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As a married father of two, I don’t get to go to as many concerts as I did when I was a free-wheelin’ teenager. My lovely wife has been gracious enough to accompany me to a few shows over the years, and I’ve always had a blast. I love her for taking one for the team to spend time with me doing something she knows I enjoy. It’s epic amounts of brownie points.

A few weeks ago, we went to go see Barlow Girl and Benjamin Shafer. The tickets were a present from my mother-in-law; however, my wife agreed to spring for the upgrade to VIP tickets. That’s when the lulz ensued.

We showed up nice and way early for the show to go to the VIP event. After sitting around the lobby for 15 minutes, surrounded by 14 year old girls, we overhear someone say the VIP meet & greet hullabaloo was down the hall. We go down, expecting to find some adults. We found them, escorting their 12 year old daughters. It was the most awkward half hour or so of my life thus far. My wife and I surrounded by little girls during a Q&A session. Granted, this is a band comprised of three girls. But they’re all in their mid/late 20s, like myself. I didn’t expect it to be a 7th grade party.

We then moved into the auditorium and waited around for an hour with nothing to do. Older people started showing up, and the balcony started filling up with teenagers, which left me feeling a little less weird. Apparently it was just the little girls parents and my wife who shelled out the VIP tickets. At least I got a cool souvenir pass.

Benjamin Shafer opened up the show. Even though he did a really short set, it was great. I hadn’t ever heard of him before but immediately recognized him as the front man from a local band, 10th Hour Calling. We ended up getting his CD later. (You probably should too. It’s great!)

Finally, BarlowGirl came out. It was worth the wait and humiliation. They really rocked the house and delivered. Like a schmuck, I forgot our camera and was able to capture some horrible video and pictures on my cell phone. To show you how bad they are, this is the best of the batch.

It really was a great show, though. Very cathartic with a lot of the stuff we’ve been going through lately. Words of truth were spoken. Jesus was proclaimed. And I got some Barlow Girl drumsticks.

Rawk.

So, if you haven’t been blessed with the opportunity to rock with BarlowGirl yet, check ’em out. Buy some CDs. Become a fan. If you do, maybe my wife and I won’t be the only people over 20 willingly at the next show.

On a personal tangent, I’m waiting to hear from a potential employer later this week on a decision. I’ve got my fingers crossed. I’m really loving the time I get with my girls, but, financially, we’re going to what’s left of our savings in another paycheck or two. Then, we’ll be in real trouble. So, if you’re inclined to pray, it would be most appreciated.

I’m still waiting to hear from B-town, Sarpy County, and Papio on cop jobs, but those won’t happen at least until March. I’ve preliminarily signed up for testing with OPD, much to my wife’s chagrin. Their testing process takes 3 months to even finish though. I liked doing them all in one day better. :/

Mosecrest out.

Well, today was a good day of honest, hard work. We took care of business, got stuff done, and made it home through the ice-storm in one peice. It was also my last full-time day working with my good buddy Bob. With the economy tanking, there really isn’t going to be enough work going forward to keep me around, and the schedule was taking its toll on both my wife and the kids. I’m needed around here more than I’ve been able to be. We also need to pay bills, so I’m still looking for another job until Bellevue PD, Sarpy County Sheriffs, or Papillion PD realize how awesome I am. Technically, I still work there, but (extremely) part time. I’m effectively on-call for nights and weekends. When the other guy is out of town (like today) or doesn’t want to go out at night, I’ll take care of it. It’s a good arrangement.

I applied for a help-desk job yesterday, that may pan out. If anything, I’m overqualified for the position, but not so much that it should prevent them from considering me. If you know anything about my self-deprecating nature, you know that I’m not a braggart by any stretch of the imagination; but, this company would be foolish not to hire me for this position. We’ll have to see if I can make them see that.

Coming back to the ice-storm, it kind of hit me out of nowhere. I guess that’s what I get for not watching the news. I didn’t have an ice-scraper in the car, and both of the driver’s side windows were covered with ice. So, I carefully drove to the gas station and proceeded to humiliate myself. I started the gas going and went into the station to purchase an ice-scraper. I also got a Bananas Foster Cappuccino. (Fantastic by the way!) Then I went back out to the car. I put the coffee in the car and start scraping the heck out of the windows. I finally got them cleared, got back into the car and pulled away.

Did you spot it?

That’s right, I drove away with the gas nozzle still in the tank. I’m not even a woman. How is that even possible? I got 5′ away when I heard a thunk. *CRAP* I turn around and, sure enough, there’s no hose hanging from the pump. I get out and find the nozzle still embedded in the tank. I put it back and tried to reattach the hose. I then take a walk of shame into the station to confess my sin. The two girls manning the shop were both watching and one of them was apparently already on the phone with a maintenance guy. I stop and say, “You both just saw that happen, huh?” 😐 Luckily, they make the hoses idiot-proof these days. They shut off and disengage at some sort of release nut. They let me know it was okay and sent me on my way. I screwed it back in to the best of my abilities and slowly drove away with my tail between my legs. The worst part of this is I can no longer make fun of other idiots who do this.

On the good news front, my mother-in-law was super enough to buy us tickets for the upcoming BarlowGirl concert. We’ve got a babysitter lined up and will make a night of it. Yes, I love BarlowGirl. They are my escape from the Christian Hardcore/Metal world, yet they still rock. Check ’em out.

You’re welcome.

Mosecrest out.

So, in regards to this, I had my impromptu interview with the Bellevue Police Department on Friday. Immediately afterward I felt I had knocked it out of the park. Later on I got more nervous about some of my responses; however, it’s done now and constantly fretting over it isn’t going to do anything at all. The gracious Lieutenant seemed generally impressed. When I handed him my four year old license, I had to tell him, “Ignore the weight, I lost 50 lbs a few years ago.” That seemed to catch his attention. Hopefully it shows discipline and responsibility. He also seemed generally pleased with my current “exercise regimen.”

Of course, I had to endure the “situational” interview questions. I really can’t stand “Tell me about a time” questions. In this case, they were actually relevant to the position itself, so I can’t complain too much. The only thing I did “wrong” by classical advice, was in reference to a previous employer. I know you aren’t supposed to say anything bad about your past employer, but in a few of the questions, it really was the only honest answer. Everything I’ve read about trying to get a job in this field contains this advice: “They’re not looking for perfect people. They’re looking for honest people.” Hopefully the lieutenant understood the pertinence of the answers and weighed them on their merit as such.

In the end, he said he would get my paperwork in with everyone else who already had a real interview and they would begin selections to move on to background checks. I can’t help but fear that my little paperwork snafu has hurt me in the process. However, I have absolute faith that, if this is truly God’s will, He won’t let that stop us. If I recall correctly, he said they would start that in January, or make a decision in January. Something like that. If this doesn’t work out, the other two agencies I applied for will also hire in the first half of next year.

Prayers are eagerly welcomed, both for this and for work in the meantime to pay bills. Savings is shrinking.

*PS* Check out the Gallery link up top!

My back and my fingers.

Something in my back decided to go on strike last night. It apparently doesn’t want me to move much (or at all), so I am stuck at home instead of working. At least I’ll be home when it’s time to go out for Ava’s first birthday. I still can’t believe that kid’s one year old. Time flies by too fast.

While sitting here trying to think of a way to be productive, I picked up Stephanie. I haven’t played with my guitars much in the last few months, and it shows. My left hand is aching something fierce right about now. It’s a good fierce aching, though. I’m going to need to work on taking care of that.

File under B for “Bonehead maneuver”

So I called the recruiter for Bellevue PD on Friday to inquire as to why I wasn’t selected to go further. He looked into it and called me back today. Page 11, clear as day. “All applications must be returned with copies of the following documents: Birth Certificate, Social Security Card, Driver’s License, High School Diploma, College Diploma. Guess I what I turned in…. Just the application. The Lieutenant is a fantastic human being and agreed to meet with me on Friday so I could turn all that in and have a pseudo-interview. I know it’s just a meeting and not necessarily an official “interview”, but I can’t help but get excited.

There’s still hope…

In organizational news, I now know where my diplomas and birth certificates are.

Avast! Updates ahoy!

It’s been a long week (even if it’s not over.) First, I’d like to announce that I now play drums apparently. My position within the worship team at our church has changed a lot over the years. Bass to electric guitar back to bass, etc. When we lost our drummer, I eventually started playing the congas. I’m fairly decent with them, I think. Over the last year or so, I’ve stolen the crash cymbal from our cobweb-ridden drum set and incorporated that into the set. I’ve been using some multi-rod brush sticks and some inventive hand slaps for the cymbals and even used the sticks on the congas occasionally. For a while, I’ve been joking about dismantling the drum set and bringing the bass drum over so I can kick that too. Anyways, on Sunday morning at about 9:50, we were getting practice started. (Service begins at 10:30)I was joking around about moving the bass drum over and, with a little encouragement, decided to give the drums a shot as a whole. I’d tried before, but getting all four limbs to move together never really panned out. This time, however, it went off without much of a hitch really. We ran through the set fairly quickly. I was worried I would freeze or screw up during the service, but that went just fine also. It’s a little more tricky, though. I have to watch the worship leader rather carefully to see where they’re going with the song. On the congas, if I think we’re building up but realize they aren’t quite going there yet, I can back off subtly. Once you start building up on the big drums, you’ve pretty much committed to follow through. So, I guess I’m a drummer now. Luckily, I haven’t noticed any real drop in IQ. Quote of the day: Person 1: “That was great. When did he start playing drums?” My Wife: “About 45 minutes ago.”

On to the lousies. (You know that’s what you come here for.) Lost my keys this week. That sucks. House key, car keys, boopers to both vehicles, keys to the boss’s shop, etc. Gone. Probably buried in dirt at a new home construction or laying in a gutter some where. :\ I finally got my letter from Bellevue Police Department. I’ll save you the text in its entirety. The only important part read, “Unfortunately, your candidacy for one of these positions is no longer being considered.” I’m in the usual maelstrom of emotions on this one. Part of me is mad and depressed, but another part is relieved and thankful. I’m feeling very Jobish. It sucks that I didn’t get in. However, “The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” I’ve been very dangerous in my prayers, at least physically. Throughout this process, after I received the invitation from Bellevue, I’ve prayed, “If this is Your will for my life, let it come to pass; however, if it is not within Your plans, let it fall away.” Sometimes I hate it when He answers prayers like that. Still, I am relieved and refreshed to know that He is still guiding my path. That is not to say my cup is running over in the faith department. As I stood there, holding the unopened letter in my shaking hands, I heard in my head, “Why are you so afraid of what I have placed before you?” I mistakenly took that for a good sign and tore into the letter. Since I read the decision, I’ve been thinking about the question that was posed to me Tuesday afternoon. The only answer I have is “because I have no idea what it is and that scares the crap out of me.”

I still have no idea where this road is taking me, or where the destination is, but still I find comfort in knowing that, for perhaps the first time in my life, someone who knows what they’re doing is charting the course.

In a week and or two. I contacted Bellevue PD on Thursday to find out how they were going with the search, and what kind of time frame they were looking at for hiring. Turns out they were making final decisions yesterday. Letters will be mailed out, starting tomorrow, letting candidates know if they are invited for an interview or if their applications are being tabled. It goes without saying, I’m really hoping my letter contains an interview date. As far as I know, none of my references have been contacted, which I’ve found to be a cause to worry. I can only hope they wait to do the background checks until after interviews.

I have to admit, I’m really nervous. “What if” has been plaguing me the last two weeks. If this doesn’t pan out on this try, I don’t have a lot of back-up plan in my pocket. I love what I’m doing now, but I don’t think it’s fiscally viable in the long term. I’m so sure that this is what God has for me. If my letter doesn’t have awesomeness in it, what does that mean? Does it mean I just completely read the situation wrong? Does it simply mean (even more) waiting? Will my faith be enough for such a let down? I can only hope it will be.

Really, everything would be much easier if it had good news. Then I get to start stressing about the interview, etc. The background check shouldn’t be a problem. I’ve been a good boy, and anyone they talk to should be able to back that up fairly easily. I don’t have any embarrassing or horrible stuff on the Internet that should cause anyone any concern. My Myspace page doesn’t tell anyone anything other than that I love awesome music. Oh well, that’s a bridge we’ll have to cross when we come to it.

“Dear Applicant:

Thank you for participating in the recent agency training. The process of getting hired by any law enforcement agency can be long and even stressful at times. Congratulations on getting over the first hurdle.

at this time I would invite you to submit your Personal History Packet to the Bellevue Police Department….”

Yay! I’ll drop this off on Monday and then it’s back to the waiting game!

I had fun at work. It’s been a few years since I’ve been honestly been able to say that. The only injury is fairly minor. It looks like this will be a more stable and permanent gig, which is nice. I work with a couple of great guys, and we’re able to clown around, get a lot of work done, and get stuff done. It’s nice. I could really get used to this.

So, I’m going to work tomorrow. It feels good. Really good. I didn’t get a new job per se, but my good friend Bob is short-handed and has been kind enough to let me do some work for him this week. I’m really grateful he’s giving me this chance. I’ve helped him out once before when he needed a hand with a night job. I really enjoyed it. It’s good old-fashioned hard work. No desk. No computer. And certainly none of this crap:

I’m not banking on the police thing 100%. I can’t read God’s mind, so I can’t be absolutely certain that’s his plan. I don’t think it’s untrusting to be looking around for other opportunities. I’ve applied for positions with the TSA, FBI, a great Christian investment firm, and some other places. If something comes out of those, great. I’ll ride it out until I get a call from a law-enforcement agency. I will not, however, go back to a call-center. I will not sit in a halficle (if it doesn’t have four walls, it’s not a cubicle) with a lame headset, taking call after call. If I happen to have a phone on my desk at my next job, it will have one of these.

HANDSETHANDSETHANDSETHANDSETHANDSETHANDSET

Consider it a solemn vow.