Not My Words_Jim Gaffigan Tweet

This is the best thing I've read in a long time...

On Tuesday 9th March 2010, @JimGaffigan said:

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This is the day I was given the most important gift of all, Jeannie.
Calling Jeannie my wife feels a little like referring to Shakespeare as some English guy. She is the true unsung hero of my success, personally and professionally. Forget that “Woman behind the man” crap. Jeannie and I are one in everything. Jeannie is not just my writing partner, acting coach and spiritual leader. She is not just the smartest sexiest woman I’ve encountered. She is my best friend who I happen to crave with every ounce of my existence. She is there to pick me up when I am down and forgive me when even I was disgusted by my own selfishness and narcissism. I wonder at her beauty and caretaking I witness in our eldest daughter. In her passion and charm bursting out of our son. I get lost in her cuteness and sweetness beaming from our nine-month-old. I even received a glimpse to last a lifetime of Jeannie’s elegance in our baby Maria Lourdes we lost shortly after her birth. Forget that “Luckiest man on earth” crap. That guy obviously never met Jeannie. Happy Jeannie Day!

Words_Ode to Direction

Oh, direction. You're so elusive...or are you? Perhaps you've been here all along, sitting quietly like a well behaved timid child, exhaling excruciatingly softly to prevent drawing any attention to yourself. You're too polite, direction. Or perhaps I'm too bubbled and isolated and consumed in myself that I can't recognize something right in front of me. Maybe it's true that we only see what we want to see. I'm glad I finally noticed you, that we've locked eyes and exchanged acknowledgments. I might have heard you mutter "It's about time" under your breath but I can't be too sure. And before I put the cart before the horse, I need to cultivate what exists behind you, direction. I need to nurture it and gain some momentum because without it, I'll fall flat on my face. So let's work together. You and me, my first loves, youthful fearlessness, and the belief that through the highest heights and the deepest trenches, we can find fulfillment and contentment in the life of our heads, hearts and hands, working feverishly to uncover the truth inside us that has been there all along.

Words, Photos, Video_Recaps & Teasers

 
One Fish,
Two Fish

Recently, Robbey and I ventured to the National Aquarium in Baltimore. I recommend that everyone who has a heartbeat to do this stat. So much beauty in such funny looking creatures. A teaser to the right, but you can see the full extent of our adventures here.

Commence Swooning

On Friday, Misie, the Raych Arles, and I were privileged to see the talented, the humble, the adorable Sondre Lerche. Here's proof. And thanks to Misie for winning tickets to the historical afternoon show. More proof below:

 

Sondre Lerche "Airport Taxi Reception" snippet

One Month...
Until I see the Roberto again. If you're in Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Texas, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Arkansas, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, or South Carolina, you could see him before I do (I hate you). Check out his tour sched here.

Show me the Shows
On the calendar
David Bazan 3/21 @ Ottobar, Baltimore
The Temper Trap and Florence and the Machine 4/6 @ 930 Club

Words_What's love got to do with it?

I'm going to be really honest here and say that I don't really know what it means to love God, truly I don't. I have read about people who have loved God and who have said things and behaved in ways that testify to their level of commitment and love, but this fails to resonate with me to the point where I am called to action. I know that in the Bible it talks a lot about characteristics of someone who loves God. These being someone who loves his law, is obedient, who loves what God loves, who shares in His joys and His sadness, who loses everything for the sake of His name, purpose, and meaning. And again, I can't say that I've ever really loved his law and commands. Honestly, they kind of suck in that inconvenient, all hassle-no reward kind of way. You feel mechanical instead of passionate; legalistic instead of free; inconvenienced instead of opportunistic. Yet, even in this bewildered, unknown state, I know that I have a great respect and sense of fear towards God. It's ingrained in me; I cannot separate myself from Him.

In recent events, God really tested me and didn't put to rest something he really wanted me to hear and know and understand and feel, so much to the point of it affecting not just me but crucial innocent bystanders. And in these moments I was severely humbled and I feel oddly grateful that God spoke to me so directly; his voice and intentions could not have been clearer. I've never really had a moment like that in recent past where God has been so adamantly clear about something. I want so much to remember the initial prompting and what that felt like and how that unfolded into this personalized direct hit so I don't miss it in the future.

So after much prayer and seeking forgiveness and putting aside my selfishness for God's interest instead of my own, grace really unfolded and spread itself thick where it wasn't expected. And I can't credit anything else except the Holy Spirit who really spoke truth into my life while using again, unexpected characters around me. I feel a great peace doing the right thing, doing what I know is in God's best interest. And whether or not I "love" Him more or not after this, I can't really say, I don't feel any different in the love department. But what I do know is that the joy and peace I feel as a result of being obedient is a good start to understanding what the love is all about. It's something that I feel is not just a one time thing but is setting the stage for a heavy transition. This is where I'm headed; this is where I'm going; and it feels really good and humbling and terrifying and difficult but I don't want to turn back. It's not worth it and I can only hope and pray that I continue to seek His interests above anyone else, even those closest to me, because in the end, they're not the ones judging me, He is.

Words_Things I Learned This Weekend

Re: Shows
No matter where I stand at a show, the tallest person(s) in the room will come and stand right in front of me.

Re: Country music
It's alive and well in Harrisburg, PA. Yeeha ya'll!

Re: NYC
I think I'm okay that 1. I don't live there and 2. I probably never will

Re: Boys' Morning Appetites
I never knew boys were so boring about their breakfast omelettes! Robbey bought mushrooms, onions, cheese, tomato, avocado, and shrimp. And what did we end up cooking for four other boys?
1. "Just cheese" (not acceptable)
2. "Turkey and cheese" (not acceptable)
3. "Mushrooms, onions, and cheese" (acceptable)
4. "Whatever" (acceptable)

Re: El Rodeo Restaurant in Harrisburg, PA
A pitcher of margaritas + "Mariachi" chanting and trying to sing a song you don't know with someone else = Muy caliente!

Re: Poker
My mind can only take about a half hour's worth of play and then I go all in on a Queen/Five because I just can't think anymore.

Re: Darts
If you don't want your wall punctured, don't ask me to play darts.

Re: Robbey
1. I am not sure I know another boy with so many close friends
2. He is the most consistent person I know; the same to everyone no matter who they are
3. He is quick to forgive and to love

Re: Me
1. I am overly critical of people
2. I like to think my way is the best way and therefore do #1
3. In reality, I have no idea what's going on and therefore should not take part in #1 or #2

Re: Drives to and from PA
Generally, they aren't bad; in this past Sunday's case, they can be largely therapeutic and grounds for needed introspection. Also, drinking four beers before I left could have had something to do with it. That was a joke. And I'm now coining the phrase: "Totes ma-jokes."

Photos_Linear Burn It Like It's Hot

 

:-)

  

The Gav

Hedwig!

Video_Mandy Gone Wild

My friend Mandy caught on camera at a Caps/Bruins game doing what she does best: cracking people up. Love it!