Christmas vacation is good...

for lots of reasons.

One of which is you actually have time to do things you've been meaning to do for awhile, like play around with the header of your blog. :)

Thank you mooney for the original picture.
Thank you teachinfourth for the inspiration.

Rockin' Bluegrass in The Living Room

So last night a couple friends of mine and I went to see Michael Daves and Chris Thile perform at The Living Room here in NYC.

I'm at a loss for how to describe it. I found out about this show while rockin' out to the amazingness that is Michael Daves and Chris Thile at another show I went to Dec 4th with my friend Rachel (thanks for letting me know about it babe). She sadly couldn't be there last night because she's here supposedly working.

Michael Daves plays at Rockwood Music Hall every Tuesday (well, not this coming Tuesday seeing as how it's Christmas, but whatever) and occasionally he will have a guest artist come play with him. When Rachel told me at like 4 or 5 o'clock the day of the 4th that she just got an email saying that he'd be playing that night with Chris Thile I thought to myself, "There is no way I'm missing this show."

For those of you who don't know, Chris Thile was the mandolin player and lead vocalist for the former Nickel Creek who I was able to see in Salt Lake with my brother when they came through on their final tour back in May. Chris is amazing. Thus the obvious reasoning behind my thinking, "There is no way I'm missing this show." I'm glad I didn't. The place was packed, but how could it not be considering Rockwood is like a 40 ft square room, and there wasn't a cover charge. It was amazing. So intimate. And just plain rocked.

In my mind, last night's show was just a continuation of the awesomeness that was Dec 4th, with only minor differences: This time Michael and Chris had actually practiced a couple songs together before the show, we had to pay a cover, the room was a little bit bigger, and we were all seated.

I apologize that I don't have any video of the show to share with you all. (I must get my own small digital camera soon.) Their set really was amazing. They returned to the stage twice for encores.

If you go to michaeldaves.com/sound, you can hear a live recording of him and Chris from an older show at Rockwood. The song is titled "Loneliness and Desperation." You can also hear an older recording of Michael performing "Rain and Snow." An awesome song. As a request, the two of them performed it last night as the first of three songs they played during the two times they retook the stage for an encore.

Sidenote:
After the show I asked this woman sitting at the table next to us if she wouldn't mind emailing me some of the pictures I noticed her taking during the show. In her own words, she's "no professional photog," but I very much appreciate her willingness to share them with me.

The following pics are thanks to Jen (who I found out is actually playing with Michael Daves next month at Banjo Jim's. :)

Swashbuckling in NYC

I didn't exactly fight any pirates today, but at least I know I'm not a pansy.

i guess it's official

Today I got my New York license in the mail. So I guess I'm now an official New York resident.
I'll tell you one thing, my picture sure looks a lot more like me.

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Book Clubs are for...

I don't really have a meaning behind the title of this post or an ending in mind for that phrase, although a quick google search will take you to a web bulletin where someone finished the statement thus: "Book clubs are for people who don't really like books."

I thought that was an interesting statement.

Anyways, that statement is not the point of this post. I just through it in there for the heck of it. The point is to say that the book club I've recently joined finished its third book last night. So far we've read the following:

The Alchemist
by Paulo Coelho

The Power and the Glory
by Graham Greene

The Love of the Last Tycoon
by F. Scott Fitzgerald

I can honestly say that I've enjoyed every book we've read so far. (This statement is not to imply that the purpose of a book club or of reading books in general is to enjoy everything you read. It just so happens that, for me, that's been the case thus far.) In its own way, each book has brought new perspective to my ever changing landscape---the lens(es) by which I view the world.

The following is not meant in any way to act as a comprehensive list or summary of my entire learnings from the books read for book club thus far. I wouldn't even say that it's intended to highlight key learnings. Take what comes next as simply what it is... a small piece neither first nor last in the grand scheme of my experience with the above mentioned works.

"The Alchemist" invited me to look at the world around me and my relationship with God, nature, and myself in a new and insightful way. Greene's "The Power and the Glory" explored the dichotomy between faith and doubt, sin and righteousness, that exists within a single man. "The Love of the Last Tycoon"---which is really not a complete novel, but rather a collection of 17 existing (out of 31 planned) episodes or mini-chapters left unfinished and in rough form due to Fitzgerald's untimely death at age 44---allowed me to see under the normally complete and tightly woven fabrics of a master writer's work to see the intricacies and processes that come together to create the greater whole. I was able to see a snapshot of the process behind creating what would have been and what, despite its incomplete form, many consider to be the best Hollywood novel.

All that said, I'm excited to read our next book:

Fire in the Belly: On Being a Man
by Sam Keen

i hate when i do that

On the subway ride home from work tonight I saw a man with a Liahona bike. For those of you who don't know, Liahona is a brand of bike that (atleast to my knowledge) is based in Utah and is mostly targeted to missionaries. Anyways, I thought that I should go ask the man where he got his bike, thinking that it could possibly lead to a missionary oriented discussion. Perhaps he bought it from a missionary or maybe the missionaries use to teach him and gave it to him to help him get around and take care of his family...I don't know. (I'd like to think that he didn't steal it from some missionary.)

Well, the thought to go up and talk to him wouldn't go away. The words kept repeating in my mind, "Where did you get your bike?" Those seemed like easy enough words to say.

I chickened out and didnt' say anything. And then, we both got off at my stop. I could redeem myself. But I didn't. I walked out the turnstile and up the stairs.

Once above ground, I paused for a moment, kicked myself for being so stupid, turned around and walked down the stairs and back to the platform where I assume this man was waiting to transfer to another train. I arrived only to find a new train sitting at the stop, its doors closing as it prepared to leave. My bicycle man was nowhere in sight. He was likely already on the train.

I don't know why or if I was suppose to talk to him, but I don't think that's what's important.
I hate when I do that.

styled hair and bright eyes

Despite things both within and out of my control today seemingly conspiring to bring my day down.
For example: sleeping in and getting stuck on a very slow subway train this morning, getting an unpleasant mid-day headache, realizing both my tires on my bike are flat only AFTER I've gotten everything else ready for some exercise on my rollers, etc.
Despite these things, it was a good day.
Let me tell you just two of the reasons why:
On my way home from work I stopped in at the Supercuts on University (between 10th and 11th) to pick up some d:fi (It's this "pliable molding cream" for styling your hair. I've used it for several years and haven't found anything I like better). I was almost out, and then I went and left what little I had left in Boston. Anyways, after calling them up to make sure they had some in stock, I decided to alter my normal route home in order to secure said product. To my joy I was able to get the larger container (double the size and normally costing something like $20) for the price of the smaller container because the guy found one in the display unit that had been marked down for a promotion.
And as if that wasn't enough to make my day, I learned a new song on the guitar tonight.

yes, i know

Yes, I know. Much has happened since my last post:
I've been to several concerts where I was privileged to hear great music and spend time with good friends.
My roommates and I hosted an early bird Thanksgiving roughly a week before the official Thanksgiving holiday at our apartment. (All credit to its fabulousness goes to Becca Shim and those who brought food. It was Becca's party, we were just lucky enough to act as hosts.)
Two of my roomates went to Costa Rica for Thanksgiving. My other roommate and I found ourselves surrounded by marvelous people in Boston for the holiday weekend. While there I was able to visit several close friends I haven't seen for a good while.
Oh yes, and then on Sunday I turned 26. Yes, another year older and wiser to (let's hope).

To tell you the truth, each of those things deserves a post in and of themselves, but in case that doesn't happen...well, at least they've found their way into this synopsis post. :)

Hope all is well out there for those who make my blog a regular read.

a little sick

I woke up this morning with a sore throat.
My throat is still a little sore, my nose is runny and tender, and I can feel some sinus pressure.
I've tried to be gentle on myself today.
I'm going to bed.
I hope I'm feeling better tomorrow.
We have a client presentation/worksession in the morning.

She touched me...and I remembered.

She touched me---a gentle but firm hand that caressed and then slid along my back as she passed by, smiled, and said hello.

She touched me. And I remembered how perfect it feels to be touched by someone who loves you.

I didn't.

On my way to work I saw someone from behind that looked a lot like you. I knew it wasn't, but I still wanted to call out your name to make sure.

I didn't.

If you came to New York you would tell me---wouldn't you?
I miss you, but I can't help but wonder if it's just the thought of you I miss more.

Either way, a part of me feels empty.

One of those nights

I'm restless. Maybe it has something to do with the nap I took earlier today. Or maybe it's something else. I don't know.

happy ending?

Some of you know about Patrick Moberg's recent craigslist posting. You heard it from a friend who sent you a link over IM while you were at work, saw on another friends blog, read about it on gothamist, possibly watched an online video, and you've undoubtedly went to his website (nygirlofmydreams.com). But in case you have no idea what I'm talking about and don't feel like clicking on those links, here's what Patrick originally posted on craigslist and on his website the other day:

And here's what he posted on the site today:

Some of my thoughts considering the subject:

There's a fine line we guys ride when approaching a girl we find attractive. There's an invisible balance between "putting ourselves out there" (what some of us call, "growing some balls") and being seen as "creepy".

I'm positive that, to varying degrees, every guy I know has experienced what Patrick did that day on the subway. You see a cute girl, but the opportunity to start up a conversation in a way that won't come across as creepy just doesn't make itself apparent. Or maybe you are able to break that ice, you're able to say hi or exchange a few words but in the given situation asking for her phone number just wouldn't seem appropriate. You could hardly expect her to give her number to someone she's known for 5 seconds. The opportunity is fleeting, and then she's gone. The opportunity has passed and you kick yourself for not doing...something. I know I have experienced this; and, considering recent conversations with roommates and friends, I know they have as well---one as recent as last night.

Anyways, who knows if it will work out between Patrick and this girl, but it sure makes for a great story. Every guy's daydream. Way to go Patrick.

maybe later

I've been sitting here for awhile now and still this blog post is zero lines long. Literally every time I start to write, it just doesn't feel/come out right.

For now, just know that I love you all and I am doing well.

I leave in 3 1/2 hours to go home and visit my parents. I'll likely be back to NY sometime next week.

i need to ride more

After waking up today, i rode on my rollers for a half hour. (I think my last ride was two weeks ago.) Since it had been awhile since my last ride, I didn't ride particularly hard, but when i got off my bike i felt like i was going to throw up and pass out.

My body said "stop" at about 20 minutes, but I forced myself to go for a full 30, pushing up my speed somewhat toward the last couple of minutes. Perhaps that was dumb. Apparently my body wasn't very happy with me directly after.

I feel fine now.

Average Speed: 19 mph
Max Speed: 34 mph
Ride Time: ~30 minutes
Distance: 9.7 miles

Chance Encounters: 1-800-call a billboard lawyer

On the way home from institute tonight I saw an ad on the subway for a law firm that specializes in accident cases. The headline of the ad read, "No it's not the lottery. It's justice."

Next to the ad someone had placed a religious tract entitled, "God's Judgment."

I found the chance juxtaposition slightly humorous.

Puppies in need of a home

I got an email this morning from a friend at work about these guys:
Aren't they just adorable?

The email said this:
Rescued 6 black lab (mix) puppies out of the middle of the road on Saturday. PLEASE help find them homes - otherwise, it's Animal Control - which means they only have 5 days. We've bathed them, sprayed them for fleas and wormed them....but we can't keep them. They are currently in a kennel in my basement since I don't have a fence. I've lost count of the number of rescue groups that I've contacted, only to be turned down due to no room. Please check with every dog person you know to see if they need a puppy.

I'm not posting the email senders contact info here, but feel free to leave a comment on this post and I'll email or text you their name, email address and/or phone number.

The Boom Stick

It had been awhile since I visited myspace. Tonight I figured I'd check to see if I'd received any messages, comments, or friend invites. Well I ended up visiting some of my friends' pages.
I found this video my friend Sam posted on his page. Sam and I are good friends from high school. Oh how it makes me smile.

It's a beautiful thing

As you can tell from this picture, my bike arrived on Monday as planned. What drove me crazy was that it was "OUT FOR DELIVERY" from 7 AM and wasn't delivered until 4:40 PM! Talk about anticipation. Oh well, when it finally arrived it was like Christmas.

I had it shipped to work because that's just how things go in NY. I mean, nobody would have been home to sign for it or anything and it's not like that's something I want sitting on my porch outside all day. In anticipation of its arrival I had brought a sharp pocket knife and some tools to work in order to unpack and put it back together (thanks Sean for packing it all so well and for keeping the putting-it-back-together process simple). I just had to put the handlebars, front brake calipers, pedals, seat, and front tire on and she was ready to go. Oh, and I had to walk the bike over to a bike shop to air up the tires.

(NOTE: always let pressure out of bike tires when shipping. You never know what kind of air pressure differences the tires might go through while in transit on planes and...trains and...zeppelins. You should also loosen the strings of your guitar and other such instrument before shipping or extensive travel. Sean knows this. He's smart. Thus the reason I needed to run to a bike shop to use a pump before my bike was truly ride-worthy once again.)

Anyways, due to the lateness of the bike's delivery I wasn't able to put it together Monday night. I got it all unpacked and left it locked up in a room at work where we keep the servers and extra computer equipment. After leaving work I met up with a friend and headed into Queens to Shea Stadium to watch the Mets vs Nationals game with a bunch of other Mormons. It was a good activity. There was plenty of socializing and I was able to see some of my friends from other wards that I don't get to see too often.

Tuesday after work. I put it together, got some air in the tires and rode it home---from 4th Street and 2nd Ave all the way up to 128th and Lenox. It wasn't too bad, but it wasn't all that great either. Traffic was horrible. I'm really unfamiliar with which streets are best for biking so just headed north up 3rd Ave. There was a lot of stop and go up to 60-something where I turned left and into Central Park. From then on, the rest of the ride was great. I rode the loop in Central Park up to 110th Street and then went straight up Lenox.

Once I got home I couldn't not try out my new rollers, so I set them up in the living room and hopped on for a couple minutes.

I rode them again tonight for a short little ride. I didn't want to go crazy, but I did want to get a little riding in so i can ease myself back into shape and get use to the rollers. In case anyone is interested, here's what I rode tonight on the rollers:

Ride Time: 21:45
Distance: 8.6
Average Speed: 23.7 mph
Max Speed: 33.7

PS - both times I've ridden on the rollers nobody else has been around to go downstairs and tell me how loud they are (I've been riding in the living room directly above my room rather than in my room above the neighbors downstairs.) They seem pretty quiet to me, but I'm wondering what they sound like when you're directly below them.

When the metaphorical becomes literal

Sometimes we're too busy banging our heads on locked doors to notice the Lord's ever quiet whisper to try the front window.