jasonboucher

Favourites - Food Network

The Food Network is to me what TLC at the height of Trading Spaces is to some people.

I love what they do with their branding, from the flipping of a logo a.k.a an egg or on the grill, to it popping like popcorn. Love it.

The shows that I watch the most on the network are...

• Kitchen Nightmares (Gordon Ramsey has to be one of my favourites - dunno why, but he is)
• Iron Chef America
• Restaurant Makeover
• License to Grill

In fact, the more I think about it, the more Gordon Ramsey could be one of my favourites all on his own. I know he curses like a sailor, is gruff and quite mean at times, but man do I love his passion and standard of excellence.

For someone who doesn't love food, I know its odd that I love the network, but dunno, I just do?

Favourites - Iced, Tall, Non-fat, Latte

I can't believe I have been doing these things for over a week and Starbucks hasn't been listed yet? Well, if its summer and you find me a St. Arbucks, this is what I will be downing. If its a particularly tough day, the second shot of espresso will be in there as well. That gets me on another topic - and I may come off as a coffee snob here, but its espresso as in es-presso not ex-presso. Again, if we are out and you order an expresso - I won't correct you...but I will be thinking espresso.

The only thing I do differently with my latte is I put honey in it. With being allergic to sugar, it gives me just the right amount of sweetness. Although, one of my friends recently asked me if I wanted a latte with my honey. I think he may be right?

Favourites - Brookstreet Hotel.

Once or twice a year Lori and I love to get away for a few days (2-3) to spend time with each other. Having four kids under the age of 8 is a huge blessing, but like anything, it can also be a bit hectic at times. When we look at our lives, every 4-5 years we get away for a vacation together, but these mini-retreats are just perfect. We have tried a bunch of different hotels, but love Brookstreet the best. It also happens that there are a few employees that work there, who attend Lifecentre, & they provide us with a friends rate (didn't I mention a few posts ago that I love a good deal?)

It is only a 25 minute drive from where we live, which is nice. Little fussing with a long car drive, we know the great places to eat etc...and if we are needed, for an emergency with one of our wee ones, we can be there in a hurry (that hasn't happened to us as of yet).

If you are ever in Ottawa, and want a great, modern hotel experience, check out Brookstreet. Yet...if you happen to see Lori and I there, don't be offended if we are not very chatty as we are on our "retreat" :-)

Favourites - Rest

I know today is the sabbath - and it is only appropriate that rest is listed as one of my favourite things.

I heard it once said, and I completely agree, that as a follower of Christ, rest is a weapon. When I am tired I am not at my best when it comes to decision making, creativity, or follow through. Yet the opposite is quite true. I have no problem taking 24 hours to disconnect from Lifecentre or work related activities. In fact, if it is interrupted, I get annoyed.

During a normal work week, my sabbath is Friday. I am looking forward to the day when all the kids are in school and Lori and I can go out for lunch or a tea to chat. Yet I also love spending time with the kids on Friday, especially if it is just me and a few of them.

If you are connected 24/7 - just remember that rest isn't doing "nothing" but a might weapon in the hands of an insightful person.

Favourites - Moxie's

First things first - I am the most boring person when it comes to food. I have never "loved" it like so many people I know. I have always been this way. Put a piece of chocolate cake or an apple in front of me as a kid, and I was just as content with the apple.

A few years ago I became quite sick, and after many unpleasant tests found out that most of my illness was food related. I am allergic to yeast, sugar, and anything fermented. Having said that, which rules out a ton of foods, Moxie's is one of my favourite places to eat.

My order?

Drink: San Pellegrino
Appetizer: Sweet Potato Fries
Main Course: Top Sirloin Steak Salad (steak has to be rare/medium)
After Meal: Walk Over to Starbucks for another "favourite thing".

Favourites - Dress Shirts

Steve Jobs has his jeans and black long sleeve t-shirts.
Me, jeans and a dress shirt.

And there is something about the sleeves, that even in winter, they need to be rolled up - unless it is minus a hundred outside and even then it might just happen. Sometimes on my day off I will come downstairs...in jeans and a dress shirt and Lori will look at me with this odd..."You know its your day off right?" type of expression. I do, I am just so comfy in 'em.

If you were to raid my closet today, you would find four main brands of dress shirts.

• Guess
• Banana Republic
• H & M
• Mexx

Lastly, I never, and I mean never buy anything retail or at full price. I am the master at getting a bargain.

Still Conferences

I recently celebrated my first year as the lead pastor at Lifecentre. Going into this year I had set some personal goals. Nothing I would share with my staff, in a sermon, or on my blog - just things that I knew God was calling me to.

One of those things was take one year and not attend any conferences.

This was a big deal for me as I love to learn, and conferences can provide an amazing opportunity to do just that. Yet, I knew, what I needed most was stillness not an influx of ideas in this current season. Sometimes the best idea is the one that you don’t get inspired about at the next conference, but rather keep plugging away on within your current context.

On another note, you have to check out Scott's post today - really great insight.

Favourites - Gap Jeans

I completely realize that the first three of my favourites are consumer driven things, and I don't quite know what that says or doesn't say about me, but I am not going to worry about it too much - take it as you will. This is suppose to be fun - at least for me.

I wear jeans almost everyday (unless I am on holidays then its shorts all the way). Being a staple in my wardrobe, I have tried a ton of different brands. For me, nothing can beat a pair of low rise, boot fit jeans from Gap.

I am a 34x30 straight off the rack, no alterations required. I have three pairs and usually go through 2-3 pairs a year. I see other people with those real fancy jeans, and they are great for them, just don't look good on me.

Next..."dress shirts".

Favourites - Apple

Apple Inc.

I know...surprise, surprise. While I don't think I am an apple snob, I do love their stuff. I have been a huge fan for about 10 years now. My first mac was a "blue and white G3" that ran OS9 and I loved it. I actually bought it off a graphic designer and it came with all the programs. It was where I learned how to use photoshop, illustrator, etc...

I think the biggest reason why I love them is the syncing between products and the stuff that runs on them. Its nice knowing that the company that is developing the apps also makes the computers. I would have to add much fewer, if any, viruses is a huge plus.

I am such a huge fan that, back in 2003, I met my dad (who was coming back from overseas) in San Fransisco and we caught one of Steve Jobs infamous Keynotes. I can still remember waiting in line with him, watching the Keynote, talking about his presentation and why so many preachers are boring, and then finding a wi-fi in a Starbucks and ordering him his new 12" PowerBook G4. He always reminds me how he was a machead before I was, and he is right.

One more thing - the logo is genius. An apple with a byte missing. Classic.

In Constant Amazement...

Some people marry "up" - and others marry completely outside the stratosphere. I consider myself in that latter category, and I love myself :-)

The best thing about holidays is that I get to spend loads of time with Lori.