More Than Music

designed by your's truly.

Everyone has a story, right? Right. Well, this is my abridged version. Why am I blogging this, especially when I haven't made a blog post of any substantial nature in well over a couple years? I don't know exactly. Maybe it's because I type faster than I can write. I've had a lot on my mind lately and I guess putting it into words is something that helps me put things in perspective. And having others read it? I like feedback, I like having people in my life, I like sharing things I find interesting.

There have been a lot of life-changing things that have taken place for me (and my family) in the last few years. In one way or another it seems that music has had a major role...let me do a tad bit of back-tracking before I really get into it though.

I've always had a unique passion for music. Always. As a young child, I remember memorizing the words to every Billy Joel song I could find in my parent's music collection. That's when I first remember the spark beginning. Music has always been something that I've found deep meaning in. Finding ways to relate songs to my own life is something that I love about music. The connection a person can have with a certain song or musical Artist is amazing. Who hasn't had an experience where they heard a song out-of-the-blue that totally takes them back to a certain moment in their life? Or that helps them remember something they'd forgotten? A feeling maybe. A passion lost, but maybe rekindled because of the reminder. The list goes on.

When I was in 7th grade I found punk rock. It blew my mind. It was aggressive. It was rebellious. It was raw. It was everything I was feeling in my youth. I related to it in so many ways. I think it worried my parents, but I never let the negative aspects of it overtake my life...mostly. I think they got used to all the strange colors of hair and mohawks after a while ;-) I was soooo passionate about it. I remember a 2-3 year span where I shunned corporate music altogether. Other youth would be talking about the newest popular music and hadn't a clue who or what they were talking about. Ha. I thought I was so cool. I'd found an underground scene. A subculture of music made for music's sake and not for money or fame. I clung to it. And I shunned bands that "sold out," and became commercially successful. Yeah, I was an elitist for a while. Funny to think about it now. But it was that idea and energy and excitement of something special and different from the norm that is what truly inspired me. Outside of my family and my personal beliefs, music was the next biggest driving force in my life. It dictated much of what I chose to wear, the type of people I chose to be friends with, etc. And I couldn't have been happier.

When I began my first semester at Utah State University I began to drift away from much of the punk rock that I'd been so fully submersed in. I still liked it, but I'd begun to find new underground music and kept on with the pioneering spirit of punk rock in all the new territory I was treading in musically. By this time, I'd gone to more concerts than most people go to in a lifetime, I'd worked for the infamous SLUG Magazine and almost every t-shirt I owned was a band t-shirt of some kind or another. It was safe to say music had been a driving force in my life.

After my third semester at USU, I had an opportunity to work for a summer at Leave Home Booking, an agency which books many of the punk rock bands I grew up idolizing. Bands that molded my personality and that I had devoted much of my youth to. It was amazing. I met and hung out with many of my punk rock heroes. It was surreal on many levels. At the end of the summer I was offered a full-time position as an agent for Leave Home after I graduated the next year. I was stunned and honored. A lot was happening, and fast. Right before starting and LHB that summer I'd met and began dating Hallie. It was a summer of love. It was perfect. The next fall we were married and with one more year of my bachelor's degree in journalism, we moved forward toward my finishing school and accepting the job offer.

When I finished school, we moved to Salt Lake City and I began what I thought was my dream job. I loved it. I had a real job. We bought a home. We had our amazingly beautiful and charismatic daughter Cambria. So much happened. And I really felt like it was all because I had followed a passion, a dream; my music. Life was good, but I began to feel an emptiness growing. I felt like maybe even though my life as an agent wasn't bad, that maybe I was better-suited for something else. I felt like there was something more out there besides routing and booking tours and arguing about contracts. I saw the examples of my good friends Jesse Crowley and Brad Knickerbocker and their jobs in the field of graphic design. I was jealous. I loved what they were able to do; what they were able to create. They did so many things that I could only do in my head. I had no idea how to create the things they did. I lacked the knowledge and training. After many prayers and stressful nights of indecision, my young family and I made the decision to move back to Logan for round two of college. Graphic Design.

Throwing away all our comforts and the life we had only just begun, we moved up to Logan (again). We were a family with a mortgage, rent, tuition, etc, etc. It was hard, but we both knew it was right. With my wonderful wife's support and my music I made it through my first semester. It was reconfirmed to me over and over that everything in my life had happened for a reason; that everything I'd done, everyone I'd met, all that music-everything-had led me right to where I was. I really feel I wouldn't have made it there any other way. Was it the long way? Yes, most surely. But was it right? Most definitely.

When my first semester ended an opportunity presented itself for me to participate in a study abroad program in Switzerland. I was sold on a professor's claim that it would change my life. I believed him. I went home and talked to Hallie. Just thinking about missing this new opportunity moved me to tears and scared me. We decided that I would go (yes, I am well-aware of how amazing Hallie is). For all that we'd sacrificed for me to go back to school, we figured we would go all-out. There was no point in all we gave up and all we had gotten ourselves into if we didn't give it our all. A new favorite band of mine, The Gaslight Anthem, had a song that had quickly become my theme song. In it, the words, "No retreat, no regrets," repeated over and over again at the end. Those words were my mantra for everything while I was in school and they surely applied when it came to the opportunity to go on the study abroad.

Upon finishing my second semester, I left Hallie–who was now 6-months pregnant–and Cambria for Switzerland. It was hard. It was harder than hard. But like before, we knew it was important. That month changed me just as much as two years on a mission. It's hard to explain exactly how. I learned so much. I met so many people. I cemented myself in the desire to succeed in my future profession of design. It has become an important milestone in my life. I remember sitting down in my seat on the airplane in SLC after hugging and kissing Hallie and putting my earphones in. I listened to The Gaslight Anthem's song, "Meet Me by the River's Edge," the "No retreat, no regrets," song. But I listened closer than I ever had before. The song took new meaning to me. The words, "I've been here for 28 years," tickled my ears and gave me goosebumps. I related to it. It was personal. I happened to be 28 right then. But it was more that just that line. The song's overall message is about nostalgic things and also about starting over-about beginning a new life. I had started, and was still starting, my new life. It hit home. It was an inspiring and special moment.

One day near the end of our time in Switzerland, we went high, high into the mountains. We rode trams and hiked and reached a peak. It was unreal. It is the most beautiful place I have ever been in mortality. We talked up there. We were encouraged and given time to think about our lives, our schooling and our future/potential careers. I wanted to take full advantage of the moment. I knew I'd probably never stand on that mountaintop again, that this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I thought about life: where I'd been, how I'd gotten there, where I was and where I wanted to be. I made promises to myself, for myself and for my family. I was the last one on that mountaintop. I was alone. It was a very intense peace I felt. I had been listening to a playlist on my iPod as I experienced this. As I turned to begin my trek down the mountain and catch up with my friends Mandy, Mitch and Sheena (who were waiting for me a ways down), a song came on. It was Gaslight Anthem's, "Meet Me by the River's Edge." What were the chances? Technically about 1 in 100-something given the playlist...but I digress...I was a bit overcome with emotion. It was a very special moment, topped off with the random chance that this song came on as I began to walk down the mountain to accomplish all I had thought about on the mountain. It was a cornerstone moment, made even stronger by a special song.

A year and a half later I graduated with my graphic design degree. Through that process whenever I had hard times–all-nighters, weeks averaging two hours of sleep a night and countless projects–I would think about that moment high in the mountains in Switzerland when "my song," came on and what that meant to me and my graphic design goals. It gave me strength to keep going. Along with Hallie, Cambria, our new Izzy and my wonderful family, that song propelled me.

About a month after finishing school, I had job interview at Simply Mac. I drove down to Salt Lake for it. On my way down I listed to The Gaslight Anthem. Did I mention I like them? ;-) I just hit play and listened to all three of their full-length records and the one EP I have of theirs on shuffle. My interview went well. On my way out of town I met my mom and got some dinner and talked about the interview and what this job had to offer. After finishing dinner, I got in my car and deep in thought, began my drive home, continuing my listening of The Gaslight Anthem I had begun on the way down. I briefly flashed back to the mountain in Switzerland and that song and all those feelings. As I jumped on the freeway to head back to Logan, the last song on the playlist came on. Yep. It was "Meet Me by the River's Edge." Coincidence? I don't believe it for a second. Music has played a part in so many major ways in my life. The second the song came on I was overwhelmed with tears. I didn't even need to wonder if I'd gotten the job. I already knew. I had just received my answer. I think God knows who we are so personally that He knows what things will strike a match within us, what things will get through to us.

I've now been at my job at Simply Mac for close to six weeks and I love it. I know it's where I am supposed to be right now. And I know it's not by chance. Some people will laugh and make fun of me, but I believe that music has been a revelatory thing in my life and why shouldn't I believe that? Just look at my story.

here it is.

WATCH THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM PERFORM "MEET ME BY THE RIVER'S EDGE."

RED

No offense to any redheads out there (and yes, I know I have red hair-well, I think it's more brown and my beard is definitely red...anyway), but I never wanted a child with red hair. Why? Well, generally speaking, kids aren't nice to redheads. Seems like redheads are always the brunt of a joke or something like that. Maybe that's why I had reservations about it, who knows?

Well, in September, I was introduced to a redhead that changed my perspective on the matter. Her name was Izzy. She won my heart and changed my mind on the matter. I can't get enough of her and her strongly-colored red hair. Just take a look at this hair:

amazing

 

 

 

She is such a smiley little thing and she LOVES her big sister! But then again, Cambria's so cool, how could she not?

already a Rancid fan.

Missing My Family...

I'm so blessed to have such a great family and an understanding and sympathetic wife. It's really getting down to crunch time with the semester winding up and I've got more to do than I can wrap my mind around. During busy times like these I feel bad because inevitably Hallie and the girls end up getting slightly neglected. I feel bad working on projects while the girls are awake and I feel bad ignoring Hallie after the girls go to bed (though I have to sometimes), so I usually try to get most of my work done while everyone is sleeping, but then I get no sleep. And even if I attempt to work while the girls are awake, it's near impossible when you've got an energetic and lively thing like Cambria running around. It can quickly become a vicious cycle.

During times like these Hallie has started making trips down to SLC to visit family and friends and give me time to work without distractions. She is great. But it's a two-edged sword because I, of course, end up missing them all.

I love this song and it speaks volumes to how I feel about the three ladies in my life, especially Hallie.

You Never Know...

...who you married until you have kids. And sick kids at that. Hallie is such a great mom and has more patience than Mother Teresa, well, close. As of late, and by "as of late," I mean the last couple months, we have been dealing with on again/off again sickness. Though we've had breaks in between, it feels almost constant. We don't sleep much during these times and Hallie barely even gets to leave the house or see other humans. Does she complain? Nope. Is she pleasant? Almost always. Am I lucky? Most definitely. We have beautiful girls, but sometimes it's hard to see beauty through the eyes of a sick, irritable two-year-old and a sad little five-month-old. Yet, Hallie works wonders with them and still manages to make meals, clean and be amazing.

Thanks Hallie. The girls and I are lucky and blessed to have you.

This Year, Misc. Thoughts.

With the year coming to a close soon, I've been contemplating all that has taken place in 2010. It's been, well, another epic year. So much has happened big and small that it is astounding to me when I sit and try to absorb it all.

We welcomed Izzy to the Wilkins crew this year. She's been such a great little lady. She's almost always happy, she loves to smile and she's good at sleeping-all great traits for a young one! It's funny, Cambria wasn't a big fan of being cuddly as a baby, but Izzy LOVES to be held and cuddled, almost too much. It's funny to see how different the two have been right from the start. It was a rough start learning how to have two kids to keep track of and we're definitely still getting the hang of it, but things have gotten better. Most of the time Cambria is a good helper and she loves her little sister, but sometimes she doesn't understand why Izzy won't play and do things with her. Early on, Cambria tried to teach Izzy how to dance and how to eat Goldfish crackers (that was scary). I feel blessed to have two healthy, beautiful little girls and hope that I can be a good father to them.

Cambria turned two this year and has become quite the talker. She is almost never quiet. She's got to voice her opinion about everything and I mean everything! It's been so much fun to see her express herself through her words and be able to communicate with her that way. It's hard to believe that there was ever a time she didn't ramble away. She has more energy than most pro atheletes. I don't know how she does it. She astounds me. And she loves music and loves to dance. It's the best.

Hallie and I celebrated six years of marriage this year as well. Wow, six years. I can't imagine my life without her. She's such an inspiration to me in more ways than I can count. Her support of me and my goals in life is unreal and I hope someday I can repay her all the support, love and understanding she has given to me.


This year marked more college courses, inching my way toward a degree in fine art, with a graphic design emphasis. I have loved my schooling. At the close of each semester I feel a sadness that I am one semester closer to not having more courses that I can take and continue to learn. I have found a true thirst for knowledge. My perspective since graduating with my first degree has completely changed and I feel like a new person. I don't feel like I wasted time the first go-around, but having started a family, bought a home and lived "life," I see things differently that I did when I was a bachelor and newly married and am thankful for that perspective. I've found a love not only for design, but printmaking. Printmaking is a beautiful art and has taught me much about design principles, while allowing me limitless options to express myself through different mediums within the printmaking realm. I am specifially fond of woodcuts, or relief printmaking. There is something about carving the wood and inking it up that is indescribable. I love it.

Another life-changing experience that I was blessed with this year was the opportunity I had to be able to journey to Switzerland for a month on a study abroad trip with design and business students. I am so thankful that Hallie was supportive and believed in the good that could come of this trip. It was an experience that I chalk up right next to my mission in importance. I have a hard time expressing in words all that I learned about design, about business, about people and culture, about history, the list is endless. Living and studying in another country for even a month was invaluble to my education, my character and life persepective. The people I met, the things I saw and learned, I will look back fondly upon forever. It's strange though, I look at photographs from the trip and it feels like a dream, like it's not possible I ever stepped onto Swiss soil.

I love this time of year, because no matter what the trials were that came through the year, I always feel like "Hey, who cares? We made it!" Everything insignificant seems to fall by the wayside and I am able to see clearly how blessed I am. I'm always humbled to see the giving spirit of Christ in people this time of year. It joys my heart and gives me hope in humanity. I hope that wherever you are this Christmas season, whatever is happening in your life, whoever you are with, that you can feel the love of Christ in your hearts as you reflect on your year and feel hope and excitement for the year to come!

Thanks for reading.

Izzy: The Story

Thursday was a weird day. As I carved away on my slab 'o wood for printmaking, I was distracted. I was eagerly awaiting a call from Hallie and her report from the dr. Not only am I embarrassed at my first attempt at a woodcut this semester, but I was also very unfocused due to the fact that Hallie was six days past her due date. Finally I got a call. More or less, we were hoping that she would go into labor Thursday night and if she didn't, we'd have to look into ways to move things along as quick as we could to ensure the health of both baby and mom.



Thankfully, a few hours later, I got a call (yes, I'm still at school at this point-Thursdays are 13-hour days) and the contractions–though light–had begun. Phew...they were very inconsistent, but they were happening nonetheless.


After finally returning home from class around 8:30, Hallie and I watched some Magnum, p.i. and made it to bed by 10:30ish. Meanwhile, her contractions were slightly more consistent, but not much. So we waited.



At about 1:15-1:30 a.m, Hallie woke me up and gave me the green light to call her mom, have her come watch Cambria and have us make our journey to the hospital. All of which we did. By the time we arrived, around 1:50-2 a.m, the contractions were pretty close together and getting stronger. And by the time the nurse checked Hallie, she was already past a "7." Things were moving fast to say the least.


Hallie was brave and stronger than she's ever been. I could brag about her for years and never tire of it. She is so amazing. No epidural and not so much as a Tylenol; 100 percent natural and she did great every step of the way.


Having only pushed about 7-10 times in all, Izzy Mae Wilkins let out her first cry and greeted us with perfect health.


It's funny, but all I can do is compare her to Cambria. She's got Cambria's nose, her face and frame is thinner than Cambria's was and she weighs just less (7 lbs. compared to 7 lbs. 9 oz) and is taller at 21 inches (Cambria was 19).  Her hair is red. It's crazy. And she's balding like her old man. Who knows, maybe it will all fall out and come back a different color?


Not too long after having moved up to our room, we were taking a quick walk down the hall and who do we see walking toward us? Liza and Jackson. Hallie and Eliza grew up together and by happenstance became pregnant at the same time, though their due dates were over a week apart. Well, now our daughters are only hours apart in age. It was awesome to see good friends and know we're experiencing life's greatest joy at the same time, only nine doors away from each other!


Well folks. That's it. That's the story. Check back later for more chronicles of the Wilkins Fab Four.

seconds after delivery

getting to know one another face-to-face

I love it when they're little and sleep all the time-is that bad?

Cambria was excited to finally meet "sister."

best friends. cutest baby girls.

the girls. oh, and Cambria's baby that "sister," brought for her.

Zzzzzz...........

Hallie and I have been trying to "build," some "Z's," around Cambria and her crib lately. It's not working. It's hard to understand how your child, who has generally always been a great sleeper, can change like the flipping of a switch. You'd like to think you've instilled good habits into your children, but in the end, they still have their free agency to act how they will in spite of everything you've taught them and maybe they're just doing to spite you and show-although dependent on you-they can do what they want.

Well, these ramblings from a tired father who's been up since 3:30 this morning probably don't make much sense, so I'll call it good here. Thanks for listening.

Letter to the Editor.

To The Herald Journal editor:

In response Sunday’s article, “Feds asked to act on list,” there are a few things I read which make me feel like I’m taking crazy pills. First, I’d like to make it clear, that by no means, do I agree with, nor support, the illegal release of the name list, which consisted of 1,300 alleged illegal immigrants in Utah. However, peoples’ reaction to it–Glenn Bailey for instance–boggles my mind. Bailey is quoted as saying, “Nobody is going to apply for these programs if there is a risk they will be publicly shammed and embarrassed for it.” And later, when the author said, “The public release of the list created panic among many in the Hispanic community, who feared they would be unfairly targeted by immigration officials.”

We are blessed to live in a country which accepts all races and cultures. A country of opportunity, driven by its people and their will to succeed. But there is one catch: you must be a legal citizen. Is that a catch though? No, it’s a law. A law that protects the country and it’s people’s rights and privileges. No one is barred from being a citizen and it stands to reason that to work here and live here and benefit from our great nation, that you must be a legal part of it–which anyone can be. So why are we so worried about protecting those who come here illegally? Those who use programs–illegally–which are created to help Americans who have fallen on hard times and cannot support themselves? It seems to me that if someone is living here illegally and partaking of programs–which working American citizens pay for–they, the illegal immigrants, are the ones who should be shammed and embarrassed for doing so, not for getting caught red-handed.

And “unfairly targeted by immigration officials?” Really? Is it unfair to be deported to your country of origin if you are living somewhere illegally? No. Wake up America! What is the debate about? The better question is, “Why is there a debate over illegal immigrants and their status at all?” Have people forgotten what the word illegal means, and what laws are? The longer our great nation goes without tightening up on immigration issues, the more we hurt ourselves and our own people who need special assistance. If I went to another country, lived and worked there illegally and abused their goodwill, it wouldn’t be looked highly upon. It’s not prejudice, it’s logic. It’s law.

To all: come to America, live here, work here, love here. But please, do it legally.

Sincerely,

Jeremy Wilkins

Logan, UT.

Summer

Ah, summer. It's coming to an end soon. Even though summer as an adult resembles nothing like summer as a kid, there is something within me that feels that growing anxiety that it will soon come to a close.

Remember when summer was running around all day and playing? Running here and running there. Swimming here and swimming there. Going to drive-in movies. Doing this and doing that. The days seemed to last as long as years, only in the best way possible. And summer itself...seemed to last for centuries. Youth, it was great.

Now that I'm older, married with one of my own children and one on the way, summer sun still shines bright, only now it makes me sweat and I have to run inside to stay cool. Things have changed. Life and it's realities have their grip on me. But the kid in me–the one who used to grab a swim towel, wear it as a cape and run around like a maniac–is still lurking not too far down and is sad that back to school ads have begun to surface and another magical summer is coming to an end. But that's ok, there will be more. And one day my kids will appreciate them as I did, and one day as I do now.

Farewell

Tomorrow morning I'll be flying across the ocean to another land for a time. I don't promise any posts while I'm away because I know I'll be busy (though I'm not sure how many still read this blog anyhow), but I will be updating my photo blog weekly, so stop by and see what's going on.

Most importantly, stop by and see Hallie and Cambria or call them if you can. I'm going to try to stay focused on what I'm doing and the reason it's important for our family, but I know part of me will be worrying about my wonderful wife, beautiful daughter and daughter to be. I know they'll be alright and our families will take good care of them, but it doesn't mean I'm not going to worry, right? Of course I will, I mean, it's me. And I worry. About everything. Take care and farewell.

SWITZERLAND: JUNE 4-JULY 3

For those who don't know, I am going on a study abroad design program to Switzerland. Am I stoked? Yes. Am I apprehensive? Yes. I have a lot of different feelings, but the bottom line is that Hallie and I feel like the program will be of enough worth to my education and benefit for our family that it is worth it.

I could go on forever about the pros and the cons, but I'll spare you that. It would be easy to do though, because I feel like I still do it everyday in my head, even though things have been set since Jan/Feb. What it all comes down to is that we sacrificed a lot when we left SLC for me to return to college for another degree and our frame of mind is to do everything possible to make it all worth it. So here we are. Here I am. Here I go.

Mom & Daughter

There is nothing like the bond between a mother and her daughter. I've taken notice and thought this before, but on Saturday when I saw Cambria literally sprint toward Hallie on sight
and Hallie to Cambria, I knew.

As of Late

Things have been pretty hectic as of late. Last week wasn't a real winner for me when it came to catching my nightly "Z's." The semester is winding down and it always seems like no matter how on top of things you are, the last few assignments and semester-finishing activities always come with fury. I think professors feel the same too.

The BFA review for my graphic design emphasis was on Friday and preparing for that took a nice chunk of time. I started my first-ever woodcut last week too. I must have gone to the printer (or Hallie) a million times to drop off and pick up assignments that needed quality, professional printing. Crazy week. Good news is I made it into the design program. And I got almost everything accomplished I had hoped to.

Reviewing the last week or so in my mind, has once again, made me feel very lucky/blessed to have this chance to be back in school and pursuing my dreams—dreams that will hopefully support my family soon. Is there anything better than being able to work for a living doing something that you like to do? I don't think so. As my thoughts are continually swirling around in my mess of head, I always come back to how thankful I am for Hallie and the sacrifice she is making for all this to be taking place and for her undying support and strength. Thank you Hallie, I love you. Forever.

Come on, it's just ME!

Over the last couple years something funny has consistently come to my attention from people that have become my friends and it cracks me up every time I hear it. Apparently before people get to know me, they think I'm a real tuff guy and are really scared of me and intimidated. Of course after getting to know me, they see how big of a softy I am. And I really am. I'm not entirely ashamed to admit that I'll shed tears during a movie or television show if it hits me right. It is embarrassing however, that I have been known to cry whilst watching a commercial or two (though I never did until after Cambria came along, so I like to push the blame to her on that one).

So what is it? The beard? The skull shirts? The music? The overpowering soda mugs? I'm curious.

Unexpected

I'm listening to one of my favorite records of all time while I etch away on my copper plate for my printmaking class and was remembering how off guard I was taken the first time I heard The Anniversary's second album, Your Majesty. For those like me who played their first release to death, I'm sure it was the same ear-popping, jaw-dropping shock and awe. At first, I didn't like it. Not one bit. Then it hit me. I got it. And the rest is history. Now I just feel like they were complete musical geniuses for taking such a chance. I only wish they would have put out a proper third album.

Have you ever had a similar experience? With what band and album?

Really?

As some of you know, I have been looking for a part time job as of late due to some extra time that opened up in my college schedule. From my history in Logan, I know jobs are hard to come by, but I thought to myself, "Hey I'm a college graduate now with working experience, life experience and I am ambitious enough to be going back to school for another degree in my late 20's." Too bad none of that matters.

Since the last week of January I have been searching high and low for anything that I can find. And nothing.

It's seems so absurd that I had an easier time finding jobs at age 16 then now at 28, with a degree and working experience. There's something funny and disturbing about that. That's life I guess.

Total Eclipse of the Heart

In high school, Friday nights were the pinnacle of the week. The release of pent up teenage emotion from a hard week at school (ha, I wish life was that 'hard' still). Friday night plans usually started being discussed among friends beginning on Tuesday because, man the week was such a drag. So the second the school bell rang on Friday afternoon, all bets were off. Despite all the talk during the week about how awesome Friday night was going to be when we were all hanging out and free of our stress, on occasion, the night would totally bomb and nothing would end up happening. You remember right?

Well, in my group of friends on a wasted Friday night, this usually meant we ended up in front of the TV watching something stupid because we didn't have anything better to do. Last resort boredom. So depressing. But then there was Jesse. One of his favorite things to do in these instances was to find a program that looked ridiculous, hit the mute button and do all the dialogue for the characters on the TV. Some nights this would seriously go on for a couple hours if the show was right and those involved (led by Jesse) were feelin' it just right. Ah, the memories.

This last Saturday night, my friend Tony showed me this video of the 80s song, "Total Eclipse of the Heart," and I almost died. It totally reminded me of those bombed Friday nights when Jesse would lead a group of friends in improvising an entire movie while the mute button was on. This video is genius. Really. It is dang funny. The people that do the voice over singing are amazing. And the best part is, the video footage is the real music video for the song that we all know. Man, what was wrong with the person who came up with the concept to this video? You'll know what I mean after watching it.

District 9?

*Spoiler Alert*

So last weekend I watched District 9 and would like to hear some thoughts from those of you who have seen it as well.
I didn't have overly high hopes for it, but initially was interested when it came out, so I wouldn't say that I placed an unreasonable amount of expectations upon it. Anyway, for the first 35-45 minutes I was fascinated in the way the film was laid out almost like a documentary. It kept me interested. The acting was fine and even all the special effects with the aliens, or "Prawns," as they were commonly referred to, were ok with me.
When the movie ended though, I was surprised. I didn't care. To me, the sign of a good movie, is one that when it ends, you still want to be watching it, or want to watch it again. When the credits for D9 began to roll, all I could feel was a sense of relief that I didn't have to keep wondering if it was going to get better or not. Obviously, for me, it never "got better."
Here are my problems with the film:

1. So dude (main guy) accidentally sprays himself with the fluid from the narrow canister, which we later find out is the prawns fuel to run their ship. I can't wrap my mind around why it is that the prawns' spaceship gas turns him into one of them. Would the humans' gasoline in the movie have turned the prawns into humans? I mean, come on, it was the stupid fuel that turns this guy into one of them? That's just ridiculous, even for a sci-fi movie. It would have made much more sense, if it was some sort of plan of the prawns to take over the human race by using an airborne version of the fluid to turn the humans into their kind. But no. The space gas has the power to change a human into an alien. Sigh...

2. When dude finally turns into a full-blown alien by the end of the movie, it didn't even phase me. And that is evidenced by the fact that I don't even remember his name and continue to refer to him as "dude." I don't think the character development was enough for me to care. Sure, he was a nice guy, who loved his beautiful wife, with the best of intentions and a really good company puppet, but I just didn't care that he was going through what he was going through. The only moment I almost cared was the very end when his wife talks about the aluminum flower she finds on her doorstep and then the scene cuts to a prawn (dude) making an aluminum flower. But still, too little, too late. And this is coming from a guy who admittedly cries at TV commercials on occasion.

3. The movie is obviously (as far as I understood it) another play on how we treat others who are not like us (anyone seen Avatar lately?). And yes, of course there is a lesson to be learned here, but once again, I felt very unsympathetic. It would have been one thing if the humans had gone to their planet and tried to take over, but the aliens/prawns came to them-to earth. So really, in my eyes, it was more of a population control problem that the humans were dealing with and I sympathized with that more than anything. I mean, seriously, what if there were over a million creepy aliens that showed up in your "front yard," totally helpless and annoying like these guys? What would you do? If you were a decent person, even though they were different (and annoying), you'd try to help them somehow. Right? And that's what the humans in the movie did. But there's only so much you can do with a species that will not peacefully and reasonably coexist with the species that first occupied the area. So, they gave them some of their own land and homes (though horrible and slum-like. Can you blame them though? I mean those prawns were one messy, disgusting bunch), but really, they were probably just wondering when that friggin' prawn mechanic was going to get their ship repaired so they could go home. I mean this felt like You, Me and Dupree, with the aliens being like Owen Wilson and overstaying their welcome.

I'll spare you the rest of my thoughts, but those are my main complaints. And would love to hear your thoughts and insights-even if they are completely opposite of mine, because maybe I'm a moron and totally missed the point.

Resolutions? Let's Get Real. Hopefully.

There's no doubt that with a new year there comes some added inspiration to be better in some way or many ways, but new year's resolutions are laughable to me. Do we really need a new year to make us the person we want to be or would rather be? I hope not, cause that means when we fail-and inevitably we will, and probably early on in the year-we'll have a long time to wait until-by these standards-we can once again resolute to do better. Why not just challenge ourselves constantly through the year? Instead, most make their "legit," resolutions, don't keep them and then it's back to business as usual until we find ourselves doing the same thing again next year.

I say, screw it. I'm not going to be that person anymore...at least I hope, right?

*Post inspired by the one and only Jesse Crowley*

Us

It's funny, most of the time when people see our family they say how much Hallie and Cambria look alike. Personally, I think Cambria is the most perfect mix of the two of us that there could be. However, when you break it down to Hallie's baby pics vs. my baby pics, Cambria and I look much more alike then Hallie and Cambria. I wish I had a baby pic of Hallie on hand for another comparison, but I don't at the moment. I also wish my pic was in color, because at that age, my hair was nearly identical to Cambria's in her picture.

What do you think?