It was today that I tried the infamous City Cafe, a delicious meat-and-three in the heart of Historic Downtown Northport. City Cafe is your classic Southern restaurant, preserving many photos from decades past and pouring more glasses of sweet tea and half-and-half (lemonade and tea) than anywhere else. It wasn't just the fried chicken or mashed potatoes and gravy that did it for me; the entire surrounding area looked like it was straight out of a book. There was the bakery, and the florist shop... the general store and barber shop. The only thing missing was a 50's Chevy truck backfiring down Main Street. This place has been preserved-- a jewel in the not so attractive Tuscaloosa area. Much like downtown Helena, places like these are a nice getaway from everyday life-- a breathe of sanity in the midst of the bustle. During lunch Jon mentioned when he was in college he wanted to find some escape from the dorm-- something I can relate to. The noise can become overwhelming, especially for the type of person who thrives off silence and time alone. He told me he used to take his mom's car on days he wasn't busy and drive until he was in the woods, far away from anything with room to think. There are so many days I want to just drive, to get away from any responsibility or noise. For the sake of my mind not overloading, I need to make time to do this soon. I want to go hiking, play music in some random place, jump into a lake fully clothed, take pictures, walk downtown, talk to strangers... anything to get my mind out of its routine.
So, here's my resolution: Break the pattern.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
Weekend Warriors
It amazes me how much can be packed into a single weekend. Since the start of this year it seems like some of the coolest things occur on the two days between Friday and Monday. This past weekend was especially pleasing, and I'm hoping it was a small taste of the summer around the corner (one of four left-- a fact I've failed to realize until this point... growing up's no good).
The guys and I met up to practice some music old-school style-- crammed into a room at Aaron's with ear-splitting volumes and sub-zero temperatures due to Aaron's arctic habits. The last time we played was so long ago: it felt like a mental release to create melodies once again. We had so much fun-- making up a pointless, crazy tune and jamming on it for twenty minutes, but also getting some work done on the songs we've put together as a band. I can remember four or five years ago-- the beginnings-- when all we played were covers songs and our skills were less than sharpened. Every weekend we would rock out to the sounds of Relient K, Thousand Foot Krutch, and numerous others... We were living on a dream, however terrible we might have sounded. Now, with two of us in college and two more about to be, I'm so thankful for the memories I can look back on. Videos from various shows and two horrific recordings are the records of four guys in a basement, wishing they would find a career doing what they love.
After very little sleep Friday night, I woke up and picked up Lacie to go volunteer at the Humane Society-- the drive there reminding me, yet again, of many memories from high school. We went the scenic route to Columbiana, past the school of technology and to the place she and I have both come to love. Of course, everytime we go we pick our favorites-- this time mine a Weimeraner mix named Bella. This dog was definitely tugging on my heart strings, and it took every bit of me to not just go ahead and buy her, not worrying about where I would keep a dog. We spent several hours walking the dogs around the property, several of which were hilarious-- crazy jumps, awkward humps, and extravagant water splashes.
Later that night we rented The Pursuit of Happyness. How I waited so long to see this, I am not sure. I am huge fan of Will Smith, and this was without a doubt one of his better movies. More recently, Seven Pounds, has also become one of my favorites. So for those who haven't, see both!
Word of advice, and I know this is random, but make sure you know your stuff before trying to buy a mouse. You will be quizzed by a particular woman at the Hwy. 280 Pet Smart.
The guys and I met up to practice some music old-school style-- crammed into a room at Aaron's with ear-splitting volumes and sub-zero temperatures due to Aaron's arctic habits. The last time we played was so long ago: it felt like a mental release to create melodies once again. We had so much fun-- making up a pointless, crazy tune and jamming on it for twenty minutes, but also getting some work done on the songs we've put together as a band. I can remember four or five years ago-- the beginnings-- when all we played were covers songs and our skills were less than sharpened. Every weekend we would rock out to the sounds of Relient K, Thousand Foot Krutch, and numerous others... We were living on a dream, however terrible we might have sounded. Now, with two of us in college and two more about to be, I'm so thankful for the memories I can look back on. Videos from various shows and two horrific recordings are the records of four guys in a basement, wishing they would find a career doing what they love.
After very little sleep Friday night, I woke up and picked up Lacie to go volunteer at the Humane Society-- the drive there reminding me, yet again, of many memories from high school. We went the scenic route to Columbiana, past the school of technology and to the place she and I have both come to love. Of course, everytime we go we pick our favorites-- this time mine a Weimeraner mix named Bella. This dog was definitely tugging on my heart strings, and it took every bit of me to not just go ahead and buy her, not worrying about where I would keep a dog. We spent several hours walking the dogs around the property, several of which were hilarious-- crazy jumps, awkward humps, and extravagant water splashes.
Later that night we rented The Pursuit of Happyness. How I waited so long to see this, I am not sure. I am huge fan of Will Smith, and this was without a doubt one of his better movies. More recently, Seven Pounds, has also become one of my favorites. So for those who haven't, see both!
Word of advice, and I know this is random, but make sure you know your stuff before trying to buy a mouse. You will be quizzed by a particular woman at the Hwy. 280 Pet Smart.
Friday, April 17, 2009
New to this world
I've been contemplating it for some time now, and I have decided to create a blog. Since the days of livejournaling, I haven't done much of the likeness of public blogging. So, if you're into this kind of stuff feel free to read, comment, criticize, etc.
Today's Friday, a much anticipated day for me this week. I expected these past few days to be somewhat layed-back, lacking many of the stresses prior weeks contain, but just when I felt confident to chill, I was bombarded with "must-do"s.
However, no more worries... I'm definitely on the down-slope of this semester. This year in Tuscaloosa has, without a doubt, been one of the most interesting years of my life. As a result of living in a dorm full of 19 year-old boys, I've probably seen more empty cases of Natural Light beer than anyone else will in their entire life. No where else will you hear radios blaring, people screaming, and doors being slammed at three o'clock in the a.m. At first, I was worried about how I would adjust to dorm life, but I feel I've acclimated to this 10 by 16 room better than I ever imagined. There's something about the crappy bathrooms, stinky elevators, front porch sits, Burketeria, and greasy late-night Buffalo Phil's that's really made me appreciate this first year out of the house. Of course, the noise and profanity can become overwhelming at times, but I'm thankful for this time nonetheless.
This summer will consist of me finding a job, saving as much money as possible, and enjoying the break from academics. As much fun as road trips have been in the past, I'd like to make a few spontaneous ones... especially to Atlanta or Nashville to listen to some good music. It's been too long since I've been in the confines of the Masquerade or Rocketown.
This year has spawned some new music of my own, music that I'd like to share with anyone willing to listen. So, the summer will also include me trying to schedule some small-time shows. For anyone interested, check out www.myspace.com/chaseaustinbutler (shame-less plug, I know...).
Anyways, I plan on being back in Birmingham in the fall. UAB was calling my name, and I gave in. There's something about being back the 'ham that feels really right. It's hard to describe, but I know I made the correct decision. I'm looking forward to a lot of late nights at Al's, being around my Brook Hills family, and seeing the girl I love on a more than weekend basis. At this point, I'm trying to find a place to live. I want something close enough to where the drive won't be a battle daily. I'm wide open to suggestions.
When I haven't been swamped with schoolwork, I've been reading a couple of books. I picked up the book Black House by Stephen King and Peter Straub a couple months ago. Halfway through, I realized it was a sequel to The Talisman, written in the 80's. Of course, I had to get it. So upon finishing Black House, I started up on the Talisman-- what I'm currently reading. It's definitely a genre I haven't read much of before, but I'm thoroughly enjoying it. For those who have read either, you'll understand when I say Jack Sawyer's character is unbelievable-- incredibly dynamic. The whole story has kept me hooked, and despite reading the sequel first, the story is thrilling. For those who appreciate books of the likes of Stephen King's or Peter Straub's, I would highly recommend either of these two.
I'll go ahead and stop, simply because I don't want my first post to be stupid-long.
Hope everyone has a great weekend.
Today's Friday, a much anticipated day for me this week. I expected these past few days to be somewhat layed-back, lacking many of the stresses prior weeks contain, but just when I felt confident to chill, I was bombarded with "must-do"s.
However, no more worries... I'm definitely on the down-slope of this semester. This year in Tuscaloosa has, without a doubt, been one of the most interesting years of my life. As a result of living in a dorm full of 19 year-old boys, I've probably seen more empty cases of Natural Light beer than anyone else will in their entire life. No where else will you hear radios blaring, people screaming, and doors being slammed at three o'clock in the a.m. At first, I was worried about how I would adjust to dorm life, but I feel I've acclimated to this 10 by 16 room better than I ever imagined. There's something about the crappy bathrooms, stinky elevators, front porch sits, Burketeria, and greasy late-night Buffalo Phil's that's really made me appreciate this first year out of the house. Of course, the noise and profanity can become overwhelming at times, but I'm thankful for this time nonetheless.
This summer will consist of me finding a job, saving as much money as possible, and enjoying the break from academics. As much fun as road trips have been in the past, I'd like to make a few spontaneous ones... especially to Atlanta or Nashville to listen to some good music. It's been too long since I've been in the confines of the Masquerade or Rocketown.
This year has spawned some new music of my own, music that I'd like to share with anyone willing to listen. So, the summer will also include me trying to schedule some small-time shows. For anyone interested, check out www.myspace.com/chaseaustinbutler (shame-less plug, I know...).
Anyways, I plan on being back in Birmingham in the fall. UAB was calling my name, and I gave in. There's something about being back the 'ham that feels really right. It's hard to describe, but I know I made the correct decision. I'm looking forward to a lot of late nights at Al's, being around my Brook Hills family, and seeing the girl I love on a more than weekend basis. At this point, I'm trying to find a place to live. I want something close enough to where the drive won't be a battle daily. I'm wide open to suggestions.
When I haven't been swamped with schoolwork, I've been reading a couple of books. I picked up the book Black House by Stephen King and Peter Straub a couple months ago. Halfway through, I realized it was a sequel to The Talisman, written in the 80's. Of course, I had to get it. So upon finishing Black House, I started up on the Talisman-- what I'm currently reading. It's definitely a genre I haven't read much of before, but I'm thoroughly enjoying it. For those who have read either, you'll understand when I say Jack Sawyer's character is unbelievable-- incredibly dynamic. The whole story has kept me hooked, and despite reading the sequel first, the story is thrilling. For those who appreciate books of the likes of Stephen King's or Peter Straub's, I would highly recommend either of these two.
I'll go ahead and stop, simply because I don't want my first post to be stupid-long.
Hope everyone has a great weekend.
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