December 28, 2007 Culminating Commencement

For the few of you who check My webpage, UpRite.net, exclusively for my blog, I am moving it completely to myspace/erroyl ... just the blog though. I had been making the same post in both places, but that's getting tiresome. Uprite Endeavors, will now be strictly for business; Music and Design. As is my custom, I will post all of this year's blogs on Uprite, alongside 05 and 06, but there will be no future additions.

I have a lot to be thankful for in this year. I came the closest to dying this year, than any of the previous 31 years. But out of that came the testimony of the power of prayer, and of the faithfulness of a "good wife". (ask me about that some time.) I have experienced in full what it means to "be careful what you ask for...", and God's delivering power. I have strengthened ministries, and musically, the band sounds really good.

I have had several friends this year (most recently this week) show me just how sensitive people are. Even the roughest of necks. People view things from their own insecurities and motives. They figure that they themselves would behave a certain way for a certain reason, and so if you are behaving that way, you must have the same reasoning. When, in fact, we know that we behave how we do because of our own viewfinder. Most of the time, it is a simple miscommunication, or an unreal perception (though valid), that leads to this dissension. I have had to reevaluate friendships. Some people are really passionate about some things, but have very large inconsistencies in their lives in regards to like matters. Some people continue to behave around me in ways that I have repeatedly asked them not to. Those people "may" have good intentions, but their lifestyles are running countercurrent to mine.

Lastly, I had a Job (Character in the bible, however this situation also involves a "job") experience. I actually mention that God delivered me from something earlier. I have a new job. I moved to Elementary school this year in hopes of increasing my marketability in case I ever decided to move into administration. Well, it was a very rough first semester. The kids were great, the issues involved around the adults. My administration, while good people, fail to listen to their staff about critical elements of education, needed for the success of the students. The teachers there in my, and the majority of the staff's, opinion, are unintentionally being set-up for mediocrity, if not failure, because of a fear-paralyzed head. the teachers that I worked with were pretty cool. Creative, smart, witty, and fun at times, but because of the insane amount of superfluous pressure and irrelevant (not to mention irreverent) work heaped upon us, many of them would get really frustrated quickly, and freak out about every little thing beyond that point. I deal with stress very well because of medical necessity (in fact, my wife can easily tell when I'm stressed because I show symptoms). But, it coupled with personalities was even starting to get to me. My patience was tried daily. I did my best to remain an example of light. There were times when I failed and made comments back, when "not a mumbling word" should have been used. But, mostly I did well in the test. Growing in God.. yeah :) In other words, I didn't go off on anyone.

If you have known me for any length on time, you know that I am all about reaching people. I became a teacher in order to give back. So what's the new job? Well, I am now full time at a local University. I teach and advise future educators. Now I believe that the law of exponents comes into play. Oh, so why the Job reference? Well, after all of the trials with the job, when God made a way out, I ripped off my clothes, shaved my head, and praised God. (well, actually, I slowly took off my clothes. But I did, shave my head and praise God for deliverance).

Btw, for the few of you who check My webpage, UpRite.net, exclusively for my blog, I am moving it completely to myspace/erroyl ... just the blog though. I had been making the same post in both places, but that's getting tiresome. Uprite Endeavors, will now be strictly for business; Music and Design. As is my custom, I will post all of this year's blogs on Uprite, alongside 05 and 06, but there will be no future additions.

December 10, 2007 Recovering from Surgery

Not I this time, but my wife. She is slowly coming around to some state of normalcy. It's all good, if it makes her better in the long run. However, it feels like I had it. Taking care of her is hard. Now I know how she must have felt after my multitude of hospitalizations over the last 15 years. I take it with patience and love (and aspirin LOL).

November 19, 2007 Happy Birthday Erica

My baby sister is celebrating a birthday today. A very special young lady in my life. And I mean Lady. You poise and intelligence far surpasses most your age. Keep it up. I love you!

November 11, 2007 No Beans About it.

I am a coffee drinker. I started drinking coffee about a year ago. I didn't realize it until I was on the set of a movie and I asked for coffee, and someone said, "I didn't know you drank coffee." I honestly didn't know either. But now, I embrace it. I went out and spent 12 bucks on a coffee maker for the house, and when I can I go to QT or Starbucks (but you know Starbucks is not cheap, and I don't waste money). Truth be told, I am not a true coffee drinker. I drink Decaf, and load it down with creamer. Actually coffee drinkers say that I like a little coffee to go along with my sugar and cream. So to the watch dogs out there, if you know of any health related issues with drinking decafinated coffee. Let me know.

November 4, 2007 Concerts and catch up

The concert in Brunswick was amazing! Even though it started nearly an hour late It wasn't our fault, but it worked to our advantage, because two members of the band were coming from Atlanta and literally walked in when we were being introduced. Because of the lateness of the hour, we played all 8 0r 9 songs straight through. The crowd was into it, and more importantly, ministry went forth. It was a great event, even better than our last concert.

What else is going on? Well, the class that I teach at Brenau University is going well. We are about 4 classes in, so half way to glory. The students are doing fairly well and soaking up the information. This may be the start of a beautiful thing for me insofar as a career on the collegiate level in concerned. And just teaching either. There are irons in the fire.

Lest I forget that I too am in school. School for me have been a bit challenging to say the least. I know that if I didn't have a million other things going on that I'd be Acing everything. Not mention the fact that the grading scale starts an A at 94, and Bs begin at 86. I'm not failing, but these last two classes have your boy looking pretty pedestrian. But, I think I'll be able to right the ship with the Spring Semester.

October 19, 2007 Professor and Preacher

I taught my first class as a University Professor last night.. 6-10.. It was great... the dialogue, exchange of ideas, and the fact that I didn't have to express to them the importance of taking notes and paying attention was a relief. More to come on this, but I'm excited.

I'll be preaching October 28th, in Gainesville...what will the Lord have me say? It's weird how it works. You can't really prepare for the actual topic until God gives it to you. I've had sermons prepared or in the works, only to have God say, "No, preach this.", or "My people need to hear this.". Quite unlike regular speaking, in that I must hear from the Holy Spirit first and through out the writing process and delivering process, as well as place Erroyl to the side. Sometimes, that's the hardest part.

October 12, 2007 super busy again...

I am busy again. I am trying to cut back seriously. One of my classes ends Sunday, so that's one thing. But, I start my career as a college professor (Adjunct) so that really replaces that class. P150 has a couple of gigs coming up, I preach this month, and of course my regular job. Complaining, not I said the cat. I'm cool as long as my job doesn't stress me out. Love to love to love ya, love ya...

September 29, 2007 Sick to my stomach for a Concert

So I'm sick. Stomach, muscle pains, all kinds of crap. But I don't want it to gateway into SC stuff. So, you know I'm taking precautions and fluids, I may even take a couple of days off work next week to be on the safe side.

Psalms 150 will be in concert on at 6pm on Nov. 3rd in Brunswick, GA as a fundraiser for St. Andrews CME where The Rev. Keith Ellison is pastor. More information to come.

September 14, 2007 Uneasy, Back in Class

Lately I've been getting that feeling. You know the one where I move. This is the longest that my family and I have stayed in the same location. We are going on three years here. Also, spiritually we are feeling that transition is coming, and we've received confirmation from outside sources as well. No clue what it means yet. The big move? Back to ATL? To the beach??? :) Don't know yet, but I did renew contact with the DOD for teaching. We'll see.

Tonight and tomorrow I'm in class in Cumming GA. My school (Liberty University Lynchburg, VA) has a satellite campus here. Intensive to say the least, but here we go again.

September 1, 2007 WMBMJB, Savannah

So, the movie premier was pretty cool. We had I guess 125?. people to show up. The film had some technical difficulties but other than that it was good. It was well received, and the only complaints I heard were about the length. The comedy was cool but the messages were understood. IronE did his thing and set it out for the cast and crew.

I am in Savannah visiting a friend. Having a great time so far. Well, actually I'm just lounging around. But because this is anniversary weekend, I plan to make it to somebody's beach. St. Simon's Island or Tybee or something.

August 26, 2007 Coming up for air.. Air for Band

I have been busy. Okay I got the papers done, and with them completed the two summer classes. 97 in one and the other is still yet to determined. I'll let you know. This week at school was crazy. (in the midst of what you are about to read, I had that paper due, and BS to teach, Diara had a couple of late things, and so did the Panther) We had two late days... one was a PTA out by 7pm, the other was pretty cool though. We had to visit the homes of our kids. We went to local apartment complexes to maximize the number of potential visitations. It was good to see where and how they live. While not nearly as bad as some places where I lived, the "how" is about the same or worse for some. The ghetto has a new facade, but the mind set is unchanged.

I went to a concert last night. Bobbiedee Blasingame played with a volunteer community 40 piece in Lithia Springs. The selections were great and overall the musicians were good. It was great to hear classical music. I've gone to plays and concerts, museums, several churches with different denominations, and cultural events this year and of course I've been reading a lot of books and articles, and watching movies. I constantly strive to keep my mind expanding. But you know that music is my thing. Last night was pretty cool.

August 19, 2007 Writing, teaching.... and more.

Sorry if I've been out of touch. I have been writing a lot. Teaching, and more teaching as well. Lots of research as well. Two major papers due ten days apart, In addition to teaching at my job, I now teach bible study regularly. I start teaching on the university level in October, so I gotta get prepared for that. It's been a bit crazy with everything else. More projects to get done as well. Other than that, teaching 5th grade is cool.. the kids are great. Elementary school comes with a lot of stuff that I'm not used to that seems completely superfluous to me, but what do I know? I'm doing it though.. All it hurts really is time.

August 10, 2007 Rejection

I had an epiphany. All of the major hurt in my life comes from rejection. I felt like my father rejected me because he wasn't there... same with my mother, though she was out working two jobs (I appreciated her), she still wasn't there and that felt like rejection. And now, I'm married, and of course there is rejection. I suppose that I deal with it better than most, having high self esteem and all, but it still cuts really deep. I think that we never really find out what makes us tick. You can spend a boat load of time searching yourself and still come up empty. I found out what my Achilles heel is, and so now I can take strides to fix it. Is that right? That simple, huh? Not really, but I am going to try. My natural defense is shut my self off, and put up a wall around me.. But that's not healthy. We'll see how I adjust now that I have this at the front of my mind.

July 31, 2007 Grinding Again??/ my space

Not really, I am back and doing stuff but mostly just school work and family. Everything else will kick back up in a week or so. I've still managed to be busy though. Conference here, appreciation there, moving refrigerators... Yup, it is what it is.

I'm kinda into the Myspace thing. I've been taking my blog here and pasting it there. Check it out when you get a chance... Erroyl's Myspace Page Psalms 150's Myspace Page There is an E. Major page but it's still under construction.

July 20, 2007 I'm Home

I'm home... 6 hours of driving and so I'm about to get some rest.. Got pics somewhere, I'll get em up sooner or later.

July 15,2007 Missing Home

I am a punk.. I've been away from my wife and kids for only 8 days and I'm having withdrawal pains. You'd never think that you'd miss the sounds. But, I do.. Not to mention the physical, (and no I'm even talking about that.) At first I was like "yeah, this'll be a cool little break".. and it has been, but now, I need the noise. I know that's sick, but it's true.. well the good news is that I only have til Friday, so what's that.. 5 days if you don't count today. i'll be alright no doubt, I have plenty to keep my mind on, but it's the times like this, when normally I'd be waking everyone up, and rushing them to get ready for church... hmmm. I think I can do that over the phone...

July 9, 2007 Getting Better/In Virginia...

I am sorry for the lapse in postings. I am doing much better, my stamina is up, and many of my post operation hindrances are no more. I still have to contend with a few daily things, such as bandages and antibiotics, but at least I don't have tubes hanging from my sides any more.

You read correctly, I am in VA. I'm on school working on a degree and will be here for the next two weeks. It's all good. Just in the first day my brain is almost back to full firing speed. Almost. It feels good to be back on a college campus, and I think that with all that's been going on I needed to get away from home. I think that this is another avenue for me to get a little rest. Some down time if you will. Sure I have class work, but I have no TV, and Lynchburg is Gainesville or Athens, only smaller and with less to do. Needless to say, I should be able to fulfil the purpose for coming here. Learning.

June 27, 2007 Catch to healing?

So after going through all of this stuff, it appears that I'm getting better. I'm stronger, I'm able to leave the house. I'm was even able to preach Sunday. But there's a catch... I can only do one thing before I get really tired. Especially if it's hot out. After I went to a rehearsal, I tried to do something else and got sick. After I went to a track and field event, I tried to do something else, and got sick. So it looks like I'll be a one-hit-wonder for another week or so.

June 22, 2007 Feeling Better

I am better. I am aching, swollen, and still sleep deprived, but I am better. Even though it's been over two weeks, I still have two tubes in one side. Maybe they'll come out Monday. Other than that I'm back on the grind. Okay, not really. But I do have a rehearsal Sat, I preach Sunday morning, and the band plays Sunday evening. Of course everything will be based on how I feel. I'm not going to push it.

June 14, 2007 15 years & counting/ Near Death

I will attempt to sum up the last two weeks of my life here with these words. But first, today on this day June 14th some 15 years ago, Pinky and I became a couple. This is quite a milestone. I can honestly say that I love and appreciate her more today than I ever have. We have more passion, more maturity, more of all of the good stuff that makes relationships go. So go ahead jokers, call us rabbits, teenagers, or what ever, but call us FOREVER.

You really aren't going to believe this, but I almost died last week. To make a long story short, After being in the hospital and losing blood, I was given too much pain medicine. (of course I was given the medicine because I was in pain from loosing blood... so you see the cycle there).. at any rate, the pain meds caused me to go into respiratory arrest, I stopped breathing, and it was really some ER stuff going on up at Emory. I was revived and opened up to find out about the bleeding. Once found, it was fixed and now I'm at home 8 days removed with 4 drainage tubes coming from my sides that look nothing short of blood grenades. An adventure for sure. So I am alive and kicking.. not really up and doing my thing, but getting stronger all the time. The bad part is, because of the tubes, I am unable to really sleep. Sleep deprived with a tooth ache. I go to see the doctor tomorrow. Let's hope that he removes these tubes.

June 4, 2007 The End of an Era (or two).

Well after a week of pain and bed rest, I was convinced to go to the hospital. The pain wasn't as bad as I have experienced, but it wouldn't stop. So after three years of no hospitalization for Sickle Cell, I went in. I'm not sure but I believe that a part of not going in is like admitting a defeat of some sort. The other part is of course is the fact that all they can do is pump me full of liquids and stronger meds than what I have at home. So that streak comes to an end... Can i have it back. Technically, I was only in the hospital for under 24 hours.

Yesterday was my last day as Minister of Music at Trinity CME Church. Some of the people were sad and cried, and others didn't say a word to me (whether good or bad). Many came up to my wife or me and offered good luck and Godspeed. I have already received three other offers to "reshape music ministries". One of the three is actually financially worth considering, but none of the three are where I am supposed to be right now. You'd think that by resigning, that I'd have more time. And I suspect that I will have a little bit more, but of course I am still in school. I'll be in on campus in VA 3 weeks this summer.

May 30, 2007 What the summer says

It looks like I'll actually spend some real time with the girls. We've already made it to the park and we play a multi player video game a lot. (The little girls and I). I've had some pretty decent conversations with the high schooler too. Other than that, I've been a little sick. I'm in the midst of a crisis right now. It's the first full-blown crisis that I've had in 3 years. The hospital streak is being threatened.

May 26, 2007 Braves/ Surgery / School

For the first time in a decade and a half, I went to see a professional baseball game. Braves vs. Mets, Smoltz vs. Glavine. It was pretty cool. The new stadium was cool and I even got to see a bit of history. Smoltz won game 200.

Surgery has been moved back to June 6th. Worry not, this is the last one that I will need to have. This one is more of a repair job from the previous surgery. I shouldn't be down for more than 3 weeks.

Okay, school is approaching. I start at the end of June. I'll be in Lynchburg, VA for 3 weeks. Not consecutive weeks though. i'm really excited about this. I have that first feeling I got when I was about to leave for Kentucky State University. The upcoming challenge has me antsy.

May 20, 2007 No School/ Concert Update

School is out! Yeah...My students did well on the CRCT and I look forward to some well awaited rest. It's time to sleep and work on some of my stuff. Everything from music to yard work.

The concert at the church went well. Saxxmo and Kevin came up to accompany. The soloist was The Rev. Ethel Delaney. She is also the mother of my pastor. She sang a variety of songs from opera to negro spirituals. It was a great day.

May 13, 2007 Happy Mother's Day

Is Mother's Day a great day? All holiday like this for that fact. (Father's Day, Valentine's, etc...) Isn't it just another excuse for the corporate goons to make money? Or is it just another excuse to show appreciation to those we love? Half full, or half empty?

May 10, 2007 Touring Choir/Diara's Band Concert

Today I took the "GHS Young Inspirations" around to some of the elementary schools in the district. They choir did well and we received a great response from the principals, staffs, and students. The choir has a solid core and hopefully next year will be even better.

This evening the GMS 8th grade band had its Spring Concert. Diara was in the ranks of the trumpets. The band sounded very good and she made me proud. She is certainly a teenager now. Next up.... High School. :/

May 04, 2007 Turning 6 in the Hospital

So today Arria is 6. Unfortunatly she spent last night in the hospital. We should be able to go home today. She is accting a whole lot better and sometimes demeanor says alot about how kids are feeling. She is certainly my child. She didn't even flinch when the nurse came to draw blood. She's awesome. Happy Birthday Arria!

April 28, 2007

I have a busy day today. I am preaching first and then the P150 is playing in Atlanta. I had a wedding and reception too, but things got switched around. School is winding down, and my student teacher finished up her last day yesterday. Good luck Ash. As the summer approaches, I am excited about many things. Time, school, vacation, rest, and many other things. But for now I wrestle with my schedule.

April 21, 2007 Busy Tree

I am not quite sure what I'm doing. I am so tired and busy. But happy I should add. Pinky has been ill, but appears to be getting better. I've been on the road the last three nights, I have to teach a class this morning, 2 choir rehearsals today, a birthday party (and I would have had a band rehearsal but the location got moved.)

Getting in late isn't as hard for me as people think. Me being at home and going to sleep at a "decent" hour, is really just me making the effort to be a good husband and father. Some people don't realize that even if you are doing ministry, or following your dream (i.e. music studio, performing at churches or clubs...) it's still being away from your family. I learned that the hard way. No matter what they say and how they support you, they want you home. if they love you they are not going to try and hinder your dream, but you had better believe that it does effect them. Every time you leave.

I cut a tree down in my front yard. Talk about manly work. I felt a huge rush of adrenaline, and almost did a Tim The Tool Man Taylor Bark. The tree had been eaten away by beatles or termites and was a hazard. I pulled the tension line, while my neighbor sawed a wedge into the base. everything was done, from the cutting to moving of the pieces, in about 25 minutes.

April 15, 2007 Calling it quits

Well, today was a big day at the church. I turned in a six week notice. My last Sunday as Minister of Music will be the 1st Sunday in June. I toiled over this for some time. It has actually been in my spirit for months now. I even had a conversation about it with one of my choir members back in January. Odd, but it is time. Reasons? There are many, but mostly because of my plate being too full. In fact there are times when it look as if the plate may break. But, school is the primary thing. I don't want to half do the Minister of Music job, and so I gotta let it go. I know that you are wondering about "other stuff". True there were times when I felt unappreciated and frustrated, but truly, doing God's work right is too important to let people's views of me, and their traditions hinder what God has told me to do.

April 13, 2007 Catch 22

We deal with things differently in life right? It's difficult to give your all for something and be rejected time and time again. The catch 22 is that, when you start putting your all into, it appears that you are nonchalant or stand-offish. So what do you do? Are you to continue to expose yourself and take the stabs to the heart, or close yourself off for protection but close yourself off from receiving as well. Either way, there's pain.It's a matter of weighing things out I suppose.

April 5, 2007 Resurrected

It is the day we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and it has me reflective. We have so much to be thankful for and don't appreciate it. I remember having to eat cereal with water, syrup sandwiches, and drinking sweet water (that's water mixed with sugar). My kids don't know any of that stuff. They do not have the worries that I or my wife had. It's a great place to be. But all of the stuff that I went through and all of the current goodness is for not if I don't realize that God gave me everything, and I owe everything to God.

March 30, 2007 Cutting on me

The surgery went well. I still have the removed device. It's kinda funny. I wondered why there was an urgency on my part to get the port out, when I had had no problems with it. It turns out the it had been damaged. The surgeon believes that it was done by a needle. Needless to say, had any small piece of the tube completely broken away and fell into my body, I would not be writing this update. Something for me to think about as I complain about not getting enough rest.

The status of my father is "Good". After speaking with him Monday, I couldn't tell that he had even had surgery.

Spring Break is here. Look for many movie updates. I also, must get some grass cutting done, so I purchased a riding lawnmower. It's pretty awesome. It has all kinds of attachments and will certainly aid me in the yard.

March 29, 2007 Spring Surgery

As spring break approaches I am preparing myself for surgery. It is minor, but anytime someone cuts on you, it cause for pause. Anywho.. I am also looking forward to Spring Break because I need a break. Things have been kind of mellow lately, but I still have some rest to catch up on.

I have pictures from the South West Dekalb field trip. Slide show will be up in a few days.

Big news coming pretty soon.

March 25, 2007 SWD, Columbus, and Piedmont

As in recent times, my weekends are jammed packed with activities. This weekend was no different. Friday, i took the GHS Young Inspirations on a field trip to South West Dekalb High School. My good friend and mentor Nathan Grigsby is over the choir there. We sang three selections and then listened to them put on a concert. It was fantastic. They really gave us a goal to aim for.

The second activity was a CME's Bishop's Conference is Columbus, GA. (About an 1 1/2 south of ATL). The banquet on friday night was nearly, and completely missed due to traffic. However, we did catch the keynote speak. Bishop L. L. Reddick. He was very insightful, super articulate, and an inspiration. The rest of the conference, slated for Saturday was cut short by the next event below...

Also on friday, my father had to have brain surgery to clamp off three aneurysms. The surgery went fine, and everything was coasting right along, until he had a seizure early Saturday morning. With that news I left Columbus, GA (thankfully, we had already packed and loaded the car that morning), and headed for Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta. Upon our arrival, my father had improved greatly. The phone call that I received was really discouraging. At the time he could not recognize his wife. My brother was already there and when I and my wife went in he recognized me, and he could move all of his limbs. We are still in prayer for his recovery.

March 21, 2007 Kknunteeckinland

If you realize the Ks are silent, and break it down phonetically, you get.. "None Teaching Land." It's where I live now between the hours of 8-4. It's so cool. I have created a Flag, postcards, a queen (Arria), but most importantly, a force field. My student teacher, as mentioned in Jan. 11's entry, is teaching my class. She is doing pretty well, though she may have on "rose colored lenses". We'll see. Starting out, the kids love and adore you, but as the year goes on, they become themselves. You know, familiarity breeds contentment. Hopefully I'll be able to catch up on things.

March 19, 2007 Fruit of the Spirit

I had to preach yesterday. I was the 2nd of 9 preachers who each had 5 minutes to speak. I had previous been one of 3 with 15 minutes, but this was a different. I had the task of bringing the fruit "JOY". I think I did well. But the experience was pretty interesting. It was more difficult to prepare for than a regular sermon. Because there is so much information that I wanted to give, and it normally takes about 5 minutes to feel out the crowd. I was the newest of the 9, but I believe that I held my own. Certainly a valuable lesson.

March 13, 2007 After the Show

The concert was great! There were about 50 in attendance. Admittedly and at first I was a little disheartened by the number. I was hoping for a lot more. There were many things in addition to that, which were trying to hinder my spirit. Three band members had to pull out for various reasons. But we pressed on with the remaining six and had a great time. The enemy was certainly trying to come against the concert, and so I knew that God was going to do something awesome. The concert turned out to be a great worship experience. and the people in attendance (including band members) were blessed by God's spirit moving through the place. I recorded the concert and I hope to have stuff posted on the P150 website pretty soon, and maybe even a DVD of it.

March 10,2007 Roll Bounce

Yo boy still got it... I only fell once, and that was because Arria fell and pulled me with her. Yeah. I'll post some pics of that pretty soon.

March 8, 2007 Concert, Production, Conference, and Skating?

So, I have the P150 concert, the CME conference, I'm producing music and I promised to take the youth choir skating.. I'll update you later on all of this. The return of E. Major? Maybe.

March 1, 2007 Psalms 150 in Concert

Psalms 150 will give a free concert Monday March 12, at 7:30 pm at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Atlanta. www.psalms150.net for directions.

February 23, 2007 Lab Time

I've been back recording songs for the first time in a long time. I felt good to be back in my element. I did five tracks for the movie "White Man Black Man Jew Man", which I'm also in. You can see the trailer here.

February 17, 2007 Back on the Road/Updates

Here we are, back in Savannah. We are visiting Faith Community CME Church where the Rev. Ethel Delaney is pastor. I'll get pics of that up as soon as I can. Speaking of pictures, Here are pictures of my trip to Milwaukee. Though I am not in any of them, I can assure you that I was there. Lol.

Yesterday was my mother's birthday. Happy Birthday Stella. I love you.

The GoodNews Choir Anniversary went very well. We did, 2 Tye Tribette songs (Victory and I want it all back) along with "Say a prayer for me" Donald Lawrence and "You don't know" ACLC Youth Choir. The kids did very well. I'm putting together a DVD for that pretty soon.

I have made a move in education for next year. As I attempt to move up rungs in the educational ladder, I need more experience on different levels. I've done a little bit of high school, and of course middle school, and so next year I'll teach on the elementary. This is if I am not offered a higher position in another school system, and I already have my irons in many other fires to see where the market is.

February 7, 2007 A Million to One

Last night I went to a gathering of christian men and met a man whose story really inspired me. He was completely sold out to the lord and as humble as they come. Very knowledgeable of the word, shares freely, and the leader of a ministry. On top of that he is a millionaire. Awesome.

February 4 ,2007 "The C Room"

P150 performed at The C Room this past weekend. It was ok for me. The Band did well, but it felt too much like a club for me. It seems to be a good place to wean people who like to "club" off of real clubs, and into church. There were real times of praise and worship, but there were times when it felt like a show.

February 1, 2007 No School.

I've already played two games with the girls, hung two curtain rods, hung blinds, and played with the ladies.

January 31, 2007 On the mend

So the hole in my neck is closing rapidly and I'm getting better with everything else. My sermon on Sunday went well, and the band is playing the friday at the "C Room". I guess the hardest thing is dealing with the absence of my grandma. "Absence" was a word that fit better than any other.

Teach Me!

I got some luck! I have a student teacher. If you are not a teacher, let me break it down for you. A college senior who is about to graduate with an education degree comes into your class for 10 weeks and slowly takes over your class. Which basically means, that other than mentoring and observing, I'm on cruise control.

January 26, 2007 Pain in the Neck

My Milwaukee trip was awesome (pictures to come) save for one thing, an infected ingrown hair on my neck. It was horribly painful, and about the size of a golf ball at its largest. And then came the puss. Needless to say that put a damper on the trip but not totally. The band that I played with was awesome, and the spirit flowed in that place like I have never seen in a CME church. Reminded me of a baptist church.

January 21, 2007 Super Cold

Wow.That's right, wow. I'm in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and the high today was 22 degrees. So far though, I've managed to stay pretty warm with under armor and several layers. And I thought that Atlanta was cold last week. I'm up here visiting a church, accompanying my pastor. Along with the First Lady, my wife, and Saxxmo Dr. Howard to arrive Monday). Details to come about the church later in the week. Milwaukee is beautiful, but I cannot promise that I am going to get out and see it. There is already 6=8 inches of snow on the ground and the forecast calls for more.

January 15, 2007 Paradise Lost

Today my grandmother passed away. She was a major force in every aspect of who I am. A great woman indeed. Loving, giving, and gentle, yet she was as tough as they come. A beautiful, intelligent, and God filled woman. Rest and peace Lillie Reid.

January 12, 2007 Catching You Up

It's been crazy. Yesterday was my grandmother's 81 birthday and she spent it in the hospital. She's still there today. She's not in the best shape and she has started to make comments about "going home." Are we selfish to want our loved ones around longer than they have to be. Her purpose (s) in life fulfilled, her battles fought, her children and grandchildren raised, and yet we still want more of her. More time, more love...

I don't have an update on my father's condition other than to say that he goes to the neurosurgeon early next month.

Musically, I have a choir anniversary coming up, and I'll be traveling to Wisconsin later this month with my pastor. P150 will be at a Gospel Jazz Club sometime soon. I'll keep you posted. I won't bore you with the number of rehearsals I have.

One last thing. I went ahead and got a new computer. The I-Mac and yes, it is all I dreamed. pretty sweet. I'll holla!

January 4, 2007 Back on the Grind

The first day back at work with kids was crazy. It really wasn't too bad, but getting used to getting up and out of the house is a huge adjustment. But, at least I get that time off so that's the end of the complaining. Thanks for all of the insight into the new look. I have think that all of the kinks are worked out now and ALL of the links should be up and running. Let me know if you find something. Let me run this past you. I was thinking of posting my calendar on the blog page. Maybe add a column so that you guys will see why I don't update this thing as often as I used to.

January 1, 2007 New and Improved

Hello, and welcome to UpRite.net.  So what do  you think
of the new look. I've streamlined some things and added
some things as well. In a little bit, you'll be able to go 
around the entire site. But right now,  the "UR Design" 
section is not up. I decided to add the design section 
because I've been getting quite a few requests. So that's
the new.. the streamlined is the UR News. It is no more.
It will now be here in the BLOG. The reviews section 
(to the left), will be all inclusive, containing my ratings
and thoughts on Music, Books, Movies, and anything 
else that is worthy of an opinion. I've also combines the
music pics category of photos, with the "Friends and 
General". I think that's all. Oh yeah, Happy New Year!