It’s fascinating that we got rain and snow all the way through the end of May this year, just like last year. As a result there were plenty of rainbows. I think it looks cool when they appear over the Y on the mountain.

I finally graduated! I received my Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with an emphasis in Database Administration from UVU. What does that mean? That I know ‘stuff’ about computers. With my degree and knowledge of computer stuff I hope to find a job/career soon. What am I looking for? Something involving web development. I’ll update you on my job hunting success when it happens.

My graduation day was quite extraordinary. I had a Final that was scheduled in the testing center for Thursday and Friday. I couldn’t make it in on Thursday so I had to take it on Friday. But wait, weren’t my Graduation ceremonies also on Friday? Yes they were. I ended up taking the test Friday morning and as a result missed the Commencement. As soon as I finished my Final I rushed over to the McKay Events Center, threw on my cap and gown and got in line literally five minutes before we marched out onto the floor. Due to the time restraints I was forced to miss my much needed bathroom break. Convocation was two and a half hours long. I’ve never felt so antsy in my life.

Following graduation I did the traditional picture taking in front of my alma mater. We then went to Tucanos for a gradation feast to remember. I love their meats and mashed potatoes dearly. Luis and Natalia put together an awesome graduation party that night, “Are You Smarter Than A UVU Graduate?” Thanks Natalia for the best graduation party ever. It was really fun and I know everyone enjoyed proving their intellect.

Now that it’s all over I can finally relax and breathe. I’ve been able to reflect back on my college experience and how much I’ve enjoyed it. I think it’s interesting that here we all are in Provo, going to school, working, serving in church callings, learning to live with roommates, worrying about cleaning checks, participating in extracurricular activities and doing everything else that is required of us. We’re doing ALL of this meanwhile we throw dating into the mix?! And not just that we try to date but that we continue to date, one failed attempt after another. I think it’s amazing that people do find their perfect match during this time in their lives. Where do you find the balance and what priorities have to change in order to make it happen? Apparently I never figured that one out. What have I figured out though? That everything happens when and how it’s supposed to. All it takes is patience and time and you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for.

When you’re a kid you look forward to your birthday all year long. When that day comes it is the greatest day of the year. I remember making invitations, passing them out to my friends, having my mom plan every aspect of the day including decorations and party favors, getting tons of presents and feeling like the most important person in the world. In some ways it was better than Christmas.

Despite not being a kid anymore, I was still able to have an awesome birthday last month thanks to all of my incredible friends. The night before I had a co-birthday celebration with Kaley in my ward who also shares the April 15 Tax Day birthday with me. We got together with everyone and had treats and played Two Ball. The game was arranged into a tournament and we had prizes for the winners. On my birthday I went out for sushi with all of my friends and then came back to my place for some cake and ice-cream. Due to the fact that I don’t like cake in any way, shape or form, I had my usual key lime pie to celebrate this special day.

Luis made a video montage of me of the last 4 years of my life in Provo that we also watched:

[http://www.vimeo.com/11059973]

You realize when you get older that it’s the people in your life who make you the most happy. Memories last far longer than any gift ever will. Thanks everyone for making this one of the best birthdays ever!

Almost six months later and LIGHTS has returned to Utah, but this time with Owl City headlining the tour. The night started off with us waiting in line outside while it rained/snowed in the below freezing weather. I thought my hands were going to fall off as the rain showered upon our lifeless, shaking bodies. Apparently buying tickets online and having a physical ticket in your hand is not proof enough that you did indeed pay for your ticket. Everyone who did not buy their tickets online casually walked in as if they owned the place. Meanwhile the rest of us were waiting outside ready to suffer from hypothermia as they looked up our information one person at a time. I’ve never had this problem at other venues, but I guess The Great Saltair wanted to prove my expectations wrong.

Once we got inside we quickly warmed up and dried off. We got all situated just in time for LIGHTS. Words cannot describe how great this show was. It’s amazing to see what a big stage and killer lighting can do to turn a good performance into an amazing one. I was definitely impressed with her. I thought her last show was great but this one was even greater.

LIGHTS – The Last Thing On Your Mind

[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGX3TH70Rs8]

Last time I saw Owl City was when they toured with Relient K last summer. It consisted of two guys standing behind MacBook Pros nodding their heads up and down while the drummer tried to follow a minus track. I didn’t care for them or their music at that point. It took me buying their CD to actually hear that it was something worth listening to. This concert proved to me one thing, that they are awesome live. The new arrangements for their songs were perfect. I especially liked the violin and cello that were added. I really didn’t think they would be able to pull off a big show like this, but they most certainly did.

Owl City – Meteor Shower

[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUGlodw3H30]

As you can see, I was finally able to record my own video at this show. The sound goes in and out because I kept putting my fingers over the microphone. I’ll remember next time to position them more appropriately for your optimal listening pleasure.

I’ve been getting a lot of requests to put up the video from the other night at Velour‘s Monthly Acoustic Showcase with Sydney Rees. For anyone who missed the show, let me just say that you definitely missed out! I love playing with Sydney. She has a really good thing going for her and I always feel so lucky to be a part of her performances. The most rewarding thing is that I enjoy listening to the music just as much as I do playing it; you’ll notice by the way I move on stage. A big thank you to all of our friends who came and stayed the whole time. And thank you, Sherm, for playing percussion with us. Here are two of the six songs we played and some pictures.

Save Tonight (cover)

[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFF9l3b6oEk]

Home / You Belong With Me / Animal

[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Opt9NEbKXkQ]

“Sing, with all your might!!”