Well I’m officially done with the semester and am really ready for a break.  I work for a few days and then will head down to Camas to be with the family for six weeks!  I’m spending January in a couple of classrooms in mom’s district.  It’ll be a good break away from Spokane and hopefully relaxing before I start student teaching in February.

I wanted to record a new song before Christmas and I ended up having the time.  This will be my first song outsourcing talent to someone else.  I asked a friend at Whitworth if she would play cello and she agreed.  Kirsten you rock!  After a couple hours I had all I needed and I finished mixing that night.

Growing Old – by Stephan Ainley

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I’ll admit that there are days
I’m the rat running through the maze
Looking for you dear; waiting for a sign
Hoping life doesn’t leave me behind

Yet still I try
Playin’ all these games
The trail goes cold
And I’m growing old

There are days when I’ll admit
That I don’t see the point of it
You could be near or maybe not
I’m not looking to where I ought

Yet still I try
Playin’ all these games
And like a cold
They’re growing old

At times I’m not sure what exactly I’m waiting for
But It’d be stupid not wait and just ignore
You’re plan for me

I’ll admit that there are times
With just a word you could be mine
But to what end?  Maybe for the day
Oh I’m wishing my life away

Yet still I try
I’m not sure what to say
‘Bout ready to fold
Still growing old

Boy it’s been a busy two months. I’m midway through fall semester with about six weeks left until Christmas break. I have had a couple of recent changes that make the last half of the semester different and interesting. One of my education class ended while another started and I started up my last PE class. After enough pressure from my dad (j/k) I signed up for ice skating. I had never ice skated before in my life so I knew I was up for a lot of learning. Last Thursday was our first day on the ice and I was really bad. I guess I’ll let you know how I’m going in a month.

About a month ago I participated in Whitworth Unplugged again. This is my third year in a row participating and my second year doing it alone. I always love playing and really need to find more excuses to do it. This year I played “25 years ago today” and “I wanna grow old with you.” I didn’t place, but I had a lot of fun and enjoyed playing. Here are the videos:

As I said, I’ll be done in about six weeks. I’ll head home and spend Christmas break and Jan term in Camas. I’m spending the month of January in Battle Ground in a couple ESL (English as a Second Language) classrooms as part of my teaching classes. After that I’ll start my student teaching back in Spokane in February.

I’m excited and ready.

I just got back from Camas, WA visiting family and celebrating my parents’ 25th anniversary.  They renewed their vows last Sunday.  I had an awesome time and it was a great ceremony.  I sang and played guitar pretty much the whole time.

Anyhoo I wasn’t originally planning on writing them a song, but a couple weeks before the ceremony inspiration struck.  I have a couple other songs that I haven’t recorded but I’m still excited about this one so that makes recording it easy.  Plus my mom wants it to listen to.  :)

I love you guys.  Congratulations!  Here’s looking forward to many many more.

25 Years Ago – by Stephan Ainley

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25 years ago today
A man joined his wife
Who had everything to give him
She had a baby on the way
Who was not that well planned
At least by any human hand

But I’m so glad it turned out like this
These things in life we often miss
A precious mistake a second kiss
Taking time to reminisce

25 years ago today
A woman joined her husband
Who wasn’t sure the future
He had a baby on the way
Which was nothing to be proud of
But eventually to love

And I’m so glad it turned out like this
These things in life we often miss
A needed hug an extra long kiss
Taking time to reminisce

25 years ago today
A plan was put in motion
Set up quite the notion that
Things don’t go always our own way
And we don’t always know best
And when you lay to rest

I know you’re glad it turned out like this
These things in life we often miss
Three kids and grand kids in the plans
Praising God and holding hands