Saturday, March 31, 2007

Dancin' Machines


Becky & Me
Originally uploaded by currtdawg.
Last night, Kristen had a party at her house because Dan, her fiance, was in from Montana. After my extra-long work day, I finally made it there around 8-ish. None of us had ever met Dan before, and he was a pretty cool guy. After playing a few games, the night ended up becoming a big dance party, despite the fact only five of us were present. We danced...


Kristen, Becky, & Me
Originally uploaded by currtdawg.
...and danced...


Kristen, Drew, Becky, & Me
Originally uploaded by currtdawg.
...and danced...


Becky, Me, & Kristen
Originally uploaded by currtdawg.
...and danced some more!


Kristen & Me
Originally uploaded by currtdawg.
It looks like we're singing "Your the One That I Want," but I think it was actually Lauryn Hill. Kristen is a riot.


Kristen & Becky
Originally uploaded by currtdawg.
I don't even know what was going on here, but none of the guys were complaining.


Me, Dan, & Drew
Originally uploaded by currtdawg.
It was good to finally meet Dan, after all we'd heard about him. He didn't dance, and was a bit camera shy, so this is about the only picture I got of him. Kristen is on spring break next week, so they're going to head back to Montana to hang out. Have a safe trip, you guys.

This Devil's Workday

At about 3:30 PM this afternoon, I had gotten back to the shop. I'd finished all the work I had for the day, and was counting down the minutes until I could leave. Everyone else had already left, and I was just waiting for the swing shift guys to show up. I was checking my e-mail when the phone rang. My instincts told me not to answer it, but, for some reason, I did anyway. This nice man on the other end of the line told me the wing commander's basement had flooded, and it was my job to fix it. Luckily, Gabe, one of the swing shift guys, walked in, and we headed out there. Apparently, it was a pretty high-profile job because all these important people showed up, including my commander. Anyway, to make a long story short, we worked for two hours, covering ourselves in pee-water, but finally got the basement drained. I felt good afterward, but now I'm going to be late getting out to Tooele for a party at Kristen's house. I hope she understands. And if not, I have a very smelly uniform that will change her mind.

Friday, March 30, 2007

The LT Road


Ken, Mike, & Me
Originally uploaded by currtdawg.
Mike Bulyk, my former troop, is in town this week. He used to be active duty, but is now in school to pursue a career as a commissioned officer in the Air Force. He's majoring in Russian at the University of Illinois at Chicago, but this week, he's on spring break, and decided to make the 18-hour drive to Utah to hang out with his old friends. Last night, Ken and Monica had us all over for a barbecue, and it was super fun.


Emma & Me
Originally uploaded by currtdawg.
Ken and Monica's children, Emma and Spencer, are a riot and amazingly adorable. They're so much fun to play with.


Brian & Emma
Originally uploaded by currtdawg.
They also have a Wii, which I've never played, and, due to moderate alcohol consumption, still didn't play last night. But it sure looked fun. Almost as fun as all the drink-n-dialing I did. But that's another story.


Me & Ken
Originally uploaded by currtdawg.
Ken and his evil peer-pressuring ways managed to get me to smoke a clove with him. It might have had something to do with the Makers Mark that flowed so freely. But I have to admit I enjoyed it quite a bit.


Spencer, Me, & Emma
Originally uploaded by currtdawg.
It was great to see Mike again, and also great to hang out at Ken and Monica's. I should seriously go over there more often. I didn't leave until nearly 2 AM.
Mike is leaving tomorrow morning to head back to Chicago. Have a safe trip, man. I look forward to one day saluting you.

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

We've Got Everything

Friday afternoon, I called Kyle, who needed some serious cheering-up. I know when I'm down, the best remedy is to go shopping. I suggested we go to the outlet mall in Park City. Kyle was up for it, and glad to be getting out of his house. The only place I really wanted to go was the Polo outlet to pick up a sweatshirt, but I ended up leaving with much, much more. To make room for the new stuff, I cleaned out my closet and now have several bags of clothing to take to the base thrift shop.
Sometimes I disgust myself with the amount of money I spend on ridiculous shit. And not just clothing. There are songs on my iPod I've never heard. Books on my shelf I'll never read. DVDs I'll never watch. Bottled water in my refrigerator. Nine different bottles of cologne on my dresser. Going out to eat when I have food at home. Stereo equipment sitting in a box on my floor that hasn't been used in over a year. And I won't even get into the amount of money I've spent on alcohol.
I rationalise everything by saying, "It's only money. I'll make more. And you only live once." It's shameful how selfish I am. I afford myself too many luxuries. I go through phases where I tell myself that it must stop. Sadly, the pendulum will swing in the opposite direction very soon.

Frigid Air

When I left for work this morning, it was about 60 degrees outside. But by the afternoon, some very dark clouds had rolled in and the temperature dropped drastically. We're supposed to receive between three and seven inches of snow tonight and tomorrow, with even more in the mountains. I'd be lying if I said this didn't excite me somewhat.

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Brain Drain

Well, I tested this morning. I don't really know what to think. Sometimes when I think I did good, my score is pathetic; and then, when I think I did horrible, my scores aren't that bad. So, who knows? I guess we'll find out in June.

Monday, March 26, 2007

I Fought In A War

I just watched Why We Fight, a 2005 documentary directed by Eugene Jarecki about the rise of the military-industrial complex and how it's gotten so out of hand over the past 50 years. It discusses the role of congress and think-tanks, and how money and manipulation are so integrated into our foreign policy. It left me feeling a little overwhelmed and hopeless, but I think it's an important film every taxpayer should see. And if you're feeling really ambitious, check out The Fog of War, which consists of interviews with former Secretary of Defence Robert S. McNamara. Both films will definitely make you think.

Sunday, March 25, 2007

Hoops


Jazz vs. Grizzlies
Originally uploaded by currtdawg.
Doug's cousin has season tickets to the Jazz, but wasn't using her tickets to Saturday night's game, so she gave them to Doug, who, in turn, gave them to Chris and me. They were mid-court, and for upper bowl seats, you really couldn't get any better.


Chris & Me
Originally uploaded by currtdawg.
They played the Memphis Grizzlies. The first half was pretty exciting, but during the second half, the Jazz pulled away and eventually won, 118-108. Watching sports live is so much better than on television. Thanks, again, for the tickets, Doug.

Saturday, March 24, 2007

Unexpected Delights


Club
Originally uploaded by currtdawg.
Why is it that when I'm planning on going out and having a big night of dancing and socialising, it's sometimes a let-down; but when I'm planning on having a chill night at home and get a random call from friends to go out, I end up having a blast? Such was the case last night when I got a call from Doug around 7 asking me to meet everyone at Fiddler's Elbow for dinner. After dinner and a short break at Doug's house, we went to the club and had a great time. There was even a swell after-party at Mikey and Floyd's where the dancing continued until 4 AM. Yeah, I definitely slept in this morning.

Friday, March 23, 2007

Do it, Mini-Jon!

This is one of the reasons the Daily Show is still relevant, and why they should hire Demetri Martin as a full-time correspondent:

Watch it while you still can!

Graduation Day


Adam, Brian, Ken, Me, & Sam
Originally uploaded by currtdawg.
Last night, I went to Ken's Airman Leadership School graduation ceremony. We had a good representation from our shop there. Normally, these things are so full of protocol and military crap that it sucks the fun right out of it. But last night, we ended up having a pretty good time.


Michelle & Monique
Originally uploaded by currtdawg.
Monique was also in Ken's class. She and Michelle are supply troops who were in the desert with us. They're both a total riot, and they might possibly be giving the sign for the shocker.


Ken & Monica
Originally uploaded by currtdawg.
And, as always, it was a delight to see Monica again. She and Ken totally crack me up. They make me want to be married.
Congratulations, Ken. You're gonna make a great Staff Sergeant!

Late in the Game


Powder Mountain
Originally uploaded by currtdawg.
Spring has arrived a little early in Utah, and since I missed the first two months of winter, I almost feel as though I was cheated out of a proper snowboarding season. On top of that, I had a few day passes to Powder Mountain I wasn't sure I'd be able to use. Luckily, Jonathan and I headed up there yesterday to get in some last minute boarding.


Jonathan
Originally uploaded by currtdawg.
Luckily, the snow was surpringly good. It was slushy in parts, but never icy. The only disappointment was that the lower half of the mountain was closed. But that still left plenty of room for us to have some fun.


Powder Mountain
Originally uploaded by currtdawg.
Most people are enjoying the warmer temperatures, but as a boarder, I could seriously handle another snow storm or five. This hasn't been a great year for snow in Utah, but I can't complain. It's more boarding than I ever got to do growing up in Kentucky. The forecast for the next week looks to be more blue skies, and it will be nice to ride around with my windows down. I overheard one of the lift workers yesterday saying they'll probably be closing around the first of April. But all hope is not lost. A couple years ago, we had a blizzard in May. I have faith that it could totally happen again.

Thursday, March 22, 2007

My Heart's Aflame


TV on the Radio
Originally uploaded by currtdawg.
Some bands play music made up of so many different genres, it's hard to define their sound. TV on the Radio is one of these bands. They played SLC last night to support their second LP, "Return to Cookie Mountain" (which appeared at the top of several best-of-2006 lists). It's a challenging and almost overwhelming album of so many textures and layers, you can't help but listen to it time and time again.
The opening band was Subtle, but we missed their entire set because we were waiting in line at the bar. We got back near the stage just before TVOTR came out, blaring their avant-garde tunes. The band was very animated and kept the crowd jazzed for the entire show. Unfortunately, the entire show only lasted about 90 minutes. Regardless, these guys will one day be legends, and it was great to get to see them live.

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Cram Session

I test for Tech (again) on Monday, and my shop has given me the rest of the week off to study. But studying for promotion isn't something you can do in a week. It takes months and months to prepare for those tests, something I haven't done. And, again, when I don't make it, I'll kick myself for not studying. But right now, I have other priorities. The weather is getting warm, the snow is melting, and I still have some passes to Powder Mountain that need to be used.

Touch the Sky


Antelope Island
Originally uploaded by currtdawg.
Yesterday afternoon, Camilla, Chris, Jonathan, and I went out to Antelope Island, the largest island in the Great Salt Lake. It's literally right down the road from my house, so I don't know why it's taken me so long to go out there. Nor do I know why it's called "Antelope Island" because we didn't see a single one. But we did see a small herd of bison. This is a shot on the beach where we sat most of the afternoon. The discolouration in the sand isn't from the water. It's millions of tiny little dead brine shrimp, which is kinda disgusting. This is why the lake smells so bad in the summer, but yesterday, it smelled like the ocean, which was cool. Here are some more pictures:


Great Salt Lake
Originally uploaded by currtdawg.



Antelope Island
Originally uploaded by currtdawg.
The weather has been really nice lately, and we didn't want to miss the opportunity to enjoy the sun. The sky was so blue with just the perfect mix of those little wispy white clouds. After laying on the beach, we drove around the island for a while.


Wasatch Range
Originally uploaded by currtdawg.



Great Salt Lake
Originally uploaded by currtdawg.
We walked out into the water for a bit, which is really shallow. Jonathan said you could walk out for several hundred yards and you wouldn't get any more than knee-deep. And that at its deepest, the Great Salt Lake is maybe only 30 feet.


Wasatch Range
Originally uploaded by currtdawg.
There aren't any rivers flowing out of the lake, which is why it's so salty, and the water is very still. One of the coolest things is how it acts as a mirror to the surrounding mountains.


Camilla
Originally uploaded by currtdawg.



Chris
Originally uploaded by currtdawg.



Jonathan
Originally uploaded by currtdawg.



Great Salt Lake
Originally uploaded by currtdawg.
The Utah state bird is the seagull. And of course, there's a story to go with that.


Antelope Island
Originally uploaded by currtdawg.



Sunset
Originally uploaded by currtdawg.
The sun was setting as we were leaving the island, creating a beautiful scene. I'd never been to Antelope Island before, but I'll definitely be going back.

Sunday, March 18, 2007

Where everybody knows your name

Yesterday was Saint Patrick's Day, and I didn't do anything particularly Irish. I didn't even drink that much. But I did go out with a bunch of friends to the Urban Lounge. Every so often, they have a party there referred to as "Ted Dancin'." (Get it?) They play everything from 60s soul to 70s pop to 80s new wave to 90s hip-hop to 00s alt-rock and everything in between. We arrived at 10:30 PM and didn't stop dancing until they kicked us out at 2 AM. And its one of those cool, unpretentious places where you can just go out and dance and you don't have to be dancing with someone in particular and everyone is just having a good time. Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures, but I'm sure I'll be going again sometime soon.

Saturday, March 17, 2007

Eat your heart out, Betty Crocker!

When I helped Katie move a few weeks ago, we stopped for a break at Coffee Garden. In the confectionary case, they had some brownies that looked mighty delectable. I got one, and it was probably one of the best things I've ever tasted in my life. But I couldn't put my finger on what made it so good. I gave Katie a bite, and the first thing she said was, "almond extract." She certainly has a well-trained palate.
The other night when I made brownies, I tossed in a couple teaspoons of almond extract, and it has made all the difference. If you happen to make some brownies and follow my suggestion, be sure to thank Katie.

Trip It Up and Down

I did a lot of manual labour at work today. Jim and I personally moved, by hand, three pallets of dry chemicals, bag by 50-lb. bag. It was a lot of work, and I decided that I was going to skip my run today. Plus, everyone in the shop went to the club after work for a drink, like they do every Friday. I don't usually join them, but felt like socialising with my co-workers, so I made an exception.
I only had one drink (a bourbon on the rocks), and as I was going home afterward, I passed the gym and thought, "What the hell! I'll go for a run anyway." I've now decided the best way to run is after a shot of booze. I felt like I could have run for miles and miles, but was reaching the thirty-minute limit on the treadmill. I think I'll start keeping my flask in my truck so I can take a swig or two before going into the gym. Those extra pounds are going to be more fun to lose than I thought.

Around the World


Wendy, Nadine, & Me
Originally uploaded by currtdawg.
When I was in the desert, there was a really cool girl in my shop from Cannon AFB, New Mexico, Nadine. We had similar senses of humour, and made each other laugh quite a bit.
Nadine has a good friend stationed here at Hill, and has been visiting for the past few days. Last night, she and her friend, Wendy, came to Rooster's. We had a great time catching up and telling stories. It was really good to see her again.
After getting home from Rooster's, I started getting calls from several friends down at a bar in SLC, so I decided to go down. I tried to have fun, but I just wasn't feeling it. It wasn't a horrible time, but I kinda wish I had just stayed home instead. I've been a little soured on going out lately. It seems to have lost its appeal. I still enjoy hanging out with friends and tossing back a drink or two, but a quiet, intimate evening with a few friends seems much more interesting than a crowded club where the music is bad and too loud. I still have plans to go out Saturday for St. Patrick's Day, which will include a loud, crowded club, but my main goal is to dance, and I totally plan on meeting that goal. But after that, I think I'm going to lay low for a while.

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Mirror, Mirror

My friend Ken has been in class since we got back from the desert, and I haven't really seen him very much. Today, he was in the shop, and said to me, "Don't take this the wrong way, but have you put on some weight?"
But then, this afternoon, I was getting my hair trimmed, and the lady cutting my hair kept getting all the other girls to come and check out my eyes and how pretty they are. When I told her I'd never been married, she replied, "I find that hard to believe." That definitely gave me a little boost.
By the way, Ken, I didn't take it the wrong way. I know I'm getting a little plump. I'm working on it. Of course, this has nothing to do with the fact I made a pan of brownies tonight. Those damn anorexics have so much will power.

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Eve of Departure


Me, John, & Averi
Originally uploaded by currtdawg.
Last night was Averi's last night in town before heading back to Colorado. So she, Drew, Becky, John, and I went out to dinner. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time.


Me & Averi
Originally uploaded by currtdawg.
After dinner, we walked around the Gateway, and, of course, went into the Apple Store to take these funny pictures. I can't wait until Averi makes it back into town again.

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Fat Tire

Since I've gotten back from the desert, my running schedule has been sporadic, at best. On top of that, my eating habbits aren't exactly healthy. My main meals are fine, but I tend to snack on a lot of junk inbetween. One thing I've been quite good on is my alcohol intake. It's much less than it was before I left, and of that, I'm proud.
Today at work, Johnny and I were changing out a big, heavy valve. I was bent over turning a wrench on a bolt beneath the valve, and I happened to look down and see my gut hanging over my belt. I immediately sucked in my stomach, hoping nobody else had seen what I'd seen. I weighed myself when I got home, but it didn't seem grossly high. I think I've lost a lot of muscle and it's been replaced by even more fat. Ugh.
I'm making a pact with myself to get rid of this gut before summer. My only concrete motivation is my annual fitness test in May. But my best motivation is to just be happy with myself. I'm lucky I haven't slipped into my post-deployment depression, especially as little as I've been running. If I can keep up with a good gym schedule, I should be able to prevent any kind of depression from setting in. Feel free to call me out if I reveal that I've skipped my run for no good reason. I'm counting on you, Internet!

Sunday, March 11, 2007

Brothers and Sisters


Kristen & Averi
Originally uploaded by currtdawg.
Drew's sister Averi is an art major at Colorado State University, and puts out some very fine work. She's on spring break this week, and drove in Friday night to spend some time with her brother in Tooele. They had a big barbecue yesterday, and we all went out to have some fun.
Averi is starting to sell a lot of her art, and she brought some for us to see. I was very impressed, not just with her work, but with the processes she used to make each piece and the stories behind them.


Becky & Toby
Originally uploaded by currtdawg.



Ryan & John
Originally uploaded by currtdawg.
John and I went down early because Drew needed help putting up a new screen door, which was much more difficult than one would think. But really, it just meant we could start drinking earlier.


John & Averi
Originally uploaded by currtdawg.
It looks like John and Averi are getting ready to kiss, but they're just...well, maybe the are getting ready to kiss.


Kristen
Originally uploaded by currtdawg.
Kristen, you make it too easy. No comment.


Drew & John
Originally uploaded by currtdawg.
Since it was a fairly big occasion, I picked up a party ball on base. It's over five gallons of beer, and I was surprised at how quickly we emptied it. Of course, both Drew and John were present. Now that I think about it, I'm not surprised at all.


Playing Pop 5
Originally uploaded by currtdawg.
One thing we frequently do at Drew and Becky's is play a game called Pop 5. It's usually men against women, and gets very competitive. I somehow always get stuck playing for the girls, but that's probably why we always win. My crowning achievement yesterday was getting the girls to guess "Atkins Diet" using nothing but a lump of clay. Yeah, I'm that good.


Drew, Averi, & Toby
Originally uploaded by currtdawg.



Me & Averi
Originally uploaded by currtdawg.
Averi is seriously one of the coolest girls I've ever met. I can't wait to be walking through a gallery one day and see her work. And I'll have one of her pieces hanging in my living room.

Saturday, March 10, 2007

Bears On Ice


Grizzles Score!
Originally uploaded by currtdawg.
Last night, Nick, Chris, Doug, and I went to see a Utah Grizzlies ice hockey game. The Grizzles are an independent minor league team that play in the E Center in West Valley City. Hockey isn't exactly huge around here, so it's easy to buy a cheap ticket and then just go sit wherever you want.
I'm not much of a sports kind of guy, but hockey is really fun to watch, especially live. It's very fast-paced, plus you can drink beer. The Grizzlies played the Bakersfield Condors, who are first in their division. I happened to take this picture right when Utah scored, hence the guys with their arms in the air. Though they put up a good fight, the Grizzlies lost in overtime, 5-4. Still, it was fun to do something different.

Camera Obscura

I never lose things. I've never lost my keys. I've never lost a cell phone (though I did accidentally wash one once). I've never lost a dog. I've only briefly lost my sanity. But when it comes to cameras, I don't have the best track record. Sometime early last week, I lost my Canon SD400. It was a great camera, and I'm really frustrated with myself. This is the third camera I've lost since I moved to Utah. (But, in my defence, I did find camera number one. Then I sold it.) After a week and a half of no luck, I finally opted to buy a new one.
After much research, I decided on the Canon SD800 IS. I've tried other brands before, but Canons always seem to take the best pictures. This one is a 7.1 megapixel and had the best review on CNET.
Buying the camera was an odyssey in itself. I tried all the locally owned camera stores around here, but not one carried it. I reluctantly went to Circuit City to see if they had it. They did, but it took so long to get anyone to help me, I gave up and left. Then I went to Best Buy. They carried the camera, but didn't have any in stock. I went back home to do some online research, and decided to head back to Circuit City because I didn't feel like driving an hour to the Best Buy in Provo to get the damn camera. It still took forever for a salesperson to even acknowledge my existence, but I finally got the camera I wanted. Printed on my receipt was an online customer survey, which I promptly filled out with details of my unpleasant visit. I hope they really read those things.

Snowbasin
Originally uploaded by currtdawg.
Anyway, today was our annual squadron ski day. Several of us went up to Snowbasin, and I had the first opportunity to use my new camera. And I'm quite pleased with how they turned out.


Z
Originally uploaded by currtdawg.



Niel
Originally uploaded by currtdawg.



Downhill
Originally uploaded by currtdawg.
It was a really warm day. Some people were skiing in nothing more than pants and a t-shirt. I wanted to shed a layer or two, but didn't want to walk all the way to my truck. Regardless, we had a great day full of powder, bourbon, and Z's unique style of uncontrolled downhill chaos.