Link: The Seven-Shoe Wardrobe

No, this is not my collection, but I do want to avoid this very possible reality.

Link: The Seven-Shoe Wardrobe

I came across this great article about the seven essential shoes that a man should have in their collection. I found the list had some great choices and has the definitive goal for versatility and coverage of the various settings a man needs appropriate footwear.

I find myself challenged by the article to take inventory of the many pairs in my collection, and to trim it down by either donating pairs, or the recently discovered option of consigning pairs to Buffalo Exchange. By getting store credit, I can clear some room on the shoe rack and get something for me or my wife at the store. Taking a similar picture of my own shoe collection may give me a good kick in the butt to A) Start this project and B) Stop buying shoes. I don't know how realistic goal B is though...

Tuesday Tunes: Lights

Man, I've had this Pop/Dance song stuck in my head for over a week:


Lights, by Ellie Goulding

Does whatever a spider can

Faithful readers, if you're down with super-hero movies, please go see the Amazing Spider-man! I'm terrible with reviews, so here's a few quick reasons why you should see it:

• Superior casting to the previous trilogy of Spider-man movies: I can't wait to see more of Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker and Emma Stone as love interest Gwen Stacy.
• It's a fun movie: Non-comic fans might not know this, but Spider-man is known for his wisecracks against the criminals he pursues. We actually get to hear this
• The telling of the origin story doesn't drag: I've heard a lot of people ask "Isn't it too soon for a reboot?" and thus are wary of sitting through a retelling of how Peter Parker becomes Spider-man. Well, no need to fear, it goes by pretty quickly and doesn't hinder the pace (or enjoyment) of the movie.
• My wife liked it: She doesn't mind geeky stuff and likes summer action movies, but didn't like all the tragedy (wah waaaaah) in the previous Spidey movies. This one? She gave it two thumbs up. Do like I do, and listen to my wife.

Link: "When Worship Songs Go Blank"

I really enjoyed this April entry from the blog "Stuff Christians Like": When Worship Songs Go Blank

It reminds me of the one-year period where basically it was me vs. the audio AND visual equipment. A fellow worship leader at church suggested the equipment might have been demon-possessed, and after awhile, I really considered that possibility. In the end, it was a good character building experience that every musician faces at one point or another, but on a spiritual level, reminded me that our worship experience is more than the lights and the sound, and comes back to the heart.

Also, here's a bonus image taken during Sunday afternoon rehearsal back in the Spring: 

Fancy feet

I've posted before about my love of sneakers and footwear in general. For the past year or so, I've been wanting to upgrade my business/formal footwear. In my research, I came across the popular American brand Allen Edmonds who have a great reputation for quality shoes in classic styles. However, the biggest hurdle was the price point for a pair of these classy shoes...that is, until I came across Nordstrom's big annual sale in their men's department a few weeks ago. With free shipping and returns, I had to bite on these:

 

Say hello to my first pair of Allen Edmonds' Clifton oxfords in Walnut.  The walnut is slightly lighter in person (which is fine by me), and I really like the conservative brogue detailing (the decorative "dots") which makes them more interesting than your standard brown shoe, but not too crazy for a more formal occasion if necessary. I'll post later on how well these break-in over time, but I'm happy to report that my collection of shoes have now done a little growing up.

Reflections from MLK Weekend

Here's an old post that I drafted up back in January, but thought it was a nice road marker for what was on my mind at the time that I felt I should clean it up and post it:

Back in January, my wife and I drove down to NY for an early birthday dinner for my father over the MLK holiday weekend. Three-day weekends tend to make for less hectic visits to my family. Reflecting on the weekend, I've come to realize that I've inherited the love language of Quality Time from both of my parents, meaning that it doesn't matter so much as to what we do or where we go, but rather the intentionality of setting time aside for one another is most readily received.

 

Something else I have to mention, in light of the trip, is my dislike of driving. In driving, I have a drastic decrease in patience and a greater probability for using "salty" language. Some of this may resonate with you out there as these are pitfalls for those who suffer from road rage. However, I'm pleased to share that this trip's car experience was not just tolerable, but almost...pleasant. What made this drive different than the rest you ask? Two things really:

• First, the 3.5-4 hour drive is a great time to really talk to my wife about things both serious, as well as silly. What happens at work typically stays in the office, but for my wife who's a teacher, there's always an abundance of things to work on at home: grade papers, plan lessons, etc. There was an incident leading up to the trip where an email exchange between us seemed the best way to take care of time-sensitive matters, which just seemed so sad since we live under the same roof and don't travel for work! Again, it's that Quality Time-thing showing up again.
• Second, NPR. Something about a long drive and talk radio that goes like peanut butter and jelly and we were treated to a great piece showcasing a bit of history on MLK Jr. in honor of his birthday.

Happy Independence Day!

I hope you all see some fireworks this evening and get to remember what it's like to be a kid again.

Tuesday's Tunes: Furious

Furious
By: Jeremy Riddle

Nothing can tear us from
The grip of His mighty love
We’ve only glimpsed, His vast affection
Heard whispers of, His heart and passion
It’s pouring out…

His love is deep, His love is wide
And it covers us
His love is fierce, His love is strong
It is furious
His love is sweet, His love is wild
And it's waking hearts to life

The Father loves and sends His son
The Son lays down His life for all
He lavishes His love upon us
He calls us now, His sons and daughters
He’s reaching out…

… and its waking hearts to life
He is waking hearts to life
He is waking hearts to life