Never Text and Mall Walk

Weekend

It's the weekend. So here's a song called "Weekend."

Leaving Logan

Almost seven years ago, I left Logan for the first time. It was my first time living away from home and what began as a very difficult experience grew into a life-changing memory. I made many friends. I went out shopping and did laundry on my own for the first time. I fell in love with ultimate frisbee. I had my first real part time job. I grew to love the quiet college town with its beautiful scenery and friendly residents. It had become my home. But I had to leave to accomplish serving a mission. When I drove down Main Street leaving the town behind, I cried. I was only going to be gone for two years, but I cried.

Two weeks ago, I left Logan for the second time. A winter storm was approaching so we had to move quick. My dad and I threw all my belongings into boxes and garbage bags and piled them into our family's Suburban. Everyone was still gone for Christmas break, so there were no goodbyes and definitely no crying. The whole process was like ripping off a Band-Aid. Only it was a Band-Aid that had been attached to my heart and soul for nearly a decade.

Last Thursday, I went back to Logan to say goodbye. I visited USU campus and the Best Western. I drove down Main Street again and up the roads where I'd like to walk and think. I said goodbye to my friends. I slept in my old apartment. (with permission, of course.) Most importantly, I was able to close that chapter of my life. I love everything about Logan and Cache Valley, but it had run its course. I'm excited for Salt Lake City and whatever new challenges and experience await. And I'll look forward to returning to Logan again. As a visitor.

The Return

New Year's Resolution #1: Write/blog more often

What? Did you think I had died? I thought I forgot about you? You thought I didn't love you anymore? On the contrary, my friends. The past *cough* four months *cough* have been busy and weird. I packed up and left Logan. I dyed my hair black. I brought back the Annie dress for a triumphant Halloween reprise. I went to South Bend. Christmas happened and so did Thanksgiving. The Utes were great, then sucked, were good again, and then really sucked. The Niners were a disaster. The Jazz are fun and confusing. I brought the beard back. I graduated college. I am unemployed.

For some reason I never blogged about any of this.

I can't spend much time apologizing for that. I can't even count how many times I have began a blog post or journal entry with "I'm sorry it's been such a long time..." and I can't even promise that this is the last hiatus for Paper Badge. But, I'm posting today and that is all that matters right now.

Final Twilight

You can't spell summer without TwiCon!

For the past two months my senses have been overloaded as I attended all but one of the Twilight Concert Series shows. (I missed Big Boi and Chromeo for a family vacation) I was smothered by the crowds at Modest Mouse. (Worst crowds of any show I have ever been to) I moshed with the herds at Girl Talk. (Also receiving my first real second-hand marijuana high) I was wowed by Beirut and uber-wowed by the New Pornogrpahers. Sharon Jones melted my face. I discovered some great new bands. (Memory Tapes, The Dodos, and Jamie Lidell) TwiCon has become my favorite part of summer and 2010 surpassed 2009. I can't wait until next year! Here are some pics from the final show: She & Him.

The Dum Dum Girls, who opened the show. Their look freaked me out but they actually impressed me. I'm easily impressed, but still, a good show in my book.

Here is our little group. The odds were in mine and Ben's favor. And not in favor.

Kasie and Nicole with Nicole's friends. I don't remember your names, but if you ever stumble across this blog and read this post, you are great. The End.

Kasie, Ben, Nicole, and random dude get their mischievous face on.

Gwen did not want her picture taken and decided the best defense was, of course, karate.

But she lightened up once I got in the shot.

She & Him came out and played their music, which is all light, fluffy, similar songs. Simultaneously boring and good.

Most everyone was there to get a good look at Zooey Deschanel, movie star of Elf, 500 Days of Summer, and Yes Man fame. She did not disappoint in the music department. Or in the looks department.

Although I was happy to see Zooey (the She), I was even more happy to see M.Ward (the Him). He takes a backseat during most of their songs, but on a few occasions he took center stage and shredded. My overall feeling about the concert was a desire for a lot for Him and a little less She.