A Bit of Reflection

It truly is amazing to me to think that 10 years ago at this time I was enjoying my first summer with the knowledge that I would not be returning to school in the fall. Unlike most kids that summer, I was not scrambling to find a full time job. I had been working since I was 14. Worked at a dairy farm until I graduated, and moved on to the restaurant biz, I was hired before school ended. That summer was one of great change and purpose for my life. I was dating a girl in the class under me since the previous Thanksgiving, and we were enjoying our time together. 1998 was a good year for me. There are times when I feel like the world is falling apart around me, and wish I could escape for two minutes back to that time.

Now don't get me wrong here...I hated school. I hated nearly everything about it. There were only three things I liked about...my girl, art, and music. The funny thing is the only thing that has stuck around sinc that summer has been my art, and my music.

The girl and I parted separate ways on Valentines the next year...her decision not mine...Tried to make amends and failed miserably.

Needless to say 1999 was not a good year. Dejected, heartbroken, and no sense of purpose for what I wanted out of my life I several times thought that the world would be better without me. But I had no courage to do anything other than run away. I embarked on a mission for my church if for no other reason than to escape my past. The mission became more than that eventually, but it truly wasn't until near the end. No most of my mission was spent sulking on the past I left behind, and the poor choices I had made, not knowing the one good choice I had made.

I reflect often on the choices we make in life, and the sliding doors that we open and close (good movie reference). What would have happened, if I chose not to go on my mission and face the fears of my life that were confronting me. I would have spent every waking hour trying to fix what was broken in that relationship, until it finally broke me. Would I have a life with her, maybe if tried hard enough...BUT, I would have the joy and happiness I have today. I chose a door which led me to finding an eternal companion that I will never be without, and a family that is beyond measure. My two kids are a joy to be with and I love every minute I get to spend with them.

Could I have had a life through the other door, yes it is possible, but would I trade it for what I have today.

Absolutely not. I love my wife and my kids. I would lay down my life to protect them from feeling the pain I have felt so many times in my life.

As for my friend (yes I still call her that for one day I believe that when I am old and gray our friendship will be mended) I hope that you get a chance to read this. I am sorry for my part in what happened long ago. I miss your friendship that you gave to me, I hope one day we can be reunited and share our lessons of our lives together. I hope that you have found someone in your life that is just as special as you were to me, and as my wife is to me today. I truly do miss you my friend, my sliding door is always open for you to walk through...may you find what you are looking for out of life.

I know I have.

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The Dark Knight has arrived

Actually, its come and gone, but I figured now was a good time to get this post up.

Dark Knight grosses over $155 Million dollars to set a new opening weekend record. Fridays take alone...over $60 million.

And yes I added fuel to the monsters belly. Actually, my wife and I both did. After cursing myself and realizing I was stupid and did not preorder tickets for the IMAX, and finding out it was all sold out and I could not see it in that format till after my Tennessee trip, I became quite upset.

So I did the only sane rational thing I could think of. I purchased two tickets for the 8:30 Friday showing at Cinemark. Of course Ii had to drag and convince my wife that this was the only sane and rational thing, as she does not understand my complex boyish tendencies with movies, especially involving high octane action and comic book characters. So after grabbing a bite to eat we finally got over to the theatre, an hour early.

My wife, still did not understand why we were here,...especially an hour early.

Approximately 3 hours + later she had her answer and a grin on her face.

She enjoyed it. To say my wife actually liked a movie that I did was a miracle in itself. But I can't stop there. I think she loved it.

As for me. Wow. One of the best films I have seen in a long long time. Everything about this movie was perfect for me. Even to the point that after the 2:32 credits rolling mark, I was left wanting more. That says a lot. Was the movie perfect,...no. But as I said it was perfect for me. My official score gives it a 99.5/100. Why the half point? A hesitation to say that I liked it better that Gladiator of Citizen Kane. For me those movies refined certain areas of film making that were just pure genius. So it now sits along side the top.

As for the story, this is what Batman was to me growing up. He walks that line of Black and White so tight that you can't help but getting sucked in. Heath Ledger as Joker...Holy ----- Batman! Evil, just pure evil. One of those guys who just likes to sit and "watch the whole world burn to the ground". His performance was truly astonishing. This was not HL embodying the body of the character, but rather the character of the Joker taking on the body of HL. As it stands today, HL gets the Best Actor/Supporting Actor (which ever they would decide to put him in), as I have not seen any performance this year (or even a hint from something upcoming) that could rival this.

Yes it is sad that the film industry lost this kid, but trust me this is no sympathy vote --- I still Orson Welles as the most  greatest talented naturally gifted genius to step in front of or behind a camera --- he deserves a standing ovation for this performance.

One last thing to wrap this disjointed review.

I love the score, is it a masterpiece,...no, but as I watched the film I kept getting tugged on by the score, I felt like i was watching a top notch orchestrated ballet, simply amazing,...and of course it was by my favorite (did not even catch this going in) Hans Zimmer (50% of my reason I love Gladiator)

Go see this movie.

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AfterDark: The Musical

Just kidding,..but really I am working on my CD AfterDark, it has just taken a lot longer to come to fruition. I posted in a link to an early first cut that I was messing around with. Entitled "Sunrise" it was written for Lori and Norm last year for their wedding. The funny thing is, They also had another composer playing at their reception, Chad LaMarche, who also composed a song for them. Lets just say I am no Chad LaMarche, and my song was probably long forgotten.

Anywho, about AfterDark...Inspired from my experiences in "growing up" over the last ten years, from my first true relationship, its pitfalls, and my journey to where I stand today. I have written several songs over the last 10 years and decided it was time to put them down finally.

Over the next couple months I will be posting them (or previews of them) on here and FB. If you have comments on them or suggestions (minus "just shut up!") feel free.

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Nearing the end...

Tonight marks the last night of Tech Week for me for Noises Off. SFX are done, tonight the production photos will be taken and then I turn my focus onto Woman in Black for August. As I mentioned before, this show is a hoot. It has actually gotten funnier as the week progressed, which few plays do that for me during tech week. So if you're in the are GO SEE IT. ... blackfriars

Nearing the end of Tech Week however means I am nearing the opening of Dark Knight. I have tried to stay away from as many reviews as possible so that I can come back with a full picture for myself, undiluted from others. Planning on seeing it at IMAX on Saturday. Can't wait.

So got home last night, and got caught up on So You Think You Can Dance. Honestly after the first year, I really didn't know how far this show could go (by the way if you were unfamiliar with this show, a swing kid one the first year, so I was happy). But the great part about this show is each year has brought better talent than the year before, unlike other shows. The had reached the final 10 and honestly it is anyones game. Unfortunately one of the girls I had pegged for the top three, can't dance (Jessica) because of two broken ribs, so she is out of competition. If you want an entertaining night, tape it and watch it on a date night. I have a HD projection system and 103" screen so it feels like I am at the movies when ever I watch this. But you won't be disappointed, as each week just gets better and better.

After catching up with that I decided (at 11pm) to take a look at a new series that started up on A&E, The Cleaner, once again I had taped it as it aired the pilot on Tuesday (All-Star Night). This show rocked. Benjamin Bratt is phenomenal, best thing I have ever seen him in, and his co-stars are a hoot. You want a summary, go watch the show or read the website. I was intrigued by the whole "he talks to God thing" simply because I wanted to see how they would pull of a touchy subject. But you know what, he talks to him no differently than most would talk to him. The character development and his vices and flaws are polished, and believable. I found myself several times last night drawn into his emotional palette, choking back tears near the end, for what had just happened. I commend the producers and advertisers of this show (it will probably last only this episode) for working out a deal for no commercials. I love that. It helps keep the story alive and fresh. This is the precise reason I tape things is to get through the commercials to keep the writers storyline linear and not broken by a third party. Several shows have done this, but I really appreciated with this, because it let you stay and get pulled in. The show has some harsh dark looks, but when you know about the main character and his past, they come off as not too dark, but just a slice of reality.

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Another All-Star Game in the books, another NL loss

Despite having a Tech Week during the All-Star week (for the first time) I managed to get a little bit of the festivities in with a little help from excited updates from my dear wife.

Mondays HR Derby provided some major fireworks with Josh Hamilton of Texas punching some moon shots and setting a record for HR in a round. But unfortunately by the time I arrived I saw the reality of why the HR Derby is broken and needs to be fixed. Its just too long and the poor guy got tired.

---what could fix the HR derby, well ESPN had a good article the other day on this and I agree that it should go first round then into the finals. Where I disagree is that it should take the top four, they each have 3 outs, then the top two continue taking swings for another 3 outs each, then back and forth till 9 outs are achieved (you get an out the other guy goes) till someone wins---

As for last nights game, I missed the part I really wanted to see. The HOF's. We go to Cooperstown a couple of times per year and I bask in everythign I can while I am there and it just would have been awesome to see these guys get cheered by thousands. My wife called me as soon as she saw Hammerin Hank.

Got home to see the 6th inning and the NL take a 2-0 lead, I was happy because A) heck they might actually win it this year, B) they all looked like they were taking the game seriously!

Shift to this morning to see Cory Hart throw a foot to the right instead of two the left, and Mc doing all he could to make up the difference in the throw.

I love baseball. So unpredictable.

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A Major Movie Dilemma or MMD if you don't mind...

Okay so I have this dilemma, this serious MMD for the last couple of weeks, and now it is culminating to a head. What movie am I going to see this weekend! I have gotten behind on a couple of recent releases --- Hancock, Wanted, Hellboy --- and now Dark Night opens on Friday.

Most likely I will go and see Dark Night on Saturday at IMAX. I have a 10am baseball game that morning and could probably squeeze it in during the day. But man! All these movies to catch up with, and now I have X-Files coming out next week (childhood freaky connection and love of series) that I am not goign to miss.

speaking of childhood, turned on Napster this AM and one of their play lists was ALT Rock 90's, thought I would get a kick, and currently Offspring is playing "Self Esteem". funny song.

My wife thinks I'm nuts.

She is probably right.

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Noises Off - Blackfirars Theatre Update

Well last night marked the first night of Tech (at least for me) for Blackfriars Theater's production of Noises Off.

Can I say,...WOW!

Really, I wasn't expecting a lot out of this after reading the script (which you may need a PhD to read and put in order) but seeing it pulled off by a brilliant director and cast, all I can say is...WOW! I don't remember laughing this hard during a rehearsal for a show ever. Mind you I have seen some pretty riotous shows, but this takes the top prize.

The sound is minimal, so I won't have to stress, and pretty much had all of it done.

I encourage you if you read this to call and get tickets beacuse this is a riot!

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For the millionth time...or so it seems

Well, here I am again,...trying to keep this blog updated. Most of the world is bloggin right now including my friends, and so I guess it is do to finally get at this again. Maybe the other half can start bloggin with me on here and get this up to date.

In summary...

Riley Kate just turned 18 months old.
Emma Grace has her 4th birthday in a couple of weeks...4!
Chloe will be turing 2 shortly there after.
Roscoe...well, he is still a nutcase, and past 2 a couple months ago.
Elyse is still working full time at TLC daycare.
I am still with Canam Imaging.
Elyse still kinda likes me, and hasn't threatned to divorce me today...yet!

GFMedia is doing good and things have been busy. Within the past year we have helped launch:
spiroscribe.com
stefanotter.com
rochesterbaseball.com

This summer I am invloved with Blackfriars Theatre's production of Noises Off (I hit tech tomorrow, and will post pics and all soon) and then Woman in Black later this summer before we start the 2008-09 season.

All in all it has been fun...and very busy!

I have finally created a facebook profile and what not, so look for me on there as well.

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