the truth of my youth

I've moved!!

2009-01-29T18:55:00.002-05:00

You can now find me at kyletroop.wordpress.com

2009-01-20T21:34:00.002-05:00

I don't really have anything profound to talk about this evening. I just wanted to take a second to say thanks to all my rad friends that make the journey of life awesome. All my @'s and leafer friends, thanks.

Spread some Christmas cheer! *with or without a flask

2008-12-23T18:04:00.000-05:00

Christmas is almost here. It is only two days away. And while the economy is taking, food costs are rising and people are flat out broke, I can’t help be enjoy the season.

I did all my Christmas shopping for less than $40 this year. And I hope I don’t receive much more than that for myself. I could get into the topic of not spending on gifts to be able to help others in need or to save the money to pay off debt. But I won’t. Instead I choose to not bring up money. I choose to think about my family and friends. They are the ones who matter. A lot of times I pick my friends over family. But when you think about it, friends ARE the family that you would pick for yourself, if you could. So let’s take the time to stop and make sure that more quality time is spent than money this year. That’s what really matters.

2008-12-23T18:03:00.001-05:00

Why does almost every other blog I write start off with something about how I haven’t written anything lately but I’ll be sure to keep up with the blogging a lot better?

Lame. I have no excuses for that one.

2008-11-13T22:05:00.000-05:00

Why do I even post on here anymore? Funny. I don't. haha!

The same stuff is going on. Nothing new to update. =(

2008-10-25T09:16:00.002-04:00

Well it is just stupid that I haven't posted on here in so long.

So here is what's up...

I've totally been working my butt off with work and school. I'm ready to get done with this stupid degree. ha!

Besides that, I'm working on doing a Dirty South Drums relaunch. Business has dropped off because of the economy. But I know there are others out there just like me that even if the economy suck will still do whatever they need to get what they want. haha! I feel a sale coming on...

It would be a good idea to pray for Rhetta.

Well I'm off to Atlanta today!!

2008-09-17T21:14:00.001-04:00

It has been a pretty chill night around the house. Its nice to be able to just come home, get some food and relax. I needed a night like this.

I'm totally loving it.

the temperature is rather warm right now.

2008-09-13T23:21:00.002-04:00

As I lay my head on my pillow and drift in and out of sleep wondering how the situation will end, I can't help but feel. I'm feeling everything.

I'm finding it hard to really fall asleep because my room is burning up. But the air and the fan are both on. Could it possibly be my blood boiling from adrenaline of the past or possible anxiety of the future? It could be.

How can I hate somebody so much, but at the same time pray for them? I'm finding this struggle to be hard. Really hard, as I feel like vomiting because of events that play out in my mind but at the same time I want to cry the tears for the person that has hardened themselves so hard that no emotion can go in or out and can't cry anymore because of this. How can I get up and go to church the next day and not feel guilty for my anger.

I pray for God to comfort me tonight as I go between rest and struggle. I hurt because others close to me hurt. And their hurt is undeserved.

I pray for other's hurt and anxieties.

I pray for rest.

I pray my tears will be a release of the heaviness I feel.

I pray to refreshed in a few hours as I get up to play at the Leaf.

a change of pace this morning

2008-08-31T05:21:00.002-04:00

It is 5:21am. I am awake and watching tv. My alarm isn't going to go off until 5:30. So why am I awake? I have no idea. But I'm about to go ahead, get up and go to the leaf.

I hope to see everyone at church today!

Cool day.

2008-08-27T20:14:00.002-04:00

Today was a bit interesting. I was hanging out with Kevin last night while picking up a drum kit from him. He ended up leaving his in-ears in my car. Well, he is leaving for tour tomorrow and kinda needs them. So we decided to meet up today and do lunch. On the way to meet up with me, his wheel happens to fall of the axle. Go figure. So it ended up with me standing on the side of 75 with him helping him fix his car.

Random, I know. Just had to share. lol!

2008-08-24T21:28:00.002-04:00

What a great day. I rolled out of bed a little before 6 to go help set up at Oak Leaf. I love it. It was such a great time to help out and get to hang out with some awesome people. The service was awesome! And there were a lot of us there with our Journey Group shirts on. It was really cool to see that. I think it might have stuck with some people. Hopefully a bunch of people will sign up for groups next week. Being connected is one of the raddest things.

The afternoon was filled with being lazy and laying around along with a little practice on my drums. I'm stoked to finally be able to set them up and practice without disturbing anyone.

Speaking of drums... I'm picking up another drum kit from Kevin Sanders this week. So if you know anyone that is looking for a great kit at a great price, send them my way. I still have the omber acrylic kit and the silver glass glitter kit. You can check them out at dirtysouthdrums.com.

Well that's it for tonight. I think I'm going to head to bed shortly.

2008-08-23T20:06:00.002-04:00

Who likes cheese? I really do. Just a random thought. I eat it right off the block with a knife. It tastes so much better that way.

I'm stoked about church tomorrow. I'm hoping that I can reach out and meet some people that would be into a Journey Group. I can't wait to get it started. I think that there a lot of good things going right now. I'm playing drums next Sunday and then I'll be playing drums at Fuel next month. On the 3rd, actually. So be there. At the house of rock. This student ministry is going to be so rad. Cartersville needs something like this.

Also, giving props to another church, Tapestry Church is doing a once a month student service that looks to be pretty rad as well. The next one is on the first Sunday in September.

On another note. Tiffany dragged me to the bridal shop today and went against all tradition and looked at dresses. Ha! We don't care. We're taking pictures before the wedding anyway. And there will be no stupid unity candle. No personalized cocktail napkins. No punch fountains. No veil. No Garter. No feeding each other cake. Actually, no cake at all. No traditional wedding music. No organ. No fat lady singing some stupid church song. No organized seating charts. No open bar. No nasty food. No tuxes. No asking to contribute to our honeymoon fund. No info in the invitations about where we're registered, because that is rude. No matching brides maids dresses that are some nasty color. No wedding march. No traditional vows. No "lawful" talk.

But, there will be security. That's how it has to be when you're as rad as we are. People just want to be us. THey can't. They need to learn that not everyone can be cool and popular and Jesus' favorites.

I know I just sounded like a jerk. But it was fun for a few. haha!!

I miss these days!

2008-08-16T14:29:00.000-04:00

2008-08-12T08:22:00.002-04:00

Good morning!

It's my second day of off work this week. I'm really enjoying my downtime from work to get the things done that I need to.

Tiffany and I decided to do a Journey Group. I think it s such a rad decision. I'm excited to just jump in and get connected and help my church grow. I'm all about it!

Well I'm off to go to some meetings today for Dirty South Drums. Please keep me in prayer for it.

2008-08-11T12:54:00.003-04:00

Well I'm back from camping! I'm very excited to be back home and sleep in my own bed and not smell like a tent and smoke. lol!

So I've got a lot going on this week. I took the next three days off of work to try to get Dirty South Drums going into a real drum shop in Cartersville. I'm really praying about this. If it works it could be great. But if it doesn't, I'm ok with that and I'll figure it out later. But I truly believe that Cartersville needs a good music store that can offer the community a great store!

I'm out. Pray for me!

gone camping

2008-08-09T22:43:00.002-04:00

That's right. I'm camping this weekend. And yes, I'm still very much connected. There's no way I'd leave my iPhone behind and come out here.

Good times though. For the most part I'm having a good time. I'm just glad that I don't have to do this very often. Not sleeping well and feeling not clean jus doesn't do it for me. I like my house, bed, shower and all that good stuff. I'll be home on Monday and I'm very excited about that.

But this weekend will be good for me. Getting away from work for a while is great for me. I've been getting way too stressed about things and people that don't really matter. Well I shouldn't say they don't matter. I should really show more grace and compassion. It's tough. But it really is the right thing for me to do. I'm just happy that I can get away for a few days and clear my mind and the air.

Well, I guess I should get back to nature or some junk like that. Haha.

2008-08-03T15:00:00.003-04:00

Another exciting Sunday. I'm pretty stoked. Church was super rad today.

Now I'm just sitting at home working on the new Dirty South Drums site. I decided to take down the site I built on iWeb and replace it with one I made on blogspot. Its a lot more user friendly to update and keep it current with the drums I have for sale. But go check it out. dirtysouthdrums.com.

2008-07-31T18:15:00.001-04:00

Terrible day. Please pray for me.

2008-07-30T09:40:00.004-04:00

Well. It seems that I keep forgetting to post on here. I just never seem to have the time anymore. But since I'm sitting in the waiting room at my mom's doctor appointment, it seems like a good time. LOL.

Dirty South is starting to pick up. Not too many sales. But lot of possible sales and a lot of leads. I'd really like to get a store open by the end of the year. But we'll see if that actually happens. There is so much planning left to do as well as getting all the money together. So if you think about it, pray for me that it will be clear whether or not I should really be going ahead with all of this. I have a really good feeling about it. I've even had dreams about 6 months ago that I'm remembering now as things start coming into play with the whole process of getting this adventure started. So I really believe that God's plan is for me to do this.

Oak Leaf Church is the raddest church around and I think that everyone should go there. But then if I didn't think that, I should find another church that I truly believe in. I played drums for the City last Sunday and it was great. I see nothing better than being a part of a young child finding their way to Jesus. It's totally rad!! And on top of that, the kids are just so much fun to play for. They really know how to enjoy music and be free with it. Most of them don't care if anyone is looking at them if they get up and dance and jump around. And getting to work with Matt, Ryan and Marcus is always a good time! I'm really excited to be getting the chance to play for the student ministry stuff on Wednesday nights this fall. Actually, I can't wait. I'm ready to go and get it started now. Haha!

It's great to be excited about things. If you go through life not having things to look forward to and get excited about, then that must be really boring. I always have something that I'm looking forward to or excited about. Hell, just having a good day has started really exciting me lately. It's terrible to get up every morning and not be excited about what you do. And if you can't change your job, you can find other things that bring joy and radness.

Let's see if I can get excited about this blog enough to update more. Haha!!

2008-07-16T18:17:00.001-04:00

So I haven't written in a while. Its funny what happens when things get blocked at work. I should make a little more time in my day to make sure that I can blog and collect my thoughts.

Nothing new of great importance is going on lately. Just the same work schedule every day. I camped out and got the new iPhone I was 7th in line but ended up being the 6th person in Cartersville to get one. It was a lot of fun. Kind of a party atmosphere. I got to the AT&T store around 12:30 that morning and hung out with Bobby. There was only one other guy there at that point. So we drove around a while and got food and chilled. Then when the line started to form, we got up there and played some Uno. Good times. Anyway, I'm stoked. Its really changing the way I do things. Its so much easier to stay connected with my busines and friends.

Other than that, my tattoo sleeve is coming along nicely. I had around 3 1/2 hours done on it. So I have a big volcano on the inside of my arm. It hurt really bad. ha! But it looks awesome. Can't wait for more!

2008-06-21T20:54:00.002-04:00

I had a great band practice today with Trackstar. We are really starting to get things together and really sounding good. Niles joined in on bass. Dude is sick.

Anyway... I used the amber acrylic kit of Kevin's. It sounded great. I've never really played bigger drums like that before. I think I totally fell in love. ha! So I'm pretty sure that my next kit is going to be BIG!! I f I can afford it. I have my eye on one. But it will be a while.

Well, I guess that's all I have right now.

2008-06-16T19:19:00.002-04:00

Man. I haven't posted in a while.

Lots of stuff going on. Pray for Rhetta.

I'm tired. And I'm going to be selfish and say I really really want the new iPhone.

2008-06-02T00:26:00.002-04:00

Looks like its back to no or little sleep again. What a great way to start the week. Pray for me.

On the up side of things... God is doing some rad things for me. Just want to give props.

2008-05-31T15:23:00.001-04:00

I'm stoked its the weekend. I really needed a few days to myself. Its been nice. Hopefully next week will be better than the last.

In the past year...

2008-05-24T20:04:00.002-04:00

Wow. Another birthday is upon me now. Tomorrow I'll be 23. Its funny how time flies by. I guess when you are younger there isn't as much time to compare things too, so time seems a lot longer.

So as I'm cleaning up around the house, I was thinking to myself about all the events of my 22nd year alive. I did some cool stuff. I got my sleeve started. I started my company, Dirty South Drums. And through that I've met some really cool people and made some rad friends. ( I love all you guys up at SJC ) I was able to get one of my dream drum kits. And I moved out of my mom's house. That was huge for me.

Also a big thing was really getting involved at Oak Leaf Church. I just love getting up every Sunday morning and going to church. There has never been a church that I feel more comfortable with. But at the same time it challenges me to get out of my comfort zone more than any other church. I love it. And I love playing music there.

Now for the biggest thing. I asked Tiffany to marry me. Pretty ballsy, huh? Yeah. She's totally rad and I love her like crazy. So it was great for me to actually put a ring on that finger and really let her know how much I love her. I pray for her every day that she will find happiness in everything that she does in her life. I'm stoked to have such a wonderful person in my life that supports me on just about everything. But at the same time she is the voice of reason. Most of her opinions kick my ass and make me think a little bit more about things. I love it. And in the upcoming year, my 23rd year, I'm going to marry her. So stoked.

So that is about it for now. Thanks for reading if anybody does...

Have a great Memorial Day weekend.

2008-05-22T13:44:00.001-04:00

I'm totally stoked about the weekend. And in my mind it starts tonight! I have band practice with Jeremy and Matt. Super rad dudes. Super awesome music. Then on Saturday I have more band practice with Trackstar. Speaking of... there is a Trackstar show at the Vinyl on June 7th. You should come out.

Besides that, my birthday is on Sunday! I'm getting old. lol!

And I get to go to Oak Leaf. I just love getting up and going there.

2008-05-18T09:08:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was great. Phil did such a great job with the color on my sleeve. I just love going down to his shop. Its very welcoming and all the guys there are just cool. Two months until my next session.

Well, besides that, nothing much is going on. I'm just still working a bunch and trying to play music as much as I can. I have a rad project going on with Jeremy and Matt. Good people. Good musicians. Its a lot of fun. And thats how music should be. I'm just stoked to be playing with these guys. They really know how to have a good time.

Well,

off to church!!

Friday... finally.

2008-05-16T18:10:00.002-04:00

I'm sooo tired today. But well worth it.

I'm ready to just go to bed and get some sleep.

Tomorrow is tattoo day!!

2008-05-15T23:57:00.002-04:00

So I got to hang out with my mom tonight. It was totally rad! We went to the Fox the see Riverdance. She's been wanting to see it for years now. So as kind of a celebration for her getting through the cancer treatments we went. We both had a great time. I freaking LOVE my mom. She's so cool.

My friend is a Trackstar!

2008-05-10T23:36:00.002-04:00

So I had a great rehearsal with Trackstar today. It was freaking awesome learning crazy beats that challenge me. The shows are going to be crazy. So if you're not doing anything, come to The Vinyl on June 7th.

Also big news might be just around the corner!!

2008-05-09T23:17:00.002-04:00

I'm stoked that I keep falling more in love with Tiffany every day. She's a rad girl with a great heart. God totally hooked me up!

2008-05-09T00:02:00.002-04:00

So I'm totally stoked. I just got done jamming with Matt and Jeremy. Super rad guys. We totally rocked out for a while tonight. Its nice to just jam with great dudes and great musicians. I can't wait for more awesomeness to come next Tuesday.

On another note...

All the blog stuff has been blocked at work. Ugh! Super gay gay GAY!! I'm not a happy camper about that.

Big news might possibly, I hope, is coming soon.

When I got the music, I got a place to go...

2008-05-06T15:48:00.004-04:00

As I was driving to work this morning, something clicked in my mind. I've been listening to music for pretty much forever. And I've played music for some years. I live it and breath it. God totally hooked me up with passion for it. And a little talent. And its always been something that is my happy place. It makes me feel alive.

But this morning I just totally realized the meaning of it. Its my escape. It makes the words of Rancid have so much more meaning. "when I got the music, I got a place to go" I nalways sang along and knew exactly what they were talking about. But for once, I felt it. I wasn't even listening to Rancid.

So for the rest of the morning I was kinda bummed about not really getting to play as much as I'd like to. But then I got a pretty awesome text. I can't say anything until later. But as soon as I know more, you'll be updated on some pretty amazing stuff.

And just so you know, the song Al's War by Less Than Jake is what I was listening to when I had this thought this morning.

2008-05-03T11:02:00.002-04:00

I'm not sure why I can't sleep. It happened again last night. I was able to fall asleep ok. but then I woke up about 2 hours later and was just restless for the rest of the night. I can't figure out why this is happening to me.

On another note, everything else seems to be going ok. I'm pretty excited about playing Lime Light tomorrow. I'd be more excited right now if I wasn't so tired. But its going to be great.

Other than that, my weekend is pretty slow this time around. But that is good. I need to be able to just chill. I'm excited about watching TV and letting my mind go to mush for a while. =)

2008-05-02T11:43:00.003-04:00

The Starting Line's Say it Like You Mean It. Totally stoked about this album today! I loved it the first time I heard it some years ago. And I think I love it a little more every time I listen to it. Its how things used to be. I'm not against change. And I love the way The Starting Line has changed their sound a little bit over the past few years. But music in general has turned into something with less feeling. Totally peep this album. And if you have it already, put it in and listen to it again. Actually, listen to it right now!!

Enough of the rant. =)

Its friday. I'm stoked about the weekend and playing Lime Light. Its going to be good times.

2008-05-01T11:48:00.002-04:00

I'm finding myslef to be having a lot more patience than I have in the past year. I'm in a pretty good spot. Its nice. I'm pretty relaxed, for the most part. I still have my wants for all the things I want to do or want to buy. But each day it gets a little less important to me to do it all right now. Thank goodness! For a while I was stressing over getting a new snare drum for my kit. I'd like to have one. But I don't need one at this very moment. So i got over it. I wasnt to get my sleeve worked on soooo bad. But after my next appointment I will probably put that on hold for a little bit.

On Sunday at Oak Leaf, Michael talked about tithing and giving to God what is God's. Well I've known and agreed with the basics of it for forever. But besides the giving God what belongs to him, I really got into the blessings that can be recieved from doing this. Then I just started thinking about blessings in general and waiting for what God has for you. Its totally rad. So I've had to make myself just chill out and stop stressing over stuff. It was really ahrd at first. But after a while it got easier. Its just straight up awesomeness.

On a totally unrealated note...

The new cigar bar in Cartersville might be my new favorite place. From 5 to 7 they have great deals! All beer on tap is $2 and most bottled beers are $2.50. And even after 7, the prices aren't too bad at all. Cheaper than some other places in town. I dig it.

Dear baby Jesus!

2008-04-30T23:50:00.002-04:00

Please let me sleep. I don't know why Im having trouble lately. I don't think I'm stressing about anything to keep me awake. I wish you would just show me what I need to know so I will be able to rest. I'm giving it to you. Please!

Late.

2008-04-30T13:31:00.003-04:00

Good day!!

So i started wearing an engagement ring. I'm pretty excited about it. Its something that Tiffany and I have talked about for a while. But we just never did it. So this past weekend I picked one up. Well, Tiffany got it for me. I really think its a rad idea. Its pretty easy to tell when a girl is engaged. But I really just want to show it off. If I'm totally stoked about getting married, then why shouldn't I?

We had practice for Lime Light last night. Its going to be good. I cranked up the 74 Marshall. It was soo sweet. Its a great sounding amp. But this Sunday is going to be really fun. I'm just excited to be playing again. It feels really good.

I'm getting impatient about my tattoo appointments. I really want to keep moving on my sleeve. But it just seems to be slowing down as I'm running out of money for it. Oh well. I knew it was going to be a process. I just didn't realize how long of a process. I totally didn't expect to not be playing my church job this summer. But it really is a blessing. I was getting stressed out over it. And now I can relax and enjoy my Sundays. I can go to church and not feel rushed to leave to get to the other church. And Tiffany is happier that we get to see each other a little more. wOOt for that!!

Let's talk about feelings.

2008-04-29T09:47:00.002-04:00

I was listening to Lagwagon on the way to work this morning. Great band. Just thougt I'd give you(whoever actually reads this) something to check out. Its 10 or 11 years old. But rocks so hard. So go take a listen and let me know what you think.

Other than the music this morning, my day is going rather slow. I've been working out at the gym, doing light landscape work and playing my drums to the point of blisters. So I'm pretty sore now. But its good. I'm already starting to get my energy back and feel better every day. wOOt!

The new band is starting soon. Bunseeds is working on some pretty amazing stuff. I can't wait to get in with him and Matt and put some stuff together. It should be a lot of fun. And that works because all we're really looking for right now is to have some fun. I mean, we will playing shows in the future. But nothing will be forced. So I expect nothing but greatness. I'm super stoked.

1974 Marshall for sale??

2008-04-25T15:37:00.002-04:00

So I'm selling the 74 Marshall. Its not exactly the sound I'm looking for and the wattage is a little higher than I'd like.

So. The details...

1974 Marshall JMP
50 watt lead mkII
I has just been serviced.

Leave a comment with your email if you are interested.

Untitled

2008-04-24T13:08:00.003-04:00

I haven't been putting titles on my blogs lately. I'm not sure if it is because I'm too lazy to tile it, if there is no good title for it or if the reason is that subconsciously I don't want my life to be organized into titles of chapters that can be neatly filed away somewhere.

There are the standard chapters of one's life that start of with childhood. Then a little of the high school years. After that comes college. Then finding that career and family that every person wants.

But what about the sub chapters that don't have titles. Like the one about stopping and taking in the small things that make me happy. Those are my favorite parts. What about the chapter were I let God have control of my life and live for Him? I mean, that one is a life long story. It can't be defined into a chapter. Or even an entire book.

So, I really don't have much of a point of summation. Just a thought.

So what is on the agenda for this lovely day?

Well, I'll be delighted to tell you. As soon as I get out of work, I'm going to get ready for some most amazing music with Jordan and Marcus. I'm super stoked.

2008-04-23T14:29:00.003-04:00

Goodness I'm tired.

I haven't been sleeping lately. I'm not sure why. I wake up all through the night and stay away for an hour or so then fall asleep just to wake up an hour later and do it all over again. Sometimes I just can't get comfortable. And other times my mind is going crazy thinking about all sorts of stuff. Nothing bad. It just won't slow down.

Not sure what is going on. I gota get some rest.

On another note, my mom is doing pretty good. She is recovering from her surgeries and treatments rather well I think. She's not back to 100% yet. But she can get up and do light things around her house. The only problem is that she is going crazy not being able to go anywhere and do many things. She only has two rooms to walk around in. And she can't be outside very much because of the her radiation treatment side effects. Please pray for her. =)

3 1/2 more weeks until more ink!!

2008-04-21T10:51:00.002-04:00

Oh goodness. Another sleepy Monday morning. Not that I mind. I'm super tired today. I picked up my guitar for the first time the other day and really started trying to relearn it. I forgot how heavy a guitar gets after having it on for a while. But really, playing with Matt, Marcus and Jordan is going to be a blast!!

2008-04-20T23:20:00.001-04:00

I miss Bobby.

4:30 came early this morning.

2008-03-26T08:57:00.004-04:00

Well, I'm just siting in here in the surgery waiting room. Mom is having the first of her surgeries this morning. As Tiffany said, "Its going to suck, but then it will be over." Ha! Good stuff.

But overall, its just been a strange week so far. Not bad, just strange.

Keep mom in your prayers.

oh goodness.

2008-03-10T11:26:00.002-04:00

Stressful morning.

Mom is having a hard enough time with the chemo and radiation. But this morning, she had a wreck on the way there. It looks like the car is going to be tatolled. But its probably for the best. After having a wreck like that, I wouldn't trust any amount of repair work on it.

So keep mom in your prayers. She sure needs it right now.

I have a new friend.

2008-03-05T22:21:00.003-05:00

John is one of the most real people I've met. I have talked to him very briefly on occasion. But today I got to spend a little time with him. It really touched me how much this guy just loves life and believes in people and God. I've only known him now for a few hours. But I feel like I just need to keep praying for him. It really brings tears to my eyes when I think about him. Because when I meet somebody like that, I realize that I have it so good. I have a good job, a start up company, a nice car, a new computer, a drum set that costs way too much, a starbucks addiction, a gym membership, disposable income and food to eat.

I'm not sure where John lays his head at night. But I do know that he tries every day to keep living. And that his best friend in the world, his dog, has cancer and won't be with him much longer. And I know that he reads his Bible every day and prays to God.

So if you see John standing on the exit of 75 and Main Street Cartersville, its ok to hand him a few dollars, or stop just to say hey and you're praying for him. Or hell, even go buy him something to eat and bring it back to him. But if you don't stop, thats ok too. Say a prayer for him as you drive by. He's just trying to live like the rest of us.

How bout them apples.

2008-03-01T09:44:00.002-05:00

I'm super stoked about Dirty South today for some reason. I've made some bigs steps in putting it out there. Not that I've done any realy marketing. But I think I might have talked to a few people that could really help make a difference. But I think I'm going to need a showroom pretty soon. Not specifically a store. But I need to get a few kits in stock to have on hand. And several snares as well. So I need to try to figure out where and how to get it together. I soo need funding for this.

I'm rather jittery. Starbucks got the best of me. I really don't mind. ha!

if i could...

2008-02-26T23:02:00.003-05:00

fall asleep, I sure would!

Again I find myself not being able to go to sleep. And again, I have to get up at 5 in the morning to take Mom to radiation. I'm stoked I get to spend the time with her. Its not like she is terminal, but its good to be there for her.

But as I'm in my mode of not being able to sleep, I find myself thinking and pondering. Things are really good for me right now. But how long will it last. Niot to be negative on it, but really, what change in events turns everything upside down. And how can I prevent this from happening. Its possible to be proactive in certain situations. But is there any certain way? I don't think so. Every tough situation is there to make me get stronger so I can enjoy the radness of right now.

I know I didn't make much sense. But its therapy and I feel sleepy now.

i hope.

2008-02-25T22:16:00.002-05:00

There have been many bands that have influenced me and my musical tastes and ambitions. So I'm stoked to learn that there is a chance that I might have a shot to play with some of these guys. I need to get on my game. I need to be able to practice more. I need to get focused. If I can get it together, I'll be great.

People change but songs remain.

2008-02-22T23:27:00.004-05:00

Disclaimer: This blog is going to sound like many other blogs a million times over.

I'm in need of the scene. It comforts me. Not that I need comfort right now. Things are going rather well at the time being. But there is sense of security in having something to rely on that is not another person. Its hard to explain. But with a scene, ts like relying on something that may or may not be there in a week or two. But it could pop up again in 6 months.

And there is no point in venting about something unless I'm actually going to try to do soething about it. So I will continue my quest for the perfect band(even though the perfect band is only a theory).

And on to my quest for a band and continuing music, I come back to my goals that I talked about in previous posts. I was speaking with a good friend of mine last night. He is someone that I take a lot of value of his opinion and has been a great teacher to me. We conversed about furthering my education in drums and music in general. He told me that if I go on to study music in any form, it will elp me technically, but I will be the same player as before. That was meant in a positive way. It seems that lessons and classes help give me some instruction. But my playing style and determination shines through any technique and lesson because I play from te heart. And no matter what I study with music, I'm always going to play Kyle on the drums. Its just who I am and how its going to be.

As I had really wanted to go to AIM, I still have the desire. But I'm a bit more grounded on who I am and can be content not going as long as I continue to grow on my own as a musician and a person. And thats rad to realize this because most people have no idea what they can accomplish on their own.

So if anyone wants to help me get back into it again, hit me up. I've been into pop punk and skate punk latelyy. But I can go with anything somewhat similar.

AIM for what you want.

2008-02-21T11:38:00.002-05:00

The past few days have been interesting. I decided that I would really like to further my education in the art of drums. So I think I'd like to go to the Atlanta Institute of Music for drums. I'm not quiting my job or anything. Its more of a dream that I've had for less than a week. But I think its worth exploring a little bit. I mean, if somebody were to hand me $30,000 to live off of for a year so I could go, I sure as hell would. But I don't see money falling from the sky or growing on trees.

But the program looks very good and the school is acredited. So I think if I continue working on my goals from the previous post and get my company going in a few years I might be able to do it. But again, its still just a dream that is in the early stages. I'll figure it out. I don't want to go through the program and become some crazy rock star. But I wouldn't mind a nice life in Atlanta as a session drummer with my beautiful wife(to be as of now) by my side.

Speaking of my company, the Dirty SOuth Drums website will be up in the next few days. I got the domain and hosting last night. But I'm just getting the finishing touches on the site done for now. Its not exactly what I had in mind. But it will do until I can get new softwear to build a really rad site. I'll keep posting the progress.

Mom is doing ok. Radiation is starting to catch up with her. But she staying strong. I just pray that she can keep strong through her 4 more chemo treatments and 5 more weeks of radiation. If you see her, keep her smiling or make her laugh. Its the best thing for her. =)

And then I got some sleep!

2008-02-20T11:32:00.003-05:00

So to continue on the thought process of my last blog. I slep on it. =)

And then I got a bit of advice. There is a blog about goals on this dude's page, . And it got me thinking about how I should be more content with where I'm at right now. But that if I want anything to change, I need to set some hard but attainable goals to get there. So that is what I'm doing.

I want Dirty South to become a reliable and self sustaining buisness that has a strong name in the community. As well as a staple in the music scene as far as gear, promotions and contacts. I will market it to the best of my ability. I'm looking at a 5 or 6 year plan on this.

With my personal music interests, I am going to play as many shows and church services as I possibly can. And if it works out, I will take percussion classes at KSU. I will do the first part immeadiately. Then second part will be in the next year to year and a half.

I also want to learn how to do some graphic design. Not on a large scale basis. Just so I can have stuff exactly how I want it. There is so much satisfaction in doing something yourself. This will be with in 6 months.

I'm going to go make it happen now!

I'm not really sure?

2008-02-19T23:37:00.002-05:00

So I don't know if its the lack of a college experiance or if I read into Wild at Heart a bit too much, But I can't shake the feeling that I need to be doing something outside of banking. Or at least outside of an office. The longer I stay in the professional world, the more I want out. But I keep moving up and loving it at the same time. I mean, its not like I'm actually in a band that is touring right now. But I just feel that if the chance came up, I would want to do it. And I really want Dirty South Drums to become something more than just a side thing. I have all sorts of ideas to get it going. Just not the time or money. It takes time, I know. I just want everything I do to be great.

Wow. What a rant.

2007-08-31T09:21:00.001-04:00

I'll miss you John Gill!

2007-08-23T09:02:00.000-04:00

I love her. Thats all there is to it.

No matter what comes along in life, she is there. Her smile along with sarcasm is the perfect way to end even the worst day at work. Everything she does is perfect. I hope she knows how much I love her.

And the moral of the story boys and girls...

2007-08-21T10:58:00.000-04:00

... don't be so guarded and distant.

It has come to my attention that I don't like people telling me what to do. I could have told you that. I'm a very independent person and like to find my own way.

BUT...

I know as a Christian that I need to be more open to others and not come accross defensive to everything they say. Its what I need to do to be able to grow as a person.

2007-08-20T11:55:00.000-04:00

I love her. Thats all there is to it. Or so I thought.

In the past few months I have really learned that I need to love her less and love God more. Then he lets me love her even more. Its crazy but true.

i like the smell of freezer... sometimes.

2007-07-16T14:04:00.000-04:00

What a rad weekend. The kids in I need me a mud hole... every day of my life, are the raddest I know. You guys made my Sunday afternoon the best.

But then, Monday made all that joy go away. Or did it? I don't think so. I think that God gave that very rad afternoon to relax me and give me some peace before I walked into work this morning. It was peace that I needed. And now that I've gotten past, what I hope is, the worst part, I'm relaxed again. I think about how my day might have been if I had not spent yesterday afternoon with people that just want to have fun. You guys rock!

So to anybody that might happen to read this blog, how was your Monday? Seruously, leave a comment and tell me.

...

2007-07-13T12:21:00.000-04:00

As i start to write this, I realize that I have nothing to say right now. And it seems to me that a lot of people around me, as well as me, have nothing to say. But they still keep talking.

But about what?

We talk about nothing. We say the same things over and over. It has become commonplace for one to need noise and useless jabber. What happened to quiet? How can I hear God talking to me if I don’t shut up?

That is the point. If I’m talking all the time and not listening, I can’t hear anything. When I answer a call at work and try to assist a client, they should listen to the information that might answer their question or problem. The same goes for me. If I ask God for help, how am I going to know what he wants me to do if I’m too busy interupting him to hear what he has to say?

I write this realizing that I need to chill out, shut up and listen.