Something new to get into

As I try to work on my next big sermon this weekend, I've allowed my frequently wandering mind several breaks today. In these breaks, I've done great deal of contemplation. I need something new and exciting in my life. First of all, I've decided to step up my prayer-life and commit more time and energy to knowing God again; this is much needed I feel.

As well, I desire another source of recreation/entertainment within this small town which I now live. So, it's time for something new. I want something new to get into with my spare time (extremely limited as an assistant pastor). I'm not sure what sort of financial commitment this involves from my budget (extremely limited as an assistant pastor). In any case, please help me consider my options.

First, I should bring up the wonderful world of the electric guitar. This is still my new love and I am sincerely committed to developing my skills in this area. Presently this is limited by my lack of a guitar amp at home to practice on. (My amp is kept at the church and is too big to lug back and forth). My hopes have been high (but frequently crushed from prolongation) that I will acquire an undetermined Marshall full stack and amp from a friend of Joe's in Lethbridge. This dream has been fed and stretched for the last 4 months or so by Joe's phone calls to his friend (most of which are unanswered in recent weeks). Anyways, all that I know about this amp is that he will part with it for $120 and that it was his old amp before he bought his top-of-the-line Marshall stack. I have still not discovered anything more-not even what model of amp it is. It will be a great deal in any case, but how great of a deal is anyone's guess until more information is supplied. Anyways, the main frustrating part is that while I dream of the possibilities for over a quarter of a year, this owner of the amp works on the oil rigs with a 2 week on, 2 week off schedule that seems to elude any possible contact. But, Joe apparently calls him every day for at least the last 3 weeks, with no response. (I heard that he went to Hawaii a few months ago and got a Hawaiian girlfriend; maybe tat is what is resulting in his absence.) Anyways, this situation is slowly destroying me. I am ready at any moment to drop everything and rush to Lethbridge at the hope of picking it up, no matter what model it really may be. I don't even know if it will fit in my car, but if you read this Josh, I may have to store part of it at your house for a week or so if you are ok with it. I just need to separate it from its current (always absent) owner's home. Anyways, you will all know what comes of this...but I warn you, don't hold your breath.

In the mean time, what shall my hobby be? Should I try to whip my body back into its peak physical condition and make that my hobby? That is beneficial to my health and it does relieve stress, as long as I keep it up. It may cost about $30/month for a new gym membership, but I would have to be committed because I wouldn't dare pay and not go. (I've been good about going in the past.) Or, should I go for an all new enduro-style body- the leaner look and more aerobic style workouts? I could get into lots of biking and running. The upside and downside for that is the same; it involves no financial commitment, so I don't know if I will stick with it. It's weird how being a cheapskate could actually result in me spending money.

The other option I thought of this morning was inspired by my friend Aaron across the street. He was in a motorcycle accident, and therefore has had time off work to become our friend. But this accident also destroyed his Harley. Of course he needed a new one and he finally has replaced it. Although this is not the actual picture of his fancy new 1979 Chopper, this is the only picture he has actually sent me. This is the picture of what his new bike will eventually look like (generally) once he has personalized it more to his liking. Anyways, getting a motorbike to cruise around on sounded like a lot of fun, and I have kept revisiting the idea. But, I decided that even a bike that was so cheap that I would get ridiculed by everyone who saw me on it, is still far out of reach of my personal budget. I realistically could never afford it (remember-assistant pastor). When I found out that this won't even make Anh think I'm any cooler, I realized that all the financial sacrifice wouldn't be worth it. Besides, I'm no mechanic. You have to be able to fix 'em to ride 'em. All I can fix so far is my Wah pedal.

My next idea is film. I love movies. I like all sorts, as long as they don't suck. I've considered recently subscribing to Roger's Mail Out DVD Rentals. That's not what it's called but I forget their title. I could see all those well made and classic films that small town Pop-Video Stores don't bother with all for about $25/month. I know I will at least do their 2 week trial to hopefully see some Tarkovsky, Bergman, Dreyer and Kurosawa films that would be ridiculously expensive to buy. If I subscribed to that, I could also view other favorites of those people I hold in high opinion. Jon Kramer recently stated in his blog that "She's the Man" is the best film ever (I've personally wanted to see it for some time anyways), and I heard "Remains of the Day" is quite good, according to Jon Coutts. Well, this could be my chance to discover some real gems, and get more into appreciating the art of film. I could consult MacGregor, Wilkinson, and DK for endless possibilities of superb films to view and appreciate.

My last idea that I have come up with is the world of video games. Ryan says that Super Mario World on SNES is supposed to be relaxing and enjoyable, but so far it hasn't been. I am getting better, but not without a whole lot of pain and anguish. You would think I have Tourette's Syndrome by the affect this game has on me. I always end up screaming and swinging the controller around by the chord and trying to smash it against the ground. Every time I play, I scream about how much I hate the game and that I will never play again. Still, I try every couple days. Nowadays, they make video games more exciting and a lot easier for beginners to play. Perhaps I should try to find a PS2 for cheap, or even splurge for one of those new systems that the world is talking about these days. Any thoughts? Again, this could be a bit of a financial commitment, but it's a whole lot more realistic than a motorbike, and video games can be your friends in all seasons.

Well, I' not just talking about this to sort out my own thoughts (although it does help). I need Your thoughts. Let's hear 'em!