Out with the Old...

In with the new...

It's my new car!  It's a '09 Subaru Outback.  It's one of most beautiful things I own.  (Throw my computer in that mix as well.)  It's Charcoal Gray with Silver accents outside & Dark Gray or Black interior.  It makes driving fun again!  I went to SLC with intent to only look & test drive.  Friday morning, karma was telling me something.  The jeep had seen better days & that particular day it was leaking coolant more than usual.  Mel & I went to her appointment.  (Young Leaders for UW.  I don't know about that.)  I waited in the jeep.  All morning, I saw Subaru's.  It was a sign.  It had to be.  We went to Mark Miller & test drove again.  (I drove one in Ogden the day before.  That's a story in itself.  If you ever wonder if car salesman are conniving, ask me to tell that story.)   Three hours, 1 Jeep & $7000 later (It's more, trust me.), I came back to Lo-Town with a sweet new ride.

Here's a pic for Grandma Bernice & Grandpa Bernie...  my nephews...  Cam, Owen, & Gavin.

PS..  Went to a Halloween Party on Saturday night.  Dressed up as a Ramone, put the contacts in, but sadly no pics.  Maybe, I'll throw it on just for fun.

PPS...  Voted today.  Felt good to check that one box.  If you know me, you know who.

The Loved Ones...

Saw 'em again on Saturday.  Fastly becoming one of my fav bands.  For your listeingn pleasure, here's the song that got me hooked...

BTW, won Logan Wesside X, Fantasy Baseball League.  

Ahhh...

Last night, The Night Marchers rocked my socks off.  Much thanks to John, Gar, & the rest of the band.  Made getting home @ 3:00 am & to work @ 8:30 am doable.  Keep up the good work!

One Last Thing...

Bernie & Bernice were in town (Utah) for the month of August.  I just want to say it was good to see them.  It's been far too long (almost 2 years).  Sorry no pictures.  (You know me & pictures.)  Go to www.idahostyers.blogspot.com

One Week & Counting...

What am I counting down?!?

The night these men will blow me away.  Who are they?  THEY ARE THE NIGHT MARCHERS.  Fronted by one of the most talented men in Rock 'n' Roll, John Reis.  Who's John Reis you ask?  Let me educate you.  He is the lead singer/ guitarist from one of the best bands ever to grace my ears.  Who is this band I speak of?  It's the mighty Rocket from the Crypt (Also, Back Off Cupid, Pitchfork, Drive Like Jehu, The Sultans, & Hot Snakes, truly anything does turns to gold, the Midas Touch.).  I was privileged to see them 3 times.  They are 3 of the greatest shows of all time for me.  They make me so happy.   Seriously, ranking up there with my yearly visit to see Uncle Walt.  I'm so excited to see these guys.  If they weren't going to hit SLC, I was prepared to see them in Colorado.  Their album is amazing!  I listen at least once a day if not more.  Here's one of my 2 favorite songs...  We're Goin' Down...  

Enjoy!

What does...

Me...  SLC...  6 Cute Ladies (Count 'em ...1...2...3...4...5...6; 2 of them Heathers)...  A Local Celeb...  Kilby Court...  Loom...  Pizza Drug (Mmmm...)...  2 Parties (1 Gay; 1 Straight)...  The Word Huggie...   JD...  Rob...  A Lap Dance...  Dirty Eagle...  A Hard Wooden Floor...  Bernie & Bernice (Yes, they're in town.)... & Music & the Spoken Word...  Equals...

One Wild Weekend for Tom!!!

Finished...

The last & final vampire novel early Sunday morning (3:18am).  Official review...MEH!

Friday...

I went to SLC to see Alkaline Trio.  Good!  Played all the hits.  Plus, American Steel was a good surprise.  Saw them back 2000 with Murder City Devils, much better this time.  Below may be the my theme song for the summer...

Check out this video: Alkaline Trio - "Help Me"

Met Mel after & went for the new Pizza Drug.  Soooo  good!  If you've never had Pizza Drug, it's the best thing eva!  The burnt crust is the best part.  Don't let it scare you.  Some advice if wanting to try Pizza Drug, simple is the way to go.  If you get too much on it, you may not taste all the goodness, the sauce, crust, & fresh moz.  Mmmmm...  I want some right now...

After "Pizza Drug", we went to the Gateway to see if we could see any vampires.  

Vampires you ask...

The fourth & hopefully final book in the Twilight Series came out.  I didn't see too many Edward's or Jacob's (NO Jacob's in fact.  I guess I coulda been Jacob.  I'm almost as hairy.  He He...) at Barnes & Nobles.  I saw tons of Bella's all adorned in prom dresses.  (See first in series)  We didn't stick around;  I was beat.  We ended up at Costco & getting it for 1/2 price the next morning.  (Suckas) No, I haven't started it yet.  I've got other things higher in the queue.
 

Best Wishes...

Good Luck in St. Louis, Clyde.  You'll be missed in SLC.

On My Walk...

I was on the search for socks & ice trays.  The latter being harder than you think.  In the search,  I stopped by the DI & found this gem...

F!

Yesterday, I woke up @ 4 am. I couldn't fall back to sleep.  Got up and surfed for awhile.  Went in to work @ 7 am.  I had a good outlook on how the day was going to be.  I even think I talked myself up to go to SLC.  But alas, it was never meant to be.  Just round lunch, I was smacked with a big surprise.  I bet you can't guess what it was...

SURPRISE!!!

The landlord @ work was mowing this area...

What he was mowing with...  a swather.  He flipped a rock.  You can't tell me you hear or notice this.  (Sorry if this offends...) He was a douche bag about the whole thing.  (One other word is coming to mind about him.  It rhymes with trucker.)  I had to hold my tongue many times when I was on the phone with him.  Asked if I had window coverage on my insurance.  (Who asks that.  Let alone first thing out of his mouth.)  I never saw him & never confessed till he saw it in person.  Still, never apologized.  What about my plans?  He didn't care.  He was more worried about where I was parked.    I have the rocks (another one it the plastic molding) & told our accountant we'll mail 'em with the rent.

So... I'm back...

Sorry.  It has been a really long time.

A lot has happened the last couple of months.  Here are some of the high lights.

I finally finished Eclipse.  The third in the Twilight series.  It was the best one yet.  It didn't piss me off at all.  It was actually a good read.  I only wish she would've did that with the first two.  Let hope she's finishes strong.  I'll be even madder if not.  (Emails may be sent!)  I've read six other books since.  I think my favorites are the Chronicles of Vladimir Tod.  It happens to be another vampire series.  I'm pretty sure I like it better than Twilight.  No, I'm positive.  (There's an oxymoron if I ever saw one.)  Anyway, if you wanna know what else I've read or would like to discuss, call or email.  Also, I'll take any suggestions on reading material.  Preferably, I like the young adult genre, but I'll look into other as long as it reads easy.  Meaning I don't like to stop pick up a dictionary & look up a word I'll never use.

A few weeks ago, I went to Houston for a Texas Tea convention.  It was a busy three days.  I went to a trade show.  Maybe, some of you don't know, but I work in the oil industry.  (Finally got my discount card in the mail.  50% on fuel.  Suckas! J/K!  I'm paying 3 something a gallon.  I don't look.  It'll just depress me even more.)  Houston is the center of black gold in the USA.  We've got quite a few customers in or around H-Town.  I also met with a few vendors.  (I'm the main buyer for the company.)  I saw the Astrodome which is dwarfed by the Reliant Stadium.  I just remember growing up the Astrodome being the biggest building ever.  Reliant Stadium was uge.  I went to an Astro's game.  That was a lot of fun.  

Oh...  I finally got my picture on a Jones Soda bottle.  I finally saw it a Ashley & Josh's wedding.  That's pretty exciting.  Start looking for it at a store near you.  You'll know it when you see it.

That's about it.  There's been a lot a TV in between.  I've picked up a new show.  Top Chef.  If you haven't seen check it.  I got addicted while house sitting in April.

Sorry no pictures.  Most of you know how I feel bout 'em.

Golden Dragon Acrobats...

I went down to the Eccles last night & saw the Golden Dragon Acrobats from the People's Republic of China.  They were amazing!  They put the Aggie cheer squad to shame, & yes, sadly my beloved Bear River Bear Cheer Squad.  (There isn't a cheer squad out there that tumbles better.)  Some of the things these girls & guys were doing, shaping their bodies.  The only word to describe it is OUCH! or WOW!

Chewin' a Rhythm on My Bubblegum...

So...  I went down to the BIG city last night & saw a pretty amazing show.  They are The Loved Ones from Philly.  They were truly amazing!  I had a lot o' fun.  They had the best album in '06, Keep Your Heart & lead the way for '08, Build & Burn.  I've only bought 2 albums this year, so they have a good shot a stickin' around.  Check 'em out if you think you can handle.

Booooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

Stephaine Meyer is going to kill me.  I just finished New Moon; the second book in the Twilight series.  By the title of this blog, I was highly disappointed.  It started out great.  There was a story that was climaxing nicely.  Then, she shut that story down and moved onto another story.  It really bothered me.  She had another Star Trek ending.  UGH!  I really was starting to like Jacob and where that was headed.  DAMN you Edward.  I'm reluctant to go on, but I'll say this; she has me hooked.  I gotta see where this crap is going.  Wish me luck.

A Few Things...

I had a friend pass away 3 years ago this last week.  Drew was one of the first people I met when I moved to Logan.  He was manning the counter at EJ's Records, all burly in his Misfits t-shirt.  He looked 30!  I was so intimidated.  I started hanging out with Drew a little.  Mostly meeting him at practice for Throwaway Generation.  Being the Punk Rocker that I was & still am, this was a lot of fun.  We went to shows together.  I remember when the Get Up Kids played the DV8 Basement (RIP).  We traveled from Logan for the show.  They opened with Holiday; he looked at me and said, "They really are the Get Up Kids."  We saw Doves & some unknown opener My Morning Jacket; Leatherface & Hot Water Music; & countless others his bands opened.  One thing I take from him was on his program at the funeral, "Happiness is  a choice, and I have free will."  Some of you knew him most didn't.  I'm here to say he was a great guy.

Another thing, my parents have been in Hawaii for the last 6 years next week.  If you don't know the story, here's a short version.  My grandparents were in the Hospital.  My Grandma passed before my Mom could get over to see her.  Grandpa needed 24 hour care.  They both packed a bag.  Mom packed a bag & left on Sunday May 15th.  I didn't get to say goodbye, but I do remember the last hug I gave her.  The smell of her pump Suave hairspray.  Monday, March 16th, I went over to be with Dad.  I was taking him to the airport in the morning.  He wanted his last meal in Utah to be at Maddox.  Sadly, it was closed.  We ended up in some restaurant in Brigham City.  It's still there.  On our way to the airport on St. Patrick's day, I asked my Dad when they'd be back; he said, "Tom, we may never come back."  How true that statement has been.  I remember the hug I gave my Dad and the old man aftershave.  Every time I smell it; it takes me back to that day.  Since then, I've seen Bernie & Bernice 3 times the last 6 years.  Grandpa died 2-1/2 years ago.  They are now selling the house my Mom grew up in.  She's ready to come home.  I'm not so sure about Bernie, but he'd follow Bernice to the ends of the earth.

Made omelets for some friends one Sunday morning.  It's all vegetarian.  Just for you Mel.

Also, finished the books Click & The Wednesday Wars.  Click is by 10 authors.  Each writes a story some how about the main character Gee.  I highly recommend this book.  Plus, the all the proceeds go to Amnesty International.  Do your good deed this year & Buy this book.  The Wednesday Wars follows Holling through seventh grade in 1967.    He's the only Presbyterian in his grade.  Every Wednesday the Catholics go to bible study & the Jews go to temple.  Meaning he's with his teacher, alone...  the whole year.  The things she makes him do.  This is really good as well.  I would rate it higher than Click.  So, get the bad taste of the Twilight series outta your mouth & read one of these two.

Red Dress '08

So...  Saturday night went a social event.  I know, the introvert that I am.  I went out for the night.  I was asked to help with Red Dress 2008.  What's "Red Dress" you ask?  It's only the social event of the year.  I'd never heard of it before last month.  Jess (Dave's girlfriend/ Dave above) asked if I'd help.  She needed a sober person at the door.  There's a couple of things that you have to do before we'd let you in.  First, you had to be 21.  Second, you had to have a ticket.  Last, you had to wear a red dress.  Guys too.  I don't think; I know I've never seen so many guys in drag.

I even helped with the DJ.  If you look closely, the far record player is mine.

Some of my friends that were there.  Top:  Nikki (Doug/ Chopper's Girlfriend)  She was getting a picture of me; the same time I was getting a picture of her.  I didn't get one of Doug.  I wanted to, but manning the door was a full time job.  He looked good.  He wore his normal cowboy get-up.  A red bandana print skirt with a red cowboy shirt & a bolo tie.  Middle...  Charles...  Bottom:  Leah, Christine, Shane, & Bryce...

Sadly, no pictures of me.  And no, I didn't wear a red dress.  (What with these birthing hips?  Are you kidding me?  Maybe a Moo Moo.  I'll have to get Bernice to send me one for next year.)  I wore jeans with white button up shirt, black tie, and black sweater.  I thought I looked pretty damn good, but not good enough to land me some tail.  

Surprisingly, I had a lot of fun.  I say "surprisingly" because I usually don't.  I'm pretty shy in these kinds of situations.  This time I let it all go.  I wasn't going to see most of these people again.  I'd like to thank Leah & Christine for hanging out with me most of the night.  True pals.

Another thing... Happy Birthday my Grandma & my good friend Jill.

 

'Til next time...

You Scream; We All Scream...

This last week was met with a lot going.  Monday was Presidents Day & sadly my work hates former presidents.  I didn't get the day off, but I did leave early so I could be with some friends from Southern California.  They are my dear friends Melanie & Lin with their awfully cute daughter Norah.  (Picture on right.  Norah at feeding time.  Sorry, I'm still getting used to the camera.)  I can't, but feel happier when I see this kid.  She is the cutest thing ever.  I'll have you know; the Wilde's Christmas card is still my wall paper at work.  It's good every day to start the day with a smile.  It was fun to be with good friends.  Also attending were Aaron, Jason, & Mel Led.  We all haven't been together since "The Best Damn Fireworks" '06.  We met at Mel Led's penthouse apartment over looking the city. Mel took Soffe & I for a tour of the place.  I was secretly looking for Kyle Korver.  The newest member of the Utah Jazz.  I know Mel was hoping for a sighting as well.  (He's got 2 more years on his contract.  Mel, there's still hope.)  Mel made veggie lasagna & I brought down salad, Atwood's Ranch Dressing (Best EVER!), & Crumb Bros. Bread.  Fun times were had by all.

I just finished the book Twilight.  I have to say my official review is "MEH."  It wasn't the greatest book I've ever read, but it wasn't the worst.  To me, it really wasn't that entertaining.  It read pretty fast which I liked , but there were things that bugged me.  I think the thing that did it was Bella's absolute obsession with Edward especially the eyes. 

 Enough with the eyes, I know they're golden.  I guess they showed what state he was in.  Another thing is the Star Trek ending.  Star Trek:  Next Generation was notorious for having conflict beaten easily the last ten minutes.  It bugs me that Twilight did the very same thing.  Nothing...  Nothing...  Nothing...  Conflict...  Easily handled.  Come on!  I guess the book was written for a teenage girl granted, but gimme a break. They aren't dumb or are they?  I wouldn't know.  I'll read the sequels.  I've heard they're better.  May be the first one was setting things up.  I don't know.  I'll find out soon enough.  I'll be starting New Moon soon.  I've also heard through the rumor mill that Stephanie Meyer will be rewriting the story from Edward's perspective.  I'll have to say that may be the better story, but only time will tell.  

Have good week.  I've got the next one working up in my head.  Until then...

Editors

I had the chance to see Editors for the 3rd time, and the 2nd in the last 6 months.  If you haven't seen them, do it now.  What are you waiting for?  Go now!  They are going to be uge (Yes, I meant to leave the "h" off.).  From the show in September, the # of people tripled.  It was packed.  Still playin' all the hits. My personal fav Blood is always awesome.   Still closin' with Finger in the Factories.  I just opened the new LP (Long Player/ Record) and got a CD with it.  Let me say this, it's better than the first.  Suprising, I know!  Do yourself a favor and go see this band.  If you can't go buy both albums.

PS...  I've learned to make this.  It's shortbread and it's YUM-O(Rachel Ray)!