Anyone who knows me and my wife, knows I married up.
She's smart, funny, talented, compassionate, hard-working... I could go on, but I'll stop there.
One of Crystal's most impressive skills is her ability to write parodies of songs on the radio. This talent/passion has kicked into high gear since we had Kyler.
She has written a number of songs about our firstborn, most of which (despite my encouragement) have gone unrecorded.
One song stands out from all the rest, and it's a song that was one year in the making. With some help from BBR Studios (her brother), she presented Born This Day at Kyler's first birthday party last weekend.
Turn up your speakers and enjoy!
I think she's got talent. Maybe the next Weird Al?
Hmmm...
Monday, July 16, 2012
Friday, July 13, 2012
Favorite Things Friday - YouTube
My favourite find on YouTube this week. I was laughing out loud.
Anyone else identify with this?
Anyone else identify with this?
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Being A Jerk & Perspective Bombs
About 2 months ago I signed for the AMP'd program at Barrie Athletic Club. It's a 3 month, super intense workout that the head trainer uses with the pro athletes he trains. It's tough.
Our 6am group consists of 4 guys who showed up every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning. Seeing the guys 3 times a week, you start to build a relationship with them. Start to feel more comfortable with them. They've seen you sweat, struggle to breathe and curse the trainer just quiet enough that he can't hear.
You've bonded.
About 2 or 3 weeks ago one of the guys stopped showing up in the morning. No announcement or warning, he just stopped being there. It was weird at first, but you get used to it. Before he disappeared, we'd chirp each other. He'd make comments about how sitting behind a microphone all day, had me in bad shape. He'd tell me I need to get a real job if I want to keep up with him.
"If your legs ran as much as your mouth, you might be able to do this without passing out."
***NOTE: Guys aren't good at expressing their feelings, so we resort to sarcasm and put-downs***
Fast forward to Monday morning, and the dude was back! So naturally I chirped him back.
"Was the workout too tough for you?"
"Did you give in and do the ladies class instead?"
Instead of the usual good-natured smile in response, he scowled and politely told me to go... someplace hot.
WHOA. What got into this guy? What's his problem? I decided to just avoid him for the rest of the morning. (Something I learned from living with Crystal. If she's grumpy, give her space.)
This morning he was in a bit better mood, but I elected to forego the chirps and be friendly. He still didn't seem to be his usual, jovial self. I told myself: "Maybe he's just tired."
After our workout we're sitting in the hot tub and I find out his wife was diagnosed with cancer and started treatment in Toronto 3 weeks ago.
PERSPECTIVE BOMB!
Instantly everything changed. I didn't see him as a crotchety old man anymore. He is a husband who is hurting. "Until death do us part" has suddenly taken on an entirely new meaning for him.
I secretly wished I could sink to the bottom of the hot tub and have the jets suck me out and transport me back into the change room without him noticing.
I was reminded how blessed I am to have a healthy wife and child.
How blessed I am that I can get up early and have the energy to workout 3 days a week.
How blessed I am to have a relationship with this guy in the midst of his hurt and pain.
Lord, I pray you'd give me the opportunity to be your voice in this guy's life. That I can be there to stand alongside him in his pain and uncertainty. I pray that I could play a small part in the redemption story you are writing in his life.
Amen.
Amazing how a little perspective changes everything huh?
Our 6am group consists of 4 guys who showed up every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning. Seeing the guys 3 times a week, you start to build a relationship with them. Start to feel more comfortable with them. They've seen you sweat, struggle to breathe and curse the trainer just quiet enough that he can't hear.
You've bonded.
About 2 or 3 weeks ago one of the guys stopped showing up in the morning. No announcement or warning, he just stopped being there. It was weird at first, but you get used to it. Before he disappeared, we'd chirp each other. He'd make comments about how sitting behind a microphone all day, had me in bad shape. He'd tell me I need to get a real job if I want to keep up with him.
"If your legs ran as much as your mouth, you might be able to do this without passing out."
***NOTE: Guys aren't good at expressing their feelings, so we resort to sarcasm and put-downs***
Fast forward to Monday morning, and the dude was back! So naturally I chirped him back.
"Was the workout too tough for you?"
"Did you give in and do the ladies class instead?"
Instead of the usual good-natured smile in response, he scowled and politely told me to go... someplace hot.
WHOA. What got into this guy? What's his problem? I decided to just avoid him for the rest of the morning. (Something I learned from living with Crystal. If she's grumpy, give her space.)
This morning he was in a bit better mood, but I elected to forego the chirps and be friendly. He still didn't seem to be his usual, jovial self. I told myself: "Maybe he's just tired."
After our workout we're sitting in the hot tub and I find out his wife was diagnosed with cancer and started treatment in Toronto 3 weeks ago.
PERSPECTIVE BOMB!
Instantly everything changed. I didn't see him as a crotchety old man anymore. He is a husband who is hurting. "Until death do us part" has suddenly taken on an entirely new meaning for him.
I secretly wished I could sink to the bottom of the hot tub and have the jets suck me out and transport me back into the change room without him noticing.
I was reminded how blessed I am to have a healthy wife and child.
How blessed I am that I can get up early and have the energy to workout 3 days a week.
How blessed I am to have a relationship with this guy in the midst of his hurt and pain.
Lord, I pray you'd give me the opportunity to be your voice in this guy's life. That I can be there to stand alongside him in his pain and uncertainty. I pray that I could play a small part in the redemption story you are writing in his life.
Amen.
Amazing how a little perspective changes everything huh?
Monday, July 9, 2012
Happy Birthday Little Man!
A great first birthday, complete with presents, balloons and rainbow cake!
The first year has been much tougher than I expected, but also much, much more rewarding than I expected. I hear other people's horror stories, and I think we got lucky, Kai is a great kid.
Looking forward to many more birthdays!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KYLER!
Looking forward to many more birthdays!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KYLER!
Friday, July 6, 2012
Favorite Things Friday - Non-Church Podcasts
Time for another edition of Favorite Things Friday.
I love podcasts. If I'm driving for an extended period of time, I plug my iPod in and listen to a podcast (or two). My car has become a learning hub on wheels. Here are my Top 3 (non-church) podcasts:
I love leadership podcasts. I listen to Perry Noble and Dave Ramsey, but Andy is my favorite. His podcast is so practical, and he doesn't come off as arrogant, like some others do. He is leading one of the most progressive churches in the U.S., so he must be doing something right.
Mike Hyatt is relatively new to the podcast game so it's not as polished as some podcasts you may listen to, but the content is great. You want a personal growth podcast? This is it. Career, family, personal health, leadership and entrepreneurship; its got it all.
As the title indicates, this podcast covers whatever Tim & Kevin feel like talking about. New technology, books, hot start-ups, food, apps, etc. They don't post very often (latest episode is from November of 2011), but the episodes are always entertaining and inspiring. I think Tim Ferriss is the most interesting man in the world. Seriously, read up on this dude.
Got any podcasts to add?
Any others we should be checking out?
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