Ugh...May

Oh hell. I need to blog about Phoenix, but I don't have the energy. You know when you get all nostalgic and decide to e-mail certain people? I did that tonight. People you think of fondly, but probably shouldn't ever contact again? Some of these people will be happy. I might be happy these people respond...but will it be better in the long run? I think I''m just going with fate tonight. I had a good experience earlier so I decided to e-mail some old peeps I was thinking about. I'm so sentimental and lame. I'm sure these people have moved on and I'm the last thing on their minds.  But all I can say is hi and let them know I'm thinking about him/her.  Mostly hims.  :)  I'll blog about Phoenix tomorrow, I promise!

Happy Birthday Macklin!

Happy 4th Birthday to my nephew Macklin! I cannot believe he is already 4 years old. Seems like just yesterday he was a little baby and how he is HUGE! Mack is ALL boy and loves to play sports. He especially loves dressing up as Spiderman and Batman. He's our little superhero! Here are some pics throughout the years...

Weekend and other philosophical musings

Soundtrack for tonight's blogging is twofold:

1. Liz Phair, Liz Phair

This album took awhile to grow on me. If you're a fan of Liz Phair you know this one sounds a little poppier (is that a word?) than her earlier stuff. I've definitely become a fan over the years, but nothing tops Exile in Guyville or White Chocolate Space Egg. Not familiar with Liz Phair? Run, don't walk, to the nearest store or iTunes to give her a listen.  

Favorite song: Extraordinary 

Runner Ups: Rock Me and Red Light Fever

2. Kathleen Edwards, Failer

This CD reminds me of driving around Chicago with Amy in 2003. Going grocery shopping at Domincks on Canal, driving up Lake Shore Drive to meet the peeps Up North, the liquor store on 53rd, Jimmy's, etc. We had some good times in that blue Honda Accord. We also got to see Kathleen Edwards live at Park West in Lincoln Park. Great show. I remember that Amy was embarrassed because I sang along with the songs, the drinks were expensive and we both wondered if Kathleen was having an affair with the guitar player.  She has two other albums out, both good. Check her out!  

Favorite song: Six O'Clock News (song starts at 1:25)

Runner Up: Westby



Weekend was mellow. I did a bunch of hanging out and drinking, nothing exciting. I'm ashamed to say I was at Murphys on Thursday AND Friday. I'm even more ashamed to say I was at Juniors on Thursday, Friday AND Saturday. It's quite sad when all the bartenders know who you are and what you usually drink. But it's also cool in a Cheers everybody knows your name sort of way. My life is sad. I could have done something useful with my time, but I didn't. Although I did buy some plants at the Planned Parenthood fundraiser at Cactus and Tropicals so there's my good deed for the weekend.  I bought a jade plant because I used to have one in Chicago and I loved it. This is not my jade plant, but I like this pot better than mine. Also, I'm too lazy to go take a picture of my own damn plant.  

I've been in my head a lot the past few days. I tend to over-analyze everything and consequently make myself feel like shit. Why is it that I am my own worst enemy? I swear I try to sabotage myself sometimes. I've needed a lot of distraction to function. So in order to avoid all of this over thinking and self-destruction I've recently done unhealthy stuff like this to cope:

• Immersed myself in work and other people's problems
• Drank too much
• Taken sleeping pills to stop my mind from reeling, but mostly so I didn't have to deal with feeling anything
• Eaten 3 bowls of Cocoa Krispies for dinner instead of cooking
• Watched almost 4 hours of Twin Peaks on Saturday when I should have been outside
• Read an entire book on Sunday instead of talking to people (although I did take a break to eat dinner and play bocce ball with my family)

The book I read was actually quite good and proved to be a great way to occupy my mind with suspense and romance. Twilight!


I bought this book more than a year ago, I just hadn't gotten around to reading it. Apparently everyone on Earth has read it except for me. Now I'm hooked.  I will be buying the other two books tomorrow to take on my trip to Phoenix. Highly recommended!

Craigslist scares me

So today I was sitting at my desk casually eating my Cafe Rio salad (licking up every ounce of the dressing laced with crack) and I decide to peruse the Craigslist personals for fun. Not to find a date or anything, purely for entertainment value. I often enjoy reading about casual encounters and seeing if strictly platonic really means platonic or if it's just a ploy to get more ladies to read a post. Today I read about threesomes, "massages", dinner clubs, gym hookups and voyeurism.

Here's my favorite post I found today. Bizarre! I seriously wonder about people sometimes. Any interested parties??

In my quest for unusual life experience, I have grown a new curiosity.

I've been wondering lately how it feels to be a pet (though not in any sexual way).

For this, I need a couple (preferably women. for some reason, i feel safer this way) to take me in for some amount of time (to be discussed) and treat me like a domesticated animal (like a large dog that knows tricks). again, this is strictly non-sexual in nature.

I come with seven days of clothing, a sleeping bag, and my various toiletries. compensation for any expenses incurred as a result of this experiment will be covered by myself.

pictures are available, and will be given in return for pictures. i prefer people near my own age without children... so, uh, yeah. (i'm nervous.) let me know if you're interested in discussing more. Feel free to ask any questions you may have (any at all).

Weekend Update

I tried to blog last night, but my internet connection wasn't really working at home. Stupid free internet. Anyway, I had another fabulous weekend and here are the pictures to prove it.

I actually don't have many pictures from Friday. But Les and Sonny and I went to see Harold and Kumar at Brewvies. It was everything you expect it to be: over the top, offensive and funny as hell. I will totally see it again. Besides, I think Kumar is hot...he has amazing lips!



We got out of the movie just in time to see the Jazz beat the Lakers. Yay! Then we decided to stop by Juniors for a bit. Guess who was there watching the Jazz game? Monty! We had a good time pointing various butt cracks:



Sonny got Monty to eat a pickled egg. Not sure how long those had been sitting around...



Saturday my plan was to be really productive: go grocery shopping, clean out my cupboards and take some stuff to the DI. Turns out I went to the gym and then decided to go shopping at Nordstrom. I would say that's kind of counter-productive, but I at least I'm stimulating the economy right?

Saturday night I went to an interesting bar in Sandy called Oscars (used to be Gatorz for you old folks). I use the term interesting loosely...if I hadn't been drinking I might have been a bit scared. It wasn't really that bad, but it's not really a place I would choose of my own volition. Of course, I rarely go further south than 2100 South unless it's for a really good reason and Kelli's birthday party fit the bill. Here's the birthday girl!


See the guy in the back right hand corner? Well this gentleman was playing pool all night and was not wearing any underwear. He left VERY little to the imagination if you know what I mean.

Assorted pictures...








Sunday was full of Mother's Day stuff. I hope you had a wonderful day Mom!!

Top 10 Ethnic Restaurants

As many of you know, I love lists and love going out to eat. So when I saw that my friend Leslie made a Top 10 cheap restaurants on her blog I just had to create my own! Here's my Top 10 ethnic restaurants in no particular order. Enjoy!

Top 10 Ethnic Restaurants in Salt Lake City

1. Aristos
My favorite thing: spanikopita! On Thursdays there's a barbecue on the patio and they have a great Greek wine list.

2. Mi Lai Cai
Good mix of Vietnamese and Chinese food so even picky eaters will find something good here. If you're feeling brave...try the fondue for 2. The mussels won't disappoint!

3. Ichicban
Everything is good here! My favorite rolls: Funky Charlie, Utah and Death. Lots of different kinds of sake too.

4. Cafe Shambala
Tasty Tibetan food with Indian and Chinese flavors mixed in. Great for the vegetarians and vegans in your life. If you're feeling adventurous, try the Tibetan tea. Read about my last Shambala visit here.

5. Settebello
Yummy thin crust pizza made from ingredients straight from Naples! The Margharita pizza is my favorite paired with the caprese salad.

6. Cafe Madrid
Going to this place is an experience. Make reservations and plan on being there for at least 2 hours. Excellent wine list and the best sangria in the state!

7. Bombay House
My favorites: paneer masala, bhindi aloo and chicken tiika. Be sure to try some naan too!

8. Koko Kitchen
Nothing fancy here in this small corner restaurant, but the sushi chef is amazing and will make rolls to order. They also have great teryaki bowls! Bonus: it's right across the street from the Virgin Mary tree so you can get in your penance while getting some good eats.

9. Red Iguana
You absolutely have to try the mole when you go here. My two favorite moles: pablano and amarillo. There's almost always a line, but it's worth the wait. Good margaritas too!

10. Cedars of Lebanon
Be sure to go on a weekend so you can see the belly dancers! Weeknights are pretty quiet and there's also a buffet at lunch. Start with the meza appetizer and don't forget the Turkish coffee to finish off your meal. Legend has it you can read the coffee grounds and see your future!

Honorable Mention: Little World, Ginza, Mazza, Takashi, Sawadee

Weekend Update

Song of the day: September, Earth Wind and Fire. Turn it up!

I'm really trying to blog in a timely manner but I have been really busy. I had a good weekend! Friday I went to watch the Jazz game at Skybox with Pouya, Monty, Kellie and Paimon. Luckily the Jazz kicked the Rockets asses and we had fine time drinking some shots to celebrate Kellie's recent graduation. After the game we made our way over to Juniors. It had been way too long since I had been there. There was an exciting fight between a feminist lady and her guy friend who grabbed her ass. She was not amused about that and threw his beer on the ground. She was in his face, he was in her face, more fighting ensued. I missed Juniors!  

Saturday morning Monty and I went to go look at houses to rent! We found a couple of interesting places, but nothing for sure yet. Soon, I hope. I spent the rest of the afternoon lying on my couch watching Flight of the Conchords. This just might replace Arrested Development as my new favorite show.  Don't tell Will Arnet I'm in love with the guy in the glasses. 


A couple of FOTC songs to make you smile:





Later on I wasn't really feeling like going out, but Scott invited me over and I was supposed to go to another party at 10. I didn't end up going to Scott's because his car got towed...still not sure what happened there. So I ended up at Allen's for awhile hanging out and I got this awesome picture of Booth wearing some DI glasses. 


Then it was on to Kellie's for a little poker party. Like I said, I almost didn't go out but I'm so glad I did because we had a fabulous time. There may or may not have been some strip poker involved. You'll never know! The night ended in an unexpected way, but life is crazy sometimes and I welcome the spontaneity.

Dalton and Monty


Lowell, Kellie, Dalton


Me, Paimon, Jenny


Lowell, Monty, Dalton


Lowell's awesome blue undies


Sexy Mont



Sunday I went to see Ironman with Lesley and Sonny. It's a must see and Robert Downey, Jr is HOT!!



I also did some laundry, had dinner at Greg's and watched Across the Universe with my mom and Paige. It was pretty good, but a little bit too long. If you like the Beatles (and who doesn't??) you'll enjoy it.


And although Monday isn't technically part of the weekend, I'm still going to include some pics because it was Cinco de Mayo and Chris was in town! My two favorite quotes of the night:

• "You just need the slightest bit of resistance."
• "Everything is better with red wine!"

Monty and I are multi-tasking: texting and drinking


Chris made ultra-authentic Meximelts!


The cigars came out...


Mine is just a prop


Mont looks like he belongs in a Cheech and Chong movie


Bad ass Chris


Chris and Monty

Happy Birthday Derek!!

Happy 29th Birthday to one of my very favorite people in the world! Derek! We first met in college when he was straight and I was still Mormon. Ha ha! I think were destined to be friends because a few years later he became friends with Jed and we were reunited. BFF! I love you Daurek!

Here are some of my favorite memories of Derek:

• Watching him dress up in various outfits: the red Umbros, his smock, kimono, etc
• Taking an impromptu visit to Seattle to see him
• Singing "One" at the top of our lungs in the car after drinking too much beer at Thirsty Thursdays
• "I pity the fool who babysits for the blind!"
• Watching Alias together
• Burning poetry in my backyard
• Living up at the Cortez Jin Temple and making up names for my yummy datenight punches
• "Now I ain't sayin' she a golddigger! Ugh!"

Typical Derek pose

A little interpretative dancing

I think Derek belongs in a J.Crew catalogue

T-Rex arm fight...doesn't Derek look tyrannical?

We were obsessed with Photobooth for awhile

Derek and me in Seattle