Jeff Kamp

Music Composition 101

2012-01-03T15:18:00.000-05:00

One of my goals for this year is to start composing music again. I am basically back to a beginners level and have to relearn any music theory that I had previously learned. So what better way to learn then to start reading and writing. The piece above is my first attempt at an intro and exposition section of a piano sonata. It is a midi file so forgive the sound quality. I would love to get some feedback on what anyone thinks of it so far, even if you think it sucks. I'm sure when I am done editing and learning more it will sound different then it does now, which makes me wonder when I will ever consider any piece of music finished? Maybe I should set a deadline, that seems to take the art out of it though don't you think? Any way, take a listen and tell me what you think. Thanks.

Image via Wikipedia

Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T15:11:00.001-05:00

Image by Edsel L via Flickr

A very happy Thanksgiving to all of you. I hope you have a great time with your family and friends. And of course eat plenty of turkey!!! I will be spending Thanksgiving with family on Thursday. Help my Dad out on Friday. Then I will spend the weekend with my wife!!! We are going to see the Chicago Symphony on Saturday night and do some shopping during the day. Have a great weekend!!!

Happy girl

2011-10-10T18:33:00.001-04:00

Happy girl
Originally uploaded by JeffKamp

Happy girl

Steve Jobs' 2005 Stanford Commencement Address

2011-10-06T10:10:00.000-04:00

Jacob's Foreign Language Interests

2011-09-13T12:14:00.000-04:00

My 5-year old, Jacob, has a real interest in learning words from foreign languages. He loves to roll his "R" when saying Spanish words. Several times he will say things, that we think is gibberish, only to find out later that it is Chinese!!! He seems to be most interested in Spanish and Chinese. That being said, the other day he corrected me on the meaning of a French word!

So here is the thing. I would like to encourage him to learn new languages. Learning them at a young age has to be easier then learning them when you are older. Not only that, but it would be a huge advantage in this globalized world to be able to communicate in more than just English. If you have any ideas, methods, or recommendations on how I, best can help him to learn these languages please let me know. Comment below or on my Facebook wall. Thanks!!!

Philanthropy - Social Entrepreneur

2011-09-08T15:07:00.000-04:00

I feel it is important to give back to this world. There are people that are in desperate need. So we give to churches and charities. We volunteer our time to help others. As concerned citizens we try to give to organizations that will maximize our given dollar amounts and time. There are always moments when we find out about some need or travesty, and we feel compelled to give. But, have you ever felt the need to start your own charity? I recently read an article on Inc.com about Scott Harrison and how he started Charity: Water. It is an interesting article about how to develop a successful charity. If you go to Charity: Water's website you immediately feel how this charity is different. With video, nice aesthetics, and tools for developing fund raising campaigns you immediately feel compelled to join their cause. It is also interesting how they follow up on their projects, by posting pictures, by gps geotracking, and by blog posts. You can read the Inc.com article here:

How to Become a Social Entrepreneur | Inc.com

With that being said I have started a page on this blog called JK Philanthropy. It will have all of the organizations that I try to support and raise funds for. Please check out this page and donate where and when you feel lead to do so. Together we can impact the world and make a difference.

Thanks - Jeff

Google+ Invites

2011-09-07T15:10:00.001-04:00

I am trying out Google's new social network, Google+. If you would like an invite, please click the link below:

Google+ Invite

Have fun!!!

Center for Hospice Care

2011-08-01T11:21:00.000-04:00

I am riding in the Bike Michiana For Hospice bike ride on Sept. 11, 2011. I will be riding the 100k route. Please donate to help raise funds for Hospice care. Click the link below. Thanks.

Center for Hospice Care

Girl On The Move

2011-07-05T18:00:00.001-04:00

It is amazing how in just two weeks Jordyn has become this mobile creature. She is crawling everywhere. Pulling herself up. And getting in to everything! We shall now childproof as much as possible. For it won't be long, and she will be........walking. Yikes!

Alternative Fuel Solutions?

2011-05-03T12:11:00.000-04:00

Image via WikipediaGas prices are at $4.29 this morning. At what point will it be too expensive for people to drive to work? We need an alternative fuel solution now, not in 10 years. I try to ride my bike to work a couple times a week, but that is not a solution or practical for everyone. Oil companies can charge whatever they want. They have no real competition, simple economics.....they have it, we want it. I fear another recession if we cannot solve this problem soon. I know I am not adding any solutions by posting this, but I just need to get this rant out. What do you think? Any ideas out there? Whoever solves this problem could become a very wealthy individual. Is local/rural mass transit systems feasible in sparsely populated areas? Can closely located towns and cities creating interlinking transit systems?

Counting Your Blessings

2011-03-14T11:26:00.000-04:00

I thought I would share this. Here is a great idea for counting your blessings from our pastor.

A Week of Prayer - Day 4 from Granger Community Church on Vimeo.

Happy 5th Birthday!

2011-02-27T21:51:00.002-05:00

Wow! I can't believe it. Where has 5 years gone? Jacob continues to amaze me as he learns and grows. Where does he come up with some of the things that he says!?! I think he is just a brilliant young boy. We had a great weekend celebrating his birthday, yesterday him and I went to the Notre Dame basketball game, and today he had a very fun party with family and friends. Tomorrow the 28th he officially turns 5 years old. Thank you God for giving us such a wonderful son. I love you buddy boy, Jacob happy birthday!

Cooking

2011-02-08T19:16:00.001-05:00

When Jami and first got married I use to cook a lot. Then in recent years I have not cooked as much. Here lately though I have been re-inspired. Since Jami has clinicals until later on Tuesday evenings, it allows me to prepare a nice meal for my family. Tonight I cooked paprika salmon (substitute chicken for Jami and Jacob), wild rice, and steamed broccoli. Not to brag to much, but it was very good!

The Big Bang Theory - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

2011-01-17T15:32:00.000-05:00

Image via WikipediaThe Big Bang Theory - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is fast becoming one of my favorite tv shows. I recieved the first three seasons on DVD for Christmas. First I am a fan of stupid humor. Second Jim Parsons just cracks me up as Sheldon Cooper. Call me a geek, I am ok with it. Bazinga.

Jordyn Is Here!!!

2010-08-22T13:06:00.000-04:00

On Wednesday Jami and I welcomed our second child into the world. She weighed 8 pounds 4 ounces and 21 inches long. Jacob is very excited to have a new sister. She is beautiful and healthy, and mommy and daddy are pretty happy too!!! Jordyn is such a blessing!

Actually Making A Difference

2010-08-11T14:11:00.000-04:00

Image by buck82 via Flickr

Last week I received an invitation to attend a open house from a high school friend. This open house was about the work that she and her husband are doing in China. So last night my wife, son, and I attend this open house. They have been in China for 8 years. The first two years was spent just learning the language and the culture. They knew that they were called to go there to have an impact for Christ. Trust me it is much better to hear them explain it. He is using his studio and music knowledge to convert music and videos into the Chinese language and culture. She was heavily impacted by the cultural dis-valuing of Chinese women and started an organization to help them get out of a dead end life.

I am always impressed by people who have such a clear understanding of what they are called to do. When they talk about what they do, their passion and commitment immediately show through. This family is making a real difference in peoples lives. It was a great privilege to reconnect and have our families meet. If you would like to know know more about her organization please visit Starfish Project.

Girl In August

2010-04-16T11:05:00.000-04:00

Image by 38 Parrots via Flickr

Yesterday we went for an ultrasound. The baby looks healthy and we found out that we are having a girl!!! OK so what does this mean for me? Hmmm. It means I need to start learning some new terminology. Like, you know, all that hair accessory type items. Honestly I'm not even sure what I am talking about!!! So I will make a list of items and you can clue me in on. Here we go:

Hair bands
Barrettes
Dresses - what goes with them
Shoes
Dolls
Earrings

Ok in all seriousness I'm sure I have left a ton of stuff off this list. What is most important is that she is healthy, I'm sure with time I will learn the rest! Very Excited!!! Is it August yet?

A Professor Who Gets It

2010-03-31T07:53:00.000-04:00

Image via Wikipedia

Many of you know that I am in my final semester at college. In all my years of going to business school there has always been emphasis on "the numbers" and basic, universally acknowledged business principles. Many times these are focused on big public businesses. This makes it easier to provide data and allows for a more scientific examination of business principles. Well after doing a case study on a private family business, we had a discussion yesterday in my "business strategy" class. After going through all the technical aspects of the case the professor asked us a question. "What is the point in analyzing all of this, if the company does not take your recommendations?". Most of the time change won't get implemented. Why? Because of "trust". Then he asked "what does it take to gain trust in a tightly knitted, long running, family business?". He then said, "business school only teaches you 40% of what you need to know. If people don't take your ideas, you won't be successful. What is needed to earn trust is time." Successful people learn how to build trust. "Those that can earn it faster will be more successful." Finally a professor that understands and demonstrates to his students that it is more than just the numbers. I have a lot of respect for this guy. Well done professor.

Conviction

2010-02-04T10:13:00.001-05:00

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

You can now get to my blog by simply typing www.jeffkamp.com .

I've had a conviction here lately. I need to get into shape in order to be the best dad and husband that I can be. So here is what I am going to do about it.

Keep riding my bike - Last summer are started riding back and forth to work. I plan on continuing this when the weather gets warm again.
Enter a 5K - I am registered for the Sunburst 5K run in South Bend, IN on June 5th. This should keep me motivated to train. Also my sister has to decided to join me in this event so that should be a lot of fun.
Start a fitness blog - My good freind and I have started a fitness blog. It is about our biking and running adventures, product reviews, and our progress. Check it out at www.pursuitoffit.com

Big Announcement

2010-01-06T14:05:00.000-05:00

Image by coltrane46517 via Flickr

Happy New Year!!! I am excited to announce that Jami, Jacob, and I will be adding to our family. Jami is due in August!!! This makes me very happy. Can you tell? Anyways keep Jami in your prayers, as she was very sick when she was pregnant with Jacob.

Bike stand

2009-12-28T14:07:00.002-05:00

Bike stand
Originally uploaded by coltrane46517
Ok I admit it. I haven't been on my bike in awhile. It has been cold and miserable here in Indiana now for the past few weeks. You can tell from the stats on the right side of this page that I have 0 miles in December (ouch!!!) Well that is about to change. For Christmas I received a bike stand trainer. Now I'm not sure how I am going to log my miles yet, but I can report that I have now used it two nights in a row. So to keep myself accountable I will report on here my times until I get a solution to post it in my actual riding log. I'm sure this will excite the millions of readers that follow this blog!

Father

2009-12-28T12:38:00.000-05:00

Birthday Greeting Card Assortment, box of 10 cards and envelopes

Today is my dad's birthday. He is a great man. He is one of the most generous people I know. Sure, sure sometimes he can be a bit grumpy. But when you get to know his heart, you will find a man that cares about people and their well being. He leads with courage and strength. He is a wonderful grandfather. But most of all he is my Dad and I love him. Dad happy birthday. I can't wait to share the next year with you.

Anticipation

2009-12-22T11:09:00.003-05:00

I'm looking forward to this upcoming year. To start the year off it will be my final semester working towards my business degree. It has been a lot of hard work, but I can't wait to feel the sense of accomplishment. Accomplishment provides fuel for our next challenge in life. I am also anticipating a great family trip this year. Planning is underway and I am very excited about it. I'm also anticipating getting back on the bike when it warms up again. It will be great to pick up where I left off on riding my bike into work and working to be more healthy, physically and mentally. And of course this will be our first year in our new house!!! I can't wait to build memories with my family in such a wonderful place. It truly is a blessing. I have several personal goals for this year, which I will share later, but for now I just want to enjoy this moment. The moment of being here, enjoying what is here, and anticipating what is to come.

Routine Monday

2009-12-21T12:27:00.004-05:00

Image via Wikipedia

Last Thursday morning I had my surgery to remove four wisdom teeth. Overall it went well. Most of the weekend was spent lounging around with icebags surrounding my face. Thanks to everyone for their prayers and support. As of right now my cheeks are still swollen, but the pain has rescinded quite a bit. I look forward to getting back to eating normally, non-liquid foods!!!

This is going to be a busy week. First off it is Christmas week. We still have not closed on the house and we have a fence being installed for the dogs. Jami and I still have some Christmas shopping to finish up. All in all life is good and I always feel blessed this time of year. It is a time to remember that there are things much greater then my problems to worry about. I have an awesome wife, a great son, and fabulous new house. Thank you God for all your many blessings.

Wisdom

2009-12-16T11:02:00.003-05:00

Image via Wikipedia

Ok so most people get their wisdom teeth removed when they are young, like 18 and under. Well tomorrow morning I will have surgery to remove mine. All four. The doctor said if he had to pick one x-ray out of 100 that would be the most challenging it would be my x-ray. UMMMM GGGGRRREAT!!! Just what I want to hear. But at least I know I will have given the good doctor a challenge! So anyways, seriously, I am just asking for your prayers tomorrow and through recovery. Thanks.

Jeff Kamp

Music Composition 101

Thanksgiving

Happy girl

Steve Jobs' 2005 Stanford Commencement Address

Jacob's Foreign Language Interests

Philanthropy - Social Entrepreneur

Google+ Invites

Center for Hospice Care

Girl On The Move

Alternative Fuel Solutions?

Related articles

Counting Your Blessings

Happy 5th Birthday!

Cooking

The Big Bang Theory - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Related articles

Jordyn Is Here!!!

Actually Making A Difference

Girl In August

A Professor Who Gets It

Conviction

Big Announcement

Bike stand

Father

Anticipation

Routine Monday

Wisdom