Architecture + Spirituality = Places I Want to Visit

We all get the travel bug once in a while.

Sometime I'd like to visit all the sites from CNN's article on 8 religious wonders to see in the US.

Palace of Gold, West Virginia

I've been outside St Patrick's Cathedral in NYC, but not inside.

Happy to see the Salt Lake LDS Temple at #6, which I've been to and in a bunch of times.

Salt Lake Temple, Utah

So I guess I have 6.5 to visit, eh? Who's coming with me?

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A Night of Artomatic Fun

My friends have a wide variety of talents. Last night, I saw one of my friends perform a few bellydancing routines at the Artomatic 2012 show in Crystal City, VA.

She did a great job, and I was impressed at the body control, as I know I could never get my hips and upper body to move the way she and her fellow dancers did. Way to go, Alice!

After rocking her group routine

The gang there to support

Going solo

After the performance, we all looked around at the various art exhibits, which ranged from sculptures to murals to small paintings and photography. There were even Lego creations and the famous Washington Post Peep-o-ramas to check out.

Nyan cat made from Legos

That is one large Peep!

We spent about 2 hours walking around and only saw 3 of the 10 floors. I'm thinking I'll have to go back another time or two to check out a couple more floors. Very interesting stuff!

Makes me want to get artsy and create something...

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I'm Not That Aaron Smyth

If you're reading my blog, you probably know me.
If not, I'm flattered that you're here, and you're certainly welcome to stick with us.

Sometimes I get emails that aren't meant for me, though.
How could that be, you ask? How could someone mistakenly send me an email?

There's another Aaron Smyth.
[Cue your shocked and surprised look, plus an audible gasp. I'll wait til you're done to continue.]

And he's (arguably, though a pretty cut-and-dried debate thus far in life) more famous than me.

I first found out about Aaron Smyth #2 when I got a Facebook friend request a few years ago.
The young lady from the Eastern Bloc was wondering why I lived near Washington, DC, and if maybe I was dancing with a new company something. I had no idea what she was talking about.

So I Googled my name, adding 'dance' on the end.

And I found out that Aaron Smyth #2 is a renowned Australian ballet dancer.

Aussie Aaron was even a top 4 finalist on Australia's Got Talent in 2008.

According to his website, he's currently touring with the American Ballet Theatre in New York.

Now that I'm aware of him, I'm not as confused when I get emails like these:

 
You can't imagine how tempted I was to have them actually fly me to Boston and then film their reaction when they realized the pas de deux is miles beyond my basic BYU Social Dance 180 abilities.

But instead I just email back and say they're probably looking for Aussie Aaron.
Sorry to disappoint you, Boston Ballet and University of Iowa.

And best of luck to you in your career, Aussie Aaron Smyth!

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I Love Tattoos, Just Not on Me

Have you ever thought of getting a tattoo? Do you already have one?
While I don't have one, I've thought about getting one on multiple occasions.
No, I wouldn't get a tribal armband, or a Fred Flintstone, or anything like that (though I don't begrudge those who do get such symbols/characters, as long as it has some personal meaning).

Great detail and I imagine it has a deep, personal background story

I actually think this is really cool idea (after you're married, of course)

Many of my feelings for tattoos are similar to this person's, actually.
Pain is a deterrent, but I have a pretty good tolerance. Plus, it'd be temporary.
As cool as a tattoo would be, I don't know that I'm passionate enough about something to get one.
And maybe I'm already too old to start getting tattoos.

For years, there have been two tattoos that I've actually considered beyond the "that looks rad" stage.
I'd only get one, and the selected tattoo would have been located either on the upper arm or on my calf. Not sure how I'd decide the spot, but, in my mind and for me, those would be the only acceptable places.

1. Superman symbol: He stands for so many good things and is definitely my favorite superhero. Sadly, I don't think it'd be personal enough. Plus, I already have a Superman ring that my mom sent me for Easter during my mission. So if I want to rock his style, I can wear that.
2. Ironman logo: This would have more meaning for me. When I was 19, I set a goal to complete a full Ironman event before I was 30. It was tough, but I trained for and completed the St George Ironman in May 2010. So why didn't I get the tattoo? I don't know; I guess I just felt like so many people had this one, and I don't want triathlon and/or the Ironman to define me my whole life.

Potential tattoo #1

Potential tattoo #2

Pretty much, you don't need to worry, Mom. I don't plan on ever getting a tattoo.

And I know that line just allowed you to stop holding your breath and let out a big sigh of relief.

For those of you who are considering getting one (or another, as the case may be), or those who may just be curious in learning more about tattoos in general, here is a helpful graphic.

But I still think they look pretty awesome sometimes.

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