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another quote from "tommy"

Sometimes I randomly play little riffs on my guitar that I make up in the hallways, chapel, my classroom, during tests, well...whenever I'm holding onto my guitar that is...
Well, one day while the second graders were getting in a circle for a music game, I just pulled off a little riff and Tommy says in a sincere, matter-of-fact voice... "Huh, that's cool Mr.G, sounds kinda like Master of Puppets." He was right...which was interesting to say the least... but why was an 8-year-old making connections between my riffs and 80s hardrock?

Rock 'n Roll Teacher

Have I told you my students are creative? Well, one of them proved this once again by a comment that had me rolling the other day...
I walked out of my office in the music room at school before second grade music time and the kids were already sitting on the risers for me to start class. I like to get started without any downtime, so that I don't lose them within the first minute! I just busted into "I'm in Love with the King" and the kids jumped up and started singing and doing the actions. Before I could move from our warm-up song into our activity, "Tommy" was wiggling and squirming all over in his spot with his arm about to pop straight up out of his socket. I said, "Yes Tommy? It looks as though you have a question," in a calm, wanting to move on with the lesson voice. Then he hit me with it.
"Yeah! You know, Mr.G, when you came walking out of the room with your guitar, I could see it now...THE LIGHTS!...THE FOG!...THE CROWD!!...YOU JAMMIN ON THE GUITAR!! (big crunching guitar sound and windmill strum move made famous by The Who)...YEAH!!!...it was awesome..." My jaw dropped and I couldn't believe all of that had randomly come out of an 8-year-old's mouth, but I just couldn't help but laugh and say thank you.

Transfiguration

Tonight we went to church at my dad's church and saw him preach at their Saturday night service. I forgot what an incredible pastor and preacher he is. He is so passionate, well spoken, and engaging. He spoke about Jesus' transfiguration on the mountaintop before his death and resurrection. He brought with him Peter, James, and John. While there, his glory as God was shown while speaking with Moses and Elijah about his upcoming task on Earth. I've heard this story so many times before, but I never thought about the significance of it! Wow!! Moses and Elijah, who had heard about a coming "Emmanuel" to save Israel and they came back...FROM HEAVEN...to possibly comfort Jesus, encourage him, speak with him, or support him in this very treacherous time he was fast approaching. What an unbelievable experience it must have been for those lowly followers of Jesus of Nazareth. I wish I could've been there!

Fathers & Daughters

Have you ever thought about how your parents have affected your life? I have, and I'm proud of the job my parents did. After thinking about your own parents, have you ever thought about how other people were raised? Could it explain anything about how they treat you or themselves?
I have to admit that I've had, and still have, many close friends that are women. I also dated quite a few women before I married my lovely wife. As I pursued love, I tried to care about women and listen to them the same way my father modeled for me in his relationship with my mother. I was shocked many times at the inability of these women to accept my compliments, kind words, understanding thoughts, and patience. They continued to play games, refuse honesty, and expect me to "just know." Some, after spending enough time with me, confessed that they had never been cared for by a guy or man as much as I cared for them. This made me think about what type of men they've been surrounded by in their lives. I started learning about the fathers of the women in my life and I found out something amazing. If the father was uncommunicative, less-involved, distant, or the daughter had a lacking relationship with him she was more likely to show an inability to express mature confidence and communication. If the father was open, honest, communicative, complimentary, and supportive then the woman was much more confident, understanding, and willing to communicate about her feelings. I am very blessed to have a father-in-law who did just that for his daughter. I know that some women overcome this lack in their lives, but I believe that if they do, they had another male figure in their life who promised to always love them and show them what a strong, faithful man should look like. I pray that all men would be confident, open, loving, and compassionate fathers who always tell their daughters they are beautiful.

Ever bought a car? (How dumb do you think I am?)

Now I don't consider myself the most knowledgeable deal maker. I know what I want, I'll treat you with respect, I've done my research, and if it's not what I think I deserve...then there are plenty of other cars out there.
If you read my last post you'd know that last Monday I wrecked my car. Thursday they said it was totaled. Friday State Farm paid it off and gave me a hefty check over the top of paying off my previous loan. Thus...the buying begins.
I love Saturns because they tell it like it is. Here is our price...you like it? Buy it. If you don't...there are plenty of other people behind you that know this is a good price and we'll take care of you once you own it. Yet, I decided to go to another place next door. (they had a saturn L200 with a stickshift and moonroof)
The guy is known as a head hauncho and makes 6 figures because he's salesman of the month EVERY MONTH...and he has ALL the plaques behind his desk to show it (very gaudy I might add). Conversation was minimal and very awkward during the testdrive and got worse. Emily noticed a lot of wind noise while driving and he said it was because I wasn't used to the moonroof. Mine old Saturn never did that...but of course he knew how to fix it and would show us when we got back. Here was his solution (which all cars need once in a while)...BLACK ELECTRICAL TAPE ON TOP OF THE WINDSHIELD MOLDING!!! Dear Lord in Heaven...praise God for black electrical tape. Hey-is that included in the price? or do you teach me how to do it after I trim my mullet and marry my sister?
The office was dirty, disorganized and trashy. He said, "If I cut that $1,000 off the price you'd be ready to drive this off the lot wouldn't you?" Caught up in the moment and not being allowed to think it through I said "probably." He took it as "yes" and went to washing the car, sending us to wait in the finance room, and took the tags off the car.
The finance guy was really nice and noticed our concern. He asked why we weren't sure and he realized it wasn't the money...but the way we had been treated...we think he empathized with us. HEAD HAUNCHO MAN NEEDS TO MAKE A SALE!! So..."you freakin' finance lacky had better not SCREW it up!!" When he came back and we said we were going to walk and think about it he wanted to know what was wrong. We said we didnt' want to rush into it. Yet, he said it's everything we asked for and "why don't you just drive it home." He said he washed it and took off the signs...as he was just about to the door to walk out I said, "better put them back on then." I was about to reprimand him like the middle-schooler he his, but I got myself under control.
So, we went back to the Saturn dealership next door and they found us the most tight car for an amazing deal. Saturn L200 2003, stickshift, black, black leather interior, 6 disc, moonroof, heated seats, and lots more! We pick it up on Tuesday. If you're looking for a good Saturn...go to Golden Valley Saturn and ask for Dan.

24 hours of H-E-Double hockey sticks

Well...where do I begin?

Let's start yesterday, Monday, March 6, 2006...I don't feel like totally reliving one of the top 10 worst days of my life...so I will give you just the facts chronologically...
Monday:
7:00am Go to school with very red eyes and I am quite aware I must have "pink eye". I pick eye gunk/puss out of my eye all day while they continue to get redder and itchier.
2:00pm I move my private lessons to Tuesday and try to schedule a quick appointment. Yet, 3 different Park Nicollet Clinics can't get me in. They suggest an urgent care...so I haul my butt down to Burnsville as fast I can in order to beat the 4 o'clock/after work rush. Good thing I got there at 3:45, cuz they had 25 people check in between 4:00 and 4:20.
3:45-5:20 I wait to get into the doctor's office. When I finally get called, I yell "jackpot" in the waiting room and make a bunch of people laugh...plus I got the rest of my lesson planning done while waiting (the only 2 highlights of this day...pretty much)
5:20-5:35 Doctor says I have pink eye in both eyes and a possible sinus infection with redness in my throat and ears...YES!! So, he gave me eye drops and an antibiotic. Nice guy, but seemed overworked, so I just B.S.ed with him for a little while.
5:35 I leave the urgent care to head to Walgreens to pick up my stuff and have bible study that night.
5:45 I got about 500 yds out of the parking lot and hit a Cadillac Catera head-on. The Cadillac has its front end demolished, but my Saturn took a corner shot and doesn't look too bad. The lady is alright and so am I, but I'm still waiting to hear about the car. I should have an estimate tomorrow. I got the ticket, since it's my fault, because I didn't yield on a left turn green. I'm not making excuses, but I didn't see her, because the car turning in front of me blocked my view. I guess that's why they cause these "accidents."
7:00 pm Got back to my place to have some food with Em and Steve B.
Went to bed and got a little sleep.
Tuesday
7:00am Decided to go to work and spent the morning making insurance and auto body phone calls.
9:00am I got a call from Emily who was at the hospital having tests and feeling really sick.
11:00am I left school to meet her at her place and take care of her for the afternoon.
6:30pm Good news though...Steve B. has a car I can use as long as I need it, but when I got home from teaching lessons this evening the gear shift broke off...dang it...but I figured out how to still shift. Let's see how tomorrow goes...

Let's hope God grants us peace and the ability to get through the next few weeks. I ask that you keep us in your prayers and hopefully the rest of the school year will finish off strong.

Blessings,
Seth

The Sweet Nectar of Life

What a wondrous moment it must have been when the first brewery began in England. John Barras and Company set out on a most incredible adventure. The adventure of capitalism and free enterprise in the late 1700s. There were unaware that their efforts would have an immense, long-lasting effect on those they would touch with their sweet ale. A brown ale it would later be called...and with such success that soon after its release it would win the gold medal at the International Brewers' Exhibition. Now, that same, distinguished, award-winning, palate tingling beer is in my own home. Thanks be to the beer gods who have allowed Newcastle to dominate its trade for centuries and hopefully for more to come. http://www.newcastlebrown.com/home/