RKdrumdude

"A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out."

2009-08-09T10:10:00.000-07:00

Wow..that is a pretty big quote.
What I am finding out about California and moving when I am over 40 is that I have left all of my friends behind for my family. There will never be better friends than I have already had for the last 30 years in Michigan. I have worn my heart on my sleeve my whole life and it is callused and bruised but I have band aids and thread to stitch up the deep cuts and have developed moving on techniques and learned not to look back. I care about people...that's how I roll. I guess "it is what it is". I believe we get one time in this world to make a difference and show feelings and have fun and do good things for people. I do my best to share my musical talent and share my sense of humor and I live for good conversation with people I don't know as well as those I do know. Maybe I am too busy doing my best to be a father...maybe I am too busy at life to really apply myself 100% to friendship and maybe I shouldn't worry about people so much and maybe I shouldn't care so much if my friends are safe and OK.
I consider myself to not judge people for anything...I really try to just roll on and make a difference in this world. I might share feelings with a stranger expecting an opinion or maybe a different viewpoint and maybe I expect them to do the same with me...I like the way people look at things differently and I enjoy talking that in as an advantage in life and issues.
That's my take on friendship..and I miss my friends I have lost.

This Ain't Livin'

2009-07-29T18:28:00.000-07:00

I want to do a sitcom for the homeless..a makeover that is positive..not a sad story of why they are there or how they got there but a new beginning for them...find one for me that wants to work in this society of greed and money hungry corporate executives. Even in the music world they throw a dog a bone sometimes...being at the right place at the right time or just plain who you know. Makes me kinda sick what this world has become but life goes on.
I have been unemployed for the first time in 24 years. I have been job searching for the last 3 months..I have had offers of minimum wage and commission only..I have haggled on benefits and tried to get half my worth to be shot down in flames. I leave and do my best to keep my chin up ..I am a fighter...I am a survivor..when I get knocked down I just get stronger and come up swinging.
Music makes me happy..people make me happy..making people happy by playing music I play is a dream come true...but nobody hires musicians..unless you can make them rich and then they just take it from you or pretend they are your friend in order to take everything you worked hard to get. My bud Dave Munoz and myself are going to change that.
We are in the process of making a cd that will turn into a business..we will accept money from people because they like our music and because they enjoy what we do even more than we do(which is hard to believe).
Sit tight my friends...I am determined to be one of the rare american people who enjoys what they do for a living..and living will be good in this guys future.
I continue my job search and continue to blow them away on my interviews to get callbacks telling me how good I am and how bad they want me to work there...but I don't work anywhere for free..and I will not settle like I have in the past. I don't expect anything other than fairness.
Unemployment is pitiful and insurance is NIL....but I am determined to make things better...watch me.

Blogging days are over

2008-09-04T18:05:00.001-07:00

I can be found on facebook or myspace or my bands website posted at right... I thoroughly enjoyed blogging but can't seem to find the time to maintain all of my online accounts and stories. I wish you all the best and keep in contact with me on the following links.

Peace Out,
RKDrumdude

Let's get it on.

2008-06-21T16:47:00.000-07:00

Crazy days and the beach..it doesn't get any better. We have a couple media/film projects going on with our material. Seems our cd went over quite well. We are getting some airplay and our material is selling pretty good for the college crowd because it doesn't clog your brain with lyrics and it's good with the hooka crowd.
DJ and G graduated last week and are totally looking forward to next year and school. Everything here is going great. We miss our MI and Illinois peeps..but if we can afford to come home with three kids..we think some of you can afford to come out here to see us. The wife and I are working hard and when I'm not working I'm watching my kids grow up at the beaches and parks and zoos and Seaworld. We are on first name basis with Shamu and we know how to get food in the park and how to get $4.00 beverages and free parking...rare at Seaworld.
We continue to learn budgeting secrets from the locals and what restaurants have happy hours and what days and hours to go for the best prices....bargain bargain bargain.
Found a cool website called phonezoo..check it out for ringtones..my kids are into the Webkinz thing and I find myself limited to using my PC less now than ever..anybody know where I can get a good cheap laptop?
We purchased Dazzle DVD recording equipment last week for Fathers Day so those of you in Michigan should be expecting a DVD of us in San Diego soon.
It should be full of humor and bars and beach and scenic views around SD. I figured no one would ever come out and visit..so we will send you a DVD so you can see what fun you are missing.
It's summertime and the beaches are starting to get busier and we seem to be booking some more venues. The wife is building some clientèle at her work and things are going well for the most part...as far as I can tell the cost of living out here is compensated by not having to pay for heat or air conditioning..but the whole down jacket, scarf ,glove ,cold thing is pretty well balanced out with all the sunscreen we have to buy to put on the kids.

Peace Out,
RK

Mountain Man

2008-04-03T17:50:00.000-07:00

ADVICE FROM AN OLD TENNESSEE MOUNTAIN MAN

Your fences need to be Horse-high, pig-tight And bull-strong.

Keep skunks And bankers And lawyers at a distance.

Life is simpler when you plow Around the stump.

A bumble bee is considerably faster than A John Deere tractor.

Words that soak into your ears are whispered... Not yelled.

Meanness Don't jes' Happen Overnight.

Forgive your enemies. It messes up Their heads.

Do not corner something That you know is Meaner than you.

It don't take A very big person To carry a grudge.

You cannot unsay A cruel, Or unkind word.

Every path has A few puddles.

When you wallow with pigs, Expect to get dirty.

The best sermons Are lived, Not preached.

Most of the stuff People worry about ain't never gonna happen anyway.

Don't judge folks By their relatives.

Remember that silence Is sometimes The best answer.

Live a good, Honorable life. Then when you get older and think back,

You'll enjoy it A second time.

Don't interfere With somethin' That ain't botherin' You none.

Timing has A lot to do with The outcome Of a rain dance.

If you find yourself In a hole, The first thing to do is stop diggin'.

Sometimes you get, And sometimes You get got.

The biggest troublemaker You'll probably ever have to deal with,
watches you from the mirror every mornin'.

Always drink Upstream From the herd.

Good judgment comes from Experience, and a lotta that comes from Bad judgment.

Lettin' the cat Outta the bag is a whole lot easier Than puttin' it back in.

If you get to thinkin' You're a person Of some influence, Try orderin' Somebody else's Dog around.

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest Up to God.

Thought I'd share this one..had some meaningful words I thought might be a bit beneficial to all of us.

Hey You

2008-01-27T08:45:00.000-08:00

Wow,
It's been awhile since I last posted..I'll try to make a long story short.
The whole family went home to G.H. and had a blast with our MI Peeps and our families...we got enough snow and cold weather to last us for another year or two. We totally are waiting for some visitors to come out to see us in the near future.
The wife is digging her job and the kids are getting used to Cali living...the band is starting to take off and our first full length CD should be out at the end of March 08.
Currently it is raining outside... we don't get precipitation here much...so when we do it's good.
The Wii we purchased before Christmas has totally paid of as a major bargaining tool for our children..I know some individuals out there in blogworld don't agree with the whole "My kid plays video games" and stuff...but let me tell you..they have improved in school because if they don't.. they don't get to play with the Wii. I now think of it as my card up my sleeve when it comes to the nitty gritty.
We are also down to the one-time rule...when I tell the kids something one time it has to be acted upon by an action or a reply(we are still working on that one). I thought of how much time a day we spend repeating ourselves to our children because they don't or choose not to listen...it would make our days longer if they did. It's like basic training all over again.
Well I have become a Wii father also and spend some time on Medal of Honor Heroes online playing. Good times playing capture the flag in a village with 32 people on each side. Don't know why I prefer the sniper weapons..but always feels good to shoot people from a distance and they don't know where you are...it has some pretty good hiding places but you have to move around because they show where you are to the individual after the kill has taken place...it's funny after you shoot the same person about 6 or 7 times they tend to get a little "bent" and start doing the kamikaze thing to you. Challenging and very fun.
Well it's early and I have to go feed my kids and do the Sunday routine.
A big shout out to all my MI (and Illinois)PEEPS...hope you enjoyed the pics as much as we did!! We miss you all and are looking forward to some visitors soon so save your funds and come see us!!!

Ciao',
RK

Hey Mambo!

2007-10-21T19:27:00.000-07:00

This picture was taken at Buca di Beppos www.bucadibeppo.com .
We ate there tonight in the kitchen..we made reservations about 3 weekes ago to get a specific table for five that sits right in the middle of the kitchen area..it's funny because they give tours and walk people through this area and Delaney and Garret and Payton are like, "Hey, How's it goin?" It was a good time...tiramisu was awesome and the meatballs are the best I've ever had. When we get visitors this is where we'll take them for sure...awesome food and great service...a good find.
O.k. The Professors are in the studio for the remainder of this month and probably the beginning of the next month creating and producing a full length CD...they will be for sale online and through mail order when they are done. I will notify all of my blog readers where and when to purchase when the time comes if they are interested in purchasing one.
Hmmm, not a whole lot going on...working for the weekends, Michelle is digging her new place of employment..kids are alright.
Had a chance to get a free Westy but declined due to the three kids no room in the car thing. I had lived in Michigan for about 27 years and never, ever, ever had a problem with fleas. We have an inside cat that is as healthy and as fun as the first day we bought her about 10 years ago. A couple weeks ago we saw she had a bug on her..a mite or something..then we started to get bites on our feet...O.k. fleas...so we gave her a bath...then another and we bought powder and spray and did the whole house..vaccummed, changed the bedding. Sounds good right? NOT. Our apartment was infested with fleas so we bought some fogger flea bombs from hartz, thinking that would work..NOT. O.k now I'm a bit ticked off and sick to my stomach because we have fleas and can't seem to get rid of them. We bombed three times thinking that would kill these little buggers but nope....saw a live one today...RRRRRRR If anyone has any solutions besides setting fire to our apartment and then rebuilding please comment and let us know.
That's all I have to say right now...will blog more later...sorry the pic is grainy..took it with my new chocolate phone.
Feel free to comment on some photo ideas and names for our new cd.
Watch out 4 fleas,
RKDrumdude

Once in a lifetime

2007-09-13T18:17:00.000-07:00

And you may find yourself living in a shotgun shack
And you may find yourself in another part of the world
And you may find yourself behind the wheel of a large automobile
And you may find yourself in a beautiful house, with a beautiful
Wife
And you may ask yourself-well...how did I get here?

Letting the days go by/let the water hold me down
Letting the days go by/water flowing underground
Into the blue again/after the moneys gone
Once in a lifetime/water flowing underground.

And you may ask yourself
How do I work this?
And you may ask yourself
Where is that large automobile?
And you may tell yourself
This is not my beautiful house!
And you may tell yourself
This is not my beautiful wife!

Letting the days go by/let the water hold me down
Letting the days go by/water flowing underground
Into the blue again/after the moneys gone
Once in a lifetime/water flowing underground.

Same as it ever was...same as it ever was...same as it ever was...
Same as it ever was...same as it ever was...same as it ever was...
Same as it ever was...same as it ever was...

Water dissolving...and water removing
There is water at the bottom of the ocean
Carry the water at the bottom of the ocean
Remove the water at the bottom of the ocean!

Letting the days go by/let the water hold me down
Letting the days go by/water flowing underground
Into the blue again/in the silent water
Under the rocks and stones/there is water underground.

Letting the days go by/let the water hold me down
Letting the days go by/water flowing underground
Into the blue again/after the moneys gone
Once in a lifetime/water flowing underground.

And you may ask yourself
What is that beautiful house?
And you may ask yourself
Where does that highway go?
And you may ask yourself
Am I right? ...am I wrong?
And you may tell yourself
My god!...what have I done?

Letting the days go by/let the water hold me down
Letting the days go by/water flowing underground
Into the blue again/in the silent water
Under the rocks and stones/there is water underground.

Letting the days go by/let the water hold me down
Letting the days go by/water flowing underground
Into the blue again/after the moneys gone
Once in a lifetime/water flowing underground.

Same as it ever was...same as it ever was...same as it ever was...
Same as it ever was...same as it ever was...same as it ever was...
Same as it ever was...same as it ever was...

So here I am in Sunny California with a pretty cool job,
my manager is way cool, and the pay is alot better...it is so hard not to look back at all we had and all we did. But then I think..if I hadn't come out here I would've never known huh?
So the day turns and I realize that for every door that closes another one opens.
I'm getting pretty good at sales and my skin grows thicker..I now keep my heart in a box in my bedroom and took it off my sleeve. The Professors are doing well and intending to go to the studio soon for a full length CD.. I will be shipping them out to family and friends in Michigan when they are through. Don't know what the cost will be yet..depends on studio cost and production cost.
That about covers it...taking kids to the beach or the park or the zoo..Delaney and Garrett are in an after school program that does different sports and scavenger hunts about everyday. Going to sign Garrett up for Jujitsu soon and Delaney is going to take tennis lessons. Payton is growing up at an alarming rate..I wish she could stay little forever...she'll be 3 in a week. Michelle started a job in a new salon that totally rocks..she started last week and already has like 9 new clients I believe. We are ready for some visitors whenever you want to come see us.
I am so homesick that I am kinda going insane a bit...it sucks when this blog, trivia and mcsites are the only lifeline to the best friends in the world. I never ever think about home because it makes me crazy... I get all bummed out thinking I should've never left which brings me back to
if I didn't I would've never known thing. I guess we go forward from here..keep your eyes on the prize..when I lock down a couple monster deals we will come home and visit...until then...we are over here wishing we were over there..and you guys are over there wishing we weren't over here. Great song title..I'll work on that.
We still miss everyone at home more than ever...We are settling in but it's because we have to not because we want to.
Take care and for those of you I play trivia with...I'd rather be playing at a table across from you so I could smack you in the liver when you beat me by 4 seconds.

Show Me The Way

2007-07-17T09:16:00.000-07:00

I wonder how you're feeling.There's ringing in my ears.And no one to relate to, 'cept the sea.Who can I believe in,I'm kneeling on the floor.There has to be a force; who do I phone.The stars are out and shining, but all I really want to know.Oh won't you... show me the way.I want you ...show me the way.Well, I can see no reason,You're living on your nerves.When someone drops a cup and I submerge.I'm swimming in a circle.I feel I'm going down.There has to be a fool to play my part.Well someone thought of healing, but all I really want to know,Oh won't you show me the way (every day).I want you... show me the way.I want you... day after day.I wonder if I'm dreaming,I feel so unashamed.I can't believe this is happening... to me.I watch you when you're sleeping, and then I want to take your love.Oh won't you... show me the way (every day).I want you... show me the way (one more time).I want you... day after day.Oh won't you... show me the way (every day).I want you... show me the way (night and day).I want you... day after day.

One of the best songs ever...I remember the posters on my sisters wall of Andy Gibb and Bobby Goldsboro and Peter Frampton. I remember my wall was full of pics of Kristy MCnichol and Farah Fawcwett and Tatum O'neal. I remember Vic had a pic of Mohammed Ali in his bedroom.

It's funny how you remeber stuff that you thought you'd forget or you thought wasn't important at the time. It always goes around like one big circle. I wonder if we forget more than we learn in a lifetime or if we just choose not to remember. It is aparent to me or so it feels like the best years of my life are in the past...it seems everything I did that was fun and effortless was taken for granted and I find myself struggling with more issues and problems and things I have never had to deal with before. Is this the struggle of growing old? Is it not as fun as you make it or as fun as it gets? Life goes on and rather than view history I tend to make it. It is our footprint that will be history..it's not the kings and queens of yesterday..we are making history right now...or just then.

I just want...hmmmm that is huge...where in our lives to we become totally at peace and at ease? When do the problems and struggles and issues go away? Is it always going to be a battle to find peace? Or is that what you have when the lights go out and you get to rest your weary head and make room for tommorrows fun and problems.

A new day is tomorrow..live everyday and take every day one step at a time..it's the only way to do it. Appreciate EVERYTHING you have because you are grateful not because you earned it. Don't dwell on problems....solve them and get to the good parts.

Peace Out God Bless,

RKDRUMDUDE

These Are a Few Of My Favorite Things

2007-06-17T09:40:00.000-07:00

So why is it on Mothers Day You take the kids to give mom a break, and on Fathers Day you get to spend the day with the kids?
What a great show last night at The Zombie Lounge. The Professors opened up for The Infants, The Hot Rod Trio, and The Buzzbombs...good times. We did a 45 min HIGH ENERGY SET that would've brought Richard Simmons into cardiac arrest. It was fun it was fast it was all good.
So who is coming out to San Diego to see us? We are in desperate need for poker and card playing and just good friendship bonding stuff. I'm shouting out to all my MI peeps saying....head west to see yer buds!
Not much going on here...working and playing with the kids...hanging at the beaches or the SD Zoo. Still a cool breeze blowing @ 70 degrees. Don't know if we are going to make it home for Coast Guard..seems everytime we save up some cash something comes up to deplete it as fast as we save...I am thinking that is the american way.

We miss all our MI Peeps..hope all the Fathers out there have a great day.
Busy times right now...will blog a big one later.

Peace Out,
RKDrumdude

Proud to be an American

2007-05-24T15:38:00.001-07:00

patriotismOne entry found for patriotism.
Main Entry: pa·tri·ot·ism Pronunciation: 'pA-trE-&-"ti-z&m, chiefly British 'pa-Function: noun: love for or devotion to one's country.

RKDrumdude steps out from the backstage and approaches the podium and speaks;

My blood is red white and blue. Not because I served in the Army for four years..not because my father and father-in-law served in the marines...not because of the war in Iraq..not because I don't care for politics..I am an AMERICAN with a capital A.

So many people who are AMERICANS bash the USA. I saw a bumpersticker the other day that read BUSH and the S was a swastika. C'mon people he's just a man that represents our country on a level we don't understand...do you really think he's not influenced by......everyone?

I strongly believe that if he had known it would be like this he would've have done what he has.

I don't like the war in Iraq but you know what? It's my country...I live here with my wife and kids.....we have it pretty good.

People who bash this country are the same people that talk bad about their moms. People who talk bad about where they live should simply do one thing...move. If I didn't like a place or felt truely that my leader was like Hitler..I would re-locate to another country...a better country...like maybe a country with a backbone..like France or Canada.

I have been to different countries...i know what it's like to see poor and starving children...I know what a third world police force and political corruption can do to a country that is not strong enough to fight back for freedom. I am glad and thankful I don't live there.

There are countries that will take your children at an early age and you will never see them again....ever. There are countries that will abort females because they only want males to be born for job opportunities and income reasons.

Yeah...I live in the USA...it may have its moments..but ya know what...who doesn't? I have experienced what others don't think about. I back this country up against any other because of the people that live here...Americans have been dieing for rights and land and freedom since this country started....I am proud and thankful to be an American...and I ALWAYS will be.

PEACE OUT

AND GOD BLESS

Games People Play

2007-05-09T08:31:00.000-07:00

So everything in SOCAL is going well...we are not homesick over Michigan but we miss our friends and families more than you could imagine. It has been a year now and I have got a promotion and Michelle is at a salon that she enjoys and is doing quite well at. She is building clientle at a fast rate and is having a great time doing so. D's Birthday is on the 15th and my mom bought her a pair of Heelys. So I now have something else to worry about.

The reason for the beer pic is that Michelle and I are going to our first BREW FEST since we moved out here. Karl Strauss www.karlstrauss.com is having a big festival with bands and brew and we thought we'd check it out. I haven't brewed beer since I moved out here but it is something I did in the past that was enjoyable, educational and yummy at the same time. Believe it or not sometimes I wish that it didn't have alcohol in it so you could drink more...I just really like the taste of a cold microwbrew..it's like liquid food and it's good for you too as long as you don't have to drive anywhere.

To all our friends and families back in the midwest tundra, we will salute you, and toast to you this weeked and wish you were here with us. The poker, the games around the firepit, all the fun your heart could endure....games with friends. (sniff) miss you guys.

Peace Out and God Bless

RKDrumdude

Rock-N-Roll Fantasy

2007-04-10T15:53:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been a month andI feel the urge to blog. So here goes....

California is a cool place to live and would be better if we had some of our midwest buddies out here with us. Everything is going great. I started a new job on Monday and I am now a Senior Account Executive at another telecommunications company. My manager is awesome and I have a feeling I will be here for quite some time. I have had more jobs in the last 12 months than I have had in the last 20 years. I have mastered the interview process and studied hard for the urinalysis quiz. I have met managers, presidents and directors all who seem to get along with me fairly well. Seems a strong wotk ethic is all you need to make it out here. I have always been a hard worker except in Michigan it didn't seem to get me very far. Sales is great..you get to talk to people all day long and sell them stuff that they don't think they need....until you tell them what it can do and then they listen to you. In the long run we help their business grow and increase the profit margin of the company. VOIP for business, integrated t-1's and trunks and pri's and pbx's...it's techy extreme for me from here on out. Anyone out there in BLOGWORLD who knows me and wants to upgrade the phone system at work and want s some info...get in touch with me...I work for a national carrier now and it is unlimited where and what I can sell. They have a headquarters in LIVONIA (smile).

The kids are doing well..they grow up so fast. ..seems we were helping them walk and now we are getting the last one out of diapers..it's all a blur. One minute we are at San Diego Zoo looking at the monkeys and the next minute BAM Delaney is asking us for the keys to the car(to go get her homework).

I gotta get back to work...shouting out to all my brothahs and sistas in da midwest.....

Peace out and God Bless Ya's and we miss ya!!

Livin' la vida loca

2007-03-10T08:05:00.000-08:00

So here we are in SUN DIEGO, no family, a couple funny friends, still searching for a gathering that we enjoy. The kids are starting to really settle in and enjoy it and wifey and I are starting to get used to it as well.
We need people to come visit us. I heard plane tickets were about $330 round trip from Chicago to here. Or was that Indianapolis to here? Sounds pretty cheap considering your can stay at our place for free.
Recieved alot of feedback on my homeless blog last month...still confused as to where I stand but I am in good company, and will continue to excercise my mental capabilities when it comes to giving away money.
Our family talked about what we missed most from G.H.. The kids went with the whole family thing. I went with the family thing too as did Michelle but by looking into it further we miss our poker buddies and camping alot too. It doesn't feel like we are stranded out here anymore. It's going to be awhile before we move back...we are trying to position ourselves and save money to come back once a year (Coast Guard Festival) for a week or more at a time.
Trader Joes, Wahoos Fish Tacos, Souplantation,Hodads, places we frequently dine at when we can afford to. They are great places and when we come back to G.H. I would love to open up something like a Wahoos. It would put Butches Beach Burrito to shame. Alot more healthier than fast food too!
Well just a heads up to let everyone know that we are still in Sun Diego and doing well for what it is worth. We miss everyone at home (and The Cramers) alot. Can't wait to see you guys. They say "Absence makes the heart grow fonder", whoever said this probably lived alone and didn't have any friends for a considerable amount of time. Same guy probably said, "Money can't buy happiness" this is probably one of the guys I gave a dollar to on the corner of 5th and G downtown.
God Bless You All
and Peace Out,
RKDrumdude

Catch a Wave

2007-02-02T16:17:00.000-08:00

Ok so let's talk of the homeless...
One side of me feels like giving them all the money I make and helping them find a job a doing anything I can for them to help guide them and get them on the way to .....bills, payments,jobs..what the....?
Okay scratch that...the other part of me feels like someone probably did this for them before or maybe worse case scenario...THEY DON'T WANT TO WORK or for some unknown reason mentally or physically they can't hold a job.
I'll take a shot in the dark and say I think maybe 50% of ALL homeless people are not able to hold a job due to physical or mental conditions that won't allow them to continually show up at a place and earn money.
So THE OTHER 50% fall into the other catagory which may include a dysfunctional episode in family life or maybe they are a product of the times(whatever)
Soapbox Speech begins here> We live in the USA, freedom to do what you want, where you want, to who you want, within the law and the reasoning behind it. It is hard..I'll be the first to admit...to continue this work thing..to pay the bills..to keep the family happy...but wait a sec...RESPONSIBILITIES....ETHICS....HUMAN VALUE....CHARACTER...whoa that's a bunch of stuff we all know about...with the exception of that 50% that don't fall into the physical or mental column. (still on soapbox) Why don't...we all become homeless and just stay where we are in our comfy little houses with our comfy little or big couches..if you need anything just beg for it with a cardboard box..I can get one that says Combat Veteran and Big Dog can get one that says I Used to CAmp...Vic can get one that says I used to collect comics. what I am getting at is.
Does anyone really care if you are holding a cardboard sign that says something?? Is it a fine line against old school begging like with a cup or something....sing dance or something humourous..if you are really starving you can think of something funny or better than just walking up and down my street with a cardboard sign saying that your wife took your kids...or your wife locked you out...or you can't work because you don't want to.....do me a favor...one time.....
Get a job already.
(he steps down from the soapbox, brushes his knee off, smiles and walks into the sunset)

I Ain't No Holla'back Girl

2007-01-14T21:17:00.000-08:00

So the Chargers lost...hopin' for Da Bears now... great games this weekend..The professors had a gig Saturday Night @ DreamStreet that went really well.
Can't wait until we make enough money to come home and see everybody. We are planning on Coast Guard week if we budget we may be able to pull that off.
Been playing alot of online poker at Pokerstars..just not the same as it was at Brents or Big Dogs or Brandons...and the people I play against aren't anywheres near to being as humorous as Steve and Andrea (where is our beer??nobody told them yet huh?)
We may be here for awhile but I can honestly say that no matter what happens we will never ever get the relationships and trust and good times that we had in Grand Haven MI.. That will always be home for us, regardless.
D&G&P are all doing well..D is doing awesome in school and is trying out for Veruca Salt in the school play(she's a ringer). Garrett is a video game junkie so we limit him to an hour a day w/ Mario and the fellas. Payton is the highest maintence kid I have ever seen in my life and we have established the fact that SHE DOES NOT SHARE WITH OTHERS. She grunts at you when she is mad...I am patient in hoping that one day soon her head will spin around and she will puke up green stuff, but until that day we will have to deal with her the best we can.
I don't know what happen to my blog before but it seems to be well now and in the future I will only post a new blog after 7 comments or thirty days or both.
San Diego would be alot better if we had more visitors or could afford to visit. The sun and the beach and the surroundings are great but alot of people lack the hospitality and friendliness when in comparison to the midwest...there are friendly people here and they ask me for money on every street corner...they talk constantly to no one and say please and thank you for no apparant reason...please check my next blog titled "Why would aliens need spare change?"

Don't Fear The Reaper

2007-01-02T09:01:00.000-08:00

Everything here is going great!! Other than being a little homesick and missing our family and friends over and throughout the holidays, it has been wonderful. I hope this new blog finds everyone Healthy and safe and survivors of The Great New Years Parties.
Michelle is steadily building a bigger client base at the salon and I start my new job tomorrow at another communications company. I am really looking forward to learning more and gaining more clients as well. My band is doing well also..trying to fill our summer schedule with private parties and bar venues.
Check us out and buy some Professorwear! www.myspace.com/theprofessorslounge
Lil' G and Boober and Bugaboo are all getting so big so fast. I remember my parents always telling other people when I was younger that "They grow up so fast". Didn't really put 1 and 1 together with that one until I had kids of my own. Now I vouch!!
We are having fun and try and hit a different park everytime we venture out(until the water warms a bit).
That about covers it for now...will blog again soon. Happy New Year!!

Peace Out,
God Bless,
RKDrumdude

Sunshine on my Shoulders makes me Happy

2006-12-05T19:27:00.000-08:00

So I'm thinking as I walk outside in my shorts and t-shirt to get the mail, the sun in my face and the salty ocean air blowing a nice breeze through what little hair I have left on my head, do I miss the snow? Uh..no, I don't miss my nose hairs feeling like ice or my fingers and feet going numb as I drove to work in the morning. I don't miss my lungs hurting as I took a deep breathe of icy air. I don't miss my snowblower that I gave away with a smile on my face. I don't miss shoveling our steps and chipping the hard parts from the top where the heat hit it and turned it to ice. I don't miss the snow going up my sleeves as I got all the snow off both cars every morning. I don't miss the snowplows who never let me finish the end of the driveway before they made me start over and over and over. I don't miss all of the near death experiences I had walking down those icy ramp steps that lead to my driveway in the morning(pre coffee). I don't miss anything having to do with that darn ice and snow and cold temperatures through the winter months.
But I do miss everything else and everybody.

Hope everyone who reads this blog has a safe, healthy, and family time Merry Christmas.

Peace Out &
God Bless
RKDrumdude

Horton hears a who

2006-11-18T17:30:00.000-08:00

The Turkey Trot

2006-11-18T16:59:00.000-08:00

Never ever have I had a sunshine Birthday!! It was different, it was warm, I wore shorts and a t-shirt outside all day, it was dry..it was freaking beautiful I tell ya's. S.D is definitely starting to feel like home..now if I can just convince some of my life long friends to join me in paradise. The wife is doing well at her new job..my job is going well and we are loving the weather and the palm tree views everyday. Thai food and Indian food are awesome. I know now that I don't suffer from I.B.S. Looking for a meinl cajon for my Birthday gift. We had free daycare today for P and G so I took D to lunch and browsing aroung Horton Plaza (very cool outdoor mall downtown) check photos. One on One time is a great time with your kids...one of my best days in a long time..we laughed and played..good times....way good times. They have every type of stor you can think of cigars, games, clothes, sharper image, bose, sony, everythijng was alot of fun to see D doing for the first time...those massage chairs at sharper image were hilarious..she was shaking so much and giggling..I laughed so hard I almost wet myself. There was about 20 place to pick from for food...she picked a fish and chips place that was great and the people even spoke English (kinda). Well gotta go watch UFC #65. I pray that everyone has a healthy, thankful to be with family and friends, Thanksgiving. All of you will be on our minds and in our thoughts throughout this holiday season.

The Hokey Pokey

2006-11-11T13:28:00.000-08:00

This would be the view I would see if I turned right instead of left while driving my daughter to school everyday. It is very wierd have summer for six months in a row after living in Michigan all my life. It's like I had two or three years of great weather in just 6 months. I do miss the snow and the cold sometimes..but the ocean and the cool night breezes fix that in a matter of a couple minutes. We are slowly starting to become natives and are even somewhat familiar with our surroundings and can travel short and medium distances without plugging in our GPS. I do miss the card games though...and I envy all of you for being able to play poker on the weekends. I have yet to find a crew worthy for THE GAME, I have been invited to a few but the time doesn't permit right now. We are still planning on a summer Coast Guard Week trip in August if funds allow. This is all for now. I pray that this finds all of my readers healthy and warm in the frozen tundra of the lower peninsula.

God Bless
Peace Out,
RK

Monster Mash

2006-11-01T20:22:00.000-08:00

Good times.....way good times. Everything in San Diego is going well. Michelle is working and we had a great Halloween. Would've rather been @ Johnsons Bash but we had fun here in San Diego too. Some of the houses we went to were way expensive..they were giving out whole candy bars. The kids had an awesome time and we are still trying to figure out what to do with all this candy. Hope everyones kids had a great candy adventure and don't forget about my Brother In Law (the best dentist in Grand Haven).

Hello Again...Hello

2006-10-20T15:13:00.000-07:00

So Jeff & Tammy have a conference in Vegas and decide to do some vacationing in San Diego...very cool. We had a good time!! They did alot of fun stuff. Jeff got licked by a giraffe at Wild Animal Park and Tammy had a party in her hotel room with 3 or 4 pigeons. They watched the surfers and got to check out the Midway. We had dinner at The Cass Street Grill (MMMMmmmm). We all ordered the oriental salad with fish(ono) and a couple pitchers of yellowtail(SD's finest brew). We walked around Pacific Beach for awhile(saw some guy playing with his orbs)then had coffee @ ZANZIBAR. It was an awesome night and we had fun. Once again I am blessed to have such a cool Sister and a cool Brother-In-Law. They went to Palm Springs as well to visit our Uncle PA..but that story seems to be a little blurry (ask PA).
We finally sold our house and now can start replenishing our savings account. I can honestly say that I hope no one has to go through what we did with two house payments. Write more later...oh yeah it's like 80 outside and we will be at the beach boogieboarding tomorrow if anyone needs anything.

White & Nerdy

2006-09-30T07:47:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't ritten in awhile. Working or hangin' out with the family.
Payton turned two and is talking like crazy..I know she is our kid and there is quite a bit of favoritism but we seriously know for a fact that she couldn't be any cuter.
Michelle will take her test in a couple weeks to get her cosmetologist license. My job is going great and the band (The Professors) is doing great too. We have business cards and t-shirts coming out soon and are recording in a studio for our first cd. It should be done around the middle or end of October.
We just got an addition for my electra duece... a double bikeseat with a sissy bar so now LiL' G can ride with me on the bikerides to Mission Beach Boardwalk. I'll post pics of us next blog.
Check out this webpage...it's Weird Als new one...way funny.
Just google white and nerdy and go to youtube.com and find it.
We miss everyone and Halloween is not even going to be close to as fun without all of our friends and family.
Delaney is @ a brownie pirate campout this weekend @ Balboa Park..and the rest of the family is bike riding all over SD today by the beaches and the shops with the new bike seat and Payton in the burley.
Michelle is giving the "Look" so I have to get ready and go now. Miss everyone!!!
Happy Belated B-Day to my Buddy Remi (sniff) Wish I coulda been there! Hope everyone has a safe and fun Halloween Party @ the Steve and Andreas. I wanna see pics.

Peace Out
God Bless,
RKDrumdude

When you wish...

2006-09-01T17:01:00.000-07:00

Hollywood was cool, the walk of the stars was fun. The chinese theatre was pretty cool..saw Anna Nicoles house in the hollywood hills looking for a didge. Everything is fine..we are waiting on my sister and Brother in law to come out next month for awhile. Going out with Michelle tonight to see a Beatles coverband @ the House Of Blues (free tickets from a friend). Miss everyone and wish I could make enough money to fly everyone out here for a week or two. Peace Out my Brothers and Sisters.

Band on the run

2006-08-24T20:24:00.000-07:00

So I met these guys that love to jam..they all have families and love to play surf music. They play old school surf music like The Ventures and have some really cool originals as well. This was the gig at the LONGBOARD LUAU Invitational at Scripps Pier for The Cancer Research Foundation. It was a great time and we had some people rockin' out big time. Check out these guys website www.theprofessorslounge.com they are truly old school class. Great guys as well. When I get some visitors from MI I will arrange a gig party BBQ. Job is going great and Michelle is working and the kids are good. Still Praying that our house sells or burns to the ground (hint Mark and Brian). We miss everyone dearly and it has not been easy for any of us....Peace Out and God Bless you all.

One of the coolest!!

2006-08-05T16:16:00.000-07:00

Things I have ever seen were rhinos running full tilt at the Wild Animal Park just north of us. It was awsome to se something so prehistoric looking running. Most of the ones in captivity can't run due to surrounding limitations...but these 30 or so rhinos were hauling butt around a fenced in area that was probably around 500 yards square or so(guesstamation). Everything here is going well we either need to sell our house or have someone burn it to the ground( I didn't say that). Hope everyone has a great Coast Guard Weekend and doesn't do anything stupid (Steve and Brian). Hope the parade was great and we miss everyone...let us know when you need a vacation..we are only a couple states away. If you click on the pic and it zooms up..the rhinos in the back are running.

Peace Out
and God Bless,
RKDrumdude

Baby on Mission Beach

2006-07-22T09:55:00.000-07:00

We haven't forgotten anyone..or moved anywhere else..we are still in Point Loma and diggin' it. It's pretty hot here but there is always a nice cool breeze from down the street where the ocean is. Hope you all enjoy the pic of Payton. Michelle has submitted her paperwork for her cosmetology license here in CA. My job is going well. I met the bass player from Billy Squires band and he wants me to come play congas for him Sunday night at a blues restaurant in Del Mar. I also ran into the drummer from POD last week when I was downtown...he has huge, long dreds and was wearing a really nice shirt and slacks...thought he looked familiar..talked to him for awhile and gave him my business card and he said it would be cool to get together and jam on some hippie drums sometime. SWEEEET was my reply. The church we are attending is in Ocean Beach, down the street from our apt. It is as close to a Watermark church as I think we an find around here..they even base the sermons on the Bible...imagine that...not alot of churches around here do that. The people were friendly and very helpful in finding and setting up play dates for the kids and picnics and telling us of sitters and summer schools in the area. Didn't move away..been busy..still miss yous and love ya's too.
May God Bless you all
and your families,
Peace Out,
RKDrumdude

Life is a Highway..

2006-07-03T17:26:00.000-07:00

Wish you were beautiful the weather is here.
San Diego Zoo and Seaworld year passes are not as expensive as we thought and we are like close to both. Tomorrow will be spent boogie boarding the 3-4 footers and Mission Beach with the fam and some friends. Cameron is giving me surf lessons and I'm teaching him how to drum and play didge...fair trade. Everyone we have met here are nice and we went to a new church Sunday..Kaleo. The kids thought it was pretty cool..the dude doin the sermon was from south LA and sounded like Cheech Marin. It was quite funny. Well headin to another barbq tonight..chicken legs on the grill....yummy!! Miss everyone alot...waiting for visitors. Tell Bizzle not to fart too much..those stains are a bear to get out...ask Paul Kunde...he knows. Everyone have a great 4th of July and look southwest and blow us a kiss!!!

Peace Out

Everything is Beautiful

2006-06-25T13:17:00.000-07:00

Hey Cramer!!!! Send us your email again.CONGRATS ON THE BABY!!! SHE IS BEAUTIFUL!! My PC motherboard pooped out and it looks like I lost everything in the crash. Not too much important stuff...just my address book fo outlook..so if you read this tell everyone that know us to e-mail us so we can start over. Luckily I saved my passwords for just such an emergency and can still blog and play poker and visit mc sites online. Well going for a bike ride with the fam and then to a barbq. Talk to ya'll later. If anyone has verizon feel free to call me anytime for free (IN)Network. I just bought a Motorola Q for work (they pay for it) and It does some pretty high speed stuff.

Yeah...it's kinda like that

2006-05-26T00:18:00.000-07:00

I am missing my wife and kids...and at the same time really appreciating what San Diego has to offer.. it is endless of things that you can do here...it's too much to explain and hurts my fingers just to think of how much I can type about. I am doing well with the new job and spent today telemarketing...it's like prank calling...and I'm gettin paid!!! I have a new e-mail that everyone will be getting shortly and don't forget to throw a HUBIGOMUNGOUS CONGRATS to my bud DUERTY for the new arrival of his baby boy WILLEM (cool name) I have heard that we are blessed and he looks like his mother...if we can just teach him to dance like his dad we will be in business!!..Gotta get some sleep...miss everyone..doing better than fine..Happy Memorial Weekend....Have fun camping!!!!

I'm gonna miss you...

2006-05-15T13:38:00.000-07:00

Rays...Butch's...cloverbar pizza...papa murphys...coldstone.
Watermark..Texas hold'em..campin' friends I've known for over thirty years and friends I've know for three or four. The times were too much for words..memories will last forever..because if we had pictures they would be against the law!! We will reminice when we see each other again...and we will. I hope the best for each and every one of you...A day won't go by that I won't think of my past...alot has happened since that kid showed up at Lake Hills Elementary back in 78'. I'm not much at good byes..so it'll be short and sweet....(sniff) peace out...and God Bless you all. You are the best friends anyone could ever have.

How can I just let you walk away
Just let you leave without a trace
When I stand here taking every breath with you, ooh
You're the only one who really knew me at all

How can you just walk away from me
When all I can do is watch you leave
'Cause we've shared the laughter and the pain, and even shared the tears
You're the only one who really knew me at all

CHORUS:
So take a look at me now, 'cause there's just an empty space
And there's nothing left here to remind me, just the memory of your face
Take a look at me now, 'cause there's just an empty space
And you coming back to me is against all odds
And that's what I've got to face

I wish I could just make you turn around
Turn around and see me cry
There's so much I need to say to you, so many reasons why
You're the only one who really knew me at all

CHORUS

Take a good look at me now, 'cause I'll still be standing here
And you coming back to me is against all odds
That's the chance I've got to take, oh, oho

Just take a look at me now

California dreamin'

2006-05-06T05:15:00.000-07:00

So I start a new job in California on the 22nd of this month. My last day in Michigan for awhile will be on the 16th. Everyone feel free to come help me pack the u-haul that I will be driving across the country. 32 hours and 45 minutes....2240 miles...this is going to be fun. I have a rental agency looking for apartments...I need a car when I get out there..so I have to do that. www.sdreader.com is my most used website at this time.

We are planning on having a little get-together sometime before we leave. Our house is kinda tore up with boxes and furniture and stuff. Michelle and the kids will be driving the Suburban out there when the kid finishes school or when our house sells...hopefully in June. If anyone wants to buy anything (other than a plasma screen tv) let us know..we are downsizing big time..if anyone needs a dog we have to get rid of Jake...I know we are probably going to regret it and we aren't positive yet...but Lil' G would rather have a hamster and D would like a turtle. The apartments out there are very limited and some are not pet friendly. So if anyone know anyone, who knows anyone, who would like to have a housebroken dog with all his shots and hardware, give us a call..we can talk about money. The cat too!!
That about wraps it up...anyone with free time that feels an urgent need to pack boxes or dis assemble stuff...give us a call and we will let you help us if you are worthy. If not ..I will be expecting some friends to stop by on the 16th and help me load up the truck. I have spoken.

Peace out and God bless,
RKDrumdude

Goin' back to Cali'

2006-04-13T15:44:00.000-07:00

So I have my personal interview on Friday of next week in San Diego.. I am currently having my resume re-done and re-vamped. I will be staying with Andrea and Cameron, friends of the wife and myself. I will be out there for a week from Wednesday to Wednesday. I continue my search and quite possibly have more than one interview in my weeks stay. It seems they are somewhat keen and interested in combat veterans and someeone who has been employed at the same place for 15 years. I can only ask of your support and friendship ...we are constantly praying for wisdom and direction in this time of change. My wife and I both feel the urge to move to San Diego..the weather...the people...the attractions...the bands.I will get a better understanding and feel after Wednesday when I land. I love to fly. I haven't been there since 1990 I wonder how much has changed. The next person that says I am going through a mid life crisis....I'm gonna choke!! Michelle and I....together...feel that if this goes through...we will relocate. We are both sold on the San Diego thing for opportunity and growth potential and change..and you can't get that in Grand Haven. We ar not running away from anything. We will miss everyone and everything....don't look at it as somebody moving or leaving...look at it as another vacation to take and stay somewhere for free.

Rat-a-tat-tat-baroomp-boom
Peace and Love
RKDrumdude

Freakout

2006-04-06T14:50:00.000-07:00

Okay..to make a long story short....Wednesday was my last day of work..after 15 wonderful years..life never felt so good...had an awesome retirement party/ roast. The people I worked with were some of the finest people I have ever met.
Job offers...

#1 Homeland Security in Grand Rapids...Minimal Pay scale..45 minute drive one way..hours are all flexible...1st 2nd and sometimes 3rd shift depending on when you are needed. Stay in Michigan
#2 Sales position in San Diego Ca..8 months of sales training including 10 hour days Monday through Friday...huge profits and commission.. great business that made Forbes top ten list in 2005 for growth potential and stock advancement. Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance with bonuse and rewards when you do well with sales. (3 year employee just created record sales of 200G for the year) It would be fairly easy to make this in under four years time if you apply yourself and are self motivated with good communication skills and persistance..

Decisions are slowly driving me carazy..yep I misspelt that on purpose CARAZY!! Can't sleep...decisions are sometimes harder to make thatn you can fathom alone..I have talked to numerous individuals and been given numerous opinions that I take into consideration.
Still.. I know not what to do..there is soo much involved in this ONE decision...Please pray for me or wish me luck or whatever it is you feel like doing in easing my bewilderment and confusion. Michelle and I have been praying for guidance and a final decision for the last two or three weeks.

Just when you think it's all going to be a cakewalk...someone drops a banana peel in your path.

Peace..Love...Drums..
And may God Bless you all
RKDrumdude

On Top Of The World

2006-03-07T19:01:00.000-08:00

So I'm thinking.."Where did I get this drive to compete?" Nearly every competition or event or dare I have ever been in or involved with I have given it my all. I hold nothing back..I unleash everything..I hate losing..I hate coming in second even more than I hate coming in last.
I won the biggest loser competition..sweeet.. now if I can continue to stay away from the doughnuts..the carrotcake...the coldstone icecream. I will be golden. I have dropped from 266 to a slim 36" waisted 234 in about 8 weeks. I ate egg whites, protein powder, turkey, chicken, bananas, and alot of veggies. I never lifted weights because when I do that I get bigger..I don't want to be bigger. I want toneness..I want lean mean fightin' machine. I want this almost as much as a new job.
It has hit me hard lately..to know I have been at the same place for 15 years and haven't recieved a raise in 8 years ( I am topped out on the payscale). There is nothing I can do to go up in this business..I am going to load trucks for the rest of this life...Somebody hire me for sales or customer service or something dealing with people rather than management..all I need is some pay and insurance..everyone please keep the ears open..if you know anyone that is looking to hire...tell them about me(just the good stuff...shouldn't take long). I want to excel and grow..I have potential that hasn't even begun to be tapped...I will never go back to school..didn't like it there when I was there b4.
A big ol' thank you to DA GOOCH for putting on this competition..for helping me get off my butt and go diet..glad you and yours enjoyed the chocolate oreo overload..the mud pie mojo was DA BOMB...and well worth the wait.

One Tin Soldier

2006-02-26T17:56:00.000-08:00

THIS IS JAKE BLUES ^
Listen children to a story
That was written long ago
'Bout a kingdom, on a mountain
And the valley folk below
On the mountain was a treasure
Buried deep beneath a stone
And the valley people swore
They'd have it for their very own

Go ahead and hate your neighbor
Go ahead and cheat a friend
Do it in the name of Heaven
You can justify it in the end
There won't be any trumpets blowing
Come the judgement day
On the bloody morning after who...
One tin soldier rides away

So the people of the valley
Sent a message up the hill
Asking for the buried treasure
Tons of gold for which they'd kill
Came an answer from the kingdom
With our brothers we will share
All the secrets of our mountain
N' all the riches buried there

Now the valley cried in anger
Mount your horses
Draw your sword
And they killed the mountain people
So they won their just reward
Now they stood beside the treasure
On the mountain dark and red
Turned the stone and looked beneath it
"Peace on Earth"
Was all it said

Go ahead and hate your neighbor
Go ahead and cheat a friend
Do it in the name of Heaven
You can justify it in the end
There won't be any trumpets blowing
Come the judgement day
On the bloody morning after who...
One tin soldier rides away

Go ahead and hate your neighbor
Go ahead and cheat a friend
Do it in the name of Heaven
You can justify it in the end
There won't be any trumpets blowing
Come the judgement day
On the bloody morning after who...
One tin soldier rides away

Awesome song..powerful lyrics..thoght I'd share.
Well I am still leading the Biggest Loser competition. Don't really know what I'm going to do with the money yet..trying not to think about it until I win for sure.
Everything is going well in the household and at Watermark. I got bit by a kid...Garrett escaped Surf City (kids ministry)..I am thankful that I get to spend every Sunday doing something for other people..and grow from learning. Not a whole lot else has been going on..thinking about contacting a friend by Chicago and making some plans to go to Shedds aquarium pretty soon w/ the family. Heard the LAN party at Brents house was spectacular..sorry I could not be there to witness the enjoyment. Ready for some Texas Hold'em with friends..hmmmmm what to say...Duerty has cool hair..gonna miss the Roach

In Your Eyes

2006-02-12T17:09:00.000-08:00

Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgement on disputable matters. One man's faith allows him to eat everything, but another man, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. Romans 14:1-2

Love I get so lost, sometimes
days pass and this emptiness fills my heart
when I want to run away
I drive off in my car
but whichever way I go
I come back to the place you are

All my instincts, they return
and the grand facade, so soon will burn
without a noise, without my pride
I reach out from the inside

In your eyes
the light the heat
in your eyes
I am complete
in your eyes
I see the doorway to a thousand churches
in your eyes
the resolution of all the fruitless searches
in your eyes
I see the light and the heat
in your eyes
oh, I want to be that complete
I want to touch the light
the heat I see in your eyes

Love, I don't like to see so much pain

I get so tired of working so hard for out survival
I look to the time with you to keep me awake and alive

And all my instincts, they return
and the grand facade, so soon will burn
without a noise, without my pride
I reach out from the inside

In your eyes
the light the heat
in your eyes
I am complete
in your eyes
I see the doorway to a thousand churches
in your eyes
the resolution of all the fruitless searches
in your eyes
I see the light and the heat
in your eyes
oh, I want to be that complete
I want to touch the light,
the heat I see in your eyes
in your eyes in your eyes
in your eyes in your eyes
in your eyes in your eyes

Awesome sermon today at Watermark about the fifth commandment..Honor thy father and mother. Made me realize that in this life you don't have long to do right..have fun..help others and serve God (not particularly in that order). There weren't alot of dry eyes in the place. I believe alot of people have had problems with the mothers and fathers in their life..it was a sermon of forgiveness and the huge part of our heart that is reserved for jailing revenge and unexpressed feelings for others that we didn't convey..because we didn't feel comfortable or it wasn't a good time. There is no better time than the present. It is sad to know that one day our parents will leave this world and honor is a huge word...I am urging you all who read this to pick up the phone...call mom and dad and just say hello and ask how they are doing....ask them to forgive you if you feel you did them wrong..or tell them how you feel about them. I called mine and told them I loved them...a day doesn't go by that I don't feel that way..but many go by that I don't tell them that.
(sniff sniff)
Peace out
& God Bless.

Safety Dance

2006-02-07T15:11:00.000-08:00

I have lost a total of 21 lbs in one month and it feels pretty darn good. I have cheated for one whole day and had coldstone and papa murphys. I am walking the safe road now...a little while left and I will be the mighty victor of the biggest loser competition.
I guess the hardest part was learning to live on less than what we are accustomed to. I am accustomed to about 5 or six pieces of pizza at a sitting. Some (three scoops) ice cream.with fixings or peanut butter. I am a eater..and I eat..I love food and I love the way that a full belly makes me feel...I don't like being a fat pig though. Hmmm so where do I draw the line? Do I continue my life eating once a week the way I WANT and six days the way I SHOULD? Doesn't everyone have an eating disorder if you are around good food?
I want to thank everyone in this competition for giving me the initiative to get off my fat butt and try to eat healthier and lose some FAT. I want to thank Steve Thompson for paying my $20 when I didn't have it.
You can dance if you want to, you can leave your friends behind..cuz your friends don't dance and if they don't dance, well they're no friends of mine.

Peace out
God Bless

Double Vision

2006-01-28T09:09:00.000-08:00

The Choice Is Ours

One summer afternoon I climbed a hill near my home. When I reached the top, I stretched out on the grass to relax.

Turning my head to one side, my eyes focused on some blades of grass within inches of my face. This short-range focus not only strained my eyes, but it blurred my view of anything beyond the end of my nose. So I began to adjust my focus, and then the distant city came into view instead. I found I could shift my sights from near to far at will. The choice was mine.

In today's Bible reading, the apostle Paul emphasized that followers of Christ need to keep eternity in view. He wrote, "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth" (Colossians 3:2). We can choose where to put our focus.

We can succumb to selfish, earthbound thoughts, blurring our view of anything beyond the end of our nose. Or we can gaze through this sinful scene and fix our attention on things above, where Christ is seated at God's right hand—and we with Him! Then, and only then, are we in a position to see what's most important in life.

Only the mind set on things above can say no to sin and yes to holiness. The choice is ours. —Joanie Yoder

Daily devotionals are awesome..this was today and it made me think even more of vision and what keeps us aware..and puts hope in our ordinary lives. Something to look forward to..something to work for...something to share..I just want to tell everyone that I feel great and I am a Jesus Freak~!!!

Break On Through

2006-01-22T16:55:00.000-08:00

Well,
It has been awhile since I blogged..been kinda busy. Hope everyone in blogdom is peachy. The competition is going well with the losing wieght thing. I have lost a considerable amount of weight by avoiding the good foods like ice cream, doughnuts, and cakes. I am on a high protien diet I guess..egg whites..tuna fish..kiwi fruit and every once in awhile I splurge and eat a banana or two and some veggies.
We are currently learning about the Ten Commandments at Church. Kinda cool when they break it down to a commandment a day as a topic. Father Duer presented a great sermon today.
Not much more going on in the life of RKDrumdude. Hope everyone has a great week and hopefully see ya soon.
Wish everyone could attend at least one gathering at Watermark instead of finding all kinds of excuses not to.

ICE CREAM

2006-01-08T20:08:00.000-08:00

Done...No more sweets or chocolate or cake or doughnuts. Just started a BIGGEST LOSER COMPETITION with weight loss at Watermark. I am almost the heaviest I have ever been and I don't particularly like getting this close to having the severe illness known to some as dickydoo. So I am taking a couple layers off this temple..trimmin' some fat...losin' some of me that don't need to be there. It's going to be difficult and I could use all the support and prayers to aid me through the most difficult times of reckless abandonment like carrotcake..and Krispy Kreme. These are the two things that I feel powerless over. Never before have I had to say NO to these specific items on my menu.

Stop The Insanity,
RKDrumdude

New Years Day

2005-12-31T10:22:00.000-08:00

Soooo another year, another day, another hour, another minute, another second and the hands of time continue to age our bodies and sharpen our minds.

Another hopeful suggestion from the RKdrumdude..I say this because I have been there and my family has been without me. So much we take for granted, so much is taken lightly...I am hoping that all of you with or without beliefs please acknowledge the service/family/mothers/father/sons/daughters in the fight over seas. Some of you may complain that they are even there, some may know why...nevertheless they are there and the least we can do is support, pray and hope they make it back to the families and loved ones they left to defend.
My New Years resolution is to make the lighter things known to people who take life for granted too much.
Happy New Years!!!

Merry CHRISTmas

2005-12-24T11:52:00.000-08:00

Sorry I haven't blogged but I hope everyone has a safe and awesome Christmas.

Who Can It Be Now?

2005-11-26T07:43:00.000-08:00

So the shopping rush and Thanksgiving were awesome. People at Walmart got trampled and I guess someone at Best Buy got assault charges on them for hitting a cashier..isn't America wonderful? These people who get up early in the morning to shop for deals to save money and the people who get up even earlier to try to satisfy the people looking for deals. Hmmm I'd much ratrher be a shopper than the employee oft the month at Toys R Us or something..at least we can leave after we stand in line for two and a half hours to buy that ONE thing that was on sale!! Well my wife and I had a great time shopping and went to lunch together and just did some fun things together...I had fun. The traffic..the people..the sale items....not too bad as far as the stress level went...and the wife and I are avid shopping and people people so we thought it was amusing at times.
There are two kinds of shoppers..people who LIKE to shop for deals and people who HAVE to shop for deals..we fall somewhere in the middle of these two. These two DO NOT GET ALONG very well together. Kinda like those wired morning people when you are tired.. or those happy people when you want to be sad...it's all about balance I guess.

Hope everyone in Blogland had as much fun as we did!!
Happy belated Thankgiving!!

Just The Two Of Us

2005-11-09T11:40:00.000-08:00

So another blog, another time. Everything is going great in the life of Arkay. Other than the wieght gain thing..never fails..fat people wanna be skinny, skinny people wanna gain some wieght. Tall people with curly hair wanna be shorter with straight hair. Why is no one happy with what they have? I am finding out that it is your heart that matters most. The way certain people react to different things..it all goes back to that can't judge a book by it's cover. The heart is the only way to really now someone. I feel trust, honesty and friendship. These have nothing whatsoever to do with appearance or money or color or background. It seems that more and more people that I meet everyday are so judgmental when they don't even know the whole story. Is it because we lack the knowlegde of this..or are we lazy? Or is it because we just don't have the patience anymore to really give people a chance..seems we are always looking for a quick easy way out. Things that make ya go hmmmm.

Above is Garrett and Jake they seem to be getting along great!! Cool kid..cool dog..good times..good good times.

Something completed is better than something just begun; patience is better than too much pride.
ECCLESIASTES 7:8

wE aRE fAMILY

2005-11-06T16:46:00.000-08:00

Okay so serving at church is the shizzle. Being a part of Watermark is da bomb. It's like I want to tell everyone how much fun I have learning and growing spiritually. How I accepted Jesus Christ as my savior and my heart has done wonderful things since.
Steve Thompson pegged it with his quote today. "This is it, there is no plan B". Jump on the road to redemption or be left behind wondering what you could've done different if givin' another chance. But it is all about second chances..and being redeemed. How sweet it is.
Today at Watermark we talked about WE. Not where or what or when or how..but WE. How does everyone on the outside see WE? I hear all sorts of things like the untucked shirt thng and casual church...I don't see myself as casual..I see myself at comfortable. Comfortable being where I am and what I am doing. Comfortable serving for a church body that I feel comfortable at...a place where there seems to be not judgement or whispers behind ones back but stories and confessions of hope and guidance and thankfulness.
How wonderful, how beautiful, when brothers and sisters get along.
Psalm 133:1
The Message

How much is that doggie??

2005-11-04T09:42:00.000-08:00

We done got us a new dog!!
He is a Labrador Retriever (he loves to bite feet).
His color is known as fox red (his teeth are waayyyy sharp).
His name is Jake (he thinks everything is his toy).
He's pretty cool looking..and pretty affectionate when he's not biting the crap outta you.
He is four weeks old in the pic at the left,
and is almost 7 weeks old in the one on the top and weighs in and a whopping 10.2 lbs.
Doing good on the potty training..and doesn't particularly care for a collar...a true Watermarker!!
Delaney, Garrett and Payton think he's the shizzle until he uses them for a chew toy. It's a dog thing...establish companionship through severe needlelike bitings. Loyalty is deserved after the third pair of shoes I demolish. Jake gives a whole new meaning to "Where's that remote?"

Let's give'em something to talk about

2005-10-26T18:54:00.000-07:00

SATAN'S MEETING: (Read even if you're busy)

Satan called a worldwide convention of demons.

In his opening address he said,

"We can't keep Christians from going to church."
"We can't keep them from reading their Bibles and knowing the truth."
"We can't even keep them from forming an intimate relationship with their savior."
"Once they gain that connection with Jesus, our power over them is broken."

"So let them go to their churches; let them have their covered dish dinners, BUT steal their time, so they don't have time to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ.."

"This is what I want you to do," said the devil:

"Distract them from gaining hold of their Saviour and maintaining that vital connection throughout their day!"

"How shall we do this?" his demons shouted.

"Keep them busy in the non-essentials of life and invent innumerable schemes to occupy their minds," he answered.

"Tempt them to spend, spend, spend, and borrow, borrow, borrow."

"Persuade the wives to go to work for long hours and the husbands to work 6-7 days each week, 10-12 hours a day, so they can afford their empty lifestyles."

"Keep them from spending time with their children."

"As their families fragment, soon, their homes will offer no escape from the pressures of work!"

"Over-stimulate their minds so that they cannot hear that still, small voice."

"Entice them to play the radio or cassette player whenever they drive." To keep the TV, VCR, CDs and their PCs going constantly in their home and see to it that every store and restaurant in the world plays non-biblical music constantly."

"This will jam their minds and break that union with Christ."

"Fill the coffee tables with magazines and newspapers."

"Pound their minds with the news 24 hours a day."

"Invade their driving moments with billboards."

"Flood their mailboxes with junk mail, mail order catalogs, sweepstakes, and every kind of newsletter and promotional offering free products, services and false hopes..! "

"Keep skinny, beautiful models on the magazines and TV so their husbands will believe that outward beauty is what's important, and they'll become dissatisfied with their wives. "

"Keep the wives too tired to love their husbands at night."

"Give them headaches too! "

"If they don't give their husbands the love they need, they will begin to look elsewhere."

"That will fragment their families quickly!"

"Give them Santa Claus to distract them from teaching their children the real meaning of Christmas."

"Give them an Easter bunny so they won't talk about his resurrection and power over sin and death."

"Even in their recreation, let them be excessive ."

"Have them return from their recreation exhausted."

"Keep them too busy to go out in nature and reflect on God's creation. Send them to amusement parks, sporting events, plays, concerts, and movies instead."

"Keep them busy, busy, busy!"

"And when they meet for spiritual fellowship,
involve them in gossip and small talk so that they leave with troubled consciences."

"Crowd their lives with so many good causes they have no time to seek power from Jesus."

"Soon they will be working in their own strength, sacrificing their health and family for the good of the cause."

"It will work!"

"It will work!"

It was quite a plan!

The demons went eagerly to their assignments causing Christians everywhere to get busier and more rushed, going here and there.

Having little time for their God or their families.

Having no time to tell others about the power of Jesus to change lives.

I guess the question is, has the devil been successful in his schemes?

You be the judge!!!!!

Dare You To Move!!!

You can't always get what you want

2005-10-13T11:47:00.000-07:00

Ahhh yes the Stones.
Well..we found a name for our new dog..JAKE..to be more specific (Joliet) Jake Blues. It took us awhile but we al agreed on it and liked the sound of it.
Story time follows;
I am currently running out of stories but this one is good when I was a youngin'..fifteen I believe.
One of my good friends (Brian) lived on Potaluna Rd. when we were growing up, right where the carwash is today. We would seldom hang out at each others house and watch tv or get into trouble doing something we weren't supposed to be doing..however sometimes we would get away with a good one.
We were supposed to go roller skating at the Galaxy arena so I got a ride to Brians house and he was supposed to drive. This vehicle that we took was in need of some serious electrical work and it was the middle of winter..oh yeah it was on E and we had enough money to get into the Galaxy but nothing else.
When we finally talked his parents into letting him take this truck it was dusk out and getting darker fast. We sped down the road on our way...listening to Motley Crue on the radio and talking and having a good time....
Then it happened..we started to run out of gas so Brian being the genius that he was started swerving back and forth all over the road in a feeble attempt to make it to the Galaxy without getting gas. Needless to say, it was a lost cause and we ended up pulling off the side of the road to get the gas that he had in the back of the truckbed..it wasn't much, but maybe.. just maybe..it would be enough to make it...Oh yeah the electical problem was that the headlights wouldn't work unless the car was running...and this particular truck was one that had no hazards.
So here we are on a somewhat busy road, dressed for roller skating (leather jackets, t-shirts, and jeans) with no lights and no gas. He pulled the gas tank out of the truckbed and poured what was left into the tank...he raised the hood and took the air filter off in an attempt to get gas in the carb too. Then he tried to start it....nothing, then he told me to blow into the gas tank...so I take my leather jacket off, and brace myself for what happened next....I blew and it came out of the tank and all over my face and chest. I said some stuff and he didnt pay much attention and I was just standing there when he tried to start the truck...it started up and he yelled jump in and I was on the driver side..I jumped into the bed of the truck as we road down this dark road....middle of winter...blizzard..-5 or ten without the wind chill..and my leather jacket is in the front seat with the madman who won't stop the truck regardless of what I call him or yell at him.
We started getting low again and then he started with the swerving again... so did I...all over the bed of the truck. This truck didn't have a window in the back (I don't think). So I got a t-shirt on...shirt full of gas and I'm cruisin down this country road doing about 50mph yelling at my friend to pull over before I freeze to death and he just laughed and laughed and kept on driving . To make a long story short..we made it to our destination..I think I got a ride home with someone with a heater in their car..and we just laugh when we talk about it now..it was growing up and it was fun even when it was a little crazy and dangerous.

All Shook Up

2005-10-06T05:30:00.000-07:00

So we are getting ONE puppy (JAKE) and I changed my blog template and we are going camping this weekend with Big Dog and family. The guide thing at church is going great! My work is being tolerated and somewhat better due to more structure and more multi-tasking and manual labor. I am currently looking for a group of musicians who need an accoustic percussionist. Everything is going good in the life of RK. I feel a story coming on..next time. Have a great weekend!

One is the Loneliest Number

2005-10-01T06:20:00.000-07:00

Okay call me crazy...you done? Not only are we getting a puppy...we are getting two puppies..yep that's right two puppies. Sooo now I need two names instead of one. Two male yellow labs one is plain yellow..the other is dark yellow. Names that we like so far are..Smith and Wesson, Clancy and Keegan,Bartels and James,Berretta and Benelli, and of course my favorite, Rocco and Vinny. We figured that two dogs would need less attention and dogs that live together seem to bond to each other and keep each other calm and occupied. I did a great job with training Buster...I like the challenge. I know twice the food twice the crap and twice the vet bills. But this balances out our house..4 boys 4 girls ( including the pets). We are looking for a house sitters for the vacations we take when we can afford them. Our dogs will go camping with us and walking with us and I can't wait. I have had a dog in my family my whole life and there is a huge spot that needs filling in this family..companionship, loyalty, obedience..and tons and tons of puppy kisses and snuggles. That last bit was for the kids and wife. Well I'll be e-mailing some photos when we get our film developed. Thanks to Big Dog and Brent for the name suggestions but I can't see Garrett sticking his head out the front door yelling Com'ere Condom..com'ere boy.

Peace Out
God Bless
Arkay

Me and you and a dog named Boo

2005-09-29T15:47:00.000-07:00

Awesome song...awesome lyrics. Everything in the life of Rkdrumdude is going peachy!! Thank all of you for the prayers and the hopes of good luck and whatever it is you do.. I thank you all.
Summer is over and our gigs and the Theatre Bar and Porto Bellos is soon to be abolished due to insufficient funs due to insufficient tourism due to the weather. A nice little break..it opened some doors for next summer and hopefully more weddings and outdoor parties....anything is good. I booked my Drumparty thing at Yogi Bear Grand Haven next summer..I am stoked and blessed that I have a whole lot of rhythm..seems constantly in my head there is a beat going on..sometimes a song...sometimes just drums....I LIKE THE DRUMS!!
Our family is doing awesome we are going to look at our new puppy tomorrow..a labrador retriever..yellow or black or dark yellow..we get to pick one out of nine. We will get him/her probably Halloween weekend. Still thinking about names any suggestions would be helpful...I was gonna call him Big Dog but one of my buddies took that one for himself...that selfish bastard(smile). I got a couple names goin'... like RASTA or maybe Hobie or Panama..they all have meaning to them...I used the name Bongo for a dog that didn't work out so...Tumba or Quinto or Djembe or Didje...hmmm the possibilties are endless.
MOOSE KONA PAWS MOONDANCE PORKCHOP LOBO TANGO You Vote!!

Rock Steady

2005-09-08T14:34:00.000-07:00

So I sign up to be a guide/hotspot dude/helper at Watermark and it feels good. My job is...so how is everyone else in Blogsville doin'?
Still looking for a new job that will use my talents and gifts more than the one I am currently involved in. The job market in Michigan doesn't appear to be all that great.. yes Big Dog I am thankful I have a job and a roof and money and healthy kids and I am not whining...so shut yer hole!! LOL! The wife and I have discussed it and when the time is right I will continue my education into the teaching field or musical field or both. They have percussion classes as a class in colleges and some high schools now as an elective, that should open some doors once I get a degree. That would be fun.
Everything is going great..awesome summer.. still playing on Thursdays and every other Wednesday in G.H.. My youngest daughter is turning ONE on the seventeeth of this month...where does the time go? Have an Aurora popup that won't leave me alone... My friend Kori is stepping up and joining the Navy soon..What A MAN!! Good choice indeed.
Well gotta make dinner!!
Peace Out and
God Bless You All.
RKDRUMDUDE

Everything Is Beautiful

2005-08-12T07:48:00.000-07:00

I am not complaining
I was being selfish
Everything is going great!!
Will blog later!!!

Here comes the sun

2005-07-09T07:34:00.000-07:00

So to make a long story short...
Garrett broke his leg..gets his cast off on the 18th...
Buster passed away..there is a hole in our family where our Buster used to be...
Still haven't found a job but Tony Keck and I are playing in restaurants three days a week for the rest of the summer and getting paid. I am thankful.
Watermark continues to grow and excel in spreading the word of Christ. Worship on the waterfront was awesome...needed more percussion..need to get Duerty a cowbell next time...more cowbell indeed...
Everyone is doing fine and enjoying the summer....
I will blog again shortly with my bleeding heart ( that I wear on my sleeve).

Roundabout

2005-06-07T07:38:00.000-07:00

Awesome song by YES.
Just a little reminder to let everyone know that I am doing fine and camping my booty off. Everything that didn't seem to be going right before is slowly turning around for me due to the fact that this is the road I'm on...if He brings you to it..He'll bring you through it...my life message. Still waiting for another path to open up...searching for something more...along my talents and gifts. I am looking forward to a wonderful summer with my family and Watermark.
Life groups and Hastings and Hoffmaster and Grand Haven State Park were awesome!! More Later!!
Peace Out!

Every Which Way But Loose

2005-05-17T14:18:00.000-07:00

Due to the fact that I am thinking, wondering, praying and struggling right now.....blogging has moved down my list of priorities...I will return with an awesome Army story or something of that sort....no pressure..no worries....I shall return...eventually.

I Feel Good..

2005-05-05T11:41:00.000-07:00

So my boss comes up to me and apologizes for giving me a bad review and there were alot of things that he wasnt aware of and he is going to make things right...soooooo I guess it looks like I'm gonna keep on keepin on at my place of employment (until something better comes along). Youth Pastor??Hmmm Serving and helping people find God..it's what I live for..I have often thought of heading that direction but I don't feel that's what I am intended for right now....there is a reason I am doing what I'm doing at my workplace.... when I find out or do that...He will send me somewhere else to do something else...I am a beacon in the current. I prayed not for me but for my boss..that his heart would open a little and maybe show a little respect towards others and treat others as he would want to be treated...prayer answered (like there was any doubt).
So I am back in full steps with 5 weeks of vacation and 14 years of senority and I will start applying myself more..take more classes...sign more postings....see what I can do to help others or aid in our company to help it flourish and excel.
I know for a fact that I have an awesome summer to look forward to...camping..drumming...sunshine..family and friends......didjing...beach bumming....it's gonna be great. I think nobody really appreciates the summertime as much as Michiganians..we have about 4 months to do everything we can outside until we hibernate again.
Well I will be on my back deck thawing out and relaxing as my kids play on the playset today...thanking God for another obstacle passed and another piece of my heart opened..so much in this world we take for granted....Thanks be to THE LORD.
Those who know your name
will trust in you,
for you, Lord,
have never forsaken
those who seek you. Psalm 9:10

Never is so huge!!
Peace Out,
ARKAY

Take this job and .....

2005-05-03T13:25:00.000-07:00

O.K. so I have currently been at my place of employment for about 14 years.. I have always met or exceeded my boss' expectations of my particular job..until now. The boss I currently have has no feelings whatsoever or respect for other human beings...my last boss was awesome and the boss I have now was the one responsible for firing the good boss. I was a great worker with above average reviews and then it happened.....my boss doesn't particularly care for me because I explained to him that he should treat individuals the way he would want to be treated...soooo here I am stuck in my department ( due to my poor review no one else would acknowledge a posting) and I am stuck with this boss for another year.....I feel I am in need of another job soon...I feel they are trying to get rid of the others and me because we have feelings and play fair. We have gone to his boss and tried to explain this but they are close friends..isnt that wonderful? So if any one out there in blogdom knows of a job in sales or anything that would keep me from going back into a factory(HELL)...please let me know.
Part of me is thinking I should stick it out and do my best for another year..and the other part of me is saying...you have been a cooperate ladder and if you havent amounted to anything in 14 years what makes you think you have a chance now? hmmm My head hurts....some people don't even have jobs...are they broke? Are they happy? Does a job that makes you money make you happy?? What if your job makes you money but you are not happy at all. How am I going to provide for my family if I lose my job? I shoulda went to college......I am in the process of a nervous beakdown I believe......If everyone gets a chance..could they do me a favor and prayor whatever it is you do... for me ..and that I find a job soon that I can use my knowledge and gifts at....something that I can do to help others...something that I can get paid by not just money but by self worth and satisfaction.
I have done hard work and factory labor for all this time...spent the last 14 years on a concrete floor making money for others and not even coming close to making anyone happy except those around me most of the time. Never met any customers..never got any thanks..always can you do this? How about this? Sorry bout that...that's the way it goes.
Soapbox sniffling,
RKdrumdude out

Walking on The Moon

2005-04-25T17:31:00.000-07:00

That concert was unimaginable! Sting was awesome....guitars were great ...and the drummer was nothing short of phenominal...know I remeber why I liked The Police so much...THEY ROCK!! I think Sting only did like three maybe four of his solo stuff, the rest were Police songs like Invisible Sun, Demolition Man(my favorite),Walking on the moon, Voices inside my head, Roxanne,King of Pain...it was an awesome show and I am glad I went. Sting even said that he'd be back again...soooo yes I will hopefully be at his next show also.
O.k. enough about Sting..my kids are doing awesome, my wife is always awesome...Watermark is as impressive and mentoring as it was when it started out..my job is......so how is everyone doing in their blogworld? Everyone is invited to come check me out at the restaurant Friday night with Tony...we are playing real tight and starting to emerge into a hopeful deck duo for the summer...I could use a little extra cash for bills and camping costs. If anyone knows anyone that can get us a jazz duo deck brunch easy listening jammy little ditty session that pays $$$ please let me know. I feel that we are getting good enough and everyone comments on how good we sound and how much they enjoy our sound (sympathetic fans???naaahhhh) if we sounded really bad they would tell us right?? Although it is only friends and family that give us compliments...oh great....we suck...wait Tony is really good....oh nooo I suck...all my friends said I sound good....that girl on American Idol said everyone thought she sounded good too and she was a freak....oh great what if I'm a freak???
Just babbling....even if I'm not that good on accoustic percussion...I have fun and my family loves me....I think...
I am currently giving up caffiene and coffee
not really.
Done with this 4 now
Hope you enjoyed it
See Ya Friday
Peace Out
And God Bless
RK

It's Raining Again

2005-04-23T09:01:00.000-07:00

So what was supposed to be a fun weekend of camping turned into a cold weekend at home. Either way we had fun..got called a loser for not sucking up the snow flurries and 30 degree wind chill factor in a fiberglass camper..so I slept at home in our big, warm bed and woke up and drank coffee in my pajamas and made hot cocoa for the kids... how I wish I could be camping..we will get our fill of camping this year..mostly when it's warmer and sunny out...do I envy Big Dog? Kinda...mostly because he has the strong sense of stubborness and doesn't let Craig James plan his camping excursions..I suppose I am getting to be a fair weather camper... I don't think it is a bad thing...I feel kinda crappy for losing 30.00 for cancelling late. Also for cancelling plans to camp with some of the coolest campers we know. I know that camping is camping and weather is weather but cold is cold and comfortable is comfortable and friends are friends and money is money.
So Sunday night we are going to see Sting at the Vanandel arena. I was and still am a huge Police fan..Stewart Copeland was one of the best drummers in the world...Sting started as a face, front man and developed into a lasting influential individual in the recording industry. Really looking forward to seeing this show...the more accoustics..the better.

This is RKdrumdude saying
PEace Out,
God Bless,
and have an awesome week

Under Pressure

2005-04-14T13:02:00.000-07:00

So here I am again..blogging about not much of anything.
Let me start off first by saying that we have booked some major camping plans for the summer and can't wait to go hike with the kids.
Second, I am unbelievably overly excited and overwhelmed to know that I will soon see Da Roach and his wife soon enough as they have announced they are returning to Watermark.....c'mon all you non-believers who read my blog...with a name like Roach..how could he not be one of the coolest people you know!!
Family is doing awesome....work is still work and I can only pray that my job is as close to the depths of hell as I will ever know. It's not bad...shoulda went to college I guess.. it just seems that as hard as I work physically every day and come home with aching back and sore feet....how much longer can I keep my head up. So the wife and I have decided that I find a new job....maybe a pizza delivery guy or a pro golfer(like Steve). I just need the benefits that have now. After being at HMI for 15 years I feel that there is no or little room for advancement and I have been topped out on the payscale since my third year there. I have learned alot of things and met some really cool people along the way....I just want a job where I can make a difference and feel like I did something for someone...I AM thankful I even have a job.....but it's way hard to stay happy when everyone else is on anti- depressants. The money is nice but I just feel that I'm capable of so much more. Am I selling myself short by remaining there? I know it's all part of Gods plans but I think there is another path coming my way...and even if it's really small and bushes and vines are growing through it...I'm taking it.
I am so looking forward to spending more time with Da Roach.......
Thinking of a new video movie...Camping with the Roach

May God Bless You All
and Peace Out

Hit Me With Your Best Shot

2005-03-31T12:15:00.000-08:00

It's not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how
the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have
done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the
arena....who, at best, knows in the end the triumph of great achievement,
and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while doing greatly. So that
his placewill never be with those cold timid souls who know niether victory or defeat.

Theodore Roosevelt

I thought that was cool. Kinda makes ya wonder...if we never try will we ever know? I know for a fact, from my life experiences, It is better to try and maybe fail..than never to try and never know what would've happened if.
I can't quit writing like this the bold and italic is broke or something. Maybe this is better, or maybe this...there ya go this is it!! Hey I did it!!!
So my life has been going well lately...the kids are healthy and the wife is doing well also. Had an awesome Easter service Sunday. Huge band...good eats...great songs...cool people.
Don't have a whole lot to blog about today...felling kinda pressured from threats of Big Dog on not blogging and giving me a time frame.
Making all these camping plans for the summer are fun..we all have a great time when we get together and camp....it's just kinda difficult to get all of us together sometimes. Anyone wants to camp let us know..the site is on this page under BIG DOGS site. We have them all listed so far. Hoping the rookie campers(you know who you are) have an awesome time and nice weather all the way to Florida and back.
Well I'm outta here,
God Bless and
Peace Out!

Singin' In The Rain

2005-03-30T19:15:00.000-08:00

Well it's late and it's raing like crazy outside..and thunderin' and lightnin'..waay coooool. I gotta go watch it....I'll blog a thing tomorrow!! Peace Out!!

THE JOKER

2005-03-17T11:31:00.000-08:00

So work is work and weekends are weekends. I had a great day at work today and I thought I might share it.
Ever wonder about temporary services like Manpower and Addeco? Where do you suppose they get these people. I have worked through Manpower and to tell you the truth....it wasn't great money but it was a job..and at the time I didn't have anything else. So today at my workplace , we get an individual with some tattoos, a younger kid maybe 20 or something, from the hours of 6- 10 a.m. we train this newbie and teach him what to do. He does a great job..is friendly and seems intelligent enough. After our 9:00 break we continue to work and about twenty minutes into it it, he grabs his jacket and goes outside ( we are thinking.. maybe he went out for a smoke). Our boss sees him go outside and follows him to tell him we only smoke on breaktimes(except management) and he should come back in and remain productive. No sooner does our boss open the door.. then..this temp...starts running as fast as he can to his car...gets in...and drives off never to be seen again. I was laughing hysterically ( almost peed myself). I felt like yelling at him, "RUN FASTER.. AND BRING BACK HELP!!" Doesn't take much to excite me I guess. I'm thinking..wow...if I could do that...I would...I was kinda envious until I came back to our house..in our Jeep...to our kids....and our dog....and my wife....doubtful any of this would have happened if not for an employer for the last 15 years.
I read something today...about a guy who put a big black dot on a piece of paper. He held it up and ask others what they saw... most said a big black dot or a black mark. They all just didn't get it..It was a piece of paper..so many times in life it's like we are looking at the doughnut holes instead of the doughnut. So many times we are so worried about what will happen and what we will get.. and how we will get it. Instead of what we have...how much we should appreciate everything we have..and how blessed we are to have everything we have. Too much in this world goes un noticed and looked over. When was the last time...you really took the time to watch a sunrise with your family......or a sunset? When was the last time you hugged your kids or spouse and told them you loved them and got teary eyed because you meant it soooo much? When was the last time you took a long hard look at everything you had to be thankful for....and was happy about it?
On the soapbox
steppin' down
Peace Out
RKDRUMDUDE (with a "r" after the first "d") what?

There Ain't No Sunshine

2005-03-15T06:00:00.000-08:00

So Michelles Grandmother passed away this last weekend in an auto accident. She flew out of GR Sunday morning and is coming home Wednesday night. We miss her and Payton...please pray that they will return safely and for Judy family and friends.
Everything is going well in the life of the drumdude..the sermon was awesome as expected. Trying to figure out things that are puzzling to me. Why is everyone so concerned about everyone else. One of the biggest problems people seem to have about believing in God is that what about a monk in Tibet that has devoted his whole life to his faith? What if no one ever told him about Christianity? This is a question I have always wondered about. When he dies does he go to hell because he hasn't accepted God as his god? As Christians we care so much about other people so would it be wise to go to Tibet and teach? We are disciples and we were created to worship and fulfill the will of God. Any answers in Blogsville?
So I kept D out of her 1/2 day of school today and we are hangin out at home. Call it a personal Daddy snowday. That has a ring to it. Figure she might learn more in three hours at home with me than three hours in school...what?
Well i gotta go and hang with the youngins'.
Accoustic Sunday this weekend.. I wish Big Dog and his family and Steve and Andrea and the girls and Brian and Brenda and the kids and Eric and his new wife(CONGRATS) and anyone else I failed to mention would at least come out to one of our services and if nothing else...watch me and Mike play some cool songs. Faith is not going to be pushed on you...and if you go five times in a row you get a pair of purple sneakers, a majestic golden laced robe, and a card that lets you sit in the front seat when the ufo comes to take us....just kidding. I can say that you will meet some awesome individuals and possibly even have a good time(free food too). Then I had a thought....if any of you were a musician..and you were playing somewhere...there is not much that I could think of that would keep me away from coming to see you....at least once. Isn't that what friends are for?
Rkdrumdude
Callin' all Ya'll Out,
Waitin' for Excuses
God Bless

I'm On a Mexican Radio

2005-03-06T17:53:00.000-08:00

We made it!! We survived the poverty stricken beauty and unsanitery third world country known as Mexico. It was some beautiful beaches, the seafood was awesome..it was scary to eat in some of the places we ended up...but hey..when in Rome do as vato does Ci? Worst part of the trip..hmmm not really a down side to this but flying with a five month old baby is not a wise decision..Payton was awesome...other babies were not. She fussed a little but some of the kids on the plane screamed like you wouldn't believe. It was definitely an adventure.
Mexico and Driving
Now I don't claim to being worldy..although I have driven cars and Humvees in Israel, Egypt,Panama, Germany..and Italy..on military installations as well as the autoban and back desert roads. Mexico has no road rules..Red light STOP?? Nope...! Green light GO?? yeah whatever.. after you got used to all the taxi and bus drivers that were EL LOCO....you had to watch out for the pedestrians ages 4 to 100 and something dodging traffic like a matador at a bullfight. It was crazy...we rented a car and drove the coastline and saw some spectacular sights and ate some awesome food and drove some unbelievable backroads. Never did I see a midget with a sombrero..(I looked everywhere) I did get a picture, however, of a huge gringo that was as red as my Christmas sweater.
We sunblocked bigtime...the markets were fun to haggle at...if ONE...just ONE of the many vendors that approached me with a hash pipe..go and find Jesus like I told them they should...I would think my trip more worthwhile..I can only pray that they listen to this gringo with the beautiful wife and earrings and blue eyed baby...I hope and pray that they remember me and what I said to them.
One night as I was searching for a cuban cigar I met an individual about to go into a strip bar...he had a wedding band on and looked very depressed and sad...I said Que Pasa' mi Amigo..and he looked at me and asked me if I spoke english ( that was funny) I said yes and one thing led to another and we ended up talking about his wife and his kids and how he was addicted to porn and drinking and just unloaded on me...everything..i just listened..prayed..listened....he must've seen my cross necklace or something.....when he was done talking I told him he should go home and hug his wife and kids and start trying to have more faith in the Lord and tell his wife what he told me and she would help him too. Happy wife happy life. He gave me a hug..he wiped his eyes a little and went in the direction for home( as far as I know) but I like to think maybe I helped a little. There was a reason I was compelled to ask him what was up and there at that particular time...I love this world.
Well that gooes it for our Mexican adventure... we are home and we are safe and our work week starts again tomorrow...great fun..great sun..great trip..but it's done. Now only memories of sandy beaches and fresh seafood and great weather and over chlorinated pools.
This is Rkdrumdude signing off
and CONGRATS TO MARK AND MARY for baby IAN!!!
May God Bless Him and Keep him in HIS hands!!

Vacation

2005-02-25T04:05:00.000-08:00

Well,
our wondeful friends got a great deal on a condo and asked us if we would accomodate them to this little place down south of the border. We thought about it...did some financing...and for the money..it was clear to us it was a bargain indeed. We had to pay for our flight and some food..lodging free.. how could we be rude and decline? So Saturday (this one) Michelle and Payton and myself are off to...Puerto Vallarta Mexico for a whole week. I feel the hardest decision I will be making is....am I really hot from all this sun??...am I really hot enough to jump in that pool??
So I will be returning back to the frozen tundra next Saturday.....it will be my main priority to search for a blog topic while snorkeling and hiking and relaxing by the pool.
Please pray that we have a safe trip and a safe return and that our kids remain healthy and good in the care of our family members.
Found this quote the other day online...had to share it....
So I jump ship in Hong Kong and make my way over to Tibet, and I get on as a looper at a course over in the Himalayas. A looper, you know, a caddy, a looper, a jock. So, I tell them I'm a pro jock, and who do you think they give me? The Dalai Lama, himself. Twelfth son of the Lama. The flowing robes, the grace, bald... striking. So, I'm on the first tee with him. I give him the driver. He hauls off and whacks one -- big hitter, the Lama -- long, into a ten-thousand foot crevice, right at the base of this glacier. And do you know what the Lama says? Gunga galunga...gunga -- gunga galunga. So we finish the eighteenth and he's gonna stiff me. And I say, "Hey, Lama, hey, how about a little something, you know, for the effort, you know." And he says, "Oh, uh, there won't be any money, but when you die, on your deathbed, you will receive total consciousness." So I got that goin' for me, which is nice.

Don't Go Breaking My Heart

2005-02-22T13:16:00.000-08:00

So I go over to Ferry Elementary School to get D Friday...we walk home, talk about stuff and eat snow(just the white stuff of course). Well it kinda broke my heart when I walked in the school and passed by the Kindergarten rooms...D's old teacher was bringing kids in from outside and they were all soo cute and bundled up and covered in snow. I did a dijeridoo class for them and some of them remember me..I looked at them and said, "Who's gonna go sledding when they get home?" and like five or six of the 10 little kids looked at me all bummed out and depressed and replied, "We have to go to our Dads house". I have friends that are divorced and they seem to be quite balanced and got married too young and had some problems or whatever the reason. It seems to me that kids these days aren't growing up with a whole lot of love. The friends that I do have that divorced must be in the high percentage when it comes to excessive love. The whole family seems to get along and everyone loves everyone else.
Why did these kids immediatly deflate in spirits when I asked them if they were going sledding? I am a Dad..my best buddies are Dads.. our kids are ecstatic to spend time alone with us it seems. Are other Fathers dropping the ball?
Maybe to be a good Father you have to KNOW a good father. Some of my buddies came from a broken home or a disfunctional surrounding...who didn't..but it seems they all turned out o.k..
I am confused..when those little boys and girls looked up at me and said that I felt my heart kinda sink a little...I wish I could have them all over here...I'd take all of them sledding and then for ice cream...hey wait...I haven't taken MY kids sledding yet this year..but we eat our share of ice cream and play with forts and dolls and watch Jonny Quest and Scooby Doo together. This is a wakeup call for those of you reading this........
Your Mom and Dad probably told you this a long time ago....."They grow so fast" it will be a long time before I ever see my kids fret at the thought of spending time with Dad. Sure sometimes I might have a little gas that stinks real bad..or I might havta blog or check out Mc sites...or sometimes I might just be a little too busy.....but I can almost always say that I take the time to make some time for the kids....it's the little things that mean alot.

Take the pebble from my hand grasshoppa,
Peace Out

Dude!! Where's my Drum???

2005-02-12T06:25:00.000-08:00

Well..since I have completed the longest blog ever, I'll keep this short and sweet.
Everything is going great in Wade's World. My Friday Night gig is going awesome and everyone who has heard us wants us to come out with a cd....hhhhhmmmmm. That would be nice...if anyone wants to fund this let me know. Went to a Birthday Party last night for an eleven year old and he got some cool stuff. Guilty..I was envious of all the toys that are coming out nowadays...electronically advanced little kids. Striker told me yeasterday that some show on tv did a test to actually see who was more advanced on the computer level...kids or adults. To make a long story short...adults 1 kids 0. It seems when they were surfin' the information highway the kids dilly dally'd and stopped here and there and couldn't remained focused on the subject they were searching for. The adults were more prcise and conclusive with the findins that were listed. So if I play games on the computer AND use it for alot on informational, spiritual study and knowledge....I am figuring I fall somewhere in the middle of all this.
I am glad everyone enjoyed my blog...no comment from the Big Dog..he must be getting ready for the new arrival (baby). Kids are awesome..and we are potty training Lil'G. Too funny...messy but funny!!
Well..gotta bail.... Leaving with a song..
Enjoy
I don't want to work
I want to bang on the drum all day
I don't want to play
I just want to bang on the drum all day
Ever since I was a tiny boy
I don't want no candy
I don't want no toy
I took a stick and an old coffee can
I bang on that thing 'til I gotBlisters on my hand
Because...When I get older they think I'm a fool
The teacher told me
I should stay after school
She caught me pounding on the desk with my hands
But my licks were so hot
I made the teacher want to dance
And that's why...Listen to this
Every day when I get home from work
I feel so frustrated
the boss is a jerk
And I get my sticks and go out to the shed
And i pound on that drum like it was the boss's head
Because..I CAN BANG ON THAT DRUM
HEY, YOU WANT TO TO A BANG AT IT?
i CAN DO THIS ALL DAY
I really liked the chorus..but my boss isn't a jerk..he's actually pretty cool..
Peace Out

His Gift

2005-02-05T06:32:00.000-08:00

Due to the Roach calling me out on another war story and Big Dog lieing about my 3 comment minimum( check Dj& G) I have decided to throw another bone out for the masses of sometimes unsatisfied and disgruntled fellow bloggers( don't blame yourselves..it's human nature).
This is about my trip to Panama to disarm and lock up an individual known as Pineapple Head a.k.a. Manuel Noriega. Due to some of this story he is now in a lavish condiminium jail cell equipped with cable tv and a playstation. Isn't justice wonderful?
We had been on alert for about three weeks now...we were at the highest alert status which meant we had to be wheels up, in the aircraft, headed for our destination in 24 hours. I know this doesn't seem difficult but we are talking about a battalion of enormous population.
We had been through some practice drills..get your stuff.. let's go.. it's only 2:ooam..what? we even got on the plane and circled the airstrip and everything..practice makes perfect.
Nobody really expected to actually go to into combat.. we all thought it was another practice drill intended to give us some more euchre time in the hangar and maybe even some dominoes.
That was fine and great until they put us on the plane...took off and then started handing out live ammo and live grenades..hmmm this is different..they are really getting into this practice thing. More than a couple guys freaked out when they said we were going into combat...we had all been properly trained for this but it still seemed scary knowing that we might not all come back to California alive.
When we were issued all our live ammo and given our mission briefing they still left out the important thing of where we were actually going. When we landed they told us we were in Panama..it was like 100 degrees (in the shade). We had been in northern California where is was 60-70 at the most. The humidity was a killer..sun beating down on us and literally trying to bake us. Oh yeah for all of you that think when it's nice when it's warm out...I forgot to mention that we were in full gear, full ammo, full flak vests, helmets,sleeves down, canteens full, black leather boots, and some of us were also carrying 5lb. containers of water. It wasn't pleasurable or comfortable at all.
We landed at an airstrip...not an airport...an airstrip...it was a strech of land that was flat and about a 30 minute drive to downtown conflict.
When we got out of the plane with all our gear on it felt like someone was shoving a giant blowdryer on high heat right in the plane door...it stunck like garbage and the humidity was comparable to that of a small unfiltered greenhouse. We all sat in the field by the plane for quite awhile waiting for the total unload..in the hot baking sun. We had to walk about 2 miles to the vehicles that were going to transport us to the objective point...we call them duece and halfs..because they carry 2500 lbs of stuff.
That walk..that hot, humid ,stinky, carry 130 lbs. of stuff, and water was perhaps THE biggest challenge I have ever faced in my life. I was drinking water as fast as I could and then it happened...troops started falling out....medics were tearing off shirts and giving i.v.s right on the path. the toughest thing was being able to see the vehicles but it didn't seem they were getting any closer. More and more people started falling out with heat exhaustion and heat stroke...the medics had their hands full and when we finally did make it to the duece and halfs we were about 100 people short. I continued to drink water ..water...water..our medic was still with us...we thought that if we made it to the transporters it would be better. We were wrong..when we got to these vehicles we had to sit and wait for the fallouts to catch up and regroup. There were no tops on the vehicles..we were in combat...we had to position our weapons to the outside of the vehicles and watch for snipers. I kinda blanked out at this point...maybe I drank too much water or my brain was cooking underneath my kevlar helmet..maybe just maybe He was carrying me..He does that alot when I am not strong. I remember them dragging a couple of troops underneath the trucks because of the shade and giving iv's. I continued to drink water.
We finally startet moving and we were all thinking that maybe a breeze would rejouvenate..maybe the wind from the ride would cool. NOT..when it is hot out..rolling your window down doesn't help...at all.
We parked and walked (without any medics) about 1.5 miles to our post..I was spent..I was carrying the radio for the Lt. and it ain't light to say the least...when we reached our post next to the embassy..we had about 15 troops out of 40..no medics..very little supplies. The Lt. and myself and another squad were the only ones in our platoon to make the entire distance to our post...another ten feet...another ten feet..it's all I could think of..any more than that and I honestly can say I don't think I could've made it.
We got to our post...I sat down in the shade and my Lt. went to check in...I was outside next to a phone booth sitting on the ground pretending like I was standing guard..I was miserable...nothing in this world would've made me feel better than an airconditioned room and a bed to lay in.
Most people in Panama were glad we were there to stop the drugs..the police..the judicial corruption...pineapple head. I was sitting there resting..and a little Panamanian boy about 5 came up to me with ice cold bottle of Coke..the bottle cap was still on it and sweat was dripping off the glass bottle. He smiled and I smiled the best I could and I accepted my generously given gift with a head nod and a thank you dude. I put that ice cold bottle on the back of my neck and it felt soooo goood. I cooled down a little ...popped the cap...and drank it down faster than Mean Joe Green....never saw that kid again...hmmmmmmmmm

Groovin' On a Sunday Afternoon

2005-01-23T18:59:00.000-08:00

Fellow bloggers, friends and family, I am here to write about what a great weekend I had. Family time is crucial and so rewarding. Makes the work week almost worthwhile. Hanging out with my wife and kids all weekend was awesome to say the least. Threw Delaney in the snow..trying to teach Lil G' about potty training....watching Paytons grins and reach for things. Totally laying on the couch when the kids are asleep and snuggling up with the Wifey and watching a good movie...I can honestly say that it can't get any better than this. The sub zero temps outside are so petty compared to the love on the inside. I know it sounds kinda mushy, but hey, feelings are feelings and people are people.
Have a great week!!
God Bless you all.

Let it Snow, Let it snow..let it snow..

2005-01-22T11:25:00.000-08:00

I love this stuff..spent most of the morning snowblowing and shoveling out the salon..then our house. I think we got about a foot of snow at least. Due to some of the rude comments from some of my best friends, I guess I am going to have to blog more about more interesting stuff instead of church and gatherings and God. Seems I can't seem to make everyone happy.. and I do care. I blog about things that matter to me most. If I get called out....I'm not going to change what I blog about oh yeah (smiley face). Or how often I blog. My real friends are going to like me for who I am not for what I believe in. Sorry if this blog offends you but I gotta get it out.
I love the snow when the weather is above 20 degrees ( with the wind chill). I was contemplating taking my kids sledding today, but I think it might have to wait until tomorrow. Last night at the restaurant was a great time for all who showed up. We continue to get compliment after compliment on our new age jazzy musical arrangements, it sure is great playing with such inspiring and dedicated musician that never ceases to teach or learn from others. I've met a handful of musically talented people that claim to be good or great. What I have found is that the most humble musicians that I have met are in fact the most talented and always strive to learn more an more about that particular field. Kind of like an artist..they always feel that the paintings could be better or that this is not their best work..like they are never satisfied with the work that they do...people who say that they are good at something might be their own personal opinion..how good is good? How great is great? I guess it falls under the same ol',"You can't read a book by it's cover".
I've never been so good at something that I would tell people I was good. I have always just enjoyed sharing my gifts for others to enjoy. People have told me that I was good, but I remain humble...it helps me to continue to try and learn more. I haven't given any autographs yet but I have had kids dancing and alot of heads bobbing in the restaurant due to the rhythms and grooves that Tony and I are laying down. To me...when I can give someone the feeling of happiness or wanting to dance or even taking their minds off of something stressful and helping them to relax a little or groove alot....this is more important to me than being good or great. It gives me a feeling that I am sharing my gift of rhythm for others to enjoy.

The beat goes on...
and the groove makes you move.
Peace Out
RKdrumdude

Life's Been Good So Far..

2005-01-16T18:26:00.000-08:00

Good time at Watermark today, sermon was about truth and post modernism. Truth is such a huge word, it was described as not being a lie, and described as a feeling of spiritual fullness.
Had an awesome couple over for lunch today after the gathering (you know who you are) and their kids. KFC and they bought..we'll get ya next time and thank you again..it was a wonderful time indeed.
Poker tournament at Brians house was a huge success. We raised 600 dollars for Travis Linds headstone and it was a great time of spending time together with old and new friends. The food that everyone brought was excellent to say the least. A HUGE thank you to Brian and Brenda for putting on such a successful and well planned event. It's a real blessing to have friends like that.
We are currently putting together a small life groups for every other Sunday afternoon. It will be a time to grow, share and have fun learning about stuff that matters most. Open invitation if anyone is interested. Give me a call or send me an e-mail with any questions or suggestions.
Song by Switchfoot
LOSER
Only the losers win
They've got nothin to prove
They'll leave the world with nothing to lose
You can laugh at the wierdos now
wait till wrongs are right
They'll be the ones with nothing to hide
'Cause I've been thinking, thinking
I've got a plan to lose it all
I've got a contract pending on eternity
If I haven't already given it away
I've got a plan to lose it all
I've been the burnout kid
I've been the idiot
I'll turn the other cheek to be hit
You can take what you want from me
Empty me till I'm depleated
I'll be around if I'm ever needed
I wrote this song for you
To show how I'm selling out
I'll take the benefit of the doubt
This is RKdrumdude saying,
"Peace out and have
have a great tomorrow
Grand Haven".

O.K. Let's talk about this

2005-01-10T17:29:00.000-08:00

One at a time on the comment page...it's intended purpose is solely to add suggestions, opinions, and some of the most humorous statements ending in "what"?( U know who you r).
Today I am blogging..first time since Christmas. I am thinking how can I make it worth your while? How can I make this blog so interesting and try to break my record for 11 comments? I could talk about how my PACKERS choked on Viking smoke. At least I'm not a Lions Fan(yet).
I could simply ramble on about things that have occured in my life since Christmas but that would be short and somewhat boring(to some).
I will tell you that on Friday nights I will be playing a gig from 5 to 8 at a hip new restaurant with a guitar player that is unbelievably good and extremely talented. E-mail me for location....too many anonymous commenters..they could be stalkers!!
Work is same ol' same ol'! Diversity training taught me....that I am a people person. Go figure..I thought I was an introvert..NOT. Turns out that I am the exact same person that I was before I even went to the class...maybe a little more wired on caffeine, a little chubbier from the doughnuts..but I am the same as I was before I went. Figure that one out.
For some goofy unknown reason I found the song that I want played at my funeral...why do I think of these things? I DON'T KNOW!! I was just in the car listening to it and thought that ALL my friends would enjoy this song IF they got the meaning...it might even be a little helpful on my way out. Thinking about stuff that doesn't make sense...is that possible? Doesn't everything make sense..if you think about it?
Saturday Night at 5 p.m. I am attending a Texas Hold'em Poker Tournament at Brians house. I have been in two tournaments and placed 2nd and 1st. Am I nervous?..Would I tell you if I was? Probably not..This is me trying not to get a swelled head. The first tourney I played was a lot of luck...second ..I feel I am getting better simply because I am becoming more aware of the odds of the hands and the patience involved....This tourney is open to fellow bloggers if you are interested call me...if you are a friend you have my number, if you are not a friend..please remain anonymous and don't get involved.
I am curious to see if Boo has taught her cat any new tricks...
Going to Moto Monday night with a friends kid and possibly my nephew..will be a fun time I'm sure. Gonna try real hard to make it to the gathering on Sunday..then we are meeting with( as Big Dog calls him) our Spiritual Leader and his wife...then it is off to the RV show with the kids.
GO STEELERS!!
Song for my funeral follows
Welcome to the planet
Welcome to existence
Everyone's here
Everyone's here
Everybody's watching you now
Everybody waits for you now
What happens next?
What happens next?
I dare you to move
I dare you to move
I dare you to lift yourself up off the floor
I dare you to move
I dare you to move
Like today never happened
Today never happened before
Welcome to the fallout
Welcome to resistance
The tension is here
The tension is here
Between who you are and who you could be
Between how it is and how it should be
I dare you to move
I dare you to move
I dare you to lift yourself up off the floor
I dare you to moveI dare you to move
Like today never happened
Today never happened
Maybe redemption has stories to tell
Maybe forgiveness is right where you fell
Where can you run to escape from yourself?
Where you gonna go?
Where you gonna go?
Salvation is here
I dare you to move
I dare you to move
I dare you to lift yourself
Lift yourself up off the floor
I dare you to move
I dare you to move
Like today never happened
Today never happened
Today never happened
Today never happened before

Nuff' Said
God Bless and Peace Out
Back on the Beat Again

Merry Christmas to All

2004-12-26T10:15:00.000-08:00

It was an awesome Christmas and the kids were very thankful.
So I'm thinking..when I was alot younger..opening presents that were under the tree. Not paying attention to my parents expressions, but more content on tearing through packaging curious as to what might be behind all this wrapping paper. I open it.. to my amazement it was a toy or clothes or whatever...I just seem to remember being so caught up in it all and thnking that there was NO WAY that the holiday season could be any better than getting gifts and toys and clothes and gadgets. How wrong was I?? Let me explain;
When I woke up Christmas morning to three of the most beautiful children I have ever seen...sleepy stuff in the eyes and bed head to the point of it looking matted and sticking out all over...when they turn that corner to look under that tree... If I could save that moment forever. That little look of sheer astonishment and amazement fills the whole room. To know that it is supposed to be better to give than recieve is not quite understood until we have children of our own.
What an awesome day we had
And the beat goes on...

Changes

2004-12-19T17:56:00.000-08:00

So why is it o.k. to buy a truck or a matchbox car for my daughter, but to buy a barbie for my son makes my stomach turn and gives me a sad feeling in my heart? I have told him on numerous occasions that barbies are for girls and girls play with dolls and boys play with trucks and cars. Should I just sit back..relax and let things happen? Should I appreciate that he stands up for his own decisions, he's only 3? To him it's not a big deal..it's a toy..and as far as barbies go...they are kinda hot. I asked him why he likes them and he says that they are pretty...then I asked him if he would like a Shaggy doll from Scooby Doo and he says, "no Dad, that's a boy doll". Hmmmm...now I realize that there is no such thing as a perfect parent. Adam and Eve messed it up for all of us when they did what they were told not to. Dysfunctional family #1 and it only gets worse from there.. brothers killing each other, brothers leaving family members for dead. Doesn't seem that bad that I have a boy who likes barbies because his sister does. I used to play with barbies, because I too, had a sister 4 years older than me. However, I would rip their clothes off, tear off their heads and use them as dog toys for our airdale terrier. Now which is worse? Was I just trying to make my sister sad by doing that or did I get some enjoyment out of the massacre and dismemberment of a plastic doll? Sign me up for psychiatric evaluation. I give up trying to figure this all out. I'm thinking long term here...stop me if I'm wrong...but...I figure I will let him take a barbie to 1st grade if he wants to....is that mean? The younger kids can be heartless. I'm sure Steve T. has and answer for this.. Steve D. might have to face this issue also.
If I tell my son what he can and can't play with, am I not limiting his curious nature and imagination?
This is not an excerpt from a newspaper article this is the real deal. I would like to know what some fellow bloggers would do in my situation...male and female opinions would be helpful since my wife and I have discussed this many times and are still puzzled at what or how it should be handled.

The Long and Winding Road....

2004-12-14T15:57:00.000-08:00

It has been awhile...for those who read my blog, for those who don't, it doesn't really matter. My life has been busy, but to make a long story short I'll briefly explain the last month in short form;
High cholesterol...blood test...lipitor for the rest of this life...D rules..wrote her name in the van on the seat...with an ink pen...BUSTED...Watermark is going great..Striker is awesome...G is all boy..cept for the Barbie thing....Payton is precious all the time which makes me wonder is she just holding out until she can walk and then is going to spaz out?? My wife is the best....Christmas shopping is fun..when you have money....if you don't...it's depressing...Jesus was not born to be the Saint of 4th quarter earnings...Mike has a thing for this girl....makes me happy...one of my best friends nephew needs prayer for him and his family...tough times we all go through and don't understand why?...chest x-ray and stress test..passed with flying colors..bald spots on my chest from the adhesive pads should grow back soon....no more taking my shirt off in public for awhile...got a gig at Prueblos with an awesome guitarist....hoping it'll work out....not to kiss up but I still think Watermark has the coolest core team...hope everyone enjoys this blog...might not take me as long next time....enjoying MC sites...fantasy football is over for me this year...credit card debt sucks...the new Switchfoot cd beautiful letdown is great...P needs her binky...gotta bail....God Bless.

AND THE BEAT GOES ON...

2004-11-23T16:08:00.000-08:00

What a great bible study Funky and I had today...good times. I got a book for my 38th Birthday called The Word On The Street by Rob Lacy. What a cool book!!! Steve J. would even like this book!! All our children are doing great and life is good at the casa. Right now I am simply rambling until something comes to mind that stops me long enough to...got it!!!
Let's talk about my new book. It is described as a "dangerously real" retelling of Scripture. It is gritty, earthy, and witty. All focused on the big picture. Psalms as song lyrics,Bible stories retold as mini-blockbusters, and Revelation as virtual reality. It is a gripper. It also says that it is NOT the Bible..but it might just get you reaching for one. It has been dubbed BOOK OF THE YEAR by Christian Booksellers Convention Ltd.

Some of the book of Genesis goes like this
Genesis 39:2-23
6b-7 Thing is, Joseph's a bit of a looker and it doesn't take Potiphars wife long to spot it. She coos, "Boy, have I got the hots for you. The silk sheets are freshly washed. Let's go to bed.

8-10 Joseph turns her down flat. " I run the place. The boss doesn't even bother checking, coz he trust me 100 percent. I'm #1. He'd let me have anything I wanted...except you. You're his wife!
No way am I going to bed with you. God would hate it." But she doesn't give up; she wears the low-cut dresses, she slinks along the corridors, but Joseph keeps his mind on the job and avoids her like she's contagious.
It's not anything I would use as a study guide..but it is really good reading.
Nuff said...I gota go and hang with the youngins'.
Peace Out,
And The Beat Goes On....

THE GREAT WOLF LODGE

2004-11-14T11:02:00.000-08:00

So my son Lil' G wanted to go to Great Wolf Lodge for his Birthday. This was the second time we have been there. Unbelievable!! There is truly no other place more geared towards quality family fun time than this place. I wouldn't necessarily compare to the Disney Parks but for only a little over two hours away, it is well worth the trip and the cash.
I apologize for not blogging more frequently the last couple of weeks...no reasons, just couldn't find a quality blog theme..so I must ramble on.
Let's talk football. Saturday afternoon hangin w/ the guys, hard breathin', sweaty, diving, dirty, ripped up clothes, pulled calfs,quads,hams,pecs, twisted ankles and knees. It doesn't get any better. For all of you reading this blog that think you are out of shape or quite possibly just don't think you could bare the embarrassment of maybe falling down or maybe even getting dirty. Whatever you do...STAY AT HOME!!! You can help your wives or girlfriends maybe bake a cake or some cookies. The field of HURT is no place for a nancy boy. I realize that some of you lack the intestinal fortitude needed for any type of physical excertion, but hey, isn't the first step just to admit it? So quit thinking about WHAT IF..and WHAT ABOUT... I believe the NIKE slogan is way underrated... JUST DO IT!!!

This is RKdrumdude saying
GET UP and GET OUT
Go long or sit at home!!!
How's that Gooch??

One time,when I was in Panama

2004-10-19T15:12:00.000-07:00

Okay this isn't a heartwarming story about love, or a story about a big, mean, tough, and burly drill Sgt. This is a story that happened to myself and three other buddies on a tactical training mission in the heart of the rainforest in Panama.
It was early...Army early.. 4:30 a.m. when our guide woke us and told us to prepare for a S.A.L.U.T.E.(size,activity,location,uniform,time,and equipment) Evaluation, we had 30 min to grab what we needed and be in the jungle. Not knowing how far or how long we were going to be out it is always wise to pack more than you need, we all filled up our canteens and brought three MRE's a piece. Our mission?..To find the enemys hideout and send back a SALUTE REPORT without being detected.
Our guide info'd us on our mission and stated, more than once, if we were seen or spotted we would fail miserably and have to continue another mission at nightime(a rainforest is not somewhere you want to be at night). We got the map, a compass, a pair of binoculars and a letter with distances and locations.
We figured it to be about a 5 miler through a tropical rainforest, kinda like being locked in a greenhouse for about 8 hours. We walked and used the compass and map, and walked and walked. Ants and snakes and centipedes and spiders big enough to eat a small dog(maybe).
We walked at a really quick pace until we got about a mile from our target, then we slowed to a quiet, sneaky, walk.
All hand signals and total silence from here on in. No belching, fartin' sneezin',coughin' or gigglin'.
We started to hear our enemy through the rainforest..we could hear movement and people talking to each other. We got on our bellies and started to low crawl really slow. We got to where we could see them and started our report.
Everything was going great...we were quiet..un-noticed..sneaky.. and with the binoculars we were close enough to see their uniforms and everything.
Anybody reading this ever seen a Howler monkey? They are cute little monkeys that live in the rainforest...and they are the loudest animals known to man.
So the four of us are on our bellies in the rainforest and this little monkey comes by us and is like 2 feet away and watching us. We tried to do the right thing...to shoo it away using our hands, but it didn't work. It made a really loud shriek and almost attacked my buddy...I told you that we were on our stomachs right? That monkey got really mad and started making all kinds of noises and throwing leaves around and was about to blow our cover when...my buddy threw a rock at it.....everything stopped. That rock hit that monkey right above the eye and he stopped and just looked at us with a glance of sadness and left quickly back into the direction he came.
All was well with us.. we went back to our report. Size..about 10 people all male, Activity standing guard in front of a building, Location right where the map indicated,Uniform....then we heard some noise from above. I thought it was birds or something. We all rolled to our backs about the same time to see that little monkey and about ten of his little friends up in the trees over our heads throwing branches and sticks and rocks...anything they could at us. They were howling so loud that we had to cover our ears and all four of us ran out of that rainforest and away from those monkeys. Good thing this was a practice drill or we would've been statistics for sure.
Needless to say we failed and found ourselves in the rainforest at night.. which is a whole other story....not about monkeys though. Ever heard of cayman? Another story...another time.
Thanks for reading one of my many adventures..hope you enjoyed it.
Happy blogging
Me Out!!

What a Blessing

2004-10-10T10:11:00.000-07:00

What an awesome blessing to have three healthy and beautiful children.
Went to our first Watermark gathering about a year ago and it has been great the whole time. We have met new people that are awesome to say the least. Our Sundays have been great every since we started and every day just continues to get better and better.
Payton Elise is doing great and so is the rest of her family. D and G love her and sometimes the wife and I find ourselves trying to pull them apart so they can all breathe...way too much love..I never thought that could be possible. Life with three kids...deep breathe...is kinda different...not more difficult..not any easier..just different.
I guess I should thank alot of vessels in our lives. Lanky, N8, Stevie T, Willis, and last but not least...Pot. Thank you for doing His work and teaching us about Him. Because of the Watermark gatherings and sermons and life together over the past year.. I am a Jesus Freak. I continue to find ways to find more time to serve. My family, my job, my life.
Here's my life, I lay it down.
Gotta go get lunch..
Peace Out and God Bless.
Great song follows now

Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth
Would care to know my name
Would care to feel my hurt
Who am I, that the Bright and Morning Star
Would choose to light the way
For my ever wandering heart
Not because of who I am
But because of what You've done
Not because of what I've done
But because of who You are
I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
A vapor in the wind
Still You hear me when I'm calling
Lord, You catch me when I'm falling
And You've told me who I am
I am Yours, I am Yours
Who am I, that the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love and watch me rise again
Who am I, that the voice that calmed the sea
Would call out through the rain
And calm the storm in me
Not because of who I am
But because of what You've done
Not because of what I've done
But because of who You are
I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
A vapor in the wind
Still You hear me when I'm calling
Lord, You catch me when I'm falling
And You've told me who I am
I am Yours
I am Yours
Whom shall I fear
Whom shall I fear
'Cause I am Yours
I am Yours

So much has happened...

2004-09-22T08:00:00.000-07:00

If anyone out there in the blogworld has yet to experience childbirth... you need to. Find someone who you know who is pregnant and just politely ask them if you can "hang out" in the birthing room when they are having the kid. If they are truly nice people they shouldn't mind at all. Sharing is good for the soul right? This is one of God's miracles that we get to witness first hand... birth. It is a beautiful thing indeed. When a child is born into this world it makes your heart feel like it never has before. Especially when it happens to be your son or daughter. Ten fingers..ten toes..we are good to go!! My daughter was born Friday the 17th at 12:03 in the afternoon, she wieghed in at 7 lbs 14 ounces and 21 inches long, she is definitely a keeper. Our little princess has no idea that her older brother and sister
adore her and will smother her(literally) with more love and affection that she could possibly imagine. It's not as bad as it sounds...a couple lessons of childcare and baby safety should sit really well with my 6 and 2 year old if I could only get them to sit still long enough to listen and learn.
So whatever happened to us? Kids of the 60's. How did we make it this far? No car seats..Mom and Dad smoking a pack of Marlboros everyday...no child swings..what is an exersaucer? We had a rope, a tree, and a tire. I learned how to change the channels on the tv when I was two ( no remote). My Mother was always at home with us and my Dad worked sometimes two jobs to provide for the four of us. It was hectic ...it was crazy..but it was home..and we were always happy and more important.. We were a Family.
Soooooo it is almost feeding time for Payton so I will go assist Mother and bond with G and try and get him out of barbie mode and into trucks and bugs and dirt and boy stuff (it's a guy thing). Then we will walk over to school and pickup D and walk home talking about her day at school. There surely must be a grant somewhere to enable fathers to stay at home with the kids and bond and teach and learn. I am having such a good time with my family. I also would like to thank anyone who reads this blog that has done a meal for us. God Bless you all for your prayers and generosity during our time of family growth. One more Christian youth to enter our public school system and teach others about Jesus. It just doesn't get any better than that.
LYRICS TO A COOL SONG
Lavishly our lives are wasted
Humbleness is left untasted
You can't live your life to please yourself (yeah)
That's a tip from my mistakes
Exactly what it doesn't take
To win you've got to come in last place (yeah)
To live your life you've got to lose it
And all the losers get a crown
I get down and
He lifts me up
I get down and He lifts me up
I get down and He lifts me up
I get down
All I need's another day
Where I can't seem to get away
From the many things that drag me down (yeah)
I'm sure you've had a day like me
Where nothing seems to set you free
From the burdens you can't carry all alone
In your weakness He is stronger
In your darkness He shines through
When you're crying He's your comfort
When you're all alone, He's carrying you
Everytime I'm down the Lord lifts me up
This valley is so deep
I can barely see the sun
I cry out for mercy, Lord
You lift me up again.
Peace Out!!

Bible Small Group

2004-09-04T07:29:00.000-07:00

So here I am...on the blog again. Greg and I have formed a group that meets once a week and we are using the guidelines of a book called Leadership Principles from the Life of Christ. It's been really great when we get together...like when Greg doesn't have to work overtime...or when I have to fix something at the house. It just makes me look forward to it more than I already did. There are a couple guys from work that are also interested in our group...what a great way to spend time with others. Discussion and trying to put ourselves into the position of a bystander in scripture.
We did a study on a passage from Luke 5:1-11. Now tell me the truth..if you were out fishing with three of your buddies all night..ALL NIGHT...morning arrives you get everything packed up, your nets, your supplies, you didn't catch anything at all. This guy comes down to the water with a crowd of people following him and steps into one of the boats that is on the shore and asks one of your buddies to push him out into the water a little so he can better talk to the crowd that has gathered by the coastline. Your buddy agrees. You are sleepy, you are tired, you are bummin' because you didn't catch anything and you were out all night with your buddies(explain THAT to the wife when you get home!!) and yet your call yourself a fisherman.
So this guy says,"Go back out into the water and you will catch many fish". Would you unpack everything? Would you do what he said? These guys did.. with no complaining or whining at all. When they did they caught so many fish that the nets started to rip and they had to call for help because the boats were so full of fish that they started to sink.
Then they knew that this was Jesus, they fell to their knees, amazed at what had just occured, Jesus told them they they are now "fishers of men". They left everything and followed him.
What an awesome story...in our group it is quite a discussion and informative when you put it in a modern day perspective and think what it would be like to witness such a miracle.
I leave you with a quote from Rob Bell that hit me pretty hard; SO MANY PEOPLE ARE PUTTING RELIGION AND GOD TOGETHER AND WALKING AWAY FROM BOTH. I am guilty. I used to say something like that when I didn't know alot about God. I now frown on the word religion because I do not like to be associated with religion. I am a follower of Jesus..a Jesus Freak.
The only thing I do religiously is maybe go to the bathroom once a day..or I go to work religously at 6 o'clock. I am not religious.
Something to ponder
The weaker I get , the stronger I become
God Bless and Peace Out

DJ & G

2004-09-03T14:08:00.000-07:00

Our wonderful children
on Dj's first day of 1st Grade
I would like to thank Steve T. for hearing
my cry for help and helping me link to others.
The video class he gave me was also very helpful.
BIG THANKS to our Groups guy!!
I got a big blog brewin'....tomorrow.

The Good Life

2004-08-25T19:10:00.000-07:00

Well...nobody asked me what the good life really is on my personal profile. The easiest way to explain this is by a song
which follows. This is also my last blog until I get someone to teach me how to put all of my "Jesus Freak" brothers blog links on my screen somewhere...anywhere. You know who you are. Maybe Gooch or Duerty will swing by and be and give me a class on blogging. I don't like reading directions, I only do that when things go wrong...that is a guy thing. So it doesn't come as a surprise to anyone of who I am gonna give out links too. I figure most of the people at our gatherings who have had an influence on me or anyone who I have spent time with. Carter,Gooch,Duerty,N8,Roach,Willis,Kiwi, and probably some others but I'm tired and forgot. I leave you a song called the good life by A.A
I've watched my dreams all fade away
And blister in the sun
Everything I've ever had is unraveled and undone
I've set upon a worthless stackOf my ambitious plans
And the people that I've loved the most
Have turned their backs and ran
CHORUS
This is the good life
I've lost everything
I could ever want
And ever dream of
This is the good life
I found everything
I could ever need
Here in Your arms(Good good life)
(Good good life)(Good good life)(Good good life)
Loneliness has left me searching
For someone to love
Poverty has changed my view
Of what true riches are
Sorrow's opened up my eyes
To see what real joy is
Pain has been the catalyst
To my heart's happiness
CHORUS
What good would it be
If you had everything
But you wouldn't have
The only thing you need
CHORUS 2X

Celebrate

2004-08-19T13:59:00.000-07:00

I just want to celebrate another day of livin'
I just want to celebrate another day of life
I put my faith in the people
But the people let me down
So I turned the other way
And I carry on, anyhow
That's why I'm telling you
I just want to celebrate, yeah, yeah
I just want to celebrate, yeah, yeah
Another day of living,
I just want to celebrate another day of life
Had my hand on the dollar bill
And the dollar bill blew away
But the sun is shining down on me
And it's here to stay
That's why I'm telling you
I just want to celebrate, yeah, yeah
Another day of living, yeah
I just want to celebrate another day of living
I just want to celebrate another day of life
Don't let it all get you down,
Don't let it turn you around and around
And around and around
Well, I can't be bothered with sorrow
And I can't be bothered with hate, no, no
I'm using up my time by feeling fine, every day
That's why I'm telling you I just want to celebrate
Aw, yeah I just want to celebrate yeah yeah
Another day of living, yeah yeah
I just want to celebrate another day of livin',
yeah I just want to celebrate another day of life
Don't let it all get you down, no, no
Don't let it turn you around and around,
And around and around, and around
Around round round 'round and around round round round don't go 'round
Great Lyrics...Great Day..
A buddy at work (Greg Funktenstien) ask me a question today about
integrity.
After looking it up in the dictionary it meant
moral soundness..unity. Are all Christian men defined as men of integrity then?
We as Christian men are morally sound ...Greg could be defined as a man of integrity
if you knew him.
Job was defined as blameless, a man of complete integrity.
Psalm 119:1 Happy are the people of integrity, who follow the law of the LORD.
Proverbs 20:7 The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children after them.
Mark 12:14 They came to him and said,"Teacher, we know that you are a man of integrity."
If Jesus himself is a man of integrity shouldn't we all become like that?
Something to think about.
Peace Out!!

+&-

2004-08-12T15:43:00.000-07:00

Delaney talks to statues As she dances 'round the pool
She chases cats through Roman ruins
And stomps on big toadstools
She speaks a language all her own
That I cannot discover
But she knows I love her so
When I tuck her 'neath the covers
Chorus: Father, daughter Down by the water
Shells sink, dreams float
Life's good on our boat
Delaney draws me pictures
She finger paints the sand
We chase the dogs and hop like frogs
Then I do my bad handstands
She's growin' up too fast for me
And askin' lots of questions
Some I know the answers to
And some I'm lookin' for suggestions
Chorus: Father, daughter Born by the water
Surf's up, sun's down
Life in a beach town
And some of the things I've seen
Maybe she won't have to see
But there's a lot I want to pass along
That was handed down to me
Delaney talks to statues
As she dances 'round the pool
She chases cats through Roman ruins
And stomps on big toadstools
She speaks a language all her own
Just a little like her mother
And she knows I love her so
When I tuck her 'neath the covers
Chorus: Father, daughter Down by the water
Shells sink, dreams float Life's good on our boat
Shells sink, dreams float Life's good on our boat
Awesome song...awesome kid.
I am so thankful to have such awesome kids
I find most of my prayer is to give thanks for all I have
or all I have been given. It is difficult sometimes to always look to the positive
things in life. I am becoming a more balanced and peaceful person everyday.
It seems to be getting more difficult to find things in my life that are negative. Doubt this makes any sense but I hear people complain of there jobs all day long.. Is there really a better job? Is it really that bad?
Do I sound like that?
What if when they said something negative, I mentioned something about being alive,
about even having a job,
wasn't sick or dying,
that I can work... mentally and physically.
It just seems that everyone, including me, usually spends most the time searching for whats wrong with everything...
instead of appreciating all that GOD made right.
Think about THAT fellow bloggers.
CIAO'

Workin' for the weekend

2004-08-09T13:05:00.000-07:00

What an awesome weekend it was!! Took Friday off to take the youngins to the Carnival and a great time was had(even the really big carny guy yelling at everyone elses kids). Friday night was incredible..BATTLE OF THE BANDS!!! I am not at all biased when I say that out of the four bands we heard, Mesa County were the only ones with understandable lyrics( sometimes I continue reminding myself that we are progressing as a culture in the music industry). The other bands rocked but in a different sort of....unimaginable way...it was all my six year old daughter could do to hold her hands over her ears as we went to the car and headed home.
Saturday was spent preparing the fruit and canopy and blankets and chairs and kids and friends and sandwiches and water and snacks and cameras and phones for the wonderful parade. This year was O.K. I think they need more High School Bands or at least some more musical talent..maybe they could mix the Battle of the Bands with the Parade and call it BATTLE PARADE!!! WAY COOL YEH?
After the parade we came home regrouped and headed to an ol' friends house for swimming an awesome food from master chef REMI. Poker, swimming, eating, chatting, spending time together...all this and when you thought it couldn't get any better I got one thing for ya!!!! FIREWORKS The best I've seen in quite awhile. The expression alone on the face of LIL' G made my heart putter. Outside of missing a great sermon from the Lankmiester on Sunday everything else was great!! Sorry I missed Sunday...can I get that on AUDIO? Late nights and kids and pregnant wifes do not go hand in hand. My wife has been a real champ through her pregnancy...No complaints..no getting moody.. I am reminded every day by her actions, the reason it took me thirty years to find such a gem!
Well gotta bail..go and spend some time wth the kids!!
This is bloggerdedogger Arkay saying," God Bless..Peace Out..and have a pleasant tomorrow".

SEND ME

2004-08-01T19:21:00.000-07:00

I will follow wherever you lead me
wherever you are underneith these stars is where I wanna be
and I will lay it down, this old life of mine
I leave behind all the things of the world just to follow you
I'll be strong and courageous
I'll live my life for You, my only King
'cause You're my God through all the ages
here am I, I am Yours, send me
when I fall down and I'm broken
when I strumble on the rocks and lose my way
I will cling to Your eternal love
when I'm weak You come to me, You give me strength
I will follow wherever you lead me
wherever you are underneith these stars is where I want to b
here am I, I am yours, send me
here am I, I am yours, send me
A truly awesome song.
Great time at our gathering today..speaker was incredible!!
Got a huge wakeup call...I am still thinking of myself more than others,
alot more than I think I am..what??
I am putting ME in front of THEM and being selfish.
This experience is not for the journey but for fullfilling
HIS WILL. Being the church and making disciples..24/7
God Bless..Peace Out.
Proverbs3:5-6

July 29,2004

2004-07-29T13:01:00.000-07:00

Any day I take off from work is a good day!! Went to Tj Maxx and Kohls for some stuff we needed. Great weather..great sunshine..great family..thanks be to God. I often look back to when I was in the Army and alone(gets deep here)I know that God has plans for me but one little signature could've re-enlisted me and I probably would've never met Michelle or we would've never had D and G. I'm thankful so much everyday of what I have and very seldomly pray for what I haven't . That make any sense?? It's like I am so content to be where I am and doing what I'm doing. Now if I can get more people to go listen to Lanky at the High School on Sundays.
If everyone I invited shows up at our gatherings we are gonna need alot of coffee and doughnuts!! I feel HE made me persistent so I would never ever get discouraged or give up on trying. A very good trait to have I might add....not to friends and family perhaps, yet to people I meet at the coffee shop, the grocery store, the gym. It seems there is always a hello, how ya been? I been good..been at HMI for thirteen years...got kids?? yeah cool..me too...Daughter is 6.. son is almost 3... got another one comin' in Sept. You too? Congrats!! That's awesome. Hey Do you guys go to church? I get the biggest smile on my face when they say no and I tell them of Watermark and how much better my life has been with Jesus in it. Nuff' said till next time. EPH 5:2
Peace Out,
and have a pleasant tommorrow.

July 26,2004

2004-07-26T20:25:00.000-07:00

So I get a call from Dr. Hatts office today and it seems I have high cholesterol. I thought I just had really bad tendonitis by my ankles. Michelle (my awesome wife) convinced me to go to get a physical(first one since 1991 in the Army). I finally caved in and went..for this I thank my wife and God. It's pretty high so now I am deciding on whether to eat oat meal or bananas for the remainder of my life. Takes the fun out of cookouts huh?? I'll be the one bringing the porto bella mushrooms to the grill. Hey, at least I caught it before it caught me. Those brats that Lanky and I ate were probably the one thing that put me over the limit!! So here I am blogging about my health problems...I sound just like a parent.
Cool song....cool lyrics..
Peace Out.
I'm a beacon with a big ol' light
[What will people thinkWhen they hear that I'm a Jesus Freak?What will people doWhen they find that's it's true?]Separated, I cut myself cleanFrom a past that comes back in my darkest of dreamsBeen apprehended by a spiritual forceAnd a grace that replaced all the me I've divorcedI saw a man with tat on his big fat bellyIt wiggled around like marmalade jellyIt took me a while to catch what it saidCause I had to match the rhythmOf his belly with my head'Jesus Saves' is what it raved in a typical tattoo greenHe stood on a box in the middle of the cityAnd claimed he had a dream(chorus)What will people thinkWhen they hear that I'm a Jesus freakWhat will people do when they find that it's trueI don't really care if they label me a Jesus freakThere ain't no disguising the truthKamikaze, my death is gainI've been marked by my MakerA peculiar displayThe high and lofty, they see me as weakCause I won't live and die for the power they seekThere was a man from the desert with naps in his headThe sand that he walked was also his bedThe words that he spoke made the people assumeThere wasn't too much left in the upper roomWith skins on his back and hair on his faceThey thought he was strange by the locusts he ateThe Pharisees tripped when they heard him speakUntil the king took the head of this Jesus freak(repeat chorus 2x)People say I'm strange, does it make me a strangerThat my best friend was born in a mangerPeople say I'm strange, does it make me a strangerThat my best friend was born in a manger(repeat chorus 2x)What will people think[What will people think]What will people do[What will people do]I don't really care[What else can I say]There ain't no disguising the truth[Jesus is the way]
ahhhhhhh I like it!!!!

July 25,2004

2004-07-25T06:54:00.000-07:00

Well we are extending our camping weekend due to the fact that they have a pool and we don't. My kids are like fish..I can only be blessed with the last one being the same as the first two. We know alot of kids that freak out when they get thier face wet....my kids...forget it...if there was a 5m board in any pool I am almost positive that D&G would jump without hesitation(at least once).
I scheduled my third drum party on the first of August..things are picking up (hopefully) Well sorry for such a short blog, but my kids wanna swim.

Nuff 'said,
Father of Ariel and Sub-mariner

July 22,2004

2004-07-22T19:09:00.000-07:00

A Blogger?? I'm a blogger???We are heading out camping once again to a place about 8 miles down the road. They have a pool!! That camper is one of the best investments and purchases this family has made. We have had so many fun and memorable times while camping. Nuff 'said.
Had a great cookout with Lanky and his youngins tonight...good friends, good fun. Got to watch him kick some serious booty on my Spider-man 2 game.
Packin' up the Roo for another voyage. A small trip perhaps, yet the Minnow was only scheduled for a 3 hour tour. what? A Three Hour Tour. Bugaboo and Lil' G love the Roo..they love the campgrounds not to mention the smores and the food and all the attention and 1 on 1 time with Mom and Dad.
Time for bed...I will get deeper as my blog emerges...this has been a surface blog only!!