After a four-year hiatus, the Karate Kid has returned. I went to see my Sensei today and told him I wanted to come back to the dojo. So I start again tomorrow! Technically, I'm a second-degree brown belt, but I don't remember a lot of stuff. Once I get going again it should all start coming back.
I'm very excited to return. I love karate. I really think it helped shape me a lot as a person. I started when I was seven and stopped when I was thirteen. It helped with everything. Confidence, coordination, people skills...I always meant to go back, I don't have any excuse as to why I didn't. I had time. That doesn't matter too much now. All that matters is that I did go back. It's really a great thing to know. Also, if I ever get mugged, I can defend myself.
Sensei hasn't changed at all. He still looks like Mr. Curit. They could be brothers. I'll post pictures later. I'm gonna go now. I hope Devan gets here soon.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Seas Would Rise When I Gave The Word
I love long weekends. And you know what makes them even better? When you have a guitar lesson on Friday and then again on Monday. Due to HonCon, I had to reschedule to an unknown day later in the week, and said day happened to be Friday. I love it when that happens.
I worked this weekend. For the first time in 36 days, I worked. Friday, Saturday, and today (Sunday). I don't mind work, I just bitch about it when I'm not there. Once I get there I'm fine, it's getting there that's hard. I love the people, hate that I come home smelling like a pizza.
So tonight I could've gone to a bonfire at the beach with my friends, but I chose to be a recluse and stay home and play guitar. Nothing against bonfires or my friends. I love them both, I've just been extremely compelled to play guitar these days. My 12-year-old neighbor was here today while I was playing guitar, and he asked, 'Is this what you do all day?' And I said, 'Basically, yeah.' And lately that has definitely been true. I can't help it. I can't explain how it makes me feel, but it's something else. I love every second of it. Every single second. If I could play in my sleep, I would.
I've been obsessed with two things lately: Cream and Coldplay's new song 'Viva la Vida'. I've listened to 'Viva la Vida' more times than I can count, and Cream is unbelievable. Eric Clapton has always been my favorite guitarist but something happened a few days ago and Cream has become the center of my attention. Eric Clapton speaks to me like no other guitarist. There's a reason for the 'Clapton is God' graffiti. Hendrix is a god, too, but there's something in Clapton's playing that gets me. I'm not gonna try to explain it because I can't.
Alright, it's guitar time, and I just received a text from someone telling me where the fire is. Ha.
I worked this weekend. For the first time in 36 days, I worked. Friday, Saturday, and today (Sunday). I don't mind work, I just bitch about it when I'm not there. Once I get there I'm fine, it's getting there that's hard. I love the people, hate that I come home smelling like a pizza.
So tonight I could've gone to a bonfire at the beach with my friends, but I chose to be a recluse and stay home and play guitar. Nothing against bonfires or my friends. I love them both, I've just been extremely compelled to play guitar these days. My 12-year-old neighbor was here today while I was playing guitar, and he asked, 'Is this what you do all day?' And I said, 'Basically, yeah.' And lately that has definitely been true. I can't help it. I can't explain how it makes me feel, but it's something else. I love every second of it. Every single second. If I could play in my sleep, I would.
I've been obsessed with two things lately: Cream and Coldplay's new song 'Viva la Vida'. I've listened to 'Viva la Vida' more times than I can count, and Cream is unbelievable. Eric Clapton has always been my favorite guitarist but something happened a few days ago and Cream has become the center of my attention. Eric Clapton speaks to me like no other guitarist. There's a reason for the 'Clapton is God' graffiti. Hendrix is a god, too, but there's something in Clapton's playing that gets me. I'm not gonna try to explain it because I can't.
Alright, it's guitar time, and I just received a text from someone telling me where the fire is. Ha.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Music Madness
To add to the greatness of this year/summer, I'm now going to see Alicia Keys and Bon Jovi!!! So that's five great shows this summer. Five shows with a side of two Red Sox-Yankees game topped with two weeks in Europe and for dessert--Berklee! I don't know how much better it can get. Oh yeah, and Dale's coming up for at least a week.
I've been playing a lot of guitar lately. I learned several jazz tunes, and transcribed the solo from 'Sunshine of Your Love' today. I didn't have a lesson because of Honors Convocation (explained in paragraph 4) and Bob had to leave at 6, and so would I had I had my lesson. And that's no fun. He emailed me saying that if I wanted more hang time to come later in the week. So of course I'm gonna go later in the week. One hour is not enough time. We usually talk for at least two hours, and play guitar for two hours, and then talk a little bit more. My lessons are any where between one and five hours. And I love it.
I only have 12 days of high school left. 12 days, and then I'm done. After four (long) years. I was done with high school my sophomore year. I've known what I wanted since I was 13 or 14. High school was just..a complete waste of time in the end. If it was optional, I would've opted out. I didn't hate it. I didn't love it. I was indifferent about it, I guess. At least I had my guitar throughout those years. That definitely helped make the time go by.
Speaking of high school, tonight is the Honors Convocation. It's a dinner/award ceremony for seniors graduating Cum Laude or higher, and the juniors in NHS go as well. It should be fun. I have a cute dress, and most of my friends will be there. My best friends are, anyway. I hope I get an award. If I could pick, I'd go with Social Studies or French. I won't get the Music one because I'm not in band.
My right calf really hurts, and I'm gonna go get ready now. Then play guitar a little more, then leave.
I've been playing a lot of guitar lately. I learned several jazz tunes, and transcribed the solo from 'Sunshine of Your Love' today. I didn't have a lesson because of Honors Convocation (explained in paragraph 4) and Bob had to leave at 6, and so would I had I had my lesson. And that's no fun. He emailed me saying that if I wanted more hang time to come later in the week. So of course I'm gonna go later in the week. One hour is not enough time. We usually talk for at least two hours, and play guitar for two hours, and then talk a little bit more. My lessons are any where between one and five hours. And I love it.
I only have 12 days of high school left. 12 days, and then I'm done. After four (long) years. I was done with high school my sophomore year. I've known what I wanted since I was 13 or 14. High school was just..a complete waste of time in the end. If it was optional, I would've opted out. I didn't hate it. I didn't love it. I was indifferent about it, I guess. At least I had my guitar throughout those years. That definitely helped make the time go by.
Speaking of high school, tonight is the Honors Convocation. It's a dinner/award ceremony for seniors graduating Cum Laude or higher, and the juniors in NHS go as well. It should be fun. I have a cute dress, and most of my friends will be there. My best friends are, anyway. I hope I get an award. If I could pick, I'd go with Social Studies or French. I won't get the Music one because I'm not in band.
My right calf really hurts, and I'm gonna go get ready now. Then play guitar a little more, then leave.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Steve Winwood
So today Steve Winwood was on the 'Today Show' again. I actually said, 'The 'Today Show' is a rerun!' My mom said, 'Amy, it can't be a rerun it's called the 'Today Show.' I said, 'Oh, then Steve Winwood is playing at it again today..interesting. Hey, I use that lick, and that lick, and I do that, too!' My solos sound a lot like Steve Winwood's--which I think is a good thing. Steve Winwood is an awesome guitarist/musician. He can play anything really. I thought it was cool that I sound like him. The weird part is that I never really listen to him. I've watched him plat at Crossroads a few times, and I have 'Dear Mr. Fantasy'. I bought his latest album ('Nine Lives') today. It's killer.
I guess I just think like Steve Winwood thinks. Part of it is the Eric Clapton thing. They're basically best friends, and I have used too many Clapton licks to count.
I just thuoght you might like to know that. I was quite fascinated/impressed.
Do yourselves a favor and go buy his new album. I'm probably going to learn the whole thing this week.
I guess I just think like Steve Winwood thinks. Part of it is the Eric Clapton thing. They're basically best friends, and I have used too many Clapton licks to count.
I just thuoght you might like to know that. I was quite fascinated/impressed.
Do yourselves a favor and go buy his new album. I'm probably going to learn the whole thing this week.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Fame (Before I Forget)
This is just so I don't forget (and I think Julia will hound me if I don't write this).
So tonight, after Julia and I went to see 'Baby Mama,' (which I highly recommend) we stopped at Martel's (just about the best ice cream around). As I was ordering, the girl behind the counter said, 'Hey, great job at the coffee house!' And I simply replied, 'Thank you!'
And Julia went nuts. Because it was the first time I had been recognized for anything musical.
Speaking of the coffee house (chez-cafe), here are pictures:
Just about the best picture of me ever.
So tonight, after Julia and I went to see 'Baby Mama,' (which I highly recommend) we stopped at Martel's (just about the best ice cream around). As I was ordering, the girl behind the counter said, 'Hey, great job at the coffee house!' And I simply replied, 'Thank you!'
And Julia went nuts. Because it was the first time I had been recognized for anything musical.
Speaking of the coffee house (chez-cafe), here are pictures:
Just about the best picture of me ever.
While My Guitar Gently Weeps solo (aka the whole song)
Me, Nate, and Matt singing 'Imagine'
Changing to sing some Bruce!
Me, Nate, and Matt singing 'Imagine'
Changing to sing some Bruce!
Friday, May 9, 2008
Three
In today's entry, we will be going over three things:
1. The Coffee House (or as Alex and I call it Chez-Cafe)
2. Computer Blues
3. Senioritis (or my lack of it)
So let's start with the coffee house. All in all, it was a success. A lot of people backed out last minute, but it was still wicked fun. I went from playing 12 songs to playing 4 songs, but hey, things happen. I jammed on 'I Shot The Sheriff' for a bit. Then I played 'Blinded by the Light' followed by my own song called 'Sleepless In The City.' The vocals weren't loud enough, but I was told my guitar-work made up for it. Matt and I played 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps.' That was incredibly fun. I soloed the whooooole time.
I guess I'm better than I think I am at guitar. The problem is that I hear what I play all the time, so it sounds so old and sometimes boring. Then I get feedback and find out that I sound pretty good. I can't wait to be able to play out all the time. I don't have a lot of options around here, but Boston's a whole different ballgame. The next few years are going to be wonderfully musical for me. And I can't wait.
You might think 'Computer Blues' is a bit weird, but if you ever happened to use my computer, you would understand why I have computer blues. My computer is approaching eight years old, and it gets slower every second. It's overloaded, and it's got a lot of glitches now. It's been cleaned out twice, and it didn't even make a difference. It's a sad sight. I hate my computer. My dad and I went computer shopping today, but no one helped us at Best Buy so we left. I said, 'We should just get a Mac. They're better,' and my dad said, 'I know they are.' That is a HUGE step in my quest to get a Mac as our home computer. My dad has been anti-Mac for as long as I can remember. It would be absolutely amazing if we got a Mac. I would probably cry tears of joy.
Senioritis is breathing down my neck. I can feel it. It's waiting to pounce on me. I have surprisingly escaped Senioritis this year. I think I'm one of the few. I've done just as much work as I did in my first three years of high school. I don't think I have it in me to not do the work. As Kanye West said, "For me, giving up is way harder than trying." I'm in the same boat as Kanye in that way. Actually I am in the same boat in a lot of ways, but I'm not any where to close to his level of arrogance. But yeah, Senioritis is calling my name. I can hear it, but I don't turn around to look him in the eyes. I do the work. I haven't skipped a day of school. I haven't even skipped a block without permission.
I have to much of a conscience to succumb to Senioritis. I'm not gonna let it get me. It's too late now. I have like..15 days of school left. The work is winding down. And I could slack off. Grades closed in the third quarter for seniors. My 5.218 or whatever it is GPA is safe. I don't think Berklee would give me the boot if I got three As and one B.
I have to go. Stuff to do..I think I'll go for a run--right after a round of Text Twirl .
1. The Coffee House (or as Alex and I call it Chez-Cafe)
2. Computer Blues
3. Senioritis (or my lack of it)
So let's start with the coffee house. All in all, it was a success. A lot of people backed out last minute, but it was still wicked fun. I went from playing 12 songs to playing 4 songs, but hey, things happen. I jammed on 'I Shot The Sheriff' for a bit. Then I played 'Blinded by the Light' followed by my own song called 'Sleepless In The City.' The vocals weren't loud enough, but I was told my guitar-work made up for it. Matt and I played 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps.' That was incredibly fun. I soloed the whooooole time.
I guess I'm better than I think I am at guitar. The problem is that I hear what I play all the time, so it sounds so old and sometimes boring. Then I get feedback and find out that I sound pretty good. I can't wait to be able to play out all the time. I don't have a lot of options around here, but Boston's a whole different ballgame. The next few years are going to be wonderfully musical for me. And I can't wait.
You might think 'Computer Blues' is a bit weird, but if you ever happened to use my computer, you would understand why I have computer blues. My computer is approaching eight years old, and it gets slower every second. It's overloaded, and it's got a lot of glitches now. It's been cleaned out twice, and it didn't even make a difference. It's a sad sight. I hate my computer. My dad and I went computer shopping today, but no one helped us at Best Buy so we left. I said, 'We should just get a Mac. They're better,' and my dad said, 'I know they are.' That is a HUGE step in my quest to get a Mac as our home computer. My dad has been anti-Mac for as long as I can remember. It would be absolutely amazing if we got a Mac. I would probably cry tears of joy.
Senioritis is breathing down my neck. I can feel it. It's waiting to pounce on me. I have surprisingly escaped Senioritis this year. I think I'm one of the few. I've done just as much work as I did in my first three years of high school. I don't think I have it in me to not do the work. As Kanye West said, "For me, giving up is way harder than trying." I'm in the same boat as Kanye in that way. Actually I am in the same boat in a lot of ways, but I'm not any where to close to his level of arrogance. But yeah, Senioritis is calling my name. I can hear it, but I don't turn around to look him in the eyes. I do the work. I haven't skipped a day of school. I haven't even skipped a block without permission.
I have to much of a conscience to succumb to Senioritis. I'm not gonna let it get me. It's too late now. I have like..15 days of school left. The work is winding down. And I could slack off. Grades closed in the third quarter for seniors. My 5.218 or whatever it is GPA is safe. I don't think Berklee would give me the boot if I got three As and one B.
I have to go. Stuff to do..I think I'll go for a run--right after a round of Text Twirl .
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Ohh Thunder Road
That's a good song. No, it's a great song.
I'm so confused on my days. I know today's Tuesday, but it feels like Friday. Yesterday was Monday, and the only reason I know that is because I went to Bob's. All the days blend into one now. It's actually kinda cool. I basically look at a calendar and it just swirls. There are a few very important dates coming up, but the rest all blur.
I'm too lazy to post prom pictures right now. I'll do it later.
I had two band practices tonight. The first one was just Matt and me. That was really fun. I won't elaborate. Go to the coffee house Thursday if you want to see what I won't talk about. The second band practice was my band without Matt, which was a Trio tonight. We're playing a jazz song and 'Who Did You Think I Was' on Thursday..it's gonna be cool.
I can't wait for summer. I can't wait for Berklee. There are so many things I just can't wait for. I know they say time flies. But unless it's at Mach 3, it's not going fast enough at this point in my life.
Alyssa wanted me to update this. So there ya go, kid. It's not very long, but I'll have a better entry later in the week. Or I should at least
I'm so confused on my days. I know today's Tuesday, but it feels like Friday. Yesterday was Monday, and the only reason I know that is because I went to Bob's. All the days blend into one now. It's actually kinda cool. I basically look at a calendar and it just swirls. There are a few very important dates coming up, but the rest all blur.
I'm too lazy to post prom pictures right now. I'll do it later.
I had two band practices tonight. The first one was just Matt and me. That was really fun. I won't elaborate. Go to the coffee house Thursday if you want to see what I won't talk about. The second band practice was my band without Matt, which was a Trio tonight. We're playing a jazz song and 'Who Did You Think I Was' on Thursday..it's gonna be cool.
I can't wait for summer. I can't wait for Berklee. There are so many things I just can't wait for. I know they say time flies. But unless it's at Mach 3, it's not going fast enough at this point in my life.
Alyssa wanted me to update this. So there ya go, kid. It's not very long, but I'll have a better entry later in the week. Or I should at least
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Prom..
Was an absolute blast. I am SO glad I went. You have no idea. Even after I dropped chocolate on my dress, it was still amazing.
Jordan got here at 4:30. I was finishing up getting ready. Not gonna lie, I was hot. I looked good. Pictures will be up soon. But damn..was I hot--so was J. We took pictures and what not, then headed over to Matt's to meet up with the rest of the crew. We ate, talked, and then got into our limos and headed off to prom. Before going to prom, my limo drove around for a bit which was fun. There were 13 people in the limo: Me and Jordan, Adam and Emily Pulio, Drew and Nicole, Jared and his date (can't remember her name), Jeff and Autumn, Julia, Cody, and Willy.
We got to prom a little after 7, and I was dancing even before we got to dance floor. I was dancing and singing and then I looked up and my principal was right there. He was like, "Hi, Amy!" And I looked up--still dancing--and said, "Hi, Mr. Wolfe!" He's pretty cool. I think he is, but many people might disagree with me
We danced for probably three and half hors--out of four. The highlights of the night in my opinion were Drew and Nicole swing dancing in the middle of the circle, and then me, Nicole, and Julia dancing on the speakers when 'Touch My Body' came on. Drew and Nicole can really swing dance. I was quite impressed. And everyone's always surprised to see me dancing on a speaker (Europe '07). I also sang the song into Drew's ear because he was dancing below me. It was really fun--the whole night. I danced mainly with Jordan, Drew, and Josh when it came to boys--I danced a lot with Jordan, since he was my date..love that boy. And I danced with Julia, Nicole, and Emily too. I love Nicole. She is hilarious. She's Drew's best friend from swim. We've only hung out like..twice before this, but the three of us get along great. This summer will be a lot of fun.
The limo ride home was a blast. We stopped at a gas station, and Julia, Nicole, and I took pictures "pumping gas". Then we sang out the window in the Old Port. So many people were out (Saturday night, and there was a Sox game on). It was a blast. We went to Adam's afterward. I didn't sleep over. I'm not a fan of tents in the rain..or tents in general. Jordan and I left there around 1:30 I think. He had to go to work in the morning. I fortunately do not. I went to bed around 3. Taking down one's hair takes a while.
Everyone should go to their prom. I didn't want to go for a while. But I knew if I didn't, I would probably regret it. Go to your prom. You don't wanna miss it.
Oh yeah, and just some advice for girls who like to dance a lot: wear a short dress. I wore a long one, and I got wicked hot. Wear a short dress..much easier to move around in. Nicole and I wear both saying that.
Jordan got here at 4:30. I was finishing up getting ready. Not gonna lie, I was hot. I looked good. Pictures will be up soon. But damn..was I hot--so was J. We took pictures and what not, then headed over to Matt's to meet up with the rest of the crew. We ate, talked, and then got into our limos and headed off to prom. Before going to prom, my limo drove around for a bit which was fun. There were 13 people in the limo: Me and Jordan, Adam and Emily Pulio, Drew and Nicole, Jared and his date (can't remember her name), Jeff and Autumn, Julia, Cody, and Willy.
We got to prom a little after 7, and I was dancing even before we got to dance floor. I was dancing and singing and then I looked up and my principal was right there. He was like, "Hi, Amy!" And I looked up--still dancing--and said, "Hi, Mr. Wolfe!" He's pretty cool. I think he is, but many people might disagree with me
We danced for probably three and half hors--out of four. The highlights of the night in my opinion were Drew and Nicole swing dancing in the middle of the circle, and then me, Nicole, and Julia dancing on the speakers when 'Touch My Body' came on. Drew and Nicole can really swing dance. I was quite impressed. And everyone's always surprised to see me dancing on a speaker (Europe '07). I also sang the song into Drew's ear because he was dancing below me. It was really fun--the whole night. I danced mainly with Jordan, Drew, and Josh when it came to boys--I danced a lot with Jordan, since he was my date..love that boy. And I danced with Julia, Nicole, and Emily too. I love Nicole. She is hilarious. She's Drew's best friend from swim. We've only hung out like..twice before this, but the three of us get along great. This summer will be a lot of fun.
The limo ride home was a blast. We stopped at a gas station, and Julia, Nicole, and I took pictures "pumping gas". Then we sang out the window in the Old Port. So many people were out (Saturday night, and there was a Sox game on). It was a blast. We went to Adam's afterward. I didn't sleep over. I'm not a fan of tents in the rain..or tents in general. Jordan and I left there around 1:30 I think. He had to go to work in the morning. I fortunately do not. I went to bed around 3. Taking down one's hair takes a while.
Everyone should go to their prom. I didn't want to go for a while. But I knew if I didn't, I would probably regret it. Go to your prom. You don't wanna miss it.
Oh yeah, and just some advice for girls who like to dance a lot: wear a short dress. I wore a long one, and I got wicked hot. Wear a short dress..much easier to move around in. Nicole and I wear both saying that.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Prom and Other Things
I'm still finding it hard to believe that prom is tonight. It's so weird..I remember my sister going to prom when I was a freshman and it seemed so far away, and now I'm going to prom. Crazy! Gah, it's so weird to me. It should be a lot of fun though, even if there is a part of me that doesn't want me to go. Luckily the majority of me does, and in my world majority rules.
I was at Bob's yesterday for five and a half hours. We had a lot to catch up on. I love that man, I really do. He's the best. It's gonna be very hard/weird when I'm at Berklee and I don't see him every Monday...I'm telling you, I'm gonna go nuts hahah! Honestly, the entire time I was in Europe it was either 'I miss my guitar' or 'I miss Bob.' Except when I'm at Berklee I'll have my guitar. So it won't be as bad, and like he said, he's an email or a phone call away if I ever need him. It's good to have someone like that that is not one of your parents. It'll still be weird.
I'm trying to be productive, but then YouTube started working again, and my production train basically crashed..After this I'll be productive, otherwise my mom might be a bit upset.
So I think 'Forever Young' by Rod Stewart will be my class ode. It's perfect. It really is. It's easy to play, it's easy to sing, all the parents will know it, and the lyrics are great. It's definitely better than '100 Years' by Five for Fighting. I have a few other songs in mind ('Never Say Goodbye' by Bon Jovi, 'The Middle' by Jimmy Eat World, and 'Baba O'Riley' by the Who), but 'Forever Young' is by far the best out of those. I don't know if I'll find a better song for this situation.
Okay, I should go be productive now.
I was at Bob's yesterday for five and a half hours. We had a lot to catch up on. I love that man, I really do. He's the best. It's gonna be very hard/weird when I'm at Berklee and I don't see him every Monday...I'm telling you, I'm gonna go nuts hahah! Honestly, the entire time I was in Europe it was either 'I miss my guitar' or 'I miss Bob.' Except when I'm at Berklee I'll have my guitar. So it won't be as bad, and like he said, he's an email or a phone call away if I ever need him. It's good to have someone like that that is not one of your parents. It'll still be weird.
I'm trying to be productive, but then YouTube started working again, and my production train basically crashed..After this I'll be productive, otherwise my mom might be a bit upset.
So I think 'Forever Young' by Rod Stewart will be my class ode. It's perfect. It really is. It's easy to play, it's easy to sing, all the parents will know it, and the lyrics are great. It's definitely better than '100 Years' by Five for Fighting. I have a few other songs in mind ('Never Say Goodbye' by Bon Jovi, 'The Middle' by Jimmy Eat World, and 'Baba O'Riley' by the Who), but 'Forever Young' is by far the best out of those. I don't know if I'll find a better song for this situation.
Okay, I should go be productive now.
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