What you are about to see is my prototype: the first blogging I had ever done, bad grammar and all. I've decided that some of my old postings were worth keeping as a kick off to this new blog. It was a new and exciting time, the idea of "blogging" had just taken off, I finally jumped on the band-wagon (however inexperienced), and I did what any youngin would do, which was keep a MySpace blog. Many would say I am still inexperienced, but I have outgrown MySpace and whatever amount of inexperience I may have won't stop me, as you know, the only way to improve is to keep trying. In this egotistic nation we call home, everyone believes they have something to say and that that something happens to be better than anyone else's something to say. I try not to be an egoist; I just love to write. So, this is why blogging is ingenious. It allows people like me who are wannabe journalists that haven't been given the chance to score that amazing, behind-the-scenes, under-appreciated job of editorial assistant or copy desk chief that little inkling of a chance to perfect and share their craft. I hope you enjoy what I am about to do. I'm diverting from my previous blogging style a bit, and I plan to localize everything in hopes of becoming one of the more knowledgeable residents of this fabulous city that I have made my permanent home: Columbus, Ohio. It will be a bit of everything under the sun, though the theme will be about this often-underestimated city.
So, run!
You have to Catch the Bus!
The C-Bus, that is.
(P.S. "C-bus" is what Ohioans have lovingly nick-named this place).
Oh, and don't forget...comment, comment, comment! Contrary to the average person, I love to hear what others have to say.
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Cool Hunting
Current mood: amused
First of all, yesterday was my birthday and only one person posted a comment on my board about it! Thanks guys...(sad face)
Anywho, I am at the ripe old age of 22. Got some good presents this year, like the video camera I have been wanting for awhile. I wanted to bring one to Argentina with me but I didn't own one. Well now I do and I can begin videotaping all of the crazy stuff that goes on in my crazy crazy life. (not really).
Speaking of capturing images, I was walking around campus the other day and saw some definite Don'ts. For those of you who need to be told, Do's and Don'ts are a thing Glamour magazine (my favorite magazine ever that I would die to actually get the chance to work at and would be my dream job in NYC) has done for years where they take pictures of people wearing hideous articles of clothing, and put a black bar over their face to protect their identity. But the people who have got the look down right don't get a black bar since they are a "Do". It's a veru ingenious little feature of the magazine that many women just buy the issue to look at the Dos and Don'ts.
Well I have always thought I was pretty good at spotting Dos and Donts and that if they needed me to, I would gladly oblige to be hired as the ultimate Do and Don't seeker-outer! Don't ask who made me the authority--I just did it myself.
So I wanted to snap a picture of a girls who's entire outfit was on point *execpt* she was doing the dark-colored tights thing, a look I really like do often myself, but her tights were those semi-see-through ones that are not all the way opaque. It looks so weird, like she was born with some strange-color skin. So the DON'T here is don't buy those light black tights, buy opaque tights (it says so on the package)!
Second DON'T: that same day, this time in the evening, I saw a girl who was trying to be way cute with her ensemble. Problem is, she was doing too many trendy things all at once. She had the graphic shrunken zip-up hoodie with the wife-beater and torn short-short jean skirt, with prominent jewelry, with leggings under her skirt, but not just any leggings, striped ones! and she had leg-warmers on that were scrunched down over silver metallic flip flops and to top it off, she had bright neon pink toe nail polish. Yikes! Too much. Someone needs to drive home the phrase "less is more" to her.
Third DON'T or interesting contradiction, I should say. (And this one isn't about clothing) So I've noticed lately two things: one is that there will be a black dude or a guy of another ethnicity other than white riding the streets, his seat laid back, blaring his music and bass. The music will be something very bumpable and usually a song that not many people have heard of, thus he is trying to show he is ahead of the times. Problem is, his car will be a completely wack piece of junk or a delivery truck of some sort (typically the DHS delivery man). So there lacks a good match here. But, I suppose, if you are going to play your music for the entire university to hear, at least they have chosen something good. BUT THEN, I notice there are a number of white boys (sorry I really am not trying to be racist or anything here this is just observation) who have the biggest, newest pimped out cars, nice and shiny with rims, systems and other tricked-out accessories. Yet, they will be blaring the worst, radio single from like 2 years ago that is way played out and just screams "wanna-be". This is usually when I feel extreme embarrassment for that frat boy driving the car with his friends hanging out the windows. Also, not a good match. So I was just wondering when the day would come that we will be able to see and hear the right combination of a tight car to match the tight music it is bumping. Being that I go to school in Columbia, Missouri I probably shouldn't hold my breath.
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Get Up, Get Out and Do Something
Current mood: productive
So I suppose I consider myself a sort of activist. I really do like to support causes of all types and my boyfriend often makes fun of me for associating myself with so many different issues. He thinks I am just making up the fact that I care about that issue, I guess.
But I am not making it up. I am all for peace and progression and cures and inclusion etc. etc.
And lately, it's funny, because I have been noticing all sorts of interesting campaigns, organizations and projects that people have created or are fighting for. Some I bet you have never heard of, or never even knew existed. So I am creating a list which I will probably have to add to.
World Wildlife Fund (WWF): I am a member of them and as you can probably tell, they fight to save animal life, habitats and endangered species. You can donate money.
Humane Societies/ASPCA: You can call me an animal-lover. I volunteer at the humane society in Columbia (partly because I just like to play with the puppies and kittens). I also watch Animal Cops on the Animal Planet. You can donate money, be a volunteer at the shelters or even be a foster parent (yes dogs and cats need foster parents too) for the pets that may need to heal or get used to people before they can be adopted out.
Abolish the N Word: a group is seeking to get rid of the N word in media and vocab. I am a Diversity Peer Educator at my school, so I am always looking for ways to equalize people and just stop derogatory use of certain words. Go to abolishthenword.com and help raise awareness. (source: Essence magazine)
Kids with Cameras: an Academy Award winning documentary film director helped get tons of kids out of poverty in Calcutta, India by giving them cameras and teaching them how to take good pics. They were able to sell photos and footage and get jobs as a result. This is a neat idea I think! and now the program is expanding to lots of impoverished countries. (source: Glamour magazine)
Beyond the 11th: two women from Boston created this org. after they lost their husbands in 9/11 but they didn't meet each other until after at a support group meeting. They realized that tons of women in the Middle East and Afghanistan, particularly mothers, go through the same things as them, and have lost their husbands too. So they seek to unite Muslim and America women through penpals, and raise money to educate and empower Middle Eastern women. (source: Oprah)
MAC makeup and AIDS: Mac donates a portion of all of their makeup sold, particularly lipsticks to AIDS research and treatment. So if you need to buy some gloss, you might as well help somebody out while you're doing it.
WOW: Women of Worth is a program a friend of mine started a couple years ago (she is a super woman b/c she does great in school, is a bio major, was homecoming queen nominee, involved in a ton of campus organizations, Rhodes scholar nominee etc etc.) The goal is to match up college aged women with middle school girls to foster self esteem and good decision making in them. It's especially meant to keep girls from being sexually promiscuous. You could start a similar program yourself or become a mentor at a Big Brothers Big Sisters near you to make a positive impact in someone's life.
The Hunger Site: help feed someone for FREE with ONE CLICK! I put this page as my favorite because I go to it every day and click on the button. By clicking the yellow button, someone gets a certain amount of staple food. It's THAT easy. Similarly, on this site, there are links to all of the other cause sites it's affiliated with, where you can do good just by clicking once everyday. There's therainforestsite.com which preserves 11.4 acres of land, theliteracysite.com which provides books, theanimalrescuesite.com which provides food for shelter animals, thechildhealthsite.com which provides healthcare for 1,000 kids for each click and thebreastcancersite.com which provides free mammograms!
Clothes Off Our Back: this organization gets donations from celecrities and you can bid on them. So anytime there is an awards show or party of some sort, bunches of celebs give the very dress or tux they wore to this org. All of the proceeds go to charities benefiting children. Jessica Alba put a dress on there at one point--beats Ebay! Their most recent auction was the Emmy's. Just go to clothesoffourbacks.org.
Girls Inc.: this organization holds programs to teach 6-18 year old girls about finance and economics so that they can be financially smart when they grow up. Check girlsinc.org to find out how to help. (source: Essence)
The Creative Coalition: this nonprofit strives to keep creativity through arts and entertainment in the community. They are putting on concerts currently in New York, Washington DC and San Francisco to raise money and awareness, and give awards to people who have been active in fostering the arts. Go to thecreativecoalition.org to make your voice heard. (source: Essence)
there will be more to come!
Friday, December 01, 2006
I Support Finding A Cure! World AIDS Day 2006
Current mood: Holiday-ready!
Please go to these websites to find out how to get involved...
the easiest way is to light a virtual candle for the vigil at http://www.africanwellfund.org/candle.html
or go to these websites:
http://www.omhrc.gov/hivaidsobservances/world/wadevents.html to find an event around you to participate in...
for those of us in the Midwest who have been snowed in, I say light a virtual candle! I just did and I feel a little bit better no that I am spreading the word...
http://worldaidsday.org/
Peace and Love
Protect Yourself Respect Yourself...there is no need to not take advantage of the resources we have in our properous country...many other people in the world don't have the luxury of condoms and yet we still purposefully don't use them!
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Songs to get me through...
Current mood: depressed
Category: Romance and Relationships
Well I'm going through some things right now in my love life--it's kind of messed up right now...which is a first in a long time. So I've been listening to all kinds of emotional music and songs. I browsed the internet to see what are some good songs to listen to when you're down. There are tons of lists out there are "breakup songs" lists. Though, I didn't feel any of them were that good (most of them tended to skew towards the rock/alternative-loving crowd). So here is my very own list of really really good songs to help you get through those times when you either feel like screaming, throwing things and burning old photos of you significant other or are needing a deep-chested, headache and puffy-eye inducing cry. Here's what I call my Mopey Mix.
"Ex Factor"
by Lauryn Hill
This song is amazing...even if you aren't going through rough times with your lover it's just sooo good, and it pretty much brings tears to my eyes every time. The words are so true, especially for women who have been the same harmful person and just can't let go of them, even though they continue to hurt you. Her soulful voice mixed with the church organ in the background and the bass and beats...oh and then theres the guitar solo at the end. If that doesn't get you...I don't know what will.
"Brick"
by Ben Folds
This song is so poetic, it's a story really. You have to piece it together, and though I had to guess what they were singing about, the chorus is very clear...it's about someone being a "brick" while you are swimming in water, and they are just weighing you down, and drowning you.
"Complicated"
by Robin Thicke
This song is about feeling like you are just such a weird, unlovable and complicated person, that you feel it's no wonder you are no longer in a relationship. I love this because I know we all feel like that when things go bad...you can't help but wonder if it was some thing you did, was it your fault?
"Goodbye to You"
by Michelle Branch
This song is just a great sing-along for break ups. Michelle's soothing vocals and thoughtful words make you realize it's time to say goodbye, even though it hurts so bad. This song makes me cry because the lyrics really get to me.
"Me Myself and I"
by Beyonce
The lyrics are so hard-hitting and true in this song, as well as Beyonce's sweet voice. You are just reminded that no matter what, people come and go in our lives but you will always have yourself in the in, so that is who you need to take care of and watch out for most of all.
"Free Yourself"
by Fantasia Barrino
Actually, this is my mom's favorite song. She's happily married, however. Fantasia empowers you in this song to step back, look at the situation and give that person the go ahead to get the hell away from you if they don't want to be around. Don't keep that negative energy around.
"Better that we Break," "Makes Me Wonder," "Nothing Lasts Forever" and "This Love"
all by Maroon 5
This group (one of my favs) must be the pros at breaking up. Lots of their songs, especially on their newest album, are about the subject. They speak the truth and their songs are a mix of sad and cryable, to jump around-screaming type ventable.
"Don't Stop Believing"
by Journey
This song is just sad to me in general. I guess that's because it is used in the movie Monster starring Charlize Theron and Christina Ricci, which is just a sad, sad movie, but one of my favorites. So I get sad when hear it, every time. Also, it inspires you not to give up on yourself or the idea of love.
"I Can't Make You Love Me"
by Bonnie Raitt
I listen to this song all the time. I heard it as a child often when my mom would turn on her Bonnie Raitt CD. This song is so sad because you are just envisioning a couple who is struggling when you listen to it, because she tells a story. The song is so touching, and what's so sad is, you would never want to be in the place of the person who is going through this.
"I Will Survive"
by Gloria Gaynor
For obvious reasons and because it's a classic. But the message rings true at times like this.
"Since You Been Gone"
by Kelly Clarkson
This song is the perfect one to sing at the top of your lungs to. Just think, you can breath now, that that negativity is out of your life, like she says in her chorus.
"You'll Never Find"
by Lou Rawls
A song that you would sing to your former significant other if you had the chance...they will NEVER find another person like you out there, and that is something they'll miss
"Toxic"
by Britney Spears
Again, for obvious reasons. She sings of a person in her life, who she's really attracted to but she knows they are so bad for her to be with (sounds like her relationship with K Fed). Was that person toxic? If so, you must recognize it, and move on.
"Call me when you're sober"
by Evanescence
This song is another screamer! I love it! It's when that same person keeps trying to get back in your life, but they only pay attention to you when they are drunk or lonely or both. Like the title says, don't answer the phone unless that person is sober and willing to be rational.
"Free Bird"
by Lynard Skinnard
This song is just great to zone out to, especially when the guitarist goes on and on...you get lost in the music and may forget why you were even sad to begin with.
"Smile"
by Lily Allen
This song is great when you finally begin to get over a person...you just catch yourself smiling at times, and wondering what is was that made you stay with that person in the first place. Then you laugh about it, because it becomes funny that you even gave them your time.
"Take Me or Leave Me"
from the musical RENT
This song is another one I'd sing to the person's face if I could...it talks about taking a person for what they are...their flaws and all. If you can't do that, then just get out, cuz nobody's perfect and that's what makes all of us unique. It's also about two people who are opposites and it annoys them so each person tries to change the other which doesn't work.
"What goes around comes around"
by Justin Timberlake
Karma is a bitch, just take solace in that fact
"You Oughtta Know"
by Alanis Morisette
This is the mother of all break up songs! Scream it to the high heavens. It makes you feel better, trust me. This song is so good, it was a huge hit in the 90s and really threw Alanis into the spotlight
"If You're Gone"
by Matchbox 20
This song is one you wish the other person would sing to you...
"My Love is Like Whoa"
by Mya
This is a self esteem booster after all of that crying and doubting...remember you are still a good person in the end, and that person is stupid to have lost someone who's love is like whoa.
"Wandering"
by Ben Folds
This song makes me cry so bad, too. Gosh, Ben Folds is great at doing this to me. Long distance, whether literally or figuratively, and not know what you want can cause problems in relationships...so basically you just end up wandering around as they suggest in this awesome song with great harmony.
"A Bitter Song"
by Butterfly Boucher
Sometimes all you need is one of these to get you through the tears
"This Bitter Pill"
by Dashboard Confessionals
Or really anything else by him. He is amazing and his vocals and lyrics hit to in the core of your heart whether you are sad or not.
"Drops of Jupiter"
by Train
This is a good song about someone who isn't happy with the person they've got. They are always out there looking for something new, something better. Sometimes you just have to let them go, as painful as it is.
"Stay"
by Lisa Loeb
This is a classic. Another one of those songs about one person in the relationship who has no clue what they want, and the other just gets tossed around and wastes time trying to be that person for someone who is just confused. Apparently, I know all about this...
"Don't Know Why"
by Nora Jones
A sweet, jazzy song about not chasing after your former love and just letting it go...but not knowing why you did that.
"Take A Bow"
by Madonna
This song tells, in such a beautifully poetic way, the story of a woman who loved her man so much, and he knew that and abused that love. He didn't fully love her back at the same level. This is a very painful feeling. Maybe we shouldn't give away all our love before we know just how much that other person loves us?
Have any additions to this list. Please leave a comment and let me know...
