Tebowing means (as defined by tebowing.com) to get down on a knee and start praying, even if everyone else around you is doing something completely different. The term is derrived from the Denver Bronco’s quarterback Tim Tebow.

I found this fantastic picture from my friends over at the Southern Fried Catholicism blog, and it just makes me smile. I’m proud to be original (I mean) Catholic.

Instead of looking creepy for a whole month I decided to grow a beard. I have now had my beard for two months and decided to shave for my friend Michael’s wedding. So while removing my glorious manly beard, I thought I’d have some fun. Enjoy the pictures below.

I hope this message finds you doing well. This year has been incredible, a lot has changed but I have been tremendously blessed. (Read about what I’ve been up to here) A lot of you are to thank for all the wonderful moments, accomplishments, and everyday happenings this year. Since I can’t send cards to everyone I have made a special Christmas video to wish you good cheer during this wonderful season. Enjoy my video, and may you and your family have a blessed Christmas and a happy new year. Also, feel free to leave your Christmas wishes below.

God bless,

~Pat

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As a new owner of an iPhone 4S I’ve found myself taking twice as many photos on my phone than before. Whether you’ve just picked up your first iPhone or you’ve recently made the jump to the newest model, here is my list of favorite photography apps to help you get the most out of the iPhone’s 4S’s great new camera.

Camera+ ($0.99): This is the Swiss Army Knife of camera apps. The camera options in Camera+ are great. It is especially good for cropping and image adjustments. The “clarity” filter can automagically bring detail to most images. My favorite is the ability to do bursts of pictures (which is helpful when you’re trying to do a jumping pose).

Diptic ($0.99): This app allows you to easily create photos with a “grid” layout. It’s perfect for before and after pictures that you want to arrange side by side. My friend Ramsey wrote a great blog post showing how Diptic works.

Instagram (free): This is my favorite iPhone photography app. Though Instagram is often thought of as an app just for filters, I think it’s real strength is in it’s community. Instagram is a great place to share your own pictures as well as see the photos other people are taking. I always learn something useful whenever I surf through my friends photos, and sometimes I’ll even get useful feedback left on the photos I post. Additionally, you can connect your other social channels to push your pics out to your network. (Tip: If you’re looking for a better way to browse your Instagram feed on your computer, try using Inkstagram.com)

360 Panorama ($0.99): This app is incredibly cool. 360 Panorama turns your iPhone, into a full featured 360 degree panoramic camera. Easily capture immersive panoramas in realtime and instantly share your 360 view with the world. Simply pan the camera and watch as images are stitched together seamlessly. Check out the panoramas we took of the new Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City.

Camera (free):  The built-in Camera is quick, stable and the new edit mode in Photos makes it perfect for most simple edits. Sometimes I’ll use the Camera to get a quick shot, then I’ll tweak it in another app with some more advanced filters.

BONUS:

Postagram (free): Now that you’ve got all of these great photo tools at your disposal, you may want to share them. The Postagram app is a fantastic way to send your pictures as physical postcards for only $.99. Nothing beats receiving some good old snail mail.

I suggest trying out all the apps I mention above. Even if you download all six of them you’re only out three dollars (and your iPhone photos will be a lot prettier). What are your favorite camera apps?

The Autumnal Equinox, the official first day of Fall, is today. Last year, I made a list of why Fall is the best season… ever. Well, it’s still my favorite season. Here’s why:

1. Pumpkin everything. There’s nothing quite like the taste of pumpkin. I miss this flavor throughout the year and when autumn comes I’m ready to jump on the pumpkin band wagon big time. I say, “incorporate pumpkin into everything!” Here are some good pumpkin recipes from Tastespotting.com. Or you can download the my favorite pumpkin bread recipe via my mom.

2. Warm beverages. A warm, cozy sweater on a crisp morning. Smelling the bite of frost in the air. Sitting on the porch, drinking a steaming beverage: hot tea, hot chocolate, apple cider, or chai. Better yet, Starbuck’s Pumpkin Spiced Latte. If you really want to drink something delicious, mix a pumpkin spice latte with Starbuck’s White Chocolate Mocha. I call it a Harvest Moon.

3. Football games. Despite the KC Chiefs being miserable this year, I’m excited to see football on TV. Maybe it’s because of my upbringing or something about being American, but a bunch of guys tackling each other on a cold afternoon on a muddy field is so damn entertaining. Get into the mood by watching Kenny Chesney’s music video The Boys of Fall.

4. Perfect temperatures. Warm days and cool nights. You can wear any combination of clothes and you will be comfortable.

5. Fall festivals. Pumpkin patches, crafts, corn mazes, petting zoos, apple orchards… all these wonderful outdoor activities are open and ready for exploration.

6. Earthtones. The spectacle of leaves changing on the trees, bright orange pumpkins, bales of hay and yellow mums on folks’ doorsteps. The smell of burning leaves outside as the shadows lengthen and the sun sets a little earlier each evening. I challenge you to go driving somewhere to just enjoy the colors of Fall. Whether you use a guide to fall colors or just go on a hay ride, I hope you soak it all in this year.

7. Saturday mornings. Early morning golden sunshine + a tumbler full of coffee in my hand + sitting outside = happiness.

8. Solitude.There’s something about this season that gives us a sense of retreat and quietude. I think it’s the happy anticipation of the upcoming holiday season, but not being stressed yet. Also, kids are back in school and you can spend some quality carefree time with the folks you love.

Tonight’s opening performance is sold out, but no need to wait until Sunday’s free Open House to get a tour of the new digs. Working for Digital Evolution Group has it’s perks. My friend/colleague Ramsey and I were given a private tour from our friends at Encore—and we shot this video sneak peak of the Kauffman Center. This project was a blast and the new center is beautiful! Ramsey also took a few panoramic photos (photo 1 and photo 2) with his iPhone using this sweet app called 360 Panorama. Enjoy!

1. Put family first. I was in high school when my grandfather passed away. I distinctly remember one of his business partners giving the eulogy. Despite my grandfather being a brilliant businessman, every story he recounted ended with how much he did for our family. He was a family man, and I hope to be someday too.

2. Do the what you love. Life is to short to waste your time at a stale job. We spend a lot of time working. Jobs aren’t meant to be just a paycheck. Why not find a job you you love? Find something that fulfills you and that makes you proud at the end of the day. Bottom line—do the work you love and the money will come.

My grandparents (from my mom's side) came to see me in a musical in high school.

3. Sometimes you just need ice cream. Do I really need to say much more? In the hospital before my grandfather died he said, “I wonder how many flavors of ice cream they’ll have in heaven?” (If you’re looking for good frozen treats in KC, here are my three local go to recs: Murray’s Ice Cream, Sheridan’s Custard or Foo’s Fabulous Frozen Custard)

4. Thank the guy above. Faith has been a big part of my life growing up. Every time we got in the car to go on a longer trip, my grandfather would say a quick prayer to St. Christopher for protection. During Christmas eve dinner we would sing happy birthday to Jesus and have cake. My grandparents on both sides were great examples of faithful people. They taught me to weave God into my daily life and to always be thankful for the blessings you have.

5. Give of yourself through small sacrifices. My parents are moving. While cleaning out their house we found an old saxophone that was my dad’s growing up. Inside the case was the original receipt which had a list of each monthly payment. It was easy to see that my grandmother had saved up a lot of her own money to pay for the sax. She gave something up so that my dad could benefit. This is love.

Me and Granddad

6. Sing and dance, who cares if you look silly?

None of my grandparents have angelic voices, but that never prevented them from singing (especially my grandfather). My mom’s parents were apparently pros on the dance floor. Life has it’s ups and downs, but it’s meant to be celebrated.

To Grandmom (Betsy, my mom’s side) I love you so much. Thanks for being a wonderful blessing and example for our family. And for Nana, Papa and Granddad… may God hold you in the palm of his hand until we meet again. I love you all.

Random Tidbits

1. I moved to the Plaza, check out my view >> http://instagr.am/p/HMycp/
2. I’m working on decorating my new apartment (let me know if you have any suggestions)
3. I’ve developed a deep love for Trader Joe’s.
4. I sadly quit my job at Apple Retail (because I got a new full-time job, see the work section below)
5. I finally got a haircut, pictures here>>
6. I’ve been smiling, a lot.
7. I wrote a song that I’m super proud of watch the video
8. I’ve been taking salsa dancing lessons.
9. I’m trying to post on my blog at least a few times a month.
10. I’m super excited for Fall, see why
11. I’ve been on the move. Just in the last six months I’ve gone to Omaha, Tulsa, Branson, Wichita, Joplin, and a few lake trips.
12. I’ve been going to see a lot of live music lately.
13. On a related note, Zac Brown Band and Kenny Chesney and were AMAZING! see this picture
14. My car finally passed 100,000 miles on the odometer.
15. Boardgames + good friends = great times (my recent favs are Farkel and The Game of Things)
16. During the summer, night swimming became a favorite past time.
17. I went swimming a lot in general: http://instagr.am/p/IWl9a/
18. I bought my first pair of TOMS:  http://instagr.am/p/Ip5xk/
19. I went and saw Guys and Dolls at Starlight with my brother: http://instagr.am/p/HmkUS/
20. Country dancing still makes me really happy.

On Food

On Family, Friends & Relationships

To show off all the great things we do with email, me and my awesome colleagues (Cara, David, Sarah, Ramsey, Lauren, Ali and many more) got together and decided to make a video. I was put in charge of shooting and editing it. So this is what 10,000 plus photos and about 4 days of editing gets you. Enjoy!

[UPDATE]: Digital Evolution Group won the Partner of the Year award. Check out the video of us winning here >>>