Rough Day...

Today had to be up there with rough days I've had... as you know, I am not a fan of the doctor's thus avoid it altogether... today I was at work (The Pentagon) and having a discussion with my boss... and all of a sudden my vision went blank, my chest felt like it was caving in and my limbs started going numb... my boss "quickly" sprang into a panic running around saying "JONATHAN'S HAVING A HEART ATTACK!!! JONATHAN'S HAVING A HEART ATTACK!!!" I was rushed to the pentagon triage center and about 5 people ran in there with me... my shirt was being ripped off, they were attaching EKG pads to me and administering oxygen... I was a little scared, as I had just told Bobby my fear of going to the doctor's.... long story short, they found out I have a case of severe bronchitis and an upper respiratory infection... they made me go home and I had to meet with my personal provider... I met "Dr. V" and gave them the lowdown... I called Bobby, to see if he would go with me... but he couldn't go... so I was stuck to face it alone, actually, Brittany kept me company via text... thanks for that. they did a full work up on me. it started with sticking my finger, not a fan. then chest x-ray, I could handle that one... then the biggest turn-off a blood test... almost passed out, not to mention she had to do it twice... you know I fired her up (that was for you Jenna). my blood work won't be back for a week, however she used the finger stick to see if i was diabetic or not and I am on the line... on the not diabetic side... but i was warned that i a teetering... I have to go back next week so if anyone wants to witness JB in the scared outta his mind mode, volunteer to be my chaperon... I picked up the baby and headed down to King George to visit with my folks and the Garmans, as they are leaving for Iceland soon... a bittersweet event for me... I won't get into the rest of what made my day bad, but i will say this... please pray for Sydney and her new living situation...

In Retort to Jadey's comment

first of all, there is no such thing as "Bad 80's music reference"... that isn't even a possibility... Although relatively young in the 80's, I have a phenomenal memory... this morning I woke up singing the Rick Astley classic "never gonna give you up"... Yesterday, it was Huey Lewis and the News' "Hip to be square"... but my all time, number one 80's song, that i will have played at my next wedding, "Nothing's gonna stop us now" by Starship... What a classic and it was good in mannequin... I go through phases where I will get hung up on a decade and be in love with it... all through high school it was the 70's... Bell bottom pants, super tight t-shirts (Before I started looking like a man) platform shoes, leisure suits, bush hair-do... it was ridiculous to say the least, but everyone knew me for it... granted I never lived in the 70's so all I had to go off of was what i had seen in movies (like Car Wash, the inspiration for most of my get-ups). I was around in the 80's and do remember a lot of stuff from it... like the see through phones so you could see the circuit boards and stuff (you can't find those anywhere, I have looked), the speak & spell, joy of painting with Bob Ross, Lazer tag, Nintendo (when it was just Nintendo or nes) ninja turtles, and a plethora of other stuff... I'll have to let jadey tell you the story of me dancing to Paula Abdul's "opposites attract" in the office when my boss shows up... Embarrassing.... here's to the 80's, when all the good bands were named after a continent (Asia, Europe), and neon colors weren't just for the highway clean up guys!!!

Super Supper Club... and Chicken Point

Last night I had the distinct honor of participating in Super Supper Club... known as SSC. This event is hosted by Stafford's very own, Jason Pelt. I got to have the honor of being in the presence of such fine gentlemen Joshua Lopez and Damian Barnette. I was also allowed the honor of feeding baby Jillian, I really miss that with my daughter. upon completion of the meal, we ventured out, roughly a half mile to what we only were told was "Chicken Point"... Jackson was insistent that we were heading to Aquia Landing, however, our tour guide quickly ruled that out... Just off the road, there is a civil war marker where the confederacy had set up artillery and they would rain down fire and brimstone on the union navy. really neat history lesson, and it would be a cool date, in the fall... honestly.

My Instinct told me...

So I got my instinct last night... I gotta say, I'm excited. this morning on the ride to work I watched a few MTV videos, the Colbert Report, and listened to some music. The thing I can't stand is the whole "Instinct is better than iPhone" or "iPhone is better than Instinct"... bottom line... Both phones are great, it depends on what you want. iPhone has a much better browser, possibly easier to use, and what else it has i don't really know... I haven't researched it all the way... Instinct has a couple of things iPhone does not: Speech to action: In short I can bring up this function and say a name of a place and it will give me the phone number, address and GPS turn-by-turn directions. The web browser is OK, it serves its purpose... I usually surf the internet on my computer, not my 3" screen on my phone. As with all great things, there are give and take... I would rather have the fuctionality of the Instinct simply because it fits my needs... I have text, calling, video, pictures, web, GPS, calendar, and a plethora of other features... my favorite so far is the "Movies" button... with this you can touch "playing near you" and it will bring up a list of all the movies playing around you... select the movie and it will tell you what theatre it is playing at, give you the phone number and turn-by-turn directions through GPS, the times that it is playing, movie synopsis, it will even allow you to purchase tickets right over the phone by pushing two buttons... that's impressive... all in all, I have sold many people on the phone, Damian, and my MOM to name a few. the other thing I like about it is the plan. the plan is $99 a month and that is unlimited everything, text, calling, data, GPS. Check the phone out... it sells itself... It is not an iPhone competitor, they are two different phones all together. here is the website: www.nowisgood.com

I'm not all fists of rage...

I am all about firing up some one for bad service, but I love to share accolades for good service as well... As an employee, I know that positive feed back usually paints your performance in a great light that usually helps said employee gain notoriety or "Street cred" for all my Woodbridge readers... If you are ever really happy with your service, please take time to find out who the manager/boss is so you can report that to them... why not? if you had a complaint, you would.... here is the e-mail I sent the young ladys boss that helped me yesterday at sprint...

"Mr. XXX,

I must say that I had the pleasure of dealing with the best Customer Care Representative that I have ever dealt with since having service with Sprint. Her name was XXX, and please let me tell you, there has never been a time where I have ever felt so much care and concern with a Customer Care person as I did with her. Not only was she helpful with resolving my issues, but she was extremely knowledgeable in her job as well... I was truly a joy to deal with such a professional and her attitude and demeanor is a contributing factor as to why I have decided to continue service with Sprint. Please send her my warmest regards as an appreciative and extremely satisfied customer... If possible, I would like to work with her in the future, I'm not sure if you support "direct lines" but if so may I please have hers, with her kind of attitude, I would gladly wait on hold...."

Coming soon to a Jonathan Burke near you...

I have had sprint service for several years now... I have recently purchased the HTC Touch, which is an OK phone, I have had trouble with getting text and voice messages... when I called Sprint to tell them that I was interested in cancelling my service, they immediately sent me to "Customer Retention". I have dealt with "those people" before, and they are always trying to retain you, at a cost to you... They offer you a phone "upgrade" and with that comes the upgrade fee, ETC. well this time I won sprint over with my expert "lawyering". after explaining everything to them, they saw it my way, so now, they have decided to take care of the customer. This should be in the mail and on it's way... I am turning into Jason Pelt a little more each day...

Serving in the Army has it's benefits...

I have done it... I have sent my application to VA to get paid by the GI Bill. With all my friends going away to college, I figured I would go ahead a buckle down that chapter of my life as well. The beauty of paying for the GI Bill is this... when I first joined the Army, we were asked if we wanted to pay for the GI Bill, $100 a month for 12 months... Some turned it down, but if you think of it, I was 18, single and owed no one, plus being in Basic Combat Training (BCT) and Advanced Individual Training (AIT) for the majority of that year, it's not like you are gonna be out needing to spend money. best investment of my life... now they are gonna pay me $1321 a month for up to 36 months ($1321 a month + 36 months = $47,556) pretty good return on an investment... So I'm going to Full Sail University and majoring in Entertainment Business. The tentative plan is to accomplish this degree and apply for law school. I have been told by a friend (can't really recall the name) that if I am to become a Virginia BAR certified attorney, that I will be allowed to practice law with him... lofty goals I know... but listen to Peltcast #2 for inspiration. You may ask what does Entertainment Business and Law have to do with each other... three words... Contracts, Trademark and Copyrights... I don't plan on practicing entertainment law, but could if I wanted, I will more than likely want to practice family law. we shall see... let me get the degree first...

Enjoy the time you have with your friends...

Yesterday was a great... even though I have been running like a mad man, I am trying to make time to enjoy the company of fine people. Yesterday, before Bible Study, I had the privilege of having Keilan over for dinner, we had great steak, salad and we drank naked... It doesn't get better than that... I know that I will undoubtedly be sad with his departure this September, but He's only going to Richmond, not Guantanamo Bay or anything. I am trying to have meaningful relationships with those I call friends and in doing so, I want to start inviting people over for dinner before bible study so we can enjoy each other's company, so far I have done, Bobby-O, Keilan, Kevin B, and there are a ton others I have yet to invite. I like cooking for my friends and truly enjoy their company, I can't invite everyone at once, so I will get to you as soon as I can... with that I make this public invite... Ben Cartwright, what are you doing next Monday night?

Bobby and I... Here's what my house is like

So bobby-o and I worked on some music together and this is the unprofessional recording as noted... but it's fun to work with someone who's fun to be around... http://bobby0.wordpress.com/audio-rants/#comment-85

Advanced Learning

when I was two... in 1985, there was no such thing as a laptop... but I know all the oldies in the crowd remember THIS. If you had one of those, that was about as close to a laptop as you could get... It is just astonishing how much more kids know now than we did growing up... Noah is 6 and he has his own blog for crying out loud... this is just madness.... technology is taking over.

Mandating the Man-Date...

Usually Mandates are something I avoid... I like to have my freedom... but I'm not talking about those kind of mandates... A Man-date is when a group of guy friends get together and hang out, outside of the confines of one's house, thus making it a "Man-Date"... Last night and early on into this morning Keilan, Todd and I participated in such an event... We saw the New Batman movie, The Dark Night... overall, it was just what you want a Batman movie to be, dark and cold... where the villains really give the impression that they are psychotic, it was not the mid-90's blunder with neon lights... this movie was set apart from all the others... the Joker... BY FAR THE BEST BATMAN VILLAIN OF ALL TIMES!!! I highly encourage you to take this one in... if your spouse or kids won't go... Man-Date it!!!

Madame Mix-A-Lot

Sydney trying her hand at the sound board...

Commenting on blogs...

I am undertaking a challenge... to comment on every one's blog at least twice a week... I know how discouraging it can be to type something that really means something to you... only to get no reply. I will say, just because no one comments, that doesn't mean no one reads. I had the privilege of being the first person to leave a comment on Keilan's blog... The Keilan Report Regardless of what Kevin says... (Check the time stamp).... a new blogger added to the fold... will the madness stop?

What to write about...

The past few days have kinda been a blur... I have been getting up, going to work and coming home with the thought of cleaning up, doing laundry, picking up my dry cleaning for the past 4 days (You should see the terrible outfit I had to wear today due to not getting my clothes out of hock at the dry cleaners), or just resting and relaxing... those hopes and dreams are shattered daily by my desire to spend time with my friends... I know my time with them is limited, Bobby is going to college, Keilan is going to Richmond... soon enough these friends I love will be out in the world doing their own thing and I will have but the memories of good times had with them. I have grown in so many aspects by their influence and wish them the best...

Feat of strength...

Some of you may know this and some not... This is one of those random recolections from my life... My Brother, Joshua S. Burke, can tear a telephone book in half... I mean like a yellow pages book, not the church directory... amazing.

Let's get with the times (a typical old school rant)

there is truth behind fashion trending... it is an ever changing beast. I work in corporate America where a stylish cat just can't get a break... The women love it, people your age applaud your bravery and the old men look down on you in disgust... Typical. While for women fashion is an up and down roller coaster bi-seasonally, for men there is usually a ramp up, and then something stays fashionable for a good 4-5 years. given the life of suits is usually about 6-8 years, you can be reasonably in fashion and be a "Classic Gent." A few rules to follow and you'll be the best dressed cat where ever you go... I have devoted a few years of my free time to learning some of this and I'd like to share it with you now: 1) there are several colors of suits, don't restrict yours to black and navy blue. fight the urge to find "Year round suits". if you have three for each season, you'll be able to rotate your style and not wear the suit out as fast. 2) GET A TAILOR!!! why is everyone obsessed with buying something off the rack? Your body I can assure you is not the same as the factory settings. get a suit that fits you right and you'll love the way you look and feel. 3) brown shoes go with everything (but a black suit)... honestly, in the summertime when it is 100+ outside, do you want to be standing in the slug lot with shoes as black as the asphalt your standing on? 4) socks should match your suit, not your shoes. 5) if you live in the south, and yes Virginia is considered the south, don't wear socks in the summer time... you may contend that sounds silly, it's not. 6) DO NOT BUTTON THE BOTTOM BUTTON ON YOUR JACKET!!! unless you are in the military, that is a terrible rookie mistake. 7) if you insist on having more than a two-button jacket, get no more than three. 8) since i'm on jackets here are two things that are imperative : a) make sure the jacket has a vent in the back and b) wear a clean white pocket square, square being the term. 9) have your shirts altered to fit you, you don't want to look like your wearing a trash bag with a collar. and 10) Learn new ways to tie a neck-tie and make sure they are on the slim side.

In closing I will say this... you don't need to spend thousands of dollars to look good, as a matter of fact, GQ (gentlemen's quarterly) has tons of great ideas and thoughts. I have a ton of sources for people looking for everything from shoes to hats to bow ties to a tailor... please shout if you need some help in the style department. I've attached a link so you can see... I actually own the suit from target that is listed here... Target is probably one of the best stores on the face of the earth... http://men.style.com/gq/features/landing?id=content_6771

An ode to PCG!!! (and family of course)

I have been going to church for 25 years... I have seen and heard a lot of things across the spectrum... everything from lying to God's name Being praised... and all that are in between. some practical applications that I have learned in church have been: Everything comes by way of a vote. some of these votes are great and some... not so much. for example, at some point (had to be the 80's) there was not only a proposal, but an actual passed vote to install Starlight Blue carpet in the sanctuary... that falls in the category of "not so much". but I'm drawn back to a vote that I remember being a senior in high school, sitting in the gym after a discipleship now youth function and the proposal... add a one Colby J. Garman as our youth pastor. I distinctly remember how fast the unanimous, and by that I mean 100%, vote came back to do just that. One of Stafford Baptist's finer moments in life. The addition of this dynamic young man I would dare say has effected the lives of so many people, probably in the thousands, in such a way that you leave his presence feeling encouraged and refreshed. Not only have I had the privilege to call Colby my pastor over the past years, but I have had the distinct honor of calling him "friend". Colby has helped me through a lot in this past year, my divorce, my attitude, and things unseen by but a few eyes. He has never backed down in his stance on the gospel and his fingerprints are all over the lives of several effective young people of Stafford baptist church. Colby has been a mentor and role model second to none in the time I've known him. I would like to take this time to publicly announce that Colby J. Garman and his lovely wife, Annie are two of the greatest people that anyone could know. My love and prayers go out to you as you impact Iceland the way you have impacted Stafford Baptist Church, and me.

Are we making light of God's goodness?

***WARNING!!! THIS BLOG REQUIRES POSTING!*** For the past few days, I have really been struggling with what seems to be plaguing everyone... Discontent. I am specifically speaking about my job... I must say, not in any bragging form, that I am probably one of the best paid people for what I do and probably make more than most people with a Degree my age... Yet I find myself in a constant place of discontentment. Always complaining about where I work, who I work with, etc. The more I think of it, I hear people complaining all the time about where they work, their house, fill in the blank... we complain about everything, or at least I do. The fact of the matter is that God has blessed me with so much and I constantly take it for granted, furthermore, I think I do his goodness an "injustice" by being discontent. you can post to this blog in as little as one word... Yes or no. You can also post as much as you want, but this is the Bottom line question, do we do God's greatness an injustice by having an attitude of discontentment?

I could have sworn this was yesterday...

a tribute to the old days...

The efficiency of the Internet

I'm a big fan of nostalgic stuff... I still shave with mug soap, brush and "Safety razor", I like wearing a suit, and hats with those suits, I really like listening to old radio programs (like Six Shooter, Superman, and The Whistler). I guess in my mind it's like 1948... The thing that astounds me most is the Internet... It has morphed our culture so much that there are now things you actually can't do without it. When the Internet first came about only a select few technical gurus could operate it. Then the World Wide Web (WWW) hit the street and made it a little more user friendly... you could do some basic research and read certain postings. now there isn't too much you can't do without it. Your reading this blog, Because of the Internet... I paid my bills today, on the Internet... I signed up for school so I can get my Bachelors Degree, You guessed it, on the Internet... I even ORDERED A PIZZA for dinner tonight, I didn't call it in, I ordered it... ON THE INTERNET. Yes the Internet is truly a great tool, but it comes with a price, besides your monthly bill. You are constantly "Connected" to everything and everyone at all times. they even have little green bubbles by your name to let people know you are online. a healthy balance of this to can give a dynamic to your relationships, business, and life, but don't let it's joys consume you, before you become a basement dwelling stunt double for Michael Moore.

I Support Barack Obama's notion... It IS time for change...

First off, I am not supporting any political campaign. But Senator Obama has been becoming quite popular with his one word catch phrase... "Change". In a real-life application, we don't like to change. You may be swinging on the hinges of "we need to change our economy, military posture and so on..." that is not the change I'm speaking of... I'm talking about a change of heart. I will not throw fiery darts at anyone but myself. I have not been the spitting image of a Christan, but I will say, I'm fairly comfortable in my assumption that you haven't either. For the play of the problem, follow me on this. Many people, me included are very quick to jump up and say how we as the church need to be loving our neighbors and those in our community, yet we sit beside, or across from people in church who's name we don't even know. I am as guilty as charged as they come. Recently on my visit to Alethiea in Richmond, as I was setting up my drum set to assist in the worship part of the service, a young man entered the building. His clothes were worn and stained, he had large dark circles under his eyes, his hair was sort of greasy... He was disheveled to say the least... I instantly assume in my head and make the judgemental statement (to myself, not aloud) "what on earth is that druggie doing at church?" I never gave it much thought beyond that... I played drums and got to sit and start hearing the sermon... although this was not the key verse, something that was said made me think of it...
³⁴ “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. ³⁵ For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. ³⁶ I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’

³⁷ “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? ³⁸ Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? ³⁹ When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’

⁴⁰ “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters,^[f] you were doing it to me!

After having this recalled to my memory, I thought, "Wow, how judgemental, how offensive that attitude must have been to Christ?" The fact of the matter is Jesus Christ bled and died for that young man, just as much as he did for me. I am no more loved than him. Now, the verse above doesn't directly relate to my attitude, however it puts in perspective that what we do to the least of our brothers and sisters, we are doing it to Christ... I held a view that someone was less worthy than I to be there, strictly based off of appearance. My heart became rather convicted over it and I made an effort to seek out the young man I so harshly pre-judged and introduced myself, I even felt compelled to tell him that I was glad he was there. I have been attending church for 25 years and I think this is a epidemic within churches today... Where is the love of Christ that is supposed to be reflected in us? I can't tell you how many times I have passed by, or even avoided people, because they "didn't meet my standard". who am I to hold such a self-worth that puts people below me? It is something I can trace back from my days in Sunday school, all the way up to adulthood. I'm certain that when I asked Jesus to be a part of my life, he did not ostracize me and say, "yeah Jonathan, you're cool and all, but you're just not the type of person I'd hang out with." I have heard that lame-duck excuse, and used it so many times I don't even wish to think about it. There are people I see sitting in church every Sunday, they are there looking for something, what are we showing them... Ashamedly, there are people there who's name I don't know... and haven't cared to know. From my vantage point on stage every Sunday, I get to view the masses in a more holistic approach, I see my group of friends, my Mom and Nana, Sydney, Pastor Bill, Josh and Jadey... people I love and cherish... but I also see the large majority of that congregation, that I may know if I saw in the store, but know nothing more than where they are on Sunday morning at 0930. What a tragedy this is... So why is change the title of this blog? Our hearts need to change, not by our own doing, but by sincere prayer that Christ will fill us with the desire to love each other and be the reflection of him to a world, nation, town, and community that needs him, just as much as we do. There is a song written by Keilan Creech that also came to mind... It's called "Think something of it" The last verse left me speachless... "there used to be a kid, who didn't have a friend, we thought nothing of it, til' his desk was empty" you can navigate to Keilan's website and hear the song here

First night of being alone... in a while (the second of my serious posts)

So, on Wednesdays, I get to spend a little time with Sydney, not much, only about two and half hours. I was so excited all day to get the little girl who I can see such a hope in, the only girl my heart beats for. She had been out all day with her Mom who watches children and she was sleeping when I picked her up... she usually is. but tonight was different, she slept for two hours and ten minutes leaving me only twenty minutes to spend with her. Most of you know that Shauna and I have an awkward relationship nowadays, so it's hard to explain things without becoming emotionally upset. I have been running at a hundred miles an hour ever since we separated, occupying my time with this or that, avoiding being alone (if you haven't guessed, I hate that). But this time there was nothing I could do. I wasn't about to wake her up so I could selfishly spend the time with her (although it crossed my mind). When Shauna pulled up, my heart sank. I knew I was gonna have to send Sydney home with her, and I would be left home, friendless, and void of the joy that being a father can only bring. I called some people, but they all have their own lives, and keeping me company is not their job, although it has been appreciated. After Shauna left, I was faced with the fact that I was gonna be here alone for the night and I couldn't stand it. I got in the car and headed down to one of my favorite places in Fredericksburg, The Blarney Stone (quick plug, If you like Irish food, that's the JAM!) but the whole ride down there, saddened me. Everywhere I looked, I saw droves of families and couples who were enjoying the city and each other. I couldn't help but feel a little empty. Upon getting to The Stone (as all the Irish in the burg call it) I saw an older man there, who's name I won't mention, and my heart went out for him. When I was frequenting The Stone, he was a regular patron. You could set your watch by his arrival and departure. I quickly pulled up a chair to sit down with this forgotten acquaintance and tried to get re-aquainted with him. This poor guy is really alone... he is in his late seventies and has no one to talk too. His weathered face shone with delight that I not only remembered his name, but took an interest to sit and talk with him... Most of the talk was small, John McCain and Barack Obama, the city of Fredericksburg, my Irish heritage, but as the end of the night drew near, he stood up and said something that made my heart bleed for him... "Well, I guess I'll go home, even if there is no one there, I'll bet you have lots of friends." A hopeless expression drew across his wrinkled face, as he stood up and scratched the barren top of his head that used to be adorned with thick black hair, just like mine. I pondered, "that poor old man, he is really lonely" and it made me think of how many people pass him by, day in and day out, with not so much as a passing glance. He pulled out his worn through wallet, holding only a few wrinkled bills and an old driver's license and began to pay for his debt, I told him that it would be my honor to pay for him. He argued that he wasn't sure when he'd see me again, and he didn't know how he would repay the favor... I told him that it wasn't even enough to make an out of state phone call and as far as repayment, there was none. For the first time since I met this gentleman, his listless eyes had a glimpse of hope. He was overjoyed at the friendship offered and took it gladly. I said all that to say this... So often in life we take for granted the things in which God has blessed us with. some might conceed that they do in fact take the "little things" in life for granted, but I contend that we take the "big things" in life for granted as well. Family, children, spouses, jobs, cars, houses, great friends, and the list goes on. I saw a man today, who had none of those, hopeless and alone, and yet he was happy just for the time I offered him... If you have read this, please take time to call your friend, brother, sister, cousin, aunt, uncle, mom, dad, children, or spouse and let them know, with as much sincerity as you can muster, that you love and appreciate them. One kind act may not change the world, but it can be the world to someone.

Waylon Jennings said it best... (the first of my serious posts)

"I spent a life time looking for you..." The opening verse of one of the best country songs of the 70's and I dare say, all time. The song is "looking for love (in all the wrong places)". The more I think of it, the more I realize, That's me. Part of my efforts to "change" my blog is to stop hiding all my hang-ups and start sharing the true "Jonathan Burke". Ever since Shauna and I broke up, my opinion on relationships has been wavering to say the least. I find myself looking for shallow, selfish qualities in women, and when I do see someone that peaks my interest, it's only long enough for me to loose it. **self-disclosure** I have been so focused on finding a "new mate" that I have laid aside everything that is important. The thought of being alone frightens me, I can't stand it. I've tried the bar scene (that leads to trouble) on-line dating (I have no idea where they drudge up those scullery maids... ill-advised to say the least) and my final, and bravest attempt is applying to be on "The Bachelor"... all of which none have worked (well, I haven't heard back from the bachelor, so we'll see). But this has been weighing on my mind, quite heavily. recently, I have been forced to face the inevitable, having a relationship might not be God's calling in my life right now... or ever again. As much as I want to be a part of someones life and have them be a part of mine, I'm starting to think God would rather me be a part of his plan, and let him be the someone in my life, something that I have neglected to do for a long time. It hit me like a ton of bricks last night, the views that I have been holding about certain people, how often I make excuses for my sin, or worse yet, completely blow it off, and the contempt and lack of compassion I hold for my ex-spouse. I have been trying to find a "relationship", thinking that will make it all better, and putting God to the side... What a tragedy. I am challenged by the John Piper book "Don't waste your life" every time I read it. I am going to need much prayer and guidance as I fully accept that God's plan might not be mine, so if you could, I'd appreciate it. I'll finish with this line from that song, I'm sure Waylon did not have God's plan in mind, but I still find it amazing that he used this phrase: "hoping to find a friend and a lover, God bless the day I discover, another heart, looking for love".

A little more depth please... Give the people what they want

I regularly post the most random stuff on here... Stuff that I'm certain is not at the top of your list of things to read... So with that I think I'll be making a change... Instead of posting my regular musings on here (i.e. applying to be on "The Bachelor") I will try to post things with a little more depth behind them... Like Kevin and Bobby do. Things that aren't just, "Jonathan is out of control..." (most of you know that and I needn't proliferate such an obvious trait), but things that cause you to reflect on what's being said... granted, I will still have those random "I saw a 90 year old lady with blond corn-rows at the pentagon" stories, or "Wouldn't it be funny to see Jason Pelt in a wig like Cher in the video "turn back time"... but I'd like to focus more on those things that actually produce something that benefits people... Although I believe laughter to be one of the most effective ways of relieving stress, and I find humor in almost everything, you can't be the funny man 24/7.

My best application yet!!!

Just for the Record... I hate filling out applications... even if it's to get money! but I have filled out an application that was just so funny I had to share... one of the most recent applications to the smash hit TV show "The Bachelor" on ABC, was completed and submitted today by yours truly... Now, I'm a realist... I have about as much of a snowballs chance in "you know where" of actually being selected, but you never know unless you try... The ultimate "funny" and truth with this in my defense is it's supposed to be reality T.V.... Well, I don't know if ABC has noticed, but the reality of America is most men don't look like they model for hollister... look at the picture above... that's the reality of what most mid-20's men look like... Get with the program... and let me on yours. If you think of this for entertainment qualities , what would be funnier than watching me on that show, moreover the response of the women on that show when I say some random, "Jonathan Burke-ism"... If it's funny with Kevin Benedict, imagine how funny it would be with a woman looking for the man of her dreams? By Far, My wildest application yet!!!!

from the cutting floor to your front door

I don't know if anyone knows this or not, but I was in a movie... The premiere of this film, Violent Karma, will be some time in August. You may recognize other people you know, such as Amberly and Gerry Slack... If you watch the extended trailer, you can see a few parts that I did. I'm the guy who gets killed... I will issue this one word of warning... viewer discretion is advised... I wouldn't watch the trailer with your children... I mean the movie is called Violent Karma... anyway, check it out...


http://www.twobitsproductions.com/Site/Violent_Karma.html

The language of Jonathan Burke

I was spending some time with some friends this weekend and I started talking about how I was about to fire someone up and they just started laughing... Confused at this response I asked what was so funny... the reply was "just the things you say... you've said "fire someone up" like 4 times today... don't know it's just like you have your own language"... so my question is this... do i actually have certain idiom that comes with the way i communicate? perhaps I have a saying or two.... I don't know... your thoughts?

Next Show!!!! and we have a band name now

We are McCaig's Folly!!! Please come and enjoy the music!!!

Dumfries to Richmond tour

This Sunday was very busy... I love to play music with my friends and jump at the opportunity to do so... I told Keilan that I would play at pillar once a month and I love doing that. this Sunday was special because not only did we play in dumfries, but I also was afforded the opportunity to play with Keilan in Richmond that very night. we didn't get home until almost 11, but it was great having that much time to have heart to heart discussion with a great friend.

Playing In The Streets supports Mission: Indonesia

Wow... this is way late to be sending this out, but a status report is a status report.... on June 21st, PITS had a benefit concert to help raise funds for Indonesia Missions trip and we were not disappointed... I had set the goal of $500 dollars, and we actually raised closer to $650!!! I think that a lot of this had to do with the Pelt team (Jason and Jackson) pluging the fact that we were raising money, and Jackson walking around like a begger child asking for donations must have won the hearts of many (If I had done it I would have gotten sprayed with mace). we were overly blessed by the presence of over 150 people and Camille's took care of us with some of the best food and drink I have had in a long time. overall, this was the best Playing In The Streets EVER!!!!

Ahhh.... The 90's

I relate most of my memories to songs (go figure) and these are just a few that remind me of the great 90's... mostly of my brother and the year 1997 (the year I first went to high school)... up until that point, Joshua was just "my brother" but we never really bonded all that much, until high school. I mean we have always been brothers, but we became friends in high school... I didn't appreciate him until I saw the true love he had for me... to be the only Freshman hanging out with Juniors... and not having to ride the school bus the entire time i was in high school (except the time I got 3 "F's" and a speeding ticket for 89 in a 55 all in the same week). and thinking of that, if i could go back to high school, riding the bus isn't so bad when gas is $4 a gallon... I think it was like $1.80 when I was driving... but I digress. back to these songs... I can hear a song and remember in great detail events that were taking place with josh and i while listening to them... I'm certain I have left a few off this list, but when I hear the songs, a smile comes across my face, and it reminds me of the young boy who wanted so much to be just like his bigger brother...

· Nirvana "Smells Like Teen Spirit"
· R.E.M. "Losing My Religion"
· Pearl Jam "Jeremy"
· Alanis Morissette "You Oughta Know"
· Metallica "Enter Sandman"
· Beck "Loser"
· Third Eye Blind "Semi-Charmed Life"
· Oasis "Wonderwall"
· Spin Doctors "Two Princes"
· Matchbox Twenty "3 AM"
· Weezer "Buddy Holly"
· The Presidents of the United States of America "Peaches"
· Blues Traveler "Run-Around"
· The Cranberries "Linger"
· Sarah McLachlan "Building a Mystery"
· Lisa Loeb & Nine Stories "Stay"
· Better than Ezra “Desperately Wanting”

i forgot to add anything dave matthews...

Being Jason Pelt

Do you remember the peanuts cartoons where you see Lucy at the lemonade stand and she has a random "The (insert profession here) is in" and the charge of 5 cents. occasionally, i feel like her... but i don't charge 5 cents. I find myself being sought after for random advice on things i know very little about... what does this have to do with Jason Pelt? my most recent string of advice advocates have been asking me legal questions (mostly divorce questions so I may not know the answer, but i do know the process). I can't help but feel useful when someone asks me advice that can effect their whole life... and to be correct is even better. Maybe after i shoot some movies and play in a triple platinum record band, I'll take up law... and the pipe dream factory is working over time!

Too busy for this stuff...

Let me first start by saying, I'm not participating in the "BLOG OFF" i will undoubtedly not win such a competition. So many things have happened since my last blog, I guess I really don't ever have anything interesting to write, no one reads this thing anyway... but i digress. as most of you know, especially if you have ever had to deal with me, I am an extremely, busy person. hard to get a hold of, and when you do, I'm usually knee-deep in something else. I am starting to think that i do this intentionally so I don't ponder on wasted opportunity, and things that I could have changed or done differently... what ever the case, it's probably not healthy... I am going to attempt to regiment myself to having a decent bed time (3a.m. is not such a good idea when you get up at 5:15a.m.) things that will NEVER change on my watch are (not in this order) 1) help friends regardless of time constraints, 2) play music and take all feasible opportunities to play with good people, 3) be the best father I can be to Sydney. and 4) spend more time focusing on those things that are more deserving of my time (i.e. studying the bible). As I write this I'm reminded of the play "rent"... before you start getting all fired up about how that is such a terrible play just hear me out... regardless of it's "live for today" or La Vie Boheme (the way of the bohemian) proliferation, there are some practical applications that i have drawn from that movie.... 1) you can blame as many people as you want, but the results of your bad choices are ultimately your own doing. 2) the "live for today" attitude is something to be pondered, most would say that it's wrong... there was a time when I would have said it's wrong, until 5 Nov 2007. i was in a car crash that fractured my spine and broke my ankle, lying on a hospital bed i thought, "If would have died today, how many people would care, further more how many people would care in a year" as morbid as that thought is, the point isn't "how many people like me" but "what kind of impact do i have in the lives of others." I am very forward to tell those people who impact my life how much they mean to me... I value many aspects of many people. and point 3 drawn from this movie, although it was not in the christian connotation, was stand by your friends and love them, even if they are not making the best choices in life....