Black Friday

I have to admit, as much as I like shopping, I hate it.

To be so hedonistic gives such sinful pleasure.  While I enjoy seeing the look on someone's face receive that "special" gift, it's nothing compared to the look of passer-by's in the mall as you drop X amount of dollars at the mall, store, or wherever you spend your money.  For a bit of that envious glare from unknown strangers, you buy the cow, the harness, and two bales of hay.  And for that, I hate it.

I hate wanting to gain that stupid satisfaction that comes from a stranger's glance.  That sneer that one develop's when you know you got what some Joe Schmo doesn't have quite yet.  It's a dirty feeling and I feel like shouting "Out damn spot; out!".  The wife and I did Black Friday and for all the little gifts we got for our family and friends, I have a bit of a sour taste in my mouth.

I just read about the Wal-Mart worker was trampled to death upon the store's opening today.  As much as I like a deal, how much humanity have we lost to step upon a human being in order to garner a few $2 DVDs and a really big and flat TV for $400.  Let's be honest folks; none of those people out this morning were in dire need of those things.  Yes, I love a deal too, but c'mon...someone died.  Imagine being in that crowd of over 2.000 who rushed in when the doors were unlocked.  I wasn't there, but I did say unlocked, not exactly opened.  

Imagine being in that pent-up energy, building up as the seconds tick by, hearing the two ladies next to you voice their plan about hitting such and such area first.  Suddenly, there's a hush as the blue vested man approaches the doors.  He unlocks them and begins to open them.  Hell is thusly unleashed.  The crowd rushes through, the smell of deals and saved money awaiting to be spent on on countless other deals tickles the adrenal glands just enough for a squirt of that lively juice.  Elbows get pushed, voices raise over the din and suddenly you feel something rubbery on under your footsteps.  You glance down and see some blue but can't stop due to the wave of humans following you and fifty others' path.  Tragedy befalls us.

I actually had a few other things I had hoped to write about, but those all seemed trivial in comparison.  My thoughts and prayers to any and all who were physically hurt today in our attempt to save as much money as possible to garner as much crap to give to others.

Excuse me; I'm going to go wash my hands and brush my teeth again.

Playing Guitar: Not so easy

Tom is quite proud of me.  My callouses are building up nicely.  

It's been almost two months since I started really practicing playing guitar, and it's been going quite well.  

I don't know everything; it's almost frustrating to not be able to play certain songs because I can't play certain chords well.  I'm having most of my troubles with F and B chords and barre chords.  But, being able to play my little collection is still rewarding.  In fact, playing a few songs, my wife even sang along (she sings a bit better than me some might say).

My wife was so proud when I took that sheaf of papers and organized it into a little black folder.  Close to thirty songs, they are basics.  I'm also learning some solos, but they aren't as easy as the performers make it seem.  Such artistry and talent, I've yet to reach that potential.  Still, I was able to impress my wife's nephew with the riff from "Beat It".  

Duh-da-da-da-duh; duh-da-da-da! Duh-da-da-da-duh; duh-da-da-da! 

"They told us 'Doncha ever come 'round here...Don't wanna see your face; you betta disappear..."

Fall Out Boy's version is okay with John Mayer, but doesn't touch the original.  

White glove is optional.

Live at Round Top: Top 8 List

Well, I said I would get it done and I finally did.

Surprisingly enough, the audio I got from the performance at the wedding was beyond decent. While not in stereo, it's quite clean and you can really make out the entire trio.

I've gone ahead and made a WMA version of "Falling Softly" for all those interested.  I've emailed a great many of you this copy, but for anyone interested, just drop me a line and I'll shoot you one PDQ.

EDIT:  I just finished uploading it, so anyone really interested can get it here.  The price?  Just leave a comment.  Easy enough, eh?

For those of you that missed it, my buddy Kris and his lovely bride Kelley were joined in holy matrimony this past weekend.  The weather was gorgeous and the setting was simply stunning. 

 Amidst a great company of family and friends, we all watched as our two loved ones began their wonderful journey together.

I'm sure that everyone had a wonderful time and there's of stories of various "events" that occurred unbeknownst to our two hosts.  For me, I simply smiled and took the whole scene in.  I did do my chivalrous duties beyond a groomsman, by offering my designated driver services.

Let's finish this off with the Top 8 moments from the Denby-Bussone Weekend, from my experience.

8.  Getting showed up by Dino on the links - Yeah, he beat me.  Quite soundly at that.  He will get his one day.  The beer that I owe him at least...

7.  The baby in the Star Bar - WTF?  I didn't get it, but I guess the parents decided lil' junior was old enough to party in the smoke-laden room.  

6.  Crashing at the Denby's - The fact that they put me up was great, almost as good as the fact 

that they put up with me.  A second Mom & Dad, I love them immensly.  

5.  Getting booted out of the After-Party - There was a party around the corner at this historic house and after arriving, we (along with pretty much everyone else) was quickly "asked" to depart the premises.  I guess someone ruined it for everyone.  

4.  Garland's Barking Spiders - I've known many a friendly people in my time, and the fact that this gentlemen decided to share with me and the rest of the groomsmen his barking spiders simply showed the extent of his friendliness.  They were not in the least silent, but quiet far from deadly.  

3.  Musical Performances - I was simply blown away by the song that Kelley's sister wrote and performed during the rehearsal dinner.  I was moved again by the stirring performance by Kris, Chuck and John.  

2.  Watching Kim cry through the entire ceremony - Wow, a beautiful girl in front of me, a solemn ceremony and reddish eyes unceasingly shedding tears of joy.  At least I hope they were...

1. The Ceremony - Duh.  What did you think was going to be the top moment?  I've known Kris since 1st grade, and this moment really is a great reflection of Kris and the moments that he's shared with all his friends.  True, sincere, and heartfelt.  

Cheers to you and your new wife, bro.

The Flesh Wounds Premiere

I had the opportunity to be a part of one of my best friend's weddings.  Quite awesome.  A beautiful ceremony, one truly breathtaking part was the amount of work that Kris and his compatriots took to surprise Kelley with a scene stealing show.

While an interesting back story on Once, Kris decided to surprise his lovely bride with this rendition of Glen Hansard's and Markéta Irglová's "Falling Slowly".  I'd say she was pretty surprised.

Here's they are folks; The Flesh Wounds.

EDIT: I've now uploaded both the video and the song.  Get it now here!

EDIT #2: Okay, apparently there's an issue with this Box.net link, so I've put it on zShare and you can get it here now.

To My Friend...

As it appears that my counter flipped over 1500 (500 since my last major update), I take this occaision to write about something quite significant:  my friend's wedding.

This Saturday, my friend Kris and his fiancee Kelley are to wed in a small town south of Austin.  I have the honor of being part of this awesome ceremony, and as the day approaches I simply reflect back on my wedding and that promise I made to my wife many years ago.

I've never been so lucky to find my soul mate, that one singular entity that makes you complete.  And truly, my wife flatters me.  She brings out all that is best in me, even when I'm angry.  Through her, I've learned the virtues of patience and understanding, the value of family, and most importantly, the irreplaceable feeling of being love.

So to my friend, I offer you these but humble pieces of advice...

1. Thanks - Always give thanks for that greater power that be for bringing Kelley into your life.  As it is, life works in the strangest of ways.  For whatever reason, she entered your life and there shall remain, a constant compliment to you.  For all that she brings (and you mess up), give thanks.  For all the arguments that get started, give thanks for having a fire in your lives.  For all the sad moments, give thanks for that shoulder to cry upon.  For all the stolen moments, give thanks.  If she ever asks "How many more times are you going to say thanks?", you reply should always be, "At least once more..."
2. Little Things - Robert Brault once said, "Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things."  The little things all form together to make that big thing called life.  Obviously, you'll remember big things like your wedding and milestones of such; but what about those burned meals that first year?  How about incessant talking about the most mudane things, or always forgetting to throw away your soda can when you're done with it?  I'd miss my wife's nagging if it weren't there; just don't tell her that, okay?
3. Carpe Diem - Not just some cheesey Robin Williams line, but a way of life.  You are given but this moment just this once.  Take it; seize it; rip it from the wretched hands of time and ride it out for all that it's worth.  To offer another quote, “One day at a time--this is enough. Do not look back and grieve over the past for it is gone; and do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful it will be worth remembering."  Each day offers its own rewards; seek it out with the company that you keep at that moment.

Marriage is a treasure that has oft eluded many.  Kris and Kelley, you are fortunate to make this journey together.  I wish you both nothing but shared moments of happiness and joy.  Robert Fulgham once quipped, "What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul."  Lucky you, Kris; you gained the world and enriched your soul.