Words are flowing out...

There it is.

2007-12-01T20:59:00.001-06:00

The Dons Fedora (8:51:25 PM): You have just challenged a god.

The Dons Fedora (8:51:29 PM): It has begun.

It's been a while.

2007-08-04T14:46:00.000-05:00

I'm back...

I suppose I should update about something.

But I don't know what that something is...

I love Katie, I miss Jimmy, I have a job, I had a blast during Limelight, hung out with friends a little (but not enough), read some great books, watched some great films...

Maybe I'll think of some specific things to blog about later. We'll see.

2007-07-07T01:19:00.000-05:00

Infatuation.
Trust.
Support.
Interest.
Passion.
Learning.
Faith.
Needing.
Wanting.
Beauty.
Charisma.
Talent.
Personality.
Loveliness
Love.

Katherine Jane Wolf.

Nothing's gonna harm you...

2007-05-11T06:19:00.000-05:00

Not while I'm around.

To die by your side is such a heavenly way to die...

2007-05-10T06:22:00.000-05:00

I haven't updated very frequently lately, and I apoligise.

But there's someone in particular who I really need to apologise to. This has been a long time coming...

I haven't written about Katie enough on here.

These are stressful days for all of us. School wrapping up, plays, etc etc

But I should be there for her completely, FOR HER, and I haven't been doing A-work on that. These days, nothing is official unless it's on the internet, and here it is.

Katie, I love you. You know that.

In case all of you haven't noticed, she's really given my life new stability and will for a long time to come. She'll never believe me when I tell her how wonderful she is, but she's a dork. She really is a lot like me. We all need someone to help sometimes. And she's one of those people who came into my life of her own accord. I didn't have to pursue her, or beg or plead. She just...entered, and she'll never have to exit. I just...I need to thank her for restoring me from that mess I was back then. It's been five months already--they've really flown by, and those will be five of many. I still can't get over the fact that she showed up on her own choice...that she came to me. She really is wonderful, and my goal is someday for her to believe that. She's wonderful, everything we've done or talked about is wonderful, prom was wonderful, she's a wonderful singer, her eyes are wonderful, she's beautiful, she's a wonderful actress, she has a wonderful heart, a wonderful body, a wonderful soul, and she really is, in my eyes, for everything that I want, perfect. I won't screw up. Not for her.

2007-05-06T00:55:00.001-05:00

Sometimes?

In my life...

2007-04-08T14:15:00.000-05:00

In my life

She has burst like the music of angels;

The light of the sun.

And my life

Seems to stop as if something is over,

And something is scarcely begun.

Thanks to you,

I am one with the gods

And Heaven is near.

In my life

There is someone who touches my life.

Waiting near

Waiting here.

--Boublil and Schonberg, "In My Life", Les Miserables

You can open any door...

2007-03-08T20:24:00.000-06:00

The dreaded cast list went up today...AND I GOT VAN BUREN! (you know, the manager) I was so pleasantly surprised: it's the part I've been eyeing since September. Hell, and I get to sing "Heart".

But even better, KATIE GOT MEG!!!!!! WOOOOOOOOO

WOOOOOOOOOOOOO

WOOOOOOOOOOO

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

This'll be a fun show.

I leave you with these wonderful Belle & Sebastian lyrics.

Emma tried to run away,
I followed her across the city,
She went out to the Easterhouse,
Because she liked the sound of it.

She didn't have a single penny,
She stuck a finger in the air,
She tried to flag down an aeroplane,
I suppose she needs a holiday.

I put my arm around her waist,
She put me on the ground with Judo,
She didn't recognise my face,
She wasn't even looking.

Laura's feeling just ideal,
Her horoscope was nearly perfect,
She's thinking of something to do,
Because she is The Birthday Girl.

She walked out to the edge of town,
She saw me lying in the park,
She took Emma by the hand,
They've got a lot in common.

I'll leave them to do what they want,
I'll leave them to do what they need to,
I'll go and play with words and pictures,
I'll admit I'm feeling strange.

[instrumental]

I'm not as sad as Doestoevsky,
I'm not as clever as Mark Twain,
I'll only buy a book for the way it looks,
And then I stick it on the shelf again.

Now I could tell you what I'm thinking,
But it never seems to do you good,
It's beyond me what a girl can see,
I'm only lucid when I'm writing songs.

This is just a modern rock song,
This is just a sorry lament,
We're four boys in corduroys,
We're not terrific but we're competent.

Stevie's full of good intentions,
Richard's into rock 'n' roll,
Stuart's staying in and he thinks it's a sin,
That he has to leave the house at all.

[instrumental]

This is just a modern rock song,
This is just a tender affair,
I count "three, four" and then we start to slow,
Because a song has got to stop somewhere.

There is no point in standing in the past cause it's over and done...

2007-03-03T21:37:00.000-06:00

The title of this entry is a complete coincidence. The lyric happened to come on just as I was going to update about that very subject.

The title of this entry is both a reflection of all the Belle & Sebastian I've been listening to (Now Playing: "Lord Anthony--Live at the Hollywood Bowl") and also of my own life at the moment, of course.

Of all the things I've been a hypocrite about in my life, it's my attitude towards the past.

A few summers ago, I remember distinctly telling someone to let go of the past, because it doesn't define you and no longer matters. It sounded sensible enough.

However, I've realised that much of the very essence of who I am is reflection on what's happened to me, good and bad.

This works to my advantage, and also to my disadvantage.

On the plus side, it keeps me from letting things repeat themselves.

On the downside, it always keeps me on edge and anticipated things to repeat themselves.

There, I'm admitting it. I'm letting go and giving myself completely, sweetheart. Can you please do the same?

I love you.

We do it for the eggs.

2007-02-17T20:56:00.000-06:00

So I'm watching Annie Hall again. Damn, that's a good movie. Woody Allen knows what he's doing. I need to find a monologue by him to do at Yankees auditions...

It's been a while, hasn't it? Just let it be known that everything is going well for me. I'm in love with one of the last people I'd expect, I'm in a relationship that took way too long to get started (and I blame myself), and overall, I'm just very happy with my place right now. Amongst my friends, my work, and most especially Katie.

What you've missed in the past couple months (as far as obsessions go):
Les Miserables (x 10495849584985)
Woody Allen
Jimmy Stewart/Frank Capra
Casablanca

I may keep doing this more often. I just...I don't know. I'm so at one with myself right now that I don't really feel that I need to do this very often. We'll see.

Katie deserves a big writing one of these days, and one of these days she'll get one. I'll wait it out a little bit longer for more "material".

God, I love her.

2006-12-08T21:37:00.000-06:00

Kathy, I'm lost, I said, though I knew she was sleeping.

I'm empty and aching and I don't know why...

--Paul Simon

I'll send 'em howling...

2006-11-03T10:56:00.000-06:00

So the choir concert last night went pretty well. We still need to make Blue Rondo quite a bit better.

Wednesday was my birthday, if you didn't know. The big 17.

My two biggest gifts, thus far, are The Godfather DVD Collection, at long last, and Simon & Garfunkel's Columbia Studio Recordings 1964-1970

I'm doing quite well overall. I'm happy. I have things to look forward to. Many, many things. I have good friends. I still have my passions, I'll never lose those.

I'm off to watch some Godfather.

You'll get to be happy.

2006-10-31T22:13:00.000-06:00

The subject of this blog update is my current favourite musical, Jason Robert Brown's The Last Five Years. I've been listening to it for three weeks or so. Something like that.

I'm not going to get all into the plot or anything, but I'll say this: there are only two characters. It's depressing, but uplifting at the same time.

Basically every song kicks ass, really. The cast recording is top notch, though Jake and Nick don't like Norbert Leo Butz's (yeah, that's Fiyero) take on Jamie, I'm rather fond of it. And Sherie Rene Scott is perfect as Cathy, though hearing Katie Wolf's take on "Still Hurting" has completely changed the way I think of the song forever.

Katie, just so you know, I'm your biggest fan. And you'll probably never read this, but you rock.

But anyway, if you haven't already, check out this musical.

Pass here and go on. You're on the Road to Heaven.

2006-10-29T13:10:00.000-06:00

So in America when the sun goes down and I sit on the old broken-down river pier watching the long, long skies over New Jersey and sense all that raw land that rolls in one unbelievable huge bulge over to the West Coast, and all that road going, all the people dreaming in the immensity of it, and in Iowa I know by now the children must be crying in the land where they let the children cry, and tonight the stars’ll be out, and don’t you know that God is Pooh Bear? The evening star must be drooping and shedding her sparkler dims on the prairie, which is just before the coming of complete night that blesses the earth, darkens all rivers, cups the peaks and folds the final shore in, and nobody, nobody knows what’s going to happen to anybody besides the forlorn rags of growing old, I think of Dean Moriarty, I even think of Old Dean Moriarty the father we never found, I think of Dean Moriarty.

--Jack Kerouac, On the Road

"Kathy's Song"

2006-10-26T18:13:00.000-05:00

I hear the drizzle of the rain
Like a memory it falls
Soft and warm continuing
Tapping on my roof and walls

And from the shelter of my mind
Through the window of my eyes
I gaze beyond the rain-drenched streets
To England where my heart lies

My mind's distracted and diffused
My thoughts are many miles away
They lie with you when you're asleep
And kiss you when you start your day

And a song I was writing is left undone
I don't know why I spend my time
Writing songs I can't believe
With words that tear and strain to rhyme

And so you see I have come to doubt
All that I once held as true
I stand alone without beliefs
The only truth I know is you

And as I watch the drops of rain
Weave their weary paths and die
I know that I am like the rain
There but for the grace of you go I

--Paul Simon

I've been trying hard to find the people that I won't leave behind...

2006-10-22T10:40:00.000-05:00

Let's make this a character study into Kevin Pajor:

In the past, I've been a very weak person. A lot of times when I can't handle things I'll break down and can't take it. This has caused a lot of problems in the past.

A lot of stuff has happened since then.

In whole, I think if you asked people who know me well, they'd say that I've gotten stronger emotionally. Just in the past couple weeks I've dealt with a few tough issues in a competent way, if I do say so myself.

However, I of course slip into old habits every once in a while.

For example, take about an hour ago. I got really helplessly upset. It was pathetic. But twenty minutes later, I regained my compusure.

Anything's an improvement. I'm on my way.

I feel like I must share these lyrics...

2006-10-20T06:50:00.000-05:00

When the rain is blowing in your face
And the whole world is on your case
I could offer you a warm embrace
To make you feel my love

When the evening shadows and the stars appear
And there is no one there to dry your tears
I could hold you for a million years
To make you feel my love

I know you haven't made your mind up yet
But I would never do you wrong
I've known it from the moment that we met
No doubt in my mind where you belong

I'd go hungry, I'd go black and blue
I'd go crawling down the avenue
There's nothing that I wouldn't do
To make you feel my love

The storms are raging on the rollin' sea
And on the highway of regret
The winds of change are blowing wild and free
You ain't seen nothing like me yet

I could make you happy, make your dreams come true
Nothing that I wouldn't do
Go to the ends of the earth for you
To make you feel my love

Give into love or live in fear.

2006-10-09T20:24:00.000-05:00

I've had a bit of a revelation tonight, out of nowhere basically.

I'm quite happy. What is happy? Happiness is a lot of things.

Happiness is:

--The first few bars of "Here Comes the Sun"
--Brian Wilson's voice
--"singing together when the day is through"
--The look into someone's eyes after a big hug.
--Three simple words.
--Bowling a strike.
--Bowling a gutterball.
--Trying in gym class; with it paying off.
--Driving with a bunch of guy friends listening to the most nerdy music imaginable.
--A call late at night.
--Bruce Springsteen.
--The feeling of tiredness lying in bed after sleeping in.
--Going to bed at midnight.
--Walking in downtown Oswego.
--Checking out a wide variety of music out of the library.
--A kiss on the cheek.
--Getting along.
--Finding a different thing to bring a smile to your face every time you search through your dad's old records.
--Making a fool out of yourself once in a while.
--Nostalgia.
--Listening to Joe Pesci talk.
--Nerding out every once in a while.
--The lobby of the theatre.
--A CD that you just can't stop playing.
--The harmonies on "And Your Bird Can Sing".
--Getting ice cream after a long day.
--Driving at night.
--Being on stage.
--A big plate of nachos.
--A friendly game of basketball.
--Singing in the OEHS practice rooms.
--Watching the same movie twice in one day.
--Realising that you love everyone around you.
--Spelling things the British way.
--The BBC.
--Strawberry Fields.
--A nice hot chocolate in the morning.
--Blueberry waffles.
--Having free time in your schedule.
--Sitting in a round of amazing OCs.
--Walking into a Best Buy.

Happiness is doing your best to make those who you care about and love as happy as you.

Happiness is anyone and anything at all that's loved by you.--You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown

"Said the thimble to the basket."

2006-10-02T21:42:00.000-05:00

Yeah, I'm back. And my first blog update in like a month will be something that I've never done before, and won't be surprised if I never do again: a comic book review. Time to get white and nerdy.

For those of you who've missed my foolish antics on the football field in a blue suit and a red cape, I'm "playing" Superman during the field show for marching band. I've never been the biggest fan of the Man of Steel, or comics in general for that matter (I love manga as much as the next nerd, but its American counterpart has never really stuck wiht me), but in a way it's still living a fantasy that every male child has at one time in their life. It's damn fun.

In light of this, in pure Kevin Pajor fashion, even in the smallest little things, I have to research the background of whatever I'm doing. In other words, WIKIPEDIA IS GOD.

Today I checked out the DC graphic novel, Superman: Birthright, and I read the whole thing tonight.

It's the 2003-2004 reboot of Superman's origin story. Basically, it covers his escape from Krypton, parts of his childhood in Smallville, parts of his studies abroad in Africa (a new concept, I believe), and a very good deal of his first days in Metropolis and his debut as The Man of Tomorrow.

It's really, really good. I liked it, a lot. I know a lot of comic purists will poke its continuity updates and inconsistencies, but as a story it is very good.

What touched me the most, and probably most of the readers, is Jor-El and Lara's words at the departure of their child, the Last Son of Krypton. The writer brings their words back a couple times in the story, and by the end it all comes full-circle and is quite touching and profound.

Luthor's character is very well-written and developed as well. Though there might not be all the h4rdc0r3 Superman action that a lot of people would expect, overall I enjoyed it immensely and recommend it to anyone who has any interest in the Man of Steel.

I promise this won't be the only post I make in the near future, I intend on getting a more normal update on here sometime soon.

Pluto's blue, dabadee dabadye...

2006-09-03T16:43:00.000-05:00

An Australian kid's magazine did a survey of elementary school kids, asking them

"HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT PLUTO NOT BEING A PLANET ANYMORE?"

The answers were as follows:

"I'm sad, because it was part of God's creation and now it's gone. But I feel grateful that all the scientists worked out that it's not a planet any more."--Tegest, 9

"I feel emptiness and loneliness and sad emotions. It's been one of the planets for so many years and all of a sudden it isn't."--William, 9

"I feel upset because I kind of felt like Pluto was my friend even though it was in space."--Jonah, 9

"I'm upset because I liked hearing about it. I think people would have lived there."--Christina, 8

"I feel like it's still there but in a way it's not. I feel empty and cold and upset. I also feel sad qualities and scared because we don't know if another planet is going to be there any more."--Taylor, 8

"I feel sad and upset. He's such a lovely planet. He's small."--Aaron, 8

You gotta have heart...

2006-09-03T14:27:00.001-05:00

Yeah, yeah, here I am updating again. I don't know what I'm updating about, but I guess I'll do it anyway.

How am I? I'm pretty good. A bit bored, because of that whole girlfriend-being-grounded thing. Yeah, that really bites. A lot. I've been listening to showtunes all day. That says something.

In the past month, I've been uhhh...watching The Godfather a lot. I think about five or six times in the past month. Ahhh...

School...I dunno. Gym sounds okay and Oral Interp isn't bad, but I dunno, it seems like East is a lot lamer than it was last year. I dunno, it might just be me. I'm looking forward to second semester more.

Drama...
I'm really looking forward to The Diviners. I've been watching Walk the Line and O Brother Where Art Thou? to get used to the whole southern accent thing. I think I'll be okay. I have faith in myself. I haven't acted since Pirates, dammit. Although, all the drama this summer might've made up for that. You know, I should really start memorising my monologue...

Also, the musical. Damn Yankees. I'm fricking excited about that. It's a good show, and I love baseball. Can't wait for the spring.

I guess that's all for now.

There's a lot to be done while your head is still young...

2006-08-02T16:30:00.000-05:00

Life is looking up.

Well, I've basically been home alone during the day since Monday, though both Monday and Tuesday small multitudes of people invaded my house.

A source that I won't reveal has given me this nugget of wisdom:
A weak man can learn to be strong when he is surrounded by friends, with something to protect.

--I think my best friend and I are getting things figured out
--a person from my not-so-distant past has found a way back into my life in a relatively minor, albeit significant way.
--...I have money. But not enough.
--I adore music. More and more each and every day.
--I find more and more where my friends really are.
--I might have access to the car tomorrow.

A sad thing: I tried making a DVD today of a Beatles show I downloaded. The audio didnt' come out at all. : '(

I'd like to see you, but really I should stay away and let you settle down...

2006-07-29T15:39:00.000-05:00

How am I? I'm good. I feel good. Content. Good. Wonderful. Excellent. At peace. Excited. Patient.

Everything seems in place. I'm standing up again. I'm just waiting for someone to come around again.

But to paraphrase a Stones lyric:
But I'm not waiting on a lover,
I'm just waiting on a friend.

Ballad of a Thin Man.

2006-07-27T13:23:00.000-05:00

This post is dedicated to my lack of body fat.

I am 5'8''. I have been since eighth grade. I grew about three or four inches in seventh grade, and since then I've been at a standstill. In eighth grade, I think I was about 103 pounds.

By freshman year, I had gotten up to 110. And that's still where I am today.

I eat. I really do. Stuff that should make me really fat, too. But no matter what, I can't move off of 110 lbs.

The muscle that I've added in the past couple years hasn't helped, either. I don't get it.

Being skinny does have its advantages.

--Whenever you hear anything on the news or in the paper about how obese America is, you can just ignore it. Those shame and embarassment tactics don't work on us.
--You get to eat whatever you want, in whatever portions you wish. Always just use the excuse, "I'm trying to get fat".
--People GIVE YOU FOOD for FREE.
--You don't have to WORK to get a sixpack.
--You can freak out and think that the Dylan song "Ballad of a Thin Man" is directed towards you.

And disadvantages.

--Anyone in the world can beat you at arm-wrestling. ANYONE.
--You can't donate blood.
--You freak out and think that the Dylan song "Ballad of a Thin Man" is directed towards you.

This update is now about trains.
Everyone, share your favourite train stories here.

You gotta make your own kind of music...

2006-07-26T23:48:00.000-05:00

Today was an almost completely "me" day. I sat and listened to music, screwed around on the computer, etc etc. Only real contact with the "outside" world was a ten minute phone conversation...

Took another walk, not quite as successful as the first one but useful nonetheless.

How am I? Quite good. Content, maybe. If not, accepting the fact that I'm on the pathway to being content. Gimme a few more days and I'll be there. There, as in, my destination. My place. Hmm.

Listened to Revolver today. Two and a half years after I first heard it, it still stands up as my favourite album ever.

And I guess that's it for today.

Make your own kind of music, even if nobody else sings along...

It grieves my heart love, to see you trying to be a part of a world that just don't exist...

2006-07-25T23:03:00.000-05:00

Things I did today:
--went to speech for a good four hours. Didn't really do anything. Got Chinese with Spencer, Lauren and Heather. Got a ride from Emily S.
--took a walk for an hour and a half. Got a lot of thinking and speculation done.
--Spence, Jake, Carl, Nick, Zack and PJ came over. We watched The Sandlot. Then we went for a walk in the dark. We christened ourselves as the Seven Deadly Sins.

I'm Envy
Spencer is Gluttony
Nick is Lust
Jake is Greed
PJ is Sloth
Carl is Wrath
Zack is Pride

I don't know where this all came from.
--missed an episode of the original Star Trek

2006-07-25T13:34:00.000-05:00

I've made an observation that I'd like to share with all of you.

The equation of a relationship, any type of relationship, is not 1/2 + 1/2 = 1
It's 1+1 =2

Nobody "completes" anybody else, because we as human beings are complete already. People complement each other. You need one whole person and another whole person.

Because, after all, everybody is their own person.

"Your deputante just knows what you need, but I know what you want."

2006-07-24T18:05:00.000-05:00

I want to have strength as a person that I won't question.
I want for once to write something that hasn't been written before.
I want to actually finish a book.
I want to meet Brian Wilson in some way, shape, or form.
I want to feel somewhat satisfied with the music collection that I have.
I want people to come to me if they need someone to talk to.
I want to feel satisfied with who I am by myself, not compared to others.
I want my vinyl collection to blossom.
I want to have some amount of money and/or a job.
I want to be a rock.
I want to weigh at least 130 pounds.
I want to get the damn vibrato out of my voice.
I want some help to help myself.
I want Bob Dylan to show up in Illinois sometime this century.
I want to figure out how to keep people.
I want a friend who I can come to with open arms, no matter what happens or how long it's been.
I want to go to Tokyo, London, and Liverpool.
I want to learn to let go.
I want to find someone in an unlikely place.
I want to find people who won't leave me behind.
I want to learn to love friends completely.
I want to be myself completely.
I want to reconcile with exactly three of my best friends.
I want to finish an RPG again.
I want a girl with a short skirt and a long jacket. (it had to be done)
I want to finish this list at another time.

>_>

2006-07-24T15:45:00.000-05:00

A winter's day
In a deep and dark December
I am alone
Gazing from my window
To the streets below
On a freshly fallen silent shroud of snow

I am a rock
I am an island

I've built walls
A fortress deep and mighty
That none may penetrate
I have no need of friendship
Friendship causes pain
It's laughter and it's loving I disdain

I am a rock
I am an island

Don't talk of love
Well I've heard the word before
It's sleeping in my memory
I won't disturb the slumber
Of feelings that have died
If I never loved I never would have cried

I am a rock
I am an island

I have my books
And my poetry to protect me
I am shielded in my armor
Hiding in my room
Safe within my womb
I touch no one and no one touches me

I am a rock
I am an island

And a rock feels no pain
And an island never cries

No one writes them like they used to, so it may as well be me.

2006-07-22T14:01:00.000-05:00

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I'm here. Alive and well.

I don't really have anything to write about.

I've been bored out of my mind lately, so if anybody ever wants to do anything, gimme a call.

Putting up a new link to the "Pet Sounds at 40" blog. So any of you music geeks, give it a look. It's some cool stuff. And apparently Kim has actually been dreaming about Pet Sounds...

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

2006-07-01T13:04:00.000-05:00

And England loses to Portugal in the quarterfinal.

:'(

And every one of them words rang true and glowed like burning coal...

2006-06-26T22:33:00.000-05:00

Pouring off of every page, like it was written in my soul from me to you...

Alright, everyone, here's the deal. Yes, Kim and I broke up. I don't think I'll go into any more detail than that. I'll leave it there.

And you know how I usually give you guys lyrics from someone else? I think I'll treat you to some of my own stuff today. Here we are:

The paperback writer puts down his pen,
He’s sick of it all, the deadline’s getting close.
The words are dull, a meaningless scrawl.
A sigh forces itself from his lips, and he takes a walk
He mumbles at the door:
“I’ve gone to find myself.
I’ll be gone alone for a while.”

The street is desolate, the skies are bare.
The baker’s done with kneading dough.
He tilts his head back, releases a single tear.
Goes to the corner, hangs his head in despair.
Throws a sign up on the window:
“I’ve gone to find myself.
I’ll be gone alone for a while.”

The rock star bows, picks up a rose.
It’s wilted and torn, and it falls to the floor.
He bursts into the studio, lets roll the tapes.
With a sneer of conceit and chuckle in his throat,
He puts it down into song:
“I’ve gone to find myself.
I’ll be gone alone for a while.”

It’s a sunny day, my heart is content.
I give a smile, a cheerful laugh.
The sun is gleaming on the street.
I look you in the eye and caress your hair.
I give you a grin:
“I’m going to find myself.
Would you like to come with?”

And here's another one, a little more Dylanesque...

Hush me babe, don't let me cry,
I wish you could sing me a lullaby
To tell me that love will never die.
Point all my hopes towards the sky.

Love is never gone, you said
It just passes elsewhere, never dead.
If I keep it here, inside my head,
Won't it build up into dread?

Won't love grow to a feeling too strong?
Won't it come to do me wrong?
After I've waited oh so long
Will it stay just to lead me on?

"I've got it all wrong", I suddenly declare.
Love doesn't have to go elsewhere.
Love can still grow, it can stay there,
But take a new guise, fair and more fair.

My love will never be less for you,
But different, if you want it to.

Gimme some feedback.

You shouldn't let other people get your kicks for you...

2006-06-13T18:43:00.000-05:00

Update in the life of Kevin:

Kim and I are doing better than ever.
Bob Dylan's new album is being released on August 29th.
I've downloaded four or five Dylan concerts in the past couple days.
Praire Fest is this week, yay!
I'm probably going to go to get my license Thursday...

Huh...that's it for now, I guess. I'll probably do some more updating later this week.

You got a lotta nerve to say you are my friend...

2006-06-12T09:43:00.000-05:00

When I was down
You just stood there grinning

You got a lotta nerve
To say you got a helping hand to lend
You just want to be on
The side that's winning

You say I let you down
You know it's not like that
If you're so hurt
Why then don't you show it

You say you lost your faith
But that's not where it's at
You had no faith to lose
And you know it

I know the reason
That you talk behind my back
I used to be among the crowd
You're in with

Do you take me for such a fool
To think I'd make contact
With the one who tries to hide
What he don't know to begin with

You see me on the street
You always act surprised
You say, "How are you?" "Good luck"
But you don't mean it

When you know as well as me
You'd rather see me paralyzed
Why don't you just come out once
And scream it

No, I do not feel that good
When I see the heartbreaks you embrace
If I was a master thief
Perhaps I'd rob them

And now I know you're dissatisfied
With your position and your place
Don't you understand
It's not my problem

I wish that for just one time
You could stand inside my shoes
And just for that one moment
I could be you

Yes, I wish that for just one time
You could stand inside my shoes
You'd know what a drag it is
To see you
--Bob Dylan, Positively 4th Street

Make of it what you will.

CRYSTAL OF THE STAR!!

2006-06-10T10:40:00.000-05:00

Well, yesterday was fun. Jake, Spencer, Carl and Nick came over and we watched a couple of movies.

First part of the eventful day, Kim and I found an entire display full of Mallow Burgers at Walgreens.

First of all, we watched STAR CRYSTAL, quite possibly the worst movie I've ever seen.

GAR!

Then we watched The Godfather, which was myself with a bunch of Corleone virgins. Of course, it was excellent. Sadly, Nick and Carl had to leave about halfway through. Next week, I'm planning on having Jake and Spence over to watch pt II. Yeah, Jake enjoyed the movie. Shocking, no?

However, I was asked a very difficult question:

Why does Luca Brasi go out like such a punk?

I have basically nothing to do today: a boring family party. Two graduation parties to go to tomorrow, and I might be getting my license next week. Maybe.

Time passes slowly...

2006-06-08T09:04:00.000-05:00

First update of summer...

First big thing, that's right, I'm not able to do Limelight this summer because I got a D in Algebra. I'm going to try my hardest to help out in some way, but I can't guaruntee anything.

Second, I'm fucking sick of my mom bringing up the fact that I need a job and a license every two sentences. It's ridiculous, even ask Kim. I'm filling out an application now.

I've been seeing Kim when I can, ie when she's not working or at Limelight. So far, with just that it's been a great summer already. But I really need to find something to occupy me, especially in the afternoons. Well, Brems let me borrow his Godfather game, that should help.

Speech today, I'm going. I'm hoping Fruits doesn't gun down my Dylan verse idea. *crosses fingers*

I'm kind of stressed because late last night I got a call from someone I used to know...and I didn't expect it.

Well, that's it for now. I'll probably update again in the next couple days.

This is the way I always dreamed it would be...

2006-05-26T23:13:00.000-05:00

Ahhh, life. Pretty good right now.

Band concert on Tuesday, probably the best I've ever done, and it might be my last. More on that later.

My first choir concert on Wednesday...that was lots of fun. I heart Men's Ensemble. Can't wait for it to start again next year.

The Fine Arts Banquet was last night. I took Kim with. Good food, nice awards ceremony, good artwork. I took some cool pictures. Check out my buzznet for some of those.

Today was............Spotlight Vocal Jazz auditions. I was nervous throughout most of the day, but as usual it kind of faded away right before I actually started. I'm extremely fortunate to be an unnervous person...my sight-singing, as I completely anticipated, was horrid. My scales were kind of off, they sounded about the same...triads were pretty good, and I felt like I did really well on the song....
...
...
I must have, because I MADE SPOTLIGHT.
Fastest casting ever. Mr Barsch is my idol.
It's going to be a great experience for me; I can't wait. I'm thrilled and completely surprised.

BUT THE STRESS ISN'T OVER YET...I still have auditions for Limelight tomorrow, as well as callbacks Wednesday. Not to mention finals.

2006-05-22T16:00:00.000-05:00

How am I? I'm good.

I have a terrible headache though. OW.

Bob Dylan--If Not For You

If not for you,
Babe, I couldn't find the door,
Couldn't even see the floor,
I'd be sad and blue,
If not for you.

If not for you,
Babe, I'd lay awake all night,
Wait for the mornin' light
To shine in through,
But it would not be new,
If not for you.

If not for you
My sky would fall,
Rain would gather too.
Without your love I'd be nowhere at all,
I'd be lost if not for you,
And you know it's true.

If not for you
My sky would fall,
Rain would gather too.
Without your love I'd be nowhere at all,
Oh! What would I do
If not for you.

If not for you,
Winter would have no spring,
Couldn't hear the robin sing,
I just wouldn't have a clue,
Anyway it wouldn't ring true,
If not for you.

La la-la...

2006-05-20T17:41:00.000-05:00

Bob Dylan--The Man in Me

The man in me will do nearly any task,
And as for compensation, there's little he would ask.
Take a woman like you
To get through to the man in me.

Storm clouds are raging all around my door,
I think to myself I might not take it any more.
Take a woman like your kind
To find the man in me.

But, oh, what a wonderful feeling
Just to know that you are near,
Sets my a heart a-reeling
From my toes up to my ears.

The man in me will hide sometimes to keep from bein' seen,
But that's just because he doesn't want to turn into some machine.
Took a woman like you
To get through to the man in me.

Let me in; I want to be your friend, I want to guard your dreams and visions...

2006-05-20T16:38:00.000-05:00

Today is an off day. I don't know why. I haven't had one of these in a long while. *shrug*

Well, now I feel a bit better. I'm sure I'll be completely fine by tomorrow. I always am.

I probably had something important or interesting to update about, but now I can't remember what it was. Oh well.

So I actually started trying in the fitness room in gym the other day. Apparently my arms are relatively muscular. I usually am a wuss and try like 30, maybe 45 at the "seated row", but I went for my body weight (yeah, 110) and I was perfectly capable of it. My right arm's a bit sore, but yeah. Since it seems that no matter what I eat I can't get away from 110. Only weigh I can add some is to add some muscle.

Psssh, like that will actually happen.

PS
Money saving tip: since giving your opinion costs you two cents, but you only get a penny for your thoughts, just stop talking.

PLAY FUCKING LOUD!

2006-05-17T18:41:00.000-05:00

Another 40th anniversary for today.

40 years ago today, on May 17th, 1966, perhaps the most (in)famous concert of all time was performed by Bob Dylan and the Hawks at the Manchester Free Trade Hall.

Bob Dylan had abandoned his folk roots and had recorded three bluesy hard intellectual rock albums, a move that infuriated his old folkie fans; who viewed this as a betrayal. At the end of 1966 he began his first electric world tour that will live on in legend as long as music lasts.

Dylan played two sets each night of the tour: first, a set of songs with just him, his acoustic, and his harmonica.

After a short intermission, Bob came back with the Hawks (later The Band) and began a hot, hard rocking and loud set of rock tunes. He and the Hawks were booed profusely throughout the entire set. After the second to last number, "Ballad of a Thin Man", the animosity reached its climax.

There were the normal catcalls and screams, but suddenly out of nowhere an infuriated fan clearly yells throughout the auditorium...

JUDAS!!!

Dylan responds with the coldest and most withering look imaginable, and slyly and cooly says "I don't believe you..." The strum of his electric guitar starts up... "You're a liar...", he continues.

He turns around to the band and orders fiercely "play fucking loud!"

There's a blistering snare shot and Bob and the Hawks kick off into the most confrontational and powerful version of "Like a Rolling Stone" that they ever mustered.

Isn't that just a great story?

I'm currently listening to the live album that was released in '98, after decades of various bootlegs cycled around the world. The audio quality is better than any other live album I've ever heard, and that's including anything modern. It's truly an amazing experience to hear.

Because you know something is happening; but you don't know what it is...

Happy 40th, Blonde on Sounds.

2006-05-16T17:27:00.000-05:00

Today marks the 40th anniversary of the release of two of rock's true milestones...
On May 16, 1966, two genre-defining albums were released.

Bob Dylan's Blonde on Blonde...
CAUTION: Google image search "blonde on blonde" at your own risk.

I got this album for Christmas, along with a boatload of other Dylan albums. It's rock's first big double album.

It is a great album, the only thing that drags it down is parts of side three.
But it's packed with great songs: Visions of Johanna, One of Us Must Know, I Want You, Stuck Inside of Mobile With the Memphis Blues Again, Just Like a Woman, 4th Time Around, and the 12 minute epic: Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands.

I don't quite hold it in as high a regard as Highway 61 Revisited or Blood on the Tracks, but it is a true classic with plenty of good songs: A few forgettable and unmemorable songs on side three are all that mar the record in my eyes.

And The Beach Boys' Pet Sounds...

I've written enough about this one. It's definitely in my top five albums of all time. Maybe even the top three. I have such an obsession with it already that I've bought it on CD and vinyl. As well as a DVD of a live performance of the whole thing, and a book about the making of it. All since March. Anybody who's anybody should love this album. Kim and I listen to it every single day. Too many amazing songs to mention. Receiving this album was a monumental life-changing event.

Got to make the morning last...

2006-05-15T19:58:00.000-05:00

Life, I love you.
All is groovy.

Yeah, life is great. I love life. I always have, really. It hasn't really done me much wrong.

Today I hung out with Kim downtown for a couple hours, I picked up the Graduate soundtrack on vinyl at that antique shop for only $4. Great condition, too. Yeah, it's got weaknesses as an album, but as a cultural milestone you can't top it. I'll probably get the Simon and Garfunkel Complete Studio Recordings box set this summer. $30 for five classic albums? Count me in.

Yeah, I know that my blog is, on the whole, boring. However, I'm really looking forward to this summer. Summer in general, as well as summer blogging. I think it'll get a lot better this summer, and I'll have some more time to write and more things to ramble about.

Again, I'm still keeping an eye on summer (anyone get it?). It's going to be a great summer, and I'm looking forward to it more than I have in years.

Just kickin' down the cobblestones...

The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls...

2006-05-14T19:06:00.000-05:00

I've had a really great weekend. Friday...Kim came over right after school and we hung out until she had to go to work at five. Then I watched the Godfather Part III (probably the low point of my weekend)

Yesterday I was with Kim basically from 11:45 to 10:15, it was a good day. We watched The Graduate; I've never seen it before. It was great, I liked it a lot. Great lines there. Plus, the soundtrack.

I'm probably going to buy Ringo tickets for me, dad, Mark and Kim sometime in the next couple weeks. That should be fun.

Basically, I'm in great shape right now. Great times.

2006-05-10T06:47:00.000-05:00

This is my I CAN'T WAIT UNTIL SUMMER post. Apparently, we have only about 17 days left of school this year. That's great. Amazing. Excellent.

Summer is going to be wonderful, I can tell now. I can't wait to get started up with Limelight again. I can't wait to have that feeling again that I've gotten the past two summers I've done Limelight. After Limelight is over, I have an incredible amount of satisfaction that tides me over for the rest of the entire summer.

I'm ready to take whatever role is given to me and doing all that I can with it. The past year for me has been perfect in terms of the roles I've had and the performances I've given.

Back to school today after my illness.

Oh crap. I have to leave in one minute.

I wish that every kiss was neverending...

2006-05-09T17:52:00.000-05:00

Ugh.

So I got sick yesterday at the end of the school day. Kim and I had plans, but she decided to take care of me instead.

She drove me from school and since she didn't have time to drive me to my house and then back, she just took me over there and had me rest on her bed.

Then a couple hours later she came back to check up on me at my house. She wouldn't even let me out of bed, acting out of her maternal instincts.

And then after school today she came back to make sure I was okay.

I'm incredibly lucky and she's a wonderful and amazing girlfriend. It's not something that I'll forget about any time soon.

Wouldn't it be nice if we could wake up, in the morning when the day is new?

2006-05-08T06:54:00.000-05:00

Well, got back from that Ohio trip last night. It was fun, but I missed some people (Read: KIM) terribly.

I saw some kickass stuff at the R n R Hall of Fame, and bought some stuff as well. Read a couple books on the bus.

I'm going to update later again tonight, time to go to school to bomb my math test.

I want to know if love is wild; babe I wanna know love is real...

2006-05-01T21:45:00.000-05:00

It's been a while.

Hey, today's my half birthday. 16.5 today

But anyway...the show went great. My life is going pretty damn great right now.

My first choir concert is at the end of the month.
Today the Limelight show was announced, finally. Pride and Prejudice. Tomorrow Kim and I might be going to the library to check out the new movie, as well as the book and possibly the script if possible.

I'm also "currently" watching The Godfather for the first time. Pretty damn good trilogy so far.

Well, that's just a quickie, I'm not in much of a writing mood at the moment, I'll probably update again in a couple days.

Show a little faith; there's magic in the night...

2006-04-23T07:59:00.000-05:00

Well, yesterday was "the big dance".

I cut the grass, got all fancified, Kim showed up at 4. Pictures, flowers etc etc

Her dress was extremely glittery, and it tended to get everywhere.

At 5:10 or so we drove over to Liana's house, and Kim and Liana finally met face to face. Eventually everyone else showed up; Nick and I were the only guys for a while, which is never a bad thing. Fun times.

The food was amazingly excellent. I knew it was going to be good, but not THAT good. Mad props to the Alcantara family.

The dance was a lot of fun. I think that could be the most fun I've ever had at a high school dance so far.
Kim's a pretty damn good dancer, too.

Got home at like 12:15 after a strange series of misadventures that Kim will probably blog about.

You have no idea how happy I am.

--I have the coolest part AND costume in my first musical that's opening in a few days
--Last night I spent 8 wonderful hours with the wonderful girl whom I adore

There, running my hands through her hair...

The screen door slams...

2006-04-22T11:50:00.000-05:00

Back again.

Yesterday was the first dress rehearsal for Pirates. I'M LOVING IT. I was really relishing every single moment I had onstage! So much fun! Plus, my costume kicks ass.

So I had to be at school at 9:30 this morning to make sandwiches for the band fundraiser. I had planned on waking up at 8 or 8:30.

I woke up at 9:10 when dad came to pick me up. >_< I got there about twenty minutes late. Good sandwich though.

Today's the big dance day! Kim will be here in.........four hours. I can't wait. It's going to be so great. I can tell already.

Expect another update in the next couple days...

Seems that all I really was doing, was waiting for you...

2006-04-18T20:30:00.002-05:00

Time to get back to where I once belonged.

Remember my original intentions for this blog? Writing about my feelings, and not in a cryptic Nick way. Blunt, simple and sweet. Whatever happened to that? Well, looks like it's back...

How am I? My fellow Penzancers seem to be rather concerned about me in the past couple weeks. Apparently I seem unhappy, frustrated and tense. That's because I'm trying to focus on the show, and if bugs the hell outta me when people don't give that same focus.
Maybe I seem cold and depressed.
As a matter of fact, it's the exact opposite.

This is the happiest I've been in a long time. Why? Well, there's this wonderful and beautiful girl named Kim Skibinski. Ever hear me talk about her? If not, then you probably haven't talked to me...ever.

You know how by rights, I should probably still be in a serious rut of terrible depression? Well, this amazing young lady is probably the vast majority of the reason why I'm NOT.

I seem to remember a few weeks after the big breakup, Liana said something to me, to the effect of "that you need to find someone who can care for you...so that you don't just think of her". At that point, I was still bummed because it wasn't going to be Liana.

But then the unexpected happened. Kim came in. Right from the beginning, even when between the two of us there was enough sorrow to put Linkin Park to shame, just seeing her or hearing her started to brighten up my mind. And then when things got all better, things took a turn that I had yearned for but had lost hope for. As one song goes "who ever thought I'd be holding you close to me, whispering it is you I adore..."

I love telling people about it. I love just talking about her. I love it for people to know that I found someone to care about again, someone who won't run away. Someone who can help me...and I can help her. Even when something arises with her, or with me, together we can work through it. It's natural. It's easy. I've found my place again. No one's going to move me.
And he stood there like a stone wall.

In other news, I've decided on the holy Trinity of living musicians.
Bob Dylan the Father
Paul McCartney the Son
And Brian Wilson, the Holy Spirit

Good night to you all.

Lyricism.

2006-04-14T23:01:00.000-05:00

That's write (LOL PUN), I decided to jot down some lyrics the other day, to the tune of the Beach Boys' Surfer Girl. Wonderful melody, but I've always found the lyrics a tad lacking.

When I look into your eyes,
My heart unveils its pale disguise.
I can feel you every time we part.

I've been hurt and so have you
So what else have we to do?
My heart is healing every time you're near.

I never thought love could be over,
That you've proved; it's so true
The smile on your face can make it better
Love can conquer all...

So when darkness blocks my sight
Your light reaches through the night...

And I'm stuck for the last two lines. *shrugs*

I'm so glad she's my little girl...

2006-04-14T21:04:00.000-05:00

Well, everyone...

I have a girlfriend. I think we can all guess who it is. *grins*

That's right. Did it take long enough?

I'm happy. Very happy. You can't beat my happiness right now.

So happy just to be alive, underneath this sky of blue...

2006-04-02T18:20:00.000-05:00

On this new morning with you...

I'm doing great, everyone. I really had basically the greatest spring break I could possibly have right now.

I literally saw Kim 7 of the 9 days. That's about 78% of break. Only days we didnt' see each other was when I was gone.

Of course, the question on all of your minds is probably "are they 'going out'?".

The answer is "not yet". There's definitely something happening, I can't deny that.
She's fixing what was broken, and just seeing her face makes me happy all over again. So on the off-chance that some of you don't "approve"...screw you. I'm happy. She's happy. We're happy.

I have to admit, it's getting better
A little better all the time

Things are suddenly new and exciting again. To bring it all back home and tie everything together...

I've struck another match, and I'm starting anew...

I love the colourful clothes she wears...

2006-03-30T11:29:00.000-06:00

Pet Sounds is officially one of the greatest albums ever. Even if you hate the Beach Boys, check it out, now.

I literally listened to it four times in a row. I'm crazy. Perhaps someday I'll do a big Pet Sounds vs Sgt. Pepper update. That would be fun.

How am I? I'm alright. Part of me's really happy, the other part of me is scared of some things.

I definitely don't want to go back to school on Monday.

My throat's sore and I can't sing. I'd better sound better on Monday.

I kissed your lips, and when your face looked sad...

You never need to doubt it...

2006-03-25T09:25:00.000-06:00

Well, I'm in a rather happy mood overall right now, but I'm going to St. Louis today, and staying tonight and tomorrow night. We've already been there. I have no idea what we're going to do for two days.

What a dumb concept; I get back right before most of my friends leave.

On a positive note, I asked Kim to spring formal and she said yes. ^_^

Got grounded "for a day" for telling my mom to shut up. She was freaking out too much. They always do this before trips. She'll probably forget about it anyway.

Packed all my CDs, Penzance stuff, etc

I'll be reading The Silmarillion. Fifth time through it.

My cell is going to be with me, call if you really need to.

I shall return...

WITH CAT-LIKE TREAD!

2006-03-21T18:48:00.000-06:00

Well, I really have been doing pretty well lately. For the first time in a while, I've been able to honestly answer "quite good" to the routine question of "how are you?"

There's one big part of that too. Some of you know what that is; and if you don't it doesn't matter.

However, I had a pretty terrible rehearsal today, IMO. I totally *%$#&ed up the Pirate King song beyond all belief, and I can't even pinpoint HOW. However, I picked myself up a bit with how well I thought I did with my Act I finale solo...that was pretty good.

However, I probably shouldn't even be doing this right now. I have some practicing for band and some studying to do.

Hail, Poetry...

2006-03-17T22:25:00.000-06:00

Life is going fairly well at the moment.

I officially joined Men's Ensemble on Wednesday.
We've had two awesome rehearsals this week for Pirates. It's going to be a great show.

Tonight I went to OHS' Jazz Nite with Kim and Lindsey Webber. That was fun.

Music, I've been listening to a little bit of everything (in my tastes, that is).

All in all, I'm alright.

Now, I'm going to do a bit of music writing. This entry will be dedicated to Paul McCartney's more recent studio work, in particular 1997's Flaming Pie and 2005's Chaos and Creation in the Backyard.

Paul started work on Flaming Pie after the big Beatles Anthology project; he realised how high the standards were for the Beatles' music and decided to come back to that.

It's definitely an awesome album. Just as appealing as any of his 70s stuff. IMO, it beats Ram anyday. Only Band on the Run puts up a fight.

It has a bit of everything. Good rockers ("The World Tonight", "Flaming Pie", "Used to Be Bad", "Really Love You"), beautiful acoustic ballads ("Calico Skies", "Little Willow"), bouncy mid-tempo songs ("Young Boy"), and somber and reflective songs ("Somedays", with orchestral scoring by George Martin!)

in particular, I'm very fond of "Calico Skies" and "Young Boy". The former holds up with "Blackbird" when it comes to simplicity and sincerity. It's truly beautiful, and the only song after 1980 that was on the Valentine's Day CD I made for Em last year. The latter has great production and an overall nice sound. This is just an excellent album to listen to, and even if you're not fond of most of McCartney's stuff, I'd give this one a listen.

Ooo, the new kid on the block. Chaos and Creation in the Backyard. It's only six months old. Produced by Nigel Goodrich (Radiohead's producer), this one is definitely Paul trying something different. It only has a couple rockers on it (the single "Fine Line", the superb "Promise to You Girl"), while the rest of them are introspective mood pieces.

This is also a great album. The lyrics are very unlike Paul--he's finally embracing the fact that he is getting old and is using this opportunity. "Looking through the backyard of my life", he sings at the beginning of "Promise To You Girl".

There's that silly song, "English Tea", that Em is so fond of. One of his best vocal performances since the 70s.

I haven't given this one quite enough listens, but it's definitely growing on me already.

In short, if you've always ignored Paul's solo stuff, NOW is the time to get caught up.

I see that ice is slowly melting...

2006-03-12T17:09:00.000-06:00

So guess what?

I finally went out of the house today. I've been at home way too much lately on these weekends.

I hung out with Kim for a few hours in downtown Oswego. That was fun. I hadn't really talked to her in person since the summer. It was nice to actually talk to someone and just hang out in person. As Li always says "nothing can ever top talking to someone face-to-face".

I think I've listened to Pet Sounds about ten times this weekend. It's growing on me.

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."--Dr. Seuss

2006-03-11T12:00:00.000-06:00

Baby,then there wouldn't be a single thing we couldn't do...

2006-03-09T16:35:00.000-06:00

So a week or so ago I got The Beach Boys' Pet Sounds album.

It really is a good album. I think that right now it's not the perfect album for me to listen to; it's a little too sad for me to hear right now. It's got some great stuff on it though; and I'm sure it'll completely grow on me eventually. Expect an update on it in a couple months, I'd say.

I've been doing a lot more stuff at school lately. I'm finally doing stuff for Broadcasting, and I'm probably joining Men's Ensemble next week. That's right, Kevin is singing!! Pirates is going really well, too. Fruits is expecting us to be memorised right away, which is very time-effective.

I feel like I'm getting closer to a lot of my friends lately...among the guys, Carl and Spencer mostly. And also, I'm no longer incredibly pissed off at Nick. That helps, too.

And then, above all people, I have to thank Liana again. She's helped me a ton, with just about everything. It's amazing, she's got to be the nicest person I've ever met. It's like she only speaks the truth. Like it's every thing that I ever wanted to say, but couldn't put in words, you know? Thanks a lot, Li.

I'm sorry.

2006-03-05T21:40:00.000-06:00

This update is to apologise to everyone who's had to put up with my endless complaining and whining about myself and nothing else.

I've been a whiny little bitch, but now I'm stopping.

And it is, it is, a glorious thing...

2006-03-03T17:36:00.000-06:00

TO BE A PIRATE KING!

Well, I got the part of the Pirate King. I was very pleasantly surprised. I'm quite excited.

The rest of the principal cast...
Nick Pankuch is Frederic
Lauren Demerath is Mabel
Carl Mohler is the (very model of a modern) Major-General
Erin Green is Ruth
Spencer Williams is the Sergeant of Police
Cavya and Emily Steele got the parts of Kate and Edith, respectively.

All in all, it looks like it's going to be a lot of fun. It'll take some practice to hit some of those low notes, but I'll be fine. I should probably learn to read bass clef, too.

Hurrah for the Pirate King, hurrah for the Piraaaaaaaaate...

Oh, better far to live and die.

2006-03-02T17:38:00.001-06:00

Well, my audition went moderately well yesterday. My monologue was fine, and the first half of the song was great but then the rests and piano kind of screwed me up.

I got callbacks though. I think I'm a better singer than Barsch expected me to be.

At this point, I think that if I'm cast, it'll either be as the Pirate King or as the Sergeant. I sang the Sergeant's song quite well, Nick even complimented me.

Looks like Jake is either the Pirate King or the Major-General.

I'll update tomorrow after the cast is revealed.

And these visions of Johanna that conquer my mind...

2006-02-24T06:40:00.000-06:00

So I'm thinking of taking up Verse in speech next season, and reading something from Bob Dylan.

Tell me what you think of these lyrics for verse.
http://bobdylan.com/songs/visions.html

On a similar note, I feel like writing this weekend. That's what I'll do.

It's not like I have anything else to do.

Strike another match, go start anew...

2006-02-19T17:42:00.000-06:00

I'd just like to pop in here to make sure everyone knows that I'm alive and, for the most part, well.

A lot has happened, and if you've been living under a rock I'll say this: Em and I broke up on the 10th. While it wasn't that way at first, it's become as mutual as possible, considering the circumstances. As my updated link to Em's blog specifies, we're still best friends.

I have a list of people to especially thank for helping me through this time:
Liana
Liz
Kim
Cavya
Taelore
And of course, Emily.
And John, Paul, George, Ringo, and Bob.

Who knows what the future will hold? God only knows, God only knows.

My only job is to get there.

I believe in yesterday...

2006-02-08T15:23:00.000-06:00

So I was just thinking about that terrible time around two years ago.

In case some of you don't know this story, Em and I had been going out for five months or so.

I was growing increasingly more depressed and agitable, jealous and petty.

We broke up for two months.

It was the worst period of my life. There's nothing more chilling to the mind than the sentence "are you leaving me?" followed by utter and complete silence.

Suddenly, the most important part of your life is gone, bam, disappeared. You have no direction anymore! You don't have any idea what to do! It's the most terrible feeling.

You sit and listen to Yesterday a thousand times in a row...add in For No One and you've got the perfect heartbreak playlist.

It's the terrible emptyness that consumes all of your thoughts. It's absolutely horrifying.

I live in an apartment on the 99th floor of my block...

2006-01-26T21:49:00.000-06:00

Well, last night at United Center was my first Stones show! It was the third rock show I've seen at the venue in four months (McCartney in October and Aerosmith in December) and it's very familiar territory right now.

Props to the merchandisers--only $25 for Four Flicks!

Now, onto the show.
We (my dad, brother and I) were in the second to last row of 322, "behind the stage".

Called Brems up, he happened to be just a few sections away from us. He and I walked around the arena once, chatting and then looking to buy the tour program. (they were sold out) We parted ways and went on to the show.

Antigone Rising was alright, they definitely have talent. The vocalist had a nice voice and range, but some of the songs were kinda samey. Nice cover of Queen's Fat Bottomed Girls, though.

Our view was quite obstructed for the opener, with the curtain up and the big Ameriquest banner, we couldn't see much.

But when the Stones took the stage, our view was lots clearer. We could see Mick almost the whole time, Keith about half the time, and Ronnie the entire time. Sadly, we only saw Charlie on the B-stage.

It was definitely a great show. Jumpin' Jack Flash works well as an opener, but I'd like to point out that for the first portion of the set, they really seemed to be going through the motions. IORR was very sluggish and "off". I wish they'd have stuck with LSTNT, my favourite Stones song. Memory Hotel is a nice song, one that I've never heard before.

The show definitely picked up in energy with "Ain't Too Proud to Beg". Good cover, nice vocals by Mick.

Brems was there Monday as well, but he came back to hear "Midnight Rambler", and he got it last night. Great performance here, nice and the tempo changes were done perfectly! Nice vocals and good guitar work by Mick and Keith. It was a nice long performance that really personified the "character" of the band. Classic.

Tumbling Dice! One of my favourites. Perhaps the most instantly recognisable song of the night from the opening guitar notes, it sounded nice and warm, as it does on record. Mick's vocals were better on this than other recordings that I've heard. I was satisfied. Ron played some good guitar here.

Introductions! Keith smoking a cigarette. It must be noted that as of January 16th, the United Center along with most of Chicago is a smoke-free zone. I love Keith.

Here I expected Gimme Shelter, but we didn't get any? I don't know why. It would've been very welcome.This Place is Empty was very off due to the vocals, but it was nice and pleasant nevertheless. Happy was great, Keith's aged voice suits it quite well.

The B-stage was great. We could see Charlie, finally! All the songs were good, nice performances though Miss You can get quite old.

SYMPATHY! Great vocal work by Mick! Keith's solos on this might have been the most enthralling part of the show for me. He played most of it on my side of the arena and my binoculars were locked onto him the entire time. I was surprised that Mick can still get the "TELL ME BABY, WHAT'S MY NAME" falsettos out! Impressive.

The warhorse stretch, of course, was great. Mick seemed to be putting a lot into this show, running around a lot--from what I've heard, more energised than Monday.

All in all, a fabulous show. I'd definitely go again. I'm hoping to get to a stadium show next tour.

Despite what all the naysayers may say, the Stones can still rock hard.

The way things are going...they're gonna crucify me!

2006-01-23T18:12:00.000-06:00

Last night, I had a dream that I was being crucified.

I was just walking down the street, and suddenly I was being crucified.

I told my mom about it, and said "I don't know what it means yet."

Mom said "Well, it doesn't sound good."

And I said "...Yeah, that's what Mary said, too."

Damn, I'm witty.

Stones ticker:
2 days

LET'S SPEND THE NIGHT TOGETHER

2006-01-21T19:33:00.000-06:00

I am in an all-around good mood.

We took third at Conference, with our crosstown buddies taking first.
I placed third in OC, in a very tough round.
EM GOT FIRST IN BOTH HER EVENTS!

I've come to realise that I don't think that I'll ever have a concrete event besides OC. I've decided that I really want to try more events next year and senior year. I dunno, HI, or DI, or OO or something. As Li pointed out, we'd be a good HDA team, but I probably would never be able to wrench her away from DDA and OC.
Would I be good at the aforementioned events, anyone with experience?

Four days until the Stones concert.

Damn, Let's Spend the Night Together makes me want to rock out and dance.
Also...early OC idea for next season.
Aging rock stars.
Yea or nay?

My favorite flavour, cherry red...

2006-01-17T16:19:00.000-06:00

Like a phoenix I rise from my own ashes!

It's been a while.

Okay, Spark Notes version of the past few weeks:
Placed fourth in OC in two straight meet
Been generally very happy

I'M SEEING THE STONES IN 8 DAYS!
Oh, the concert report update will be fun indeed.

...And a Happy New Year...

2005-12-31T11:29:00.000-06:00

IT's almost 2006. That's the most ridiculous sounding of the years of this milennium yet. It sounds so...uneven.

However, I greatly look forward to this year.

I wish you all a Happy New Year, and...many more.

2005-12-27T23:17:00.000-06:00

Well, the irresistable and lovely Emily Bennett has created a blog. And so far, it's excellent. Read it right http://www.andthemomerathsoutgrabe.blogspot.com

I'll be changing my links around as well.

I also shall provide you with another long Dylan epic, this time in the form of a beautiful love ballad.

Here's Sad-Eyed Lady of the Lowlands http://bobdylan.com/songs/lowlands.html

Simply having...

2005-12-25T09:34:00.000-06:00

First of all, the obligatory list of what I received for Christmas:

--The Lord of the Rings AND The Hobbit BBC Radio Dramas (I love you Em!)
--A cup of water
--A Bob Dylan t-shirt
--Beatles t-shirt
--Led Zeppelin t-shirt
CDs
--Simon & Garfunkel: Old Friends Live on Stage (CD and DVD)
--John Lennon: Walls and Bridges
--Bob Dylan Collection: Blonde on Blonde/Blood on the Tracks/Infidels
--Bob Dylan Collection: John Wesley Harding/Nashville Skyline/New Morning
--Blind Guardian: Nightfall in Middle-Earth
--The Beatles: Yellow Submarine Songtrack

DVDs
--Lawrence of Arabia (Superbit version)
--The Sandlot (original)
--House of Flying Daggers
--Princess Mononoke
--No Direction Home: Bob Dylan

And also from one of my Tolkien forum buddies, he sent us an e-version of The Letters of JRR Tolkien. Last year it was an e-Silmarillion. I love you, PsionicDude.

Add that to a bunch of cash and gift cards, and you've got a wonderful Christmastime.

I'll be quite busy listening to CDs.

The desert is an ocean in which no oar is dipped.

2005-12-21T23:53:00.000-06:00

I watched Lawrence of Arabia today, in nearly one sitting. (I took a shower during "intermission")

Wow. Amazing film. Definitely one of the best I've ever seen. Everyone should see it. Now.

I carry twenty-three great wounds, all got in battle. Seventy-five men have I killed with my own hands in battle. I scatter, I burn my enemies' tents. I take away their flocks and herds. The Turks pay me a golden treasure, yet I am poor! Because I am a river to my people!

Young men make wars, and the virtues of war are the virtues of young men: courage, and hope for the future. Then old men make the peace, and the vices of peace are the vices of old men: mistrust and caution.

What do you despise? By this are you truly known.

2005-12-18T20:30:00.000-06:00

Universal has re-announced the Extended Edition of David Lynch's Dune film. Damn, is that cover art badass, or what?

This makes me happy, although I have many gripes with the adaptation. The book is a masterpiece, which I plan on rereading it very soon.

Right when I discovered Dune, back in February, this DVD had just been announced for May 10th 2005. Nick and I were getting ultra-giddy about it, but a little while before release it was delayed indefinitely. After that I had given up hope. Apparently a few months ago (where was I), Universal said that the film will be released January 31st, 2006. Damn, that would make a great Valentine's Day present (hinthintEm)

>_>

Ah, I can't wait until Christmas break. I have the following on my to-do list:
--Make that movie with Nick, Aleks and Max.
--Rent Lawrence of Arabia, which I have not seen
--Rent Cool Hand Luke, which I have not seen
--See King Kong
--See The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
--See Walk the Line
--Possibly have a six film, 13.5 hour Star Wars marathon.

A conspiracy unmasked?

2005-12-16T06:34:00.000-06:00

Time to come clean.

Kim Skibinski and I had a "thing" over the summer, and it's time for me to stop avoiding or denying that fact.

It was perhaps the biggest mistake of my life, and I think everyone knows that I regret it more than anything.

I'm sick of denying all this, so I'm done. That's it.

For everyone who is hurt by this who didn't know it already, I'm sorry.

And for everyone who already did, I'm still sorry.

I love you, Em.

The best lyrical masterpiece ever constructed by a human being?

2005-12-09T22:16:00.000-06:00

Quite possibly. I have decided that Bob Dylan's Desolation Row has the most amazing lyrics...ever.

Whether you're a Dylan fan or not, you have to love the imagery of these lyrics. Revelation can't compare. Em, Nick, Li, I think you'll like this thing.

Warning: IT'S LONG.
But it's worth it.

They're selling postcards of the hanging,
They're painting the passports brown.
The beauty parlor is filled with sailors;
The circus is in town.
Here comes the blind commissioner,
They've got him in a trance.
One hand is tied to the tight-rope walker,
The other is in his pants.
And the riot squad they're restless,
They need somewhere to go.
As Lady and I look out tonight,
From Desolation Row.

Cinderella, she seems so easy.
"It takes one to know one," she smiles,
And puts her hands in her back pockets,
Bette Davis style.
And in comes Romeo, he's moaning,
"You Belong to Me I Believe."
And someone says," You're in the wrong place, my friend,
You better leave."
And the only sound that's left,
After the ambulances go,
Is Cinderella sweeping up
On Desolation Row.

Now the moon is almost hidden.
The stars are beginning to hide.
The fortunetelling lady
Has even taken all her things inside
All except for Cain and Abel,
And the hunchback of Notre Dame.
Everybody is making love,
Or else expecting rain.
And the Good Samaritan, he's dressing.
He's getting ready for the show.
He's going to the carnival tonight,
On Desolation Row

Now Ophelia, she's 'neath the window,
For her I feel so afraid.
On her twenty-second birthday,
She already is an old maid
To her, death is quite romantic,
She wears an iron vest.
Her profession's her religion,
Her sin is her lifelessness.
And though her eyes are fixed upon
Noah's great rainbow,
She spends her time peeking
Into Desolation Row

Einstein, disguised as Robin Hood,
With his memories in a trunk,
Passed this way an hour ago
With his friend, a jealous monk.
He looked so immaculately frightful
As he bummed a cigarette,
Then he went off sniffing drainpipes,
And reciting the alphabet.
Now, you would not think to look at him,
But he was famous long ago
For playing the electric violin,
On Desolation Row

Dr. Filth, he keeps his world
Inside of a leather cup.
But all his sexless patients
They're trying to blow it up.
Now his nurse, some local loser,
She's in charge of the cyanide hole.
And she also keeps the cards that read
"Have Mercy on His Soul".
They all play on penny whistles,
You can hear them blow
If you lean your head out far enough
From Desolation Row

Across the street they've nailed the curtains,
They're getting ready for the feast.
The Phantom of the Opera,
In a perfect image of a priest.
They're spoonfeeding Casanova,
To get him to feel more assured.
Then they'll kill him with self-confidence
After poisoning him with words.
And the Phantom's shouting to skinny girls,
"Get Outa Here If You Don't Know,
Casanova is just being punished for going
To Desolation Row"

Now at midnight all the agents,
And the superhuman crew,
Come out and round up everyone
That knows more than they do.
Then they bring them to the factory,
Where the heart-attack machine
Is strapped across their shoulders
And then the kerosene
Is brought down from the castles
By insurance men who go
Check to see that nobody is escaping
To Desolation Row

Praise be to Nero's Neptune.
The Titanic sails at dawn.
And everybody's shouting,
"Which Side Are You On?"
And Ezra Pound and T. S. Eliot,
Fighting in the captain's tower
While calypso singers laugh at them,
And fishermen hold flowers.
Between the windows of the sea,
Where lovely mermaids flow.
And nobody has to think too much
About Desolation Row

Yes, I received your letter yesterday.
(About the time the door knob broke.)
When you asked how I was doing,
Was that some kind of joke?
All these people that you mention,
Yes, I know them, they're quite lame.
I had to rearrange their faces,
And give them all another name.
Right now, I can't read too good,
Don't send me no more letters, no.
Not unless you mail them

From Desolation Row

The Dream is Over.

2005-12-08T15:55:00.000-06:00

25 years ago On December 8th 1980 at almost 11 PM, musician and former Beatle John Lennon and his wife Yoko Ono were walking to his apartment at the Dakota building in NYC. As he drew nearer to the building, Lennon heard a voice cry out "Mr Lennon?"?

Lennon began to turn around, and four bullets penetrated his back. He stumbled on the steps. He was rushed to the hospital and was dead on arrival.It is very ironic and disturbing to think that a person who wrote such lyrics as "give peace a chance", "war is over", "All you need is love" and "imagine all the people living life in peace" could die in such a tragic and barbaric way as assassination.

John Lennon truly cared for the earth and its people, and tried to save the world every day he lived his tragically short life. I please ask you, to respect his memory by trying to live in this way, for at least a little while. Think about people, and help every chance you can. As a closing statement, I'll give one of John Lennon's most well-known lyrics:

You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one.
I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will live as one.
Thank you.

I also just jotted down this poem.
It's not any good, but I'll put it down here anyway.

He was just a man.
A man of love, a man of peace.
A man of pains, that he sought to release.
A man with a message, a man with hope
A man with flaws, with which to cope,
Exerting his feelings through lyrics and word,
He had some ideas many thought absurd.
A man full of love, and of fears,
His thoughts at times could lead to jeers.
But just a man, as you and me.

Here also was a man.
A man of confusion, and of madness,
A man of pains, that led to sadness.
Exerting his feelings through bullet and gun,
He killed the first, a man like this one.
What drove him there? Was it jealousy or fate?
By the time that we knew, it was far too late.

Why? Still no one knows,
But there is something to learn,
From this sad man who needed love,
And another who loved in return.

I once had a girl...

2005-12-06T17:01:00.000-06:00

Last Saturday was the 40th anniversary of the Rubber Soul album. Therefore, I feel like writing a review on it. But first, I have to eat dinner.......

Ah, I love chili. But what were we talking about? Ah, yes, Rubber Soul. Great album, and I'm just now starting to give it the infinite credit that it deserves. The Beatles made an excellent stab at the booming and hip "folk-rock" genre on this record. Maybe that's why I'm just starting to truly appreciate it--I've been getting into that genre lately.

I know entire generations grew up listening to the 12-track American edition of the album. And I will pay my respects to that version as well as the big double-A side single released on the same day, Day Tripper/We Can Work It Out.

First of all, the single. I'll go against popular opinion here, but I'll come out and say that Day Tripper is one of my least favorite Beatles singles, though I do admit I've come to like it more recently. It has a nice feel, but the lyrics are much too simple and repetitive for me. We Can Work It Out, on the other hand, is one of the best rock singles of 1965. And it's got quite a bit of competition as well. My Generation, Like a Rolling Stone, Satisfaction, Mr Tambourine Man...
We Can Work It Out is simply a masterpiece. The sound is great, and the lyrics and vocals are awesome. Obviously, my favorite parts of the song are John's life is very short...sections. Paul's vocals are excellent here.

Now onto the album itself. To avoid confusion among the editions, here is the track list:
US only tracks are in brackets
Drive My Car (UK only) [I've Just Seen a Face]
Norwegian Wood
You Won't See Me
Nowhere Man (UK only)
Think For Yourself
The Word
Michelle
What Goes On (UK only) [It's Only Love]
Girl
I'm Looking Through You
In My Life
Wait
If I Needed Someone (UK only)

First of all, the album opener(s).
Drive My Car is a nice, snappy song, but it is rather mediocre. For the first (and only) time ever in an American release, Capitol got it right. I've Just Seen a Face is the far superior song, and may even fit on the album better. It was Paul's first great song, though I'll Follow the Sun comes somewhat close. The lyrics and sound are perfect, and I love Paul's voice. Excellent track and ten times better than DMC.

Norwegian Wood is an indisputable classic. Its Dylanish vocals and lyrics win it over for me. Gotta love that sitar, as well.

You Won't See Me is one of the most underrated songs from this period. Nice lyrics and melody. Good vocals on Paul's part.

Nowhere Man is of course, one of the best songs of the period. I pity the first gen fans who were deprvied of this song in its original context. It's simply amazing. Great Byrds/S&G harmonies. (Speaking of Simon and Garfunkel...their complete studio recordings are only $35 at Amazon...wow...)

Now we come to what I think is the weak part of the album. Michelle is an alright song, but Think for Yourself, What Goes On, and The Word are my least favorite tracks on here. It's Only Love is decent, but as usual with the US albums, it doesn't quite fit.

Now, back to the good stuff. Girl is awesome, and I think I'm Looking Through You is very underrated song. Very catchy, nice folky sound. Nothing more can be said about In My Life, save what has already been said. It's one of the best songs the group ever did, and that's a fact.

Wait is another underrated song. Not much to say about it though.

If I Needed Someone is another one of those that I've come to appreciate lately. Awesome Byrds sound, great harmonies, and the lyrics are wonderful...

Run for Your Life. Yes, it's creepy. But it's so damned catchy and cool-sounding.

Well, that's it.

Tomorrow is the 25th anniversary of John's death. I'm getting on the school news tomorrow to say a few things (thanks a lot, Nick). Definitely expect a big tribute post tomorrow.

Can't buy a thrill.

2005-12-01T21:53:00.000-06:00

As per usual, my entry title has little or nothing to do with the entry itself.

Sorry I've not been updating too often--haven't had much inspiration to write lately, but I think it's coming back.

For the first time in forever I actually feel busy--which is a bit unfair, considering that I actually have very little on my plate. Limelight and speech team, and that's it, on top of that whole school thing. So while I'm sometimes used to sort of kicking it, I feel burdened, but not stressed out--and I think that's a good thing. Em has been feeling stressed out. :( I hope she gets better. I don't like it when she's not happy...

Limelight is going well, again, everyone should come see the show on the 16th--it's going to be hilarious. And Spencer is in it. Mwaha! Now you KNOW you have to see it.

Speech season is going alright so far. The first meet is in two days, of course. Erin and I made major cuts to the HDA because the way we ran it was up to 12 min 51 sec. Luckily we've cut it down to 8 min 20 sec.

Pleasant surprise about the upcoming meet--Matt Adams can't go, and neither can Jake, so I"m filling in for impromptu. I miss it a bit from last year, and I feel a lot more confident than I did as a freshman. I think I'll do okay.

And I"m still putting off my OC until a later date...

Expect a music or film review up soon...I feel like either burying something or praising it.

Best wishes to all,
KP

Difficult times lie ahead...

2005-11-21T18:37:00.001-06:00

Well, Em and I saw Goblet of Fire.

I loved it. Most definitely the best of the films so far. The first two were too juvenile and boring, the third one was too "edgy" and artsy, but the direction for this film was excellent. Newell had better sign on to finish up the series, because this is a film to remember.

I dont' care that they cut out this or that, it still felt like the book, and it was an outstanding movie. Arguably, it's the first "good movie" of the series so far. All of the actors improved, and it was an all around great film.

I'm sure I'll see it at least once again.

I am quite busy right now, with Limelight and speech. I have so many things to write, and this is the busiest I've felt in a long while.

Erin and I's HDA is great, and I'm really hoping that we'll break finals at least once or twice. Getting to sectionals would be great.
I'm having Original Comedian's block, and my OC is getting quite annoying. I really want to do well in OC this year, so I think that I'll write a sellout OC about sterotypical high school life or something, like the skit that Nick and Aleks and I did for English that one time. I'll try to inject some of my characteristic wit in there somewhere. I just dont' want to have a niche speech like last year. Hopefully I'll do okay. Li and PJ haven't had much luck with their speeches, either. Hopefully we can all get our acts together and write some good pieces.

Maybe I'll try to take a second or third shot at writing it tonight. Third time's a charm, no?

My first ever "delay".

2005-11-18T06:35:00.000-06:00

Well, the past few weeks have been quite good for me. Limelight is back (EVERYONE COME SEE IT. Dec 16th at OEHS) , so I'm seeing Em more(!), and now speech team is starting up again. I think I'll have a good speech season, I'm more worried about my OC than anything. I think I'll write it this weekend.

Today is the first day of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. I am currently wearing my glasses. I am wearing my glasses to school. This marks the first time I've ever worn my lgasses on a regular high school day. ph34r my 1337 P0773R ski11z.

Yeah, so Em and I are seeing it at 6:20. I hope it's good. It's good that it's finally in the hands of a British director. That's where it belongs.

2005-11-08T17:33:00.000-06:00

So I had a Bob Dylan dream last night. IT'S AN EPIDEMIC, BRIAN!

So I was at Limelight (at OEHS), but they didn't need me for anything that night. Dylan was playing a concert (in Oswego) that night, so I decided to just look around town to see if I'd run into him. At Borders (WHY DOES OSWEGO HAVE A BORDERS!?!?) I first ran into a Bob Dylan lookalike who was about my age. He looked a bit like a mix of Tim Healy and Bobby Dunne, but he looked like Bob Dylan.

After this I found the real Dylan. I can't remember what happened at this point, but next thing I know I'm at East, and Dylan is about to play an exclusive concert for Limelighters in the theatre. That was weird.

What does my dream mean?

And in comes Romeo, he's moaning...

2005-11-05T21:55:00.000-06:00

Today was an alright day.

Went to Augustana to visit my cousin, ran into Cori Veverka, had a short conversation about theatre and the like.

I think I've listened to Highway 61 Revisited about five times today.

In eventful news, I drove on the tollway for the first time today. In the rain. In the dark.

I was fine, until I had to exit the tollway. I got off the ramp fine, but when I had to turn left onto the road back to Oswego, I couldn't tell where the lane I needed was, and I accidentally turned into the left turn lane of oncoming traffic. Thankfully, there was no one in the lane. My mom remained calm and we practically killed the tires by going over the island/median thing. That was scary.

In other news, this is the sonnet for English that I wrote in about three minutes tonight:

Though I am weary with work, call me back again.
From the fields and the woods and the streams,
Take me from toil; pluck me from the pickaxe,
Bring me back, and then we may make our dreams.
Though my soul be sore, my spirit be strained,
Gladly I’ll return to your world of wonder.
Though days long have I spent working my body;
Freely for you I’d surrender my plunder.
Long and tough and mercilessly though I labour;
Easily now will I come back to your favour.

Ah...

2005-11-02T20:39:00.000-06:00

Well, life is going great right now.

Em is coming over tomorrow.
I just had my birthday, with plenty of money and gifts at my disposal.
The sometimes stressful driver's ed is ending.
Limelight is started up again.
I've been listening to The Beatles from Rubber Soul on today. It's like I'm listening for the first time again.
I'll be getting Dylan's Bringing It All Back Home and Highway 61 Revisited tomorrow.

Pretty much, life kicks ass.
Oooo, Long Long Long. Great song.

I don't want this to be a blog where people read this and expect some whiny angsty teen stories, and expect to pity me. I'm telling life the way it is. It's what you make it. Carpe Diem. And right now, life is perfect. I'm not dwelling on the tiny things that make life hectic. Always look on the bright side.

And I always do.

She's in love with me, and I feel fine.

Who sprays the trees in the forest, Mr. Kimber??

2005-10-30T20:38:00.000-06:00

I'd just like to dedicate this entry to the OHS drama department for putting on a hell of a show this weekend.

Em, Claire, David, Anthony, Renee, Kim, Michael, Ethan, Sarah, Glen, Joe, Lianna, Jaclyn, Jess, Chad...you all rocked out loud.

I've actually been finding myself quoting the show this weekend--I DID see it thrice, after all.

It was just a kickass play, and I hope you all know that.

Oh, how I looaathe the country.

I've got a cupboard with cans of food...

2005-10-29T13:06:00.000-05:00

Here's my latest in my flood of posts. I promise, I'll settle down after this one.

I'm going to talk about a CD that I've been listening to frequently in the past half year or so. Yes, you're all waiting for me to start gushing about the Beatles, or Lennon, or Dylan, right?

Wrong.

I'm going to talk about the Postal Service. One of the most interesting records I've heard in my life. I can probably point my sudden interest in alt/indie music to Diana ('twas nice seeing/talking to you Friday). Yes, she always yells at me for not listening to anything new. I finally caved in and asked for this as a gift. (Thank you Em!)

It's full of catchy melodies and nice lyrics. Ben Gibbard's vocals are excellent. Nearly every song is a keeper. Fantastic soundscapes underscore the entire album. It's just an awesome CD, that anyone should own. I recommend it to all.

And I love her...

2005-10-29T00:10:00.000-05:00

Yes, this will be my first meaningful, gushing entry.

I love Emily. I really do.

No one, not Jimmy,not anyone, has affected my life so much. So much has happened in the past two years, I'm a completely different person. Many of you have probably heard the full version of this tale, so I won't go through my whole life story.

Two years ago, I didn't really have too many friends at all. At that point, to function all I needed was Jimmy and Jake (plus sometimes Matt, Dan, or Jarod). I was content with life, but something was missing.

It was none other then Miss Emily Bennett.
Going to Danielle's Halloween party tonight brought back amazing memories of so so long ago, at the party two years ago. Oh, but I was so much older then; I'm younger than that now. I just wanted to hold Em and never let go.

I enjoy life so much more now. I'm much more social. Without Em, I wouldn't have most (if not all) of my friends. Without Em, there would have been no way I'd have survived the great clash of egos that was Jimmy and I's fight. Without Em, I wouldn't have joined Limelight and I wouldn't have many of the friends I have now.

Somehow Em got me to think outside of the box, without ever telling me to. Perhaps one time period that I will stick out in my mind more than any other is winter of '03. Things are even greater now than they were then, but at that point I was still in complete and utter shock of my own fortune. Fortune's fool am I not.

Now there can never be a future that I can envision where I don't see her face. God, I love that woman. Day in and day out, love only grows. You're asking me, will my love grow? Damn right it will. Damn right.

This is not poetic and flowery, I know. I want to tell things like it is. I don't want this to turn into Nick's blog. I'm keeping this all real. I won't spend time and honesty by creating ridiculous analogies and such. Love is love. Love is real, and nothing in the world can mean more than a simple and sincere "I love you".

I've said it a million times, and I will say it again. Though it will grow ever more in meaning the second after I publish this, I love you.

Swing your arms from side to side...

2005-10-28T18:04:00.000-05:00

Come on everyone, let's do the Mario!

Ah, Super Mario Bros.

Is there a breathing human being in America or Japan that has never played this game? My FATHER has played this game. My FATHER knows what a Goomba and what a Koopa is.
Anyone of any age can tell you that if Mario gets a mushroom, he turns big.

Lately, I've been playing Super Mario Bros. Yes, the original. I've never beaten it before in my life. A game that has been part of my life since I was two, and I have never gotten past world six.

What is it about Mario? All the player does is move him right and left and jump. The logic of the game is nonexistent, and looking back, you'd think it's pointless.

Well, it's not. It still has the magic that made it a phenomenon (it still is) twenty years ago on the Nintendo Entertainment System.
You'd think that playing the same levels over and over and over and constantly dying would get boring, but it's not. Anyone with half a heart will smile while getting their first fire-flower, or laugh maniacally when navigating their way to the infamous warp zone. I wouldn't be surprised if the theme of the game is the most recognised piece of music today.

Just last night I woke my brother up and rushed into his room to tell him that I'd finally beaten world 5. A few seconds later, I came back in and confirmed that their princess was in another castle.

To quote my good friend Spencer: "Kevin, if you were a Koopa, I'd jump on you."

Now if you'll excuse me, I get to go see my lovely girlfriend on stage.

Enter KP

2005-10-28T17:47:00.000-05:00

Now, I'm sure that most or all of you who are reading this know me.

It's-a me, Kevin. Everyone on earth but me has a blog, and I finally decided to get one. Hell, it's better than Livejournal. *pukes*

So now all of you can keep in touch with my life, though I'm not quite sure why you'd want to do that.

Here you may read my strange cycles of obsessions, every changing, ever changing...with one constant.

I love you, Emily.