Mondays are rough! I’m tired, maybe slightly cranky (I’m not awake enough yet to tell and it’s 2:31 PM), and ready to go home. I think my eyes have been exposed to radiation from staring at a computer so long! Luckily it’s a 4-day workweek!
So anyway…I had a pretty eventful weekend! Friday night I went to see Wall-E again! That makes 2 times in 1 week. Great movie! Go see it. My review is a few posts below if you’re interested.
On Saturday, my girlfriend and I went to a place called the Pfunky Griddle for lunch (as pictured above). Weird name. Good food. It has an interesting concept. There is a griddle in the middle of the table. Your waitress brings you 2 spatulas, syrup, and 2 containers of pancake batter. One contains Organic Whole Grain and the other Unbleached White. You also get to pick one topping (I picked M&M’s, she picked banana slices…yeah…I know I act like I’m 5). You then get to make the pancakes yourself however you wish. It’s also all-you-can-eat so you don’t have to worry about conserving the batter. You’re allowed to go crazy! I must say, it was a great experience! I’d definitely recommend checking it out. Not to expensive either. About $6.99/person. Just make sure you go on an empty stomach!
Afterwards, we drove around Nashville going place to place and taking the longest way possible because my GPS system is awful. If you’re wondering what kind I own, it’s the kind that’s in my head. My sense of direction is blah!
Anyway, we hit Toys R Us to check out the Wall-E toys. Even though the movie had only been out for 2 days, the toys were almost all sold out! Ahhh! Quite a disappointment! Oh well…Toys R Us is still a fun store no matter how old you are!
We also hit Old Navy for their $1 flip-flop sale. I bought 2 pairs…and then found out my mom bought me some as well. Yay!
I bought Monster’s Inc. at Target because I can’t get out of my Pixar fix right now. We ended up watching that later. Definitely a good one! Not quite as good as my buddy Wall-E but still quite good!
For dinner, I tried to surprise Hannah with a Hawaiian Pizza from California Kitchen. Unfortunately, since I’m such a dufus, I forgot to take the cardboard off the bottom of the pizza and ruined it. So…I had to make another trip to the store to get another pizza. And as it so happens. that pizza turned to liquid and dripped through my oven, filling my apartment with the smell of burnt hair.
Anyways, it was a nice, relaxing weekend! Monday is almost over…bring on tomorrow!
Tags: Monsters Inc, Old Navy, Pfunky Griddle, Toys R Us, Wall-E
June 30th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
So at the Pfunky Griddle you have to pay $6.99 to make your own pancakes?
June 30th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
Lol, well I did mention to my girlfriend that someone was a true genius by developing a concept that made the consumer pay more while having the workers do less.
It’s more about the atmosphere than anything. Kind of a “Now I can say I’ve done that” sorta place. But, it is all-you-can-eat and the quality is MUCH better than Waffle House or IHOP.
June 30th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
Pfunky? What’s with the “p”? What if I just started spelling my name with a “p”? Pjessica. People would be completely confused. But I could totally rock that.
June 30th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
Jessica: Well, it’s named after the owner whose last name begins with a “pf”
And as far as the pizza goes, david, it was wonderful! :)
June 30th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
Is this amazing place in Tennessee?
By the way, I just noticed that you referenced “California Kitchen” in your blog. Are you referring to California Pizza Kitchen (CPK for locals)?? Please, never, ever buy another frozen CPK pizza. Wait till you are in California for the real thing – BBQ Chicken Pizza… mmmmmm…..
June 30th, 2008 at 6:01 pm
Yeah, it was a frozen pizza from CPK. We have the actual restaurants around here, but I grabbed that one at Kroger…it was only $4.69 so I figured I might as well. Definitely not gonna judge the chain by the frozen pizza.
June 30th, 2008 at 7:30 pm
So where is this Phunky Griddle place? I gotta try it at least once, lol! Although the thought of paying to make my own food IS a little ironic…
That’s a cute picture of you and your girl. :)
BTW, this is my last week at RHP. :( I am very saddened by this but I knew coming in that this was a temporary job. *sigh* I was just hoping and praying that something permanent would open up.
July 1st, 2008 at 7:22 am
Maybe the Pfunky Griddle should pay us for advertising! And thank you to the nameless lady for taking our picture. :)
July 1st, 2008 at 8:56 am
i need someone to take out my trash. if you give me $10 i’ll let you do it.
July 1st, 2008 at 11:59 am
I’ll give you “$50 less” if you never talk again.
July 1st, 2008 at 1:01 pm
Hi, David
I am a parent of a teenager who found your website via the Randall House website. While I know that this blog does not entirely represent Randall House, I was curious to see what an associate editor for my teenager’s curriculum would write about.
I have to say that after reading your blog for June, I’m kind of disappointed. Granted this is only my humble opinion, and I don’t know you in person, but the only thing I have to go on is your blog.
It appears that rather than helping teenagers dissect pop culture with a Christian mind you fluctuate from being an infatuated cheerleader for Disney/ Pixar to being what people in my circles call a “whinny yuppie.”
Please if you are going to seriously use this tool as a ministry for teenagers like my own instead of another outlet for the advertisement of movies and consumer products use a little more maturity.
Thanks
July 1st, 2008 at 1:57 pm
I am glad you are willing to engage such a difficult topic, David. It’s extremely important for teens to know how to discern such topics!
July 1st, 2008 at 2:00 pm
Andy,
Thanks for the comment. I appreciate the honesty in your comment even if I do not completely agree with everything you said. However, hopefully we can agree to disagree on some things.
My blog does speak about pop culture and the Christian perspective. However, not all blogs focus directly on that as you can tell. During the month of June, I made it my goal to post at least 1 blog a day. Since work is very busy this time of year at RH, some days I only had about 5 minutes to post. Instead of not posting anything, I chose to post something light-hearted and fun or random. I figured this was better than posting once a week.
I still have tried to touch on pop culture from a Christian worldview. My post on Katy Perry was a warning to parents and teenagers about the dangers of not only her song, but the media in general. Since I made that post, Perry’s song has hit #1 on the charts, making it even more significant that parents take notice of what is happening with their teens and teen culture.
Earlier this week I posted some lessons I thought we could take from the NBA Draft. Since many of my readers are avid sports fans, I thought it was important to explore that avenue. While I did not bring Scripture or biblical discussion into the post, I felt that the principles were implied. Part of the reason that I could not elaborate was because I wrote the post at the end of the day and had to leave work.
As for being an “infatuated cheerleader” for Disney and Pixar…lol…well it’s not secret I do love their films. One reason I strongly endorsed “Wall-E” was not just because it was a great film, but because it was a wholesome, innocent, and family film. Those types of movies are rare today. When they do come out, I think it is important that Christians make their voice heard. While I appreciate the companies that are making Christian films like “Facing the Giants,” I think Christians shouldn’t solely be resolved to only see “Christian” films. Truth can be found in many different arenas. When movies like “Wall-E” are produced that fall in line with the Philippians 4:8 model (not necessarily Christian but wholesome) I enjoy supporting those endeavors.
As for the “whiny yuppie” comment…I’m a little confused about that. I am curious as to what you mean. I can be whiny at times, especially early in the morning. The dictionary defines “yuppie” as a “young, ambitious, and well-educated city-dweller who has a professional career.” If that was the intention of your statement, then thank you!
In a nutshell, this blog is who I am. I write about things that effect my life as well as the lives of people around me. I don’t try to be “hip” or “cool” but I write about what is on my mind and heart. If that concerns teens and pop culture, then I write about it. If that concerns an area of the media, I write about it. This blog is me and I am using it to the best of my abilities to connect with teens and parents across the globe so we can mutually help each other in our journey for Christ.
If I have offended you in any way I am sorry. I appreciate your comment and your honesty. Like I said before, hopefully we can agree to disagree on this issue. May God bless you in all that you do and I ask you to pray for me as I try to influence teenagers in a godly manner for the kingdom of God.
July 1st, 2008 at 2:31 pm
I don’t understand what is so whiney (hey that’s the third way it’s been spelled) about this blog. I read it, and while some days it is definitely not winning any awards for best written material, I don’t see the harm in it. The point is, in today’s society, are we really concerned that everything our teens do has to have the name “God” printed in bold letters? In my opinion, there are hundreds of other sites your teenager could look at, and probably do, in which they are seeing worse things than whatever offended you on this page. In fact, log onto MySpace or Facebook and I guarantee a half-naked girl advertising online homework help of the sort. But, this is what you have a problem with? If someone can’t appreciate someone just making a post for humor’s sake…I don’t know, it blows my mind.
July 1st, 2008 at 7:24 pm
I have read this blog pretty much since it began. It’s a good blog and yes it does reflect the personality of the author.
But, I too, would like to see a little depth in the blog. I mean anyone could write about the latest movie or the best pancake palace. I think a little of this goes a long ways. A little is good, but not everyday. How about some reviews of the latest Christian albums recorded, or unique things and places young Christians can do and go? I’m not saying it has to be negative or depressing but give me something to read that could somehow be applied to my life.
Take advantage of the opportunity you have to help Christians.
July 1st, 2008 at 7:38 pm
Thanks I appreciate the comment. I actually was planning on writing a post on “Is Salvation Rational?” today but when it appeared a debate opened up on this post, I just decided to let things be for today. If you have been reading from the beginning, you’ve probably noticed that I’ve only been on here for about a month. One of my goals in writing a post every single day in June was to see how people responded to a variety of blogs. I’ve been charting things such as hits and comments based on each individual topic to see what people are reading, interested in, and interested in commenting on. My goal is to understand who the readers are so I can help orient the blog to their interests and concerns.
However, this is still a personal blog. I write about what is going on in my life. I don’t always have time to write something deep, but I try to do so at least once a week. If people wish to ignore the other mumbo-jumbo, that’s fine.
One last note: I want everyone to be adults with all of this and engage this conversation as strictly a conversation and not an argument or dispute. For the future, if anyone wishes to post…feel free to do so…but please include your name with your post. I don’t mind negative comments, but please be willing to stand behind your comments. Thanks!
July 1st, 2008 at 8:47 pm
as an avid pancake fan, i really appreciate the heads up; and what is this pancake palace another reader speaks of; sounds like a great place!
July 1st, 2008 at 9:21 pm
I have read your blog from the very beginning and have enjoyed reading what you had to say…even if they were just random thoughts.
Your random blogs crack me up. They also inspire me to come up with random blogs of my own but I’m not as witty it seems. LOL.
Thanks for the kind words on my blog. They are appreciated. This is going to be hard…leaving RH and all but if this is what God wants then by all means I’m gonna follow Him!
July 1st, 2008 at 9:40 pm
Well,
I wonder how many people who have complained have a blog that deals with culture which is written to engage the denomination’s students, parents, and others? Wait, none? Then why is everyone so critical. Some of these blogs are pretty much goofy, and make me roll my eyes. (Sorry Dave, but the whole chocolate skittles bit has to go.) Other parts of it are very useful. How can someone complain about his review of a new movie? This is a blog about…culture. Movies are one of the biggest reflections of the culture that we live in.
It’s amazing to me that people are a bit critical about a website that they don’t have to read. No one forces their hand to go to this website and read each word here. Honestly, if I didn’t like this blog, then I wouldn’t come to it. No one could make me. I also wouldn’t complain about what he was writing just because I didn’t like it.
Finally, I honestly think any teenager who happens upon this blog would enjoy it. I mean, it engages the youth culture. As a youth minister, I’m glad that Free Will Baptists and Randall House allow this blog to be free. We see the humanity of denominational workers and don’t just assume that they’re all robots who only think about Christian curriculum and concepts. The truth is, we are to live our lives in Christ, and our lives are to reflect Christ…but everything that we say, or in this instance, write about, doesn’t have to have the word Christ or Christian in it for it to be an edifying read.
I applaud the work and will continue to support it and read it, as well as (*cheesy advertisement*) link to it from my blog which is in the works.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:27 am
OK, David, here’s the promised response…
1) Pop culture, no, culture in general, encompasses ALL of life – chocolate covered skittles and all.
2) We live in a secular culture – in, not of. Part of teaching children and teens is teaching them how to deal with secular things. We don’t live in a Christian bubble. Christian music is fine…but let’s help our kids thrive in the world, not shelter them from it.
3) I know David…we go way back haha…but if I just happened upon this, I would want to know about the writer and his life, not just his ideas on faith related issues. His opinion means nothing if his life doesn’t back it up.
Let me sleep on it and I may have more…but seriously, FWBs (of which I am one) need to lighten up. :)
July 2nd, 2008 at 8:18 am
David, if you’re making someone uncomfortable, chances are you’re doing something right.
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:12 am
1) Good call, Jacob! Totally true.
2) David, I really appreciate how you are responding to the negative comments on your blog. It shows your maturity, if you ask me. :)
3) People, blogs are for an author’s own thoughts and feelings. Think of it as he/she sharing a journal entry with you. This blog may not always have deep spiritual topics (much like a journal entry wouldn’t either), but it always carries an underlying spiritual emphasis. The author’s goal is to engage today’s youth (and parents) in discussions/thoughts about youth culture. And that’s exactly what he’s doing. Whether that’s Chocolate Skittles, Pixar movies, or warnings against Katy Perry. It’s all part of culture and all pertinent to today’s youth. We gotta be in the world, just not of. Jesus said so. Keep blogging, and I’ll keep reading, David.
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:59 am
I couldn’t agree more with what Jacob said.
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:58 pm
Ok So I’ll be the first to admit. I misjudged this blog at first. It wasn’t what I expected, I thought that maybe this blog could be used for a better purpose (I was “another reader”). But today, I had this thought, this sounds like something I would write, about Reeses, Pancakes, etc. Then I got to thinking. So maybe it is a little “surfacy” and maybe a little depth would be good. Until today, I hadn’t heard the Katy Perry song…you hit the nail on the head. So I guess I need to apologize for my previous comment. Sorry!
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:05 pm
No problem at all! Everyone is entitled to an opinion and I welcome that. Your previous comment was done in a respectable way and your recent comment was commendable as well. Thanks for reading!
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Wow – I read a lot of blogs and I’m always fascinated by the comments (the best are 2 and 3 page commentaries on the state of college football in Pennsylvania), but this takes the cake. I agree with Jessica – blogs are purely an online journal, not a daily article that has to be super serious and in-depth.
Keep on writing David – and don’t let comment threads deter you from your ideas.
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:42 pm
Joe,
You left the first comment on this post on June 30 and actually asked a question about the blog topic–pancakes. 25 comments later, you summed up the whole debacle! (Btw, my 3 page commentary on Joe Paterno and the Penn State Nittany Lions will be posting shortly)
July 2nd, 2008 at 4:14 pm
David – Good stuff here! I just wanted to encourage to continue what you’re doing. You responding quite nicely. I like what Jake had to say “… you’re probably doing something right!” Keep it up!
Keeping my head out of the sand,
PastorPusch
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:00 pm
David,
It seems that everyone has left you their opinion on your work, and I’m not gonna do that here, because I’ll just talk to you in person about something like that. As for my two cents on the above comment, I believe that when someone hangs their neck out there to actually minister in some creative way, they open themselves to criticism from those on the sidelines. Whether or not your critics are on the sidelines makes no difference, but I just want you to know that what you’re doing is worth the flack. Keep doing what you believe in. It will affect lives no matter what someone might say.