Oh yeeeaaaah

Oktoberfest in Duluth. AKA: duh.

Back home

Out for the evening in Minnesota again. I'm enjoying the stellar vocals of one coworker while laughing hysterically at another's jokes and bonding with a third that reminds me of one of my brothers. Good segue indeed.

Departure

Keeping in fashion with my last minute moments with Damien before leaving for Minnesota, we started shooting ridiculous stuff an hour before I headed for the airport. Pics to come, it turned out pretty great.

State of the Household

Currently surfing the web near the new bride herself as the new groom is passed out in a bed on the floor above us. The tracks posted earlier play in the background and I'm enjoying what are likely my last brews of the trip. This afternoon I said goodbye to one of my best friends and his lady while this evening saying goodbye to a handful of new friends and theirs. Now, after sharing my fake speech and reviewing yesterday's photos the new couple and I are in a State of Relax. I have a revived interest in visiting NYC as well.

Tomorrow I return a pricey lens, grab my last Detour brunch of 2011 and prep my leaving. Usually I'm completely soured by impending departures but I feel as content as a customer after a solid brunch; the platter was so good I wish I could keep consuming it but I'm also completely & pleasantly full. Everything was so great that I simply can't complain.

Reminiscences related to previous posts: Two nights ago upon returning to the fancy hotel near the wedding everyone began the cocktail hour proper, singing a cappella standards on the smoking porch, then helping the sole bartender pack up for the night which led to said bartender offering a free round of shots to the group, followed by shenanigans in individual hotel rooms consisting of multiple introductions to the same folks and more a cappella shouts on the back porches of random rooms (I'm not so bad at Beyond the Sea it turns out, at least I don't think I am under certain circumstances).
It's been said I have a great DJ voice since yesterday's performance, yet it's negated due to my intentional hamming/imitation-ing it up. Or maybe it's justified because of it. Regardless, I will never seriously use that weapon for monetary purposes. Hot dog, we have a wiener.

Okay. Bride headed up to bed and groom came down to help with pics, though he's since passed out. Once again I am the man of the evening, if only strictly due to my personal dedication and endurance.

And to that I say adieu.

Noted

If I die suddenly in the next few weeks, it's prolly due to this very trip.

Donut'd

So you know, I just enjoyed my first Voodoo Donut. Not too shabby.

See me rollin...and hatin'

So much driving this week! After a mostly bland breakfast and checking out me bear and Mel headed up the coast, played in the ocean (see: gingerly touched the frigid water with our toes), ate some seafood and walked around the cheese factory. A pretty good closing to their trip I figure/hope.

Between each location I spent my time explaining how I hoped the bad drivers along the way would die. It was pretty fun.

"Cheeeese!"

No trip to the Northwest is complete until you've visited here.

Coastal flavor

DJ Tanner

Playing tunes at the wedding. I like to think I'm making my dad proud.

Bam

This wedding is on like Black Swan!

Chapel

D&M are to be married at this quaint little schoolhouse in about an hour. Thank goodness all the seats are in the shade.

90s

I am doing a hell of a job staying hydrated this trip. Additionally, I just had a phenomenal smoked salmon omelet at this sweet little cafe in town.

Just about got a picture of myself with this awesome middleschooler pimping apples at the farmers market but I chickened out. He was just too cool.

Cheers

Goats

Day at the farm setting up the reception. Also, goats.

I did not know their pupils were horizontal. Bizarre.

Hurry up and wait

So get up, run, then head out for a quick breakfast. Then get the meat around noon and head out from there to the wedding grounds.

Wait.

The meat has to be picked up AT noon because it won't be in a freezer, because the place above is the pickup spot. B-line it home, grab everything and jet to the bbq stand.

Wait.

The meat hasn't been delivered yet. Get the groom on the road and promise to wait and pay for eventual said meat delivery. Meet the guy handling the meat transactions so we both know who to deal with.

Wait.

Same meat purveyor you just met now pulls up next to you in his big white meat van explaining ever so softly why he is now leaving, wherein you understand maybe four key words in his soft paragraph on why you wont see him again.

Sit on curb.

My unnecessary speech.

When it comes down to it, there isn't that much that requires us to deal with one another. Yes, there are jobs and what are at least initial forced interactions, but politics and family can both be easily manipulated and/or dissolved over time if and when necessary. What truly matters, I believe, are the relationships which we choose to enter in to; those that we deem worth the endurance.

I have only been back in Portland for all of five days, but in that time I've experienced so many aspects of this privilege -- from meeting and bonding with what I now consider new friends (those of my current ones) to greeting some of my oldest and dearest, to even introducing myself to some I've known for many years yet never had the opportunity to actually meet. And now here I am, about to witness the most devoted version of these decisive connections: two friends publicly pledging - before most everyone who matters to them - to never allow that core of pure friendship to be compromised.

While I admit I may not know my two friends better than many of the people in attendance, what I do know is enough to confidently state two crucial things: 1.) These are two people I would individually trust in caring for me if I were to suddenly suffer a massive coronary, and 2.) They are both truly two peas from the same pod. I knew this when I first met them as much as I do today.

What we are attending here is not what many concede as the next logical step in their lives; it is what it should be - and is - the next logical step in their Life.

And to this I say, raise a glass. You both kick ass.

Wish You Were Here

Last time I was here I believe Chris negotiated himself behind the counter. The place is still the same, which is reassuring.

Spending a good afternoon sightseeing with the old roommate and his special lady friend.

Only in OR

Stopped by Clinton street, asked to be extras in an older white male (wearing a wool-lined winter vest)'s rap video.

Yep, that's about the size of it.

Addendum again-dum

In addition to this quiet evening the late afternoon was spent cruising downtown, where I found the *local* brewery and commenced to spend a little on souvenirs and dinner. Their Red Dawn ale is great, by the way, as are their wings. Also I got lost again in Powell's Books but not only did I find the exit, I also came across a great book by a favorite author/artist.

I'll try to spruce this place up with pics when I get a moment, promise.

Towel thrown in.

So it's come to this - after several straight days of late nights and celebrating, I'm finally taking a personal evening and staying in. It's pretty nice, too. Everyone is out having a good time and I'm able to relax in the house alone while I monkey with wedding dinner playlists.

I may create a mix up here in the near future if I get the urge, but for now I think I'll fall asleep to an episode of Community. Tomorrow starts part 2 in the trip, wherein my good pal Casey and his lady fly in. Fine ham abounds.

Status Update

Currently doing copious amounts of Arts & Crafts with a PBR and Darius Rucker in the background.

Wet wet wet

Come hell or high water, one day I will attend a wedding where Crocodile Rock will be played. Mark my words.

Like clockwork.

Five hours of sleep and I'm still wide awake by 7:30. Time for a run.

When your body screws you, screw it right back.

In Summation

Before I forget/conk out.

Today was a busy one -- I have successfully crossed something off my life's "To Do" list by finally meeting a friend I've known for about seventeen years, I visited (albeit briefly) a rad little town and had one of the most sublime musical experiences ever courtesy of Ray LaMontagne in a peculiarly wonderful performance setting: a large outdoor amphitheater which simultaneously felt like a concert set at a day camp.

Fist bump, ladies.

Safe!

That was the quickest three hour drive I have ever had - mad gratitude to Rachum for her contribution.

As I parked D&M were just returning from the airport with Mike- perfect timing. And even though I can barely walk, we fire up Jungle Love on the car stereo and head to Taco Bell. Then a Twilight by Deschutes which will never again taste correct since a friend of a friend of a friend shared some fresh-from-the-tank brew with me. I have never tasted a beer with that texture or flavor. And it was amazing.

Now I only hope that I will sleep a full eight tonight. My body is so kittywhompus right now it should be on display in a wax museum. Actually it's so jacked that that sentence makes perfect sense.

The Return

Have you ever seen the movie Joy Ride? I'm willing to bet the truck driver behind me has.

Ducking A

Middle-aged woman rocking out to Ray LaMontagne in front of me. I'm about ready to rechristen this day of the week to "Cheersday".

Bender

The organization at biffys for concerts in Bend are the best I've ever seen. The lines have lines. No prompting and everyone knows what to do for maximum peeage.

Well, pt2

Jackson>Folsom

Testosterone achieved.

Additionally, I don't think any artist has ever covered Folsom Prison Blues with the lyrics fully in tact. Tonight continues this occurrence.

Well.

Although I enjoy Brandi Carlile and this isn't literally true,  I feel like I must be the only dude here.

So there's that.

Acceptance

6pm or no, I am going to get sunburned at this show.

Toast

Cheers.

Deschutes

Gorgeous trip south today even though I skipped Hood on my way (as well as plenty of photo opportunities). No big loss there as I have plenty of time for additional sightseeing left.

For now however I am taking in the air conditioning of the Deschutes Brewery restaurant before a double-header concert this evening.

Tuesday

I can't quite put how driving a rental car makes me feel; it's somewhere between "how can anyone allow me to do this" and "I am SO awesome right now". That said, I'm driving a Dodge Caliber.

Today I am heading a bit southeast in hopes of winding up at the Deschutes Brewery by day's end. First, though, I get to enjoy another round of Detour's delicious breakfast. Also, I am currently savoring my first cup of coffee in months.

Sensory memory is a funny thing. Literally after my first sip of Stumptown coffee I'm returning to my early twenties and what it felt like to live way out here. Though I'm sure that calm reminder will be abruptly derailed by my body's reintroduction to caffeine.

So far it's a hat trick of awesome days on this vacation. Cheers.

Star of Bethlehem

I plan on closing every night here by spending several minutes enjoying the Northwestern sky. So far, so good.

Unnecessary handshakes

Earlier: We enjoyed conversations from poorly growing facial hair to the ways in which Tim Burton had/has obliterated the Batman mythos.

Now: mad beats from the likes of Santogold>Beasties>Arcade>XX

American Love

What you're looking at is a project of love. American Love.

Couple's First Dance Suggestions

Day #2 wherein driving around includes blasting hits from the 1980s, slowly and in front of people. Tonight's top pics: 'Jungle Love' by Morris Day & the Time along with Huey Lewis' "Stuck With You", "Power of Love" & "Back In Time".

Labour Day

Currenty at a barbecue where the hot button topic is who would win in a fight, Ryan Reynolds or Dane Cook?



A: Dane Cook because he would steal all of Ryan Reynolds' best moves.

Afternoon'd

We are currently shopping for rings. Yep.

Title

I still don't buy that seesawing works your abs well but I won't deny it's completely awesome to do.

Also I can't bust into a game of hopscotch in the middle of a run successfully.

Test run

Somehow I was able to cram a pair of running shoes into my (barely) overhead-approved carry-on. Not knowing exactly how the week would unfold I wasn't sure if an opportunity would present itself to take them out. But waking up I'm really amped to get out and sightsee on foot. With no clouds and a breeze it looks like perfect weather to go exploring.

Happy Labor Day.

One more thing

F*ck this guy.

Nordling

I don't know why I hadn't anticipated this but since my arrival this morning it truly feels like I've simply been away for an extended vacation to the midwest and have finally returned back home. Visiting old haunts and spending time with D&M is as comfortable as it ever was.

Rhythm of my Heart

There's an unbridled joy in blasting Rod Stewart as you circle the Safeway parking lot. It's also nearly impossible to keep a straight face while doing so.

Next up: the man, the myth, Eddie Money.

...

My favorite part on my flight to PDX was the seven year old girl asking her dad out of nowhere how Michael Jackson had died. As he tried to put that fire out by simply stating he was sick, she proded him further asking, "Sick how? Like did he have pneumonia? The flu?"

I wondered how he'd reply but, finally stumped, he chuckled "That's a pretty dark question!" She gave up after that. And I wanted to high five them both.

Dahlia Farms

Common sense

Pretty things tend to turn ugly real quick once you've named them wrong.

The Temporary Tat Family

Bonus: guess which one is the Minnesotan.

First stop

Perfect.

Progress

I can buy wine in this airport. Copious amounts if I like.

Minnesota, get your act together.

Upright position

Just landed. I am currently what you would call 'giddy'.

Boarding

Can't tell if my hands are shaking from the lack of a breakfast this morning or that I just managed to board luggage that is several inches larger than the TSA's allowed dimensions.

L'areroport

Of all the things things that went under redesign the past decade in airports, the standard payphone has kept resilient. There are a TON of them. Everywhere.

Tomorrow

Tomorrow, I start drinking PBRs like they're coming back in style.

Cheers

Arriving in the Twin Cities I arbitrarily gravitate towards Minneapolis even though I haven't heard from anyone just yet. Shortly after parking in Uptown I realize a trip to my Saint Paul stomping grounds is in order. One quick stop in Fifth Element later, I'm on my way.

Near the exit for Grand Ave the radio is slathered with Minnesota State Fair celebration. Being unable to justify battling that parade for such a short time I decide on a beer at Sweeny's followed by a walk along the main road. But *just* as I exit my car I notice a message and missed call from Austin. Thirty seconds later it's back towards Minneapolis.

Eventually I find my destination and commence enjoying good company and tasty brews with great friends. Conversations lilt from food poisoning to movies to fencing. And once again I feel grateful to have made it to another random meet-up.

The Moses Turtleneck Experience

Getting the band back together. Gonna be huge.

Shh

Tonight on display: The Art of Listening.