When Something "Clicks"

Have you ever met someone, guy or girl, that you hit it off with right away? For whatever reason you and this person seem like parallel beings. I have a few of these people in my life. FEW. Those connections are the best ones. There is no decision or effort toward befriending each other. It just happens, because you were meant to meet... at least I think so.

I'm not talking about romantic connections, although it can spawn, I'm talking about a genuine person-to-person discovery of likeness. Sometimes it is only on a certain level you are similar. The real rare finds are the ones that you can identify with on just about every level.

Today this has consumed my thoughts. It is a truly amazing relationship to have with someone. You can't share your passions and hobbies and likes and dislikes with just anyone. Some people out there match up perfectly. I have some of my own people. Hah That sounds ridiculous, but that really is the truth. I cherish those people. Sometimes they don't always stick around, but that connection remains.

Music means a great deal to me and is one of my very favorite ways to connect with someone. I've been in a progressive state concerning music for the past couple of years and I'd say I've become quite selective. It makes it a little difficult to sync musical interests with others. Nothing thrills me more than enjoying good music with someone who is feelin' it too. There is something really magical about the way that music makes you feel and how it brings people together.

It is not necessarily "friends" I'm describing. I wouldn't have many friends if such things were required. That is what makes these connections so sweet. I want to hold onto my handful. What makes life better than the people you share it with?

Headin' to Magnolia Screet

TRI-ing with the Locals & Other Happenings

This past Saturday we had a graduation party at the school. Many people attended and I got to chat with a few. Among those was a man, whom I let slip away before catching his name. He was getting a cup of coffee and I happened to look down and see a nice, new pair of Mizuno's. Immediately I told him I liked 'em. He seemed surprised that I was commenting on them. He told me they were great shoes and I quickly agreed. He began telling me that he was a runner. Jen overheard the conversation and asked if he had done the 10k on the bridge and he responded with, "No, too short." He continued with informing that he does marathons and triathlons. I heard the later and wanted to know more. Apparently he had completed an Ironman... a couple actually. I wanted to know all about it and he was glad to share. He also told us about cycling to the top of El Yunque, to the antennas. That is a long and tedious trek, for those of you who are unaware of the steepness and altitude of the rainforest. There is a massive amount of cyclists here, which I didn't know. A lot of training triathletes too. Needless to say it was really neat meeting someone who shared an interest and joy in running and the like. (I am hoping to run in the next 10k.)

Today after venturing to the post office and Amigo- (the grocery store), I headed home. I pulled onto the highway and from a distance saw two figures moving noticeably slow and carrying several bags. As I got closer I could see it was an older couple, probably in their 60's, carrying the groceries home. I passed them, but then decided to stop, reverse, and ask if they wanted a lift. When I pulled up and rolled the window down the woman said in broken English, "You have ride?" I nodded and climbed to the side door and slid it open. They seemed relieved and I felt a hint of empathy. I cranked the AC and we sat in silence most of the way except for a couple of times when the man would give me a direction. Upon arriving at their home, they both voiced many thank you's. After carrying all of their bags in the man walked up to the window and said something in Spanish that I wasn't able to understand. I gestured that I didn't understand and he quickly began to move his thumb against his fingers... this was something I understood, money. I assumed he was asking me if I wanted payment for taxiing them. I told him it was no problem. I then realized after he kept motioning that he was requesting money. I told him no and he accepted that and walked into the house. I wonder if he was content with getting a ride or discontent with not getting any money?

Jim & The Jacket

In a world filled mostly with less than mediocre music and swamped with talentless compositions, Jim James, Two-Tone Tommy, Patrick Hallahan, Bo Koster, and Carl Broemel make up the ever epic band... MY MORNING JACKET.

I have become completely smitten with this band, as will you. My Morning Jacket was introduced to me a couple of years ago by a friend who obviously has a taste for good music. Upon hearing what would be my first experience of MMJ, my finger hit play and "One Big Holiday" began bellowing out of the speakers. I caught myself nodding my head and tapping my toes. This ballad had struck my senses. It had captivated my thoughts. Sound dramatic? Well, it was. I began to search out every song I could. Listening to them over and over. Memorizing every lyric, every skat. Mimicking each strum on the guitar, beat on the drum, and stroke of the keys.
Aside from each band member being a musical genius, lyrical brilliance is apart of the equation that makes them so terrific. Most of their songs require a good one or two over before quite understanding the underlying meaning or story being told. Jim James has a bewitching tone and voice that will swoon in an instant. If you're one to buy into vibes, as I am, then you will only detect positivity and elegant groove. The songs range from amazing jam sessions to low-key ballads of romance.

I must admit that their hail from Louisville contributes slightly to their appeal, at least to me, but that is just the icing on the cake. Hometown boys with a good sense of southern rock and soul. If you enjoy tantalizing rifts, hearty drumming, stunning vocals, and dexterous showmanship, then you simply must dive head first into the music of My Morning Jacket.

Right now the band is laying low in the midst of recording their new album. (If this new album is as good as "Z", their most recent album, then we are in for a treat). Unfortunately that doesn't leave them with much time to do shows... mainly unfortunate for me because I have yet to see them! I am hoping for maybe a surprise New Years show, but we will see what they have up their sleeve.

Check out My Morning Jacket. You will not be disappointed, I promise.

The Legend of Devil's Tower: Climbing Aspirations

So here is my first adventure oriented blog. Woohoo!

Recently there has been a spark of interest concerning my future career. I feel called to missions and that is certainly what I plan to do... but in addition, I really want to do some photography along the way. You have no idea how stoked I am about this. It's such a cool thing. I can travel around the world, share the Gospel, and take pictures for some happenin' awesome magazine. It's a great plan, right!?

Well, I'm sure the picture to your left caught your attention. It is a slightly silly depiction of Devil's Tower. Devil's Tower is located in Crook County Wyoming. This climbable national monument, the first one ever established by Teddy Roosevelt mind you, is a 5112 ft. summit. Crazy? I know. Click here to check out some more about it. I actually learned of Devil's Tower through my Native American Studies. There is some history behind Native ceremonies there, but now it is largely a climber's attraction. After reading about it and then looking it up, I got pumped. I have been wanting to start climbing. I am going to start training and what not relatively soon. It will be yet another awesome thing I am blessed to experience. All of that goes to say that one day, I'm not sure when, I will go to Crook County Wyoming and climb Devil's Tower. It's gonna happen.