All of My Priorities

stress stinks, arrid works

2006-09-27T21:50:47Z

I thought my essay was good to go, but apparently it's not. Damnit. My first application is do next Wednesday and my essay is the only thing I'm missing. Why can't one fast forward time? I just want this to be over with. And then I want my SATs to be over with.

...I need a hug...bad. Can someone come to my house and give me one?

another day...another destiny

2006-09-25T19:32:36Z

I'm out of public speaking. Thank the Lord! I transferred into Government and Politics with Alex, which should be cool once I catch up on all the work, lol.

What a crazy weekend this was! Let's break it down for you right quick:

Friday: Stayed home to do college apps.
Saturday: My grandmother's 80th birthday bash with the entire family and a lot of family friends, rehearsal (ehh...help help help), and then LC's sweet 16. Interesting stories going there and back but I did have a lot of fun actually at the party.
Sunday: Bosco Open House, where I felt really resourceful and one father was very impressed by me. Then home to do homework (wow).

Today was a rough day, but I can't let it get to me. I have to keep working hard because first marking period grades are key here. If you would like to leave me a comment for support, I would greatly appreciate it...*coughjamescough*.

have a good one!

hallelujah

2006-09-21T18:29:17Z

Gas is down to $2.39 by my house. I had less than a quarter of a tank left so I figured I would put $20 in. I hoped it would give me at least a half a tank. I filled up my car with 20 frickin dollars! I love it!

I am really enjoying my economics class. I am learning so much. Things that I had no idea how they worked, but now I feel like I have a pretty good grasp of it. My teacher is really funny too. We found out today that a guy who was running a business (I forget what kind) out of his home, made $23 million last year...and he's 33 years old. We crunched some numbers and we came to the conclusion that he makes $10,000/hour and, even more amazingly, $30/second! That's just incredible right there. Yo watching The Matrix in Philosophy :).

Now begins the most hectic month of my high school career filled with college apps, SAT prep, rehearsal, and keeping up with school work. My grades have gotten off to a very good start this year. I am very pleased with that mainly because it gives me hope for TCNJ. Last night, my dad told me that if I get into TCNJ, I can go. No pressure! No pressure at all!

Basically, I'm busy, but happy :).

And if none of you have heard about the first time Rory Campbell got pulled over by the cops, talk to me later because it is a fantastic story!

have a good one!

yo guilty pleasure...?

2006-09-19T23:33:56Z

I can't believe it. I just made myself tacos for dinner. Yeah that's right. I heated up the beef, put the seasoning in, and did everything else myself. It was fantastic. I love how they're going to be in my house now!

I'm thinking about dropping out of Public Speaking and maybe transferring into Intro. to Film Studies because Public Speaking is the biggest waste of my time. I hate getting embarassed every day in that class.

have a good one!

byah!

2006-09-18T00:10:01Z

Woohoo! My rough draft to my college essay is done! Now all I need is a few people to look ot over, make some adjustments, and I'm there! What a relief that is off my back.

TCNJ open house today. Awesome. I think that's my top choice.

Ohh and Cha's amazing. That'll be all!

Now back to work.

let the good times roll

2006-09-16T02:42:11Z

Senior year is a time when one feels the pressure of applying to a college. Senior year is a time when you get to experience a whole new world academically. Senior year is said to be the best year of your life. I would have to say that I have attested to all three of these qualities.

I do feel the pressure of college applications but I have really been organized and am sending my college essay out for editing this weekend to my two aunts (one, an editor for a magazine, and the other, who taught high school english in VA). Recommendations and a resume is a whole nother story. I feel good and should have my essay finished and edited by the end of this month.

My classes are fantastic. I basically just have to listen a lot and organize my time. For example, in Economics, my teacher gives us a date for when the test of a certain book is. We have to read it by the certain date on our own. Good experience for college, I'd say. I'm content with my classes this year and they're only about to get better. Harder...but better.

Now in the midst of all this, you're supposed to have fun? You're damn right I am! Now I didn't get the role of Horace Vandergelder in Hello, Dolly!. It was given to Tim Walsh which everybody deemed to be a mistake (so again were the other casted roles). He apologized to me today saying he has no idea how he got and saying I should've. He feels really bad and I hear he wants to talk to me more. I would love to hear what he has to say and just let him know that I support him. The weird thing about it is, I'm not all that upset anymore. I'm actually thoroughly excited because I'm a featured dancer with all of my friends, who were supposed to get lead roles but were demoted, God knows why! Ohh well, I'm so over it now and we are just gonna have a blast with this show. What an all-star lineup with the ensemble. Damn! The other two reasons I don't feel bad is because at least I was given the chance to contend for the lead role and I have been going to morning mass for the past three days. There's 20 minutes well spent!

And a whole-hearted "thank you" to James Simone, who not only makes every bad situation good and every conversation worthwhile, but is plain and simply a great friend. It just kills me that he's about 200 miles away.

hello, senior year

2006-09-09T04:58:13Z

I am a senior at Don Bosco Prep and it feels amazing! I have never felt so comfortable and so at home. I just love this school. Let's do a breakdown of my classes:

Economics H: my teacher is Mr. Zawacki. I never had him but he is amazing. this is said to be the most practical course in the school. i mean, we are going to be learning about what is happening TODAY. i'm so excited.

Theology: Downey (had him sophomore year). this should be fun except for the 10 page paper we'll have to write later in the year (more on that later)

Calculus H: Mrs. Kozak. I had this woman last year for precalc. absolutely terrible teacher but I will just have to teach myself again.

Public Speaking: hahahahaha. McKenzie. never had him but the guys in my class are insane. should be a joke. but our speeches are gonna be taped? what?

AP English Lit: my 3rd year with the man Mr. O'Connor. very hard class but I love O'Connor.

Intro. to Philosophy: taught by the principal, Stanczak. my other favorite course. he encourages us to argue in class and since he believes learning happens in the classroom, there won't be that much hw. yes!

Gym: starting to be more strict but if I get dressed, have a lock on my locker and shoot a few baskets, I'll get a 99. the new rule is no more chewing tobacco. hahahaha.

however, the best part about this whole year...BOSCO HAS NO MORE MIDTERMS!!! Stanczak thought they were a terrible waste of time so he just asked teachers to put in an assessment instead (like the 10 page paper) which I like a whole lot more). so in reality, I could only be taking 2 finals at the end of the year for my half-year courses if I get exempt for the rest which I plan on doing. wow. and we won our first football game 31-28. fantastic way to start the year!

give me the taste and joy of summer's end

2006-09-05T05:10:36Z

"I have to leave early. I mean, it is a school night." Whoah!

Did those words actually come out of my mouth? Eww. Anyway, it was a fantastic way to end the summer. One of the greatest weekends ever. Movie night on Saturday. Must Love Dogs...what a chick flick, but a keeper. And a one year anniversary destined to be perfect from the start. She loved the gift (she's actually still in shock from it, I'll bet cause I'm just that good) and I love her family, especially at BBQs. I loved this summer and I love all of my friends.

I wish everyone the best during their upcoming school years and may we all keep in touch during the year (that was thrown at OnStage kids mostly). And just remember one thing....I'm a fuckin SENIOR this year. I rule Don Bosco Prep. It's gonna be one hell of a year. Let's go!

the phantom of the opera is...ohh shit, he's there!

2006-08-30T19:40:03Z

I believe it was about every 10 minutes I was saying, "Oh my God, Oh my God!" My first one came at the very first spark of the chandelier and its ascension up into the dome of the theater. However, when the Phantom first appeared, stole Chistine and took her down into his lair was when I really wanted to scream out in sheer excitement. I loved the scenery, the costumes were extraodinary, Christine became more attractive as the show went on, and the Phantom was played with absolute perfection. I cried deeply on the inside when he was holding her vail and hearing her and Raoul sing "All I Ask of You" as they sailed away together. I was very close to tearing Cha's arm off. I absolutely loved it!!!

But the most important part was that I was with the girl I fell in love with one year ago. She was as gorgeous as could be and she wrote me the most beautiful and heartfelt letter I have ever read, written with such detail that it made the show even more powerful. Cha, I will say it now...Broadway theater is a "magical" place.

*I just hope my gift can measure up to something like that :/*

and when you'e dying...you're not alone

2006-08-28T20:28:26Z

The house feels really weird now. I am all alone now because we moved Nora back to Fordham yesterday. That was an adventure! She had a lot more room this year so there were too many options to choose and sicne she's bad at making decisions, it was kind of a bad mix. Still, we got things done, she met up with her friends and she was happy. And today she went to a taping of Ellen where Justin Timberlake was performing. I mean, that's pretty cool stuff, if you're a girl, lol.

James moves in today. I had a nice goodbye with him on Friday. I didn't cry like I thought I would. No wait, I lied. I cried when I got into my house. Yeah that was what it was. Haha. Anyways, James-hope you're having a great first day at college. I know the moving in sucks, but I know once you're settled, you'll have a blast. And no, I won't forget to call. Love you man.

This week is going to be pretty sweet when I put in in perspective. Although I do have to play catch-up in this "buckle down" week, it should be a lot of fun. Shopping tonight, Phantom tomorrow with Cha, probably hanging out with Valeri one last time this week, maybe a bbq with Cha and her family on Saturday, and anniversary on Sunday. Sweet life. And to make it even sweeter, I may be getting a new iPod soon (white 30 GB) for a very cheap price. I am beyond excited!!

if my life were important i...would throw a party

2006-08-24T04:28:07Z

Tomorrow is my last day at work for the summer. I somewhat feel bad leaving the company at a time like this where they need to get a lot of parts out the door, reeling in the cash all the time. Today was one of the busiest days ever. I had to keep up with so many guys working on different parts and you know what? It felt awesome. I was being a part of something really important for the company's benefit. I know it'll suck for them when I leave because I do so much shit for them, it's not even funny.

I bought my books for school at the bookstore today along with that stupid school tie. So many books = so little money left. My mom cried when I showed her the price. And I'm working the freshman orientations. Wait, I have to be to school earlier than my actual first day? Damn. It's ok, I feel older and superior to those freshman. What a good feeling.

My phone broke and I'm using the one from my freshman year. Thankfully, I only have to put up with it for like another month seeing that I am getting an upgrade on October 7. Sweet life.

That's all for now!

vacant eyes and i'm losing you

2006-08-21T18:39:37Z

This was an incredible show. Closing night was without a doubt our best performance. We really showed the audience that we were not only having fun and enjoying ourselves, but also that we just kick ass in general, lol. The cast party was amazing and even more amazing bcause it was Gipple's birthday. Oh that Doug! James and I departed back to my house to sleep over and then preceded to go to the shore. However, this event was missing one person.

The shore was fantastic. Mini-golf was fantastic. Chili's was fantastic. But no voice left. Woogoo. And to top that off, I wish my mom didn't make me feel shameful for going. Now don't get me wrong I don't regret one single thing from yesterday, but I just wish that my mom would just "go with the flow." However, this is mostly me to blame because I don't communicate with her and we had a long talk about that today and everything is fine. I will tell her what's going on in my life now and making more use of my free time. It's all good.

Work sucks except for when your girlfriend completely surprises you there with a "get well" card before she went off to the city for the day. I was in utter shock and it honestly made me smile for the first time this morning. Then no one seemed to have work for me to do when I returned so I just went home. Sweet life.

This season of OnStage has opened up a whole new set of doors for me. Realizing that some of my friends at Bosco have become quite fond of the smoke, I have found friends in Adam Bashian, Pat Scheid, and many others. With this in mind I have also been given the gift of bravery. I now do not have any fears of calling people and asking them to hang out, which I plan to do a lot with the OnStage crew during the school year. Why did I have a problem with calling people I don't normally hang out with? Not a clue. But I believe it was James that showed me this. He taught me to be more aggressive in making plans both on the phone and on AIM. I thank him for that and one of the things I will mis, seeing that this is my last week with him. Shit.

wow

2006-08-18T18:28:20Z

I quote Mary Nayden on that one.

The show was absolutely incredible. Everything that we were given notes on the past few days, we fixed, in my opinion. The audience loved us and displayed their extolment immensely and I for one greatly appreciated it. Everybody interacted with each other perfectly and we, simply just had a great time up there. And then afterwards, I saw all the people that came. I loved the Bosco orgy, which by the way I forgot to mention, when I went up the aisle for Go Go, Alvin yelled my name and I got out of character for one second to show my appreciation for him being there. My family enjoyed it thoroughly, especially my sister, who ranked it in the Top 3 shows that I have performed in. You know it's good when she puts Joseph in the same class as Pirates and 42nd Street. Ohh yeah! Friday's was awesoeme too. Just a great day and I couldn't be happier.

Yo got the old AIM back because Triton sucks! Peace.

go go go joe?

2006-08-16T20:22:55Z

yo show tomorrow? how fast did those four weeks go by? i want it to be here but i don't want it to be over...

stars in your multitudes

2006-08-14T04:41:43Z

So yeah, rehearsals going really well. Dress week is gonna be sick, especially with Alan coming tomorrow.

Saturday was an amazing day. Helping out Gipple at OnStage and then with Cha for about 7 hours. Simply incredible.

And today at James' house. Some unfortunate events happened there but I realized a few things and everything is going to be alright.

Yo, I'm gonna be on Facebook soon. So I might need help with it and add me quickly cause I want friends on there. I'm taking this whole week off work so I'll be on there a lot.

Let's do it...

ramos KOs holyfield!

2006-08-09T17:01:57Z

Last night was a first for me.

After OnStage, I drove James back to my house to get his car. I didn't even stop in my driveway! It was 11:00. My plan was to to Cha's house to see Mrs. Ramos because it was her birthday yesterday. She's 25, right? Right. I love LOVE hanging out with that family. Every single person has this incredible bond. Father to son to mom to daughter to extended family. It's amazing. And plus, they have the coolest 8th grader any family could possibly fathom, Alex. He and Jav were playing a boxing game on XBox 360, which I thought was a real right on HBO, and Alex was just so emphatic throughout the whole game. And he's really good too. He knocked out Evander Holyfield in 2 rounds. What a G. After all the laughs and food, I knew it was after 12 and didn't really care. That was my plan anyway, lol. I got home at 12:40, unbeknownst to my mom, and I am scar-free. Let me get a "chea" and a "woot woot."

Imagine...I did all of this with no gas. The gas light came on after I dropped James off pulling out of my street. I still made it to Cha's and back. Good stuff.

can life get better? i submit that it cannot!

2006-08-08T16:50:17Z

That was for all you Brian Regan fans out there.

Last night's rehearsal was interesting. I am wearing a toga in this show. How sweet and somewhat awkward is that? Calypso is a another fun number that I do with my wifey because we just go crazy with our fantastic white people congo and tango skillz (yeah, that's right, with a "z"). And I have come to the conclusion that Adam Bashian is just a damn staright awesome kid. Wow. He's just so cool.

Yo, who else can't wait for Alan to start coming to rehearsals? Because right now, us 12 are orphans and we need a daddy. Alan is perfect, even with his full-frontal career behind him. Gimme that neck!

c'mon guy

2006-08-07T03:36:19Z

I think some days off of work are in order for the next two weeks. I need sleep.

I had a lot of fun last night. It was great to see Jeff and Della again, who weirdly remid me of Cha and myself. And I love Chili's. No comment about that main event of the night. Poop on having no money and being poor.

just a little "beyond the pail", if you will

2006-08-05T04:24:55Z

My girlfriend's such a whore. Both in life and in this show. My lord. I mean, have you seen how many guys she's been with? It's almost like I don't exist, lol. Wow. Totally kidding.

So 11 months kicked ass. Pleasantville is a fantastic movie. And you know what else is fantastic...Mexican food. It's the bomb (Thank you, Mrs. Ramos!).

Joseph is a whole lot of fun. Let me tell you........................well, yeah, you know what I'm talking about.

Boring post but all in all, in a great mood. Happy times ftw. :)

raise your damn berets!

2006-08-03T04:46:37Z

OnStage = sexy. and yet the show is STILL 2 weeks ago. c'mon, opening night!

So these past 2 days at work have been "moving days" since the inspection people are going upstairs where there is more space and we can put 2 new machines in the old room. That's sweet because it was badly needed. I have been helping out the inspection people quite a lot and not gonna lie, I love it. The people there are so nice even there primary language is NOT Engligh, lol, as compared to the hand-finishing department where I sometimes feel like a guest down there, which I really don't like. Tiring days at work are normal for me now with some of that contribution going to OnStage. Ohh yeah, Cha came to see me at work yesterday and I introduced her to some of my work buddies, and today got some fine compliments on her. I mean, c'mon, why wouldn't I? However, there are still some in that shop that still have to be made known of her beauty, and trust me, it will happen.

Moving along to OnStage....WOW WOW WOW! This is a fuckin awesome show and I'm lovin it *cue McDonald's theme*. Act II is going to be hilarious with Canaan Days putting it over the top. Sweetness to the max...OnStage ftw!

Yo 11 months...

never ceases to amaze me

2006-08-01T05:18:24Z

Mr. Gipple had been plotting to get rid of me tonight with his tactics of pushing me off the stage and tripping me. The quote of the night for me came after his attempt to trip me:

Me: It's a plot, Mr. Gipple, I'm tellin you...
Gipple: Just remember, you're taller one and I'm the uglier one...
Me: Well that's a hell of a lot more frightening!

haha...Paul Loser Hall

2006-07-31T02:21:51Z

That was the name of the building where I checked in to have my tour of TCNJ. Loser, lol. It's not actually pronounced "loser" but it still makes me laugh.

TCNJ was pretty sweet, let me tell you. It's like its own little town or apartment complex. All the buildings look the same, which is quite alright, because they're all gorgeous. I didn't really get to see a whole lot, which is why I am going back for an Open House in September. I liked the tour guide, informative and threw in a little comedic act every now and then whilst playing with the sister of a girl who was taking the tour. I thought she would've been distracting but he seemed to quite enjoy it. At the end of the tour, I asked the guy how the theater/singing groups were and quickly pointed both index fingers at me saying, "Great question" (not knowing the answer). He slided over to the other girl tour guide behind him whispering the question to her loud enough for me to hear. Her response was met with mind-boggling enthusiasm. She seemed to have been thoroughly excited to being asked that question. She gave me tons of information, being in the top chorus group there. We talked for a while and went on to mention our favorite shows. One that was met mutually was Les Mis. She, being a senior when I am a freshman, suggested that we try and get that started so we can both do it. Another great thing is, one can only minor in theater, which I want to do so she hinted at me that it's not that hard to get into singing groups. Sweet life. I got her screen name and e-mail so that I can see a show down there this year.

Leaving Bosco and going off to college scares me most of the time, but the more I think about it and get more organized and involved, it seems like the greatest time.

like truth and light never DIE!

2006-07-28T05:55:02Z

Joseph is going to be amazing. It's really starting to look good and we sound incredible, just as we did from the first day.

Work has been, well, extremely tiring. Getting 6 to 7 hours of sleep each night, going to work for 9 hours , coming home to shower, and then going to rehearsal for 3 and a half hours is not something I suggest you people do. I am so physically weak from this cycle. Yet I am still having the time of life doing OnStage. Close Every Door is going to be the shit!!! If the audience doesn't cry, it's OK cause I'll be crying, lol. But it would be nice if they did just to let us know we moved them.

GP finally came out of his shell after being a poop the first night. He is such a funny kid. Adam Bashian is aldo a really cool kid. He reminds of Alex Pascale a little bit, but a more outgoing Alex, lol.

Day #2 with no James. It should be fun when he gets back, teaching him all the stuff he has missed, spenidng extra time on the dance steps *cough cough*. Damn him and his orientation. Boo college and boo August!

Tomorrow I am taking off work to do college shit. And now as I look at the time I realize I should be in bed. Fuck me. See you all tomorrow!

i love my staff

2006-07-26T04:47:23Z

I really do. It is amazing.

Anyway, not much to report about OnStage tonight, only that it was awesome again. The brothers are sounding amazing and when we really put the energy behind our singing, we sound absolutely incredible and like, man, we just can't be stopped. Pat Scheid is great at that little game of actually acting out the songs, lol. And, oh yeah, Billy Joel is amazing. I haven't heard a lot of his songs. Yes, I have heard all the popular ones, but like the ones that were shackled away for 30-somethin years are amazing. No James for three days :(. Have fun at orientation though, man, WITH YOUR MOM! I'll take your pulse when you get back.

and people, check out the new Bosco site. It's the same format as the old one but it looks so much nicer. That's all for now. Peace!

Edit: Cha got shafted again by her parents. Damn them! Well, everything happens for a reason, and we all must suffer, I suppose.

we're great guys but no one seems to notice!

2006-07-25T03:37:03Z

James and I were peppy as we drove over to Indian Hills High School in Oakland. The sounds of Keane filled the car, a sound that I was not familiar with but am growing a liking to. We reminisced about last year and the possibility of Alan returning this year to play our father. Finally, James made that final left turn, although illegal, into the high school parking lot. We raced into the foyer of the auditorium, where we realized that we would be rehearsing in the cafeteria, which I should have known. We arrived and our destiny began.

We aren't nubies anymore and it feels great. Popping jokes with the director and Scheid and Deitchman were all great. And to top it all off, OnStage warm-ups with Debbie. It just doesn't get any better than this. It sounds great, we look damn sexy, and the cast is small, which is another pro in this equation.

I just couldn't ask for a better first night of OnStage. I mean, c'mon, how could anyone not have a good time with Mary Nayden as their wife? pssh!