Guitar Hero

When I am stressed, I unknowingly find all sorts of distractions...it's almost like an addiction. Lately, when it feels like I am about to explode, I have found that playing a little Guitar Hero 2 is a great way to blow off steam. I think Nickelback is right, everyone wants to be a rockstar. There is something about standing there, in front of the tv, music blairing, plastic guitar in your hands...putting on the performance of a lifetime. If you haven't tried it, you got to get in...all the way in!

Sure video games are a waste of time, often violent, mind numbing, and bad for society - but sometimes the last thing you want to do is engage your mind. So here is my prescription (this week) for those of your who are inbetween books and up to date on all of your blog and periodical reading...sit back, relax, load up a video game and spend a little time not doing your normal routine.

Then when it's over, lock it up and throw away the key until the next time you need a break but there is no time for a vacation.

Curb Your Enthusiam

My favorite television show right now is Curb Your Enthusiasm. A lot of people tell me I remind them of the primary character, Larry David. That my be why I like it so much - who knows. What I really like about Larry is that he always says what is he thinking, whether it is appropriate or not. Without regard to anything or anyone, he speaks his peace. It is refreshing, and I wish more people I know were like that....I think.

I was at a meeting today with a group of people who are purchasing some land from Four Corners Church. As we talked, it was obvious to me that they wanted to pay less money for the land they were already committed to buying, and they wanted more time to close the deal. BUT...they never said that. All we did was talk. It made me think about all of the things I really want to say to people but never do.

The last 2 weeks have been very stressful for me...my wife started a new job after being home for 4 years, the finances at church are tighter than ever, and I have taken on some new responsibilities in the organization. But, more than ever before I have been speaking my peace. Not being quite as blunt as Larry, but somewhere in between where I used to be and where I want to be - and it has been refreshing. During the moment of delivery it has been stressful for me, but each time I have communicated directly I feel a little better than before the conversation started - and I do not have that I-wish-I'd-been-more-direct burden afterwards. I think I'll keep it up.