The Special Two

Today I ran into Greg on campus about thirty seconds after he sent me an email. How random is that? It is always so reassuring to run into an old friend that you can feel that at home with. It's like having your nest fluffed with down. Greg and I could talk for hours, but I had work and he had a final to take. We did get to talk music for a little while, and he introduced me to the lovely Australian Missy Higgins. This girl, inspired by artists like Aimee Mann, is incredible. I would recommend her album, The Sound of White, to anyone who can appreciate the semi-sultry vocals of an girl from down under with some jazzy undertones. So have a listen, mate!

-Missy Higgins-

Beautiful Mistake

Today was my last Sunday as a BYU student. This also means it was my last church meeting in a chemistry building. And my last ward prayer. It's really hard to believe that this is it! I look back on the beginning of the year and where I thought I'd be at this point and I can see how unpredictable life can be. It certaintly doesn't always go as planned. And although this is the ending of a wonderful and fun period of life, I know there are many adventures ahead!

It was a beautiful day. This afternoon Mark and I went up the canyon for a little stroll around Canyon Glen Park. As we talked and shot some photos, I couldn't help but think that he somehow resembled a fifth member of Il Divo. Things always seem to work out how they should, but sometimes in an odd way. I'm just happy that I learned some things and that we can still be friends.

But really, what it comes down to is that I'm just waiting to meet Mr. Darcy in New York, in his quiet, handsome solemnity. And just like Elizabeth, I will "bewitch him body and soul."

-Better Than Ezra-

Souvenirs

I'm suddenly intrigued by the apathy that besets me. I guess I shouldn't even describe it as besetting me, since I welcome its urges without constraint. It's just funny how being a graduating senior in the last finals week of my life has brought such impassivity. While I could study for one of my two finals, I instead find diversion in packing up my life once again, playing the guitar and discovering new musical artists. I even started writing a new song while in the middle of recording my current piece de resistance: Missing Piece. It's true. I wrote a song based on Shel Silverstein's life-changing (for me) composition, "The Missing Piece Meets the Big O." The latter work is very much in progress and is yet untitled.

My musical discovery of the day is a young Washingtonian, Korby Lenker. I am especially a fan of his song "Papercuts." It reminds me osomeonene I used to know. I adore finding new music that reminds me of something, even if I know I've never experienced it. It's like everything I see reminds me of something I've heard in a song. Sometimes ultrasensitive emotions can only be expressed in a combination of lyrics and beats and tones. Music truly is the language of the soul.

I suppose I should mention that it's official. I will be spending my summer in two fascinating and contrasting cities: Portland, OR and New York, NY. Just to emphasize the differences a little more, let's look at some stats:

Population
Portland: 556,000
New York: 18,976,457

Rent per Month
Portland: $300
New York: $800

Size
Portland: 130 square miles
New York: 321 square miles

Singles Wards
Portland: 3
New York: 4

Nickname
Portland: City of Roses
New York: The Big Apple

Year Discovered
Portland: 1843
New York: 1609

Shows I Plan to Attend
Portland: Sasquatch Music Festival
New York: Jose Gonzalez

Yeah, so this summer will definitely be an adventure! I am excited to learn a little more about life, myself and the advertising industry. Now, if I can only get through finals.

-Architecture In Helsinki-

Amado Mio

Wow. What a night! Months ago, I was thrilled to find out that Pink Martini was coming to Park City and Jenny and I got some tickets. It was an incredible evening to say the least. If you haven't heard of the 12-piece Portland band, I would highly recommend them to anyone with the slightest taste for good music. I love how Thomas (the pianist) describes their music. "We’re kind of like musical archaeologists, bringing melodies and rhythms from different parts of the world together to create something which is modern. It’s like an urban musical travelogue…and I think as citizens of the world and in a sense as musical ambassadors for the United States, we must always strive to study the languages, customs, and histories of other countries. We’re very much an American band, but we spend a lot of time abroad, in Europe, in Turkey, in Lebanon and therefore have the opportunity to demonstrate that Americans are indeed serious about engaging in a dialogue with the rest of the world.” All I can say is that I'm counting down to the release of album number three.

-Pink Martini-

The Longest Winter

So I woke up this morning, showered, got dressed, and pulled out the filp-flops. Then I looked out the window. Behold, Utah's version of April - a veritable blizzard has descended on Provo. I quickly had to swap my t-shirt for sweater, pea coat, scarf and close-toed shoes. Needless to say, I'm ready for spring.

-Pedro the Lion-

More Adventurous

Wow - the last week has been pure insanity. My adventures of January and February were more obviously "adventures." But this is the one I've gotten the most out of; I have been a part of the creation of something I'm very proud of. I have been working night and day on the Ford account for my senior capstone project in advertising. Most of the team has put a lot of work into it and been very diligent. If only all of the group could have had that same drive. Oh well, it got done - even if it did take several consecutive sleepless nights. Now we have a beautiful book and a killer strategy and switchpoint will present to Ogilvy, J. Walter Thompson, and Ford's own Mitch Lord at 3:10 pm on April 12th. Stay tuned.

-Rilo Kiley-

Silent Sigh

So many things to wonder about...

When did it suddenly get so difficult to reply to a simple email? Honestly.

Over the last few days I've completely let go of that stressless new years resolution that was supposed to lead to a little more peace of mind on my part. It's become impossible to stay chill as my countdown widget informs me that there are only 37 days until graduation and I still don't have a job. And I still don't know where I'll be living. And I still don't know how I'll be supporting myself. And I still don't know how I'll finish my senior capstone project.

And miles to go before I sleep.


-Badly Drawn Boy-

Wrapped Up In My Books

One of the things I love about not being in school is having the time to read! I know, isn't it just slightly ironic? And I may be a little ahead of myself since graduation is still 39 days away... But here it is folks, my summer reading list:

• Forster - A Room With a View
  
• Steinbeck - East of Eden
• Austen - Pride & Prejudice
• Kobliner - Get A Financial Life (I had to include at least one practical read)
  
• Albom - The Five People You Meet In Heaven
• Chevalier - Girl With a Pearl Earring
• Eggers - A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius
  
• Golden - Memoirs of a Geisha
• Keroac - On The Road
  
• Cisneros - The House on Mango Street
• Chang - Wild Swans

Let me know if you have any other suggestions!

- Belle & Sebastian-

Easy Way Out

I think I'm done with the opposite sex for a little while. Especially the ones from Utah. They have not failed to dissapoint.

-Elliott Smith-

Marching Bands of Manhattan

Well folks, it looks like I'll be heading to the Big Apple this summer! My original plan from years ago is finally coming to fruition despite all of the doubts and other plans that came up in between. I'll admit, I never thought I'd get to this point - where I'd be making decisions about a career and where to start my life on my own... and quite honestly, it hurts to see the other opportunities that this throws under the bus. But you can't wait for life to start - you've just gotta keep on living.

-Death Cab for Cutie-

Delicate

On Friday afternoon, Kendrick and I packed up his car and headed south. We spent the entire weekend camping in Moab, Utah. The trip was full of firsts for me:

• My first "real" mountain biking experience ever -- I have the bruises to prove it
• My first time camping in the snow (well, that I can remember)
  
• My first time exploring the red rock wonders that are featured on Utah's license plate

At the beginning of the year I made a goal to have at least one adventure each month. So far, so good. In my opinion, the trip was a total success. Other than the excessive amounts of food, and the unfortunate open-air salle de bain, everything went perfectly well. We even got to meet a bitter sign painter that lives in a tent. I really like the portraits I shot of Kendrick. There are more photos on Kendrick's website.
-Damien Rice-

Go To Sleep

What better way to start a class than to have your teacher announce, "Today we're going to talk about fruit." Welcome to Flexibility and Relaxation, the best class I've ever taken at Brigham Young University. While we stretch and listen to the musical stylings of Eva Cassidy, Ben Harper, Jack Johnson and the like, we also are enlightened on the positive effects of eating vegetables, lifting weights, and getting a good night's rest. And what better way to end a class than with a mandatory 15 minute power nap? I'm telling you, it doesn't get much better than this.

-Radiohead-

Bend and Break

It's funny how there are so many little parts of life that people somehow seem to block out so when you get there yourself it is completely without warning or preparation. Like coming home from a mission or graduating from college and having no idea what's next. Maybe it's not that we block out the experiences, but have no idea how to help others work through them except to experience the frustration and uncertainty of it for themselves. Ahhh.... such is life.

-Keane-

Dream Awake

He dreams about me.









-The Frames-

In a Future Age

Six months ago today was a new beginning and I didn't even realize it. Six months ago today I met someone who would change everything and even though he's not a part of my life anymore his influence is. Six months ago today I didn't know I had found exactly what I had been looking for -- something that brought me a happiness that everything is now measured against. Six months have come and gone and so have he and I. And sometimes I wonder what's happening right now that will change everything... six months from now.

-Wilco-

You and the Clouds Will Still Be Beautiful

Today I found new motivation; I woke up before class to go for a morning run. It's been a few weeks since I've done that and I'm thankful that I did. Not only did I use some energy that prepared me to actually fall asleep for the first time during power nap time in Flexibility and Relaxation (yes, that's a real class), I also got to watch the sun reflect off of the most beautiful display of morning clouds. After I got ready for the day and headed up to campus the sky was already shrouded in a solid layer of white. It feels so good to see and appreciate something that so few even notice.

-XTC-

Hand on Your Heart

I know we've all had those moments when we've wanted to rewind and do things exactly how we now see that we should have, instead of how we actually did. Today when I heard my new favorite Jose Gonzalez song for the first (and second, and twelfth) time, I was taken back to one of those moments... A moment that I suppose could have been pivotal if I'd had any more guts than the person I was reacting to. But in all reality, one spineless act in return for another isn't too much to be ashamed of, is it?

I want to hear you tell me you don't want my love
Put your hand on your heart and tell me it's all over
I won't believe it 'til you
Put your hand on your heart and tell me
That we're through
Put your hand on your heart
Look me in the eye and tell me we are really through

-Jose Gonzalez-

Faded From the Winter

Today I discovered a new favorite winter sport - cross-country skiing. As a long-time devoted fan of downhill, I'd never ventured to do what I assumed was nothing more than putting a lot of work into getting nowhere. I could not have been more misinformed. Am I the only one that didn't realize that there are significant hills involved in XC skiing? Well, there are. Both up and down. And incredible views. So next time you're in the mood for some thigh burning winter fun, strap on the skis and head for the back country. I'm converted.


-Iron & Wine-

I Will Not Take These Things Forgranted

It's time for the my (new) annual Year in Review. I'm feeling contemplative and nostalgic. Watch out. Here goes:

Best things that happened in 2005:
1. Meeting, dating, loving Ryan
2. Getting the Nike internship
3. Getting hired (and re-hired) to teach at the MTC
4. Going back to Brazil
5. Emma and Noah (new niece and nephew)

Worst things that happened in 2005:
1. Let's not talk about it... (email?? honestly)
2. My parents deciding to move across the country
3. Leaving Oregon
4. Having my heart broken (see No. 1)
5. The gumby dress

Most significant locations of 2005:
1. Nunns Park (Provo, Utah)
2. Hug Point (Oregon Coast)
3. Saddle Mountain (Clatsop Co., Oregon)
4. My sister's driveway (Payson, Utah)
5. A dirt road in Promorar (Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)

Funniest/oddest moments of 2005:
1. A Brazilian I barely met telling me he wants me to be the mother of his children
2. Two of my best girl friends "breaking up" with me for a few weeks (I'll give them the temporary insanity plea)
3. Overhearing an Elder ask, "Do you like hamburgers?" as part of the message of the Restoration at the MTC
4. Going on a date with a guy... and another girl
5. Any conversation after 3:00 pm with all of my roommates present

Places I visited or lived in 2005:
1. Provo, Utah
2. Clifton, Virginia
3. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
4. San Diego, California
5. Beaverton, Oregon

Coolest things I did in 2005:
1. Hiked Saddle Mountain at 4:00 am under a full moon (no flashlight) to watch the sunrise
2. Went somewhere I've never been and started a life for myself there
3. Looked out over Rio de Janeiro from the top of Pão de Açucar at night
4. Wrote and recorded a song all by myself
5. Finished my minor in art history

Realizations of 2005:
1. Corporate America isn't as glamorous as I thought
2. Even when you think you know, you might not
3. Playing "worst case scenario" with real-life situations really puts things into perspective
4. I'm graduating in a few months and don't really want a career
5. It could be worse...

Most significant songs of 2005:
1. The Luckiest - Ben Folds
2. Kingdom Come - Coldplay
3. Happy Together - The Turtles
4. Cannonball - Damien Rice
5. Am I The Only One - Barenaked Ladies

Most played songs on iTunes of 2005:
1. Brasilena, Carioca - Ryan Andrus
2. Brighter Than Sunshine - Aqualung
3. Pink Moon - Nick Drake
4. Wandering - Ben Folds
5. Heartbeats - Jose Gonzalez

-Toad the Wet Sprocket-