Yeeehaaaw! Come on over to the shingle shack for a little bit of backwoods paradise.
Our backyard is currently filled with the following:
-1 couch, 5 camping chairs, and 2 office chairs surrounding...
-our firepit.
-1 trapoline
-1 hockey net (?)
-1 homeless man living in a tent.
The homeless man is actually our buddy Matt. He'll be there for the next month until he moves to Central America. We're glad to have him, simply because it adds to the grandeur that is the Shingle Shack.
UPDATE: There was a shopping cart in the front lawn this morning. Something's going to have to change.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
The Mystery Roommate
Two or three weeks ago, the wonderful Elsworth Properties informed us that someone was moving into the upstairs private room. shucks. That meant that my shared room really had to become a shared room. Oh well. Don't worry. This post gets better.
Sure enough, a day or two later there was a bag of clothes and two boxes in the room. But...there was no roommate. It stayed like that for a while. I started worrying that he might have been kidnapped by the mafia. No one at his old place missed him, because he'd moved out. None of us missed him because we hadn't met him yet. No one was in a position to report this to the authorities.
Then one day there was a slight change- a new box and some things put away. I started sleeping better at night, but still didn't know the new roommate. There have since been more changes. The door has been open. The door has been closed. The bathroom had an eerily humid feel yesterday, though none of us had showered for hours. It has been a frequent topic during late night house discussions.
Then, this morning I woke up early in the morning for work, and made the first recorded sighting of the man...or myth...whichever he may be. Through a cracked door, I can confirm that he has at least a head, which sticks out of light blue sheets. It's not much, but neither was the patterson film when it first came out.
Sure enough, a day or two later there was a bag of clothes and two boxes in the room. But...there was no roommate. It stayed like that for a while. I started worrying that he might have been kidnapped by the mafia. No one at his old place missed him, because he'd moved out. None of us missed him because we hadn't met him yet. No one was in a position to report this to the authorities.
Then one day there was a slight change- a new box and some things put away. I started sleeping better at night, but still didn't know the new roommate. There have since been more changes. The door has been open. The door has been closed. The bathroom had an eerily humid feel yesterday, though none of us had showered for hours. It has been a frequent topic during late night house discussions.
Then, this morning I woke up early in the morning for work, and made the first recorded sighting of the man...or myth...whichever he may be. Through a cracked door, I can confirm that he has at least a head, which sticks out of light blue sheets. It's not much, but neither was the patterson film when it first came out.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Updates
I read through most of my old posts and kept thinking, "wow, life isn't nearly as cool as it used to be." Then I realized that maybe I just don't write enough down that happens. Nothing big is worth noting, but here are a few smaller things:
-Intramural soccer: After a bad experience in the male-only middle division, I was convinced to try again in co-ed lower division. It's been a blast! We lost the first game 12-1, lost two more, finally tied someone, and haven't lost since! Tuesday we're in the quarterfinals of the tournament, so everyone needs to wear that Stihl Chainsaw Gorillas fan apperal that I know is hiding somewhere in the closet.
-Speaking of soccer, World Cup action starts on Friday! Four years ago I was living in the host country, where I came down with a bad case of world cup fever. It hasn't gone away. A lot of the guys I've lived with here have been big fans, so I'll have some friends to watch them with. Saturday is the U.S. - England match, and I'll be in Sandy with Tanner watching. I haven't seen him in a while, so it will be great.
-Cycling: I've had a tough time being motivated to do well. I've only done one race this year that didn't go so well, and I'm finding it hard to want to sign up for another one. Even still, it's been fun to get out and ride now and again. I've been pretty diligent about riding the bus to work and getting the 17 miles in on the bike back home. As soon as school gets out, I've got two big rides planned- Nebo loop and the Alpine loop scenic backway to Heber. I'll try to remember to take a camera.
-Work: I'm still loving it. I've recently gotten a lot updated on the ol' powertri.com website. Now I'm doing more to make sure that products are linking to our in store inventory, which has been somewhat of a software mystery. It's something different- a bit more problem solving, which has been fun. It's also nice feeling like I am needed. I've never felt that at a job before this one, and I certianly don't get that too much at school, or being single. Additionally there are a some great people to work with. My buddy Rus comes in at 6 in the morning like I do, so now I'm not alone for the first couple of hours.
-School: I suppose that I can't complain too much. It's been tough to want to do anything, especially now that I don't get the scholarship that I used to (long story). I've only got a week and a half left, and then about 10 weeks off, which I am hoping will recharge the old batteries. My grades are not going to be stellar for the first time in a while, but at this point I don't have much energy to care.
-New Place: The new house is great. We are down to four for the rest of the summer, which means I have my own room. I really like the guys that live here. Eric's from Idaho with some ranching background. I've lived with a couple people like that and they are always the best. He's also got some mean piano skills. If blogs had sound, and if they were in real time, you'd hear him in the background right now. Mike keeps me social. He's the captain of the earlier mentioned Stihl Chainsaw Gorillas. His big hobby is stand up comedy, which never fails to entertain. Brenton is also an Idaho man. He actually just started working there during the week and only being here on weekends, so I don't see him much, but he's great too.
The house has a record player. I've never had too much interest in music, and I've never bought any, but it's rather fun to jam out to the sweet sounds of the 60s that are sitting around.
-New Calling- I'm the sunday school president in my new ward. I don't like the idea of being the president of anything, but I'm sure it won't be too bad.
-Other thoughts: I've been thinking a lot recently about some career options. That's nothing new, but I've never really talked about it with anyone else. I guess I just wanted to avoid having to say those dreaded words, "Uh, yeah. That didn't really work out", and having to say it all the time. I've realize that by doing that I was denying myself of any of the help and input that people could have given me. I'm starting to give up on finding that passion of mine that I would just love doing for the rest of my life. I think the only thing I'm really passionate about is a relatively simple life without too many restrictions. I don't want to have my job be something that I build my life around. I want everything about my life to define me, and not just a big career where I am constantly having to compete and pursue more.
Right now I'm trying to look into pharmacy school. UNM has a good program, and in-state tuition would be nice. I've also heard that you can get it all paid for if you only agree to work 3 years in NM afterward. One issue is that there are 91 hours of prerequisites, which is tons more that most schools. I have about 45 more to get through. A rough estimate makes me think that I could actually get all of those done in the next year, if I didn't want to care about a bachelor's degree (which I understand is recommended, but not necessary). It'd be pretty nonstop, but I'm feeling a bit like moving on right now.
All of this is rather preliminary. I hope that I can decide on it, because I'm starting to feel a little old. Even if I do, there is still the issue of getting accepted and then being able to do it. I've never worried about that before, but recently I've had more doubts about what my abilities are.
Well, I'm signing off now. This is Taylor, reporting from Provo. Good night, and good luck.
-Intramural soccer: After a bad experience in the male-only middle division, I was convinced to try again in co-ed lower division. It's been a blast! We lost the first game 12-1, lost two more, finally tied someone, and haven't lost since! Tuesday we're in the quarterfinals of the tournament, so everyone needs to wear that Stihl Chainsaw Gorillas fan apperal that I know is hiding somewhere in the closet.
-Speaking of soccer, World Cup action starts on Friday! Four years ago I was living in the host country, where I came down with a bad case of world cup fever. It hasn't gone away. A lot of the guys I've lived with here have been big fans, so I'll have some friends to watch them with. Saturday is the U.S. - England match, and I'll be in Sandy with Tanner watching. I haven't seen him in a while, so it will be great.
-Cycling: I've had a tough time being motivated to do well. I've only done one race this year that didn't go so well, and I'm finding it hard to want to sign up for another one. Even still, it's been fun to get out and ride now and again. I've been pretty diligent about riding the bus to work and getting the 17 miles in on the bike back home. As soon as school gets out, I've got two big rides planned- Nebo loop and the Alpine loop scenic backway to Heber. I'll try to remember to take a camera.
-Work: I'm still loving it. I've recently gotten a lot updated on the ol' powertri.com website. Now I'm doing more to make sure that products are linking to our in store inventory, which has been somewhat of a software mystery. It's something different- a bit more problem solving, which has been fun. It's also nice feeling like I am needed. I've never felt that at a job before this one, and I certianly don't get that too much at school, or being single. Additionally there are a some great people to work with. My buddy Rus comes in at 6 in the morning like I do, so now I'm not alone for the first couple of hours.
-School: I suppose that I can't complain too much. It's been tough to want to do anything, especially now that I don't get the scholarship that I used to (long story). I've only got a week and a half left, and then about 10 weeks off, which I am hoping will recharge the old batteries. My grades are not going to be stellar for the first time in a while, but at this point I don't have much energy to care.
-New Place: The new house is great. We are down to four for the rest of the summer, which means I have my own room. I really like the guys that live here. Eric's from Idaho with some ranching background. I've lived with a couple people like that and they are always the best. He's also got some mean piano skills. If blogs had sound, and if they were in real time, you'd hear him in the background right now. Mike keeps me social. He's the captain of the earlier mentioned Stihl Chainsaw Gorillas. His big hobby is stand up comedy, which never fails to entertain. Brenton is also an Idaho man. He actually just started working there during the week and only being here on weekends, so I don't see him much, but he's great too.
The house has a record player. I've never had too much interest in music, and I've never bought any, but it's rather fun to jam out to the sweet sounds of the 60s that are sitting around.
-New Calling- I'm the sunday school president in my new ward. I don't like the idea of being the president of anything, but I'm sure it won't be too bad.
-Other thoughts: I've been thinking a lot recently about some career options. That's nothing new, but I've never really talked about it with anyone else. I guess I just wanted to avoid having to say those dreaded words, "Uh, yeah. That didn't really work out", and having to say it all the time. I've realize that by doing that I was denying myself of any of the help and input that people could have given me. I'm starting to give up on finding that passion of mine that I would just love doing for the rest of my life. I think the only thing I'm really passionate about is a relatively simple life without too many restrictions. I don't want to have my job be something that I build my life around. I want everything about my life to define me, and not just a big career where I am constantly having to compete and pursue more.
Right now I'm trying to look into pharmacy school. UNM has a good program, and in-state tuition would be nice. I've also heard that you can get it all paid for if you only agree to work 3 years in NM afterward. One issue is that there are 91 hours of prerequisites, which is tons more that most schools. I have about 45 more to get through. A rough estimate makes me think that I could actually get all of those done in the next year, if I didn't want to care about a bachelor's degree (which I understand is recommended, but not necessary). It'd be pretty nonstop, but I'm feeling a bit like moving on right now.
All of this is rather preliminary. I hope that I can decide on it, because I'm starting to feel a little old. Even if I do, there is still the issue of getting accepted and then being able to do it. I've never worried about that before, but recently I've had more doubts about what my abilities are.
Well, I'm signing off now. This is Taylor, reporting from Provo. Good night, and good luck.
Friday, May 21, 2010
I love my Job
I don't even pretend to be a diligent blogger any more, but I do have one excuse- someone else is paying me to write on a different blog.
Check out my latest post for powertri: http://www.powertri-blog.com/biking/road-racing-a-story-of-blasphemy-and-betrayal.html#comments
Some of it will only make sense to the cyclist and trathlete, but it's still worth a read. Above all I love the comments. I have the coolest bosses and coworkers ever.
Check out my latest post for powertri: http://www.powertri-blog.com/biking/road-racing-a-story-of-blasphemy-and-betrayal.html#comments
Some of it will only make sense to the cyclist and trathlete, but it's still worth a read. Above all I love the comments. I have the coolest bosses and coworkers ever.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
New Casa
That's right folks. Taylor is the proud new tenant of Provo's only BYU approved pirate shanty. A bit goofy looking, I'll admit, but there are 2 kitchens, 2 bathrooms, and 2 living rooms for 6 guys. There is also a washer, dryer, and piano. I can't beat that for less than what I'm paying at the Roman Gardens Apartments, which by the way, have no gardens, and nothing to do with anything Roman.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Back from the Dead
The first exciting thing in 3+ months happened today, so it's time for a new post.....Actually, I've just been a bum.
BUT- Something actually did happen. I came out of my apartment this afternoon right as someone was walking in front of the door carrying a dead fox. My roommate saw him gutting it a couple hours later in the courtyard outside our door. That's reason number 17 I need a new place to live.
'Til next time. And I promise it'll be in the next couple of weeks.
BUT- Something actually did happen. I came out of my apartment this afternoon right as someone was walking in front of the door carrying a dead fox. My roommate saw him gutting it a couple hours later in the courtyard outside our door. That's reason number 17 I need a new place to live.
'Til next time. And I promise it'll be in the next couple of weeks.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
That's m' roomate.
Drew picked up the banjo about 2 or 3 months ago. Now listen to him totally tear it up! I'm so proud.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPQpW8XvpkM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPQpW8XvpkM
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Provo on the national scene
I got the crap beat out of me in Provo once. Hahahaha
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCfztXDZhNo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCfztXDZhNo
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Lycra shorts on campus? Just give me a reason.
Advertising is in full swing for the BYU true cougar triathlon. (www.byutraithlon.com). I had the honor of manning the booth in the Wilkenson Student Center for 3 or 4 hours on Wednesday, and I did it in style- above the knee, form fitting cycling shorts. (how many ways can I break the honor code at once? I think I also didn't shave that morning) I brought my trainer and bike in, and rode a good 40 miles while trying my best to convince everyone walking by that they need to do their first triathlon. Now we wait and see where the registration numbers go.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Vegas!
Last Thursday Grant and I went to Las Vegas. After a night of drinking, gambling, and womanizing, we spent the night at the Bellagio.
OK, so that's not exactly how it happened. But, we did stay at the Bellagio. We were on the 32nd floor, in some small room that they had to fit between several massive suites. Here's the view from our room.:
A TV! In the Bathroom! I played classical music on it while I showered. 
The key to Vegas is to stroll around slowly with your head tilted, acting like absolutely nothing impresses you:
After walking around like this, telling everyone we could that we were on a business trip, we put on our bellagio slippers and bathrobes, and hung out on the 32nd floor lobby.
Then we put the robes back in the room (not the slippers), and went down to the casino. We stood around in our PJs, eating swedish fish and watching people lose money.
Friday was interbike! In addition to just having expenses paid, I got several hours worth of pay just to be at the convention. I don't have pictures, but just believe me- it was amazing! We had appointments with quite a few of our suppliers, but in between we just walked around and drooled. Eddy Merckx and Mark Allen were there, and I saw the tour bikes that guys like Cavendish, Contador, Cancellara and Schleck had ridden this year. In addition, there was just a ton of really cool, really expensive things.
We left the convention, drove to St. George, and stayed at the budget inn:
OK, so that's not exactly how it happened. But, we did stay at the Bellagio. We were on the 32nd floor, in some small room that they had to fit between several massive suites. Here's the view from our room.:
A TV! In the Bathroom! I played classical music on it while I showered. 
The key to Vegas is to stroll around slowly with your head tilted, acting like absolutely nothing impresses you:
After walking around like this, telling everyone we could that we were on a business trip, we put on our bellagio slippers and bathrobes, and hung out on the 32nd floor lobby.
Then we put the robes back in the room (not the slippers), and went down to the casino. We stood around in our PJs, eating swedish fish and watching people lose money.
Friday was interbike! In addition to just having expenses paid, I got several hours worth of pay just to be at the convention. I don't have pictures, but just believe me- it was amazing! We had appointments with quite a few of our suppliers, but in between we just walked around and drooled. Eddy Merckx and Mark Allen were there, and I saw the tour bikes that guys like Cavendish, Contador, Cancellara and Schleck had ridden this year. In addition, there was just a ton of really cool, really expensive things.
We left the convention, drove to St. George, and stayed at the budget inn:
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Bus Ride
I have a new favorite time of the day: 5:28-5:56 am. Now that I am working at powertri, I have a little commute. I drove the first couple of days, but then I realized that a bike/bus combination gets me to and from work just about perfectly. I get a great deal on a annual bus pass, and so the last few days I have tried it. I LOVE IT! Provo is wonderfully peaceful early.
In addition, it brings back some great memories. Yesterday, things were pretty crowded on the way home. I was packed in with about 80 other people, and someone didn't smell too good. The only thing that could have made it better, was if there had been no air conditioning. I would have been in european bliss.
In addition, it brings back some great memories. Yesterday, things were pretty crowded on the way home. I was packed in with about 80 other people, and someone didn't smell too good. The only thing that could have made it better, was if there had been no air conditioning. I would have been in european bliss.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
New Job?
I have had a very good job at the cannon center (I've started giving it more fancy names, such as The Cannon Lounge and Bistro). At the same time, I've kept one eye open for anything better that might be offered around campus.
I think I found it. Yesterday I read that the BYU art department is currently seeking male models for sculpting, painting, and figure drawing. I can just see my resume now. 130 lbs of the most chiseled skin and bones you'll ever find.
Today I asked, and found out that next week I'll hit my one year mark and receive a raise at Le Cannón. On second thought, perhaps I'll just stay there.
I think I found it. Yesterday I read that the BYU art department is currently seeking male models for sculpting, painting, and figure drawing. I can just see my resume now. 130 lbs of the most chiseled skin and bones you'll ever find.
Today I asked, and found out that next week I'll hit my one year mark and receive a raise at Le Cannón. On second thought, perhaps I'll just stay there.
Staycation Udates and Plans
I'm really glad that I decided to stay in Provo for the school break. It is going to be an awesome two weeks. Here is what's happened already.
-I went a 8 days without shaving for the first time in months. I was a BYU student livin' on the edge. If it weren't for my dang job, I'd have gone even longer.
-Grant has movie nights every now and then on his big projector and surround sound system. We watched O, Brother where art thou. I'd heard about it, but never seen it. I highly recommend it.
-Plenty of table tennis.
-I've gotten in about an hour a day on the organ. I still can't play worth squat, but its getting better.
-Robert moved to town. We've done a couple of things together already. It should be fun.
-I'm reading a textbook to get ahead before I get behind in a class. I'm really looking forward to the next semester.
-My roommate Sam moved out. The same day, Mike moved in. He was already in my ward, so I know him already. He'll be around until Jan, when he's planning on going on a mission. He's a cool guy.
-Training for the red rock relay. Powertri.com got our six man relay team in for free ($650 race!).
-I rode up squaw peak close to as fast as I've ever done it, then came back down about as slow as I've ever done it. There was a horrible wind and a massive downpour on the way back. Each time we'd come around a corner into the wind, the rain would hit hard enough to almost cause welts. I love cycling!
What is coming up is even better:
-Sam (roommate) and Cherie (I home teach her) invited me to their wedding on Friday. No one has ever really done that before. I'm glad and look forward to going.
-Friday night Grant, his siblings and I are going to the Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele to see the time trial for the tour of Utah. two time world TT podium finisher and yellow jersey wearer Dave Zabriskie will be there, as will Floyd Landis, Oscar Sevilla, Victor Hugo Pena and a few other guys. I can't wait!
-On Sat. I am starring in a butterfinger commercial. Tanner is making it for a competition. If he wins, I'll be all over TV. If he doesn't, I'll be all over youtube. win-win situation.
-Mom and Dad and I are going camping and hiking next monday in the La Sals. Stay posted.
-Red vs. Blue time trial on the 29th. Time for the Utes to kick our trash again.
-I went a 8 days without shaving for the first time in months. I was a BYU student livin' on the edge. If it weren't for my dang job, I'd have gone even longer.
-Grant has movie nights every now and then on his big projector and surround sound system. We watched O, Brother where art thou. I'd heard about it, but never seen it. I highly recommend it.
-Plenty of table tennis.
-I've gotten in about an hour a day on the organ. I still can't play worth squat, but its getting better.
-Robert moved to town. We've done a couple of things together already. It should be fun.
-I'm reading a textbook to get ahead before I get behind in a class. I'm really looking forward to the next semester.
-My roommate Sam moved out. The same day, Mike moved in. He was already in my ward, so I know him already. He'll be around until Jan, when he's planning on going on a mission. He's a cool guy.
-Training for the red rock relay. Powertri.com got our six man relay team in for free ($650 race!).
-I rode up squaw peak close to as fast as I've ever done it, then came back down about as slow as I've ever done it. There was a horrible wind and a massive downpour on the way back. Each time we'd come around a corner into the wind, the rain would hit hard enough to almost cause welts. I love cycling!
What is coming up is even better:
-Sam (roommate) and Cherie (I home teach her) invited me to their wedding on Friday. No one has ever really done that before. I'm glad and look forward to going.
-Friday night Grant, his siblings and I are going to the Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele to see the time trial for the tour of Utah. two time world TT podium finisher and yellow jersey wearer Dave Zabriskie will be there, as will Floyd Landis, Oscar Sevilla, Victor Hugo Pena and a few other guys. I can't wait!
-On Sat. I am starring in a butterfinger commercial. Tanner is making it for a competition. If he wins, I'll be all over TV. If he doesn't, I'll be all over youtube. win-win situation.
-Mom and Dad and I are going camping and hiking next monday in the La Sals. Stay posted.
-Red vs. Blue time trial on the 29th. Time for the Utes to kick our trash again.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Camping
Friday night was camping night! Tanner, his friend Patrick, and I went up Spanish fork Canyon for a sweet night in the mountains. The highlight was the tri-weed cup:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOUfCD8pfN0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOUfCD8pfN0
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
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