Winston-Salem, NC Part 1

Highlights from Winston-Salem so far:

• Seeing Uncle Mark and Aunt Susie, Derek, Charlotte, Emily, Janie, Jacob, Trisha, Curtis, Colton, and Cannon.
• Going to Wake Forest- Air Force Basketball game
• Playing Nintendo Wii for the first time
• A nice dinner with ham and pineapple.
• Wrestling with the boys.
• Playing Mafia with everyone, with some really funky rules. Additional rules include Little Girl, Fortune Teller, Wolf (Mafia), Savior, Witch Doctor, Flute Player. If you are interested in more explanations of these, let me know.
  
• Going for walks. Should be headed out soon on a hike in the 55 degree weather.
  
• Continuing to read books, and in Courtney's case, Trisha's copies of Real Simple.
  

Chapel Hill, NC

We enjoyed 70 degree weather yesterday in Chapel Hill. Every other day has been full of precipitation, since it is currently raining here in Durham.

We did go to Trader Joe's, and bought a few things there. We went to a shop called Ten Thousand Villages, which sells artisan crafts for non-profit, while paying the artisans fairly. And we went to SouthPointe Mall, which is a mall such as Oak Park connected to outdoor shopping, similar to the Legends or Town Center. It was really busy, and we almost couldn't find a parking spot. It was nice to see stores that we don't have in our area.

Then we went to the Butterfly Museum, so that I can begin usher duties. BJ was quite nervous, and James Beecher took charge and became our head usher. The guys decided that I was the most computer literate, so my main responsibilty was to set up a laptop with music and slideshows, and an additional laptop with the slideshow. It went pretty well. One of the laptops was set up near the tarantula. It was also an insect museum, so there were displays for ants, cochroaches, stick bugs, and a bunch of other stuff.

The butterfly museum itself is a tropical environment, so I was wearing a T-shirt, and Courtney wore the new Hawaiian dress that her parents got her in Hawaii. Courtney got some good pictures of butterflies. We also had a good view of the ceremony. The ceremony was about 15 minutes, and BJ couldn't wait to kiss Natosha, who looked beautiful. I got to hang out with old college friends Eric Nally, Brandon Lowden, Mark Grapengator, and James and Emily, and of course BJ himself.

Jake is going to pick us up soon to take us to his home in Winston-Salem.

Durham, NC

We're in Durham, and will be headed to Chapel Hill in a few minutes to visit Trader Joe's. I wonder if they know that they are a tourist location.

We got here just in time for the rehearsal. We followed a local guy through the forest to the dinner. It was really scary, because he didn't go a normal way, and I thought we were going to be stuck in a forest, and I wondered if we were following the wrong car. But it worked out. I played one game of pool last night. Then our luggage arrived at 1 AM, right after I went to bed. the wedding is at 7 at a butterfly museum.

The Next Great American Band

Probably few people have watched the FOX show "The Great American Band", so I'll summarize it for you. Even though it is hidden in an 8 PM Friday slot, I have really come to appreciate the show.

The finale featured 3 great bands. The winners are decided by phone vote.

Denver and the Mile High Orchestra (already a nationally known Christian band)

Six Wire - a talented country rock band

The Clark Brothers - grew up playing at evangelistic tent meetings. They don't have a drummer.

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I was rooting for Denver, but the Clark Brothers were my 2nd choice. Denver was awkwardly told that they did not win. Then the Clark Brothers won the show, and you'll probably hear more from them over the air waves.

The finale also featured a 10 minute Christmas medley from the top 6 bands. It was really entertaining. Also notable was that they didn't shy away from using the term Christmas, and it was nice.

The best thing was that 2 of the 3 bands are practicing Christians, and glorified God the entire show.

Movie Review: The King and I

I think gramatically, this could also be called "The King and Me", depending on the context. But I'm open for any corrections on that. Anyway...

This was another great color movie! It was a nominee but not a winner for an Oscar Best Picture in 1956.

It featured an old-fashioned and pretty teacher, who went to Siam by the invitation of the King, to teach the children Western ideas. The King is quite steeped in his traditions, and resents the teaching at first, but he warms up. The movie hints at romance, but it was not tenable, because the King had like 200 kids or something from all his wives.

It featured some Buddha worship, which was unusual. There was a beautifully choreographed play within the play about the Siamese interpretation of Uncle Tom's cabin. This tied into the idea that one of the King's wives is a slave in his palace, and she wants her freedom.

There are some good tunes and some bad ones. Yul Brynner was well-deserving of his Best Actor award. The costumes were incredible throughout.

Presidential Pick Dec 07

I'll stick with Rudy, until another nominee proves to me that they should be President.

Of course, I'll be stuck with whoever people of Iowa, New Hampshire, and Michigan pick. And that is ok. I think they are all great nominees. And I think the Democrat nominees are all horrible.

Train Intersection Open, but Closed

Our closest intersection with I-35 is 67th Street, and it has been closed for 20 days for much needed repairs. This intersection also includes a train crossing, before you can get anywhere important. I headed that way this morning to finally take advantage of it being open.

A train was crossing. Really good luck.

Then the train slowed down and came to a complete stop, and everyone had to find alternate routes. It may as well not have been open!

First Council Meeting and Pastor Tom farewell

We went to St. Andrew's golf course for a dinner and the first Church Council meeting. This is an exclusive club of Committee Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen. (The golf course is also an exclusive club.) Courtney was recently elected to a 2-year term as Youth Committee Chairman.

We were probably an average of 25 years younger than everyone else. That is the by-product of not really being a young church anyway, but add to that fact that people our age are not usually Committee Chairs.

The dinner was very nice, and was almost all gluten-free. It actually tasted really good. My best restaurant dinner since Houston's. We had several friends that we ate with.

Some Council business was taken care of, and we got a bunch of paperwork. Then at the end, Pastor Tom and Sandie read cards that they received out loud. (Gras family,we wrote a thank you on behalf of all of us.)

We'll probably see Pastor Tom 2 more times, on Dec 23rd and Dec 24, and then we'll be gone the next Sunday, and then Pastor Tom and Sandie will be gone from CCC.

Ice Storm pictures Chez Gras

Here are some pictures Courtney took of our surroundings after and during the ice storm

View from my office window

This picture was taken by my cube neighbor Dan Guinn as the ice started to melt from the trees. I believe he put a slight effect on it. Click on the picture to see the big version. I should be posting some of Courtney's pictures later.

Pete Eye Trio

We just saw the Pete Eye Trio at church, of all places. It felt different, and somewhat refreshing to hear secular music on the sanctuary stage. Secular in the sense that they played music that had nothing to do with Christianity. But that is not at all the purpose of my post.

Pete Eye is also my parents' piano tuner. It is rumored that he once played a rendition of "Sweet Georgia Brown" at my dad's request, and you can imagine all the hollerin' and jumpin' around.

If Pete Eye had any trace of web presence, I'd post a picture.

The concert was also a benefit for a church friend who was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer. He is being a major witness with his attitude and his willingness to talk about his faith in a frank and honest way during this trying time.

I couldn't decide which one of the trio I liked the most. The pianist and bassist really impressed me. The drummer was good too, and if I knew anything about drums, I'd probably be more impressed.

Book Review: The Crucified God, by Jurgen Moltmann

I have been reading this book for months and months, and I finally finished it! It is by far the most challenging book I have ever read. The reason I read it is that my Mike King, who is bald, recommended it in response to my post about baldness here.

I don't regret reading it. I feel that I have gotten about 15% smarter. And every other book I read now feels dumbed down. I learned many new words such as theodicy, iconoclast, stoical, and many more.

The most lasting spiritual application that this book had on me was that it focused on how Christ was crucified as a rebel, blasphemer, and he was forsaken by his Father. He was crucified as an outsider, and not an accepted person. He did not come and take away all of our suffering in this present life. But he gave dignity and purpose to all who suffer now.

After all, God himself was crucified, and he is sympathetic and feels pain for us. Early religion beleived that God had no feelings, that the actions of men do not affect him, and that is the model that Islam is currently in. But the cross shows that he does indeed suffer. The Father suffered to spare his Son, and the Son suffered separation from the Father.

Anyway, that is a small and probably slightly errant way that I can explain the extensiveness of this book - 330 pages of theology.

my ongoing baby list

Yes, we are that age when this happens.


Jake & Trisha: due August
Hayley & Arlen: due July
Laura & Levi: due March 13
James & Emily: due sometime
Erik & Rachel: due in February
Kerry & Adam: Kade born Dec 12
Matt & Michele: Lilian Ruth born Dec 9
David &Catie: Ethan Paul born Oct 28
Amanda & Scott: Emma Grace born Oct 11
Mary & Steven: Maya born Oct 9
Vince & Jay: Isaac Dean born Sept 10
Melody & James: Harrison born August 23
Eric & Sarah: Lucas born August 12
Lynn & Devin: Claire born July 7

What we did the day Lilian was born

Sunday provided some excitement, as my 4th niece was born. Lilian Ruth was born to Michele and Matt. For pics see Michele's post here.

Also, I played bass in church, and left Courtney's cell phone there. I know that's not as exciting as a niece being born. She gave it to me because she thought I needed it more in the inclement weather because my car is smaller. But I'm not used to carrying one, so I left it there.

Courtney had attended mass while I played bass. Then I went to Courtney's 2nd cousin's infant baptism, and lunch at Ike and Linnie's. And we watched a K-State Basketball win there.

Then at night, there were a few lights on unnecessarily, and I told Courtney mockingly, "why don't you turn all the lights on?". And she proceeded to turn on every light connected to our house. I turned them all off, and there were 20 in all. Not counting the oven light. She can be feisty. So there, Lilian, that's what we did the day you were born.

Movie Review: Around the World in 80 Days

This movie was unique, not only in fact that it was British, but it was part comedy and part adventure. Most of the Oscar Winners we've seen have been boring character pieces. Plus, this one was in color again. (Yay).

A British gentleman bets that he can traverse the world in 80 days. And he and his new servant (Paspartou?) go ahead and do it. Spoiler::: There is some drama at the end when they think they lost, but they really gained a day by traveling around the world.

There are some strange moments, such as when they show boring bullfighting for a serious 5 minutes. Overall it was really interesting, but not that great by today's standards. It looks like the movie was redone in 2001, so maybe we'll take a look.

Movie Review: Marty

Whew. This started out well. It is the story of a single 34 year old man, who is discouraged about his failure at relationships with the opposite sex, especially since everyone bothers him about it. He is a nice, sensitive man. He happens to meet another girl at a club who was just rejected. they like each other, and are good for each other. That is where the movie has its charm.

Then his friends call her a "dog", and his family says she's not Italian enough. And he almost rejects her. Then he calls her about 6 hours late. The movie ends with him closing the phone booth.

It was the most abrupt ending of any movie we've ever seen. Nothing was resolved. So who knows where it will end up in my Oscar Winner movie rankings.

Ruth Bell Graham TV Special

The writer's strike provided the opportunity for the new TV special to air about Ruth Bell Graham on secular TV stations. We watched it Wednesday night on CBS.

It told the story about her faith, her relationship to Billy Graham, and all about her life. It also had a few musical selections, the best of which was Avalon singing "In Christ Alone". (which I am singing in Elissa's wedding in January)

It was refreshing to hear all about a woman that was behind the scenes. It was a honoring to all of those people behind the scenes who love Christ. It was inspiring how she sacrificed and never complained. It was a very good production. It also featured a gospel message, along with a phone number that people could call. It wasn't fake like some might imagine, but it was genuine.

(Mich, it's on in your town on 12/8 on NBC 7 PM, if you're interested. I wouldn't organize my life around it.)

Like a Tattoo

American Idol hit one of their low spots, when their newest winner, Jordin Sparks, came out with her debut single. It's a low, because the song is called "Like a Tattoo." But I'm not willing to call it their lowest moment, because I'm sure some singles from earlier winners were so bad that they didn't get any radio play.

The chorus:

You're still a part of everything I do
You're on my heart just like a tattoo

Just like a tattoo,

I'll always have you (I'll always have you)

Best of November

Best Movie That I Saw for the First Time: Amazing Grace
Best Life Happening: Thanksgiving 2007
Best Book I Read: Movers & Shakers, Deaf People Who Changed the World

Movie Review: On the Waterfront

This movie was dogged by an annoying soundtrack that played at odd times. It is annoying even if it was orchestrated by a famous person - Leonard Bernstein.

The Oscar winning performance by Marlon Brando was the most unique acting we've seen in old movies. His style was very relaxed, and refreshing.

Basically he is loosely part of a mob or gang that controls the waterfront and longshoremen union. His brother is higher up in the mob, so that's his biggest connection to it. He was unknowingly part of a murder, and the whole movie, it's on his conscience, and he has to decide whether to testify against them or not. There is a famous cab scene with his brother. Watch it below:




Oscar Best Picture 1954

Movie Review: From Here to Eternity

This latest movie "feels" better than earlier ones, but is still kind of a joke. I felt empathy for the main character. However, I didn't have any interest in the other characters. They were all drunks and adulterers, doing those things the whole movie.

It is a movie about an army unit in Hawaii right around the time of the Pearl Harbor attack. The main character has a previous reputation as a good boxer, and most of the movie is about him getting "the treatment" for not wanting to box. If he were to box, he would supposedly make the unit look good, and get everyone some vacation. Meanwhile, a sergeant is having an affair with his captain's wife.

Him and his buddy find love interests. His buddy dies due to some corporal punishment from a guy who didn't like him. Then the main character kills the guy who killed his friend, and becomes AWOL. Then Pearl Harbor attack happens and the main character dies from friendly fire, because he is apparently an idiot and doesn't halt when ordered to.

This movie also has what people call Frank Sinatra's "career-defining role".

Also features an unfortunate return to Black and White.

Oscar Best Picture 1953

CCC Modern Worship Service in Gym

Our church has moved our worship service to the junior-sized gymnasium.

This post may be awkward, because there really are some negative things about this. I cannot ignore the negative side; I really have to express my true feelings about it. Therefore, I will probably not broadcast this post to my co-leaders in the worship service. However, there are many positives as well.

The main negative is that we are $7 million in debt, mainly to build a beautiful sanctuary. The church leaders now admit that this was an error. The sanctuary is too small for the $$$, and it has sound reverberation problems. (It was a great place to get married, though!)

Even with this huge financial investment, about 150 people weekly initially worshipped in the youth room. It was a lot of fun, but it doesn't make sense to have a brand new building, and to take over the room that was made just for youth. I actually enjoy worshipping in the gymnasium now, and I think it will be a real blessing to the community. However, the fact will always be apparent that we are worshipping in an unnatural location in a brand new building that we designed. This is because our worship style differences were not resolved before we planned the new building.

But, that being said, our worship service leaders did an incredible job of purchasing equipment, and creating a nice look-and-feel for the gym. We also have incredible volunteers that set up and tear down each week. We also had a generous anonymous donation that made it all possible. Don't get me wrong on my previous sentiments. The move to the gym was a good one, and it will work out.

I played keyboard on the opening week, guitar the 2nd week, and bass the 3rd week, and last week I was in the seats. We have an incredible in-ear monitor system that I love.

*God has been blessing our church, and we are thankful.

Thanksgiving Weekend 2007

We kept busy this past weekend. I had rented two movies in anticipation of having tons of free time, but we used it all on social time, sleep, and home projects! We didn't watch any movies

It started out with a time with the Tim and Janice family. I had many cousins there and 2nd cousins, including a 3.5 week baby. Baby below with parents.

Then after the wonderful food, we had a music and sharing time. (Courtney is thankful for me. yess!) I'm thankful for her, and for my enormous extended family who live everywhere. We played some Rummikub. Then I practiced some songs at the piano with Aunt Janice for Elissa's wedding. Courtney played a game named Set.

Then we headed to their neighbor's house, where Ben's girlfriend was housesitting. (By very strange coincidence, they are great friends with their next door neighbors). We watched the KSU basketball game on TV, along with Ben's new dogs, who had bad gas from gorging themselves on the cat food stash.

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Friday, we spent a couple of hours raking and bagging leaves. Courtney cleaned out the gutters. Then we went to Nate and Ann's house just to hang out and make sugar cookies. Second cousin Elizabeth was awake for the first part.



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Saturday, Dad came over, and we measured and cut the bathroom baseboards for a couple of hours. Then Courtney and I headed to the Bade's for Thanksgiving dinner. It was excellent, and we watched part of the KU-MU game, which I thought was very boring, and didn't live up to the hype.


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Sunday we headed to Union Station and saw a Christmas tree auction, and a really tall fake Christmas tree, with a train for kids around it.

Book Review: The Cat Who Wasn't There

One of the most boring books of the series. Qwilleran took a tour of Scotland with many Moose County residents, and one of them died during the trip. It was called the Bonnie Scots tour, but we liked to call it the BS Tour.

Anyway, Courtney did make an excellent correct guess at the identity of the "Goodwinter Prowler". Anyway, not much more to say about it. It was kind of interesting involving a former love interest of Qwilleran.

Book Review: How to Settle An Estate

Probably the most dry non-fiction book I've read this year. I read it more out of necessity. I will most likely someday be required to be an executor. I read this book to give myself an introduction. I'm honestly intimidated by the whole idea. There is a ton of work to do. And it really goes on a long time before beneficiaries can get their inheritance. The most important thing is to avoid taxes. It is also important to keep very detailed records, because an executor is accountable to the courts and to the beneficiaries.

Maybe every few years I will read an updated book on the subject. Tax laws continually change for the better. I would love it if death tax did not exist. There doesn't seem to be anything more disrespectful to citizens.

K-State game continued

I also want to mention that this is the 3rd sports event (college or better) I've attended with my wife, since being married. We have been to 2 Royals games previously.

Also, I got to see my grandparents briefly in Manhattan. It was raking day, and they had a lot of Chinese students helping them.

Movie Review: Amazing Grace

Courtney and I rented Amazing Grace, the store of Willam Wilberforce and his quest to end the slave trade in England.

I thought it had good acting, good art, and a good story. We learned about the slave trade along with Wilber. With support from his pastor, John Newton, and several other friends, he fought to end the slave trade. It met opposition, due to several politicians with financial interests in slavery. It was delayed further due to the war with France.

Then Wilberforce was able to sneak a law in, that would technically end 80% of the slave trade. Then 2 years later, with not really any explanation of why, his final bill had overwhelming support, and the slave trade ended in England. That is my only criticism of the movie. It didn't explain that change of support.

Wilberforce almost gave up after 15 years, but then met his future wife, who encouraged him to keep fighting. He was very sick, and took opium for a long time. He died 3 days after the final bill was passed.

I almost forgot to mention that the movie ties into my blog name - I once was lost, but now am found.

KSU Football Game in Manhattan

It was a beautiful day, and Courtney, Dad, and I went to Manhattan along with Dad's game buddy Mark

May I repeat, it was a beatiful day. We brought jackets to weather the predicted 55-65 degrees, but it ended up being around 70 the entire day. I just left mine in the car.



The Wildcats were expected to be beaten, and they kept the crowd interested by being within 2 touchdowns most of the game. But they really didn't bring their A game, with 3 fumbles and 1 interception on the 3rd play of the game, and at least 1 dropped pass, and 2 missed extra points, and 2 red zone trips with no touchdown. I thought the coaching was too conservative. With 4th and 1 on the 1, in an unlikely victory, they decided to kick a field goal.

The field officials also did not do much to prove their competence, indicating a fumble, and then changing their minds, and not explaining it.

It was my first trip to Bill Snyder Family Stadium since 2002. And my first football game of any kind since Sat, Nov 6, 2004, when I saw K-State at Missouri.

Guys and Dolls at SMNW

Courtney and I had the priviledge of going to SMNW to see Guys and Dolls. It was special, because I also performed in Guys and Dolls in Fall of 1997. We really enjoyed it. the part of Adelaide was played really well.

It all made me want to dig into boxes at my parents and find my old Guys and Dolls program from 1997, so that I can remember exactly who played what part. Strangely, I think that I played the MC (just a few lines), but I'm not sure.

Book Review: Movers & Shakers, Deaf People Who Changed the World

Due to our recent interest in deaf culture, I decided to look in the library. They don't really have much on the subject, but this was a good small book. It was written, illustrated, and published by deaf people.

This book shares the story of 26 deaf people who made a huge difference in the world.

It included stories of people I did not previously realize were deaf, such as James "Deaf" Burke and Erastus "Deaf" Smith.

No, just kidding, the people I'm really referring to are Thomas Edison, and Daisy Gordon Low, the founder of Girl Scouts in America.

It was educational about how deaf people really made a difference in the world.

Restaurant Review: Ted's Montana Grill

Sometimes referenced as "Buffalo Ted's", we have one of these near the Kansas Speedway. I had always wanted to go, and since we spent the night at Hollis Renewal Center, it provided a great opportunity to go.

The setting was nice. The waiter first bragged about how they didn't use microwaves or freezers (except for ice cream).

I also wanted to take advantage of their Gluten-Free menu. Unfortunately, most of the things on the GF Menu were steaks, and more than I wanted to pay.

I ordered a Buffalo Burger without a bun. They actually accidentally put it on a bun, so they re-made the whole thing. It was actaully not that great. It was better when I microwaved it the next day. Made they should have microwaves there.

My salad also came late, and I ended up getting that for free. The fries were good. Overall, it was not that great. Go with something else.

Hollis Renewal Center

I spent a day at the Hollis Renewal Center, a Lutheran Run place out by the Speedway. Courtney and I won a gift certificate at a silent auction, and it expired in Oct 2007, so I figured Oct 31 was the best day to go.

The highlight was finding a baby mouse indoors. At first it was really gross, but then we realized it was still alive, and it was very cute. I put it outside, and found an ideal location for it, but unfortunately, it could not survive the day.

Best of October

Best Movie That I Saw for the First Time: The Greatest Show on Earth
Best New-To-Me Restaurant: Ted's Montana Grill (review forthcoming)
Best Life Happening: tie between Debt-free BBQ and Elton John at Sprint Center
Best Book I Read: The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People

State #2: NC

It's official. We've bought the plane tickets to go to North Carolina on Dec 28. We'll have the Carolinas covered on our first two big married trips to different States.

I'm an usher for my buddy BJ's wedding. Then we're hanging out with the Taussig Clan in Winston-Salem. Then they're giving us a ride to Knoxville, where I'm singing for Elissa and Martyn's wedding. Then hopefully we'll be getting some transportation back home.

Sorry about the lack of blogging. Partly due to being busy, and partly due to sharing 1 computer with my wife. We're in the market for a laptop.....

1 Thing I Love about Blogging

One thing I love about blogging is the comments I get from completely random people. I recently got this one below. No doubt this is a Southern person who is used to vinegar and mustard BBQ, and is shocked at my lack of understanding about it. But I definitely like KC-style BBQ better.

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Restaurant Review: Shealy's Barbeque":

Truely you are an ignorant person when it comes to Bar B Que.

my ongoing engagement list

I've had a few friends and relatives get engaged recently. Here are their wedding days:

Jill and Blake - June 15
John and Brianna - May 2008
Dana and Marc - February
Rebecca and Eric - January 26
Matt and Kathleen - January 5 (Sophie's birthday)
Elissa and Martyn - January 4 (Courtney and Dad's birthday)
BJ and Natosha - December 29
David and Holly - December 15
Christian and Lindsey - October 28, 2007

Movie Review: The Greatest Show on Earth

This 1952 Best Picture winner was one of the better ones for sure. It was in color which was a huge plus. It featured real footage of circus acts that were amazing. It included elephants, dogs riding on horses, little people, clowns, acrobats, and amazing costumes.

The plot was good except for the love triangle, or square. I really didn't care if any of the characters ended up with each other. Actually the only character I really felt empathy for was Buttons the clown, played by James Stewart. That character had the added twist of being wanted for murder, hence why we wore makeup all of the time.

This movie also features Charlton Heston in one of his first ever movies, actually considered to be his breakthrough movie. I also read trivia that this was the first movie Steven Spielberg saw when he was 4 years old.

Book Review: Practicing His Presence

Courtney gave this to me to read I think when we were dating. I have a big box of books that I have to read from various people. So that is why some of the books I read are so random.

It honestly did not make much of an impact on me. And I was doubtful that the lifestyle exhibited in the book was really what I endorsed.

In a basic summary, this book contained writings from two men; Frank Laubach (1884-1970) and Brother Lawrence (1611-1692). The basic idea of their writings is that people should think about God every waking moment, and also focus all of our energies on loving him.

I have been in a presence of mind in the past where my mind is totally focused on some spiritual ideal, and it really wasn't my favorite time of life. I can see through these mens' writings that they have focused themselves totally on this ideal. It may have been good for them, but not for me. I would rather think about God at certain times throughout my day. But I will not ask Him to help me click my mouse to His Glory, or strange things like that.

Nevertheless, it is good to keep an open mind, and to hear others' perspectives on things. And through the extremity of others, there is usually some moderate application to one's own life.

Book Review: The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People

Masterful. Inspiring. Thought-provoking.

I think I will read this book once every year, because I'm sure I will get a little something different out of it at different stages of my life.

At this stage of my life, the most helpful part was about how to listen and relate to others. There are certain things about this that I'm good at, and some that I'm horrible at, so the tips in here were helpful. So the second half of the book was much more interesting to me than the first half, which was about personal initiative and organization.

The best thing about this book is the personal message to my Grandmother in the front cover:

To Mother
Now you don't have to get
it from the library.

From: Andrew + Sylvia

Also, I'd like to thank the St. Louis trip and Matt for driving there, for giving me time to finish a big chunk of this!

St Louis trip slideshow

Movie Review: Murderball

We watched this with Mary, Steven, and Maya (who slept through the whole thing). It is about quadriplegic rugby players (a sport formerly called Murderball). It chronicled the competition between the Canada and the USA teams. The Canadians had a coach that basically just wanted to get back at the USA team for being cut. A common misconception is that quadriplegics can't move their arms, but the case is that they have limited or no movement. It also shared the personal stories of some of the athletes. It was enjoyable and interesting.

Movie Review: An American in Paris

And we have color! And it worked well with all of the bright costumes. An American in Paris featured Gene Kelly dancing and singing to the music of Gershwin. The plot was good too, about a love triangle, until at the very end the plot kind of blew up, and the movie ended with a 17-minute ballet to the piece "An American in Paris".

Overall better than the other old movies we've seen recently. 1951 Best Picture.

Movie Review: All About Eve

This movie had a great ending that almost made up for the length and slowness of the movie. When the credits rolled we were surprised to learn that the pretty blonde was Marilyn Monroe.

This was about a drama queen and an adoring fan who seems harmless at first, but keeps getting in the way of the drama queen's personal life and career. Still haven't seen an old movie that I'd call "great" since It's a Wonderful Life.

Oh yeah, forgot to mention it won 1950 Best Picture.

Croc-Rockin' at the Sprint Center

We went to the much awaited Elton John concert at the first act of the Sprint Center.

I was actually really nervous beforehand about city driving and parking. It turned out that it was very easy, and there were plenty of spots. Much better than my experience with Municipal Auditorium.

As we approached the entrance, we got scared off by a sign that said "no digital cameras". It turns out that they didn't check us for the camera, and we could have brought it in.

As we went in, the lady taking the ticket told us to take the elevator to the 6th floor. As we traveled through the packed crowds, we realized that she got her words mixed up, and she meant the escalator. We later went back down and got drinks at the Quik Trip, which did not have jacked up prices. On the way back up, the escalator broke and we walked up it for a few floors.

Our seats were in the back. There is a very steep incline towards the main floor. There is almost no room for people to cross in front of you. And I was touching shoulders with the people next to me. The seats are well padded, but for space reasons, I'd call them uncomfortable up there.

Now for the show. The band was great and played for 2 hours and 40 minutes.

I got this set list from http://backtorockville.typepad.com/back_to_rockville/2007/10/review-elton-jo.html#more

Set list: Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding (I didn't know this one)

The Bitch is Back (This was funny because they flashed the word "Bitch" on the screen throughout the song. Not really what I was expecting!)

Madman Across the Water; Tiny Dancer; Levon; Believe; Take Me to the Pilot; Goodbye Yellow Brick Road;

Daniel (This is my song!)

Rocket Man; Honky Cat; Someone Saved My Life Tonight; I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues; Burn Down the Mission; The Bridge; Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word; Candle in the Wind; Bennie and the Jets; Philadelphia Freedom; Sad Songs Say So Much; I’m Still Standing;

The end was the best. We stood up and clapped, and sang with them:

Crocodile Rock
Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting)

Encore:

Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me
Your Song (He dedicated this to Kansas City, because they've always been the nicest people to him, and he sang it to us)

As we were leaving, we were treated to a fireworks show above the Sprint Center.

I really enjoyed it, and I was happy to be there at the opening!

1.5 years

We've been married a year and a half!

Debt-free BBQ

Even before I met Courtney it was her dream to have a party once her SBU debt was paid off. We put her dream into action. And God blessed our time with good weather and with a lot of friends who came over to celebrate with us. We were so excited during the time, that we forgot to take pictures. We had about 15 people on our deck, which has built in benches. At one point I announced that our program was about to begin, and that everyone would share how much debt that they have.

Then we took it inside and played Catch Phrase. We also had a time where we talked about money and debt, and people asked us for advice (Thanks, Nell!). It was not a conversation that we usually have with friends, but I find that at our age, the topic of money is coming up more often. We'd like to thank Courtney's ministry supporters, since they allowed us to pay off the debt sooner. Also, one last thanks to Dave Ramsey and the live event for inspiring us to pay off the debt with intensity.

Best of September

I almost forgot to do the "Best Of" post.

Best Movie That I Saw for the First Time: The Simpsons Movie
Best New-To-Me Restaurant: none
Best Life Happening: having new tile
Best Book I Read: Unforgettable Men in Unforgettable Times

Book Review: The Cat Who Moved a Mountain

I have done 3 book reviews now without having seen a movie. We have been busy on the weekends, including doing our debt free BBQ, which I'll write about soon.

This was a good book about Qwilleran going to the Potato Mountains (the name provides a bunch of opportunities for puns). He helps to solve a murder mystery (of course). But this is one of the only books that doesn't have a murder in it. It is all about a murder that happened before the book began, and an imprisonment of an innocent man. It also features class warfare between hicks on Lil' Tater and city dwellers in "Spudsboro".

I also believe that this continued the trend that Qwilleran and the cats live in a different dwelling in each book.

Book Review: Every Man's Marriage

This was the first book I read about marriage as a married man. I felt that it was geared not toward me, but toward really immature men. It actually made me feel quite good about myself. Let me explain.

I opened to a random page and picked an example of this immaturity. "A man once asked us, "You speak so much about serving and giving in. Do you ever feel as if you aren't head of your home?" The answer is no..."

Let me randomly pick another page...."On the eve of their wedding, Brad told his wife, "I just want to make something clear between us. My job will always come first, and you need to know that going in". That statment clearly revealed where Brad's passion lies."

So there are two examples of how this book was intended for men who have no clue.

The one thing I did get from it is the concept of honoring your wife's essence. This is when a wife has some strong desires that do not make sense to the man. The example in my life would me how Courtney does not want me to wake up and do things on Saturday while she is still sleeping. I personally would enjoy getting up and getting things done, or enjoying reading or playing music. But I soon learned that Courtney is happier if I sleep in. I am honoring my wife's essence by staying in bed.

But this book was generally stating the obvious most of the time. It was for men who didn't have the example that I had growing up. It also may be that we haven't been married long, but if that's the case, just don't tell me!

*Also I have a wife who makes it easy to be a husband!

Rockies Win!

For no apparent reason, I was rooting for the Colorado Rockies to get into the playoffs. They played the Padres in a one-game playoff to see who got to go. It was not on TV or radio, so I followed it on the Internet, whilst doing other things. The Rockies ended up winning 9-8 in the 13th, over coming a grand slam by the Padres in the early innings.

I believe I am rooting for them because they are an underdog, and they have won 12 of their last 13 games. I love the National League, and I wish the Royals were in it.

The Altar

I went to something called The Altar at YouthFront Camp South. It's amazing what happens when you are away from home for over 24 hours, with no access to the Internet. (I did manage eventually to find out that K-State beat Texas, and that the Colorado Rockies still have a chance at the MLB playoffs.)

An author of one of Courtney's favorite books, Chasing Francis, was the speaker for the weekened. His name is Ian Cron. He is an expert on the life of St. Francis of Assisi.

Then I sealed the tile last night when we got back. And Courtney went to a shower for Lyndsey Krusen (soon-to-be-Zouein). I may shave my face soon, now that I have sealed the tile. It has been over a week for sure.

Book Review: Dubliners

I was in the middle of - well more like a third of the way through reading The Portable James Joyce. However, after reading Dubliners, his works of short stories, and looking ahead to his longer works, I suddenly lost desire to continue reading. So I will review Dubliners instead. It was around 300 pages.

I felt that it was a great piece of writing. Joyce described human emotion so well, and also interactions between people, and he described the Irish culture quite well. It was written in 1914.

If I was as good an author as James Joyce, I would write about my own life, and about our culture. Because there are really hilarious things that happen, especially with my Conservative Christian background, and my family interactions and life happenings.

Any way the real winners (short stories) in this book in my mind are: Araby, Eveline, The Boarding House, A Little Cloud, A Painful Case, A Mother, and The Dead. On to my 4 other books!

Beautiful tiles

The bathroom with tile!

Me literally making the final cut with the wet saw.

Well, we have tile and a new toilet. The thing I learned the most from this is that it is nice to have 2 bathrooms, because toilets are necessary. The fact that we only have one bathroom forced us to work on Sunday, even though we were already really tired. Courtney and I spent the night at my parents so that the tile could settle.

We had problems installing the new toilet. It was kind of uneven. Plus we needed a mega-size wax ring, plus the old wax ring to stop the toilet from leaking onto the tile. I think that water caused the grout to not be the right color in one small area. I do have a bit of grout powder, but I'm debating whether to return this and get money back, or to use it for the small areas where the color is off.

It was the most challenging thing I've done in this house, for sure. Thanks Dad for helping us out! We will enjoy this tile for as long as we live here!