the fireworks came and went...

...and for the first time in years, i didn't go out to see them. i stayed inside this year and watched the boston pops fireworks spectacular on tv instead. besides, my neighbors do a great job of keeping their idea of "pops" going well into the 2am hour so it's not like there was a shortage of excitement. i found myself having an "old" moment when i walked outside to let them know around 1am that i'd had enough. oh well, i guess maybe that's what they meant when they said it happens to the best of us, right?
i've been keeping busy with my new career in ministry. the difference between working for the Lord and the big men in corporate offices is too grand to describe, yet it's not easy as many would be led to believe. i completely surrender my work to Him and look for feelings and signs as to what direction i'm to follow. in other words, quite different than "letting the corporate man hold you down."
i should be leaving in mid-august on two different assignments. the first is in fayetteville, arkansas and i'm excited about going to that part of the country. i imagine it will be significantly different than michigan, and i'm hoping this time serves as some good opportunities to appreciate different customs/traditions. i also hear they have some great home-cooked food and that's always a plus.
next, i head out to ridgecrest, north carolina for a conference. again, i've never been to the carolinas. i've always wanted to see raleigh, north carolina but we're not going to by close enough for that to happen this time around.
i will otherwise be spending a lot of time meeting with local supporters and church communities here in west michigan.
BJ is in a wedding today. it's his first but i'm going to be relying on pictures to take in the experience. it's my ex-b-i-l finally tying the knot but that makes for some very (presumably) awkward company so i'm sittting this one out today. well, i wasn't even invited anyway but i'm completely ok with that because i can't imagine me sticking around too long. i'm happy for the couple but haven't seen them for years, and i don't suppose i'm in any rush to anytime soon.

TWOFIVESIX and i have parted ways, kind of. i no longer manage them but still promote and handle all public relations. this transition took place on a good note, no hard feelings. it was their idea, not mine, however i can almost see how it's for the best. they had a show last night with a band out of canada called evans|blue. i thought it was a good set overall and the guys seemed to be having a really good time. it was a rather strange bill to be on and the set was cut short but all in all, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

i caught a few of the summer blockbuster films the past few weeks: transformers and live free or die hard (die hard 4). transformers was incredible, another michael bay masterpiece. die hard... not so much. bruce should have left well enough alone. the same cliches are used time and time again, gets old after awhile.
i still need to see the latest harry potter (and last i understand) offering but that might just wait for another rainy day. i'm sure it will live up to the hype since the ones before it did, however i'm just not feeling as anxious with this one. perhaps someone could chime in that's seen it (as if anyone reads this anymore) and tell me i need to run, not walk to check it out. anyone?

one of my favorite bands sleeping at last just re-vamped their website, which is well worth the free admission: www.sleepingatlast.com
also, i hear coldplay is re-entering the studio. i'm highly anticipating their next record to be chart-breaking. i seem to be putting a lot of pressure on the boys but they haven't failed me yet so i'm real excited for what's to come.

i'm ready for hockey season to start up again.