Past In Present

I keep thinking about last summer.And New York.
And how great it was.
And how my roommate had such amazing photoshop capabilities.
And I miss it all.


Miss miss miss.

-Feist-

Taste The Summer on Your Peppery Skin

Last night I saw the clearest falling star.-The Decemberists-

This Could Be A Brand New Start

I know it's been forever since I've blogged and I'm not even on a technology hiatus. I guess I don't really have a good excuse since there's been plenty to blog about. I mean, I even bought an amazing porch swing that has yet to make an appearance here. I feel like a purchase that officially takes you out of the "I can fit my entire life in a Honda Civic and go anywhere" category is worthy of a blog post. But let's face it, I hardly fit into that category before. But I digress.

For Mother's Day the siblings put me in charge of the flowers since I'm the only local to our now Utahan parents. I meant to go to a florist to get a beautiful pre-made arrangement, but instead bought several bouquets and arranged them myself. Maybe I'll quit marketing and take up a new career as a floral artist.
On Friday evening Spencer and I hiked to the Living Room. It's a fairly simple hike to an overlook where furniture has been cleverly constructed out of flagstone. We brought a picnic along, watched the sunset from our "loveseat" and met a laser-chasing dog named Deuce.
Last week we got to see Damien Rice perform at the McKay Events Center in Orem. It was the third time I've seen Mr. Rice perform and this was by far the best. Despite the moderately large venue, he was able to create an intimate concert experience that was heartbreakingly beautiful. Despite his folksy Irish roots, Damien knows how to rock -- I particularly liked the rap solo by his unassuming cellist Vyvienne Long.
Oh, and I can't forget the Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving Point two weeks ago.
Yeah, so things are good.

-The Postal Service-

1-2-3-4

Feist released a new album yesterday. Tuesday becomes pretty competitive for the "best day of the week" award (which clearly belongs to Thursday) when the great new releases in music abound.

-Feist-

Heaven Forbid

There are a few things I still can't quite understand. One of them is BYU Alternative Commencement. For those who haven't followed the controversy, basically some students at BYU decided to protest against the selection of this year's commencement speaker, Vice President Dick Cheney, by creating an alternative commencement. A lot of their arguments swirled around ideas against Cheney's policies, and protesters argued that Cheney doesn't fit into the ideologies of the University. Ok. Fine. Say/think/believe what you will. I could go off about how we should respect the office of the Vice President. Or how it's a commencement speech, not a political debate (until BYU students made it one). Or maybe how the $23,000+ raised in order to hold the Alternative Commencement should be used to support causes that students don't feel Cheney supports instead of feeding the egos of a select few of the BYU student body (as of 3:25 pm, day of commencement, only 108 students were committed to attend the Alternative Commencement according to the facebook group created about it) by producing the event. Or how they have just been in Provo too long and need to find a worthwhile cause. But the thing I really don't understand is the selection of a speaker for the Alternative Commencement: Ralph Nader. If these people are so anti-Cheney, why invite a speaker who only took votes from Gore and actually helped Bush (and therefore Cheney) get elected? I'm lost on that one.

P.S. Did I really graduate a year ago?

-The Fray-

People Get Ready

Get ready to run (not walk) to your local Ben & Jerry's. April 17th is Free Cone Day noon-8 pm. Find your nearest Ben & Jerry's here.


-The Frames-

So Alive

Well, my 'five while twenty-five' race goal has mapped itself out nicely. Here's the plan:

- Rex Lee Run - March 24 (5k)
- Bridal Veil Falls 10K - May 12
- Deseret News 10K - July 24
- Provo River Half Marathon - August 11
- Hood To Coast Relay - August 24-25

I guess now that it's in writing, I need to get serious about training.

-Ryan Adams-

No One Knew Me

I was standing somewhere between half court and the three point line when someone threw me the ball at institute last night. I put down my bag and dribbled a few times as someone threw out the first wager, "Make it from there and I'll give you twenty-five cents."
"Twenty-five cents? Are you kidding? For this shot?" Someone else piped in, "Two hundred. I'll give you two hundred bucks." And another, "Put me in for twenty-five. Dollars."

The shot.

Pure air.

And then I moved up to the three point line. "Ok. Twelve fifty for this one."

Swoosh.

I felt kind of silly taking his money. So we settled on dinner.

-Gary Jules-

Wait Out The Days

Sometimes postsecret can be super sketchy. And sometimes it can be sooo great.
And sometimes I wish I had this kind of courage.But more often I wish I had someone to be that courageous about.
-Rocky Votolato-

Beautiful Rainbow

This weekend I organized my books.I ran in the Rex Lee Run and came in 26th for my division, meaning I ran more than two minutes slower than last year. Maybe I should train for the next race. I have four more races to run this year and this is the shortest distance I'm planning on. Maybe the pink and brown t-shirt was unlucky?

And I got smeared with color at the Hare Krishna temple in Spanish Fork.
-The Elected-

Blossom

Since it is officially spring, I think I need to make these.-James Taylor-

So Many Stories

It's been a while since I've updated. The latest in photos:

Jenny and Nigel got engaged.
Megan (NY roommate) came to visit.Megan bought a wedding dress. (no, she's not engaged)I found out that three kitchen chairs can fit in my Corolla, but not four. I got four at DI for $10.
I saw Seussical The Musical.
I finished moving in!

-Brandi Carlile-

Last Night I Had The Strangest Dream

I gave birth.
-Ed McCurdy-

where my heart says I oughta be

Adrienne has inspired me. I've been thinking about experimenting.

One idea was inspired by this girl in Michigan who spent 30 days living in a self-created pre 1950's world. Now, I'm not willing/able to go as far as she did, but I've been tossing around the idea of going for a week without certain technologies. I can only do so much, because I have a job I'd like to keep. But my experiment would involve not using a computer at home, and not using it for any personal reasons at work. It would also mean no cell phone, and no tv. I'm thinking that I better do it soon (while The Office is still in rerun mode) or I won't be able to deal. Anyway, I'd like to get away from google, wiki, craigslist, the blogosphere, etc. for a little while and read more books, work out more, spend time with people instead of just emailing or chatting with them. I've had this idea for some time now, that certain elements of technology have destroyed the intimacy of communication. I'd like to see how I feel about it after going for a week without it.

The other experiment I've been thinking about is having a 'non-consult' week. Something I've learned about myself recently is that I'm constantly seeking other people's opinions about... almost everything. I knew it was bad when I called someone today to have them look up something online that I was about to buy in the store, to see what they thought. I'd like to see how I do on my own. I need to learn to trust myself more.

-Ben Folds-

Shut Your Eyes and Sing to Me

Last night I saw who had easily become one of my favorite groups during my European excursion: Snow Patrol. I knew about them long before I moved to Belgium, but I definitely connected with their music in a new way while I was there. Especially this last album. It seems rare these days to find a group that sounds as good (or if you're lucky, better) live, and not just in the studio. Snow Patrol did not disappoint; they proved to be one such band. I got some clear images, but I liked the Giacometti feel of this one. They played lots of favorites, although I'll admit it's hard to tell some of their songs apart. It's easy to criticize them for sounding alike on so many tracks. But just try getting through a few lines of "You Could Be Happy" and you'll see that their genius is cleverly disguised. They rocked the night away, surprisingly one of my favorites was Set Fire To The Third Bar. Don't get me wrong, I love the song was just surprised at how well it was performed by the girl they brought out of the audience to join Gary. Overall, a great night.

-Snow Patrol-

Feels Like Home

Here is the first portrait of my new house. I can't wait to see what she looks like in spring!

-Chantal Kreviazuk-

Rockin The Suburbs

Blogs are so much better when you're traveling or having some exciting adventure. If that's what you're interested in reading, please refer to my archive. Otherwise you might like to know that recently quite a lot has happened. Namely:

1. I found an adorable place to live in Sugarhouse
2. I got a speeding ticket on an on-ramp and I'm still trying to figure out how that is even possible
3. I saw Othello last week and think Iago is definitely one of the worst villains ever
4. I had the best Middle Eastern meal of my life at charming and delicious Mazza with my beloved Provo roommates
5. I've started to become one of those people who watches American Idol, but I'm not sure why. I think everyone does it so they have something to talk about with their co-workers at least three days out of the week.
6. I've definitely formed a solid opinion in opposition to Social Security
7. I attended my first mission reunion ever
8. I decided that I really want to see the movie Breach
9. I survived an avalanche of sorts on I-15
10. For the first time, the blog hits from India, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand actually make sense(hi Jackie!)

-Ben Folds-

Round Here

On Thursday I came out of my office to a blustery winter afternoon: oddly balmy and pleasant while still cold with a dark storm brewing over the Oquirrh mountains and my favorite color of blue-gray sky over the Wasatch. It's funny that often interactions with particular weather events have such an impact on me, but I feel that for a long time to come I'll recognize that moment as one where I decided that calling Utah 'home' was ok.

-Counting Crows-

Dear Valentine

Homemade for you.-Guster-

Secret Heart

Normally I wouldn't give myself away so easily, but in the spirit of the upcoming holiday here's the short list of ways to win entrance to my heart:

#1
way in: learn, practice and sing to me any of the following songs:

• Green Eyes, Coldplay
• You Are The Everything, R.E.M.
• Wonderwall, Oasis
• Passenger Seat, Death Cab for Cutie
• Better Together, Jack Johnson
• Blower's Daughter, Damien Rice
• Clara, Bart Davenport (substitute "Sarah" instead of Clara... so perfect)

I'll make you a copy of the key: write me an original song and sing it to me

#2
way in: make me dinner
I'll make you a copy of the key: take me to a quiet spot in the mountains for a homemade picnic

#3
way in: take me to a concert of one of my favorite bands
I'll make you a copy of the key: take me to a concert to one of my favorite bands that I haven't yet discovered

#4
way in: make me a mix cd
I'll make you a copy of the key: make the cd and clever album art

#5
way in: suggest a road trip
I'll make you a copy of the key: plan and successfully execute the suggested road trip

#6
way in: watch a Jane Austen movie with me
I'll make you a copy of the key: after watching the movie, engage me in an intelligent discussion about the plot and character development

#7
way in: take me to an art gallery
I'll make you a copy of the key: act like you're happy about being there

#8
way in: bring me flowers
I'll make you a copy of the key: bring me gladiolas, peonies or an assortment of wildflowers that you grew or picked yourself

-Feist-

Flower of the Day: Peonies

It's official: I love peonies. In their fullest stages, they remind me of the chubby cheeks of a small child.

If You Happen To Read This...

I've just started a new blog (don't worry, I'll keep writing this one) called Cool Things Utah. It's meant to be a resource to find interesting and unique things to do in Utah that you can't do anywhere else. It could be a great hike, a fun restaurant, an interesting museum, a play, some great real estate... you name it. I've traveled enough to realize that there are treasures everywhere, you just have to look for them. I'm convinced that Utah has got a few of its own. I'm looking for blog authors who will be willing to submit entries as frequently or infrequently as they'd like. Basically becoming an author just gives you permission to post an entry to the blog. I think it will be a lot of fun! Leave me a comment if you're interested. (By the way, I just realized we could call it CTU and feel like we're on '24' - bonus!)

-Fionn Regan-

Closer To You

Calling all blog readers within reasonable distance of an H&M! There is an adorable dress that I saw in InStyle that's available at H&M. Unfortunately, H&M doesn't have online shopping and Utah locations are non-existent. Help enhance my wardrobe and I'll pay you back and love you forever!-Brandi Carlile-

The First Time

My week was full of things I've never done before. This week I:

- Turned down a lucrative job offer
- Decided to stay in Utah
- Designed packaging for a product that will be released nationwide
- Increased my salary by nearly 40%
- Bought a new car
- Got a loan
-U2-

Let There Be Morning

My horoscope today reads:

Some times you just know you're in the right place at the right time. The stars send you a confirmation of that belief right now. When you're in the moment, you're able to make the right choices for the future.

I'm waiting on the stars...

-The Perishers-

Fidelity

Just like Forrest Gump, in the last ten days I have asked my mom and dozens of others the question we all wonder, "what's my destiny?" And in a similar way I've come to accept the lesson that Forrest's mom so often taught him: sometimes life just don't make no sense. It has been an insane, torturous few days and the decisions have seemed more daunting than ever. I am thankful that the decision is made and that the evaluating phase is over. Now we'll just have to see how I deal with the consequences.

-Regina Spektor-

The House Wins

Utah has had an incredible fall and winter in sports. Apparently, even the high school teams are keeping up.


-ok go-

You're A Slave To The Money, Then You Die

Starting today, my life officially resembles this:Except without the computer. And sadly, no Jim. But I'm pretty sure that Meredith sits directly outside my office and someone who is one quarter Dwight, one quarter Kevin, and one-half Andy is only a thin office wall away. Believe it or not, I've already heard his picks for desert island. I shouldn't complain. I have my own office with a door, a desk, a chair and two windows - one to the conference room and one to Dwight-Kevin-Andy's office.

-The Verve-

First Day of My Life

Tomorrow will be the first day of the rest of my life. It's all downhill from here. I kind of like this picture. An echo riding alone.

-Bright Eyes-

I Will Follow

Well, it's Thursday. I can't say that a lot of seemingly "special opportunities" have crossed my path, but then again it is only 5:45. One thing that did happen which could be potentially special or... complicated: one of my supervisors from Euro RSCG (Ad Age 2006 Global Agency of the Year, thank you) contacted me about employment possibilities in the near future in the Portland office. These decisions seem unending. Portland, of course, brings its own package of charms and challenges to the table. This great newish (to me) song by The Gabe Dixon Band reminds me vaguely of one of them.

-U2-

Good Day

Two things made my day. First of all, I finally accepted that job offer that I've been agonizing over. So whether or not I love the job, the stress of deciding is over... at least for a little while. I start next Wednesday. The second thing that made my day was the official announcement of the iPhone at mac world. It will be about six months before they can hit the market, but I'll be really tempted to get one once they do.

-The Click Five-

Make This Go On Forever

If only every week held such promise.I'll let you know what happens.

-Snow Patrol-

What A Good Boy

I spent New Year's in San Diego with my sister, brother-in-law, and two adorable nephews. As always, the highlights in photos.-Barenaked Ladies-

I Will

New year. New life. New goals. I made a few goals around the time I had my last birthday not too long ago and now that I've had a few weeks to really think them over, I think it's time to implement. Here are some of my plans for the year ahead that are not too personal to publish:

1. Run five races
2. Run a half-marathon (included in the five races)
3. Get a "real" job
4. Save ten percent of my income
5. Drink no soda (I was going a year and a half strong on this one until I was in Greece and just had to sip a Fanta in the sunshine)
6. Travel to at least one place I've never visited
7. Read more books

-The Beatles-

The New Year

This New Year's celebration was probably the least eventful I've experienced, which was a nice contrast to the year itself; certainly the most transient of my life. I have lived in four different places in three states and two countries. I have worked for four different companies. I had two hair colors and contemplated a third. Needless to say, a lot has happened. In sticking with tradition, here is my year in review:

Best Things that Happened in 2006:
1. Graduating from Brigham Young University
2. Visiting more than 10 countries
3. Summer in New York
4. Belgium

Worst Things that Happened in 2006:
1. Getting a 50 euro ticket on a train in Greece
2. Remaining undecided about what's next
3. Pam and Jim not happening (I guess when the worst things of the year involve your favorite TV couple, it hasn't been that bad of a year)

Most Significant Locations of 2006:
1. Bedroom, Hudson Heights, NYC
2. Kitchen table, Provo, Utah
3. A random street in Portland
4. One word: doorbell

Funniest/oddest moments of 2006:
1. Receiving a compliment on my english
2. Getting meowed at on a street in Greece. By a grown man.
3. Trying to find wireless on the 8th floor
4. Overhearing any given conversation in the hostel in Athens

Places I lived in 2006:
1. Provo, UT
2. Portland, OR
3. New York, NY
4. Brussels, Belgium
(I also like to claim Switzerland, though I only "lived" there for a day and half)

Coolest Things I did in 2006:
1. Hiked in the Alps
2. Graduated from college
3. Got published
4. Touched the Atlantic from both coasts

Realizations of 2006:
1. I can generally tell what the extent of my relationship with someone will be by looking through the music on their ipod or cd collection. If they don't have one -- well, enough said.
2. I send out some kind of vibe to attract people to whom I can never be attracted
3. I can be happy anywhere
4. Real life can wait

Most Played songs in iTunes of 2006 (that came out in 2006):
1. Be Good or Be Gone - Fionn Regan
2. Gotta Have You - The Weepies
3. Other Side of the World - KT Tunstall
4. For Elisabeth Wherever You Are - Tobias Froberg

I'm adding some new categories

Famous People I met in 2006:
1. The members of Keane
2. Josh Ritter
3. Glen Phillips

Things I did in 2006 to prove to myself that I'm disciplined:
1. made my bed every day (I think I missed 3 days. ok, maybe 4)
2. trained for a half-marathon (still training)

Concerts I attended in 2006:
1. Pink Martini - Park City
2. Landon Pigg, Lucas Reynolds and Ki Theory - Jammin' Java - Vienna, VA
3. Josh Ritter - Millenium Music, Portland, OR
4. Some Random Free, Local, and Unmemorable Bands - Doug Fir, Portland, OR
5. Mark Geary and Tom Freund - Mercury Lounge, NY
6. Son Volt - World Financial Plaza, NY
7. Keane - Borders @ Colombus Circle, NY
8. Feist - Central Park, NY
9. Glen Phillips and Johnathan Kingham - Madison Square Park, NY
10. TV on the Radio, Voxtrot and Matt Pond PA - Prospect Park, NY
11. Psapp, Juana Molina and Jose Gonzalez - Bowery Ballroom, NY
12. Belle & Sebastian and Martha Wainright - Battery Park, NY
13. Mates of State - Castle Clinton, NY
14. Yo La Tengo - Prospect Park, NY
15. Juana Molina - South Street Seaport, NY
16. Josh Rouse - Castle Clinton, NY
17. Damien Rice and Fiona Apple - Beach, NY
18. Damien Rice (again) - Central Park, NY
19. Death Cab for Cutie and Mates of State - McKay Events Center, Orem, UT
20. Cat Power and Jeff Tweedy - Rock Primavera '06, Barcelona, Spain

Things I checked off my list in 2006:
1. Live in New York City (June-August)
2. Get published (my manuscript was purchased in October)
3. Stay debt-free (this is pretty much a continual one)
4. Sing in a karaoke bar (August 4th/5th - NY, NY)

-Death Cab For Cutie-