I went to a Halloween party at Josh and Sarah's last night, and had a blast. I met lots of new people and we all played games and drank and had great conversation. There were lots of interesting costumes. Caleb said he was supposed to be Zorak(?), but I thought he looked more like David Bowie from the Ziggy Stardust era. Sam was some sort of strange cow-pirate. I was a zombie, and I thought I was pretty scary, especially when I tried to eat Sam's brain.
Josh was Harry Potter and Sarah was a fairy queen. Nearly all the girls who attended had on wings of some sort.
Here's David- I mean, Caleb and Tanya as an angel.
Zach came as a cheerleader, but kept changing in and out of the outfit all night long. Shawn found this Navy uniform at a thrift store for $2.
These guys came as Radiohead, an inventive idea I totally appreciated.
Elliott and Jen are a couple I met for the first time last night. They live downstairs from Josh and Sarah. Very cool people.
There were lots more people I unfortunately didn't get pictures of because I was too busy drinking. I went a little bit over my limit and I've kinda got a headache today, but it was worth it. Plus, if I were totally sober, I doubt I would have realised my clothes were barely hanging on because everyone kept making the tears larger and larger. Sometimes I wonder why I even bother wearing clothes with these people, but that's a different story.
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Saturday, October 29, 2005
Riders on the Storm
I was getting gas today, and saw this fierce looking cloud formation swiftly crossing the sky, headed east toward the mountains. Two minutes later, it was pouring. I love crazy weather.
Mental nicknames for people I frequently see at the gym:
"Lurch" - This guy must be at least 6'5", and he looks like a skeleton with skin hanging on it.
"Leprechaun" - Really short red-headed guy who is always on the stairmaster.
"Pat" - I seriously don't know if it's a man or a woman.
"Mullet Boy" - 'nuf said.
"Tupac" - Bears an uncanny resemblance to Tupac Shakur.
"Tex" - Stepped right out of the old west, and even has a handlebar moustache.
"Muffin Tops" - She wears spandex pants and a sports bra, but she shouldn't.
"Hottie McHottie" - I see her on the cross trainer on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We've made eye contact exactly twice.
"Bitch" - Lady who walks really slow on the treadmill and totally ignores the big sign that says "30 minute time limit on cardio equipment" even when there are people waiting for her fat ass to get off.
"Leprechaun" - Really short red-headed guy who is always on the stairmaster.
"Pat" - I seriously don't know if it's a man or a woman.
"Mullet Boy" - 'nuf said.
"Tupac" - Bears an uncanny resemblance to Tupac Shakur.
"Tex" - Stepped right out of the old west, and even has a handlebar moustache.
"Muffin Tops" - She wears spandex pants and a sports bra, but she shouldn't.
"Hottie McHottie" - I see her on the cross trainer on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We've made eye contact exactly twice.
"Bitch" - Lady who walks really slow on the treadmill and totally ignores the big sign that says "30 minute time limit on cardio equipment" even when there are people waiting for her fat ass to get off.
Friday, October 28, 2005
Damn, you've got some wicked style!
It was the best of times. It was the rockin'-est of times. It was the Gwen Stefani show on Tuesday night.
My friend John was supposed to go with, but came down with strep throat. Luckily, Kyle was free so he agreed to go. The venue was the E Center in West Valley. It's a huge arena, but it didn't really matter because we had seats in the 14th row on the floor. It kinda stinks having assigned seating, but I really can't complain since we were still so close.
The Black Eyed Peas opened. I once believed that "Muskrat Love" was the worst song in existence. Then the Pussycat Dolls came out with "Don't Cha" which was even worse. It turns out I wasn't even prepared for "My Humps." This song is horrible on so many levels, yet, it's so damn catchy, I find myself singing it all the time. As for the show, they sounded pretty good, but wandered aimlessly around the stage the whole time. I was hoping Justin Timberlake would show up to sing "Where Is The Love?" with them, but no such luck. By far, the best moment of their set was "Let's Get Retarded." Oh, and Fergie looked pretty good, too.
Then, at last, it was time for Gwen. There was a big white curtain that dropped to reveal a huge stage. Gwen rose up on a throne surrounded by her little Japanese-girl entourage. She opened with "Harajuku Girls" and danced around like it was nothing. The second song was "What You Waiting For?" which is probably my favourite track on the album. She performed every song on her album, plus a couple that must have been out-takes or b-sides.
It was a very high production show with lots of set changes and 9 (!) costume changes. But Gwen totally had the energy to back it up. Besides her four female dancers, there were also four male dancers who specialised in breakdancing. They were all over the place, but Gwen was always the center of attention. I wish I could have gotten some better pictures, but there were so many lights and cell phone cameras aren't the best quality. In my ideal world, she would have pulled me out of the audience to dance with her, and then asked me if I was that guy that once grabbed her thigh, but that didn't quite happen either. Oh, well, maybe next time.
I guess the thing that I really like most about Gwen is that she can do it all, and she does it well. She's great as a rock star. She's great as a pop star. She's proven herself a talented song writer. She sings. She dances. She runs across the stage in high heels. Simply amazing. Definitely one of the best shows I've seen. Ever.
By the way, Heather Armstrong (aka Dooce) was at this show, too. Unfortunately, I didn't see her, but if you'd like to read her take on it, go here.
My friend John was supposed to go with, but came down with strep throat. Luckily, Kyle was free so he agreed to go. The venue was the E Center in West Valley. It's a huge arena, but it didn't really matter because we had seats in the 14th row on the floor. It kinda stinks having assigned seating, but I really can't complain since we were still so close.
The Black Eyed Peas opened. I once believed that "Muskrat Love" was the worst song in existence. Then the Pussycat Dolls came out with "Don't Cha" which was even worse. It turns out I wasn't even prepared for "My Humps." This song is horrible on so many levels, yet, it's so damn catchy, I find myself singing it all the time. As for the show, they sounded pretty good, but wandered aimlessly around the stage the whole time. I was hoping Justin Timberlake would show up to sing "Where Is The Love?" with them, but no such luck. By far, the best moment of their set was "Let's Get Retarded." Oh, and Fergie looked pretty good, too.
Then, at last, it was time for Gwen. There was a big white curtain that dropped to reveal a huge stage. Gwen rose up on a throne surrounded by her little Japanese-girl entourage. She opened with "Harajuku Girls" and danced around like it was nothing. The second song was "What You Waiting For?" which is probably my favourite track on the album. She performed every song on her album, plus a couple that must have been out-takes or b-sides.
It was a very high production show with lots of set changes and 9 (!) costume changes. But Gwen totally had the energy to back it up. Besides her four female dancers, there were also four male dancers who specialised in breakdancing. They were all over the place, but Gwen was always the center of attention. I wish I could have gotten some better pictures, but there were so many lights and cell phone cameras aren't the best quality. In my ideal world, she would have pulled me out of the audience to dance with her, and then asked me if I was that guy that once grabbed her thigh, but that didn't quite happen either. Oh, well, maybe next time.
I guess the thing that I really like most about Gwen is that she can do it all, and she does it well. She's great as a rock star. She's great as a pop star. She's proven herself a talented song writer. She sings. She dances. She runs across the stage in high heels. Simply amazing. Definitely one of the best shows I've seen. Ever.
By the way, Heather Armstrong (aka Dooce) was at this show, too. Unfortunately, I didn't see her, but if you'd like to read her take on it, go here.
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Dark Night, Sleep Tight
A few months ago, my friend Jay told me about a band called Eisley. People try to get me hooked on bands all the time, and I'm usually unimpressed. This time, however, I got hooked. They performed Monday night as an opening act for Switchfoot, and I went to the show.
First of all, let me just tell you about the venue. It was at a place called the Great Salt Air in Magna, about 45 minutes southwest of here. It's an old pavilion located right on the Great Salt Lake. It's neat place, but the location is not so great. For those of you who have never been to this area, the Great Salt Lake smells bad. Really bad. That's all I have to say about that.
The first opener was a band called Reeve Oliver. Yeah, it's a clever name and they sounded good and had lots of energy, but I thought their music was rather typical.
Then Eisley came out. Eisley is made up of three sisters, their brother, and their cousin. It's hard not to compare them to Sixpence None the Richer, but I think Eisley is a little more melancholy, and somehow sweeter and more appealing. Plus, there's just something undeniably sexy about girls who can play the guitar. They had a great stage presence, some of the most entrancing harmonies I've ever heard, and I hope to see them again as a headliner.
I have to be honest when I say that if Eisley weren't opening, I probably wouldn't have gone to see Switchfoot. However, I thought they put on a pretty good show. There wasn't anything really extraordinary about it, but they sounded good, and the whole set was quite enjoyable. I'd have to say the highlight was when they sang a cover of Bob Dylan's "The Times, They Are A-Changin'." I could even be persuaded to see them again, next time they're in SLC.
First of all, let me just tell you about the venue. It was at a place called the Great Salt Air in Magna, about 45 minutes southwest of here. It's an old pavilion located right on the Great Salt Lake. It's neat place, but the location is not so great. For those of you who have never been to this area, the Great Salt Lake smells bad. Really bad. That's all I have to say about that.
The first opener was a band called Reeve Oliver. Yeah, it's a clever name and they sounded good and had lots of energy, but I thought their music was rather typical.
Then Eisley came out. Eisley is made up of three sisters, their brother, and their cousin. It's hard not to compare them to Sixpence None the Richer, but I think Eisley is a little more melancholy, and somehow sweeter and more appealing. Plus, there's just something undeniably sexy about girls who can play the guitar. They had a great stage presence, some of the most entrancing harmonies I've ever heard, and I hope to see them again as a headliner.
I have to be honest when I say that if Eisley weren't opening, I probably wouldn't have gone to see Switchfoot. However, I thought they put on a pretty good show. There wasn't anything really extraordinary about it, but they sounded good, and the whole set was quite enjoyable. I'd have to say the highlight was when they sang a cover of Bob Dylan's "The Times, They Are A-Changin'." I could even be persuaded to see them again, next time they're in SLC.
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Haunted Houses and Hackey Sacks
(Disclaimer: So, things are crazy hectic around here right now, so posts on "the wax" might be slightly delayed this week. This post, for instance, will cover Saturday night and Sunday. "Why," you ask? Well, yesterday I came home to find my wonderful new iPod had been delivered, so most of my spare time has been involved in playing with my new gadget. Plus, I had a show last night and a show tonight, both of which will be covered in the following days. Please be patient, friends. I will update when I can.)
Anyway, Saturday night, Tanya, Caleb, Tasha, Kyle, and I went to a haunted house up in Ogden. It was $12 to get in, which is pretty standard around here, so I was hoping to leave with wet pants. No such luck. It was pretty much a nature walk with the occassional guy in a mask jumping out and screaming. Pretty weak. I'm hoping to go to another one down in SLC sometime this week.
Sunday, I slept in, then went down to SLC to watch The Constant Gardener, which was both sentimental and thrilling, beautifully photographed, and thought-provoking. Highly recommended.
After the movie, I went and had a soy latte at the Coffee Garden, a nice little cafe located in a rather artsy section of SLC. I think it's funny that they put in a Starbucks on the adjacent corner, but nearly everyone prefers the local place.
While I was having coffee, Kyle called and invited me to dinner with Drew and Chris, who live in Sandy (on the south end of SLC). So, I decided to just hang out for a couple hours at Liberty Park. Here's a few shots:
As you can see, it's a pretty big park. I like this shot because if you look really close between the rows of trees, you can see the mountains in the background.
While walking around the park, I heard drums, so I followed the sound until I found a bunch of hippies playing bongos and kicking around hackey sacks. I tried not to stare, but I probably stood there for at least thirty minutes. (Trish: I saw children rolling down the hill and thought of you.)
I came across angels in the leaves, and it made me smile for the rest of the afternoon.
I love spending time at the park. Just walking around and watching people and staring at the trees and the lake is so relaxing.
Anyway, Saturday night, Tanya, Caleb, Tasha, Kyle, and I went to a haunted house up in Ogden. It was $12 to get in, which is pretty standard around here, so I was hoping to leave with wet pants. No such luck. It was pretty much a nature walk with the occassional guy in a mask jumping out and screaming. Pretty weak. I'm hoping to go to another one down in SLC sometime this week.
Sunday, I slept in, then went down to SLC to watch The Constant Gardener, which was both sentimental and thrilling, beautifully photographed, and thought-provoking. Highly recommended.
After the movie, I went and had a soy latte at the Coffee Garden, a nice little cafe located in a rather artsy section of SLC. I think it's funny that they put in a Starbucks on the adjacent corner, but nearly everyone prefers the local place.
While I was having coffee, Kyle called and invited me to dinner with Drew and Chris, who live in Sandy (on the south end of SLC). So, I decided to just hang out for a couple hours at Liberty Park. Here's a few shots:
As you can see, it's a pretty big park. I like this shot because if you look really close between the rows of trees, you can see the mountains in the background.
While walking around the park, I heard drums, so I followed the sound until I found a bunch of hippies playing bongos and kicking around hackey sacks. I tried not to stare, but I probably stood there for at least thirty minutes. (Trish: I saw children rolling down the hill and thought of you.)
I came across angels in the leaves, and it made me smile for the rest of the afternoon.
I love spending time at the park. Just walking around and watching people and staring at the trees and the lake is so relaxing.
Sunday, October 23, 2005
Mystic
At the club last night...
Me: How you doin'?
Allison: Fine.
Me: I'm Curtis.
Allison: My name's Allison. Nice to meet you.
Me: You, too.
Allison: I like your tattoo.
Me: Thanks. Do you have any?
Allison: Uh-huh. (Shows me tattoo on her back.)
Me: Very nice.
Allison: Thanks. Do you have any more?
Me: Yep. (Lifts up shirt to reveal tattoo on left side.)
Allison: Wow! I can really feel the energy flowing from this one.
Me: (Blink. Blink.) Um, well, it was nice meeting you.
Allison: You, too.
Me: (Walks far, far away.)
Me: How you doin'?
Allison: Fine.
Me: I'm Curtis.
Allison: My name's Allison. Nice to meet you.
Me: You, too.
Allison: I like your tattoo.
Me: Thanks. Do you have any?
Allison: Uh-huh. (Shows me tattoo on her back.)
Me: Very nice.
Allison: Thanks. Do you have any more?
Me: Yep. (Lifts up shirt to reveal tattoo on left side.)
Allison: Wow! I can really feel the energy flowing from this one.
Me: (Blink. Blink.) Um, well, it was nice meeting you.
Allison: You, too.
Me: (Walks far, far away.)
Saturday, October 22, 2005
On the Town
Last night, I went to a place called Sound with John and some new guys I met named Kyle and Ryan. It was a huge club with lots of different areas that played different types of music. They even played the new Madonna single, so, yeah, I spent a lot of time on the dance floor. But let me just say, don't ever go out in Salt Lake City if you're self-consious about your looks, because everyone here is GORGEOUS!
Friday, October 21, 2005
The Parable of the Lost Camera
Last night, my friend John and I went to eat at this tiny little restaurant called Gabor Brothers' Main Street Grill & Pizzeria, and it was some of the best Italian food I've ever had. Before we left, I was getting ready and deciding what to wear and pulled a hoodie out of my big bin of hoodies. It felt kinda heavy, and when I reached into the pocket, I found my camera. And not the camera I lost in August. This would be the camera I lost way back in April. I'm not really sure if I'm happy about it or not. It's frustrating to know that if I would have just searched a little harder, I might have saved myself a lot of money. Regardless, the camera I have now is better, so I guess I'll just sell the found one on eBay or something. Anyone interested in a Canon 4.0 megapixel SD10?
Behemoth
Ryan is in the desert for four months, and since I'm such a cool guy, I take care of his stuff while he's gone. One of the things included under the heading "stuff" is his truck. Pardon me. Did I say "truck"? I meant "TANK." He's got a Ford F-250 Extended Cab Diesel. It's big and it's loud and I really don't like driving it too much; however, when I do (usually once or twice a week), I feel like I own the road and all others must pull over to the shoulder and bow to me. The worst thing about driving it is parking it. Therefore, about the only place I take it is to church, which has a pretty big parking lot, so I'm not worried about running over anything or anyone. Of course, I can't be held responsible for anyone who might be talking on the cell phone while driving.
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Candidacy
I just got back from a membership class at Washington Heights. It was just a little discussion led by Roy, the pastor, to inform potential members about what this particular church believes and expects of its members. I still have questions, and I'm not sure if I want to join or not. The whole deal seemed rather formal with signed statements and membership forms. I just told them I had to think about it, and they were very cool about it. Maybe after church on Sunday, I'll pull someone aside to ask more detailed questions.
After the class, Heidi, Sam, and I went and got coffee and had some great conversation. They're so fun to chill out with. Anyway, I need to get up early tomorrow for work, and sleep has been kind of hit-and-miss lately, so I need to hit the sack.
After the class, Heidi, Sam, and I went and got coffee and had some great conversation. They're so fun to chill out with. Anyway, I need to get up early tomorrow for work, and sleep has been kind of hit-and-miss lately, so I need to hit the sack.
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
iDizzy with iAnticipation
I did it. It may have just been a side effect of the novocaine, but I grew a pair and purchased the new 60 GB video iPod. It won't arrive for five to seven business days, but I'm so excited. I'm already thinking about what to do with all the extra space and which videos to download. When the shopper's remorse sets in, it's going to be harsh, but I'm totally going to be the coolest kid in school!
Novocaine for the Soul
I just got back from a dental appointment. About a month ago, I put a piece of gum in my mouth, and when it got crunchy, I knew something was wrong. A piece of my tooth had broken off, so I went in the next day and they put a temporary filling in it. Today, they did the permanent one.
A lot of people hate going to the dentist, but it never really bothered me too much. I think the sound of the drill is more painful than the feeling of it hitting my tooth. Once I get over that, I just close my eyes and relax and sometimes have to keep myself from falling asleep.
However, there is one drawback: numbness. I hate leaving the dentist with no feeling in my lower jaw. And I don't understand why my lip and tongue feel about three feet thick. (I guess it's a good thing I don't have a date tonight.) I wish the anesthesia would wear off as soon as the dentist is finished. Basically, that's the only thing that really keeps me flossing every night.
By the way, I still have the hunk of tooth that broke off in the cup holder in my truck.
A lot of people hate going to the dentist, but it never really bothered me too much. I think the sound of the drill is more painful than the feeling of it hitting my tooth. Once I get over that, I just close my eyes and relax and sometimes have to keep myself from falling asleep.
However, there is one drawback: numbness. I hate leaving the dentist with no feeling in my lower jaw. And I don't understand why my lip and tongue feel about three feet thick. (I guess it's a good thing I don't have a date tonight.) I wish the anesthesia would wear off as soon as the dentist is finished. Basically, that's the only thing that really keeps me flossing every night.
By the way, I still have the hunk of tooth that broke off in the cup holder in my truck.
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Hung Up
As most of you know, I used to be a pretty big Madonna fan. Actually, "fan" is kind of an understatement. For about 10 years, I ate, slept, and breathed Madonna. I've spent an obscene amount of money on albums, magazines, books, t-shirts, and other various memorabilia. She even turned up in several of my dreams.
Well, over the years, it kinda faded away. I don't listen to her music as often or follow her career as closely as I once did, but she'll always hold a special place in my heart.
Today, Madonna was on TRL, and I watched it. I surprised myself at how giddy I got when she came on the screen. It was rather painful having to sit through videos by Ashlee Simpson and The Black Eyed Peas, but you gotta do what you gotta do, right?
Well, over the years, it kinda faded away. I don't listen to her music as often or follow her career as closely as I once did, but she'll always hold a special place in my heart.
Today, Madonna was on TRL, and I watched it. I surprised myself at how giddy I got when she came on the screen. It was rather painful having to sit through videos by Ashlee Simpson and The Black Eyed Peas, but you gotta do what you gotta do, right?
Monday, October 17, 2005
Cough
I just watched The Insider, the 1999 biopic based on Dr. Jeffrey Wigand, the higest ranking whistle-blower against big tobacco. Normally, movies based on true stories (especially ones dealing with law) tend to be dull, but not this one. Plus, it takes place partially in Kentucky.
Sunday, October 16, 2005
Triple Word Score
I just got back from hanging out with Tanya, Caleb, Sarah, and Josh. It was the first time I'd seen Caleb since the Green Day show, and even longer than that for the others. But what made this night extra special was that I introduced them to the wonderful world of Speed Scrabble. Their lives may never be the same.
Fall Foliage
After spending the past two weeks mostly indoors, I was pretty desperate to get out and see more of the beautiful state of Utah. Autumn is in full swing, so I went and hiked for a couple hours today in a nearby canyon, despite the sign instructing what to do in case of a cougar attack (Yipe!). Here are a few pictures.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Utah is gorgeous. Oh, and in case anyone was concerned, no Currt-Dawg's were harmed, even by cougars, in the creation of this post.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Utah is gorgeous. Oh, and in case anyone was concerned, no Currt-Dawg's were harmed, even by cougars, in the creation of this post.
Saturday, October 15, 2005
And now to try for some shut-eye...
After working extra long shifts for 12 days straight (and over what was supposed to be a 3-day weekend), the exercise has finally ENDEXed. Now begins the annoying task of switching my biological clock back to a daytime schedule. I invite everyone to randomly call me anytime between the hours of 8 AM and 10 PM to make sure I'm not napping. I can't do this alone, people.
Friday, October 14, 2005
Gadget-Gasm
Apple released the new iPod yesterday, and I've been walking around feeling as though my feet aren't even touching the ground. That's how excited I am. True, there's really nothing wrong with my current Generation III iPod, but this new one is just SO FLIPPIN' COOL! I don't normally purchase things I don't desperately need (...well, except for clothing and electronics and home furnishings and Krispy Kreme Donuts), but I might just have to make an exception. I just watched the Apple Special Event hosted by Steve Jobs, and I'm seriously freaking out.
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Balance Beam
I think I've fully acclimated to working the night shift. I wake up around 6 PM each evening, go to work around 9-ish, get off around 10 AM the next morning, and get to bed around 11. I don't even get drowsy in the middle of the night anymore, which is nice. I'll have to switch back to day shift at the end of the week, but I seriously doubt it will be as difficult as switching to nights.
As I've mentioned, I'm working in the armory, so, along with guarding the weapons all night long, we also have to hand out the weapons to all the exercise players on their way out to the play area and receive the weapons after their shift is over. When people come through the processing area, they're wearing their chem suit and all their field gear, and they're getting ready to spend up to 12 hours putting up with a lot of crap. Meanwhile, I'm passing the time playing cards, reading magazines, and watching DVDs. Because of this, I feel kinda guilty, and I never know how to react when people come to get their weapons. If I'm really cheery, it just makes them extra jealous. If I act bummed out, they're all, "What do YOU have to be upset about?" And it's really difficult for me to talk with no emotion whatsoever. Kind of a strange situation.
As far as the whole armory thing goes, it's a good job to have, and I'm definitely lucky. But, as I've also mentioned, I don't really like guns, and sitting in the armory surrounded by about 150 M-16s and 15 9mms just makes me nervous. Just think happy thoughts.
As I've mentioned, I'm working in the armory, so, along with guarding the weapons all night long, we also have to hand out the weapons to all the exercise players on their way out to the play area and receive the weapons after their shift is over. When people come through the processing area, they're wearing their chem suit and all their field gear, and they're getting ready to spend up to 12 hours putting up with a lot of crap. Meanwhile, I'm passing the time playing cards, reading magazines, and watching DVDs. Because of this, I feel kinda guilty, and I never know how to react when people come to get their weapons. If I'm really cheery, it just makes them extra jealous. If I act bummed out, they're all, "What do YOU have to be upset about?" And it's really difficult for me to talk with no emotion whatsoever. Kind of a strange situation.
As far as the whole armory thing goes, it's a good job to have, and I'm definitely lucky. But, as I've also mentioned, I don't really like guns, and sitting in the armory surrounded by about 150 M-16s and 15 9mms just makes me nervous. Just think happy thoughts.
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Hot n' Steamy
Do you ever get in the shower, and you just stand there under the water, and you slowly turn the temperture up, little by little, and it gets to the point where it just barely stings your skin, but you don't move because it feels so amazingly good? Yeah, I just had one of those showers. Of course, eventually, the water heater starts to get low, and the water slowly gets cooler, and you realise you've been in there for way too long because your fingers are all wrinkly and you have to get ready for work. Yeah, when I get to heaven, the water heater is never going to run low.
Monday, October 10, 2005
Baby Got Going
A big congratulations to my troop Brian Thomas and his wife, Tracy, on the birth of their daughter, Kristen Alexis, at 4:24 PM this afternoon. She weighed in at 7 lbs,. 6 oz. and was 21 inches long. Brian is extra lucky because now he gets out of the exercise this week. Maybe this whole kid thing really is a good idea!
Sunday, October 09, 2005
Meat Market
I got off work around 10 tonight, and then headed down to SLC to hit up a club with my friend John. I really wasn't in the mood to go dancing, but I'm still trying to acclimate myself to night shift and I'm basically doing anything to stay awake for as long as possible. My goal is 6 AM (only three hours to go).
Going to clubs is such a strange environment. Yeah, I'm a really social guy, but clubs can be overwhelming. It's not like you can really talk to anyone, so everything is based on looks, which isn't really my strong suit. That's why I like the clubs in Vegas where you can just go out and dance, either by yourself or with whomever, and there's no pressure to talk to anyone. Clubs here seem to be a little more clique-ish. It's frustrating, but when you're in Utah, you take what you can get.
Going to clubs is such a strange environment. Yeah, I'm a really social guy, but clubs can be overwhelming. It's not like you can really talk to anyone, so everything is based on looks, which isn't really my strong suit. That's why I like the clubs in Vegas where you can just go out and dance, either by yourself or with whomever, and there's no pressure to talk to anyone. Clubs here seem to be a little more clique-ish. It's frustrating, but when you're in Utah, you take what you can get.
Saturday, October 08, 2005
Sick of Being Sick
Ever since the Green Day show, I've had kind of a sore throat. I figured it was just from all the yelling, but it didn't go away. And a few days ago, it got worse, and now a cough and runny nose have been added into the mix. I don't know why I've been getting sick so often. Normally, I get sick about once a year, but this is the fourth time since I've been in Utah. I wash my hands constantly and get plenty of vitamin C. It's so frustrating. I took a Nyquil this morning before I went to bed, and it helped quite a bit, but I can't perform very well during the exercise if I'm all drugged up. And I'm starting to really hate the taste of cough drops.
Anyway, I hate to be so complainy and stuff. On the bright side, the whole "feigning happiness at work" thing went pretty well last night. We had to process a bunch of cargo and do a bunch of stuff in the armory, and everyone seemed to be in pretty good spirits, despite working on a Friday night. Since we've gotten so much done in the past few days, I'm hoping tonight and tomorrow will be relatively easy, and, if we're really lucky, we might get off early. I could seriously handle tossing back a pint with some friends.
Anyway, I hate to be so complainy and stuff. On the bright side, the whole "feigning happiness at work" thing went pretty well last night. We had to process a bunch of cargo and do a bunch of stuff in the armory, and everyone seemed to be in pretty good spirits, despite working on a Friday night. Since we've gotten so much done in the past few days, I'm hoping tonight and tomorrow will be relatively easy, and, if we're really lucky, we might get off early. I could seriously handle tossing back a pint with some friends.
Friday, October 07, 2005
Night Owls
I'm officially on night shift now. I went in at 5 PM last night, and got to bed around 3-ish. However, I was recalled again at 5:30 this morning, and just got home. Now I can't sleep, so tonight is going to be harsh. We have to work all weekend, and, to add insult to injury, we don't get Columbus Day off, either. My decision is to feign extreme happiness, in the hopes it will catch on to my co-workers and we can all at least pretend to be happy.
By the way, if you're ever in the Readiness office at Hill Air Force Base, don't bother trying to explain your location to the pizza delivery guy. You'll save yourself a lot of trouble by just going to pick it up. Trust me on this one.
By the way, if you're ever in the Readiness office at Hill Air Force Base, don't bother trying to explain your location to the pizza delivery guy. You'll save yourself a lot of trouble by just going to pick it up. Trust me on this one.
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Home Boys
Chris got into town yesterday evening. We hung out for a bit, then went down to Salt Lake for dinner and coffee. I had to work today, but afterward we went goofing around in Ogden. We were getting ready to head down to Salt Lake for the My Chemical Romance show, but unfortunately, I got recalled and had to go into work. I told Chris to go ahead and enjoy the show, which is where he is now. I just got home, so I'm gonna crash on the couch and wait for him to get home. I'd like to hear about the show, plus he's heading out tomorrow morning, so any quality time is appreciated.
Have fun on your cross-country road trip, Chris, and good luck as a public affairs guy in Georgia!
Have fun on your cross-country road trip, Chris, and good luck as a public affairs guy in Georgia!
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
Hooligans
I've only known Johnny Frost since April (he was deployed when I came to Utah), but he's definitely one of the coolest guys in my shop. He's a hard worker, and we always have fun when we go out on jobs together. Johnny is what I would call a hardcore punk-rocker. He's got strong principles and isn't ashamed of who he is.
Johnny, his wife Aubrey, and daughters Mila and Mazzy are leaving tomorrow for Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. It's not going to be the same without him, but I wish him and his family the best of luck. Auf Wiedersehen!
Johnny, his wife Aubrey, and daughters Mila and Mazzy are leaving tomorrow for Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. It's not going to be the same without him, but I wish him and his family the best of luck. Auf Wiedersehen!
Monday, October 03, 2005
Welcome Back, Mel!
My friends Melissa and Andy left Vegas to move to Florida a couple weeks ago. However, due to some unforseen circumstances, they're going to move back to Vegas next week. I'm sorry things didn't work out for them in Florida, but I'm so glad they're going to be back within driving distance. It's going to be great watching little Damien grow up. When we were down there over Labour Day weekend, we took Melissa shopping while Andy was at work. I took every opportunity I could to carry the baby, because it's amazing how quickly people get out of your way when you have one of those little baby carrier things. Maybe I should buy one to just carry around so people will move.
Gearing Up
We start a big exercise this week. Since I'm on RST, my schedule is going to be really strange. Today, I got off pretty early. Tomorrow might be 14 hours. Who knows? Luckily, I have a class on Wednesday, so I know it's going to be a short day. Next week, during the second phase, I'll be working long hours, but it will be guarding the armory, which will mostly consist of reading and playing video games.
Also, my friend Chris Holmes will be coming into town tomorrow evening and staying through Thursday morning. He's PCSing from Montana to Georgia. I haven't seen him in over three years, so it will be great to catch up and see how things have been.
Also, my friend Chris Holmes will be coming into town tomorrow evening and staying through Thursday morning. He's PCSing from Montana to Georgia. I haven't seen him in over three years, so it will be great to catch up and see how things have been.
Sunday, October 02, 2005
Skeleton Key
I've gotten so used to using the keyless entry on my truck, that now I end up pushing the little "unlock" button when getting ready to enter my apartment. And then I get mad when I turn the door knob and can't get in. If they have it for vehicles, why can't they make one for regular doors? Come on, science!
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