Shoot the Moon, and Miss Completely

Mother Theresa said it sweetly, 

"If you judge people, you have no time to love them."

Ambitions

I don't have a favorite animal.  But if I did, it would be a koala.

They are from my motherland. (Is it my motherland? I wasn't birthed there, I've only visited.  My father's from there... Irregardless)


I wish I was a Koala.  They sleep for 22 hours a day, and cement themselves on a tree for days.


Not only are they the laziest animals in the wild, they don't need much from anyone.  Is it odd that I want to be one? No? Okay, didn't think so.

Lover's Carousel

2:25 AM

Nothing particularly inspiring tonight.

The most raw emotions come out under the moonlight.  With no one around.  But nothing's there.

As I lay here, breathing, eye's glazed over, listening to Band of Skulls, Nothing is coming to me.  

I am leaving in eight weeks.

55 days, rather.

It's not like I'm scared.  It's not as if I don't want to go.  It's that I don't think I'm ready.


That has been my fear all along.


I can do it.  I just want to do it better.

We'll see.

Holland

Wow.

I have a bad attitude. Seriously.

How can people stand me? I don't understand why people are friends with me.

Serious 'tude just spews out of my mouth like I projectile vomit.

I am sick of it, I am sure you are too.  So, I stop.  Or at least I will work on it.  Old habits die hard.

 I would like to focus on more positive aspects of my life.  Negative thought processes not allowed.  On this blog at least.

So you know what, here is a list of things I am now okay with.

+ You.
+ Me.
+ Married People
+ Babies
+ People my age getting married (love is love, no matter the age)
+ Average Folk conversing with me.
+ Overly religious, holier than thou, nut cases.
+ Trannies

Exceptions to the newly found, more positive Eric

- Douchers
- Fakes and Flakes
- Poor Dressed inbreds.

For me, this is a stepping stone.  I may hop back to my safe place, but slap me if I do.

Historical Moments, Expressed Flawlessly

Hell and Silence

Hello.

Various muggles were inquiring on why they could not comment... ahem, Kaili...

That has been fixed.  Feel free to debate, express concern, show support, or bash my postings.  I will take any and all responses.  Inspired or not, idiotic or demeaning.

Still Falling

So, I would like to say something.  On my blog.  Where I usually say things.  So stop being in a state of wonderment.

I may or may not be the gayest straight man you will ever know.  I like teenage primetime soap operas.  The OC... Okay, just The OC (and Gilmore Girls, just because they are so witty and fast).  I love The OC. I own the entire series on DVD, I have watched every episode 12 times or more, I think it is a delight.

I just felt like saying that, as I sit here watching a Chrismukkah episode from the fourth season (a severely under watched and under appreciated season, hence the cancellation) and delaying the preparation of my elders quorum lesson that I am teaching tomorrow.  On the Fall of Adam and Eve.  I don't think I will be very enlightening tomorrow.  Too bad.

I Know What I Am, They Know What They Are, So Let Me Be.

I have lost hope in humanity.  All hope.  Is it over there by you?  I can't seem to find it anywhere.  I pray to be led to humanity and it's hope.   Cause it is gone.  Just gone.

If not for the famine and starvation in Africa, the corruption in... everywhere...

North Korea.

If not for that, then the serious, no, deadly serious uneducation (not a real word) of musical talent!  I usually don't prefer to use exclamation points whilst writing, but I am so passionate about this that I felt it necessary.

Raise your hand if you know Spoon.

Keep it raised if you listen to them.

Okay, so of the three people that read this blog, one has maybe... maybe... heard of them, and that frightens me.  A lot.

I have listened and loved Spoon for over half a decade.  I thought everybody knew who Spoon was.  Nope.  Apparently not a single soul.

Jump in an icy lake.  This is not okay!

I have asked many a people.  Like how many toothpicks can be made from a redwood.  That's how many people I have asked to go to the Spoon concert in April.  No one knows who they are!  People that I thought were music buffs don't know who they are.  Are you kidding?  They are saturated in the mainstream.  Perhaps not on your "hits" radio station, but seriously?  Whatever.

Lost hope.

Think of the Next Ones

I read an interesting article today, about razors.  For your face. 

Want to read it?  Link Link Link

Well, if you read it, great, if you didn't.... then you suck.  And you will be confused about what I am talking about.

I have a Gillette Fusion, the blades that cost 4.50 a piece.  I don't mind paying that though.  I don't change my blades for three, four, five months at a time.  Until the little stripe at the top tells me to, at least.  You see, I don't shave that much.  Maybe twice a week.  Maybe.

It's not like my face doesn't grow hair, it's just not as fast as the norm.  So, I might get a typical five o'clock shadow at noon the following day... or five.

Also, I am especially neglectful when it comes to shaving in general.  It's tedious.  I hate it.

But I like my razor.  I like the way it feels on my face, and how smooth it cuts.  It makes me not shave an extra day.

So, say what you will about the cost of a blade, frugal article writer, yeah you, I will stay with my expensive blade.  Even if it is a little unnecessary.

Every Day is Exactly the Same

High School.  I look back and think of how completely tragic it is.  

I didn't hate High School.  But seriously, it's over.


Who are these weirdos that want to go back?  Move on with your life.  Stop living in the past.  That will get you nowhere.  You are probably going to stay in Orem the rest of your life and settle into a loveless marriage.  I am proud of you. Way to go.

Baby Darling Doll Face Honey

I am fond of music.


A few instruments mingling together.  With direction. Without. Whatever.  Sound is sound.

I, however, flock to indie creations.  Local artists, not so local artists.  Small bands that care about music and not money, unlike most trendy and tasteless artists (I don't want to call them artists... heathens? ...anyways).  


There is so much good music.  I don't comprehend why artists like the Black Eyed Peas sell millions (and win grammy's?!) and yet they don't deserve more than a bottle of sewer water for the excrement they put on the radio.  Are people hard of hearing?  Stop listening to this!  


Anyways.


Recent Unearthed Musical Awesomeness:


Band of Skulls - Baby Darling Doll Face Honey, the entire album.  Pure Gold!
Blockhead - Farewell Spaceman, that song is a trip.  I have yet to venture on to their others, I am still reeling over this one.
Yeasayer - Everything.  All of it.  Delightful.
The Brobecks - Goodnight Socialite.  I am really digging that song right now.
Angus & Julia Stone - I have had these two siblings in my ipod for months now, but they still deserve some recognition.  Best served with candles and a drawn bath.


Keep busy with these for a few days.


Post Script:
Is three posts too much in one day?  Who cares, It's my blog, and only two of you are reading.  Thank you for reading the sins of my youth.  It is much appreciative.

Nocturnal

7:40 AM, I have been awake for four hours now.  And the daylight is creepin in.

Much has been accomplished in the wee hours.  With absolutely no one awake.

I went for a drive, not a soul on the roads.  The best news stories are told during this time.

It's sad when the sun comes up.  Then it's over, you know?

Important Matters

It's 5:04 AM.

Sunday Morning.

Daylight Savings just creeped on me.  It wasn't a part of my life last year, so it's hard to adjust.  I don't like it already.

This weekend is over.  Sunday will be lit in the valley three hours from now, and then I have the daunting task of church.

Not that I don't love church, I do.  It's just the people.

I love people too, don't think I am some horrible person.

But really, come to my ward.  Bleak.  It's as if their souls have passed and they are just a pile of skin drifting.

I would go to another ward, but what's the point?  I love not feeling a need to participate in anything but church services.  I don't have to date, it's not expected in this ward, people settle here for eternal singlehood.  There are a few rare gems, however.  People that I actually care to talk to.  But again, rare.

But that is in the future, lets retrogress for a second.

This weekend was absent of negativity.  Which is always appreciated.  It did have a lot of attitude with specks of indie awesomeness.  Also needed and appreciated.

Neon Trees performed a spectacle of a show at the Velour in Provo Friday night.

They started the night off with a sit in acoustic version of Sins of My Youth that was simply brilliant.  Not only did it give the room a calming energy, it also got you excited for what they were playing next.  Which is everything opposite of calming.

Dallon from The Brobecks played a short acoustic set after Neon taunted us with their opening.  He was on a uke, which he had apparently only started playing two weeks ago, and kept saying that he felt really awkward being on stage alone, with a uke.  Well, if that was awkward, Bravo on whatever you do regularly, cause it must be amazing.  Dug his sound, "Goodnight Socialite" was a killer.

Shark Speed tried to captivate, but failed miserably.  The lead couldn't keep the attention, and belongs as a side guitarist.  He might have the voice of the band, but he cannot entice, nor entertain.  His stage presence was far from spectacular.  I was watching the guitarist to the left most of the time.  Not only did he look like a front runner, his performance was far more captivating.  The sound was average, I didn't feel the need to purchase their LP at the end of the night.

Tyler, the Vox and Keys for Neon started setting the stage.

He is so interesting.

His hair, which is brilliantly delightful, his style, his mannerisms.  He knows how to keep an audience.

The band starts and you are hooked.  Through the entire set, you are hanging from each and every lyric, facial movement, seductive sound, fantastic between song dialogue.  Everything.

They played their entire new LP that comes out on Tuesday (pick it up, it is well worth it).  It is hard to imagine that they are from Provo.  Vegas, definitely, but Provo? Wow.  I love it, I love them.

After the show, they were signing stuff, we chatted with them for a little bit.  Seriously witty.  The drummer, who is of the female variety (I know! a female drummer, she is truly amazing), she was great.  Just great.  And we sort of pet Tyler's mohawk.  Not creepy at all.

We chatted with Dallon and asked what he uses in his hair (I loved his hair, also not creepy).  He was way down to earth.  Apparently he is the bassist for Panic at the Disco. This is just a side project.

Did not want to talk to Shark Speed.  Even though they tried to sell me their album when I was buying The Brobecks'.  Pushy much?

Anyways, Saturday came, my sister and I went to Salt Lake to do some service to get free Disney World tickets.  I think it defeats the purpose to do service just for your own personal gain, but whatever.

It was at the Utah Co-Op, a place dedicated to getting organic food at a cheap price to the general public.  Seriously cheap too.  They were selling imported deli cheeses, like Brie, for a dollar a piece.  The stuff that you buy at Target for seven bucks.  Pretty terrific.

We helped organize and stock shelves. Then shopped.  Cheese, hummus, pita chips.  A whole big box full of stuff, and it was only $17.  I would have spent 50+ somewhere else.  They are just doing so much good.  And to think, if I wasn't selfishly volunteering, I would have never known!

I went home and slept until now.  So I think I am up for the day.  I have officially aged forty years.  Thank you.

Kill the Mainstream

I hate the radio.

Lies. I hate most of the radio.

Fake DJs. Fake Music.

(I believe a 35 year old, married, radio DJ is genuinely in love with the new Gaga single... don't kid yourself)

The same five songs are put on shuffle. Really. 

I have resorted to three stations. 

Stations that I can believe in. Stations that can produce a first-rate radio program. 

90.1 - Pretty much NPR, with some local and flavorful things sprinkled in. You think it's liberal, I know. But really, its so much better than that. So much culture, so much information, for me it's the equivalent of cocaine. It will make you think, it will make you read, it will introduce you to music you never thought you'd like. 

90.9 - Community supported, commercial free radio. Not a single Gaga track in sight. Local indies, nationwide indies, old indies. And the best part, not a single repeat can be heard in a day. 

101.9 - Now, they play more mainstream. But mainstream alternative, classic alternative, and they have a good morning show. They are also obsessed with Disneyland. I'm sold. 

Anything else within the valley is deer droppings.

Confessions. Obsessions.

New obsession. It has not overtaken ID, just to clarify, it is merely sharing the spotlight for now.

NEON TREES.


Provo goodness right there.

 In other music news:

Imagine Dragons new EP, Hell and Silence, is coming out. Soon. Friday to be exact. Of course you can only get it at their show, which will be in LV at The Beauty Bar. Irregardless, it is coming out and I will have it when they play two shows next month in Provo and Lindon!  Also, if you want to purchase their self titled first EP, it is now on Itunes. Holla.

I will be attending a concert this evening at my favorite venue, Velour, and my ears will hear the musical styling of Ferocious Oaks.  Christel Duckwitz, a lovely acquaintance of mine (and by acquaintance, I mean I have known her for 15 years), is a part of this folk phenom.  I cannot wait.
Also Neon Trees will be playing the Velour on Friday before their tour with 30 Seconds to Mars kicks off. 

Now on to the confession. 

I cannot believe I am saying any of this.

Make it stop 

i like an adam lambert song 

It's tragic, really.  I don't know how it happened, but it did, and I had to get that out there.

Mile Post 116

I am of my generation.

I want answers here and now.

I will never change.

Everything is Better in a Sweater

March. Spring is creepin away... 


Today was in the high 50's.  Which, surprisingly, was incredibly warm.  I had to take off my jacket. Seriously.


As much as I have disliked this Winter, I don't want to let go of it.


Mainly for the sweaters.


I have an array of sweaters for any occasion. V necks, crew, argyle and soild.  Stripes and zippers. Cotton. Wool. 


I am going to miss them.  They won't touch my skin for two and a half years.  


Farewell sweaters, farewell.

Early 2010: A Pictorial

Sometimes I bring a camera, Sometimes I don't.  Here's a nibble from the cookie that is 2010:

LP PHOTOSHOOT, JAN

 

VEGAS

 

Disneyland

  

overturned semi. madness.

 

crisis calls for drastic measures.

 

 

A digi pic if forever. Thank you for joining in on the fun.

Vintage Flea Market

Acquired items: A chest, six ties (two clip-on), a clock.

Money spent: 33 dollars.

These treasures will be in my possession until death. They are authentically beautiful and original.

I want to live at the Velour for the remainder of my heart.

Here are some tasty treats for your eyes:

Vintage tie deluxxe

 Favorite. Clip-on. 

 

Best Purchase Ever

French New Wave

A boy with ambition.  Ambition to become something.  To go to school, marry young, become a business man and have a normal suburban life.

That was Eric two years ago.  A senior in high school, in the twilight of leaving the sheltered life.

I lived in Utah county, happy valley, under the umbrella that is Mormwood.  I grew up in a somewhat liberal home.  By liberal, I mean my parents trusted me to make my own decisions, not on a political spectrum.  When it came to politics, Glenn Beck was the voice and George Bush was our right and fearless leader.

I was fortunate to have such caring parents.  They weren't your typical caring parents, seeing as they let me be independent.  I never had to rely on them to help me through school, they didn't push me to do things I loathed, what I did with my life was my business, not the family's.  To me, that means they trusted me. Respected me. Loved me.

Still, I was caught up in a Mormon community.  A Utah Mormon community.  A community that is so focused on brand names and keeping up with the Bastians.  If you weren't in, you were out.  There was no middle ground. No welcoming spirit that you find with most Mormon members.  But alas, I was ignorant and unaware.  I have lived here all of my life, I didn't know better.  It's not as if you catch on to these things while vacationing in a different state or country. You have to live somewhere and get to know the culture and community. Then you know.

Now that I have lived away from home, lived away from the valley, have become semi-independent, I know so much more about the important things life.  It's not money, it's not the fashions and brand names, it's not what religion you live (I mean it is, but who are you to judge what others believe? How will that ever let them know what is real?).  It's about truth.  It's about love.

I believed in the American system, capitalism, conservatism.  Lately, none of that seems to matter. I still respect it, but I don't know if I can believe it.

The hippies said it best: Love, peace and Happiness.

I'm buying my VW bus after my mission.  Spread the love all over the land.

34 hours

Disneyland just happened.

One minute you are in a Mongolian restaurant talking about how tragic life would be if you were the people in the booth behind you, the next you are on the road to California.

It just... happens.

The night was going to conclude with the premiere of Parenthood, mainly for the pleasure of witnessing a new adventure with Lauren Graham, but somehow we were western bound.

This was 34 hours ago.  I am on my couch in Orem right now.

We were leaving the happiest place on earth 12 hours ago.

I have slept 3 hours since Tuesday morning. 

I went on The Tower of Terror seven times.

Spontaneity at it's grandest.