I've been neglecting my writing, so today should make up for it. I've been listening to a lot of really good drummers lately, trying to find out what it is that makes them "them". Usually it's skill and hours of practice, but one has me in a bit of a debacle. His name is Josh Eppard. He may not be the most outlandish drummer out there, but he plays some very complex stuff, and always very subtle. I can't remember where I was going with this... So... Uhm... Check out Coheed and Cambria. :D

I've come to realise that I enjoy writing here, even with the absence of others viewings. This small white box is a better way of revealing my thoughts and feelings than any counselor, little notebook, or saliva soaked pillow that I've ever had.
Anyways, today I was going through some old photographs with my favourite songs keeping me company. There were photos of cousins, uncles, aunts, old friends that I've long since lost contact with, but they had no real impact on me. No one felt missed, and I had no remorse for not speaking to or seeing them in years. That changed in what was basically an instant.
I happened upon a photograph of my grandfather, one of the greatest men I've ever had the pleasure to know. He helped me through so much; confidence to be a musician, to keep an open mind, to not hate through prejudice or any means, my sobriety, and most of all, keeping me alive. This one man has had such a severe impact on me that I'd be dead of not for him. I instantly broke down into a sob, not for the fact that I miss him, which I do, but for the fact that I never said goodbye.
The man who helped me retrieve my life, my passion, and my spirit laid alone o his death bed. He asked me to come say a few words just for a casual conversation, but like many teenagers, we're always so "busy". I regret that one thing so much, and I've never gotten over it until today. I can't change the past, so why revel in it? I love him to this day and hope he knows that he was my life. Requiescat in Pace, Ernesto.

Last night, I got to see two of the most incredible bands that have graced a stage. Are they famous? No. Do they sell out arenas? No. Are they even well known? No. But they're talent far surpasses anything I've ever seen before. First up was Projekt: Cog, an electronica band. Their guitarist was excellent at his craft, his playing really added some power and depth to the already heavy and dance inducing rhythms made by master mixer King Cog. Their singer, Elle, was astounding. Her voice, both seductive and ethereal, took me to a place in my mind that I've never been before. Her movements were fluid, as if she was water in an endless vacuum of space. The sex appeal she brought to the stage made it hard not to watch her. I think it's safe to say that you could assume I was disappointed when their set was over. Nevertheless, I was fortunate enough to have them sign a CD for me ^_^
Next was Apophis, a metal band consisting of some friends. Don't let what may seem biased fool you, they're spectacular. Al, the vocalist, is reminiscent of the classic Panteta sound, with a cutting new edge to his style. Zakk, the drummer, could do things that I've never seen before with his hands and his sticks of magic. Sam, the rhythm guitarist, has some of the coolest ideas for riffs that I know, and he's an astounding tattoo artist. Now Johnny, Johnny is probably the greatest guitarist that I've ever met. His makes playing look easy, but I know it isn't. No one can out play him. No one.

Today, I happened be downtown at a local grocer and while sitting in the car alone, I happened to have my Skullcandy's over my ears. These massive monster headphones completely drown out anything that isn't what I have playing through my conformist iPhone. I happened to be singing Serpents in Disguise by one of my favourite bands, 3. I got to what some would call the bridge of the song, and I got to use my, what I consider, terrible falsetto. A passerby heard my singing and I hadn't noticed her till the song was over. She stood there the entire time listening to me sing. When I noticed her, I was so embarrassed that my only thought was, "Holy shit, HIDE FACE FROM WORLD". She giggled and said she also knew the song and said I have a terrific voice. This truly made my day, and kinda gave me a confidence boost that I sorta needed. Thanks Carrie, you'll never see this, but thank you! ^_^

-Cody

Recently, I've been thinking bout death quite frequently. Not in the sense that I'm afraid of death, but lies beyond the mortal realm. I know many people are theists, spiritualists, and the like. Being an atheist, I've always pondered what is left for us after death. Could I be wrong in my thoughts? Is there truly a God who watches over all sentient life? Is our life predetermined for us, and if so, why do we choose to sit idly by and let this happen?Why do we as humans feel such strong emotions when our four, six, eight, and other multi-legged friends appear so emotionally dead? What is it that truly separates us from our bestial friends? Why must life end? I know this may seem like a typical scene-kid pity party, but it's just something that's heavily weighed on my mind for weeks and thought I'd share. If you read this, thank you. It's nice to get feelings out there.