Why is Greg so weird?

Well, my weekend is finally here. I say finally because my weekend is really sunday and monday. Those are the days when I don't have to "go" to work. I just work from home on those days.

Friday was good. After my shift at Applebees, I got ready for and had my show that I had been talking about. It was good for me. A lot of people came. I wish I could have talked to them all. Due to the nature of the show, I was stuck on stage DJ-ing for everyone, I got one break towards the end but everyone who I think came to see me had already left. So that was a bummer. But I still had fun. I only messed up once. So I hope that I didn't hurt my rep by doing the show. One highlight was when James Fate got on stage and we performed a song that we have done together called "The Answer." I heard people singing! So that was cool. And if for some reason, you are out of the loop; you can check out my music here.

Saturday morning was the first day of Ultimate Frisbee. Yes, I joined an ultimate frisbee league. Yes, that's right. A league. I was as surprised as you. So I get there; I don't know anyone. And I look around; yep. I'm the only black guy that likes ultimate frisbee. But whatever. Anyway, this league seems to be so serious! They run plays and have defensive sets and stuff; I was so lost. PLUS, I was a little out of shape. I was on the verge of vomiting but I didn't have anything to vomit. Good thing I only had Peanut Butter Cups & my multi-vitamin with a bottled water for breakfast.   After it was over, every muscle in my body hurt. Especially my legs. I cramped really bad later. But this is what it's about. I am going to be back in shape very soon. Haha, just in time for basketball season in a month or so. Oh yea, I am hoping to play for a church team. I found one nearby; we're gonna try it out! Oh yea, I'm on a bowling team too. It's going well. As of today I have the 2nd highest avg. It's 175. Where am I finding time to do all this when I work 3 jobs? Well, I have to do this in order to actually schedule recreation. Or else I would never do anything. It's true. It's part of my time management scheme. Gotta find a way to work sleep back in there somewhere. Hmm, I'm not doing anything when i'm driving....that might be a good time!

Hey remember last weekend I was all pissed off? Well yea. It all evened out. That's how it goes. I am praying for good things in the days to come. Those of you who are praying people if you could message me and we'll trade prayer requests. Cool?

Moved

Well I am sitting here alone in the new apartment. No music. No tv...just thinking.

I've been thinking about a lot of different things. Some spiritual. Some not as spiritual...but right now...The thing on my mind is: where are my nail clippers? It's about that time for me to have my fingernails and toe nails clipped. But I can't find my little kit. It's still packed somewhere. I must find it. I refuse to sleep tonight until they are done. I hate doing anything when my nails are too long. And you know, I'm glad that I care about this sort of thing. I guess it comes from having an older sister. She would always try to advise me in such issues. And she'd always make this face when I was doing something wrong. Kind of like a "something stinks" kind of face that you make. In hopes of contorting your face muscles and nose in such a way that maybe you can block the smell from entering your nose without actually having to hold your nose. You know anyone who can make that face? You know what I'm talking about? haha. My sis is probably reading this right now.

My friend Mark is probably also reading this. In the past few months, Mark has been a great help while I have sorted out a lot of relationship issues and life issues. It's funny because we don't talk often; and most of it is usually catching up. But when we have time to talk outside of "catching up," he is usually giving me invaluable insight. Give this man some dap. Check out his music page: Mark Chappelle

What else? I am going to this house show tonight to see Canon Blue. I'm really interested to see what this will be like. The music is very nice. Sadly, I guess this means I'll miss The Office. I'm sure I'll tape it or something. So that will be fine.

I went on an audition earlier this week. I think it went fine; but the peculiar tidbit was; there were some other black men there; and they were all bald and had the same build and were dressed somewhat the same as me. So it was kind of odd. I guess that will be the nature of auditions from now on. How's that going, you ask? It's ok. I audition for stuff; so that's good. The only thing I have definitely done in the past few weeks is be a customer in a coffee shop for this video series. It's a Sunday School thing.

By the way, I have a show on Friday, Oct. 5th. Cafe Coco at 8pm. It's $5. Would love to see you there.

---

Seraph: Did you always know?
The Oracle: Oh, no. No, I didn't. But I believed... I believed...

keep it real? pt. 2

First of all, Happy Birthday Dad! I'm glad that you were born! And I'm glad that you were pro-life. That worked out really well for me. ok...

---

Remember this blog? Well I was thinking about it today.

Every so often I meet people who are Christians. They may or may not know that I am a Christian when they meet me. A conversation might go like this:

Random Guy: Yea, I'm a Christian, but don't worry; I'm the cool kind.
Greg: What do you mean?
Random Guy: Just that I can go out and drink and have fun and stuff and I'm not super religious.
Greg: oh ok.
Random Guy: But I'm still a Christian, you know. It's just not about rules and stuff; it's about love and tolerance.
Greg: I see.
Random Guy: St. Francis of Assissi said, “Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.”
Greg: It's a good quote.

And it is...but there is a small problem. Let me share with you a conversation I had recently with a girl.

Random Girl: So yea, I'm a Christian.
Greg: Oh yeah?
Random Girl: Yea, I was a pastor's kid and I accepted the Lord when I was 5.
Greg: Wow. That's really young.
Random Girl: Yea, but I've grown up since then.
Greg: No doubt.
(another random guy walks up)
Random Guy (to Random Girl): Hey! Where have you been? Why didn't you come out drinking with us last week!
Random Girl: Oh! Well, I've been working a lot!
Random Guy: Well what about tonight?
Random Girl: I haven't gotten drunk with anyone in a while....
Random Guy: Really? When was the last time?
Random Girl: Ok well it was actually two days ago.
Random Guy: Oh. Well you should come out with us tonight!
Random Girl: I'll let you know. (random guy leaves.) Yea.....
Greg: Yea....
Random Girl: You probably didn't want to know all that, huh? Too much information?
Greg: No, I think there are still some informational gaps actually.
Random Girl: Well, I'll fill you in. I know sometimes its wrong to live the way I do. But I'm still a Christian, and that's still a big part of who I am. I guess my witness isn't that strong right now, but I think if people see that I'm real when i'm making mistakes; they'll see that I'm real when I'm not.
Greg: I see
Random Girl: I've only been here a few months; I haven't really met anyone I click with who doesn't go out drinking.
Greg: I understand. I think it's wrong to drink, but I personally don't do it. I've met a lot of Christians since I moved here; and a lot of them drink. It's kind of tough to be social go do what everyone else is doing. And it's lame to just sit there sometimes...

And without giving you the rest of the conversation; I think I just understood that people (not just Christians) have a strong need to connect with other people. And I guess it's more enticing and easier to sell to someone "Hey, I'm just like you!" "I'm just like everyone else!" instead "Hey, I'm different." And both statements are true. But for a Christian, the difference can be tough to decipher unless you live a certain way.

That's why the quote from St. Francis can be a problem. If you were to just look at my life; you don't always see the gospel. Often, you will see an insanely imperfect idiot (alliteration!!!, I think....maybe assonance...) trying to fit in and trying to figure things out.

Here's a quote from my friend Claire:
"yeah, I'd rather be the dork that tries to follow Jesus than have people resent me for saying I'm a Christian but being ok with sin in my life."

For some reason, that statement really made me think. Where am I at on this? Is it more important for me to be socially relevant? or am I ok with being a dork?

Been fresh since 8-10-78

I had a great birthday.

My parents and sister came over from Memphis and they took me to Famous Dave's. Then I just hung out at the apartment for a bit before I went to see Rush Hour 3. It was really funny.

Then I met up with the Ourslers for a little bit; as I crashed their graduation party.

Then the next day, I just lounged around in my little house pants. haha. I saw Transformers finally. You know what....kind of cool....and kind of boring. yea...I mean; there is some great stuff and then some stuff that wasn't as great. So....yea. hmm, oh well.

Then I went to the Open Mic hip hop night at Cafe Coco. that's always a good time.

Today I overslept, so I missed church, which I hate to do. Then I went to see Bourne Ultimatum. It was fantastic. And really was the best movie I saw this weekend. Yes, that is my opinion.

Meanwhile, now I sit here; wondering if this week will be lame or amazing. Of course, in these planning stages; you never want to plan and schedule a lame week but sadly these weeks just seem to happen. So we'll see.

I would like to find time to join a church basketball team this fall/spring. I wonder if there is anything like that in Nashville. I will have to see.

Alright, thanks to everyone who wished me a happy birthday. I am still celebrating until Tuesday! Oh, and anyone who was wondering about my birthday present fundraiser, people were kind enough to donate $21 ($18 on myspace and $3 on facebook) so I have used that towards the movies. Still didn't cover it all; but I appreciate the generosity from Jeremy, Scott, and The Winans!

Christian Nudity?

I've been reading the Nashville Scene faithfully now for the past 5 weeks. It's been mostly good stuff. But today, I was at Shane's Rib Shack. I went to pick up a copy and I stopped; frozen. On the cover was a drawing of two naked people; and the cover read:
Naked Before God: Christian nudists hit the church - and the hot tub - for three days of wet and wild worship in the backwoods of Tennessee.

Wha???

I really didn't know what to make of this. At first I think I was kind of upset; I thought, "Oh great, what kinds of craziness are they going to say about the church in here. And then I felt ashamed to pick it up and read it. And then I thought I was being silly. Because like I said, I have been reading for the past few weeks.

So I read it; and well... I don't know what to say. It was an interesting read. It reminded me of a roommate I had in Bible College who loved to get naked. He didn't do it often, but I guess he did it often enough. And we'd have these conversations about nudity. And he had some interesting views.

Anyway, click here to read the article. Let me know what you think.

One-Eighty

What an unbelievably challenging month July has been. I have gone through and experienced a lot more this month than I ever thought I would. It's been emotionally taxing. I was talking to mus sister on the phone, when I realized that these types of events really force you to evaluate. I suppose that when we are in times of stress or trouble; the tensions that we are facing will highlight all of our weaknesses and character flaws. I have had to come face to face with my own flaws. I'm not going to spell those out here. I guess I needed to type out that I at least have these to work on before I would think about working on them.

In the Bible, there is the story about the prodigal son. He eventually comes to his senses and decides to head back home. I think in a lot of ways, I have had to experience this on a more practical level. At what point in my life do I realize I need to change direction? That's the key. How long do you head in one direction before you make a change? This has been a huge deal for me this month. Making necessary changes and taking necessary steps in order to keep out of trouble. It's like learning how to walk all over again. Or trying to go back on a diet. Or maybe trying to do push-ups again.

Yea, so I tried to do some push-ups this morning. And it was a struggle. I did 10 (my goal) but it was rough. but I really didn't want to do push-ups. I would have rather played basketball. I have played basketball once in the 11 months I have lived in Nashville. Just one time. And that was with the junior high kids at church on an 8 foot goal. I would like to get back into that. I remember when I used to play a lot. I always felt great afterwards. Great, in a "my body is about to collapse" sort of way. I have always said that when the right time comes I am going to (fill in the blank) but that right time never seems to come. So I guess it really is "now or never."

Which reminds me of that Mute Math song, of course. And no I didn't plan that out. Seriously.

Catching Up, Checking In, Keeping In Touch

I am up late. It seems to be the prerequisite...

So, I was just thinking about some things. I am moving into a new apartment in the near future with two other guys that I've gotten to know recently. This will be my first time living with other guys since College. And it's different than living at home with your parents and sister I'd say. But in some ways it's similar. It's been a while since I've had to share a space with someone in that manner. So my relationship with these two guys will change considerably.

I've noticed a pattern in a lot of my friendships as it goes on a regular basis. I'll see them or talk to them, and it's usually "Hey....how's it going?....yea? that's cool....So....anything new?......oh ok.....well here's what's going on with me.......yep.....oh ok so what else is going on?.......same here......well, talk to you later." And that's how my conversations have been going. It seems like all I do is catch up with my friends. It's just a series of keeping caught up. So when I think about it; rarely am I actually going through life with people; it's like I just keep running into people at various times. A series of intersections. even if they are repetitive intersections...even if they are once a week....by the nature and definition of an intersection, it's still different directions. Just people I seem to pass by while I go through life...

It seems like I am never really around people long enough to enjoy a journey together; or if I am; I am enjoying it long enough to realize that one or both is on a wrong path. So, it's a ritual of connecting and then disconnecting. Sometimes by necessity and then sometimes by habit. But ultimately, my friendships miss something because there are no common experiences. Getting caught up seems to mean you tell each other what they've missed; but the point is; that they've missed it; or you've missed whatever has been going on with them.

Sometimes I feel that my relationship with God is the same way. I am only running into Him long enough to try and get caught up. I may see him on a regular basis; but it's only to just keep in touch and stay informed. "What's going on? oh well here's what's going on with me, God....oh while i'm talking to you, could you.....?....ok, well talk to you later!" And somehow I must be missing something. I think that I often just keep in touch with God but I forget to share experiences with God. Or maybe just experience God Himself.

When I was in college, I lived in the dorm and I was really familiar with my roommates. I knew their schedule. I knew what they were up to. I knew who they were talking to, and what was on their minds. I knew their concerns. Their habits. Their dislikes....because I was always around them; always in their presence. So I never really had to get caught up with them; it was never just information exchange once I got to that point. Then I just was living life with them and experiencing being their roommate and friend.

So this is something I need to do in a lot of in relationships but especially with God. Move beyond a series of intersections and look for a chance to be on the same road.

Do you know what I'm talking about?

Journey is Irrelevant without Destination

So it's been a week since Bonnaroo. I have yet to blog about it. I can't give a really good play-by-play. I was sick the whole time I was there. So that was annoying. Let's see, so I was working the gate for a 12 hour shift. The deal was that after the shift, they would give us the admission bracelets that we'd need in order to get into the center area where all of the stages and tents were located. Well my shift was over at 8pm and Mute Math was playing at 10. So I thought it would be plenty of time to make it back. Actually, I did not get back to my camp site until about 9:15 or so. Now, it's about a 25 minute walk or so from where we were to the stage. And they still were late with the bracelets. So I was agonizing. By about 10:05 I still didn't have the bracelet. Then I could hear them playing off in the distance. I couldn't stand that I could hear them playing but couldn't go see them, so I decided that I was just going to go sneak in. Somehow. It was an act of desparation. I just walked towards the music. I cut through campsites and walked through people's areas. Didn't use any of the marked gravel roads. I then somehow was able to find an area that was not heavily guarded that led me to a dark and unlit road that led to the area behind the stage and I found an opening in the fence and just walked in! It felt exhilirating. haha, anyway, so their show was great!

Afterwards, I tried to get back to the campsite. I say that I tried because I just couldn't do it. Keep in mind, that I just worked a 12 hour shift and then I hustled across to the show; and then I didn't use any roads or landmarks to let me know how to get back, so I was completely lost. My legs were starting to cramp. I stopped to ask for directions. However, in my ignorance I had indicated the absolute wrong place on my map to get directions to. So the lady actually told me how to get to the spot on the map furthest away from where I wanted to be. I didn't know this at the time. So as I was lost at Bonnaroo, I had a great deal of time to think about things.

One of my friends once told me that I told her something that she really appreciated and had told all of her friends. Basically what I said was to "Seek God, the journey is irrelevant." I didn't think this was a big deal at the time. However, I said this because a lot of the time I think about how so much emphasis is placed on the journeys of life and making sure you don't miss the here and now. And not to miss all the daily intricacies of life. I think that sometimes I agonize over whether God wants me to go here or there or do this or that. But one time, my friend Jason told me to just seek God, and not seek a job or career or girlfriend. This was many years ago. I guess I had adopted that into my thinking. Well anyway, at some point I had moved away from this, hoping that I could finally focus on and enjoy life and not stress over seeking God. But this is wrong. The more I think about it...you can't just live...or just be...unless you have something to shoot for. Something to set your sights on....a destination.

I had the wrong destination that night. So all of my walking was taking me nowhere. It was painful. But when I finally figured out where I was supposed to be and where I was going, those first steps were hard, but as I neared my destination; I became a little more energized. I sometimes think about a long road trip. As I get closer and closer to my destination, I start to get excited. I start to anticipate how great it will be to finally get there. All of the things I'll do there. I think that if you set out just to go somewhere without a destination in mind, you might as well stay home.

I think if we focus only on the journey, we lose something. Something that makes the journey more bearable. That something is hope. Hope gives a journey purpose. Anticipation of better things when the journey is over. Or anticipation of a new journey to begin from your new destination. But even in that case, a new journey has to lead to a new destination. Anyway, i'm rambling about some things I was thinking while I was wandering aimlessly throughout Bonnaroo that night.

So yea, the next day I finally got bracelets; and I saw a lot of great bands and DJs, made frequent stops to the portable toilets, was offered a lot of pot; and saw a moderate amount of nudity. I think the highlight for me personally, was to see The Roots. That was amazing. Sorry to all of you Police fans.

What else? The show I played recently with 2'Shon went very well. I am very excited about next week at Cornerstone. Not only for that but to also be in the band with Spoken Nerd. His music with a live band sounds excellent. I am somehow very fortunate to be a part of all this. After next week, I wonder how i'll get my fix.

Alright, that's how things are going with me lately.

Are you in?

Well let's see. I am up late. I am finally finished with all my junk for the day. Ready to do it all again tomorrow. Here's some things that are going on with me. I was thinking about my year-long push. I guess I am nearing the half way point. In some ways, I am worse off than I was at the beginning of the year. In other ways, I am better. So I'll just mention a few things.

I'll be attending Bonnaroo next week and also Cornerstone. At Bonnaroo, I'll be excited to see a lot of bands that I've never seen before. I was fortunate enough to find some people who were taking volunteers to work the gate. SO! I'll be working the gate on Thursday, then that night I hope to see Mute Math. On Friday, I don't really have anyone I want to see until that night! I will FINALLY get to see The Roots, then Aesop Rock, El-P, and then DJ Shadow late that night! I may leave after that truthfully. but on Saturday night; if I'm still up for it. I can finally see Regina Spektor, Kings of Leon, Ben Harper & The Criminals, The Police, Girl Talk, and Sasha & John Digweed! Yea, I am definitely leaving after that. haha.

At the end of June, i'll be traveling to Illinois to play at the Cornerstone Music Festival. I think it will be similar to Bonnaroo in a lot of ways. Except that it's Christian bands playing and so on. I'll be there as part of 2'Shon & the SOLO. Should be fun! (Nashville people; if you want to see this band play before Cornerstone; be at The Anchor on Tues. June 19th at 7 and bring $5!) Also I'll be performing with Spoken Nerd. That will also be a lot of fun. I don't really want to see anyone perform at Cornerstone except for Pigeon John. I hope to spend some time in Rockford, IL when I am in Illinois; but I don't even know how I am going to get gas money to be in Illinois in the first place! Donations???

The acting thing has not worked out as quickly as I'd hoped. Other than appearing in Mat Kearney's music video briefly, I haven't done anything. I have had to work a lot (3 part time jobs) so I am hoping to get a better paying job; then I can whittle down to two. The high paying one; and the other one I moved here to do. You all know what that is. So I am trying. Once I get a better and more solid schedule there; I can work on film acting if I get night work hours; and theater acting if I get day work hours. And I will try and push the music thing also.
I've been working with D'Evora on retooling some Quiet Entertainer logos and I've been looking at some t-shirt options. You might hear more on this if it works out in a way that I find favorable.

I have a girlfriend now. What? Huh? Yes, it's true. Where did she come from? How did this happen? I just have no clue. Well, we met on myspace! Yea, doesn't that just cajole your cojones? haha, I hope not. Anyway, she clicked on me because I was in someone's top friends. (Mad props to Elliot!) So we had been hanging out a lot and seeing quite a good bit of each other; and now here we are! So now what do I do? I don't know.

Anyway, so if I can get a better job. I won't have to move. I may move anyway; but I like this particular area and this apartment complex. But it's a lot of money for just me. I may need a roommate situation to appear soon. Anyway, I'll deal with that in the next month or so. Wish me luck. Pray. Do all that.

Thanks for your time.
-Greg

So this morning, I went with Brandon and Garrett to some random lake in order to try out Brandon's new jetski. I'd never been on a jetski before, so I was excited to give it a shot. Well, after proceeding to dangerous velocities  ; we somehow tipped the jetski completely over and all 3 of us fell off. So that was unexpected; we had to swim to a nearby shore while simultaneously pulling the freakin' jetski. Pretty awesome so far...

So we get to the shore; and completely at random we see a large GOAT and a PIG just sitting there looking at us. Why were they there? who knows. Apparently they are there all the time. How did we learn this? Stay tuned. So as we are at this rocky shore, Garrett is using a gatorade bottle to try and get the water out of the jetski and I am anchoring it with a rope. The pig begins to approach behind me! Is it a nice pig? Is it vicious? Will he charge at me in a menacing fashion? I didn't know the answers to these questions. Thankfully, the pig backed off.

So eventually we decided to flag down someone to tow us back to shore. And we get picked up by a group of people who were actually coming over to feed the pig! We found out later that they feed it a couple of times a week. They are on the lake a lot. Anyway, so I think a couple of the adults on the boat were full on drunk and the others were somewhat buzzed. AND I didn't see it but Garrett says one of the kids had a beer. we're talking maybe 9 and 12 years old.

Moving on, so the first conversation I overheard upon entering their boat was "No, I didn't show my boobs; but I don't think there is anything wrong with it! If you got 'em, flaunt em!" One guy was trying to get the girl to show; or something. I dunno. So the driver of the boat was named Ken. He asked, "So what were you boys doing over there on the shore?" We explained what had happened. So he then said, "well we thought you were faggots." Yes, he totally said that. It was because we didn't have any women with us. Well anyway, then he said "Well if you had been Mexicans; we probably would have shot ya! Thought you might have tried to eat our pig!"

Wow.

Anyway, it took us quite a while to get towed back. We ended up going the scenic route back. Ken had his son on board and there was another kid. They were pretty smart. The oldest son, Eric was Boob-Flasher-Lady's son. He was pretty embarrased today. Because his mom was hanging all over another random dude that was there trying to cop a feel.

HOWEVER, the amazing highlight of the day was when this other guy announced that he needed to pee. Ken told him, just stand up and go over the side. He said, he didn't want to because he might spray somebody. I thought to myself, wow. And a few minutes later, he told everyone; "Ok, everyone turn your head, I'm gonna piss in this cup..." I seriously thought he was joking....but then I heard the sound of a stream of liquid hitting a small styrofoam cup and then I realized that he had whipped out and started urinating in a cup! And then he poured the cup over the side! And then he put the cup down by the cooler! Unbelievable.

Anyway, we finally made it back to shore. Other than the non-PC comments. Ken was a pretty nice guy. And I had fun jetskiing other than the obvious inconveniences. Definitely a blog-worthy day of events.