Completely Immersed
I spent a relaxing Labor Day weekend at home and it gave me some time to reflect on all that has been going on in my life. It’s been a good type of busy lately. It seems I’m learning more and more about my family, life, God, work, music & a ton of other things.
I read a blog post last month where a guy asked his readers to list a few things they were enjoying and gave away a new CD that he was really into. I figured I’ll take a page out of his book and do the same. Here’s a few things I’m completely immersed in at the moment…
- Playing Kung Fu Panda on the Wii with Luke. We totally beat it last night.
- I’ve been listening to Jason Eady’s album non-stop since it was released on Tues. One of my favorite tracks is Maybe I’ll Stay A While:
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- Watching Design Star (or whatever reality show Christy is in to). I love it because she loves it.
- Learning more and more about video cameras, lens and other gear.
- Figuring out what it means to be always praying
- Meeting new people, seeing new places in our city and thinking about how I can help it grow
- Getting into the “school routine” and finding out there is more to do than I thought humanly possible
- Planning for our annual Steamboat Spring, CO vacation of snow, music and friends
What are 5 things that you have been really into lately? By answering in the comments, you’ll be eligible to win a copy of Jason Eady’s album or if you already have it/want a different one I’ll get you what you want! I’ll choose someone randomly tomorrow.
Chuck Mead and the new John Fogerty these days -
1. Finding a sense of balance between all of my demands… work/family/friends/young life/house/dogs/working out, etc.
2. Soaking up knowledge and perspectives of scripture through bible study, reading challenges, christian-based topical books, etc.
3. Sean McConnell, Jason Isbell and Kings of Leon have my ear lately.
4. Figuring out what it means to be a mentor to those that have asked.
5. Cooking for others and sharing recipes through the blog.
1. Being reminded daily that you should always be respectful but also not let yourself get advantage of.
2. Learning how dependant children are of routines.
3. Putting things into perspective, wants vs needs
4. Reminding myself that I should pray more often and actually doing it.
5. Always keeping in mind that things happen for a reason even though sometimes they suck at the time.
1. Yoga. It’s amazing the head-clearing it can provide- and the good stretches to go with that head-clearing.
2. Reading. I’ve been devouring books at the rate of about one a week lately, and it’s been for-fun reading, not for-work reading.
3. Musically, I’ve been on a huge Jason Isbell and Lucero binge.
4. Appreciating my wonderful friends- every single day I am reminded how I am surrounded by amazing people.
5. My new dog! We’re learning lots of lessons together but I honestly couldn’t love her more. Even my dad (who is not really a dog guy) is smitten :)
1. Painting and fixing up my new house.
2. College football.
3. Getting ready for the new fall tv lineup!
4. Blogging-especially something of interest.
5. Musically-I’ve been trying to expand my narrow little view of the music world. (which is how I came across your blog just a couple days ago -just some random googling)
1. My son
2. My Husband
3. Finishing my assoc. degree
4. Owning a house
5. Having a job that I usually enjoy :)
1- trying to see the obvious
2- starting a new business with my husband
3- tennis!!!!
4- being a horse owner again
5- my new Blackberry
1. Prioritizing my life and getting my act together.
2. The gym. It’s become my me time… to help reflect on things and it’s where I pray.
3. New music from Eady, Kennedy, Radney, Kings of Leon, and rediscovery some old school tunes too.
4. My kids and family… as always. Can’t get enough of them. I thank God everyday for them.
5. Cooking. Really back into the swing of it.
1. Loving the excitement of uncertainty right now, and I usually hate it! but right now it kinda makes sense!
2. Being busy… a good busy… it’s got me giddy!
3. Fall TV premiers.. top chef, GLEE, Big Brother (go JORDAN!)
4. puppy time… noting brings it all together like a little time with the cuddle bug
5. My September that’s entirely full of family, friends, church, and God’s blessings!
1. My kids have lately been making me realize the beauty and excitement in the smallest of things again, things that we take for granted every day.
2. I get hungry for new music here and there, and go on the hunt. My latest discovery – Magnolia Electric Co.’s Josephine album. Beyond explanation, but I can say that if you like any of the top 10 singer songwriters of all times, all genres, you may like this. Very unique, very beautifully crafted album.
3. I’m really enjoying watching my little sister go to college for the first time at 21. In tough love kinda way, watching her struggle with school and work is like watching her blossom into a contributing member of society.
4. Austin! I moved here in January for school, and I know I will never leave. Even though I don’t get out much because of kids, school, and running a small business, I feel surrounded by kindred spirits with open minds. Coming back here after going to see my family was honestly the first time in my adult life that I actually felt like I was HOME. That’s a damn good feeling.
5. I’m really enjoying school. I’ve heard of the elusive idea that if work doesn’t feel like work, you are among the lucky few. Well, I came to Austin to finally follow MY dreams and I am enjoying every single minute of it. Work that doesn’t feel like work is just around the corner!
1. Taking pictures and learning how to use my new camera.
2. Reading for fun, I have always loved to read but when I started college I had so much I was required to read so I stopped reading for fun. Now that its been a few months since I’ve been in school, I’ve started enjoying books again.
3. Spending time with my family and helping my grandparents take care of my 6 year old cousin. He makes me tired and sometimes I am not sure I am that much help, but I try!
4. Musically I’ve been listening to some of my older stuff because there has been so much new stuff, I’ve forgot about it. I’ve had random stuff from Blu Sanders and Jack Ingram on repeat for the last few days too.
5. Trying to figure out what I’m gong to do with the rest of my life and where I want to live.
1. FOOTBALL!
2. New music from Ragweed, Seth James, McClure, DBT, Sean McConnell and more!
3. Going to more concerts than ever before and actually having money after I go!
4. Road trips! Went to Austin for the 1st time, going to Denver in a month and any other little road trips for concerts!
5. The great golf weather!
1. Trying to slow down and focus on all my blessings both large and small. This includes having more convos with Him.
2. Finding ways to show my husband how much I appreciate the things he does for us instead of assuming he knows and feels appreciated.
3. Becoming rejuvenated by new music again.
4. This new health-care plan and all the details.
5. Preparing our home and our hearts for our little miracle who will be here in 8 weeks! Although the thought of my baby boy has consumed every ounce of my being for the past 8 months I STILL have to pinch myself sometimes. God is so GREAT! :)
A big thing for me is always music. I let it just take away the stress of the day/week/month… And of late, I have gone old school. Pat Green, namely the carry on and L@BB cds.
I also love to walk with the mp3 player in my ears. Sometimes I think I could walk forever.
And then there’s hanging with my 3 girlies. They are all 3 so different but each one gives me what I need.
I also about 2 years ago re connected with my childhood best friend. There is nothing like sitting on the phone for hours talking about our past, our families and making eachother laugh.
1. Falling in love over and over with my new daughter. I had a secret worry before she was born that I wouldn’t be able to love her as much as my first little girl, and quickly realized that I somehow just created more love inside of me for her. Does that make sense?
2. Working. I’m at the end of my tour as a Drill Sergeant and this is my 5th class. At this point it’s an extremely tedious task to remain motivated everyday. I find a way to do it because it would be a disservice to these kids if I didn’t, but I’m ready to move on to the next phase of my career/life.
3. Music. I finally splurged and just got a ton of stuff that I’ve been putting off listening to for a long time. I’m a little overwhelmed with how much good music is flowing out of my iPod: DBT, Eady, Isbell, Band of Heathens, Jamey Johnson are some of the new ones; Ragweed and McClure are old cornerstones that put out some great new stuff recently.
4. Like Beth, I’m reconnecting with old friends. Staying in touch with some that I was closest to has proven to be very good for me spiritually. It’s great to get in touch with someone you haven’t seen in 5 years when all you both wanted to do was get drunk, and now you’re conversations center around diapers and bills. I feel myself becoming an adult.
5. Trying to improve my spiritual fitness. I don’t know exactly what I believe. I know I believe in God, but I don’t know why. A few months ago I realized that any reasons I gave behind what I believed (which could change from month to month) were reasons I got from someone else. I now refuse to believe in something that I know nothing about, and refuse to spout off an uninformed opinion (thanks for straightening me out and calling me stupid Tank ;) ).
- Continually immersed in learning how to better serve my family as a husband and father.
- My new iPhone. I can’t stop playing with it.
- Music such as Death Cab for Cutie’s “Plans” album and MuteMath’s “Armistice”.
- Partnering more with my wife in leading as the connecting coordinators in our New Parents sunday school group.
- Absorbing as much design-related material as I can without overwhelming myself.
Congrats to CJ! I’ll get in touch and get you the music!
Everything’s Gonna Be Fine is my Eady song of choice these days.
Yes! “not enough chain to keep me bound”… Love that line.
1. Loving and learning how to be a mom of a Kindergartner.
2. Trying to love people more, really love them.
3. Running, running, and more running!
4. Reading a book called, Secrets to Getting More Done in Less Time. Really convicting me, so I’m trying to stay organized and ahead of things.
5. Trying to memorize the bible more. I feel when I have that in my heart, THAT is what comes out in times of need, instead of something ugly.