Monday, August 31, 2009

Existence


Yeah, the 100th.

100 posts of me writing about whatever was clouding up my thoughts at the time. Weird. An actual blog soon? Possibly. School's starting. Exciting. Short sentences. FTW.

Love,
Berto

Wednesday, June 03, 2009

An American Dream


Well now that I provoked you all to actually give feedback on my blog, I did a little experiment.

Many said that they didn't have time to write. I didn't get if this meant that they didn't have time to comment, or that they didn't have time to write blogs.

I then proceeded to read my previous actual post, and then comment. The whole process took me 2 minutes. It's kind of weird to me that people claim they don't have that kind of time.



Now that is assuming that they were talking about commenting. If they were talking about composing a blog, well, I'm timing this one right now. We'll see what it comes to at the end.

It's kind of undeniable that people are posting less and there are less and less comments on everyone's blog. It really doesn't take that much to do...I really enjoy this as one of the things that we do, and I would hate for it to go away. I mean, it'll always be here, but what's the point if no one uses it anymore?

But anyway, enough of that. I hope this motivated some.

Love,
Berto

P.S. Total time including editing and putting in all the pictures:

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Sun of Nothing

Is the blog family slowly dying? I think so. You know how I know? Almost no one will read this.

Love,
Berto

Tuesday, May 05, 2009

Mykonos


So guess what? The song that the title is from (which is by Fleet Foxes) totally reminds me of Zelda. haha. I think that's why it's one of my favorite FF songs. Here's a screenshot so you get a feel for what I mean.

So yeah, I thought that was funny.

Things have changed a little since I last blogged. I'm done with my freshman year of college (weird), but I start summer semester tomorrow :( But that's basically my own choice. I'm glad I'm getting things done and over with though. I'll be 18 when I get my Associate's (this December) so I'm pretty excited about that.

I'm taking Japanese for summer! haha. It's beginning Japanese, so it should be easy. I hope anyway. I'm excited for it though.

Also, next semester I will be commuting to Orem for 3 classes, so that should be fun. Lindsey, Kayla and I set up our schedules so we could all go together.

I've taken to being outside a lot since the weather's been really nice lately. I didn't expect to like physical activity that much in my life. But I really REALLY like hiking and just being outside. It's super great. I'm really excited that I'm excited about exercise-type things cause I need to lose some weight. I think i already have though. haha.

One other thing. Britta and I are playing some nice acoustic covers at the Local Grind on Friday the 15th. I would really like all of you to be there! We're playing songs you know, so we'd like all of you to be there to sing along. ha.

I'm involved in a bunch of other musical things...it's getting a little tiresome to learn so many songs, but it is something I enjoy, so I won't complain. I'm glad so many people come to me when they need someone to play though, it makes me feel good :)

Anyway, I say we all make a little more effort to blog? Pretty much everyone (including myself) has been MIA, so let's change that.

Comment!

Love,
Berto

P.S. Protest The Hero's van broke down when they were coming to SLC to open for Unearth last October. Then they made a dance...

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Invisible Children

Hey everyone,

If you're reading this, please keep doing so and consider what I'm gonna tell you carefully.

This (clicky) talks about something that people seem very unaware of, but it's something that's real and is happening right now. The organization that provided you with that info is holding an event called The Rescue in 100 cities involving thousands of people. It is gonna be BIG and there is one happening in Salt Lake. I have already made up my mind and I am gonna be there.

Now, if you didn't wanna read a lot, here is the event summarized: tons of people show up at the Olympic torch in Rice-Eccles stadium then they will all march down to the Gallivan Center in downtown Salt Lake and spend the night there until they get the attention of both the media and an important person (senator, governor, whatever). If the group fails to do both, the group is committing themselves to staying there until they get the attention they want.

If by now you're thinking you wanna do this, here's a video that describes that last-minute preparations that you need:

The Rescue Instructional Video from Jason Russell on Vimeo.

They mention having to wear a shirt, and yes, you do have to buy it. I have already ordered mine. You can do so here.

Alright, I guess that's all the basic info you need if you wanna participate. I will be there on April 25th and I hope you will be too. Contact me if you need a ride or are planning to go. Even if you don't plan on doing the event, I would appreciate a visit when I'm sitting at the Gallivan Center for hours :)

That is all. Please consider it.

Love,
Berto

Sunday, April 12, 2009

When My Time Comes


I'm sitting in Enano and Tyler's dorm right now. It's quite nice. Right now Enano, Rachel and I are conversing about the many hidden thoughts that we hide in our mind and it's really refreshing. Like...really really refreshing. haha. I must say, I'm glad I'm in Logan right now because I needed a break from Heber.

And on the subject of places and how people feel about them, I always think it's pretty interesting when people can do nothing but complain about the place they live in. It seems to me that there are plenty of things to like and dislike about one's residence and people just don't bother to look for the positive things. It sounds like an attitude problem to me, ha :)

But anyway, it's rather late and I thought I'd just share those two things.

Love,
Berto

P.S. I made it all of lent without eating fast food at all. It was fairly easy and I even think I lost weight. So yay me.

P.P.S. There has been a huge lack of blogging with everyone lately, so let's change that, eh?

P.P.P.S.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Modern Romance


Meh. I don't even know why I'm typing this blog. I guess I must have something to say.

I've felt fairly apathetic as of late. Yep, "Mood = Apathetic" haha. But anyway, I'll be done now.

Love,
Berto

P.S. There seems to be an xkcd for everything.

P.P.S.

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Bike Scene


Oh good ol' Taking Back Sunday. I used to love the immensely, but back then, their lyrics barely meant anything to me. I almost don't like that I get this particular song a lot more now.

On that note, I've been really detached and distant from everything and everyone. That's why I haven't blogged in a while (considering how often I was blogging before). During this little funk I've been in, I've also been trying to pinpoint what's causing it. I think I know. It's not just one thing, though, that's for sure.

The best word for my mood right now might be somber.

Heh.

To provide some balance, this was definitely one of the best weekends I've had in a long time. Mucho spending time with friends and live music. It can't get much better :) And also, why do people I visit always have cool/cute friends that I don't get to hang out with (on a regular basis)? haha.

Love,
Berto

P.S.

Sunday, March 01, 2009

X.Y.U.


So I just got done reading through everyone's Bebo quizzes (Yeah, remember Bebo?). It was a huge blast to the past.

Everyone wasn't extremely different, but it was interesting to remember what we were all like and what we would laugh about and share amongst one another. Remember when Hannah got a hicky? haha. And all of us in Japanese couldn't say anything but "Hora!" the whole day? Some good times worth remembering :)

Today I felt an overwhelming amount of loneliness. I really have no idea why (well I do, but I'm not gonna share that here). It ended up with me sitting on the hill by myself for a long time and then visiting Mom (Noonbeck). I felt better after that, but I imagine that's why I ended up looking at past things. I was in a very reflective mood.

It's a little strange how much things have changed and I'm still trying to cope with it all. Of course, living in the past does no one good, but I've just been remembering a lot of things recently.

And I'm also being super repetitive, so I'll move on.

School is going well thus far. I enjoy all of my classes thoroughly (except for Humanities) and I'm doing pretty well. So yay for that.

And also, how many of you kids actually read this? I mean, I know there's readers, but I also realize that not everyone leaves comments. Could you maybe let me know on this one? Just like an "I read it" for future reference?

Aaaaand I'm done.

Love,
Berto

P.S. Here's some Thrice live in SLC for ya. Not that many of you care about them, but this performance is pretty epic.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

An Ocean Between Us


As some of you may, or may not, have heard, I'm giving up fast food for lent. Yeah. Berto's not eating fast food for like six weeks. It's gonna be a challenge, but I'm up for it. One reason I'm mentioning it here is to set the parameters for my challenge. So here they are.

1. Wendy's, McDonald's, Burger King, Panda Express, Arby's, Taco Bell, KFC, Taco Time, Subway, Carl's Jr., Sonic or any other chain restaurant is/are out.

2. Counts as fast food if a) I pay for my food before I eat it and b) I get my food right there from the counter. This will make it so I can still eat from restaurants like Tony's Tacos, Los Hermanos, and Fuddruckers (which I think is fair).

3. For the sake of my survival, I'm leaving pizza places in. Besides, they're not fast. The only except to this rule is Little Caesars cause they have pizzas ready at all times, so it is out.

4. I can still buy and consume items from a fast food restaurant that I can get somewhere else like soda, chips, etc.

5. Cafe Rio and other such restaurants are also out.

6. Does not apply to drink places such as Starbucks and Jamba Juice.

7. Buffets are in.

Okay. I think that may be it for now. Wish me luck. I'll keep everyone updated through this blog.

On that thought, I think everyone should try something to give up for lent. It's not a religious thing for me, seeing as I'm hardly Catholic, so you guys should give it a try. Test your limits! It'll be fun :)

Love,
Berto

P.S. "Why can't a heterosexual guy tell a heterosexual guy that he thinks his booty is fly?"

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Signals Over The Air


The 25 random facts about me blog.

1. Every time I put on a shoe, I make up an excuse in my mind for why I put on that shoe instead of the other one (like "this shoe was closer!").

2. I hate my nose being stuffy.

3. I'm kind of leaning toward getting a tattoo cause I think it'd be awesome.

4. I expect too much.

5. Sometimes I would rather play guitar in a band.

6. I'm what one would call tech-savvy, but I usually have horrible luck with technology.

7. My family very very very very very rarely eats together at the table.

8. My parents don't know me at all.

9. I always feel better at drums when I'm playing on someone else's set.

10. I don't shower every day.

11. One reason for growing out my hair was that it was something to hide behind. Yes, I was an emo kid.

12. I used to hate screaming music. I came to like it when I started playing guitar and seeing the amazing technical side of metal.

13. I constantly daydream of meeting famous people and hanging out with them.

14. I talk to myself (not like conversations though).

15. I hate close-minded people more than anything.

16. I've only kissed 3 girls all of whom I've actually liked and had a relationship with.

17. 17 is my favorite number. When they would lend you books in elementary and assign you numbers, I always got 17. Since then, it's become more and more significant in my life.

18. I refuse to get a Facebook. And does anyone else think that's the dumbest name for a website? I just call it Facespace. Or Mybook. (I do have a myspace though..)

19. I dislike religion a lot.

20. I've gotten a game system for Christmas/Birthday 6 times.

21. I've attended around 30 (touring band) concerts. If you add the local shows to that, it's probably around 40 or more.

22. I had a crush on pretty much every girl in the group at some point. And basically any other girl I might have been good friends with. ha.

23. I kind of wish I would've kept skating.

24. I have not the slightest idea what I'm gonna do after I graduate. But I love that idea.

25. I think I've done a pretty good job of bettering my attitude about life. I also think that because of it I constantly give people the impression that I feel like I'm better than them. I really don't.

Well, there you have it, 25 things about me off the top of my head.

I'm nearing 100 blogs...woo! haha. Jebby was there like 2 years ago.

Oh, and I'm having a really hard time finding a Valentine, or just something to do on Singles Awareness Day. Least favorite holiday, by far. I mean, it has been in the past just cause of the loneliness it causes, but when I try to do something about it, it's almost as bad. Bah.

Love,
Berto

P.S. I showed this to Jebby and other people a couple of years ago (literally). It's great.

Sunday, February 08, 2009

In My Time Of Dying


I should be doing homework for Humanities right now, but alas, I cannot concentrate.

I finally went snowboarding today. It was very...fulfilling. Now I won't feel like this winter was a waste, haha. I went to Park City Mountain Resort, though, and I must say, I don't enjoy it as much as The Canyons. It probably has something to do with the fact that I've been going to The Canyons for the past 6 years, but you know, what can you do? My cousin works at Sports Authority and he gets free passes. So yeah, I wasn't about to pass that up.

Snowboarding alone isn't too fun, though.

I basically spent all weekend at Chrystal Arce's house, and I must say, it was an interesting time. I mean, I've been there a lot recently, but it seems that people getting high never loses its entertainment value. And pipes are very cool. They're very artistic.

Well, I should really be doing things now. I love you kids!

Love,
Berto

P.S. And since I spend mass amounts of time on youtube, I decided I'll include a video that interests me in some way in ever blog now! Maybe it'll encourage more readers. haha.

Tuesday, February 03, 2009

The Static Masses

The thing that makes me laugh most about this comic is the "Loud" label on the girlfriend. haha.

::

I've been really full of thought lately. Not really of anything specific, just many many things at once.

Although I'm pretty comfortable with who I am, I'm still trying to figure out some other things about me. It's hard, mostly because you have to find a balance (according to me, anyway).

Today I spent the day entirely by myself. I went to school and came home to sit on the computer for endless hours. That's because I wanted to, of course. It's amazing what kind of things you can learn if you just search. That is one of my favorite things, learning copious amounts of meaningless information. haha.

People have done some amazing things. It's hard for me to imagine where they even start to get ideas of that magnitude. I know I'm being vague, but that's because I want you to find something for yourself. Find something worthwhile.

I also managed to write my own obituary (for Social Psychology) and do some research on Dolly the sheep for Biology. That along with my computer time and paying my phone bill is all I did today. haha.

I still feel pretty lonely, but happy. I did spend the day alone because I wanted to, but it wasn't a challenge at all, haha. There are several people that intrigue me and I would like to get to know them better, but it's still weird moving to the "meeting people" stage after having been in the comfort of a group for so long. Especially considering I'm somewhat of a shy person by nature.

Also, the title of this blog is great. It never made sense until just now.

Love,
Berto

Monday, January 19, 2009

Sotto Voce

So lately I've had to think about something that hasn't gone through my mind in a long time.

Moving back to Mexico.

It's nothing serious right now, but it's to the point where my parents have seriously discussed a plan in case things go badly.

It kind of makes me nervous. I have no idea what I would do in Mexico. Seriously. It's just something that's so foreign to me now, I would definitely feel out of place.

I really don't get why I'm such a threat to so many people in this country. I pay taxes, I'm a college student, and I lead a life comparable to many Americans'. Why am I so different?

People talk about the Civil Rights era like it's something of the past, but I think it's still very much an issue. Now anti-immigrant people are using the economy issue to push for anti-immigration laws. And it's working too.

By now I have to worry about renewing (and paying for) my "license" every year (which I can't even use as a valid ID), finding a job where people won't screw me over for being an immigrant, not being eligible for any scholarships or financial aid, the possibility of having to pay out-of-state tuition, getting my degree done asap, and maybe even getting deported.

Just because I was born somewhere else (it doesn't matter that I've lived here almost 11 years now). Not because I don't pay taxes, not because I steal, not because I rape people, not because I'm in a gang, not because I killed someone (which is apparently what immigrants do). Nope. I have done nothing wrong and apparently I'm using all the things a "real" American could be using or doing.

I'm sorry, but if you lose your job to someone that can't even speak English, it's about you, not them.

That's also why I refuse to say the pledge (besides the fact that you're talking to a flag). I mean, land of the free? really?

Well enough of that. I think you get my point. If you think I deserve to be kicked out, that's alright, I still love you.

Love,
Berto

P.S. Tomorrow is the day for change. I hope for some positive change regarding this subject. Woo Obama!

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

A Movie Script Ending

I feel like sharing with you all some drumsets that I really like. Okay. Go.

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

They're all super attractive (like you all) and I would love playing on any of them. Especially the blue ddrum *drool*

So if you're considering a late birthday present, one of these will do the trick :)

Love,
Berto

P.S. The Gretsch is pretty fantastic as well.

Sunday, January 04, 2009

On Letting Go


So I finally seem to be in the mood of writing a blog.

Yet as I sit down to write, nothing immediately comes to mind. It just seems to be more about my emotions, I guess.

::

Ever since everyone left for college, I've been thinking a lot about the friends I have and what they mean to me. It's kind of sad, haha. I don't consider a great too many people to be my actual friends, even less to be good friends, even less great friends etc. etc.

You could speculate whatever you wish as to why this is, but I'm gonna try to explain it.

I feel like I give a lot to my friends. My dad is actually always bringing it up, saying I don't do nearly enough for them (my parents) in comparison to my friends. Because of this, I guess I have a higher expectation than most as to what to expect from friends, and I feel like very few people actually fullfill that. I mean, I remember when people were writing blogs telling everyone individually why they were great friends and stuff and when I attempted to write one, I pretty much failed because I felt like I couldn't come up with enough for most people (it was in draft for like 6 months).

When I think about friends, I think about people that will listen to me no matter what. People that will drop something to come comfort me (I realize some things are more important than listening to me talk). People that actually truly want to hang out with me, rather than feel like it's just one of their obligations as a "friend." That's about all I look for really. When I try to call most people, they either don't answer or are too busy. It's alright though, people have their lives to live. I understand that.

Truth is, I've felt like this a lot.

Now that everyone is gone, I feel even more forgotten and left out. Like I mentioned in one of my previous blogs, I'm always too young for the college kids, and outcasted by the high schoolers for having graduated. It's not really on purpose, in both cases it's more about my inability to fit in.

You're probably thinking this is just some Berto whining, like always. It's okay, you can think whatever you want, I guess if you made it this far you actually care to some extent. The truth is, I'm perfectly happy. Most people seem to take my observations as whining and complaining, and that's alright, it does sound like it, but I'm telling you right now that it isn't.

It seems I'm just trying to explain it to myself as much as anyone else. It helps me to put my thoughts, feelings and observations into writing to make sure I'm being rational, because if one things bugs me in this world, it's people who are irrational.

I realize I haven't been the funnest person to hang out in the past because I was moody or emo or whatever you want to call it. That's understandable, I'm not blaming anyone for anything. There's just a big difference in calling like 10 people and finally getting one of them to come hang out as compared to having someone call you.

Well, I think I'm done with that ridiculous rant. Moving on.

::

So as the year comes to and end, it is a common reaction to start reflecting upon the past year. All in all, I'm pretty happy with who I am and what I'm about. Mostly because I know exactly who I am and what I'm about haha. If you come to realize something, it should be that you should find yourself and make yourself who you want to be. With this, I've come to be a happy person and love life.

Many many things happened this year, holy cow.

And right now, my mind is filled with too many things, to the point where my paragraphs don't make sense because I jump around a lot. haha.

So I will end with some year-end thoughts:

-I went to 12 concerts.
-I got a 3.0 gpa for my fall semester, which makes my overal gpa 3.12.
-I got a yellow shirt for Christmas. I will be looking forward to wearing it.
-I played drums in front of people more than I ever have before.
-I got into a bunch of crazy bands (but not as crazy as Michael's indie bands).
-I graduated high school.
-I went through 3 phones.
-and a Zune
-I'd like to think that I learned a lot, and personally, I like the way my mind works.
-I think this is the longest blog I've ever written.
-I also think I need to blog more.
-The glass is definitely half full now.
-Am I too old for a 15 year old?

Yes, that is my thought process. haha.

If my gigantic rant inspired a change in you, take it! Change is not something to be feared.

If you think I'm ridiculous after my gigantic rant, that's okay, I still less-than-three you. (<3)

I seriously love you all and I'm glad you're all in my life (however much that might be), you guys made me who I am.

Whew! Done? haha, not even close.

This is the beginning.

Love,
Berto