Young the Giant

When I'm bored and have nothing to do because the rest of the world ceases to entertain me, I do one of the most difficult things in the world: Find good music.*

*Keyword in that statement is "good." There is way too much crap on the radio that gets way more credit than they deserve. Why does this happen? More importantly how?? Hardly anything on the radio is worth listening to, and if it is it ends up being a total sell out and gets annoying after it's been played on every station at least twenty times an hour.

That's all besides the point of this post though. Continuing from the first little paragraph:

So I set off, I started on youtube, going from one suggestion video from a band I liked to another, then to another, then to another, then to another, etc. etc. This usually goes on for about an hour or two and sometimes I find some pretty good stuff. Then I go to iTunes and do the same thing. I go to one band I like, then from there click suggestions, and then the suggestions from the previous suggestions, and then those new suggestions from the suggestion's suggestions of the other suggestions and usually I get through about fifteen different artists and bands. Most of the time I don't find anything, and when I do it's just a couple of songs here and there.

But one day, things changed. After about maybe an hour of this searching nonsense that I do, I found them. There they were, just waiting for me and my ears to enjoy their beautiful music. It didn't happen instantly like I expected it to. This took nourishment. At first I was like "Yea, know what these guys are pretty good, but are they worth my money? Are they worth a mere 1:30 preview??" Then it took some listens, and some more days, and they kept popping up every time I would look for some new music in some bizarre way. So, I gave them a fair shot and I just purchased their CD. I haven't regretted buying a single one of their songs.

YOUNG THE GIANT.

 Holy crapoli. These guys are the bee's knees. they are the cat's pajamas, they are salvation to my ears, they are the Gryffindors of the music business (Yes, I did just say that). It is impossible for me to stop listening to them. Believe me, I've tried. I've tried exploring other music and then I just keep going back to them because everything else sounds like poopy in comparison to these guys. They're so unique, so natural, so raw. These guys are hands down, easily my favorite band.

 

They were formally known as The Jakes, where they recorded under that name two of my favorite songs: Shake My Hand and Take Me Home. Mind blowing. Absolutely incredible. After doing some more research I found out that they performed at the MTV Music Video Awards. I don't really care much for MTV considering they've lost the "M" that it was once known for. But these guys should have won every award because they're just that good.

On their youtube channel they put some videos called the "Open Sessions" where they record the songs acoustically and in the most unique and gorgeous places. It's just so... beautiful. Every single aspect of it is beautiful.

Enough of this reading business. Here are some video's that have their songs. So take an hour off of your schedule and just kick it with these guys and my little friend Repeat Button. You won't regret it.

Confessions of a Masculine Man

Some people think it's weird that me, a man (child at heart) to have a blog. Eh, I guess it's a little odd considering I'm the only one of my male friends that does it. What can I say, maybe I'm the only one who has that much time one their hands. Maybe I'm just smarter than the rest of them. Maybe I am just weird.

Either way, I love to write. I don't know what it is. I just have so much going through my mind constantly. I love reading and watching things for every and any reason possible, even if it's the dumbest and worst thing out there. I love commercials, tv shows, movies, books, magizines you name it; I thrive off of their creativity. I want to do something like that but I don't know what. But I want to do it because it's fun, it's different and it lets me clear my mind. It's honestly one of the most therapeutic things known to man. When you write, it doesn't even need to be about whatever topic is bothering you, you just need to let go of something inside you. It's the most satisfying feeling I know. You fellow bloggers know exactly what I'm talking about.

If i could play the guitar, I would write music for songs. If I could play the piano, I would write songs to sing along. Sometimes, more than anything in the whole world, I wish I could write music. I love music more than anything in my life. Sometimes I just wish I knew how to play something so that I could. Performing it wouldn't be necessary, it's just something I wish I could do (Sidenote: I lost my iPod recently so be on the lookout for it. I need your prayers. I'm on the verge of insanity.)

Another confession: I want to write a movie. I have one in mind but i just don't know where to start and how to start. I'm not going to lie if I actually wrote it and made it into a legitimate movie it would be the #1 movie in the box office and everyone would love it. Why? Because I'm funny. No just kidding.. I don't know though, I just want to write a movie because it would be fun. I want people to be able to relate to it and to enjoy something that I love and to be apart of the nonsense that's running through my mind.

I'm not sure if this post made any sense, and if it did, well that's good because then it exceeded my expectations but if not, I apologize for wasting your time. I hope you got the point of it though. And whether you like it or not, I'm going to blog more, so happy readings friends.

Mr. Barrus

I'm not sure why I feel so inclined to write this specific blog, but I have the feeling that it is long overdue. I dedicate this post to none other than my life long best friend: Mr. Andrew Barrus

The first time that I met this kid was Junior Year in Ms. Ralph's Health class. I had always heard about the stuff that he had done and he had quite the reputation for making a scene in classes. I never knew what to think of the kid because I wasn't sure if he was trying to be rude, funny, stupid or if there was just something wrong with him. Then I finally found out for myself and oh my goodness, I don't ever think that I've ever laughed harder in my life.

Ms. Ralph's had Andrew come up in front of the class to demonstrate improper communication skills through some live role playing. They pretended like they were having a normal conversation and Andrew was talking about his weekend and she pulled out her phone and acted like she was texting and the second she did, Andrew just stopped talking. Then they changed the topic saying that it was rude to text while someone was talking right in front of you. Then they moved on to the next scene. They basically made up another conversatioin and Andrew was talking where she answered it this time and told him to hold on and without missing a beat, he said okay and shut up. You probably don't get why it was so funny but he had completely ruined her demonstration and had the whole class crying of laughter, even Darci was dying she was laughing hysterically.

We had eventually gotten to be decently good friends and we started talking more the first few weeks of school. One day during lunch a few weeks before Homecoming Andrew had come up to me to tell me a funny story. He had just asked someone to the dance by asking the girl to buy him a slice of pizze and he gave them a twenty dollar bill  and writing "Homecoming?" on it. We then started talking and I asked him what group he was going in and he said that he didn't have one and that he probably wasn't going to be in one because his other friends wouldn't let him be in theirs because it was too big. I wanted him in the group that I was in so bad, so I invited with him and he was so happy about it all. From that point on, every dance Andrew was in my group whenever it was a guy's choice. He literally is what made dances fun to go to, every dance would be a new adventure.

Honestly though, there's not one thing not to like about this kid. He's an absolute riot, no one will make you laugh harder than this kid and if there is I would like to meet them and have them talk to Andrew so that they could admit that they weren't. The guy knows literally EVERYTHING about EVERY car that has ever been made. Andrew makes his judgments of people based off of one question and one questiion only: what's your favorite car? No lie. And everytime I laugh because half the time people have no idea how to respond.

Andrew is the kind of guy that you can go to anything about. He's always willing to help and listen to matter what it is and he is one of the most sincere and caring persons I know. It doesn't matter how big or little the problem is either, and it doesn't matter what its about, he wants to be there to help. Since I've been home from Brazil, I have been looking for a place to work tuntil I leave for my mission and sure enough, Andrew was able to help me get a job with him. When he and I get older, he and I are going to own a business of some sort. We haven't decided yet but we know we're going to be business partners and honestly that kid is going to be the most successful person I know so I'm glad I picked the right person.

Now this goes out to all the ladies so listen up. Andrew is 100% man and super sexy. If you want a man and a man who will treat you right this is the guy to meet. He may not have a six-pack and pecs the size of Mt. Olympus, but he's the kind of guy that people should be like. It really grinds my gears to see all these guys who are complete butts to people who have a nice girl with them and then to see Andrew not be able to get girl because he's not the look or style that people want. He's one of the greatest people I know and whoever ends up with him is one lucky lady.

Andrew, this one is for you man. Thank you for everything and thanks for being the best friend anyone could possibly ask for. I'll always be here for you buddy so don't you forget it.

Viva la Mexico

Pardon me for not writing in so long, I've been busy working on another blog completely devoted to my trip to Brazil and I neglected my responsibilities on this blog. But now I'm back, fresher than ever before and I stand before you as a new man.
You always sing the words growing up in Primary "I hope they call me on a mission, when I have grown a foot or two." Well I've grown that foot or two that they were talking about and that moment had finally arrived where I had my mission call right in my hands. For the last 18 and a half years I've heard this and that about missions, and how important they are and this, THIS was what I had been waiting for basically my whole life.

The emotions are overwhelming, and there are a billion and four things running through your mind at once. Don't you have to be older for this? Wait a second, I am. Are you sure you can handle this? I think so..  Don't you have to be mature for this kind of thing? Doesn't matter, it's too late.

Then I opened it. It addressed me as "Elder Ortolano." "You have been called as a missionary... Skip. Skip. Skip. You are assigned to labor in the... (oh, here it is!! Br...) Mexico Mexico City Northwest Mission."

Huh? Yes. I was confused and shocked and laughing hysterically all at the same time. I had been preparing for Brasil over the last few months just because of the duel citizenship that I have and I basically could just walk right in the country without any problems. The whole reason why I had been working on my papers so early was because I had obtained special permission due to the visa shortage and the struggle they had of getting American missionaries to Brasil. But no, it wasn't Brasil, it was Mexico. MEXICO!!!

After laughing a bit and talking it over with some people later that day I sat at the airport thinking: wow, Mexico... That's all I had said to myself all day. Mexico. Mexico. Mexico. Mexico. Mexico. What in the world? Mexico?

Let me say one thing: Mexico has never sounded better. Don't get me wrong, I still laugh every time I read my call and every time that I think of me going there. But honestly, Mexico is where I'm supposed to go. I've never felt more sure of anything else in my life. I don't know how else to explain it other than its right, and I want to go and now would choose to go there more than any other place in the world. Mexico is the place that I have been called to serve.

Alright Lord, I'll go where you want me to go. I don't know much about this people. I'm not sure how to love this people. I'm not sure how to speak to this people. But I'll do my best to serve this people as long as You're with me every step of the way.

Glee-tard

Glee=Yipiee

I love Glee. Its the greatest. I'm not gay either, its just a good quality show thats got phenomenal music. And if you know me then you know i love music and i'm all about real talent rather than sell-out crap artists. have you heard those people sing? They kick the poop out of any other artist out there and they know what real musics a about. Half the time their music is loads better than the original and if its not then its a tie. Don't believe me? Here's a list that you should probably check out: Don't Stop Believing, Sing, Marry You, Silly Love Song, Somewhere Only We Know (my personal favorite)

Lets get serious too, that show is as funny as it gets. Its equipped with quircky comebacks and snappy dialouge that keeps it entertaining for just about anyone. Not to mention all the high school drama. Its the much more evolved High School Musical only a billion times better cause its much more realistic and the music rocks my socks.

Its only downfall is that they talk about gays and lesbians too much. I don't want to watch any teenage soap opera like Degrassi, I want to watch Glee without all the gay stuff. lets keep it from conforming to the current needs that society has of expressing that kind of stuff like sexuality and personal choice. Contrary to the beliefs of Lady Gaga and her followers, you don't need to do something outrageous, absurd and out of the comfort zones of other people just to prove a point that you're different than everyone else. Sorry, thats a bit out of topic but if they have the right to express themselves in whatever way they want to then so do i.

Glee's the best. If you haven't watched it i highly recommend it. Its on Tuesday nights on Fox, and the first season is available on Netflix, or you can watch it on Fox's website. Enjoy my fellow past, present, or future Gleeks

The Equivilant of a Grammy

There's one thing that I love doing almost just above anything else. Some say its lame. I happen to think its quite a big deal. What is it some might ask?

Its making a playlist.

I don't know what it is, but its almost theraputic. I honestly schedule my time and make sure I leave space for the day that I decide to make a playlist. Its that important. And sometimes when they're lacking all they need is to be updated or simple revised.

The thing is with these playlists is that I don't let any mediocre songs or artists on there, you practically have to audition and win my heart over almost instantly on first impact. You have to have certain qualifications based on quality, release date, genre, mood or emotion, etc. If your music makes it on ipod thats one thing, but if you manage to make it on my playlist then consider yourself top dog.

I have a playlist for just about everything, you name it.You can't settle for a pathetic title to the playlist, because the title is almost just as important as the songs that you put into it. The titles and the songs are one thing that will say a lot about you.

Making a playlist is something that something everyone should try at least once in their lifetime. Make one for when you're happy, when you're driving around and you something to jam out too, a playlist for when you're missing someone, make one ofr a particular season or event. If you haven't made one, go ahead and give it a shot.

"And Cough..." *Cough*

If there's one place I'm not particularly fond of its the doctor's office. I don't know what it is about that place, maybe its the smell, but there's just this uneasy feeling whenever I go. And to be honest i just don't like going. There's loads of reasons why I don't like going so I'll break it down for you based on the following reasons:

Waiting Lobby: They take way to long to get up and call a name out. Half the time I know that the doctors aren't doing anything because the second you step foot behind the big door where everyone claims to be working they're not doing anything doctor or nurse related. Plus its just awkward with the other patients that are waiting for their turn because if you're like me there's two things going through your mind: who's going to get me sick and whats the problem with these people. I feel like you almost to can't help but to be extremely judgmental. Everyone's there for a reason, some are more obvious than others, but you always want to try and guess whats wrong with them. A lot of people are rude about it too and give you just the most disgusted looks. I wish that instead of Waiting Lobby they gave you a private booth where you can just sit and wait without anyone around.

Doctors: Occasionally you get some cool doctors and they're really nice and all, but for every cool doctor there's at least 5 that aren't as cool. Doctors usually think they're these hot shot people just because they graduated from Medical School and make loads more money than the average person. Another beef i have with them is they they're the most impersonal people on the planet and they ask you the most personal questions. I'm the kind of person that likes to keep things to myself but the moment I'm at the doctors they decide to go Sherlock Holmes status and go through every ounce of my life to figure out whats wrong with one thing or another. Drives me crazy. It's hard to trust a person with that kind of information that you don't even know. Don't get me wrong because I really do appreciate all that they do to help people but I'm just not comfortable with telling a complete stranger every aspect of my life so that they can try and make me "better." (Quick Disclaimer: We've got family friends that are doctors and they're one of the ones I consider to be the cool doctors. So don't worry friends who are doctors or are related to one, I think you're real swell people and great doctors.)

Prostate Exam: "Watch it pervert!" I can't help but to think that every time that they... well yea you know. Its awkward! I don't care who you are, no one should be alright with it. (Ladies who might be reading this you may just want to skip to the next section.) My greatest fear with dropping my drawers isn't that they'll tell me that I have cancer because they have ways to treat that. My fear is a lot more personal because what if they just look at me and laugh. I couldn't handle that, it would be a nightmare. And you know that the doctors are judging you based on your grooming standards.

Needles: I HATE needles. I'm a needle phob, simple as that.

Male Nurses: Basically what you're telling me is that you're either too stupid or too lazy to be a doctor. As harsh as it is I honestly can't help but to think that every single time.

Silence: You're sitting there while they're doing all these tests on you and they don't say a single word. I over analyze everything so I always just assume the worst. Just telling me whats going on Doc and tell me that I'm healthy so that I don't freak out and think that I'm dying. Silence is the worst thing a doctor can do to a person.

It doesn't matter how big or little the problem is, I'll do everything within my power to avoid going to the doctors. I'll come and visit if you're ever there and need a pal, but other than that the doctor can kiss my butt goodbye. If you like the doctors office, well good for you. As for me and my house, we hate it.