The Rope

Since there aren't any viable pull-up areas in the house, I bought a 3m length of rope. A nice alternative to bars, I'll be able to work the same muscle groups. A slightly awkward scene happened when I bought the item. The owner casually asked me, "Asa ni nimo gamiton dong?" (What are you gonna use this for?), a question to which I took a bit of time to process and answer with a sheepish "Para sa duyan 'nong." (I'll use it for hammock support.).

It's not much of a heavy duty item, and the small circumference immediately gave me rope burns. I guess I'll have to wear gloves to keep that from happening, or find a gripping method that lessens the rope-to-skin friction. My older brother suggested that the rope be inserted through a short PVC pipe which will then act as a grip mechanism.

Hopefully, I'll be able to find time to complete my scheduled set of conditioning sessions.

Anniversary

November 21, 2009

It's already been a little over a year. Having my own PC during the past year really made work and play a lot more convenient. I remember quite well the main reason why I wanted my own desktop unit. It was because spending a lot of time goofing off in internet shops also meant spending a lot of money. I actually had to force myself to save money for this unit. It was an abrupt disconnection from the online gaming scene. I even experienced some withdrawal symptoms.

The hardware hardly ever failed on me, save for those times when I accidentally smashed against the PC itself. Since its purchase, I haven't bought any replacement parts or upgrades for this unit (maybe next year). I've also been thinking of getting a laptop, but I'm having second thoughts. I already have a system that is more than capable of handling the tasks I want to do. I'm now more inclined towards the idea of getting my own drum set. I hope the neighbors won't mind.

Need Music

I just finished reading BECK (Manga). Music is one of the main points of this manga, though there is more focus on bands. The story is about an average boy who gets pulled into the world of music seemingly by chance. At first, it was because of some shallow reason that he chose the guitar as his instrument. Later, an unfortunate accident lead him to take learning the guitar more seriously.

While still polishing his skills, he was chosen as the backup vocalist and rhythm guitarist for the band BECK. As the story progresses, his skills and personality mature along with the band and its other members. The members manage to pull through trials by determination and patience, and also due to their strong sense of music.

This manga really motivated me to try playing the guitar again. It made me rethink about my viewpoint regarding music. I honestly don't like being a part of performing arts. From what I've seen in this world, people don't criticize, they insult. That's why I've always been reluctant about learning how to play music instruments. I believe that the whole point of learning to play is that you actually get to perform. It would be a waste to keep your skills (if any at all) hidden.
Simply listening to what the artists play is gratifying in its own right, but there seems to be something missing. I was even surprised the first time I actually listened to myself sing. I want to hear my own music.

I'm not in a hurry. I know that skills are learned though lots of practice. Drums, guitar and harmonica. I'm going to use the same training method I use for parkour. One step at a time.

Enrollment Period

The enrollment process in our university has always a bit inconvenient ever since my first year. I can handle small hindrances like long lines and somewhat random opening and closing times for some offices. I just hope they've already released the final grades for the previous semester.

If all goes well, the next semester will be my last one. I finally get to graduate after four long years (tentative). I hope I won't mess things up so the coming school term will move along smoothly.