December 2010 Greatest Hits

Ah December. Christmas time, New Years, new hopes, new aspirations. Christmas time was very fun, yet seemingly very stressful for me this year. It was fun because both Logan and Chase were beyond excited to be surround by family and new toys; but stressful because of the rig-a-ma-roll the holidays bring with them. There were some definite highs in December, which I’ve compiled here, but there was also a very low low.

Sadly, SyFi decided not to pick up Stargate Universe for another season… there-by making it a science fiction channel with now almost no science fiction programming. This was one of the better shows on TV, and I think that they canceled it just to ruin my Christmas. Anyway, here are my things for December that didn’t make me sad:

1. Losing You by Anna Ternheim

Alan Wake introduced me to Anna Ternheim. While I was compiling the music from the game, I ended up picking up a copy of her album Leaving on a Mayday and the song Losing You rocked my world. I love finding new music:

It’s also worth pointing out the album contains some rather different interpretations of some classic Sinatra standards, such as Strangers in the Night, and That’s Life.

2. Awesome Season Finales

My New Favorite: The Walking Dead

Dear AMC,

Your newly created television show, The Walking Dead, is absolute brilliance. I can’t recall the last show where I was so quickly drawn in to both the characters and the extenuating circumstances they find themselves in. Without a doubt, this show is my new favorite. So long as it maintains the quality in story telling and character development of the first seasons, I’m hoping for many more seasons.

Dexter

I don’t know how the writers keep coming up with original ideas that improve season, after season, but this past season of Dexter was the best one to date. Though I was sad to see Julia Stiles leaving the show (though let’s be honest, we all knew she wouldn’t be hanging around), the interesting tension between Dexter and Quinn was left palpable. I’m excited to see to what extent they’ll take this little “cat and mouse” game next season.

As a second note, it was hard for me to see the guy from Eli Stone (a show that was over before it should have been) as a cold hearted manipulator, but I think he pulled it off well.

3. Logan’s Understanding of The Lyrics To Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Early in the month Logan and I were sining the holiday standard Santa Claus is Coming to Town when I realized he was singing a slightly different variation of the lyrics. Instead of the words, as we all know and love them:

“You better watch out, you better not cry,
You better not pout, I’m telling you why”

He was singing:

“Santa better watch out…”

Curiosity got the better of me, so I asked Logan, “Why does Santa Claus need to watch out?” His response was a memory I never want to forget. Without missing a beat he responds “Santa needs to watch out because cars are coming.” An echo of the advice we give him regarding crossing the street.

4. Words by Malcom Muggeride

What, then, does the Crucifixion signify in an age like ours? I see it in the first place as a sublime mockery of all earthly authority and power. The crown of thorns, the purple robe, the ironical title “King of the Jews,” were intended to mock or parody Christ’s pretensions to be the Messiah; in fact, they rather hold up to ridicule and contempt all crowns, all robes, all kings that ever were. It was a sick joke that backfired. No one, it seems to me, who has fully grasped the Crucifixion can ever again take seriously any expression or instrument of worldly power, however venerable, glittering, or seemingly formidable. – Malcom Muggeride, Jesus Rediscovered pp. 112

This simple paragraph blew my mind. In a culture where political tensions between the right and left have never been more tense — never in my lifetime anyway — this thought jumped out at me and reminded me all these waning attempts at power grabs are ultimately going to be met with divine recourse.

This must be akin to God the Father watching his children putting on authority that’s two sizes to large for them in an attempt to try and play grown up. He’ll allow it for a while, but ultimately he’s going to be taking back what is His.

My Worship Leader’s Arrangement of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

The Worship Team at my church came up with their own arrangement of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen that was mind blowing amazing. It borrows heavily from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

The video is of the entire Christmas service, well worth the watch, but the song starts right at the beginning — you shouldn’t have to wait long for the video to buffer before rocking out.

For a bit of name dropping: That’s my brother-in-law Dave playing the lead guitar and Chris Tyrell on the drums. Chris has spent the past couple of years as the drummer for Lady Antebellum.

December 19, 2010 Christmas Surprises Part 3 of 4 from Grace Fellowship on Vimeo.

6. Star Trek Pizza Slicer!

How awesome is this thing! My buddy Greg picked me up a USS Enterprise shaped pizza cutter for Christmas. Now I can’t make pizza without reciting as many Star Trek one liners during the process as I can.

7. Christmas! (Of Course)

Christmas time is here ~ Time for joy and cheer ~ And pans full of bacon ~ And chocolate fountains ~ and tons of little kids dresses alike in matching footy pajamas opening presents. What a good time Christmas is. This was Chase’s first Christmas able to partially grasp what was going on, and he loved getting all his toys.

8. Scary Tape!

Logan was helping me open up some of my gifts on Christmas morning when we got to a roll of “Shark” brand duct tape — hey you can never have too much. Keeping with the joyous mood of the morning, Logan takes one look at the roll, sees the shark logo on the packaging, and exclaims: “Oh! Scary Tape!”

9. New Years Eve @ The Cheese Cake Factory

Dana and I have been celebrating new years early since becoming parents. I don’t remember that last time I’ve seen a ball drop… get your mind out out the gutter! Instead of partying the night away like the old days, we’re quite content to catch an early dinner at the Cheesecake Factory with some friends. It’s always a good time, and I can’t think of a better way to spend the new year than catching up on some sleep.

10. 100% Completion of Red Dead Redemption

I picked this up a couple of hours before 2011 – and what a great time I had doing it! Red Dead Redemption makes things like laying bait and hunting deer fun. You know that if I’m having fun while playing an activity that simulates hunting, it’s done well. In my gamer circle, I’m really proud for having picking this achievement up.