Drew's muse

First the snow and now this...

2008-12-24T08:14:00.000-08:00

I know that the rest of the country (and Canada) are laughing at all of us here in Seattle because of the big deal we are making about having snow for over a week. But this is major for us. In my 42 years of living here, this is the third worst snow event that I can remember.

And to top it off, now we have an attack of mutant cats.

Look out! I think it's going after the baby Jesus!

Song lyric for the day -

"I've got cat class and I've got cat style." - 'Stray cat strut' - The Stray Cats

Odds and ends

2008-12-11T20:43:00.000-08:00

Just a few things that are on my mind.

I am feeling the love from all of Drew's Crew. Your words of welcome were awesome.

The local forecast is for snow tomorrow. Life is good.

The best quote of the week is from Arsene Wenger, the coach of the Arsenal Gunners (British premier league soccer) after a loss. 'We lost balls where you cannot afford to'. This makes me wonder, Just where can you afford to lose them?

Song lyric for the day -

'Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow' - Various artists

One more minute.

2008-12-08T21:32:00.002-08:00

As always, I am looking for more than the fifteen minutes of fame I am due. After I wrote the poem the other day, my friends suggested I send it to the newspaper. Not being one to do something half-assed, I decided to do it whole-assed. I emailed it to Dave Ross, the host of the biggest talk radio show in Seattle. He said he liked it and would read it on the air. This morning, true to his word, he recited my poem to the masses.

It was pretty cool. This is the closest I've come to getting my work published. I feel like Navin R. Johnson when he got his name in the phone book. THIS IS MY BIG BREAK. It's just this kind of exposure that can get my writing career off the ground.

Besides, it beats paying my dues.

Here's the link to the pod cast of the radio show:

http://icestream.bonnint.net/seattle/kiro/2008/12/p_Dave_Ross_Show_20081208_9am.mp3

He read it at the end of this segment. Go to the end and back it up about a quarter of an inch, and hit play. He changed it a little to make it tighter and help out the meter, but it's still good.

Song lyric for the day -

"Tell my story pain and glory. Guess my occupation. Free and easy warm and breezy. Overnight sensation" Dreamcicle - Jimmy Buffett

The night before Christmess

2008-12-07T22:38:00.000-08:00

I came up with this the other day. It just flowed out in about 20 minutes.

I think it is pretty funny. There are some local Seattle references, but I think most people will get it. I mean really, who isn't making fun of Seattle sports teams?

Enjoy.

The Night Before Christmess
Drew Blackstone
12/4/2008

‘Tis right before Christmas and looking real bad

The world situation’s gone incredibly sad

You might be wondering what’s got me so blue

You see my 401K’s chock full of WaMu

Back in D.C. McCain is cursing his luck

While Michelle and Barack can feast on lame duck

Now George aint upset he’s no longer on top

Cause now he speak for one hundred grand a pop

GM and Ford have sent their lists out

Beseeching St. Nick for a huge bailout

They’ll get what they want they don’t have to fret

Tho’ they may have to sell one or two private jets.

It is nice to see gas prices drop drastically

Now I can fill up my green SUV

The bank CEO’s are enjoying their loot

All bundled up tight in their gold parachutes

Back on the home front things are no better

I pinch every penny and wear dryer lint sweaters

Rossi got beat so I still have a job

But I’m taxed to the hilt and have to live like a slob

Down in King County folks are feeling the strain

Of being governed by a council of criminally insane

They tell us light rail is on the right track

A one way fare costs the shirt off your back

It’s supposed to ease traffic and make us all smile

But is it really worth over three billion a mile

Even local sports have me down in the dumps

They can’t win enough to have a good slump

The Mariners and Seahawks offer no cheer

But unlike the Sonics, at least they’re still here

It’s so hard this season when our lives are in tatters

To see the rich getting richer and the fat getting fatter

We do all that we can to hold down our forts

Knowing full well we take it in the shorts

We can’t make ends meet no matter how much we beg

All we get for breakfast is scrambled nest egg

Every night for dinner we get served a raw deal

And just grin and bear it as we carve Happy Meal

We want to run for the life boats cause this ship’s run aground

But we know that at some point it’ll all turn around

So with hope for tomorrow let’s have fun tonight

Merry Christmas to all and now pass the Bud Light

Song lyric for the day -

"Have yourself a merry little Christmas" - Various artists

The return of the prodigal blogger

2008-12-07T09:53:00.000-08:00

Greetings to all of Drew's Crew. I've been on a much needed mental health vacation this year. Thanks for all of the kind words during my hiatus.

I'm sorry I left with out saying any thing, but life just got in the way (more on this in later posts) and I needed the time off.

I'll be making the rounds today to let y'all know I'm back. I've missed you guys, so please leave a comment if you stop by so I can know who's still out there.

I am also making a small format change to Drew's Muse. The 'Thought for the Day' section is going away. It looks like I've run out of thoughts. But don't you fret. It will be replaced by the all new 'Song Lyric for the Day' section.

It's great to be back and I look forward to getting back in touch with all of you.

Song Lyric for the day -

"The boys are back in town" - Thin Lizzy

Springtime

2008-05-31T00:11:00.000-07:00

When a young man's fancy turns to.....

Hockey!!!

Thought for the day -

Go Penguins!

Don't you forget about me.

2008-05-21T08:10:00.000-07:00

I've been having another bout with Crohn's disease. I'm OK, just laying low for a few more days.

For those of you who want to know what I look and sound like, I give you this link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puXt5FFVm4w

I'm the guy in the baseball cap.

Thought for the day -

If it was funny then, it's funny now.

This just in from Vagas Baby!

2008-04-28T12:16:00.000-07:00

No sleep for 36 hours, but I made it here. My hosts are being kind enough to let me blog from their computer.

It took 24 hours to get here, driving through 6 states, but what a blast.

Now it's off to Margaritaville for a Cheeseburger in Paradise and some boat drinks.

Peace out.

Thought for the day -

Try not to miss a chance to help out a friend in need.

Here today, gone to Vegas Baby.

2008-04-26T15:43:00.000-07:00

Road trip. To Vegas Baby! Tomorrow.

What's up with that?

To make a long story boring, I am helping someone move to Henderson, Nevada. This person can't drive, so I am driving (With a friend) a rental truck non stop Seattle to Vegas Baby! Wheels up at 0700. We fly back Tuesday morning.

Thought for the day -

Note to self: I'm not 18 anymore.

Take it to the limit.

2008-04-23T14:35:00.000-07:00

First off, an update. The garage sale/auction we had at my church this weekend raised $10,000.00 for our mission trip to Costa Rica this summer!!! And this despite over 6 inches of snow Friday night. 6 inches of snow on April 18th! What's up with that?

Anyway, after much delay, I am ready to share about my adventures in the great southwest.

We arrived in Phoenix Friday afternoon and made our way to the hotel in Glendale. It was great to bask in the 80 degree heat after the mid 30's of Seattle. After a little unpacking, we headed over to my mother shipIt was wonderful to be back amongst my people.Old Grampy Jack (my father in-law) had jambalaya, Sweetie Pie had a chicken salad, and I enjoyed the Cheeseburger in Paradise washed down with a fruity drink. A fine start to vacation.

The next morning we headed north. The drive through the desert was cool. The scenery had a stark beauty that took me aback. I would love to return and really explore the area. We arrived at the canyon by mid afternoon and after checking in, we made our way to the rim.

Man, oh man! The Grand Canyon in flat out awesome. It is just big. And then you realize that you are only seeing a small part of it. And then you realize how great God is to have created such a wonder. It is truly humbling. Words cannot describe it and the camera cannot hold it.

The next morning I started out on my trek. My trail went down this ridge line. At the crack of 6:00 am, I was ready to go. Don't I look prepared?

It was a little cold and there was still ice on the trail in the places that do not get much sunlight. I was alone except for a group of students from all over Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. They were really nice and we took pictures for each other at this rest stop. It's a long way down. What was I thinking? Half way down and lookin' good. I'm glad I brought the tripod. A bighorn sheep I met along the way. Finally, the bridge across the Colorado River. At this point, My stride was somewhere between a stagger and crawling. After about three and a half years on the trail I find a very welcome site. They give me my bunk assignment and tell me that the rumors of no water have been greatly exaggerated. I get a shower!!! After a quick phone call to let Sweetie Pie know I lived through the ordeal, it's nap time.

The way up will be covered in my next post.

Thought for the day -

Getting there is half the fun.

Too many irons in the fire and too much on my plate

2008-04-17T10:35:00.000-07:00

"I'd be pulling out my hair if I could just get one hand free."

Two concerts (Newsboys and Lost and Found)and MCing the auction at church. That's the next three days for me. I'll do a real post next week.

Thought for the day -

Thank you for your patience.

Another taxing day.

2008-04-14T15:37:00.000-07:00

I have recovered from vacation and will post the story and pictures on my next post.

Today I filled out my taxes. I know I had one more day to do it, but I hate to put things off.

As usual, I went through the sphincter tightening, ulcer causing, perspiration inducing time between when you start and when you find out if you get money back or have to pay. That rushing of wind you felt earlier was caused by my ginomous sigh.

I GET MONEY BACK! WOO HOO!

It's not a lot, but hey, I'll take what I can get.

Thought for the day -

It's more fun to get money than to pay money.

To Phoenix Arizona all the way from Tacoma.

2008-03-27T16:42:00.000-07:00

All of the anticipation and preparation is almost over. Tomorrow, I leave snowy Seattle (Yes, it's been snowing here this week) for sunny Phoenix, the Grand Canyon, and Vegas Baby. Twenty four hours from now I plan to be sipping on a drink with an umbrella in it at Margaritaville in Glendale Arizona. Life is good.

However, the best laid plans...

I was just informed that the water main that feeds Phantom Ranch in the canyon is out of service. That means no shower after I hike down. This is no hardship for an old time backpacker like me.
I will try to send updates if I can find the time and the Internet cafe.

Have a great week and peace out.

Thought for the day -

No matter how many ways you try, there's really only one way to wear a pair or underpants.

Just something to think about.

2008-03-20T21:59:00.000-07:00

While I was on my training walk today, I got to thinking. If the print, audio, and visual media are our guides, then the advertisers should be reflecting the biggest problems we face in this country. My observations of advertisements indicate that we, as Americans, face three huge issues.

1. Erectile dysfunction.

2. Obesity.

3. Our television screens are too small.

OK, now lets look at Uganda. They don't need advertisers to tell them what's wrong. They also have three problems.

1. They don't have food.

2. An enormous AIDS epidemic.

3. Someone is always trying to kill them.

Just something to think about.

Thought for the day -

Is it just me, or are our priorities a little mixed up?

Unitarian dancing and an emergency room visit

2008-03-10T12:46:00.000-07:00

I will never forget my mother's birthday again!

For several years, my mother has been wanting me to be the DJ for a dance that she wanted to put on at her Unitarian church. I love being a DJ and do a pretty good job at it, but I would rather crawl naked through an iodine coated cactus field than do this for my mom.

Now, I love my mother and enjoy spending time with her. But when she takes on a project, like a dance, she gets unrealistic grandiose ideas of how to do it. I knew that she would try to put on eight different kinds of parties at once. I also knew that she would email or call me about the dance every three seconds. Therefore, I have always refused.

To make a long story boring, I forgot her birthday last October. I was in a play and in the hospital and I just missed it. I know, bad Drew! :(

To make up for missing the big day, I told her I would DJ the dance.

All of my fears were confirmed. It was like hell, but without all of the good parts. She wanted a sock hop, swing, fox trot, waltz, tango, polka dance with music from the 30's, 40's, 50's, 60's, and 70's. The song list she put together was too long and had song that you couldn't dance to. 'Hey Jude' and 'American Pie' are not dance tunes!

It took weeks, but I finally convinced her to limit it to a swing/sock hop dance with tunes from the 40's, 50's, and 60's.

I was looking forward to Saturday. The torment would be over.

But it appears that I had done something to really p*ss God off. Thursday, I got an abscess on my rear end. My left cheek was causing me great pain. (I know you all are going to have a great time making 'Pain in the *ss' jokes in the comments for this post.) By Saturday, I knew I was going to have to get the boil lanced. (On a side note, doesn't 'Lance the Boil' sound like the name of one of King Arthur's knights?) With emergency room times being unpredictable, I decided to wait till after the dance.

The dance went well. You could say that I did a 'Stand up job' as DJ.

So after the dance, I go to the emergency room.

It's really a bad sign when the doctor who is going to be cutting on you tells you he is very busy and in a hurry.

He injects the 'area' with numbing agent and says 'Sometimes it doesn't work on inflamed tissue."

NO F*CKING KIDDING!!!!!!

With basically no pain killer, he starts to cut. Apparently he went out to the parking lot and ripped a rusty hunk of metal from the front quarter panel of a 1974 Pinto to use as a scalpel. And, just to show off, he did the whole thing blindfolded.

After about three and a half years of slicing away at my hind parts, he tells me he has opened up all the puss pockets. (I think I saw 'Puss Pockets' in the frozen food section last time I went to the store.) Now all he has to do is insert a drainage probe. I have no idea where he found one the size of a horse's leg. He jabbed it in with all the tenderness of a NHL full body check.

Patti, that howling you heard early Sunday morning was not coyotes on the west Texas plains. It was was me,up here in Seattle, expressing my displeasure at the discomfort I was experiencing.

Having caused me as much pain as they could, the emergency room staff went to work on my dignity. In order to get the wound dressing to adhere to my back side, the nurse needed to shave part of my butt. Seeing that I had some small shreds of self respect remaining, she then informed me that the area had to be able to breathe. I couldn't wear my pants! I had to drive home in hospital PJ bottoms.

The good news is that I went back today to have the dressing removed and it looks like everything is going to heal up quickly. Thank goodness for small favors.

Thought for the day -

"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how did you enjoy the play?"

A grand adventure.

2008-03-05T11:05:00.000-08:00

Before I get to today's topic, I would just like to state for the record that I am the king of 'Small group fun night' at my youth group. The Nerf dart gun war was a ginormous success. Yay me.

Now here is the low down on why I am torturing myself by walking five and a half miles a day for the next four weeks.

At the end of this month, I am going to climb, solo and with out the aid of supplemental oxygen, the tallest canyon in Arizona. And for an encore, five days later I am going to lead a team on an ascent of the lowest basin in North America.

For spring break, Sweetie Pie and I are going to the Grand Canyon. We are taking my father in law along because he has always wanted to go there and my mother in law is not big on traveling, so he has never had the chance. Neither he nor Sweetie Pie want to go through the pain to go to the bottom of the canyon, so I'm going alone. Don't fret none. I'm a very experienced backpacker and the trails are well traveled. The main danger I will face is getting run over by other hikers if I stop to tie my boot lace.

I will be descending to the canyon floor via the South Kaibab Trail. The next day I will hike up on the Bright Angel Trail. My accommodations for the night will be in the Phantom Ranch. I will be enduring pain (I have arthritis in my knees) and seeing wonderful things. Sweetie Pie will have to endure the pain and hardship of having to listen to me whining for a few days and boasting for several years.

After our stay at the south rim of the canyon (in the Yavapai Lodge), we will be on to Vegas Baby! From there we will visit Death Valley (Bad Water Basin is the lowest point in North America) and Hoover Darn.

It looks like a pretty full spring break. Old guys gone mild!

Thought for the day -

Because it's there.

Drew's stew.

2008-03-03T16:57:00.000-08:00

I've got several things to talk about today, so it's time for another edition of Drew's stew.

First off, thanks a whole heap to all of Drew's Crew for all of the prayers and well wishes. They meant a lot to me and to Rex's family. His memorial was Saturday and was truly amazing. So many people came that our church sanctuary could not hold them. We filled the foyer with chairs and still it was standing room only. It was a moving testimony to how many lives Rex had touched in just 51 years. The service could have gone on for hours because of all the people wanting to share their memories.

During the service, I was standing (I won't sit if a lady is standing) in the back of the foyer and I looked out side. It started to rain, but only on half of the parking lot. There was a line down the middle, rain on one side and sunshine on the other. Sorrow and joy from God. It was very cool.

It is always great to be at a memorial when you know that the person was right with God. Rex loved the Lord and is with him in paradise. And he left the world a better place than it was when he started. I will miss him until we meet again on the other side.

In other news, on Tuesday I received more proof that my family is just a front for a stand up comedy routine. My brother called me and asked me to be the officiant for his up coming wedding. At first I thought that it was because I am the guy in the family who has God's phone number. Turns out, not so much. What happened was that the first guy he asked said no and since I'm an actor, he thought that I could do a good job. I was honored and thought that it would be cool. I've done a eulogy and this would be a nice bookend to that.

I told him that I would get the licence and do it, but I would have to mention God. Marriage is and institution that God made and I can not overlook that. My brother is not a big fan of God, so now he's thinking over the offer. I'll keep y'all posted.

Next, I'm a little sore because I started training today. Training for what? Well, I'll be posting about that soon.

As you know, I do not like working out. Any exercise I do is purely by mistake. But, I need to be ready for what I am planning to do. So, I'm walking five and a half miles a day. I'm counting on y'all to hold me accountable.

Check out these videos. Chris (The dude giving taser instructions in the second one) has been one of my best friends since jr. high school. It's in several parts, so watch them in order. Trust me, it's really cool.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VL5GFWTxTb8&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-qLqbzq5Hc&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPHhykdflSI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LJ_7brftBc&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUUZJhFkGr8&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIFe0jMlIlw&feature=related

Lastly, I went to Toys R Us and bought all (15) of their Nerf Maverick dart guns. Tuesday night is a fun night for the youth group and I am in charge of the boys. We are having a Nerf war. I have not told them what we are doing and they are not very good at getting information out of me. I'm always telling them to read my blog, but they never do. Ha ha ha on them.

Thanks again for all of your support. Peace out.

Thought for the day -

The Steelers paid too much for Big Ben, but I'm glad they signed him.

Rex

2008-02-22T12:03:00.000-08:00

Last night, a friend of mine passed away. He collapsed while working out. Today, there is a hole in my life.

You know him. He is that guy that holds the door for you at church every Sunday. He always has time to chat and give you a warm hug. You never hear him say an unkind word. He is there to lend a hand if you need anything. He laughs easily and often.

He's the one on the right end. He is always ready to have a good time.

I feel a little guilty because I often took his friendship for granted. And I know that he would tell me not to worry about it.

Both of his kids were in my youth group and his daughter now works with the youth. He is proud of them.

He loves his wife dearly. The two of them are a wonderful example of two becoming one flesh. I can't imagine one without the other.

I don't understand this and I'm a little mad at God. It's not fair.

I'm going to miss Rex.

Thought for the day -

Treasure your friends. They are a gift from God.

In the middle of a miracle.

2008-02-20T13:08:00.000-08:00

Hey all, I'm back from my adventures in illness. True to form, my cold turned into bronchitis. It was one of those times when I felt like I had to get better to be dead. I think I am finally over it. Thanks for all the well wishes.

In other news, last weekend was the annual District Youth Conference in Portland, Or. It was an amazing time.

The worship band totally rocked. We were getting down for the Lord with reckless abandon. I even had the chance to crowd surf. I hadn't done that for over 20 years. It is always cool to show the kids that the old guy can rock out.

This year, I got to teach a seminar on getting really real in worship. I was a little nervous that nobody would come to my class, but both sessions were well attended. Everything went well and I got some great feedback and even some compliments. Obviously the Lord was working, because I could never do that well on my own.

Sunday night was awesome. The speaker was talking about Jesus the healer. He said that if we truly believed, Jesus could heal our wounds. Both emotional and physical. I was sitting in the back and could tell that we were about to have a prayer service. I started to get really excited about going up to pray for people. The closer we got, the more juiced I became. I felt like a sprinter in the stating blocks waiting for the gun. I looked at on of my youth and told her that something amazing was about to happen.

When the call came, there was a flood of people in the center of the room. All asking for prayer. The tears were flowing freely as God took away burdens that we had held onto for a long time.

Now, it's a tradition in our group to wear glow necklaces on the last night of the conference. This was cool because I could look around the room and see where my youth were.

I was floored. I never saw just one necklace. Any time one of my youth went to their knees, two more were at their side to pray for them. I thought that my heart would burst with joy. I was standing in the middle of a miracle.

And that's not all. The next day, we took an offering. We were raising money to buy textbooks for students in Africa. We know that one way to break the cycle of poverty and disease is through education. They only asked once for the offering and then passed the buckets. There was no guilt trip. They just asked 800 young people to realize that there is something bigger than them out there.

Now, the most that has been raised at this conference in the past was $3,000. We brought in $5,000. They were putting in jewelry, gift cards, and even two ipods. Once again, not a dry eye in the house.

God is good all the time. All the time God is good.

Thought for the day -

The best tears in the world are those shed on behalf of someone else.

Just another geek with a bad cold.

2008-02-06T13:24:00.000-08:00

I have just gotten over a week and a half bad cold. I hate colds. You are sick, but not sick enough to stay in bed. You still can do what needs to be done. So anyway, I put bloging on my non essential list. I'm back on track now.

In other news, we had geek night at youth group last night. I take pride in the fact that two of my youth dressed up as me. It's nice to know that I am a geek poster boy.

Thought for the day -

Cold's suck!

Par-Tay!

2008-01-25T17:32:00.000-08:00

Tonight, we are having a gi-normous party to celebrate Sweetie Pie's 40th birthday. We rented out this place. How cool is that. Fun for the young and the young at heart.

If you remember, for my 40th, we rented a roller rink. Sweetie Pie wanted to do something at least as cool. When we party, we party right.

If I don't kill myself, I'll let you know how much fun it was.

Have a great weekend.

Thought for the day -

'I'd rather die while I'm living than live while I'm dead' - Jimmy Buffett.

Cool.

2008-01-22T13:16:00.000-08:00

The comments on my last post were very cool. It's great that y'all dig music so much. I was surprised that I was not alone in Cheap Trick being my first concert. I had forgotten how big they were. And BTW Kay, I would have gone to see Suicidal Tendencies, but they never came to my town. :( "All I wanted was a Pepsi, and she wouldn't give it to me..."

And speaking of cool, it's really cold here. I know that those of you in the mid-west and on the east coast are laughing at me for calling 27 cold, but around here that's a big deal. And they are talking snow later in the week. That's big news. People really freak out around here about snow. I love it. It's an event. The only problem is that we are having Sweetie pie's 40th birthday bash on Friday (more on this later) and snow will keep some folks away. :(

I hope all is well with all of Drew's Crew this week.

Thought for the day -

Let snow, let it snow, let it snow.

A new list.

2008-01-15T12:27:00.000-08:00

The expected snow fell everywhere in the greater Seattle area except at my house last night. :(

So anyway, I was laying awake in bed last night. One of the things about not being able to sleep is that your mind can really wander. At about 3:30, I got to thinking about some of the bands that I have had the good fortune to see live. I guess it would be bad fortune to see them dead, but whatever.

So here is my list of the top five bands and/or artists to see live. Remember that I can only comment on people that I have gone to see and therefore the list from a limited point of view. I never got to see The Beatles or Keith Green. And I plan to find a way to see The Eagles the next time they tour. Please feel free to add your favorites.

And now, counting down.....

6. The Dead Kennedys - During my slightly misspent youth, I was a bit of a punk rocker. The DKs had the best stuff out there. Great lyrics and music. I saw them at the Moore Theatre in Seattle. The stage was eight feet high and was great for doing dives and flips off of.

5. Steven Curtis Chapman - Great energy. He really makes the crowd part of the show.

4. Cheap Trick - The first concert that I ever went to. It was the summer that the 'Budokan' album came out. It was so cool when Robin Zandler threw the Kiss album into the crowd during 'Surrender'.

3. Billy Joel - He has such a great body of work. And he just knows how to work the room.

2. Lost and Found - The band that I have seen the most times. They play small venues and interact with their fans. Part rock show and part comedy act. Just plain fun. And all of their stuff is right on biblically. Check them out here.

And coming in at number one...

Jimmy Buffett - Mr. Buffett doesn't put on a concert, he throws a party. Everybody gets to be a beach bum for the night. The parrotheads know all of the words. It's the worlds largest drunk choir. With the tailgating, it's an all day event. More fun than a dog has stink.

Thought for the day -

Live music rocks!

What is it about January?

2008-01-14T14:35:00.000-08:00

As I checked in with all of Drew's Crew this morning, I noticed a lot of people were just kinda blah. Yeah, me too.

Is it just me, or does January feel like it has about 132 days?

I remember back in school that January was never cool. Classes were boring, food was bland, and it rained every day.

I asked some of the youth about it, and they said it's the same way for them today.

Oh well. They say it might snow tonight. That would be cool.

Peace out. :)

Thought for the day -

Blah blah blah.

Back on track.

2008-01-11T15:05:00.000-08:00

Well, I survived the holidays and am ready to get rolling for the new year.

My apologies to all of Drew's Crew for not keeping up with my reading of your blogs. I have spent very little time on line the past few weeks. I will be catching up this weekend.

I pray that all is well with you.

Thought for the day -

'If we weren't all crazy, we would all go insane.' - Jimmy Buffett.

Happy new year.

2007-12-31T11:53:00.000-08:00

The old year fades like the setting sun.Looking forward to the great things that the new year will bring.Happy new year to all of Drew's crew.

Thought for the day -

Stay safe tonight and don't drink and drive.

Merry Christmas.

2007-12-26T14:34:00.000-08:00

I know I'm a little late with the holiday wishes. But hey, I've been busy.

Now to all of Drew's Crew

MERRY CHRISTMAS

And a special thanks to those who gave Christmas greetings in the comments on my last post.

Thought for the day -

The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel - which means, "God with us." Matthew 1:23

Living life

2007-12-13T15:43:00.000-08:00

First off, the Mitchell report on steroid use in baseball came out today. I can only say one thing about the results. Duh!!! Leave it to the government to spend lots of time and money to find out something that everybody already knows.

Now back to your regularly scheduled blog...

The other day, Patti wrote an eloquent, touching, and thought provoking post about how surviving cancer affected her life. It got me thinking about my life.

When I was 15, I contracted Crohn's disease. I found out that I was going to be sick for the rest of my life. I have been through more hospital stays and surgeries than I can remember. I missed one third of high school and never finished college. I've even had CPR performed on me. You'd think I'd be kinda down about all this.

Two great things keep me going.

First off, I met the Lord at about the same time i met Crohn's. His love sustains me through the hard times.

Second, chronic illness is a great teacher.

If I had known what day to day life was going to be like, I might have given in to despair.

Chron's disease had taught me flexibility and adaptability. Me life is made up of changed plans and canceled appointments. When I go to bed, I might have to go to the hospital the next day. I just don't know.

As a result, I don't set goals. Unless they are really bizarre one's. Like going on a game show(Did that one) or writing a book and getting it published. (Working on that one)

I just take life one day at a time and try not to miss an opportunity to have a good time. I spend time with my wife. I travel a lot. I work with the youth at church. I wear aloha shirts every day. Life is just too darn short.

When I'm on vacation, I volunteer for everything. I've marched in several parades in Disney parks. I've been in a pie eating contest in Avonlea village.

I have gone swimming with dolphins, snorkeled with sea turtles, parasailed over Maui, and gone hiking through a bamboo forest. I've seen Jimmy Buffett, Billy Joel, Elton John, and John fogerty in concert. I've seen the sunrise from a 10,000 foot mountain, gotten lost in central park, sat in the cell that held St. Thomas Moore, and have been skiing in the rocky mountains.

The Bible says that God wants us to have an abundant life. I have done my best to live life abundantly. And in everything glorify him.

I know this has been a bit of a ramble, but I do have a point. Never miss a chance to jump for joy. Never miss a chance to breathe deeply. Never miss a chance to dance in the rain.

Thought for the day -

'Live like you were dying' - Tim McGraw

Ouch!

2007-12-11T14:11:00.000-08:00

For those of you who don't know, the Patriots put a good old fashioned butt kickin' on my Steelers on Sunday.

The black and gold became another notch on New England's bed post.

It was sort of like watching a train wreck. I couldn't look away from the carnage. Oh the humanity!

Now I have nothing against the Patriots for using the rest of the league as a their doormat. If they want to be considered the best team ever, they have to beat everybody. And beat them like they stole something. They come out and tell the other team what they are going to. And nobody can stop them.

I don't like them because I want my team to do that.

So what if they cheated. They got caught and paid their dues. Now they are showing that they can win anytime anywhere. Ouch.

Thought for the day -

Somebody can beat these guys. I just don't know if anyone will.

Putting the blah in blogging.

2007-12-07T12:35:00.000-08:00

OK, I'm back from my small blogcation. I've had a lot on my plate and haven't been in a very bloggy mood. I feel a little guilty for not keeping up with all that is going on with all y'all, but I'll be catching up soon.

Last weekend, we got our first snow of the year. I love snow and it doesn't slow me down because my wife drives a 4X4 (A Ford Exploder). On Sunday morning I smugly go start up the big rig, and it won't stay running. That's right, my snow car breaks down when it snows.

As many of Drew's Crew know, I bought this.

She's pretty cool, isn't she? The problem is that no matter how good of a winter driver you are, and I am very good, a car with rear wheel drive and a lot of power is not fun in the snow. We made it to church, but I don't want to have to do that every Sunday, if you get my drift.

So anyway, you may or may not have heard on the news that this week, we here in Washington (The Intermittent Wiper State) have had lots more rain than normal. Several towns in the south part of the state are completely cut off because of flooding and mud slides. Over three thousand people have been forced from their homes and many of them will have no house to go home to after the water recedes.

It happened so fast that a lot of them couldn't get out of their houses and had to be rescued. The Coast Guard did an awesome job. Those guys totally rock!

It really puts my car issues into perspective. I was whining because half of my cars were not working. Must be time to count my blessings.

And I feel guilty because so many people (like Kay) in the southeast are going through a horrible drought. I wish that I could mail some of our water down there.

The one thing I can do is pray. One thing you can never do to much is get on your knees talk to the Lord.

Peace out to all of Drew's Crew.

Thought for the day -

It's hard to spend a day on your feet if you don't start on your knees.

Bonus thought for the day -

Speaking of prayer, my Steelers are playing the Patriots on Sunday. It looks like only God will be able to beat those guys. Go Steelers!

What's up with this?

2007-11-26T11:52:00.001-08:00

"Pardon me, can you tell me how to get to Fort Lewis?"

"You can't miss it. Just follow the signs."

Thought for the day -

Nothing is ever so clear that it can't be made foggy by putting the government in charge.

More Drew 101

2007-11-16T11:42:00.000-08:00

After some delay, more of 101 things about me. 21 thru 30.

23. I am a total slob.
24. Although I have never been to Pittsburgh, I have been a Steelers fan since 1971.
25. I will never affiliate myself with a political party.
26. My earliest memory is seeing Neil Armstrong walk on the moon. I didn't really see him, he was on TV.
27. I can juggle. I can also jiggle, but that's not a pretty picture.
28. I love making puns.
29. I was on the swim team in high school. I was also on the debate team.

Thought for the day -

Isn't it great that Hotwire is back?

Cats are part of the family.

2007-11-14T10:25:00.000-08:00

Nuf said.

Thought for the day -

Cats think that the world was put here just to inconvenience them.

Athlete's mouth.

2007-11-13T12:41:00.000-08:00

OK, if you read Manic's post yesterday, (Shame on you if you don't read Manic mom every day) you saw a fine example of yours truly talking before thinking. It's a gift I have and I use it often.

So anyway, last weekend a bunch of us were crammed in a mini van going out for our dinner break at the conference. The new Eagles CD came up as a topic of conversation. I proceed to go on an extended diatribe against the evil empire that is Wal Mart and how I respect the Eagles a little less because they signed an exclusive deal with them.

I got some laughs so I kept it up for most of the evening. A good time was had by all.

Then during the ride home I find out that my friend, who was in the car, had just signed a major recording deal with a record company that deals with Wally World in a major way.

Fortunately, she thought it was funny. We also had a great talk about why Wal Mart sucks so she will know why people are making that face at her when they find out.

It took me at least a half an hour to get my foot out of my mouth that night.

Thought for the day -

I wish that my mouth wasn't faster than my brain.

Tired but inspired.

2007-11-12T13:32:00.000-08:00

If you read my last post, you know that I attended the Christian Musicians Summit this weekend.

It was feakin' amazing!

I got to be in classes taught by people who are at the forefront of the christian music scene. My brain is overflowing with new information and inspiration. It's awesome.

And the the worship time was incredible. God was moving in that place. My voice is thrashed from making a joyful noise. And like David, I am exhausted from leaping and dancing and praising the Lord with all my might.

I wrote one new song and stared two others. Being around other creative people really gets the brain juices going.

It was just plain amazing.

Thought for the day -

God is good all the time. All the time God is good.

CMS

2007-11-09T05:52:00.000-08:00

I will be here for the next two days.

Thought for the day -

Peace out.

Vote for me!

2007-11-07T19:51:00.000-08:00

* I got at least one vote in yesterday's election. My friend Matt always writes me in when there are no good choices. This time it was for Snohomish County Assessor. I hope to put the ass back in assessor.

* Today I went out and helped my father-in -law go car shopping. Going to a car lot is a lot like going to the dentist. Only they don't give you any fun drugs to kill the pain.

* I am lobbying heavily to get an interview on a certain person's bolg. Her name rhymes with panic. I think I'm breaking down her defenses. I have no shame. My friends think I'm narcissistic. They are sooo jealous of me.

Thought for the day -

A narcissist has never met a mirror he/she didn't like.

What was I thinking?

2007-11-05T10:54:00.000-08:00

OK, I'm a little worn out and tired. I'm looking forward to a relaxing evening of watching my Steelers play on Monday night football. You see, last week my church suspended all activities so that the congregation could spend time with our families. A good thing.

So what do I do? I make a family room.

This is something that I have been planing to do since we bought the house four years ago. This is how we procrastinators (Official motto: Making the world a better place. Tomorrow.) operate. The other half of this plan is to make a craft room in the basement for Sweetie Pie.

The fun part is that the new family room is on the top story of the house and is where all craft activity has been taking place for the last few years. I have spent the week moving furniture and craft supplies up and down four flights of stairs.

Why did we move out of the rambler? The finished basement seemed like such a great idea.

And by doing all this has kept me from writing. My new book is very hard hitting, and I'm a little frightened by it. My insecurities are telling me that I can't do it good enough. It's a bad thing when I would rather do hard work than write.

Oh well, everything in it's own time.

Thought for the day -

It's the job that's never started that's hardest to finish.

Drew's stew.

2007-11-01T16:58:00.000-07:00

I have a few things to post, so today it's kinda like a topic stew.

* About my last post. You have to understand how important things like this are to me. I boycotted tuna when I was 11. I lead my first protest at 13. I proudly wore my Greenpeace button everywhere I went and wanted to be in the little boat that goes between the whale and the killers. When I make a stand, I stick to it. It felt like I had betrayed myself when I went into Wal Mart.

* Yesterday, I had my windshield replaced. The shop is only two and a half miles from my house, so I decided to walk instead of bumming a ride. On the way home I passed by the back of a middle school. Behind one of the portables stood four kids grabbing a smoke. As always, the sight saddened me. They just don't know what they are in for.

When I was walking back to pick up my car, the same kids were there doing the same thing.

How can the school staff not know that this is going on? It must be happening every day. It's on school grounds. One more thing to be sad about.

*I have been tagged by Kay to list seven random things about me.

1. It drives me nuts to be behind someone in line at the store and they wait until everything has been rung up before they start to write their check or look for a way to pay for their stuff. It comes as a total surprise to them that they have to pay for their junk. I hate that.

2. I once put an entire Big Mac in my mouth at one time.

3. I do an excellent English accent.

4. I am a total slob.

5. I have read the Bible cover to cover.

6. I like ABBA.

7. I love wearing new socks. If I were rich, I would wear socks only once and then give them to Goodwill.

8. I do all the laundry at my house.

OK, now it's your turn. Patty, Trish, and B. Tag, you're it.

Thought for the day -

You'll never know how much you can fit into your mouth until you try.

I feel so dirty.

2007-10-30T12:15:00.000-07:00

Today is a day that I have been looking forward to for a long time. It is the release date of The Eagles new album, Long Road out of Eden. It's their first album of all new material since The Long Run.

Now I love The Eagles. A lot. I wrote my entire first novel while listening to their music.

Who knew that this wonderful day would be tainted.

So I go out this morning in search of this new treasure. I'm at Target right after it opens. And nothing. They've never heard of it. It's the same story at Best Buy, Sam Goody, Borders, and Fred Meyer.

What's up with that?

The biggest release of the year and nobody has it?

Then it hits me. I saw an add on the net for Wal Mart. I knew they had it there.

Anyone who knows me knows that I hate Wal Mart. A lot. I am a lonely crusader against the evil empire. I yell "You SUCK!!!" out my car window every time I drive past.

So I go there. Sure enough, I find the CD. Right there on the label, it says "Only at Wal Mart." My need of the CD overrides my conscience. I buy the CD.

Now I feel like I just sold my soul, or at least a little part of it, to the devil. I have also lost a little respect for The Eagles for signing an exclusive deal.

I don't know. Did I sell out? Am I less of an upright person because I took the only deal in town? Did I compromise my standards with a lame justification to get something I wanted?

The record is good, but I still feel dirty.

Thought for the day -

The world of situational ethics is a tricky one.

Thanks.

2007-10-25T14:30:00.001-07:00

I was feeling like this...And even a little like this...Now I'm more like this...

Thanks to Drew's Crew for all the kind words.

Thought for the day -

Life is short. Have fun now. You can always work later if you really want to.

So that's what they mean when they say that.

2007-10-22T15:55:00.000-07:00

For a long time now, I have used two phrases without really understanding what they were all about.

'The show must go on.'
'Suffering for my craft.'

On Friday, I was at the theatre getting ready for the 8:00 show and started feeling a little sick. Not nervous sick. Barfing, blow it out both ends sick.

You will need a little information about to understand what this means in my case.

I have Crohn's disease. I have had it for 26 years. As a result, I have a colostomy bag. I also am very in touch with what my body is doing. When I get sick, I deteriorate rapidly. Very rapidly. I dehydrate to a dangerous level in a big fat hurry.

In normal circumstances, I would go home and rest. If It doesn't get under control by morning, I go to the emergency room and get loaded up on fluids.

But I'm in a play. I have a lead roll in a play. I have no understudy. I am on stage for the entire show.

So I go through with it. I'm sitting there trying not to throw up while dehydrating away. And no even knows. I guess I'm a pretty good actor.

After the show, I go home, puke, and then drive myself to the ER.

Things were going along like they usually do until they got a look at my blood work. It turns out that one of my levels was a bit out of whack and they wanted to admit me and do a few unpleasant tests.

I tell them that that's OK, but that I'm leaving at 4:00. The doc tells me that they need to see the test results before they let me go.

I start laughing at her. She asks me why I'm laughing. I tell her that it's funny that she thinks that it's up to her. I was going to be leaving at 4:00 with or without her blessing. The only thing she could tell me to do was not to drive because of the drugs they had given me. Really good drugs, if you know what I mean.

I fully intended to pull the IV out of my arm and walk out of there if I had to. It would have been like a bad TV show.

I did my best to make myself unpleasant and a nuisance so they would be happy to be rid of me.

It turns out that all of the tests were negative and I was discharged in the regular fashion.

That night I give another stealer performance on two hours of sleep, filled with IV fluids, some good drugs , and a lot of prednisone.

I rounded out the weekend by doing the Sunday matinee and watching my beloved Steelers go down to defeat.

A pretty full weekend.

Thought for the day -

'I've seen her dehydrate, sir. It's pretty gross.' - The Breakfast Club

Bonus thought for the day -

'There's a fine line between tough and crazy. And you're flirting with it.' - Remember the titans

Write on!

2007-10-18T12:12:00.000-07:00

So anyway, I had this great idea for a new book. I wrote a killer (Does anyone say killer anymore?)first chapter and had the plot worked out and was ready to roll.

Then I got the part in the play.

You see, memorizing lines takes up a large part of my very small brain. I have to devote all cerebral function to learning my part.

So, off to the back burner goes the book.

This week I finally was able to take computer in hand and get back to work. Woo hoo! I wrote a whole page the other day.

I know that one page doesn't seem like all that much, but for a person that spent the first 38 years of his life hating writing and telling himself that he was no good at it, it's a pretty big deal. It feels really great to be back at it.

Thought for the day -

You can't climb the mountain if you never get off of the couch.

Three down, six to go.

2007-10-16T13:22:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all of Drew's Crew for the well wishes. It means a lot to me.

Well, I got through opening weekend. It was close. I slept for 12 hours Sunday night. My body has a bank on energy. Hell week and three shows mean a lot of withdraws and no deposits. Such is life on the stage.

Opening night rocked! Normally, the first show is where all of the mistakes happen. It's where the kinks get worked out and everyone is a little nervous. Not so with this show. We started smooth and rolled right through. It was awesome.

On night 2, we had a full house (over 50 people), which is rare for this company. The energy was high and we were shining.

The Sunday matinee was another story. We had more cast members than people in the audience and we were tired. We were flat, lines were dropped, and it was a relief to get it over with. I hate it when I don't bring my A game. If someone if paying to see me, they should get my best stuff. That didn't happen on Sunday.

Oh well, Friday is another show. I should be well rested and ready to go.

Peace out.

Thought for the day -

Awake is the new asleep.

Feeling alright on opening night.

2007-10-12T12:53:00.000-07:00

We had a great full dress rehearsal last night and are ready to go. Lots of adrenaline.

Thought for the day -

If you're not having fun, what's the point?

Hell week.

2007-10-10T14:24:00.000-07:00

This is tech week (or hell week) for my play and I'm tired and busy. Friday is opening night and we are ready to put on a smoking show.

Peace out and I'll see you on the other side.

Thought for the day -

I'll rest when I'm dead.

Hmmmm...

2007-10-05T12:44:00.001-07:00

What do you think they're selling at this store?

Have a great weekend.

Thought for the day -

Always make sure to have someone proofread your work before you publish it.

A blast from the past.

2007-10-02T14:22:00.000-07:00

OK, this is kinda weird.

A couple of Sundays ago, I was sitting in the church office checking the Pittsburgh Steelers score, and this woman comes in and tells me that she knows me. It turns out that we went to church summer camp together in high school. How cool is that?

She said she knew it was me after I had said something smart alecky during church. Yeah, whatever.

And then yesterday a get this anonymous comment from someone who knew me in high school. Totally far out!

Hey Anonymous, who are you? We had a student body of 1500 so I can't even guess. If you look at the other comments, you will see another JHS survivor. (DB)

BTW, Nick and I were best men at each other's weddings.

Thought for the day -

Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.

Mixed review.

2007-09-27T01:26:00.000-07:00

So here I am at 1:30 in the AM Posting. Well, I just got done watching 'The Ringer' and had to get my thoughts down.

To set the stage, I need to let you know a little bit about my past. I was a job coach/community access specialist for adults with disabilities for five years. I had a need to see this movie.

It was very good. It was funny and a real feel good movie. And most of all it treated the disabled population with respect and dignity. It was a great shout out for the Special Olympics.

Then I watched the special features.

The actor, writer, and the director all gave moving testimonials. They all said how great these 'kids' were.

KIDS?????

Arrrrrrgh! Man, that burns my muffins!

Here they are promoting equality and acceptance while telling the world that the entire population are children. As long as people think of the disabled as little kids, they will always be looked down upon.

The average person with a disability has put up with crap that would make the average 'normal' person ball up in the fetal position, cry, and never want to get up.

They are PEOPLE.

OK, I feel a little better now.

Thought for the day -

Isn't it about time for us to treat people like people?

Car problems.

2007-09-26T12:41:00.000-07:00

The one bad thing about cars is that it is only a matter of time before something goes wrong with them.

The other night I was driving home and I ended up behind a street sweeper. It hit a bump and sent a shower of rocks at my car. The result is that now I need a new windshield. Oh well, I didn't need that hundred bucks anyway.

And I can't even complain about it to Sweetie Pie because her car has decided to act up. I haven't figured out what is wrong with it yet, but I know it won't be cheap.

Bummer.

Thought for the day -

The two things that we never have enough of are time and money. Maybe if I had more money, I could buy some more time.

This just in...

2007-09-20T13:05:00.000-07:00

The Committee on Ranking Unimportant Things (that would be me) has added a movie to the top five funny movies of all time.

For those of you not familiar with the list, here it is.

1. Airplane
2. Monty Python and the Holy Grail
3. The Three Amigos
4. Happy Gilmore
5. (Tie)The Princess Bride and Better Off Dead

After much deliberation, the committee has decided to add The Emperor's New Groove, making a three way tie in the fifth place spot.

Thank you.

Thought for the day -

Always be willing to listen to new ideas.

Just like my last post, only different.

2007-09-18T13:08:00.000-07:00

More of Drew 101

11 -20

8. I love the kids in my church youth group. They are some of the coolest people in the world.
9. I was once kissed by a seal.
10. I am a writer. I write young adult fiction and songs. I hope to get published someday so I can call myself an author.
11. I love soccer
12. I have lived in the greater Seattle area my whole life and I don't want to live anywhere else.
13. I love going to Disney theme parks. It's cool to step outside of reality every once in a while.
14. I have Crohn's disease. I got it when I was 15. It's a big drag.
15. In the last 30 years, I have seen Jimmy Buffett in concert 4 times in 4 different venues.
16. Right now, my itunes library has over 5 days of music in it.
17. I believe that 1 person can, and should, make a positive difference in the world.
18. I have seen the movie Airplane about 100 times.
19. I wear shorts from April 1st thru September 30. The rest of the year, you will find me in my 501's.
20. I was a punk rocker in the 80's
21. I don't parallel park very well.
22. I don't like chocolate.

Thought for the day -

Just because you can't see something doesn't mean that it's not there and that it's not beautiful.

Get it right back to where we started from.

2007-09-14T14:25:00.000-07:00

Over the last several months, I have been an inconsistent blogger at best. I thought that the best way to get back into the blogging groove was to do 101 things about Drew. Some of you may remember that I started this once before and never finished. A few of these will be repeats, so if you've seen them before, you're seeing them again.

Drew 101

1 - 1o

1. I love God. Not as much as I should.
2. I love my wife (Sweetie pie). Not as much as she deserves.
3. I drove a Ford Pinto in high school.
4. I can't stand to wear new clothes (except for socks) until they've been washed.
5. My ipod is bright pink.
6. I am a lousy speller.
7. I like black olives, but not on pizza.

Thought for the day -

Be careful what you say. You can't take back a voice mail.

Remember.

2007-09-11T08:33:00.000-07:00

No matter how you feel about how things have gone since, it's important to remember how we felt on that day.

This is what I wrote last year. I didn't think I could say anything better this year.

The cobwebs slowly cleared from his mind as the news on the radio told him that it was time to get up. He was glad to have the extra hour of sleep that came from having to take his car into the shop that morning.

Then he heard the words.

"...Two small planes have crashed into the World Trade Center. It appears to be deliberate..."

He jumped out of bed and ran to the spare room. For the first time, he was mad that he was to cheap to buy cable as the fuzzy picture of the towers came on the screen. Smoke was billowing from both buildings.

"Stacy, get in here," he called to his wife.
"What's the matter? Oh my God."
"This is huge. There is no way this is a accident."

They watched numbly as he thought about what to do. Should he let Stacy go to work? He figured that Lynnwood wasn't much of a target, so that would be OK.

"Don't believe anything you hear right away." He told her as she left. "There's going to be a bunch of rumors flying around. Wait until they know what's going on. I love you and I'll see you tonight."

He took one last look at the burning towers and went to take his shower. There sure was going to be a lot of talk at work today. He wondered if anybody would get anything done today.

After he got dressed, he went back to look at the TV. There was only one tower on the screen.

That is when the first tear came.

Some quick computations about how many people that building could hold gave him a number too horrific to think about. He sank down onto the couch and hugged his dog.

In an explosion of dust and smoke, the second tower started to fall.

"Oh my God. Oh my God," Tom Brokaw was saying.

The dog looked at him with that vacant happy expression so common with golden retrievers. Unconcerned with the world and only wanting to be scratched behind his ear.

"You are so lucky you aren't human today," he said to his companion through the sobs. "You are so lucky."

Thought for the day -

Make sure to let those you love know that you love them.

How stupid can I be?

2007-09-07T13:59:00.000-07:00

Apparently, pretty stupid.

So anyway, the other day I was out in my back yard attacking the blackberry's that are intent on taking over the world. I used to sell safety equipment, so I had my glasses and heavy gloves on to protect myself from any mishaps that might occur with my electric hedge trimmer. With my ipod cranked up, I was grooving along, hacking the sticker bushes to bits.

Now remember, I sold safety equipment for a whole year.

With one mighty swing, I slice through several branches and the extension cord. Thank God for ground fault interrupters.

Fortunately, the only injury I sustained was to my pride and all is well at Casa de Drew.

Thought for the day -

Always keep track of where your cord is dangling. (Stop that snickering!)

Woo hoo!

2007-09-05T13:32:00.000-07:00

Last night, I auditioned for a part in a play. The competition was strong and I was a tad concerned about it.

Well, I just got the word. I have one of the big parts! (Get your mind out of the gutter, Manic)

The play is 'The Night of January 16th'. It's a courtroom drama and I play the defense attorney. And we have a performance on my birthday. How cool is that?

Thought for the day -

Never say 'Good luck' to an actor. Remember, it's always 'Break a leg'.

Home sweet home.

2007-09-04T15:11:00.000-07:00

Well, I made it through the summer of three vacations. I was away more than I was home. It was cool in a crazy, far out sort of way. After much rest and recuperation, I am home and returning to my normal life.

I've started writing another novel and am very excited about it. Sweetie Pie even said that the first chapter was excellent. She always tells it like it is, so that's the best endorsement I could get.

I am looking forward to getting back in touch with all of Drew's Crew.

Thought for the day -

I've really missed you guys.

On the road again

2007-07-27T10:50:00.000-07:00

I'm off to the California coast for a week. Y'all take care and have fun in the sun.

Thought for the day -

When you have a Mustang, you have to take a road trip.

Safe and sound and on the ground

2007-07-16T15:36:00.000-07:00

I am back from Orlando Baby! and have taken some time to recharge my batteries.

It was an amazing time. I'd had been telling people that God was going to to some great things at the conference, but I had no idea. It turns out that I had put God into a very small box. What He did with the youth blew me away.

Out of 7500 youth, 1700 (5 from my group) committed themselves to full time ministry. I was in the middle of an avalanche of young people all on their knees giving themselves to God. There was not a dry eye in the house. I was humbled and honored that God let me be a part of this.

The weather was hot and muggy, but we survived.

My church sent 16 youth and 5 adults to the conference. During the 10 days we spent together, we became a family. It was a time I would not trade for anything.

God is good all the time. All the time, God is good.

I will respond to being tagged by b. in my next post.

Thought for the day -

God is bigger and greater than anything that you can imagine.

Out of town and out of my mind

2007-07-01T21:22:00.000-07:00

For the next week, I will be here.

Take care and peace out.

Thought for the day -

Florida in July is like being in a dog's mouth. Hot, sticky, and it doesn't smell quite right.

The Pirates are coming.

2007-06-21T15:00:00.000-07:00

This post has nothing to do with Johnny Depp.

I'm talking about these Pirates

That's right, I'm talking about the

I have been a fan of the Pittsburgh sports teams since 1971. I have never been to Pittsburgh, but I love their teams. When I was a we little lad, Seattle had no pro football or baseball teams. I felt the need to have a team to call my own, so I picked the one with the coolest uniforms. Not very scientific, I know, but rooting for a team never is.

Anyway, in the late 70's Seattle got a baseball team.

I like the Mariners. But I love the Pirates. Unfortunately, the Mariners are in the American League and the Pirates are in the National League. That has meant that my team has never played in my town.

Until now. Because of inter-legue play. I get to see my Pirates in person. I got tickets for all three games.

On Tuesday, I took my father in law. We got there when the gates opened so I could try for autographs. I got Jason Bay and Jack Wilson to signed their cards for me.

Then the real coolness happened. The Pirates were coming off the field after batting practice. Jose Castillo (2nd base) had a ball in his hands. A bunch of people were waving to get him to throw it to them. I stood up, made eye contact, and raised my hands. He tossed the ball to me.

It might be because I was dressed like this

But wait, it gets better. I was looking at the ball, thinking that I was pretty fortunate when I saw some more players signing autographs. I went down and saw Jose Castillo (The guy that threw the ball to me) standing there. I handed him the ball and he signed it.

How cool is that? I felt like I was eight years old. It was a great night.

Thought for the day -

Good things come to those who wait.

The best thing EVER!!!!!

2007-06-15T13:42:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I bought one of these

Actually, I bought two. (My guitar teacher NEEDED one too, so I traded it for a month's worth of lesions)

This is not your Father's turntable. It has a USB cord that plugs RIGHT into a computer.

That's right, I can now load all of my albums (over 5 hundred) into itunes. How cool is that?

And it came with some way bitchin' software so I can edit out all of hisses and pops that make it sound like Jimmy Buffett was eating a bowl of Rice Chrispy's while he was recording the song.

As my grandmother used to say, "I'm a crappy hamper" today.

BTW, a literary agent requested a partial from me yesterday.

Thought for the day -

Today, life is good. Peace out.

Yes, I know I'm a little strange

2007-06-05T14:05:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, I gave my brother in-law a ride to the airport. I had to pick him up at 4:00 in the AM. Being a night person, I did not even go to sleep that night.

Now here's the strange part...

I wanted to do this.

You see, I like going to the airport.

I gave this some thought and finally realized why.

Going to the airport makes me feel like a grown-up. This is something that grown-ups do. I'm 40 years old and I still feel like I'm 8. Going to the airport by myself is still a big adventure.

Oh well, it's nap time.

Peace out.

Thought for the day -

"I'm growing older but not up." - Jimmy Buffett

My little pony.

2007-06-01T15:41:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, I have a new car. She is my "Someday" car. As in "Someday I'll get a cool car."

I'd like to introduce y'all to Sally.

Isn't she pretty?

Sometimes, she likes to go topless.

This is a shot of her dashboard. She has her own special style.

Thought for the day -

Everyone needs to own a cool car at least once in their life.

Meeting Dr. McDreamy

2007-05-30T11:35:00.000-07:00

Well I'm back again. I've been quite busy the last two weeks.

When I say busy, I mean that we got Netflix here at Casa de Drew. I'll just say that I am getting my moneys worth. I have been spending a lot of time in front of the idiot box.

The biggest surprise is how much I like Grey's Anatomy. The writing is really good, the characters are great, and the acting is top notch.

The only weird thing is that it's set in Seattle. As a native, I have a hard time getting around the inaccuracies in the setting. In the first episode, I couldn't stop laughing when the medivac helicopter carrying a critical patient landed on the roof of the KOMO 4 building.

It gives me great comfort to know that if I'm ever injured, that I will be taken to one of the finest local TV stations in the nation to receive care.

Well, I off to watch some more TV. Peace out.

Thought for the day -

Don't be afraid to try new things. You never know when you might find something cool.

Just what I needed

2007-05-11T12:06:00.000-07:00

The other day I went to the mall to get some hand soap for my bathroom. The fact that I needed to do this proves that I do in fact wash my hands after I'm done.

Anyway, I like the vanilla liquid soap from Bath and Body Works. I walk into the store and go right to the hand soap. A very nice sales lady comes up to me and says "I see that you came right to the soap. You must know about our 4 for $10.00 sale."

I informed her that I was unaware of the sale and that I only required one, but thanks. I then took my single bottle of soap to the check out lady. There, I was again informed that for a little more money, I would be able to get more soap than I needed or wanted. Apparently, I look very dirty and in need of a good cleaning. I once again declined.

After paying for my soap, the check out lady asked me for my phone number. I told her that I was flattered, but I hardly knew her.

She then told me that she did not want it for that reason. (A likely story) She said that they would use it to send me adds and coupons.

Wow! Just what I needed, more crap from people who want my money. Why just the other day I was saying to myself "Self, wouldn't it be great to get more junk mail." Why did she think that this would make we want to give out my number? I once again declined.

I thought that this was bad until I went to Best Buy. I had to say no five times! I thought that they were going to ask for a blood sample.

The Man is always trying to know more about us. I was amazed as I watched the other people in line give out their information without thinking about it. It has become normal to tell strangers anything they ask. We need to just take a minute to consider the consequences of our actions.

OK, I feel better now.

Thought for the day -

Never stop fighting The Man.

Only in America.

2007-05-03T13:14:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I saw something that made me shake my head in disgust. I was at Best Buy looking for a small freezer for my garage. I did a double take when I saw a refrigerator with a TV in the door.

What's up with that?

No wonder we are over weight in this country. People can't be without television even for the time it takes to get a snack. Or they need to be watching while they cook.

Pretty soon, we will be a society that doesn't talk and has never seen the sun.

I don't watch TV, and feel left out because 85% of conversation revolves around television shows.

People, it's time to turn off the idiot box and experience real life. Go outside. Take a walk. Talk to your friends. Don't let your obituary say that all you did was watch TV.

OK, I feel better now.

Thought for the day -

It's OK for the TV to be turned off once in a while.

Chicks dig the car.

2007-05-01T17:27:00.000-07:00

This weekend, my church held it's annual men's retreat. I'm not going to talk about that.

My friend and I carpooled to the event in my Mustang. While driving through a small town, two teenage girls cat called us.

This kind of thing had never happened to either of us before. We are two 40 year old guys, and the only heads we have ever turned were ones that we had a very firm grip upon. We knew it was the car and not us, but it did give our egos a boost.

Sometimes, life is good.

Thought for the day -

Clothes don't make the man, the cool car does.

Just wondering...

2007-04-27T12:24:00.000-07:00

Last night, I was driving around and saw a city bus. The destination sign said "Out of service."

Did they run out?

"I'm sorry. We had service earlier today, but we gave it all away. We're expecting a shipment in the morning, so we should have some service by tomorrow afternoon."

Just wondering.

Have a great weekend.

Thought for the day -

It's amazing how often life imitates Seinfeld.

We have a winner

2007-04-24T12:06:00.000-07:00

The ballots have been counted and we have a winner.

B. Not only got the answer correct, but she did it with only one hint. Way to go.

Honorable mention to Kari. Her answer was right, but came in late.

I am in fact now driving my mid-life crisis. A 2006 Mustang convertible.

Pictures to follow. And yes, it is as fun as it looks.

Thought for the day -

Any car can be improved by making it a convertible.

Can you take a hint?

2007-04-20T15:13:00.000-07:00

First off, I am extending the contest till Sunday at 11:00 PM PST because I can.

There has been one entry so far that may or may not be correct. You can guess as many times as you want, so go for it.

and now, some more hints....

Hint #2 - It took me a month to convince Sweety Pie that I needed this car.

Hint #3 - Sweety Pie told me that if I got it, it had to be red.

Hint #4 - It is an 2006 model.

Hint #5 - The kids in the youth group think it's totally cool.

Hint #6 - My neighbors have been blaming me for the rain and high gas prices.

Thought for the day -

You can't win if you don't play.

Contest!

2007-04-17T17:00:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned a few posts ago, one of the things keeping me from blogging was the purchase of a new car. This seems to me to be a perfect opportunity for...

THE SECOND OFFICIAL DREW'S MUSE CONTEST

The rules are simple. All you have to do is guess what kind of car I got. That's all. And I'll even be giving out hints.

If you are one of the lucky winners, you will receive special mention on this very blog.

The contest is open to all* of Drew's Crew, starts now, and ends at 11:00 PM PST on Friday 4/20. Good luck to one and all.

Hint #1: I got the car because I just turned 40.

Thought for the day -

The mall on Saturday is proof of the existence of God because only Satan could have come up with such a torture device.

*People who already know about the car are ineligible. Void where prohibited by law.

A sad day

2007-04-16T12:04:00.000-07:00

Nothing funny to write today. Take some time to pray for the people in Virginia.

A very taxing morning

2007-04-13T12:49:00.000-07:00

This morning I filled out my taxes. I know it's early, but I hate to put things off till the last minute.

Anyway, The government once again succeeded in finding more worksheets and forms for me to complete. I don't mind paying my taxes. I like roads and police and stuff. I just think that there must be an easier way to do it.

Oh well, twelve months till I have to do it again.

Thought for the day -

The only sure things in life are death and taxes. And that God loves you.

Did you miss me?

2007-04-12T12:41:00.000-07:00

Sorry for taking a break without letting y'all know. Between refi, new car, and illness I just needed some time off. I know I should have told you, but let's face it, I'm a little lazy. Bad Drew.

I'll be stopping by to see the usual subjects in the next few days to let everyone know that I'm alive.

Updates on what's been happening coming soon.
(I mean it this time.)

Thought for the day -

Some times you just need to take some time to recharge your batteries.

On the road again

2007-02-16T11:36:00.000-08:00

I'm off to Portland, OR to chaperone the District Youth Conference this weekend.

It is totally cool. Over 700 high school kids in one big huge God party. I'll be worn out on Monday, but it is so worth it. I think that every adult should have to go to one of these events to learn how to worship the Lord. These young people put their whole soul into it.

I'll give a full report to Drew's Crew on Tuesday.

Thought for the day -

High school kids rock!

I'm not very punctual.

2007-02-14T16:08:00.000-08:00

OK, here I am in the new Beta Blogger. I only changed because they made me. They took me kicking and screaming the whole way.

Now every one join me in a rant -

BLOGGER SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OK, I feel a little better now.

Now back to your regularly scheduled blog.

As most of you know, I have written a novel and am trying to get it published. When I tell people this, they get the impression that I know how to write.

The truth is, I am horrible at the nuts and bolts of writing. I can't spell and I have no idea how to punctuate anything. The one grammar rule I know is "When in doubt, put in a comma." My mind just doesn't work well with that kind of stuff.

The problem was compounded by my attending a liberal private elementary school. It was great for my social development, but it was very weak in the writing area. For my first 38 years, I hated writing and went to great lengths to avoid it.

Imagine my surprise when I decided to write a book. What was I thinking? Who was I trying to fool? This had disaster written all over it.

Thus, it came as no surprise to me when the folks in my writers group pointed out that all of my dialogue was incorrectly punctuated. And my novel is dialogue driven. I have spent the last few days going through all 60,000 words and fixing my sucky punctuation.

The good news is that I'm all done. It was a drag, but I guess it's all good because I learned how to do it right.

Apologies to Drew's Crew for the whining post. The next one should be more up beat. Thanks for listening.

Thought for the day -

BLOGGER SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Call off the search party!

2007-02-07T15:07:00.000-08:00

G'day to all of Drew's crew. The stomach bug hit mi casa in a big way. Sweety Pie and I were in the emergency room four times in the last two weeks. I didn't have the strength to crawl up to my computer to post. Things are much better now and I will be spending time catching up with y'all.

Thought for the day -

When you're sick, you don't feel well.

Almost famous

2007-01-23T12:22:00.000-08:00

I spent the last few days downloading music to iTunes. It is so cool to have all these tunes at my fingertips. I love having my iPod with me. I have my music with me wherever I go. Rock on!

Anyway, the other day my song writing partner gave me a CD with a couple of our song demos on it. I downloaded them like everything else and forgot about it.

Yesterday I was driving around and one of my songs comes on. It was so cool. It was like having my stuff on the radio. I was totally feeling like a rock star.

I know I was the only one who could hear it, but it was still fun.

Thought for the day -

Stein Auf!!! (German for "Rock On". Check out Lost and Found on my side bar.)

Ear soreness

2007-01-19T14:48:00.000-08:00

Last night, my internet connection went down. I was lost. No email. No way to check in on Drew's crew. I was bummed. :(

So, today I checked all of the stuff on my end (connections, reboot, etc..) and then called customer service. I was dreading this. My service provider is know for having the worst customer service department on the planet.

I called and made it through the menus to the hold music. To my amazement, I was talking to someone in less than two minutes. This NEVER happens.

A little aside here. I live 30 minutes from Bill Gates' house. To fix my problem I was talking to a guy in India. How wild is that?

So anyway, I spend an hour and a half on the phone (I even had to take a bathroom break) unplugging stuff, typing, talking about Fraser (I live near Seattle, after all), waiting, and plugging stuff back in. The guy in India was super cool. Nice and patient with my ineptness. After trying lots and lots of things, it turns out that the problem was a simple thing that both of us had overlooked.

I don't consider it wasted time. I learned some stuff and I am back on line. It's all good.

It's great to be able to see y'all again.

Peace out. :)

Thought for the day -

When something goes wrong, just chill. Take the time to fix the problem and don't get upset. It's easier to get things done when you're calm.

This was kind of weird.

2007-01-16T15:04:00.000-08:00

OK, so it's been cold here. Not like the rest of the country, but cold and icy for the pacific northwest. My little Ford Escort had gone unused for several days because I was driving our SUV whenever I had to go out.

Yesterday, I went to the store and conditions allowed me to take the small car. It started up just fine, but when I pulled out of the driveway, it was a little jerky. It behaved fine on the road, so I didn't think anymore about it.

Last night when I was taking the garbage out, I saw some ice impressions where the car had been. My car had been frozen to the ground! The jerk was due to me breaking the ice.

This has never happened to me in all of my 40 years. Is this something that goes on in places that have real winter? All of Drew's Crew from the east coast, mid west, and great white north let me know.

In other news -

*I auditioned for a part in a play, but didn't get it. :(
*I sent in an audition tape to Deal or No Deal. I feel the need for redemption for my Who Wants to be a Millionaire fiasco.

Sorry that I've been lax in my blogging duties. Things should be getting back to normal soon.

Thought for the day -

Don't be afraid to try new things. Progress is never made by people who stay in their comfort zones.

What's up with this crazy weather?

2007-01-08T12:28:00.000-08:00

Saturday, I was sitting in the dark thinking. (No power and I couldn't go anywhere because of the trees blocking the road) One of the reasons that I love living in the greater Seattle area is that the climate is mild. Not too hot, not too cold. No tornados or hurricanes, so the weather is not likely to hurt you. This year has been crazy. We have had floods, snow, and wind in great excess. We are used to getting one major event every few years but all three? And it's only early January. We're just sitting around waiting for the plague of locusts over the land.

Now I know all of you from the east coast are laughing at us for being such wusses. The problem is that because it doesn't happen very often, our infrastructure is not equipped to deal with it. It is not cost effective to have a bunch of snow removal equipment when some years we don't get any lowland snow at all. I just wanted to say that it's been a wacky year.

Thought for the day -

We only think that we have control over our environment.

The best guys in the world.

2007-01-03T15:05:00.000-08:00

My mother sent me this picture a few days ago.

This is me and my best friends on our graduation day June 1985. (I'm the one in the middle with the short blond hair.) The other three had been friends since 1st grade and I joined the group in 9th. We did everything together. We didn't fit in any clique, so we just made our own. We knew that we would be friends forever.

The cool thing is that we were right. Over the years, we have lived together, been in each other's weddings, and for the most part shared our lives.

When I got this picture, I started thinking. I have been so lucky to be friends with the best guys in the world. There isn't anything I wouldn't do for them and I know that they would say the same about the rest of us. It is a rare and wonderful thing to have friends for so long. I am truly blessed.

BTW - I am the only on who still looks the same :)

Thought for the day -

Time spent with those you love is the best time there is.

Happy new year!

2007-01-01T15:01:00.000-08:00

Happy new year to all of Drew's crew.

Thought for the day -

May the new year bring you blessings and peace.

Merry Christmas

2006-12-25T11:40:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Drew's crew for making this a great blog year.

Merry Christmas

Thought for the day -

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

This just in

2006-12-20T12:12:00.000-08:00

Drew has bronchitis. He will be posting when he feels better.

Thought for the day -

Merry Christmas to all of Drew's crew and to all of Drew's crew a good night.

No phone, no light, no motor car...

2006-12-17T08:02:00.000-08:00

Lost power for 55 hours. More later.

Thought for the day -

Things are never so bad that they can't get worse.

The man is keeping me down.

2006-12-13T14:49:00.000-08:00

The following post is a total rant. I just wanted to let you know ahead of time.

I hate being forced to change. If I have to do something differently, I want to be the one making the decision. I know that new can be good. DVD's are way better than VHS and CD's sound better than records. Just let me make up my mind about it!

Blogger (The Man) is beginning to force all of it's users to switch to beta. If you don't know what I'm talking about, you can follow the saga over at Trish's.

It's like club cards. The Man tells you they save you money, but they don't. It's a scam! It costs money to administer the card. This cost is passed on to the people. They just want to track every thing you buy so that they can keep you down.

I am really ticked off about this. If I want to keep in touch with Drew's crew, (whom I love) I have to switch. Beta may be better, I don't know. What I do know is that I don't have a choice.

I will most likely make the switch soon, but I will still fight The Man.

Thanks for listening to this rant. Power to the people!

Thought for the day -

Always fight for what is right. Don't let the man keep you down.

Dig those crazy hep cats.

2006-12-11T13:42:00.000-08:00

Saturday night I went out to see an old friend and his band play at a local pub. It was totally cool. They're called Zazou (That's loosely translated from French "hep cat")and they play gypsy swing. I've had them linked on my blog since day one, but I don't know how many of you have taken the time to have a look. Go ahead, do it now. I'll wait.

See, I told you they were cool. They don't get much play outside of the greater Seattle area, so I thought I would take this opportunity to let the rest of the world in on the news. Zazou is awesome.

Thought for the day -

Support local and independent music. That's where the really talented and creative people are.

Going out, by request...

2006-12-08T14:03:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday to Drew's crew.
Before I get started, I would like to take care of a few little things.

My Steelers won last night, keeping their very very slim playoff hopes alive.

Bonus point to Kari for noticing the missing F on my last post. I got the list from Trish and didn't see it was gone till you pointed it out. I will answer any F things that Drew's crew can come up with this weekend. I know y'all are funny, so no lame ones.

And now by popular (OK, I know that Rose is the only one who requested it, but she is very popular) demand, Drew's proposal story.

I had been dating Sweety (I know that it should be spelled Sweetie, but she is special and deserves to have it spelled a special way) Pie for almost three years. I had wanted to tie the knot earlier, but she knew we were not ready and asked me to wait. No problem there, because she is so worth it. We both kinda knew that it would happen on our three year anniversary.

A few months before the big day, I had a dream. In it, I popped the question in a very cool way. It was so real. The next day, I went out and made plans to replicate the dream in real life.

On the big day, I took her out to dinner at the Space Needle. For those of you who don't know, The Space Needle has a revolving restaurant with spectacular views of Seattle and Puget sound. After we had been seated, the waitress brought out two champagne flutes filled with (We don't drink booze) Shirley Temples.

Her glass had "Sweety Pie, will you marry me" etched on it.

The rest, as they say is history. We have been happily married for 13 1/2 years.

Thought for the day -

Some times your subconscious is smarter than you are.

The one with 4 parts.

2006-12-06T10:26:00.000-08:00

Part 1: Thanks to Drew's crew for the time off. I do want it known, however, that my last post was not intended to make anyone feel bad. I was not yelling at y'all. I just did not enjoy feeling like I had to explain myself every other post. I love that you guys care about me and miss me. If I hurt your feelings, I am truly sorry.

Part 2: Have you ever received a package that looked like this?

It would appear that the good people at Margaritaville are unaware of the fact that you should not ship something in a box 4 sizes to large. Somehow the contents survived unharmed, making this a funny story.

Part 3: I have been tagged by Trish for the ABC thing.

A- Available or Single? Married to Sweety Pie for 13 1/2 years.

B- Best Friend? Doug, Chris, and Nick. Friends since high school.

C- Cake or Pie? Pie. Cherry if I can get it.

D- Drink of Choice? Dr. Pepper.

E- essential item you use everyday? My colostomy bag. Things would get really gross in a hurry without that.

G- Gummy Bears or Worms? Love them both, but would take bears over worms.

H- Hometown? Seattle, WA. God's country.

I-Indulgence? Dr. Pepper.

J-January or February? January. You tend to get more snow then.

K-Kids and their names? Nada.

L-Life is incomplete w/out? Jesus.

M-Marriage Date? My wife would have killed me if I had gone on a date on that day.

N-Number of Siblings? 1 bro.

O-Oranges or Apples? Apples.

P-Phobias/Fears? Heights. Didn't used to. Just in the last 10 years.

Q-Favorite Quote? Lots of favorites. "Courage is not the absence of fear. It is the realization that there is something more important than fear." Princess Diaries. "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing, and perfect will." Romans 12:2 NIV.

R-Reason to Smile? Life is full of wonder.

S-Season? Fall.

T-Tag Three People? B. Kari Manic Mom.

U-Unknown Fact about me? If I told you, it wouldn't be unknown now would it?

V-Vegetable you don't like? Most of them.

W-Worst Habit? Interrupting people and talking about myself too much.

X-X-rays you've had? Every part of my body. I glow in the dark.

Y-Your favorite food? A big ol' slab of dead cow.

Z- Zodiac Sign? Libra.

Part 4: Kari tagged me to list 6 weird things about me.

1. I like olives, but I hate them on pizza.

2. Most of my colon has been removed. I now have a semi colon.

3. I carry a purse. I think that calling it a fanny pack is living a lie.

4. I don't like chocolate.

5. Two of my best ideas came to me in dreams. How to propose to Sweety Pie and the idea for my book.

6. I think that ABBA was pretty good.

I now hereby tag Hotwire Swishy and Frannie

Thought for the day -

If life gives you lemons, send them back and demand what you ordered.

What's up with you guys?

2006-12-02T12:23:00.000-08:00

Why do I have to hear about it every time I miss a few days of blogging? I'm happy that Drew's crew misses me, but I don't need a lecture about being a slacker. Nobody gets after Hotwire or Kari if they are gone for a few days. Don't get me wrong here, I am feeling the love. But I can get that kind of love from my mom.

So I've slowed down on my blogging. I guess I set the bar pretty high early on. Now I'm going for quality not quantity.

OK, I feel better now.

Thought for the day -

Drew is here, just not as often.

Snow in Seattle

2006-11-28T19:10:00.000-08:00

OK, we've been all over the news. A little bit of snow and everyone in Seattle pees their pants. We must look like a bunch of goobers. I don't get it. I've been living here for 40 years, and I know how to drive in the snow. The first time it snowed when I was 16, my step-father took me out and taught me how to handle snow.

There are two major problems with people in Seattle and snow

1. 90% of them don't know how to drive in the snow. Worse than that, they don't know they don't know how to drive in the snow.
2. 90% of them drive 4 wheel drive cars and don't know that 4 wheel drive does not mean 4 wheel stop.

OK, I feel better now.

Today, Sweety Pie had the day off work. We went to the movies and saw "Stranger Than Fiction." It was cool. All authors and would be authors should see it. Will Farell gives what I think is an Oscar worthy performance. It was the feel good movie of the year.

Thought for the day -

If you don't know how to drive in the snow, don't drive in the snow!!!!

Winter Wonderland.

2006-11-26T14:47:00.000-08:00

I'm sitting here mourning another Steelers loss (They suck and are officially out of the playoff hunt) and I don't care. Why, you ask?

Because it's snowing out!!!!

I know those members of Drew's crew on the east coast are shaking their heads and thinking I'm insane right now. Just remember that here in the great pacific northwest snow is an event. It never hangs around more than a week and some years we don't get any at all. Normally if we want to see snow, we have to go up into the mountains (Real mountains, not those hills on the east coast).

So anyway, I'm just going to sit by the fire, watch the snow and think happy thoughts.

Peace out.

Thought for the day -

"The weather is here, I wish you were beautiful." Jimmy Buffett.

This is pretty cool.

2006-11-22T15:06:00.000-08:00

We had a bit of a storm here yesterday. I thought that this picture was cool.

Peace out.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2006-11-22T14:48:00.000-08:00

Here's wishing Drew's crew a very happy Thanksgiving. To those of you outside of the USA, (Rose, Trish, and Boo) here's wishing you a very happy Thursday.

Thought for the day -

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Jesus Christ. - 1st Thessalonians 5:16-18

Feeling the love.

2006-11-18T17:03:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Drew's crew for the kind words. I am so feeling the love right now. I have just been catching my breath for a while. Don't worry, I'm OK and I'm still reading your stuff. See y'all soon.

Thought for the day -

You can't force creativity.

A parakeet goes to Vegas Baby! part three.

2006-11-14T12:23:00.000-08:00

I am finally getting back to my Vegas Baby! story. Thanks to Drew's Crew for you patience.

Saturday night and time to go to the MGM Grand and see Jimmy Buffett. Sweety Pie and I donned our beach/carnival attire, bid Ross and Rachel a good evening, and joined the throng heading to the show.

The Parrotheads were decked out in grass skirts and coconut bras. The women also got dressed up. It was aloha print as far as the eye could see. I take a certain amount of pride in the fact that I don't change my "look" when I go to see Buffett.

Here's me and Sweety Pie at the show.

Now a Buffett show is like no other concert you have ever seen. The crowd is part of the show. Most of the Parrotheads have been drinking (Because we don't drink, Sweety Pie and I are in the minority here) all day and don't stop during the show. I like to say that when you attend a Jimmy Buffett show, you are part of the worlds largest drunk choir. It's kind of funny to think that all these people are doctors, lawyers, business professionals, ETC... who are just letting their hair down for the show. Everyone knows all the words and all the times when participation is required.

The show was a blast. Mr. Buffett hasn't lost a step since I first saw him almost 30 years ago. He puts on the most fun (non-Christian) show anywhere.

After the show, we played the slots till 2:30 and went to bed. We were worn out, but it was worth it. It was a day well spent.

Thought for the day -

"I'd rather die while I'm living than live while I'm dead." - Jimmy Buffett

Houston, we have a problem.

2006-11-13T13:01:00.000-08:00

Hey there. I'm back from the conference and it was awesome. It's great to hang out with a bunch of people with common interests and motivation.

This morning, I was checking the blogosphere, and I found out that the agent that was looking at my partial has left the agency. Now the head of the agency is going to be looking at my work. She is one of the best and well known agents in the business. This is good and bad.

Good - If she likes it, I'm on the fast track.

Bad - She has a huge client list and will probably be very picky about who she takes on. She may not want to waste her time on unproven writers.

The sound you hear is the start of my ulcer. I have a feeling that the next few weeks are going to be long ones. If you happen to be talking to God, please mention me. Thanks

Thought for the day -

Even though they won yesterday, the Steelers still suck.

Call off the search party.

2006-11-09T16:28:00.000-08:00

Sorry to all of Drew's Crew for the recent lack of posts. I just haven't been in a very bloggy mood this week. I'm going to a Christian music conference this weekend, so I should have stuff to say next week.

Thought for the day -

Um.......