Yesterday was Tonya's birthday, so last night, after Rooster's, we met her at Area 51 for 80s night. Due to the large amount of alcohol I consumed on Wednesday, I opted to be the designated driver, but I still had a lot of fun. I even got to wear my HyperColor t-shirt that's been sitting in the back of my closet forever. I've had it since I was in the 8th grade...and it STILL WORKS!
It was a super fun night with lots of dancing and laughing, and Tonya really enjoyed her birthday. We left the club at 2, but soon, the mood would go drastically downhill.
An historical thing happened last night. I got my first speeding ticket. The story goes like this: we were getting ready to get on the freeway, and a motorcycle cop stopped me. I figured he was just going to check for a DUI. He gave me a field sobriety test. (The whole, "Follow the pen with your eyes" thing.) Then he tells me that I was doing 50 in a 35. He only wrote the ticket for 5 over, but I still think it's bullshit. I was getting on the FREEWAY! Come on!
It doesn't really bother me to go to traffic school or even to pay a fine. It's just that it's my first traffic violation ever. And I've been driving for almost 16 years! That's half my life. Coincidentally, both times I've been pulled over in my life have been while driving John home when he's drunk. Perhaps I should let Ryan stick with DD duties.
Friday, June 30, 2006
Independence Weekend
I opted to take leave today and tomorrow. Since we have Monday and Tuesday off for the 4th of July, it's a six-day weekend for me. Plus, yesterday, I got out of work at 11, which leads to an entire different story.
It all started when Drew called at 11:45 and asked if I'd had lunch. I hadn't, so we had sandwiches at Einstein's. At the end of lunch, Drew asked, "When is it too early to start drinking?" Hence, we were at Rooster's (our second home) by 1 PM. We drank pitcher after pitcher all afternoon and into the evening. It was the earliest I've ever been drunk, and probably the most I've ever had to drink in a single day. Yeah, it's a good thing I didn't have to work today.
So, anyway, this is definitely going to be a party weekend. I'm sure I'll have plenty of stories and pictures. Random days off are the best, and a great way to have some spread out relaxation time before I deploy this fall.
It all started when Drew called at 11:45 and asked if I'd had lunch. I hadn't, so we had sandwiches at Einstein's. At the end of lunch, Drew asked, "When is it too early to start drinking?" Hence, we were at Rooster's (our second home) by 1 PM. We drank pitcher after pitcher all afternoon and into the evening. It was the earliest I've ever been drunk, and probably the most I've ever had to drink in a single day. Yeah, it's a good thing I didn't have to work today.
So, anyway, this is definitely going to be a party weekend. I'm sure I'll have plenty of stories and pictures. Random days off are the best, and a great way to have some spread out relaxation time before I deploy this fall.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
The Last Song
Sleater-Kinney announced on their website this morning that, after eleven years and seven albums, they will be going on indefinite hiatus. S-K are one of my favourite bands of all time, and it's sad to see them split up. They're one of the most distinguished bands to spring from the riot grrl movement of the northwest, with strange and wonderous punk songs that don't deny their pop sensibilities. Carrie's guitar, Corin's voice, and Janet's drumming came together in such a perfect way. Their music is passionate, complex, fiery, political, and intense. They've definitely got "words and guitar."
I first bought "Dig Me Out" in May of 1997, and listened to it non-stop the first time I drove from Kentucky to Vegas, and it was an essential the rest of the summer (and probably for the rest of my life). My girlfriend would tease me and refer to them as "Sleater-Shmater," but I didn't care. It's not often that I fall in love with a band, but I'm head over heels for S-K. One of my fondest memories is when my friend Jim and I drove from Vegas to Los Angeles in July of '99 to see them at a festival. It was hot and sunny, but I was down front in the middle of the crowd dancing and singing along to every song.
"This Momma works till her back is sore; but the baby's fed, and the tunes are pure." Indeed.
Goodbye, Sleater-Kinney. I'll miss you.
I first bought "Dig Me Out" in May of 1997, and listened to it non-stop the first time I drove from Kentucky to Vegas, and it was an essential the rest of the summer (and probably for the rest of my life). My girlfriend would tease me and refer to them as "Sleater-Shmater," but I didn't care. It's not often that I fall in love with a band, but I'm head over heels for S-K. One of my fondest memories is when my friend Jim and I drove from Vegas to Los Angeles in July of '99 to see them at a festival. It was hot and sunny, but I was down front in the middle of the crowd dancing and singing along to every song.
"This Momma works till her back is sore; but the baby's fed, and the tunes are pure." Indeed.
Goodbye, Sleater-Kinney. I'll miss you.
Junk of the Heart
Last weekend was the Utah Arts Festival in downtown Salt Lake City. I went on Sunday afternoon with John, Mikey, Floyd, Ryan, Caleb, and Tanya.
There were tons of booths and exhibits touting paintings, sculptures, photographs, fashion, etc. Most everything was for sale, but it was all so expensive.
One of my personal favourites was this booth selling exotic spoons. I'd have to be bat-shit-crazy to pay $45 for a wooden spoon. Of course, I'm sure there are people out there that have nothing better to do with their money. It's obviously lucrative enough to come sell them in Utah.
One of the things I love most about art is that it's peering into someone's mind and the way they view the world. Real and abstract. Delightful and macabre. Humourous and somber. Colourful and dull. It's all about perspective, and seeing someone else's often helps me gain a little better of my own.
There were tons of booths and exhibits touting paintings, sculptures, photographs, fashion, etc. Most everything was for sale, but it was all so expensive.
One of my personal favourites was this booth selling exotic spoons. I'd have to be bat-shit-crazy to pay $45 for a wooden spoon. Of course, I'm sure there are people out there that have nothing better to do with their money. It's obviously lucrative enough to come sell them in Utah.
One of the things I love most about art is that it's peering into someone's mind and the way they view the world. Real and abstract. Delightful and macabre. Humourous and somber. Colourful and dull. It's all about perspective, and seeing someone else's often helps me gain a little better of my own.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
The Teaches of Peaches
Saturday night was definitely a delight. It started out pretty early when Katie and Kyle came up from SLC to hang with us Layton boys. We went to dinner at Gabor Brothers, then headed on base for a couple games of bowling.
Bowling = white. Bowling on base while Motley Crue is blaring on the radio = white trash!
Katie spent most of her time scoping out hot military guys.
It was fun while it lasted, but Kyle was way tired, so he left. The rest of us had a different agenda. It was the last Saturday of the month, and you know what that means? Fetish Night at Area 51!
We met Mikey and Floyd, Ryan, and Tanya and Caleb at the club. It was extra fun because it was the first time Tanya and Caleb had been out with us. They really enjoyed themselves.
Fetish Night is always such a freak show, and not in a bad way. It's a great place to watch people freely express themselves. After a few hours of hardcore dancing, we were all exhausted.
The car was only a couple blocks away, but I somehow managed to take some great pictures on the way there.
Getting a picture of Kyle is amazingly difficult, but it's a little easier if he's had a bit to drink.
John attempted to do a cartwheel.
This was the end result.
The cuteness factor of this pictures is nearly blinding.
So, yeah, it was another fun, slightly drunken evening with my posse. I sometimes worry that it might one day get old, but it never does. I love these people.
Bowling = white. Bowling on base while Motley Crue is blaring on the radio = white trash!
Katie spent most of her time scoping out hot military guys.
It was fun while it lasted, but Kyle was way tired, so he left. The rest of us had a different agenda. It was the last Saturday of the month, and you know what that means? Fetish Night at Area 51!
We met Mikey and Floyd, Ryan, and Tanya and Caleb at the club. It was extra fun because it was the first time Tanya and Caleb had been out with us. They really enjoyed themselves.
Fetish Night is always such a freak show, and not in a bad way. It's a great place to watch people freely express themselves. After a few hours of hardcore dancing, we were all exhausted.
The car was only a couple blocks away, but I somehow managed to take some great pictures on the way there.
Getting a picture of Kyle is amazingly difficult, but it's a little easier if he's had a bit to drink.
John attempted to do a cartwheel.
This was the end result.
The cuteness factor of this pictures is nearly blinding.
So, yeah, it was another fun, slightly drunken evening with my posse. I sometimes worry that it might one day get old, but it never does. I love these people.
Monday, June 26, 2006
Modern Love
There was a lot that went on this weekend, but nothing as cool and exciting as the news that Mikey and Floyd are now officially engaged. Congratulations, you guys! I'm so happy for you both.
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Candles and Che
Chad came up for Rooster's last night. Afterward, he, John, and I went down to my favourite martini bar, The Red Door. Plus, Katie came up and brought her friend, Bree. And there's never a frown with Katie around. Whoa. That kinda rhymed.
I had a martini called a "Cocaine Lady" (probably because it had powdered sugar sprinkled on the top), and it tasted like a vanilla milkshake. It was fun and mellow and our waitress, Sister Melissa, was super cool (especially her tattoos).
I had a martini called a "Cocaine Lady" (probably because it had powdered sugar sprinkled on the top), and it tasted like a vanilla milkshake. It was fun and mellow and our waitress, Sister Melissa, was super cool (especially her tattoos).
Friday, June 23, 2006
...yet so far away.
I looked online today to find out my test scores for promotion, and they were pretty good; but the truly heartbreaking news was that I was the number three non-selectee. I can't help but think if I had actually picked up a book and studied, or if I hadn't been hung over or lacked sleep, that I might have a line number right now. I guess I'll never know. This will definitely prompt me to study for next year. I hope.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Screw peanuts and Cracker Jacks. Buy me some beer!
Yesterday was opening night for the Raptors, the AA team up in Ogden. John, Ryan, and I went. There was no premeditated intentions of getting drunk, but it just kinda happened. More on that later.
It was a gorgeous evening that began with Oggie, their mascot, emerging from a helicopter.
The Raptors play in downtown Ogden at Lindquist Field, which was voted the most scenic field in all of minor league baseball. You can see why.
The whole stadium was more crowded than I've ever seen a Bees game. Of course, there are fewer seats, too. Regardless, everyone was excited for the first game of the season.
Ogden played the Orem Owls. Orem is a town just south of Salt Lake City. Unfortunately, the Raptors lost, 7-5.
I'm not sure when things went from casual drinking to all-out drunk, but it definitely snuck up on me. Probably because I had an empty stomach. Or possibly because I'd only had three hours of sleep the night before. We're so lucky to have Ryan as a designated driver.
We met a nice young lady sitting next to us named Shellie. She's a local teacher and a super-fun girl. We took turns watching each other's beer during bathroom breaks.
When I'm drunk, I like to take really random photos. These are the people who happened to be sitting behind us. I think.
They even had fireworks after the game.
John made me promise to stop posting photos of him that are less than flattering.
This is to make things a little more even. Feel better, John?
The amount of beer I've had is directly proportionate to the amount of crazy pictures I take. Case in point:
Exhibit B:
And, just to make things even:
It was a great night. I really took advantage of not having to work today. After the game, we went and had pizza at The Pie, which is not normal for me because I rarely eat at night or when I've been drinking. I think it caused me to have some seriously whacked-out dreams. Maybe I'll perform an experiment of eating strange things before bed just to see what I dream about. That would be something.
It was a gorgeous evening that began with Oggie, their mascot, emerging from a helicopter.
The Raptors play in downtown Ogden at Lindquist Field, which was voted the most scenic field in all of minor league baseball. You can see why.
The whole stadium was more crowded than I've ever seen a Bees game. Of course, there are fewer seats, too. Regardless, everyone was excited for the first game of the season.
Ogden played the Orem Owls. Orem is a town just south of Salt Lake City. Unfortunately, the Raptors lost, 7-5.
I'm not sure when things went from casual drinking to all-out drunk, but it definitely snuck up on me. Probably because I had an empty stomach. Or possibly because I'd only had three hours of sleep the night before. We're so lucky to have Ryan as a designated driver.
We met a nice young lady sitting next to us named Shellie. She's a local teacher and a super-fun girl. We took turns watching each other's beer during bathroom breaks.
When I'm drunk, I like to take really random photos. These are the people who happened to be sitting behind us. I think.
They even had fireworks after the game.
John made me promise to stop posting photos of him that are less than flattering.
This is to make things a little more even. Feel better, John?
The amount of beer I've had is directly proportionate to the amount of crazy pictures I take. Case in point:
Exhibit B:
And, just to make things even:
It was a great night. I really took advantage of not having to work today. After the game, we went and had pizza at The Pie, which is not normal for me because I rarely eat at night or when I've been drinking. I think it caused me to have some seriously whacked-out dreams. Maybe I'll perform an experiment of eating strange things before bed just to see what I dream about. That would be something.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Soldier Boy
Yesterday morning, I awoke at a ridiculously early hour in order to go out to the Utah Test and Training Range (UTTR) for a two-day exercise. The UTTR is about a two hour drive from here, just west of the Great Salt Lake. Even though the landscape is half desert / half plains and very dry, it's strangely beautiful.
We saw lots of wildlife, including jackrabbits, badgers, and antelope. I wonder how all those animals can survive in such a desolate place.
The exercise was pretty exhausting. We began out-processing the base at 5:30 yesterday morning. We convoyed out to the UTTR and immediately began training. There was lots of lecturing followed by rolling around on the ground and hiding behind barricades and other such scenarios. The fun part was that we had MILES gear (don't ask me what MILES stands for), which is basically like laser tag. Our day didn't end until 2 AM this morning.
And today began at 5:30 AM with another "attack" on our camp. After that, we had a de-briefing by the main trainer guy, Army Sergeant First Class Felty (aka Talky McLongwinded). Then, we cleaned our weapons, convoyed back, and I got home a little after noon, whereupon I immediately showered for 45 minutes. I'm amazed my eyes are even open right now. Luckily, I'm getting tomorrow off as a comp day.
As I've mentioned, I'm not really a big fan of this war-time training, but I guess it doesn't hurt. It's a little stressful trying to remember sequences of what to do when someone is yelling at you, and I bet it's even harder with bullets flying past your head. I hope I never have to find out.
We saw lots of wildlife, including jackrabbits, badgers, and antelope. I wonder how all those animals can survive in such a desolate place.
The exercise was pretty exhausting. We began out-processing the base at 5:30 yesterday morning. We convoyed out to the UTTR and immediately began training. There was lots of lecturing followed by rolling around on the ground and hiding behind barricades and other such scenarios. The fun part was that we had MILES gear (don't ask me what MILES stands for), which is basically like laser tag. Our day didn't end until 2 AM this morning.
And today began at 5:30 AM with another "attack" on our camp. After that, we had a de-briefing by the main trainer guy, Army Sergeant First Class Felty (aka Talky McLongwinded). Then, we cleaned our weapons, convoyed back, and I got home a little after noon, whereupon I immediately showered for 45 minutes. I'm amazed my eyes are even open right now. Luckily, I'm getting tomorrow off as a comp day.
As I've mentioned, I'm not really a big fan of this war-time training, but I guess it doesn't hurt. It's a little stressful trying to remember sequences of what to do when someone is yelling at you, and I bet it's even harder with bullets flying past your head. I hope I never have to find out.
Sunday, June 18, 2006
A Well-Deserved Weekend
After all the training last week (and before the training next week), I was totally ready to relax and have some fun this weekend. And I did. It all started out Friday night with a Bees game with Kyle, Ryan, Brian, Ryan, and John.
When we sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" during the seventh inning stretch, we really get into it.
The Bees played the Las Vegas 51s, and it was a really close game. It went in to extra innings, and we were way tired, so we left after the 11th inning. Eventually, the Bees went on to win, 7-6, in the 13th(!) inning.
Saturday afternoon, John, Ryan, Ryan, and I went to Drew and Becky's wedding.
We didn't know too many people there, but we did get to see Drew's sister, Avery, again. We'd met her once before a couple months ago. She's definitely a way-cool chick.
I took the time to leave my mark by decorating the table in fake bling.
I don't know if it's seeing two people make this wonderful commitment or the love-y mood in the air or the promise of good cake, but I seriously love weddings. Especially when it's two people as cool as Drew and Becky getting married.
After the reception, we went down to Ryan and Brian's to celebrate Brian's birthday.
People kept asking why I was so dressed up, so I told them I was in the Mafia.
When John gets drunk, he talks out the side of his mouth.
I don't know why I started doing that tongue thing. Must have been an effect of all the alcohol.
Coming between Ryan and his Jager shots is like getting between a retiree and the cigarette isle in the commissary. Very dangerous.
It was a super-fun party with lots of people, but not too many to make it overcrowded. I kept a perfect buzz all night long, and we didn't leave until 3 AM. It was definitely what I needed to get my mind off what I'm going to have to endure at work on Monday and Tuesday. I don't know what's going on next weekend, but I'm already looking forward to it.
When we sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" during the seventh inning stretch, we really get into it.
The Bees played the Las Vegas 51s, and it was a really close game. It went in to extra innings, and we were way tired, so we left after the 11th inning. Eventually, the Bees went on to win, 7-6, in the 13th(!) inning.
Saturday afternoon, John, Ryan, Ryan, and I went to Drew and Becky's wedding.
We didn't know too many people there, but we did get to see Drew's sister, Avery, again. We'd met her once before a couple months ago. She's definitely a way-cool chick.
I took the time to leave my mark by decorating the table in fake bling.
I don't know if it's seeing two people make this wonderful commitment or the love-y mood in the air or the promise of good cake, but I seriously love weddings. Especially when it's two people as cool as Drew and Becky getting married.
After the reception, we went down to Ryan and Brian's to celebrate Brian's birthday.
People kept asking why I was so dressed up, so I told them I was in the Mafia.
When John gets drunk, he talks out the side of his mouth.
I don't know why I started doing that tongue thing. Must have been an effect of all the alcohol.
Coming between Ryan and his Jager shots is like getting between a retiree and the cigarette isle in the commissary. Very dangerous.
It was a super-fun party with lots of people, but not too many to make it overcrowded. I kept a perfect buzz all night long, and we didn't leave until 3 AM. It was definitely what I needed to get my mind off what I'm going to have to endure at work on Monday and Tuesday. I don't know what's going on next weekend, but I'm already looking forward to it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)