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Woohoo

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Blog Entries posted by Woohoo

  1. Woohoo
    I couldn't really think of a good title -_- *sigh* There's no easy way of saying this, but lately, I have not been feeling myself. I've been contemplating on talking about this for a while, but after being inspired by Jeric's recent blog, I feel it is time for me to really open up and tell you what is wrong with me.
    First off, and I'm going to be pretty frank here, but behind my upbeat sounding username and cheerful avatars and signatures lies a somewhat ugly truth: I am not happy. I haven't felt truly happy for a long time.  Now you're probably wondering 'Why are you unhappy?' Well, a lot of things, but I'm only going to focus on the three biggest.
    Loneliness

    Loneliness is a bitch... and I think that's an understatement. Most of my life, I've struggled with loneliness. Even though I enjoy the occasional "alone time," it's growing less enjoyable and more unbearable. I want to have more friends and possibly even a girlfriend. One of my resolutions this year is to be more social... and I'm failing miserably at it. Every time I try to be social, loneliness keeps me chained up. Whenever I'm with friends, family, or anyone I know, I just lock up mentally with a bored expression on my face... just like Maud Pie.

    I think my inability to be social stems from the fact that I have Asperger's Syndrome (or whatever it's called now), which is a "mild" form of Autism. I also have a difficult with eye-contact and maintaining a conversation because of ASD. Most of the time, I just stay silent, fearing I might put my foot in my mouth. No matter how hard I try to be social, loneliness always has me by the throat.
    Disappointment

    This is something I've been bottling up for a while now but I can't handle disappointment as well as I thought. Disappointment for me is like a nuke going off and everyone I'm near gets caught in the blast and fallout. There are countless times where I've been disappointed with myself and others. Usually I'm disappointed with myself. It's probably because I'm a 26 year old single adult who still lives with his mother and still works a minimum wage job. It just feels like I can't accomplish anything in my life... at least not without help. There are also times I've been disappointed with others, even when it was no big deal. For example, the Season 5 finale "The Cutie Remark" disappointed me so much that killed my interest in MLP for an entire year! Eventually I gained the interest back, but I still fear I'll get that one episode or moment that'll disappoint me beyond repair. It's no wonder I still haven't seen the movie.
    I try my best to keep expectations as low as possible, but even then, I still find a way to get disappointed. I don't know why I feel this way. It feels like I'm still a kid...
    Stagnation

    A couple months ago, I turned 26. Then something dawned on me: my life is in a rut. In fact, 2017 was probably my most stagnant year in a while. It feels like all I do is wake up, eat, drink, shower, work, sit on the Internet, gym, and sleep every day and year. Occasionally, there's some exciting event like a vacation or a concert, but those are very few and fond. I think the reason for my life stagnating is my lack of ambition and having no goals. Thinking about the future always overwhelms me. Hell, when I was in third grade, my teacher asked me what's my goal in life and I said "my goal is to not have goals." Looks like that statement has bit me in the butt. Also, whenever I try to pursue a hobby or any interest of mine, thinking that maybe this might be my career, I always burn out on it. Looks like I'll be a busboy for the next 40 some years. However, if there's one thing I want to accomplish, it's a relationship... which, of course, I'm also failing miserably at. Maybe I should just embrace my loneliness... no, I can't give in loneliness!
    I actually did start a new hobby last year in the form of Musical Manslaughter, in which I rant on music. However, I don't think that'll last long as my other hobbies...  

    There are a lot of other things wrong with me, but I don't feel like explaining every single one. These include:
    Bad communicating Bad (or selective) memory Laziness Sensory issues (don't tickle me) Addicted to the Internet (especially here at MLPForums) Difficulty feeling empathetic/sympathetic Easily frustrated and overwhelmed Low Self-esteem So that's wrong with me. This is something I've wanted to get off my chest for a while now and I'm glad I did. I can breathe again. This is not the lowest I've been in my life, that was 2010-2014. Now before you ask, no, I don't need your help. It's not like you can come to my house and hug me (though that would be nice.) These are things I should deal with on my own. Sorry for my incessant rambling but I felt like I needed get this out of the way. Woohoo out. 
  2. Woohoo
    Wow, it's been a while since I've posted a blog. At least here I have something interesting to talk about. Anyways, onto the topic of this blog. Last weekend, I accomplished something I thought I'd never do... go to a concert. For the longest time, I've avoided going to concerts, mostly because of the loud noise and my hatred of being in crowds (mostly due to Asperger's). This year, I decided to give in and try since Rush, my favorite band of all time, announced in late January they were touring this year and were going to play in Seattle on Sunday, July 19th. What also drove to me to see Rush live is the possibility this might be their last "major" tour.


    After six agonizing months of waiting and the day finally came, me, my mom, and my friend Chad drove down to the KeyArena and took our seats. Was it worth the wait?? Short answer: yes. Long answer: keep reading.


    The Show

    The show began with a short animated video showing how the band members evolved since the 1970s, which includes a scene of them walking past a sign of the city they're currently playing (see image above). When the video ended, the screen lifted up, the band emerged, opening with “The Anarchist” from their 2012 album, Clockwork Angels. Instead of a setlist that ricochets from decade to decade like their other tours, this tour starts with the most recent album, 2012's Clockwork Angels, and travels back to the band’s beginnings with their 1974 self-titled debut.


    During the first part of their set, stagehands in red jumpsuits added and removed props, subtly transforming the stage from their time machine props from the Clockwork Angels tour to Geddy Lee's washing machines and Alex Lifeson's amplifiers of their previous tours. Also during this set, Neil uses his 360o drumkit like previous tours.

    Now let's talk about the songs. The trio opened the show with Clockwork Angels' "The Anarchist," which is pretty much my favorite song off that album and was an amazing way to start the show. Pretty much everyone in the arena stood and cheered. After that, they dove into "The Wreckers" and Headlong Flight," the latter song featured a short but dynamic drum solo by Neil Peart. Moving onto 2007's Snakes and Arrows, they played "Far Cry," an obvious choice, and the instrumental "The Main Monkey Business." Next, they played "How It Is" from 2002's Vapor Trails. I was hoping for "One Little Victory" but I applaud Rush for choosing a more deeper cut.

    Skipping back nine years (and Test for Echo, which I think isn't as bad as most fans think) to 1993's Counterparts, Rush played another obvious choice, "Animate." During that song, I noticed a lot of the people around were air-drumming (I even air-drummed too. Rush is best air-drumming band). Moving onto to 1991's "Roll the Bones," a song that's not really liked by most Rush fans, mostly because of the rapping interlude, but I dig this song. When the rap interlude came, a video of various celebrity rappers lip-syncing to it, which I thought was pretty cool. In my opinion, Rush doing rap sounds a lot better than KISS doing disco.

    More years and albums skipped, we reach the 1980s. They played another deep cut, "Between the Wheels" from Grace Under Pressure. I actually was not expecting them to play this one. It's quickly growing on me as one my favorite Rush songs. Finally, the first part of the set closes with the Signals' classic "Subdivisions," a song that is very relatable to a lot of people, including myself. When I was attending school, I've always felt like a social outcast because of having Asperger's Syndrome, mostly because I'm incredibly shy and not a very good communicator (I am a lot better now). After "Subdivisions," Geddy announces to the audience they need to take a break and will be back shortly.

    After the intermission, the second part began with another video. This time, a mishmash of videos from previous tours and outtakes, ending with the South Park boys as "Lil' Rush." Eric Cartman counted them off and the band launched into the Moving Pictures staple, "Tom Sawyer." Nothing more needs to be said about that song, other than 'it fucking rocks' so... moving on. The next song was "The Camera Eye," a not-as-famous track from the same album. You’re hardcore if you love this one, and inside the arena that night, it seemed like everyone did. During the second set, the stage props have changed. Geddy and Alex are using traditional amplifiers (with the guys in red jumpsuits slowly subtracting them as they progress back in time) and Neil using a replica of his old double-bass kit, complete with tubular bells with Starman drumheads.


    Onto 1980's Permanent Waves, "The Spirit of Radio" was yet another obvious choice. Following that song was "Jacob's Ladder," a song that hasn't seen the concert stage since 1980 (at least before the R40 tour began), which was quite a treat for the hardcore fans.

    Finally, we reach the 1970s with an epic medley of Hemispheres "Cygnus X-1 Book II: Hemispheres Part I: Prelude" and A Farewell to Kings "Cygnus X-1," the latter featured another drum solo by Neil. Next was "Closer to the Heart," which is my mother's favorite Rush song and pretty much the main reason why she came along. Immediately after that was my favorite Rush song, "Xanadu," which Geddy and Alex dusted off their double-necks for this number. The fun has been doubled!


    Now we come to the beast that is 1976's "2112," an epic song that was pretty much a giant middle finger to their record label. Like the previous tours, it's abbreviated (mostly because it's 20 minutes long and will take up song space). However on this tour, they played four chapters; I Overture, II Temples of Syrinx, IV Presentation, and VII Grand Finale. Usually they would just play Overture and Temples of Syrinx (and occasionally Grand Finale) but I guess they wanted this version to be a little more fulfilling.


    After a video of Eugene Levy rambling about the band, the encore begins with Caress of Steel's "Lakeside Park," followed by the Ayn Rand inspired "Anthem" from Fly By Night. It was nice that songs from these two relatively obscure albums saw the light of the concert stage again. The encore closes with "What You're Doing" and "Working Man," both from their 1974 debut. The show ends with a funny video of the band walking backstage towards their dressing room, however a puppet bars from entering due to "not being on the list," as a party is going on inside featuring the characters from their album covers. How dare he snub the band!

    Complete Setlist
    Set 1
    1. The Anarchist
    2. The Wreckers
    3. Headlong Flight w/ drum solo
    4. Far Cry
    5. The Main Monkey Business
    6. How It Is
    7. Animate
    8. Roll the Bones
    9. Between The Wheels
    10. Subdivisions
    Set 2
    11. Tom Sawyer
    12. The Camera Eye
    13. The Spirit of Radio
    14. Jacob's Ladder
    15. Cygnus X-1 Book II Hemispheres Part I: Prelude*
    16. Cygnus X-1 w/ drum solo*
    17. Closer to the Heart
    18. Xanadu
    19. 2112 Part I: Overture
    20. 2112 Part II: Temples of Syrinx
    21. 2112 Part IV: Presentation
    22. 2112 Part VII: Grande Finale
    Encore
    23. Lakeside Park*
    24. Anthem*
    25. What You're Doing
    26. Working Man
    * indicates the song is abbreviated or part of a medley

    Closing Thoughts

    I shoulda done this like a million years ago. I can honestly say that I'm glad I made Rush my very first concert. The band was is top form despite Alex and Neil's recent health issues. The setlist had a great mix of classics, newer songs, and hidden gems. So overall, it was a great experience and I'm already excited for my next concert this year, AC/DC at the BC Place in Vancouver.

    As for my thoughts on the "last tour" rumors? All I can say is: They'll be back... I hope...

    Wow, I took a whole week to write this? I suck at writing
  3. Woohoo
    The night I've been waiting for all year. The night I finally see Metallica live! 

    This is me. My hair's already messy from Avenged Sevenfold

    The band performing the song "Atlas Rise!" from their latest album, Hardwired to Self Destruct. The stage is massive with a giant stylized M and A at each end.

    "The Memory Remains", this concert will be a great memory.

    Before performing "Moth into Flame," James Hetfield has to make sure his microphone is working, referring to what happened with Lady Gaga at the Grammys. 

    Light show during "Wherever I May Roam"

    Rob Trujillo performing "Anesthesia (Pulling Teeth)" while footage of the late Cliff Burton play in the background.

    Spectacular laser lights during "One."

    Pyro during "Battery" illuminating the stadium.

    James showing his #MetinSeattle guitar pick just before the last song.

    Fireworks going off during "Enter Sandman."
    Thank you, Metallica! 
  4. Woohoo
    I'm totally copying ghostfacekiller39 and Daring
     
    Ready? No? Too bad.
    I am 22 years old. I live in Bellevue, Washington, a city of about 130,000. I have Asperger's Syndrome (sounds like ass burgers) I have never been employed My political views are... fuck politics! I'm an agnostic/atheist. I drink Coca Cola, though I drink Pepsi if they only serve it at whatever restaurant I go to. My favorite food is pizza. I don't know my sexuality but I'm pretty sure I'm straight. My favorite TV show is South Park, followed by FIM. I'm only a sports nut during the football season. I was never much of a gamer. I don't really have an all time favorite movie. My favorite band is Rush and my favorite song of theirs (as of this blog) is "Subdivisions" from the album "Signals." I have a younger sister (born 1993) and she's studying abroad in Denmark. I've been very pessimistic since graduating high school. Anything else you want ask me... don't bother :okiedokielokie:

  5. Woohoo
    Using only song names from ONE ARTIST, cleverly answer these questions. Pass it on. Try not to repeat a song title. It's a lot harder than you think!
     
    Pick your Artist:
    Rush
     
    Are you a male or female:
    Digital Man
     
    Describe yourself:
    Finding My Way
     
    How do you feel:
    In The Mood
     
    Describe where you currently live:
    Lakeside Park
     
    If you could go anywhere, where would you go:
    The Fountain of Lamneth
     
    What is your occupation:
    Working Man
     
    Your favorite form of transportation:
    Red Barchetta
     
    Your best friend is:
    By-Tor and the Snow Dog
     
    You and your best friends are:
    Subdivisions
     
    What's the weather like:
    Natural Science
     
    Favorite time of day:
    Between Sun and Moon
     
    If your life was a TV show, what would it be called:
    Cygnus X-1
     
    What is life to you:
    Freewill
     
    Your relationship:
    La Villa Strangiato
     
    Your fear:
    Red Sector A
     
    How I would like to die:
    The Weapon
     
    My motto:
    Closer to the Heart
  6. Woohoo
    As the year 2014 is winding down, I'll do a recap of it. It's like nobody else is doing it. Anyways, this year actually has been pretty good for me, both on the forums and real life. I feel I actually accomplished more this year than any past year of my life. Sure, I've had my low points this year, but they were relatively minor.
     
    Last Year's Resolutions
    Get a paying job: ✓I now have a job working as a busboy in a Courtyard Marriott hotel. Lose some weight: ✓ Last year, I weighed about 176 lb. but this past year, I've shed about 15 pounds, now my weight is 161. Though I did get as low as 159, but the damn holidays bumped it back up. -_-

    This Year Highlights
    Finally getting a paying job. My team, the Seattle Seahawks, winning the Super Bowl. Being a part of the Rarity Fan Club. Going on a cruise to the Bahamas. Listening to AC/DC's new album, despite being a tumultuous year for them with Malcolm Young's dementia and Phil Rudd's legal troubles.

    Shoutouts
    The Rarity Fan Club, especially ghostfacekiller39 and Obsidian Sky: Not to long ago, Rarity was just a "meh" character to me. Now, thanks to all of you, I can't get enough of her. Daring: Because I can! Gone Airbourne: You have great taste in music and you've always been kind to me. Also, thanks for the sig. MrBrunoh1: One of the best artists here on the forums and a really good friend.

    This Year's Resolutions
    Lose some more weight: Yeah I know it's a clichéd resolution. My goal now is 155 or lower. Get more hours at work or get a second job: I'm only working 4 hours a day for three days of the week. I need more money! See AC/DC live in concert: I've never been to a concert so I want my first concert to be AC/DC. For all I know, it could be their final tour.

    Happy new year, everyone. Here's to 2015...

  7. Woohoo
    Here I go again...
     
    Using only song names from ONE ARTIST, cleverly answer these questions. Pass it on. Try not to repeat a song title. It's a lot harder than you think!
     
    Pick your Artist:
    AC/DC
     
    Are you a male or female:
    Love Hungry Man
     
    Describe yourself:
    High Voltage
     
    How do you feel:
    Thunderstruck
     
    Describe where you currently live:
    Hell Ain't a Bad Place to Be
     
    If you could go anywhere, where would you go:
    Safe in New York City
     
    What is your occupation:
    Ballbreaker
     
    Your favorite form of transportation:
    Rock n' Roll Train
     
    Your best friend is:
    Big Jack
     
    You and your best friends are:
    Riff Raff
     
    What's the weather like:
    Stormy May Day
     
    Favorite time of day:
    What's Next to the Moon?
     
    If your life was a TV show, what would it be called:
    Let There be Rock
     
    What is life to you:
    Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
     
    Your relationship:
    Whole Lotta Rosie
     
    Your fear:
    Night Prowler
     
    How you would like to die:
    Highway to Hell
     
    My motto:
    It's a Long Way to the Top if You Wanna Rock n' Roll
  8. Woohoo
    BASIC:
    Name: Chris
    Nickname(s): I don't have any
    Gender: Male
    Age: 21
    Birthday: December 17, 1991
     
    LIKES / DISLIKES:
    Favorite Color(s): Black, blue
    Least Favorite Color: I don't really have one.
    Favorite Food: Burgers, pizza, bacon, pancakes, waffles, chicken.
    Least Favorite Food: Mayonnaise
    Favorite Band/Artist: Rush, Metallica, Iron Maiden, AC/DC, The Beatles etc.
    Least Favorite Band/Artist: Basically most pop artists now.
    Favorite Type of Movie: Animated, action, comedy.
    Least Favorite Type of Movie: Anything that bores me within the first 20 minutes (fuck Titanic)
    One thing you can’t get enough of: South Park
    One thing you hate more than anything: Ignorance
     
    LOVE LIFE:
    Are you single? Yes, and proud of it
    Do you believe in love at first sight? Bullshit
    Do you fall in love fast? No.
    Do you ever make the first move? Wut...?
    Do you want to get married? Never.
     
    ARE YOU. .
    A daydreamer? Kinda.
    Shy? Yes
    Talkative? No.
    Energetic? Probably
    Happy? Maybe.
    Depressed? No.
    Caring? Most of the time.
    Trustworthy? Maybe.
    Confident? Usually.
    Friendly? Yes
    Sarcastic? Sometimes.
    Dependable? Most of the time.
    Adaptable? Takes a few days.
    Emotionally strong? I don't get it...
    Religious? Nope.
    Indecisive? Yes
    Outgoing? Yes.
    Nosy? Definitely. D:
    Lazy? Yes... But because I don't feel good.
    Artistic? Sometimes.
    Serious? Yes.
    Thoughtful? Probably.
    Considerate? Probably.
    Romantic? HELL NO!
    Obsessive? On some things.
    Sincere? I try to be.
    Tolerant? Yes.
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