As I’m writing, I’m listening to the Phantom Planet sing California!

Yes, taking a week off of vacation has made me quite wise. I can honestly tell you that Rockford, IL is much colder than Laguna Beach, CA!!

This is me along Balboa Island

Shortly after my sister and I arrived in Tucson, we jumped into the car and headed west towards California…Laguna Beach to be exact. Laguna Beach was beautiful. Personally, I liked Newport Beach much better. Once I become rich and famous like my buddy Ryan Seacrest, I might have to make the move.

Dinner the first night took place at the famous and luxurious Knott’s Berry Farm for their world famous chicken dinner.

(Me, Poppy [My Grandpa], Jyl [My Sister], and Mimi [My Grandma].

Me, My Mom

I did a little research on the cost of living in Laguna. I found a beautiful, two bedroom/two bath condo for just about $900,000! Geez!! My condo isn’t even work 1/4 of that!

The vacation concluded with this beautiful lady picking me up from the airport.

I think I’m the luckiest guy in America!

I was really hoping that the weather would be a little warmer. Next time, I think I might have to visit a little closer to summer. Also, next time I visit, I’m going to give you a call, Ryan and Angie. I wish I would have dropped you a note before I left. I’m sure I’ll be out there again soon.

In case you’re wondering, with a little help from Sarah, the crazy hair is gone.

Greetings fellow blogster,

I wanted to post one last update before I head on a jet plane headed towards Tucson, Arizona for my vacation. Last I checked, the Weather Channel said “Sunny with a high near 70.” I can live with that!

I’m going to do my best to reinstitute my list of artists to watch out for. These are artists/bands/songwriters that I’ve been into over the past few weeks:

(In no particular order…)

1. Magnet — I hate buying a cd when I know absolutley nothing about an artist. I took a chance on this guy. I listened to the ten second hooks on iTunes and I was sold. I totally don’t regret buying this mellow cd. The whole album is very mellow. Beware if that’s not your taste…
2. Family Force 5 — Similar sound as Fall Out Boy. Their new radio single, “Replace Me” is killer!
3. The Fray — I just bought their album on iTunes. I can’t get “Vienna” out of my head.
4. Shawn McDonald — I’ve received confirmation from his record label that his new cd will be out by 3.7.06. The new radio single, “Free” is absolutley amazing. This cd might top his first.
5. Mainstay — I’ll admit it. I’ve only heard one song from this band. Their new radio single entitled “Take Away” is amazing. It reminds me a little bit of Howie Day and Mae.
6. Cartel — Thanks to “Nate the Great” for the heads up on this one…good stuff!

Let me know who you think should be added to my list…

Hopefully we’ll chat next week. See ya!

Rick Hall

Currently Listening to: Unsaid by The Fray

Ok, so it’s not exactly Wednesday yet. We’re 30 minutes away from Wednesday. Confession Tuesday just doesn’t sound as cool as Confession Wednesday.

I confess…I don’t know if I can do this whole Pastor thing.

In case you don’t know, I’m working on my B.A. in Church Ministries thru North Central University’s distance education program. Yes, I’m getting my college degree by mail. Sounds easy? Think again. This stuff is tough!

I just finished a three credit hour class that took me well over ten months to complete (I got an A by the way). Now, I did slack off a little bit and had fun over the summer…but nonetheless it still took much longer to finish than I expected.

For the past several months, I’ve been contemplating transferring schools and changing my major to a B.A. in Business Administration. I looked into specifically transferring to an accelerated program that would enable me to finish my degree in two to three years. But for one reason or another, God seemed to close all of the doors leading to that program.

But once again, I find myself at the same conclusion…I’m afraid that at the rate I’m going, I’m not going to have the motivation to finish my degree.

I just don’t want to be 40 years old when I walk at graduation. 23 or 24 years old sounds so much more appealing to me. But am I called to receive an education in Business Admin? No.

Crap…I think I might have just solved my problem. In that case, I guess I better go and do some Old Testament Survey homework.

Or maybe I’ll go watch some TV…
(Just kidding, Mom!)

Due to popular demand…or something like that…the Rick Hall Show has added another “affiliate.” (I’ve always wanted to say that….)

You can now hear me on Shine.FM (89.7FM). I’m the brand new host of
WORSHIP NOW. Catch my shift, Sunday mornings, from 6AM to 10AM.

Click here to listen live