Friday, August 31, 2007

Slots of Fun

I am now starting a four-day weekend. Several of us are leaving for Las Vegas tomorrow, with more following on Saturday. Days will be spent by the pool, and nights will be spent in the clubs. It's going to be a weekend full of super-extra-fun.

Be the Change

Last night, I went to the Equality Utah Allies Dinner. It was a fundraiser supporting equal rights for everyone regardless of age, race, sex, creed, religion, or sexual preference. There were some very inspiring speakers, including Kate Kendall, the Executive Director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights. She was a hoot. It's nice to support such a worthwhile cause, and I was really glad I went.

Thursday, August 30, 2007

Verbatim

It's been a while since this and this, but my phone is just about full of text messages once again. It's been over a year, so some might seem dated. Regardless, I give you...

Top Text Messages - Vol III

1) Ok contest tomorrow ... C how many people u can get 2 buy u a margarita 4 cinco de mayo
2) Congrats. You just received a sober text from jean-marie.
3) Madonna is three weeks away. Can you feel the excitement? She was great at Coachella. Bitch threw down.
4) Gregory@cartersvillemagazine.com/ow/You just won a complete Satalite System Call 866 704 8454 now ask for Kurtis
[Ed. Note: Who knew you could get spam via text? I love how they misspelled "satellite." I never called the number, but if any of you want to, let me know how it works out for you.]
5) You sandbaggin' son of a bitch
6) Im drunk again from brunch i think - how did this happen!
7) I just woke up at chicks house, hungover, and called in sick. 3 day weekend!
8) U should probably look behind u
9) I work with your commanders daughter... She's a stone fox.
10) I love walmart! I just saw a guy with a braided goatee and a baby slung over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. where else can you see that?!
11) We're eating in a trailer and there is banjo music in the background. Nice
12) Cool. Do you love long time?
13) Remember, God is a djay!
14) When you called me i was talking to some guy who was soliciting me for sex
15) Lol lots me partys this weekend
16) By the way did i mention i was naked?
17) Do they call it Hello Kitty in Japan or do they give another name for it?
18) Curtis + kenny chesney = TRUE LOVE!! Two little love birds sittin in a tree... ;)
19) I'm a little concerned with the fact that i'm at work already. and with the fact that my truck still hasnt turned into a transformer
20) Tiffany just asked if i had a hickey in front of everyone at lunch... I told them i ran into a door.
21) Bad news! 1 million easy bake ovens are being recalled! i guess i'm gonna have to stop cooking now :(
22) Damn! Why you so cool?
23) Missed work today. Woke up at my bartenders appt. Weird day.
24) Your getting a drunk text from me at the lazy bear weekend at the russian river lol
25) Changed my mind about lohan. She's just troubled and i shouldn't judge her.
26) Got peed on last night. Not in the fun way either.
27) I have an infatuation. Rachel. She gooooood lookin.
28) Dont touch my moustache.

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Things I Shouldn't Admit

- My first concert was Cinderella with Nelson and Lynch Mob.
- I know the entire dance to Madonna's "Vogue."
- I saw Spice World in the theatre on opening weekend.
- When I listen to "Wait, Wait...Don't Tell Me" in my truck, I applaud when they get the answer right.
- When I see kids wearing roller shoes fall down, I laugh on the inside.
- I recently read the Rolling Stone cover story on Zac Efron.
- When I was 15, my dream car was a Pontiac Fiero
- Somewhere on this planet, there's a videotape of me lipsyncing to *NSYNC's "Bye Bye Bye."
- I still cry when I watch Steel Magnolias.
- If there isn't a urinal, I sit to pee.

Yeah, this is why I'll never be running for public office.

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

My Heart Is My Worst Enemy

One of my biggest fears is being old and alone, yet that seems exactly where I'm headed. I'm incapable of romantic relationships. I don't express my feelings, and I'm emotionally unavailable. I'm selfish, stubborn, and lazy. Relationships take a certain amount of effort I'm just not willing to give. All these mistakes I've learned in the past, but I can't do anything to correct them. I think that by not saying anything, I'm not hurting anyone; but the result is the opposite. I should just be friends with everyone. I have no problem being asexual for the rest of my life. (Did I just say that?)

Monday, August 27, 2007

Cabin in the Sky


Arrival at the Cabin
Originally uploaded by currtdawg
Ryan's family owns a cabin in a private township called Timber Lakes, south east of Park City. He got access to it this weekend, and invited us all up for some relaxing mountain air.


Forest
Originally uploaded by currtdawg
When he told us about a "cabin," I was expecting a pile of wood in the forest with dirt floors and an outhouse. But this place was amazing. Plenty of amenities, and decorated in a very outdoorsy way with plenty of murals featuring moose, deer, and bears.


Me & Brian
Originally uploaded by currtdawg
There was even a see-saw in the back!


Drew & John
Originally uploaded by currtdawg
We arrived Saturday afternoon with plenty of food and immediately fired up the grill.


John
Originally uploaded by currtdawg
This is John's best Martha Steward impression. He picked up some corn at the Farmer's Market, and it was pretty tasty. They grilled chicken and pork and veggie burgers for me.


Dusk
Originally uploaded by currtdawg
And there were drinks, as well. Boy, were there ever drinks!


Becky, Drew, & Ryan
Originally uploaded by currtdawg



John & Ryan
Originally uploaded by currtdawg
After a couple hours, the only sober one was Toby (Drew and Becky's Chihuahua), and even that was debatable.


Me, Dan, & Kyle
Originally uploaded by currtdawg



Me & Brian
Originally uploaded by currtdawg



Drew & Toby
Originally uploaded by currtdawg



Pile-Up
Originally uploaded by currtdawg
Kyle and John started wrestling, things kind of snowballed, and it eventually resulted in this. I was somewhere on the bottom. Toby looks very disinterested.


Becky, Drew, & Brian
Originally uploaded by currtdawg
We all woke up surprisingly early this morning, and enjoyed a nice, lazy Sunday with games and naps and french toast a la John and Ryan.


Becky
Originally uploaded by currtdawg


I think it did us all some good to get some fresh mountain air in our lungs. And personally, I was glad to get my Settlers of Catan fix. (I won my first game ever!) A very big "Thank You!" to Ryan and his family for letting us invade their wonderful mountain refuge. This was definitely the relaxation time I've been needing.

Friday, August 24, 2007

Catch Up

I took today off work. Not really for any particular reason. Mostly just to relax for a bit and run some errands that have been on the back burner for a while. I had a very productive morning, and right now, I'm baking cookies and watching Reno 911! Doesn't get much better than this.

Jive Talkin'

I'm not very good at making small talk. I can have great conversations with people I know well, but when I'm in a situation where it's just me and one other person who's little more than an acquaintance, there tend to be a few awkward silences. There are always those stock questions (i.e. Where are you from? What do you do? What's your favourite professional sports team? When was the last time you buried any Dutch bowling trophies in your neighbour's back yard? And so on...), but those can only last so long, and if you don't find a few common subjects, it just goes downhill. In this situation, I feel it's best to have at least three people present. That way, nobody feels pressure to think up a topic.
We have a new civilian at work who's been riding around with Johnny and I this week. This afternoon, Johnny had some paperwork to do, so it was just me and the new guy. I kept asking him questions and trying to spark some conversation, but he would always somehow steer the conversation to "tits." I can already tell this is a friendship made in Heaven.

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Troubled Water

A few days ago, I noticed a small leak in the valve behind my toilet. It wasn't a big deal, so I placed a rag beneath it until I got the chance to go by the office and report it to the manager. (Now, I realise I'm a plumber, and I totally know how to fix these types of things, but why bother when it's the maintenance guy's job? Plus, that would require me to buy parts and tools I don't have readily available.) I finally went by the office after work today. The maintenance guy came over soon after. Here's a rough transcript of our conversation:

Currt-Dawg: It's just a tiny drip right there behind the toilet.
Maintenance Guy: Okay, I'll see what I can do.
(He fiddles with it for a minute.)
MG: I'm going to have to shut the water off for the building, but I can't do that until 9 o'clock tomorrow morning. And it looks like it's dripping a little more, so you might want to throw a bigger rag under there.
CD: Um, okay. Thanks...?

So now, instead of dripping once every few minutes, it's dripping two or three times a second. A bigger rag?!? I have the largest bowl from our cupboard beneath my toilet, and it looks like I'm going to have to get up every couple hours tonight to empty it. This is why I want to own my own house.

Staring Back At Me Singing

There was a little foreshadowing involved when I gave Mad Props to Adam Schlesinger a few months ago. Little did I know that Fountains of Wayne would be coming through SLC. They played The Depot last night, and I was right down front with bourbon in hand.
I walked in near the end of the opening band's set. They were a local band called Going Second. They were very reminiscent of mid-90s alt-pop, but what they lacked in originality, they made up for in energy. Their lyrics were pretty spiritual, but I'm not sure if they're Christian or Mormon or either. Regardless, I only got to hear them for about 20 minutes before intermission. And then,

Fountains of Wayne
Originally uploaded by currtdawg
Fountains of Wayne took the stage. They looked older then I'd expected, but still managed to dance around with plenty of energy. And they sounded great. Every chord reverberated so fully, and Chris Collingwood never missed a note. Even though "Traffic and Weather" is their latest album, they seemed to concentrate more on songs from 2003's "Welcome Interstate Managers" album, which didn't bother me because that's my favourite of their records. They even had a little improvisation time in the middle, throwing in snippets of 70s classic rock songs. It was cool to see how they played off each other, affirming what brilliant musicians they all are. I had a wonderful time, despite getting beer spilled on me by several, um...corpulant young ladies. But they were having fun, as was everyone in the audience. Yet another reason to hold Adam Schlesinger in such high regard.

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

My Joy on the Left, My Pain on the Right

I often feel other peoples' personal happiness is my responsibility. Like, if someone is having a bad day, it's my job to cheer them up. And if I can't, there must be something wrong with me. I've heard men are wired to be fixers, which is probably more true in me because I'm such a control freak. When people show anger or frustration, even if it's not directed at me, I take it personally. When someone is upset with me, I have to make things right. I know everyone has their own hang-ups and issues, but I can't get past the feeling I should be doing something to help. How far do I go to help others? What if my help isn't wanted?

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Joyriders


Salt Lake Bees
Originally uploaded by currtdawg
It was a full weekend...full of FUN! It began Friday night at a Bees game. It was John, Ryan, Nick, Brian, Rebecca, Tiffany, Wendy, and me, plus some other co-workers of Brian's. There was a downpour in the middle of the eighth inning, but luckily, we were underneath the awning. Unfortunately, the Bees were defeated, 10-8, by the Tucson Sidewinders. But that didn't stop us from having a good time.


Nick & Me
Originally uploaded by currtdawg



Me & Brian
Originally uploaded by currtdawg



Rebecca & Tiffany
Originally uploaded by currtdawg


Saturday, I walked around Brian's district, helping him campaign for Salt Lake City Council. We knocked on so many doors, and it really surprised me that nobody was rude or nasty at all. Sure, there were people who were obviously not interested, but at least they were polite and took the time to listen. Plus, we met lots of interesting people, including Greta deJong, the editor and publisher of Catalyst Magazine.

The Lead Jammer
Originally uploaded by currtdawg
Saturday night, John, Ryan, Brian, and I went to another bout of the Salt City Derby Girls. This time it was the Sisters of No Mercy versus Leave It To Cleaver.


Salt Lake Derby Girls
Originally uploaded by currtdawg
Despite a late rally by the Cleavers, the Sisters won, thanks to a stellar performance by Brew HaHa. Nice going, Sisters!


John, Ryan, Ryan, & Nick
Originally uploaded by currtdawg
On Sunday, John, Ryan, Nick, Ryan, and I went to Lagoon. This year, they added a new roller coaster, Wicked, and we had a great time walking around all day and riding as much as we could. It was a great time, but so exhausting, and I was asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.

Saturday, August 18, 2007

Scattershot

Nearly everyone in my squadron got orders this week (except for the ones who already had orders, like me). For some reason, orders for people in my shop didn't come down until this afternoon. They've all been really excited and checking the personnel website five or six times a day. Oddly enough, most of them have RNLTDs (report-no-later-than-dates) earlier than mine. Roommate Ryan will be leaving for Korea in January (meaning I'll have to pay rent by myself for a month), and he's pretty excited. It's weird and kinda sad to see such a close shop like ours split up into so many different directions; but we've all dealt with it before, and we'll deal with it again.

Friday, August 17, 2007

Connections at a High Five

After a little prodding by Jack, I've decided to join Facebook, mostly in order to keep in touch with the many friends I made at the Hospitality House in Japan. It seems a little more sane than myspace, and not near as trashy. I'll probably keep this one for a while, so if you'd like to sign up, you're more than welcome to be my friend. You know, in an online social network kinda way.

Grumpy Old Man

Lately, I find myself having less patience. Not with things like heavy traffic or waiting in line. Those kinds of things are part of life, and I enjoy moments with my thoughts and people-watching. I'm talking about patience with other people. It seems people are becoming less considerate. They take without giving. They talk without listening. They judge without knowing. It's becoming more frequent, and I get frustrated every time I see it. As my personality avoids conflict at all costs, I never say anything; but one of these days, my fuse is going to be a little short when someone steals one of my bottles of water at work, and then...it's all comin' down.

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Ups and Downs

There are certain things about military life I'll never get used to, such as making good friends, and then having to say good-bye. Case in point: a couple weeks ago, my good friend Marshall moved to Schreiver Air Force Base, Colorado. Marshall is one of the few people who maintained sanity in Iraq a few months ago, and helped me maintain mine. Also, Doug and his wife Brittany will be leaving for Minnesota in a couple days. Hanging out with them is always an adventure, and it will be sad to see them go.
Consequently, there are moments in the Air Force of pure joy, like today when we found out Kyle "K.O." Owens made Staff Sergeant. I'm very happy for him and can't think of anyone who deserves it more. Congratulations, Kyle!

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Stick Around and See This Night Through


Peter, Bjorn, & John
Originally uploaded by currtdawg
In the summertime, there are tons of free concerts in SLC, usually local artists; but sometimes, a really cool band comes through. On August 2nd, that really cool band was Peter, Bjorn, & John. They're a Swedish trio who, in my opinion, released the best indie-pop album of the year. It was an outdoor show at The Gallivan Center (which has outdoor ice skating in the winter), and there were tons of people there. The opening band was Apostle of Hustle, a very eclectic band, whose best songs were the ones that rocked the hardest. Once PB&J came out, we spent the rest of the evening dancing around without a care and enjoying the tunes. Oh, and there was beer, too.

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Whirlwind Wayfaring

Last week's vacation was great. So great, in fact, that getting up for work this morning was more difficult than usual. If you want to check out the entire photostream, go here, but I'll post a few pics and discuss highlights starting.....now.

Jay & Me
Originally uploaded by currtdawg
It all began Friday, the 3rd of August. I flew to Dallas right after work, where Jay picked me up at the airport. I hadn't seen Jay in over three years, and he hadn't changed a bit. He took me to his favourite local watering hole, The Londoner, where we had a few pints. Then it was off to other various places for other various activities, including Guitar Hero. We stayed out until the wee hours of the morning, and slept until the late hours of the morning.


Aleric & Abby
Originally uploaded by currtdawg
Saturday, Jay took me into town to meet up with Abby and Charis for lunch. Abby mentioned that someone else was joining us, but I was way surprised when it turned out to be Aleric! He happened to be driving through town on his way back to New Mexico. I hadn't seen him in four years, and he hadn't changed a bit, either.


Charis & Becca
Originally uploaded by currtdawg
Jay had to go to work, so the rest of us shopped all afternoon, then went to Church, then headed back to Abby's house to catch up. I know I've mentioned this before, but Abby's friends and family are so fun and genuine and amazing.


Me & Abby
Originally uploaded by currtdawg
I love this picture.


Abby
Originally uploaded by currtdawg
Sunday, after breakfast, we went to the lake with Carlos, Delinda, Robert, and Josh. The water was great, and we had tons of fun wakeboarding and wakesurfing and skiing.

I left Dallas on Tuesday and flew home to Kentucky. The first couple days consisted of lots of eating out and relaxing and seeing people I hadn't seen in two years, including...

Me & Garah
Originally uploaded by currtdawg
my best friend Garah, who I moved next door to when I was five. We're like siblings.


Me & Rudy
Originally uploaded by currtdawg
And Rudy, our dachsund. I always worry that he won't remember me, but he always does. He has such a funny personality.


Levi & Jon
Originally uploaded by currtdawg
Saturday morning, Garah and her family took me out on their boat. This is her husband Jon and their youngest son, Levi.


Isabelle
Originally uploaded by currtdawg
And their daughter, Isabelle (who looks exactly like Garah did when I first met her).


Cale
Originally uploaded by currtdawg
And their oldest son, Cale (who mostly resembles Garah's Dad, Bill).


Volleyball
Originally uploaded by currtdawg
Saturday night, my parents threw a big party and invited tons of people. We set up the volleyball net, but didn't really start playing until it was almost dark. I took one to the face, partially due to the darkness, and partially due to Garah's mad skills.


Party
Originally uploaded by currtdawg
I love my parents' back yard. It's a great party place. We had birthday cake and lots of beer. Dad even cooked some veggie burgers for me.


Billy & Me
Originally uploaded by currtdawg
I also met Billy, who was my Dad's friend's daughter-in-law's brother. This kid is a riot.

The whole trip was kinda last-minute, and I'm glad I went. I saw more people than I thought I'd be able to, even though it wasn't for very long. Luckily, I'll be going home again for Christmas. Thanks to Brian for travel to and from the airport, Jay and Abby for letting me crash, Carlos and his family for the use of their boat, Garah and Jon for entertaining me, and mostly to my parents for making sure I was well-fed and happy. You all rock!

Monday, August 13, 2007

Taking a Breath

I'm back in Utah. The trip was great, but I never knew a week could be so relaxing, yet so exhausting. I'm taking this evening to unpack, do laundry, and get ready for work tomorrow. I'll also be uploading pictures for a comprehensive overview of my mini-vacation I hope to post sometime tomorrow. I'm in desperate need of a nap, but there's just too much to do. Tune in tomorrow for pictures and stories.

Thursday, August 09, 2007

Tomorrow's Just An Excuse Away


Me
Originally uploaded by currtdawg
I'd like to say that I've learned a lot in my thirty-three years on this Earth. I'd like to say I love others unconditionally. I'd like to say that I always put God first. But none of those is true. I still make the same mistakes I've always made. I spend money on stupid things. I'm shallow. I find it difficult to accept love.
However...
I'm trying. I'm trying real hard.

Wednesday, August 08, 2007

My Own Bed

I'm home. The whole family greeted me at the airport, and I couldn't stop grinning for hours. This isn't the house I grew up in, (my parents moved here in December of '00), but it doesn't feel any less like home. The next few days are going to speed by, but I'm going to do my best to relax and see as many people as possible.

Monday, August 06, 2007

The Big D

I'm staying with Abby right now, and let me just say, there are few people in the world (and especially in Texas) cooler than she and her family and friends. I'm having a blast.
From here, I fly home on Tuesday, which promises to be very interesting. A full report will come later, but I just wanted to check in. Take care. God Bless.

Friday, August 03, 2007

Skybound

Tomorrow, right after work, I'm getting on a plane bound for Dallas, where I'll spend four days cavorting around with Jay and Abby. And then, on Tuesday, I'll fly home for a few days. It's been over two years since I was last in Kentucky, and my parents have lots of activities planned for the mere five days I'll be in town. I was hoping to get a little R&R over the next week, but it looks like it's going to be anything but.
Regardless, I'm looking forward to it.
Also, posts over the next ten days will be sporadic, but I'll do my best. I hope everyone's having a great summer. It's almost over.

Thursday, August 02, 2007

Cine-minimalist

Not to go all Andy Rooney or anything, but you know what makes me angry? Commercials at the movie theatre. If I'm gonna pay eight bucks for a movie, the last thing I want to see is the Fantanas. I guess showing that damn Coke commercial that looks like Grand Theft Auto helps people justify paying $5.50 for a 24-ounce soda. And if they're gonna show commercials, why can't they lower the price of admission? Can I get an 'Amen,' people?

Swimming With the Fishes

Yesterday, after work, a big group of us went up to Causey Reservoir to jump off some cliffs and do a little swimming. It was Sara, Johnny, Brittany, Doug, Nick, Nick, Neil, and I. Nick and I were the only ones to jump from the highest cliff, but we all had fun. Unfortunately, some clouds rolled in, and we didn't want to take any chances, so we only got to stay for just over an hour. Afterward, we stopped for dinner at a little country place called Chris's with the best raspberry milkshake I've ever had.

Wednesday, August 01, 2007

Free Speech Zone

Last night, Brian and I went to the 5th annual production of "And The Banned Played On." This is a fundraiser put on every year by Plan-B Theatre Company in SLC. I'd never been before, but I really enjoyed it.
The evening focused on the First Amendment, inviting local writers, officials, and other talent to give readings from banned literature. It was hosted by Doug Fabrizio, a radio show host on the local NPR station, and my friend Scott McCoy. They gave the background on each book, including the reason(s) why it was so debated, followed by one of several guests reading an excerpt. The reasons each of the books were banned was almost as entertaining as the book itself. Most of the books were geared toward young adults, and one was a children's book about gay penguins. I also thought it was funny that many of the people leading the fight against banning these books hadn't even read the book in question.
After seven readings, music became the focus. A band came out and played four songs banned from radio air-play, mostly due to world events. For instance, did you know Clear Channel ordered its stations not to play Nena's "99 Luftballons" after September 11th? One song was "I Get A Kick Out Of You," a Cole Porter classic. And who would've thought a song by Donny Osmond would ever cause controversy?
Brian and I had a nice discussion afterward about things we read in high school and our parents' role in raising us. I'm pretty anti-censorship, and everything said last night really made me feel passionate about things I normally take for granted.