Biting Off More Than I Can Chew

I've been a volunteer at the Barrie Film Festival for the past 3 years, and have loved every minute of it. It's no secret that I'm a fan of the indie, documentary and under-the-radar films we showcase each year. While I enjoy being a volunteer and helping out, I left last year wanting to do more. I mentioned it to one of the organizers and hadn't heard much until last week, when I was invited to sit on the Special Events Committee.


Our first meeting was last night at Donaleigh's Irish Pub. I walked in as the new guy (the only guy), totally unprepared for what was to come. The meeting began and it was off to the races. We started with the kickoff party, people throwing out names of caterers and musicians. We had already planned the look, feel and vibe of the night, assigned duties and moved on to the next event by the time I wrote down the date. 


It was unreal!


These people had clearly done this before.


We were barely five minutes into the meeting and I was already feeling in over my head. "What am I doing here?" The people around the table are all hyper-connected business owners that seem to know everyone!

We need a jazz band, one woman's husband is in a jazz band.

We need food, one woman owns a catering business and knows all the other caterers and restaurateurs in town.

We need decorations and flowers, another woman is friends with the owners of a floral shop.

One person would throw out an idea, and another would build on it before the initial idea had finished. These 6 women were acting as one collective entity. I wish I had taped it.

The meeting lasted about 90 minutes, and we (they) planned 6 major events. It was unlike any event planning meeting I've ever been a part of. I made some small contributions, but mostly watched in awe as the machine began to roll.

I left with my head spinning, in awe of what I had just experienced.

Over my head? Probably, but it was fun.

Ever been there?

When is the last time you bit off more than you can chew?

Favorite Things Friday - Canada Day Edition

It's the return of Favorite Things Friday!


In honor of Canada Day this weekend, my 3 favorite places in Canada.


1 - KELOWNA

We took family ski vacations out to Kelowna in my high school years, and I fell in love. Nestled in the rocky mountains, with warm weather down by the lake (even in winter) and an hour drive into the mountains for fresh powder. It's an unreal place, and easily my favorite place in Canada.


2 - QUEBEC CITY

Crystal and I went to Quebec City 2 years ago for our anniversary and both loved it. It felt as though we were walking around the street of Europe. I'd find myself pulling Canadian money out of my wallet and thinking: "it's so weird that they accept Canadian money here." The European vibe, food and awesome price make it #2 on the list.

3 - MUSKOKA

Whenever LIFE has an event in Muskoka I volunteer. I can't pinpoint one specific thing, but I love spending time in Muskoka. Whether it's enjoying a coffee at Seven Main, lunch at Just Crepes, or a scoop of Marty's World Famous Buttertart ice cream, Muskoka is a beaut. The fact I have lots of friends to visit in Muskoka helps it rise up to #3 on my list.


Your turn. What's your favorite place to visit?

Where'd You Go?

Without much warning, 8 and a half weeks ago I disappeared. I'm sorry for scaring some of you, but I was given an amazing opportunity that I couldn't say 'no' to.

Crystal had this crazy idea that I take the final 8 weeks of parental leave, and she'll go back to work.

8 weeks of vacation in May & June? Sure!

I don't think she offered to be nice. There was an ulterior motive.

It was no vacation, the first week or two was intense! Here I was, thinking Crystal just watched tv all day while the baby entertained himself or slept. Not even close.

There was laundry to do.
Baby food to make.
Grocery shopping to do.
Meals to cook.
A house to try and keep (somewhat) clean.
PLUS a baby to entertain/play with/educate/watch.

Once I got over the initial shock of how much work needed to be done, I really started to enjoy it. Kyler and I would go to the park, play in the backyard, go grocery shopping together and play with his toys.

It was amazing how much he grew up in those 8 short weeks. He's climbing (up and down) stairs, laughing and playing more, walking along furniture and even communicating via grunts and finger points.

Now that the 8 weeks is over, I look back and have a much greater appreciation for the work Crystal did for the first 10 months, and I feel like Kai and I have bonded in a way that might not have happened had I just worked over those 2 months. I wouldn't trade the experience for anything.

Will I miss being a stay-at-home dad? Yes, but coming in to work provides a nice break in my day. 
(Just kidding Scott, you keep me plenty busy.)

Needtobreathe & Ben Rector

Saturday Crystal and I had a chance to head down to Toronto and check out 2 of our favorite bands, Needtobreathe and Ben Rector.

The show was originally booked for a smaller venue, but sold out in a couple days, and the promoter moved it to The Phoenix (cap: 1,200) which also sold out.

Ben Rector opened the night and was amazing. I was little disappointed he left my 2 favorite songs (Hank, Song For The Suburbs) off the setlist, but the dude was great.

Needtobreathe was equally impressive, with a killer light show and awesome set.

The hilite for me was during the encore when Ben joined Needtobreathe on stage for an unreal rendition of Lucinda William's Joy.

Let's throw it back to you, if you were putting together your dream concert, who's on the bill?

I Am Barabbas

Then Pilate called together the leading priests and other religious leaders, along with the people, and he announced his verdict. “You brought this man to me, accusing him of leading a revolt. I have examined him thoroughly on this point in your presence and find him innocent. Herod came to the same conclusion and sent him back to us. Nothing this man has done calls for the death penalty.

So I will have him flogged, and then I will release him.”
Then a mighty roar rose from the crowd, and with one voice they shouted, “Kill him, and release Barabbas to us!” (Barabbas was in prison for taking part in an insurrection in Jerusalem against the government, and for murder.) Pilate argued with them, because he wanted to release Jesus.

But they kept shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!”

For the third time he demanded, “Why? What crime has he committed? I have found no reason to sentence him to death. So I will have him flogged, and then I will release him.”

But the mob shouted louder and louder, demanding that Jesus be crucified, and their voices prevailed. So Pilate sentenced Jesus to die as they demanded.

As they had requested, he released Barabbas, the man in prison for insurrection and murder. But he turned Jesus over to them to do as they wished.

Luke 23:13-25

I read that passage about Jesus' trial before Pilate, and I can't help but think: "That's not fair! Jesus didn't do anything, Barabbas is a murderer! Barabbas deserves to be crucified, not Jesus."

Then it hit me as I read over that story again this morning...

I Am Barabbas.

I'm the murderer.

The guilty party.

The one who deserves to die.

Today, I am thankful that Jesus died, so I don't have to.