Hey, all. Last week was, well, one hell of a week. And it was full of important things that happened to me for the first time. Here goes...

MONDAY

I created a vector drawing about the teenager I mentioned in this journal entry.

It was the first time I...: ...made a socially and politically conscious art piece. I've decided not to upload it for the time being and alter it so it doesn't cause controversy.

TUESDAY

I would perform in a single-act play the day after, so I made sure I knew my lines. I would portray a policeman, so I decided to go to the hairdresser's and have my hair cut short to make myself look more convincing.

On my way there, I stumbled upon a protest march. Lots of my friends were part of it. I noticed that their eyes were red and full of tears. "What happened?" I said. "Nothing", they replied. "Just tear gas".

Tear gas. This thing was serious. After the murder of the teenager, everyone was now against the police; and the cops would do whatever it took to stop them.

I walked my way through the crowd watching the march, groups of people standing around like statues. It was really frightening.

After I got a new haircut, I went to a friend's birthday party and had a wonderful time.

It was the first time I...: ...watched a double feature ("Underworld" and "Underworld: Evolution" back-to-back). I've also seen "Payback" and "Payback: Straight Up - The Director's Cut" back-to-back, but it's basically two versions of the same movie, so it doesn't count as a double feature.

WEDNESDAY

I suddenly realized that I was about to do something really dangerous. I would play a policeman in a time when nearly everyone is against the police (and some of them turned Athens and other cities into a living Hell). What if people yelled or threw stuff at me?

Fortunately, nothing happened. I performed the part without being too nervous, and, although I half-screwed a line, I was pretty pleased with my performance and, most importantly, the audience loved me.

After the performance, we went to a taverna and had a geeky conversation with a couple of pals about science fiction and other things.

It was the first time I...: ...played such an interesting and complex character. The play was a comedy, yet I had to be as serious as I could. I believe that every comedy needs serious parts for maximum effect.

THURSDAY

I am a member of a rock band called Alchemy. I am the manager, art director, backup vocalist (note that I said "backup", not "backing") and play the tambourine (shut up). The band's bassist told me more about the Tuesday riot: the protesters threw things on the town's police station and broke everything they could. They nearly destroyed it.

We went to the studio for some rehearsals and realized that the equipment short-circuited, so we couldn't use the speakers or the guitar amplifiers - which meant no rehearsal at all. That made the other bandmembers scared as hell, as we would have a gig the next day and there were still a few tracks that needed more rehearsing.

The guitarist and I visited the bassist's house and spent the night there, trading MP3's and watching silly YouTube videos.

It was the first time I...: ...slept in a friend's house. And it was a female friend, mind you. I can't believe how far I've gone! Too bad me and the guitarist had to be subjected to the constant sounds of kisses between the bassist and her boyfriend.

FRIDAY

The gig.
The gig.
The gig.

All we had in our minds was the gig. Nothing else.

I wake up and pat the guitarist on the back. "Weren't we supposed to have a meeting at 11 o'clock?", I asked. He nodded. "It's 11:30", I whispered. He got up with a jolt and quickly got dressed. I woke up the bassist. Her boyfriend felt ill, so he stayed at home.

It was a rainy day.

I struggled to keep my umbrella steady while we were walking across the street half-awake, looking like zombies.

After the soundcheck, I went home to get some rest and get prepared.

But, did I get enough rest? Was I prepared enough? Was I just tired? What could possibly be the reason for...

...the "sting"?

Yes, it happened again. Another attack. A few minutes before the gig started. Something maked me feel awful and caused ankylosis on my upper body. For 20 minutes, I couldn't move my fingers and my lips, and I feel my insides burn. But, this time, I don't think it was stress or anxiety that caused this. It was something else... something I can't understand. Anyway, I had to leave the place before the gig began and let the rest of the band play.

It was the first time... ...the "sting" happened in front of so many people. I feel so embarassed.

SATURDAY

I woke up. The events of the last day were a bad dream. I still felt tired, heavy, unable to feel happy.

I told my parents about Friday's situation. I felt even worse after that. The band's keyboardist told me that the gig went pretty well, so I was a bit relieved. It was the first time we played live, and it's good to know we made a good impression.

Still worried about my situation, I fell on my bed and cried for a good ten minutes. After getting up, I visited echoingthesound.org and designed some artwork. I received positive feedback and was like "yay!".

It was the first time I...: ...felt so proud to be a digital artist.

SUNDAY

Most of my friends have left the island to visit their folks for Christmas (I'm leaving this Thursday), so I spend most of the day alone. I have lunch with two of my pals and get some rest.

It was the first time I...: ...well, I can't think of anything to write here.

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Go see eluk's profile for more information about the INTERNATIONAL ART EXHIBITION [link]