Arnold Palmer

Arnie is one of the greatest golfers of all time. His favorite drink is a mixture of half iced tea and half lemonade and consequently they named the concoction an "Arnold Palmer."

IT IS DELICIOUS. I absolutely love 'em. Who would of thought that such a simple drink could be so amazing! And if you make one up and people love it and love you, they'll name it after you!

So my new goal in life: make a drink, get famous, get the drink named after me.

So what should I put in my new drink??? I have no idea. Shannon and I made a drink yesterday that was delicious. We could use that. But then she gets her name on the drink. That defeats my purpose. I want MY name on it.

If you would like to try the drink though, here are the ingredients:
2 quarts of cherry kool-aid
1 quart of lemonade
1 liter of carbonated lemon-flavored water
a couple of shots of orange juice
3 heaping scoops of rainbow sherbet

Mix well
Serve cold

It's even delicious when the carbonation is gone and sherbet is melted! We'll call it the Shannon Greg and it will be sold in stores everywhere.

Standards in a Worship Team

Met with Pastor Judy this afternoon. We talked about an issue that I have rarely thought about at length before now. This issue of integrity of the band and the idea of being "above reproach."

There's someone on my team that is struggling with a pretty serious thing. It's something where I cannot, under any circumstances, allow the person to be on the stage with this on their shoulders.

Also, there are some guys that want to join the team that either a) are just recently saved or b) not saved at all. Jeff Deyo actually addresses this issue on this podcast:

http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=jeffdeyopodcast#p/u/21/Ga7QZ2BH-Bk

I can't fathom the worship team that would allow someone who is not saved to be a member! Being on a worship team means you are a leader, you have influence, and you need to be in a position to guide others into worship. How can you do that unless you first understand and embrace every facet of worship first? It's astounding!

Just to make it abundantly clear, I will NEVER under any circumstances, allow an unbeliever or baby Christian onto the worship team. I just won't.

It's a boy!

Shannon and I brought home a puppy last night!

This is a big deal. It's weird having this kind of responsibility. I love the little guy though. Shannon is so happy, she's glowing.

His name is Nemo. He was born on June 27. He is a Lhasa Apso Poodle mix (Lhasa Poo for short) and is downright adorable!

He will stay with Shannon but he will technically be our puppy.

Pictures to follow.

Birthday Parties

There is a time when children know that they're too old to expect a birthday celebration of some sort with their parents and siblings. A 16 year old deserves a party. A 21 year old deserves a party. But I feel like after that, no way.

Let me paint a picture for you. Let's say that there is a young man who still lives with his parents. He is turning 23 this Saturday, but he's not expecting anyone to celebrate with him. He's an adult now, not a kid. His family loves to get together so he wisely told everyone, "hey, it's my birthday coming up, why don't you come on over, we'll get some pizza and watch a movie if you can."

If they have other plans, that's fine. If not, they can come over & get some free food. He didn't ask for presents, but if they get him a book or movie he likes, great. A card would have been fine. Basically, everything relaxed and no obligation on anyone. Just a chance for some family to hang out (not to be taken too lightly [see previous posting]).

What I think is totally not cool is for someone who is turning 24 or 25 who doesn't live at home having a get-together at the parents for dinner and the expectation is that you drop everything to be there and if you don't, you'll hurt their feelings. If your band is scheduled to play, you have to cancel that to make this birthday party. If you don't bring a present, that's mean and insensitive. Basically, LOTS of obligations!

I don't want to grow up, cuz I'm a Toys R Us kid...

We're a band, we're a band

So we're a band. Shannon & I had a long talk and she's starting a band. She is doing something I am so proud of her for doing. She's taking a chance and giving it a shot. It's a risk but we're starting out slow. It's not like she's quitting her job and moving to Nashville. Starting out slow. Hopefully my connections, and Shannon's and a friend who also may be joining's connections will help boost the attention we need to be successful.

It'll take a lot of praying but I'm pumped!

Socialites

I'm pretty busy this weekend in terms of my social life. Makes me feel kind of special...

Saturday: Bonfire at my house for the worship team
Sunday: Church in the AM
Party at the Burgio's in the afternoon
Church in the PM
Coffee with Shannon, Jon, and Miriam afterwards

Yes, I consider church a social activity. 50% of it is what Christians refer to as fellowship. Not like fellowship of the ring where it is used as a noun but where it is used as a verb. It's supposed to have a deeper, more significant meeting then "hanging out." Which to me is pretty deep. I don't use "hanging out" lightly. Ever.

Jury

Shannon is on a jury of a civil case. Due to orders by the judge, the Honorable Judge Frank A. Sedita, Jr., she can't tell anyone the details but it seems pretty interesting.

She's like our own little Henry Fonda or John Cusack!

I got called for jury duty almost right after I turned 18. I waited for over 6 hours, then they called my name and told me I could go home. What a wonderful way to spend my day, but hey, I did my civic duty.

I looked all over the internet to see if you can receive jury summons more than once in your life. My bet is yes but the odds of that happening are most likely slim. So I may never have the opportunity to say, "Your honor, the jury finds the defendant guilty on all charges!"

Too bad...