Birthday Eve

On this, the eve of my birthday, I have decided to spend some time pondering all of the many things that I am grateful for as I enter year 24 of life. I have made no secret about my disdain for turning 24 as it seems to mark the end of being a fun guy and the beginning of being a boring guy. I have decided that such thought is folly. Many people in my life have said things like, "Turning 24 doesn't mean the end of being fun or young". Usually, I rolled my eyes at those types of statements. However, there are a lot of things to look forward to in life. There are also a great deal of things to be grateful for. I am grateful for the chance to be home with my family for the final time as a bachelor. I am very blessed to have two wonderful parents who have made all manner of sacrifice for me. Even though I think he is rather absurd at times, I do cherish my brother Taylor a great deal. Watching him grow and mature (slowly) reminds me that the progression of life is...well, progress. I am also grateful for the vast number of friends (who are pretty much family anyway, minus the whole blood relation thing) whom I have had the opportunity to share life with over the year. Each one of you inspires me in some way and I love all of you dearly. Without friends like all of you, life would be so very bland. Thanks for adding brilliant color. I am grateful for so many other things as well (health, music, a job, etc.) and I trust that year 24 (or is it 25) of life will offer many more blessings for which to be grateful. That being said, bring it on age 24...let's see what you're made of. Cheers!

p.s.- In the words of Rufus Wainwright, "I truly loved, which is harder to do than to dream of"

p.p.s.- Happy 22nd Birthday Paul von Kampen...you're in Latvia right now. Have some Absinthe on me

How can they be so cruel?

It's been a lonely day. My parents and brother were at work all day long and I was left to die in the forest over and over as I imagined exploring the not so dangerous wooded areas behind my house. Imagine my joy when mother and brother finally come home and to my surprise, mother is holding a bottle of wine. Naturally, I become very excited. Fate had other things in mind. I take hold of the bottle to see what sort of delicious variety we would enjoy over supper...and beyond. However, my heart sank as I read the words: Alcohol REMOVED. Pain, thy name is Monday. Here's to hoping for a better Tuesday. Now if you'll excuse me, I must try to make it through the forest behind my house successfully...after tea of course. Cheers

p.s.- I have a brilliant idea for a musical...just brilliant. Details to follow

After a long hiatus

Greetings all! It has surely been a long time since last I wrote. Please accept my most sincere apologies for not keeping up with the blog. There is so much going on lately that I just haven't had a free moment to sit down, gather thoughts, and get them to the cyber world! Also, I regret to inform that after many failed attempts to post finished musical works, I had decided that it just won't be possible to share them with you...on the blog at least. I still plan on giving everything I write away for free. I figure it's the best way to get things heard right? Speaking of new music, since I have been home, I have been working on the Dermody Cycle as well as bits and pieces of Basho. I have finished a spiritual that I am more than willing to give away to any of you future and current church workers who might be looking for some new material to try with your ensemble.

In other news, the FIFA World Cup is well underway. What a tournament so far! Alas, our American lads fought hard and won their group for the first time in 80 years before going out in the round of 16. In the grand scheme of football, that is truly an amazing accomplishment considering it takes two years just to qualify for the World Cup itself. As a hard of USA football, I am very proud of what they did this year. The way I see it, we are just one world class forward and a few world class defenders away from really making a deep run next time around. Brasil 2014 should be a great one. As it stands with the Americans and the British out of the tournament, I will root for Spain to go all the way.

I am currently enjoying time at home for a week. It is nice to be back in Baltimore during the summer time for a change. I'm sure my family is looking forward to helping me celebrate my 24th birthday (ugh) in a few days. Crazy to think that I was in Spain a year ago!

Well my friends, I hope to return to regular blogging now that I have some time again. I forgot how fun it is to write a bunch of things and hope that someone out there actually reads them. Until next time...cheers!

p.s.- Congrats to the LA Lakers for their second NBA title in as many seasons. Lakeshow for life

It's almost here!

That's right people. Just when you thought this summer could not get anymore exciting than it already is...the FIFA WORLD CUP is coming to make certain that our viewing pleasure reaches new levels of awesomeness. Starting on June 11 and running till July 11 (that's a whole month!) there will be football (or soccer if you're reading this in America) matches on everyday! This is the world's game and we have the joy of seeing 32 nations from around the world get together every four years and compete for the World Cup trophy. If you are not a big fan of the sport, that is truly a shame. The drama and passion the go into this tournament are unrivaled by any other sporting event outside of the Olympic games. Why? Because there is national pride on the line! Besides, how many chances will you get to see the best of the best from every country (that qualifies) get together and play in a tournament of this magnitude? I encourage all of you to take some time and take in the glory that is the World Cup. I promise that you will not be disappointed. Feel free to contact yours truly if you are new to the beautiful game and need some guidance on how to watch a match.

In other news, it's the start of a new week. Let's all do our best to make this one epic! I know I have a great deal of epic things lined up for this week....and it all culminates with the USA vs. England match on saturday at 1:30 eastern time. Saturday also happens to be the 21st birthday of our dear friend Michael Palomaki...hahahahahahaha. As head of the party planning committee for 1211 Kolterman Ave, I have taken it upon myself to make sure that this is a day that he never forgets and a night that he wished had never happened.

Cheers! USA...USA...USA (such will be the battle cry for the next month)

p.s.- Happy Birthday to Jessica Werner (the love of my life). You are 23 today and I vow to make sure that this year is not as horrible as fate says it is supposed to be. You are a gem...an emerald gem to be exact. I love you very much.

Here we go

Life is taking shape and I love it. I am starting to settle into a nice summer rhythm now and the World Cup starts in less than a week. Wedding plans are going smoothly, post wedding plans are happening...somewhat (at least we might have a place to live), and I truly believe that one day we will get to teach. I have friends who have begun internships (Go Lindsey!), friends getting ready to start internships (Go Bethany!), friends leaving the country (Go Paul!), friends coming home from other countries (Go Ween!), friends turning 21 (Go Michael!), friends heading to Baltimore (Go Lindsey Auten...and Me!), friends are simply doing big things and i couldn't be happier. That being said, I hope everyone out there is living the dream these days. Whatever you are doing...do it BIG! I'm rooting for you. Cheers!

p.s- Happy Birthday Lindsey Auten...you're a wonderful person