I haven't dreaded anything this badly since I took piano lessons back in early high school, but yes, you guessed right, I don't want to go back to school tomorrow! I am kind of feeling that I need a new start. Perhaps I am too comfortable living the life I am now, and that causes things to get old and boring for me. A new start that brings about a fresh feeling in my life would be pretty awesome. As for what this change is, I don't know yet; I'm assuming that it's just doing something I'm comfortable doing while being able to stay close to home.
I am faced with two more months of this UofA business that I have to endure. I am so ready to throw in the towel and fail all my courses, because I am just dreading it THAT much. I am beginning to feel that Ambrose University is a good place for me to go to now. This is because, first and foremost, it is closer to home. I will also be able to build my theology there and then work on the musical part, or whatever else, as more a side thing. However, all this being said, I have yet to do any research on these colleges, so I don't know any specifics just yet. Somebody kick my in the bum so I can get off my lazy butt and find out these things. I also forgot to get my driving stuff set straight, crap! What a productive reading week, eh.
*Sigh*, here we go again.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Complement
First off, I cannot, in any possible method, express my frustration and disappointment towards the Edmonton Oilers after tonights loss to the Calgary 'lames. Considering that we SHOULD have won the game in regulation, then having the 4 on 3 powerplay in overtime and not capitalizing, and the cream on top, where NONE of our three shooters in the shootout released a shot. This is all I am going to say, because if I go on, I will just be more disappointed.
Anyhow, before I really get onto what I want to write, my ear is broken )= It is acting up on me right now, too, actually. I'm not sure what happened, but my left ear, when quiet, constantly hears low rumbling noises even when there is no noise. The noise does not go away and drives me insane. That is all.
About time I got to what I wanted to say. An interesting thought occured to me when I was looking back at a couple things; I found an odd way to evaluate who I am as a person, haha. In a main course dish, I would be the "side dish" that you get for free and included in your main dish. Let's use a rib eye steak for example, just because I had one tonight. Usually, when you order these main entrees, you get choices of things such as assorted veggies, potatoes, rice, etc. That's what I would label myself as. So yes, in a sense, I am saying that I am that cauliflower that you eat first to get out of the way so you can enjoy your big ass steak. I'm one of those things you get on your plate that you don't really care much for, it's there and you know it, but it never stands out too much.
So what does this have to do with me? Well, I'm just like that potato, or the coleslaw. In a group of people doing life, I'm just there; you know I'm there, and you know what I bring, but I'm just there as a complement to whatever is happening. I'm no main attraction or the rib eye steak, I just so happened to be included in this deal to give the little bit I have to offer. And to be honest, I don't mind it all that much. I don't like too much attention, and I like to watch people; feeling included is a given for everyone, but I never stick out like those people that you seem to remember for some reason even though you never ever talked to them before. As a huge introvert, I wonder how hard I will hit myself for being so weird and coming up with this stupid analogy, lol.
At last, I am very sad and disappointed to say that reading week is almost over. I am dreading school, beyond belief. However, I have to say that if it was not for this reading week, I would not have learned some very important things about myself. I think that as for now, I will go and be depressed about the failure of the Oilers and the thought of having to go back to school to write midterms.
Bye bye, world.
Anyhow, before I really get onto what I want to write, my ear is broken )= It is acting up on me right now, too, actually. I'm not sure what happened, but my left ear, when quiet, constantly hears low rumbling noises even when there is no noise. The noise does not go away and drives me insane. That is all.
About time I got to what I wanted to say. An interesting thought occured to me when I was looking back at a couple things; I found an odd way to evaluate who I am as a person, haha. In a main course dish, I would be the "side dish" that you get for free and included in your main dish. Let's use a rib eye steak for example, just because I had one tonight. Usually, when you order these main entrees, you get choices of things such as assorted veggies, potatoes, rice, etc. That's what I would label myself as. So yes, in a sense, I am saying that I am that cauliflower that you eat first to get out of the way so you can enjoy your big ass steak. I'm one of those things you get on your plate that you don't really care much for, it's there and you know it, but it never stands out too much.
So what does this have to do with me? Well, I'm just like that potato, or the coleslaw. In a group of people doing life, I'm just there; you know I'm there, and you know what I bring, but I'm just there as a complement to whatever is happening. I'm no main attraction or the rib eye steak, I just so happened to be included in this deal to give the little bit I have to offer. And to be honest, I don't mind it all that much. I don't like too much attention, and I like to watch people; feeling included is a given for everyone, but I never stick out like those people that you seem to remember for some reason even though you never ever talked to them before. As a huge introvert, I wonder how hard I will hit myself for being so weird and coming up with this stupid analogy, lol.
At last, I am very sad and disappointed to say that reading week is almost over. I am dreading school, beyond belief. However, I have to say that if it was not for this reading week, I would not have learned some very important things about myself. I think that as for now, I will go and be depressed about the failure of the Oilers and the thought of having to go back to school to write midterms.
Bye bye, world.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Ready. Steady. Go.
Two posts in one day, seperated by one sleep. Awesome. I am setting records left and right this month.
I was sitting on my couch with a guitar in my lap. I was looking through some worship music and playing them as I went. Then, all of a sudden, a thought crossed my mind that, if all goes well, I could potentially become a pastor in some years. It was somewhat of a blind vision that I saw - whatever that means. But I saw myself in a church, maybe as a pastor or whatever I was, and it got me all excited. Something that I love to do is get to know people and maybe even be a bit of an influence in the growth of them. I've already stated before that everything we come across plays some role in our lives, no matter how big or small. So, I guess that, in a sense, what I pictured in my mind was a vision that can quite potentially be true.
I know it is true that the path of a "spiritual leader" is extremely challenging, but I feel that my mindset is headed in the right direction to be able to endure what life may throw at me down the road. Being excited for something is good, but I know that I cannot throw away everything else other than the good because then I'd just be ignorant and foolish.
However, I actually can admit that I could not be happier that I know what it is I want to pursue now. Things take time, and it took a bit longer for me to find out, but hey, I would not trade the experiences I've gained for anything in the world.
Alright, that is really all I wanted to say. Now, let's hope the Oilers don't get killed TOO badly )=
I was sitting on my couch with a guitar in my lap. I was looking through some worship music and playing them as I went. Then, all of a sudden, a thought crossed my mind that, if all goes well, I could potentially become a pastor in some years. It was somewhat of a blind vision that I saw - whatever that means. But I saw myself in a church, maybe as a pastor or whatever I was, and it got me all excited. Something that I love to do is get to know people and maybe even be a bit of an influence in the growth of them. I've already stated before that everything we come across plays some role in our lives, no matter how big or small. So, I guess that, in a sense, what I pictured in my mind was a vision that can quite potentially be true.
I know it is true that the path of a "spiritual leader" is extremely challenging, but I feel that my mindset is headed in the right direction to be able to endure what life may throw at me down the road. Being excited for something is good, but I know that I cannot throw away everything else other than the good because then I'd just be ignorant and foolish.
However, I actually can admit that I could not be happier that I know what it is I want to pursue now. Things take time, and it took a bit longer for me to find out, but hey, I would not trade the experiences I've gained for anything in the world.
Alright, that is really all I wanted to say. Now, let's hope the Oilers don't get killed TOO badly )=
Monday, February 16, 2009
Mayer of Mr.A-Z
No, this has nothing to do with transformers. But after the last couple days of playing guitar, I think I am almost hitting my prime for playing guitars. I don't entirely see myself getting too much better skill-wise on the guitar. I can still grow musically, because there are a lot of things I don't know. However, my fingers can only move so fast and I can only be so creative, so I don't think I will be a rockstar guitarist, sorry guys.
I am in my fourth year of playing guitar and I haven't really gotten any better in 8 or 9 months. The last time I saw myself get significantly better was when I discovered Jason Mraz's guitaring style and technique. Thereafter, I took up the challenge to be able to play this "pick-and-flick" technique, which John Mayer also uses in a couple of songs like "Stop This Train" and "The Heart of Life."
Before I go anywhere else, I want to say that, as good as John Mayer is, Jason Mraz is better overall. I have had a couple discussions with a few friends about the two JM's and which is better. For those of you that do know Jason Mraz, you would know that I am largely influenced by his music. I will have to put my bias aside for this comparison. First and foremost, when I mention these two JMs, obviously John Mayer is the one that is more popular whereas Mraz gets the reaction of "who the heck is he?" The unknown of Mraz has decreased lately because of his huge hit "I'm Yours", but that is not what we are to be discussing right now.
Okay, I'm done with my preamble, this is my take on Mraz vs. Mayer. The response I get from people who know both Mraz and Mayer can easily point out that John has the success to back himself up. I will give the point of success to John Mayer because it is a legit argument that I simply cannot argue against. After the success factor, you have to break it down to them as individuals. John Mayer's strongest point is obviously his guitar. I will admit right here that John Mayer is one of the most amazing guitarists that is going mainstream, ever. Having been to his concert once, you can say that Mayer's guitaring has neared perfection and is almost flawless. In comparison, Jason Mraz's strongest asset is his voice. This is somewhat of a sketchy thing to say because Mraz's voice is so highly underrated, even though it's what gets most people, that people will easily say Mayer's guitar is better than Mraz's singing. I would like to disagree. First of all, Mraz's voice itself is perfect, he has perfect control over his pitch and has an incredible range. A couple of songs that shows how amazing his vocals can best tell you what I mean. Listen to one or a few of Common Pleasure, The Remedy (Live), Only Human, Unfold, among others. After listening to them, try to sing them yourself. If you think you can do it, record yourself and then compare it to Mraz. There is no way in hell that many people can sing and control their voice like Jason Mraz. This is what I meant by his voice being underrated. So, Mayer's guitar equals that of Mraz's vocals. Next.
John Mayer has had his voice criticized in the past of not being a very good singer. To date, he is still not the greatest singer; he has gotten a helluva lot better than he was in the past, but still not the greatest. When I say singing, this does not mean songwriting, it is his vocal abilities. Jason Mraz's secondary is his guitar. Again, Mraz's guitar ability is underrated. If you watch some live videos of mraz, he has some incredible chord shapes and little things that he can do with his guitar. Mraz is primarily an acoustic/classical guitarist, but he can rip it up on the electric too, hence Common Pleasure. One thing that puts Mraz's guitar over Mayer's singing is the way Mraz's fingers can move and shape themselves. I still have a lot of trouble playing some Jason Mraz chords because my fingers just don't move that way ><. So, in terms of secondaries, I have to put Mraz's guitaring over Mayer's vocals. Don't get me wrong, it's close, but I find that I'd rather listen to Mraz's guitaring over Mayer's voice anyday of the week.
Live performance, Jason Mraz CLEARLY over John Mayer, no contest. Jason Mraz has one of the best live performances currently on this planet.
In summary, I have to put Jason Mraz as a better and more talented artist than John Mayer because, let's face it, Mraz could go mainstream and rip up the charts if he wanted to. However, in the end, I just think it's personal preference on who you think is better; and I, for one, chooses Mraz over Mayer because I simply do not get bored of Mraz, and that he continually surprises me with his songs and what he can do. This is not an attack at John Mayer whatsoever, because I am still a fan of him and his music.
Hope this provides some insight.
I am in my fourth year of playing guitar and I haven't really gotten any better in 8 or 9 months. The last time I saw myself get significantly better was when I discovered Jason Mraz's guitaring style and technique. Thereafter, I took up the challenge to be able to play this "pick-and-flick" technique, which John Mayer also uses in a couple of songs like "Stop This Train" and "The Heart of Life."
Before I go anywhere else, I want to say that, as good as John Mayer is, Jason Mraz is better overall. I have had a couple discussions with a few friends about the two JM's and which is better. For those of you that do know Jason Mraz, you would know that I am largely influenced by his music. I will have to put my bias aside for this comparison. First and foremost, when I mention these two JMs, obviously John Mayer is the one that is more popular whereas Mraz gets the reaction of "who the heck is he?" The unknown of Mraz has decreased lately because of his huge hit "I'm Yours", but that is not what we are to be discussing right now.
Okay, I'm done with my preamble, this is my take on Mraz vs. Mayer. The response I get from people who know both Mraz and Mayer can easily point out that John has the success to back himself up. I will give the point of success to John Mayer because it is a legit argument that I simply cannot argue against. After the success factor, you have to break it down to them as individuals. John Mayer's strongest point is obviously his guitar. I will admit right here that John Mayer is one of the most amazing guitarists that is going mainstream, ever. Having been to his concert once, you can say that Mayer's guitaring has neared perfection and is almost flawless. In comparison, Jason Mraz's strongest asset is his voice. This is somewhat of a sketchy thing to say because Mraz's voice is so highly underrated, even though it's what gets most people, that people will easily say Mayer's guitar is better than Mraz's singing. I would like to disagree. First of all, Mraz's voice itself is perfect, he has perfect control over his pitch and has an incredible range. A couple of songs that shows how amazing his vocals can best tell you what I mean. Listen to one or a few of Common Pleasure, The Remedy (Live), Only Human, Unfold, among others. After listening to them, try to sing them yourself. If you think you can do it, record yourself and then compare it to Mraz. There is no way in hell that many people can sing and control their voice like Jason Mraz. This is what I meant by his voice being underrated. So, Mayer's guitar equals that of Mraz's vocals. Next.
John Mayer has had his voice criticized in the past of not being a very good singer. To date, he is still not the greatest singer; he has gotten a helluva lot better than he was in the past, but still not the greatest. When I say singing, this does not mean songwriting, it is his vocal abilities. Jason Mraz's secondary is his guitar. Again, Mraz's guitar ability is underrated. If you watch some live videos of mraz, he has some incredible chord shapes and little things that he can do with his guitar. Mraz is primarily an acoustic/classical guitarist, but he can rip it up on the electric too, hence Common Pleasure. One thing that puts Mraz's guitar over Mayer's singing is the way Mraz's fingers can move and shape themselves. I still have a lot of trouble playing some Jason Mraz chords because my fingers just don't move that way ><. So, in terms of secondaries, I have to put Mraz's guitaring over Mayer's vocals. Don't get me wrong, it's close, but I find that I'd rather listen to Mraz's guitaring over Mayer's voice anyday of the week.
Live performance, Jason Mraz CLEARLY over John Mayer, no contest. Jason Mraz has one of the best live performances currently on this planet.
In summary, I have to put Jason Mraz as a better and more talented artist than John Mayer because, let's face it, Mraz could go mainstream and rip up the charts if he wanted to. However, in the end, I just think it's personal preference on who you think is better; and I, for one, chooses Mraz over Mayer because I simply do not get bored of Mraz, and that he continually surprises me with his songs and what he can do. This is not an attack at John Mayer whatsoever, because I am still a fan of him and his music.
Hope this provides some insight.
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