The Very Last Post, Ever..

...of 2008, duh. So here we are! The very last day of 2008. Honestly I've been waiting for this day to come because it's time to start a new year. This of course means a new chapter in the life of Gary. Before we can find out what's in store for 2009, we shall first revisit 2008. A lot has happened this past year ranging from relationships to music to friends to family to losses to gains. Either way, everything I've done has been a learning experience for myself and I can only become a better person out of them all. There are still some aspects that I would like to change about myself and hopefully 2009 will be the year I can make them. So since I'm a nice guy, I'd like to thank everyone who was a part of my life in the year 2008, good or bad, because you all made me who I am today. I'd also like to thank God for always being there for me and not letting me down in times of hardship. Without you, I'd be screwed royally. You saved me in more ways than I can count on my fingers and toes. Let us continue our beloved relationship together in this upcoming year. And now it is time for me to brag a little bit. I really enjoyed learning a lot in music this year as well as improving my playing. A year ago, I was coming into Mason thinking that I'm not that strong of a player and was hoping to get a lot out of learning with Rick and the people I've played with. Pep Band has definitely been a plus for me and I can't wait to play with the band all the way until I graduate. The way I see it, 2009 looks to be very promising. I'm going to be applying for a music internship at Wolf Trap and finding another teaching job that will pay more. With a year's worth of experience under my belt, perhaps I can ask for a little bit more money. Tonight, me and Jess are going out with a bang at the club. First time for me doing something extremely exciting on New Years Eve. I'd like to wish everyone a Happy New Year and also to be safe tonight! If you're driving, watch out and don't speed as cops are going to be EVERYWHERE. You all know why. If you're drinking tonight, stay where you are. Don't you dare make mistakes that I have done in the past. I want to see you all in the next year. Ending this last post of 2008, it's been an exhausting year so you all earned the right to party tonight so go on and have fun! Peace.

Lonely

I really don't know where these feelings came from but I'm feeling....down. It's hard to explain. Sometimes I get so caught up in the moment of what I'm doing that I'll forget about the true feelings going on inside of me. A majority of the time, this is a good thing because it allows me to not be upset. Then again, the more I go on hiding my feelings, the more I'll feel like crap later on when they resurface. I've said this before, I don't like to be alone unless I CHOOSE to be alone. If I don't want to be alone, then I put myself out there amongst the company of others. My parents are downstairs in their room and fall asleep on the couch from time to time. I'm just stuck here watching wrestling. Normally, I'd be excited to watch it but unless something cool happens, I'm bored out of my mind. It'll be nice to talk to someone whom I miss dearly though. It's been far too long since we last spoke and I think some catch-up time is in order. I guess I won't be lonely after all.

Torq Revolution

So I've finally gotten around to using my X-SessionPro USB controller and the Torq software I bought in October. Can I just say how amazing this thing is? No wonder so many pro DJs use this software. It's extremely flexible and the interface is very easy-to-use. Obviously, I'm still a nub and don't know how to use Torq to its potential but I'm looking at tutorials. If anyone needs a DJ....I'm here! Haha sort of. I'll let y'all know when I can actually do some damage with this controller.

Speaking of music, I haven't been playing my guitar that much this week. There are a couple reasons why I'm neglecting my baby: I haven't been to work since last week and I'm focusing on my other toys. I did teach lessons today though and had a long time to warm up since my first two students didn't show up. I'm glad that time can pass and my abilities are still retained. Then again, it's never a good thing to rely on this though! Always continue to practice, kids. Practice does NOT make perfect but it'll sure as heck make you a better player. Plus, learn your theory kids. I've got some 12 year olds who actually understand basic music theory and it puts a smile on my face. One of my students that I taught today told me that he's glad I am his teacher. His father is enjoying his son learn guitar from me and man, that just makes me feel so good about myself. I've said this a long time ago about myself but since I've acquired some new friends, my biggest goal in life is to share the gift of music with the world. This is why I'm making music any way that I can whether it's with my guitar, bass, keyboard, mixing console or whatever. Basically, BT is who I'm talking about here. I don't want to copy him. I just want to be that good. :)

The Music Shuffle Game

Step 1: Put your music player on shuffle

Step 2: Post the first line from the first 30 songs that play (no matter how embarrassing)

Step 3: Skip any song with the title in the first line, or with no lyrics at all

Step 4: Strike through the line when someone guesses the song correctly

Step 5: Looking them up is CHEATING

1. And as the sun sets, and the night falls

2. If life is my witness, love is my song

3. Everyday in a week I’m in the city 

4. You see the truth before you eyes, you see the goods on all the lies 

5. In the here and now, I wait down among the young and old 

6. She’s the one with lips like candy, candy

7. What’ll you do, when you get lonely 

8. To the satellites that fight with you, that level brew is filling

9. Should’ve been, would’ve been, could’ve been dead 

10.  See the mirror in your eyes, see the truth behind the lies 

11.  She eyes me like a Pisces when I’m weak 

12. I keep dreaming, that I had it all 

13. Nothing ever stops all these thoughts and the pain attached to them 

14. I don’t want to fight, every single night 

15. I’ve been digging in the crates ever since I was living in space

16. From morning to night, I stayed out of sight 

17. So little time, so little time, so frustrated 

18. If I had to lose a mind, if I had to touch a feeling 

19. I’m not like them, but I can pretend 

20. I’m tired of being what you want me to be

21. Got a feeling, feeling in your eyes

22. The rise and fall of my sloppy love 

23. On the day the wall came down 

24. I saw your face, elegant and tired 

25. She’s the one, she’s the only one she’s got ripped backlight gonna make me come 

26. Betcha’ didn’t think I knew how to rock n’ roll 

27. When I was 18 I didn’t know pain in the summer time 

28. Underneath the bridge, the tarp has sprung a leak 

29. So let the war begin, so far from innocence 

30. Forfeit the game, before somebody else takes you out of the game

The Thrill Is Here

Yeah I modified B.B. King's title just a little bit, but I bet nobody even knew that I made a reference TO a B.B. King song. Anyways, Mason basketball is the best. Seriously. We can't lose at home. We are now 5-0 and will make a statement going undefeated at home for the rest of the season. I'm a bit worried as Dayton is a good team. We just have to not make stupid mistakes and work together as a team. Keep playing the D and make the jumpers boys! I've had a lot of free time so I'm catching up on sports and oh man there's so much going on. We got the Yankees foolishly spending MORE money on a mediocre player, Shaun Ellis getting fined for having some fun in the snow, Zorn retaining his spot as coach of the Redskins, Boston grabbing 19 straight wins and having the best start in NBA history (27-2), NFL playoffs coming very soon and the bowl games starting next week. See? Thank goodness we have loads of sports channels and the internet. I've done my research folks. The thrill is indeed here. Sportswise. Well I guess holiday-wise too. I love the holidays. It means times of joy, family and coming together. Too bad my sister isn't here with us, I miss her a whole lot. They're doing fine and loving Colorado for sure. I believe a trip is in order sometime next year to go snowboarding and seeing their lovely house. It's also to see everyone staying happy even though times are rough and people are sick. This is where friends, family and God comes in. Without these factors, we'd all be depressed and screwed. But no, we have the things we need in life and all we can look forward to is the future. Keep your hopes up and continue to be optimistic everyone!

Hiatus

Yeah I don't get online much these days. I'm never around a computer because I'm always doing something. It's cool. I want to finish recording, ugh! Unfortunately, my USB interface is being retarded and I need to find out what's the problem. Instead, I broke out the M-Audio controller and realized that I can do a whole lot with this MIDI keyboard. I looked around the sounds and came up with 32 bars of a trance song. Hey, I think I have something here. The song actually sounds quite interesting and not like anything I've heard before. Thank you lovely key of D minor. I'll keep working out whenever I have the time. Thank goodness I get a real break after tonight. The basketball game tonight is the last one at home for 2008. Wow, it's almost the end of 2008 already. My my how time flies by. It's been a roller coaster year. I'll talk about that later though because I want to finish relaxing for a few more hours before I have to leave. Gary out.

Welcome Back

So I'm back online after a weekend hiatus due to a nice trip with Jessica visiting her hometown of Charlottesville AKA the country. Haha, she's gonna get upset when she reads this. Oh well, love you too! Anyways, her family is lovely and I enjoy spending time with them. I really feel welcomed in her family which is a PLUS because every single time I meet my significant others' family, they don't give me a chance. The number one thing I love is the open source of communication. This is why we work out together. It's almost our one month too. Woo!

I don't really have too much to write about. My mind's trying to relax and focus on finishing up my Christmas presents. I love the holidays. They make me thankful for having everyone in my life and enjoy spending time with ones that I love. Unfortunately, I didn't get to spend a lot of time with a few people but I hope their holiday break is wonderful. I'm also thankful for not driving so much anymore to Mason. This means I can save my gas and spend my money elsewhere. The apartment is coming soon! I just need to save some more money and I'll have more than enough. Let's hope that the drama teacher at Jefferson Middle School wants me as her musical director! Ok, I promise I'll come up with things to write about soon. I'm going to go get my haircut and present shopping with my parents for Destiny. I hope you all take care of yourselves, don't get sick and enjoy some time at home! Jess, you'll enjoy your time at home soon but hey, at least you're not alone. ;)

The Sound of Rain

All I really hear is the rain pouring and bouncing on my windows. I normally am annoyed by this sound but for some reason it's soothing. Rain is nice to have once in a while especially when unaccompanied. Word on the street is that it's going to snow tomorrow. From the looks of it, we'll either get freezing rain or sleet. Joy, just what I need for my commute to my lessons. It better not freeze over because I have a hard time seeing while driving in the rain as it is. Speaking of commute, it's finally over. My finals are complete and in the books. I can now fully relax and focus on making as much money as I can for my apartment. I'm going to admit, home will be missed. Home-cooked meals, Destiny, my parents, the big screen TV we JUST bought, Wii and the free gym are the things that will no longer be close to me physically. I am excited though to start my new journey and do things all by myself. Apartment shopping is on a temporary hiatus but I have two different people that are going to contact me once a deal pops up. See, talking to everyone is a good idea because you never know what kind of deals you can get. Having my own space will also allow me to make noise and record freely without distractions. Best of all, I'll have my OWN practice room. Haha suckers. When we come back to campus, those practice rooms are going to be demolished. Oh let the engagement of Mortal Kombat amongst musicians begin. I need to get better at fighter games because I suck. I just mash buttons. Ok, off-topic. I'm also going to miss the new friends I made as they are flying home for break. I'll just have to make the most of them until next week. At least some of the Pep Band members are staying for the games. Sweetness. Well, I'm going to go relax some more before I watch the Celtics-Wizards game. Until next time, I is out.  

Joining The Bandwagon...

So basically, everyone is studying for finals right now and so am I. I don't have too much to write as I'm jumping on the bandwagon and straying away from studying for a short bit of time. Finals is a joyous time of year. Why is that? Because we ALL have things in common around this time. We all freak out, stress, yell, smile, procrastinate and distract each other. What a better way to spend time during the holidays than to be together all doing the same thing! Then again, music is strangely helping me while I write my history notes. It never does but I'm going to shut it off soon  anyways. I need to practice for sight-singing more because I can't sing the melody line. I'm always singing along to what I'm playing on the keyboard. Grr. I'll manage, I always do. Then again, I must maintain my 75% to pass the class with a C. So here we go, back to studying. I'll write a more thought-out blog entry when finals are over. Until then, au revoir....(oh goodness, French will never escape me....)

Very Superstitious...

Ok so that title won't correspond with what I'll be talking about. I'm just currently in a state of Stevie Wonder and why shouldn't I be. The man is a genius; it's a shame my dad doesn't own any of his records. Looks like I'll be making it a goal of mine to own most if not all of them. 

Anyways, I really despise ignoring. It's the most childish thing and sure I've had my fair share of doing so, but damn does it make me mad when someone you care for a lot ignores you. Basically it feels as if my sisters are ignoring me and don't ever want to talk. I understand the whole "giving space" thing, but if I walk past you, must you really not say a word to me? Goodness, I guess humans are horrible. Or maybe I do deserve to be alone. Who knows. I don't but if this doesn't stop, things will get bad. Trust me, nobody wants to see what could potentially happen. No, I won't talk about what could happen because I don't want to even THINK about it. Either way, this better end. I'm tired of not being able to talk/see someone I care about. It eats me on the inside and maybe this is your way of inflicting pain back to me. Then again, women ALWAYS want revenge one way or another, even if they don't "mean it." That's BS in my opinion. All women mean it. Men do sometimes as well. Ok, who am I kidding. We all want revenge, it makes us feel good on the inside to see someone hurt. Yeah, I was right. We are horrible people. Joy.

I'm Sorry For You...

...not sorry for me. I've realized just how much pain I can cause by doing the smallest things possible. Did I see it coming? Not really. I didn't care to pay much attention to the negative aspect of things. Every time I did, I stressed out. Not going to make the same mistake twice. I also realize that perhaps the things I do can be taken way out of line. Is that completely my fault? Personally, I don't think so, I'm just living my life. Apparently, that isn't possible and people are going to set rules for me and enforce them. Seriously, is that absolutely necessary? If this happens, I can guarantee all of you would be extremely happy yet I'm going to be the one living a horrible life. Maybe that's what you people want; to see me live in torture. How sick is that. It's such a damn shame that as humans we love to see pain inflicted upon others yet when it occurs to us we are struck with fear. Ever try dealing with having someone rule your life for you? It's already happened to me once and I was miserable. I very wisely ended that reign of terror and decided to focus on me. I'm going to focus on me because I'm what's important to myself. Call me selfish, I don't care. I still care about the people in my life and will do my best to be a good friend. Tonight is going well so far. I've had time to myself and relaxation. It's always a good thing to relax before taking final exams and juries. I'm only going to practice once or twice more for juries because I don't want to overdue my playing. Sight-singing will take precedent over everything though because I must maintain my 75% to pass with a C. Everything else I'm not too worried about. Please, don't freak out if I say that I want alone time. It's nothing personal to anyone; we all want to be alone sometimes. If this offends anyone, I'm sorry. I really am. I still love you all. I promise.

Pour Some Sugar On Me....

What a combination eh? We Will Rock You and Pour Some Sugar On Me. Queen and Def Leopard. Kudos to the Green Machine maiestros (sp) for arranging those beast songs. We finally worked on Love in an Elevator during rehearsal. That song sounds pretty sweet when we all played it together. Christine's gonna nail that vocal line for sure. We also recorded Superstition for the Colorguard to perform with. I always love playing that song. It's basically become my personal song as I'm always the one to play it. Yay for having an auto wah effect! We've got plenty of gigs to play during winter break and I'm excited for each and every one. Every game we play in, men or women, is a thrill rush. Love it.

Anyways, I don't have too much to report on. Things are going just fine. I'm STILL working on my English portfolio but I'm almost done. Just one more revision and my reflective essay is all that's left. My jury's coming up and I'm pretty much good to go for that. The main thing I must practice this week is sight-singing. I hope I can get those sing-and-play's down. All it'll take is some time and practice! So I'm off to work on these things. Til next time...

Harder Better Faster Stronger

I'm feeling a heck of a lot better and stronger, I'm not gonna lie. I believe that for once I can't give credit only to myself for this change. Instead, I owe it to the openness and communication I have with my friends. I'm so thankful that finally I've found people who can actually talk rather than keep their mouths shut. So, thanks everyone for being there for me. I'm loving your support!

In other news, I'm currently watching Mason basketball. Therefore, my mind might be over the place. The game is tied and we're playing Liberty. I'm kind of nervous that we might lose being that this game is close but I have faith in my team to pull through. I'm seriously loving Mason basketball more than ever. Sure, being in Pep Band really lifted my spirit but just being a part of the Mason Nation and hearing the crowd loving every moment of the game makes me feel very happy on the inside. So come to the games and enjoy them! (Yes Caroline, you have time now, so come to them. You'll be seeing me at least! :D)

So finals are coming up. I have my keyboarding final tomorrow morning and my English portfolio due on Friday. Am I worried? At this point, not really. I just have to get it done with. No slacking off allowed. It's time I get off my butt and do some work. So after wrestling is over, I'm going to practice piano a bit more and then plan out my final papers to write. See? Not too much to write about tonight. Now I'm going to finish watching the game. See ya!