T-RAY'S SAY...

Clearing Away the Dust Bunnies........ A LOT of Them!!!

2011-12-31T20:40:00.002-05:00

Wow... Can't believe it has been over 5 years since I've made any form of a post on here. Boy does time get away from you! I figure, what better day to start than New Year's Eve, right? Hopefully, my next post won't be as long of a wait! :) So, until next time, Goodbye 2011. Hello 2012!! See you all in the New Year.

Where's the Beef....... and Tacos?

2006-05-28T23:17:00.000-05:00

What's the deal with all these commercials on tv for restaurants that we don't even have locally?! I remember seeing a lot of ads for the International House of Pancakes and thinking that I since I haven't ate at one in a while, I'd eat there for lunch... but after I did some research, I found that the closest IHOP is in Cincy. What gives?

Well, I've gotten over the lack of IHOPs, but the recent restaurant blow will take longer to recover from. While watching tv, I've seen numerous commercials for Jack in the Box. Unfortunately, there isn't a single JITB in Ohio :( Actually, there isn't one in any of the states surrounding Ohio. You have to drive to Tennessee to get your craving met.

For those of you in the dark, Jack in the Box is an awesome fast food chain that offers a wide assortment of food. You can get everything including: burgers, chicken, tacos, salads, egg rolls and more. Their shakes are great as well and all at a great value. You can get 2 tacos for 99 cents... which is cheaper than Taco Bell and tastes wayyy better. Ahhh... brings back many memories from my experiences at the local JITB in Seattle. Sigh.

So here's hoping for a midwest expansion soon!

"Best Doggone Dog In The West..."

2006-01-01T03:32:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year everyone!!

Alright, the first story of the new year. I went to Kroger to get some snacks to eat while watching the ball drop. Gotta have something to munch on while watching tv! So, I'm searching for food when something catches the corner of my eye... dog food. No, I didn't grab a bag to snack on, it was the name of it that caught my attention. Disney's Old Yeller Chunk Style Dog Food!

What the crap is that!!! First of all, disney is now marketing dog food? That's a little weird. But, more importantly, of all names they chose Old Yeller? Ok, I don't know about you, but when I think of the film, I think of.. ***spoiler alert***.... Rabies. Yeah, what a great thought to put into your head when feeding your dog. You would think that they would have chosen something like "Lady and the Tramp's Italian Treats" (fun pasta shaped dog biskits) or "The Shaggy Dog Chow" to help promote the upcomming remake, but no, plaster the image of a big yellow dog onto the bag so that many of us can look at it and reflect on the fate of the poor fella!

I remember reading Old Yeller in Middle School and was all excited cause the main character's name was Travis! I know. I'm a dork, but then again you didn't see that many Travis' (or is it Travises? Travies? Travi as in octopi?) around in books.. movies.. media.. I also remember that we had to act out scenes from the book and in my group, I played the part of Travis (of course) where he is trying to catch and mark wild pigs. He falls out of a tree to wind up getting cut by the tusks of the hogs. It was great! I got to fall off of a desk and try to fend off a group of classmates pretending to be pigs. It was this moment that I had discovered my love for acting. :) Ah, the memories... *sigh*

"My hair's stuck in the door!"

2005-12-23T02:18:00.002-05:00

Today was an off day from work, and what's better than spending a day with close friends :) John, Susie and I met at B&N and then went over to CiCi's, where I broke the parmesan cheese shaker. Whoops, my bad :p Then afterwards, we went to see Narnia. After that, I got to spend some time with another friend. Ah, very good day with 3 of the coolest cats... well 2 cats and 1 dogg ;) So now its time for bed to rest up for a 5-midnight shift tomorrow. Holiday hours suck! Thank goodness they are almost over! Until lata.

Psalm 63

2005-07-30T18:28:00.000-05:00

1 O God, you are my God,
earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you,
my body longs for you,
in a dry and weary land
where there is no water.

2 I have seen you in the sanctuary
and beheld your power and your glory.

3 Because your love is better than life,
my lips will glorify you.

4 I will praise you as long as I live,
and in your name I will lift up my hands.

5 My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods;
with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

6 On my bed I remember you;
I think of you through the watches of the night.

7 Because you are my help,
I sing in the shadow of your wings.

8 My soul clings to you;
your right hand upholds me.

9 They who seek my life will be destroyed;
they will go down to the depths of the earth.

10 They will be given over to the sword
and become food for jackals.

11 But the king will rejoice in God;
all who swear by God's name will praise him,
while the mouths of liars will be silenced.

76 Trombones Led the Big Parade

2005-07-06T21:40:00.000-05:00

Meredith Wilson's
THE MUSIC MAN
(featuring Travis Kavanagh as Charlie Cowell)

Friday July 8th 7:30pm
Saturday July 9th 7:30pm
Sunday July 10th 2:30pm

Located at the Bellefontaine High School.
Tickets are $5 at the door.

Recent History

2005-06-26T18:52:00.000-05:00

Events of this past weekend: (in no particular order)

~ Chris Tomlin concert
~ Mysterious CDs
~ Nicole's "birthday" cake
~ The Great Pizza Mixup
~ Dollar dance
~ Muffets
~ Movie/game night with Oren
~ The Butterfly Festival

If you have any additions... let me know!

But He Doesn't Know The Territory!!

2005-06-20T21:28:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since I last posted (ruined my steady pace!) so I figure I should explain what's been going on lately. Mainly one thing... The Music Man. I've been rehearsing a lot for the BEST (Bellefontaine Encore Summer Theater) production of the show. Each summer, I partake in the community musical, and each year I realize how much I miss doing it. There's just something about acting and singing that is so refreshing and exciting and challenging. No two roles are ever the same, so its always fun to create a whole new character, to escape all the worries of my life and jump into the sometimes even worse troubles and conflicts of these crazy creations :p This year I'm playing Charlie Cowell, an anvil salesman who causes a lot of ruckus, expecially toward the end of the show.

So, if anyone is interested, the peformance dates are July 8th, 9th, and 10th. The cost is $5 a ticket. I have presale tickets available, good for any date. Let me know if anyone would like one.

Until lata, peace out.

Alumni Concert

2005-05-16T12:35:00.000-05:00

For those of you who missed out on the Variety Show concert, here's another opportunity to see us, (WSU Men's Chorale), in concert. This Friday, May 20th, we will be having a "FREE" concert in the Concert Hall located in the Creative Arts Center. The performance is at 7:30PM. So come on over and support the group.

Let the Battle for Narnia Begin!!

2005-05-10T22:08:00.000-05:00

Excerpts from C.S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia

‘There is a way into my country from all the worlds,’ said the Lamb; but as he spoke his snowy white flushed into a tawny gold and his size changed and he was Aslan himself, towering above them and scattering light from his mane.
‘Oh, Aslan,’ said Lucy. ‘Will you tell us how to get into your country from our world?’
‘I shall be telling you all the time,’ said Aslan. ‘But I will not tell you how long or short the way will be; only that it lies across a river. But do not fear that, for I am the great Bridge Builder. And now come; I will open the door in the sky and send you to your own land.’
‘Please, Aslan,’ said Lucy. "Before we go, will you tell us when we can come back to Narnia again? Please. And oh, do, do, do make it soon.’
‘Dearest,’ said Aslan very gently, ‘you and your brother will never come back to Narnia.’
‘Oh, Aslan!’ said Edmund and Lucy both together in despairing voices.
‘You are too old, children,’ said Aslan, ‘and you must begin to come close to your own world now.’
‘It isn't Narnia, you know,’ sobbed Lucy. ‘It's you. We shan't meet you there. And how can we live, never meeting you?’
‘But you shall meet me, dear one,’ said Aslan.
‘Are - are you there too, Sir?’ said Edmund.
‘I am,’ said Aslan, ‘But there I have another name. You must learn to know me by that name. This was the very reason why you were brought to Narnia, that by knowing me here for a little, you may know me better there.’

~ The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

When Jill stopped, she found she was dreadfully thirsty… She listened carefully and felt almost sure she heard the sound of running water.
Jill…looked around her very carefully. There was no sign of the Lion; so she plucked up her courage to… look for that running water.
…she came to an open glade and saw the stream, bright as glass… [A]lthough the sight of the water made her feel ten times thirstier than before, she didn’t rush forward and drink. She stood still as if she had been turned into a stone, with her mouth wide open. And she had a very good reason: just this side of the stream lay the Lion…
“Are you not thirsty?” said the Lion.
“I’m dying of thirst,” said Jill.
“Then drink,” said the Lion.
“May I—could I—would you mind going away while I do?” said Jill.
The Lion answered this only by a look and a very low growl. And as Jill gazed at its motionless bulk, she realized that she might as well have asked the whole mountain to move aside for her convenience.
The delicious rippling noise of the stream was driving her nearly frantic.
“Will you promise not to—do anything to me, if I do come?” said Jill.
“I make no promise,” said the Lion.
Jill was so thirsty now that, without noticing it, she had come a step nearer.
“Do you eat girls?” she said.
“I have swallowed up girls and boys, women and men, kings and emperors, cities and realms,” said the Lion.
“I daren’t come and drink,” said Jill.
“Then you will die of thirst,” said the Lion.
“Oh dear!” said Jill, coming another step nearer. “I suppose I must go and look for another stream then.”
“There is no other stream,” said the Lion.

~ The Silver Chair

See the trailer for The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe!!

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

2005-05-10T13:34:00.000-05:00

"Two are better than one; because they have a good return for their work; If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm, But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."

Just wanted to let you all know that I love you guys! Thanks for being there for me.

"Fightin' the System Like a True Modern Day Robin Hood"

2005-05-07T00:14:00.000-05:00

I watched the Wright State performance of The Mikado, which is a very funny operetta about the town of Titipu. I would give a description of the plot, but it would be too long and confusing, so I'll give this site to read instead. I highly recommend the show which still has a performance on Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon.

"Just the good ole boys..."

The first trailer for the Dukes of Hazzard movie is up and running, and I must say, it looks pretty sweet! I've been a fan of the original series and was a little hesitant about a movie version, but it looks like they are staying pretty true to the series. The only thing I'm not too certain on is Burt Reynolds as Boss Hogg. He may have the attitude of Boss H, but definately not the looks. Danny DeVito would have the part to a T, but oh well. I noticed that Roscoe P. Coltrane is missing from the trailer, but the actor playing him looks the part, so I'm pleased with that. Overall, I'm glad to see the General Lee back in action.

Yee-Haw!

ADVENTURES BACK HOME: Episode 1 - Terror in the Driveway

2005-05-02T13:38:00.000-05:00

I had to go back home this last weekend to sing at church and afterwards my mom wanted me to come over for dinner, so I spent the day at home with the fam. It started out alright, that is until my sister woke up! :p Man, was she in a foul mood!! But later on, she calmed down. Then my mom and sis decided to bring back some food from the local "dairy queenish" like place.

Now, the restaurant isn't too far from the house, so the two of them decided to walk there with the family dog. When they got there, it started to sprinkle, so my mom sent my sister back home to grab her car to pick them up. And what happens when my sister tries to drive the car out of the driveway....?? She hits my car!! Now, my car didn't get that much damage, just a scratch on the driver's side door that a little bit of paint will fix up. But my sis' whole front bumper came off! My sis just shrugged it off and had her boyfriend come over and fix it.

So, if you ever wonder how someone can hit a parked car in the driveway... my sister is living proof.

Now I'm off for some food!
Outtie

"Don't worry about your life..."

2005-04-26T01:31:00.000-05:00

It's 2:30 AM and I think I'm down (or is it up) with insomnia :p So while I'm up, might as well send a shout out to all my bros and sis' out there in computerland. Tonight was small group and its always refreshing to get to hang out with the peeps and learn about God. Today we discussed on Luke 12:22-31 and the topic of "worrying." I hate worrying, and it seems like as we get older, the more we do it. Its such a time waster and a selfish act. And its not like we can control what is going to happen. If we give our worries to God, our focus turns off from ourselves and onto Him, which is so comforting to know. I know its not brain surgery, but it seems like we always need to refresh ourselves on the simplist of actions to keep it maintained in our daily routines.

One thing I'm definately not going to worry about is my concert tomorrow. Men's Chorale is singing in Troy. It's gonna be a long drive, but luckily Oren will be with me, so I'll have some company! :)

Well, I think that's about it for tonight. Until lata... peace out!

The Following Takes Place Between 12:00 AM and 1:00 AM

2005-04-24T23:09:00.000-05:00

Its like 12:09 on a Sunday night/Monday morning and here I am at the Wright State Computer Lab. So I might as well make a blog entry. This weekend has been pretty relaxing compared to last week. A group of us went to the theater last night and saw The Interpreter. It was alright. Coulda been better. This morning, at church, we got to see a pic of Phil W's baby! :) (cute as a button!) Then Nate Dogg, Skipbo, Lil' Kim, Marti, J-Rod and I went to Boston Market to eat. After that, I went home and did some loads of laundry while I cleaned my room. Then, later on, I went to Cici's and finally wound up here at the lab. So, that was my eventful weekend in a few lines :p

So now I think I'm going to head back to the house and rest up for tomorrow.... oh... and dream of the summer. Or at least dream of warmer weather!!

Outtie

Rainy Days and Mond... er... Saturdays

2005-04-23T14:11:00.000-05:00

So I get up for work this morning, like I usually do on every work day, and everything seems pretty normal... right? I get in my car, trying to avoid as much of the rain as I can. And as I drive to work, the weather gets worse, and worse, and worse until it starts to snow! What the freak is that all about?!?! I was about ready to store away all my winter gear and now it starts to snow again? Oy Vey! So, now that work is over, I need to figure out what to do to keep out of the cold. Hmmm... maybe a hot cup of chai would help :)

To celebrate the rain/snow, here is a Deep Thought by Jack Handy:

If a kid asks where rain comes from, I think a cute thing to tell him is "God is crying." And if he asks why God is crying, another cute thing to tell him is "Probably because of something you did."

Step Aside King Tut... There's a New Pyramid in Town!

2005-04-19T21:24:00.000-05:00

So, besides the announcement that there is a new pope.... I hear on the news that the food pyramid has been tossed out for a new one! Ummmm.... I have to think to myself, is a food pyramid really nescesary? I can just picture the board of people working on the new design.....

"Yeah, I think that we should just move the vegies over to where the fruit are and move the meats more toward the right. No, wait. Shrink the size of grains and add a new category for spam, cause, what is that stuff anyway??"

If you want to check out the new pyramid, view it at its official website here. I have to admit that it looks more stylish than the old one. Plus its cool that they added the stairs and the stick dude to represent exercise (and its kinda funny to picture him as Richard Simmons), but it still seems useless. Oh well.

For some "real" news.... check out these links about:

Little 90 year old Luce
One ummm... confused policeman
Attack of the killer meat
When garden gnomes attack! (that one's for Liz) :-p
CPR... (Crazy Poultry Resuscitation) "You're too young to die!"

In A Galaxy Far Far Away...

2005-04-15T11:56:00.000-05:00

Another day.... another post.

First of all, as a reminder, don't forget to mail your taxes in since today is the last day.

So here's my plans for the day. Here in the afternoon, I'm going to relax and get stuff ready for the weekend. Then, later on, I'm heading to Gwen R's to go hiking. And after that, peer my peeper through the lens of a telescope as I star gaze across the galaxy and beyond. It will be nice to get to see my relatives on Mars that I haven't seen in a long time. Last I heard, Uncle Googliglock Hoodlydoo was at his shop, working on the ships. Sometimes those things just get too much gravity wear on them! And Aunt Jenooniperinafin Hoodlydoo was in another galaxy to pick up some milk for baking (it was too expensive in the Milky Way... raised their prices with it being the weekend.) Grandpa Vortefulamalavoo just likes to sit in his FLISM (Flotation and Levitation Intergalactic Sitting Mechanism) as he whittles away at petrified trees. A lot of his work can be seen at the JAM (Jupiter Art Museum.) Oh..... and cousin Jimmy. Poor cousin Jimmy. He's still locked up in the LAMPP (Laser And Motor Protected Penitentiary.) He went crazy and claimed that Uncle Googliglock abducted him from his loft here on Earth. How preposterous is that! Crazy cousin Jimmy.

I've Got a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts

2005-04-14T18:48:00.000-05:00

Gotta love the muppets!! Had to post this after having the commercial stuck in my head!

Variety Show

2005-04-13T12:11:00.000-05:00

Ok... this post is just a shameless plug for the Men's Chorale Variety Show this Saturday (April 16th) at 7:30 PM Featuring Professor Plum, with the candlestick, in the concert "hall", at the CAC.

Nancy Drew and the Case of the Missing Voice

2005-04-11T13:37:00.000-05:00

I figured that its time for an update, since I haven't posted in a looooooooooooong time :-p First of all, I'm finally getting over sickness. I'm so sick of being sick. I was down with the flu for a few days, but now I have just a small mild cough left. Oh... and I lost my voice for a while. That was fun..... NOT! I talked to my choir director today and asked him if it was normal that I didn't have my singing voice back yet, even though its been over a week since I lost it, and he said that it may take some time :( Oh well, just causes me to drink more water (which I need to do anyways.)

Last weekend was exhausting, but fun! Here's the breakdown:

Friday: Got up. Had choir in the afternoon. Went to Rollandia (magic castle). Chilled. Went to bed.

Saturday: Worked in the morning. Thrifting in the afternoon. Off to a skating party where the theme was 70s and 80s. Out to eat at Ryan's steakhouse. Party where we played games and danced. Back home to find a crowbar to get my 70s style pants off (ended up needing the jaws-of-life). Went to bed.

Sunday: Got up early. Went with Jared to both Apex services. Ate at China Garden. Came back home to have Matt look at Jared's and my car. Helped Amy and Mike clear out Mike's basement. Hung out with Nate. Went to bed.

Whew... If I left anything out, let me know :-p

Do Re Mi

2005-03-08T23:19:00.000-05:00

Now for an update. This time the focus is on music. As many of you know, these past couple of quarters I have been involved with the WSU Men's Chorale. What an experience that has been!! I love singing and the class has really helped to warm my voice back into shape. The class is great and Dr. Tipps is awesome! Recently, we started a new piece that has posed to be challenging. It's entitled "Drinking Song" which is the third movement from Carmina Juventutis, by David Conte. We've been working hard on getting down the rhythms and notes. I sing 2nd Tenor.... and boy do those notes soar!! I feel bad for the 1st Tenors :-p This Friday's class will be very interesting since we will have a guest conductor..... David Conte, the composer himself!!! Oh boy... I just hope we are ready :-D

In other music news, a pastor I know from back home asked me to sing in his ensemble at his church. The group meets to sing every 1st, 3rd, and 5th Sunday of each month. And I get paid $100.00 each Sunday I perform with the ensemble!! I am finally getting paid for something I enjoy doing! How great is that?

All this talk about music inspires me to start up a band. Hmmm..... We'll see how long that takes to get off of the ground :-p

Poetry

2005-02-20T01:09:00.000-05:00

Here is an excerpt from: The Prophet
by: Gibran Khalil Gibran

When love beckons to you follow him,
Though his ways are hard and steep.
And when his wings enfold you yield to him,
Though the sword hidden among his pinions
May wound you.
And when he speaks to you believe in him,
Though his voice may shatter your dreams
As the north wind lays waste the garden.
For even as love crowns you
So shall he crucify you.
Even as he is for your growth
So is he for your pruning.

It's about time!!!

2005-02-20T00:40:00.000-05:00

Ok. So I thought that I am way overdue for a post, so here goes. Its been an interesting week. Wednesday evening I got to celebrate a friend's birthday at The Cheesecake Factory in Columbus. That was a lot of fun. Got to meet a lot of cool people. Then Friday was an awesome night skating. I haven't been on the ice in a looooooooong time. Afterwards, we went to a donut shop....(no, we didn't get pulled over by the cops...... long story) and had a blast hanging out and busting out some card games. And then a little while ago, I had my concert with the men's chorale. The concert went extremely well!!! Kudos to all my fellow choir mates. We had a great turnout for it.

So that pretty much catches everyone up to speed, except for one other thing.... I have a cell phone now!!!!!! How weird is that?!? So if anyone wants to give me a buzz, the number is: (937) 416-7618.

Well, until later...

All Aboard the Band Wagon!

2005-02-07T04:59:00.000-05:00

Well, I succumed to the web blog craze and created this site. Not sure how often I'll be able to keep the posts comming, but I'll try my best. Hopefully this site will allow me to express the different emotions, events, and experiences in my life while being somewhat entertaining. (Wow, that's a lot of E's!) Oh boy... This will be interesting to say the least.