First thing's first.

I've been accepted into JV Jazz Band for next year. I didn't even have to audition. :D

I have recorded a total of 49 songs from various Nintendo games, most of them come from Brawl, but I've got some from Rune Factory and Kirby and such. Just from Nintendo games. I intend to get to fifty by the end of today.

I put together 2 of the seven boxes at Sonoma Mountain for Rudger's Eagle Project.

I found out the Jazz Band is playing at the Eastside Band Festival as a separate group. I'll be leading them.

Progress in the back yard has been made. We've drilled the holes and, hopefully, will be pouring cement this coming Saturday.

Okay. I'm hungry.

So today's been an interesting day. I can't type for long, but I think that I need to.

To start off, I am in my room right now on my Wii and I'm liking the set up that I have with it regarding internet usage with regard to homework, IM, and LJ. Yes, I found out a service that allows me to IM from my Wii (and you don't have to download it!!) over the web. And, now that I've moved it, I'm getting a lot faster connection. But the best part has got to be setting this up to my new massive Pioneer speakers that Grandpa gave to me (I really need to get some pictures of these beasts... they're massive...). Anyway...

The Brass Quintet goes well. I just found out today that not only am I counting us off and cutting ourselves off, but I'm also announcing the piece and everybody's names and instruments. I wanted to tell Mr. K, You couldn't have told me this earlier, could you?, but I think this will be a growing experience and I hope good will come out of it.

I think today I decided to take the Honors Science test for next year; not necessairely to take the class, but to see if I can get in.

Hmmm... that's about it. No Jazz Band this entire week for me. Monday, the power was out at the school, today as cancelled because of a meeting all the teachers had to go to (same for Track) and we've cancelled Friday practices at least until Track is over. Kinda nice.

Well, bed calls. Oh wait. I'm on my bed.

English: Grading Period-A; Semester-A
Band Adv: Grading Period-A; Semester-A
US History: Grading Period-A-; Semester-A
Algebra 1: Grading Period-A-; Semester-A-
Physical Science: Grading Period-A; Semester-A
P.E: Grading Period-A-; Semester-A

Got some very good comments, which is saying a lot considering they are limited in what they can say.

I get the feeling the Mr. Eklund was playing a big part behind my nomination for Student Of The Month back in November, which is rather ironic, for me at least.

Back when we left for Utah to take beisbeis to college, he was the only teacher that seemed to give me a rough time about "not telling him earlier", but we only had one A day since then. And the only thing that got me to like him was my grade for my Powerpoint, which was a straight A+. And even then, I wasn't sure if I liked him then. He was cool, but I wasn't sure if that was a good thing.

He made a very cool comment when I was telling his student teacher that I was going to be missing Thursday when he overheard that I was going to be gone because gigiss and I would be going to MacWorld all day. And I have decided that I officially like him. :-)

Haha. Who could forget Mr. K's comment either...? He started to panic when I said I was going to be gone all day on Thursday. He thought I was going to be gone for Friday and Saturday as well since it is the Honor Band. And when I confirmed that was false, I almost started cracking up. His expression completely changed.

I saw Mr. Stanley on the way to Jazz. He nodded a hello (and a smile with it!), even though I'm not in his class. He's very humorous and very funny unless you're in trouble (which...er... has happened to me... before...). I can't say if I completely like him yet, though.

I saw Ms. Toal walking her dog after Jazz. That was very amusing. She's really cool.

Had Jazz. What can I say? It goes well and I think that, after a very good discussion with mom, I am going to continue taking band next year. I can't say anything more than that because I don't even know for myself.

P.E. goes well. Partner Dance is the unit and it's actually been enjoyable. We'll see how it goes for Friday.

And time to get ready for Macworld (HAVE YOU SEEN THE NEW MACBOOKS?!?!?!)

So, I think it's fair to say that this year's Christmas Tree Pick-up was officially the worst one ever, that I have encountered at least.

We've had it rain before when we're picking up tree, but nothing to this effect. It was pouring for more than half of the pick-up. We even saw some lightning flashes every now and then.

We had 23 trees to pick up. On average, we got about 3 trees per load and if we were crazy, we got 4, which, incidentally, happened quite often. We had to tie it down and/or use the saw to cut it in half though before we attempted such a feat.

We finished around 12:30. It is done.

Other than that, nothing else has really happened today. Went on a bike ride to Sholenberger... in the pouring rain...

I finished up my third song that I've created using the loops on Garageband. It's actually kinda fun to do something other than DS or Wii.

I also finished up an assignment for Algebra that we were supposed to finish over break today. It actually looks nice.

I'm disappointed, however, because I'm falling short of my resolution for the New Year to do homework the day it's assigned. I will be better about this.

Tomorrow, I will practice my trumpet, find my P.E. clothes that seem to have gone into hiding, and pretty much get everything ready to go back to school.

Today's Date-

December 30, 2007
8:13 PM
Genius Bar: iMac

Okay. So I've seen some other communities get started so I guess I will.

New Year's Resolution Number 1- Maintain a consistent GPA of 4.0 and get all three Gold Kolt Cards this year. Things are gonna change next year so I might as well get 'em while I can. Keep good grades up for as long as I can.

New Year's Resolution Number 2- Become more confident in everything I do. I had something at church today that most certainly tested my confidence. Doing so will show others that I mean what I say and will show my teachers, friends, and others that I come across a different side of me.

New Year's Resolution Number 3- Waste less time- Keep going on bike rides, read a book, do homework... which leads to...

New Year's Resolution Number 4- DO HOMEWORK THE DAY IT'S ASSIGNED. I've been better about it this year, but there is a part of me that slacks off and that will be a weakness, next year especially (as if this year isn't enough...), but it's a good this to start now.

New Year's Resolution Number 5- Stay musically active in Band, Jazz, Piano, and any other things I may become involved in in the coming year.

New Year's Resolution Number 6- Love my family and show them that I love them and keep the friends I have- next year will be a challenge without any friends.

I realize that I can never really check any of these off and I've come to the conclusion that these kind of goals are usually the hardest, most important, and most beneficial goals to ever have. But just because they don't have a check doesn't mean they shouldn't be accomplished.

To end this entry, I'll share a quote I heard from a brother that talked today in church and how I hope to apply that to these goals:

When the "why" is big enough, the "how" takes care of itself.

It's interesting. This year is so different from last year.

Maybe it's because exactly a year ago, I was furiously attempting to finish up my merit badges for my Wii which is a year old in less than 4 days.

That's not to say that I'm not excited. But it's definitely noticeable from when you know everything you're getting as opposed to the surprise factor. Next year will be different...

So. My audition for Jazz Band is tomorrow. I'm worried; I've pretty much got the rhythem down (and believe me... coming straight from Symphonic Band to a whole new rhythem that I've never interacted with is a challenge), but there is a "sign" and a "coda" so it isn't a full composed piece. I'm just not sure where the song goes or if he even wants us to pracitce thos. And I've already asked Mr. K a few questions regarding scales (which those... psh. I've got 'em down like there's no tomorrow. :P) and knowing him, he might get annoyed at me if I am constantly asking questions. And, since I can't go see him right now and I won't see him until the audition day, I'm kinda stuck. Beis, if you see this entry, please go on AIM.

And I may be stupid and it may not really even matter, but I will feel a lot more comfortable knowing that I gave it my best than if I didn't.

However, he did say that he didn't intend for us to be totally perfect at the piece. He expected to us to come in and make a few errors maybe and have him correct us on a few things, which is something that is always nice to hear. I just want to make sure he knows that I do really care about this opprotunity, unlike some of the others who now hate him for it. Anyway...

Just finished a lab write-up for Science. I should probably go do my math, but I'll get to it eventually. Right now, I intend to drown my sorrows in video games. And if that doesn't work, maybe I'll just drown them in... drowning them. Alroight.

Whew. I finally have the chance to actually post something.

Yes, I am alive and well. The drive here to Utah was very nice and even though we went thirteen hours, it didn't seem like that. Maybe it was because three hours was spent playing Wii on the way here (I taped the sensor bar to the 6" t.v. in our van. Hey, whatever works, right?). At least in my perspective, it wasn't too bad; can't speak for the drivers. :P

Speaking of, we plan on bringing the old Nintendo 64 back with us that we gave to our cousins as they now have a gamecube and Josh actually brought it up saying that he hasn't played it in about a year and a half and that he would willingly give it up. Man, Bomberman 64 is classic. We're gonna have to get Banjo Kazooie and Banjo Tooie back along with Super Mario 64, since it was sold. EB games'll have 'em for $2, I bet.

I can tell that the level of anxiety has been growing since Beis is moving in tomorrow. It's gonna be weird not having him back home.

On top of that, we have been sleeping in the same room, in the basement in whatever room that is. We've got two air mattresses and wow. That thing is actually on the floor so it's not stifling like it is on the bunk back home!

Ugh. I'm thirsty. Time to satisfy my sudden quench.

Well, Gigiss and Bunge are off and we wish them the best.

I sold my Rocker today on Craigslist. I had always done it wrong when I posted it and I had put it on about 5 times in the past with no response. I needed to confirm my posting and my mother pointed that out to me today. Less than two hours later, I received a phone call. He's picking it up on Monday for twenty-five bocks for lolos... er, no. Me.

On top of that, I put my old bike on Craigslist since I had grown out of. No response yet, but I'm not giving up hope.

Man, that raspberry crumble that mom just made sure gives me memories of the 50 miler... good memories. Almost exactly the same, just this time, we had some extra raspberries. Couldn't get a photo of it unfortunately, as it was scarffed down, but next time... next time...

I finished tearing of the wall paper in the bathroom. We intend to paint it before the campers come home. Mom started painting the ceiling so I had to take off the vent and I believe she finished. Wahoo.

I sewed on my Bugler patch onto my scout shirt finally and now I can tell Russ M.,"Yes! I have sewn on a patch to my scout shirt! And my mom didn't help at all! Shut up finally about it!"

Ah, crap! Someone just called about the bike and asked what kind of bike it was (boy or girl). Dang... They have a... girl... obviously...

Oh! I went to Grandpa's on Tuesday and we built the frames for the future decks. Got it all done in four hours, and we made sure it was square and that it wasn't going to fall apart. This, I must say, I am proud of. I've never done something like that and now I have some experience for our deck.

I love the music group Boston...

I suddenly have the urge to go backpacking. I want to go to somewhere this summer one more time, but seeing that school starts in three weeks, we'll see how realistic that is.

I am having an issue. And I need some advice, if you can spare any. Our family will be going to Utah while school is in session to see Beis off to his dorm and get his books, etc. But (depending what my schedule is for the upcoming year), I'll be missing three days of school and I'll be wiped out for one more. Missing a day of P.E. can lower my grade by a letter and a half and if I am missing two, it can fail me. Anyways, I'm trying to decide if I should go to Utah or just stay here. Bunge is going to be staying, but I don't have a ride to school, there and back. Anyways, anyone? Any advice? Please?

Mom got mad at me when I announced that I didn't think I could go since we suddenly changed the dates. I don't want to disappoint anyone and I most certainly want to go, but make-up for P.E. is twice as bad as it would be actually being in the class, and it is bad to be in class as is.

I'm just lost right now. I'm not sure what to do...

So Beisbeis had his wisdom teeth pulled out today. I'm not excited at all. But I'll worry about it later. ^_^

Also, Beis has ordered a MacBook now and got a free printer out of it. Mom also got an iPod out of the purchase. A red Nano. We're gonna need to be setting up and introducing her to iTunes soon.

We found out that Mom is going to have to go to Young Women's Camp for about three days. Leaders are suddenly starting to back out of going and now they're panicing and looking for people to go. So it'll be Beis, Bug and I after this coming week for a bit. We'll see how that goes.

I've been setting up my iPod on the speakers out here on the computers. They're gorgeous speakers by far and I'm really liking the setup. All of my songs (except for about ten) are on other people's accounts on the iMac so I can't access them unless I log into theirs. So since iTunes isn't an option, I get the songs I want from, say Bunge's account (i.e., The All American Rejects, Plain White T's, etc.) just set up my iPod to the computer speakers and while I was clearing off the genius bar, it was actually nice. A way to run the battery for the day and then to charge it at night.

I backed up the old G3 right next to the iMac and moved it over. Mom got me a 2GB USB stick drive to put stuff on for school projects since we've actually got laptops at our school. They were on sale and we got it for like twenty bucks so it was a good purchase, I believe. Anyhoo, I put all the of documents, files, icons, etc, and moved it to the appropriate account on the iMac. We're almost getting two gigs out the hard drive from the old G3!!

Well, it's 12 PM and I'm tired. Good Night.

Hey guys. This is a link to list all of the merit badges that I have for my profile.

1. Leatherwork. I have plenty of good stories regarding this one. I got it in 1 day at my first scout camp and was my first merit badge. Hated my counselor.

2. Mammal Study. This one was a challenge as it covered all of the classification in science and I was eleven when I got the badge. But I eventually got it. This was also my first year at scout camp.

3. First Aid. Along with the other two, I got this at my first scout camp: my first eagle required merit badge and it was my favorite.

4. Family Life. My dad's a counselor for this one so I had an advantage, so I got this one at home.

5. Wilderness Survival. Ugh. I hated building the shelter and sleeping in it as I realized that there was an alert to all the camps that there was a bear roaming free and it was in the campsite right next to me where I was the next morning. I got this at my second year at scout camp.

6. Emergency Prepardness. I didn't learn too much from this merit badge, as my counselor was in training and really didn't understand what was going on. It was fun to do the mobilization drill though.

7. Enviornemental Science. My counselor was so cool for this one. And, better yet, they changed the requirements right before I went to camp so it was a lot easier. My last merit badge at my second year at camp.

8. Citizenship in the Nation. Okay. So I struck a deal with my parents a while back and it was that if I could earn 5 merit badges before Christmas, they'd get me a Wii. So I had less than a month and I signed off this one in a week and a half. I seriously enjoyed it though.

9. Pets. Had some trouble contacting on this one, but it was good. This was number two for my merit badges counting toward my Wii.

10. Music. T'was fun, however it took me a while.

Not to make you guys worry, but I did all of the requirements for fingerprinting and genealogy and that counted toward my Wii as well. Just needed counselors.

So, that's it so far. I hope to be adding to this list as time goes by!

I am officially a Star Scout. Last night, I had my Board of Review with Ryan M., David S., and Brother H. It started a few weeks ago when I got an email a little before Beis's Eagle COH. It stated that the Board of Reviews are being held on the 24th of April and to send back an email if you were ready. I said I was and I just needed to do one more thing for my leadership position (which is bugler): to actually prove them what I'm doing is right. So I turned in a paper about Bugling. It's nothing big or anything, but like I said, just to tell them a little about my knowledge.

( Bugler's Words )

So I did that a little before the Board of Reviews. So I was ready. It was eight months that I took to do this, not the required four. I regret this because I know better, but when summer comes, I will get working on merit badges and memorizing bugle calls as I need two more bugle calls for my scoutmaster to qualify it.

In the Board of Review, there are two questions that they said that I will keep in the back of my head.

1) When do you think to be finished with your eagle project or what do you think your project will be?

I answered that I had no clue on what my project would be at this moment; they laughed at that; although, I did tell them that I had been thinking of possibly basing a project off of the one Beis that did just for brain storming or getting some ideas. As for how long it'd take me, I said at the latest (latest, mind you!), 11/2 to 2 years. Although, once summer comes, earning merit badges should be easy enough.

2) If we were to ask you what the five signs of a heart attack were, what would you say?

They got me, I will admit. They said it was okay that I didn't know. This question was something required for Tenderfoot-First Class. I did, however answer one of them by saying shortness of breath. :D Reviewing would probably be a good thing I realized and not only for me, but for helping younger scouts.

Nevertheless, I have completed the requirements of Star and now can officially start working on service hours and time requirements for Life. After that, comes the Eagle.

My birthday was on Sunday and it was awesome. We went over to our grandparent's house. That was pretty cool.

Ooh! And I also got a bag of Wavy Lays that were ranch. I never get those. They're always sour cream and onion. But ranch! Yesssss...

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Bunge and I went to a badminton practice for CG yesterday. We've been playing badminton in P.E. and we just finished it up. But I am very intrested in continuing this throughout High School. So we went yesterday and I got an idea of how things work there. That was cool.

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Gigiss and I just got home from the Priesthood session of General Conference. We realized that we will probably be on our own from now on since Beisbeis will be leaving soon. :(

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Well, dinner calls to me.

I am mad. Extremly mad. Not throwing a tantrum mad, but upset, but it'sa my fault. I thought we were going to Mac World tomorrow, so I was all walking along campus so happy and I was grinning. But, when I get home... my mom says, you have to go on Wensday. Such disapointment. Oh well.

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Everyone, including me, in our class, is all of a sudden thinking about next school year. And what classes they want to take. I already know what my elective is going to be: Band. And I really want to take jazz band. But I'd have to wake up about 5:30 AM each morning, if it is every day. I am definently going to take a math, whether it be pre-algebra or honors pre-algebra, or algebra 1... whatever! I am taking a math class. And of course, I MUST take PE. I must take English. I must take Science, and I MUST take history. That would be my full schedule. I have it already planned.

Well, I need to go.

Today...is a day of rememberance. It is the 64th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Wow.

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Well, nothing BIG has happened. I think I mentioned that the Genius Bar is complete. Ummm, the mantel for our fireplace is pretty much complete, right dad?

We got our Christmas tree a long time ago.

I mentioned before that I had a band concert yesterday. I saw Mr. K, my future band teacher. I am hoping to start jazz band next year. I was also able to meet him and get aqauinted. That was nice. Beis was able to say hi to him too.

Well, that's pretty much it.

Yeah. I am kinda glad that we have a day off. No, I lied. I am glad.

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Well, as you know, it's Veterens' day. We went to the parade and saw a girl named Haley S. that goes to SoMo. As a matter of fact, she sits next to me. What a coincidence! Anyways, Beisbeis marched in the parade. That's the only downside of band. Marchning practice. Hey Beis, is it worth it?

We were about at the end of the parade, so Casa and Petaluma High had already gone through their song(s). It was the very end. Yeah. It was pretty cool. We saw Maddie D., and Brittany G. there, Bunge's friends. They're both in band, except different schools.

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Then we are here. Oh yeah, Dad... guess what... I saw the new iMac g5s! And the sweet looking black iPods. They're awesome! We saw them when we were at Santa Rosa. Anyways, that brings me up to here.

Okay. So it started out today when I got all mad because Mom wouldn't let me in her shower. >:( Then I remembered that something awesome would happen today. :-) Beisbeis came to our school with all the Casa Jazz Band and played wonderfully! He even had a solo that was awesome. I am so going into jazz band next year!

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We had a good P.E.

And we went home.

And now, here I am...

Boo. I scared you. Oh. Never mind.

I went on eBay yesterday, and I am very proud to say that I canceled my order for www.griffintechnology.com and just ordered a cheaper on the Bay. Or eBay... yeah. Griffin sent us an email and said they back ordered, so I didn't want to wait. I felt somewhat bad about this though... Griffin guys are really cool, but they kind of can't help it if their iVaults are big hits.

I am hoping to get it soon, but if I'm lucky, I'll get it by the end of this week. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. ^_^

* * *

Tomorrow will be my last time for going trick-or-treating... my last year! Next year, I might take the Bug or I might just pass out candy. *sob* But I think I'm fine with this. I never liked Halloween. You go door to door just asking for candy. And I've always been scared that someone will come out and yell at me because I asked them for candy and they don't even celebrate Halloween. I think it's just wrong. I am glad this is my last year. Mom said she might still buy me a bag of candy for every Halloween year. And I'll still carve the pumpkins, but not going around asking for candy. No. I am not doing that anymore.

Well, I gotta go. The breakfast is done. *zooms off*