The Blog of Jonathan Grubbs

GoPro Camera Testing

2011-01-05T00:12:00.001-05:00

For Christmas I received a small GoPro HD camera from a very good friend. These things are amazing! I've seen them used before on several NASCAR commercials & TV series shoots that I've worked on, and in some music videos and other random video projects. Now I have my very own with a 170˚ wide-angle lens!

I wanted to truly test out what these things could handle and work on getting some calibrations right before I used it on anything 'professional'. So far, I've done three different experiments with it. The first test I took it mountain biking. Then I took it sledding because we happened to get a white Christmas. Finally, I just finished taking it snowboarding. Here are the videos that I quickly cut together of the footage. I hope you enjoy. Feel free to comment below.

GoPro HD Camera Test #1 - Mountain Biking

GoPro HD Camera Test #2 - White Christmas Sledding

GoPro HD Camera Test #3 - Snowboarding

When it warms up a little I'll attempt to take it underwater. Supposedly it can go under up to 60 meters. Check my videos page for more stuff.

New Year Resolutions for 2011

2010-12-31T23:05:00.005-05:00

Let me first start off by stating how much I dislike odd numbers. I'm really not looking forward to 2011. The only thing cool is that it'll start off with the date 1-1-11.

Here is a list of eleven (yes, I despise that it's an odd number) things that I hope to accomplish in the year 2011. When I listed something similar last year I neglected to include a gauge at which to judge if I had accomplished the goal or not (i.e. Spend more time with close friends and loved ones). I'm going to include that this year, because 2010 did not see much 'resolution'.

1.) BLOG MORE - My goal is to blog at least 2 times per month. 24 times in 2011. I hope to blog more about my work (film and video production), music (review albums, list favorite artists/songs), write more on faith & religious issues (including many of my questions or concerns).

2.) P90X - Work-out using my P90X dvds for 90 straight days - starting 1-1-11. I've attempted this before, but only got half-way through before work overwhelmed my time.

3.) WEBSITE UP - My goal is to have my http://ratchet.tv site up and running by April Fool's Day 2011. Complete with videos, photos, and bios. My little brother Nate (http://nategrubbs.com) has had it nearly ready to go for years now and I just haven't supplied him with some necessary info to complete. I plan on doing that. Soon.

4.) SCRIPTURE - I hope to read at least one verse of scripture a day, every day in the year 2011. I figure that if I can get myself reading at least one, I'll hopefully read more each day.

5.) RUNNING - My goal is to run at least 1.5 hours every week in 2011. I'll keep a running tally to hold me accountable. After running the Rock'n Roll Half-Marathon several years ago, I haven't quite run the same since. It's time to get back in shape. While I'm at it, I'll go ahead and commit to running the Copper River Bridge run or another halfy this year. Who's with me?

6.) TAXES - Stupid government taxes need to get done. I've got to get back to being a responsible citizen again. People just don't understand how difficult they are for a freelancer. I get nearly forty 1099 forms each year. My goal is to have ALL of my taxes done before April 15th, 2011.

7.) FAMILY TIME- I'll talk to all of my siblings at least once a month. We've lacked much communication in our family since we've spread across the country. My brothers, sister, and I decided over coffee during the holidays that we were going to change that. I really should talk to them every day, but I need at least a better place to start than where we were. I love my family. I couldn't ask for a better one.

8.) DATING - I plan on taking the next 6 months off of dating to focus on keeping up with my ever crazy personal and work life. Yeah, I know that's stupid. I'm not getting any younger. But... it needs to be done. My hope is that when marriage is gonna happen, it's gonna happen. I'm just not in a place to deal with relationships right now.

9.) KAYAKING - Experience whitewater kayaking. I have my own boat and all of the gear (except a helmet). I must take the whitewater kayaking training course at the U.S. National Whitewater Center in 2011. I love to go flatwater kayaking or surfing with my whitewater kayak, but I've always been a little fearful when it comes to taking it in real whitewater. Time to overcome those fears.

10.) SHORT FILM - In 2011, I will write, direct, and produce a short film. I don't know about what yet, but it had better be good! I really want to try and re-cultivate my creative writing process again. I know what it takes to pull off all of these jobs, I've just never done it all on my own.

11.) MOVE - Charlotte, North Carolina has been so good to me (since my birth here a long time ago). However, it's time for a change. I'm ready to try a new place. I'll be looking for work in 2011, probably in one of these places: New York, Colorado, Nashville, California, or New Zealand.

I hope you enjoyed reading my resolutions / goals for 2011! Please feel free to add a comment down below. Thanks for sharing life with me.

100 Things To Do In Life - REVISTED

2010-07-01T10:20:00.023-05:00

Last Updated:
Thursday, July 1, 2010

While I was in college, I began making a list of 100 things that I wanted to do before I die (Now, they call this a 'Bucket List'). This is my original list from my journal with the addition of a few new things. I've left several blanks at the bottom of the list so that I might add to it as I grow older. I may also change some of my original 100 list if I no longer may have an interest in accomplishing it or I am no longer physically able to do them.

Making this list has helped me get more out of life, focus on what I truly desire, and in the meantime it's even helped me conquer a few fears while having some crazy adventures. It also has encouraged me to widen my horizons and set the limits of life where there are no borders. I've placed an "X" by the things I have already accomplished. Some day I hope they will all be 'X'ed.

[x] 100 - Go to Austraila [accomplished 09/00]
[ ] 99 - Go to Ireland
[ ] 98 - Go to Scotland
[x] 97 - Travel via jumping freight trains [accomplished 10/08]
[ ] 96 - Ride in a hot-aired balloon

[x] 95 - Sky dive [accomplished 04/20/08]

[x] 94 - Bungee jump [accomplished Cairns, Australia 09/00]
[x] 93 - Make a cd of comedy music [accomplished 01/01]
[ ] 92 - Make a cd of praise & worship music. (Writing the music,
--------- not necessarily playing it.)
[ ] 91 - Live in New Zealand.
[ ] 90 - Marry a girl that loves G-d (and me)
[ ] 89 - Maybe have a kid... or two (by adoption or conception)
[ ] 88 - Write a seriously touching song
[x] 87 - Graduate college [accomplished 05/00]
[ ] 86 - Make a feature length movie
[ ] 85 - Hike the Appalachian Trail for a week with the girl I'd most
--------- like to marry.
[ ] 84 - Kayak in whitewater
[x] 83 - Run a half-marathon [accomplished 06/03?]
[ ] 82 - Start my own restaurant with gift shop
[x] 81 - Start a record label (accomplished Aberdeen Records 05/03)
[ ] 80 - Invent something cool (useful or fun)
[ ] 79 - To shoot par on a golf course (not a Putt-Putt course)
[ ] 78 - Visit all 50 states. Still missing: Hawaii, Idaho, Montana,
--------- Alaska, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Michigan
[ ] 77 - Go ice fishing in style
[ ] 76 - Learn to surf well
[ ] 75 - Go to Burning Man
[ ] 74 - Go on a cruise through the Carribean
[ ] 73 - Go to the Cornerstone Festival
[ ] 72 - Return to Australia. Visit Tazmania, Perth, & west coast,
--------- maybe Ayers Rock.
[ ] 71 - Horseback riding @ the Price Cone House (near Asheville)
[ ] 70 - Hike the entire (U.S.) Appalachian Trail (not necessarily in
--------- one sitting)
[ ] 69 - Write a book
[ ] 68 - Get the book published
[ ] 67 - Have a beach house
[ ] 66 - Have a mountain house
[ ] 65 - Have an underground secret hideaway (complete with a large
--------- non-perishable food supply... aka Twinkies.)
[ ] 64 - Get a drum set and learn how to play well
[x] 63 - Direct a music video [accomplished 06/05]

[ ] 62 - Drive a motorcycle (motorcross or other)
[x] 61 - Get an SUV [accomplished 02/07]
[ ] 60 - Write over 500+ songs
[ ] 59 - Read the Bible all the way through three times (NKJ, NIV,
--------- and Applified, maybe The Message)[accomplished NKJ Version '98]
[x] 58 - Go para-sailing [accomplished 09/07]
[ ] 57 - Go on a safari in Africa
[ ] 56 - Inspire thousands of people to a better relationship with G-d
[ ] 55 - To pay back all debt
[ ] 54 - Write a screenplay
[ ] 53 - Start a clothing line
[ ] 52 - Have big muscles
[ ] 51 - Be able to play the guitar better than my little brother, Nate
[x] 50 - Buy my own car [accomplished twice now]
[ ] 49 - Stop killing raccoons (inside joke)
[ ] 48 - Get a song published by a major record label
[x] 47 - Become a singer / songwriter [Done. But not a good one]
[x] 46 - Get a speaking role in a show or movie [accomplished, but I feel
--------- like I could have done better]
[ ] 45 - Become a radio disc jockey again. Wish I had a better voice.
[ ] 44 - Do something to make a big difference in our youth
[ ] 43 - Design logos and album covers
[x] 42 - To have a stable income of at least 50k. [accomplished, but not
--------- necessarily 'stable' income]
[x] 41 - Go to Times Square for New Years for Y2K or 2001.
--------- [accomplished 2001]
[x] 40 - Watch a Broadway musical
--------- [accomplished 01/01/01- Fiddler on the Roof]
[ ] 39 - Get my own house
[ ] 38 - Run the race on Cooper Bridge in Charleston, SC
[ ] 37 - Do a documentary on 'Chilly Willie' - homeless man in Charlotte, NC
[ ] 36 - Taking cooking classes
[ ] 35 - Get a business degree
[ ] 34 - Get a film in a major film festival
[ ] 33 - Get a dog and be able to keep it alive
[x] 32 - Ski/Snowboard down a Black Diamond without falling.
--------- [Accomplished twice in a row in Utah, 01/09]
[ ] 31 - Get a Masters of Divinity
[ ] 30 - Get a boat (any size)
[ ] 29 - Backpack Europe (Italy, Germany, France, Spain, etc.
[ ] 28 - Go to Cedar Point Amusement Park
[ ] 27 - Go on a speleology expedition (aka spelunking)
[ ] 26 - Go to Iceland. See the Northern Lights.
[ ] 25 - Play air guitar on the Great Wall of China.
[ ] 24 -
[ ] 23 -
[ ] 22 -
[ ] 21 -
[ ] 20 -
[ ] 19 -
[ ] 18 -
[ ] 17 -
[ ] 16 -
[ ] 15 -
[ ] 14 -
[ ] 13 -
[ ] 12 -
[ ] 11 -
[ ] 10 -
[ ] 09 -
[ ] 08 -
[ ] 07 -
[ ] 06 -
[ ] 05 -
[ ] 04 -
[ ] 03 -
[ ] 02 -
[ ] 01 -

TOTAL ACCOMPLISHED: 18 out of 100

WHAT WOMEN WANT... WHAT MEN WANT...

2008-12-09T01:30:00.000-05:00

RELATIONSHIPS...

For some reason, I'm asked often about my opinion on people's relationships or why men (or women) do certain things. I, by no means, am an expert in the subject, but I'm very pleased to chat with folks about it.

This is where a lot of my friends are at...

The Girls:
- They feel like the boys don't have any guts anymore to ask a girl out. The boys will flirt with them all day (and night), but when it comes to asking them out on a date... dream on (more on that later).
- From this flirtation (mentioned above), these girls also seem to feel like they're getting mixed signals from the boys. Do they like them or not?

The Boys:
- They're continually looking for bigger and better in the girl department, not wanting to settle down until they get dragged down. They feel like if they DO ask a girl out, then all of their friends will expect them to get married (yes; it sounds crazy, but it's a true feeling) OR they fear they'll lose all of their mutual friends if the relationship doesn't work out.

Both boys and girls also think that 'all the good ones are taken already' or 'those that are left are not in the same spiritual place as them' or even 'damaged goods'.

HERE ARE A FEW ANSWERS:
Girls - If a guy likes you, HE WILL PURSUE YOU... eventually. If he doesn't pursue you... he's just not that into you. Don't feel bad. You probably wouldn't want him anyway. DON'T PURSUE HIM! Important!!! Do the exact opposite of this desire to win him over with kind words and good back massages. Don't give him your heart easily. Guys don't like that anyway. We're predators and love to stalk our prey (wait... that doesn't sounds good). You hear that all the time, but IT'S TRUE! If a girl gives herself freely over to the guy, he's gonna stomp all over her. Treat yourselves and your heart like a very valuable possession and guys will see that and take note. Trust me, you'll be better off in the long run if you only give them an inch when they want a foot. Heck, don't give them anything at all. Keep'em whipped.

Guys - I know that we're told that we are at a new age, a new era - where the women pay for their own meals, they have great jobs and can afford to, but DON'T LET THEM. Tell'em they can buy dessert or pay tip (if they really want to get financially involved in a date). Also, make decisions before you go on the date, not while you are on it. You drive. Don't let her. Open the door for her... always. Treat her like a princess. Don't be scared to ask her out. If it doesn't work out, yet you still treat her well, then you may have a chance with her friends. :) No, but seriously. Girls talk... A LOT... and they share the good things (and bad) guys did for them. So be a good guy and you'll be well received... most of the time. Oh yes, and don't lead girls on. I'm bad about that. Make your intentions clear. If you wanna ask her on a date... CALL IT A DINNER DATE. If you want to go out for coffee and chat... CALL IT 'HANG OUT'. Girls get confused when you start saying it's one thing and it turns into another. Let them know from the start. Don't deceive them or they won't believe it when the next guy tries it. Also don't be afraid to pursue them for this 'hangin' out'. If you like what you hear, ask them on a date. That's how it works. Or just go straight to the date, if you dare. Take a chance on girls more often. You never know until you try. And you're not a failure if it doesn't work out.

Guys and gals.... there are still a lot of good ones out there. I meet great new people every day it seems. Maybe the market in your work place or church is not that appealing, it just means you need to get out more. Don't be scared. Everyone's doing it.

I've never really read any books on this subject, but these are just some of my thoughts that I hear brought up A LOT. I encourage you to add your comments, questions, or smart remarks.

~ Grubbs

P.S. - I'd love to do a speed dating thing, but with prearranged questions that are random and a bit off the wall. Maybe throw some other elements in to spice things up a bit. Could we pull something like that off?

THE GRAFFITI PROJECT

2008-04-23T00:33:00.006-05:00

Several months ago, my good friend, Kevin Adamson, was asked to create a video for youth that would present the "good news" in a way that it had never been done before. Kevin being the creative genius that he is (recognizing it as a gift from God) decided he wanted to try storytelling through graffiti art. Amazing idea, I thought, but how can you use a canvas to hold the audience's attention for a 5 minute video. I helped him do some research on Christian graffiti artists... mainly through YouTube.com and we came across a group of guys known as the GG Crew (or Gospel Graffiti Crew). We then hit a couple of'em up on myspace, just to let'em know what we were thinking of doing. Fasm and Camer1 were both from the San Francisco area and seemed to be the guys we were looking for.

Kevin and I then had the crazy idea to add a DJ to the mix to drive the soundtrack of the piece. Fasm suggested DJ Promote (out of Texas) who spins for guys like Knowdaverbs. I checked out his myspace page, listened to a few of his tracks and was sold. Fasm also mentioned that he tags, too, (spray paints) so we would get a 2 for 1 deal with him.

Next we needed to find a storyteller. Again, Kevin suggested a great idea, "What about a spoken word artist?" [I could be wrong, maybe someone else at BGEA may have suggested that to him. I know that Larissa Miller, Tracy Eakes, Jeremy Hunt, Luke Mullen, Steve Van Dusen and others played a big role in the conception of this project, too.] I had seen spoken word artists around Charlotte on occasion, especially back when the TONIC club was still around, but I only had a couple of contacts that I knew would be good and who were believers, Lisa Koons and Matthew Thorne.

I really think that God intervened and layed Tavis Brunson out just for me. As I was processing the job ahead, I took a break one evening and decided to visit Charlotte ONE (a young adult & Christian singles group) that meets on Tuesday nights in uptown Charlotte. It just so happens that this guy, Tavis is up on the stage doing a great spoken word piece from the perspective of the Archangel, Michael. It was AMAZING! I knew he would be our man, even though Lisa and Matthew were both awesome. It took several weeks to get a hold of him though, his cell phone and email both weren't reaching him. I finally got through to him on myspace, the day I was going to give up on using him.

We were initially thinking of defiling an old rail car for the video, but when that idea started to fall through Jeremy Hunt suggested asking the SouthTown Riders skate park and skate team about using their facility and skateboarding skillz as a nice backdrop. Unfortunately, the skateboarding was a bit distracting to the piece and we had to edit most of it out, but we are so appreciative to the SouthTown Riders for being so open to us and such awesome folks!

Anyway... all this to say that God interwove all of these artists and creative types together to make something beautiful that will hopefully effect generations to come. Here's the video we put together on nearly no budget with a lot of love and volunteer hours. I hope it blesses you. If it does, please pass it on. It made it to the front page of Billy Graham's website. You can link to it here:
http://www.billygraham.org/News_Article.asp?ArticleID=256

DREAMS: QUESTIONING MY INTEGRITY

2007-12-16T12:40:00.001-05:00

I believe that dreams will sometimes shed light on our darkest parts. I constantly catch myself analyzing how I acted or reacted in dreams that I've had. Did I do the right thing? What does the way I responded tell me about my true character? This is up for debate, but I think that if we were uninhibited by certain life circumstances that what we do in our dreams we would also do in reality, if given the opportunity. For instance, let's say that you have a dream in which you see an old lady about to get hit by a bus. You run and push her out of the way just as you yourself get struck and instantly wake up. Does this mean that you have a heroic character or even one for martyrdom? I believe so. If you're destructive in your dream, then the same goes for your character. Now, of course, I realize that we're all given character traits that are both good and bad and that we use both, but what traits are truly dominant in our lives? I think dreams tell us.

I woke up from a dream this past week that revealed a very dark and hidden part of my character. I've tried to cover it up lately and done a fairly good job. 9 out of 10 people probably haven't noticed. Before I go any further though, let me tell you my dream. I wrote it down immediately after waking up. The friend of mine in the dream is a real person that has had some real struggles as of late. For that reason I won't reveal his name- nor have I told him about the dream. It really could be any of you though, boy or girl.

====================

Parking was limited, so I made my own parking spot on the damp grass, leaving my Xterra slightly creeping into what was a rather deep, yet empty water drainage ditch. I felt confident that if it were to slip down into the ditch, that I could be a 'real man' and drive it out (even without 4-wheel drive). And so, I rested comfortably on the edge.

I got out of my vehicle and went inside a very large, high ceilinged, Charleston-esq building bustling with energy from a ton of young guys playing pool and wrestling with each other, as guys do. Some girls were mixed in, too, chatting away in small clusters. It almost felt like a frat house. I made eye contact with a few familiar faces, but I kept to myself, as I've preferred to do lately. And so, I rested comfortably on the edge.

I walked around the place alone for a little while, listening and observing. I knew that I didn't really fit in or belong there, but it was nice to be welcomed by them anyway.

I didn't stay very long and I don't even know why I was there in the first place… but there was a reason. I left and walked out to my SUV. Now, as I was climbing inside I noticed a small group of guys huddled on the edge of the ditch just about five yards from passenger side tire. I sat up in my seat to get a better view of what was going on just beyond my dashboard.

There was a guy lying prostrate on the edge of the ditch, face in the grass. I instantly knew who it was, even without being able to see his face. He was a friend of mine. And by "friend" I mean, someone that I've hung out with on occasion, shared some experiences, and had a few light conversations about life with. He was still alive, I could tell, but it looked like the guys around him weren't there to help him. It was more likely that they the reason that he was in such a predicament. I noticed that there was some thick cable loosely wrapped around his body, as if he had been dragged out there.

While I was inside the "frat" building, I remembered hearing whispers about this friend of mine lying on the ground. Some folks were saying that he was a complete hypocrite and they rambled on about what awful things he had done lately. After recollecting all of these things, I almost didn't have any sympathy for the guy. And so, I rested comfortably on the edge.

I recognized one of the guys in the group, and was confused because I thought that he and my friend were good buddies. Another more brutish fella in the group noticed me and approached my passenger window. Without hesitation he reached in and helped himself to a video camera cable that I had left unpacked and resting on the seat. It came unwrapped in his hands as he asked me what it was for. "A video cable", I responded matter-of-factly. He dropped it just outside of the passenger car door and went back to join the others.

At this point, I was starting to get a little concerned about my friend. I really began to think that they may be intending to do more than just bully him around. I stepped out of my car, taking with me a pelican case (where the loose video cable should have been stored in the first place), and walked around the vehicle. I knelt down, picked up my camera cable and started properly winding it back up slowly and meticulously {over under, over under} as I closely monitored what the guys were doing to my friend. They didn't seem overly aggressive, but one unfamiliar guy seemed to have a sudden wild hair. They stood my friend up on his knees and said some things to him that I couldn't make out. Then the guy pulled out a knife....

I was almost done wrapping my cable. I wanted to finish and put it back in the case before I tried any foolish relief effort. And so, I rested comfortably on the edge.

Suddenly the guy started to cut my friend's throat. I had just finished and locked my case shut. Immediately I jumped up and yelled, "Stop!" and they froze and stared at me.

My friend now saw me for the first time. His eyes were delighted to see a familiar face, but were watering in pain as his throat started to gurgle blood. I cautiously, yet quickly approached the group. My friend stood up completely and said in my ear, "Let's get out of here". I agreed and we raced to my SUV. The group of guys were motionless and only watched as we rushed away. Then I woke up.

====================

A few questions entered my mind immediately:

Why didn't I act sooner on my friend's behalf? Did I feel like he was receiving a justifiable punishment for the things that he had done? Did I just not care? Was I just too busy making sure my cable was wrapped just right before I helped?

I DID care, but not enough until it was nearly too late. I was too preoccupied and enthralled with myself to be able to respond quickly to the rescue. Something as stupid as wrapping a cable correctly and putting it away before I jumped in to help. It may seem silly, but I'm beginning to see that type of attitude in myself. Someone in need for something immediately and I put them on my time schedule instead of when they really need it.

I've always tried to fashion myself to be a good friend and that's really what it has become... a fashion. I don't take the time to go out of my way for others any more unless I somehow benefit from it. I am becoming more interested in myself than in the lives of those around me. I find that very disappointing.

Now you might think that I'm being silly for beating myself up for a dream. But seriously, how often do you really examine your actions and your intentions behind them. I wish I could have been more responsive and a better friend in this circumstance. I wish I hadn't let what I had heard others say influence my desire to help a friend in need. I'm thankful it was just a dream this time. It may be the only warning I get.

I'd love to hear what you think, any interpretations or insights about anything at all. Am I crazy? Don't answer that.

- Grubbs

Listen to the lyrics of the Further Seems Forever song "Light Up Ahead" (currently on my profile when I wrote this). It just seems so appropriate and perfect for this blog. Everything I want to say or feel is nicely wrapped up in it . You can also find the cool animated music video for it HERE.

IN HESITATION...

2007-12-03T12:42:00.000-05:00

Some of you have been asking me, "How was it?"

At first, my response is, "How was what?"

"You know..."

[ No I don't ]

...your trip- jumping freight trains and stuff. Did you do it?"

"Oh"

Yeah... so I haven't gone yet. Not only because I'm a royal slacker, but for a series of other delightful reasons. My good friend, Nick, had only a two-week window of time where he could travel with me, and that would've been difficult to maneuver. Especially if we don't know where we'll end up from day to day. I still plan on going, but probably not until next spring or early summer. Hopefully, I can sucker Nick or someone else to come along with me.. No girls though. I would feel horrible if something happen to them, but a guy... who cares. Only kidding, of course.

I did purchase a miniDV camera and paid as much for it as I did for an insurance policy that will protect it for 3 years against absolutely anything and everything... well, except theft, of course. I plan on putting that insurance policy to the test by jumping onto moving trains, through rains, great pains, and capturing images of the insane (I really just wanted to rhyme there, sorry, no jumping moving trains either =). [I also plan on taking the camera with me snowboarding at the end of this month and creating a tiny steadicam-like contraption and strapping it to my ski jacket. It should make for some fun footage.]

Once I'm riding the rail I plan on taking very little with me. This short list will include (among other things) the camera, some tape stock and my FedEx number to ship the tapes back to Charlotte. I may get someone to start editing the footage as I go along. Maybe even post it so you guys can see on YouTube or something. Otherwise, these tapes will simply be stockpiled for safekeeping until I return. If I return.

In further preparation for my journey I've started reading this book called, Prayer and the Art of Volkswagen Maintenance (it's also called Through Painted Deserts: Light, God, and Beauty on the Open Road in the breathy American pressing title). I'm really happy that I'm reading it before my "catching out" experience on freight trains. Donald Miller is simply an amazing author who tells it how he feels, not necessarily how it is- which from his Christian perspective is very interesting to read. He's writing about his travels with his buddy Paul as they go from Texas to the great Northwest in an old Volkswagen van. This book digs deep into the surface of so many things that I deal with and exfoliates them all in a way similar to that of casual coffee talk. He expresses his discontent with the way he has been looking at his own life and his relationship with God (and others) and is very humble and humbled in so many ways during their voyage. I'm sure a lot of people have probably read some of his other books like, Blue Like Jazz and Searching For God Knows What, but this one has been striking a real chord with me. This is the first book of his that I've read, and I'm sure I'll read more.

Anyway, so that's where I stand. I haven't been that adventurous yet, but I am still banking on it. I think I may even be able to pull a good documentary out from it, at least I'd like to.

If you have any helpful hints, recommendations for readings or for riding the rails [love alliteration], or anything, please let me know.

This week I celebrated my 8,500th blog view on myspace. That's crazy that people even read this crap. THANK YOU though. I hope to see you all around soon.

- Grubbs

IN PREPARATION...

2007-06-14T12:45:00.000-05:00

I can't wait! I'm about to conquer one of my '100 Things To Do In Life' in the next month or so. I'm going to 'Catch-Out'. Don't know what that means? I should probably wait before I tell you. Why? Not only is it extremely dangerous, but also (some say) it's illegal. I'm starting to get old and I realize that if I don't get a 'jump on' doing things from my list soon I may lose my chances and live the rest of my life in regret.

For safety (and adventure), my friend, Nick, has opted to come along (if it works out with his schedule). It may be one of the scariest and most exciting things I've ever done. Here's another clue that helped inspire me at a young age to want to do this...

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0089385/

...also I read a lot of stories about these children.

I plan on not telling anyone that I'm leaving before I'm gone. I don't know if it'll take me two weeks or two months of adventure before I make it back home, we'll just have to see. That's if I l make it back home at all.

I'll be preparing by growing out my beard again (don't be scared and YES I know that it's summer!). I'll be doing a lot of reading and researching for articles like this one. I'll also be purchasing some well worn clothes from the local thrift shops.

I really can't wait. I pray that this trip will bring about some much needed change in my life.

I'm considering bringing a small video camera along to document the trip and maybe for a video diary, but we'll see if that happens or not.

Thanks for reading. More later.

- Grubbs

100 THINGS TO DO IN LIFE...

2007-02-20T18:34:00.000-05:00

While in college I began making a list of 100 things to do before I die. My original list is in a journal that I can't seem to find at the moment. Here is a list of what I can remember. I'll add to it later. Doing this has helped me get more out of life and also helped me conquer a few fears. It has encouraged me to widen my horizons and set the limits of life where there are no borders. I've placed an "X" by the things I have already accomplished. Some day I hope they all will.

[x] 100 - Go to Austraila (accomplished 09/00)
[ ] 99 - Go to Ireland
[ ] 98 - Go to Scotland
[ ] 97 - Travel via jumping freight trains
[ ] 96 - Ride in a hot-aired balloon
[ ] 95 - Sky dive
[x] 94 - Bungee jump (accomplished Cairns, Australia 09/00)
[x] 93 - Make a cd of comedy music (accomplished 01/01)
[ ] 92 - Make a cd of worship music
[ ] 91 - Go back to New Zealand
[ ] 90 - Marry a girl that loves God (and me too)
[ ] 89 - Have a kid [adopt or conceive]
[ ] 88 - Write a seriously touching song
[x] 87 - Graduate college (accomplished 05/00)
[ ] 86 - Make a feature length movie
[ ] 85 - Hike the Appalachian Trail for a month with the girl I'd most like to marry.
[ ] 84 - Kayak in whitewater
[x] 83 - Run a half-marathon (accomplished 06/03?)
[ ] 82 - Start my own restaurant
[x] 81 - Start a record label (accomplished Aberdeen Records 05/03)
[ ] 80 - Invent something cool [useful or fun]
[ ] 79 - Share the love that I've found for God with others
[ ] 78 - Visit all 50 states. Still missing: Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Alaska, Minnesota, North Dakota<
[ ] 77 - Go ice fishing in style
[ ] 76 - Learn to surf well

[ ] 75 - Go to Burning Man
[ ] 74 - Go on a cruise
[ ] 73 - Go to Cornerstone Festival
[ ] 72 - Return to Australia. Visit Tazmania, Perth, and the west coast, maybe Ayers Rock.

MY BROTHER SNAPS!

2006-12-13T15:48:00.000-05:00

My little brother Nate (currently living out in Portland, Oregon) left this Monday (December 11th) to go off to Uganda and Sudan. He's traveling out of his own pocket to help an aid organization called Lahash International. Below you can read more about Lahash International, but what I really want you all (my friends) to do is help cover him with prayer and support. Here's what you can do...

He is going over there mainly as a volunteer photographer, to capture and share with the world a glimpse of what life is like for those who have been orphaned, widowed, or directly affected by AIDS or war. Not only that, but he's doing this on his own free will AND out of his own pocket.

It's a real blessing for me to see my brother doing something with so much heart and at such a great risk. I want to overwhelm him with the same sort of kindness and compassion he is demonstrating now.

He has not asked me to write this and usually shys away from any real publicity, but the kid is truly gifted at taking pictures and just about everything else he does. I would love (if you are interested) for you to partner with Nate in his gift giving. If you go to his website: www.nategrubbs.com you'll see many of his photographs (some that have won national competitions and been published in magazines). Pick one (or some) of those -OR- wait 'til he gets back and updates his site with 10-20 pictures from his trip. Either way, let's surprise him NOW and send him the money for it so when he comes back he'll be both surprised and blessed. I just bought two from him.

It's easy just to send the money via Paypal.com with a note that you'd like a picture (or two) from his trip or from his other pictures. Once he gets back and posts the new ones, then email him which you'd like.

If you're sending money to him via Paypal.com, then send it to: nategrubbs@hotmail.com

If you're writing him an email for correspondence, then send that to: nate@nategrubbs.com

If you want to just send him a check, send it to:

Nate Grubbs
4720 NE Prescott St.
Portland, OR 97218

Here's what he'd like to offer in exchange for your support...

For $125

One (1) hand-printed archival Ilford B&W print or (if a color image)
a museum-quality archival ink-jet print matted and framed to
16x20 size. (This is a half-price deal from his standard costs!)
$100 for unframed piece.

For $50

One (1) Fuji Crystal Archive paper print (this paper lasts 60-70 years
before any noticeable fade).

Thank you all. You can read a play-by-play of what the group he is with is doing now in their blog at: www.hopeisalive.com You can also find this and more information on Nate's website at: http://www.nategrubbs.com/africa.html

ABOUT LAHASH INTERNATIONAL

"Lahash International was created to encourage grassroots movements of compassion providing relief for those in desperate situations in East Africa.

Currently we focus on the orphans, widows, and families that have been devastated by war and the AIDS pandemic. We aim to provide basic care for each person in a relational loving manner - with the goal of encouraging practical methods for overcoming the poverty and despair that many find themselves in. We currently partner exclusively with East African self-help organizations. This enables very direct, practical, and caring distribution of assistance.

Our goal is to enable multiple bridges between communities in the United States with communities in East Africa. These bridges will be built by letters, emails, pictures, phone conversations, and video.
We serve those in need — regardless of a person's religion, race, ethnicity, or gender."

LOST THE BEARD. GAINED A FRIEND.

2006-09-21T17:39:00.000-05:00

This is the part of my blog where I brag about meeting famous people and rub it in your face about it. Over the past 6 years I've had the pleasure of working with and meeting such cool people as Lance Armstrong, Will Ferrell, Richard Petty, The Big Show (Pro Wrestler), Dale Earnhardt Jr., Pedro (Napoleon Dynamite), Three Doors Down, Webster (Emmanuel Lewis), Reggie White, Joe Gibbs, Tony Stewart, Hootie & the Blowfish, Jeff Gordon and several others. This past weekend I was working on a music video in Savannah, Georgia for none other than John Cougar Mellencamp. I find it ironic after posting in my 'Who I'd like to meet' section "anyone with the middle name 'Cougar' that I get to meet he and his lovely wife (and supermodel), Elaine Irwin-Mellencamp.

Here's a small exert from my initial conversation with Mr. Mellencamp:

COUGAR: HEY MAN, CAN I ASK YOU A QUESTION?
ME: SURE.
COUGAR: WHAT'S UP WITH THAT F--KING BEARD, MAN? ARE YOU AMISH?
ME: NAH...
COUGAR: SO WHY'D YOU DO IT?
ME: I GAVE UP DATING WOMEN A WHILE BACK.
COUGAR: HAHA... I KNEW IT HAD TO BE GIRL RELATED!

Later that day, John told me that I HAD to shave it. I told him that I liked it too much and I'd feel naked without it. He then asked the rest of the folks in the motorhome (including his hot supermodel wife) if they thought I should shave it. The all agreed in unison and were getting a bit millitant with their persuasion tactics. I eventually broke and agreed. John's personal stylist ($6,000/day stylist) demanded that she help get rid of the beard. Not only that, but she offered to give me a 'Coldplay' haircut at no additional charge. John and his entourage were all incredibly friendly people. Here are a few pictures (before & afters) of the beard, also some pictures with me and his smoking hot wife.

FAST TIMES AT WENDOVER ROAD

2006-08-24T17:48:00.000-05:00

I was pulling up to an intersection late this past Sunday night, about to turn left onto Wendover Rd. from Providence Rd. Suddenly a vehicle crossed through the intersection going so fast that I couldn't make out what it was. Probably around 100 mph. I smiled and thought to myself, 'looks like they're having fun tonight'. My light turned green and I made a left turn going the same direction as the speeding vehicle. I kind of hoped to catch a glimpse of it as I headed down Wendover, but it was already out of site.

As I made my way around the final bend in the road I noticed a vehicle up ahead stopped in the other lane. All I could really make out where the two taillights. I figured at first that it was just someone leaving their home or maybe they were dropping someone off. As I got a little closer I noticed a tire in the middle of the road and that this vehicle, a nice new truck, was not in any normal scenerio like I had imagined. It was actually wrapped around one of the many huge oak trees that lined this road.

Suddenly I remembered the vehichle that I had just seen fly past me. Was this it? It had gone by me so fast that I couldn't tell if it was even a truck or not. Then I saw smoke start to swirl out from the front of the car (which at this point was underneath the front windshield). I whipped a quick u-turn in the middle of the road and got out of my car, my headlights focused on the vehicle.

The passenger in the rear and the one in front seat were both face down in the vehicle. I didn't want to be there. I didn't want to see this. I was dialing 911 as I walked. One other car drove past and asked if I had alerted the police. I told him that I had. He and his girlfriend started to get out to help, but apparently they had just come from a fancy dinner on the town and I'm sure they were afraid that this was about to get messy and ruin their sparkley clothes. They disappeared before I had a chance to look back. I gave out the location to the 911 dispatcher and then they transferred me to a medical dispatcher.

The medic asked me how many people were in the vehicle. I wasn't quite sure. I saw two on this side, but I couldn't really tell where the driver was. I walked around the truck to the other side. The front left tire was in the driver's seat. The steering wheel was where his head would normally be. I didn't want to look in or beneath the deflated airbag. I answered "I think three". In between her questions I was asking the two guys on the passenger side if they were okay. The only noise I heard in response was the steam from the engine and an occasionally deep moan. The medic went on to warn the officers and I (who were now arriving), 'Don't move them and don't give them anything'. The officers brought out their flashlights and began checking out the situation.

Within minutes the road was completely locked off, a few firetrucks, a few ambulances, and a half dozen police cars. Immediately the fire department set off to plug in their hose and others managed to pry open the passenger-side door.

The medics rushed in and started to slowly remove the two side passengers. The guy in the back first. He hadn't been wearing his seatbelt and his internal organs were apparently crushed from the impact and because of that neglect. As they pulled him out he began coughing up blood. He was out of it though. The police seemed to think that they were all drunk. They pulled out the guy in the front seat. He was a rather big fellow but he didn't seem too bad off other than being in an extremely dazed state.

A couple of gentlemen from the neighbourhood stood beside me watching. They said that if it weren't for the sirens they would have never known that there had been a wreck in their front yard. They heard a crash, but had assumed it was thunder. They said that they normally would hear the screaching of brakes first. These guys didn't brake. There were no skid marks on the road. A direct b-line to the tree at about 90-100 mph. One of the neighbours pointed me to a headlight that was about 50 or 60 feet from the vehicle.

I stuck around partially because I had to, all of the trucks had trapped my little car inside of their rescue camp. They had huge lights cranked 40 feet up into the air. Soon they started pulling out huge saws and started to cut apart the vehicle. There was one guy left. I didn't want a closer look, but I wanted to know that he was alive. I waited, praying, thinking, and praying some more. An hour passed and the fire department managed to tear the truck apart. They removed the roof, the side door (other then the steel support beam). They also cut through the back and front windows of the truck to get to him.

I'd occasionally inquire from the officers about how he was doing. One told me that he was pretty well wrapped around the engine. That didn't help my imagination much. Eventually I saw him. They had the breathing machine on him and were holding his head up. In the end they managed to pull him out and once they did he began to scream like nothing I had heard before.

At this point I felt okay enough to leave. I don't know if they all made it, but I hope so. I know that Princess Diane had died from not wearing her seat belt and having internal organ damage, so I hope that the guy in the back makes it out okay. The driver may loose his legs, but at least he's alive, I hope.

I learned a few things from this.

First, DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE! I don't want to come across you in the middle of the night and I don't want to ride with you.

Second, WEAR YOUR SEATBELT, EVEN IN THE BACK SEAT!. I had never really thought about the importance of that before. I had even mentally ridiculed people that I've seen strap one on in the back seat. I'll be doing it from now on.

Third, DON'T SPEED... (at least not that excessively). When I was in High School I flew down this same stretch of road at about 85-90 mph in my dad's MG-Midget racing my friend, Charlie, but it was daylight and I knewabout the curves in the road. Don't be stupid to look cool, because in the end... you'll look stupid. Nobody wants to go out like that. These guys were fortuitus and I don't think they'll be doing that again.

Fourth- Someone made a racist comment to me about this event (and fortunately I can't remember who had said it). They asked, "Did you say those guys in the truck were Hispanic? Because 9 times of 10, if there is a truck in a wreck at two in the morning they're probably Mexicans." If this was you, please don't say such things to me again. Whether the statistics say anything like that or not... a person's life is a person's life. This could of happened to any number of my friends that I know who drink and drive on a semi-regular basis. Play smart and it won't happen.

Call me if you need a ride. I keep my phone on and would be glad to take you home or at least pay for a cab for you.

THE ME I NEVER KNEW...

2006-06-27T17:54:00.000-05:00

Part I. FRIENDSHIPS - WHAT'S HAPPENING
Part II. RELATIONSHIPS - CHANGE OF HEART
Part III. THE FUTURE

Part I. FRIENDSHIPS - First, I apologize to those that haven't heard from me in a while. Believe it or not, you are probably in my thoughts on a regular basis. If you're dumb enough to be on myspace (like me) I probably visit your page several times a week. I love to read your blogs and catch up on what's going on in your life, but I play the 'fly on the wall'. I want to keep informed on so many of you so I read and move on.

I must confess that most of my life I have been a 'quantity' friend. I desire depth in relationships, but I settle for just striking the surface. I haven't been able to be there for some friends when they've needed me lately. Usually my excuses are selfish. I've not sent birthday greetings to some of you because I was simply too busy wasting time switching my profile pic or song. I sincerly apologize.

Over the past 2 years or so I've really been striving to narrow down my friends into a category I've recently invented for myself called 'close friends'. Even though many folks may consider being 'close' to me I've not allowed them to really get into my heart. I'm sorry. I just never have liked to be vulnerable. Up until the past couple years I've not allowed anyone into my heart. I've been afraid to show my faults. I've been afraid to show my weaknesses. I've been afraid to confess and take responsibility for my actions. I may have deceived several into thinking they were deeper with me than they really were. Even though my intentions were to make them feel more comfortable with me, in the long run it wasn't a good thing to do.

I've slowly been trying to pursue a few people and draw them close and attempt to open up to them. I desire to become more of a 'quality' friend. It's hard when you want to spread yourself so thin among all of your friends. I've been focusing lately only on a few because that's what i feel I need right now. I will be in touch with the rest of you more soon. Thanks for hanging with me. Don't give up on me.

Part II. RELATIONSHIPS - An apology again. This time I apologize to all the girls I've dated up to this point in my life. This is probably the biggest reason for writing this blog. I have begun to realize why none of my relationships last longer than 5-6 months (with that one 8-month exception). No, and it's not because any personal hygiene issue (I hope). In a way it's like my friendships... I don't trust people with my heart. I never let ANYONE get in (except god). I didn't realize until now that THAT was the problem that inadvertently ended them all. I've been able to fool a lot of girls into thinking that I cared as much as they did, but most likely I didn't. I probably was attracted to their wit, charm, beauty, intelligence, or style, but I never let them in on who I truly was. I didn't want to give them any of me. I showed many of them love in the form of good deeds, flowers, and hopefully plenty of care & genuine concern, but I never let them get so close that I couldn't at any moment turn and just walk away.

Now, more than a third of the way though what could be my life span, I realize that you can't truly have a relationship with someone in this manner. When most of my relationships ended the attraction ratio from me-to-them probably was about 20:80 percent. I didn't want to feel hurt, so, in a self-defense mode I restricted myself from getting too far involved, and it hurt them instead. I'm really sorry.

Now, it's finally changed. I haven't fallen in love, but I have finally given my heart away. Truly. It was amazing for me. AND, I was excited about doing it. AND, it hurt. But it was a beautiful pain. I did it. I cared enough to give someone the very best- of me. To give them access to the very thing that makes me tick. I hope this is a sign of things to come in both my relationships and friendships. (Maybe, someday, I'll learn to have a relationship with God and a woman at the same time (that'll be tough.)

Part III. THE FUTURE - What do I have planned? Well, I'm gonna take some time off and not date. I don't know how long, but hopefully long enough. I'm gonna work on building back a relationship with my first and greatest love, YHWH (God). I hope to continue to forge strong friendships with guys that will challenge me and hold my accountable in my 'walk' ('crawl') with God. I'm gonna try to be more transparent, more real, more loving, & more open to hurting with those in my life.

Some people have began to notice that I've changed the past few years (and not just my facial hair). Most of these changes were not for the better (in my opinion). THIS change, THIS new trek, I am most hopeful in partaking. Lead me on.

4 YEARS LATER: REMEMBERING THE ACCIDENT

2006-06-20T17:57:00.000-05:00

For those that don't know already, 4 years ago I was in a tragic car accident that resulted in a 15-year old girl, Candis Nicole Williams, losing her life. I don't like to remember that day, June 17th, but it seems like of the 20 minutes surrounding that crash I remember every second of, every heartbeat.

It was after 6pm and I was just finishing up my day of work putting up direction signs for the film crew to follow the next day for Food Lion commercial. I had just put up my last sign on exit 30 in Davidson and started to pull my 15' box truck onto Interstate 77. It was a short merge lane, but I didn't think anything of it. I checked my mirrors. Checked ahead of me. I was going to have to ride the emergency lane for a second. Checked my mirrors. Then... BANG. I hit something. My airbag went off (hardly noticed it) and I coasted for about 400 feet before I came to a complete stop. I couldn't see in front of me because the hood was bent upwards. I must have hit a parked car, I thought.

I jumped out of the truck and noticed a Ford Taurus. Not only that, but there were people inside of it! At the same moment I saw the back side of the car catch fire. That wasn't suppose to happen. I ran to the driver's window and beat on it. "Get out of the car. It's on fire". Her door was locked and didn't seem to really understand what I was saying. I ran to the passenger door and was able to open it. I told the girl to hop out of the car. She started to and then saw flames and for some reason wouldn't leave the car, I think seeing the fire had scared her. The back door was locked as well and the door was jammed. The back seat was lifted up a bit from the accident. We were running out of time and options. I ran and found a big stick and told everyone to back away from the windows. I proceeded to knock them all out and reach the stick in for them to grab and be pulled out. The didn't grab.

Meanwhile, the smoke was growing thick and the fire getting stronger. Boats were pulling up alongside the highway and throwing fire extinguishers to assist. Traffic was stopped in both directions along the highway. A crowd of people stood about 50 feet from the car afraid that at any second it would blow up. A few brave souls would grab one of the fire extinguishers and run up to the car for a second, spray and run off. The heat was that bad. I could feel my skin peeling off of my arms and face.

I jumped on the hood of the car and broke out the front windshield. Then grabbed the window with my hands and peeled it back. Miraculously not getting cut at all. I reached the stick in to the older lady that was driving and she finally grabbed it and I pulled her out. Then the younger girl and now the girl in the back was all that was left. She was having difficulty jumping over the front seat. So I ran to the window of her door and yelled for her to grab the stick again. The car was getting so hot and smokey that I couldn't hardly see or breath. I held it into the window as long as I could and ran out for a quick breath. Over and over I did this until finally I saw her... sitting, twirling her scolded blonde locks, her eyes closed, she was at peace. It was over. She never screamed. It was as if she was ready to meet her Maker. I was too at that point. I couldn't take it. I wanted it to be me.

Why her GOD?! She didn't deserve that! She's just a little girl! I was overwhelmed. I walked over the woman that was driving. It was the girl's aunt. I didn't have words, but she did. She actually embrassed me and said "She's at a better place now. She's with Jesus." WHAT!?!?! That was so comforting. I was amazed to hear that from her. HOW could she say that?!

Well, here is what I know about Candis. She loved God. She really and truly did. She and her sister, Stephanie, would spend most of their days in or around their church. She sang in the choir and wasn't afraid to sit on the front row for the service. She was a blessing to those that knew her. She was an angel. Her parents were separated and she lived with her father and his sister (their aunt).

Candis and her aunt and sister had just come from swimming in the lake. Just moments before the accident her aunt had jokingly said, "Candis, you and your sister love the water so much you'll probably both die swimming in it." and Candis' response was, "Whatever the Lord wills." What an amazing response.

Candis' life and death have both made a big difference. From what I have heard from the aunt's sister and their pastor great things are happening. Their family is beginning to attend church more regularly. One or two relatives have gotten saved and the family was given a hefty sum of money from the insurance of the production company that I was working for that week. The production company was also very kind to me.

After the accident, I was charged with 'Homocide by Vehicle', but that was thrown out in the courts after the Defense Attorney (who would normally be against me) pulled out evidence FOR ME that my own lawyer didn't know! It was amazing! I won't go into the details, but the accident wasn't my fault- which was a big burden lifted off of my shoulders. My face and arms looked like fried chicken and the Burn Center at Wakeforest told me that it'd take a year or longer to heal and some of it may never heal. But people prayed and prayed and a week or two later I was fine. Amazing. I'm very grateful to have so many wonderful friends that helped me and loved me during this time. You all meant so much to me. Since the accident I went and visited a 'Shrink', too, (per my sister's recommendation) and it was good. He was a Christian, too, and he offered much wisdom and support. I was against those 'Shrink'-kinda folks, but after trying one I'd recommend them to everyone. We all hate to admit that we have issues that we can't handle on our own, but it's the strength to admit it that helps us to change our condition.

I go and visit Candis' gravesite as often as I can. I lay in the grass and pray for her family and that God will be able to use me to do the work for both her and I. I hope He does. I want to make good choices in my life. I want to help love others.

GRUBBUSTER VIDEO...

2006-06-03T18:00:00.000-05:00

It's official... Grubbuster Video is online. You can now look through a list of more than 600 dvds (VHS aren't listed) from my personal collection and click to rent them. Wow the magic of technology. My good friend, Mike Jolly, bought me a UPC scanner for my birthday and set me up with this cool website... grubbuster.thespatulas.com -OR- gbuster.thespatulas.com. So go to the site. Click on 'Lists' select 'GrubbBuster' and rumage through my ever growing list of movies.

In order to rent a movie using the online system... email me at jonathangrubbs@yahoo.com
Let me know what you'd like as your 'User ID' (for example: jgrubbs) and your password (*******). Then, when you come over to my house. Enter in your ID/Password on my computer. Scan the movies you want to take and walk away. It's easy. You don't have to write anything down and I can keep up with who has what movies. And yes, I know I'm a 'wannabe' nerd.

-OR- I can set it up so you can email me your requests. I'll put the movie in my mailbox and you can pick it up at your leisure. (I'll still need a User ID/Password for you though).

Currently Grubbuster Video is a free service for friends and family, but we do take donations.

MC HAMMER IS 'TOO LEGIT' IN LIVE PERFORMANCE

2006-05-30T18:06:00.000-05:00

First of all, if you weren't at the MC Hammer show last Thursday night in 'Uptown' Charlotte... you missed one of the best, worst, most unorganzied, silliest, stupidest, and most entertaining shows I've ever been to. Not only that, but after the show my car got towed away... AND I had everything I needed for work (which I had to leave for Concord @ 4:30 in the morning) was in that car!

What made the show so bad? Well...
1. The sound guy was HORRIBLE. The levels were possibly the worst i've ever heard for a famous musical artist.

2. While dancing during his first song in regular black work-out pants, Mr. Hammer (wearing the white head band) rips I gaping hole in his pants from his crotch to his right knee. It was pitiful. You could see his tighty whiteys (not that I was looking)....

3. Hammer was lip-singing to nearly every song. It was sad. It was obvious. He was too busy covering the hole in his pants to remember to hold the mic close and sing when his voice boomed over the monitors. Ashley Simpson would have been proud.

4. Hammer and posse would leave the stage after every song and disappear for 15 minutes before returning. It was almost as if they had to go off stage while the sound guy would download the next song off of the internet. It would take so long. Even Hammer would get tired of waiting for the next song to be cued and would come out on stage and dance to no music at all. The MC also said off stage after the first song (and the ripping accident, 'Anybody got any pants?' Unfortunately for him no one wanted to share theirs.

5. The songs would turn off at random during the middle of Hammer's musical set which would leave him and his Usher-Wannabe-friend, Pleasure, alone lip-singing to no music and Hammer's 4 dancing girls frozen in fear.

6. MC hammer covers his ripped pants with a white towel to hide his exposed skin.

7. Not one of the possibly 5,000 folks in the crowd was talking or cheering during the entire set (other than the last song). It was so bizarre.

8. Hammer has his pants taped up with black gaffer's tape during one of his 15 minute breaks between songs. It eventually becomes undone and we can see his bare leg and undies again.

9. One moment, when MC Hammer was actually trying to sing and get the crowd involved, his mic was turned down so low that only the first rows could hear him. I felt bad for him. It was a horrilbe audience participation show. People were just stunned by how awful the show was like deer in headlights.

10. The worst thing was that it was MC Hammer, 15-20 years after his 'prime'. Overweight. No Parachute Pants. BUT- He did manage to bring out the Panther's Cheerleaders to join him on the stage for a few numbers. He also played the classics, 'You're got to pray', '2 legit to quit', 'can't touch this' and others.

After the show I got a call from my friend, Dana Dixon, saying that she was at that moment watching my car get towed away. I didn't think I parked wrong because everyone else on the block parked the same way, but I found out later the entire block pretty much got towed. Fortunately, Dana was able to get the towing company's name and I 411'ed the number and was able to get a ride and pick my car up that night. Normally they don't let you. I had to have the stuff in my car (my computer and paperwork for the job we were shooting at the speedway early the next morning). If Dana hadn't seen it get towed away I would have been up the creek. Anyway, It was a great night and I still remained in good spirits the entire night, even the following day (after only two hours of sleep).

Oh... BTW- Hammer's new album comes out the 4th of July. It doesn't sound too bad. It's more gangsta rapp'ish, but good. Once he played 'U Can't Touch This' everything was good. The crowd finally got into it, the hands went up into the air, some people danced. It was fun.
It was great to see Andy, Dana, Gordon, Greg, Holly, Kelly, Stephanie, and others out at the show. Good times. Can't wait for Vanilla Ice next year.

PRAYER LIST

2006-04-24T18:15:00.000-05:00

I was just thinking how I need to incorporate more prayer in my life and more 'post-its' to keep my friends in my continual supplication. What better way than with a blog. I'm finally getting the hang of these things and even starting to like'em. Scary.

I'm gonna post a few prayer concerns/requests with the hope that you'll add some, too. And, if you wish to go a step further, then pray for the people that are ahead of you on the comments prayer/requests. That way, more people are praying for each thing than just me. It'll be a lovely chain of requests interwoven by the sincere desire to see God work and move and our lives. So here we go.

* I pray for my friend, Miccah. Her Grandpa just past away. Please bring peace to her family and joy in knowing that now he is in a better place.

* I pray for my friend L. that you'll help him in his relationship issues with women and his relationship with you, God.

* I pray for my friend, Joshua and his wife. That you'll comfort his fears/concerns for his soon to be family. That you'll keep the baby healthy and safe in its mother's womb. That you'll provide them with financial wisdom and bless them.

* I lift my friend, Nick, up to you. Help him as he finishes up his last semester in college. Give him the motivation to read what he needs to read, write what he needs to write, and not to procrastinate. Help him as he continually searches for the right girl. Help him to grow closer and more intimate with you every day.

* I pray my friend, Alicia, that you'll help her as she trys to find new job opportunities within her current place of employment. I pray that she'll be able to hear your soft whisper that'll lead her to the place she should be.

* I pray for my sister as she attempts to get married in October. I pray for her fiance, Michael, that you'll give him lots of patience and bless their relationship with each other and You.

* I pray for my friend M. that she gets a good job preferrably with Media Comm.

* I pray for comfort for my friend Holly and her family with the loss of her father this week.

...(add yours below)

BIRTHDAY BOWLING BONANZA!

2006-04-11T18:27:00.001-05:00

Hey THANKS EVERYONE who came out last night (and those who couldn't but shared their well wishes)! It was one of my favouite birthdays EVER! It was great to see a good portion of my friends from birth until now. Friends from junior high, high school, youth group, college, warehouse 242, the film biz, myspace and beyond. I was so excited to see the people I care about most in one big bowling alley. It was a beautiful thing. I came home thinking... "Wow, that was like being able to go to my own funeral and I loved it!" I know that sounds a bit morbid, but think about it - When do you ever get to have all the people that you care deeply about- the ones that have made such an impact on your life TOGETHER in the same room. It was amazing. Thank you all for coming! I'm touched. A big thanks also to all of you people that left a birthday comment or emailed me over the past week. I love you all and I hope to get back to you with a personal thank you eventually... it's gonna be a busy week though. In the meantime, enjoy these pictures from last night.

Thanks again everyone for coming out!!!
Thanks to all those people that bought pitchers of beer and soda.
Thanks guys for tipping Atilla the shoe nazi.
Thanks for the Sponge Bob car air-freshener Carmen.
Thanks Mike for the UPC scanner. You definitely didn't need to get me that, but thanks.
Thanks Jeremiah for traveling 2 hours to come and see me... and the coffee convention.
Thanks everyone for making it a night to remember. I love you all very much.

I'VE GOT GAS... (and other real life stories)

2006-04-04T18:31:00.000-05:00

While traveling recently I've noticed many folks stranded on the roadside with vehicle problems. I've been reacting like the first two peeps in the biblical story of the 'Good Samaritan'- I just pass them by and say, "Well... if I weren't in such a hurry...". I've often wondered if there will ever be an opportunity to help when I wasn't 'too busy'.

Tonight I had my chance, but the outcome wasn't quite what I was expecting. I had just left my friend Mike's house. It was around midnight. I was traveling home a way that I had never really gone before. My gas light was on and the gauge was resting on top of the big "E". I spotted a BP just in time, coasted in, filled up. Gas was expensive. Only put $8 in. (Was that last fact relevant? Maybe... but not really). I continued on my journey home.

About half a mile down the road I saw a teal pick-up truck with it's hazards on in the right lane. I rolled by with the windows down and ask the man if he needed help. He didn't speak english too well, but managed to get out that his gas tank was empty. Funny, I was just about to be in his same predictament. I asked if he had any amigos coming to out to help and he replied something like "they were sleeping", but I couuldn't really tell if that was a 'yes' or a 'no'.. So I asked him if he'd like for me to get him some gas. He said yes. When I asked if he had a gas can he said yes and then said no. I was confused, but I went ahead and took off to buy a gas can and some gas for 'em. It was the least I could do. Plus it felt like 40 degrees outside and he was only wearing jeans and a 'wife beater' (with his arms cozy inside his shirt hugging his skin)

I go back to the gas station and ask if they have gas cans. They were sold out, but the attendant said he'll go check the back when the line went down, but people kept coming in. I was losing a little patience. Finally he gets a break and checks the back room. No luck. Then he tells me, "I've got one in my truck that I'll loan you". I said "Great". Then he told me he was getting off of work and that if he wasn't here to bring it back tomorrow. I agreed, bought some gas and was on my way back to my stranded compadre. On the way I noticed another man walking around his car that was in an abandoned restaurant parking lot. It looked like he was having car trouble, too. But I hurried on my way back to help another victim.

I pulled up, got the gas can from my passenger side floorboard and headed over to his truck. I checked the side for the gas hole and suddenly I noticed a gas can in the back of his truck. I thought "WHAT!", but I just kinda smiled and said to myself "Whatever- I didn't have to buy one". Finally I looked up at him and instantly noticed that his truck was running?!?! What? Ohhh....kay. He was smiling. His friend had made it after all. Ok- so that was a waste. I returned his smile and started thinking of what was I gonna do with that gas. Oh yeah- my car isn't full - I'll just add it in there. I started to consider giving it to the guy that leant me the gas can, but I didn't want him to think I didn't use it and it was a waste of time.

Anyway. I poured it into my car, on to my car, and not to mention on my hands. Everything was getting gased... by accident. It was a wonderful time. I got back into my car asking God "Why?". "Why did you let me waste my time like that, God? That sucked. I wanted to do something good for someone."

I drove back to the gas station to drop the gas can off and gave the store guy $5 just to say thanks. I didn't need to, but I thought it'd be a nice incentive for him to do it again. And one day, if someone didn't return it then he won't feel too bad because it had already paid for itself. Plus, it made me feel like I could make at least someone smile with gratitude tonight.

So I headed back home. I drove past the other car that was in the abandoned parking lot. The car lights were off and the guy must have been sitting inside his car, but I couldn't really tell. The hood wasn't up - so I just passed it off and figured that maybe he was just a drug dealer or something waiting for customers. Again, I didn't know much about this side of town and I really didn't feel like taking too many unwanted risks. If this guy needed help he'd show signs... at least put on his hazard lights.

Then- I couldn't take it anymore. I had to find out what this guy needed- if anything. I turned the car around. Worse case scenerio I'd die tonight. Best case... it'd help bridge the racial lines one person at a time. He was a big & tall African-American guy and just happen to be wearing all black. I was a little intimidated, but felt that I could drive away fast enough if I needed.

I pull in. He was out of his car now and stared at me. I asked if he needed a hand with his car. He pointed to the wheel. "It's flat," he said. "It's my daughters car. I just was heading up to the store real quick and this happened and I don't have a jack."

I hopped out of my car and told him that I should have one. He said that his family was coming with one. I figured I'd go ahead and try to beat them too it anyway. Before I found all of my jack pieces they pulled up. He was very kind and gentle and gave me a sincere "thanks". I was off again.

"Why God? Why can't I help with anything? Another waste of time! I was finally able to find the time to do something and there was nothing for me to do! What are you trying to tell me God? I conquered my fears, but I didn't really do anything. What lesson can I learn from this?"

A lot of thoughts went through my head and, honestly, I was really happy that everything happened this way anyway. I know that I can't be their for everyone, but it was fun to try. Yes, I would have liked to make a difference, but maybe I did just by stopping and asking if they needed help. The offer, in itself, I hope made a difference.

Suddenly, I hear God whisper to me, "Turn on the radio." So I do it.

What do you know... they were playing "If we are the Body..." by Casting Crowns on the Christian station (91.9). The chorus goes something like this:

If we are the body
Why arent His arms reaching
Why arent His hands healing
Why arent His words teaching
And if we are the body
Why arent His feet going
Why is His love not showing them there is a way

I felt that He was telling me the answer. We need to do more of these kinds of things. Maybe this was a test to see if I'd really do it in two different situations. We need to reach out to others, we need to help others recover and heal, we need to teach others by example and by words, we need to go out of our way to make an impact for Him. Step beyond our comfort zones. Okay... I got it.

Right after I finally registered all of this, I was nearly home and I passed a couple of our local homeless that I recognized from various street corners. It was very cold out and they were wearing very thin jackets. I thought "I have some nice warm jackets at home that I never wear. I should go and get'em". Then it hit me... "Why do I have all this stuff? I don't need it. I have maybe 15-20 jackets and only one of me. Some of these I don't think I've worn more than once. I should be ashamed to think that I needed all this stuff when there are people in my own neighbourhood that don't have anything. I'm a collector of clothing and fun junk in general, why? I should be putting my investment elsewhere. What a simple wake up call. It only took a 15-minute car ride. How many 15-minute car rides do I make and miss dozens of opportunities to help. Makes me realize I've got a lot more to learn in this life.

..>

ok... OK... I'LL TELL YOU ABOUT MY TROUBLE WITH THE LAW!

2006-02-19T18:45:00.000-05:00

...but it's not a short story...

Alright, most of you may know already, but I thought I may as well tell everyone so I don't have to keep telling the story. A few weeks ago I went hiking with my friend, Julie. Now Julie's a great girl and this was our first time hanging out just the two of us, but not like that. She's from Maine and kinda has that earthy vibe... which I love. She has some dreads, but she recently cut most of them out and I wish she hadn't.

Anyway... a couple of our other friends from church were going to come out, too, but didn't. So at 1am the night before she calls and makes the executive decision to go hiking to see the sunrise in the morning on top of Crowder's Mountain (only a few hours of sleep away). Now, it's an hour and a half drive for her from Wingate and 45 minutes for me. I meet her halfway, we ride together in my car. So we get there about 6:45am and sunrise is suppose to be in about a half hour. It was still dark, foggy, and just started raining.

Once we arrive at Crowder's Mountain.... State Park, the gate was closed and the sign said it wouldn't open until 8am. So after her taking 1.5 hours to get here I wasn't about to just turn around. We didn't feel like waiting 1 hr 15 mins. to get in. I knew where the trail hit the road and we parked the car in the grass, clear of all 'No Parking' signs. So we hop out and into the rain AND I have a Pembroke Corgy dog that I'm dog-sitting for named Bubba. Now, Bubba has never been on a hike like this before in his life. Matter of fact, I don't think he's been on an off-road walk period. I was very concerned about him but I couldn't leave him behind. At the very last second before we started off I tore off a piece of plastic from some sheeting I had in my car and wrapped it around my side mirror and we were off...

Bubba did great on the hike with his tiny legs and big belly. He almost did better than Julie and I. So we hike up the last 1300(ish) steps to the top of the mountain and look out expecting to see the beautiful sunrise and.... nothing... can't see a single thing more than 5 feet from the cliff. What a waste, I thought. Julie had never been on top of Crowders before and I wanted her to see how beautiful and green it was all around. Oh well, I suggested that we go climb on some of the big rocks and have a good time up top anyway. We tied Bubba up and ran off to play.

8am - Suddenly my phone rings. I brought it along soley because it has s a flashlight in it, honestly. It's my parents. Why are my parents calling me this early on a Saturday morning? So my mom tells me, "There's an officer on the phone from Gaston County. He says something about your car being illegally parked and wants to know where you are." OH CRAP! My parents give him my cell .. and he calls me

"Mr. Grubbs? Where are you?".

"I'm on top of Crowder's Mountain, sir".

"Did you know that it is unlawful for you to be up there? This is a state park and you are trespassing! Not only that but your vehicle is parked illegally and I'm going to tow it unless you get down here!"

"Yes, sir, I'll be right down". I look over at Julie and we both smile, both with fear. She knows what's up. We grab Bubba (who has just scared a hiker. They thought he was a wild animal at the top of the trail. I guess he does look a bit like a fox or something.) and head down the trail for a 45 minute hike back.

On the way we discuss how we should react and what we should say to the officer. By the time we got near the road I mention to her that we should have put the front hood of the car up in addition to my plastic flag and made it really look legit like we were broken down, then realized that we'd be in even more trouble if he caught us in a lie. I had a strange confidence that we would be able to get out of this. I told Julie that I get out of these things all the time. I had once gotten out of being pulled over twice in less than 10 minutes. The second time they even referenced the first asking "Didn't they just pull you over downtown?". I'm a pro at talking my way out of trouble. Or so I thought.

We got to the road. We see our car. We see two officers in theirs. They'd been waiting 45 minutes now for us. It's raining still. It went through my mind for a moment that because of the way Julie looks, he may think that we were up there smoking weed or doing something that we shouldn't have been. However, I learned while hiking that she's never even done drugs. It's crazy how we stereotype people because of the way they look. Our best defense was having a cute little dog, named Bubba along with us. We encouraged him to play his puppy dog love up as much as he could.

The officer walks over to us, starts off by saying "Because it's raining, I'm gonna..."

"Let us go!!!", I thought to myself... NOPE.

"I'm gonna trust that you'll follow me to the Ranger station. Can I trust you?"

Crap! I thought we were going to get off scot-free. "Yes sir". I throw the dog in the back of the car. And slide in while as subtle as possible attempt to slip the plastic off the mirror as I'm getting in... I'm sure it was obvious though. Julie mentions that she saw the other officer crack a smile when seeing ol' Bubba. This was hope.

We get to the ranger station. Walk in, everyone stares. I felt dirty, sinful. "YES! WE'RE THE GUILTY ONES!" I wanted to say, but didn't. The officer guided us into a back office, told us to take a seat. Even guided us as to which chair to sit in. He was bulky and powerful. He didn't look like he took *poop* from anyone. He sits down at a desk and asks for our drivers licenses.

"First of all," he begins "you two were violating the state law by trespassing and will be charged a mandatory $110 fee plus up to an additonal $250 depending on what the judge says in court. You'll have, of course, an appointed court session. Second, your car was parked illegally..."

I interrupt, "But sir, there weren't any 'No Parking' signs around. They were on the other corners of the street, but..."

"It doesn't matter! You were parked illegally AND we saw many cars turning at the corner and swerving into the other lane to avoid your vehicle. So I have a ticket for that right here." Picks it up, it's still on the pad with my vehicle information filled in.

"Third, the smallest thing, but also the thing that has bothered me most as I was waiting for y'all... ...I don't mean to get personal, but I am... I noticed that you have a fish symbol on the back of your car. Are you a Christian?"

"Yes sir, I am"

"Well, did you also put that flag on your car saying that it was broken down?"

"Yes sir, I did"

"Well, I consider that lying! I don't have my study Bible on me to show you the verse, but you may know it. However way you look at it, it's lying. And that's not very Christian is it?"

"Yes sir, I'm sorry sir"

.

It was a jab at my heart. It hurt. It hurt bad. Yeah, I didn't mind paying the fees and going to court, getting a traffic citation - money is tight - whatever, but THIS, this hurt more. I knew I was sinking quick, matter-of-fact, I felt I had already drowned. It was if I suddenly shriveled up into a raisin and all pride and self-respect vanished. I was guilty. I shouldn't have done it. But it's just a simple thing, right? Most people would look over that. Heck, I didn't even put that fish emblem on my car, and I'd been wanting to take it off since the beginning because I'm not the best driver. I was nailed. Now, I really only hoped at this point that Julie would have an easier sentence. He looked at her...

"I really only have to give one person the trespassing charge, so I'm gonna let you go without it. And, since you didn't drive, you won't have a ticket." Whew... she made it out. My stomach was really tight. I don't think I was even breathing much.

The officer continues on, "Now, I tell you what... ". Oh no, more? No more? "Y'all seem like good folks. I tell you what..." What? What? "I'm gonna let it ALL go". YESSSSS!!!! "But, I don't want to see y'all ever do something like this again. Can you promise me that?"

Julie and I agree in unison, "Yes sir". WHEWWW! He had me good. Wow.

"Now the reason I'm letting you go is that most folks come in here and cuse me out and get rowdy. I usually have to be really tough at the beginning to let you know I'm not messing around. I'm very impressed with how y'all reacted."

THANK YOU JESUS!

We said "Thank you" repeatedly and shook his hand and left... The rangers in the front stared us down again as we entered the lobby. We couldn't help but smile. THANK YOU GOD!!! We make it back to the car, not saying a word to each other. Bubba's smiling and patiently waitiing for us.

Once we were in the car and the doors shut we cheered. "Wow. We got out of it. Thank you God. That was crazy." It was great. What a lesson in not lying. We couldn't help but talk about it the whole way home. It honestly made the hike worth while. It would have been so lame without it. :) No good view from the top. Raining. It pretty much sucked except for this (mis)adventure. But even more important...

Even more than a lesson in lying, I learned something that has never really been genuine to me until this moment. I learned GRACE. I always knew what it was, but I never knew grace. This officer, he laid all the cards out... "This is what you've done. This is what you've done, and this is what you've done... and this is what you deserve. These are the consequences for your actions." But then... he shows me grace. It's a perfect illustration of God. For our sins we deserve to die in them. We deserve to be punished. "But, you know what, I'm gonna let you go. I know your heart. I know that you are sincerly repentant. Go free, and sin no more." It's so powerful to me now. Grace is getting what you don't deserve. You can also juxtapose the folks that would cuse the officer out as those that aren't sincerly repentant for their crimes. God has mercy on people that know that they've done wrong and have learned from it.

Anyway... Thank you God for showing me that. I look forward to more lessons, let's just not have them so dramatic next time. :)

LOOKING FOR IN A GIRL...

2006-01-25T18:48:00.000-05:00

My friend, Kurt, gave me this great idea to have people post their Top 8 things they are looking for in a girl/boy. So if you're single, let us know the Top 8 things that your looking for in someone else. I guess I'll start off...

---------------------------------------------------------------

LOOKING FOR IN A GIRL

1 - Believes in God.

2 - Cares about others and the environment.

3 - Beautiful inside & out. Inside is more important than outside, of course.

4 - Intelligent. Can think on her own. Challenges me to grow in wisdom and faith

5 - Artistic. Can express herself through art.

6 - Likes to travel and explore.

7 - Similar musical tastes. Musical ability is an extra plus. Able to make it through a punk rawk show & I'll buy you a ring.

8 - Independent. Can be without me for long periods of time if my job demands it.

PEDRO: NAPOLEON'S DYNAMITE DJ

2005-11-18T18:56:00.000-05:00

...wow, it was something. Pedro (or Efren Ramirez) as seen in the film, Napoleon Dynamite and I were hanging out last night at the club. I know, I'm cool. Actually, I'm not, any one could have hung-out with him. He was spinning last night at Crush. Here are some pics of our good time together. Hope you enjoy. I even posted a bulletin to warn everyone he was coming. And yes he did speak like Pedro in the microphone. If he didn't last night would have really sucked.

This was the best part. He stopped the music and started rawkin' it on a harmonica. Then it got even better... he blended his harmonica playing and pulled up the song 'Gold Digger' by Kanye West... it fit perfectly. That was the magic moment.

As for Pedro being a DJ... hmm... maybe he'll be good in a few more years.