Chit chat...this & that!

[epiphony]

I have a thing called "Monitor Cleaner" by Stanger. It's really really good. Completely cleans my screen and my laptop is fine everytime I use it.

So today my best friend left for Berlin so he came over and we watched movies and stuff and chilled. He left after an hour or two because he had a 3 am flight . But, a friend from school who lives down the road stopped by and said he was having a party so I ended up going to that and now I'm only back at 3am. Haha, it's so nice being able to just walk two minutes to my house and get into my warm bed.

I have a terrible cold/flu right now and my mom is convinced I have swine flu. She wants me to go to the hospital. Anyone know what the symptoms are? I have a bit of a cough, a blocked nose and I feel a bit nauseous. I doubt I have swine flu though, there are only 12 reported cases in the entire country.

Anyway, I have been working on a demo for a while now. I have about 70+ songs written so picking about 5 or 6 for my demo is quite hard. I have decided on a name for the demo which is "Epiphonies and Soliloquies". In case anyone is wondering, I do know that epiphany is spelt with an A but I'm spelling it with an O because, well that's what my guitar is called. Anyway, I have been working with my audio software and trying to get the best possible quality, but my guitar amp is quite dodgy right now so I'm not sure if I can record the electric yet. Bass and Acoustic are going fine though. I'm hoping to make a tiny bit of money out of this considering unemployment is up to 15% in Ireland which is greater than it has ever been here.

The recession sucks.

[Nerf]

Thanks, Karla, I'll look for that cleaner.

Hmm. I'm not sure what the symptoms are. I thought they were basically the same as a regular flu... except that you occasionally oink like a pig. Hope you get better soon.

Wow, that's a lot of songs. Maybe you should pick out some of your favorites and record yourself playing them, put them up on youtube, and see what kind of reaction you get. That might help you decide some. *shrug*

The unemployment rate here in the United States is about 9%, but we have a lot more people than you, so... wow. That's quite high. This recession does suck. I lost my job a little over a month ago and have been sending out a bunch of applications, but haven't gotten any response from any of them. *sigh* Well good luck with the demo and here's hoping you make a few bucks.

[Lexi]

Oh, I hope you get better soon. My sister has the flu at the moment. The symptoms for swine flu are the same as regular flu, there's not actually that much difference and actually regular flu kills more people than what swine flu does, its just that we don't hear about it because the news has hyped up swine flu far too much. I won't worry about it, just keep drinking lots of fluids - especially orange juice - and if in doubt stock up on vitamins, it'll help your body fight it off.

Sounds good on the demo though, I'd love to hear them so I'm with Nerf, I think you should record yourself and put them on youtube, just be sure to put a link somewhere here so we can check it out I love singers that can write their own songs.

Man, the recession is really annoying the hell out of me. I'm in England, so I know how you're feeling. A lot of my university friends are from Ireland. I'm just so glad that I've been accepted to the Army, I was reading somewhere that the graduating class of 2009 are going to find it the hardest getting a job because there's so many more graduates and so many less job opportunities because work places closing down. Teaching and the military seem to be the safest two areas at the moment.

Recently, I've been packing to go away again. I'm going to a summer camp for Christian teenagers. Its something that I used to do as a teen, so now I'm going back to help as a Leader. I did it last year and am really looking forward to it. It starts on Tuesday for a week.

[epiphony]

Thanks, Lexi. I have been sitting inside for a day or two drinking and curled up under a blanket watching really bad TV. I'm so sick of all these "You my baby daddy!" girls on Maury.

The army? Wow. That is really really brave and admirable. I seriously respect anyone who has the guts to do something like that. Are you hoping to fight in war?

Thanks for the comments about the demo I might put stuff on youtube, but I really don't have the confidence. I'm always so worried that some kid from my class or school will find it and make fun of me. Haha, I'm such a baby.

[Quiet Desperation]

I haven't been here in a long time. Anyway, Karla, I hope you get well soon. I only like flues during school...I always wish I get sick during school. Did that flue get better or worse, Karla? And how long has it been since you got it.

OMG, I want you to do that demo! It would be freaking amazing, dude. You have a lot of songs, too. I'm with Nerf on that one, post some on Youtube. Who cares about that kid? I have a million of kids up I disagree. lol. I hope you do post them.

I hope you have fun at the summer camp, Lexi. I personally hate summer camps, well, camps in general. I juts hate them. I don't anyone to tell me what to do in some camp. But anyways, tell us all about it once you have the time.

Dudes, I might get my laptop tomorrow. I'm very excited. I'm also gonna get The Sims 3! Has anyone else on this board played yet? I love the sims. Karla, aren't you a sims fan? If you are, than high five! I miss working on graphics and vids, and this laptop would be the "comeback". Haha.

Oh, and my sister is coming on Tuesday from Amsterdam. Ahh. I miss her so much. She's staying for 10 days, then she's leaving for New York for her P.H.D. I hope she's gotten taller, though. lol. She told me that people in Amsterdam are so much taller than she is. lol. She would kill me if she found out I wrote that here. lol

So, what's new with everyone else?

[David]

I'm doing a week's work experience on Monday It's at my town's local newspaper, so nothing big but it's experience and it should be fun-ish, plus it's something to add to my CV, which in drastic need of a lift.

I'm not entirely sure what I'll be doing all week, probably just following people around and stuff like that, seeing how everything works. I was worried I'd just be sitting in a corner all week bringing people stuff, but apparently I'll be out of the office, so it sounds like it'll be a lot more experinence than I originally thought.

But apart from that it's the same old, I seriously can't wait to get back to uni in September which can't come soon enough! No job+sitting around the house = hell!

[Nerf]

I'd comment on what the rest of you have said, but I just want to be grrr right now.

I've been wanting to write something for awhile that isn't attached to my series. Just to write something fresh that isn't connected to all these big arcs. I have all these ideas floating around and I finally plunged into one, which deals with Billie and the destruction of Atlantis, but... I dunno. I'm so rusty and the writing just sucks. I still want to continue with the idea, but ugh. All my writing talent is gone. I feel like I don't even know how to write anymore.

So basically what I'm saying is.... GAH!!!!!!

[Quiet Desperation]

Nerf, that sucks. I haven't been able to write anything myself. I'm barely in the mood to write. I'm sure your writing talent isn't gone. You're a great writer. Good luck with that Billie story.

Guys, guess which computer I'm typing on...my MacBook white! Yes! I'm very happy about this. It's so exciting. Ahhhh!! This is fantastic for me.

Anyways, I'm going to the airport in about 6 and a half hours to get my sister. Another exciting deal!

What's new with everyone else?

[Melissa]

Swine flu is propaganda...

Karla! I really hope the demo turns out well. I want to say that I know a rock star! Love the name of the demo, definitely go with it.

Manar, congrats on the new computer!

I got my bottom braces on today, except there is no pretty color or wire. Just the stupid brackets. It goes "scratchy scratchy" against the inside of my lip and I WANT TO KILL IT!

Other than that, not doing too much.

My mom, my friend, and I are going to see Hanson and Hellogoodbye in October. (Interesting pair, right?)

[Nerf]

Thanks, Manar. Awesome that you have a laptop now. Ah, I love my own MacBook.

Sorry about your braces, Melissa. I've never needed braces, thank goodness. Cool that you get to see those bands. Hanson is sooo much cooler than it once was. They have grown into a really good rock band.

Ugh. There is a REALLY loud band here right now. It seems like music I would like usually, but not when it is blasting in my house. They have those stupid, huge amps that shake the house. Blah! Can barely hear myself think.

[epiphony]

Nerf, that happens to me here all the time. There is a stadium next to me where all the big bands play. Last night was Metallic...that was fun...

Melissa, braces hurt for the first while, but ya get used to them. I had them for three years and I didn't even notice them by the end. At least you'll have perfect teeth right?

Manar, I HATE you! I want a MacBook so bad, but they are like €1000, and I don't have that kind of money for a computer.

I have some Demo news, the first track is done and it is called Broken. Alex got a little snippet of it so he can tell yall how horrid my voice is haha. I'm struggling super hard to try get a cover done for the demo. My photoshop skills suck now I guess I'll stick to mediocre writing and music making..

Any news with anyone else?

[Quiet Desperation]

Thanks, guys. Karla, lol, I'm sure you'll get it eventually. You should ask someone to get it for you as a gift for you birthday or something. Nerf, which MacBook do you have?

Karla, I'm so jealous of Alex. Haha. I wanna hear what you got. I love the title of the track. Please post it!!!! I'm so eager to hear you. Good luck with the rest of the demo. I'm sure it'll be great.

I'm hanging out with my sister and younger brother at the moment and we're watching Friends. Haha, "Does it look like a urinal?" Lmao. I'm watching The One with the Inappropriate Sister. A great episode so far. LOL Monica and Ross are wrestling.

What's new with everyone else?

[Nerf]

I don't know, it's a MacBook. It's white. It's a few years old, but is still good.

Karla, why does Alex get to hear it and not us? Come on, girl, give us the goods! And by goods, I mean songs.

Okay... Performing. At an art festival. In ten hours. Freaking out. ... That is all.

[epiphony]

Ok, due to popular demand... haha not really, more out of sheer boredom, I have recorded a bad cover of Taylor Swift and put it on youtube.

The quality is quite bad because I recorded with a web cam, if I do another one I'll use a mic so it sounds better.

Ps, I look a state because I was out at a club last night and this is the morning after

Anyways, here you go guys

www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EmE3k7TO3k

[Astral Martin]

Karla, that was really good. You have sort of like a mellow soft voice when you sing. Really chilled, kind of like Jewel. I'm mad I know what she sound like, but yeah. Nice job!

Yesterday goes down in record as one of my favorite days of the summer. So, I go to the program's banquet. It was to give out awards for all the hard workers. One category was overall academic excellence and the other was perseverance award (fancy way of saying you don't have to be the brightest color in the crayon box to get an award). I got a perseverance award in sociology.

So at the end of the night they gave out an overall academic award and an overall perseverance award. I won the perseverance award and won a 200 dollar bond towards college. Nobody had expecting it, not even me! ;D When me and my brother got home, we both started to jumped on the bed (still dressed and wearing our dress shoes) but only for 10 second because 2 teenage boys jumping on the bed? It was bound to break! And i'll be going to Virginia tomorrow morning and won't be back til Wednesday. I'll explain more tonight in the Away thread. Just thought I'd share that w/ you guys.

[Melissa]

Karlaaaaaaaaaaaaa! I'm seeing the dollar signs! You are so good! Also, you look exactly like Paige in your avatar, minus the funny face. Good luck!

AstralKnight, congrats! That's really cool!

Akndsogus! Don't mind the random typing. I am so bored and tired. My friend had me up until 3 AM on Facebook, and then I had to get up at 9:30. Tomorrow I'm going to see the Harry Potter movie now that's it's quieting down. Then, I'm going over to my sister's apartment for lunch. Weeeeeeeeeee! :/

[Quiet Desperation]

Karla!! Where have you been hiding all this time?! Haha. Girl, you're really good. Reallly good. You have a real talent in playing the guitar, it sounds amazing. As for your voice, it's really good too, I bet it would sound great when recorded on a mic. I think that demo will sound amazing. I'm sure it will. How is the demo going, anyway? Okay, so, can't wait to hear the next song from you! Well done.

AstralKnight, that's awesome. Congrats! Have fun in Virginia.

Mel, lol, what? Now you're so bored you're typing randomly? Lmao. I guess I would do the same. Why aren't we ever on at the same time? I miss chatting with you, girl.

Nerf, awesome! An art festival sounds great. I'm assuming it already happened...? How did it go? Hope it went well.

What's new with everyone else?

[Criminally Vulgar]

Sorry I didn't pop in sooner. lol I just wanted to say 1) Karla, your voice is beautiful, 2) Thank you so much for sharing your talent with me exclusively (I thought you gave it to a couple of others as well, but I guess not? :S I feel so special! ;D) and 3) I'm so proud of you for starting that YouTube channel. I just checked out your video and I think it's wonderful. Can't wait to hear more about your music! ;D

[Melissa]

Karla, now you have me in a singing mood!

Tonight, I'm going to play BINGO with my sisters and some friends. I'm excited, I hope I win something! I'm ready to kick some granny butt! I haven't really gotten too made up in a while. Actually, I haven't worn make-up in over a month. So, I think I'll put some make-up on for tonight!

[Astral Martin]

;D SHADOW TALES!!!!

Damn, it's good to be back!

All right, Virgina was pretty dang fun. We sat on the bus for about 7 hours with breaks in between. We were so bored but we managed to make alot of fun out of it. We did karaoke with songs off someone's phone, and we watched Final Destination 3, the Family that Preys, and another movie that I can't remember. But it was so fun.

The first night we got to the hotel, I had to sleep on the floor since I was rooming with 3 other guys. But we just kept running back and forth in the hallways, going into the other rooms. It was really funny.

On our first tour, we went to Monticello (pronounced "chello"), which was the estate of Thoma Jefferson located in Charlottesville. He had a really beautiful and unique house, which was highly complimented in French furniture. But it was too hot to actually realize it. It was, like, 97 degrees out, and we weren't aloud to drink any beverages of any sort while we were in the house. So horrible. And when we were about to leave, they made us sign our names on a wooden panel, but it turns out they were going to use it to build a roof with it, so that was cool. And when we were done, we were all just sitting there, bored.

And out of nowhere someone started to sing the Cha Cha Slide. And we were at the part where everybody actually sung the part, "Freeze! Everybody clap your hands!" And we said that that dance was going to be the first song we dance to when we get back.

But when we got back to the hotel we had a small party in a hotel room, but we didn't trash the place. We did the Cha Cha slide, but it was so hilarious because the room was so small. But I was doing the Q-Tip (look it up in Date Movie).

And the next day we went to Williamsburg. You may have seen the commercials. I'm pretty sure it reached 100 that day, we were SO HOT! But we learned abut blacksmiths and silversmiths. AND we saw soldiers march down a pathway, it was so cool. 2 of my friends and my teacher were walking like soldiers when they were like 50 feet away from them. It's alot harder than it looks.

And then we went back to the hotel and got ready to go back to Connecticut the next day. And the bus ride was just as fun. And I was so glad to go back to my family, I never actually knew how much I missed them until I saw them again. Yeah.

But I'm so glad I went! And I'm glad to be back here at Shadow Tales! And if you read this entire post, I tip my hat off to you! How's everybody doing?