My Top 10 of 2012

2012 was an AWESOME year for so many reasons! Of course there were the family reasons but this was also an excellent year for other reasons…including movies, music and fun! So here are my Top 10 Best Things About 2012. Here’s hoping 2013 is HALF the year 2012 was. Wait…strike that…here’s hoping that 2013 is BETTER than 2012…for EVERYONE!

10. Dublin, Ireland
I travel a lot but not normally overseas. This year I was lucky to get to visit Dublin, Ireland for work and it was a great experience! I got to see so much of the city and enjoyed riding the buses/trains/cabs to see some of the historic sites such as the Guinness factory and Kilmainham Gaol. It was a nice breakup from going to the same U.S. cities that I’ve already been to several times AND I got good miles out of it also!

9. The Constellations – “Do It For Free”
My favorite album of 2012. I can’t say that this year will go down as my favorite year musically but I CAN say that this album has so many top notch songs on it that I burned it out listening to each track over & over & over again. Hailing from Atlanta, GA, I thoroughly enjoy their blues/pop/soul sound and I had this one on repeat most of the summer. Check out these tracks to get a good feel for their sound: “Black Cat,” “Hallelujah,” “The Ol’ Speakeasy”

8. Philo Class of 1987 25th Reunion
It’s ALWAYS fun seeing friends, but this year’s class reunion was more than just a “fun time.”…it was literally like being 17 again! We stayed out late, hung out til dawn and relived the glory days for a single evening. I can say that Facebook has brought many of us together again but it’s the reunions that bring our friendships back to life! I can’t wait to see everyone again in 2017! But next time…I dunno if I wanna stay out til 6am. I’m thinking THOSE days might be over…LOL!

7. Top 5 Singles of the Year
I’m struggling with my favorite song of the year. There are a FLOOD of really good singles out there but albums (or complete bodies of listenable work) have become scarcer to come by. If I WERE to narrow it down…these are my Top 5 favorites singles of 2012 (but not necessarily in this order):

Grace Potter & The Nocturnals – “Roulette”
Morning Parade – “Under The Stars”
Taylor Swift – “State of Grace”
The Constellations – “Black Cat”
Robert Francis – “Perfectly Yours”

6. Fantasy Football
Nothing consumed more of my time than my new found interest in fantasy football this year. From the moment I was asked to join during baseball season to the final weekend, I was obsessed with finding the right mix of waiver wire finds to match with my “go-to” players to try to win from week-to-week. I ended the season 6-7 BUT I made the playoffs! It’s been a lot of fun and considering my interest in the NFL, I’m definitely gonna have to expand to a few more teams next year!

5. The Avengers
The only movie I HAD to see in a theater twice this year, Joss Whedon managed to bring together not only some strong actors but a strong group of CHARACTERS and make an honest-to-goodness amazing action flick. With so much going on, this could have been a mess but instead we got great writing, a great story AND some of the best action sequences of the year! Easily my favorite popcorn film of 2012! As of this posting, my 2nd favorite flick is the Bruce Willis thriller “Looper.” But there are MANY films I have yet to see that I HAVE to see that recently came out in theaters so….

4. Zip-lining
What a thrill to fly through the air over lakes and trees! Who knew it would be so much fun? This year, all of us in our little family gave it a go in Gatlinberg, TN and enjoyed it so much that we are DEFINITELY gonna do it again as soon as possible!

3. Homeland
I can’t remember being so drawn to a show EVER. As much as everyone tried to turn me onto other shows, I have a limited capacity for following storylines and having the time to actually watch several shows with my schedule but Steph & I MAKE time for this Showtime series. The writing is impeccable, the plot is perfectly convoluted and we HAD to know what was gonna happen to Brody in the end. The finale this season was PERFECT! I can’t wait til next season! A close second would be the AMC gorefest “The Walking Dead.”

2. Kitten
Another mouth to feed? Sure. But seriously…the most ridiculously cute kitten in the world has become a part of our family so quickly that it’s hard to deny that she was MEANT for our family. She may act like a dog at times but she’s all cat and she enjoys swatting at my feet under the covers, being held like a baby and torturing Hannah (our other cat). She’s perfect!

1. The 2012 Olympics
When I look back on this year, my hiring for the Wrestling events in London will be what I remember the most. I have heard so many people tell of their Olympic experiences and some of them are absolutely horrific with stories of long work hours and poor living conditions. In MY case, I can honestly say it was a work event of my lifetime. I enjoyed every part of it, from meeting people on the plane while heading to London to working or seeing gold medal events to my co-workers. The added trip to Stonehenge on a free afternoon was also an experience of a lifetime! I am proud to have been a part of the 2012 Olympics and it will always be an event that I will always remember it fondly!

Should I Stay Or Should I Go (Top 10 Networking Sites)?

I’m officially worn out. At first it was MySpace. MySpace was cool because it was my first launch into social networking. Granted…it was originally set up for musicians and bands and then somehow got overtaken by people like me, all setting up our own pages even if we had zero musical talent whatsoever. But then along came Facebook and ever since it has been a literal barrage of sites that claim to be the next…BIG…THING!

And I’ve pretty much signed up for all of them. I’ve gone and jumped off the cliff and it’s too much. And so…I’m giving up. I’m pulling the plug. Not on THIS site obviously because this is more of my own writing and I enjoy writing and I’m hoping someday my kids can go back and read up on their dad and his journeys and opinions and thoughts. They’ll also be able to see how THEY have grown up and how much I love them.

No…I’m giving up on networking sites. Not ALL of them…but enough of them that I thought I would list the Top 10 sites that I am currently on, whether I’m going to stay on them and why or why not I’m staying or going. So here you are…and may the best sites win!

10. Path
For whatever reason, this network is predominantly a phone app. You can upload videos, pictures, tag places you’ve been or list music you’re listening too. I use it enough when I’m on the road and I like the ease of it. Plus…I have yet to see a slew of people bombarding it with posts so…I’M STAYING!

9. Instagram
Oh how I love the pretty pictures and there are obviously some pretty talented people out there who know how to use photography apps to give their photos lots of nifty effects and colors but for the most part…this is a bunch of people I don’t know showing off their editing abilities and quite frankly…I can see MY friends do that on Facebook. I’M OUT!

8. Pinterest
It’s for girls. I’M OUT.

7. Tumblr
Yes…I have a Tumblr account. No…I don’t visit it very often however I CAN post to it from “Path” and I do mostly post pictures there so…I’M STAYING! For now…

6. Twitter
Ya know…I’ve NEVER gotten into Twitter. I guess I’m just too old to understand the appeal. I don’t follow famous people or athletes and I don’t really care about every waking thought that pops into your head so…I’M GONE! But…don’t take it personally…mmmmkay?

5. Google+
I had such high hopes for Google+ and maybe THAT was the problem. It’s NOT Facebook and I don’t have the necessary IQ to understand the “circle” system so…I’M OUT!

4. LinkedIn
Everyone’s favorite resume drop spot, I admit that I probably visit this site more on my IPad than I ever have on my IPhone. And I almost NEVER visit on my computers so I imagine that on the IPad this site will remain one of my more traveled networking sites so…I’M STAYING!

3. Foursquare
I have a Love/Hate relationship with this site. It’s fun when I travel but for whatever reason I find it frustrating when I’m in the same place for work or simply hanging out at home. This is a tough one for me because it DID have some fun elements working for it but I find that Path is replacing it for highlighting where I am (as if anyone cares) so…it is with great sadness that I say ADIOS FOURSQUARE!

2. MySpace
The grand-daddy of them all! It was my initial foray into social networking and I still retain a site even though I visit maybe 2 times a year (for whatever reason). It’s hard to part with what got me going in the first place so I think I’ll keep it around…for those rare times when I’m bored and want to go back to see when the LAST time was that I visited. I’M STAYING!

1. Facebook.
Oh c’mon now. Through update after update, I have hung with this site and it continues to be my most visited and most status heavy networking site. And so it will remain because, quite frankly, almost every person I have EVER come in contact with is a member and I doubt there will ever be another site where everyone joins soooo…FACEBOOK STAYS!

There you have it! I’m not going to take the time to go and delete my accounts. I doubt that is necessary. But if you are attempting to get a hold of me or if you are curious to what I’m up to, odds are…visit Facebook. I may not be on there as much as I used to be but I find that when I have a few minutes and I’m bored, it’s an easy time filler!

My Family’s Top 10 Best Things About 2011

At Amen Corner At The Masters

2011 was a good year! I dunno if it was a “great” year but for the most part, there were many reasons to celebrate and so…drum roll please…here are MY personal Top 10 things that happened in the year that was 2011 that were…like…totally excellent!!!

10. A Trip To Keeneland
For our 11th anniversary, Stephanie & I took a bus trip with 30 or so of our best friends and gambled on some horses. It was a beautiful day and we had a great time! And winning some money off a horse called “Six Pack Abs” was the capper to our day…

9. 32 Stadiums & Gold Status
It’s silly, I know…but this year I finished up my run of NFL stadiums at the Super Bowl in Dallas. I have officially been in all 32 NFL stadiums now so…I guess I have to set my goal a little higher and shoot for all the major league baseball stadiums now. As for all my travel? I managed to get Gold status on Delta for the 3rd consecutive year which means I worked WAY too much but no long lines and the occasional bump to 1st Class from time to time next year makes it all worth it! Yay for me!

8. Stephora
Stephanie decided it was time to get back into the workforce and she jumped at an opportunity to work at Sephora, a very popular cosmetics store. I’m not sure if she has made a profit at this point but I DO know she gets a decent discount on all their products. I imagine her working there is a lot like if I took a job at ITunes…

7. Spartans Win The Super Bowl
Christopher’s football team rolled along this past winter, losing only 1 game and eventually winning the Midget Super Bowl in our region. #10 wasn’t a starter but when he got on the field, he kicked some serious butt! Here are some highlights of his season…

6. Ava Gets Her Cheer On
For the first time, Ava got to cheer on the Spartans officially as she became a Spartans cheerleader. She LOVES cheering and with the gymnastics classes and the games, she got a lot of practice in and got better & better as the season rolled along!

5. I Won An Emmy
Yeah…I got a statue. And it sits in a corner in our dining room. It’s heavy and has pointed wings that could maim you if you get too close. But it’s a nice gesture for all the years I’ve been doing this and it is an even bigger thrill that my family got to share it with me (and apparently so did my mom’s Bingo friends, my brother’s co-workers, my Dad’s golf buddies, etc…).

4. Vacation In The Outer Banks
Once again we returned to the Outer Banks for fun in the sun. We swam just about every day, played putt putt and ate lots of seafood. And the good dog, Barkley, joined us for our trip! It was a lot of family fun and we appreciate the fact that our relatives own a great home there and let us borrow it for a few days.

3. U2 In Seattle
I made a trip to Seattle this past June with 3 of my best friends to see my favorite band perform in my favorite city in the country. The weather was beautiful, the company was awesome and the show blew my mind! It was a great time and all 4 of us have decided that we are gonna do it again this coming year…in New York City!

2.The Bulldogs Win The Pennant!!! The Bulldogs Win The Pennant!!!
Christopher’s Knothole team cleared the table this year, coming through in some tight moments and winning the best of 2 series finale. It was a great season filled with exciting games, plenty of rain outs and many hours spent with friends. I’m hoping this year is filled with the same (except the rainouts. Those kinda suck.)

1. Stella!!!
As much as I DIDN’T want another pet, it’s hard to deny the personality of our new addition. Little Stella came into our lives and has since become a family member. I can’t imagine life without her and despite my grumblings, she has become very dear to my heart. But Barkley is STILL “the good dog…” LOL!

To add to my year, I’ve also managed to cut back on my nail-biting habit, both of my kids played basketball (Ava for the first time), I had yet another back problem and now my toes are all tingly on my right foot, Ava is still rockin’ the violin and…hmmm…well…that’s about it. But with all of that, it was a VERY full year. Here’s hoping 2012 is maybe a little LESS hectic but just as successful! Happy New Year to you and yours!!!

Top 10 Things I Love About The Change Of Seasons

Funny how quickly the seasons can change around here. A couple weeks ago I was working in Atlanta and before I left it was a miserably hot 85 degrees and humid in the morning and when I returned a week later, it is now a cool 65 degrees and perfect FALL weather. It’s almost like Mother Nature knew that school was about to start so she clicked a button and POOF! We have autumn-like temperatures! With a change of seasons comes many reasons to celebrate! Here are my Top 10 Reasons I Love Fall…

10. School is IN!
Not that I don’t love my kids, because I do…very much! But it is nice to have some downtime when I’m not working. I’m hoping to get a few things done around the house before winter comes knocking and it’s hard to do anything when the kids are home and runnin’ around.

9. Football In / Baseball Out
What’s NOT to like about football? Christopher is playing football, the NFL is back and in preseason and I’ve got work for 17 weeks. It’s all good! And I love watching Sunday night football after a day of working a game. And since the Reds are 12 games out in their division, I can root for the Bengals for…well…for a couple of weeks until they start to stink it up. Then I can always jump on the Seahawks bandwagon. My picks for this year’s Super Bowl? Houston Texans vs Green Bay Packers in Indy this year. This is the time for the Texans after many years of having one of the best offenses in the league, they now have a defense that matches.

8. Air Conditioning OFF
I just love it when we’re able to open the windows in the house and let the cool fall breeze blow through our house. It’s also cost effective to be able to turn off the air and heat and just let nature take care of us…especially during the day when it’s 95 + in the summer or when it’s 36- in the winter. 70 is JUST RIGHT! So…

7. Cooler Temps
Gotta love the drop from the mid-90′s to the mid-60′s! It feels like a huge weight has been lifted when you’re outside doing anything. And that leads me to my next favorite thing…

6. Shorts & Sweatshirts
I LOVE wearing shorts and a sweatshirt as my primary clothes for work or play. Dunno what it is about the combination but it is my choice for my favorite clothes to wear ANY time.

5. Lots Of Birthdays
Beginning yesterday with my niece’s birthday (Happy Birthday Allison!) to the end of October, I have multiple family members with birthdays which include 2 sisters, 2 more nieces, a nephew, my brother, a best friend, a mother-in-law, my Dad, my Mom and several friends’ kids who I’m sure I’ll be celebrating with. It’s a SMORGASBOARD of birthdays and it makes me think that Valentine’s Day is for more than just givin’ flowers (if ya know what I mean…).

4. Our Anniversary
Last year Stephanie & I celebrated our 10th anniversary with a trip to Napa Valley. This year…I have no idea what we’ll do but it’s always fun to reflect on our marriage and see where we are after another year has passed. 11 years. Seems like only yesterday I was walking down the aisle.

3. Colors Everywhere
I’m not a big fan of raking leaves but I am a HUGE fan of watching the leaves color change! Nothing prettier than flying over Cincinnati and seeing all the beautiful hues of orange, red and yellow. And our little town here has a lot of trees so it’s always pretty this time of year.

2. Halloween
Although it’s not my favorite holiday, I DO get a kick out of going trick-or-treating with my kids and seeing what they’ll dress up as this year. Ava has already decided that she wants to be a vampire with some of her friends. THAT should be interesting…

1.  It’s Not Winter OR Summer
I like summer but I don’t LOVE it and winter’s do nothing for me. The last few years it seems like we’ve been totally ripped off as far as autumn goes. So it’s nice that maybe this year Fall might be here for a couple of months. If we can get 3 months of fall weather conditions I will be in heaven. LONG LIVE FALL! Let’s hope this one drags out for a while…

Top 10 Things That Are Making Me Go Prematurely Grey

Obviously in need of a vacation…

I know I’m 42, but it seems like these days there are more & more reasons for my hair to start changing colors and it ain’t the seasons that’s doing it to me. No…it’s THESE little things that make my stomach ache and cause me undo stress. How can I handle all the responsibilities of being a parent/husband when I have to not only deal with so many things PLUS these 10 irritations? Help me out here…will ya? And these are in no discernible order. They ALL stress me out to some degree…

10. Violence & sex in videogames
Not that my son plays them a lot but the violence in “Call of Duty” (which ALL of his friends play) and “Grand Theft Auto” (which was recently shown to him by one of his buddies) has me in a quandary.  How much do I let him play? Should I let him play them at all? Is it TOO violent? And why are is there sex in videogames at all? I mean…I understand the buxom beauties in some games such as “Mortal Kombat” or those wrestling games but actual sex in a game? WTH??? So now that the Supreme Court has ruled that my 9-year old can buy his own games without my approval, I have to WATCH every game he decides to play? Great. ‘Cause there’s nothing I’d rather do with my day than sit over my kids’ shoulders while they play the latest edition of “Gran Prix VII: Bikini Beach Raceway.”

9. My weight
Although I’m not huge, I am definitely bigger than I was last year and it seems like no matter how many salads I eat or how many times I drink water with my turnips I can’t seem to shake it. With age comes a few extra pounds but when my wife bus me a large pair of swim trunks and they’re fitting a little TOO snug for comfort? That worries me a little. Gotta get back to the gym more often, I suppose.

8. Health Insurance
Received in the mail yesterday: “At (health company), our objective is to provide high-quality health insurance coverage at a competitive price. New medicines and treatments (which I don’t use) are necessary for the quality of care we expect today. The trade-off for these breakthrough procedures is the rising cost in health care. We continue to look for and implement ways to reduce these costs while providing you with quality coverage.”

Really? You, the health care coverage company, are LOOKING for ways to REDUCE my costs? And then it goes on to say that my premiums have just gone up by $140.43 a quarter?

Bite me, health care coverage company. You guys ALL suck. And there has never once, in all my years, been a time when my health care premium has gone down. You guys are so full of shit that it makes me laugh. The only way insurance is of any benefit to me or my family is if someone gets really, really, really, really sick and then even that’s not guaranteed. These smarmy companies will find a way to get out of helping us, even if it means a death in the family. I hate paying for  health care. A majority of the time it just seems like such a waste of money. I just hope when it’s my time a piano falls on my head because if I have to use my health care coverage, I’ll probably die after 3 months in a coma and I’ll leave my family in bankruptcy. Stupid AND irritating.

7. Today’s “Pop” Music
All my life I have loved pop music and I truly believe it’s a parents job to censor what their kids hear or don’t hear but for crying out loud…today’s music has NO innuendo at all! When I was younger, did music have sexual overtones? Of course it did! But today’s music just puts it out there. EVERY popular song today references sex and my kids are singing about S&M, menage a trois and having great sex. There’s NOTHING left to the imagination! *sigh*

Here’s a post from my music site. Check it out if you agree with me…

6. Little League drama
I admit, I try to stay out of this one as much as possible however there are times when it becomes a little overwhelming. When I was young, we didn’t have all of these leagues that were so competitive. We had A (singular) league and we all played in it and it didn’t matter whether we were better athletically than the other kid, we all got to play. Nowadays there are rec leagues and Knothole leagues and youth leagues and All-Star leagues and who knows how many there are and they are RECRUITING players?!? Uh…the kids are 9. Let’s not get carried away, okay? All this crap about these kids are better than those kids and my kid is better than your kid and so & so did this and that? It is exhausting. I want MY kids to play sports because they ENJOY playing sports. You know what the odds are that they will make it to play professional sports someday? infinitesimal. It’s probably not gonna happen. But…maybe it will happen for your kid. Good luck with that.

5. My House
Whoever sold me the bill of goods that owning a home is the American dream is full of crap. It’s more like MY American nightmare! Everything from weeds to repairs to buying more crap to make it look good. Everything about owning a home is nothing but a money pit. I wish I was more handy around the house but even if I were, I still wouldn’t be able to keep up with all the necessary repair. For my money…buy a condo. Let someone else worry about it. As for the whole “build your credit” theory? Well…my credit was shot years ago so THAT isn’t really a worry…

4. The NFL
This one is gonna date this post but for right now, one of my BIGGEST concerns is the NFL Lockout. A HUGE portion of my yearly salary comes from working NFL games for CBS and the NFL Network. Without those games I’m a fish out of water. It’s still only late June but there seems to be a contingent that feels that the season may be in peril. Of course there’s also those that think that the lockout could end as early as this coming weekend. Who is right? Who knows. But if the billionaire owners and the millionaire players can’t get their acts together, there are gonna be a lot of people in MANY industries that will be out on their butts. If there is one thing that being an independent contractor has taught me it’s that no matter how free I think I am working for myself, it’s all false. So in that way, I’m just like everyone else…except without benefits (see #8).

3. The Lack Of Time
Remember when you were young and everything seemed fresh & new? Well…I’m long past that. I’m not saying I’m thinking death is knocking on my door just yet but it’s there in the back of my mind and I have to wonder if I’ll see 84. Of course this isn’t at the TOP of my concerns…but it’s there. And I think about it. And I can’t help but wonder what God has in store for me in the next 42 years and I’m trying to be positive but who knows? I’ve been lucky so far but that can all change in a blink of an eye and then BAM!…and then…(See #8)

2. Zombies.
Because they’re out there. And they’re trying to eat my face off!

(Just seeing if you’re paying attention…)

1. Money
Not enough of it. Ever. And it’s ALWAYS a concern. And the bills are never ending…

So there you have it…10 (okay…really 9) of my top concerns as of right this second. I’m sure that as time passes a few of these will drop by the wayside but you can be damn sure that #8 will never change. Looking for ways to lower our premiums? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Ahhhh laughter. NOTHING slows the hair from greying like a good laugh. So I guess in that way, health insurance companies HAVE done me some good…

Top 10 Things To Do This Summer

Planning on seeing more of this lady this summer…

Well…the hectic part of my year is over and now? Now I got lots of time off. According to my calendar, I have 6 days of work in a little over a month. So what does this mean? Lots of time to hang out with my kids and get some things done around the house. The only problem with this time of year is that I tend to stress about money a lot. And I ask…wouldn’t you? In today’s economic environment, it’s hard NOT to stress about money, even when there’s some coming in. So to not have anything coming in will probably send my ulcers into overload. But this year I’m gonna do my best not to stress about it. I figure there’s a reason to make money and that’s to spend it…right?

So I’ve compiled a list of the Top 10 Things To Do This Summer for myself. I imagine I’ll accomplish a few of them, start a few more and then be a complete failure on at least 2 of them. But I gotta start somewhere and this list will, at least, keep me focused for a short time…

10. Get to the gym.
Oh I know…I’ve had this one before but I’m thinking I can get down to a svelt 180 by the end of the summer. I’ve got this tire sitting around my waist that I just KNOW I can get rid of with a little focus and if I watch what I eat (and drink) during the summer. Being on the road most of the winter, I eat like crap so now is my time to be a little better about it.

9. Wash our cars myself.
I tend to want to wimp out when it comes to caring for our family cars but this year I plan on washing them and cleaning them myself. It takes a couple of hours but I always have fun when I do it so I don’t know why I don’t do it more often!

8. Take some time and tend to my yard work.
I can’t tell you how much I actually enjoy working in my yard but by mid-summer I’m ready to call it a season. It gets hot and sweaty and after about 30 minutes out in the summer sun I get burned out. But this year I want to care for our flowers we just planted and take out those pesky weeds that have managed to infiltrate our yard.

7. Attend Christopher’s baseball games.
This one is already in motion. I have taken a couple weekends off  when I could be working to spend with Christopher as his team travels to other cities to compete. We will be taking trips to Louisville and Indianapolis and I am totally looking forward to it!

6. Work on the upstairs bathroom.
I swear, our upstairs bathroom is a mess and I can’t even begin to understand why I haven’t tackled this project sooner (like…5 years ago). But the wallpaper is a disaster, the sink is straight out of the Brady Bunch home and it just needs a complete overhaul. I realize I’m not the most qualified to start ripping up my house but I figure this project is something I can (and should) get moving on. Hey…it’s why God gave us 2 hands and thumbs, right?

5. Visit my family a little more.
Last year I was so busy I only got home to visit my family once. This year…I think I can manage a few trips. Granted, gas prices are high enough right now that it kind of deflates me to think that driving 3 ours to visit my family will cost me the same amount as my electric bill but it’s important to me and my kids that we get to see Grandma & Grandpa and all their aunts, uncles and cousins. So…it’s worth it!

4. Teach Ava how to dribble a basketball.
Hey…the girl wants to play basketball and if there’s one thing I KNOW I can teach her it’s the game of basketball. I don’t know much but I DO know how to dribble!

3. Spend quality time with my family.
Last year at this time, family time was the last thing on my mind. This year, it’s my highest priority. Funny what difference a year can make.

2. Take time to enjoy myself.
Oh I know…I have the perfect job, I make good money, I get to travel, blah blah blah. Well…until you’ve walked 2 miles in my shoes, no one knows how hectic my life really can be. So now I have some free time, I’m gonna do what I want to do…namely take some time for myself. I have a Seattle/U2 trip coming up with my high school friends in June and I hope to spend more time with my friends here in the ‘Nati this season, maybe see a couple of concerts, go to the movies, whatever it takes! I have been gone too long and I’m ready to enjoy some of the fruits of my labor!

1. Don’t stress about money.
This will be the deal-breaker here. As my family can attest, I can become a real asshat when the bills start coming in and the bank account begins to drain but I am learning there is much more to life than watching the dollar signs. I can get a little lost sometimes in all the money woes but that is a part of my job. This summer? I’m not gonna sweat it. I imagine once the summer gets rolling along I might start to become more concerned about it but I need to breath and focus on not letting it consume me. With a little help (namely my wife) I think I can do it!

And that’s it. This summer is gonna be a big deal for me. I’m gonna change quite a bit, I can feel it so be ready for some interesting writing coming up here soon!

The Top 10 Things My Brother Wants From Augusta National

Seeing as how I am lucky enough to get to work at Augusta National, the home of a little golf tournament known as The Masters, I usually ask my friends &  family members if there is anything they might want that I can buy while I’m here at work. My Dad likes hats and shirts, my Mom wanted a visor and some coffee mugs, a few friends have requested things in the past. But this year, I offered up a request to my brother. He then proceeded to hit me with THIS list…

1. A divot from a fairway.
2. A used range ball.
3. A quart of water from Ray Creek.
4. A lock of Angel Cabrera’s chest hair.
5. Any Sunday tee marker.
6. A picture of Jack Nicklaus drinking an Arnold Palmer.
7. Firethorn berries from #15
8. A picture of Anthony Kim pointing at his driver shaft and laughing.
9. A picture of any woman wearing a members jacket.
10. Video of Andrew Catalon saying my name on air.

Needless to say…as I went out on my scavenger hunt, I ran into a few difficulties.

1. There are NO divots at Augusta. There are only scratches in the earth’s surface where the professionals graze the pristine greens and fairways of the holiest of places.

Arnie’s thinking about a swim! I just know it!!!

2. I raced onto the practice tee, looking frantically for a shag ball while running from the Augusta security team only to get nailed in the back of the head by a Tiger Woods slice. You owe me bail money Frank…

3. I fell into the creek and almost drowned while the jug floated downstream. My return trip back to my workplace was not a happy one.

4. We all know that to cut Angel’s manly chest fleece would, like Samson, ruin his super golfing abilities. I couldn’t do that to the man. Especially since he wears that protective chest plate under his green jacket to bed every night. Hey…I tried…

5. It ain’t Sunday yet.

6. Jack doesn’t drink Arnold Palmers. Has something to do with product placement and Jack wants to market HIS new drink, “The Golden Bear-ly Beer.” But apparently Arnie drinks John Dalys! Who knew?

“Hey Gary…you need a cool drink?“

7. This seemed to be the easiest of all the requests until I arrived at Augusta to hear that the famous Firethorn tree had fallen. Don’t know if it was due to the weather or if someone had unceremoniously cut it down before I could get to it but I guess we’ll never know.

8. There’s a story here but I am gonna go out on a limb and say any man laughing at his shaft has some serious problems. Just sayin’.

9. There are a lot of opportunities to find women wearing green jackets at Augusta. Unfortunately most of them are in their 70′s and can be found drinking pink lemonade in the shade during the Par 3 Challenge.

10. I dunno about video of Andrew Catalon saying your name on air but I KNOW I could get Ian Eagle to give you a shout out into my IPhone! Not only is he our announcer at Amen Corner but he is a great guy and has a wicked sense of humor! But somehow I don’t think that’s what you’re looking for…

Needless to say, this list is a bust. Besides…I’d like to keep my job for one more year. However I am involved in a pool at my workplace though and I took Tiger to win it all! Just hope he keeps those slices to a minimum. And if he wins I’m gonna go get my brother a gift he’ll never forget. Those Augusta National yellow golf tees sure do make some nice Christmas stocking stuffers…

Top 10 Things That Make Me Feel Closer To God

Recently my good friend Linda posted on her blog the following statement…

“…if you want to be strong in the hard times…if you want to be joyful more often…if you struggle with depression ( don’t we all from time to time???)…I challenge you to LOOK for the good in the bad…WORK at making someone else smile…find reasons to laugh even when you feel like crying…surround yourself with people…people who make you smile…but most of all have FAITH that ultimately God will take care of you.”

The idea and the reality of God and the existence of a higher power has been a complicated issue with me lately. I have not been well mentally and, although I am just as I ever was on the outside, inside I have not been myself. I still feel like I am the person I have always been…but I just haven’t been happy. Why is this? Am I hitting a midlife crisis? Am I searching for something that is missing in my life. What is happening to me? Why am I so unhappy. There are many things that have contributed to this state I’m in but I am trying to get better. I read Linda’s statement and it made me think about myself and who I think I am. I’ve always considered myself to be a happy person who knows the difference between good and bad. Being the oldest of 6 children, I’ve always been the responsible one. And now that I have a family and a home and so many bills to pay, I have very much been feeling the weight of carrying these responsibilities for so long. I have started to crack and I see myself losing my sense of well-being.

So now here I am…awake at 2am on an early Sunday morning and I have to be at work in 3 hours. I am searching inside myself for something better; a reason for keeping positive and I’m looking for the good in the bad. And I can see a little light at the end of the tunnel but it is still in the distance. So for now, I have decided to put together a list of the Top 10 things that make me happy and make me feel closer to God. Admittedly I have not been a good follower. I have drifted and have not felt the least bit guilty of it. But I’ve always known that he is here with me, watching me closely and wanting me to do the right things. And now I am listening as carefully as I ever have. These days are trying, my friends. I have a good job and I have wonderful children. I thank him for them both every day. But there are other things that, while they may seem silly to you, are important to me and remind me he is here with me. I know some of them  probably won’t make much sense…but here they are…my Top 10 Things That Make Me Feel Closer to God…

10. A long, hot shower
I imagine there are all kinds of scientific studies about the purifying effects of water and the human body but I am not all that interested in them. What I DO know is that every morning during my shower I close my eyes and allow the water to fall over me. It prepares me for my day and gives me a second to gather my thoughts. Sometimes it’s not as helpful as I would like but it is always a way to relax, take a deep breath and get myself ready for whatever is up next.

9. Playing basketball
Although I don’t play competitively anymore, there is nothing more relaxing for me than to be in a gym by myself and shooting a ball through a hoop. I don’t know if it’s the familiarity of it or what, but it opens up my mind and allows me peace. And it has always been my moment to think clearly and openly with myself. Some people go to church. Some people go to therapy. For me…I go to the gym. And usually…that will do.

8. Discovering a lost song that I had long forgotten about
What is it with me and music? I have such a love/hate relationship with the medium and it continues to amaze me the interest I still have in it to this day. I have been a lover of music since I was a kid and there have been many songs that have come & gone. So it is always fun to be driving or standing in a store or at a gas station and hear a song I have not heard in years. Recently it was the Larsen Feiten Band’s “Who’ll Be The Fool Tonight.” And it sent so many memories rushing back from long forgotten places. Silly? Maybe. But it’s always great moment in my day.

7. The smell of fresh cut grass
Every spring it’s like a catharsis. I go out in my neighborhood and just take in the smell. The feeling that the cold and the depression of winter is gone and now it’s the start of the new season. It refreshes me and nothing smells sweeter.

6. A good cup of coffee
I don’t like my coffee black but there is something to said for a really good cup of java. It’s something I enjoy every morning and I like to think I can give it up but…

5. The sense of adventure every time I travel
I know that I have been on the road quite a bit here in the last…oh…14 years or so? But it doesn’t seem to matter where I go, there’s always a bit of wonderment in it for me. Coming from a small town, I never thought I’d get to see the things I’ve seen. Never dreamed that my life would travel down so many roads and I never thought that I would get to experience so much of this great country. It is truly a unique experience to be in New York one minute and then in Kansas City the next and every city & town has something to offer. It is truly a perk…even when it is a cause of some of my hardships.

4. Listening to music while driving with the windows down and the wind blowing through my hair
Does this seem so ridiculous? Just the other night, I was driving home and it was warm enough for me to do just that and with AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” blaring from my car stereo, I felt alive and young. Is there anything more free than this? I think not.

3. Time spent with my parents and my brother & sisters
I don’t get home nearly enough and I miss each and every one of them dearly. Usually the only chance I get to see them is in the summer and in the cold winter months I miss them more than they can probably imagine.

2. The sense of accomplishment after a long day at work
There is nothing better than getting through an event and feeling as if I have been the part of a great broadcast. Doesn’t matter if the game was good or bad. If I’ve done the best I can to prepare and have done my job to the best of my ability, it gives me a sense of purpose.

1. The laughter of my children
If I live for one thing, it’s to hear them enjoying their childhood. It is through the silliness of my daughter’s giggles and the maniacal way my son laughs when he considers something hysterical that I find a little peace in my long days. And if I were to die today, I would want the last sound I hear to be them, roughhousing with their friends or playing in the backyard. It is through their sense of happiness that I consider the weight of the responsibilities that I have to be bearable. And that alone will get me through these hard times.

So there you have it. MY Top 10 Things That Bring Me Closer To God. What are some of YOUR favorite things that make you feel more at ease with your life?

Top 10 Things I’ve Learned About You At The Airport

Oh the humanity!

I’ve been spending plenty of time at the airport here the last few months and I can say that if you are going to see the best and worst of human nature, that’s the place to be a witness! The airport is stock full of stories to tell and lots of people watching. And I’ve been doing my share of watching and learning. So if you’ve been at your local airport lately, you can pretty much bank on the fact that you’re being watched…and I’m learning a few things…

10. You are unable to pull the trigger.
Standing in front of the magazine rack, pondering whether or not you wanna spend that $5 on the latest Cosmo. Little do you know that you are blocking the way of 4 other people who wanna get to the men’s section so they can scan the covers of Playboy & Penthouse without actually “looking.” I know this only because they are located right next to “Spin”…so I can’t help myself.

9. You need your space: Part 1.
The overhead bins are a free-for-all and you are the last one on the bus. Too bad, right? Aw hell no! You can MAKE your overstuffed luggage fit…right?!?! Cram it in! Slam it in! And don’t you give a thought to the laptop bags that you are slamming into. That equipment can take it.

8. You really have no idea WHAT you want to drink at Starbucks.
You’ve been standing in a line for 10 minutes and the second the woman behind the counter asks you, “What would you like?”, you stare blankly at the menu on the wall. Maybe a little early planning is expected here? Just a smidge?

7. You THINK you look cool with that Bluetooth phone but actually…
Watching you talking to yourself while waving your arms here and there and stomping around while avoiding rollerbags and other pedestrians is easily the most hysterical thing I have ever witnessed. Bravo to you, Mr. Corporate VP! And that blue flashing light sticking out of your ear IS pretty cool in a geekboy, futurama sort of way…

6. You’re NOT in First Class but you think you are.
How many times can they announce “1st Class Only Please” and yet…there you go…trying to weasel your way on early. Why? Why the hurry? Can’t you just relax a tad and remain seated until your section is called? Geez…some people are SO rude!

5. You don’t like exercise.
The biggest pet peeve I have about the airport…the moving sidewalk. I know I’ve mentioned it before but it stands to be mentioned again: MOVE…YOUR…ASS. It’s a SIDEWALK! Not a people-mover! GO ALREADY! Or at least get outta my way!

4. You don’t understand the pretty, bright signs.
Those big signs with all the pretty letters and numbers on them? Those are the arrivals & departures for the day. Your flight is probably on there. Don’t know where you’re going? Take a deep breath and move aside so I can see because you’re driving me a little nuts and I gotta find out where my next flight is.

3. Women have no idea what the exit row is.
I can honestly count on 2 fingers the number of times I have gone on the internet, changed my seat to the exit row and sat next to a woman. Women don’t understand the exit row. It’s first class without the free drinks! But women don’t get it. So I ALWAYS sit next to some dude who…well…wait for it…

2. You need your space: Part 2.
I know the planes are getting smaller while we are getting bigger (trust me…I ain’t tiny), but the sheer amount of space some people are taking up on planes these days is annoying. If I’m sitting near the window…I CAN’T GO ANYWHERE! So you GOTTA give me SOME space?!?! For crying out loud…I paid for my seat too! I deserve a little room! Maybe an inch to breath? Please?

1. You have anger management issues.
I understand your flight has been canceled 3 times and you have missed your board meeting that was yesterday…but do you honestly believe they care? Of course not. They already have your money and they are laughing all the way to the bank as they bill you for luggage and drinks and whatever else airlines can charge you for. It’s a joke! And YOU are the punchline! As soon as you understand this, the better off you will be. So simmer down now and go get a drink at the bar. It’s gonna be a long day…might as well not overheat quite so early…

Top 10 Movies Of 2009

What you are about to see here is a pattern. As I went back and looked at my Top 10 favorite films of 2009, it became obvious to me that I want to be entertained. Not that a good drama is a bad thing (unless it’s “Public Enemies”, which was a HUGE disappointment), but I like special effects on the big screen, and this year there were quite a few that did FX the right way…big and eye-popping. Not that the effects are the ONLY thing I want to see in a movie (hellooooo…”2012″….), but it does help! So here are MY Top 10 favorite movies of 2009. There were a few movies I have yet to see that I NEED to see to say that this is the final list (like “The Hurt Locker” & “The Lovely Bones”). But for now, this list will do and they are ALL examples of quality filmmaking…

10. Monsters vs Aliens
I had a blast seeing this movie with my daughter and the pace and the characters were all perfect for this type of film. And with it paying homage to B-movies of the 60′s, it just made me happy.

9. The Hangover
The comedy event of the year! And I laughed hysterically in several spots. Will definitely have a cult following for years to come…

8. Star Trek
Talk about a huge surprise! I went into this J.J. Abrahms spectacle expecting a farce. What I ended up getting was an amazing cast with great acting and a decent plot. Lots of action and some well-timed humor also takes this one above most special effects space movies.

7. District 9
Social commentary aside, this story of alienation is a great update on “The Fly”. Producer Peter Jackson did a good thing by allowing director Neill Blomkamp to make the movie he wanted to make.

6. Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs
I really had low expectations for this movie and it blew me away with its sense of humor and colorful 3D animation. The first movie that has used 3D as it should be. And extra credit for having a monkey as a main character. Steve!

5. Up In The Air
Everything about this movie is good…even the uneven ending, which doesn’t exactly sell it as a “feel-good” flick. But maybe that is what makes it so endearing. Clooney is top notch, as is the rest of the cast. But kudos (and hopefully an Oscar) goes to Anna Kendrick, who steals the movie and shines like a true star.

4. Zombieland
The most fun I’ve had at the movies this year! Totally goofy and right up my alley! I love the zombies. I love the quirky characters. I love the soundtrack. A must have for all horror/buddy film lovers!

3. Watchmen
When you think “superhero flick”, you don’t think dark. But that is exactly what “Watchmen” is…the dark underbelly of the inner-workings of superheros. So many try to explore the mind of superbeings, but this one gets it right. Based on the comic novel, this film manages to capture the heart of the book and transform it to the big screen successfully.

2. Avatar
A movie that will change the way science fiction films are made from now on. With an amazing eye for detail, James Cameron has taken a decent script and good actors and made a film using almost all CGI…and you can’t even tell that it’s all computer-generated. So much eye-candy to watch that you’ll be wishing you never had to leave the theater! It’s a beautiful film all from the heart of a computer and the mind of a genius.

1. The Road
Once again, a film based on a Cormac McCarthy book is at the top of my “Must See” list. In 2007, the Cohen brothers made “No Country For Old Men” which was, in my opinion, one of the best of that year. Now this year, John Hillcoat brings us this movie about the end of our world as we know it and pulls it off without losing the heart of the novel. It’s not a pretty picture by any means, but it is a testament to the human will and how our need to survive overcomes the suffering that we endure that makes this movie shine. Nothing made me think about all that I have more than “The Road” this year, and I feel like it is that the sign of a great movie. It made me appreciate my family, my home and my friends. In the glut of movies that are released that are fake and transparent, “The Road” is a great big smack in the face…and I love it.

Top 50 Songs of 2009: The Top 25

ME!?! PICK ME?!? MEMEMEMEMEMEMEME!!!! Damn…

And now…I present my Top 25 Favorite Songs of 2009. Read ‘em and weep Gaga fans…

25. The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart – “The Tenure Itch” (alternative)
This song just reminds me of my college days. It’s catchy, it’s got that 80′s alternative beat to it. I would have played it around midnight on my radio shift in college. It’s awesome!

24. Spinnerette – “Driving Song” (alternative)
Originally,  their song “Ghetto Love” was the track I was addicted too. But upon repeated listenings, THIS one was the one that had more longevity. Catchy track and lead singer Brody Dalle has the sexiest voice ever!

23. Julian Casablancas – “Left & Right In The Dark” (alternative)
With a keyboard and a riff straight from “Flock of Seagulls”, this track is a unique blend of Casablancas’ unique vocal and 80′s pop. The lead singer of The Strokes has gone it alone…and made a track that I will be listening too for a long time.

22. The Boxer Rebellion – Semi Automatic (alternative)
This song breathes. Dunno how else to explain it. And even though the lyrics are repetitive, I love the vocals. They’re haunting.

21. Tegan & Sara – “Hell” (alternative rock)
This sisterly duo has been making great music for a while now and this track is my favorite from their album “Sainthood”. Catchy and perfect.

20. Shinedown – “If Only You Knew” (rock)
Yeah…I know…they are the new Creed. But I like Brent Smith’s voice and the lyrics are cool. Reminds me more of classic 80′s rock than Creed actually…

19. Stardeath & White Dwarfs – “New Heat” (alternative)
I have no idea what it’s about, but I just dig it. And the name of the band is EASILY one of the oddest of the year…and I love the lyrics.
“In my mind I never thought I’d see the end of time,
it’s not that bad we’re having more fun than we ever thought”
Funny stuff…kinda.

18. Wolfmother – “White Feather” (rock)
If this ain’t the channeling of Led Zeppelin, I’ll quit. But damn it’s good stuff! This track ROCKS and I ALWAYS crank it when it comes on my IPod! And I NEED MORE COWBELL!

17. Monsters Of Folk – “The Sandman, The Brakeman & Me” (Songwriter/acoustic)
With a stellar lineup of musicians, this track has M.Ward leading the way with his dreamy vocals and the old country style artistry. Should best be listened to while sitting under a cactus and watching the stars.

16. Pete Yorn & Scarlett Johanssen – “Blackie’s Dead” (alternative)
As disappointing as his solo release was this year, Yorn’s teamwork with Johanssen compliments her spry singing. Good alt-pop!

15. U2 – “Breathe”
What was once a leading contender for best track of the year for me dropped back simply because of it’s release date. By the time I started this list, I’d grown somewhat tired of this song. However I can’t deny that, if I look at what song I listened to the most this year…this track is the tops of the list. Great addition to the U2 catalogue.

14. Eminem – “Same Song And Dance” (rap)
The guy is like a walking horror show. As ass-shaking as any song out this year, but as violent as anything he’s ever done. Still….it’s nice to see Slim Shady back and in form…

13. Electrik Red – “Bed Rest” (R&B)
With all the R&B soul singers out there, why choose this one? Because it’s like a flashback to the 80′s…of course! Straight from the days of Expose & Shannon, this sexily charged ditty is groove friendly and ready for the disco floor!

12. Prince  - “Colonized Mind” (R&B)
Slow and thoughtful, Prince sends a message in this one. Let’s get it together people…it ain’t gonna happen unless we do it together. Disagree all you want, but the man has a point. And this track is the gem in a stellar double disk release.

11. Mindy Smith – “What Love Can Do” (pop/songwriter)
People can talk about how pop music stinks these days, but the fact is…you just have to go looking for it. This little gem will stick with you for hours. Reminds me of “Fleetwood Mac” from back in the day and she wrote it all by herself.

10. MuteMath – “Electrify” (alternative)
No band got a rise out of me more than MuteMath this year, and with this song about obsession, they rock out. You can almost feel the testosterone coursing through your veins…

9. Metric – “Satellite Mind” (rock)
I gotta hand it to the women this year…they rocked my world. And Metric’s album “Fantasies” is a classic alternative rock album. This is my favorite track from that album and it makes me drum on the steering wheel every time.

8. Temper Trap – “Fader” (alternative)
If I told you how I learned of Temper Trap, you would laugh. Needless to say, it has something to do with my brother, The Beatles and one of his friends. It’s a long story and I won’t go into the details but here’s the real deal…this track is classic pop-alternative. I dig it!

7. Pearl Jam – “The Fixer” (rock)
So many great songs on this album I had a hard time trying to decide which was my favorite. Originally I thought about going with “Amongst The Waves”, but then I thought about it and THIS is the real heart of this album. So I went with it. And so should you. Ya can’t go wrong with either really…

6. Spoon – “Got Nuffin” (rock)
It starts out with fuzzy guitars and a driving beat. It then delves into a relationship gone awry. Good stuff from a band due out with a new album anytime now!

5. Silversun Pickups – “Growing Old Is Getting Old” (alternative)
With a great album always comes a great song. Although most of this album kind of just all fits together, this track speaks to me because, well…quite frankly…I feel the same way. Growing old IS getting old. Might as well listen to someone else bitch about it!

4. Florence + The Machine – “Howl” (alternative)
I would LOVE to direct the video for this song of lust on fire. Sounding a lot like Johnette Napolitano of Concrete Blonde, Florence Welch takes passion to new heights here. And I can visually see this song in my head. Awesome.

3. The Doves – “Kingdom Of Rust” (alternative)
I love the bombastic sound of this song, and then the way it smoothes out and becomes quiet and then picks up again. It’s quite an unusual tune and I’ve been listening to it constantly for 3 months.

2. White Lies – “Death” (alternative)
“I love the quiet of the night time
when the sun is drown in a deathly sea.
I can feel my heart beating as I speed from
the sense of time catching up with me.
The sky set out like a pathway
but who decides which road we take?
As people drift into a dream world
I close my eyes as my hands shake and when I see a new day
who’s driving this anyway
I picture my own grave
cause fears got a hold on me”

Enough said.

1. MuteMath – “Armistice” (rock)
This band really came out of nowhere for me and this song was the reason I even bothered to listen to their album in the first place. It has horns, I love the lyrics and love the beat. Check it out and see if you don’t feel the same. It has everything I love in music and it rocks my soul. Is it grandiose? No. But will it stick in your head? Well…it does mine and I can’t recommend it enough.

Top 50 Songs of 2009: The Bottom 25

You think Lady Gaga is quirky…?

Oh…where to begin? 2009 was the year of Lady Gaga. Everywhere you look she was on television, on MTV, appearing at fashion shows, on Barbara Walters’ specials, in the tabloids. Everywhere you listened she was saying pithy things and making fantastically awful pop/dance/electronica crap that was being played every 5 minutes on your favorite pop radio station. And because of her…I had a lot of pissed off fans visit my site. So for that I am thankful. But you know what else I’m thankful for? Great music. And this year there was plenty of it. So where to begin? Gotta start somewhere, right? So why not start at the bottom? And this year…the bottom ain’t such a bad place to be. Because this year was chock full of excellent music! I originally was only gonna do 25…then I thought, “Why not 40?” But then I couldn’t discard a few songs so then I figured to hell with it. Just a reminder…I tend to skew more to alternative music, but there seems top be quite a bit of pop mixed in here as well, disproving the theory that I HATE pop music. I DO like pop music…especially when it’s catchy. So here you go…MY personal picks for the Top 50-26 Songs of this 2009…

50. David Gray – “Fugitive” (adult contemporary)
from the album “Draw The Line”

49. Basement Jaxx – “Raindrops” (electronica/dance)
from the album “Scars”

48. Gary Go – “Wonderful” (pop)
from the album “Gary Go”

47. Ke$ha – Tik Tok (pop)
from the soon to be released “Animal” album

46. Grizzly Bear – “Two Weeks” (pop/alternative)
from the album “Veckatamist”

45. The xx – “Crystalized” (alternative)
from the album “XX”

44. Rihanna – “Te Amo”  (pop)
from the album “Rated R”

43. Animal Kingdom – “Tin Man” (pop)
from the album “Signs & Wonders”

42. Eels – “Fresh Blood” (alternative)
from the album “Hombre Lobo”

41. Foreigner – “In Pieces” (rock)
from the album “Can’t Slow Down”

40. The Bravery – “Slow Poison” (alternative)
from the album “Stir The Blood”

39. Tinted Windows – “Kind Of A Girl” (pop rock)
from the album “Tinted Windows”

38. People Under The Stairs – “Trippin’ At The Disco” (rap)
from the album “Carried Away”

37. Owl City – “Fireflies” (pop/dance)
from the album “Ocean Eyes”

36. Foo Fighters – “Wheels” (rock)
from their “Greatest Hits” album

35. Bon Iver – “Blood Bank” (adult contemporary)
from the EP “Blood Bank”

34. Joss Stone – “Stalemate” (adult contemporary)
from the album “Colour Me Free!”

33. Bruce Springsteen – “Good Eye” (rock/blues)
from the album “Working On A Dream”

32. Muse – “Undisclosed Desires” (alternative)
from the album “The Resistance”

31. Jay Z – “Off That” (rap)
from the album “The Blueprint 3″

30. Green Day – “Horseshoes & Handgrenades” (rock)
from the album “21st Century Breakdown”

29. Trevor Hall – “31 Flavors” (pop/reggae)
from his self-titled album

28. Blacklist – “Poison For Tomorrow” (alternative)
from the album “Midnight of the Century”

27. Dave Matthews Band – “Why I Am” (alternative)
from the album “Big Whiskey & the GrooGrux King”

26. The Killer & The Star – “Starts When You Fall” (alternative)
from the album “The Killer And The Star”

The Top 25 will be happening soon! So please check back and see if Gaga makes the list (but I bet she doesn’t…shhhhhhh…)

Top 10 Albums Of 2009

2009 was a pretty good year for alternative rock, with new releases by U2, Green Day, Pearl Jam and so many other bands that I have been listening too for years. So…keeping that in mind, my favorite albums lean that way. Here are my Top 10 Favorite Albums of 2009!

 
10. Green Day – “21st Century Breakdown”
Reprise Records (released May 15)

9. Foreigner – “Can’t Slow Down”
Rhino (released Sept. 29)

8. Julian Casablancas – “Phrazes For the Young”
RCA/Jive Label (released Novermber 6)

7. Pete Yorn & Scarlett Johanssen – “Break Up”
Boyletown Records (released Sept 4)

6. U2 – “No Line On The Horizon”
Universal/Island (released March 3)

5. Silversun Pickups – “Swoon”
P Dangerbird Records (released April 14)

4. Metric – “Fantasies”
Metric Productions (released April 14)

3. The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart
Slumberland (released Feb. 3)

2. Pearl Jam – “Backspacer”
Monkeywrence (released Sept. 20)

1. MuteMath – “Armistice”
Warner Brothers Records (released August 18)

Considered to be a Christian Alternative rock band on their first album, MuteMath (a band from New Orleans) went full alternative on this  album and it came along for me at just the right time. As much as I raved about my favorite album last year (Kings of Leon’s “Only By The Night”), I kept this band’s album to myself mostly because it seems so personal. There are so many tracks that reflect my thoughts and feelings that I didn’t want to share it. But I wore the CD out in my car for months and there are 13 reasons why. EVERY track on this album is pure awesomeness. With a sound that is bombastic enough to be U2, but creative enough to reflect a little more than a typical alternative band, MuteMath has put together possibly the strongest collection of music that I’ve heard in years. And so much of the music is, for the first time in forever, very lyric driven. A lot of reviews for this album have been negative simply because this sophomore effort wasn’t like their first album. But I had never heard any of the first album, so I couldn’t compare the two. All I knew was that THIS album was exactly what I needed when I bought it. With some Genesis-like progressive touches, the entire album is built for an arena, with thumping drums and loud guitars. And with lead singer Paul Meany leading the way, they wrap thoughtful lyrics around expiremental elements to make an album for this decade. Meany was quoted as saying, “Our goal is to embarrass the first record, that’s what we’re trying to do here, and I think we’re on point to pull it off.” I have to say….that is a true statement. And they totally pulled it off!

Top 10 Reasons I Love My IPhone

My wife calls it my “girlfriend”. I call it the greatest invention since the Egg McMuffin. It is, quite literally, the best Christmas gift you can possibly give. And here are the 10 reasons why…

10. The Camera
I used to lug my camera everywhere. Yes, the camera took 10 migapixel shots, but how often did I really need a picture that big when shooting my daughter in the backyard? 3 migs is good enough for me and perfect for uploading to Facebook.

9. Facebook & Twitter
Oh the wonders of FB. Through this amazing network, all of my friends (and some I don’t even know) can see my status updates & pictures & stuff. The Facebook app is my favorite networking app, but I also enjoy Le Twitter to chat with friends all over the world!

8. My Calendar
Seriously, if I didn’t have it, I would be lost. I can’t keep track where or what I’m doing today, let alone next week. And you’d be surprised at how often I’m asked, “So…what are ya doing next week?”

7. AOL Radio
When I feel the urge, I fire this little radio app up and TA-DA! Instant radio! And not crappy, FM radio either. It’s really great radio and I can pick whichever format I choose. So a little ambiant to wind me down, a little alternative rock to pick me up, and a little R&B to get me ready for a night out. You name it, AOL Radio has it.

6. Sportacular
Need a score? Got it. Need a player’s stats? Got it. Need a schedule? Got it. Anything you might need for a sports fan, Sportacular has it. I’m sure there are a gazillion apps out there for sports, but it’s my favorite.

5. Tipulator
I am terrible about tipping. Not because I’m cheap (which I am, but it has nothing to do with tipping), but because I’m terrible at figuring out how much someone deserves after serving me food/beer/lapdances (JUST KIDDING HONEY!). It is a valuable commodity also when eating out with friends and trying to tip on a split bill.

4. Movies On The “Big Screen”
The screen size of the IPhone is nice simply because when I watch movies or tv shows on it, I don’t have to squint. It’s large enough that can set it down on the plane and watch it without getting a headache.

3. The IPod
Yes…I own an Ipod. Yes…having my music on my IPhone is no different than the IPod. But its one less thing I have to cart around. And for me, that is important.

2. Bejeweled 2
My favorite game and I have wasted many an hour at the airport, on a plane or in my hotel room playing this simple game. It’s my app to pass the time and I use it probably once every day.

1. The Internet
Where would we be without it? Good question. And with my IPhone I can be on it 24 hours a day. Need to check email? No problem. Need to find a movie theatre? Google Maps. Need to find a movie time? Moviefone. Need to find a place to eat before? Urbanspoon. There are so many applications that run from the internet that without it it’s kind of useless. So having it available whenever I need it is one of the true blessings of technology. And the 3G network thing is not so bad!

There are truly a hundred other things I love about the IPhone. Recently I downloaded a video editing program called “ReelDirector” that is supposed to be cool. And there is also the “Texts From Last Night” app which is hysterical! And the various educational apps I have downloaded so I don’t sound like an idiot when my daughter asks me which planet is the 6th farthest from the sun. I also have 2 fitness apps, Photoshop to tweek my pictures, “Shazam” for when I hear a song in a store and want to know who sings it, my RSS Reader for when my friends update their blogs, “Concerts” to find out where U2 will be playing next, etc, etc….

Top 10 Things I’ll Miss/Won’t Miss When My Kids Are Grown

I’ve got great kids. Not that they don’t have their quirks, but I love them and would give anything to be able to bottle up this time of their lives in order to keep some of the wonderful moments that they have supplied me. As goofy as they can be, they get along fairly well and have minimal amounts of drama. But with that being said, they do have some bad habits that I’m pretty sure I won’t be missing once they’ve grown up. Let’s take a look at the good & the bad, shall we?

WHAT I WILL NOT MISS…

10. Toothpaste all over the sink.
Seriously…it’s a pretty big sink bowl. How hard is it to get the toothpaste out of the tube, into your mouth and then down the drain? But every night, I go to brush my teeth and there is blue toothpaste caked all over the sink?!? What the holy hell?

9. Socks & underwear EVERYWHERE!
The dirty laundry chute is in the bathroom. I assume they know where it is. I’m pretty sure I have shown them several times. So why is it that I constantly find smelly socks & underwear scattered all over the place? It’s easy to do….enter bathroom, drop down chute! Not hard! Get to it!

8. Toys, toys, toys.
It seems like there are toys in every room, in every corner, in every possible place that you can look. From football equipment lying in the dining room to baby dolls under the kitchen table. There are little “gifts” from my kids everywhere, just waiting to be picked up by the magical “Clean-Up Fairy” that visits our house every night.

7. Forgetfulness
If there is one thing that drives me insane (even more than the previous 3) it’s the number of times I have to repeat myself. When my son can’t find his shoes that are conveniently located 6 feet away from him, he immediately calls out for help. Without even LOOKING for whatever it is he’s….uh….what was I talking about…?

6. The Constant Whining
If I had a quarter for every time I hear “Daaaaaaaad…” I would be the richest man on this planet. And then someday…I will miss that, I’m sure…

WHAT I WILL MISS…

5. “Daddy…can/will you do this for me?”
Yes…it can be a demanding job, but there’s something about when the kids genuinely need me for something that makes me feel whole. It’s what I was put here to do. And once they can do it all themselves, it will be a sad day.

4. Fairy kisses & big bear hugs
Each kid does it differently, but when my daughter gives me a fairy kiss (very softly on the cheek) and when my son wants a big bear hug, it makes my day!

3. Artwork
Is there too much of it? Sure. But every now & then, my son or daughter gives me a colored or painted picture that just makes me think they could be the next Picasso.  I wish I could frame them up and keep them all forever.

2. The sound of their laughter
If there isn’t anything that can make my day any brighter than to hear my kids laughing. Whether it’s at each other or because of something I said or because one of them farted (sorry Steph….but it IS kinda funny), to hear them laugh is a special treat.

1. Their innocence
There are so many cruel things happening in our world today. Some horrible and terrible things. But when I look at my kids, I see a brighter future and it really makes my life seem so much more important than it really is. For me, knowing that my children are having a wonderful childhood is one of the greatest things I have ever done in my lifetime. I wish they could always be so innocent, but as we all know…eventually they grow and learn about all the bad stuff. Here’s hoping the “bad stuff” can stay away for a few more years…