One thing that I have noticed more and more on Facebook is the use of #hashtags in people's statuses.... stati? Whatever. This is becoming a pet peeve. I would put one of the many examples I've seen, but the guilty parties would most likely see it and.... awkward. One person that I don't mind throwing under the Twitter bus is my friend Weston (because he's a good sport about it). LaBreeska (@la_brees_ka) and I confronted him on his #hashtag Facebook posts, and here's what he had to say (I don't know why I did the strange voice):
So, there you have it. They just can't. I'll be going to Southwestern Assemblies of God University in the fall to finish my degree. I hope that I don't fall victim to this social media faux pas.
Want to follow me on Twitter so that you can use all the #hashtags that you want? Follow me at: @jdrinkard.
Feel free to share this blog on your Facebook so that we can begin twivangelizing.
New music Tuesday comes a day late, but it's quite providential. I feel kind of cheated, because I just recently found out about AEVORY. They are a local band in Shreveport, Louisiana and are quickly gaining a following in the music scene 'round these parts. I think they're great-- and you will, too. All you have to do it listen to "Our Last Night" or "Father, Mother", and you'll be hooked... like a fish... on a hook.... baited with awesome music.
AEVORY definitely delivers the rock/pop vibe in their live shows and is now looking to take the next step into a live recording in-studio. Not only that, but they are taking a camera crew into the studio to capture it all.
They need our help to do it. KickStarter.com will back AEVORY's project if and only if $500 is raised by Friday, July 22 at 10:37PM. (I know, real specific.) $500 shouldn't stop anyone from reaching their goal. Youcan help make this happen. Youcandonate $1. It's just a dollar, and you can afford it. I gave a dollar. Just saying.
Yup! My first car was a 1987 Dodge Daytona. It wasn't as nice as the link shows. I opened the door with a lawn mower cord. I had the throw it in neutral when I turned so it wouldn't stall out.
Now, it's the new 2012 Hyundai Sonata GLS in midnight black. It's my new toy, and I love it. It's my favorite. I've never owned a car with "new car smell." Now, I do.
The story of mine and Leah's engagement actually begins three days prior to the proposal...
It was Wednesday, June 22.
I was packing my bag to go to Lake Charles for the weekend to spend time with Leah and her family. I had the ring for approximately two months, and it was burning a hole in my pocket-- well, actually, the safe in which it was kept. I decided to take the ring with me to Lake Charles just to see if things would play out. Anytime I would go south or do something special with Leah, my mom would ask if I was going to propose. Up until now, I would smile, say no, and continue getting ready. This time was different. This time it felt right. This time, I wanted to know I'd spend the rest of my life with the girl of my dreams. With my duffel bag over my shoulder and keys in hand I turned the knob on our front door. My mom was right on cue. "So, are you going to propose?" "Maybe." I said. "WHAT?!?"
With a quick, but genuine I love you, I was out the door leaving my mom happy, shocked, and on pins-and-needles.
It was Thursday, June 23.
I had arrived late Wednesday night and woken up in the Hathaway's beautiful, two-story home. The house was quiet, cool, and comfortable. My mind, however, was racing. The entire one-hundred and eighty-one mile drive had given me just enough time to thoroughly freak out about asking her parents. I knew that they loved me. I knew that they were supportive of Leah and I. But, there's just something nerve-racking about putting yourself and your relationship out there to hinge on a yes or no.
Bill, Leah's dad, is an emergency room doctor and was scheduled to work the graveyard shift, so he was asleep. This was almost the excuse that I was looking for to talk myself out of asking. However, Mrs. Kay was up. So, I went to get the ring, put it in my pocket, and headed downstairs. Before I could get nervous again, I simply took the ring out and held it in front of her, smiling. "I really need to talk to you about this."
She freaked. In a good way. She hugged. and cried. and hugged. and stared at the ring. and hugged. and stared some more. I told her that I really wanted to talk to Bill, and she said that she'd keep an eye out for when he was up. I decided that after that small challenge, I'd take a nap on the couch and rest before the big one.
I woke up a few hours late with Bill nudging my shoulder. "Kay said that you had something you wanted to talk to me about."
I was half asleep, so panic didn't really have time to set in. I was trying to gather my thoughts, act mature, and get my act together. None of the above were happening. In my semi-cognizance, I blurted out the only thing that came to mind. "Sir, I really want to marry your daughter."
It wasn't the speech about loving her, and providing, and serving the Lord that I had planned, but it got the job done well enough. He smiled, nodded his head, gave a quick blessing, hugged me, and told me he had to get to work. Soon, he was out the door, my heart was pounding, and I knew there was only one thing left to do...
It was Friday, June 24.
My life was about to change. I knew it. My parents knew it. Bill and Mrs. Kay knew it. Leah was oblivious.
So there we were at Mazen's, a beautiful Mediterranean restaurant-- one of the nicest restaurants in Lake Charles. The meal was perfect. The food was great. There was a sweet baby sitting beside us that Leah could make faces at. Perfect evening. By the way, I was totally acting like the biggest weirdo throughout the night. Leah kept asking me what was wrong. I kept pulling excuses out of my... head.
The entree was taken away. Dessert was coming. I was freaking. There was no way that I was leaving that restaurant without a fiance, but things we not as cool, calm, and collected as I was hoping for. So, I went to the bathroom, psyched myself out and went back out there as a champ.
The table was cleared. The desserts had been ordered. And the ring was in my pocket. My. heart. was. racing. I had never been more sure that I wanted to be with her. I had also never realized that I was putting into motion a series of events that would make me the head of our home, the priest of our household, the father of our children, and the man of God called to love her as Christ loved the church. I know. Big step.
I don't remember much after that. Blame it on the adrenaline. I remember beginning my speech, getting down of one knee, and taking the ring out of my pocket. She immediately began saying yes, yes, yes. I reminded her that I hadn't actually asked her anything yet. "Well ASK me!" She said/shouted, smiling.
I asked Catherine Leah Hathaway to marry me that night. She said yes. I put the diamond ring on her finger and kissed her for the first time as my fiance. To my surprise, the restaurant applauded, ladies came over to congratulate us, and the hostess asked to take our picture. The night was perfect.
Now the exciting part begins. I get to spend the rest of my life loving her-- and I wouldn't have it any other way.
If you really like this and other blogs that I write, I'd really appreciate you commenting and sharing your thoughts. I get tons and tons of response of Facebook and Twitter (keep those coming) but I just wanted to let you know how easy it is to post here as well. Also, if you want to be my friend for life, click the Facebook or Twitter share buttons at the bottom of each post. You'll get to share with all friends and followers the coolness that you've just read on the web!
Prank wars. I hate them. Eventually, they all devolve into a parade of destruction, remorse, malcontent, and rage.
Ok. I'm being a little melodramatic. But you get the point, right? Good.
It appears as though my group of friends-- once united under the banner of music, love, happiness, and tomfoolery-- have split down the middle and chosen brutal sides in a war of deception. So far, people's homes have been "home-alone'ed"-- their doors tied shut from the outside with no way of exit bar the window. The security of vehicles has been compromised. Threats of kidnapping, issued. In summation, people's once quiet lives have been plunged into chaos and fear.
I have been found in the middle, lacking. It appears as though my Switzerland-like position has cost me the trust of my friends-- and that's what hurts the worst. Neither the Haus of Jordan, nor the Haus of the Initiate look like they are waving the white flag of peace any time soon.
So yeah, Leah thought I was annoying at first, but I was like a funny, charming, devilishly handsome fungus. I grew on her...
So there we were: March 30, 2010, 7:00PM. It's Leah birthday, and I have pulled out all of the stops. We had been hanging out a lot, and become pretty good friends. She was,and still is, gorgeous, awesome, sarcastic, talented, witty, beautiful, and I was crushing pretty hard. We weren't dating yet, but I had a good feeling that was about to change. We had already gone out the eat at Shane's on Youree Drive that night, and were heading back to my house.
Little did she know I had made her a birthday table. Yes, a table. Well... not really a table. Just a regular old table with tons of her favorite stuff on it. I had decorated it like a birthday cake. It had candles, and diet coke, and chocolates, and little pretty-girly-things. Normally, I'm not a bragger, but I don't think that spread will ever be topped.
We just sat, talked, watch a movie, and visited with a few of my family that walked through to say hello. I was so smooth. (I got game.) Then I asked her out. I was so nervous. (I'm a big rejection-phobe) She said yes. And we went Facebook official the next day.
Leah is the love of my life, and she thought I was obnoxious when we first met.
It's hard to believe that my beautiful, smart, caring, God-loving girlfriend is going to be my beautiful, smart, caring, God-loving wife. There are moments throughout the day when I am still taken back at how blessed I am to have a woman like her in my life. And to think about how it all started...
One Sunday morning as the service was starting, I was talking with my best friend Jacob and finding a place to sit in the congregation. I don't know what we were talking about (I'm sure it was ground-breaking and insightful) but out of the corner of my eye I saw this girl I've never seen before. She has gorgeous, long blonde hair, blue eyes, a killer smile, and a great body. I didn't know she would be the one, but I knew I had to meet her.
I wish I could tell you that my focus was on the Lord during worship and the message that day.
After service, Pastor Josh Merchant and his wife, Jill, took Leah, a few others, and myself out to lunch at Chili's as a way to make her feel welcomed. I had a burger. She had fish. How do I remember that? Funny you should ask. Trying to be funny, I fake sneezed on her plate. However, my body chose to actually sneeze during the joke. Little did I know, Leah is a bit OCD.
What you're about to read is one giant excuse.
I'm getting ready to move off to school, just got back in town, and have had little to no internet access.
That's why my blog looks like I've died.
On the upside, I've developed a nifty mobile version of my blog so you can look at it on-the-go.
New blog post coming soon.
I have to be honest. By the time you read this it will have already been a week since I wrote it. I couldn't wait. I went to bed Monday, June 16 thinking about these next two groups and couldn't sleep. I was so excited.
First up is Robert Randolph & the Family Band. Oh my god! These guys are fantastic. Don't let looks deceive you! If you want rockin' soul and music that's so addictive you could snort it, you've found your new favorite band. Their song, "Ain't Nothing Wrong With That", is fantastic. I've danced to that song and replayed it so many times! I hope you enjoy it, too!
Our second group today is The Civil Wars. There aren't many words that I can use to describe this band. Moving. Heartbreaking. Insightful. Meaningful. Lasting. Those are just a few. Wow. Right now they are touring with one of my favorite artists, Adele. Adele says, "I have the complete honor of having a band called The Civil Wars on the tour at the moment. They are by far the BEST live band I have EVER seen. They are magical and stunning, they make my heart hurt but make it a bit stronger at the same time, too!" Seriously. They're fantastic. There music video "Poison & Wine" will break your heart and mesmerize you. Enjoy!
Coming this June, my friend Chelsea and I will be documenting the music festival of all music festivals: Bonnaroo. From the moment we leave Shreveport until the time we get back we'll be filming and bringing you along for the whole crazy ride! Expect laughs, a few shocks, videos, and insane pictures from the point of view of two music junkies who are always down for a good road trip!
This week, we began diving into the study of human behavior and organic reaction. What most of us don't realize is that we are constantly bombarded with information from other people. Most of us don't pick up on it. It's less about words and more about the raising of an eyebrow, the inflection of a syllable, the shrug of a shoulder, the slight glace to the left or right. These underlying messages are what make up interpersonal connections; these are the life of acting.
I found that the more I pay attention and receive, the more in tune I am with other actors, other people, life and communication in general. For instance, a young student recently came to talk to me about vocal work she was going to do. Her words were, "Are will still going to sing?" However, her body language told me everything I needed to know. She shrugged her shoulders, kept looking to the right, sighed heavier than usual after her sentence, put all her weight on one leg, and pivoted slightly away from me. Because I have been practicing looking for these clues in class, it spilled over into real life. The message I received from her was: "I know we have to sing soon, but I don't feel comfortable, I'm worried about the performance, and I'd rather not do it."
Crazy ain't it?
This kind of perception is what makes a good performance a gotta-hold-my-breath-because-I-don't-know-what's-coming-next kind of performance. This is what I'm aiming for. I'm not there yet, but I'm well on my way.
Everyone feels prejudged at times. Everyone wants a fresh start. At least, that's how I felt when I wrote "New in the Morning." It felt like people thought they knew who I was, what I was capable of, and where I should be going. I didn't like that. So, instead of stewing about it, I wrote. This song was inspired by my thoughts and feelings but doesn't portray them verbatim. I prefer to write "in character". Take it easy and go along for the ride.
A huge thanks goes to DJBlank who was a huge part of the production process. I most definitely could not have done any of this without him. Thanks goes to my dear friend, Chelsea, who encouraged me creatively. It was my first try at writing a "poppier" song. At the end of the day, we all had a great time. Oh! And thanks to everyone else who put up with the annoying process of figuring out vocal runs at 2:00AM.
Without further ado, here is a preview of "New in the Morning"!
Oh! You can also make comments right on this blog! If you can, follow this blog using Gmail, Google, OpenID, e-mail and more!
Yeah, it's new music Tuesday! You know what that means, right? I spent all day Monday on Pandora and BandCamp listening to some fantastic tunes! Here are two albums that I think you have to check out!
First up is a new artist I just found today. His album has been out since November of 2003, so I consider this quite the find. Ladies and gentlemen, Jim Guthrie. His album, "Now, More Than Ever" is like running through a tall wheat field on a partly-cloudy sunny, summer day. It's calming and moving all at the same time. I wish I could give you a genre like folk, indy, or soft rock. I can't. Promise me you'll click this link and give him a listen. And! He's from Canada. What's not to love about that? eh? "Now, More Than Ever" has broken dishes, string arrangements, sirens wailing in the rain soaked night, squeaky floors, empty bottles, and something wise & hopeful amongst it all. "Easy listening for hard times", says Jim.
I'll do my best to take all of my bias out of this next review, but I don't know if that's possible. Forgive me. Engine surprised me with how much I like their sound. If you're looking for solid, creative melodies and an addictive mix of fuzz and phenomenal-- look no further. "With lyrically driven songwriting, fuzzy roland synth, and a smattering folk accompaniment, this Louisiana band creates a good blend of traditional and experimental." The harmonies are beautiful. The attention to detail. Oh! I could just go on and on. But then you'd stop reading, and I just can't have that. You can buy their album on iTunes, BandCamp (for $5) and Like them on Facebook.
There are very few things in life to which I'd say that I'm addicted. (Note the correct grammar in that sentence.) By nature, I don't think I have an addictive personality. However, I came across something a few years ago that has alienated my friends, strained my relationships, and cost me money.
Netflix.
Yes, this seemingly perfect piece of entertainment convenience has become the wormhole into which all my time disappears. Oh, don't judge me! It's like I was culturally predisposed to my e-substance abuse. Think about it; I'm always stretched for time, and I work strange hours. Netflix was the perfect fix, and I fell for it hook, line, and sinker.
I can quit whenever I want. (Really, I can. There are not contracts and I can cancel any time.)
But I won't quit. There are 126 episodes of "Grey's Anatomy" and a cornucopia of documentaries beckoning me to come. Oh yeah, and Netflix now streams episodes of "Glee". I'm doomed.
"It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters in the end." - Ursula le Guin
I feel like I have started a journey that I have wanted to take for so long. In part, I feel like the character, Samwise Gamgee, in The Lord of the Rings. There is a scene in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring where Samwise and Frodo are walking in a field. Sam pauses to Frodo's surprise. When Sam is asked why he has stopped walking, he states, "If I take one more step, it'll be the farthest away from home I've ever been." That's what I feel like right now as an actor. Every time I walk into the studio it's the farthest I've ever been as an actor. It's scary, and it's exhilarating, and it's exactly where I want to be.
I'm two classes into this journey, and I can honestly say that I am in great company. Everyone is so enthusiastic. My teacher is fantastic. The most refreshing thing about working and learning with these people is that I feel like I'm in an environment where it's alright to make mistakes. We need mistakes. To quote my teacher, Mary T., "Mistakes are beautiful."
The approach to acting that I am learning, the Meisner technique, focuses on being in the moment. As actors, as humans, we think that this is simple. It's not. If you pause to consider it, our minds dwell on the past and the future far more than the "now". That's the goal of the Meisner technique-- bringing a fresh, "now-ness" to memorized lines and rehearsed blocking. That's what I'm working towards.
So, welcome to the ride. I'll make every effort to blog and vlog every week to keep anyone who is interested updated. Have you ever thought about taking a risk and learning something new? Do it. I did, and I'll never regret it. You can view "Joseph Meets Meisner: Episode 1" below and on subscribe on Youtube.
Hey guys, I'm on Flickr now! Just look at the picture column to the right to see a live feed of what I'm seeing. Exciting right? I'll try to take pictures of really cool, everyday things. Hope you enjoy!
There's something about me that I must confess. A lot of you have suspected this for a long time, but I have to get this off my chest.
I love rainy days.
Phew, there, I said it. Wow, that feels so much better.
Yes, dear reader, I love rainy days. There is something about the way the air smells, the way the wind blows just a little bit colder, the way things feel cleaner. I love the rain. My favorite days will start off with a thunderstorm and lots of rain. Gah! I love driving in it.
Enough of that random thought. Look at this picture now.
Great right? On a different note, some of my friends got back in town after a month-long west coast tour. From what I've heard so far (and I've heard quite a bit) it was a trip filled with twist, turns, great nights, and many-a-waking up in cars. For some reason (and I've yet to discover why) that all sounds perfect to me. Yes, I do appreciate cleanliness and order. Yes, I don't like the more-often-than-not hotel room. But it all just feels so free. Welcome home Ben and Landon. I missed you guys. Lucky.
This past weekend myself and a group of friends went to the 2nd Makers Fair in downtown Shreveport, LA. It was Danielle (who was selling art), Chelsea, Adam, Alan, and other friends we happened to meet along the way. Most memorable Saturday I've had in a while. So much fun. There was great food, live music, and a ton of local artists!
I remember, when were all hoola-hooping, this guys came up to me and started telling me the history of the hoola-hoop and how he could remember when the first came out. After a while it got kind of awkward. I'm not gonna lie. Oh, and check out the sweet video the right of Chelsea and Danielle hoopin' it up.
Oh, and by the way, don't come to Makers Fair if you don't want to dance. Check out the awesomeness that follows. You be the judge. Let me know who you thought the best dancer was!
You can't deny this girl definitely has the charm factor.
This man has inspired me to not care about what people think. You can dance if you want to!
This video needs no introduction.
Seriously? Made from shells?!
I wish I had taken pictures of all the local art and food. There was a juicing booth, delicious tea and coffee from Heliopolis Coffee, a crepe booth (watch the crepe video), and lots of other stuff!
So what's the moral of this story? Explore your city, enjoy the things that make it unique and special. There's something to find-- I promise. Life is too short, so enjoy the small things like nutella crepes, dancing in the street, and good friends.
To see all the pictures and videos from my Makers Fair weekend, find me on Facebook!
As most could have guessed from my blog, I get a lot of my inspiration from people around me. Today's blog is no different thanks to facebook. I was looking through my news feed and couldn't ignore the post that I saw. Priceless.
This post got me thinking. It can be annoying when people assume that they can do, ask, tell, or suggest something personal to you when they haven't earned the right to do so. It happens to me sometimes. Scratch that. It happens to me a lot.
So how do I deal? Well, I've learned that being rude is not the answer.
No matter how off-putting, annoying, vexing, or unsolicited the advice/suggestion/life-change idea may be, I just remind myself that they mean well. My god do they mean well.
Grin and bear it. Oh, and don't be one of those people that makes a dramatic, ambiguous post on facebook book about it. Tweet it, duh.
I'll do my best to take all of my bias out of this next review, but I don't know if that's possible. Forgive me. Engine surprised me with how much I like their sound. If you're looking for solid, creative melodies and an addictive mix of fuzz and phenomenal-- look no further. "With lyrically driven songwriting, fuzzy roland synth, and a smattering folk accompaniment, this Louisiana band creates a good blend of traditional and experimental." The harmonies are beautiful. The attention to detail. Oh! I could just go on and on. But then you'd stop reading, and I just can't have that. You can buy their album on iTunes, BandCamp (for $5) and Like them on Facebook.
