Today is Mikey's birthday, and he had a big party last night. In addition to our normal crew, there were tons of people there I didn't know. I don't even think Mikey knew some of them. Regardless, we had a great time.
Katie's favourite thing to do is hold out the camera and take pictures of us. There were several from last night, but this is the best one, I think.
It's been great getting to know Mikey over the past few months. He's such a kind and sincere guy, and I hope we continue to be great friends for years to come. Happy birthday!
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Down Time
Drew and I were talking over our beers at Rooster's last night, and discussed how the weeks have the tendency to fly by more quickly when, instead of looking forward to Friday, we look forward to Thursday. I enjoy Thursday nights so much, that it's pretty much like the start of my weekend, even though I still have one more day of work left.
As for work, it was another good, but tiring week. There was enough stuff going on to keep everyone busy, but not stressed, which is just the way I like it. Now, it's Friday, and I'm ready for some fun. I'm kinda thinking, though, that weekends don't really serve their purpose for me. It's great to have two days off work to rest and recuperate, but I feel my weekends are so packed, that I get more rest in the evenings of the early part of the week. But will I be slowing down anytime soon? I think we all know the answer to that.
As for work, it was another good, but tiring week. There was enough stuff going on to keep everyone busy, but not stressed, which is just the way I like it. Now, it's Friday, and I'm ready for some fun. I'm kinda thinking, though, that weekends don't really serve their purpose for me. It's great to have two days off work to rest and recuperate, but I feel my weekends are so packed, that I get more rest in the evenings of the early part of the week. But will I be slowing down anytime soon? I think we all know the answer to that.
Friday, May 19, 2006
Based on a True Story
Tuesday night, I went down to SLC to catch The Notorious Bettie Page. I thought it was great. Gretchen Mol was in the title role, and if the energy she gave off was anywhere near that of the real Bettie Page, I can understand why she became so popular.
Biographical pictures (biopics) have become increasingly frequent in the past few years. For some reason, I haven't really been interested in seeing any, but the more I see, the more I like them. The first time I really noticed this was after I watched Walk The Line, even though my favourite of all time would probably be Amadeus. The only problem with most of them is they've been so "Hollywood-ized" that it's difficult to tell fact from fiction. Regardless, it's always fun to do some personal research on an historical figure or see a film spark public interest in someone (i.e. Truman Capote last year or Malcom X in the early 90s). I think sometime in the next few weeks, I might have to go out and rent Coal Miner's Daughter or Gandhi.
Biographical pictures (biopics) have become increasingly frequent in the past few years. For some reason, I haven't really been interested in seeing any, but the more I see, the more I like them. The first time I really noticed this was after I watched Walk The Line, even though my favourite of all time would probably be Amadeus. The only problem with most of them is they've been so "Hollywood-ized" that it's difficult to tell fact from fiction. Regardless, it's always fun to do some personal research on an historical figure or see a film spark public interest in someone (i.e. Truman Capote last year or Malcom X in the early 90s). I think sometime in the next few weeks, I might have to go out and rent Coal Miner's Daughter or Gandhi.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
III
Today is the three year anniversary of the day I started my blog. I was in Qatar at the time. It's been through many different phases and growth spurts. It's still nothing too advanced, but I put a lot of effort into it, and I'm quite proud of it. Sometimes, it's hard to find things to write about, and even harder to bare my thoughts and emotions. I still enjoy going back through the archives and remembering what I was doing or what I was going through on a certain day. But mostly, I'm just grateful for everyone who takes the time to read it. Yes, that means you.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Xenu and His Galactic Confederacy
Whenever I'm driving along 4th South in SLC, I often pass the local Church of Scientology. It's a nice building on a frequently traveled street. I also recently read a very informative article in Rolling Stone and the Wikipedia article, as well. I've been getting more and more interested in other religions and wondering why people believe what they do. To me, Scientology is little more than superstition, but I'm very tempted to walk into that building on 4th South just to see what they say to me. If it happens, I'll be sure to post all the details.
Drying Out
I thought my party phase had ended a few weeks ago, but it just kinda kept on going. Then, this weekend, I didn't really drink, except for a beer with dinner on Friday, and a couple with dinner on Saturday. I don't know why, but I still had a great time both nights.
I consider myself a social drinker. I never really set out to get drunk, but when the conversation is flowing and everyone is laughing, I just go with the flow, and it's hard to track how much I've had. Ideally, my aim is to get a good buzz, and then ride it out for the rest of the evening, and I've gotten pretty good at finding the point where I know I've had enough.
Regardless, the fact that I'm taking the time to write this tells me I've been partaking a little too much lately. The next few weekends are pretty much already planned out, and there's going to be plenty of opportunity for downing lots and lots of liquor. Birthday parties. Bachelor parties. Camping trips. Festivals. Will I look back in a few weeks and decide that maybe I should lay off the sauce completely? Even if just for a little while?
We'll see.
I consider myself a social drinker. I never really set out to get drunk, but when the conversation is flowing and everyone is laughing, I just go with the flow, and it's hard to track how much I've had. Ideally, my aim is to get a good buzz, and then ride it out for the rest of the evening, and I've gotten pretty good at finding the point where I know I've had enough.
Regardless, the fact that I'm taking the time to write this tells me I've been partaking a little too much lately. The next few weekends are pretty much already planned out, and there's going to be plenty of opportunity for downing lots and lots of liquor. Birthday parties. Bachelor parties. Camping trips. Festivals. Will I look back in a few weeks and decide that maybe I should lay off the sauce completely? Even if just for a little while?
We'll see.
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Classy
Last night, we decided to have a white trash night. Our first stop was, of course, Hooters.
Somehow, Hooters doesn't hold the power over me it did when I was, say, 21, but we had a good time anyway. Our waitress wasn't very attentive. I think she thought she could get by on the strength of her, um...you know.
It was a pleasure to have Nick with us for the first time. We met him at Rooster's back when we met Drew. He seemed to really enjoy himself, and I'm pretty sure he'll be coming out with us again.
Right before Katie took this picture, John about fell out of his chair, hence the strange expressions on our faces.
After Hooters, we decided to continue the white trash night with a couple games of bowling.
Though they couldn't make it to dinner, Brian, Kyle, and Mark joined us for bowling. Brian even had his own ball and shoes! We were all a little intimidated.
I bowled a 114 on my first game and a 116 on my second game. I was just thrilled to break 100.
Everyone was giving me crap for always having the same expression in pictures taken of me, so I decided to take a few serious pictures. So here I am serious, and Nick is...psycho?
Again. Me: serious. Katie: humping me?
Mikey knows how to drink like a MAN!
After bowling, we went to Brian and Ryan's for socialising and general merriment. I was the designated driver, but I had as much fun as ever, despite my sobriety.
John, however, got about as drunk as I've ever seen him. It was difficult enough for Ryan to get him into the car, and I'm looking forward to hearing stories of the ride home.
Somehow, Hooters doesn't hold the power over me it did when I was, say, 21, but we had a good time anyway. Our waitress wasn't very attentive. I think she thought she could get by on the strength of her, um...you know.
It was a pleasure to have Nick with us for the first time. We met him at Rooster's back when we met Drew. He seemed to really enjoy himself, and I'm pretty sure he'll be coming out with us again.
Right before Katie took this picture, John about fell out of his chair, hence the strange expressions on our faces.
After Hooters, we decided to continue the white trash night with a couple games of bowling.
Though they couldn't make it to dinner, Brian, Kyle, and Mark joined us for bowling. Brian even had his own ball and shoes! We were all a little intimidated.
I bowled a 114 on my first game and a 116 on my second game. I was just thrilled to break 100.
Everyone was giving me crap for always having the same expression in pictures taken of me, so I decided to take a few serious pictures. So here I am serious, and Nick is...psycho?
Again. Me: serious. Katie: humping me?
Mikey knows how to drink like a MAN!
After bowling, we went to Brian and Ryan's for socialising and general merriment. I was the designated driver, but I had as much fun as ever, despite my sobriety.
John, however, got about as drunk as I've ever seen him. It was difficult enough for Ryan to get him into the car, and I'm looking forward to hearing stories of the ride home.
Whew!
This was a relatively rough week at work. I mean, since I started working in my current shop, everything has been lollipops and rainbows; but there was definitely a tense moment or two this week, and I think I handled things pretty well. Not perfect, but still pretty darn good.
Not only was it challenging as far as dealing with people, it was also difficult job-wise. Lots of projects going on, a few of them pretty physical, with even more next week. But I'm looking forward to it.
And when weeks like this one are over, it feels good to breathe a sigh of relief. One of the great things about working in CE is the sense of accomplishment I feel after a hard day's work. It's sometimes arduous and irritating and dirty, but afterward, I can look at my project and say, "I did that."
It also feels good to toss back a pint or two. Or eleven.
Not only was it challenging as far as dealing with people, it was also difficult job-wise. Lots of projects going on, a few of them pretty physical, with even more next week. But I'm looking forward to it.
And when weeks like this one are over, it feels good to breathe a sigh of relief. One of the great things about working in CE is the sense of accomplishment I feel after a hard day's work. It's sometimes arduous and irritating and dirty, but afterward, I can look at my project and say, "I did that."
It also feels good to toss back a pint or two. Or eleven.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Twist and Shout
I'm pretty good at picking my battles, but today at work, somebody upset me, and I couldn't let it go. I argued my point, but he just didn't see it my way. I tried to be diplomatic, and it got me nowhere. I kinda wish I would have just yelled, "Stop being a whiney, little punk-ass bitch and grow up!" But that would have been kind of immature in itself. Maybe it will work itself out, but I doubt it. I avoid confrontation, as it makes me very uncomfortable; but maybe getting out of my comfort zone is what I need in this area. The other night at the ALS graduation, the speaker talked about how being nice to someone may not be what's best for them. Should I assert my authority more frequently? This is something I'm going to ponder for a while.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Put Me In, Coach!
The crew at Rooster's have gotten a team together and joined a softball league this summer. Their second game of the season was tonight down in Bountiful, and I thought it would be cool to go and support them. After all, they've been so diligent at supporting my drinking habit, right?
It was really fun, and I got to meet Tavia's family. (They were a hoot!) Unfortunately, they lost. Like, bad. Regardless, they seemed to enjoy themselves as much as I did, and I just might have to come back on another random Tuesday evening.
It was really fun, and I got to meet Tavia's family. (They were a hoot!) Unfortunately, they lost. Like, bad. Regardless, they seemed to enjoy themselves as much as I did, and I just might have to come back on another random Tuesday evening.
Chocolate Cherry
I dyed my hair last night. Nothing drastic. Just put a little red into it. I like to do it in the summer because my hair is so black that it can sometimes look blue in the sun, and I don't want anyone to refer to me as "Milhouse."
Sunday, May 07, 2006
The Blue Agave Revenge
Friday was Cinco de Mayo, which, in a way, is kind of like St. Patrick's Day. It's an excuse to drink. And boy, did I.
I've never had tequila before. Ever. But the whole salt-on-the-hand, drink-the-shot, suck-on-the-lime thing was appealing and fun. We started doing shots at 10 PM with the intent to do another shot every half hour. Well, that was until 10:47 when we decided to do the pre-11:00 shot shot. And the 11:09 post-11:00 shot shot. Boy, that stuff really catches up with you.
This is right after the first tequila shot I ever did. John seems to be thinking, "This guy has no clue what he's in for," while I'm just thinking, "Gee, limes are great!"
Surprise!
No, Nick. YOU da man!
I don't know how many shots we did, but the whole bottle of tequila was gone by the time we left for Club Sound, which was around 11:30-ish, I think. And from what I remember, the club was really fun, too.
I've never had tequila before. Ever. But the whole salt-on-the-hand, drink-the-shot, suck-on-the-lime thing was appealing and fun. We started doing shots at 10 PM with the intent to do another shot every half hour. Well, that was until 10:47 when we decided to do the pre-11:00 shot shot. And the 11:09 post-11:00 shot shot. Boy, that stuff really catches up with you.
This is right after the first tequila shot I ever did. John seems to be thinking, "This guy has no clue what he's in for," while I'm just thinking, "Gee, limes are great!"
Surprise!
No, Nick. YOU da man!
I don't know how many shots we did, but the whole bottle of tequila was gone by the time we left for Club Sound, which was around 11:30-ish, I think. And from what I remember, the club was really fun, too.
The Fly Freer
If you've never seen Sigur Ros live, I highly recommend it. They're from Iceland, and they played The Depot in SLC last night, and I still feel like I'm floating. Not because I'm such a huge fan, but just because their music transcends the experience of the average live show.
The opening band was Amiina, four girls who met in college in Reykjavik, and play what I would describe as children's music for adults. They used a very unique instrumentation including a toy piano, bells, and an Apple PowerBook G4 identical to mine. The coolest part was when one of them played the saw. Yes, a saw.
Sigur Ros is such an interesting band. Their art-rock is like the soundtrack to a dream. Singer Jon Por Birgisson sings mostly in falsetto, and the "words" may not even be words at all, but just amient noises that blend with the instruments to create something bizarrely beautiful.
The show itself was a sight to behold. As if the music alone weren't enough to take me into a different universe, the visuals were breathtaking. Slow moving lights and a backdrop onto which was projected seemingly unrelated footage of such random things as electrical line towers, little girls playing, boots marching through puddles, trees blowing in the wind, and radar dishes; but it all came together for a magnificent spectacle. It was an ethereal experience I won't soon forget.
The opening band was Amiina, four girls who met in college in Reykjavik, and play what I would describe as children's music for adults. They used a very unique instrumentation including a toy piano, bells, and an Apple PowerBook G4 identical to mine. The coolest part was when one of them played the saw. Yes, a saw.
Sigur Ros is such an interesting band. Their art-rock is like the soundtrack to a dream. Singer Jon Por Birgisson sings mostly in falsetto, and the "words" may not even be words at all, but just amient noises that blend with the instruments to create something bizarrely beautiful.
The show itself was a sight to behold. As if the music alone weren't enough to take me into a different universe, the visuals were breathtaking. Slow moving lights and a backdrop onto which was projected seemingly unrelated footage of such random things as electrical line towers, little girls playing, boots marching through puddles, trees blowing in the wind, and radar dishes; but it all came together for a magnificent spectacle. It was an ethereal experience I won't soon forget.
Saturday, May 06, 2006
Pounding
Last night was a blur. I vaguely remember tequila shots. Lots of them. I think I had fun, but I can't be too sure because I left my camera at Brian and Ryan's house. I'll post pics as soon as I get it back. Right now, though, I need sleep.
Friday, May 05, 2006
[sic]
You may recall my Top 25 Text Messages - Volume I from last December. Well, my phone is full again, so, as promised...
Top Text Messages - Vol II
1) Please tell me you were not one of the victims of my drunken texting last night.
2) U r cordially invited 2 a non-party party honoring the illustrious rachel a week from thursday next ... Please bring a bucket of mixed paint
3) Hey! would a straight jacket make a person not gay anymore?
4) Whatcha gonna do with all that junk inside that trunk?
5) Seven golden bears say hello!
6) There's a kid on oprah imitating a valasoraptor! Ur's is better!
7) It smells like fast food ass n my car!
8) Tag ur it! Ur mine. Today is national CLAIM A BITCH DAY. So ur my bitch. See how many you can get. No tag backs
9) Your times i might have the duty
[Ed. Note: This one had nothing to do with our conversation and just doesn't make any sense to me; therefore, I find it humourous.]
10) In his state of the union address tonight, the president is going to say he likes Brokeback Mountain, and he thinks we should drill for oil there too
11) Good morning starshine the earth says hello!
12) Come make love to my leg...
13) My book compares the immune system with branches of the military...You are a t cell!
14) How losery am i ... I'm at the mall it's not even open yet so i'm walking amidst the mall walkers over 60 club
15) Kentucky just tried to kill me! but it failed
16) My parents are on my ass like trailer trash on velvetta
17) Today is national good looking person day. Send this to someone gorgeous. Don't send it back to me, i've received hundreds.
18) I NEED U! I'm at a concert alone!!
19) I want to marry myself
20) I think my karaoke days are over
21) I'have an announcement........i'm drunk
22) U need this n ur business!
[Ed. Note: This was actually a picture-text from Abs that was taken when I was down in Texas in January. And the text that was with it is great. I don't really remember taking the picture, so I must have had a few or something.]
23) Kids are loud and you cant understand a damn thing they say. they're like tiny cab drivers
24) Sorry 4 the very forceful weak kiss.
25) My biggest fear is that ill miss a thursday at roosters...
26) Look at me! i'm in Kentucky!
27) I had a dream last night that we moved to this house in the middle of nowhere. Everyone... You and me and josh and caleb... Everyone. And the house was haunted or something. Anyway in the end you said... I know why everyone died... They got carbon monoxide poisoning. It was really strange. Yea. It was pretty creepy at the beginning but in the end you saved the day. How's life been?
Top Text Messages - Vol II
1) Please tell me you were not one of the victims of my drunken texting last night.
2) U r cordially invited 2 a non-party party honoring the illustrious rachel a week from thursday next ... Please bring a bucket of mixed paint
3) Hey! would a straight jacket make a person not gay anymore?
4) Whatcha gonna do with all that junk inside that trunk?
5) Seven golden bears say hello!
6) There's a kid on oprah imitating a valasoraptor! Ur's is better!
7) It smells like fast food ass n my car!
8) Tag ur it! Ur mine. Today is national CLAIM A BITCH DAY. So ur my bitch. See how many you can get. No tag backs
9) Your times i might have the duty
[Ed. Note: This one had nothing to do with our conversation and just doesn't make any sense to me; therefore, I find it humourous.]
10) In his state of the union address tonight, the president is going to say he likes Brokeback Mountain, and he thinks we should drill for oil there too
11) Good morning starshine the earth says hello!
12) Come make love to my leg...
13) My book compares the immune system with branches of the military...You are a t cell!
14) How losery am i ... I'm at the mall it's not even open yet so i'm walking amidst the mall walkers over 60 club
15) Kentucky just tried to kill me! but it failed
16) My parents are on my ass like trailer trash on velvetta
17) Today is national good looking person day. Send this to someone gorgeous. Don't send it back to me, i've received hundreds.
18) I NEED U! I'm at a concert alone!!
19) I want to marry myself
20) I think my karaoke days are over
21) I'have an announcement........i'm drunk
22) U need this n ur business!
[Ed. Note: This was actually a picture-text from Abs that was taken when I was down in Texas in January. And the text that was with it is great. I don't really remember taking the picture, so I must have had a few or something.]
23) Kids are loud and you cant understand a damn thing they say. they're like tiny cab drivers
24) Sorry 4 the very forceful weak kiss.
25) My biggest fear is that ill miss a thursday at roosters...
26) Look at me! i'm in Kentucky!
27) I had a dream last night that we moved to this house in the middle of nowhere. Everyone... You and me and josh and caleb... Everyone. And the house was haunted or something. Anyway in the end you said... I know why everyone died... They got carbon monoxide poisoning. It was really strange. Yea. It was pretty creepy at the beginning but in the end you saved the day. How's life been?
Wild Blue Yonder
I missed Rooster's tonight. (Gasp!) Instead, I went to an Airman Leadership School graduation. Ryan and I were invited by Steven Denny, a friend of ours from Misawa who just PCSd to Hill a few months ago. ALS graduations aren't really the most fun thing ever, but I never pass up an invitation because I was really grateful for everyone who came out to support me when I graduated.
It was a nice ceremony, and it's always fun to see everyone in their blues, as uncomfortable as they are. And part of it makes me want to be all gung-ho Air Force.
The best part of the night was when I locked my keys in my car (Do you feel the sarcasm?), which I've NEVER done before. Luckily, Kyle came and picked us up and brought us home so I could grab the extra key out of my room.
Anyway, tomorrow is going to be a crazy day at work, beginning with PT, so I'm gonna get some sleep. Late...
It was a nice ceremony, and it's always fun to see everyone in their blues, as uncomfortable as they are. And part of it makes me want to be all gung-ho Air Force.
The best part of the night was when I locked my keys in my car (Do you feel the sarcasm?), which I've NEVER done before. Luckily, Kyle came and picked us up and brought us home so I could grab the extra key out of my room.
Anyway, tomorrow is going to be a crazy day at work, beginning with PT, so I'm gonna get some sleep. Late...
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
The Sting
John is a city planner for Layton, and managed to score four free tickets to the SLC Bees game last night. In attendance were John, Ryan, Chad, and me. The Bees played the Las Vegas 51s (their mascot is an alien), so I was a little torn regarding who to cheer for. I picked Salt Lake, and it's a good thing, because they won 9-5.
John drove, and I told him not to let me have more than two beers because I had my PT test this morning, and I did NOT want to be hung over. Well, I ended up having three, but still managed to pass my PT test with flying colours. I think it's funny that I was all worried about my PT test, but the night before I tested for Tech, I got totally shit-faced.
John drove, and I told him not to let me have more than two beers because I had my PT test this morning, and I did NOT want to be hung over. Well, I ended up having three, but still managed to pass my PT test with flying colours. I think it's funny that I was all worried about my PT test, but the night before I tested for Tech, I got totally shit-faced.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Yellow-bellied
I take things way too personally sometimes. The other day at work, this guy told me he didn't like me. Those were his exact words. "I don't like you." It ruined my day, and now I find myself trying to be extra nice to this guy in order to gain his approval. How ridiculous! I've never given him any reason I know of to dislike me, so he obviously has some kind of personal issue that I can't really do anything about. If it's his problem and not mine, then why am I so upset over it?
This isn't the first time (nor will it be the last) something like this has happened. Every so often, I cross paths with someone with whom I have some sort of personality conflict. Most of the time, I have no clue there's even a disconnect until said person treats me like shit, and I run away feeling wounded and empty. In females, this is called "sensitivity," but in guys, it's just plain "wussiness." I don't like it, and I wish I could find a way to let stuff like this just slide off my back.
This isn't the first time (nor will it be the last) something like this has happened. Every so often, I cross paths with someone with whom I have some sort of personality conflict. Most of the time, I have no clue there's even a disconnect until said person treats me like shit, and I run away feeling wounded and empty. In females, this is called "sensitivity," but in guys, it's just plain "wussiness." I don't like it, and I wish I could find a way to let stuff like this just slide off my back.
Monday, May 01, 2006
Sunny Sunday
The SLC crew met for brunch this morning, which is almost becoming as steady a tradition as hanging at Brian and Ryan's on Friday and Saturdays. After brunch, we went to Sugarhouse Park to toss around the frisbee. The weather was great and we were having such a fun time, so you know I had to take tons of pictures.
The lake was really high today, as shown by this bench that is normally several yards away from the shore line.
After running and throwing and walking around the park, we were really thirsty, and Mikey just couldn't wait for the conventional fountain.
We left Sugarhouse Park to get some ice cream, then decided to head over to Liberty Park to see the drum circle. It's basically a bunch of hippies who gather at the park every Sunday in the summer and play drums and dance around and play hackey sack and so forth. (I also happened to accidentally come across it last October.) It's definitely a great place to people watch. We even gave nicknames to many of them, including this guy, the Hula King.
But all the activities of the day, along with the partying last night, eventually caught up with us, and we decided to call it a day. I'm so ready for next weekend.
The lake was really high today, as shown by this bench that is normally several yards away from the shore line.
After running and throwing and walking around the park, we were really thirsty, and Mikey just couldn't wait for the conventional fountain.
We left Sugarhouse Park to get some ice cream, then decided to head over to Liberty Park to see the drum circle. It's basically a bunch of hippies who gather at the park every Sunday in the summer and play drums and dance around and play hackey sack and so forth. (I also happened to accidentally come across it last October.) It's definitely a great place to people watch. We even gave nicknames to many of them, including this guy, the Hula King.
But all the activities of the day, along with the partying last night, eventually caught up with us, and we decided to call it a day. I'm so ready for next weekend.
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