now that i've got my website all spiffed up, i'm moving my operation there. thanks for all the good times blogger :)
the url of the new site is http://www.jamesyardley.com
love,
james
Monday, September 01, 2008
Sunday, June 15, 2008
20 random facts
hey yalls. i'm back on land now and it feels good. food on land is much better. i have a few more minutes to kill before i head to the gym and for no particular reason i thought it might be fun to list 20 random facts about myself in the order in which they pop into my head. here goes:
1. i am addicted to ultimate frisbee
2. i ran a half marathon when i was in 8th grade and two full marathons after high school
3. is my favorite number
4. the longest relationship i've been in lasted 4.5 years
5. i won a cross country race my sophomore year of high school
6. i've ridden a greyhound bus for over 24 hours
7. i was born in cedar rapids, ia (which is currently underwater)
8. my family has never owned any other breed of dog other than dalmatian
9. i hate saying no to people
10. i don't like chain "sit down" type restaurants (i.e. tgi fridays, chillis, applebees, etc.)
11. my favorite place to be during a storm is inside a tent
12. i got kicked out of a liquor store two days ago
13. i've never been to a strip club
14. i've never been in a fight
15. i secretly hope this type of list will turn into a trend amongst my blog friends
16. i yell "pi" when i'm at a sporting event and the clock is at 3:14
17. i have small feet (8.5)
18. when i sneeze it's usually just once instead of twice like most people
19. i'm too picky when it comes to the ladies
20. i'm conflicted when i take a shower because i love long showers but hate wasting water
i can't wait for future james to read this and realize how pathetic current james is. okay, time to pump it up.
love,
james
1. i am addicted to ultimate frisbee
2. i ran a half marathon when i was in 8th grade and two full marathons after high school
3. is my favorite number
4. the longest relationship i've been in lasted 4.5 years
5. i won a cross country race my sophomore year of high school
6. i've ridden a greyhound bus for over 24 hours
7. i was born in cedar rapids, ia (which is currently underwater)
8. my family has never owned any other breed of dog other than dalmatian
9. i hate saying no to people
10. i don't like chain "sit down" type restaurants (i.e. tgi fridays, chillis, applebees, etc.)
11. my favorite place to be during a storm is inside a tent
12. i got kicked out of a liquor store two days ago
13. i've never been to a strip club
14. i've never been in a fight
15. i secretly hope this type of list will turn into a trend amongst my blog friends
16. i yell "pi" when i'm at a sporting event and the clock is at 3:14
17. i have small feet (8.5)
18. when i sneeze it's usually just once instead of twice like most people
19. i'm too picky when it comes to the ladies
20. i'm conflicted when i take a shower because i love long showers but hate wasting water
i can't wait for future james to read this and realize how pathetic current james is. okay, time to pump it up.
love,
james
Monday, May 26, 2008
hi
dear friends,
sorry it's been a while since i've written. i'm actually not that sorry, but i figure it's the polite way to start this post. i'm currently sittin' at the 'city lights coffee shop' just off market street in charleston, sc as i write this. if you've been on facebook you may have noticed i'm out on the waters again. i joined the carnival 'victory' on may 5th and have been cruising to some pretty nice places including st. thomas, st. maarten, grand cayman, cozumel - mexico, ochos rios - jamaica, and my favorite so far, san juan - puerto rico. if you haven't seen the pictures yet, you should check them out, if not to see some cool pictures, to read the wonderful commentary below the pictures.
i've really been enjoying my time on board so far. the musical director is a nice guy and a pretty good musician (albeit not very motivated). the guys in the band have been awesome as well. the guitar player on board is from ashland, wi (not far from duluth) and as it turns out, him and i were actually at the third week of the shell lake jazz camp together during the summer of 2000. the bass player is from milwaukee too. go midwest!
the workload has been pretty great. we play about 3-4 times a week, which leaves a lot of time for me to practice, listen to music, watch movies, and sleep :-) yesterday was a relocation day, which means we traveled from miami to charleston without any passengers on board. it was basically an all day party. we ate, we drank, and we played guitar hero on the massive theatre screen up on lido deck. it was sweeeeeet. the night before i joined a poker tournament that the casino staff was having in which i essentially owned them all. i was the only non-casino person there and i guess the guy that invited me took some heat from his friends for letting me into the game. they were really terrible but when i got to heads up i just made a deal with the other player because i didn't feel like taking all their money and it was 6:45 in the morning. we'll be having another relocation day up to norfolk after this cruise, and i'm hoping it will be just as fun.
i've been trying to keep in touch with people as much as i can, although i could maybe do a better job... i got the full report on colin's trip to eau claire, which really made me wish i could have been there. i'm def gonna miss that place and all the people i met there. a big congrats goes out to all the people that graduated this year. my contract will end in less than two weeks on june 7th, then i'll be back in bloomington for two months to finish up some lessons and give a recital. after that i'll up in minnesota country for a little more than a week before leaving for another ship. hopefully i'll be able to make the rounds and visit some of you in that time. or maybe you'll roadtrip it down to bloomington and visit your favorite old trombone playing friends james and colin. you probably should.
anyways, from what i've seen so far, charleston is a really nice city so i think i'm gonna finish up here and roam around some more. if you happen to read this today, gimme a call and we'll chat. i'll be here till about 8:30 tonight and my phone is fully charged :-)
love,
james
sorry it's been a while since i've written. i'm actually not that sorry, but i figure it's the polite way to start this post. i'm currently sittin' at the 'city lights coffee shop' just off market street in charleston, sc as i write this. if you've been on facebook you may have noticed i'm out on the waters again. i joined the carnival 'victory' on may 5th and have been cruising to some pretty nice places including st. thomas, st. maarten, grand cayman, cozumel - mexico, ochos rios - jamaica, and my favorite so far, san juan - puerto rico. if you haven't seen the pictures yet, you should check them out, if not to see some cool pictures, to read the wonderful commentary below the pictures.
i've really been enjoying my time on board so far. the musical director is a nice guy and a pretty good musician (albeit not very motivated). the guys in the band have been awesome as well. the guitar player on board is from ashland, wi (not far from duluth) and as it turns out, him and i were actually at the third week of the shell lake jazz camp together during the summer of 2000. the bass player is from milwaukee too. go midwest!
the workload has been pretty great. we play about 3-4 times a week, which leaves a lot of time for me to practice, listen to music, watch movies, and sleep :-) yesterday was a relocation day, which means we traveled from miami to charleston without any passengers on board. it was basically an all day party. we ate, we drank, and we played guitar hero on the massive theatre screen up on lido deck. it was sweeeeeet. the night before i joined a poker tournament that the casino staff was having in which i essentially owned them all. i was the only non-casino person there and i guess the guy that invited me took some heat from his friends for letting me into the game. they were really terrible but when i got to heads up i just made a deal with the other player because i didn't feel like taking all their money and it was 6:45 in the morning. we'll be having another relocation day up to norfolk after this cruise, and i'm hoping it will be just as fun.
i've been trying to keep in touch with people as much as i can, although i could maybe do a better job... i got the full report on colin's trip to eau claire, which really made me wish i could have been there. i'm def gonna miss that place and all the people i met there. a big congrats goes out to all the people that graduated this year. my contract will end in less than two weeks on june 7th, then i'll be back in bloomington for two months to finish up some lessons and give a recital. after that i'll up in minnesota country for a little more than a week before leaving for another ship. hopefully i'll be able to make the rounds and visit some of you in that time. or maybe you'll roadtrip it down to bloomington and visit your favorite old trombone playing friends james and colin. you probably should.
anyways, from what i've seen so far, charleston is a really nice city so i think i'm gonna finish up here and roam around some more. if you happen to read this today, gimme a call and we'll chat. i'll be here till about 8:30 tonight and my phone is fully charged :-)
love,
james
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
i'm learning, i think...
so i'm sitting here in the apt writing my last paper ever and i feel like i've just had somewhat of an epiphany. i'm gonna write it down here real quick and come back to it later when i have some time to ponder it a little more.
so here it is:
as musicians we're taught to imitate the sounds we hear. when we first learn to do this, it is my opinion that we imitate the process and when we do so correctly we get the result (a good sound). for example, we see a trombone player take a big breath while standing up straight and we hear a nice big sound, so we stand up straight, breathe deep, and achieve a similar result. somewhere along the way, however, we become obsessed, or maybe even taught, to exactly imitate someone else's sound - spending years trying to sound just like someone else, and failing miserably because the only person we can truly be is ourselves. i wonder what would happen if we were to imitate the process in which someone "arrived" at their sound rather than trying to copy the sound itself. would we arrive at a sound that is beautiful, yet unique to us?
ok, back to paper writing.
love,
james
so here it is:
as musicians we're taught to imitate the sounds we hear. when we first learn to do this, it is my opinion that we imitate the process and when we do so correctly we get the result (a good sound). for example, we see a trombone player take a big breath while standing up straight and we hear a nice big sound, so we stand up straight, breathe deep, and achieve a similar result. somewhere along the way, however, we become obsessed, or maybe even taught, to exactly imitate someone else's sound - spending years trying to sound just like someone else, and failing miserably because the only person we can truly be is ourselves. i wonder what would happen if we were to imitate the process in which someone "arrived" at their sound rather than trying to copy the sound itself. would we arrive at a sound that is beautiful, yet unique to us?
ok, back to paper writing.
love,
james
Sunday, March 30, 2008
worth waking up for
is it odd that i'm 26 years old and will consider any day that i play ultimate frisbee a complete success? should i quit trombone and pursue a career in ultimate? i mean, the money making opportunities gotta be pretty similar right?
i woke up this morning nice and late (about 10a) to the glorious sound of rain and thunder, read some news, listened to some music, then threw my cleats in my backpack and headed out the door to play ultimate. it was still raining and about 40 degrees when i got to the field and there were 4 guys tossing a disc around, waiting for a few others to show up. once we had 6, we set up a field and played 3-on-3 for about an hour and a half. there were puddles everywhere on the field, which only made me smile more, bc i knew i was gonna get totally caked in mud on my very first layout.
one thing that's great about playing on a cool rainy day is the shower afterwards. it feels soooooooooo good. by the looks of the drain, i think i brought about half the field home with me...
anyways, the moral of the story is that ultimate makes me happy. the end.
love,
james
Sunday, March 23, 2008
omg
i just got back from the orchestra concert and all i can say is 'wow.' michel camilo played a concerto he wrote and it totally blew me away (oh yeah, and leanord slatkin conducted)
i haven't been to a concert in a while that has inspired me that much. if you ever have a chance to hear this man play, do whatever it takes to get to that concert. he's absolutely incredible. if you have an album of his and haven't listened to it in a while, dust it off and put it in the cd player.
i hereby declare today 'michel-camilo-kicks-major-ass day'
laters,
james
i haven't been to a concert in a while that has inspired me that much. if you ever have a chance to hear this man play, do whatever it takes to get to that concert. he's absolutely incredible. if you have an album of his and haven't listened to it in a while, dust it off and put it in the cd player.
i hereby declare today 'michel-camilo-kicks-major-ass day'
laters,
james
Sunday, March 16, 2008
2nd post?
it's not often that i post two times in one day, but i came across a video today that i couldn't pass up the opportunity to share. it's so f'n funny. enjoy.
back in the town of b
been back for a few days but just haven't felt like posting much. i just got back from some really good ultimate and am feeling amazingly refreshed with life in general right now. it's the kind of refreshed that i think i just wanna keep to myself instead of trying to explain it all, so i'm just gonna copy on hayley and post a funny little survey thinger. not sure i've ever done one of these, so i'll consider this a debut.
whats your name spelt backwards?
yeldray retlaw Semaj
What did you do last night?
practiced, played some poker, then drank with my friend trevor
The last thing you downloaded onto your computer?
an ultimate frisbee video
Have you ever licked a 9 volt battery?
yup. it was delicious.
Last time you swam in a pool?
i wouldn't call it swimming...but last summer.
What are you wearing?
a thong
How many cars have you owned?
just one, and she's still goin' strong
Type of music you dislike most?
the cheesy stuff you hear as background music in grocery stores
Are you registered to vote?
i think so...better look into that
Do you have cable?
nope
What kind of computer do you use?
the best kind (macbook pro)
Ever made a prank phone call?
is your refrigerator running?
You like anyone right now?
jenna fischer, although, she won't return my calls at the moment
Would you go bungee jumping or sky diving?
sky diving and hopefully sometime soon (this summer anyone?)
Furthest place you ever traveled?
london
What's your favorite comic strip?
i used to love garfield.
Do u know all the words to the national anthem?
you betcha
Shower, morning or night?
i'm not usually awake until i take a shower, so mornings
Best movie you've seen in the past month?
semi-pro. will ferrell = funniest man ever
Favorite pizza toppings?
pepperoni, mushrooms, and tomatoes
Chips or popcorn?
triscuits foo.
Have you ever smoked peanut shells?
what the f?
Have you ever been in a beauty pageant?
no, i'm too pretty so they won't let me.
Orange Juice or apple?
i drink a lot of oj, but i really like apple too. so both i guess...
Who were the last people you sat at lunch with?
my parents
favorite chocolate bar?
chocolate was made to be consumed in thin candy shells. f bars.
Who is your longest friend and how long?
gonna have to go with my buddy matt, from home. since 6th grade so like 15 years?
Last time you ate a homegrown tomato?
hmm...have i ever? i must be missing out.
Have you ever won a trophy?
i won a cross country race when i was in 10th grade, but i think i just got a medal for it :(
Favorite arcade game?
teenage mutant ninja turtles. donatello rocks the shit in that game.
Ever ordered from an infomercial?
no, but when i lived with branden up in governors he dared me to call in on one and ask them about the free prayer cloth they were offering. i remember an indian guy answering the phone that had no idea what the hell i was talking about when i asked him if the cloth really worked.
Sprite or 7-UP?
sprite, but i don't drink much pop.
Have you ever had to wear a uniform to school/work?
yup. boogie band = black shoes, red knee high socks, black shorts, red shirt with yellow cord things, sunglasses, and red berets. we looked good.
Last thing you bought at Walgreens?
soap i think
Ever thrown up in public?
yeah. but only once from drinking too much. the rest of the times were from running.
Would you prefer being a millionaire or finding true love?
true love i guess. i've lived this long without monies and have been happy enough.
Do you believe in love at first sight?
i believe in hot girls at first sight, but not love.
SPONGEBOB OR JIMMY NEUTRON?
i barely know who they are so i'm gonna pass.
Did you have long hair as a young kid?
probably a few times.
What message is on your voicemail machine?
none, sadly.
Where would you like to go right now?
i'd really love to go skiing right now, so i'll say telluride, co.
Whats the name of your pet?
gert. she's adorable and i miss her.
What kind of back pack do you have, and what's in it?
duluth pack and cleats, a sweatshirt, and a water bottle.
What do you think about most?
damn this is a good question. i probably think most about whether or not i'm doing what i want with my life and what i can do to be happier.
mashed potatoes and gravy,
james
whats your name spelt backwards?
yeldray retlaw Semaj
What did you do last night?
practiced, played some poker, then drank with my friend trevor
The last thing you downloaded onto your computer?
an ultimate frisbee video
Have you ever licked a 9 volt battery?
yup. it was delicious.
Last time you swam in a pool?
i wouldn't call it swimming...but last summer.
What are you wearing?
a thong
How many cars have you owned?
just one, and she's still goin' strong
Type of music you dislike most?
the cheesy stuff you hear as background music in grocery stores
Are you registered to vote?
i think so...better look into that
Do you have cable?
nope
What kind of computer do you use?
the best kind (macbook pro)
Ever made a prank phone call?
is your refrigerator running?
You like anyone right now?
jenna fischer, although, she won't return my calls at the moment
Would you go bungee jumping or sky diving?
sky diving and hopefully sometime soon (this summer anyone?)
Furthest place you ever traveled?
london
What's your favorite comic strip?
i used to love garfield.
Do u know all the words to the national anthem?
you betcha
Shower, morning or night?
i'm not usually awake until i take a shower, so mornings
Best movie you've seen in the past month?
semi-pro. will ferrell = funniest man ever
Favorite pizza toppings?
pepperoni, mushrooms, and tomatoes
Chips or popcorn?
triscuits foo.
Have you ever smoked peanut shells?
what the f?
Have you ever been in a beauty pageant?
no, i'm too pretty so they won't let me.
Orange Juice or apple?
i drink a lot of oj, but i really like apple too. so both i guess...
Who were the last people you sat at lunch with?
my parents
favorite chocolate bar?
chocolate was made to be consumed in thin candy shells. f bars.
Who is your longest friend and how long?
gonna have to go with my buddy matt, from home. since 6th grade so like 15 years?
Last time you ate a homegrown tomato?
hmm...have i ever? i must be missing out.
Have you ever won a trophy?
i won a cross country race when i was in 10th grade, but i think i just got a medal for it :(
Favorite arcade game?
teenage mutant ninja turtles. donatello rocks the shit in that game.
Ever ordered from an infomercial?
no, but when i lived with branden up in governors he dared me to call in on one and ask them about the free prayer cloth they were offering. i remember an indian guy answering the phone that had no idea what the hell i was talking about when i asked him if the cloth really worked.
Sprite or 7-UP?
sprite, but i don't drink much pop.
Have you ever had to wear a uniform to school/work?
yup. boogie band = black shoes, red knee high socks, black shorts, red shirt with yellow cord things, sunglasses, and red berets. we looked good.
Last thing you bought at Walgreens?
soap i think
Ever thrown up in public?
yeah. but only once from drinking too much. the rest of the times were from running.
Would you prefer being a millionaire or finding true love?
true love i guess. i've lived this long without monies and have been happy enough.
Do you believe in love at first sight?
i believe in hot girls at first sight, but not love.
SPONGEBOB OR JIMMY NEUTRON?
i barely know who they are so i'm gonna pass.
Did you have long hair as a young kid?
probably a few times.
What message is on your voicemail machine?
none, sadly.
Where would you like to go right now?
i'd really love to go skiing right now, so i'll say telluride, co.
Whats the name of your pet?
gert. she's adorable and i miss her.
What kind of back pack do you have, and what's in it?
duluth pack and cleats, a sweatshirt, and a water bottle.
What do you think about most?
damn this is a good question. i probably think most about whether or not i'm doing what i want with my life and what i can do to be happier.
mashed potatoes and gravy,
james
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