I’m riding on a Mega Bus on my way to Chicago to hang out with my brother-in-law and his wife.  Not a bad price, by the way, if you’re planning a trip.  $44/person round trip.

Anyways, Brittany is past out next to me, so I’m trying to keep busy with my friend, Mac.  Don’t really have anything to say.  I guess this would have been a more effective tweet than blog, but hey, I’m bored.  And I’ve already tweeted about the trip.  Check it out, here.

Ever heard of Brett Dennen?  He’s my newest musical obsession.  His songs are poetic and soulful, telling stories of a guy who does a lot of good in the world, and is trying to figure things out.  Brett is a founder of a non-profit group called The Mosaic Project which exists to expose kids to diversity and teach them how to live peaceably in this world.  This is a quote from their website:

We unite young children of diverse backgrounds, provide them with essential skills to thrive in an increasingly diverse society, and empower them to strive for peace.

So this guy is legit.  His heart for people and love is evident in his powerfully folky songs.  Check him out.  I have his “So Much More” album, and the songs are fantastic.  The title track is probably my favorite.  …or Ain’t No Reason…or Darlin’ Do Not Fear, …or She’s Mine, …or Someday…, or…

Today, as you very well know, is Thanksgiving.  My heavy eyes and full tummy continually remind me of that.  Big family lunch earlier, now everyone is either asleep, or cleaning up.  …Or, blogging.  Today is going to be a bit more than just Thanksgiving for my family.  Since both of my brothers families are here, we are going to be celebrating Christmas tonight as well.

Instead of spending money we don’t have, we’ve decided to give gifts primarily that we have either made ourselves or that have special meaning.  This is more than an attempt to save a buck, it is an attempt to avoid the typical American Christmas of spoiled kids getting toys they don’t need and will grow tired of quickly.

For my gift, I have been working on a Christmas album.  I’ve been recording Christmas songs for the past few weeks, and will unveil “reMix-Mas” tonight when we exchange gifts at my sisters.  My sister, btw, has arranged with a photographer to have a family picture taken while we’re all here.

I think this sort of Christmas is a good idea.  And, like I said earlier, it’s best if your motives are something other than saving money.  Giving from the heart, and giving things that matter, and that last, should be our focus this, and every year.

Actually, I am very sleepy.  The title to this blog was originally “I Can’t Sleep”, but I changed it as the topic emerged.  Hopefully, you know why I changed it to the current title.  I’ve just watched an hour or so of Bob Dylan videos on YouTube, so I’m feeling creative and poetic.  I’m thinking about growing a white man afro and talking in confusing ways and mumbling a lot.  Seems to have worked pretty well for ol’ Bobbo.

Did I mention that I had the opportunity to see the poet laureate in concert?  My wife got me tickets for sweetest day to see one of the most iconic musical artists (seemingly) of all time.  I don’t know if he genuinely is as eccentric as he comes across, or if it for the show of it all.  But it some of the videos, he addressed this type of question.  He is very effective at making the asker feel stupid for wondering if he is genuine or not, when the asker themself is not truly genuine.

As I stated earlier, I’m very tired, and worn out, and…
I dunno.

I’m done

….

I enjoy watching people watch tv. The way they (we) stare and gawk at whatever is on the picture box is hilarious to me. I’m sitting in a cici’s right now watching grown men be captivated by silent cartoons with mindless plots. And it’s as if they’re witnessing a sunset for the first time. Their mouths gape ever so slightly. Their eyes are fixed and wider than usual.
Hilarious!
Then every couple minutes, they snap out of it and look around too see if anyone noticed.
Just wanted to let you know, if this is you,…we noticed.

^ that phrase has become almost a cliche in my life.  A friend of mine from church named Joey Garlando was in a bad car accident and is in a coma.  Apparently, he had some brain swelling and was in pretty bad shape.  He has been in a coma for a couple weeks and is showing signs of improvement.  This is a video his cousin made and posted on a facebook prayer group for him titled, “Pray for Joey”.  He is a truly awesome person and I hope you join in with the cliche.