What I am looking toward...

The next couples of months are an exciting time, the holiday season is coming and with the holiday season comes great music, great food, & great traditions.  Some of the things I am looking forward to for the next couple of months is my wonderful wife's caramel apple cupcakes, caramel apples, apple cider, christmas cookies, Aunt Gwen's homemade caramels, hot chocolate, & a great cup of coffee.

Although there are things that I am going to miss, the golf season, warm weather, shorts, & tank tops, I am looking forward to the fall/winter months, hoodies, snow, & family.  Most of all family is the thing that should tie us all together and no I am not talking about just blood family, but I am talking about all family.

I am looking forward to the Seabird Christmas Album, listening to Bing Crosby's Christmas classics, watching all our favorite classic Christmas movies, & not to mention each of the Office Christmas episodes.  

Most of my life I have spent the holiday season dreading it because of the cold, the required moments of seeing family when it wasn't convenient, but now I am finally at the point in my life where I am beginning to value my time.  I am hoping this holiday season to truly value my family, my extended family, embrace the cold weather, & truly allow holiday season to bring out more love.  I do not want to be considered a Scrooge, I really want to be considered more like a Kris Kringle (aka the beard that I seem to be growing).   That being said as the holiday season is coming, I would like to say happy holidays and that I am looking forward to the season.



till another day,




normallyINDIE

Chemex - Chemistry & Coffee

If you know anything about me you know how passionate I am about coffee and the experience that it provides.  Much like a good book or great meal with your family, there is nothing better than coming around a great cup of coffee together.  It brings people together in a way that is unlike any other.  If you are passionate about coffee and people then coffee brewing is something that you must be a part of.  Over the past couple of years my passions have grown and so has be coffee cabinet.  Some of the methods of brewing that I enjoy most are Chemex coffee brewing & the aeropress coffee method.  Today, if I could suggest anything, if you enjoy a wonderful, smooth cup of coffee then you must grab a 8 - 10 cup Chemex coffee maker.  

Things you need: 
                 Chemex Coffee Machine - $50 
                 Chemex Coffee Filters - $15 
                 Stove Top Tea Kettle 
                 Kitchen Timer 
                 Espresso Thermometer 
                 Ground Specialty Coffee 
                 Quality Coffee Grinder 
                 Clean Filtered Water 
                 Liquid Measuring Cup 

Step One:

Measure Water

Start by measuring out your clean filtered water. Always use a two tablespoons of coffee for every 6 oz. of water. We are going to brew 30oz. of coffee in our Chemex. All the water will be transferred to a clean and empty water kettle. Bring your water to a boil.

Step Two:

Measure Coffee

Measure coffee. Remember two tablespoons/ 10 grams per 6oz. of water. As we are making a 30oz. Chemex, we will be using 5 coffee scoops (10 tablespoons/50 grams).

Step Three:

Grind Coffee

When making a Chemex we prefer a coarse grind similar to a French Press.

Step Four:

Set Up Chemex

When brewing with a Chemex you can only use Chemex brand filters. The thick, sturdy cone fits the large opening of the Chemex. Open filter into a cone shape and place it in the Chemex with the three-layered side facing the pouring spout. This keeps the filter from collapsing into the spout, which constricts air flow.

Step Five:

Rinse Filter

Rinse the filter by pouring approximately 10oz. of hot water through it into the Chemex. Pour water out.

Step Six:

Add Coffee

Add your fresh, coarsely ground coffee to the filter in the Chemex. Shake gently to level the grounds.

Step Seven:

Remove Water From Heat

When your water comes to a full rolling boil take it off the heat and let the kettle rest for about 20 seconds (water temperature will drop from 212 to 200 in this time at sea level).

Step Eight:

Pour Water

Wet the grounds with about 4 fl. oz. of water and let the coffee bloom for 30-40 seconds. (Fresh coffee will have a larger bloom, or foam-like head. )

Step Nine:

Ensure All Grounds Are Wet

Slowly pour the rest of water over the coffee in a circular motion, avoiding the sides/edges. Ensure all the grounds are evenly wet.

Step Ten:

Remove Filter

When all the water has dripped through, carefully gather the coffee filter and remove before serving.

Follow these steps and you will create an amazing cup of coffee not to mention have an amazing experience of brewing.  It takes the monotony of brewing a cup of coffee in a drip pot away and brings the excitement back into coffee.  Not to mention it is going to be quite impressive for all your guests.  If you would like more tips on coffee and new brewing methods comment below. 

till another day, 

normallyINDIE. 

Thank You...

I want to officially thank all those who call Twin Oaks Christian Church & the Uprising.  Below is my letter of Resignation as the Student Ministries Pastor here.  Thank you so much for all that you have done and all that God is continuing to do.

Dear Twin Oaks Family, 

Jenny and I are so honored to be able to call this place home and specifically have the opportunity to work with you as members on a regular basis.  I, Alec, have been so blessed to be lead by a great man in Randy Wheeler and could not be more excited about where the future of Twin Oaks, specifically the Uprising, is headed under his Christ-centered leadership.  

With all of that being said, Jenny and I must regretfully inform you that as of July 24th I have resigned as the Student Ministries Pastor here at Twin Oaks CC.  Jenny and I will be pursuing a job opportunity for her in the graphic design field in Indianapolis, IN effective immediately.  We have spent the last two weeks praying over this decision and although it hurts us so much to leave a church family that has been so loving and wonderful, we are 100% positive that this is what/where God is calling our family to next.  Jenny and I are still very much looking forward to spending a week with your students in the Dominican Republic as well as finishing the summer Uprising Events, but our final Sunday will be August 25th, 2013. 

It has been such a blessing to come under the leadership of an dynamic Pastor and staff.  We could not be more heart-broken to leave a church family that is truly doing the work that God has called them to.  I fully trust that God has already ordained the next Student Ministries Pastor for the position and I am so excited to see the powerful impact Pastor Randy and this entire church family is going to have on this community despite our departure.  

You all have been so loving toward us and we could not be more honored to have spent the time getting to know Randy, the Elders, and our entire team.  You all are such amazing men and women of God.  

God Bless, 

Alec M. Tod 

Golf Season is Here...

Spring is upon us, the grass is starting to grow, and golf courses are starting to open.  Although it is still in the 30s here in Michigan, slowly but surely golf season is coming.  I have had the honor this year of helping to coach the Trenton HS boys golf team here in Michigan and I could not be more excited.  Nothing gets me driven to work on my game more than, working with others, especially students, to better their game.  It just brings a great start to an already great season that is golf season.  

Some things I would love to see happen this golf season are as follows: 

1.  Shoot Par 

2.  Hit all 18 Fairways in 1 Round 

3.  Play in 3 Amateur Tournaments 

4.  Teach 3 New Golf Clients 

5.  Play 20 Rounds of Golf 

6.  Help our team win the Church Scramble 

7.  Beat my Dad in an official 18 hole round 

8.  Teach my wife, Jenny, how to play the game 

9.  Enjoy myself every time I play 

These are just a few personal goals I would love to see happen as I begin my journey back to playing golf on a regular basis.  I have had a long career with some time off in between and I am hoping to get back to playing regularly.  This giving me the opportunity not only to work with the Trenton students, but also to have meaningful conversations.  There is just something about being on the golf course that truly reminds me of the majesty of our living God.  He created this wonderful world and for 4 hours I have the opportunity to walk, breath, smell, hear, see, everything that he has created.  It is truly a blessing.  

That is what I am looking forward to most as we begin golf season here in Michigan and I am so excited to share that with those i love. 

till another day, 

normallyINDIE. 

A Passion for Coffee...

If you know me at all you know how much I love coffee and specifically unique coffee.  You will see me at the Allen & West Starbucks almost everyday.  My christmas & birthday gifts consisted of over $100 in Starbucks gift cards, 6 lbs of Starbucks Coffee, & 30 Starbucks VIA coffee packets.  I read books about coffee (Pour your Heart into It, Onward, the Starbucks Experience) Guatemalan Burlap coffee bags decorate my office, and my wife believes I am an espresso maker away from owning my own coffee shop.  Let's just say I love coffee and especially the idea of a coffee shop.

It all started when I had my first Caramel Apple Spice Cider from Starbucks in junior high.  At that point I was hooked and had to have that little white & green cup in my hand always.  My love for coffee only grew and I began to search out new places, types, and ways of making coffee only growing more and more fascinated with the process and the culture of coffee.

Although I love the taste and aroma of coffee, it runs so much deeper.  It is the idea of a coffee shop being an influence in the community.  A meeting place that people can come together, discuss the good and bad of life, work together, change the world together.  Coffee shops should be the center of a community not only making it a comfortable place to come, but also a place that is doing something positive in the community, not just taking their money.  Thus, I have continually supported the local coffee shop, but more recently my "third place" has become the Starbucks on Allen & West in Woodhaven, MI.  Not because they make good drinks & they have free Wi-Fi, but that Starbucks is a company that is giving back to the community and the world as a whole.

My dream is to one day open a coffee shop of my own that makes great beverages, has the best baristas, but most of all is a place that anyone can come and share their life with other people.  A place that they can call home and they feel that it is a positive impact on the community.

I have began to increase my growing inventory in coffee materials and they are shown below:

Espresso Stovetop Percolator 

French Press

Burr Grinder

Chemex Coffee Machine

Pour Over Coffee

Toddy Cold Brew System

What I love about each of these system is that they prepare coffee each in a unique way.  It makes the conventional coffee brewing system obsolete.  I know that right now I am a novice "barista", but i hope this is only the beginning of opening a coffee shop someday.

If you haven't already take some time to visit your local coffee shop, try one of their signature drinks, and begin to enjoy all that the coffee world has to offer.  

till another day, 

normallyINDIE

the Uprising...

As many of you know as of September I accepted a position at Twin Oaks Christian Church in Woodhaven, Michigan to become their Student Ministries Pastor.  I have been working for this church for just over a month and last night we were able to launch our brand new Student Ministry service called the Uprising.

This is going to be a church led by students for students purely to spread the gospel to all of the students that are in our Down River Area.  The Uprising is dedicated to building up a group of students that will faithfully, humbly, & wholeheartedly serve the Lord.

I had the honor last night of putting on our Fall Kickoff with all the help I could get from my Adult Sponsor team.  We had a wonderful night of worship, fun, fall inspired food, and relevant speaking.  It was so exciting to see over 50 Middle School & High School Students there who were excited to hear what all of the Uprising was all about.

Now outside of all of the logistics and everything else, I am so excited to be serving God here at Twin Oaks.  To lead a service like this is what I have been dreaming about doing since I felt the call to go into Student Ministry back in High School.  I have been dreaming of the day when God will give me a chance to preach the gospel to a group of students that are anxious to hear it.  It is such an amazing feeling and I am so honored to be serving him in this way.

I cannot imagine what God has in store for us at the Uprising, but I am so excited and I know he is going to do some amazing things.

If you would like to keep up on all things the Uprising then check out:

Facebook: The Uprising

Twitter: @Uprising_SM

Website: www.twinoakschristian.com

I am so excited for the school year and to see what is going to happen.


till another day,


normallyINDIE

That time of year...

It has just begun.  The first time of the year when the layering begins.  My favorite time of year is the fall.  The weather changes, the leaves fall, football is in full swing, and the temperature dips below 50.  The perfect time of your to throw on a sweatshirt, drink some great coffee (or hot apple cider), and enjoy the amazing season God has created for us.

My wife and I recently moved to Michigan in the Down River District of Detroit (or as I have named it the DWR).  We are just beginning to get used to the place, but nothing excites me more than the fall weather which is just beginning.  Just a couple of weeks ago I began to follow my favorite football teams (Florida Gators & Indianapolis Colts) and are so excited for the rest of the season to continue.  But besides football season being in high gear, there is much to love about the fall.

This is the first time of the year that we are not dripping with sweat while wearing our favorite pair of jeans.  It is just now getting acceptable to wear those awesome beanies that we all have been waiting months to wear (maybe that is just me), but most of all we get to hang out with friends outside around a bonfire or grill enjoying some of our favorite food and company.  What could be better than spending a fall evening grilling out, listening to music, and reminiscing with old friends.

Since we are new to the place, I have some goals for the fall season that I hope I can achieve before the dreadful cold of winter hits.  They are as follows (in no particular order):

Play 10 more rounds of golf (shoot below 80 again)
Play a couple games of pick up football
Watch my St. Louis Cardinals win the 2012 Fall Classic
Enjoy multiple bonfires with new friends
Train our awesome new puppy to go to the bathroom outside (not as easy as it looks)
Purchase and read Tony Larussa's new book
Road trip to Northern Michigan
Enjoy my 23rd Birthday (October 9th if you were wondering)
Begin brainstorming ideas for my first book
Watch a couple new shows on Netflix (the best thing for a TV/Movie buff)
Visit Canada for the first time
Discover some new music (that no one has ever heard of)
Go to an Apple Orchard and get some great caramel apples
Throw a Halloween Party in our new home
Begin the adventure of finding Detroit's best burger joint
Find a couple great local coffee shops (any suggestions)
Go on many a walks with my beautiful bride

These are just a couple of my many goals for the coming months as we settle into the great weather and watch as God, once again, performs one of his many miracles.  Such an exciting time of the year and I am so blessed to be spending it in one of the most beautiful states in America.  Wish me luck.



till another day,



normallyINDIE

All Things New...

As you may know, there are a lot of changes that have taken place recently in my wife and I's life.  We have moved to a new home (Southgate, MI), accepted a new job (Student Ministries Pastor @ Twin Oaks Christian Church), as well as a couple other things.

We have recently purchased a great new vehicle for Jennifer to drive and have gotten rid of the Olds.  It was a sad day when we saw the Olds drive away, but we were happy to have the new Pontiac Torrent in our grasp.  It is a 2WD SUV, with a Sunroof, all the great technology items inside, tons of room, not to mention pretty great gas mileage (for an SUV).

2007 Pontiac Torrent

We have also adopted a wonderful 10 week old mini dachshund puppy by the name of Indie.  He is a really great, cute, fun puppy, but man are they a lot of work.  Our lives have changed, which is tougher than we thought, but we are happy.

Indie at 6 weeks old

As well as the new additions to our family and our garage, I also designed my office with some great help from Jennifer Tod.  I am still working on the wall decor, but it is a work in progress. 

One of the Great Pictures found at Urban Outfitters

The view home the front door of the new Office @ Twin Oaks 

Lastly, Jenny and I just become official Michiganders by receiving our Michigan License Plates as well as our Michigan Licenses (temporaries for the next 10 business days).  

Temp Michigan License

We are really excited for the future and our lives here in Michigan.  We are still exploring and hoping for a wonderful time here.  God is so good and we are so happy to be here.  If you would like to come visit, get in touch.  We would love to see you.  

till another day, 

normallyINDIE

Goodbye OTR, Hello DWR...

Goodbye Cincinnati and our wonderful downtown apartment, what an amazing and adventurous 8 months it was living on 8th and Main St. in downtown Cincinnati, but we have traded in our city digs for a much nicer, quiet, hipster, 2 bedroom 2 bath apartment in Southgate, MI.

We have just recently moved into the beautiful state of Michigan, specifically south of Detroit in the Down River District.  It is a beautiful area filled with nature, wildlife, urban culture, and not to mention restaurants.  Although we very much loved the history and culture of Over the Rhine we are really excited to call the Down River District our new home.  

From what we have heard is that Detroit is one of the worst areas to live in America, but all we have found is fun loving, beautiful, great people that have a hospitality unlike any other city I have been a part of.  Not to mention, I hope that I pick of the accent that is so great up here in the north.  We have spent much of our time in Trenton, Wynadotte, Southgate, Taylor, & Woodhaven and we love the historical old homes as well as the convenience of having a Target, Walmart, Starbucks, CVS, & Redbox right near by.  

We most recently received our Michigan License plates as well as our official (temporary) Michigan Driver's Licenses (after a two hour adventure at the SOS office).  What we have been told now is all we have to get is a Red Wings jersey and a Michigan Maize and Blue hat and we will become true Michiganders.  

We are so excited to have moved a new home, with new adventures, people, and places.  Stay tuned for more updates about our favorite places to go in the DWR as well as Downtown Detroit.  

till another day, 

normallyINDIE

Dreamers - Belle Histoire...

I have had the honor to listen to some pretty great bands over the past years, many of which I have built a friendship (Eric Mac - Irela, TJ - Good Morning Gladys, Aaron Morgan - Seabird, Austin Livingood - Belle Histoire)  Music is a huge part of my life and will continue to be for as long as I live.  Therefore, when I find a great band it is hard for me to want to put their album down for more than 5 minutes.

There have been a couple of exception albums this year of 2012, but none like Belle Histoire's first ever full length titled Dreamers.  A band that calls my home Cincinnati their birthplace, they have been taking over the music scene.  Most recently touring with Death Cab for Cutie and playing at Cincinnati's very first Bunburry Festival this past year, Belle Histoire has only been amping themselves up for their album release this past month.

I currently have been listening to the album on repeat for the last two weeks and it excites me every time.  The vocals are of music genius, but only to be balanced by the smooth guitar and drum beats surrounding it.  All of the songs on the record are filled with passion and heart, but also have a tune that is worth belting out on long road trips, or sometimes in the comfort of your own office.  Their first two EPs were merely teasers for what was to come in this first full length and this time it leaves you itching for more and more.

A great friend of mine happens to be a part of this band and I am so honored to share in this huge moment for him as well as the rest of his band mates.  I wish them the best as always and i suggest jumping onto iTunes and downloading their first every full length entitled DREAMERS.

It is totally worth the purchase and even more so worth seeing this great band perform live.  Also check out their website for tour dates at www.bellehistoiremusic.com

Good luck and happy listening.



till another day,



normallyINDIE

Oh, How we Change...

It is interesting to look back and see how our lives have changed over the past few years.  As many of you know I have recently graduated from college, moved to a new city, and gotten married to my beautiful wife Jennifer.  With all of these great life events comes moving into a new apartment and what is most exciting is that it is our first apartment.  We have the opportunity to create, design, and modify our apartment to make it a home.  And with this we have spent a lot of time at Home Depot, Bed Bath & Beyond, & Target.

Earlier on in my life I spent very little time at these home improvement stores and when I did I was miserable only waiting till it is time to go home.  But now I begin to smile when we drive up to these stores and it is the most exciting time for me when I am able to create something wonderful for my beautiful wife and I to use in our beautifully designed apartment.  Currently we are working a vintage coffee table made from a door used at our wedding, framing and mounting a vintage world map, hanging 9 record frames in our music listening area, creating a headboard out of two vintage palletes, and building a drafting table.  All of these things are great and make me excited to come home at the end of the day to see how I can help my wife make our house a home.

Keep checking out this blog and if you are in the cincy area come check out our place.  Hope to see/hear from you all soon.


till another day,


normallyINDIE