Wednesday night Trevan, John, and I headed to The Depot to catch Built to Spill; a long running and critically acclaimed indie rock act. Even though this band tours more than any other I know of, it seems as if whenever they are in my town I am always out of town. So I was excited to finally catch this act live! Built to Spill have been around since the early 90's and have released an impressive catalogue of albums. Most commonly they are compared to the legendary indie band Pavement, although I never quite got that comparison. Built to Spill could probably be best described as a jam band with prominent pop elements. I remember discovering their phenomenal 1997 release, "Perfect From Now On" sometime in 2001 and falling into a deep obsession with the band. That album is a pure 90's masterpiece that never looses it's appeal.
While The Depot is my favorite venue in SLC, I do have one gripe about it. Since it is a 21 and over venue, you can drink while watching the band. Yeah, this is cool and all; but they totally take advantage of this by scheduling two openers at every concert (and letting those two openers play for an obscene amount of time) and put 30 minute intermissions in-between each opener; just so they can make a lot of bucks at the bar. While this wouldn't be an issue during the weekend; a weekday concert makes for a very late night (and long, hard morning the next day). Maybe I'm just getting old... But regardless, I had a blast hanging out with Trevan and John during the opening hours.
Built to Spill finally took the stage after two lackluster opening bands, opening with "Traces" which is one of my favorite songs from their newest album. From there the band played songs from all different albums, instead of just focusing on their more recent material. I enjoyed this since their stuff from the late 90's is far superior to their previous two albums (don't get me wrong, their new stuff is pretty damn good too). There were even about four or five songs that I didn't recognize, which I suspect are tracks from their forthcoming (yet to be announced) album. Highlights for me were "Carry the Zero", "Stop the Show", and "Sidewalk". However, the best moment of the show for me was their cover of the Brian Eno song "Third Uncle". Fucking amazing!!!
Although they put on a great show I couldn't help to be slightly disappointed with the fact that they didn't play an of the songs that I REALLY wanted to hear; such as "I Would Hurt a Fly", "The Plan", "Car", or their very best song "Randy Described Eternity". But it's all petty complaints for a truly great and varied show by an awesome band that I will definitely see again next time I have the chance.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Missed Opportunities
Today I couldn't help but to think about recent missed opportunities; especially one in general which happened a few months ago which I'm fully realizing just now. I guess it's easy to look back on moments and think of how you should have reacted and how things just might be different. I'm hoping to salvage whatever I can from that missed opportunity, but kicking myself at the same time. At the very least I think I learned my lesson... and hoping never to repeat my mistake.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Bear Lake
This weekend John, Brian, Lance, Drew, and Josh went to Bear Lake in Northern Utah. It was my first time in this portion of Utah and I was pleasantly surprised with the scenery. The mountains weren't rugged and prominent like the Wasatch, yet the rolling mountains and trees provided a beautiful backdrop amongst all the snow. Plus Bear Lake was better than I expected it to be and I have coined it the "Lake Tahoe of Utah". Honestly, I don't think that description is too far off. Sure the lake isn't as big, but it is just as blue and without as many tourists.
On Saturday we went snowmobiling. Brian and I got paired up for a snowmobile, which was quite interesting as we were the only two who were novices (I had never done it before). Our lack of experience showed as we tipped three times within fifteen minutes, followed by almost crashing into a tree, getting stuck in deep snow three times, and almost falling off a cliff. Despite all that we remained in good spirits and just ended up laughing about it all. I was really glad to try snowmobiling and I did have a great time, although I can't say it's something I'll do again. Sitting down all day kinda drove me crazy (I need to do things more active-involving) and I'm not a big fan of snowmobiles running rampant through the beautiful forest scenery. But it was a great day with beautiful weather and lots of laughs!
That night John and Lance made an amazing dinner and we all ended up crashing pretty early due to the early wake up call that morning.
Sunday we headed up to Beaver Mountain Ski Area. Beaver Mountain is a small (for western standards) family owned ski area real close to Bear Lake. The weather was wonderful and we had a great time on the slopes. Since I've had a pass at Snowbird (the most difficult ski area in the U.S.) for the past two years, I enjoyed the relatively mellow terrain and just took it easy that day. John had just started skiing a few weeks ago but he did great and was able to do all the blue runs on the mountain. Brian and I were thankful that this day provided much less near death experiences than our snowmobiling fiasco the day before.
Sunday night Brian and I made Tacos for everyone and we ended up playing some games that night and having lots of fun. On the way back today John, Brian, Lance, and I stopped in Ogden for a charming lunch at Karen's cafe. It was a great trip that was very active and relaxing at the same time. I had a lot of fun and it seemed to end much too soon!
On Saturday we went snowmobiling. Brian and I got paired up for a snowmobile, which was quite interesting as we were the only two who were novices (I had never done it before). Our lack of experience showed as we tipped three times within fifteen minutes, followed by almost crashing into a tree, getting stuck in deep snow three times, and almost falling off a cliff. Despite all that we remained in good spirits and just ended up laughing about it all. I was really glad to try snowmobiling and I did have a great time, although I can't say it's something I'll do again. Sitting down all day kinda drove me crazy (I need to do things more active-involving) and I'm not a big fan of snowmobiles running rampant through the beautiful forest scenery. But it was a great day with beautiful weather and lots of laughs!
That night John and Lance made an amazing dinner and we all ended up crashing pretty early due to the early wake up call that morning.
Sunday we headed up to Beaver Mountain Ski Area. Beaver Mountain is a small (for western standards) family owned ski area real close to Bear Lake. The weather was wonderful and we had a great time on the slopes. Since I've had a pass at Snowbird (the most difficult ski area in the U.S.) for the past two years, I enjoyed the relatively mellow terrain and just took it easy that day. John had just started skiing a few weeks ago but he did great and was able to do all the blue runs on the mountain. Brian and I were thankful that this day provided much less near death experiences than our snowmobiling fiasco the day before.
Sunday night Brian and I made Tacos for everyone and we ended up playing some games that night and having lots of fun. On the way back today John, Brian, Lance, and I stopped in Ogden for a charming lunch at Karen's cafe. It was a great trip that was very active and relaxing at the same time. I had a lot of fun and it seemed to end much too soon!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Birthday and Reflections
I'm not one to make a big deal out of my birthday. Usually I'm just like "eh, I'm a year older"; but it usually seems like my friend's always want to celebrate it and throw parties... and I'm never one to decline that! Last night Jenny decided to through and spur of the moment pizza party for me at her place. Brian, Jen, Sebastian, Sameera, and Lis came. It was such a fun small get together filled with lots of ridiculous laughs.
Today was my actual birthday and this morning I went skiing. We've been getting so much snow this year that all 30 or so times I've been this season has been powder. Today was the first hard pack day and completely different conditions than I'm used to here in Utah. I had a blast though and got some practice on the moguls. Then I went into work and my day was filled with random texts, emails, and phone calls wishing me a good day. Near the end of the day Sameera came into my office with her violin and played Happy Birthday. It was such a hoot! She even gave me a lesson. These are exactly the types of moments I love about birthdays; not about getting gifts, but about heartfelt fun and laughter. She ended up playing a couple other songs we found on the internet. I'm sure my labmate was not too happy with the noise. Then I went to my creative writing group where we had cake and indulged in more laughter and conversation. A great day!
This brings me to something that I would rather not mention, but I feel is important and has been on my mind throughout the day. Today marks the year anniversary of the Trolley Square mall shooting here in Salt Lake where a gunman entered the mall and killed five people, wounding many others. Last year we decided to go there for my birthday dinner and got there just minutes before the chaos started. It really was the worst and scariest night of my life and an experience that I truly wish I could forget, although I know I never will. Sometimes I think about writing a narrative about the experience, but often shy away from doing such. I'm not sure I have it in me to do that.
The experience didn't change who I am or didn't have any significant effects on my psyche. But I believe that I rose from what was the darkest night of my life and truly embraced life this past year. This past year of being 28 really was the best year of my life and I think it may have to do with that tragic night. My relationships with people are stronger because I make more of an effort, I find myself taking risks more often, and I just feel like I don't pass up any opportunities to LIVE life. I feel so grateful that my friends and I were safe that night; because we really did dodge a very close bullet. I just hope that 29 treats me half as good as 28; besides those first few weeks, it was a damn fine year!
Today was my actual birthday and this morning I went skiing. We've been getting so much snow this year that all 30 or so times I've been this season has been powder. Today was the first hard pack day and completely different conditions than I'm used to here in Utah. I had a blast though and got some practice on the moguls. Then I went into work and my day was filled with random texts, emails, and phone calls wishing me a good day. Near the end of the day Sameera came into my office with her violin and played Happy Birthday. It was such a hoot! She even gave me a lesson. These are exactly the types of moments I love about birthdays; not about getting gifts, but about heartfelt fun and laughter. She ended up playing a couple other songs we found on the internet. I'm sure my labmate was not too happy with the noise. Then I went to my creative writing group where we had cake and indulged in more laughter and conversation. A great day!
This brings me to something that I would rather not mention, but I feel is important and has been on my mind throughout the day. Today marks the year anniversary of the Trolley Square mall shooting here in Salt Lake where a gunman entered the mall and killed five people, wounding many others. Last year we decided to go there for my birthday dinner and got there just minutes before the chaos started. It really was the worst and scariest night of my life and an experience that I truly wish I could forget, although I know I never will. Sometimes I think about writing a narrative about the experience, but often shy away from doing such. I'm not sure I have it in me to do that.
The experience didn't change who I am or didn't have any significant effects on my psyche. But I believe that I rose from what was the darkest night of my life and truly embraced life this past year. This past year of being 28 really was the best year of my life and I think it may have to do with that tragic night. My relationships with people are stronger because I make more of an effort, I find myself taking risks more often, and I just feel like I don't pass up any opportunities to LIVE life. I feel so grateful that my friends and I were safe that night; because we really did dodge a very close bullet. I just hope that 29 treats me half as good as 28; besides those first few weeks, it was a damn fine year!
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Farewells Etc.
Last week was a great week, although I didn't get up to ski nearly as much as I would like. Oh well, I'm sure there will be plenty of other opportunities. One thing I've taken for granted living in Salt Lake is how unbelievably close I am to great skiing (and the greatest snow on earth). I can literally roll out of bed at 8:20 in the morning and still get up to the mountain in plenty time for first chair at 9. Sometimes I forget how special this is; especially when I talk to my brother in Denver who says he has to leave the house by 6:30 am to get up to the slopes by 9. I just absolutely love living in Salt Lake!
This weekend was so much fun. Thursday night Ryan, Steve, Jeff, Trevan, and myself watched the Exorcist. I'm a huge wimp when it comes to scary movies, yet the Exorcist really wasn't that scary (of course, I really wasn't paying attention to the last half of the movie for various reasons... so I'm really not one to judge).
On Friday a bunch of my friends went to see The Savages but Sameera and I decided we wanted to catch up since we haven't seen each other in a while. So we decided to stay at her apartment and play Scrabble. Well, we never made it to playing scrabble but instead ended up talking for two hours. Sameera has to be the funniest person I have ever met in my life and every time I hangout with her I have such a blast, no matter what we are doing. After our ridiculous conversation we met up with Margaret, Rob, Jenny, Sebastian, Miriam, Jen, Megan, and Greg at Cocoa Cafe. It was great to see everyone.
Saturday was SUCH a lazy day for me, but I'm kinda glad I just took it easy because Saturday night was Curtis' farewell party at Brian Doughty's place. Let me tell you, it was the craziest party I've been to in a while and probably the most fun I've had a party since I cannot even remember. So great to see a bunch of peep's that I haven't seen in a while and meet new ones. The party didn't end until about 4am, although it didn't seem that late at all (probably cause I was so drunk). I'm bummed to see Curtis leave to Italy though. I only met him about five or so months ago but he was always a great concert going buddy or just someone to hangout and drink with. Plus he's from Kentucky as well... now that he's gone I'm probably the only person in Utah from Kentucky. I'll miss you Curtis and hope to see you in Italy sometime!
This weekend was so much fun. Thursday night Ryan, Steve, Jeff, Trevan, and myself watched the Exorcist. I'm a huge wimp when it comes to scary movies, yet the Exorcist really wasn't that scary (of course, I really wasn't paying attention to the last half of the movie for various reasons... so I'm really not one to judge).
On Friday a bunch of my friends went to see The Savages but Sameera and I decided we wanted to catch up since we haven't seen each other in a while. So we decided to stay at her apartment and play Scrabble. Well, we never made it to playing scrabble but instead ended up talking for two hours. Sameera has to be the funniest person I have ever met in my life and every time I hangout with her I have such a blast, no matter what we are doing. After our ridiculous conversation we met up with Margaret, Rob, Jenny, Sebastian, Miriam, Jen, Megan, and Greg at Cocoa Cafe. It was great to see everyone.
Saturday was SUCH a lazy day for me, but I'm kinda glad I just took it easy because Saturday night was Curtis' farewell party at Brian Doughty's place. Let me tell you, it was the craziest party I've been to in a while and probably the most fun I've had a party since I cannot even remember. So great to see a bunch of peep's that I haven't seen in a while and meet new ones. The party didn't end until about 4am, although it didn't seem that late at all (probably cause I was so drunk). I'm bummed to see Curtis leave to Italy though. I only met him about five or so months ago but he was always a great concert going buddy or just someone to hangout and drink with. Plus he's from Kentucky as well... now that he's gone I'm probably the only person in Utah from Kentucky. I'll miss you Curtis and hope to see you in Italy sometime!
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Ann Coulter and Hillary Clinton (The Odd Couple)
A few mornings ago when I was getting ready for work I had Fox News on (yeah, I know). Ann Coulter was a guest on some talk show and she was stating that if McCain and Clinton got the nominations for their respective parties then she would DEFINITELY vote for Clinton. At first I wasn't sure if she was saying this for pure shock value, but she seems pretty set on those words. She claims that Clinton is far more conservative than McCain. I'm not sure I agree with that statement overall but I think I could see how Clinton could be considered more conservative than McCain on a FEW issues (perhaps the only issues that really matters toward Coulter).
At first I didn't like this endorsement from Coulter (since I can't stand Coulter). But the more I thought about it, the more I thought it could help Clinton in general election time (if she gets the nomination)... All along Republicans have done nothing but bash and abuse Clinton; yet if she can get an endorsement from a very conservative and (unfortunately) influential columnist then I think that says a lot. As much as I hope Clinton gets the nomination, I have serious doubts that it is going to happen at this point. Too much (undeserved, in my opinion) momentum has been transfered to the Obama campaign. It's going to be a tall order for Clinton to overcome that, unfortunately.
BUT... the other night I had a dream where Clinton got the nomination and Coulter was selected as her running mate! Wouldn't that truly be an odd couple!
At first I didn't like this endorsement from Coulter (since I can't stand Coulter). But the more I thought about it, the more I thought it could help Clinton in general election time (if she gets the nomination)... All along Republicans have done nothing but bash and abuse Clinton; yet if she can get an endorsement from a very conservative and (unfortunately) influential columnist then I think that says a lot. As much as I hope Clinton gets the nomination, I have serious doubts that it is going to happen at this point. Too much (undeserved, in my opinion) momentum has been transfered to the Obama campaign. It's going to be a tall order for Clinton to overcome that, unfortunately.
BUT... the other night I had a dream where Clinton got the nomination and Coulter was selected as her running mate! Wouldn't that truly be an odd couple!
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Shredding the Gnar
Thursday morning and Friday afternoon were phenomenal powder days up at Snowbird. Currently it is snowing here and I look forward to going up tomorrow morning to take advantage of this snow. I would love to take the whole day off but given the fact that I have a shit load of work to do, that probably wouldn't be the smartest idea. Oh well, maybe I can get some work done tonight.
This weekend was a fun one. After skiing on Friday, I went over to the Miller's (Jen and Brian) for a game night. Despite many people canceling due to illness or other engagements or being out of town; there was quite a good turnout as Rebecca, Keith, Sarah, Lis, Jon, Jon, and Winston showed up. It was mostly a Wii night yet we also played "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" or as we called it "Who Wants to be Rebecca".
Saturday I worked during the day to make up for Friday. Saturday night I went over to Ryan's place (a guy I met at Trevan's birthday party a few weeks before) for yet another game night. This night it was Ryan, Jeff, Trevan, Jerry, Steve, and Klay partaking in the fun. Most of us ended up getting drunk pretty quickly thanks to strong margaritas and the shots that Trevan made me take; and we started the night off playing Clue. Clue is not the best game to play while intoxicated yet it was hoot. After that we played The Great Dalmuti and some random game where you stick your finger in a slot and wait for it to get shocked (not sure what was up with that game, yet it felt good).
Today I am trying to get some random stuff done and enjoying staying inside while it snows drinking warm beverages. I was invited to a couple Super Bowl parties yet got caught up in my chores and lack of motivation to leave the house. In all honesty, I could really give a flying fuck about the Super Bowl... and I'm much more concerned with what happens on Super Tuesday. It is fun to hang out with people on Super Bowl Sunday but I really want to try to get work done tonight so that maybe I can take the whole day to ski tomorrow. Seems like I'm always a lot less social in the winter than in summer; I guess cause skiing just takes priority over everything else. But this winter I'm finding a nice medium, as I've had a very healthy social life lately.
This weekend was a fun one. After skiing on Friday, I went over to the Miller's (Jen and Brian) for a game night. Despite many people canceling due to illness or other engagements or being out of town; there was quite a good turnout as Rebecca, Keith, Sarah, Lis, Jon, Jon, and Winston showed up. It was mostly a Wii night yet we also played "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" or as we called it "Who Wants to be Rebecca".
Saturday I worked during the day to make up for Friday. Saturday night I went over to Ryan's place (a guy I met at Trevan's birthday party a few weeks before) for yet another game night. This night it was Ryan, Jeff, Trevan, Jerry, Steve, and Klay partaking in the fun. Most of us ended up getting drunk pretty quickly thanks to strong margaritas and the shots that Trevan made me take; and we started the night off playing Clue. Clue is not the best game to play while intoxicated yet it was hoot. After that we played The Great Dalmuti and some random game where you stick your finger in a slot and wait for it to get shocked (not sure what was up with that game, yet it felt good).
Today I am trying to get some random stuff done and enjoying staying inside while it snows drinking warm beverages. I was invited to a couple Super Bowl parties yet got caught up in my chores and lack of motivation to leave the house. In all honesty, I could really give a flying fuck about the Super Bowl... and I'm much more concerned with what happens on Super Tuesday. It is fun to hang out with people on Super Bowl Sunday but I really want to try to get work done tonight so that maybe I can take the whole day to ski tomorrow. Seems like I'm always a lot less social in the winter than in summer; I guess cause skiing just takes priority over everything else. But this winter I'm finding a nice medium, as I've had a very healthy social life lately.
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