red's blog

ATL Snow Day 10_02_12

2010-02-13T15:35:00.001-05:00

Here are time elaspe pictures of the snow at my apt....

straight up pictures

Video slide show download

butt kicker amp

2010-01-06T18:57:00.001-05:00

So... We are trying to resurrect this for a butt kicker. The problem is, it's not passing audio. Tests prove nothing usefull. We have schematics and such but haven't been able to pin point the problem. Our only idea right now is the a large group of transisters might have gone bad. But our limited knowledge of transisters prevent us from testing them. We might try to replace them.

New LCD's - Setup beta 2

2009-12-05T14:14:00.000-05:00

New LCD's - Setup beta 2

Gym Service 09_11_29 Pictures

2009-12-01T01:06:00.001-05:00

Gym Service 09_11_29

Gym Service 09_10_26 Pictures

2009-12-01T00:08:00.000-05:00

Gym Service 09_10_26

Gym Service 09_10_04 Pictures

2009-12-01T00:07:00.000-05:00

Gym Service 09_10_04

2009-11-10T11:00:00.001-05:00

My new fire despenser.

Desk Top Test 2

2009-10-25T21:17:00.001-04:00

Possible audio one-line for desk...

2009-10-22T23:52:00.001-04:00

Desk Top Design Alpha 2

2009-10-22T01:33:00.002-04:00

Desk Top Design Alpha 2

Desk Top Test 1

2009-10-16T16:50:00.002-04:00

Jacob and I went to Home Depot, bought a piece of wood (can't remmeber what it's called) and used my Google Sketch Up drawing to cut a prototype of the top layer for the desk we are designing. Here it is in action...

Thanks Jacob!

Costa Rica trip pictures

2009-10-09T21:33:00.001-04:00

Here is a link to the pictures I took in my recent trip to CR...

Slide Show!

2009-10-07T17:36:00.001-04:00

Now awaiting the Springman seal of approval...

2009-10-07T16:18:00.001-04:00

12 more to go....

2009-10-07T14:20:00.001-04:00

Making progress...

2009-10-07T11:34:00.001-04:00

Teriminating patch bays...

2009-10-06T09:50:00.001-04:00

Those of you who have been in the Tech Lab might agree with me that this is hilarious...

2009-10-05T16:53:00.001-04:00

Video switcher guts.....

2009-10-05T10:18:00.001-04:00

The beauty of living 5 minutes walking distance from work is being able to walk to work when you have car trouble. Except when it's raining.

2009-10-04T21:54:00.001-04:00

Early midnight snack...

2009-10-04T19:04:00.001-04:00

Running sound for Passion for Justice...

2009-10-03T16:59:00.003-04:00

God gave us two nostriles for a reason. In case one gets sick and can't function properly.

Going to Costa Rica

2009-09-19T21:54:00.001-04:00

Some of you have heard. Most have not. But here is the official word: I am going to Costa Rica to help Boy With A Ball work at youth camp/conference! I leave Atlanta (ATL) for San Jose (SJO) on September 22nd and return back to ATL on the 27th.

While we're there, we will host a camp for 250 kids. The camp starts on Thursday and ends on Sunday. During this time, we hope to teach the kids leadership qualities and to build relationships that could one day open doors to more deeper relationships. This is an awesome opportunity that we are VERY excited about! We will do this through special speakers (including Jamie Johnson) and activities that require teamwork and leadership. (there is more to it, but I don't know all the details yet.) I do know that the camp will be structured very much like Camp of Champions back in the States. And as with CoC, my primary role for this camp will be Tech Director. The nice thing this time around is I can't bring ANYTHING with me. I will be using gear that is already at the facility. The only things I will be packing is clothes and my computer. Something I'm definitely not used to!

2009-08-10T22:33:00.001-04:00

Frosted chocolate fudge or brown sugar cinniman?

2009-08-10T13:53:00.001-04:00

I love an organized tech lab! http://ping.fm/QlJOT

2009-08-09T17:19:00.001-04:00

It's official folks. I now own an iPhone.

Art and the church

2009-06-15T02:02:00.001-04:00

This article, written by my boss Matt Reeves, is so relevent to me that I'm posting a link to it here...

http://ping.fm/Ckjdd

Pictures from Gym Service 09_50_24

2009-06-14T01:33:00.001-04:00

Forgot to mention some good stuff about hair cuts

2009-06-06T23:34:00.001-04:00

So... I got my hair cut friday... while I wasn't happy about some stuff... I was very happy about a few other things...

first... you must know that ever since I moved here, I have been looking for a good place to get a haircut that doesn't charge a fortune and does a good job.

I think I may have found the place. I found a barbers shop not too far from my place that is very southern in style. :) Kinda redneck interior... with hunting stuff/decor around the place. :) There were a couple of guys in there that looked like they've been at it for a while and not some newbie just out of school. (no offense)

So... after got past the 20 questions of "how do you want it?", he went at it. He didn't try to strike up conversation, but conversed when I did... and stopped when I did. Which I greatly appreciate, 'cause I normally don't like talking when there's blades and such around my head. Also... when it came time for the 2nd baptism, (i.e., they spray water on your head) he didn't drench me like most others do. He only sprayed what he needed. When he finished, he took warm shaving cream and shaved the back of my neck... something I have not seen in your typical haircut here in Atlanta...

Sadly, they didn't take credit card... so I had to pay cash. :/ not a big deal though.

Why I don't like hair cuts

2009-06-05T20:38:00.001-04:00

So… I figured out why I don't like haircuts.

1. It cost money. Not a big deal, but why should something so simple cost $13 or more?

2. When they get those electric clippers in certain spots along my neck and ears, it causes my spine to totally freak out.

3. The barbers also ask questions. I don't know what I want. I don't know how I do my hair. I'm a guy. I just comb the dumb stuff.

4. There's almost always a line of people. You have to wait. I'm a spoiled american brat that wants everything now. haha.

5. Time. It always takes 30 mins or more. There's no such thing as a 5 minute haircut. (Not that I want them to hurry up and mess my head up…)

Ok. So… some of those really aren't a big deal. But the first 2 are the ones that really bother me. haha…. there's my thoughts of the day.

Life this past week or so...

2009-06-02T12:14:00.002-04:00

We spent last week setting up and running tech for a battle of the bands concert in he Hanger at Perimeter Church. We were very excited to be part of this as we rarely get to exercise our creativity. Matt and Chris did lighting, Wade did audio, Patrick and I did video. Needless to say... it was awesome! Here is a link to some of the video... Pics will be up soon too...

http://www.vimeo.com/4954499

The day after the event, were to start on a major project. Upgrading our video system to HD! A massive project we have been working on for nearly a year. Unfortunately, I am sick an unable to help with this project. I'm very unhappy about this as I missing out on a valuable learning experience.

Rooted FOH setup

2009-05-16T13:38:00.001-04:00

Also cool...

2009-05-04T21:50:00.001-04:00

http://www.thinkgeek.com/computing/usb-gadgets/7e3e/?cpg=ab

Tech is amazing....

2009-05-04T21:44:00.000-04:00

If you could have anything...

2009-04-29T22:32:00.002-04:00

If you could have anything... what would it be? Kinda like 3 wishes, but you only get one.

I have to admit that the first thing that came to my head wasn't Jesus.

If you could change one thing...

2009-04-20T17:49:00.002-04:00

We all have something in our lives that is the highest priority. Now, for the sake of this discussion, let's take God as being the highest of priorities out of the picture. I'm talking about stuff like... career, family, school, friends... etc.

So... I pose this question to you and myself: If there was one thing you could change about "____", what would it be?

I work at Perimeter Church and they are my highest priority in life right now. There are many things that I would like to see done differently, but when I think of this question, and plug it in various scenarios, I begin to see things differently. I begin to feel the pain that others who do have the power to make said change...

My thoughts of the week...

2009-04-15T17:27:00.002-04:00

so... I had a revelation the other day. Sparked by James Christerson. We were chatting about anxiety... And he told me his definition of anxiety. In that definition, he mentioned some stuff about control. I don't like the idea being a control freak. However, I realized , that I am indeed a control freak in some sense. Basically, I feel like things should be under control. Not necessarily my control, but controlled in a way that I feel is good and a positive thing. The list of things I feel like should be controlled is kinda long. Some of these are minor, some are major.

Another core problem related to this "control problem" would be selfishness.

In the midst of all this, a verse kept being brought to my attention...

Philippians 4:6-7

"Do not fret or have anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.

And God's peace shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

I'm thinking about making this my verse for this season. Kinda like a theme song.

So... here's what I'm going to do:
1. Not be as selfish.
2. Not worry so much. (i.e., not desire as much control over a situation)

Ok. so, that list was dumb. I haven't a clue what I'm supposed to exactly. But I will be trying to live out this verse more.

Inspiration I don't need!

2009-03-30T17:53:00.015-04:00

I love this! I REALLY want to do this one day!

Police reported three dozen cheerful bystanders, yet no one claims to have seen who did it.

The life of a Minesweeper

2009-03-07T13:47:00.001-05:00

BTW, I don't recomend the site... but the video is awesome!

Target vs Publix

2009-02-25T20:41:00.002-05:00

So... I strongly dislike grocery shopping. I'm not good at it. I don't like dealing with parking. Don't like pushing a buggy around. I don't like dealing with people... going around them, waiting for them, having them cut in front of me while looking at the shelf... it's not any one element that I can't handle. It's the whole package. Then... There's the check out. ALWAYS packed. You would think companies would figure out faster ways to take our money.

So, most of these issues are dealt with by shopping at Target. While it's a much smaller grocery store, there are less people and things are quieter. There's less to chose from. Which can be a good thing. Who would have known that there are 10 million different kinds of cheeses at a grocery store? Brands, styles, types, sizes... options, options, options. I love options. But sometimes, there are just too many!

Then there is publix. PEOPLE PEOPLE PEOPLE! EVERYWHERE! They need to have lanes for all the people and buggies like they do for cars! They are everywhere! It's nuts! Loud! Slow... chaos! You can't get anywhere without saying "excuse me!" But, the good thing is they have WAY more stuff. I even found the new cookie 'n cream pop tarts! I'm really excited about that... Then. The dreaded checkout. Totally packed with people and full buggies! There's just no end. So, there I stand... bored. Running my phone battery down trying to find something to do.

Ok. Those are my thoughts of the day. Have fun shopping!

Taking apart a LCD

2009-02-24T19:11:00.000-05:00

Dinner....

2009-02-24T18:51:00.000-05:00

Quest to Serve

2009-02-23T21:10:00.004-05:00

So... I like to help people. That's the main part of the mission statement for my life. When I lived in Mobile, it was easy to find someone to help. There always seemed to be need somewhere. For me, it was church, the school, the youth group, the college group, fire dept and other friends. There were always things for me to do to improve things.

I have moved to a new environment. The needs are different. I have to find new ways to serve. I knew this before I moved but I didn't know it would be like this. I have been here for almost 2 years and I still don't have it figured out. I never knew that helping people could be so hard.

I live in one of the richest areas in the world. People don't need the things I used to do in mobile. I work at a church with a 13 million dollar operational budget, 4,000-6,000 people and most people already have a developed circle of friends that can help them if they need help.

So, I try to volunteer with other ministries doing tech. (after all, God wants me to do tech right?) The problem I'm running into was either the ministry doesn't need/want my help(that's what having 4000 people is good for) or I was too helpful. (that's new for me)

So, my quest continues... Where do I go to serve others using my skill set of tech? Is that what I'm supposed to do right now? Perhaps this is the part of the show where I change my life mission statement? (I doubt it, but I must consider the question)

Cool guitar v-editing...

2009-02-10T01:17:00.001-05:00

Gym Service 09-01-26

2009-02-01T00:49:00.000-05:00

Perimeter Infrastructure Upgrade 08-09

2009-01-31T22:07:00.002-05:00

Another attempt to use MS Live for photo hosting. I really wish they had a way to embed slideshows into my blog.

Gym Service Pictures 12/21/08

2009-01-14T21:14:00.001-05:00

Gym Service Pictures 12/21/08

Pictures from the Gym Service 12-14-08

2008-12-14T22:32:00.001-05:00

Getting Ready for Christmas 2008!

2008-12-06T13:57:00.003-05:00

Here's what's going on in my life....

Working and learning at Perimeter Church. I'm learning everything from how to program lighting, work with Aviom monitors, fix consoles, hang conduit, FIND conduit, make cables, fix cables, troubleshoot projectors (this gets old after 27 projectors) and much more... Even stuff like how to interact with producers to create a worshipful environment, create systems and policies for running tech for a large church, and of course... good ol church politics. yay!

I spent a good portion of the my spare time this past summer and fall playing in an ultimate league... We lost pretty bad in both seasons, but we had a lot of fun and I learned a lot (mainly the fact that I'm not that good at ultimate) I have also got more involved in the singles/college group of Perimeter Church. I spend a lot of time helping them with tech and producing services.

I just got back from a great time with friends and family over thanksgiving... and now I'm getting ready for Christmas! I struggle at Christmas. I don't fully understand a lot of things. The biggest thing I struggle with is the fact that a lot of us (including me) buy gifts for people because we feel like we have to. Or perhaps we want to... that's great, but do they really want or need what we buy for them? I spend a lot of time trying to figure out what to buy people for Christmas. The thing is, I really do want to give stuff to people, but I don't know what to give them. Why? I don't spend enough time with them and I'm not close enough to them. I don't know their deepest wants and desires. Now... go watch this video and then come back to this email....

Ok, now... after seeing this video, how am I supposed to respond? I have to respond. Even if I choose not to do anything... I must respond. So... here is what I'm going to do.... I'm going to go to Mobile and spend time with friends and family. 2nd, I will buy some gifts, but not nearly as many. If I can think of things I want to give you and feel like you want it, I will do what I can to make that happen. At the end of it all, I will take the leftover money I have budgeted and donate to organizations that I feel like God wants me to. (probably BWAB) Now, if I don't get you something for Christmas, don't be offended. If you got this email, I would love to give something to you! But I can't. Money, time, knowledge.... I don't have it all. I tell you what I can do... hang out with you. We can do a meal together, get a coffee (no I don't drink it, but I can watch you drink yours) or whatever....

Now, here is my request for Christmas this year.... don't buy me anything. Take a portion of that money and donate it to an organization that is serving and helping other people who are in greater need. here are some links...

!http://www.adventconspiracy.org/
http://www.water.cc/
http://www.boywithaball.com/

I want to make clear that I am not suggesting that gifts at Christmas (or any other time) are bad. But I also want to make it clear that I am not at all offended if I do not receive gifts. I realize that I might turn into the black sheep of the family, but I feel like it's what God wants me to do.

Now, here are my travel plans for Christmas 2008 - I will come into Mobile on the 22nd (Monday) and leave on the 29th (Monday) I will stay in Wilmer for most of the week. (other locations TBD) I will go to Mississippi on Christmas Eve, mom's on Christmas Morning (after 8am) and to Granny's on Christmas Night. If anyone wants some hang out time, shoot me an email or call me and we'll set it up! I hope everyone is doing well and please feel free to email me and tell me what's going on in your life!

Ashley Lane
ronaldashleylanejr@gmail.com
678-325-9391

Christmas Plans

2008-12-01T20:56:00.001-05:00

Ok... so, I'm back from Thanksgiving vacation. Yay. Next, Christmas. I plan on coming into Mobile on Dec 22nd and leave on the 29th. Those of you who want to hang out with me... send me an email and I'll put it on my calendar!

Saddly, I will not be able to go to NEXT09. Because of the location and dates, I cannot make it happen. It's too close to Christmas to make it feasable. :(

Advent Conspiracy

2008-11-24T00:58:00.003-05:00

I'm sick of Christmas and the way we do it. I have a list a mile long of things I don't like... but... this video sums it up nicely and in a much kinder way than I would do it. It really hits home for me really hard. It has really stirred me up. Soooo.... what is going to be your response? You have to respond. Even if you chose to do nothing. I have my own response in mind.

For those who thought I would never do it...

2008-11-17T22:52:00.004-05:00

Gym Service Pictures 10-5-08

2008-11-04T17:42:00.001-05:00

new attire idea?

2008-10-27T17:59:00.002-04:00

so... I'm thinking about wearing black shirts and red ties from now on. What do you think?

Photos from the Gym service

2008-09-22T17:47:00.001-04:00

google RD

2008-09-19T01:20:00.002-04:00

http://www.globexdesigns.com/gr/

New Gym Set

2008-09-07T22:52:00.002-04:00

here are some photos from the Gym Service at Perimter Church... it's a set we call "In the Round" it's basically in the middle of a basket ball court.

the fastest shopping trip for clothes ever!

2008-09-03T21:14:00.000-04:00

Ok, so... many of you know, I hate shopping. Especially for clothes. Well... tonight.. I was at target getting food. As I was walking to the registers, I had a thought... "I should walk through the mens clothes section real fast to see if they have anything that I would like and could get real quick...

So... a quick round through a few racks and found nothing. 99% of the clothes weren't even red... which as you know, is un acceptable. I had one more corner in the back to check out... and there they were! 4 perfect red shirts in a row! Just my size too! and the best part... ON SALE!!!!!! $8 each!

the elusive roach

2008-09-01T20:52:00.005-04:00

So... I'm proud to say that I very rarely even see a roach or any other creepy crawly thing in my apartment. However... this weekend... there has been one particular creepy crawler that has made several apearances. The normal strategy for these creepy things is to get the vacuum cleaner and suck them up... problem gone. However... there has been one that keeps escaping it's inevitable doom...

Every time I see it, I grab the vacuum and by the time I get close enough to remove the problem... it gets away.

Now, you're probably wondering why I am taking the time to take pictures... well.. answer - the camera is closer than the vacuum cleaner.

Anyways... I will keep you all posted on this rather crazy, twist filled adventure as I continue my hunt for - the roach.

new phone... new service

2008-08-19T02:12:00.003-04:00

my Cingular 8525 almost died today. It has been sick for several weeks now and is on it's last mili-amp. So, I knew the time had come to get a new phone. Again. However, for many reasons, I decided that I hated AT&T and wanted to go to Verizon. The biggest reason for leaving AT&T was the fact that they use a technology that interferes with audio equipment in a very bad way. Being that I'm in production techinical, that means it effects my job in a negitive way. can't have that. so... bye bye AT&T. Burn. ooo.... yea... I like fire. :) (I really need to go to bed)

So... off to the Verizon store to buy the Samsung i760. Despite my desire to hold off for a few more months because of hope for newer and better phones yet to be released, I had no time. My current phone/service was hindering me from doing my job and I can't have that.

http://www.samsung.com/us/consumer/detail/spec.do?group=mobilephones&type=mobilephones&subtype=verizonwireless&model_cd=SCH-I760ZKAVZW&fullspec=F

Further reviews to come....

Med Kit

2008-08-15T17:24:00.005-04:00

So... The Pelican case I ordered came in today... I moved all my medical supplies into this case to make a super nice med kit! It's not fully stocked yet, but this is a good start....

Long time, no post....

2008-08-13T22:23:00.003-04:00

So... it's been a long time since I have posted anything. Sorry... a combination of being busy and forgetting about it is my excuse.

quick update, not much has changed in my everyday life... I came down to Mobile to help with Camp of Champions as tech director... I brought gear from 5 churches and several person friends and put together a sound and video system for both camps. It was hard, long, but a lot of fun!

Now that I'm back, I'm back working at Perimeter Church doing what I do... work and learn. :) We're about to move a large portion of the staff to another building a couple thousand feet away (the tech dept is going to be outfitting several conference rooms) and we are drawing up plans to build a 500 seat chapel for weddings and simple worship services. (obviously, tech is involved there too) For now, my job is restricted to repairing gear and upgrading current systems. Which is fine with me... all that other stuff requires a lot more desk work! (which Matt gets to do instead.)

That's about it... I'll try to post something more often... have fun!

Ultimate 6-14-08

2008-06-14T19:38:00.000-04:00

http://picasaweb.google.com/ronaldashleylanejr/UltimateFrisbee61408

It won't be up forever... so enjoy for now!

Pictures of the Gym Service 6-8-08

2008-06-10T01:03:00.002-04:00

Here are some pictures of the Gym service at Perimeter Church 6-8-08.

FYI, I will not keep this link active forever...

http://picasaweb.google.com/ronaldashleylanejr/GymService6808

I wish I could be somewhere in between!

2008-06-01T00:32:00.004-04:00

Friend wheel

2008-04-30T00:29:00.002-04:00

So... this is my friend wheel... These are all my friends on facebook. It basically can be divided into 4 sections. 1 - Covenant Church of Mobile. 2 - Cottage Hill Baptist Church. 3 - Perimeter Church. 4 - Random people I know in TX.

Cool notes: Steve Simmons (my boss) knows Jamie Johnson and James Williams. (cool story here, but I'll save it for another time) Zoe Huff (Perimeter) Knows Melissa McCarty (CCM/TX) Because of Camp of Champions(Jamie Johnson), most of the TX people I know also know the CCM people. (and some of the CHBC people)

I think it's really cool to see how everyone can mostly be grouped up by network areas...

Rehearsal 4-24-08

2008-04-24T22:21:00.003-04:00

These are my favorite pictures that I took that night. I actually took 154 pictures, but these 2 are the ones I'm most proud of...

Top Photo: I used a Canon Rebel XTi with Apture at 1/160s, ISO at 800, and f stop at 5.6. The lens was at a 35mm equivalent of 89mm.

Bottom Photo: I used a Canon Rebel XTi with Apture at 1/50s, ISO at 800, and f stop at 5.6. The lens was at a 35mm equivalent of 219mm.

Gathering Photos 4-20-08

2008-04-21T00:46:00.001-04:00

http://picasaweb.google.com/ronaldashleylanejr/Gathering42008

Here are pictures of The Gathering - the young people's group at Perimeter Church. The LD was Hermon Jones...

Weekend Rehearsal... fun stuff

2008-04-19T01:47:00.002-04:00

here are some of the pictures I took during a rehearsal at Perimeter Church...

http://picasaweb.google.com/ronaldashleylanejr/41708WeekendRehearsal

the LD for this weekend was Chris Landreth...

One year...

2008-04-04T00:23:00.008-04:00

April 3rd, 2007, I left my home town, Mobile, AL. I left family, friends, church, youth group, fire dept, work.... everything I
It was by far the hardest day of my life. Halfway to Atlanta, GA I almost took the next exit to turn around and go back home. To this day, I honestly don't know what kept me from doing that. I had spent that morning saying goodbye to all my closest family and friends. So I couldn't help but think about them. The further away I got, the harder it became. As I got into Atlanta and started navigating the roads and crazy traffic, I got distracted long enough to get into Gwenette County. (where I live) As I got there, I saw 2 tall water towers with the slogan "Success Lives Here" It wasn't much help at that point, but as time went by, I began to see how true that is. The short of it is, if I had not let go of everything in Mobile, I would not be anywhere where I wanted to be.

I want to be in production technical. It is what God has called me to do. (actually, many do not know this, but at one point, I really wanted to be in a band... mainly a praise and worship band) I want to learn everything I can about audio, lighting, video, camera ops, rigging, recording, set design, the politics, business, electricity, computer stuff, system design and installation, and anything else I can stuff into my brain. Why? I don't know the exact, long-term plan. I just know that's what God wants me to do right now.

April 4th, 2007 - I started out knowing almost nothing. I was lost, confused, didn't know people, hardly knew where I was, (I still have a hard time sometimes) and I was overwhelmed. Now, I know some things... I'm not as confused, I know people, and I .. well... I'm still lost. Ok, so the point of all that was... I'm learning. I don't know what the average speed for learning is, but I feel like I'm learning at the fastest pace I have ever learned before. (if that makes any sense)

I started out being more of a burden than a help. I had to be taught a lot of things. I have had lots of white board time with Steve and Matt...

Eventually, I learned enough to actually be a part of the solution rather than a hindrance. I still don't know much. I still have a LONG way to go. But I am now at a point where I can make a difference.

What's next? Pretty much most of the same stuff. Learn and apply. I am getting involved in the young adult ministry here (aka - The Gathering) as volunteer tech director. My job there is recruiting volunteers (yay for awesome people skills) setting up tech, and running tech for each of the Sunday night services that they have. We have just moved into a larger auditorium and the size and scope for this event has really expanded... Basically, this is a way for me to apply what I learn during the week in real world environments. (I have posted pictures of this event on my facebook for those who are interested)

In other news, I will be coming into Mobile for a few days for each of the Camp of Champions in June and July. (yet another way I will applying my new knowledge)

That's about it... keep in touch, feel free to email me whenever... I love you all!

Ashley Lane
ronaldashleylanejr@gmail.com - Personal address
ashleyl@perimeter.org - Perimeter address
678-325-9391 - Cell
678-405-2135 - Desk
http://ashley-red.blogspot.com/

upgrading my computer setup...

2008-03-22T22:04:00.003-04:00

I have added a third 22" LCD monitor and moved a bunch of things around. Mainly dressing cables and simplifying things. I also added another power strip dedicated to the LCD's so that I can turn all three off at the same time. (along with anyhting else I want to plug into the strip)

Tipping Pot

2008-03-21T17:11:00.003-04:00

Hail storms and tornados

2008-03-15T17:24:00.005-04:00

So... we just went through some serious storms today and last night....

Last night, a major tornado went through downtown Atlanta and did some real damage. Plenty of people hurt, but nobody killed. They had to cancel of move several major events that were happening in that area today... :(

Closer to me, in Duluth, we went through a moderate hail storm... high winds, rain... more wind, more rain...

Ski Trip Pictures link

2008-02-28T00:33:00.002-05:00

Here's a link to some pictures of the ski trip my dad, sister, and Marshall went on last week....

http://picasaweb.google.com/Ashley.Lane.test/SkiTripToVailCO2008

GCal

2008-02-06T21:11:00.000-05:00

btw... I got Google Calendar back up and working... it's now synced with my primary calendar. You can use google calendar to send events, meeting requests, etc to me. You can also use it to get an idea what's going on in my day to day life. My calendar is on this page at the very bottom.

Meal Time!

2008-02-06T19:44:00.000-05:00

My first major meal cooked by me away from home! I have upgraded from hot pockets and poparts!

Snowed in....

2008-01-20T20:38:00.000-05:00

So.... we got snowed in this weekend! Atlanta just doesn't know what to do with snow.... 2" and they just shut down!

They canceled all four services at Perimeter this weekend (and then added an evening service at the last minute)

So... um... snow is nice... when you don't have to live in it. I only had to "interact" with it for about 10 mins today... i.e., getting it off my windshield. I can easily see that living in places where snow is a normal thing IS NOT FUN!
It's really cold (duh) and everyone who knows me, knows how much I hate cold. Then, when it warms up to 33°, it turns into wet. Which.... when combined with the still very cold air... makes things feel even more cold.

The 7|22 Set

2008-01-20T20:34:00.000-05:00

heartofEsther's CD Album Art

2008-01-12T21:44:00.000-05:00

For those of you who are particular about their music libraries and the album art.... here's the album art for hoE's CD! I scanned it in, straighted, cropped and did some other edits to make it look a little better. Enjoy!

Our New Set!

2008-01-10T23:49:00.000-05:00

New Years

2008-01-02T01:21:00.000-05:00

I saw something I have never seen before... New Years in Atlanta, GA. I didn't really expect it to be different, but in a way it was. There are a LOT more people in Atlanta than in Mobile! So... the time came where everone shoots fireworks in celebration of the new year... As I was walking in my apartment, this is the picture I got... on the horizon, I could see a fairly long way... with fireworks all over the city going up in the air and exploding, the sounds in the distance, the smell... it was everywhere... all around me! it was really cool!

Well... I stood there watching (and freezing my butt off) and had this thought process... This is a hint of what war nowdays must sound like... explosions, the sounds (all around) the smell, the cold. (I was also kinda hungry too) I could see in the distance... at various distances, "the rockets burting in air" and at various times and volumes, the sounds of explosions... I could imagine, being a soldier in WWI or II or any other war, how scary it was. Never knowing which explosion would be right next to you... never knowing exactly where it was coming from or going to... and being around friends fighting for their very lives. What it must be like to see friends die right next to you or even from a distance (knowing where they should be and seeing a large explosion and not knowing if they made it)

I have made comments over the years stating that I would love to do special ops stuff or air force stuff... but... all the "fun" would be taken away by the things I mentioned above.

Coming Home

2007-12-18T00:25:00.000-05:00

I am coming home for Christmas! I'm sorry I'm just now posting the dates but here goes... I'm coming in friday night and staying until Wed. I will be going to CCM on sunday and hangin with fam on Christmas! yea!

Long time, no post...

2007-12-14T00:05:00.000-05:00

So I've been a little busy this past week. We just got finished with our Christmas production. What that entails for us is stage setups, lighting, audio setups, tear downs, rehearsals, regular weekend services, then we had to set everything back again, do 2 preformance, and then tear down and clean up.

I thought it was going to be really boring. Christmas music, readings, carols, and something new to me... ballet. I wasn't dreading this event, but I didn't see anything cool about it.

Well... after it is all said and done... it turned out to be fairly cool. Some of the songs were cool and while I don't have a particular appriciation for ballet, it ended up fitting very well with the service.

I learned a few things about set design, stage setups, lighting, and digital sound mixing in a studio enviroment. I also learned a good bit about politics during this past week. I hate politics. Lots of talking, meetings and people. And then you never get what you really want.

Anyways... that's what's going on these days....

Running camera at Perimter

2007-11-30T21:08:00.000-05:00

Here's pictures of me running stage cam at Perimeter.... This was during "Night of Worship a few months back... I really hope we can do this type of event again... it was totally awesome!

random cookies

2007-11-09T22:58:00.000-05:00

After lunch today, when we returned to our offices, there was a bag of cookies and a note sitting on our conference table. It was addressed to me. Why? I could not think of anyone (other than Karla who had also recently given me cookies for helping her with a project. However, I also knew it most likely wasn't Karla, 'cause we just got finished with a meeting involving her)

The note was hand written and those who know me, know I really struggle reading other people's handwriting when it's in cursive. It was very neatly written, but I couldn't make out most of it. Steve took it from me to read it for me (curiosity was killing him and didn't want to wait on me to figure out what was being said) and what he was reading was clearly not what was written.... :)

After finally getting an accurate reading, it turns out to be from a lady I helped with some moderate projection issues for a last minute event several days ago. The funny part is Herman is the one who gave me this task "cause he was busy" :)

watt usage

2007-11-02T15:16:00.000-04:00

I have used up 1,952 kilo watts of power in my apartment since I moved in . (June 2007)

I'm not sure if that's a lot or not.

Stuff I've worked on....

2007-10-29T00:12:00.001-04:00

This is one of our digital consoles that I took apart to fix the headphone jack... that was fun....

A new set!

2007-10-29T00:04:00.001-04:00

Here's a photo of the set we built for this weekend...

It's a really crappy photo... but oh well. I gives you an idea what we do for our stage.

6 Months and still going....

2007-10-14T01:48:00.000-04:00

6 Months and still going....

So, I've been in Atlanta for 6 months now.

And it's been pretty good. Here are the highlights...

I moved to ATL April 2nd. (this was the saddest and hardest day of my life)

I stayed at Scott Sweeney's house for 2 months.

I started working at Perimeter Church on "temporary basis" (until August 31st) on April 3rd.

During the last week of May, Steve (my boss) offered me a permanent position as Chief Engineer and Production Technician. I quickly accepted. This position included higher pay, and more benifets (and of course, longer than August 31st)

In the first week of June, I left Scott's house and moved into an apartment.

In August, I worked in the biggest production to this point in my life at Perimeter. (The event was called - Night of Worship) My primary role for this was stage camera operator. I did many other things, but that's the most interesting thing.

In September, I really expanded in my knowledge of the equipment we have at Perimeter and the infrastructure of Perimeter. I started getting involved in projection (text, graphics, backgrounds, video) Also, we started a 4th weekend service... it's a much smaller service and is at the same time as our primary service on Sundays. It's in the gym with a full worship team and teaching portion. We have multiple worship teams taking turns playing in the gym and I'm on one of these teams playing percussion. (I'm very excited about this)

This Month has been much of the same. We did a re-org within our own deportment. This means I have a new boss. This isn't bad or good, just different. So far, it's been pretty good tho... Matt Reeves (Lighting Engineer)(he actually has a different position now, I just don't know what it is) is now my boss. Matt's boss is Steve. We all still work together and I can still go to Steve just about any time I want. But I should try to put anything I can through Matt. We also have plans to hire 2 1/2 more people. (the 1/2 person is already hired... she was already working part time for us and is now working... most of the time for us.)

Yesterday, I spent all day working with Jacob (a brilliant volunteer who I wish we could hire to work full time with us) hanging conduit and wall mount boxes for amps and other gear. That was a lot of work, but I learned a lot of stuff...

Other things...

The weather is getting much colder. And they still keep the church inside really cold. Steve and Matt spend a lot of their time in meetings and I'm getting my fair share. (It's not too bad, it could be a lot worse) As I learn our gear and building, my work load increases. I find myself "facilitating" more than working in specific areas for extended periods of times. Ladder vans are still a predominate epidemic here. I haven't eaten at Arby's in over a month now. Wal-mart is not the place to be in ATL for ANY reason. I now have just as many keys on my key ring when I left Mobile. I also have a Home Depot card from Perimeter Church. I used to have Grant's Lowe's card from CCM all the time. And his keys. And I had Scott's keys for a while... Shoot, everybody's keys for that matter.

That's it for the highlights... Now for some other details...

I am in the 4th month of a 1 year lease in my apartment. While it does the job, I don't want to stay for another year. Also, I still have a strong desire to work with the fire dept. Being in ATL, it's hard to find nearby volunteer depts. So far, the only option I have is to move much further out (which mean long commutes to Perimeter) and it would mean, most likely getting a house. (it's also hard to find apartments further out near the VFD's) I haven't put much time and research into this matter, but as time moves closer, I will.

A word of thanks to my grandmother... Before I was getting ready to go to Florida, I knew I needed a new vehicle. (my red van was getting old and had many quirks) So, I decided I needed a new vehicle. Just before I decided to change my mind about FL and go to ATL, my grandmother gave me her van. (she purchased another vehicle for herself) This has been a constant blessing. Obviously, I use everyday. But the biggest blessing is it's very nice and clean on the inside (and doesn't have any quirks) and my co-workers and I go to lunch everyday in it (and frequently go to dinner) It's really nice to have a nice vehicle to transport other people and hang out with others. I have also had friends come in town for a weekend and we hung out in my van a lot. :)

In next month, I'm going to be planning a ski trip with Marshall and possibly a few others. I have no details right now other than it will be in the western part of the country.

Ending...

All the things that I have been wanting to do in Mobile, I'm doing here in Atlanta. In Mobile, my tech friend is Marshall. Now, I have many tech friends. It's really cool.... (I'm trying to get Marshall up here ASAP so he can hang out with us)(which, btw, is going pretty well so far.) I pretty much spend all my time with tech people and computer geeks. (which aren't really geeks, they're just experts with computers) We have a Tech Lab with all the parts and supplies we need to do just about anything we want. I really wanted to build something like this in the EDGE, but I couldn't quite pull it off. Mostly 'cause I lacked some of the skill and knowledge required. We have many really nice cameras, most of which I now know how to operate. We have lots of lighting equipment. This is something I have always wanted to be able to work with. I haven't been trained yet, but it's there, and I'm going to be learning how to use all of it in the near future. Digital sound consoles! This has always been my dream to be able to work these. Not only do we have 4 digital consoles, but we have 4 SUPER NICE AWESOME digital sound consoles! (3-80 channel and 1-48 channel) I have begun training and getting better and better with these things. (As a matter of fact, tomorrow morning, I'll be working on one of these consoles for a few hours)

Windows Mobile 6! Now on my phone!

2007-10-11T19:39:00.000-04:00

I have the Cingular 8525 as my cell phone/PDA. It comes with Windows Mobile 5. Which isn't bad.... It does have some querks about it and some things are hard to do. But overall, it's a HIGHLY functional OS for a phone/PDA.

They have released Windows Mobile 6. I have read about this upgrade, and it looks like it's going to be awesome. However, they did not release for my phone. :( (or my boss's and he's not happy about it either)

Well, I did some research and found out they they were eventually going to release WM6 for my phone... probably 4th quarter this year. Well, last night, I did some more research and found some people at had already gotten their hands on it! LOOOOOONG story short, I spent about 7-8 hours (only stopping to eat) reading, researching, hacking, flashing ROMs (which is basically erasing and reinstalling the OS for the phone) more reading and research, more hacking, more flashing ROMs and more and more stuff... it was a long and painful experience.... but it paid off!!! I now have a fully operational Windows Mobile 6 phone!

The UI is cleaner, nicer, and has a lot more options. (including some that I was really wanting in WM5 that I thought should be there, but wasn't)

Also, other news, I figured out how to get my personal email to work in the way that I wanted to on my phone.... So now I can be even more efficient with my email (both work and personal) I had my personal email working somewhat previously, but not efficiently.

For you techs, here was my problem...

I set up an email account on my phone... it would receive the email... however, next time it would send/receive, it would delete the email off my phone (which was every 15 mins) This is a problem 'cause I don't always check my personal email every 15 mins. The problem was that it was a POP3 type account.

What I needed was a IMAP type account. But GMail doesn't support IMAP. :( and I most certainly didn't want to change from GMail. So, after much research and with much regret and dislike, I found out that AOL was my best option. (i know AOL is the worst thing I could have chosen, but they are the only people that have a free email service with unlimited storage (or close to unlimited) that supported IMAP)

Here's what I did... I setup an email account on my phone... the incoming email was the AOL IMAP server. (I had GMail automatically forward all email to my AOL account) and the cool part.... I set up the outgoing email to be sent from my GMail account! By using IMAP, the phone will "sync" rather than send/receive as it did with POP3.

I tested this throughly and it works GREAT! I can now "SYNC" every 5 mins without fear of not having the email on my phone.

Calvin and Hobbes - My favorite comic

2007-09-28T18:53:00.001-04:00

Click the picture to seem the rest of it...

Halo 3 - Part 1 of however many I feel like posting

2007-09-26T01:38:00.000-04:00

Halo 3 has been released. And even tho I do not own a Xbox 360, I now own Halo 3. How dumb is that? Hopefully, I can find a cheap enough Xbox 360, that I can justify it's cost.

Anyways... here is my report of the game... keep in mind, I had 7 other people CONSTANTLY shooting me and NEVER giving me a chance to "just play around" and I did not know the maps or how to use the new (and mostly stupid) interface.

The maps are nice. There is one map where I never could get where I wanted to be. But all the others seem to be really cool. There is no Turf like map. This saddens me greatly.

However, there is another map that has some similarities (can't remember the name) so, I guess I can deal with this trade off.

There's another version of "hang 'em high" but it's harder, and a lot cooler looking (a lot better than the "Blue" version)(I get tired of blue)(But I do like red)

There is a version very similar to "Zanzibar" It's a little harder, but nicer looking. The camo is MUCH harder to get (not too happy about this since this we a key part of most of my strategies with this map)

There is this one desert map that is the BOMB. Excellent sniper level, good med range combat and awesome for vehicular MANSLAUGHTER (just for you okra). It's kinda hard for the short range stuff even tho there are a few spots for that sort of thing. (Josh, I'm sorry, but you'll hate this one) It's also very big. Which makes me happy.

Weapons. You may have even skipped my map description just to hear about the weapons. (I would have)

The weapons are better balanced in this version (or maybe I haven't played with any one weapon long enough to discover it's true potential)

The pistol SUCKS. I didn't play with it much, but I quickly discovered it had a VERY slow rate of fire. Perhaps it's fairly powerful... i don't know, but I died trying to shoot it 'cause it took so long between shots.

The battle rifle is still there, but seems to be weaker... not really sure tho.

The sniper rifle is the same. :)

EVERY time (and i mean EVERY FREAKING TIME) I picked up the rocket launcher, I DIED. EVERY STINKIN TIME!!!!!!! so I don't know if it's cool or not. :(

The shot gun is not as good, but I could tell the finer points of it 'cause of my limited time using it.

The needler may be the ultimate short to med range weapon in this game. It has a small magazine. But if you can keep the reticle on your target (and it be red) then the needles WILL track your target and he (or she) are SCREWED. It is a VERY good weapon and should be picked up every time possible. Even to replace the shotgun or carbine (another one of my favs)

The assault rifle is back! And it's better! Better accuracy, more steady, longer effective range, tighter shot, but smaller clip... by 28 rounds. (So it has a 32 round clip) I might prefer this weapon over a shot gun 'cause of it's flexibility.

There is a submachine gun, but like halo 2, it sucks. and that's all I'll say about this weapon, other than you'll never see me wielding it unless that's all I truly have.

There is now a "Spartan Laser" It's basically a power laser gun. You charge for 3 secs of so (better be good at tracking your targets) and then it releases a DEVASTATING blast (it's not an area blast, very precise) It WILL destroy your target in one shot. I'm not sure of it's effect on vehicles, but I imagine it's not good....

There is also a "Brute Spiker" I'm not sure what the advantage of having this weapon is. But it does have a high rate of fire, fairly accurate, short effective range, and it can be dual wield. (which does come handy) It shoots these laser like "things." very small, not very powerful individually, but when shot in rapid fire (and dual wield) it's a fairly effective weapon for a room take down.

Missile Pod - Basically, a rocket launcher with an auto-heat seeking missile that tracks vehicles while manned. I didn't get to use this weapon, but saw other players use effectively (against me)

Turrets - Some turrets can now be dismounted and taken around the map. You walk slower and can't throw grenades, but you gain the ability to kick but with a rapid fire, high power machine gun while moving with it. :) it's cool, but hard to master. If you could master this weapon, you will be VERY hard to beat.

Grenades... are, in my opinion... better. However, everyone else that I played with could figure them out. They didn't like them. They are not as destructive, and the area of effect is a lot less. I like them better 'cause they are more realistic. the Blast... not clear an entire area like a nuke. I used only frags and a new type called - Spike grenades. The "Spikes" are just like regular frags, except, they don't bounce... they spike (or stick) Highly effective as a defensive weapon (running while being chased closely)

Halo has now incorporated "equipment." This equipment will be hard to master. But really cool. The best one is the "bubble shield" You throw it at the ground at your feet and it becomes your own personal fortress for a few seconds (don't know how long.) however, you cannot shoot (or throw grenades) from within the bubble. But nobody can shoot or throw into the bubble. But they can come in (or out) of the bubble to melee attack.

There are other pieces of equipment, but never had the chance to figure everything out properly. The manual say there are trip mines (which I wish I knew about before the game) and gravity lifts.

Vehicles - are cool.

The only vehicle that I used that was new to me was the "Mongoose" or small ATV. It does not shoot, but carries 2 people and moves VERY fast and is HIGHLY maneuverable. There are other vehicles, but I can't describe them at this time.

Interface. in a single phrase... IT SUCKS!!!!!! It took us a VERY long time to figure out how to create profiles (which isn't really worth the time) sign in, sign out, create games, hosting games, joining games, and even setting controls is VERY HARD!!!!!! YOU CANNOT SET CONTROLS WITHIN GAME PLAY WITHOUT TAKING UP THE WHOLE SCREEN!!!!!! whoever did not keep what was so great in halo 2 (interface wise) needs to be shot in the knee, buried in HOT sand (only head sticking out of the ground) and honey poured onto his (or her) head and then have ants come and get the honey. Or bees. Or a bear. Or... maybe they could just keep the old interface. Anyways... IT'S really stupid and it sucks. I have no positive words for the interface. it doesn't even look cool. or smell cool. or feel cool. or sound cool. BTW, have I mentioned, I hate the interface?

They also changed a few of the default controls. which, isn't bad... just different. They had to allow fo the use of "equipment" and moved the reload button (which will mess with your mind as usual marshal)

I'm sure I left out a few things, but it's almost 2:30am and I must go to bed. So.... have a good night halo fans!

New tool

2007-09-19T22:54:00.001-04:00

I Got a really nice new tool last week... Yes.. it's another item to add to my belt!

And this is the bit kit that we also got. I keep this in a pouch that I keep in my pocket. (it's really slim)

New Chair!

2007-09-03T21:22:00.000-04:00

I got this really nice new chair for my apartment....

I figured out that I don't play my keyboard as often as I could... and the main reason was, I don't have a place to sit over there... So I got this new chair and put my old one by my keyboard... And it was only $100! Most chairs like this are over $150.

Crapy photo - I lost my camera (and the bag associated with it) and am stuck using my cell phone for a camera for the time being.

Men's Retreat

2007-08-26T20:57:00.000-04:00

So... some have complained that I fell off the face of the earth this weekend. (or maybe I just didn't answer my phone.) It is true, I have been unavailable 95% of this weekend. I spent my weekend running tech for a men's retreat hosted by Perimeter Church. There was VERY little cell phone coverage. I did however, have some WiFi. Just enough time to check my email and get voice mail.

Scott Logan (Not to be confused with Sweeny) was the tech director. We had a good time setting up, running tech, talking tech, hangin out and packing up to go home. The event itself was a success. Things went very smooth technically (although we had some minor issues with the speaker's visual presentations) We rented 4 man lifts (to mount the main speakers and projectors) We also rented the projectors (which we not really bright enough, but got the job done) and various other cables. Setup took about 5 hours and tear down took about an hour. Then we had to unload it again (which took about 30-45 mins) Monday, we have to put it all where it goes (which will take several hours.)

So, there's my weekend in a nutshell...

Distracting Marshall

2007-08-03T15:36:00.000-04:00

ok... so this is for Marshall.... who for some reason, wants to be distracted from work right now. So... here's to Marshall! Be distracted my friend! Stop being productive you... you... um... you... un-productive person.

Things are happenin at Perimeter

2007-07-15T18:22:00.000-04:00

So... right now... my heart is for ministry through tech. Particularly video related stuff. I never really thought about until recently, but now that I'm working this full time job at Perimeter, I can actually say I'm full time in the ministry. It's just not the same kind of ministry that most people think about. But it is definitely a ministry.

So... things are starting to come together with the video stuff we've been doing. People are starting to get more used to it and like it more. Every-now-and-then, I get an older person not like one thing or another and we'll have to make some adjustments, but that's ok.

We are now in a position where we need to get camera people to show up for rehearsals on Thursday nights. That way, we can actually practice and plan our shots in advance. We also have a plan that we're probably going to use that will help with the way our video teams are managed. I'm not sure what effect it will have on our teams, and who wants to be on our teams, but hopefully for the good. We're trying to raise the quality of the video so that it will look smoother and more professional.

CoCMS07

2007-07-04T13:02:00.000-04:00

For those who don't know... CoCMS07 means - Camp of Champions Mississippi 2007

There is also a CoCTX07 that I'll also be participating in. Guess what that means...

CoCMS07 was great! I worked with Scott Sweeny in sound and video tech. The sad thing was Scott had to leave on Tuesday morning. The camp lasts till Friday. Fortunately, nothing terribly crazy happened while he was gone. It did get hairy wed night, but we made it. Friday was cleanup day. That was hard. We had equipment from 6 different people that had to be sorted and put back in it's proper place. We also got to use a technology that's new to us. (it's been around for awhile, we're just now getting it) In-Ear-Monitors! Wireless! They were great! While it was kinda hard to get some of the people used to it, once they did, the sound quality for the whole building skyrocketed! It was AWESOME. DB levels went down by5-7.

I then came back to Mobile to hang out with fam and friends. And also to help Grant hook their sound system back up with the new monitor systems! Hook up began at 1pm saturday and we were 100% finished around 7. Main speakers eq'd and everything. DB levals PEAKED at 101! That is the quietest IMPACT meeting EVER!

I'm looking forward to CoCTX07 and I will be bringing lots of gear from various places once again.

My Entertainment section

2007-06-16T00:26:00.000-04:00

Here is my entertainment section... this shelf came with my cheapo desk and so I decided to use it for this... it's almost the perfect size...

My computer setup (temporary)

2007-06-16T00:23:00.000-04:00

Here is my computer setup... I bought this cheapo desk to hold me over until I get my primary desk (hopefully very soon) and then I'll use it for a secondary desk...