Guilty Pleasure(s)

I wish I had more inspiration and time to write. Ironically, the song I am listening to right now states, "So much to say..." The artist is Dave Matthews Band. I just got the CD, but that's not really pertinent.

During the summer, I will be taking a Creative Writing course online via CCAC. I am hoping for a few things to come out of this class. First, that I pass so I can graduate. Second, I hope it inspires me to write more. Third, I hope it helps my writing. Because the class is part of the "distance learning" program, I am not anticipating a difficult class; however, I would like to be challenged. Also during the summer, I will be attempting to write more in depth, argumentative papers regarding several different aspect of life. I need YOU to keep me accountable. Anyway, I want to write about different theological ideas that I am wrestling with, and in the same fashion, I would love to write some original ideas. Then again, there is nothing new under the sun. Be prepared for the summer - that's all I can say.

Speaking of summer, I am still not sure as to what I will be doing. I was hoping to work for Physical Plant, but that may not happen because of my status of non-student (graduating in August). If you could pray that the Lord will guide me to the right job for the next year. I don't want to leave Beaver Falls. I love the city, I love the school, and I just became a member of College Hill Reformed Presbyterian Church. As soon as I can, I will be participating a lot more in the church. I want to have a positive impact on my church and the community, but I can't do either without the strength of Christ - only if it is in His Will.

On to something a little more light hearted - guilty pleasures. If you know me, please don't hold this against me.

Recently, I jokingly told my roommate, "Be prepared, I am about to play some of the worst music on my computer." I started going through my collection and realized that I have a variety of tastes. Granted, I haven't listened to a lot of this stuff for a while. Secondly, I don't consider it a guilty pleasure because I love it. It's a guilty pleasure because I shouldn't own it, like it, or acknowledge its presence. For example, if I said, "Britney Spears is one of my guilty pleasures (she isn't)," I don't mean that I love listening to her music. Rather, there is something intriguing about it and when I listen to it, I feel nostalgic and recognize its impact on my life. Alright, on to the list.

1. Carman - Yes, I own Carman. I believe I received it as a gift from my parents during middle school. I was listening to it the other day. As cheesy as it is, I can totally understand why I loved it when I was thirteen. It was catchy and "Christian." I don't agree with his methods, his message, or his theology any more, but as a young, naive Christian, I enjoyed it.

2. Tesla - All of my musical friends make fun of me for having this band. Okay, I loved Tesla in high school. I had a limited Christian music collection. Tesla was a means of me branching out; however, I don't think it was the best band to explore the "other" culture. The lyrics are cliche, poorly executed, and downright stupid. Case in point, listen to "Caught in a Dream," which is just another attempt at creating an "Imagine." On the other hand, the music is catchy 80s rock. They did a cover of "Signs." Just in case you are watching, I do have a VHS copy of a Philadelphia concert they did back in the early 90s.

3. Enya - I still love her. I always will. I know it doesn't fit my criteria, but a 22 year old guy shouldn't obsess over her. I can't wait to complete this collection. I have three of her CDs, but I am still missing the masterpiece "Watermarks." She's still good-looking.


4. Eagle Eye Cherry - He's catchy, but all of his music is the same. He's part Swedish. I couldn't resist.

5. Train - A few radio hits, a lead singer from Erie, and I desire to be popular with the "cool" kids.

6. Halo Soundtrack - I devoted my high school career to this game. I can't remember the last time I listened to this CD. Several of the songs are great, but they're better in the game.

7. Star Wars and Lord of the Rings Soundtracks - I am a dork.

8. Cross Movement - Every Christian needs this Philly rap group. They're tough as nails.

9. DC Talk - They made me feel cool.

10. John Denver - He died in a plane crash. He was on the muppets. He could feel sunshine on his shoulders. The guy was practically begging me to buy his CD. However, only his popular songs are any good. The rest is this new age environmentalist crap.

Music I wish I didn't own.

1. Mercy Me

2. Michael Bolton - It was a free download. I am a freeloader.

3. Carlos Montoya - An annoying Spanish Guitarist

4. Nickelback - They suck. Nuff said.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed my little rant. It wasn't something I really planned, but I just wanted to write so everyone knew that I was still alive.

Christian Eriksson