The Deseret News is going through a "transition" soon. Unfortunately, it's been reported that 30%-60% of the paper's staff will be let go. Being the low man on the totem pole in my department (and, if I'm not mistaken, the entire newsroom), I'm not holding my breath.
I've come to terms with my all-but-impending loss. I absolutely love my job and the people who work with me. I've been given opportunities to write, to edit, to generally get my feet wet in all aspects of journalism. Maybe this is just my time to be getting out of the industry, though. At least I have another job I actually love, right?
Speaking of Hillcrest, I've been extremely busy working on labs that weren't ready for the school year, training the new district tech guy and smoothing over issues teachers are having with their tech business. Though I never imagined wanting to be a computer guy, I love what I do; and it has nothing to do with being into technology. Being able to be there for people who really need my services is pretty rewarding. Their gratitude is equally appreciated. Now, if only HJH could pay me about $18 an hour ...
May the Force be with you.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Saturday, August 21, 2010
A Bold Betrayal
Last night, after work, Kyle (who can now be identified as my roommate because of this story) and I decided to visit a bar where our friend works. We had never been to said bar, and since it's a block away from the Towers, we figured we'd give it a shot.
We came to the bar and saw the extreme lameness that was going down inside. Instead of walking in and giving it a one-drink chance, we did a lap around. There were two people sitting on the lawn, looking in on the lame dancing and douchenozzles getting beverages. We passed them on our way over to Squatter's, where we knew we could get some food and beers.
When we sat down, I noticed that a certain pretty lady sent me a text message asking how the bar was. I informed her of the lameness and our new destination. I also extended an invitation to join us.
She wasn't going to, but that was OK because I was hangin' with my buddy. A few minutes into a conversation about football season (regular season starts in two weeks!), I noticed that the couple from outside the lame bar came into Squatter's. I pointed them out to Kyle.
Mmmmmm! The veggie burger at Squatter's is absolutely delicious. As I went in for a third or fourth bite, I noticed the couple walking toward us. Since the bar was pretty busy and it took a little while for us to be seated, I figured they were just heading to a seat. That's when it happened.
The guy whips out a gun and sprays Kyle four or five times in the chest, then pops him in the face a couple times for good measure. Kyle got hosed.
Both of us were in shock, as we figured the assassinations were over and he had survived. We started asking questions about how he knew we were there — like ya do — but he wasn't giving any clues. I announced that I had to tell Esther that Kyle was hunted down, when I saw a look from Kyle's assassin, Allen.
It was like being in a Tarantino movie. It all started coming into focus. Kyle and I looked at each other. It clicked.
Esther set Kyle up.
Betrayal.
"Esther can never come over again," Kyle joked.
What is the moral of this story, kids? Don't invite girls to hang out? Bros before ... pretty girls who seem like they have good intentions? Don't eat at Squatter's? No, no and no. This story is amoral, and there's not much you can learn from it — other than the fact that Esther is a dirty trickster and can't be trusted ;)
May the Force be with you.
We came to the bar and saw the extreme lameness that was going down inside. Instead of walking in and giving it a one-drink chance, we did a lap around. There were two people sitting on the lawn, looking in on the lame dancing and douchenozzles getting beverages. We passed them on our way over to Squatter's, where we knew we could get some food and beers.
When we sat down, I noticed that a certain pretty lady sent me a text message asking how the bar was. I informed her of the lameness and our new destination. I also extended an invitation to join us.
She wasn't going to, but that was OK because I was hangin' with my buddy. A few minutes into a conversation about football season (regular season starts in two weeks!), I noticed that the couple from outside the lame bar came into Squatter's. I pointed them out to Kyle.
Mmmmmm! The veggie burger at Squatter's is absolutely delicious. As I went in for a third or fourth bite, I noticed the couple walking toward us. Since the bar was pretty busy and it took a little while for us to be seated, I figured they were just heading to a seat. That's when it happened.
The guy whips out a gun and sprays Kyle four or five times in the chest, then pops him in the face a couple times for good measure. Kyle got hosed.
Both of us were in shock, as we figured the assassinations were over and he had survived. We started asking questions about how he knew we were there — like ya do — but he wasn't giving any clues. I announced that I had to tell Esther that Kyle was hunted down, when I saw a look from Kyle's assassin, Allen.
It was like being in a Tarantino movie. It all started coming into focus. Kyle and I looked at each other. It clicked.
Esther set Kyle up.
Betrayal.
"Esther can never come over again," Kyle joked.
What is the moral of this story, kids? Don't invite girls to hang out? Bros before ... pretty girls who seem like they have good intentions? Don't eat at Squatter's? No, no and no. This story is amoral, and there's not much you can learn from it — other than the fact that Esther is a dirty trickster and can't be trusted ;)
May the Force be with you.
Back to Work
This summer has been very relaxing. I met a lot of new people, got closer to old acquaintances and slept enough to recharge my batteries. I've watched documentaries, caught up on TV series and seen a fair share of movies. Since it ended (for me) this week, I'm declaring this to have been my best summer ever.
As far as my new, experimental diet goes, it's been smoother than I expected. Today, I had tomato juice, toast and hummus for breakfast. That was surprisingly delicious.
My favorite part about my dietary journey has been trying (and enjoying) foods I never thought I'd like. I'm now a huge fan of jalapenos. I eat tomatoes (though I'm still not a huge fan) if they're not a gigantic part of the dish. I can stand mushrooms now. Probably the only thing I've eaten this past month that I still don't like is onions — they give me heartburn and make my breath stink. Two more weeks of vegetarianism until I go head-first into dietary veganism.
So, I've noted that my dad wasn't too thrilled about my experimental choices, but it's at Hillcrest Junior High that I've received the most flak. I returned to what I call my "fun job" on Monday. It's been really fun seeing all my old friends from the school and meeting new people. Gloria, my mom at school, has given me a bunch of crap about not eating meat and will probably continue to do so for a long time. She's also all up on me about my dating life.
When we were leaving for the summer, I was still dating Amanda — though only technically, as the two of us never really got to see one another. Now that I'm no longer dating my ex of many years, Gloria wants to get all up in my dating business — like moms do. I told her that I dated a few girls this summer and was finally getting back into the game of it all. Ugh, I hate that word. Unfortunately, it really is the best way to describe dating nowadays.
Anyway, it's been an amazing summer. Now, on to fall.
May the Force be with you.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Vegebrokian
Sure, eating stuff that's good for you is easy when you have money. Unfortunately, I don't.
I'm starting to see that the vacation I took a couple weeks ago is really eating at my wallet. Though I was conservative with my funds while on vacation, my week without pay is what is ruining my life now.
Hyperbole aside, being broke sucks. I've loved having only one job over the summer, but my "fun" job at the junior high will be a much-needed shot in the pocketbook come next week. I do miss the kids, faculty and staff at good ol' Hillcrest, but I'm worried my newfound relaxation, dependence on Netflix and slightly more active social life will be in jeopardy come Aug. 16. Oh, well. That's life :)
Time for some hummus 'n' pita? I think so.
May the Force be with you.
I'm starting to see that the vacation I took a couple weeks ago is really eating at my wallet. Though I was conservative with my funds while on vacation, my week without pay is what is ruining my life now.
Hyperbole aside, being broke sucks. I've loved having only one job over the summer, but my "fun" job at the junior high will be a much-needed shot in the pocketbook come next week. I do miss the kids, faculty and staff at good ol' Hillcrest, but I'm worried my newfound relaxation, dependence on Netflix and slightly more active social life will be in jeopardy come Aug. 16. Oh, well. That's life :)
Time for some hummus 'n' pita? I think so.
May the Force be with you.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Warped Weekend
I knew this would happen. I got busy and lamented my blogging responsibilities.
Anyway, here goes the stat sheet.
I've been trying new things in order to broaden my dietary horizons. I had a tasty pizza with goat cheese, peppers and mushrooms during lunch with my mom and HJH co-workers. Working at the junior high again is going to be so fun.
Speaking of fun, the band played a karaBreauxke show in Ogden on Friday. Sam had work, so we just had people come up and sing. That was the most fun show I've ever played.
Speaking of shows, the middle of my three-day weekend was the mother of all shows -- Warped Tour. Not only did my best buds in Fire in the Skies get to play, NOT ONLY did I get in free and NOT ONLY DID I GET TO COVER THE SHOW FOR THE DESERET NEWS, but I got paid for it. Hells to the yeah.
My highlights were IWRESTLEDABEARONCE, Every Time I Die, Bring Me the Horizon (just because of their stage show; not their music), Fire in the Skies, Covendetta, hangin' with Scott and seeing lots of friends. Scott tells me the two of us should do this every year. I couldn't agree more.
Yesterday, Sara, Ty, Mikey, Stefan, Jessica, Josh, Kyle and I went to breakfast at Park Cafe. It was a pretty good time. After that, we all came over to the Towers for an "Arrested Development" marathon. We made Egg Rice Bake, which is about to be my new favorite dish. After hours and hours of AD, we got our hot tub on. Pool time ensued for hours, then everybody peaced.
Since I wasn't quite tired yet, I watched an episode of "Dexter." I've got one episode left for the second season. That's going down tonight.
Overall, it's been an awesome weekend. And with the return of E.M.B., I think I'm gonna need to finish "30 Rock Season 3" before school is back in session.
May the Force be with you.
Anyway, here goes the stat sheet.
Speaking of fun, the band played a karaBreauxke show in Ogden on Friday. Sam had work, so we just had people come up and sing. That was the most fun show I've ever played.
Speaking of shows, the middle of my three-day weekend was the mother of all shows -- Warped Tour. Not only did my best buds in Fire in the Skies get to play, NOT ONLY did I get in free and NOT ONLY DID I GET TO COVER THE SHOW FOR THE DESERET NEWS, but I got paid for it. Hells to the yeah.
My highlights were IWRESTLEDABEARONCE, Every Time I Die, Bring Me the Horizon (just because of their stage show; not their music), Fire in the Skies, Covendetta, hangin' with Scott and seeing lots of friends. Scott tells me the two of us should do this every year. I couldn't agree more.
Yesterday, Sara, Ty, Mikey, Stefan, Jessica, Josh, Kyle and I went to breakfast at Park Cafe. It was a pretty good time. After that, we all came over to the Towers for an "Arrested Development" marathon. We made Egg Rice Bake, which is about to be my new favorite dish. After hours and hours of AD, we got our hot tub on. Pool time ensued for hours, then everybody peaced.
Since I wasn't quite tired yet, I watched an episode of "Dexter." I've got one episode left for the second season. That's going down tonight.
Overall, it's been an awesome weekend. And with the return of E.M.B., I think I'm gonna need to finish "30 Rock Season 3" before school is back in session.
May the Force be with you.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
(Not Exactly) Kicking and Screaming
Being vegetarian is surprisingly easier than I thought. With the help with some crucial friends (Mitch, Esther, Liz, Randy, Julianne, etc.), I've lined up a tasty tract of talonless treats. (That was a bit of a stretch for some alliteration.)
I was awakened by a text message from my dad yesterday, asking if I wanted to go to the Panda restaurant. Since it's probably my favorite place to eat, I got excited. Unfortunately for Pops, I had a lunch date with my editor -- at the same restaurant my father wanted to attend -- to go over the story I wrote for the D-News. This restaurant is a Mongolian barbecue joint, so meat is a big deal there. My usual plate is made up of noodles, meat, meat, meat, meat and carrots. Yesterday's was noodles, bamboo (yeah, people eat that stuff), jalapenos, rice, peanuts, cabbage and a variety of sauces. Despite the lack of delectable meat, it was actually quite good.
I was awakened by a text message from my dad yesterday, asking if I wanted to go to the Panda restaurant. Since it's probably my favorite place to eat, I got excited. Unfortunately for Pops, I had a lunch date with my editor -- at the same restaurant my father wanted to attend -- to go over the story I wrote for the D-News. This restaurant is a Mongolian barbecue joint, so meat is a big deal there. My usual plate is made up of noodles, meat, meat, meat, meat and carrots. Yesterday's was noodles, bamboo (yeah, people eat that stuff), jalapenos, rice, peanuts, cabbage and a variety of sauces. Despite the lack of delectable meat, it was actually quite good.
After work last night, I ran into some "unsavory" characters on my way home. That was kind of a night ruiner, but I got through it. To improve my evening, the roommate (whose name will remain undisclosed until certain events have run their course) and I went to Smith's to pick up some hummus, pita bread, veggies and yogurt. Needless to say, it was snack time.
A few episodes of "Dexter" (Season 2 is already better than the first), some good conversation and a 3 a.m. peanut binge, it was time for bed. And now, at 1 p.m., I'm about to clean for hours.
May the Force be with you.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Day 1 in the Bag
Grilled cheese with lettuce, spinach and carrots. That was what I ate today with yogurt, rice and a veggie burger.
I also had the most paranoid walk home from work this evening before watching "Righteous Kill" with the roommate. Not a very good movie.
Anyway, a couple more episodes of Dethklok should tide me over before it's sleep time.
May the Force be with you.
I also had the most paranoid walk home from work this evening before watching "Righteous Kill" with the roommate. Not a very good movie.
Anyway, a couple more episodes of Dethklok should tide me over before it's sleep time.
May the Force be with you.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Vegetarianism and You
To quote the legendary and eloquent Shang Tsung, "It has begun."
I'm going to be a vegetarian from Aug. 1 to Sept. 12 and be vegan from Sept. 12 to Sept. 19.
"But why, Nick?"
I've always been curious and think I'm ready to give it a shot. I have friends who are vegetarian or vegan, and I think it'd be a fun thing to try.
I told my dad earlier this week that I plan to do this. His reaction was expected. I know he wasn't serious, but he was less than thrilled. Since the only thing he's heard about veganism is that some folks in the news subscribe to its tenets, his outlook on the lifestyle isn't too positive. That's OK, though, because I know he loves me and would support me regardless of my decisions: gay, straight, vegan, Christian, atheist, whatever.
Anyway, we'll see how this stuff goes. I plan to put all the details, pictures and thoughts on this blog.
May the Force be with you.
I'm going to be a vegetarian from Aug. 1 to Sept. 12 and be vegan from Sept. 12 to Sept. 19.
"But why, Nick?"
I've always been curious and think I'm ready to give it a shot. I have friends who are vegetarian or vegan, and I think it'd be a fun thing to try.
I told my dad earlier this week that I plan to do this. His reaction was expected. I know he wasn't serious, but he was less than thrilled. Since the only thing he's heard about veganism is that some folks in the news subscribe to its tenets, his outlook on the lifestyle isn't too positive. That's OK, though, because I know he loves me and would support me regardless of my decisions: gay, straight, vegan, Christian, atheist, whatever.
Anyway, we'll see how this stuff goes. I plan to put all the details, pictures and thoughts on this blog.
May the Force be with you.
Introductions and Intimations
Howdy.
I've decided to start a blog. Yay!
The initial reason I'm putting thoughts to keys is because I'm embarking upon a dietary experiment (read more in the next post). The other, potentially more permanent reason is chronicle my life in downtown Salt Lake City. I live and work in the heart of the city and have a great time doing so.
Welcome.
I've decided to start a blog. Yay!
The initial reason I'm putting thoughts to keys is because I'm embarking upon a dietary experiment (read more in the next post). The other, potentially more permanent reason is chronicle my life in downtown Salt Lake City. I live and work in the heart of the city and have a great time doing so.
Welcome.
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