15 Minutes? More like 15 Seconds

And now to tell you about my adventure with the Newsboys and friends.

The concert was on Wednesday, April 21st. The day before was spent solely on building the stage and trusses. That took a tremendous amount of work. I'm not sure on the exact number, but I believe there were around 40+ people helping. That's not counting the ones who are driving the trucks and the normal stage builders not from around Ada. We finally finished late that night after a good 8-10 hours of work just building the stage and other items.

On Saturday, the day of the concert, was spent doing everything else. That meant unloading all of the concert gear, including sound, light, and much more equipment. That began at 8 a.m. I planned on being there, but getting up in the a.m. is not my cup o' tea. I got there roughly around 11 a.m. By this time a considerable amount has been done. I was amazed.

I was appointed to a security position near center stage. Sweet action. I probably had the best vantage point in the whole place.

The concert went off without a hitch. The first two bands were good (Kutless and Stellar Kart)... loud but good. Then, the moment I waited for, the Newsboys made their appearance. They were amazing. They did their ever famous dueling drum solo. BUT, the best part in my opinion was when I GOT TO SING WITH THE NEWSBOYS. Yes, you heard me correctly. I got to sing part of a song during the concert.

They started to sing one of their hit songs, "Breakfast", when the lead singer proceeded on the catwalk. He walked right near me but my back was to him because I had to watch the crowd... you know, doing my duty. But I was singing along all the while. By the time the chorus came along, the lead singer (Peter Furler) noticed I was singing with the song. So, he put the microphone in front of my face! So, I just sang as loud and as well as I could. When "my" part was over, Mr. Furler looked at me and asked me if I would be willing to shave my head. (You see, he has a shaved head, implying that I would be just like him). He then did one of those "cool" new handshakes-but-they-aren't-really-a-tradtional-handshake-handshake. It was one of those closed-fist pounds. Anyway, it was a highlight of my concert-going life.

Aftwards, we broke down the entire set. The concert ended at 10 p.m and we were through breaking down at around 3 a.m. During the breaking down part, one worker pretty much got his finger cut off while disassembling the drums. He got it sewed back on later. However, I haven't heard anything more about him.

Again, enough words... let the picture finish the story...

Ishmael?

Call me Kent. This is my tale of two concerts. Well... one for now...

The Mute Math concert was simply amazing. Three of my friends and I made the journey to Norman, Oklahoma. We planned on getting there early because it was general admission seats. So, we ate at a Hideaway Pizza (excellent) and then walked over to the University of Oklahoma campus to Meachum auditorium.

We were the 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th people there, respectively. We got there roughly a couple of hours before the doors opened. So, the doors open and we get front row. Good, right? Not exactly. Some people decided that first come, first serve wasn't applicable in today's society. Those sitting behind rushed in front of us and continued to stand there. Great.

But I didn't let that take away from the concert experience. The Cinematics opened and Mute Math followed. The Cinematics are good entertainers. Enough for me to buy there cd after the concert. I also got to meet them and get their autograph. Nice guys.

Mute Math are also great entertainers. Their music is made to be played live. They know how to communicate to their audience. And they did. Drum solos, lights, great songs, and me made for a great concert experience.

I went to their merchandise booth afterwards and purchased a base-drum head that featured artwork from the drummer. It was also signed by the entire band.

Enough words.... here's some pictures:
Until next concert, vaya con Dios.

An Update on why I haven't updated

I have pictures of two concerts on my camera. I just haven't put them on the good ol' Dell quite yet. When I do, I will provide you with a plethora of information on:

• My trip to Norman on April 14 to the the Mute Math/ The Cinematics concert.
• Yesterdays Newsboys concert.

Just as a little teaser, here's what happened during the Newsboys concert....

• Peter Furler questions my hair style.
• I test out my American Idol status.
• Moving stuff sucks.

Want to know more? Check back later... whenever I'm not lazy.

Until next time vaya con Dios.

Troo Luv

I wish people these days would have a clear understanding of what a true relationship should be. It isn't about hooking up.... or "friends with benefits."

These are people's lives that are being destroyed. This is the name of "love" being destroyed. It now has little or no meaning to too many people. Where did we go wrong?

Most guys give others a bad name because they don't respect women. They are beautiful creatures made by God. They aren't just objects to look at and have sex with. They are people who deserve our utmost respect... even if they may not deserve it.

Have I always treated women like queens? No,... I admit that. But, I believe they should be.

So, be careful what your intentions are when you are taking a young lady out. Treat them well and God will honor you for it.

I am SICK of seeing ladies treated like garbage. Perhaps if we, as men, treated ladies with respect then maybe more of them would respect themselves a little more. Too many times I see girls with revealing clothes. I know girls want to look "nice" but, anymore, it's easy to go beyond that line.

A true gentlemen will not judge you by the clothes you wear. He cares how you carry yourself... how you present yourself.... and the person you are. Anybody else who doesn't see this isn't worth your time.

Until next time, vaya con Dios.

"Start Your Day Off Right With..."

I just had to laugh my school's lunch menu.

Instead of putting "mashed potatoes" like everybody else does on the menu, they put it as "whipped potatoes". But it made me think that was a more correct way to say what it actually is. Our school, I'm sure, doesn't take real potatoes and then mashes them for our lunch. I'm fairly sure it's the "instant" crap that you just add water to some kind of powder or God knows what. That's why I think they should actually call it what it actually is: Hydrated Potato Flakes. Sounds delicious, right?

What else can we be politically correct about? Calling our school's hamburgers, " soybean patties on a bun." Or how about calling Computer I, "50 minutes on how to find porn." What about high school athletics? Let's just call it, "I have nothing else better to do."

Sad, but true.

Until next lunch, vaya con Dios.

I pictured

I see our fate, I see our past
And all the things that could not last
It’s heavy on these eyes, frozen as I hold this photograph
It’s all we’re left that’s of any worth
And it’s so much more than a thousand words
Now in this frame is our only way we can endure

I pictured you and me always
And in this photograph we’re safe

All I hear in my head
Are all the words I wish I’d said
Sentimental thoughts are overwhelming me again
As I stare through a lens of tears
At what remains of those fallen years
Now in this frame memories are held to persevere

I pictured you and me always
And in this photograph we’ll stay
I pictured you and me always
And in this photograph we’re safe

Coping with this loss has broken me
And I’m just hoping things are all as they should be
I pictured you and me, you and me
I pictured
Oh, I pictured

I pictured you and me always
And in this photograph we’ll stay
I pictured you and me always
And in this photograph we’re safe

We're safe
We're safe

..... You are missed... very much.

What is tomorrow's date?

Not only is it Good Friday tomorrow, but it's also a good Friday.

Tomorrow is no school. It's our only Friday without school for the rest of the year. Whereas most schools in this area had to extend their school year, my school built in enough snow days at the beginning of the year to cover us for special situations. As you know if you have been in Oklahoma over winter, we had a big ice/snow storm that knocked us out of commission for a week. But, luckily, we had one day left and tomorrow it is being used.

So, what am I doing to spend this "extra" day? Well,... getting my oil changed. But, after that... I have, uh... something interesting happening. I don't want to go into details just yet. I'll see how it goes. But I'm also at a dilema. I have mixed emotions about this endeavor.

I have two concerts that I will be attending: MuteMath on April 14 and Newsboys on April 21 in Ada, Oklahoma. There will no doubt be pictures of these events. I already went to a MuteMath concert, as documented on this blog post.

Until next time, vaya con Dios.