A(nother) Wedding

The last of my college buddies has taken the dive. Jason in 2010, Jay in 2011 and now Jay in 2012. Certainly not me in 2013 so don't ask.

His wedding and reception were both held at the Danversport Yacht Club. The three of us were groomsmen ushers but certainly didn't complain. The bar was a cash bar but we certainly didn't complain. The DJ was... actually, I think the DJ was pretty good. I'm being a little melodramatic but we actually had a fine time. The food was good, the video diary was cool and hanging out at the hotel afterwards was fun.

It's just hard to believe that we're already at this "adult" phase of our lives. Weddings? Owning homes? Kids??? Our 5 year college reunion was just this year! Per usual, growing older scares me.

It's one thing to witness others do it, even though it still gets in my head a bit. But then to actually consider these things for myself? It's like a constant freakout. Nothing really changes when you buy a house or when you get married but at the same time everything changes. I've come to the realization that I'll never feel ready for these things even though I actually am and want them.

I've got the house so that's a step. I'm apparently getting a cat next year so that's happening. Plus, I've got this gal who's eagerly awaiting my move. It doesn't really sound scary at all. I just have to step up.

Hawaii

Brig and I took a vacation (just a vacation) to Maui. We were there for a week and it was everything I dreamt it would be. I wanted to keep a running diary of our trip but at the same time I didn't want to interfere with the whole experience of it. So, I used Foursquare to check into the restaurants we went to and then the next week when I was back in the office I re-created notes of our days based around where we had eaten and while my memory was still fresh. I have a Google Doc saved of our week and I would paste it here but I really added every little thing I could think of so it likely won't be of interest to everyone. But I'll try and boil it down to some major happenings.

Saturday:
Super long flight from Boston to Dallas/Fort Worth then to Kahului Airport
Rental unit in Kihei right across the street from the beach

Sunday:
Road to Hana
Lost both our sunglasses by Big Momma waves

Monday:
Surfing lessons
Pool visit

Tuesday:
Haleakala Crater
Iao Needle

Wednesday:
Brig's 26th!
Dinner at renowned Mama's Fish House

Thursday:
Te Au Moana luau
Got lei'd and ate pig roast

Friday:
Drove to Lahaina
Swam with a sea turtle

Saturday:
Spent 4 hours between rental car drop off and flight takeoff at airport bar
Worst flight ever

Well, there you go... Now it's like you were there too! But seriously, go. Just go. You don't need a reason. It's a life changer.

The Prodigal Son

So I was told I haven’t blogged in a little while. I think I need to ease my way back into it. Let’s start with what has happened to me since my last post.

I went to Hawaii.

I was in my friend’s wedding.

I went to a Sox game. (Yes, my last post was that long ago.)

I met Brig’s new work friend.

I read a book about Red Sox history and trivia.

I dressed up as Mr. Potato Head & Buzz Lightyear for Halloween (not at the same time).

I saw Ben Gibbard in concert.

I went to a surprise party for my friend’s birthday.

I took Brig to her fave buffet place.

I completed a 5K.

I watched Season 1 of Girls and started Season 2 of Game of Thrones.

I saw Looper & Skyfall.

I went to a Philadelphia suburb to spend Thanksgiving with Brig’s sister and boyfriend.

I started a new job.

Pretty busy couple months, right? I know what you’re thinking: “It’s pretty cool to know what he’s been up to but I want details! I wish he would write a post on each topic.” Well, consider your wish partially granted. I’ll do some picking and choosing and you’ll get further insight on some of my goings-on.

Current fave song

I am infinitely jealous of that falsetto.

Album Review: Gotye "Making Mirrors"

This album was released in August of last year so, obviously, this review will be breaking news. Also, I haven’t reviewed an album since November 2010 so I should be on top of my game. Enjoy!

Gotye came out of literally nowhere (not literally) with a world changing album (just one song) to top the charts (until Carly Rae happened). But seriously, the fact that “Somebody That I Used To Know” was as huge a success as it was really gives me hope for society. Here are some other 2012 #1 songs: “Sexy and I Know It,” “We Found Love,” “Call Me Maybe,” and “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.” While Taylor Swift used to have some songwriting cred this is pure Max Martin pop formula so Gotye’s is the only smart, creative, interesting song of the bunch.

When I heard his next single, “Eyes Wide Open,” it was clear to me he was more than a one-hit wonder. It was another singable, thoughtful song that was a sort of indie/pop hybrid. So I was excited to listen to his whole album (even though it took me awhile to throw on the old headphones and do it). But I came away disappointed.

The first song isn’t a song. The second song feels like it was placed there because they didn’t want “Somebody…” too early on the album. “Eyes Wide Open” is right after it then 4-5 weird, way too poppy for what most people consider “his sound” to be, songs and 3-4 OK ones to wrap it up. Not really a sterling effort.

Normally, I’d say he’s still trying to find himself as an artist because he’s new to me (and most people) but this is actually his third album and he’s been recording/performing since 2003. He should really embrace the “Somebody…” dynamic because that’s what he’s (1) successful at and (2) people recognize him as. But the straight pop stuff does not suit him. Cut that out and this record isn’t half bad.