why no updates?

I don't know why, but I haven't felt that there's been a lot to talk about.

The stuff happening in my life lately is just the daily stuff you'd expect: work, reading, sleeping, hanging out, music, etc.

So what all has happened in the last couple weeks since my last update? Well, I finished the Millennium series (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo). Overall, I enjoyed it and I would probably recommend the series. The downside is that the series was not intended to be only three books, but ten. Sadly, the author died and they published the three manuscripts he had already finished posthumously. That means that, while some of the loose ends were tied up, there are many character nuances and other questions that will forever remain unanswered. Oh well, what can you do?

I'm starting a new book series - The Dark Tower series by Stephen King. I'm about 60-80 pages (can't remember) through the first book, which supposedly is the worst of the series (but by no stretch do I mean bad). That means that it's all uphill from this book forward, which is nice. I heard about this series because it was a recommended read and a noted influence from Damon Lindelof, one of the creators of Lost. Did you guys know I liked that show? Guess I'll read a book recommendation from them, 'cause why not. It's seven books in all, though the first and the last were separated by almost 30 years. I have the first four that I bought together as a pack on megasale from a closing Border's. I've been staring at them the last couple months wondering when I'd ever get to them. Guess that time is now.

Last weekend I went to Justin's first show (I think) with his new band, Brandon Wayne and the .357's. Unfortunately, I barely got to see Brandon Wayne and the .357's. The show opened with Brandon's brother, Ryan, much later than I was expecting, and he played for longer than I expected. Afterwards, Brandon went on to do some solo and duet work with his brother. Finally the full band started playing, but I was only able to stay for one song before we had to take off. I also played photographer again, and I'll post the few pictures I got once I go through editing them.

What else? The NFL lockout is over. As I write this, the Senate is voting on the debt-ceiling bill which should hopefully pass and go to the president to get signed into law. I think I'm going to see a pre-screening of The Change Up tonight, because Taylor won some us some passes.

In about 2.5 weeks, I'm taking a trip with my dad to St. Louis to see my aunt and uncle. I think our plan is to go camping for the weekend. Should be a good time. Following that, the next big thing that's upcoming would probably have to be ACL 2011, which I'm not really excited about. Not many bands that are my "style" this year, as it seems like it's heavy on the folk and country this year. I don't particularly mind either, and I could listen to them for a little bit. Unfortunately, with ACL you have to be prepared to stand outside in the heat and allergen-ridden air for three full days. Am I willing to do that for this year's setlist? It's still up in the air.

This weekend is Justin's birthday, don't forget to wish him a happy one. We're having a party at our house for the occasion.

I still haven't gone running in a while, how disappointing. It's just so hot... I'll get back into it soon.