One of the big events in Utah is the Sundance Film Festival every January. Officially, the festival ended Saturday, but luckily, they hold a few "Best of Fest" screenings at different theatres especially for locals. Kevin got a hold of a couple tickets to last nights films at Peery's Egyptian Theater in Ogden.
The first film was Captain Abu Raed, winner of the World Cinema Audience Award. It was a Jordanian picture about an airport janitor who tells stories of travels he hasn't taken. It was a little sappy in parts, but overall a good movie about building friendships and helping others.
The second film was Patti Smith: Dream of Life, which won the award for Excellence in Cinematography, Documentary category. It was a wonderful portrait of the life and music of Patti Smith, with whom I was only casually familiar. It was interesting to see how influential she has been since her debut album "Horses" was released in 1975. She narrated the film, which discussed her family, her friendships with Robert Mapplethorpe and Michael Stipe, her love of New York, and her political standings. I think a lot of people thought it was boring, because several got up and left; but I really enjoyed it, and might even pick up a few old Patti Smith albums.
Thanks to Kevin and Karen for scoring the tickets. I've always had a love for independent cinema, and this was a great way to catch a little Sundance fever before I leave Utah.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Release
Today was my first full day of out-processing, and the first thing I did was get rid of all my chem gear. It felt almost as good as that day I discovered masturbation.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Alone Time
I haven't had much time to myself over the past couple weeks, and after taking the guys to the airport this morning, it was kinda nice to have the place to myself again. I know I sometimes whine about being lonely, but there are times when it's nice to just relax in the quietness and be still for a while.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Early Departure
I took my Dad and his buddies to the airport this morning. (It's not even 6 AM yet, and I'm already back home.) It's gonna be a long time before I see him again, and I'm glad he took the opportunity to come out to Utah before I leave. I'm already looking forward to the day he and Mom come to see me in Italy.
Hills, Valleys, Mountains, & Canyons
Today was the third and final day of boarding with my Dad, and the weather was a complete 180 from yesterday. Sunny, blue skies and visibility for miles. Plus the added bonus of great snow. We went to Powder Mountain again, and it was the busiest I've ever seen it; but "crowded" by Powder Mountain standards really isn't all that crowded.
This was our third day in a row on the slopes, and even though we were feeling a little fatigued, the weather made us forget about any aches or pains.
I looked all over for the whiskey on this run, but I didn't find any. Strangely enough, I didn't see any Mormons, either. Coincidence?
I'm sure I'll be sore tomorrow, but I don't care. Totally worth it.
This was our third day in a row on the slopes, and even though we were feeling a little fatigued, the weather made us forget about any aches or pains.
I looked all over for the whiskey on this run, but I didn't find any. Strangely enough, I didn't see any Mormons, either. Coincidence?
I'm sure I'll be sore tomorrow, but I don't care. Totally worth it.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Fade To White
Today's excursion led us to Powder Mountain. The weather conditions weren't exactly ideal, but the snow was probably the best I've ever boarded in. The powder was thick in the trees, and even the groomed runs had a few inches of fresh snow on top. And the cold temperatures made sure it stayed nice and fluffy. This is Eli right after he totally bit it in some trees and lost both his skis.
I've never boarded in total white out conditions, and at the top of the mountain, I couldn't see anything but whiteness. It was kinda scary just going along without knowing if I was gonna hit a slope or a tree. But as soon as we descended a few hundred feet, things cleared up a bit and made for a wonderful day on the slopes.
I've never boarded in total white out conditions, and at the top of the mountain, I couldn't see anything but whiteness. It was kinda scary just going along without knowing if I was gonna hit a slope or a tree. But as soon as we descended a few hundred feet, things cleared up a bit and made for a wonderful day on the slopes.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Powder Keg
Dad flew in last night, along with his friends Eli and Dave. The mission is to spend as much time on the slopes as possible. We hit up Snowbasin today, and stuck around from the time the lifts opened until they closed.
Things were great all morning, but around 2 PM, a storm blew in making everything white. Despite that, it was probably the best day of snowboarding I've had all season. And it's great carving down the mountain with my Pops.
Things were great all morning, but around 2 PM, a storm blew in making everything white. Despite that, it was probably the best day of snowboarding I've had all season. And it's great carving down the mountain with my Pops.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
"I drink your milkshake!"
Yesterday evening, Rob and I went to see There Will Be Blood. It was probably the most intense film I've seen in a long time. Daniel Day-Lewis was brilliant and the score by Jonny Greenwood (of Radiohead) was wonderfully eerie. Very highly recommended. I'm not sure if I could decide between this and No Country For Old Men in the best picture category.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Friends With Benefits
You may have read my rant about supermarket membership club cards, but I found a loophole. Last night, I went to the grocery store, and since I only had a few items, I went to the self checkout lane. I left my discount card in my car, but there's a feature where you can input your telephone number if you've misplaced your card. So I put in my telephone number, but for some reason, it wasn't accepted. Then I thought about how Caleb always puts his phone number in and it works, so I pulled out my phone and looked up his number. But when I put it in, it wasn't accepted, either. So I just started going through my phone, putting in random numbers. After about the ninth try, Theresa's number finally worked. Thanks, Theresa! You saved me $6.37!
Breaking Bread
At Trevan's birthday party, I met a guy named Rob who, in August, opened a deli with two of his friends. They're still just starting out, so they're only open Monday through Friday, from 11 AM to 4 PM. Since I'm usually working then, I wasn't sure I'd get a chance to sample some of their cuisine. Luckily, I was running errands in SLC today, and dropped in for an avacado provolone sandwich.
Oh. My. Goodness.
This was one of the best sandwiches I've ever had. So if you ever find yourself in downtown SLC during the week, hit up Gusto! Take-Away. You'll support my friend, a small business, and get a scrumptious lunch.
Oh. My. Goodness.
This was one of the best sandwiches I've ever had. So if you ever find yourself in downtown SLC during the week, hit up Gusto! Take-Away. You'll support my friend, a small business, and get a scrumptious lunch.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Paternity Test
My Dad and two of his buddies are flying in tomorrow for a few days of skiing. I didn't want to go back to work for just one day, so I took all week off. I have a billion errands to run today, but the most important is getting my place ready. Since Ryan is gone, I have this huge flat all to myself, so I told Dad it would be ridiculous for them to stay in a hotel when there's plenty of room here. I just hope we don't end up strangling each other.
Seven Card Studs
This weekend, John, Ryan, Ryan, Pete, Nick, Tim, Drew, Becky, and I went to Las Vegas. It was meant to be a fun, relaxing weekend, which was even more so because Nick brought an entire bar with him.
We arrived at our hotel, the Monte Carlo, Friday afternoon, and immediately began the festivities.
After drinking in the room, we headed over to Nine Fine Irishmen, where we met up with Melissa and Andy.
We even saw the same little Asian lady we saw back in September. The door man told us she's there every night.
After everyone else left, John and I stuck around talking to lots of random people, including Blake from San Bernardino and his two Danish friends.
Saturday, we strolled up and down the Strip, and took in some sights. Vegas is a great place for people watching.
But then we decided we'd rather go back to drinking, so we met up at the brew pub with Drew, Becky, and Joel.
Followed by beers at the Crown & Anchor. It wouldn't be a Vegas trip if we didn't go there at least once.
Sunday, we headed down to Mandalay Bay to check out the Shark Reef, and saw some really cool sea creatures.
Seeing the jellyfish up close was so cool. I could have stared at them forever.
Sunday afternoon, we went back to the hotel room to watch football, which included a few drunken moments such as Pete wearing his smoking jacket.
By Sunday night, our livers had all had their share of abuse for the weekend, so after dinner, we just walked around the Strip. But we couldn't pass up a quick stop at a bar at the MGM Grand because every half hour, the scantily clad waitresses would dance on the bar.
The complete photostream is here. It was a great trip, and I don't think I've ever consumed that much alcohol in a three-day period before. The caucuses were happening on Saturday, but unfortunately, we didn't run into Barack or Hillary, cause it would have been great to have a beer with them. Thanks to Nick and Tim for driving, and to all my friends for indulging me all weekend. I'm gonna miss you guys.
We arrived at our hotel, the Monte Carlo, Friday afternoon, and immediately began the festivities.
After drinking in the room, we headed over to Nine Fine Irishmen, where we met up with Melissa and Andy.
We even saw the same little Asian lady we saw back in September. The door man told us she's there every night.
After everyone else left, John and I stuck around talking to lots of random people, including Blake from San Bernardino and his two Danish friends.
Saturday, we strolled up and down the Strip, and took in some sights. Vegas is a great place for people watching.
But then we decided we'd rather go back to drinking, so we met up at the brew pub with Drew, Becky, and Joel.
Followed by beers at the Crown & Anchor. It wouldn't be a Vegas trip if we didn't go there at least once.
Sunday, we headed down to Mandalay Bay to check out the Shark Reef, and saw some really cool sea creatures.
Seeing the jellyfish up close was so cool. I could have stared at them forever.
Sunday afternoon, we went back to the hotel room to watch football, which included a few drunken moments such as Pete wearing his smoking jacket.
By Sunday night, our livers had all had their share of abuse for the weekend, so after dinner, we just walked around the Strip. But we couldn't pass up a quick stop at a bar at the MGM Grand because every half hour, the scantily clad waitresses would dance on the bar.
The complete photostream is here. It was a great trip, and I don't think I've ever consumed that much alcohol in a three-day period before. The caucuses were happening on Saturday, but unfortunately, we didn't run into Barack or Hillary, cause it would have been great to have a beer with them. Thanks to Nick and Tim for driving, and to all my friends for indulging me all weekend. I'm gonna miss you guys.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Betting on Red?
Appropriately enough, the Nevada caucus is this weekend, right when several close friends and I will be in The Silver State for what I've deemed Project VULVA (Very Unsober Las Vegas Adventure). Coincidentally, I happened to catch yesterday's episode of The Colbert Report, featuring this segment:
This just proves what a genius Stephen Colbert is, even without writers. Also, I just read there will be caucusing at nine casinos on the Strip. Obviously, I won't be able to vote, but maybe I can find out some good information on the candidates.
This just proves what a genius Stephen Colbert is, even without writers. Also, I just read there will be caucusing at nine casinos on the Strip. Obviously, I won't be able to vote, but maybe I can find out some good information on the candidates.
Downhill Racer
After weeks of waiting, I finally got my official orders today. This means my out-processing kicks into high gear. I attempted to take care of a large list of things today, but a lot of it I can't do until 30 days before my final out (February 19th). Paradoxically, there are things already overdue that I can't do until I take care of the stuff that I can't take care of before the 30 day window. It's confusing, I know. Even worse is the stuff I have to take care of that has nothing to do with me (i.e. the dorms, munitions, etc.). Ah, well, I start leave tomorrow, and I'm not going to stress about it until I go back on the 28th.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Licensed to Ill
I seem to have come down with a bit of a cold. Not bad enough to where I'm lying in bed, but enough to give me a sore throat and sniffles. I've been sucking on cough drops, taking hot steamy showers, and drinking plenty of tea, juice, and water. I'm also bundling up extra warm, but that could just be because it's INSANELY cold in Utah this week. It didn't help that I had to spend two hours outside in single-digit temperatures this morning watching a contractor explain the benefits of a pump he was trying to sell. I just hope I'm feeling better before the weekend.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Against the Wind
It's been nearly a month since I've gone on a run. The first couple weeks could be attributed to the fact I was home, but since I've been back in Utah, and even back at work, I've just been brushing it off. It's starting to show around my mid-section, too. I take gym clothes to work every day, but the thought of coming home to my own place just proves too tempting. I'll probably end up giving up on any kind of gym routine until I get to Italy. I'll still take gym clothes to work, just in case the mood strikes; but until then, I'll just deal with my growing gut.
Monday, January 14, 2008
One Is the Loneliest Number
I've had an uncharacteristically non-social weekend. I had lunch with Caleb yesterday, but then spent my afternoon/evening cleaning and sitting on my couch. I must have drifted off because the next thing I knew, it was 8 AM this morning, and I was watching a BYU devotional. I spent all day lazily watching football...until I got a call from Nick. He was running errands, and asked if I wanted to go along. I'd never been so excited to go to Target in my life. I should probably cherish this alone time because the next two weekends will be unavoidably social.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Hat Trick
Last night, Sara, Johnny, Doug, Chris, and I went to a Utah Grizzlies game. They played the Idaho Steelheads at the E Center in West Valley. Johnny and Sara are both hockey players, so they really got into the action, yelling at the players and telling us what the referees were calling. There were some exciting moments, but unfortunately the Grizzlies lost, 3-1.
After the game, there were house parties and bar hopping, but I just wasn't feeling too social. I was in bed by 10:30, and it was kinda nice.
After the game, there were house parties and bar hopping, but I just wasn't feeling too social. I was in bed by 10:30, and it was kinda nice.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Zero Visibility
See this? This is what Utah has looked like all week. It's been practically non-stop snow. Every morning on the way to work, there are tons of cars stuck in snow banks and several fender-benders. I'm lucky my truck handles so well. Luckily, it's supposed to clear up this weekend, which should make conditions ideal for boarding. I can't wait.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Empty Rooms
Ryan left this morning. We lived next door to each other in Japan, and have been roommates since he arrived in Utah in July '05. We had an odd relationship, in that we rarely hung out, despite living together. Still, he was a great roommate, and it's strange coming home to a place without CSI reruns echoing through the air. I'm gonna miss him. Good luck in Korea, man. Perhaps our paths will cross again. (By the way, I'm writing this in the living room IN MY UNDERWEAR. Because I can.)
Nothin' but Net
Yesterday, Johnny and I were driving around, and he told me that Sara had won tickets to last night's Jazz game on the radio, but they wouldn't be able to make it. He asked if I wanted them, and I said, "Hells, yeah!" The only thing I had to do was make it to the radio station in SLC by 5:30; so after work, I showered and hauled ass down there. You can imagine my surprise when I was handed the tickets and found out they were...
...in a suite! Andrew and I walked in and were dumbstruck by the great view of the court and the impressive spread of food. We had to buy beer ourselves, but we didn't care. We were living high class.
The Jazz took an early lead, and held it the whole time, so it wasn't the most exciting game. (The Jazz beat the Pacers 111-89.) Still, we were having fun cheering and talking and drinking beer. A huge thanks to Johnny and Sara for the tickets. You guys get cooler every day.
...in a suite! Andrew and I walked in and were dumbstruck by the great view of the court and the impressive spread of food. We had to buy beer ourselves, but we didn't care. We were living high class.
The Jazz took an early lead, and held it the whole time, so it wasn't the most exciting game. (The Jazz beat the Pacers 111-89.) Still, we were having fun cheering and talking and drinking beer. A huge thanks to Johnny and Sara for the tickets. You guys get cooler every day.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Bullet With Butterfly Wings
I had to shoot M-16 today, which I hadn't done in a very long time, and it's not exactly my strongest suit. I do great when we shoot the first few rounds, but after a while, my eyes get fatigued from focusing on those tiny targets, and things go downhill from there. It didn't help that I had a stubborn rifle that kept jamming up on me, either. Then, after we shot, we cleaned our weapons; and no matter how many times I wash my hands, they'll smell like gun oil for two days. Regardless, I still scored 26, which is enough to qualify, and that's all I care about.
As A Baby's Bottom
Since I had to go back to work today, I spent some time last night shaving off my three and a half weeks of facial growth. Of course, I had to have a little fun with it. Here's what I'd look like with a goatee, or if it was 1994.
And here's the moustache. I know I said I was gonna keep it around for a bit, but it's just too awful. I look like some kind of French porn star or something. Needless to say, I went to work today completely clean-shaven. What I didn't anticipate was that all that time without shaving wasn't too kind to my complexion. I just hope things will get back to normal before the weekend. I don't have enough leave left to grow another beard.
And here's the moustache. I know I said I was gonna keep it around for a bit, but it's just too awful. I look like some kind of French porn star or something. Needless to say, I went to work today completely clean-shaven. What I didn't anticipate was that all that time without shaving wasn't too kind to my complexion. I just hope things will get back to normal before the weekend. I don't have enough leave left to grow another beard.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
A Few of Trevan's Favourite Things
Jeff threw a birthday party for Trevan last night. It was a theme party, and we were supposed to arrive dressed as things Trevan holds dear (i.e. Banana Republic, cats, stories from the Book of Mormon, things having to do with nursing, etc.).
Nick Fuoss and I have similar cameras, and he showed me a few features I didn't know mine even had, including this cool thing where I can take pictures in black and white, but with one colour showing through. I tried it out last night, and I think it looks pretty cool, but I'll have to experiment with it some more.
Usually when I go to parties, I know most of the people there, and end up meeting one or two new people. But last night, it was almost the opposite. I knew only about six or seven of the thirty or so people there. It was a little overwhelming, but I still ended up meeting lots of neat new friends.
Thanks to Jeff for hosting, and a big Happy Birthday to Trevan!
Nick Fuoss and I have similar cameras, and he showed me a few features I didn't know mine even had, including this cool thing where I can take pictures in black and white, but with one colour showing through. I tried it out last night, and I think it looks pretty cool, but I'll have to experiment with it some more.
Usually when I go to parties, I know most of the people there, and end up meeting one or two new people. But last night, it was almost the opposite. I knew only about six or seven of the thirty or so people there. It was a little overwhelming, but I still ended up meeting lots of neat new friends.
Thanks to Jeff for hosting, and a big Happy Birthday to Trevan!
Saturday, January 05, 2008
Conflict of Interest
Nick told me something really disturbing last night. I didn't believe him, but I confirmed it this morning. Apparently, there's some kind of fish oil used in brewing Guiness. But I'll still continue to drink it. Hell, they could use baby lamb guts to manufacture Maker's Mark and it's not gonna stop me from drinking that, either.
Play Date
Last night, Drew and Becky had a game night at their house. I hadn't seen them since Thanksgiving, and it was really good to hang out again.
There was Taboo, Apples to Apples, and of course, Guitar Hero. Becky totally dominates on that thing.
There was Taboo, Apples to Apples, and of course, Guitar Hero. Becky totally dominates on that thing.
Friday, January 04, 2008
And that, my friend, is what they call "Closure"
I let go of something this week that I'd been hanging onto for over four years. I don't know how or why it finally happened, but it feels good not to have this pain and pressure on my back anymore. Thanks, God, for helping me out.
Double Word Scores and Multiple Razorblades
I took Jay to the airport this morning. We had a great week of snowboading, drinking, eating, and relaxing. He kicked my butt at Scrabble more than once, and introduced me to the wonderfully eccentric comedy Arrested Development. It's gonna be a while before we get to hang out again, but if the job offers he has lined up after graduation are any clue, he'll have no problem making it to Italy.
The rest of my weekend is pretty well planned out with game nights, birthday parties, and possible snowboarding, depending on the weather. Monday will be my first day back at work, which, unfortunately, will require me to shave. I've grown quite fond of my facial hair. I hope it's not one of those things where I think it looks good now, but look back in a year and think, "What was I thinking?"
The rest of my weekend is pretty well planned out with game nights, birthday parties, and possible snowboarding, depending on the weather. Monday will be my first day back at work, which, unfortunately, will require me to shave. I've grown quite fond of my facial hair. I hope it's not one of those things where I think it looks good now, but look back in a year and think, "What was I thinking?"
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Millennial Moment
This is my 1000th post! I had a big commentary written about what prompts me to write and how often I write and blah, blah, blah. It sounded so pompous and trite, I just deleted the whole thing. There's really nothing to say that hasn't been said before. I just want to reiterate my thanks to those who read.
That Old Familiar Feeling
Jay and I hit up Snowbasin today, his first time on his board since he left Japan four years ago. I kept telling him it was like riding a bike, and not to be worried. He didn't have any problems at all.
The conditions were near perfect. It was sunny, with highs in the upper 20s. There was still plenty of powder left over from the weekend storms. It was a bit breezy on the south side of the mountain, but it didn't stop us from getting our money's worth.
Jay did a great job for not having been in so long. We intend to go again tomorrow, but it all depends on how we feel. I guarantee we'll be hitting the sack early tonight.
The conditions were near perfect. It was sunny, with highs in the upper 20s. There was still plenty of powder left over from the weekend storms. It was a bit breezy on the south side of the mountain, but it didn't stop us from getting our money's worth.
Jay did a great job for not having been in so long. We intend to go again tomorrow, but it all depends on how we feel. I guarantee we'll be hitting the sack early tonight.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Shaggy
So, as you may have noticed in some of the pictures in yesterday's post, I haven't shaved in a while. Three weeks to be exact. I'm growing somewhat of a mini-beard. My Mom wasn't too wild about it, but it's not often I'm on leave for this long, and I'm going to take advantage of it. I like beards better than goatees, which seem passe. I won't have time to grow it in full, but I'm seriously thinking about keeping a moustache, just for S & Gs. In 2004, Brad and I grew moustaches while we were in Iraq, and it looked horrible. But I'm kinda feeling the need to change my style a little bit, and purposefully making myself uglier might prompt me into some whole other realm or something. Or maybe it will just be absurd, and I'll shave it off the next day.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Ringing It In
Jay flew into town yesterday for a week of snowboarding. But as it was New Years Eve, we had to take care of some serious partying first. Brian had his annual New Years Bash, and we arrived just as the party was getting started.
There were lots of cool people I hadn't seen in a long time (like Kristen and Tara) and cool people I'd never met (like Kimberly and Chelsea).
Marty, who I'd also never met, was getting ready to board a flight back to North Carolina, but it got cancelled. He was pretty stoked because he ended up being able to come to Brian's party.
There was plenty of alcohol on the premises. Brian supplied enough vodka to support a small Russian city. Ryan engaged in several Jaeger shots. And I stuck with my staple, bourbon.
I've rarely seen Brian's house so packed. We all counted down to the New Year with champagne and kisses. After midnight, the music started pumping and everyone was dancing in the living room. We didn't leave until nearly 4 AM, but it still felt like the night ended too soon. What a great way to kick off 2008!
There were lots of cool people I hadn't seen in a long time (like Kristen and Tara) and cool people I'd never met (like Kimberly and Chelsea).
Marty, who I'd also never met, was getting ready to board a flight back to North Carolina, but it got cancelled. He was pretty stoked because he ended up being able to come to Brian's party.
There was plenty of alcohol on the premises. Brian supplied enough vodka to support a small Russian city. Ryan engaged in several Jaeger shots. And I stuck with my staple, bourbon.
I've rarely seen Brian's house so packed. We all counted down to the New Year with champagne and kisses. After midnight, the music started pumping and everyone was dancing in the living room. We didn't leave until nearly 4 AM, but it still felt like the night ended too soon. What a great way to kick off 2008!
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