Jade Marie Durbin-01/16/08

I am finally sitting down late tonight, and blogging about the most important thing in my life: my family. We have a new addition, and her name is Jade. Here's the detailed run down of her arrival:

Wednesday: 7am-We arrive at the hospital to begin inducing.

8am- Doctor says no need for inducing. Jennifer is half-way dialated and breaks water.

8am-9am- Contractions regularly=Jennifer not happy.

9am- Drugs=Jennifer happy. Dialated 7cm

10am- Dialated 10cm - PUSH

10:20am- Jade is delivered.

The whole birth process was simply surreal. At lunch we were sitting around looking at each other, trying fathom what had already happened. Did she really come that fast?
What's funny is, I prayed the night before and all morning that the delivery would be short and sweet, but I don't really think I believed he would answer my prayer. When it actually happened the way I prayed, I was surprised. I was grateful, but surprised. I really believe God enjoys surprising us.
Jade is the sweetest baby in the world. She is very easy going, and is beautiful, just like her mother. God has truly given us a gift, and I love her so much. As I type this, she is sleeping in her cradle. I can't believe she's actually here with us, under the same roof, hearing what we hear and seeing what we see. I can't wait to watch her as she grows up and takes the journey of life. God is an amazing Creator.

American Idol: What gives?

This show is a phenomenon. Even though I'm not partial to the general musical style of the show, I watch it year after year. It never fails. Every year, I proclaim a boycott when they get down to the final 10, and I haven't followed through yet. I just keep watching. So, if you're reading this, I'd love to hear some feedback. I have questions.

As I watched the first episode tonight, this question was debated: "Is it possible for someone, who is relatively intelligent, to realize if they are a bad singer?" What do you think?

My other question is, what do you think of America's choices in year's past? Do you usually agree or disagree? And have you purchased any music from past contestants?

What do you think?

Drums are Truly Multigenerational

1-100
Make sure you watch the whole thing. Nice little reality check for mortality.

Redemption

What some say will probably be a sneak peek at the Eastern Conference Finals, the Celtics took on the Pistons in Auburn Hill. Redemption is sweet tonight, as Boston beat them and repaid them for the loss in the Garden. This is going to be an amazing series in the playoffs, and possibly one of the most predictable match-ups in the conference finals ever. I am very much enjoying the fruits of the big trade last summer. Finally, the Celtics are a huge contender again. Those who see me will see more and more green in my office this year. I actually have their game schedule on my Outlook, thanks to celtics.com. It's great to see Boston winning again!

New Year's Unresolved Issues

Happy new year! I'm excited about 2008. I'm going to be a father again, we'll finally be moving into a house, and our pastoral team at the church is expecting great things for the new year.
When I think of new year's, I think of new year's resolutions. I love the idea of resolutions, because it means people actually are taking an honest look at themselves, and deciding to become better. To become better is to examine one's self, and identify areas of improvement. This is exactly what God wants us to do.

"Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the LORD."
-Lamentations 3:40 niv "

Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves."
-II Corinthians 13:5 niv

The bad thing about resolutions is that we make far more resolutions than actual changes. That's when resolutions become unresolved issues. We tend to not follow through with them, and the more we experience that, the less we make resolutions over the years. This is not good, considering that we need to improve.
In short, let's make resolutions this year. What can I do better? Where can I improve? I invite you to comment on this blog, if you know me, to point out improvements that maybe I wouldn't identify, but be nice. Let's make a goal to look back a year from now, and see improvement.

Here's a list of common new year's resolutions for 2008: (www.new-years-eve.net)
1. Spend more time with your family, your friends and, in general, the ones you love.
2. Hit the gym, eat healthier, get fit and quit smoking and drinking.
3. Get organized and out of debts
4. Free yourself of so many e-mail accounts and visit your friends more instead of using so much the instant messengers

Here's my list:
1. Be a more patient and better father and husband.
2. Lose weight, eat healthy, and get in better shape.
3. Improve as a Spirit-led worship leader.
4. Learn how to play bar chords.(I know, very pathetic)

What's your list?