Middle of my 48-hour day

The second of two really frantic weekends... more details in the next post, but this is the almost half-way mark. I was up at 6am Friday morning, it's now 1:15 AM Saturday morning. Getting a few things together for tormorrow's events then off to a local golf course to drop a system in at 6AM, pick one up from last night at 7:30 AM, then to a town north of Calgary for 9:30, then to Banff for... er... 4:00 PM.

Then...

I can relax.

Till the 1:00 AM pickup.

Then home for a rest. *sigh*

Then...

Sunday morning coffee with L.

Ah, the life of an entrepreneur!

Cat Tails

...second post today...

As requested, a photo!

I took my kitty in for a shave today to rid him of some unwanted matts and a general mess o' fur!

He takes on quite a different look... as you can see!

Now remember, he's 17... been hit by a car several years ago and isn't gettin' 'round so good... but he's home, fed, watered and is feeling much, much better.

Now... it's up to "dad" to keep him clean and matt-free.

On a totally unrelated topic... you can see at the back of the photo the attempt at removing the wallpaper from a couple weeks ago. It is still a work in progress, and if anyone has any tips on removing vinyl wallpaper with a paper backing, I would greatly appreciate some help! It's frightfully slow-going!

Time to catch up!

So now that my little rant over Music Monday has passed, I thought I'd drop in a post to bring everyone up to speed on what's been going on around here.

The weekends have been crazy busy with work - the most recent being the long weekend which was a staffing nightmare. One guy I hired out of Red Deer was 45 minutes late for a girl's wedding ceremony... that did not go over well. Pardon me for ranting, but what the hell was he thinking???

"Well, it took me longer to get across Red Deer than I had anticipated, then there was a detour at Carstairs because of an accident."

OK... pause for station identification...

It's a long weekend.

There's ALWAYS an accident on Highway 2!
(some say it's Edmonton, but that's another rant)

Leave early. Especially on a long weekend!!

FOOL!

OK. I'll be fine... after just one more...

The first equipment delivery and setup was scheduled for 8AM Saturday. I show up to discover a rather rough-around-the-edges group of people. I'm thinking to myself... "something's just not good here... these people are going to eat their DJ alive, I know it!" Yes, it was going to be trial by fire for said DJ.

I said this because I had, out of necessity, scheduled a rather... shall we say "green" DJ. He was keen, so I figured, what better way to learn! However, after seeing what these folks were like SOBER, a BIG RED FLAG went up!

To complicate matters, the DJ in question didn't answer his phone... all day.

OK, now I'm nervous. Really nervous. I can't stand up a client, that's just not an option. So, start the scrambling process.

After calling close to a dozen contacts - people who might know people - I literally stumbled on a guy with ZERO experience, but he was qualified at this point by being a warm breathing body who could press play on a cd player!

So, R. stepped up to the plate, and did qute well!

I moved myself to the "all old country" party, and let me tell you... I don't think I've done a better party in ages! It was fun!

Oh, I forgot to mention that DJ who didn't answer his phone all day called me at 6PM! 6PM! Then, shows up at MY event wondering where he was supposed to work!

That's rich.

So at the end of the day, I paid out huge money in "fill in" wages, and had to refund some money which will work itself out down the vine, but everyone was mostly happy and I made four or five contacts for future consideration.

Monitarily a bit of a lost weekend, but in terms of resources... HUGE GAIN!


Closer to home, spent some time catching up with old friends. One in particular who has been a real blessing over the last couple weeks. It's funny when you spend time with someone who's struggling with similar challenges in life how easy it becomes to address one's own challenges - mostly for seeing things from a "removed" perspective. You know how it goes - it's easier to tackle someone else's challenges than your own... you're not invested. Some fresh new perspectives here.

Also caught up with D. & C. over the weekend and did some fun fort building for their kids.

The yard is showing singns of improvement too. My dad has a big green thumb and loves nothing better than to tackle the challenge of weeds! And since I have a little "gardening by God" going on, he's got lots to keep himself busy! Thanks Dad!

In additional projects, fine tuning the rental space downstairs. New tenant is rather... new... and very young. I think there's lots she just doesn't "get". Some interesting stories to tell, but perhaps for another post.

Kitty went in this morning for a shave. It's an annual ritual for said feline, DJ.. yah, no kidding.. I named him DJ!

He's a white, long-haired beast, and a real challenge to keep combed and matt-free. So I as much as he look forward to this day every year!

That's about it for catchup news... more later on this same station.

Music Monday lost in the wind

So much for Music Monday.
It's Tuesday.
Night.

Rock theme was scheduled for yesterday.
It didn't happen.
For technical reasons.

The sampler came together, only once compiled, the sound was completely garbled.

The pieces were clean, sounded great.
Cut together and complete, it sucked.

I'm pissed.

I've recompiled this damn thing four times over the last 24 hours and I feel like I'm back to square one.

Tomorrow I will go back to the originals and start again.

Maybe by NEXT Monday there will be a sampler.

Until then...

Here's a fresh new perspective on love...

This morning at Smily's I saw this article on Nick Vujicic. I thought it might be worth considering what life might be like without some of the tremendous gifts we take for granted.

Think about what you do every day, and the trivial little things you complain about... now read this article.

....To count our hurt, pain and struggle as nothing but pure joy? As my parents were Christians, and my Dad even a Pastor of our church, they knew that verse very well. However, on the morning of the 4th of December 1982 in Melbourne (Australia), the last two words on the minds of my parents was "Praise God!". Their firstborn son had been born without limbs! There were no warnings or time to prepare themselves for it. The doctors we shocked and had no answers at all! There is still no medical reason why this had happened and Nick now has a Brother and Sister who were born just like any other baby.


The whole church mourned over my birth and my parents were absolutely devastated. Everyone asked, "if God is a God of Love, then why would God let something this bad happen to not just anyone, but dedicated Christians?" My Dad thought I wouldn't survive for very long, but tests proved that I was a healthy baby boy just with a few limbs missing.

Understandably, my parents had strong concern and evident fears of what kind of life I'd be able to lead. The first biggest hurdle was for my parents to be at peace and trusting that God was in control. It took a number of months of tears, questions and grief before that complete overtook their hearts. God provided them strength, wisdom and courage through those early years and soon after that I was old enough to go to school.

There are a few people who assume that because of my physical disability that it meant that I'd also be mentally disabled. The law in Australia didn't allow me to be integrated into a main-stream school because of my physical disability. God did miracles and gave my Mom the strength to fight for the law to be changed. I was one of the first disabled students to be integrated into a main-stream school.

I liked going to school, and just try to live life like everyone else, but it was in my early years of school where I encountered uncomfortable times of feeling rejected, weird and bullied because of my physical difference. It was very hard for me to get used to, but with the support of my parents, I started to develop attitudes and values which helped me overcome these challenging times. I knew that I was different but on the inside I was just like everyone else. There were many times when I felt so low that I wouldn't go to school just so I didn't have to face all the negative attention. I was encouraged by my parents to ignore them and to try start making friends by just talking with some kids. Soon the students realized that I was just like them, and starting there God kept on blessing me with new friends.


There were times when I felt depressed and angry because I couldn't change the way I was, or blame anyone for that matter. I went to Sunday School and learnt that God loves us all and that He cares for you. I understood that love to a point as a child, but I didn't understand that if God loved me why did He make me like this? Is it because I did something wrong? I thought I must have because out of all the kids at school, I'm the only weird one. I felt like I was a burden to those around me and the sooner I go, the better it'd be for everyone. I wanted to end my pain and end my life at a young age, but I am thankful once again, for my parents and family who were always there to comfort me and give me strength.

Due to my emotional struggles I had experienced with bullying, self esteem and loneliness, God has implanted a passion of sharing my story and experiences to help others cope with whatever challenge they have in their life and let God turn it into a blessing. To encourage and inspire others to live to their fullest potential and not let anything get in the way of accomplishing their hopes and dreams.

As I grew older God continued to prepare my heart and teach me to seek Him. One of the first lessons that I have learnt was not to take things for granted. I had that wake up call around the age of twelve and realised just how much I was blessed with. I take my foot for granted, my family and all blessings that God had freely given and I still complain? I came across;

Romans 8:28 - "And we know that in all things God works for the best for those who love Him."

That verse spoke to my heart and convicted me to the point where that I know that there is no such thing as luck, chance or coincidence that these "bad" things happen in our life. In;

James 1:3&4 - "...know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

I had complete peace knowing that God won't let anything happen to us in our life unless He has a good purpose for it all. I completely gave my life to Christ at the age of fifteen after reading John 9. Jesus said that the reason the man was born blind was "so that the works of God may be revealed through Him." I truly believed that God would heal me so I could be a great testimony of His Awesome Power. Later on I was given the wisdom to understand that if we pray for something, if it's God's will, it'll happen in His time. If it's not God's will for it to happen, then I know that He has something better. I now see that Glory revealed as He is using me just the way I am and in ways others can't be used.

I am now twenty-one years old and have completed a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Financial Planning and Accounting. I am also a motivational speaker and love to go out and share my story and testimony wherever opportunities become available. I have developed talks to relate to and encourage students through topics that challenge today's teenagers. I am also a speaker in the corporate sector. For more information on Nick's presentations go to "Nick's Ministry".

In recent years, I have learnt to become independent and can now take care of all my personal needs. I can do everything from brushing my teeth, combing my hair, dressing up, taking care of my personal hygiene and even shaving. I get around the house by jumpin' around and, outside the house, I get around in an electric wheelchair. I love to swim, fish and play soccer. I have a passion for reaching out to youth and keep myself available for whatever God wants me to do, and wherever He leads, I follow.



I have many dreams and goals that I have set to achieve in my life. I want to become the best witness I can be of God's Love and Hope, to become an international inspirational speaker and be used as a vessel in both Christian and non-Christian venues. I want to become financially independent by the age of 25, through real estate investments, to modify a car for me to drive and to be interviewed and share my story on the "Oprah Winfrey Show"! Writing several best-selling books has been one of my dreams and I hope to finish writing my first by the end of the year. It will be called "No Arms, No Legs, No Worries!"

You might think these goals are too far-fetched. However, I believe that if you have the desire and passion to do something, and if it's God's will, you will achieve it in good time. As humans, we continually put limits on ourselves for no reason at all! What's worse is putting limits on God who can do all things. We put God in a "box". The awesome thing about the Power of God, is that if we want to do something for God, instead of focusing on our capability, concentrate on our availability for we know that it is God through us and we can't do anything without Him. Once we make ourselves available for God's work, guess whose capabilities we rely on? God's!

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13



God has a Great Purpose for your life! As far as your unanswered prayers, remember that God is Faithful. What are we to do when we are seeking but not finding?

Jeremiah 29:12 - "Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the Lord...

Take courage my friend for the Battle is the Lord's and I urge you to keep striving for the truth. For it is the truth that will set you free and the Peace of God that surpasses all understanding will reign in your heart. May the Lord Bless you as you diligently seek Him and grant you Godly Wisdom and Strength through your journey.

If you know of an audience which may benefit from hearing Nick's story please contact us at lifewithoutlimbs@yahoo.com - Have a look and see if Nick is speaking in your local area!

In Christ,
Nick Vujicic

Let's talk about love PART 4

Early in my blogging, I posted about love and a few of us bantered back and forth over what love really was, or is perceived to be.

I had a conversation with a friend of mine recently. I asked her if she had ever truly been in love. Her eyes sort of shifted from side to side, she couldn't look me straight in the eye, but she said

"Well, I thought I was, but it wasn't reciprocated, if that's what you're getting at."

Through the course of our discussion, I discovered that she truly believed that unless love is returned, you're not really in love.

"How can you love someone - really - if you don't get that love in return? We all do things that are in our best interest - it's human nature. It's not in our best interest to give something for nothing."

Interesting.

Music Monday (2)

I frequent a coffee shop in my neighbourhood that years ago, under the previous management, supported local live acts - mostly extremely amateur "garage band" types and jammers.





Then along came Nothin' But Trouble.

This was a four-piece band, three ladies and a guy. Amongst their collection of instruments: accoustic guitars, banjo, sax, flute and standup bass.

All three ladies were "music therapists" by vocation - which makes me wonder why they weren't just a little more polished. On occasion they would host an "open jam" - inviting anyone who wished to play or sing along to jump right in.

As I listen to these recordings (a cd I bought at one of their weekly shows for which I don't have the liner with all the really good information I was hoping to share today... uggg...) I think back to the days of the Nothin' But Trouble parties... nights of bluegrass, folk and boarderline country music. They did a pretty amazing cover of the Eurithmics' "Sweet Dreams" along with a number of original pieces - two of which I have posted here with links to the songs.

Some faithful readers here have had trouble downloading the tunes I post - most possibly because of the MP-4 format I'm in the habit of using. Much as I really detest MP-3 for its mediocre sound quality, the objective here is to share the music.

So, you will find the files in standard MP-3.

Enjoy!


Pretty Girls
There are pretty girls who don't like to get dirty
There are pretty girls who sleep until 12:30
There are pretty girls with 99 pairs of shoes
There are pretty girls who jump if you ask them to.

Pretty won't last for ever
Pretty won't make you whole
Pretty won't make you clever
Pretty won't penetrate your soul

I am pretty confident that it's your mind and not your body that should attract
I am pretty confident that pretty fades away, and that's a fact

There are pretty girls who obsess about their looks
There are pretty girls who never read a book
There are pretty girls like candy to the eye
There are pretty girls who never sweat, but have firm theighs

Looking for somebody whoes main concern is looking good
Well I won't fit that picture, honey,
I never have and I never could.
pretty might be pretty good for a good time
but will pretty be pretty enough to stimulate your mind?


I Faked It
Well, me and Eddie had a bust-up,
He'd been mine for a couple of years.
I know I should be cryin'
But why have I no tears?
Well there's something about dear, dear Eddie
That made this an easy goodbye.
It made it quite releaving,
And i'm gonna tell you why...

Well it started out with dinner
Candle light and all.
I felt like pretty Cinderella
Princess at the ball,
When things started to get real hot
and i didn't want him to quit.
But then he stopped, all satisfied,
and i thought, "What, that's it??"

So i faked it, i faked it,
Oooh aaahh oooo...
I know you thought it was qute the fun
But i faked it every time.
I faked it, i faked it,
yes i really did.
you were cute and "perdy",
but you just weren't good in bed.

I thought it would get better,
I thought he'd get a clue.
I thought i'd try to help him out,
Show him what to do.
But poor old Eddie didn't get it.
At "it" he really failed.
But i didn't want to hurt his feelings;
And so i screamed and whailed!

If you must understand
A shallow person I am not.
I'm not lookin' for a Superman
Or someone who's really hot.
I know that's quite the matter,
But Eddie had really big feet.
All that rythm and motion and
Eddie couldn't keeep a beat.

I know to you it was heaven;
I know you had your fun.
But each time that you finished
I was never done.
So...
I...
faked it, i faked it...

NEXT WEEK: Any requests?