This past weekend, I jumped on the opportunity for a mini getaway to Evergreen with some friends. The luscious green rolling hills and towering trees made for a relaxing drive. Of course we saw our share of deer and elk along the way, but little did I know the narrow winding road would lead to such a rare site.

A buffalo had just given birth. The little guy, with matted fur, was taking his first steps. My friend Lindsey, who has her degree in biological science, informed us that the placenta was still attached.

Though this may be an instant eeew for many, I thought it was interesting. I stared out the window wide-eyed as the farmer came out of his house. A couple people also driving by, got out of their car to snap a few photos.

Before I knew it, we were on our way again, leaving the baby buffalo behind us. A day later I was back in suburbia not anywhere near where the buffalo roam. Yet, it’s little glimpses of mother nature like this that balance out our urban world. And for that, I am thankful.
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Although it might seem a little awkward and you might feel a little out of place, I suggest trying it at least once. I’m talking about going to a concert that is out of your realm.

Sometimes the most telling sign of a good or bad show comes from someone unfamiliar with the band. They can listen objectively and because they can’t simply sing along with all the songs, they are forced to pay closer attention to the lyrics and music.

Hearing maybe three songs prior, I attended the Alkaline Trio concert at the Fillmore Auditorium last week. I bought the tickets two months ago for a Valentine’s Day present for my boyfriend. He grew up in Chicago, also the hometown of the band. Alkaline Trio is his favorite.

The opening band, Against Me, was jamming out on stage when we went inside. Honestly, they did a little too much screaming for my liking.

We found a standing spot behind a teenage boy with tattoos on his neck. The members of Alkaline Trio, Matt Skiba, guitar/ vocals, Dan Andriano, bass/vocals and Derek Grant, drums took the stage dressed in black.

My first impression— this was a no-frills there for the music kind of punk-rock band. And they rocked. What impressed me the most was the band’s versatility. Skiba and Andriano both took turns on bass and guitar and each did a couple more mellow acoustic songs. This added a new dynamic to the traditionally dark lyrics.

Though their were some lights and effects, the focus was on the sound. Skiba had stage presence, but not at the sacrifice of skilled playing.

A petite blond lady in a bright white tank top danced next to me. “I love these guys!” she said to me. The 31-year-old preschool teacher of Highlands Ranch, Wind Dee Stallings, recalled seeing the band in a hole in the wall in Chicago.

Adriano told Rolling Stone in an interview, “It’s not just the punkers and the die-hard fans at our shows anymore.” Stallings and I were shining examples.

After playing song after song the band thanked their fans and abruptly left the stage. Though I was a little surprised they never came back out for an encore, it was a good thing I left wanting more.

If once you walk out of the concert wanting to know the songs better and maybe even consider buying the cd, then it was a good show in my book.

For more information on Alkaline Trio, visit www.alkalinetrio.com.

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When it comes to reporting, I pride myself on reporting the truth and being fair and accurate. Recently, I was faced with approaching a source who I had heard could be pretty difficult and a little strange.

I went ahead and set up the interview as I normally do. When I showed up, I found the person to be completely awesome. This individual had great stories to tell, was approachable and cooperative.

This got me thinking. How often do people judge others before really giving them a chance? If we don't put preconceived notions aside, we may miss out on meeting someone really interesting.

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Given that last Sunday was Easter, my boyfriend and I hoped in the car and drove down to Northglenn to visit my family. Because my father had to work, I wanted to make it a point to go to church with my mother.

At 10 a.m. I pulled into the parking lot of the church I grew up in. This is the place where I was baptized, sang in the children's choir and was confirmed. As I walked in, I was greeted by old faces. While I sat in the pew and glanced around, many people gave a friendly smile or wave in my direction.

But I couldn't help notice how time has changed things. I spotted a boy, now in his teens and remembered when he was born. In a whisper, my mom informed me that a guy about my same age will soon be engaged and a family who was sitting in front of me is going through a divorce.

As our lives evolve, change is inevitable. But it's nice to have a sturdy foundation to lean on. Though each person in the congregation is probably facing something new and different, they all come together in these familiar establishment. The stain glass, the traditional prayers and the overall environment was the same as it ever was.
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