I needed Chuck today. I was trying to write when a guy walks into the coffee shop sporting a front-tuck, flip-flops, and a popped collar. Apparently he owned the place. I had my headphones on in-order to hide from the shuffle of commerce, but that didn’t stop this guy. He kept telling the cute barista it smelled like updog in here . . . what’s updog?

Today was difficult, and I can’t explain why. I tried to write – I did, but as I look at the material I’ve composed thus far in hopes to finish a book, I keep getting the feeling that it’s not right. I scraped two chapters today and edited one. Sigh.

Beware of blog worship. Hmm.

I think God is consistently inconsistent. And instead of picking up your NASB for a backhand, listen because this is one of the reasons I know he loves me. One of my personality traits is the fact that I crave consistency and order. Watching pieces of a puzzle take their place in destiny gives me a terrific sense of release. A friend of mine calls it satisfying the J. More officially, it’s the enjoyment of organizing and structuring that which previously had no desire to be organized or structured. Straightening up a desk would be a wonderful example of this. Convincing my brother that all grain products should go on the second shelf of the pantry where they belong is another. One friend calls this OCD, but she’s a raging alcoholic and should be dismissed as a heretic. [read more]

I breached Travis County at dusk – a locomotive bent on Austin churning down mile after southbound mile. Singing about graveyards of the rusted automobiles, Willie and I enjoyed the endless blanket of hill country trees illuminated by a tired sun. Austin at dusk reminds me of road trips during college. But college is over and today, I am gone two hundred miles as the day is done. I’m here and I’m happy.

In less than twelve hours I will be heading to the Lone Star’s capitol to take up residence. I can almost smell the hill country and lake water and wish I was already there. Lately, more than anything, I’ve been leaving – leaving my job, leaving Dallas, leaving Los Angeles, leaving Dallas again, but trying to explain it right now seems irreverent – all I know is I am beside myself with excitement and anticipation. So why am I so excited? Well, there are many reasons for this. Shall we? [read more]

is quite possibly the most enjoyable piece of creative-nonfiction literature I have ever engaged. Author David Sedaris has been an honest and distant friend for about three weeks now, and I can say that I am officially in worship. Genius. Nothing but genius. No I haven’t met him, but after reading this earthy memoir of his, I feel as though we could be close friends, say, if we met. . .on a train. . .in France. . .and I thought he were a pick-pocket. I recommend a read through of Me Talk Pretty One Day for two reasons: a) you will laugh out loud making everyone around you jealous, because everyone likes to laugh out loud. Thus, you will be popular, and b) short chapters. So, you should read it because it will make you popular and stupid. . .like Cosmo. But with Sedaris, you actually feel better about yourself.

Of all the comedies that I enjoy, none make me laugh harder than Waiting for Guffman. If you have not seen it, please do yourself a favor. The mockumentary style is the second in a beautiful string of films that follow this style. Christopher Guest directed this before moving on to Best in Show and A Mighty Wind. But before Guffman was This is Spinal Tap, one of the 90’s greatest and funniest films, and while Guest didn’t direct This is Spinal Tap, he co-wrote and starred in it as well. Anyways, if you haven’t seen Waiting for Guffman yet, go grab a coke at DQ and be prepared to bite your pillow – it’s that funny.

Why do we fear mistakes? Who taught us so? I have quit modern American Christianity. This is no secret. Thus far, freedom, healing, and a barrage of impassioned challenges to uphold biblical traditions have been my consequences. But today, I am not afraid.

I just saw the Illusionist with Edward Norton and that girl who has creases on one side of her smile but not the other, and all I really have to say is, Called it! Halfway through the movie, I called it and then had to sit bored as I watched it unfolded as predicted. If you haven’t seen it, know that it does have merit concerning cinematography and set design. I loved the film treatment and coloring and the sets were incredibly well done and appropriate. But little character arc eventually got the better of me, and I found myself rather indifferent towards hero and heroine. The acting was salvageable. I like Paul Giamatti, but not in a confident and aggressive role. It just doesn’t suit him. Sorry Paulo, I think you should stick to Sideways. And because I have a proverbial crush on Tyler Durden, I will always love Edward Norton; although as of late, I haven’t enjoyed his work quite as much. His name is Robert Palmer.

I submitted what can be called a First Draft yesterday. Some friends who are helping me edit and formulate ideas and concepts have in their hands, the official first draft of a book. I was incredibly insecure, but after two beers, I was more inclined to flirt with the waitress than worry about my heart being on paper. Special thanks to Zach and Jason for the amazing task of helping.

On a more geographical note, I’m going to Austin for an indefinite period of time to finish writing and editing – most likely on Tuesday. With a wonderful network of friends in Dallas, I’m finding it increasingly difficult to hide and focus – both of which are necessary for me to write freely.

Thanks for checking. Talk soon.

It’s true. I’ve completed the first draft of a book. Oh, you didn’t know I had decided to write a book? Well I did, and now my first pass at trying to make something happen is complete.

It’s also true, that I am done with California. It was overwhelmingly clear that once the first draft was complete, my time out West was to be over.

So I’ve stolen the keys and I’m heading home. Ain’t no trip to Cleveland.

Click here for details.