This past week was busy busy busy but lots of fun. I had to get a ton of stuff done before I take off this week for my brother's wedding and had some sort of social engagement each night. When Friday evening rolled around I was so tired and all I wanted to do was crash. But Mikey called me and I ended up going to Johnny's on Second to play pool for a couple hours with him and Floyd. It was a great/mellow time and I actually did VERY well at pool! I won three games against Mikey (and well, lost miserably to Floyd), and won a game in cutthroat. Usually I'm terrible at pool but I was on FIRE that night. Afterwards we made a much needed late night stop at Taco Bell (sooooo good after a couple beers) and hung out at their house for a while.
Saturday turned out to be a somewhat beautiful day, albeit chilly. I'm sorta kicking myself for not hiking on Saturday because it would have been fun. Saturday night Jenny, Megan, Brian, Sebastian, Jen, Lis, Jon, Lindsay, Sameera and I met at Jenny's place to have a yearbook signing party. Yes, you read right... a yearbook signing party. I don't even know if I could write about how ridiculous it was or how the idea came about... But basically Jenny put together a VERY impressive looking yearbook (it's actually better quality than my high school yearbooks) about everything our group of friends has done the past couple years.
It's SO funny and was so well done. Looking at all the pictures of party's, hikes, and dinners brought back so many memories. It actually made me a little sad and nostalgic; in a month Megan will be moving away (for the second time from SLC) and not too far after Sebastian will be going back to Europe. I'm going to miss them so much! It didn't help that Sameera started talking about moving away after defending her dissertation in a year (engineering). She's one of my favorite people ever! Looking at the yearbook made me want to embrace those friendships while I can. That's what sucks about having friends in grad school, people are always moving! I'm fortunate enough though to have plenty of friends who live in SLC and have real jobs (hence, not moving anywhere anytime soon!). But I know that decades from now I'm going to look back on that yearbook I'll remember all the ridiculous times I've had with some of the most ridiculous people ever!
Okay, so I need to pack... Real excited about spending a week in Orlando and with my family. Oh, and if you don't know the reference to the title of this post; well, then maybe you should start listening to good music! (just kidding)
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Explosions in the Sky
My friend Chris asked if I wanted to join him and his friend Beau to see Explosions in the Sky on Monday evening. I'll be honest and admit that I didn't even know they were coming to town and also admit that it was a band that I hadn't listened to in quite some time. But I was definitely down for it, especially since I had never seen them live before.
I was first introduced to Explosions in the Sky back in my Florida State days by Jordanna. She forced me to listen to them as she claimed that it was "life changing" music (or maybe that was Natalie Portman who said that about The Shins?). So I gave it a shot. I enjoyed the music quite a bit and found that it was great music to work and program to. For those who aren't familiar, Explosions in the Sky is an instrumental rock band and I've always had a hard time getting into all instrumental bands (save for Godspeed You! Black Emperor).
When I was asked to go to the show, it was almost like a blast from the past. The first thing I thought of was Jordanna (oh how I miss her)! I didn't think there would be many people at the show but when we arrived at In the Venue there was the longest line I had ever seen in my life! This band has quite a following, apparently. But the line moved rather quickly and before you knew it we were inside with our beers listening to the very Brian Eno-esq (from his ambient days) opener. Chris said the music made him feel like he was in his mother's womb again.
Truth be told, I really wasn't that excited about seeing Explosions in the Sky. However, when they took the stage I was captivated from beginning to end. I have NEVER had as many goose bump inducing moments at a concert before and have never had tears swell up in my eyes at a show. Holy shit, they put on a good show. I recognized many of the songs and it brought me back to four years ago when I was in Florida (when I listened to the band the most) and took me back to so many memories. I had forgotten how powerful their music is... Without words and lyrics they managed to put on one of the most emotional, fiery, beautiful, and captivating concerts I have ever been to. It sounds cheesy, but their show and music evokes emotions that rarely gets tapped into for me.
At the end of the show the band left the stage and the lights came on. Most people stuck around expecting an encore, however the concert staff tried to get everyone out saying there wouldn't be one. The band members came on stage to get their equipment and one of them announced they don't do encores because the break ruins the intensity and emotional atmosphere they created during the show. I completely agree. If they had started playing again it wouldn't have been the same. So glad I made this show!
I was first introduced to Explosions in the Sky back in my Florida State days by Jordanna. She forced me to listen to them as she claimed that it was "life changing" music (or maybe that was Natalie Portman who said that about The Shins?). So I gave it a shot. I enjoyed the music quite a bit and found that it was great music to work and program to. For those who aren't familiar, Explosions in the Sky is an instrumental rock band and I've always had a hard time getting into all instrumental bands (save for Godspeed You! Black Emperor).
When I was asked to go to the show, it was almost like a blast from the past. The first thing I thought of was Jordanna (oh how I miss her)! I didn't think there would be many people at the show but when we arrived at In the Venue there was the longest line I had ever seen in my life! This band has quite a following, apparently. But the line moved rather quickly and before you knew it we were inside with our beers listening to the very Brian Eno-esq (from his ambient days) opener. Chris said the music made him feel like he was in his mother's womb again.
Truth be told, I really wasn't that excited about seeing Explosions in the Sky. However, when they took the stage I was captivated from beginning to end. I have NEVER had as many goose bump inducing moments at a concert before and have never had tears swell up in my eyes at a show. Holy shit, they put on a good show. I recognized many of the songs and it brought me back to four years ago when I was in Florida (when I listened to the band the most) and took me back to so many memories. I had forgotten how powerful their music is... Without words and lyrics they managed to put on one of the most emotional, fiery, beautiful, and captivating concerts I have ever been to. It sounds cheesy, but their show and music evokes emotions that rarely gets tapped into for me.
At the end of the show the band left the stage and the lights came on. Most people stuck around expecting an encore, however the concert staff tried to get everyone out saying there wouldn't be one. The band members came on stage to get their equipment and one of them announced they don't do encores because the break ruins the intensity and emotional atmosphere they created during the show. I completely agree. If they had started playing again it wouldn't have been the same. So glad I made this show!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Dating Drama
Can I just be frank and say that I HATE dating! Hate... HATE! Well, maybe it's not dating itself I hate... Just the flaky people that I end up going on dates with.
You know, I date quite a bit... and you'd think that I would finally date someone decent who can actually communicate and not totally flake out; but no. It really really blows my mind.
I'm DEFINITELY not one of those guys who walks around lamenting about how their life sucks because they are single. I actually like being single. There are too many great things going on in my life and my relationship status doesn't define me what-so-ever. I'm a very independent person who has many passions in life and tons of awesome friends. But, as many chronically single people get, I occasionally get down about it.
All my friends always tell me what a great catch I am and how they are surprised I've managed to remain single for so long... Maybe they're just blowing smoke up my ass or who knows what it is. Whatever the case, I'm definitely very happy with my life and where it is going. If the worst thing in my life is a string (albeit, a VERY long string) of bad, but harmless, dating experiences then I consider myself to be very lucky!
And I'm not going to use my famous "I'm done with dating for a while!" line. We all know that's bullshit. As soon as I say that someone who catches my eye shows interest and before you know it I'm in another sucky experience. Oh well.
You know, I date quite a bit... and you'd think that I would finally date someone decent who can actually communicate and not totally flake out; but no. It really really blows my mind.
I'm DEFINITELY not one of those guys who walks around lamenting about how their life sucks because they are single. I actually like being single. There are too many great things going on in my life and my relationship status doesn't define me what-so-ever. I'm a very independent person who has many passions in life and tons of awesome friends. But, as many chronically single people get, I occasionally get down about it.
All my friends always tell me what a great catch I am and how they are surprised I've managed to remain single for so long... Maybe they're just blowing smoke up my ass or who knows what it is. Whatever the case, I'm definitely very happy with my life and where it is going. If the worst thing in my life is a string (albeit, a VERY long string) of bad, but harmless, dating experiences then I consider myself to be very lucky!
And I'm not going to use my famous "I'm done with dating for a while!" line. We all know that's bullshit. As soon as I say that someone who catches my eye shows interest and before you know it I'm in another sucky experience. Oh well.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Spring Break '08
So this morning I was quite motivated to get to work early (for a Monday), and pulled into the empty parking lot. I thought "damn, I must be here REALLY early". Then I was walking to my building and there was no one on campus... NO ONE (except for the tumbleweed)! I take the elevator up to the 8th floor (I'm going to start taking the stairs again to prep for hiking season), and notice every single door closed in the main hallway. It was then when my friend Brian sends me a text message wishing me a happy St. Patrick's day. For a moment I wonder "do we get off for St. Patrick's day?". It's not a few seconds later that I realize it's Spring break for the U this week.
Not that Spring break really matters for me... I'm a PhD student and expected to work until someone walks in and finds my bones laying on my desk. It was quite nice to not have under grads flooding campus in the Union and such; although it did feel quite lonely in the building because I really felt like the only grad student working in the department. I kinda felt like I was in a PhD comic. LUCKILY, Steph and I played Scrabble on Facebook all day, so that made things a bit easier. Especially given the fact that I took the lead today and am kicking her ass.
When Maura came in for coffee today, we decided that we were going to go CrAzY for Spring Break '08. Ya know, go bowling one afternoon for a break from work... or maybe slip something fun in our coffee's one morning. Who knows where Spring Break '08 will take us. Who the hell knows!?
Today I did manage to write my best man toast that I will be giving in a couple weeks at my brother's wedding in Orlando. I'm really looking forward to going down there in early April.
Other than that, things have been going well. I find myself starting to look forward to hiking season more and more; but still enjoying this amazing ski season we've been having out here. Going to take a long freaking time for this snow to melt though, that's for damn sure! Just been having fun with friends lately and having a great time.
Not that Spring break really matters for me... I'm a PhD student and expected to work until someone walks in and finds my bones laying on my desk. It was quite nice to not have under grads flooding campus in the Union and such; although it did feel quite lonely in the building because I really felt like the only grad student working in the department. I kinda felt like I was in a PhD comic. LUCKILY, Steph and I played Scrabble on Facebook all day, so that made things a bit easier. Especially given the fact that I took the lead today and am kicking her ass.
When Maura came in for coffee today, we decided that we were going to go CrAzY for Spring Break '08. Ya know, go bowling one afternoon for a break from work... or maybe slip something fun in our coffee's one morning. Who knows where Spring Break '08 will take us. Who the hell knows!?
Today I did manage to write my best man toast that I will be giving in a couple weeks at my brother's wedding in Orlando. I'm really looking forward to going down there in early April.
Other than that, things have been going well. I find myself starting to look forward to hiking season more and more; but still enjoying this amazing ski season we've been having out here. Going to take a long freaking time for this snow to melt though, that's for damn sure! Just been having fun with friends lately and having a great time.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Everything is Coming Up Roses
This past week as been one of those where I feel completely motivated at work; meaning that I've actually been looking forward to going into work and I actually have a great time while I'm there. It's not because I'm surfing the net or talking all day to my co-workers (like what sometimes happens), it's because I LOVE my project I'm working on. It's a great feeling really. We'll see how long this lasts, probably only a week or two before I'm back to surfing facebook and interrupting people.
Other than work life is going along well. Lately I've been so busy with social engagements, skiing, hiking, and work that I haven't had a chance to just sit down and breathe. That is what I'm doing tonight!
Sunday I had plans to go skiing, but I woke up so late because I was out late Saturday night that I decided against it. Sunday afternoon I ended up going on my first hike of the season in the foothills near campus. A cold front had just moved through, so the air was chilly (but clean and brisk) yet felt great. It would have helped if I hadn't of forgotten my gloves but such is life. I was amazed at how much snow was still left in the foothills, on the north facing slopes and in the canyons... In one canyon I was in the snow was up to my waist basically! While the ski areas in the Wasatch currently has base depths of 150" (or 12.5 feet), this was at Salt Lake elevation! Yay for high snow years.
In addition, last night Hillary Clinton (or Hill-dawg) had a great night! Honestly, I was not expecting her to do well since so much momentum was on the Obama Bandwagon; yet I was pleasantly surprised. Sure, she didn't pick up many delegates, but it's all about momentum. In the national polls last week Clinton trailed Obama by roughly 8 points. Today she trails him by 1.4 points. I still think it's a long shot for Clinton to get the nomination, but things are certainly looking much better than they were. At the very least, we have an interesting couple months ahead! I think which ever candidate gets the nomination, that person owes it to the runner up to ask them to run on their ticket. Both have campaigned their hearts out and I feel that is the most reasonable option. Plus, it's really the only way to mend the democratic party which is currently torn between these two candidates.
Just hoping to ride the high wave I'm going through now for a while
Other than work life is going along well. Lately I've been so busy with social engagements, skiing, hiking, and work that I haven't had a chance to just sit down and breathe. That is what I'm doing tonight!
Sunday I had plans to go skiing, but I woke up so late because I was out late Saturday night that I decided against it. Sunday afternoon I ended up going on my first hike of the season in the foothills near campus. A cold front had just moved through, so the air was chilly (but clean and brisk) yet felt great. It would have helped if I hadn't of forgotten my gloves but such is life. I was amazed at how much snow was still left in the foothills, on the north facing slopes and in the canyons... In one canyon I was in the snow was up to my waist basically! While the ski areas in the Wasatch currently has base depths of 150" (or 12.5 feet), this was at Salt Lake elevation! Yay for high snow years.
In addition, last night Hillary Clinton (or Hill-dawg) had a great night! Honestly, I was not expecting her to do well since so much momentum was on the Obama Bandwagon; yet I was pleasantly surprised. Sure, she didn't pick up many delegates, but it's all about momentum. In the national polls last week Clinton trailed Obama by roughly 8 points. Today she trails him by 1.4 points. I still think it's a long shot for Clinton to get the nomination, but things are certainly looking much better than they were. At the very least, we have an interesting couple months ahead! I think which ever candidate gets the nomination, that person owes it to the runner up to ask them to run on their ticket. Both have campaigned their hearts out and I feel that is the most reasonable option. Plus, it's really the only way to mend the democratic party which is currently torn between these two candidates.
Just hoping to ride the high wave I'm going through now for a while
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