September 7th-Days 6 & 7

It is the beautiful inside of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs parish where my family and I go to church. The biggest thing that I have done the past two days was work on some mash-ups of songs. I finished one and started on another and it is coming along really well. I've kept up my workouts and am practicing my skills. I still haven't bitten my nails which I am proud of. I'm glad I am able to get rid of this habit. Today I am writing about Sam Kessler, one of the most intelligent people I know. He is attending Georgia Tech studying aeronautical engineering (too much math for most people I think) and has been a great friend. I always enjoy catching up with him at the high school concerts. Sam is also a gifted musician who plays the sax and has done some composing as well. One of my fondest memories together was building a pyramid with Gatorade cups at our senior sunrise of band camp. We planned on building an even bigger one at some point but never got around to it...maybe this winter? It is always a pleasure to talk with Sam I'm excited to see him again when he comes home this winter. Until tomorrow, here's to life!

"You build walls and boundaries when you give into your mind. Fear nothing and take control of who you are and who you are meant to be" -Joel Brown

October 4th-Day 4

Its Thursday so that means there is only one day left in the school/work week. You gotta push to the end everyday to be the best you can be. Today I started reading Drew Brees' memoir Coming Back Stronger. I usually don't like when people write an autobiography while they are young, but this book is incredible. Brees isn't just an incredible quarterback. He is a terrific man in every sense of the word. He works as hard as he can, he volunteers around New Orleans, he is a great father and husband, and is devoted to God. I highly recommend reading this book, it is an inspiration to anyone who picks it up. I was able to wake up early this morning to get my run in as I hoped. Hopefully I will keep being able to get up early and get a head start everyday. I practiced my handstand, moonwalk, some magic tricks and learned a new trick for winning a beer (even though I don't drink). My shading is improving and I will keep working at it as long as I can. I tried to start composing the song today, but I couldn't think of a good melody to start it off. I'm sure it will come to me I just have to keep at it. I am using my old Spanish textbook to refresh my memory of the language and it is helping me a lot. Today I'm writing about Taylor Cocciolone, who I got close to during my sophmore/his senior year of high school. We had a bunch of fun during Tour Choir in the bass section and during Les Miserables and Cabaret. I will always remember having the huge box of goldfish in the dressing room and when someone shouted when he did the Nazi salute during the show. Taylor was another who showed me the ropes of being an older guy in choir and the shows and it is great knowing him. Until tomorrow, here's to life!

"You build walls and boundaries when you give into your mind. Fear nothing and take control of who you are and who you are meant to be" -Joel Brown

Become Great

October 3rd-Days 2 & 3

That is what has been occupying my mind the past couple of days. Ancient symbols, mythologies, religions, you name it. All because of a book. I am so grateful that it is possible to have books so easily available to read. I like books even more than TV or movies because they exercise the imagination. You get to decide the exact setting, looks of the characters, and everything that happens. Granted the author leads you in a certain direction, a lot is left up to the reader. I have read four 300+ page books in the past four days. There is a fifth in the series which I need to acquire so I can read it...but that is a challenge for tomorrow. I left a note somewhere in my house for someone to find as a surprise. I worked out again today, but it wasn't when I wanted. I want to start waking up earlier and get more stuff done in the morning before school. I'm still practicing gliding/moonwalking and it is coming along nicely I think. I'm practicing a shading technique called hatching and cross-hatching for my artistic skill set which has gotten a lot better in the past month. I haven't bitten my nails yet, though I have caught myself about to do it. I know I can break the habit with practice. My party trick that I am practicing is learning about the symbols, signs, etc which permeate all aspects of life. I am practicing my languages and improving (I hope). Today I'm writing about Leo Scalisi. We became friends in middle school and have been friends ever since. He is dedicated to his music (he raps) and to his friends. I'll always remember the times we have had during choir joking around. Leo is an inspiration because he is following his dream and everyone should do the same. I've had too many great times with him to pick out my favorite. Leo dresses like the fly guy that he is and he gave me the sickest hat ever. Good luck to him and his art. Until tomorrow, here's to life

"You build walls and boundaries when you give into your mind. Fear nothing and take control of who you are and who you are meant to be." -Joel Brown

Here's a link to that poem I wrote:
Become Great

Hope you enjoy!

October 1st-Day 1

And October begins with a wonderful fall day! I hope everyone had an enjoyable Monday and is ready to take on the week. I haven't been able to hold a handstand since I was in sixth grade and that is one of the reasons it made it onto the list. I practiced today be doing one against a wall to get re-acclimated to the feelings. And I love to dance, hence why I want to learn how to moonwalk, one of the coolest illusions out there. I understand how it supposed to be done, I just need to make it look smooth as I do it. The physical challenges for this month are to increase both my strength and endurance to become healthier. I haven't tested myself with either of these exercises in a while so there is a chance that they will change soon. I've always been fascinated by languages and want to become fluent in as many as possible. I've been studying Spanish since seventh grade and want to maintain my abilities while I am studying the basics of Italian this semester. I met some new people as I played soccer tonight, where I took the picture above. I found a series of books that has captured my attention and I finished the first book today. It is The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel. This series is geared more toward a younger audience but still incorporates a lot of historical ideas and myths which is the main reason I like it so much. During one of my classes today, I left a note on the desk telling the reader to smile and enjoy the wonderful day. Today I'm going to write about Alex Kasznel, one of my friends from my brief stint at Dickinson College. We were roommates together for the month I was there and I couldn't have asked for a better person to live with. Alex is an extremely talented musician (he can play multiple instruments and is in a band) and is down-to-earth, which was hard to find while I was at Dickinson. Today is his 20th birthday and I hope he had a great day and has an amazing year to come. My quote for the week is “You build walls & boundaries when you give into your mind. Fear nothing & take control of who you are & who you are meant to be” by Joel Brown. Until tomorrow, here's to life

October Challenges...

With a new month comes new challenges. This time I want to try more measurable tasks so I can better gauge my progress as I go along. Here is what I plan to do:

1. Hold a handstand for at least five seconds
2. Learn to moonwalk
3. 10 pull-ups
4. Run a mile under 6:30
5. Learn a new word in both English and Spanish each day
6. Talk with a stranger each day
7. Read for at least 30 minutes everyday
8. Take a picture
9. Practice a random "party" skill
10. Learn how to shade objects to give dimensions
11. Stop biting/chewing on nails
12. Memorize a new quote each week
13. Compose a dance song
14. Leave a note somewhere for a stranger
15. Write about someone new

*All these are subject to editing, especially the fitness goals*

September 30th-Day 30 & Final Recap

1. Talk to a stranger everyday
2. Read two or more chapters of a book each day
3. By the end of the month, 50 consecutive push-ups
4. Take a picture each day
5. Write in a journal everyday
6. Get rid of one thing each day
7. Make someone feel good everyday
8. Learn how to draw a face
9. Master 5 card tricks
10. Practice a random skill each day (e.g. juggling, coin tricks, pen tricks, etc.)

It is officially the last day of September so it is time to look back at my progress over the course of this month. Goal 1: Talk to a stranger every day...this was the hardest goal for me since my friends would consider me socially awkward with first encounters. I didn't do this everyday like I hoped I would, but I have been doing more as the month progressed and am getting more comfortable doing so. Goal 2: Read two or more chapters of a book each day...this was one of my favorite goals because I love to read. I finished two novels, read numerous short stories, and a bunch of articles online. Goal 3: 50 consecutive push-ups...this is something that I have always wanted to be able to do and I finally did it today. Right when I woke up I knocked them all out and felt a surge of energy once I completed them. I am proud of myself for being able to do this for the first time in my life. Goal 4: Take a picture each day...this was one of the easier goals that I set for myself and usually was able to do it. What I would like to improve on is taking more diverse pictures instead of waiting until the day is nearly over to do it. Goal 5: Write in a journal everyday...I enjoyed doing this because I will be able to look back and see how I was feeling throughout the month. Also I can use the journal to work out any ideas that may be in my head. I have started to expand on this by carrying a marble notebook with me to write down things at random points during the day. Goal 6: Get rid of one thing each day...this was easier at first because I was able to discard things which I didn't use/need. But towards the end of the month it became more difficult because I had less things to choose from. I saved the biggest for last and am getting rid of my printer which doesn't work anymore (it stopped working this past week) and is just taking up space. Goal 7: Make someone feel good everyday...this was my favorite goal. I loved to write about my friends and felt even better when I saw a reply of gratitude. It is an incredible feeling that I want to continually experience. Goal 8: Learn how to draw a face...this was challenging for me. I never really saw myself as an artist but I got better the more I practiced. The picture above is something I drew this morning and was based off a picture of myself...lets just say I still have room for improvement. I am happy that my ability has gotten much better than it originally was. Goal 9: Master five card tricks...this ended up being one of the easier goals on the list and I plan to continue practicing and learning more in the future. I think it is neat to be able to find a person's card in a deck of 52. Goal 10: Practice a random skill each day...over the course of this month I have been able to learn a bunch of cool tricks. I know some simple coin magic, I taught myself a simple cup and balls routine, I can juggle three balls with two hands or two balls with one hand, and finally my penmanship with my right hand has improved since I started practicing. I also wrote a poem. I never thought I would do that when it isn't a class assignment. So that has been the month of September and tomorrow brings a new month and new challenges. So for a final time this month, here's to life!

September 29th-Day 29

Today is the second to last day of September...I can't believe this month is just about over now. The picture above is a face that I drew today with one of the best noses I have ever done. I'll draw another face tomorrow and post that as well as a finale of that challenge. I was able to get a lot of things done today and feel really good. I exercised, practiced my magic, and got rid of a book that I don't plan on reading anytime soon. It is amazing to look back and think about everything I have done in this past month. It feels tremendous to have accomplished so much. Today I'm writing about John Martin. He was the choir president my freshman year of high school and he is one of the nicest people I know. John is incredibly friendly and is passionate about social issues. I admire his bubbly personality and his ability to easily have a conversation with people. I will always remember John as the priest in Les Miserables from my freshman/his senior year. Until tomorrow, here's to life

September 28th-Day 28

Today was a great day to relax but still get stuff done. I still worked out, and I even wrote some poetry for fun. I can't say I ever have done that before. I practiced my card tricks and wrote with my right hand. I also played around with some music for the first time in a while which was a lot of fun. Today I'm writing about my wonderful mom, Virginia Luft. It is her birthday and I felt like I should give her some web-based spotlight. I can't imagine growing up with anyone else as a mother and I have no idea how she is able to handle all of us kids (there are six of us). Especially when neither Lindsay nor I could drive and help her out. My mom is gorgeous,  can laugh at a good joke, and loves us no matter what. I love her so much and she deserves to hear it everyday. She has done a tremendous job raising my siblings and I and I'll always be indebted to her because she has done so much for me. So Mom, thank you so much for all that you do and I love you so much. Until tomorrow, here's to life

September 27th-Days 24, 25, 26, and 27

http://photoblog.nbcnews.com/_news/2011/08/24/7455589-libyan-rebel-pledges-to-give-gadhafi-hat-to-his-father

I want to make sure people know that I did not take this epic picture which is one of my new favorite photographs of all time, thus becoming my wallpaper. But its been a few days since I last posted anything here but I've had good reasons...Monday night I was playing soccer and had an essay to write, and the other days I was just kind of lazy...at least I am back tonight. I've talked to more strangers in these past few days than I have probably in this entire month. I complimented random people, went to an business seminar type thing, and just asked questions of people. It is interesting to hear what people have to say. I started to read The Time Machine by H. G. Wells and it is fascinating. I like it more than both The Sun Also Rises and  Hard Times. Unfortunately I am going to have to take a break from it and start looking over Hard Times again for class...but thats what I have to do to succeed. I keep exercising with my 50 push-up goal in mind and I will do it on Sunday. My writing ability with my right hand is improving and I keep practicing simple coin tricks and a cup and balls trick. I can now say I have mastered five different card tricks with some other fun things with cards as well. My drawings of faces are getting better, I just need to practice shading in order to create depth and shapes of the nose, eyes, and jaw. Today I am going to write about James Hawkins, a man who helped me make one of the best decisions of my life. When I was only a freshman in high school, I wasn't sure whether or not I was going to try out for Tour Choir (Northport's select choir) because I was in Boy Scouts at the time. During the annual choir walk-around, I was sitting around people listening to them since I was shy and didn't say much. When I was asked whether or not I would try out I replied "I wasn't sure" and James told me that it is worth it. And boy was he right. He took me under his wing and helped me throughout the year, and was also influential in getting me to try out for Les Miserables. He is deeply passionate about what he does and will never give up on his team (Proof-->he is a Mets fan). My favorite memory that I have with him is during one of the show rehearsals, we ripped the brim off one of my hats and the next day James gave me his Houston Astros hat, which I still wear on occasion. I don't know what my life would be like if he hadn't been there to convince me to try out for Tour Choir and it was one of the best influenced decisions I have ever made. Until tomorrow, here's to life

September 23rd-Day 23

I finished The Sun Also Rises today and even though it took a little bit to grasp the Hemingway's idea, I enjoyed it a lot. He really illustrated the plight of the "lost generation" and how they struggled to find a purpose in life. There have been times that I've felt "lost" but I find a way and get back on track. Then again, I don't think there is necessarily a track that one is supposed to stay on. Each person is different and goes through different experiences to become who they are. I did my push-ups for the day, I still wonder whether or not I'll be able to do 50 at the end of the month. I practiced my magic some more today and also began learning a new card trick which is coming along well. I never write about writing in my journal, but I have been fairly consistent with that in case you were wondering. Today I'm going to write about James Renna. In all honesty, I don't know him very well but what I do know is that he is comfortable with who he is. He has created a persona for himself which he owns and I admire him for doing that, especially since some people don't like him for it. He is who he is and that is something everyone should strive to achieve. James is also passionate about music and is following his passion to become a DJ which is something I would love to do. Well that is all for today so here's to life

September 22nd-Days 21 & 22

These past two days have been fairly typical with nothing major to report. I've been working on my goals but I still can do a lot better. I've learned a new magic trick and practiced writing with my right hand. I'm exercising and working on making my life better. Having support around me helps more than anything so thank you to all who do support what I am doing. Today I'm going to write about my friend Matt Kunkel. I met him while I was a junior and we became friends during the show. He probably knows as much about theater as anybody I know and his dedication to it is immense. Matt is a great director, stage manager, actor, and I think he can do any part of a production which is incredible. I'm excited to see what he has in store for his senior year and where he will go in life. I'll write more tomorrow, until then, here's to life

September 18th-Days 17 & 18

Yesterday I traveled back home to New York after a wonderful weekend trip to visit Allie. And for the past two days I have been having fun bonding with my brothers, Tom and Nick, and my Dad while the rest of my family was away. In this past year I have started to get along a lot better with my brothers and whenever we go out together now we can have a blast. We joke, laugh, poke fun at other people, and make amazing memories. I can't wait for our next adventure we all go on together. I practiced the card shuffle I was learning on Sunday again and have got it down pretty well. I haven't read yet, but will before I go to sleep tonight. I feel like I am getting stronger and I am seeing results from my exercise which makes me want to do more. It is hard to believe that the month is almost over and I need to start thinking about new goals for the month of October. Until tomorrow, here's to life

September 15th-Day 15

Today started my four-day break from school (gotta love getting off for all the Jewish holidays :]) and took a trip up to see my wonderful girlfriend Allie and see her play volleyball. Its feels great to be able to have a break from school and my family, as much as I love them. That being said, I didn't practice any card tricks or random skills, but was still able to exercise and meet new people. Today I'm going to write about my best friend Connor Nolan. When we first became friends in our Junior year, I was an anti-social kid with few close friends and didn't go out much. But thanks to him, I have started to come out of my shell and we have had the best adventures together. From getting lost in Europe, to acting as a gay couple in Curtains, to having the best chemistry allowing us to save our Senior year show, A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum. If I ever need somebody to talk to he is there for me and I'll never be able to forget the experiences we have shared with each other. I don't know what my life would be like if we hadn't become friends and he has had more of an impact than anyone else on who I am. I am so thankful that he came into my life and has changed it forever. Connor, thank you for all that you've done for me. I love you man

September 12th-Day 12

I know this isn't a photo that I took today, but it is a video that my brother showed me and I really like. Life is all in the mind and how you think about it. Thats part of the reason I am doing this journey. But anyways, I started to learn a new card trick that will surely impress all the ladies. Its harder than the past few but I think it is more impressive. I played through Apologize by OneRepublic today for the first time without stopping and I am pleased with how well it sounded. I'm enjoying The Sun Also Rises much more than Hard Times and I cannot wait to read more tomorrow. My friend of the day is a guy who was an inspiration to me while I was a freshman and made me want to be the best I could be. His name is Cory Ryan, now a senior at Wake Forest University. He was one of the best singers, extremely friendly, and excelled at whatever he set his mind to. Cory is one of those people who everyone wants to be friends with and he will be anyone's friend. I finished cleaning one shelf of my bookshelf off and now have one left until all the space has a useful purpose. I hope everyone has a wonderful day tomorrow and until then, here's to life

September 8th-Day 8

This is a fortune that my brother got after eating Chinese food for dinner. I had no idea that fortune cookies could be so sassy. Today I got back to working on all my goals. Exercising a bit, reading that book (cannot wait to finish Hard Times) and drew a face. The eyes and lips look pretty decent, but the ears and nose need a lot of work. I still have a lot of time to improve with this. After one week I can proudly say I have mastered two card tricks that I now include in my arsenal for impressing young children.I practiced playing the piano today as my random skill since it is something I have always wanted to get better at. I'd like to be able to play more than just The Scientist and Fix You by Coldplay. I got rid of another model that was just taking up space in my room so I have a bit more space on my bookshelf. Today I'm going to write about my good friend Ryan Cain. We met in high school and we bonded over similar advanced classes and our similar beliefs in Catholicism. He is one of the most devout Catholics I know and admire the faith that he has. He is very smart (the fact that he is studying at Notre Dame is proof) and is a fun guy to be around. I am honored to be able to call him my friend and I am certain that he is going to go places once he graduates. That's it for today so here's to life

September 7th-Day 7

I enjoyed my time off today and was able to sleep in since my volleyball class was canceled. I took the day to relax and not do too much but watched TV. At least I did some push-ups and ab exercises during the commercial breaks so I didn't rot. I went out with some of brothers and went shopping at the outlets where I took the picture above. I haven't read yet, but plan to do so before I go to sleep tonight. Today I'm writing about my friend Amanda Failla. We had been in school with each other from elementary school through high school, but it wasn't until our junior year that we became close. She is an incredible talent and she was amazing in our school's production of Curtains (there are some videos of the shows on my Facebook account if you want proof). What made it more unbelievable is that she performed on a broken foot. We had great times in choir and in Europe together, and it is marvels me how close we became in such a short time. Its time for me to try and get some rest now so until tomorrow, here's to life