Bright Future

So, I've been thinking that I should take up some hobbies. Baking is great fun and I adore it but there's so much I'd like to do. I want to create more, learn more, live more. I've started a mental list of sorts, slowly adding things to what has now become an extensive set of goals and aspirations. I'm in need of purging my mind. And seeing as how this blog is for my benefit alone, I will. I can't keep a mental list much longer...I'm losing sleep.

CREATIVITY:

1 - Carve my own stamps. This was something I was really fond of in advanced art when I was younger. Added bonus: I can accomplish my next hobby with flair.

2 - Write letters and send packages to friends. I've always enjoyed writing notes and calling people on a whim but there's just something incredibly special when a letter or package is sent to you. Added bonus: My friends will love me because I love them. That's how love works, right?

3 - Plant and maintain a garden. Now is not the best time for this because of winter but I do plan on having indoor plants and flowers. I want my room to feel like home. And I want an excuse to buy a Chia Pet. Added bonus: Chia Pets!

4 - Delve deeper into art. I was consumed with all art forms when I was younger. Paint and charcoal took over my room and clothes. I miss spending hours with a pencil and paper. Added bonus: I'm almost positive that art IS the bonus.

5 - Bake. This one's pretty simple. I want to focus on different forms of pastries. I want to experiment! If this is what I want to do for a living, then I better get crackin'. I'm also thinking I'll start a cooking blog. Ya know, because I'm sad and live on the Internet. Added bonus: My friends get to eat all of it!

6 - Learn to play the accordion. I have this beautiful accordion I'm taking care of, compliments of Andrew Chesley. I want to learn to play it badly. And I will! It's only a matter of time. Added bonus: Uh, it's an accordion. Enough said.

There's so much more to this but I find it hard to concentrate. I'm going home and doing at least two of these things today.

Go Minnesota, we're thinking of you.

Welp, here I am in Texas. It's sunny and warm...and all I can think about is what a fantastic time I had in Minnesota. It was easily the best trip I've had the pleasure of taking. Let me give you a rundown of all the happenings.

Day one - I had a flight at 12:50pm on Thursday. I arrived at the airport 3 hours early for two reasons: I was excited and my ride had to be at work. So walked around, put make up on in front of Starbucks and managed to see my friend Angie Wallace. Weird, right? Anyhoo, the flight was a success! I only had two hours of sleep the night prior but I can't sleep in planes so I enjoyed listening to my iPod. They even played an episode of The Office on board the plane.

Ben Rich and Jake Amdahl picked me up from the airport. It was great to see them both! Jake managed to shove my head into his bosom. Best welcome ever. We walked around Anoka for a bit and stumbled upon some Christian kids having a cook out. After getting my grub on, they dropped me off at Nalani's house. I was asleep by 11:15pm. Ooooh yeah.

Day two - I slept until 10 am. Can you believe it? 10 AM! Miss Kallestad likes to keep her room oh-so-dark so little Miss Damian over slept. All was not lost, however! I had the chance to watch TWO Disney movies and walk outside for a bit. I even managed to befriend a cat who's dander made my stay a near death experience. Later, Ben Rich took me to see his high school, we talked under a bridge and went to Jake's house for Jackie Chan Fest 2009. Denney's followed suit, completing my night.

Day three - I awoke to the sounds of children playing in the living room. The cutest little boy sat giggling in recliner, wearing nothing but a diaper. He was adorable. I was complimented on how fast I take showers and even had a chance to have Cherrios for breakfast. Christina Daza picked me up and we made our way to Jake's house. We picked him up and went lolly gagging around until sun down when friends came over and met me. We just sat around and talked while it rained outside. So lovely.

Day four - I woke up and had breakfast with Christina and her mom. Ben picked us up and we went to church. It was pretty interesting. I've never been to a Baptist church. They even sang How Great Thou Art! Afterwards, we went and had lunch, followed by delicious milk shakes. We made our way to the library and watched a woman protest...something. We took a stroll over the Mississippi near the University of Minnesota. On our way back to the car, we proceeded to chunk (that's right) apple type things at this squirrel in a tree. It was so much fun!

We headed back to Christina's where we laid in her back yard, watching clouds go by until dinner was ready. Her dad made this Filipino dish called Pancit. It was delightful! We finished with a tasty dessert her mother made. Then it was time to have some fun!

I told them over and over that I wanted to go run through corn fields. So, after much nagging, that's just what we did! After several minutes in such fields, we went to a nearby bridge to mark it with poetry...and colored hairspray. I think Christina's poem went something like this:

"π is nasty,

Shakes always end in a plop,

Crem Brulee" 

After dropping Jake off at home, Ben, Christina and I decided to go star gazing. We found a nice little park and laid on the back of Ben's car. I saw my first shooting star! The sky was so large and all encompassing. I felt like I would be swallowed up in the skyline. We could even see satellites orbiting. It was incredible. We left just after 11:30 to head home. It was the best!

Day five - My last day of Minnesota. Christina and I had a nice chat about things during the morning. Ben and Jake came over and we snacked before heading out. We went to the bridge of our previous adventure and attempted to catch crawdads from the river. I felt like I was in Texas! I even spray painted "I'm from Texas" in neon blue paint along the bridge's column (because I'm cool). We went to Taco Bell and each of us got Chalupas. Mmmm. 

We made out way to the airport stopping by Witch Tower. It was such a sight! It overlooked this small part of town near the U. So pretty. After our gallivanting, it was time to take me to the airport. On the way, we were flipping through radio stations. A Miley Cyrus song came on and Ben Rich started to dance. I started crying, I was laughing so hard! Best part of my day!

They parked and we went inside to wait. And wait. The time came and we said our goodbyes.

This was the trip I had been yearning for. It was neat.

In other news: I bought a Minnesota shaped cookie cutter. Uff da!

Sun Will Rise

Sometimes all I need is someone to ask me how I am. That's it. No large, grand gesture. No need to stand outside my window with a stereo in hand(s), channeling the likes of Peter Gabriel. Just a simple "How have you been? I've been thinking of you". *Sigh*

Maybe it's because July has been one of the hardest months for me. Perhaps as I slowly gain a stronger understanding of what it means to be humble, I've noticed change. A change within myself that scares me. I don't know who I am becoming but it must be good...right? As the month drags on, I've had a lot of time to stop and think of all that I have accomplished. I can't think of a thing. Not because I haven't done things, seen things, met people. I've not yet achieved what I desire to have. Or be. A man always asks "Why", never "How?". I need to focus on what lies ahead of me because now, right now, I feel I'm losing sight of what I want and who I am. 

Today is taxing. One of those "I have three days worth of things to do and no time to do them" kind of days. I wish I was more adamant about sticking to a schedule, planning things out and setting to-do lists more effectively. I NEED HELP. 

On a side-note: My self-reliance has been compromised. My car is kaput and each time I ask certain individuals for rides, my heart breaks and my pride is struck with a brick sized amount of shame. I never intended on being a burden OR relying upon rides from friends of mine. But I am...and it tears me up inside. I'm independent to a fault. And I'd like to stay that way for now.

One of life's greatest joys is the sense of comfort. It seems that these days the only source from which I can obtain it is from a good friend.

 And tomato soup.

Oklahoma!

This weekend I had the wonderful opportunity to join my friends in Norman, Oklahoma to see the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. It was a wonderful experience and I made some great friends in less than a day's time. My choice to go was a last minute decision, the trip chosen merely hours before my departure. I mean, the ticket was FREE, the ride was FREE and the company was promising.

I rode up with my new friend Gabriel. To be honest, I was kind of nervous at first because him and I hadn't really spoken in person before and here I was about to embark on a three hour drive with him. But shortly after beginning out mini-road trip, my mind was put to ease. He was so personable and easy to talk to. I felt as though I had known him for years. We talked of most things (ie: weather, sports, music) but one of the things I loved most about our conversation was the topic of the gospel. Speaking from a convert's perspective, gospel conversations can be rather intimidating at times because, simply out, I don't know a lot. And given that fact that he's a Return Missionary, I was timid to share my views are doctrine, Deity and other things. But he was kind and understanding. His parents are converts! It was great.

After three seemingly short hours, we arrived at the Oklahoma University stadium. The parking lot of crowded and I could see pairs of missionaries all over the place. We met our friends Andy and Victoria at the front door and entered the building. Steeping inside, I could hear the choir warming up. The tickets we had were in different locations so we split off, the other couple heading off to the right, ourselves shuffling towards the left.

The choir was incredible. They sang a wonderful mix of traditional American hymns, songs of praise from around the world and even a few well-loved show tunes. Once song which was a blast to hear was "Cindy". As the lights dimmed I could see a small girl down below, twirling in circles, her dress in her hands. They were accompanied by during their performance of "Rock-a My Soul (In The Bosom of Abraham)". One song touched me to my very core. "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" was perfect. The spirit was so strong. It still gives me chills! During intermission Gabe and I went for a short walk, discussing our favorite books. My claustrophobia was reaffirmed while trying to locate a water fountain.

Later that night we went over to Victoria's apartment where we made small talk and read scriptures together. It was wonderful.

The following morning, Victoria and I went over to the boys' apartment. It was nicer than mine! (ha) Andy was kind enough to make us crepes. After finishing breakfast, we all headed over to the institute building for church. Their ward is very small, possibly 35 people total. Sacrament meeting was great, I learned a lot. Shortly afterward, Gabe and I said our farewells to our friends and commenced our trip back to my beloved state.

The drive home was wonderful. The bearing of testimonies, church talks and A Capella hymns (Thank you, Gabe!)...boy, was the Spirit strong! I've never felt that way while traveling. On more than one occasion tears welled in my eyes and I was caught up in emotion. The end came when he dropped me off at church in time for the pot luck.

Oklahoma's so pretty. I miss trees. I need more trips like this.

Dancer

Last Thursday I had the pleasure of seeing (and feeling) one of my all-time favorite bands, ANIMAL COLLECIVE. It was amazing. The lights? Wild. The beats? Intense. They had sheets covering their stands, hiding an array for colorful lights that shined throughout the night. During one incredible performance of "My Girls", the sheets proceeded to flicker with shades of red, keeping with the beat of the music. It was great! Better still was the crowd. We were all in this trance like state. Dancing-- eyes closed, arms up, knees bent, head down. The audienced radiated heat and steam, which added to the effects of movie pictures being displayed on a large balloon which hung from the rafters.

The music permeated the hearts of all those in attendance.

I even managed to make quite a few friends with whom I shared similar experiences with at other shows including Mates of State.

The encore was started with a couple of amazing songs, gradually leading into "Comfy In Nautica" (which happens to be the url for this blog), followed promptly by "Brother Sport". Best ending ever.

The show was very similar to THIS (but with more dancing).
And as a reference for the dancing, you have this.

Avey, Brian and Panda exceeded all expectaions.

Wet Ground

It seems that the past few days have left my body in complete restlessness. My feet drag. I'm getting little sleep. And yet, I pass away my "free" time (my sleep cycle would argue that 2 o'clock in the morning is not FREE time but ME time) on the Internets, on books, on movies. I spend my money of less than necessary DVDs and reusable Half Priced Books totes. Star Trek. Star Trek. BBQ. Terminator. Memorial Day was pretty great.

Big bang, rain storm. The sky was littered with dancing clouds and a passive-aggressive threat to pour rain upon my dirty little car. My windows were open. But fate spared my cloth seats once more. I love the rain. Unless it's in my car.

This weekend is to be one of varied proportions. My brother's birthday, plasma donation, Chipotle, strawberries, the lake. I try to fit too much into my days off, I swear. The following week will provide me with the chance to see...(wait for it) ANIMAL COLLECTIVE. My heart is beating on superhuman levels.

I think I'm going to freak out. My life is pretty darn great.

(In other less musical news, I'm full-time at ZEROREZ. Can you say cash money?!)

Captain Captain

I want to be better.

This weekend I have the wonderful opportunity of having one Ben Rich in my home. It was such a lovely experience! I have such a profound respect for the quality of people Heavenly Father continues to place in my life. Ben proved to be more a charmer than I previously believed. He had a way with my friends that is remarkably cool. Best weekend I've had in a long while.

And my attempts to help Ben surprised Nalani proved fruitful. I was so glad I could provide my friends with such happiness.

I love my life.

Even in its imperfections.