Tumble On Over

I think I'm just going to post my blogs on Tumblr now. I like the format a bit better and it seems silly to type out my day on 2 different websites. Just go to my page on Tumblr. It is http://riotross.tumblr.com/

Thanks to everyone who takes the time to read a little about my life. Hope you continue too. I might still post on here once in a while. I know for sure I'll still keep up with your blogs on blogspot. You know who you are. <3

-Riot!Ross

Bummer

So my weekend didn't turn out like I thought it would. Santa Cruz was a bummer (tired of talking about it) and today was not as relaxing as I thought. I wasn't able to see that movie with my mom, instead we had to go all the way down to San Mateo for my twin cousins' 26th birthday..and they live in Hercules. Maan. I'm tired.

I think the whole extra practice on Tuesday is ridiculous. 2.5 hours....WHAT???! I don't know when I'm going to find any time to study for my APUSH exam that was postponed to Thursday. Practice 3 days in a row=not fun.

I put a more precise post on my other blog on tumblr. Check it out if you like. I posted the link before.

Free Weekend

This week is finally over and I survived it. It was a jam packed week of prep for our band comp and all the school work I had. I hope I did OK on the 3 test I took today. I'll knock on my "Lucky" necklace I bought yesterday on the CSF field trip.

Tomorrow is finally Saturday! I'm extremely excited because 1. Santa Cruz 2. Hanging with my friends in SC 3. Seeing Doug!!! 4. Seeing a bunch of alumni who are going to support us 5. Trotter is going...whoa :) and 6. Trots moved the exam to Thursday so I can actually enjoy my weekend!!

I finally got my old music off of my other lap top today. I had to download the latest version of itunes so my ipod would be compatible with it. I have 1200 songs now and I could have way more. I wish I had more time to download stuff.

The structure and parts (except for Brian's) in Air Freshener seem pretty good. It's just really hard balancing the sound on stage. ugggh.

-Riot!Ross

I Can't Wait.....

^ This guy above is from the movie "Good Night and Good Luck" I just find this photo completely amusing. haha.

So AP finished recording "Can't Wait" today. It sounds great. I'm really happy with it. I hope we get to perform it one day. Air Freshener is really coming together. I just hope the breakdown/solo section is perfect by auditions. I love it! I love Brian is always talking and working on it too. Complete dedication. lol.

I was having a pretty good day until I went to Chem. I don't what happened. It was like, I was messing around with boo (Jette) and then I couldn't get this one problem for some retarded reason and I just instantly got into a bad mood. I eventually got out of at home when I really needed to concentrate on retaining APUSH info. I hope I do well on that exam next week.

I can't wait for Saturday to get here. I want to see Doug!! I haven't seen him in 2/3 weeks. It's ridiculous. I wish I could see him as much as Janessa and Jackie get to see their bfs... Oh well.

-Riot!Ross

Help Wanted

I love Berkeley. Telegraph has some of my favorite stores and it is amazing. (besides all the homeless crack heads and the people yelling "legalize it!") It was nice to spend time away from my computer and all my school work. I wish I had more time away from it all.

I bought a sweater vest from Urban Outfitters and an acid wash tee from American Apparel. While I was in the dressing room at AA, my mom was talking to one of the guys who worked there. lol. Then she asked the girl at the counter what age you had to be to work there and she said either 16 or 18. If I could get a job (which I can't because of school and band) I would totally work there. The girl told me to bring in a resume one day because they needed more help. They don't even have applications. Just think. I could get a job there.

Another week of school coming up. It's going to be a busy one too. I hope I survive.

-Riot!Ross

Tumblr

I made a Tumblr earlier today. I know Jackie likes hers so I decided to try it out. It'll be kind of weird since I also want to continue with this blog haha. I'll have to decide what I want to put on each. Maybe the other one will be my "what inspires me" type of thing, while this is just my general, what happened, vent, "joy" post, like a diary. We'll see.

Check it out at http://riotross.tumblr.com

I've been working on my portfolio for APUSH all night and I'm finally done. I pretty much like it, but I'm still going to send it to Trotter to see what he thinks about it. I hope I proved my point. I used a lot of facts, which I hope isn't bad. I spent a lot of time on it. I hope I don't have to totally revamp it. yikes!

Oh, the tour at The Academy of Art was amazing. I toured the fashion, animation, photography, and housing areas. Everything is super rad and I really want to pursue photography. I know it will be hard, but I love how they give everyone a chance. A portfolio isn't needed and you can be a complete beginner...as long as you a true passion for what you want to learn.

This girl my mom and I met during the tour is inspirational. I thought we barely had anything at our school, but compared to her school we are super cool. They only have 62 students, have no dances, and no electives like art or ANYTHING! It's in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Sounds pretty depressing. I'm pretty confident that she'll get her wish to leave that drab place. She has a dream of being in animation and I hope she succeeds.

-Riot!Ross

Rebel With a [good] Cause

I've decided to stop writing my portfolio on Anne Hutchinson because I fear that I may go insane if I continue. It's funny how I'm slightly interested in becoming a journalist, but I hate writing these reports. I guess the difference is, I'm not really interested in writing about Anne being a rebel. She's cool and I'm all for rebels with a good cause, but it's hard to write about. I'm never sure exactly what my teachers are looking for so I always doubt myself.

I wish we could just write essays like writing blogs. It's just emotion and flows way better. Trotter said that everyone did pretty bad on the DBQ's. I thought I was going to get a 6 or 7 but I actually got a 5. maaan. I earned the highest score though, so I guess that's pretty cool.

Mom keeps saying I'm doing a really good job and working hard, but shouldn't be so hard on myself. The problem is, I spend most of my time slaving over homework and seem to still do really really well, but I want to be on like Brian and Jackie's level. I use to be that "smart girl" in like elementary school. I still am i guess since I'm ranked 3 or 4 in my class, but I'm my hardest critic. I never feel like I shine like I should because I feel overshadowed by others.

I can't wait for my tour at The Academy of Art University in SF tomorrow though. It's going to be a lot of fun to walk around the spread out campus and see the actual photography department. I hope I succeed in this whole photography thing. I don't know what else I'll do which is a scary thought. I always change my mind, but I want to stick to this one.

-Riot!Ross

PS. I wish I could win that Pit Photography sweepstakes. <3
PSS. I miss him...

Fresh

Today was pretty ok. Of course I still have a ton of school work and my back hurts, but I'm fine. It's a good feeling when I'm not completely stressing out. I hate that feeling when I feel like I'm losing my mind. It's a great feeling when I can understand something in school when I didn't before. It's such a relief.

I have a feeling *knock on wood* that "Air Freshener" is going to be an Epic sound.

A few minutes ago I was on myspace and came upon one of my old classmates page. She has changed so much it's sad. She use to be a a girl who was a tom boy and hung out with all the skater guys and girls. Now she's still a skater girl, but wears clothes that barely cover her. I've heard a lot of terrible stories about her from her older sister that was in band with me. What happened? She had to move away, that's what happened.

My break from HW was over 5 minutes ago. I guess I should finish APUSH.

-Riot!Ross

Dinner Time

I passed. Better yet, I got an A+. Oh, I'm guessing you're wondering on what. Well I got an A+ on my APUSH exam!!!! I was so happy. All that studying payed off. Brian STILL beat me..but whatever, he's boy genius and I'm happy for him. I'm happy for all of us.

Journalism was very productive today. I added 3 articles to the paper and I still have to add 1 more so far. I basically have my own music page. It should be titled, "Jenay's Beats" or "Jenay's Music Page". That would rad. I won't have to worry about the whole number of word thing since all my articles will count as double. yeeee!

Although a lot of good things were happening today, Chemistry still hampered my mood. I was getting really confused (probably because I was tired) and it just threw my good mood out the window. That stress factor heightened again, but I got starbucks. haha. Doug called me too and it made me feel a little better. I miss him.

I really hope we made auditions of this Friday. I'm knocking on wooden and praying to God. Well, maybe not the praying part.

I have so much on my plate right now. I'm just going to focus and devour the meal up.

-Riot!Ross

With Them By My Side

I just finished studying for my APUSH exam. I studied for at LEAST 8 hours. That's 8 hours of reading stuff that makes me want to fall asleep. I sure hope I get at least a decent grade. Man, 85 questions in 55 minutes. That's sure intimidating. All I can do is zap into my brain and do the best I am possible of. I'll try not to stress tomorrow.

I lost a lot of studying time yesterday when mom and I went over to Kc's house. We always end up staying super late talking about stuff going on at school. Her mom is hilarious. I love how Kc and I have been friends for so long. I love that girl.

I don't think I blogged about Friday, so if I did, oh well, I'm going to talk about it anyway. I actually didn't feel stressed out. Brian is great. He kept asking if I was feeling better than Thursday. I don't know what I would do without my friends, especially Janessa, Jackie, and Brian. We seem to have each others backs this year. It's great how we've all become so close. With them by my side, there's nothing I can't do.

I hate how I can't see Doug everyday like I could last year, but now that he goes to DVC and has a job, it's a little difficult. I can sometimes see him once a week max. It's hard, but I hope we can make it through. He's been really supported of me when I stress out. He always tells me I'll be fine. I love his encouragement. Maybe I'll see him Friday if AP is able to perform during lunch. I hope so...

-Riot!Ross

"Breathe In, Breathe Out"

I meant to blog about my day yesterday, but it completely slipped my mind until I shut off of my computer. =/

Yesterday was my grandpa's 80th birthday. As he gets older and as I get older it worries me a bit, but I try not to think about it. Papa may look 70 but in reality he isn't. The time line of life is never known. I hope there will be MANY more years to come where I can wish him a Happy Birthday. I wish that for all my loved ones.

Auntie Vanita and Uncle Austin came to pick up Frisco too. You won't believe what Auntie brought back from New York City for me. She gave me a really cool pair of pants, this rad $60 belt (holy Jesus), and she paid me $200 (!) for taking care of Frisco. That's over $20 something dollars a day. Insane! I wish I was a millionaire. She is so generous. I have to make sure to spend it wisely like always. I really want that new camera.

School is still overwhelming. We received our progress reports yesterday and it looks like I have earned a 4.2 so far! I hope I can maintain it for the rest of the month until the grading period ends.

I hate being such a downer at school. I'm always in a terrible mood, but I can't help it. At times I just feel like shutting down. I hate when people ask if I'm ok. It feels like they have to ask it too many times now. I don't want to be the "death" of the party.

Love is beginning to become a really weird thing for me. I want to feel that amazing connection, but I seem to have slightly lost it. It scares me. =/ I see how Craig comes to school 2/3 times a week after college just to see Janessa. I envy her sometimes. I envy Jackie too for how she can never stop smiling.

I've never really been really religious but I find myself gaining my strength from the will I have within myself and the hope that God will help me through this all. Some people say Senior year is the "relax" year, but I think it'll be the exact opposite for me next year.

-Riot!Ross

Keep Your Head On Straight

All of us (meaning my friends and I ) all seem to follow the same pattern that leads to tiredness. It always ends in stressing out and super sleepiness. Thank God for contemporary music (although that's stressful at times haha) I need to just calm down before I have like an anxiety attack or something.

Speaking of attack, what the heck is Doug thinking???! The Navy? Has he gone insane. Everyone I told so far said yes. I hope he isn't serious. It's so random and not thought out. He can't leave. He can't leave me. He can't leave life. He needs to just stick to his original communications plan. It's a lot safer.

I feel like Asian Persuasion is reaching the top of CM. We've done so well so far. Everyone loved our ballad today. It was just a rough draft thing..but we were the only ones finished haha. "You guys were perfect" =]

I am going to eat some icecream and chill with my mom. I need life to calm down. It's getting kind of overwhelming to live.

-Riot!Ross

Life Is Suffocating

I wish I had more time for myself. I feel like I'm always doing homework or something that my mom wants to me do. It's a little overwhelming. Maybe I'm overreacting a little, but I would appreciate it if my mom would leave me alone when I was online. I understand maybe I'm on it too much. But in reality, I'm not. I have to check up on updates and mail and that takes morathan five minutes. I feel like I'm doing a freaking sin when I go on cause she always gives that "On again?" look. Well, excuse me if I work hard on hw for hours. I think I deserve a little time online.

I feel like such a Fall Out Boy fan slacker. I've been keeping up with stuff, but not like I use to. That might be a good thing though. I used to be overly obsessed with them. haha. I can't believe I'm most likely not going to the FTSK show in october...just because it's a school night. Most of the shows I've been to have been on a school night. I wish my mom would just let me and Janessa go. I need to see Kyle, Joe, and K Dirty!! maan. I am going to be in such a bad mood during band practice that day. Gay.

I've notice that I go through a lot of mood swings. At one moment I'm as happy as could be, then I'm super sad or annoyed. I hate that feeling. Oh, and isn't it bad that sometimes I feel like I never want to wake up in the morning. I would think so. I think I'm just really stressed out and tired. I hope this past soon.

-Riot!Ross

Don't Stop Believing

I feel amazing right now. (Well besides being tired and having back pains) But I got an A on my chem test!!! Holy cow. I am extremely excited. I can't believe I actually did well on it. I'm so happy. I guess my simple logic helped me out.

So CM was not productive today since ALL of the pianos were in use. We really need more pianos so all of us can be able to work. I wish we didn't have to do a ballad. Jeremy feels like there can't be guitar in it...but he'll make it work. I feel like there can be. I want like two "Face melting, goose bump giving, almost to tears" guitar solos in it. I might play the piano part I wrote on keyboard and change the setting to strings. That would be super rad. I want it to be emotional and beautiful. I'll cross my fingers. I really do need to calm down in CM though. Things bother me to easily.

Well, gonna spend some time with my mom.

-Riot!Ross

I Wish: I could get more sleep and less work

Want to know why I'm excited for tomorrow?? I'm excited because I get to sleep in an extra hour earlier like everyone else who doesn't have A Period. Mr. Foreman has been having troubles with his blood pressure and is on the verge of having a heart attack, so he is getting tested tomorrow morning..which means no A Period! Hooray! I've been hating getting up early then having to be in a class that I don't even really enjoy.

Today's chem test was nerve racking. I hope I did ok. All throughout the test you could hear people sighing, groaning, and tapping things nervously. Hopefully we'll get our scores back soon.

I was in a bad mood today. I woke up with it I think and nothing really helped it throughout the day. I eventually got over it. I'm just tired, yet I stay up to check my mail and other stuff. I'm so over high school right now. At times I want to get away from it all. I would love to just sleep in my bed all cozy. I have two more years though and college will probably be just the same. I hope I can make it as a photography. I would be extremely happy to do that. I need to log off of this addicting contraptions and go to bed. My eyes hurt from the bright screen but I just can't seem to stop updating everything.

-Riot!Ross

PS...A ballad concert. Are you kidding me Mr.TFore? What a bore fest. *I cross my fingers that ours works out though. X]

Sister Frozen Holy Water

Today was a lot of fun. I have to say, volunteering with friends is way more fun. I've been volunteering since I was like 6 years old and it usually got boring. It was cool at KQED. Before, I only picked up the pledge slips. This time I was able to get into the action. Super cool. Lawrence, another volunteer, was hilarious. With comments like "Sister Frozen Holy Water" and "The governor's wife hasn't eaten since '82" had Jackie, Pat, Janessa and I cracking up.

I'm glad we went to the Haight today too. Jackie had never been so it was rad to take to her all the thrift stores and Stussy/True. True was having a HUGE sale. It was like heaven dipped in chocolate. I only bought a dark blue beanie with a rim though. They would only let people try on dresses and pants. LAME. The sales were final. I didn't want to end up not fitting those t shirts I wanted.

Everyone seems to have moved away to college. =[ Well, not everyone, but everyone not going to community college. Marshall moved all the way to Pomona, while Andrew and Kurt moved up to Davis. Hope they come down to visit. I'll miss those guys. I'll make sure to visit them when I'm around there area..for sure!

I'm super scared about my chem test tomorrow, but I think I finally understand it. I just hope I can comprehend everything tomorrow during the test. That class is so all over the place with instruction. I love Machado as a person but as a teacher...not so much. =/

-Riot!Ross

The Producer

My cold is finally dwindling down to almost nothing. I'm so glad to feel almost normal. I can't function correctly when I'm sick. It sucks to be sick when I have a lot of school work to get done too, so I'm glad it's basically over.

I felt really productive today. I spent most of my time working on hw and even cleaned some of the house for mom. I usually don't have time to help out anymore (not that I'm complaining) but it was nice to help out. Now I've been online just browsing around like always.

Oh yeah! Uploaded our first performance video on Asian Persuasion's myspace. Go look us up and check it out. I love my band. All that stressing payed off.

Tomorrow I'll be doing some community service at KQED with my mom, Jacke, Janessa and Pat. It should be fun. We'll be answering phones and taking down info from people who want to donate/etc. It'll be in the city. I love the city. It's a great place to take photos.

I'm having a really good conversation with Doug on AIM right now. We're talking about the time we first started talking to each other almost a year ago, other "beginning stuff", and some other things. haha. It's cool to talk about.

-Riot!Ross

Taking Shape

Today was "Great Success!" I did good on my APUSH Quiz and I think I did well on my other tests. Asian Persuasion was chosen to play last during the show today! That means we were the best! It was kind of nerve racking though since the time was coming close to thte end of lunch. We made it though and completelu rocked the stage. We did so well! Everyone loved it and we had great stage presence. I had so much fun. All of us have been coming up with ideas for songs too. Things seem to be taking shape now.

First Pep Band game tonight. It looks like it'll be super cold as always..hopefully it doesn't rain. Doug's not going...oh well. I saw him earlier but didnt have much time to talk to him....

Maaan, everyone is leaving. Andrew and Kurt are leaving for Davis tomorrow and Marshall is leaving for Pomona. I'm gonna miss those guys. I'm sure I'll see them on their breaks...hopefully.

Oh yeah. I love how all the hip-hop groups in CMW love us. They are super supportive. I love those guys. Like Carl says, "You guys are slappin!!" haha.

-Riot!Ross

PS. Brandon Voorhies is officially our "groupie" lol.

Next: Fun Times

I am completely excited for tomorrow. It's going to be a fun filled day...besides the three test I have. That's beside the point though. Asian Persuasion will be performing for the first time tomorrow! Hooray! Our whole performance is going to be off the chain..ok old saying but I'll use. I can't wait to wear my new dress tomorrow for our show. It reminds me of Katy Perry. She is amazing.

The next fun thing will be the first pep band game. Thank god I'm starting to get over my cold. Hopefully I'll be ok tomorrow. I'm not exactly exicted for my piccolo "solo" in Holiday (a Green Day Song) because it's so high and hurts my fragile throat, but It'll be rad I guess. I'm hoping it won't be too cold tomorrow night. I hate when it's freezing out there during football games.

Again, my writing seems super choppy and all over the place lately on this blog. I need to get my thoughst more organized...

-Riot!Ross

Under the Weather

Why did I have to catch a cold? My head feels like it's going to explode and my nose is plugged up like an old man's ears at a concert. At least my throat isn't super dry anymore. I hope my cold passes quickly.

Tomorrow are the auditions for the first School House Rocks (yes...I think the name should be changed) I'm nervous. I hope we rock out hard. 11 bands are auditioning and only 5/6 bands will be chosen. *cross fingers.* *knock on wood*

I've been working on the AP myspace. It's going pretty well. We are gaining a lot of profile views and friends. Can't wait to add music and videos to it.

So I just lost my chain of thought... later readers. <3

-Riot!Ross

PS. Love you Janessa. Things will be ok.

PPS. Happy 3 Months Doug...well tomorrow that is. Love Love!

We Can Work It Out

Most of the day was pretty calm instead of stressful. I almost freaked out in CM because Jeremy was sick and didn't show but things worked out. I HAD to talk to Mr. Foreman about adding a guitarist to Asian Persuasion and things worked out. Ashley's band is breaking apart after this first assignment and don't want Ariel. He's a really good guitar player and will help us out in "Kiss Me". He'll hopefully become our 2nd guitarist too. Yess. He can play things by ear! Genius.

I feel like I haven't seen or talked to Doug in sooo long even though I saw him last Friday and talk to him through text everyday. I actually was able physically talk to him on the phone today. It was nice. I was able to explain all the band drama to him. Miss him. We're both so busy and he's always working now. Oh, well...we'll find time. At least I hope so.

-Riot!Ross

"...then the band will self-destruct."

Another drama filled day. Didn't I say I wanted a drama free year. Yeah right! I believe that will never happen. Funny thing is, all the drama is in something that I'm suppose to love and enjoy, band. The main reason for all the stress, frustration, and wishes to quit come from the sarcastic..blah blah, that Mr. Foreman is. I can't believe how he treated Janessa and others in the band. For one, she didn't yell. Two, calling her parents really?? Three, he was just mad someone finally spoke up. He's a huge drama QUEEN and everyone is tired of it.

I basically named this blog from my new quote. It came from the conversation about what if we all quit band. I was saying if I quit band, then my mom would quit being band booster president and without her the band would self destruct. lol. It's kind of sad once you think of it..but also so hilarious. The band is basically made up of the Junior class. How sad.

Yet, we won't quit. We won't quit because of our friends, scholarships, looking good on applications and of course the fun. (besides the foreman stuff)

Besides the band stuff, I'm also nervous about CM. I seriously hope that Jeremy can get down his part. The rest of us have our parts down, so we just have to be patient and wait on him. We have until Tuesday. Just have to have a little faith. I had this vision of a super rad band that just blew everyone away. I hope that vision will still exist. I kind of miss Cas Ven...

I really need to sleep. Tomorrow is picture day and I don't know what I'm wearing. I guess it doesn't really matter though. They only catch the very top of every one's torso and then their head. haha. Night night cyberspace. Stay safe.

-Riot!Ross

PS. I'm tired of these rant post. :[ sorry.. oh I mean "my bad"

Fun Time and Tag Time

I was tagged by Jackie Lee..so I guess I'll type out my list.

16 Things You May or May Not Know About Me:

1. I'm my hardest critic.
2. I'm "Blackinese"
3. My phone is being retarded and I need a new one
4. I've never met my father and don't really care
5. I say I don't care what people think about me, but I think I do :[
6. I have huge dreams, but a shaky reality
7. I hate my hair at times.
8. I stress WAY too much
9. My mom is my hero
10. I would be depressed without my ipod
11. I seriously need some water right now. (so hot!)
12. I'm obsessed with trying to connect with people in bands
13. "It's hard to be smart."-Craig
14. I save all my concert and movie tickets
15. My room defines me and my life
16. I love a huge variety of music

Ok, done. I tag anyone who read this...lol

Today was a lot more fun than I thought it would be. It was SO hot though. St. Pat's chili was the bomb! It was super chill to sit by the pool by Jackie's after. (wish I could of swam..freaking female problems.. :[ ) They "water sports" games they were playing were hilarous. Pool and basketball was the funniest.

BBQ tomorrow at Bri-Man's house. Jacob must be 10 feet tall. haha.

-Riot!Ross

Suffocating

Bluntly, I broke down in tears when I got home from band practice yesterday. I hate crying. It makes my eyes and head hurt. It also makes my eyes super red and puffy. I also feel that when I cry I'm just not keeping it together. Ever since middle/high school, I find myself breaking down more and more. I stress out so much. Here is why yesterday was a TERRIBLE day:

1. Vintage "Gay" got the room that we asked and worked for. Flipping a coin...?? Really Mr. Foreman... >_<
2. School is barely letting me breathe

3. Mr. Foreman is a donkey

4. Gave me a dirty look because my mom didn't answer ONE of his calls. He said he called several times. WHATEVER LIAR.

5. Switched me to flute for the march to "try it out"

6. I'm guessing you can tell that I'm not very happy with him..lol

So all the pressure just built up and I couldn't handle it. My mom even asked if I wanted to quit band. I couldn't do that though. I'm only staying because of my friends (aka family).

Today was a little better. Tons of work still and it's SUPER hot everywhere I go. I hope I can make it this year. This is definitely not good for my health.

I'm happy with our band (Asian Persuasion! *thanks Joe*) Jeremy fits in so well with all of us. I hope our first cover, "Kiss Me" (New Found Glory version) goes well. I already memorized it. We MUST do amazing. I need to prove that we are Rad..hopefully we are.

-Riot!Ross

1st Day Breakdown

Today was the first day of school and I'm already tired and stressing out. I think school is unhealthy for me since my stress levels are sky high. My mom said, "You're gonna have more gray hairs than me." I bet she's right. haha.. :[

So English seemed ok i guess. I could predict almost everything that she was going to throw our way since Andrew gave me all of his work and stuff. It'll help a lot, but of course I will do all the work myself. I'm not a cheating maniac it's against what I believe in.

Contemporary music was a little strange. I miss all of the people that graduated. It didn't feel the same. It was cool that Craig stopped by. Oh, and we BETTER get that back room. I've been requesting it since the last day of school. (and poor brandon has no home in that class yet.)

Pre-Calc seems to be so-so..so far. I hope I can keep up. Ms. Hayden said it shouldn't be any harder. I just need to stay focused. Uggh. I sit next to Meg Perth. Oh well, she's quiet and on the other side of my I have V and Jackie. *yay* (Having lunch after this period is weird)

Journalism was mostly talk today about the newspaper. I still don't get why Sana is the editor. hmmm. (sorry is you read this lol)

Holy Moly History God. APUSH is frightening. My boots( if I had a pair) are shaking with terror. I love Trotter, but man is this year going to be hard. I'll some how get through it. It would be amazing if I passes the exam. I would be in bliss. (I'd probably cry tears of joy too.)

Last but not least..(ok maybe least), people were right about Chemistry. Mr. Machado does speak all over the place. AND he definitely says "hella", "hecka", and "totally" way much. "It's hella dead." is one of my favorite quotes now. lol. He's so corny is funny. Love that guy though. Bassist stick together! (Oh and I think the whole grade/seating deal is hilarous)

So I'll keep you posted on how I will surive my junior year. Hope it goes well.

-Riot!Ross

Let The Games Begin

Tomorrow a new journey begins. That journey is called Junior Year. I'm bummed out that summer vacation will officially be over tomorrow. Now homework and band will fill up all of my time. Junior year is suppose to be the hardest of them all and I am scared to death. Here are a few guidelines for myself:

1. Do well in school. (Stride for that 4.0+)
2. Do well in band. ("I'll do it for the band.")

3. Make mind-blowing music in CM.

4. NEVER GIVE UP

5. Respect myself and those who respect me.

6. Keep my beliefs and stay true to my heart.

So hopefully everything runs smoothly. I'm hoping drama doesn't break out, but it usually does over stupid things. I just can't let it bother me. I'm glad I have such good friends though. I love those guys. It's also super rad that Jackie and I have the same schedule. That's exciting!

I NEED to figure out what I want to do in life. I need to get really serious about photography or something. If I go into senior year without an answer to questions like, "Where do you want to go to college?" or "What do you want to do after school?" I might go crazy. I hate not knowing because it completely scares me. It also makes me feel really lame. I just have to stay focused.

-Riot!Ross

And The Countdown Begins

After today, there will only be one more day left of my summer vacation. Rats. It's been one of the best summers I've ever had. I'm sad to see it come to an end. From the experience of camp, to all the shows, to spending time with my mom and friends, it's been amazing. I have gained so many memories just from these quick 2.5 months. I hope next year's summer is just as fun.

At the moment, a BBQ is going on at my house, but I can't say that I'm having tons of fun. It's probably due to me being tired (like always). But anyway, that's why I'm on my laptop yet again, typing out this blog. I spend why too much on my laptop, oh well. Hopefully I become more energetic.

I finally went to Target to buy The Academy Is...'s new cd. It's awesome. I love those boys and their music. The album cover is really refreshing too. I'm guessing it's the colors and cleanness they used in the font and the picture. I applaud them. *clap clap* :]

-Riot!Ross

Who Let The Yankees In The Chip Shop?

I had so much fun today. I went to the Art&Soul Festival in Oakland to see The Wombats and The Matches (and a few opening bands on Clay street). It was Justin's (their bassist) last show today. He's going back to college. I'm going to miss him. :[ BUT their new bassist Dylan is adorable and really good. Yes! Bassist Unite!

The Wombats were so much fun. Their bassist is insane. He was jumping and swinging his bass all over the place. He almost hit these Asian kids in the front row with the neck of his bass. That would have hurt..ouch. 0_0

Matches=Amazing. It was sad that it was Justin's last show though. It was sad when Justin switched off with Dylan but he's cool. I got to meet him. I asked if he could sign the map of the festival. When he was about to, he was like ,"I keep wanting to put this can on the floor..hmm." Then I said I would hold it for him. Dylan: "Really? I love you!!" Haha.

Later on when I was talking to Dylan, Momo, and Nikki, he got our names and we just started talking. It was very chill and he says Legit! haha. We're his new BFFs now. His words, not mine. It was funny when he asked Nikki if her myspace last name was Thump. "I didn't want to confirm you till I met you. Now I can!" That's awesome. That's called a connection right there. I'm all about connections.

Ok, I'm completely rambling now so I will cut it off now. Have a nice night for those of you who might read this.

xo:Riot! Ross

Adventures at the State Fair

Went to the State Fair up in Sacramento with my mom and Andrew yesterday. I don't usually enjoy the fair due to: the heat and the fact that I've gone so many times in the past. This year was a bit more fun since I had a friend there. Here's an overview:

1. HEAT
2. Junk Food
3. Tons of booths...Snap Caps!
4. Jon and Kate +8 type families. lol
5. Peking Acrobats( thumbs up "OK?!" lol) and creepy man hypnotizing people on stage(hilarous)
6. Sore
7. Richard Kiel signing autographs. He's from the Bonds movies and Happy Gilmore. (yeah didn't know him by his name either.)

That's basically what the fair is plus other musical acts. Andrew is hilarous. Very entertaining haha. Today I'm going to the Art and Soul Festival in Oakland to see The Wombats and The Matches last show with Justin as their bassist. *tear*. Hope it's a good show!

-Riot!Ross

Shoulda Coulda

I thought about joining the FTSK Street Team..but after reading through all the "What's expected of you" stuff, it kind of scared me. I barely have enough time for myself. It sucks to think about how I knew about them before most kids. I coulda joined the street team at that time and then said I've been there from the start..but nope.

I began to really get into their music just before they suddenly showed up on MTV..poop. I wish I could go back in time, become great friends with them, and then I'd have everything in the bag. Oh well, I'll just have to find another way to work with them or become a least slight friends with them. Sucks that so many people are into them now. There's tons of people who want to do the same thing as me. I saw I'm different than them...but maybe not. I need to find a way for myself to stand out. Who knows? Maybe it won't happen, which is a really sad thought. I was also invited to join Hey Monday's ST, but I haven't really listened to them. I should though. They're pretty good I think.

The future scares me. I still am not 100% sure of what I want to do. Sure, no one really does, but I stress about these kind of things. Of course I have dreams and ideas, but how do I reach those goals? I need to seriously start looking more into it. I say I want to be a photographer at live shows..but how? One year I'd like to work Warped Tour. That's a dream.

Ugh. School starts soon.

-Riot!Ross

Sassyback....please?

< #1. This picture of K Dirty makes me laugh everytime. Thought I would share...

Moving on: The closing ceremony for the Olympics is surprisingly slightly sad. Everyone has been so involved in watching it..what will we watch now?? haha. It'll be weird to not watch it (even though I sometimes got tired of it) I hope London can live up to the amazing ceremonies that Bejing provided for our viewing pleasure.

Shout out to KYLE BURNS (even though he won't read this..lol. i wish!): HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Wow he's 23..making him 7 years older than me and Janessa..maaan. lol.

That brings me to say, we HAVE to make it to that FTSK concert. I will go crazy and be in a really bad mood if we don't go. If I have to sit in band practice while missing an amazing show..flames/smoke will be coming from my head. Janessa wants to customize drum sticks for Kyle and I wanna give Kyle, K Dirty, and maybe the other guys something. Yess. It's cool how I can say I knew about them before a lot of kids..but too bad they don't know that. darno. :( I hope to professionally photograph them live (Live as in performance) one day! I pray we make it to the "Sassyback Tour".

-Riot! Ross

PS. Yay! I got my new light installed in my room.

Short and Sweet

So hooray! I was able to upload a new profile picture. I was going to be mad if Blogger didn't let me lol.

Pretty tired from band camp again. It was ok though. We had master classes and it went pretty well. Marching seems to be going so-so with the new group too. Hopefully this fall season is amazing. I'm not in drumline, but Z already said that they are 10x better than last year. haha. WOW. I'm excited for them. Oh but if Mr. Foreman wants me to play bass for drumline, he better let me know soon. I don't want to know about it last minute.

-Riot!Ross

"One time at band camp..."

First off, I'm highly annoyed that Blogger isn't saving my profile picture. It better work by tomorrow.

Ok second, today was the first day of band camp. I definitely wasn't looking forward to it...but it was good to see everyone. We don't seem to have gotten smaller which is a good thing. That would have been terrible...but we only have two flutes..and I have to play piccolo...uggh. Oh well. I'll hopefully get the hang out it. We have band camp all week. I'm so tired. I slept for at least an hour after camp. haha. I had a huge headache. Hopefully I won't get one tomorrow...but I probably will.

Wish me luck. Thanks if you actually read about my life. I appreciate it, really I do.

-Riot!Ross

PS...thanks Jackie for probably being the only one that reads this. lol. <3

Warped Tour: Take 2

For years I've wanted to go to Warped Tour. I was finally able to go this summer...better yet, I was able to go twice. I went to the one down at the Pier in SF and then the other in Mountain View. Both were amazing. I have to say I like the set up at the Pier better, but performance wise, everything was super.

FTSK's set had to be one of my favorites. I love how much they love their fans. They'll take the time to actually talk to them. That's how all bands should be like. I'm glad I held down my spot at the barricade. It was well worth it, and of course I got great pictures.

After their set I was able to see them face to face once again. I even took pictures with K Dirty and Joe. Joe was like "With me??" Hey, even the techs are important. Those guys are awesome.

Janessa was going crazy every time she saw or met Mr. Kyle Burns. Those two drummers set off the "vibe" lol. I adore those boys. I hope to be able to get better live shots of them once I buy my Canon. I need money!

So, even though scheduling and running around to fit in as many bands as possible was tough, it was a lot of fun. I love how my mom went around to gather the free goods from booths. She's amazing. Can't wait for next year's Warped. I will hopefully be able to go. :)

-Riot!Ross

Records Only Please

I love the city. It's the perfect place to be inspired and the perfect place to photograph things. Too bad I don't have a special Canon camera yet. I would be using that treasure to death if I had one. I really need to save my money for one. I need money for some clothes too. Ok, yeah. I don't NEED any more clothes, but I have these pieces that I really WANT. I found basically all of them at Urban Outfitters, but since they just want to gobble up everyone's money, I couldn't buy those pieces. Sucks, but I guess I'll have to wait.

It was rad to hang out with Tycho and his friend Anton. I'm glad I'm keeping in touch with the GC Kids. Tycho is an interesting and amazing human being. He surely is one-of-a-kind. I love listening to his stories. I love the record/music connection he has with his father. He keeps me entertained and I learn something new from him each time.

It was fun to watch him search through the $1 bins at Amoeba and other record stores searching for the old school or strange prize possesions he calls records. He bought a total of 14 today..and 20 yesterday. Wow. Poor Anton was not digging it. lol.

-Riot! Ross

"When I Was Your Age..."

Wait, SATs?? How old am I??..16. Ok, how did I get this old so fast? It's starting to freak me out. Soon I'll be a little old granny telling my grand kids stuff like..."When I was your age we had 2D TV." lol idk.

I went to Barnes and Noble with my mom today to find a SAT and an AP US History Exam book. There were so many choices I started to feel overwhelmed. It was the worst feeling. The stress and anxiety started to come back. Yeah, school is definitely starting soon. I hope I survive my junior year....I probably will..but I'll have to work my butt off as always. I'm scared..terrified really.

I just hope all the hard work will pay off. I definitely don't want it to go to waste. I'm working so hard on going to a good school..what if the best school for me is like a little art school for photography or something. Oh well, I need to go to a four year. I've worked too hard not to.

-Riot! Ross

To Inspire Me, Press 1

I'm beginning to feel like myself again. I felt like I was in a weird spot in a pool of confusion which was really nothing at all. I find myself being inspired a lot lately. I'm still developing into my own self. My interest are growing, my style is expanding like always, my connections are increasing and I hope I will become the person I've always wanted to be.

I've always had goals and rules for myself. Things that I've always believed in have made me strong a person and they've helped me along the path of life. Some of those inlcude: Being straight-edge (aka no smoking, drinking, or drugs), Having my own mind, Staying focused on school and my dreams, Loving music, and other things I believe in.

I read about this girl named Patriciana Tenicela and she's like me. She's straight edge and said that since she has tattoos and dresses with a punk style people think she's a drinker or druggie. She's not though. I find her amazing and inspiring.

I'm inspired by people who dare to be themselves, even though it shouldn't really be a dare. People who care so much about what people think of them are insane. It takes way too much effort. This really is a random post but it's something that is always on my mind I guess. I'm just a girl who's trying to find and develop herself. I may not know what the future holds for me (which is one of my biggest fears) but I know whatever happens, I want to be happy.

-Riot!Ross

Ribs Anyone?

Last night was definitely a different experience. My mom and I went over to her best friend's house to celebrate both of their birthdays. Her best friend had also turned 50, 3 days before my mom did, and they hadn't gotten together yet, so we went over last night. I showed them the video of the GRAMMY Camp Showcase that my mom taped, and then we went to dinner.

We drove over to Oakland, because one of her sons was getting off of bart there. We met him at the restuarant, Everett and Jones, a BBQ joint. The girl seating everyone was super lame. This was not the kind of job she should be working. She was so quiet that when she called someone's name, no one could hear her. Well, we waited about 30 minutes before this asian worker came up to us and told us they had run out of ribs. A BBQ rib place with no ribs...WTF. haha. When we walked out and down the street, that lame girl came out and actually YELLED "Arlene! Party of 6!!" Whoa, she could actually speak loudly. Anyway, we left to go to their other establishment in Alameda.

When we arrived and entered the doorway of the supposed restuarant, to our surprise, the restuarant was at the back of a sports bar. We walked past the bar to a very casual counter where we had to order out food. We sat down at one of the few tables at the place and laughed our heads off. We had 6 people, 3 adults and 3 kids. (Well the other two are a couple years older than me) When we got our food, the corn bread was cold, and the 4 sides (that are suppose to feed 3/4 people) weren't even big enough for 1 person.

At the bar portion of the building, there were freakin kids and one was a baby. The dad was feeding his baby in one arm and drinking with the other. His other son was also chasing after an invisible ball around the bar. Child services anyone??

They also had the most random songs playing on the jukebox. No One by Alicia Keys, a Beach Boys song, and Creep by Radio Head. Wow, not the greatest mix ever. Good songs, random placement.

When we left that crazy place, we went back to their house and guess what was on HBO?? A Revenge of the Nerds marathon...heck yes! Only got to watch #1+2 though. It was getting kinda late so we had to leave..darn. It was a nice ending to our random night though. Yay! for birthdays. lol.

-Riot!Ross

The Final Riot

Yesterday, my mom and I went up to Reno for a Paramore show. It was the Final Riot Tour. Surprisingly they aren't coming down to the bay, so I'm glad my mom got us tickets. I finally got to see them live. Yay! The openers were The Paper Route(yuck), Phantom Planet, and Jack's Mannequin. For only waiting in line for about 45 minutes, I made it to barracade..even if was a little off to the side.

We had so much space around us, because we were near these two girls from San Jose and then a mom and son that were really cool. We bascially bonded together against all the complete idiots around us. I elbowed and shoved so many girls off of me. It was great. Man....shows make me violent. lol.

Branching off from the amazing show. Idk. I've been feeling differently about things lately. I think camp kind of changed me in a way. I'm not sure how, but I feel myself becoming a little different. A good kind of different though. Somethings I'm not sure about anymore and that's scary. I don't know how to explain it. I'll figure things out.

-Riot!Ross

The Missing

I can't believe GRAMMY Camp is over. It's a really weird feeling not hanging out and singing at Ground Zero. I miss all of the GRAMMY kids already. I wish we could all just live near each other instead of all over the country. My new friends are amazing and are inspirations. I will never forget them and I hope they won't forget me because I would love to work with them in the future. I am definitely going to keep in touch with them whether if it's on facebook, email, AIM, or by phone. If you guys are reading this..I love you all!

This morning was very sad. Everyone was super tired...( Since a lot of us only got 3 hours of sleep due to the after dance party! Thank you Techno Scott!) It was hard to say goodbye to all of them. A part of me wanted to cry, but I didn't. That cart ride to breakfast was pretty funny. Can't believe we all fit on there. Oh, and Lisa is super rad. So glad she didn't fall off the cart..(I won't mention the name that caused it. haha)

Being home right now is strange. I don't hear the piano playing, or the guitar players strumming along. I don't have my GRAMMY friends to laugh and joke with. I'm watching the showcase though. It's at the end where we all go on stage. Best day ever.

I decided to dedicate this post to Joseph LeMay because of what he said to me when we were saying goodbye. He asked if I had a blog cause he wanted to read it. Anyone that wants to read my blog is amazing. So thank you Joe! Also, thanks to all of you who made GRAMMY Camp the best experience ever. I hope they change the age range to 14-19 (yes Alex i know you are hoping too) Hope those of you who can go next year go!

-Riot!Ross

Catch Me If You Can

I know I was tired before. Well, I'm always tired, but now all this GRAMMY Camp "go go go", stress, and everything else is just catching up to me. My body is like slowly breaking down and little things (such as things taking to long to do) are getting on my nerves and I don't have the patience to wait for a couple of freakin word changes. My god, I hate the feeling of wanting to punch something. 

At least I get to see my mom and grandma tomorrow. Last night was awesome though. We got to go backstage of the Steely Dan concert, eat their YUMMY catering ( holy cow it was delicious), and we got to tour the whole NOKIA LA Theatre. Pretty super rad. The show was great. The songs kinda blended into one at one point but it was cool. Got my own backstage working pass..yess. Ok, I gotta work I guess. Wish I could sleep instead.

- (Losing my mind)-Riot!Ross 

"Never Ever, Never Ever"

FINALLY finished the program for the Showcase concert. That took soo long. I hope I never have to do that again. Typing up those names took soo freaking long. AND waiting for people to send me the list of the names took even longer. Yeah, I'm exhausted. 

2/3 more days till I can go home. Don't get me wrong. I'll miss all my friends that I met here at GRAMMY Camp, but I miss home, my family, and my other friends. It'll be weird not seeing the V.I.P group everyday (aka the music journalist/promo kids) It'll also be weird not getting into exclusive things or meeting big time people in the business. I'll miss it. But I love home too. Shout yes if you want your own bathroom. 

Steely Dan concert tonight. We get to eat and see how the backstage area works and then we get to watch the concert from box seats. SWEET. Gotta go and be a journalist. Peace.

-Riot!Ross

I Keep Snapping My Fingers But The Lights Won't Turn Off

I am so tired. Beyond tired actually. More like exhausted. But even though my eyelids are feeling very heavy, I am pushing ahead to get my work done. I am in love with the video I did. I spent about 4/5 hours editing it. In the end it was worth it. Glad Joseph likes it since it's about his combo lol. Super Rad. By the way, before GRAMMY Camp I hated Macs, but now I love them and wish I had one. They are amazing. Enough said.

So I have to finish typing up the names and companies for the program for the Showcase on friday. Man, the beginning of camp went by so slow. Now it's going by like warp speed. It'll be weird not seeing all of these kids everyday. Connections=Important and awesome. 

Tomorrow, the journalism/promotion track get to go to backstage at the Steely Dan concert. Sweet...even though I can't really remember any of their songs. Can't wait to experience the backstage madness...and food. yess. lol. Ok, I am going to do something else now. Bye for the day. Unless something else random pops up into my mind like always. Love-Love. 

-Riot!Ross

Let There Be Life

Hey! So this is my first post for Memory Lane. It'll be pretty short since I'm busy editing a video for Grammy Camp at the moment. The dudes I taped are awesome. I went to their combo rehearsal last night and was able to watch them create a new original song. It's pretty rad. Definitely a "head bobber" song. 

Anyway keep checking back for new posts. I'll be writing about all my experiences and memories that happen from here on out (FHOO!..man I miss them lol) Thanks for taking the time to read a little into my life. <3

-Riot!Ross