| this is life, and life is beautiful. |
[06 Jul 2007|02:55pm] |
| [ |
mood |
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 refreshed |
] |
live life, love it. smile and breathe and laugh and play.
college in less than two months. i'm heading to emory!
:) be a happy man, pursue actively that eternal quest of self-actualization. i swear i'm not high. :)
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| LIFE IS CHANGED. |
[24 Mar 2006|04:51pm] |
| [ |
mood |
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accomplished |
] |
| [ |
music |
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Coheed & Cambria - Blood Red Summer |
] |
It's amazing how Time changes things, and how in a matter of nine months, my life has changed. No, I haven't had a baby, but my life has completely taken a new path.
Re-reading old entries has inspired me to write this. Any of you who will end up reading this probably know a lot of it, being there as it all happened. It all started with the birth of this school year, when I wasn't accepted into Rock Ensemble. I won't lie, despite telling everyone how I didn't care, it hurt like hell. However, with the advice of my friend Giorgio, I joined Varsity Cross Country. I was 197 pounds at the time, a drop from 210 pounds during my Sophomore Year.
I vomited. I cried. I collapsed. I cramped. I hurt physically. I didn't quit.
Coach Camarotti told me I was determined, which I was. He also told me it would take about six weeks for all of this to stop, until my body fell out of, as he called it, "shock". Meanwhile all this, I had my eyes on something else, something I could only dream of before. I wanted to wrestle.
I lost 10 pounds during the Cross Country season, which was great, but it wasn't enough for me- I had my aspirations. High School is about trying new things, preparing you for the road ahead. Thus, I walked into the wrestling room on day one, and left on the last day. Throughout the season, I was doing things I never thought I'd do before. It was not an odyssey just for my body, it was a quest I went on with my mind, my soul, and spirit. The weight shed off as I wrestled away all the woes and pains that faced me.
Here I am today, 165 pounds. That is a total of 32 pounds this year, and since last year, 45 pounds. Every time I feel discouraged now, I lift up a 45 pound dead-weight, and realize I was carrying one around.
I also started a new band, and this one isn't a Flavor of the Week type of thing. I really feel we're going to stick together, and the music is something I love to involve myself with. We're INVERBATIM
I have an amazing girlfriend as well, her name's Caroline. She's beautiful, amazingly intelligent, and just a pleasure to be with.
There's much more, i'm sure. Maybe i'll stick around to update these days, but who knows? In the case of no, i'll see you in a half a year or so.
Alex.
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| Isotopes and Such. |
[22 Jun 2005|03:30am] |
| [ |
mood |
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 chipper |
] |
| [ |
music |
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As I Lay Dying - The Beginning |
] |
Oh yeah, I did run for Student Government, too, as Junior Vice President. I lost to Lauren Vargas, but whatever, she's cool and she's innocent.
Also, I did something cool today. I bought this program that you can record audio and mix it and shit. It has all these awesome effects built in, too, so Isotopes of Green might be able to rip a demo off of this. Bercu and I played around with it a bit, just bass and drums, and it sounds really good, too. I was suprised. Anyhow, we have Corey coming later this week to jam with us on keys, and if all works out, I don't know. Sam's coming over on Thursday to help us mix and master this thing, and Friday, I leave for FBLA Nationals! It's gonna be some crazy shit.
Anyhoo, keep posted chillins. However,
Until Then,
`IV
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| The Past Five Months and 19 Days In Recap (Part One) |
[20 Jun 2005|11:27pm] |
| [ |
mood |
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 bored |
] |
| [ |
music |
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Matisyahu - Close My Eyes |
] |
Okay, I'm gonna make this short and pretty sweet, because this is all I can think off at the moment.
- I quit/was kicked out of Spiro Agnew.
- I finished school with a bang? Much better than I was doing.
- I formed a new band, called Isotopes of Green, in which I am on Bass Patrol.
- I cut my hair.
- I still haven't had sex.
- I lost interest in stuff for a while.
- I've become a pseudo-hermit with my classical music.
- Other stuff will come to mind, I'm sure.
Otherwise. Hello again.
Until then...
`IV
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| Stuff. |
[01 Feb 2005|03:30pm] |
| [ |
mood |
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 peaceful |
] |
| [ |
music |
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The Blood Brothers - Burn Piano Island, Burn |
] |
Hmm, I felt better today. I didn't go to school yesterday, but I did today. I'm gonna go cut my hair, not completely but a good amount. Should be something interesting. In other news, today is the reckoning day. After ten months of not seeing him, my stepdad and I are going to meet and have a sitdown. It works out in two ways: either we'll see eye to eye and I might be able to live with them again, or I will accomplish absolutely nothing and live with my Dad fulltime, like I'm doing now. I'm nervous about that, but I dunno. Hopefully things work out, if not, they don't.
Also! Spiro Agnew should be recording in the upcoming weeks. We plan to put Agustapoulos, I <3 the Government, and Stomach Virus on the CD, but maybe a bonus track of POW!ndcake. But for now, just the first three. It should be really fun, and will definitely help us land shows. We need a demo to play at a lot of places, like Churchills, etc. Merch will also be availible soon. Shirts, Stickers, Buttons, and Spiro Agnew contraceptives, but those are on backorder.
Happy Valentines Day to you all, it's coming up. Hope you all find your matches.
For now, and until then...
`IV
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| Amazingly Amazing. |
[30 Jan 2005|01:28pm] |
| [ |
mood |
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 giddy |
] |
| [ |
music |
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In Flames - Ordinary Story |
] |
Good show last night. It was great to finally see DarKarma, and to see my old band play. They were good, and it was amazing to see that they made so much progress. I wish them all the luck in the world, and God bless every band for playing with us, including everyone who came to support our show, etc. If we could bring all those people who watched last night to MORP to see us, then we'd probably be able to play.
I really love this feeling, of being in a band that people call "innovative" and "genius". I love that people are saying:
"How badass is spiro agnew?
If spiro agnew was a ninja, it would be like fifty feet tall, brandishing a flaming submachinegun and riding a hoverboard at 500 miles an hour through the special olympics while being chased by helicopters and dinosaurs that shoot lasers from their eyes."
Damn. That has to be the most powerful/weirdest comment I've ever recieved, but then again, normalicy is overrated. Now's the time for us to kick it into high gear, and become the best damn band that hit South Florida.
Well, time is up, until next time, I'll send you the bill. (Tell me where that's from and you'll get a present)
`IV
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| Embody the Invincible |
[29 Jan 2005|11:02am] |
Spiro has a show tonight, I hope everyone goes, because that would just kick much ass. I really don't want to bring my drumset, because these damn kids get crazy and might go bust my drum heads. I'm letting Lautaro borrow the set because he let me borrow his last time, and also Oliver, because he plays soft and well, is a cool kid. I finally put a pillow into my bass drum, so it doesn't resonate much anymore, and sounds oh-so-sweet for those double bass fills. We've added three new songs to the set, so everyone should come see those, and who knows, we might finish one more in about 55 minutes, when practice starts.
In other news, I'M GOING TO FBLA STATES! I'm so excited, I don't care that I got third place at all. But, what was weird was right after I got my trophy, one of the judges came up to me and pulled me out of the assembly. He told me he thought I not only had the potential to win first today, but to win the whole state competition. That really shocked me, and made me feel really good and confident. That type of shit on a college resume is good, so I'm really gonna work on this competition. This is gonna be great.
Come to the show tonight! 4751 North Bay Road, Miami Beach. Show starts at 6:00, we're playing with Daybreaker, DarKarma, and the Danny Managan Funk Experience.
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| ... and when I thought things couldn't get much worse. |
[11 Jan 2005|03:04pm] |
| [ |
mood |
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 crushed |
] |
| [ |
music |
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Norma Jean - Memphis Will Be Laid To Waste |
] |
Well, to explain the issue from yesterday. (one of them) Spiro Agnew decided to make a side band called October Erections, to mock September Sessions. Little did the band members know how Benji, Jason, Derek, and Fernando are my friends, so it was like I was hating on them. After talking to the band, I convinced them that we weren't going to be the BJ Experience (band that mocked Jacob's Ladder), and they realized how idiotic it is to hate. That's done, so I'm happy.
Lo and Behold, though, I wake up today with my arm bent in a 90 degree angle, unable to straighten or bend more without excruciating pain. After I finished my Philosophy midterm, I called my Mom and she picked me up to visit the hospital. I have severe tendonitis, a musicians worst nightmare. I can't play bass nor play drums for at least a week. That means no Spiro Agnew practice this weekend, unless I miraculously heal. All I can do is type here and talk on the phone. So, if someone would like to cheer me up, drop me an IM or Phone Call. Feel free to laugh as well, I know, it's pretty damn funny.
Well, I'm out for now.
`Japan IV
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| lonely walks down memory lane |
[10 Jan 2005|05:54pm] |
| [ |
mood |
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 gloomy |
] |
| [ |
music |
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The Blood Brothers - The Salesman, Denver Max |
] |
Today sucked. Just like any other shitty day i've had, but a little more. Tomorrow I need to set things right, and as for the other issue... i'll still keep trying.
I'll explain it all later.
if you care, you persist... and I fucking care.
`IV
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| walks up and away from memory lane. |
[09 Jan 2005|11:55am] |
| [ |
mood |
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artistic |
] |
| [ |
music |
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Rage Against the Machine - Testify |
] |
Wow... long time no posting. But occasionally the day comes along where I feel it's worth it. Since it's been so long since I've updated, let me fill you people in:
1) I formed a band.
2) Band was named Spiro Agnew.
3) Siggy on Vocals, Eric on Guitar, Robby on Lead Guitar, James on Bass, I'm on Drums.
4) We were all officially a band on December 27th, 2004.
5) Our first show was on January 8th, 2005, with this punk band Jimmi Waxx and Daybreaker.
6) We played, and rocked.
7) My voice is just about gone.
We had tons of fun. Thanks to everyone who came out and supported us, and to Jonathon for letting us play at his party. Also, to Walter Cronkite, Mandella, and Moses, you guys fucking ROCK.
Well, I'm gone. Gonna work out today, and go see a movie possibly? If you wanna do something, tell me.
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| </3 |
[08 Nov 2004|08:30pm] |
| [ |
mood |
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weird |
] |
| [ |
music |
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Between the Buried and Me - Aspirations |
] |
Why I haven't been online:
- Moving downstairs to a bigger apartment, so computer isn't hooked up yet.
- Grounded due to grades for one month, also for idiocy during Rock Ensemble trip.
- Plain ol' being busy.
I've missed the Internet a bit, but not much. I play bass more and more every day, and it's quite fun to just jam around. I am having so much fun with my new Ampeg half-stack, and all in all I guess it's a good experience. I also study more now, I study math for two hours every day, so much that Cramer's rule is now a part of my being... creepy spiritual shit, 'eh?
Good News: my band found a drummer who uses a double bass pedal for that trigger metal sound. He's going to be tested this weekend, as something happened this weekend. His name is Stephano, he's from DarKarma but he wants to be in something else.
More Good News: I wasn't suspended from school due to the Rock Ensemble trip.
Well, off I go to play some more bass or watch TV, etc... I'll be back later. Count down to December 1st, begin!
`IV
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| `crown of thorns` |
[23 Oct 2004|02:10pm] |
| [ |
mood |
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See Below. |
] |
| [ |
music |
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Deftones - Minerva |
] |
The Rock Ensemble trip was ruined. Long story short, someone was almost charged with assault for dropping a water balloon from the 16th story of the hotel. The man on the floor, who was almost hit said he would have pressed charges if he was hit. I won't say who did it, simply that I didn't do it. What I will say is that I closed a door as someone was running after me, which ended up in them putting their palm through the door. I have to pay for that, which I don't mind, yet what I do mind is that I might face school punishment because of it. Y'know, I'm sitting here writing up a paper for Guthrie on of all subjects, existentialism. What are we in the greater scheme of things? What are these little issues that inhibit fullness of life compared to those of other people? Whilst people are being murdered, are school issues such a problem? Is everything that happens like this connected, or is it all disoriented in the whole of existence? This report is opening my eyes to the world, and it fits really well in with that movie, "I -Heart- Huckabees" I'm confused, enlightened, disoriented, depressed, ecstatic, overjoyed, downtrodden, and in awe over this report... someone IM me, I need to talk.
`IV
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| Recounting like Florida circa 2000. |
[17 Oct 2004|08:04pm] |
| [ |
mood |
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cheerful |
] |
| [ |
music |
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Mae - Embers and Envelopes |
] |
Whoo, this weekend was certainly entertaining.
FRIDAY: Rock Ensemble practice where we learned 'Kokomo' by The Beach Boys, from what I heard and saw it was the 'old Burris' (chilled out and letting everything go without yelling at anyone or being uptight). After that I went to Flanigan's to celebrate Micheal MacBride's 18th birthday, ended up going to the gym with Sam, Benji, Jason, and Derek. We stayed there till about 8:30, when we headed back to Sam's, picked up Sergio, and got ready for Lea's (graduated Rock Ensemble member) party, which was quite an entertaining event. We hung around until 1 AM, then drove to Sam's house, going out again till about 4. I ended up crashing at Sam's place, and that was that.
SATURDAY: Went to the mall with Danny, Sam, Sergio, and Benji. Came home.
SUNDAY: Went to go see 'I (Heart) Huckabees' (THAT MOVIE KICKED ASS). Got stuff for the Chicago trip on Wednesday! WOO!
Well, off I go to eat Chinese food. SEACREST OUT~!
'IV
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| docile. |
[14 Oct 2004|03:05pm] |
| [ |
mood |
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 calm |
] |
| [ |
music |
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Elliot Smith - Miss Misery |
] |
It's nice to chill out and jam to some peaceful music after a great day.
Simon's class was TRASHED by Brian T., Natacha, Emiliano, Micheal, Abie, and myself. HUGE paper fight, including hitting Micheal with a wet wad of toilet paper while he took a piss, and hitting Tenenbaum in the face with Saran-Wrap dripping in grease from pizza, and shoving all the mess under Diego's desk. I heard Simon found it... good luck Diego!
Good days, good music to chill to.
Off I go! (Will post later)
`IV
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| Blame it on the Emo's. |
[09 Oct 2004|10:55pm] |
| [ |
mood |
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 excited |
] |
| [ |
music |
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Elliot Smith - Angeles |
] |
Well, I went and saw Friday Night Lights with the family, and was almost beheaded for a little outburst of laughter during a very emo scene in the movie. Here's the scenerio:
Star football player tears his ACL, all he was ever good at was football, loses every chance at college/life he ever had. He cries to his uncle in the car about how his life is over, and I crack up. Everyone in the damn theatre turns around, some who are in tears, and I hear random calls of "asshole", "prick", "jackass", etc. Y'know, I thought it was funny, so fuck you all, I payed my $7.00 for the movie, so shut up and turn around you dirty emo bitches.
Pissed me off... but whatever. Looking up at the photo of the Asian kid who yelled getting his immunization makes me feel better. On another note, the battle of the bands news has spread out, to my shock. A friend from Fort Lauderdale says his friends from Pompano High heard about it and can't wait to see a show that doesn't feature Emo bands. A group of girls on Lincoln Road recognized me as the bassist in Rock Ensemble, so score one for the home team there.
About bass, I bought a very interesting solo by Serge Koussevitzky called 'Humoresque', (not the one you were thinking about James, that one is by Dvorak) and after Mr. Burris reviewed it, he wants me to play at the Greater Miami's Classical Guitar Solo Festival as the sole bassist amongst Classical Guitarists. I can't wait, it'll be something to remember.
For now, I'm out... and I just realized I was listening to emo, -burns CD player-
`IV
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| -gasp- I'm a Rock Star?! |
[30 Sep 2004|05:12pm] |
| [ |
mood |
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grateful |
] |
| [ |
music |
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Atreyu - Nevada's Grace |
] |
I think in my short career in Rock Ensemble, this was the best show we ever played. Even though it was for Elementary School kids, they were a great crowd. Energetic youth, methinks.
We rocked out, just having a kickass time. I got to destroy alongside the rest of the guys, which was great fun. I can't believe this: People wanted my autograph! I -truly- felt like a Rock Star after that. I remember at the end of the one of the songs, I jammed so hard, my bass ended up off me, lol.
Also! On October 29th, there's going to be a Battle of the Bands at the Art Temple, featuring
Seraphim <--- My Band (come root us on please!)
DarKarma
Chalice of Mist
CAWB (Featuring Guest Drummer... -gasp- KEVIN SIMON!)
Other bands should be added, and the address/directions shall be added on a later date.
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| Something New. |
[29 Sep 2004|08:05pm] |
| [ |
mood |
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 hopeful |
] |
| [ |
music |
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Deftones - Change (in the House of Flies) |
] |
Well, as life goes, windows close and doors open, but as of now I have both open. I'm starting another band with two other friends of mine, something different from the hardcore and thrashing of Seraphim, something more mainstream that more people would enjoy, something cool, like CKY meets Yellowcard.
(on the Yellowcard topic, I'm pissed off because before they ever became big, I had the idea of getting an electric violinist in a band.)
It's with some friends from my Mom's house area, Oliver (Mr. Drums) and Chris (g33tar man). I'll be bassing it and maybe singing. I'm thinking of some names, something like...
The -insert snazzy word- Project
or...
Antigone, Algernon, or any famous partison in tragedy.
==========================================================================================================
open to your two cents here.
-IV
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|
| -insertsubject- |
[26 Sep 2004|08:34pm] |
| [ |
mood |
| |
silly |
] |
| [ |
music |
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Micheal Jackson - Billie Jean (this song kicks ASS) |
] |
Today was pretty cool. Went to go see Shaun of the Dead with Robby, James, and an old Catholic school friend- Steven. That movie kicked ass. I wish I was British, lol.
-IV
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| Fucking Melodrama... |
[22 Sep 2004|05:30pm] |
| [ |
mood |
| |
 exhausted |
] |
| [ |
music |
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Atreyu - Lip Gloss and Black |
] |
Damn, this day was going great.
Well, in Rock Ensemble we decided to do the song 'Somebody to Love' by Jefferson Airplane. The week prior, Jason Novack told me in front of Mr. Burris that he wanted to play the song on bass, as he is the second bassist. I was reluctant to say an answer, and Mr. Burris said, "Jason, I think Alex really wanted to play it." To that, Novack said, "Oh! I didn't know that. In that case, I'll play 'Last Train to Clarksville and 'With a Little Help From My Friends'." I was happy, because in truth I really had wanted to play 'Somebody to Love'. The situation seemed fine and dandy, and there were no harsh words shared between us. In fact, I thought that throughout last year and this year Jason and I had become really good friends. This was all questioned at around 4:30PM today.
When the guitarists were figuring out the chords for the songs, Jason came up to me and said, "I want to play this song." I brought up the conversation we had the week prior, to which he responded, "I brought the song in, I want to play it." It was then other people saw us arguing and questioned it. I said to everyone what Jason, Burris, and I discussed, and it seemed closed, that I was going to play the song, with everyone agreeing that I should except Jason and Micheal MacBride. When he was leaving to go home, he said goodbye to everyone around me, but not me, so I said, "Bye Jason," to which he responded a cordial "Fuck you Alex."
What the fuck happened to the agreement we had? Is this gonna kill the friendship we had, something so miniscule? I dunno, I don't want Rock Ensemble to be the Soap Opera it was last year.
Well, I do have something to look forward to tomorrow. After school the band is going to Johnny's. Andy's sister is gonna be there, and she works for this company that hooks up bands with mini-tours around Florida and stuff. Tomorrow we make the true impression, to see if all this shit really is going to go down. We all have the will, and we all have the desire to get out there. It's times like today that I think maybe a tour to fly away from all this shit would be what I need. Sitting here, I see it. Spending a month with four of your best friends, on the road playing for people who appreciate what you do, and have a true catharsis from it. It would also be pretty damn good to come home a celebrity... lol, getting ahead of myself here... or maybe not?
- IV
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