how Myke got his groove back

Turns out is was right here all along:

When I returned to the glorious homeland this weekend for Thanksgiving I was slightly nervous that I wouldn't enjoy being in Arizona as much as I used to. I even mentioned to a friend that I was afraid that I was losing a bit of my Arizona-ness.

Then late Friday night on the way to Applebee's with Matt, Whit and Rachael, I caught myself feeling something I haven't felt in a quite while. I felt comfortable, I felt that I belonged. But really, it was more what I wasn't feeling that stood out. I didn't feel a desire to be aloof from my surroundings; this vague, constant nagging doubt that I've apparently grown accustomed to and oblivious of was absent. In short, I felt like it would be OK if I were to sprout roots and let them grow. As if almost everything I really needed -- close family and friends who really get me -- were in that car with me.

I've lived, more or less, in four different states -- Arizona, Idaho, California, and Colorado -- in a fewer amount of years. After bouncing around and back and forth for a while you get used to preparing for the next phase of your life, you get used to living out of boxes. It was nice to not feel that for a few days.

My Arizona batteries are recharged and I can't wait to be back for Christmas.

if death were good

Taggart, Justin and I DJ'ed our ward's Halloween party, but with style: vinyl only.

However, our combined collection was missing one song that I would've liked to play. So a day or two later I got on eBay and bought this:

And if the album version of "Never Gonna Give You Up" isn't enough, this 12" single comes with an instrumental version and three sick remixes. With all the different versions of this song it's likely that I'll never get sick of it.

After spinning Rick on my turntable, I decided that I want this song played at my funeral. And that got me thinking, what else would be great to hear at a funeral? This is what I've come up with:

"You Make My Dreams" by Hall and Oates
Anything by David Bowie
"Friends In Low Places" by Garth Brooks
"The Good Life" and "The Greatest Man That Ever Lived" by Weezer
"Do You Realize??" by The Flaming Lips (OK, this one might actually work)
"Dancing Queen" by ABBA
"I Am The Walrus" by The Beatles
"Rocket Man" by Elton John
"Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor

What would you rock at your funeral?

three dollars, well spent

A month or two ago I had the serpentine belt in my car replaced. I don't mind having my car worked on for small stuff like that (other than having to pay for it, of course) because there's a great thrift store in the same strip mall. And a super boss middle eastern restaurant across the street. Anyway, during my car operation I spent some time at the thrift store and found this gem for a mere three bucks:

OK, I didn't take that picture, nor is this the actual camera I bought; I'm just too lazy to take a picture of it right now. But it is the same type of camera, a Minolta Hi-Matic G. I did, however, take these'nes, with said camera:

Myspace style, right? I like the light leak on the left border and the other one in the middle of the shot.

Ice storm style. I don't care too much for this kind of weather but it makes for some gnarly photos.

Snoqualmie Falls, WA. Somehow this photo got exposed twice. I think it looks awesome.

Melissa's feet. She's an awesome photographer and an even awesomer person. She'll be helping me with some Christmas card photos this weekend. I hope they turn out sweet.

Anyway, I had a blast shooting and developing a roll of film, which I haven't done since late 2003. I've got a color roll going in this camera right now that I'll hopefully finish up this weekend. And when I go home for Thanksgiving I'm gonna see if I can indefinitely borrow my dad's old film SLR. I love that thing. Film is like the vinyl record of photography.

What man? Which man? Who's the man? When's a man a man? What makes a man? Am I a man? Yes, technically, I am!

The other night Brianne had a bunch of us over for dinner. It was very delicious and she no doubt put a great deal of time and effort into it. As we were leaving the table Sara said, "OK, boys do the dishes!" Phil looked at Sara and then to me and responded, "Sara, we're not boys, we're men!" A fist pound ensued.

I've heard a few times said among these friends and among people in my ward that a guy is not a man unless he is married. I don't think I've ever heard anyone say this in a serious manner, but I nonetheless wonder if there are some out there who honestly believe it. And for that reason I'd like to give my opinion on the matter: this statement is a load of crap.

First, if I were a woman, I wouldn't marry a guy unless he were already a man or well on his way to becoming one (and I imagine most ladies would agree with me here). Second, I have evidence to prove otherwise. No, I'm not talking about my hairy chest or mustache, I'm talking about this guy:


Meet David "Fatcat" Lowery. Dave's not married but he's more of a man than plenty of married guys I know. There are few guys I admire and love as much as this dude. If Dave -- a single guy -- is not a man, then manhood is dead.

What does Wayne Coyne have to say about all this?