The best part of filling out the worship team form was putting the pastor as my first reference...

I woke up at 8:45 this morning, which I felt pretty good about. I had gotten kind of lazy those two final weeks of December, and needed to start getting up before 9 again. I spent some time checking email, and then got ready and took Lucy on a walk. I was a little disappointed in the lack of snow on the ground, but we've still got a few months of winter to go.

After Lucy's walk I spent some time making drum loops in Cubase. I use an old, cheap version of Cubase SE, and I use all free VST Effects/Instruments. It really is amazing what you can get for free these days on the internets. So anyways, I use a free drum sampler and free drum samples to make loops to use as click tracks whenever I record. I was talking to Ryan online last night and we decided it would be especially exciting if I used a click track for some of the songs on Sunday night. I figure I can just play them off of my laptop, and I still should be able to hear the monitor fine. My Shure in-ears don't block out all outside noise with the foam tip, they just knock it down a few dB's. I've only made a loop for 2 of the songs so far, but I'm thinking about doing it for 2 more. When I practiced with the loops after I made them I actually thought it was easier. It's like it takes the struggle to be steady aspect away, and you can just focus on what you are playing.

I stopped playing the drums in time to watch some of the inauguration, which I wanted to be sure to do. I had good timing, as I turned it on as Biden was being sworn in. Did everyone see/hear the simple gifts arrangement that was played? Because it was incredible. In case you missed it, take the time to listen:

I love reed instruments when played beautifully, especially the clarinet and saxophone. And of course everyone loves the cello. I also enjoyed Obama's speech, and I feel very optimistic about his presidency. Only time will tell if he will make wise decisions...he certainly has a difficult task ahead of him.

When I was done watching the inauguration and news wrap up, it was about time for the piano tuning dude to get to my house. He was supposed to arrive at 1, but I got a call from him around 1:10 saying he was running late. He followed that up by saying "I should be there in an hour, is that OK?" I proceeded to explain that I had to go to work, so we should reschedule. He asked if I could leave when he got there and let him lock up when he left...but the problem with that is that Lucy probably would have had a heart attack, and the noise she would have made would have made tuning a piano impossible. So I think he is going to call me sometime soon about rescheduling.

I got to work about 45 minutes late and got to work. I spent most of the day today working on re-wiring the ClearCom system. There are some noise issues with one of the runs, which for some reason goes all the way to the stage and then comes all the way back to the booth...weird. So, we are going to wire a direct line to the booth instead. I love to solder, but this project is going to be extra tricky because it isn't your typical 3-pin XLR deal. I hope I don't screw up!

I ate dinner in my office tonight and then helped Dan and Tim finish up stage setup afterwards. I think running sound is going to be fun this week, there is a mini-choir and I get to mic Chad's amp again. We finished up everything before 9, and I headed home in time to see the last of American Idol.

After American Idol I watched an episode of Fringe. It is one of the few TV series that I have really enjoyed. I used to love X-Files (pre Mulder's exit), and Fringe really reminds me of that show. Other TV series I have gotten hooked on are House (with his old staff) and of course Seinfeld re-runs. I can't really think of anything besides those. I talked to Kristi some when she got home from getting coffee with her cousin, and then we both got into bed.

Tomorrow will be a full, fun day. I have some things I need to get accomplished tomorrow morning, and then I am eating lunch with my friend Robbie. After that I have class, and then I will go to work. I am going to "audition" with the band tomorrow night. Matt has on 1 or 2 occasions considered having me sing something, but I always say he should probably at least listen to me before he does that. Since they are having auditions this week, I figured it would be a good time for him to just hear what I sound like. I've never sang without an instrument in front of me though, and I kind of don't want to, so I hope they don't ask me to do that. I forgot to bring the chords home for the song they want me to play, but I can probably run through it a little when I get to work. Let's hope I remember how to sing...it's been a while!