Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Saturday, January 15, 2011
School, Chitty, and other updates.
So I was inspired to post an update and I decided I would follow it.
First off, started second semester at Judson. Going well I suppose. My classes are fine, not too overwhelming. I am coming to the acceptance that I will be spending this semester in a major I am not passionate about and at a school I am not going to stay at but I know it's where God wants me to be right now.
And hey, it is nice to be learning some of the things I am. Worship Arts has some school stuff I am happy to learn. At the very least, this will be quite a lesson in perseverance and working hard because I want to reflect CHRIST in my work ethic, even when I don't love the project. It's easier to reflect Christ when I am working on something I love, I plan on using this semester to prove I love Christ by working hard on something I don't.
Also, this semester is made harder by the fact that Mon-Thurs just feel in the way of a certain project I AM excited about...
CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG!
First weekend of rehearsals was this weekend. It felt like it took forever to get here.
May I just say I don't think I have been this excited about a show since... maybe Peter Pan?
If you didn't already know, I grew up on Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. I have loved this story and this music long before I even knew the show was going to happen for amateur companies.
I learned YOU TWO and Toot Sweets this weekend. Two of my favorite scenes from the movie and actually getting to sing them is pretty sensational. Looking at the schedule, every rehearsal gets me excited. I just can't believe I get to work on a show that is so near to my heart.
Watching Nathan and Grace (Jeremy and Jemima for the one of you who didn't already know that) (yes the one out of the five of you who read my blog) do the opening while racing "run down Chitty", you would have sworn I was their actual father with how happy I was. It just is setting in, I get to share a story that raised me with this new generation and I can't wait.
This may sound over board, I promise I am still level headed about it. I know it's not perfect, I know it's just a show...
but...
the thought of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang just fills me with joy. I feel incredibly blessed to get to sing these songs and that's just a really nice feeling. I know alot of people won't understand, but I don't really car. I'm just happy and, I like it.
So just an update on how I'm feeling about the most recent changes in my life.
I'm really really blessed right now. God rocked my world at New Years and I feel like I had another starting over point with God and him and I are doing really well. I am choosing joy and it's great! I hope you are doing incredible too!
How can I pray for you?
First off, started second semester at Judson. Going well I suppose. My classes are fine, not too overwhelming. I am coming to the acceptance that I will be spending this semester in a major I am not passionate about and at a school I am not going to stay at but I know it's where God wants me to be right now.
And hey, it is nice to be learning some of the things I am. Worship Arts has some school stuff I am happy to learn. At the very least, this will be quite a lesson in perseverance and working hard because I want to reflect CHRIST in my work ethic, even when I don't love the project. It's easier to reflect Christ when I am working on something I love, I plan on using this semester to prove I love Christ by working hard on something I don't.
Also, this semester is made harder by the fact that Mon-Thurs just feel in the way of a certain project I AM excited about...
CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG!
First weekend of rehearsals was this weekend. It felt like it took forever to get here.
May I just say I don't think I have been this excited about a show since... maybe Peter Pan?
If you didn't already know, I grew up on Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. I have loved this story and this music long before I even knew the show was going to happen for amateur companies.
I learned YOU TWO and Toot Sweets this weekend. Two of my favorite scenes from the movie and actually getting to sing them is pretty sensational. Looking at the schedule, every rehearsal gets me excited. I just can't believe I get to work on a show that is so near to my heart.
Watching Nathan and Grace (Jeremy and Jemima for the one of you who didn't already know that) (yes the one out of the five of you who read my blog) do the opening while racing "run down Chitty", you would have sworn I was their actual father with how happy I was. It just is setting in, I get to share a story that raised me with this new generation and I can't wait.
This may sound over board, I promise I am still level headed about it. I know it's not perfect, I know it's just a show...
but...
the thought of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang just fills me with joy. I feel incredibly blessed to get to sing these songs and that's just a really nice feeling. I know alot of people won't understand, but I don't really car. I'm just happy and, I like it.
So just an update on how I'm feeling about the most recent changes in my life.
I'm really really blessed right now. God rocked my world at New Years and I feel like I had another starting over point with God and him and I are doing really well. I am choosing joy and it's great! I hope you are doing incredible too!
How can I pray for you?
Monday, January 3, 2011
"You can take ______'s place!"
I want to write a book called "Memoirs of the Replacement Family Member". Allow me to explain...
Many a time, I have attended a "family dinner" with myself and a friend's family. At most of these events, I have been dubbed the stand in for some sibling that is away at school, married, or something such as that. Now, I am super blessed with these families. I feel like I have multiple sets of parents and I love having a friendship with my friend's siblings as well.
But, sometimes it kinda sucks not having any friends over for family dinners with MY family. I don't mean to sound dramatic or depressed, cuz I'm not upset, it's just not an experience I ever really get. I don't need to, nor will I get into a big explanation of my family life. I think most people know the unique situation my family is, and I love them. I really, really do. But in all honesty, I do get a little jealous of a lot of the families I know.
I know all of my friends "hate" their siblings at times or get tired of having their parents around all the time, but I also have heard those same friends share how much they love their family, and how their siblings are their best friends.
I really hope that God has a nice sized family planned for my future. I want my kid's to have parents who are friends with their parents. I want my whole family to be invited over to another families house every once in a while. I want my wife to be able to say "The (last name)'s are coming over for dinner this Sunday".
I've been sitting on this post for a while. My mind has just been really focused on family since Thanksgiving was so great with my siblings and their families in California. I really hate that I never get to see them and Thanksgiving was such a blessing getting to have a big family time and then my Christmas was just, pretty small.
Don't get me wrong. I love my family, and I am really blessed. I have two great sets of parents and 6 awesome siblings. I hope that when I have a family, my kids will get all that too, but just at the same time. Sometimes having a big SEPARATE family gets to me a bit more than usual, especially around the holidays.
Many a time, I have attended a "family dinner" with myself and a friend's family. At most of these events, I have been dubbed the stand in for some sibling that is away at school, married, or something such as that. Now, I am super blessed with these families. I feel like I have multiple sets of parents and I love having a friendship with my friend's siblings as well.
But, sometimes it kinda sucks not having any friends over for family dinners with MY family. I don't mean to sound dramatic or depressed, cuz I'm not upset, it's just not an experience I ever really get. I don't need to, nor will I get into a big explanation of my family life. I think most people know the unique situation my family is, and I love them. I really, really do. But in all honesty, I do get a little jealous of a lot of the families I know.
I know all of my friends "hate" their siblings at times or get tired of having their parents around all the time, but I also have heard those same friends share how much they love their family, and how their siblings are their best friends.
I really hope that God has a nice sized family planned for my future. I want my kid's to have parents who are friends with their parents. I want my whole family to be invited over to another families house every once in a while. I want my wife to be able to say "The (last name)'s are coming over for dinner this Sunday".
I've been sitting on this post for a while. My mind has just been really focused on family since Thanksgiving was so great with my siblings and their families in California. I really hate that I never get to see them and Thanksgiving was such a blessing getting to have a big family time and then my Christmas was just, pretty small.
Don't get me wrong. I love my family, and I am really blessed. I have two great sets of parents and 6 awesome siblings. I hope that when I have a family, my kids will get all that too, but just at the same time. Sometimes having a big SEPARATE family gets to me a bit more than usual, especially around the holidays.
Friday, November 12, 2010
"That's what Christmas memories are made from, they're not planned, they're not scheduled, nobody puts them in their Blackberry, they just happen."
HOLIDAY FILM #2: Deck the HallsDeck the Halls came out in 2006 and gained little attention.
Talent includes Danny DeVito, Matthew Broderick, and Kristin Chenoweth.
Perhaps it is my love for the holidays that creates my naivety in what makes a good film, but I love these crummy movies that come into theatres for Christmas. (I can hardly wait for Little Fockers... which seems to be the only crummy holiday film this year. sad day.) They are low budget and often times lame comedies that all of have same moral- "Christmas is about love... not stuff".
SUMMARY
While all the above negative aspects are indeed true, I just love these films, namely, this one. The films centers around two familes who are new next door neighbors. Buddy Hall (DeVit0) is tired of feeling invisble. After discovering his house was the only house on the block not visible by MyEarth (basically the way around calling it GOOGLEearth) he decides the ultimate Christmas display is the only way to get noticed.
His neighbor, Steve Finch (Broderick) has lived in the town for years and has Christmas down to a science. The same thing happens every year to make the "perfect Christmas". When Buddy's lights and unconventional Christmas ways take off, a comical rivalry is sparked between the two. All the while, the men's wives and children are growing quite a strong friendship. Eventually the two men's obsessions (one over the perfect display, one over driving the other crazy) cause them to lose sight of Christmas. Leave it to the rest of the families to leave Christmas eve and refocus the men's sights. Do they change and realize family is what Christmas is really about? Watch and find out. (hint: duh)
I love the decorations of the holidays so ny movie that focuses on that is a win to me.
Honestly, it's just a feel good movie. There is no scene that is the same so it hardly get's boring. It's nice a short! (I hate long movies... if it's 1hr and 30min in and you tell me I am only half way through....so help me)
This is also film prior to Kristin Chenoweth becoming a gimmick... so that is always nice.
It's a simple movie so I don't really have much to say other than this movie just makes me happy. If Bewitched was a Christmas movie... this would be it.
Andddd I own it from Blockbuster... as in we rented it... and we just didn't give it back. (Yes, we payed for it eventually. Don't worry)
Deck the Halls is just a nice easy to watch Christmas film.
Monday, November 8, 2010
"The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear."
HOLIDAY FILMS
I have decided to watch and BLOG about as many Christmas films as possible this year!
Starting off with my all time favorite!
HOLIDAY FILM #1: ELF
As I said, this is definitely my favorite movie of the holiday season, so it is only fair that it is the first.
I never really feel in the spirit until I watch ELF all the way through and tonight I finished the 2/3rds that were left from starting it yesterday.
What is not to love about this winner? I know it isn't quite a "classic" yet but something about ELF just feel Christmas to me. In my opinion they have yet to come out with a better Christmas film since Elf came out in 2003.
I think ELF will always hold a special place in my heart because I was in my prime Christmas enjoying years when it came out. I was definitely old enough to appreciate the brilliance but still had the childlike joy of Christmastime to hold on to.
The character of Buddy is so wonderful, a guy who never stopped enjoying the most wonderful time of the year and I mean... he saved Christmas!
The humor is hilarious and appealing to both younger and older audiences.
The content is minimal which makes it perfect for a family Christmas film.
The sensational score by John Debney is just as crucial to the films success as the beautiful visuals of the North Pole and Christmas in NYC and the hilarious dialogue.
I really just think ELF is a fun holiday film. To me, it's an in-your-face "I LOVE CHRISTMAS" movie... so obviously it has to be at the top of my list.
Now... what should I watch next? Thoughts?
I have decided to watch and BLOG about as many Christmas films as possible this year!
Starting off with my all time favorite!
HOLIDAY FILM #1: ELFAs I said, this is definitely my favorite movie of the holiday season, so it is only fair that it is the first.
I never really feel in the spirit until I watch ELF all the way through and tonight I finished the 2/3rds that were left from starting it yesterday.
What is not to love about this winner? I know it isn't quite a "classic" yet but something about ELF just feel Christmas to me. In my opinion they have yet to come out with a better Christmas film since Elf came out in 2003.
I think ELF will always hold a special place in my heart because I was in my prime Christmas enjoying years when it came out. I was definitely old enough to appreciate the brilliance but still had the childlike joy of Christmastime to hold on to.
The character of Buddy is so wonderful, a guy who never stopped enjoying the most wonderful time of the year and I mean... he saved Christmas!
The humor is hilarious and appealing to both younger and older audiences.
The content is minimal which makes it perfect for a family Christmas film.
The sensational score by John Debney is just as crucial to the films success as the beautiful visuals of the North Pole and Christmas in NYC and the hilarious dialogue.
I really just think ELF is a fun holiday film. To me, it's an in-your-face "I LOVE CHRISTMAS" movie... so obviously it has to be at the top of my list.
Now... what should I watch next? Thoughts?
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Friday, August 20, 2010
I remember when STEVE went to college...
Summer is officially over...
Why is that sentence so difficult for me to believe this time?
I feel like a few nights ago with Jenn, DJ, and Mary I finally had a summer night like I was looking forward to.
My last summer of "childhood" as it was and I am not going to lie... it was pretty anti climactic. My summer was drowning in night after night of a rehearsal followed by driving to somebody's house and just sitting around. Don't get me wrong...sitting around is loads of fun but why did none of us take the time to sit outside this year? No bonfires...or stargazing...or anything that is supposed to be part of a stereotypical "summer".
Don't get me wrong... parts of my summer were incredible and a HUGE blessing...like NEW YORK CITY.
Everything about NEW YORK was exactly what I could want it to be. I had an incredible time with friends, I got to see some amazing shows, and I got to get away from Illinois for a little bit. I wouldn't trade those 5(ish) days for the WORLD.
I am ridiculously proud of the cast of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee."
I am so happy that my group of friends set out to have a bible study this summer and we did! 6 weeks of a bible study is definitely an achievement and where ever we go with the group, I feel great knowing that we took some time out of this summer to just give time to our INCREDIBLE God.
But now, summer is over...and in a few short hours, I will be at Judson University starting a weekend of orientation because come tuesday, I will be a student there. I've seen a bunch of my friends leave for school, esp this year...I feel like my entire generation (give or take a year) is leaving OR is a Senior this year. How weird is that.
I keep thinking back to all my school years here in Illinois. Each year at Westfield was distinct and very different in my mind. My 3 years of high school are the complete opposite. They all blur together in my mind.
What I think is actually funnier is how I can remember most the years of my life in musicals... (NERD ALERT) I not only remember what shows I was in...but don't we all do that? No no, I also remember what musical was my "IT" show...hahaha (NERDDD)
HONK!
Wicked
Tarzan
Hairspray
Legally Blonde
tick, tick...BOOM!
Rent
Les Mis
And the whole world knows how obsessed I am with Next to Normal currently... The point is, all those shows resonate a different time in my life with me. Anytime I hear those different thoughts and memories and comforts come to my mind. Through those times I had different friends, different likes and dislikes, and so many other different outlooks on things.
In a few hours I will be starting another part of life...another major chapter in my book. Another scene in my show, another track on my soundtrack.
Through it I will make more friends, get new opinions, have new prayers, and probably fall for new shows too.
One day, I'm going to look back at the shows I listen to throughout college. And the memories of those friends and those memories and those comforts will come to mind. So, if I know one day these fears of the unknown will one day be comforts...what is there to be afraid of?
God's got it. He always had, and always will.
In the words of Peter Pan...Here we goooooo!
Why is that sentence so difficult for me to believe this time?
I feel like a few nights ago with Jenn, DJ, and Mary I finally had a summer night like I was looking forward to.
My last summer of "childhood" as it was and I am not going to lie... it was pretty anti climactic. My summer was drowning in night after night of a rehearsal followed by driving to somebody's house and just sitting around. Don't get me wrong...sitting around is loads of fun but why did none of us take the time to sit outside this year? No bonfires...or stargazing...or anything that is supposed to be part of a stereotypical "summer".
Don't get me wrong... parts of my summer were incredible and a HUGE blessing...like NEW YORK CITY.
Everything about NEW YORK was exactly what I could want it to be. I had an incredible time with friends, I got to see some amazing shows, and I got to get away from Illinois for a little bit. I wouldn't trade those 5(ish) days for the WORLD.
I am ridiculously proud of the cast of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee."
I am so happy that my group of friends set out to have a bible study this summer and we did! 6 weeks of a bible study is definitely an achievement and where ever we go with the group, I feel great knowing that we took some time out of this summer to just give time to our INCREDIBLE God.
But now, summer is over...and in a few short hours, I will be at Judson University starting a weekend of orientation because come tuesday, I will be a student there. I've seen a bunch of my friends leave for school, esp this year...I feel like my entire generation (give or take a year) is leaving OR is a Senior this year. How weird is that.
I keep thinking back to all my school years here in Illinois. Each year at Westfield was distinct and very different in my mind. My 3 years of high school are the complete opposite. They all blur together in my mind.
What I think is actually funnier is how I can remember most the years of my life in musicals... (NERD ALERT) I not only remember what shows I was in...but don't we all do that? No no, I also remember what musical was my "IT" show...hahaha (NERDDD)
HONK!
Wicked
Tarzan
Hairspray
Legally Blonde
tick, tick...BOOM!
Rent
Les Mis
And the whole world knows how obsessed I am with Next to Normal currently... The point is, all those shows resonate a different time in my life with me. Anytime I hear those different thoughts and memories and comforts come to my mind. Through those times I had different friends, different likes and dislikes, and so many other different outlooks on things.
In a few hours I will be starting another part of life...another major chapter in my book. Another scene in my show, another track on my soundtrack.
Through it I will make more friends, get new opinions, have new prayers, and probably fall for new shows too.
One day, I'm going to look back at the shows I listen to throughout college. And the memories of those friends and those memories and those comforts will come to mind. So, if I know one day these fears of the unknown will one day be comforts...what is there to be afraid of?
God's got it. He always had, and always will.
In the words of Peter Pan...Here we goooooo!
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