Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Fall Fest 2014

Last weekend, I attended Fall Fest at Elisia's school. What is fall fest, you may ask? Well it's a free concert event where there's food trucks. So naturally, I was there. And it was amazing, even though we only watched like one part of the concert. Plus, it was fun to walk around someone else's school that wasn't my own. (I also took a lot of pictures..sorry for blowing up everyone's Instagram feeds!)
From the food trucks, I got a grilled chicken avocado wrap thing (which was amazing, let me tell you; just a tad bit more spicy than I wish it was), and a vanilla ice cream cone with rainbow sprinkles. Elisia got a chocolate one, with chocolate sprinkles.
                                                         Chicken wrap was amazing! 
                                                         Ice cream cones with sprinkles are the best.
After eating the really good food, we walked around for a bit. I got to see Quinnipiac's wonderful campus, which was an amazing thing to see. The campus is really pretty, and had a lot of wonderful spots to take pictures. (I did the whole taking pictures while walking thing--I probably looked like I wasn't actually going there.)
                                                               Library.
                                                          This school is so pretty..
Overall, it was a great afternoon spent with one of my closest friends. I really liked that I had the afternoon to do something that was really fun, because I feel like I've been spending too much time at work, at school, doing school work or just hanging with my dog. Therefore, a fun day with my homegirl was what I needed! Thanks Elisia for inviting me! I had fun. (and also, for putting up with the massive amount of photos!)
Elisia and I! 
   Some river I found. 

Monday, September 29, 2014

Things You Have To Do Before You Graduate College

I honestly can not believe that college has been going by as fast as it had been. It feels like yesterday that I was just starting out, and now I'm an upperclassman. It's crazy! However, since college is going by so fast, we take it forgranted. These are supposed to be the best four years of our lives, and you should enjoy every minute before you enter the real world. Drawing a blank about what you can do? Well, let me help you with that!
Go to another campus that is not your own.
 
Elisia and I last year at her school's fall fest!
One of my best friends goes to campus across town, so she often invites me to go onto her campus. I think that if you ever get the opportunity to visit your friends, whether it's across town, or the state you should go for it.  It gives you a chance to see what other schools are like, and even meet new people.
Join a club.
As a commuter, meeting people is just hard. Freshman year, I joined psychology club. Sophomore year I joined the Southern News, where I found my passion for Journalism! Joining clubs is important because you can meet people that you otherwise get to meet, or in my case stumble across what you want to do for the rest of your life. It's a win win situation, especially for those who have a hard time reaching out.
Go to a homecoming game/sporting event.
 
Elisia and I at a basketball game.
The best part about going to college and having sporting events is that you can get in for pretty much little to no cost. Plus, supporting your school is also a plus. I went to two games last year with Elisia and I enjoyed the experience. (Especially since I got free food, what was better than that?) Go support your school. At least once.
Take a Class For Fun.
Not many people get a chance to, however I think that everyone should try it. How many times will you dread going to pottery? Having a little fun in college is okay. It doesn't all have to be facts, and thick books.  

Friday, September 26, 2014

Me In Numbers

I'm not very good at math, however I do think statistics are pretty fun. I thought this would be a fun idea for a post. Here's me in numbers!

2023 How many songs I have on my iPod.
1 how many cups of coffee I have per day.
3 how many laptops I've had.
2 how many times it took to get my driver's license.
7 how many seasons of Gilmore Girls I currently own.
6 how many years I've had a Facebook.
4 how many years I've been blogging.
4 how many times I've changed my major.
7 grad schools I want to go to.

What are your numbers?

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Right or Wrong

Relationships are something that truly baffles me. There are thousands, no millions of people that are in relationships. They are large, they are small, and they are people that do many of things. Some are on television, and we give them our daily grain of thought as we watch the romance unfold. There's relationships like Chuck and Blair, Sheldon and Amy, and Jack and Rose. Relationships that form out of friendships, and relationships that start when you're just walking onto the street and magically stumble onto someone that's perfect for you.
No matter how many soul mates there are in this world, there's so many different versions of right and wrong. So, I'm going to ask you something. Is there a right or wrong way of being in a relationship?
Carrie Bradshaw and Mr. Big had sex on their first date. Jill Duggar and Derek Dilliard waited until their wedding day to have their first kiss. Sheldon Cooper and Amy don't even lay a hand onto each other because he's afraid of physical contact. What do both of these people have in common? Well, they both are married, in love, and consider their partner to be the one. One may say that the other's ways in a relationship may not be what's right for them.
Relationships aren't like a multiple choice question. There's no a, b, or c choice. I believe that there is a wrong or right relationship. And that is the relationship that is right for you. Not for people that are watching you. People always seem to have a preconceived motion of what is best for you, and what's not good for you. I don't know where they get that way of thinking, and that's just annoying. With love, you're the only one whose satisfaction is key. Everyone else...well everyone else will have something to say whether it's right. Whether you can do better or worse. Whether or not you should walk down the aisle with that person that you want to marry.
To be in a relationship, the right way, you need to mute all of that. Or try to, seeing as that can be hard to do. The way that you interact with your partner? Well, it's up to you. And no one else for that matter. 

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Society and the Single Girl-Being Friends With An Ex.

Sometimes, things don't work out between you and your bae. It's a fact of life really. But once the drama of being part of a wrecking ball relationship subsides, what in the world are you going to do with your ex? Are you going to hate them forever? Or, are you going to *gasp* become friends?
Well, it depends on the situation.
 In 'Sex and the City', we see Carrie and Big attempt at being friends. She does in fact raise that million dollar question of whether or not it can be done. Although she and Mr. Big didn't exactly do well with it, she does raise a valid question. Can you be friends with an ex? 
But first things first, ask yourself this-are you over them. If the answer is yes, than proceed. If not, then you should probably get over them first.
Sometimes you just can't because you've realized that your ex has been taken over by aliens and came back from that a complete and total jerk. Or, they did something completely awful such as cheat on you or kill your cat. At that point, it's okay to not want to talk to them again because they are simply not worth talking to.
However, what if it was something like you two were falling out of love? Sometimes, time changes people and their standards. At that point, then being friends is something that is worth considering because neither of you did anything wrong. Plus, sometimes you're better off as friends than you were a couple anyways.
But, there should be a warning label. Being friends with an ex can be is awkward.
Like really awkward.
Especially if you've moved on faster than they did.
Approaching them is awkward because you haven't talked to them in a while. You don't know what to say. Or you have a lot that happened since the two of you talked last. Sometimes, it's what stops you to even bother approaching them in the first place. 
I personally think that it depends on the situation. I think that being friends with an ex is something that is worth considering if they weren't a jerk to you, and were a good boyfriend/girlfriend/partner. It's not exactly the most fun at first, but it's something that I think that you all can consider trying out. Considering I'm one of those 'I really don't like to hate people' kind of people, I would be all for it. You really do benefit from it, because even though you're not dating anymore you'll have that person in your life. After all, since you've dated them before there must be a reason as to why you liked them in the first place.
There's no scientific equation when it comes to dealing with your ex. Being friends is obiviously something that's a bit different than being in a relationship with them. The best advice? Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn't.

Monday, September 22, 2014

What I've Watched/To Be Watched

Netflix and I have been the best of friends as of late. At night, I usually sit down and watch a television show or a bit of a movie. It's a great thing to look foreword to after a long day of homework, work, or classes. It's okay. I have a Netflix problem, and I am so not sorry about it. Therefore, I must write about it, because blogs are something that we share these kinds of things. After all, admitting to something is the first step of realizing that you have a problem. Anyways, here's what I've been watching. And what I want to watch.
What I've Watched:

  • "Gossip Girl": Currently I'm on season two, and I'm simply obsessed. I once watched 8 episodes in a day. I am currently obsessed over Chuck and Blair and really wish that they would get their stuff together so that they can be perfect.
  • "Breakfast At Tiffany's": Okay, so this movie is beyond perfect. I watched it a while ago, and I became emotionally invested in this movie. It's a classic, and I'll probably be watching it again soon. 
  • "Sabrina" (both of them): This movie is amazing, and the remake is amazing. I can't pick which one I like better, and I'm so glad that that Netflix has both of them.
  • "Pretty Little Liars": I've watched this show all summer, and it's pretty addicting. I still have two seasons left though, no spoilers!
  • "Funny Face": I need to finish it, but it's so good! I see an Audrey obsession forming, and I like the movie so far. 

What I Want to Watch:

  • "Officer and a Gentleman": I've been dying to see this movie, and I am so glad that it's now on Netflix.
  • "New Girl": I've seen the first few seasons, and I'm so happy that the newer season is on Netflix!
  • "Roman Holiday": I'm obsessed with Audrey, and I'm so happy that there's a wide selection of her movies. 
  • "Gilmore Girls": I'm excited that this show is coming on Netflix. Even though I've seen every single episode of it countless times. I'm so excited to see this show whenever I need a Gilmore fix. 
What have you been watching? Tell me, I want to hear!

Friday, September 19, 2014

Keep Calm...

As a college student, it's so easy to not get overwhelmed. I have so much going on in my life. Whether it's preparing for my five classes, writing articles for the paper, or working, I have a lot of things going on. Which without a doubt makes it hard to remain calm when you have a million and one things to do in a given day. But, there are some things that I do to make sure that my sanity does in fact come first. After all, if you don't have your sanity, then what else do you have going for you?
  • Drink calming tea. My grandfather told me about using calming tea to help calm myself down whenever I got nervous. Although I was skeptical at first, I agreed to try it. And, it works. I drank it when I was freaking out about something and by the time I finished my glass I was completely relaxed. I recommend it, even though it doesn't actually taste like anything. It's really good, and if you're stressed out I suggest drinking out. 
  • Make 'you' time. At the end of the day, I often hang out and watch Netflix or read a bit for fun. It's important to relax at the end of the day, because your brain needs to recharge. Therefore, an episode of Netflix or a chapter in a for fun book is necessary. Plus, it gives you something to look foreword to. 
  • Treat yourself. Treating yourself sometimes is just necessary. Whether it's a new Alex and Ani, or a new shirt to brighten your day, sometimes you just need to treat yourself. #sorrynotsorry

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

"I Don't Know About You.."

Music is something that takes us to a different realm. Sometimes, a song is something that takes us to a certain place and time. There's some music and songs that once you hear them, you go back to that certain place in time. The memory is something that can either put a tear in your eye, or a smile on your face.
Here's my songs that bring me back to a certain place.
 
Alessia and I-July 2013
22 by Taylor Swift This song brings me back to last summer with Alessia. We danced to this song at the Fourth of July fireworks in my town and it was amazing. Whenever I hear this song, I am instantly transported to the Fourth of July with Alessia. It also makes me sad because I really miss seeing Alessia.
Super Bass by Nicki Minaj This song reminds me of homecoming 2011, when I was dancing with my friends. I also got really sick that night, and Griffin was really nice to take care of me. Whenever I listen to this song, I often get flashbacks from that night.
Dance With My Father by Celine Dion This song reminds me of my grandfather, because I considered him to be my father figure. If he were alive, than I would be dancing to it with him when I got married.
Some Nights by fun. Whenever I listen to this song, I think about my senior year in high school. It was really popular back then, so it would constantly be on the radio. I loved this song before it was popular, because I liked fun. before they were a big hit.
 
Gabriel and I-August 2014 
I Wanna Get Better by Bleachers This song reminds me of Gabriel and I. Gabriel was the one who introduced me to this band, so naturally I would think of them as I'd listen to them. 

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Photo Diary of Juinor Year...So Far.

Hey guys!
So my juinor year has been insanely busy, which results in me not being able to show my blog as much love as it deserves. Between five classes (three of them requiring a ton of writing), writing at the newspaper and being an editor (I have to write 2-3 600 word stories), and working atthe library on Saturdays (I'm currently at work as I'm writing this) I've been a busy gal. However, I have been taking some pictures, because let's face it taking pictures for a blog is so much fun. Here's my life so far this semester!
All of these photos can be found on my Instagram!
Healthy pizza can be expensive.
 Instagram media by thatssonatalie - Yum. 😋🍕🍴 #pizza #dinner #food #foodporn
Pumkin flavored cupcakes--it wasn't as good as I liked it to be.
 Instagram media by thatssonatalie - 😋#food #pumpkincupcake #nom #foodporn
Maggie sad that I'm leaving her for class.
 Instagram media by thatssonatalie - Can I just cuddle with my dog instead of going to class? 😫🐶🐺#dogsofinstagram #dog #collegeproblems
 Going to the beach for science class!

Monday, September 15, 2014

Music Monday: The Pretty Reckless


Source
Rock and roll and I seem to go together like peanut butter and jelly. Some of my favorite songs are rock anthems, such as "Sweet Emotion." So, when I found out Jenny Humphrey (Taylor Momsen) was in a rock band, I was curious to see what it was like.
And I wasn't disappointed.
I first downloaded the song 'Heaven Knows'. It was one of the more popular songs, and it came on iTunes radio. I was blown away, and so I also bought an old favorite called 'Make Me Wanna Die.' Which then started an obsession.
Long story short, I bought both of their albums. And I'm in love with them.
Their first album 'Light Me Up' was their debut. Taylor is an amazing vocalist, and their lyrics were fresh, and original. Songs like 'Miss Nothing', 'Make Me Wanna Die', and 'Zombie' are rock anthems, while 'You' and 'Just Tonight' are ballad-based.
Their sophomore album 'Going to Hell' was released earlier this year. Their album reminded me of the hair metal albums of the 80s, and has been on repeat ever since I got it a few days ago. I literally can't pick a bad song out of the entire album, and it's amazing.
Overall, if you're interested into a fresh new rock and roll band, like the music of Bon Jovi and Motley Crue, then give the Pretty Reckless a listen.
Favorites:
Light Me Up:

  • My Medicine
  • Since You're Gone
  • Make Me Wanna Die 
  • Just Tonight 
  • Zombie 
  • Miss Nothing 

Going to Hell:

  • Follow Me Down 
  • Going to Hell 
  • Heaven Knows 
  • House on a Hill 
  • Absolution 
  • Why'd You Bring a Shotgun to a Party

Friday, September 12, 2014

Goals For Junior Year.

Wow, I can't believe that I am a junior in college. It seems like yesterday when I was starting my first day of college classes, but in reality I have been at Southern for 4 semesters already. I can't believe it, and I surely can't believe that I've been out of high school for just as long.
Anyways, I'm actually ready to make this my semester. I've said that last year, and look where that got me. But, this year it really will be my year. And if not, who cares because I'm awesome.
Anyways, here's my goals for this year.
Actually get my driver's license. I've said that for the past year, but this time I truly mean it. I've been driving a lot over the summer, and I am ready to go and actually pass my driving test. Plus it would be nice to have some freedom. Everyone can use that.
Actually get my grades up. My GPA went from a 3.27 to a 3.1. Between almost failing a class, and not doing so hot the next semester my grades are in desperate need of getting raised. I also don't want to put pressure on myself, because otherwise I'll begin to crack. This way I'll just do my best and that's all I can do.
Narrow down my grad school list. Right now, I have a list of 7 grad schools that I may or may not want to go to. I want to narrow it down to at least 6 because I want to go to schools where I really like. Not just as a safety. (And for those of you who are wondering my list is Columbia, Quinnipiac, Hosftra, New York University, Harvard, BU, CUNY, and Emerson. I am going for a master's in journalism.)
Be happy. Being happy is something that is important because I feel like I should be happy no matter what I do. I want to love thi syear and make the most out of it. I want to be able to say that I was happy and that I did awesome stuff. At the end of the day, that's all that matters. I have a lot to look foreward to this upcoming school year. I work at two awesome jobs, from the school newspaper, to the library. Both are excellant opportunities. Also, I am taking extremely interesting classes in which that I'm excited about. I have wonderful friends, and my love life...well let's not go there. I think the ultimate goal is to be happy more than anything. That my friend is all that matters.
Are you a college student? If so, what are your goals for this school year?

Thursday, September 11, 2014

500 Posts Later...

Well as I wrote the blog entry for yesterday's I noticed that it was the 499th. And so that makes this to be the 500th. And all I can say is wow. I started this blog over two and a half years ago, when I was a senior in high school. Now a junior in college, I can say that this blog has changed, as well as I have. I grew up, and I've got a high school diploma to prove it. I've got a career direction, a few jobs under my belt, and a few awesome friends along the way.
I am still amazed that I've written five hundred posts, which spanned between 3 computers, and tons of phases. I've poured my heart onto this blog. You all have seen the good, the bad and the ugly. I've come to you with playlists, and I've vented to you like two friends out to coffee. You've seen pictures from my birthday, random friend hang out sessions, and you can't forget all of the selfies and artsy photos that I've shared with you. Photography has grown to be an interest, thanks to blogging. Mainly, I can't believe how much I've grown as a person, and I credit that to be a part from blogging.
I've discovered the blogging community thanks to my friend Emma. I've discovered awesome blogs, such as Rachel's and Sam's. I've encountered so many people, and I've seen so many awesome blogs that if I tried to write down who they were, I'd probably be here for the next week. It's such an awesome thing to say that I'm a blogger, and that each and every day people come to read stuff that I've written about. It's a weird and wonderful feeling. I love going on the internet everyday to see what every one who I've mentioned is up to.
500 posts is such a big accomplishment. I'm not sure where I am going from here, but I do know that my life is going to be a growing journey that you're going to get first row seats to, as being a reader on my blog. I am so proud of my accomplishments, as a blogger, and as a person.
So, is this the end?
No, this is the beginning.
Get ready, cause here I come. 

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Current Obessions

Hey everyone! So it's been a while since I properly blogged. So I figured I'd give you a bit of an update of my current happenings! 

On repeat: Taylor Swift's song "Shake It Off." I'm not sure why but that song makes me really happy and therefore, it's something that happens to be on repeat on my iTunes. I think that I listened to it three times in a row once..okay I have a problem. But it's so catchy! 
Bingewatching: "Gossip Girl". I'm obsessed with this show ever since I watched the first episode. It can be so intense, especially watching frenemies Serena and Blair have it out and make up. Also Serena and Dan are the cutest couple ever. 
Eating; Quesadillas. I'm obsessed with them, especially ones with grilled chicken and guacamole. It's beyond amazing. #foodporn
Constantly On; Instagram. I constantly have to take a picture for the 'gram. Usually it's a picture of a beach, food, or friends. Whatever the case may be, I am constantly on the 'gram because it's one of the best apps out there. Plus, taking photos all of the time is fun! 
Wearing; Skirts and dresses! I have mostly been a skinny jeans kind of girl, but lately I've been seen wearing skirts and dresses. Mostly it's because they are so soft, but I love stepping out of my fashion comfort zone a bit. Plus, they make me feel like Jess Day. 
Reading; Gayle Forman.  I read 'If I Stay', 'Where She Went', and 'Just One Day' in a matter of a few weeks! Her books are so good, and I want to read "Just One Year" so badly! I am currently reading 'The Maze Runner,' but with school and stuff it's been hard to sit down and read a book. 



Tuesday, September 9, 2014

"Goodbye, Goodbye, See You In December."


Many of you who are familiar to these parts know that Gabriel and I often have what is considered to be a long distance friendship. They go to school about 1,300 miles away from me, so we often have a really long summer, followed by not seeing each other until December. Then we hang out for a month, then we don't see each other for a month, then spring break. Then, the cycle continues. The first time it was really hard because who doesn't miss seeing your best friend every day?
But the thing about being so far away from each other is that you get to realize how important that person in your life. You realize that you're the luckiest person because they are in your life. Because of Gabriel, I learned that friendship isn't measured in the amount of frequency that you see each other, but how much you are really there for each other. They were there for me literally when I needed someone to cry to about bad days, and boy issues.
I loved spending all of the summer with Gabriel. I loved going to the beach together, getting pizza, getting thai food, and just hanging out. It's really rare to have a friend that you're able to just hang out with. Gabriel is the best friend that I could ever ask for. Sometimes, we do drive each other nuts, and I'm pretty sure that I can't live with them, because we'd end up killing each other. But, there are my 'person', and I wish them nothing but a great semester of them staying out of trouble.
I think sometimes having that friend in your life is important because then they grow with you, and they are always there. I am so lucky to have Gabriel in my life, despite the fact that I sometimes want to kill them. So, goodbye, goodbye. See you in December (possibly November)!

Monday, September 8, 2014

So That's What's Up.

Hi everyone whose a friend, or just a casual reader here on this lovely blog over here. As many of you know, I took a week off to get used to the whole school mode thing. I am so glad that I did, but now I figured that I would give you a life update, because I never give you one, and I have been out for a while, so I wanted to share what was going on in my life.
I started my job at my school's newspaper as the opinions editor, and I am in love with the job. I am so excited to go and do something that I am passionate about. I basically write 2 to 3 600 word articles and then I put the paper together. The people who are also on the paper are great people, and every time that I go to work, I honestly feel like Carrie Bradshaw whenever I go to work. I am so grateful for this opportunity because it's experience to help me get into my dream school which is Columbia University's Journalism School graduate program. I still work my other job one day a week, and it's okay. 
I am also taking four three credit classes, and one four credit classes. For the first time in my five semesters, I enjoy all of my classes. I am taking three writing classes, and I have classes all day Tuesdays and Thursdays. I also really don't feel like it's school work, because most of these classes are in a field that I am interested in. One of my classes even goes to the beach for field studies! 
Other than that, I have been getting used to having my best friends far away. Griffin and Gabriel are away at school, and I really miss them. However, I have been hanging out with my friends who go to my school so that's always a good. 
My life is pretty boring, but I am looking foreword to having an interesting semester! Stay tuned!