Theater) - Gravity

I almost said Iron Man 3. I thought it was a great action/superhero film. But then Gravity came out. It's the first movie I've seen in 3D, and didn't regret seeing it in 3D. I normally hate 3D. Gravity changed my mind. It's a ride! An hour and a half film that feels more like 45 minutes. My only concern is it wont be as good on the small screen. You know, without the mammoth screen and 200 speaker surround sound...

Favourite Movie (Not in theatres) - Princess Bride

I loved it as a kid, but hadn't seen it in years. That changed over the summer. Then I remembered why I loved it so much. I actually like it more now. I get it now. Before it was funny looking people saying big words. Now I see the clever writing, great plot and genera bending. Adds a lot to the experience. Breach and Pride and Prejudice (don't judge me) also make the list.

Favourite Thing I Did - Earthquake/ Walk Away

I shot two music videos in 2013! To top that would take a lot! It's not too often you can check something off your bucket list twice. I kinda like the video for Walk Away a little more... but still love Earthquake. Close runners up were going to the Dove Awards, The Covenant Awards, Nashville and Kingdom Bound. Plus starting at a new church and beginning a new position at LIFE 100.3. Whooo! Busy year!

Resolutions

I tend to do them every year. They're never really "you must do this or else." I have found that tends to fail. I prefer to have loose goals. Don't hit it by the end of the year? At least you tried and learned.

One thing that I always forget to do is write them down in a place I will look a lot. 3 months from now my list of goals will be different due to losing the list and having to re-write... maybe I should make that a resolution... not losing my resolutions!

This year most of my resolutions are
professional or hobby related. Becoming a better audio producer, video editor/director/camera man, guitarist. It's actually a long list. Good thing I have 12 months.

And after almost $300 in windshield wiper repair, I'm tempted to take an automotive repair course.... stupid freezing rain.

What about you? What are you resolving to do this year?