Falling Short

I've just recently abandoned a post that was titled "Failure." I decided it was perhaps to negative in nature and probably anything but inspiring or uplifting. If anything it was depressing. It illustrated my thoughts and feelings quite well though at that moment.
These days it seems there are probably quite a few people who could relate to my feelings of discouragement, as life in general is just hard. Whether it be employment, falling short of our dreams, or just the realization of our inadequacy in a number of different things. For me specifically, I have felt like I have underachieved in really any thing that has been put in my path. It sucks really. Starting back in September of last year when Karie and I learned we miscarried, to being released as bishop earlier than planned, not being prepared for obvious challanges, to still not being a father, to falling short to my own expectations at work, to now. I feel like I have fallin' short in any obstacle placed in my way. I hate being "the sick guy." I'm much more than that, but really that's all I'm known for....everywhere. I know Karie deserves a better man, and I can only hope to be that guy. There are a number circumstances out of my control that have made things difficult, but that's no excuse. I have not picked up on things at work the way I know I am capable of. I was unable to manage being bishop, and the unusual heath issues in my path. I missed opportunities to speak, and have frankly been out matched by my trials. It's hard to swallow when we learn that we are never. given any obstacle that we can't overcome...when i feel like I have been overcome by every obstacle in my way.
I hope that I can succeed at something here soon. I'm a talented guy with a lot to offer, but somehow, I've allowed my self to be aced out by the obstacles and challenges that have come in my path.
I hope there is a positive and uplifting blog to follow, but for now I suppose this is my whiny blog.
any advice on how to over come this slump is appreciated. I imagine things will get worse before getting better....but they will get better.

For now here's a tune that illustrates the feeling well.


Gravity - John Mayer

PS - Michael Jackson post to follow

Back in the Swing of Things - Michael Jackson Tributes

Hello everyone, it has been a long time since I've written anything. That is because I've had a lot of big ideas on changing the way i do this. Eventually this blog will become a place where i simlply blog about my family, my thoughts, and perhaps some of my opinions. Eventually the music portion will be covered in another blog, and website I am working on building. There are some exciting things in the works there but for now, just to get back in the swing of things will give you a song for the and hopefully recapture some of you readers. Again comments and suggestions are always appreciated.

I'm a big Michael Jackson fan...I know...to many it's unpopular, but I do have some opinions on the dubject, and most of them are sympathetic toward the king of pop. For now I'll stick to the music though. There are two great covers out for you guys to check out.

First James Morrison just released a great cover of "Man in the Mirror" one of my all time favorite songs. In fact this year's American Idol won me over on his first televised performance with it. Let me know what you think.



James Morrison - Man in the Mirror


(Kris Allen's Idol Performance)


(Kris Allen's Home Performance)

Another great tribute cover is by one of my rising favorites in music. A talented and heartfelt singer/songwriter David Ryan Harris singing "The Way You Make Me Feel"



David Ryan Harris - The Way You Make Me Feel (The King of Pop is Gone)

Check it out and let me know in comments what you think. Also I'd loveto hear your thoughts, good and bad about Michael Jackson.

Mikey Mixes....I need suggestions

I am addicted to music.  If you've spent any amount of time with me you've heard of Mikey Mixes.  Since ninth grade (when we got our first CD Burner) I've been making cd length mixes.  The count is now 158 Mikey Mixes.  these are 80 minute playlists that are very eclectic... Everything from the Them song of Zoobalee Zoo to Snoop Dog, and Norah Jones.  Mostly though it's like a journal for how my taste in music has evolved.

The reason I post this is i've been thinking of a new format to the blog.  I want to post these playlists....but am not sure of the best way.  Start from the begining...or start with the most recent.   If any of you have any thoughts...if you're interested or not...etc.

I'd love your thoughts.

Newton Faulkner

My cousin Jeff Gardner showed me this group  a couple of weeks ago and I have since become a big fan.  Their lyrics are clever and their tunes are catchy.  It's one of the few albums I enjoy listening to start to finish.



Newton Faulkner - Gone in the Morning



Dream Catch Me

Here's a link to their website.

Benton Paul - I Only See You

I just wanted to give another shout out to Benton Paul. I mentioned him a while back when his new CD came out in May. Well he's starting to gain some popularity and you should all check him out.

The first song you should check out is "I Only See You" from his album Gray. Karie and I saw him perform this song, and I think it was the first time he'd ever done it publicly at a little concert in Provo at the Noni building,  He's performing on the 13th in Provo at Velor.

Here's a Youtube video created by a fan for your enjoyment.



Let Me know what you think

James Taylor - Go Tell it On the Mountain

I know everyone will be shocked with this next one.  This whole album is great, This song however, has the honor of being the Christmas song with the highest play count on my iPod.

James Taylor - Go Tell it on the Mountain

Christmas Tunes - Album or Track of the day begins!

Ok, so I don't promise that it will be everyday, but we'll do our best. My iPod is ridiculously full of Christmas music, and some if it is rather obscure, so I'll either post an album or a song track for you to look at, with the iTunes link if you're interested.

One of my all time favorite non traditional Christmas songs comes from American Idol alum Jon Peter Lewis.  I don't even remember how we stumbled across it, but it certainly feels like a classic to us!

The picture will take you to the iTunes link,  seriously check this one out.





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