Nothing to Report

As you can see it's been a few days since I've posted anything. Well that's because I've had absolutely nothing of interest, or anything exciting to report. This weekend is going to stink too because I have to work on Saturday, so I will not be able to watch the Notre Dame game on T.V. Depending on when it starts I may be able to catch the end of it when I get home. Otherwise I will have to just keep up with in with sports clicker on my computer. It's going to be a big game too. . . . Notre Dave Vs. Purdue. Thats always a big rivalry for us.

So yesterday at work Roland came to do a product session to demonstrate their Fantom X6 keyboard workstation. The thing was awesome. If I only had $2,000.00 to spare. Well not quite $2,000.00 because as an employee I could get a pretty good deal on it, but still. I mean it plays like a regular keyboard/piano if you want to, but you can also do so much recording and mixing on it too. I can't even begin to go into detail what all it does. I mean I can hook it up to my computer and record, so I can burn CD's, and I can even hook up any other instrument and to the keyboard and record onto the keyboard. It's crazy! It was sweet.

Anyways later today for lunch I get to have free lunch at Applebees on the Woodwind & Brasswind since I was voted for MVP for the brass department. Thats right, I'm awesome. :o) LOL So all the MVP's in each department get to have free lunch. It's kinda nice. We also get to go for as long as we want, and don't have to worry about getting back on time and getting pointed for being late. So yeah, kinda nice . . .I mean free food and extended lunch.

Well I guess thats about it. I told you, not a whole lot of much that is exciting. Hope everyone else had a good week, and has a good weekend!

Blah Weekend

It was pretty much a Blah kind of weekend even though I did not have to work. Mainly because I was just not feeling well, and kind of out of it all weekend. I did at least get to watch the Notre Dame game on Saturday afternoon though, and watched them kick Washington's butt! Woo hoo! I believe the overall score in the end was something like Notre Dame 38 and Washington 17. We kept Washington at just 3 pretty much the entire game except the last quarter at the very end, unfortunately we let them get some more points. Otherwise we could have really kept the score nice and lopsided. lol Next weekend I believe we play Purdue, which should be a great game. We have struggled with Purdue in the past, so I'm excited for this game. It's a pretty big Rival game. Well I guess that is about all. Like I said, a pretty blah weekend except for the game. Hope everyone else had a good weekend though. Take care!

Jam Session

So Tuesday night a group of us from the brass department decided we would get together and run through some brass quintet music. We had a lot of fun. We played through some real basic stuff that was simple, but pretty. Then we thought we would just have fun and try some outrageous crazy stuff that was ridiculously hard. Well we got through it at least! Parts of it actually didn't sound too bad. We were there way too late considering we didn't even get started till almost 9:00p.m. I think we started to get a little slap happy by the end of the night. It was fun though, and I think we will probably do it again next Tuesday.

I finally have the pictures from the Notre Dame game. I had difficulties with the picture CD. Finally got it solved last night, and got them all on the computer and edited. It was too late to create them into an album and post them to the site last night though, so I will hopefully have that ready tonight though. :o)

Also I realized I forgot to post this weeks scripture reading. I'm slacking! So sorry. It's Philippians chapter 1. As usual I have a link to use, or you can study it with your own Bibles. I always encourage everyone to take some time out and study these selections, spend some one on one time with God and His Word, and spend some time in Prayer.

A Sad Day

Well in all honestly I couldn't have asked for a more fun and exciting day on Saturday. It just had a sad ending.

First of all let me tell you how we started the weekend off on Friday. Susan I headed over to Notre Dame Firday night to go to the Pep Rally at the Joyce ACC Center. Doors opened to Notre Dame students at 5:30p.m. and to the public at 6:00p.m. We got over there just at about 6:00p.m. Well the place was already so packed that they were turning a whole crowd of people away, so we couldn't get in. It was a major bummer. Apparently there was already a ton of people lined up to get in starting at 3:00p.m.! There was no way we would have gotten in even if we got there at 5:00p.m. and we were both still at work till then. Keep in mind the Joyce ACC holds 10,000 people! We decided we weren't going to let it spoil our fun, so we headed over to Fiddler's Hearth, which is a great Irish Pub (seeing as the weekend is all about the Fighting Irish). Real Irish food, great pub atmosphere, and Irish music. We hung out there for a couple of hours, having a great time, and then went back to Susan's apartment to chill before heading back out to the Notre Dame campus for the Midnight drum circle. For those of you who do not know what a drum circle is, that is when the marching drum line comes out and plays a bunch of awesome pieces and everyone gathers around them. They totally rocked. It's a good way to get all psyched up for the game.

Now comes the big day . . . Game day! Susan and I left early and got to campus a little before 10:00a.m. It was just amazing to see the parking lots full of all the tail gaters. The smell of all the barbeque, people playing games, and even people with giant tv's set up in the back of their vehicles. It's just a whole different atmosphere there on game day. We headed towards the bookstore because I wanted to look around for some things in there even though I knew it was going to be mobbed. After spending some time in the bookstore we came out and listened to the live music they had going on on the stage that was set up right next to it. It was nice and relaxing. Around noon we headed over to the library where we were going to meet Kendall and Nancy from my church. While there we took some time to glance up at "Touch Down Jesus", a mural that is painted on the front of the library everyone has come to call this because you can see it from inside the stadium in the endzone, and the way Jesus' hands are raised it looks like he is saying "Touchdown!" Well Kendall and Nancy did not meet us at the Library, and since we did not want to miss the band's concert on the steps of Bond Hall we headed on over there figuring they may be over there, since that was where we were going to all go. On our way over there, we were about run over by the Irish Guard (big men in kilts). The concert had just gotten started as we got over there. Sure enough in the giant crowd of thousands of people though we were able to run into Kendall and Nancy. We enjoyed the concert, and afterwards headed over to the main building for the Band's inspection and marchout to the stadium. The inspecition was great. The band members all line up at perfect attention staring forward, not smiling or anything. Then the section leaders all go through and inspect each member. They make sure their hair is not touching their collar, their uniform is all straight and perfect, and the whole time everyone standing by in the audiance around them is screaming at them and trying to make them laugh or smile. It was just too funny to watch. Then the band marches and plays the fight song out across campus to the stadium what was really awesome was the fans can march right behind all the way to the stadium, so Susan and got right behind them, and I mean RIGHT behind them. We were literally behind the piccolo players. The whole way too. I mean people tried to cut in in front of us, but were weren't letting them! It was a blast! See that is what is just great about Notre Dame football, there is just so much tradition that goes on.

So we got in the gates, and found our seats. Game starts, and bam! . . . Michigan State scores. It's rediculous! I'm like it's okay, it's okay, we'll get em, no big deal. Man the first half goes by, and we're down by 21 points!! I'm starting to feel hopeless here. I'm thinking well this stinks, my first ever actual time getting to see a live Notre Dame game, and this happens. Whats going one? We started out the year so awesome. We beat Pitt. and then we beat 3rd ranked Michigan, so why are we down 21 to Michigan State? So we come back in the 3rd quarter though, and man to we make a come back. Our defense is kicking butt! We are shutting them down, and then our offense is making some plays now! We come back from being down 21 points to tie the game 38 to 38 by the end of the 4th quarter!! It has to go into overtime! So here I think we are going to pull this off now! I mean man this has been one heck of a game to watch now. Talk about having a sore throat the next day from screaming so much. So overtime comes. We make 4 point field goal . . yes! Now Michigan State has the ball. Lets just shut em down again right, and we win! Nope, they make a touchdown . . they win by 3 points. Such a sad ending. An awesome weekend, so much excitement, so psyched for the game, and awesome tense game, and bam . . . it's like the wind gets knocked out of you. It's all over. Oh well It was still fun. I'll have some awesome pictures from it all up later. Check back later.

Too Exhausted

So I have been working extra hours lately at work trying to help our customer service department get caught up on customer e-mails. I've been coming in at 7:00a.m. and working till 7:00p.m. I didn't think it would wipe me out so much, but I have been soooooo tired! Now I have only been working these 12 hour days for a week now, but I'm not sure I am going to work that many hours for them next week. I didn't realize it would effect me this much! I know it's pathetic. The only thing is that it's extra money, which is why I'm doing it. Money is always a good thing. Being as I'm too tired to write and think any more . . . I'm out! LOL

Game Ready!

Last night Susan and I went shopping to get all geared up and ready for the Notre Dame game this weekend. We were going to go to this discount store that has all kinds of college team apparel, including a large section of Nortre Dame wear. However, they are apparently closed during football season!!! Can you believe that? That is the craziest thing ever. They must be associated with another store or something that can charge full price, and so then they want to gouge you during football season when they know all the crazy people will just drop ridiculous amounts of money on merchandise. Sooooooo, Susan and I decided to hit JC Penny's instead because they have a whole Notre Dame section of clothing as well. What was awesome was they ended up having a "Buy 1, Get 1 Half Off All Notre Dame apparel" sale. I got a new Notre Dame t-shirt and hat to wear for the game on Saturday. So I only had to pay for half of one of the items, so it was a sweet deal. Plus they had good prices on the t-shirts already. Susan ended up getting 3 t-shirts and a hat. So we are set!! We are both so psyched for the game on Saturday. Plan on getting there plenty early, so we can do all the pre-game festivities that go on on campus. We also looked up on line where are seats are in the stadium. Looks like we are right in the end zone. It's pretty cool. We'll be able to see all the touchdowns Notre Dame is going to score! So anyways, we are Game Ready!!

Mana's Book Review

So I went ahead and created another Blog, even without waiting for ya'lls feed back on if you thought it was a good idea! :o) It is "Mana's Book Review" and I have of course put a link for it to the left of this page. Check it out so far, and let me know what you think. I thought it would be neat to let people know more of what books I have been reading, and to give a more in depth review of them. Also to allow a place for others to leave their feedback as well. There is not much to it yet, but one cool thing I have added to this site is a chat box where people can openly chat and see eachother's comments right on the site. It's almost like a little chat room! :o) Anyways, I'm very excited about it, and I hope you all enjoy it.

Other exciting news . . . I am going to the opening home Notre Dame game this weekend!!! I'm very excited about it. My friend Susan and I are going together. Thanks to my brother's connections at work, he was able to get us some tickets. Of all the years living in South Bend, home of Notre Dame, I have never been to an actual game. Sure, I've watched em all on tv, and even been to some of the festivities at the school before game time. Never have I been to an actual game though. Plus it's against Michigan State, so you know that is going to be an awesome game. We have a new coach this year, and so far he has been quite impressive with the team. Last weekend we beat 3rd ranking Michigan 17-10, so that was an awesome victory. I will have to let you know how it all goes. :o)

Scripture

I have been trying to give scriptures that are whole chapters for you to read because I think that is a good amount to concentrate on and focus on. Now this weeks is going to be March Chapter 12, which has many, ummm I would say smaller passages within it. What I wanted to really focus on is versus 28-34, which may be entitled in your Bibles something like "Most Important Commandment". Not that the rest of it is not important, but I think as Christians this is something that we need to really focus on. Well obviously as Christians we should already be making God as #1 in our lives, and loving Him with all our hearts, minds, and souls. I think a lot of us still struggle with the love your neighbor as yourself part though because that does not include just our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Again you can use the link I have posted to the left to read Mark Chapter 12, or use your own Bibles.

New Book

Well I have completed the Francine Rivers trilogy, and now have no more novels by her to read. It's really quite sad because I have really loved all her books, and I just flew through them all. I did pick up another book though when I was at Barnes & Noble last in preparation for completing my Francine Rivers saga. It's Frank Peretti's newest book, "Monster". He is also a very well known Christian fiction writer. I have not read any of his stuff, but have been wanting to read this book, as every time I would go into Barnes & Noble prior, I would always skim through it. I started actually reading it this weekend, and it sucks you in right away. I don't think it will take long to finish it at all with how captivating it is. After I finish this book, I think I may check out some of his others. I heard now, that this book is different from his others, but from the looking and reading I've done on his others they sound very interesting as well.

I'm thinking about perhaps starting an additional blog to do like a weekly or bi-weekly book review/club or something. What do you think. I read so much that I though it would be fun to review and put a little post or something on the different stuff I read. I don't know just an idea. It's kinda funny that I've gotten hooked to so much fiction considering I'm normally a non-fiction person, but it's been a lot of fun.

Anyways I hope to have this weeks scripture reading posted maybe later tonight. Till then! :o)

Random Goodness

First off I have not had a chance to post the weekly scripture from last Sunday until now, so I do apologize for that. It is Revelation Chapters 2 & 3. Check it out with the link or your own Bible as usual. :o)

Second, I am very excited for my new found friend, Rebecca. You can all check out her blog from here. It is La Vie En Rose. She is also a fellow Francine Rivers fan, and a student up in Canada. This year she is an RA in her dorm, and it seems she has been blessed with a fantabulous bunch of girls. I'm very excited for her because it seems that even though they have only been there for a week so far God is already moving and doing some wonderful things with Rebecca and her girls. I can't wait to see what all goes on throughout the year.

Now yesterday some rather pleasant things happened as well. Since our customer service department is rather far behind in what we call, "support tickets". These are e-mails the customers send us from our website. We've been swamped because of our huge warehouse move that is going on. Since they can not get caught up, the company has offered to pay sales agents an extra $10.00/hr for any extra hours they work outside their normal shift. So if we want to come in an hour early and stay an hour late or something we can make some extra cash just answering e-mails. Bonus!! I'll take some of that!! :o)

Also yesterday, Comcast out to the house to hook up our hi-speed internet. Sweet! Now I can go super fast! Woo hoo!! That will be nice to not to have to wait forever to load a page. I can do some serious damage now. LOL

Finally my nice bonus is that I don'thave to work this weekend, and I can enjoy sitting back, relaxing, and watching Notre Dame kick Michigan's butt!

Hope everyone has a good weekend!

New Toy

Can't beat the perks of working at the largest musical instrument retailer. Today I get a new toy to play with. And, Rebecca you can appreciate this I'm sure, since your a trumpet and french horn player as well. It's a flugelhorn! I'm soooo excited because I've always wanted a flugel, but never really had the money to invest in one. It's really quite nice actually. Has a rose brass bell to give it a nice warm, rich tone, and even has the 3rd valve trigger on it. I can't wait to get it home and play around on it. It's perfect for church music, which is what I've really always wanted one for. Plus since I've really been feeling like when I do get back to Montana that I want to get more involved with my music again, this will be perfect! So it's very exciting. :o)

Last Sermon

Today was my home pastor, Kendall Dahlstrom's last Sunday as our church's pastor. He has retired after 21 years of leading our congregation. It was a sad day because no one wants to see him leave, but it was such a wonderful service as well because so many people were there to offer their support and wish him well. The church was packed full, and I think it meant so much to Pastor Dahlstrom. He meant a lot to so many people over the years, and I feel they wanted him to realize that. The good thing is that Kendall and his wife, Nancy, are not moving or anything like that, and they will still remain a part of the church. Too many people would be sad if they moved away. I know I would be. Church there is definitely not going to be the same without him leading it, so it will be interesting now to see what kind of changes the church does go through now. There is no new pastor yet that has been called, so I do not know what will be happening next. Guess we will just wait and see.

Now on a happier note! For all of those who may have missed it yesterday . . . Notre Dame totally kicked Pittsburgh's butt!!! Woo hoo!!!! Go ND!! Seems so far our new coach has it together. Lets see how we keep it up!

New American Red Cross Phone Center

So my poor mom being the director of her county American Red Cross chapter has been swamped at work with this Katrina mess. She's there early ever day, and not home til after 9:00pm every night since. Well now they have to have a liver person available to answer the phones over there 24/7, so last night my mom had to set up their phones to transfer all calls to ring at our house! This was because there was no one else available to answer phones. So we became the new American Red Cross Phone center. :o) The phone was ringing at 2:00a.m.!! I mean come on who call the Red Cross about wanting to know what they can do to help at 2 in the morning!! What the heck were they doing up in the first place? I felt bad for my mom. She'd already been swamped with a bunch of stuff before the hurricane hit, and now it's like 50 times worse. So anyways it's kinda funny to be answering our phones at home "American Red Cross, how can I help you?".