Playing shows and a great new haircut!

I feel like I need to write something that is not analyzing Mexican electoral rules (life of a poli sci major...) so here goes this one:

I'm in a band.  I know that the big picture at the top of this page may not give that away, but I am.  I got to play several shows in the last couple of weeks which was super fun!

First the most recent one:

This picture describes the feeling behind a show, look at how all the instruments are just begging to be played!  We played a new song that is not available for download at the moment (because we have not recorded it yet...) called "Do it Right."  The writing of this song was quite an adventure (admittedly, what I do to a new song cannot really be called "writing").  The guitar line meshed with the drums and bass perfectly, but there was obviously something missing.  We messed with guitar effects, drum intensity, and cymbal sounds but nothing worked.  The other band members sang out a drum part for me and I laughed in their face because it was so simple and boring.  But the show spoke for itself!  As the verse transitioned to the chorus and the strong quarter note drums began pounding through the delayed guitar sounds and moving lyrics I saw a sold-out audience at the Velour in Provo simultaneously begin jumping right along to the movement of my left hand!  Nothing could compare (I sure hope this video becomes available very soon, but this is what the crowd looked like right after the song)

Two weekends ago we played another great show in Rexburg, Idaho. (Few things make me happier than seeing the red dotted line under the word "Rexburg" because my computer does not know that word.)  I think the previous show description does it justice; the highlight was less musical and much much more follicle.  

The special winner of our dance contest at Sammy's Cafe in Rexburg got to use clippers however she would like.  We then stayed the night and went to church in Idaho, I looked even more like a lunatic for that... (so much so that the Sunday School teacher was afraid to call on me--maybe my favorite part of the whole weekend) 

and now my hair is way too short, and I've been sporting hats everyday of the week. 

Impulsivity gets the best of me....again....

   

Who am I??

It should be known that I have the greatest job on Earth.  (It should also me known that the passive voice is liked by me and being used appropriately by me in the preceding sentance.)  With that in mind, I'd like to explain my most recent assignment from my boss: I am to discover my MISSION in life.  This has turned out to be a life changing and revelatory experience for me.  Don't worry, I have not figured it all out (so this blog is not entirely a humblebrag, no need to alert Harris Wittels, just let him keep analyzing Phish--and if you get that reference in its entirety we need to be better friends because I just went deep). However, I have learned more about myself, some of which I think I'd like to share here and since you are reading this you might just care enough to be interested (if you don't and you're using an Apple computer just click the red circle in the upper left.  If you're not using an Apple computer, or similar computing product, click the box in the upper right whether you care or not because I'm having a party and you're not invited.) 

Here we go!

1) I will make mistakes, but I refuse to be defined my those mistakes.

This will be difficult, it will mean cutting ties with those who refuse to define me by my penance, it also means correcting mistakes and moving forward so that I don't hold myself back.

A beautiful song about moving on.... (Actually I don't know what its about, but that's what I get from it)

2) I will not praise mediocrity.

This means holding myself and those with whom I choose to associate to a much higher standard and not settling as I pursue the measure of my creation.

3) I will laugh everyday, and I'll make others do the same.

Self explanatory..... Everyone needs to laugh, and I've got lots to laugh at.

Yup, that's me.  I like to laugh.

4) I will always care enough to listen.

I know I have a lot of personality flaws, but that doesn't mean I can't be a listening ear.  Plus, I usually have no advice, so I'll never impose it on anyone.

Yeah yeah, I know this picture is the least cool one, I'm not always on my A-game...

5) I will live so that no one will question my loyalty.

Christ is my King.  See number one for clarification.

Astounding arrangement from the second Reflections of Christ CD

mormon.org

Life's Great Ironies

Irony: incongruity between the actual result of a sequence of events and the normal or expected result.

I'd say this is my favorite definition of this word.  

And this is my favorite example of it.

Life is full of irony.  Hipsters thrive on it by wearing t-shirts advertising amusement parks they've never been to, or record stores that don't exist in any-town Indiana.  Most mustaches are ironic, and no one has genuinely worn a fedora in fifty years.  

But you don't have to think that the only good music has a lap-steel guitar and a harmonica to find irony all over your life!  This is a list of some of the great ironies I have discovered lately:

*Taking education seriously does not mean retaining knowledge and learning to apply it to better the world, it means passing a test.

*People think they can actually know what is happening in your life if they follow you on twitter.

*Coffee ice cream counts as "hot drinks."

*People buy very fancy big head phones and then listen to "Party Rock Anthem" through them, which is a song designed to be listened to on a cell phone.

*Talking about a problem makes it a problem.

*Sting describes himself as an introvert who doesn't like to draw attention to himself while he sits in a yoga pose for an interview in his dressing room that looks like a Buddhist temple.

*People who don't care about you are the ones who will smother you with "care"; this will keep you from achieving what you want to.

A haunting song with just a touch of irony.

If you can think of more things that are ironic add them to the comments for this blog, I'd love to read them!

What if hippies ruled the world?

Just because they are smelly and lazy and often stoned hippies get a pretty bad rap.  I think that is unfair.  Please join me on this psychedelic, mind-expanding, journey through the exciting journey of  What if hippies ruled the world!


It should be known that this is not just theoretical.  If the world were ruled by a hippie oligarchy this is what it would be like.  Just trust me.

First of all there would be no more hand-shaking.  This would be our form of greeting.  Sticking your tongue out would be like when we hug in our universe, and not would be like when we just shake hands.  Lip kissing will stay the same (that is a universal constant, like gravity and the trendy look of flannel.)

Next, this is what the American flag would look like.  Isn't it neat?!  You might think that is because hippies love tie dye, and obviously that is true, but that is not why.  It is because hippies do not understand the night sky and are therefore frightened by stars.  But tie dye is still fun!

Music would be affected dramatically.  

This would count as real music

So would this (I'm not sure what this is, but it counts as music)

Also, Janis Joplin and Jimmy Buffet would be like Tupac and Biggie Smalls in this universe except for they would not kill each other.  Instead they would attempt to contaminate one another's supply of hemp (the cotton of hippies) until they realized that this horrible east-coast/west-coast rivalry was dividing the market for crappy music and so they reconcile and become fantastically wealthy.  Interestingly enough, in both this universe and ours Kanye West can become successful only after this happens (that's right, nothing keeps him down).

Continuing in the vein of music... Music is the currency in this world.  The base for establishing the value of music as currency is one verse of 12 bar blues is worth one ounce of tofu.  Value is not determined by the quality of the music (people like Janis Joplin....quality clearly means nothing).  Rather, value is determined by the length of a song.  A nine hour festival can buy a three bedroom house.  Also, there are no houses, people live in vans, teepees, lean-tos, and kivas.  

Finally, this is a picture of an Olympic gold medalist.  Clearly, the Olympians get a lot of girls.

There is a good chance there will be more to come in this vein, this was really fun to write!

Oh memories!

This has been a chaotic period in my life.  But I've had the chance to reflect on sweet memories of life and make a few new ones along the way.  Inspiration for the blog post comes from a favorite song of mine lately, there is no video for it so just read along I guess....

It is interesting what we choose to remember.  The smell of fresh rain in the forest always reminds me of summers spent in Weber canyon at my grandparents' cabins, while the smell of Tide detergent will always make me think of the 3 weeks I spent in the MTC.  The song Hotel California by The Eagles will always remind me of when I caught the bug for playing live music at the Keno Junior High talent show.   Burning my hands on the steering wheel will always bring back the memories of learning to drive when I was in High School.

If you didn't already know, I am a pretty positive person.  I like to think that people are generally good and so most of my memories are good.  This month I have been trying to make sure that is still what I do and who I am.  There have been moments when I could only remember the worst of the worst, but no more!  Just like the song posted above said I have felt my love growing cold with the seasons, but unlike the song I will always have me memories of good times, of our adventures.  Life has been far too good to me to focus of the few days of sadness when I've been given two decades of joy!  I hope some of you will recognize sharing some of the below memories with me, if you do recognize them just know that you are someone who helped me become who I am today!

*Soul Skaters
*Snow Tunnels in the backyard
*Slot cars
*"That Thing You Do"
*The Police on electric drums
*drum duets
*Jazz Choir
*One Acts
*Chemistry Challenge team
*Gettysburg
*Rain when Jocey was born
*Morning Scripture study
*Pushups in the MTC
*Snow balls in Pocatello
*E-Brakes in Ammon
*Hillary Weeks in the van
*Rollor blading
*3 shooting stars
*Sammy's Rexburg
*Royal Bliss
*Hard Rock Cafe San Diego
*HelloGoodbye
*Red Pickup Trucks
*Barro's Pizza on a rainy day
*Kanye West's Graduation album in a Prius
*Sonic Assault
*Brimhall Jazz Band
*Tech Decks
*"Let it Rain"
*"How Firm a Foundation"
*Jimmy Eat World
*Pat Benatar
*Fake poop
*The Simpsons and Jeopardy
*Biking Hills in Pocatello
*the drive between Challis and Salmon
*Cows on the highway
*Sky Box, for the bragging rights
*22.3 or 22.4?
*Loud in the basement
*Dad's angry eyes
*Battle of the Bands
*Billboard Antics
*Yellowcard
*Park City in the summer
*Skydiving
*Berkley, CA
*Vegetarianism
*Brighton for spring break
*Rotary Speech Contest
*Toms

Obviously, this could not be an all inclusive list, if anyone actually makes it to the end it would be so cool if you could add fun memories of us together in the comments for this post!

I love you all!

What I thought I knew and what I've learned

It is hard to believe it, but one month ago I was engaged to be married to the girl of my dreams.  I've decided I can't dwell on what might have been, that would make this an exceptionally boring blog post! Rather I'd like to share what I feel like I have learned through all of this craziness and I hope that some of it will help the nine people who will actually read this.  Ready? ok let's go....

First of all, I have learned that I cannot always control whether or not the situation I am in is what will bring me the greatest measure of peace, but that it is not the situation I am in that will ultimately bring peace, but the way I choose to react to it.  This is the first of many things I have always intellectually known, but that I have never had to apply in my life until very recently.  It is amazing to me the power the Lord gives each of us to decide to have a positive attitude and to learn in every situation in which we are placed; it is not always easy, but it is always the path that will lead to the greatest good.  I keep remembering what a Sister in my mission once said, she encouraged a congregation of people to "follow the peace." I have come to learn that that does not mean I can always be in a peaceful situation, but that in every situation I have the opportunity to follow the Prince of Peace who I worship with all my heart.

The next important thing I thought I always knew and now have discovered I really do is that I have amazing friends.  God has put some the best people in the world into my life and they will never understand the incredible, salvific influence they have had on my life.  In this category I include my current roommates, my dear friends from the mission who have always inspired me to be the very best, my dear pre-mission friends from high school who have allowed me to grow with them, and of course the best family a person could ever have.  In particular in this crazy circumstance I have gained an appreciation for my dear parents who have supported me in all of my dreams and pursuits and who continue to trust me to learn from all that I have been given.  Chances are if you took the time to read this you are one of those people, so thank you!

The final and most important lesson I have learned from all of this is the incredible power forgiveness has to heal and lift.  I have been painted as vile and evil (I also have fallen in love with palindromes) by people who meant a lot to me and it has been difficult for me to let that go, but as I have, I have found such a tremendous feeling of comfort and empowerment to move forward with faith in the love of Christ.  I have preached the doctrine of forgiveness on countless occasion, and I've always wondered why I have been so drawn to that principle until this month when I have finally had a need to really apply it in my everyday living.  I'm so glad that I have spent time studying opposition and forgiveness, without it I don't know where I would be.  The freedom and release that comes is real, I have experienced it and for that I will always be grateful!

Sorry this wasn't very funny and I don't blame anyone for not reading the whole thing, but it feels so good to write it all down.

-Faithfully-

Several things I can't stand

So, most people who actually read this (both of you...) probably are in for no surprise.  However, I don't think that there has ever been one single location to turn to in order to learn how to behave around me. This is by no means an exhaustive list, however its a good start.  I hope that the universe now understands that this post puts you on notice, ignorance is no longer a valid defense.  These are my Pet-Peeves....

First: Misspelled words in serious facebook status updates.
I am currently on the fence about people posting serious things on facebook.  It seems super weird to me to be looking at my newsfeed and read about someone's morning habits, how much someone loves milk and cookies, and how sad someone is because this is the anniversary of their grandparents death.  One of those things is not like the other, but if facebook really is a place for release I suppose it is ok. HOWEVER, there is no excuse for someone trying to be deep and pensive while showing they don't know the difference between "effect" and "affect" or "access" and "excess" or "loaner" and "loner."  If you have a below 7th grade reading level you are not allowed to pretend like you have any thoughts deeper than "goin to the gym with my boy [insert childish nickname here] can't wait for my cool down protien shake!"......you dunce!

Second: Guys (as opposed to Gentlemen)
There is nothing wrong with wearing a short pant, or a t-shirt from time to time.  However, if you are going out for an evening it is time to put on a slack--or at least a jean--and a shirt with a rib or a collar, some product for the hair, and a shoe that covers the feet.  In addition, Church is a place for a white shirt and tie, shoes match belt, socks match slacks, and for goodness sake keep brown and black away from each other!  On a Saturday afternoon, really the only thing that is off limits is not wearing a shirt.  Swimming is the exception, but walking around, or watching t.v. can be done just fine with a shirt on.  Basic rule of thumb: just look like you have some amount of respect for yourself.
Good way to know if you are a guy or a gentleman: Jimmy Buffet or Frank Sinatra?

Third: People who rock out to acoustic music
It is always fun to see a singer/songwriter strip down their song in an intimate performance or as a break in the middle of a set.  In fact, I never liked Nirvana until I heard their acoustic cover of David Bowie's The Man Who Sold the World.  But I would never bang my head to a song that a grunge band does with a cello! I can't think of many things more ridiculous than people calling a concert with no drum set or distorted guitar a rock show.  Some of the best examples of bands that people inappropriately rock out to are Jack Johnson and Coldplay.  Sorry fellas, but your music is boring and does not count as rock and roll.  Simply put, if anyone but the drummer is sitting down on stage the only proper response is quietly listening and moderate hand-clapping.

So, to anyone who will be around me for the rest of my life, keep these things in mind, or be prepared to be mocked!