stuck in my head: october 14th edition

"I Wish I Could Break Your Heart" by Cassadee Pope- I was a little iffy about her debut album, because after The Voice it seemed as though Blake Shelton was pushing her more towards a country career. In my opinion, I feel like that's changing who she is. She started with Hey Monday, which is the furthest from country. Though I do like the album, and I believe that girls can relate to a lot of her songs. This one for example, is one of those  "blast with the windows down and scream at the top of your lungs" songs that every girl needs after a stupid boy screws them over.

"Classic" by MKTO- All of the credit to my friend Rachel for introducing me to this duo. The vocals are very unique, because they combine smooth singing with a twist of hip hop. The refrain is nothing less than catchy, and it makes me come back to listen to it over and over again.

"Bruises" by Train ft. Ashley Monroe- I stumbled across this song when I was driving around the other day, and it was so bizarre how I engulfed myself into a 3:52 experience. The lyrics are exactly how I hope an interaction with a certain person will pan out if I see him in the next five years. I also think the combination of voices in this song is so light and fun, making the song become a bit more positive.

"The One That Got Away by Katy Perry: My friends and I watched Katy Perry's movie last week and I can honestly say that each and every time there are moments that get me more than others. I also realize how much of a kickass person Katy Perry is. Her songs have been on the soundtrack to many parts of my life, another thing I didn't realize until I watched the movie. For as wild and crazy as her albums and wardrobe used to be, Katy is quite the reserved person, and I can appreciate that whole heartedly.

"Sorry" by Naya Rivera: First of all, good for her for putting her pipes to good use outside of Glee. Second, this song is catchy as hell. I've known about it for a couple of weeks now and it has been stuck in my head so many times. Naya has a unique voice that should be spread to the world, and I hope this song gets the chance it deserves.

The Red Tour: a night I will never forget.

Every girl should be able to experience a Taylor Swift concert. It's that simple. There are so many who would say "Psh, Taylor Swift? I don't listen to her." Listen up, her tour, which just finished in Nashville, was a life changing experience. I'm here to tell you why this seems like a staple for the typical chick these days. 

Around this time last year, my dear friend (ironically named Taylor) called me and told me she had tickets to see Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran in Nashville. Of course I was going to say yes, it was also the closing night of tour which means the show holds a much higher level of significance in my books. I've been counting down the days since the number was in high triple digits. Not only was I getting to go back to my favorite city, but I was also seeing the reigning princess of country music in her home town. Throw in my favorite singer and call it a sweet deal. 

There's something about the ambiance of a Swift show that just makes you feel happy. The music playing before, the dedication of her fans, the signs in the crowd, etc. It was such a wonderful setting. I will actually admit, I'm not a hardcore "Swiftie" but I do appreciate a good TSwift jam every once in a while. Little did I know that the minute the lights went down I was going to be jumping out of my seat screaming like a banshee. She chose the perfect opening song: State of Grace. I think it's a song that any 20 something girl should listen to at this point in their life. I also think that at my current age, "Red" is actually the perfect album. There are so many things I am able to relate to on it as opposed to the other albums. 

Throughout the entire concert we were singing at the top of our lungs and dancing like idiots, but let me tell you it was the most fun I had had in a long time. There is something about being able to belt out the words to the ultimate chick songs such as "You Belong With Me" and "22" that make all of your previous cares fly out the window. Like Taylor says "tonight's the night where we forget the deadlines", and that is exactly what we did. It was such a freeing feeling being able to know exactly what she meant behind each one of those songs. In particular though, she was speaking about her song "All Too Well", as well as her writing process. That was the moment where I felt like I was getting the up close and personal with her on the tour, especially because that song holds a very special place in my heart. I will always associate that song with someone who used to be near and dear to me, but unfortunately is no longer a part of my life. I may have cried a little when she sang it...and by a little I mean I might have bawled. It was amazing. To feel that connection with someone like Taylor is so surreal. You read about her in magazines, see stories on the news, etc., but you never imagine being able to see her on the last night of her biggest, and by far best tour to date. 

The attached video is 10 minutes, because it's a speech and a song, but I promise it's worth that ten minutes of your day. 

best of both worlds: the most phenomenal cover I have heard in a while

Shortly after giving The 1975 a deeper listen, I saw all over Twitter that they had covered pop smash hit "What Makes You Beautiful." At first I was a little skeptical as to how this was going to go, because it seemed like two completely different sounds coming together for this. After the first chorus, I was hooked. It's such a beautiful rendition of the song, because it makes it sound, for lack of a better word, more mature. As if my 1D craze needed another addition to the madness. I think this cover shows how diversified a band can get. The 1975 already has quite a unique sound, but the fact that they can crossover and cover this song of such great stature with their own spin, and have it sound this beautiful, speaks volumes of them as a band. Kudos, fellas.

stuck in my head: episode 4

We have an interesting bunch here this week ladies and gents. After seeing "This Is Us" I have yet to have a One Direction song NOT stuck in my head, but I have also had some fun bits in between. 

1. "Teenage Dirtbag" (Originally by Wheatus, covered by 1D)- I will admit that I had maybe heard this song once or twice before 1D covered it, which probably makes me sound pathetic that I just now am obsessed with it. The part of This Is Us where this cover is sang is so fabulous (no spoilers here), and since then I have had jank recordings of the track on my phone. Liam has this falsetto during the bridge that actually pains me due to it's beauty. ANYWAY. I have also listened to the Wheatus version mixed in with the 1D version. It's a really fun song overall, very catchy. 

2. "Last First Kiss" by One Direction-Shocker, another 1D song. And again, for a very obscure reason. In the movie, 1D is goofing around during soundcheck and sing this song in a reggae-like manner, and it was just magnificent. Also I fell in love with Harry Styles all over again during this specific song but that's for a later date. This song is so pretty, and definitely was not one of my favorites on Take Me Home when I first bought it, but now it's all I can listen to!

3. "I Wish" by Cher Lloyd ft. TI- Very catchy tune. I discovered Cher right before Want U Back was released to major radio stations here in the states. Unfortunately, her album failed to impress me. There were a couple of tracks that caught my eye (i.e. "Oath"), but overall, it wasn't anything special. This song as a new single is a great choice for her, and I can see her going bigger places very soon. 

4. "Chocolate" by The 1975- Alright, if you haven't given The 1975's debut album a listen yet, you are definitely missing out. I heard of them months ago when I came across them on twitter or Instagram I believe, and to be honest I really did not look into them right away. A bit later my friend Kaylee told me that I should give them a listen. She typically knows what kind of music is up my alley, and boy was she right. When the album came out, everyone was tweeting about it and I decided it was worth the 8 bucks on iTunes. "Chocolate" was the first song I had heard, so it will obviously have a special place, but there are so many other songs on that album that are great for many reasons. Something I appreciate about this band is that when you listen to their music you can hear the variety of instruments used. That my friends, is what music is about. 

review: one direction's "This Is Us"

Alright guys, I saw it. 

My best friend Caroline and I have waited months for this movie to finally be released. First and foremost, we knew it was going to be the closest we ever get to the British pop sensation. We have both been fans for about two years now, and being hardcore Directioners is a big part of our friendship. We have spent countless nights watching videos and comparing ourselves to Narry (the friendship of Niall and Harry for you non-Directioners out there.)

I had high hopes from the minute I saw the first trailer, but I had no idea how much this movie was going to actually impact me. The entire film was a behind the scenes look on the Take Me Home tour, featuring live clips and in between trips for the boys. Viewers get a deeper look into the lives of five lads who met on the X Factor and immediately began a whirlwind adventure. 

Highlights for me included seeing more of who Harry Styles was as a person, because he is my favorite member, and I wanted to have my proof for those who could tell me that it's a generic choice to be a fan of him. Harry has been the face of 1D for a while, he seems to be the one where if you say you love him, it's a broad statement. When Harry went back home on a break during tour, and on that break, he went back to visit the bakery he worked for leading up to his audition. The little old women that he worked with were so happy to see him, and it put a huge smile on my face. When Niall went home, he went to church with his family for his brother's wedding. Zayn bought a house for his mother (a goal he had from the minute he auditioned.) Liam's mom teared up while purchasing a Liam cutout at the 1D store because "it's the closest thing she would have to having him at home." Louis went to visit his grandma and it reminded me of myself and my grandma. These real moments opened my eyes even more to the guys who I think the world of. 

During the shows, the pre-shows, and bus time after, these five are just normal dudes living the perfect dream honestly. Something I also thought about was how for the amount of fame they have, there really hasn't been a terrible amount of negative publicity. There could be so many things made up about them in the process, but in the end I can only think of one word: normal. There is no way you can go into that film and come out with a negative thought about One Direction.

the little things: adventure club appreciation post (one of many..)

I feel like every 20-something should have a part-time job that involves working with kids. It can change them for the better, honestly. I applied to work for Adventure Club my freshman year, and almost three years later I am at the same school with my same core group of kids. Some have grown up and graduated onto middle school, some have dropped for personal reasons, but everything happens for a reason in my eyes. These kids have meant the world to me, they've been my smile on a cloudy day, they've been my extra babysitting on the weekends, they've been a poorly drawn horse hanging on my wall, but the most important thing these kids/my staff has been to me is a family. I can rely on them to know little quirks about me, like when I bite my tongue when I focus really hard on a drawing, or when I hum tunes to myself when I clean up. They also know that my favorite animal is a penguin. It's an understatement to say that I love them. I am in the best mood when I head out to work, and in an even better one driving home. They look up to my co-workers and I, because we are their support system the minute that bell rings letting them out of school. We are the people who provide a safe, fun, educational environment for them before and after they begin class everyday. Their naive, goofy minds are the best part of my day. I couldn't imagine a life without my Midway AC kids. 

"The only man a girl can depend on is her daddy." - Frenchy, Grease

stuck in my head: episode 3

With the VMAs this week, it's safe to say that my Spotify took some interesting turns, but I took a trip down memory lane for sure. I also have some new music that I think will go places. 

1. "Wrecking Ball" by Miley Cyrus- Girl went insane at the VMAs but listening to this song the morning after definitely was her saving grace. I think it's a really interesting turn to take after "We Can't Stop" because it slows down the tone of the album, yet her vocals and lyrics are so powerful that they catch your attention. Looking forward to the new album. 

2. Bruno Mars' entire "Unorthodox Jukebox" album- Once again I am a bit late to the game on this one, but last night after his performance of "Gorilla" I knew I had to give in. From start to finish this album is great, and Mars fails to disappoint. My favorite by far is "Young Girls", but I have a feeling I will change that at least once the more I listen. 

3. "Pretty Brown Eyes" by Cody Simpson- Heard this catchy gem for the first time on a local Columbia station and was HOOKED. Being a brown-eyed girl, I might be a bit biased towards this song in the sense that I love it far too much, but I do not care. There is no shame in having a Cody Simpson song on your playlist every once in a while. Wave that cougar flag with pride, ladies. 

4. "Almost is Never Enough" by Ariana Grande and Nathan Sykes- Two of the most underrated voices in music, honestly. Grande is one of those actresses who is viewed outside of her work as her characters she portrays. Fortunately, she is a great role models for young girls today. She is very poised, and her songs are beautiful. Bringing in a strong voice like Sykes was just what she needed. The song is so romantic, and the video is so cute. I have played this song an obnoxious amount of times with no intention of stopping anytime soon. 

I've been thinking about this video a lot recently, because it came up in a conversation with my friends. A lot of us catch ourselves with a really bland expression on our face, and most would confuse it for being in a bad mood or simply not entertained. Unfortunately it makes girls unpresentable sometimes because we don't look super perky or smiley all of the time. I think back to this video which cracks me up without fail because it's becoming more and more relevant as I look around on campus. There are so many girls who don't even realize the expression on their faces, and then people make stupid assumptions. United we stand ladies, we can stand up to resting bitch face.

anything but shakespeare

On Tuesdays and Thursdays I have a class over Shakespeare comedies and it's actually a really neat course, unfortunately today was the day I forget my book. During the hour and fifteen minutes spent going line by line over the first few scenes of a play, I spent my time coming up with a few more posts for this blog. Today I decided to cover the topic of Tumblr, because after a few years with a blog on that site I have opened the doors to so many creative and social outlets. This post is to highlight some of my favorite tumblr findings!

1. PupFresh- I'm a major pop culture junkie, especially focusing on the music scene. In August of 2011 I discovered PupFresh in it's beginning phase. At this point the site was being run by Dan Cox, a dedicated, passionate, opinionated music fan from Michigan. What I liked about this site was that DCox was just another music fan who wrote really entertaining articles, and even had leads on albums and tours that were about to happen. PupFresh was the sole contributor to me finding out that two of my favorite bands (The Cab and The Summer Set) were going to embark on a co-headlining tour. They've had some bumps in the road, including the entire site being hacked and deleted at one point as well as DCox taking a break from PF. A lot of music fans are anti-PF because they tend to be pretty honest with reviews and articles, but I believe that's what I like the most. 

2.  rubyetc- Through the past couple of years on tumblr I was branching out to find quirky little pictures and quotes that would be funny or relevant. I found Ruby and her drawings to be quite adorable. Even the most simple sketch can put a smile on my face, and I really enjoy the fact that they can speak volumes without having to be too over the top. On top of her work floating around the interweb, Ruby has a store where you can support her work by purchasing her prints in one form or another. I'm currently saving up for a phone case, which may seem pricey at $35, but to me it's worth it when I know the artist is so down to earth and talented in her own unique way.

3. Lang Leav- I found Miss Lang just as I found Ruby, a random work of hers was on my dash one night and I looked into the source. Lang Leav is an incredibly talented poet who writes short little bits about love, happiness, heartbreak, adventure, etc. You name it, Lang has probably written a poem over it, and chances are if you are a tumblr user, you have seen a poem of hers on your dash one day, felt like it applied to you, and you might have even reblogged it. I had the chance to interview her for my internship this summer, something I was really excited about, but unfortunately I had to move in another direction so I could fulfill the needs for my specific magazine I was working for. I sincerely hope I get the chance to interview her again someday, because I have so much respect for Lang. She recently released a book of her poems, Love & Misadventure, that I also intend on purchasing very soon. The amazing part about Lang Leav is that she is very interactive with her fans, they write in her inbox on a daily basis on Tumblr and she takes time to reply to so many of them. Another thing she started to do recently was reblog pictures with fans who pose with her book in any manner. She was very humble when I spoke to her earlier in the summer, and I think she, like Ruby, is a person who deserves the world for their phenomenal work.

4. Underground talents- Like I mentioned before, I love music.  A part of that is discovering new music, or in Alan's case, mashups. This kid is only 19 and has put together some of the best mashups I have ever heard. Right now, my all time favorite that he has done include putting together some of the newer music from Panic! At The Disco and Fall Out Boy. (Check out the "This is Gospel"/ Alone Together" masterpiece, seriously I have listened to it non-stop since he posted it.) Like Lang Leav, Alan replies to all of the people who give him raving reviews in his ask, and I think that's really down to earth, because honestly at that age, he could be a total jerk and put off replying to anybody, and let all of the nice things being said to him get to his head. Keeping my eye on this one, because I feel like his music could go really far. 

5. Friends- I saved this topic for last because it is the most special part to me of being a part of the tumblr community. Back in 2010 when I started on tumblr, I saw left and right that people had friends, or groups of friends, that they met on the site and I hoped someday that I, too, would have that luxury. You see, college was nerve-wracking for me, because I was so quiet when I started in a new city, and I am the farthest thing from outgoing in certain situations. I'm not saying I have a completely new identity online (I've seen Catfish, I know how weird things can get), but what I am saying is that I have found some girls through tumblr who have encouraged me to step up in my life, to be the best I can be. This also goes hand in hand with the friends I have met here at Mizzou, they get some credit as well! In fact, the two worlds have combined when I introduce certain friends to each other. It's really neat actually. It's also fun to say I have close friends in California, North Carolina, New York, Canada, and Chicago! I've even met one of the girls I talked to on tumblr, and to this day she is one of the nicest people in my life. (This is where I shout out to Lindsey, Mikayla, Reagan, Amanda, Kaylee, and Kate for being incredible human beings.) Each and every one of them know some of my darkest secrets, and they also are judgement free about my fangirl days (mainly because we all fangirl over the same people and things.....) but I am so thankful to have them around. If you girls ever see this, thanks for being you, and I hope we all get to finally meet someday!

last first day of school: senior year at MU

It's so bittersweet to sit here and think about the fact that this is my last year of undergrad at Mizzou. I remember starting out three years ago and wanting to curl up in a ball and cry. The whole process of going into new classes and meeting new people was both exciting and terrifying for me. Starting out as an Education major, it was really cool seeing the types of classes they put us in. The Ed majors took classes in specific buildings and I was in love from the start. The people I met both through my dorm and classes were amazing, and definitely made for an interesting freshman year. There were ups and downs throughout the 9 months of freshman year, but I tend to look at that as human. Not everyone is perfect and college is a process of weeding through the bad to find the right set of people to keep around. Towards the end of freshman year I joined a sorority, Phi Mu, and also got a part time job with a place called Adventure Club which runs a before and after school program in the elementary schools here in Columbia. Both of those decisions changed my life for the best. 

I spent all of sophomore year in Phi Mu, once again weeding through the weird and crazy to find some of my best friends in the entire world. There are three girls I met in those first couple of weeks who I still consider my closest gals here at MU. It was interesting, I never saw myself as a sorority girl, and it kind of showed during sophomore year, but I definitely think it was a unique experience that I wouldn't trade for anything. I also found out I had to change majors that year, but in my mind everything happens for a reason, and boy was I correct about that as well.

At the end of the summer before junior year, I decided to drop Phi Mu. Unfortunately the sorority life was not for me anymore, but fortunately, all of my girls stood by me in my decision and never made things weird between us. I moved into my own place with two new friends to start my third year at MU, and with my job and new course load ahead of me, I was ready to take it on. Year three included multiple road trips for concerts, late night drives with my friends blasting music down country roads, and a little bit of drama to liven things up. I fell in love with my major and even made some awesome friends through my English classes. To say I found a new, more reassuring path in life is an understatement. 

I sit here at 10 pm on the night before my second day of classes for senior year and think back to all of these ups and downs throughout my three years here and cannot even wait to see what comes next. It's also bizarre to think that at the end of this year I will have a big girl decision made: what I am doing to move forward with a career/education. My apartment is quiet, due to the fact that my roommate and I are leaving for class at 7:30 am. It's funny to me because at this time last year, or the previous MU years of mine, I would have been gabbing the night away in one of my best gal's rooms about the funny things that occurred during our days. It's refreshing to think that I live with someone with her head on her shoulders and has the same aspirations as I do, it's also a first for me. Silly, I know, but it helps me feel at ease starting off my last year with this rather positive atmosphere. 

the art of the music video: "this is gospel"

There are few who appreciate the true art that is creating a music video to properly suit a song. For me, it's something I look forward to when an artist releases a new song. Panic! At The Disco's new album comes out in October, and their first two singles have definitely impressed me. "Miss Jackson", both the song and video, reminded me too much of Fall Out Boy's "My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark" so I was skeptical about the second single. "This Is Gospel" sucked me in with the song, I felt like I could definitely relate to this song, to the point where it almost hurt. I decided to watch the video late last night and damn, it really hit home. Brendon Urie is quite talented with not only his vocals, but his acting abilities in this video. It was phenomenal how certain parts had my heart racing. Kudos Brendon.

recap: teen choice awards

I have no shame in the fact that I watched the Teen Choice Awards last night. No 21 year old girl should. Why you ask? Because 99% of the people being awarded, presenting, or appearing on that show make up the pop culture we live and breathe today. I actually had a lot of love for the show last night, but there were also some things I would have changed. 

Highlights:

1) Nick Jonas in general. This guy is such a gem, not only because he can put himself together like a 30 year old man, but he also is a hidden bundle of talent. I have admired for a long time how he was able to pen some of the greatest Jonas hits, as well as be the spokesperson for the band, all of this being done as the youngest in the band. Last night Nick was presented with the Acuvue Inspire Award for his charity work raising awareness for diabetes. Pretty remarkable how well he has handled his Type I battle while being such a strong performer. A hidden fact about Nick is that he is a talented drummer, and he even made an appearance drumming during Demi Lovato's "Made in the USA" performance. 10/10 for Nick. 

2) Lea Michele/The Glee Cast- As I've said before, Glee, and Cory Monteith, hold a special place in my heart. I knew after his passing that the votes for TV Comedy were going to go to Glee, but I had no idea that they were going to present Lea with the TV Comedy Actress. During the cast acceptance speech, Amber Riley spoke about Cory in such a respectful manner, I was tearing up as well as getting goosebumps. When Lea came out and spoke, you could tell she was nervous, but damn, Glee fan or not, you have to have respect for the woman after that. She accepted her award on behalf of Cory, and her speech was a tear-jerker. The Gleek community is so strong, and after last night social media sites were blowing up with incredible love for Lea and her friends of the show. You can watch both acceptances here.

3) The hosts- I firmly stand behind the choice of Lucy Hale and Darren Criss as the hosts. They were both such good sports about such an interesting awards show. Criss had me laughing out loud during certain segments, such as the sports category. Being known as a goofy guy, seeing him come out in a football uniform and grunting behind a face mask was pure entertainment. Hale, in my eyes, is such a strong actress, and I think it proved a great amount for her talents if she is able to come out and host a show such as this. Being a host means you put yourself out in front of others and have to keep them entertained, and she did just that. 

4) The amount of Ed Sheeran on my television-It's no secret to those who know me best that Ed is one of my favorite humans to walk the face of this planet. He is such a unique talent, his music touches the lives of so many, and he does it all on his own. When he performs live, it's just him, a guitar, and a loop pedal. He can capture a room of hundreds or a stadium of thousands with that. That's not something that can be done by many. I've been a fan for going on two years now, and it's safe to say I'm not going anywhere. I was incredibly proud to see him on screen so many times last night, including a win for Choice Breakout Artist. He deserves this kind of attention, and I hope for the best for him. 

5) Little Mix presenting- Little Mix is a highly underrated girl group who won the UK X Factor, and I feel as though they could go far if added to the right tours in the next year. Perrie, Jesy, Jade, and Leigh Ann have four incredibly strong voices, and I would love to see their album spread like wildfire. I would also like to see them tour with Katy Perry....but that's just a dream. I think these ladies deserved their moment of fame, which can definitely include presenting a trendsetter award to Miley Cyrus.

Things I Would Change:

1) Having the show open with One Direction- I think that most girls were watching the for the premiere of the boys' new single "Best Song Ever", and to have them kick off the show could also result in losing many viewers once the performance is over. They kept promising the boys would come back, but they never did. Also, 1D had just finished their US leg of their Take Me Home tour, so they were obviously exhausted. As exciting as the performance was for fans, it probably would have been best if they were just presenters, that way they could save their energy. It was also said that their inner ear pieces were malfunctioning, and so there was much confusion about how they were doing. Overall, it could have gone two ways: perform at the end that way the fans stay in tune during the entire show, or save the performance for another award show so the guys could catch their breath after the tour just finishing. 

2) Hayley Williams- I just had so many questions about her performance in general. It felt like it was too much. "Still Into You" was such a summer hit, that if you didn't have the right performance to go along with it, it felt wrong, and could lose taste in the song. 

3) Ashton Kutcher- Though his speech was incredible, I just felt like it was going in all sorts of weird directions. I also wondered why he was receiving the award, because to me he isn't an actor that really sticks out to me with our generation, though I have no clue who I would have given that to instead. His award/speech just felt really out of place, just like his little plug about Ashton not being his real name. It seemed as though the TCA board threw something together last minute on that one. 

4) The amount of times surfing was referenced when someone won an award- Honestly, I get that most of those celebrities have not learned to surf, but you have plenty of time to come up with a better response other than "Guess I need to learn how to surf..." because it got really annoying after the third person. 

stuck in my head: episode 2

It's been an interesting, reminiscent week. Lots of random dance parties in my room while cleaning as well as getting ready to go out with my friends. My Spotify is full of variety and I love that about myself because I definitely take pride in my weird, assorted taste in music. 

1."I Think I'm In Love With You" by Jessica Simpson-I remember receiving this album during a Secret Santa exchange when it came out, and I was always team Jessica. I loved Britney and Christina, but I was and still am a major Jessica Simpson fan. This song is so fun and catchy, and I also think that this was the era of Jessica's true talent.

2."Tell Her" by Jesse McCartney-Jesse McCartney was the first teeny bopper crush I had, and it all started with his career in Dreamstreet. I have each of his albums and it is a severe understatement to say I am just a fan. I love the kid and think he is incredibly talented. His "Right Where You Want Me" album is definitely underrated, because the singles released from it never had major radio time. "Tell Her" is a song that hits you right in the feels. Any person can relate to this one. 

3. "Wonderland" by Natalia Kills. I first heard Natalia in a commercial for one of those websites where you can buy any pair of freakishly tall heels for the same price, her catchy "Problem" was playing in the background and I was hooked. I looked it up immediately and it has become one of my favorites to blast when I am taking on the elliptical or treadmill at the gym. I decided to look further into her music because her voice was different to me, her backtracks are along the lines of Gaga, but I felt something else coming from her music. She's a bit more drawn back than Lady Gaga, but just as fun to listen to. "Wonderland" is a great track from her 2011 album "Perfectionist".

4. "Roar" by Katy Perry. This song was leaked today and I will be the first to say that I have been anxiously awaiting the comeback of Katy. She's been in hiding for a couple of years and there was a feeling in my gut that once she released a song I would not be disappointed. She definitely proved me correct today. The tune sounds pretty similar to Sara Bareilles' "Brave", but it has an obvious Katy twist to it. I am also a major fan of the Lisa Frank tones in the album artwork. The song makes me much more excited for her album than I was before. 5/5 from me on this one. 

5."Be Your Everything" by Boys Like Girls. Throwing back to last year when this EP was released, but BLG has been a band I have stuck by for a while. I was able to see them live for the first time last September and I was just completely baffled when they sang this song. I was in the presence of a band I had loved for so long, it all seemed so surreal. The lighting of that specific song was so beautiful and Martin's vocals were spot on. The entire set that night was great. "Be Your Everything" was one of those songs where I listened to it the first time through and was immediately addicted to it. It really spoke volumes about a certain situation in my life, still does, and I think this goes for anyone when I say it's quite the thrilling experience when music can speak for you. Once you attach yourself to a song, there is no looking back. BLG has a few of those for me, this one in particular. 

concerts: the experience beyond the music

With my last post, I realized something that should have been posted about already: the fact that many of my closest friends are from shows I have attended in the past two years.

There is something intimate about attending the show of a smaller, more unknown band. Not only do you get the chance to be up close and personal with the band during the show, but you also get to know a crowd of people who also love the band. I typically attend shows in Saint Louis and Chicago, and have found a core of girls who enjoy most of the same bands that I do. I also credit Tumblr for this, because through different tags and blogs I have gotten to meet, both online and in person, some of the most phenomenal human beings. These girls are there for me when I need a pick-me-up or someone to meet up with at a show if I go alone.

Having these "concert friends" make going to a show something to look forward to because not only do I get to see some of my favorite bands, but I get to see some of my friends that I sometimes haven't seen in months. We communicate frequently through various social media outlets, but that moment when we finally reunite after an extended period of time is something I wouldn't trade for the world. Sure, getting to see big arena shows and distinguished artists is quite an experience, but if you offered me the choice to see Beyonce or The Summer Set, I would take the TSS tickets in a heartbeat. Why? Because I know waiting for me in that venue would not only be a hardworking, on the rise band, but some girls that I call family would be anxiously awaiting a night of dancing, laughing, and having the times of our lives.

flashback friday: one year ago today.

On August 9th, 2012, I packed up early for an extraordinary experience with two of my friends. You see, in 2011 we stumbled upon a band named Action Item. A small pop-rock band from Jersey who, with not only catchy tunes but incredibly good looks, can draw you in immediately. When I met them the band consisted of five members: Brian Cag, David Buczkowski, Dan Brozek, Anthony Li, and Mark Shami. Mark has now moved on to work on a personal project, but I still have the same amount of respect that I did when I first met him. These guys are hardworking and do the best they can to make their fans happy. After traveling hundreds of miles to multiple tours, it's safe to say these guys and the friends I have made from going to see them, are a big part of my life. The only word I can come up with for the past two years would be unique. Not many people can say they have done the things I have with this band and for that I am very thankful.

On this day, one year ago, Rachel, Becca, and I traveled to Chicago to a screening of Until It's Over. UIO was a documentary of Action Item's journey so far as a band. They had a red carpet rolled out at each screening across the country, and five girls in each city were chosen to be the guys' dates. One of the five in Chicago happened to be one of my best friends, and I refuse to let her live it down. The movie was really neat, it opened my eyes to the things Brian, Anthony, Dan, Dave, and Mark went through to get to where they are today. One ticket to the event got you into the movie, a photo with the guys on the red carpet, and a viewing of a Q&A/Acoustic set after the show. Overall a pretty game-changing night/idea for a band like Action Item, and after a weird series of events, I am so glad I was able to have the chance to go. Each time I see these guys, it's a different experience, and I can't wait to see where they progress from here.

Pictured: David, Mark, Becca, Dan, Me, Anthony, Kristin, and Brian

real life problems: part time jobs.

I can honestly say that since May, I have had the hardest time finding a second part-time job. I currently work in a before/after school program that typically helped me with gas/concert tickets but approaching senior year my parents and I decided that I needed to take on another job. This was sparked from the fact that my hours were definitely going to be cut at my current job. I'm pretty blessed to have my parents supporting me financially currently, but I know that with the aspirations/goals I have for the next five years, I definitely needed to get myself in a more independent position. 

Unfortunately, Columbia is an incredibly difficult city to find a part time job in. I applied for close to 20 positions over the past 3 months and got one call back, but the lady didn't quite seem to understand that "part-time" means less that 50 hours a week. When approaching a job hunt such as this, there is one characteristic you have to have going in: persistence. It got to the point where if I typed in "part" on my Google search, "part-time jobs columbia mo" would immediately pop up. I was looking on different sites religiously since the end of April. Finally, I found one that worked with my schedule. 

There are jobs that will somehow "magically" fall right into your lap. My first job, which I got freshman year, was one that I applied for without even really banking on getting it. Two months later I got a phone call and the next day my mom and I were driving three hours for a job interview that turned into 2 1/2+ years of amazing memories and experiences with Adventure Club. Today I got an e-mail saying I was hired for an Events Assistant position on campus. Ironically, I (and by "I" I mean my mom and I, again) drove three hours back to school for that interview as well. I found that position randomly one day when I was on my daily search and after I sent in the application I looked at my friend and said "yolo" (Yes, I am cringing at the fact that that was my reaction). Sometimes you have the right opportunities just fall into place and I think it's the best way to go about part time jobs. They are so hit and miss these days. 

Never give up ladies and gents. 

2013: the year of the comeback

This summer consisted of driving to many places. A good majority of these destinations had a concert waiting for me at the end of them. Two of these trips were for shows I have waited years to see and I still can't completely wrap my mind around the fact that they actually happened. 

1. Fall Out Boy at The Pageant (St. Louis- June 28th, 2013)

My junior high/beginning of high school years had soundtracks that included great FOB hits like "Dance, Dance" and "Hum Hallelujah." Listening to those songs takes me back to car rides to out of town basketball games and getting ready to hang out with my friends. I even got the chance to see FOB sophomore year and a couple years later I would realize how lucky I was. When a band goes on hiatus, you realize how much they meant to you. It wasn't until right before My Songs was released in February that I really thought about this. My best friend and I spent a solid two weeks only listening to FOB and then they announced not only and album, but a tour. The day those tickets went on sale was much like The Hunger Games to music fans. These shows were selling out across the country and I was fortunate enough to have a sister with ninja-like skills on Ticketmaster to get to this show. I also found out my two closest friends who also loved FOB got tickets, so this was going to be a hell of a night. I ended up third row that night, just a matter of feet from one of my favorite humans: Patrick Stump. My favorite song off of the new album (Alone Together) was played, I cried, I screamed, I danced, I had a ball with my friends. Not much more you can ask from such an iconic band. 

2. Jonas Brothers at Klipsch Music Center (Noblesville, IN-July 12th, 2013)

The Jonas Brothers are what started my love for music, both live and recorded. There is something about performances, the trips to them, the mutual love for musicians with my friends that really ties it all together. In 8th grade my dear friend Rachel told me to listen to this band called the Jonas Brothers, specifically their song "Time For Me To Fly" from their self-titled debut album. I was hooked. A little over a year later I was seeing them for the first time in Peoria, IL. At the time it felt like a dream. Little did I know I would see them AGAIN in 2009 for their world tour. These nights were some of the best because not only did I love the brothers Jonas, but my sister did as well. They formed a bond that will never be broken, whether they are playing music or not. After a break beginning in 2010, the Jonai came out of hiding with a full tour this summer. I had every intention of going, but had yet to decide where. Out of the blue one morning I woke up to a phone call from my sister saying that we had not only tickets, but meet and greet passes to meet our favorite performers. It was a dream come true. Unfortunately my sister had to back out last minute, but was replaced by my best friend who definitely made up for it. Getting to meet the Jonai after a wait that seemed to take forever, was phenomenal. The show was nothing less than extraordinary and you can tell that the brothers are definitely back for a while. With their album "V", featuring some strong tracks such as What Do I Mean to You coming out this fall, I expect the best for these talented gentlemen. 

Now with that being said, I think I speak for millions of girls across the globe who say there is one comeback that we still have our fingers crossed for....

stuck in my head: episode 1

Each week I plan on posting five songs that are on my list, that get stuck in my head, or catch my attention on the radio/spotify. Here is the first edition!

1. Miss Movin' On by Fifth Harmony- I have to admit, I had known of this song when it first came out and thought that the hype was rather annoying, so I put off listening to it. Today on my drive home from my job interview I heard it on the radio and the words, the powerful vocals, it all sucked me in. Instantly hooked. 

2. Best Song Ever by One Direction- I am a total 1D chick. My best friend and I bond over the boy band to the point where they have brought us to tears. To the point where we go so far to plan trips to see them and are utterly heartbroken when they fall through. When the new single from the boys came out I knew I would be hooked. Not to mention the incredibly unique music video.

3.No Interruption by Hoodie Allen-Definitely late to the Hoodie train, but this song had me hooked the minute I pressed play. Need to see this dude life, he is a one of a kind talent.

4. Gold by Neon Hitch (ft. Tyga)- I accidentally stumbled upon this song and after the 5th, 6th, and 7th, plays I knew there was no turning back.

5. Crushin' by Bush Hawg- This song was playing over a Spotify commercial and I had to listen to the rest. A song that most people can connect to, love the words. Major fan. 

perks of having a "stupid" major.

Today I had my last class session for my internship with The Missouri Review literary magazine and as we had an overall discussion about the magazine/improvements, I looked around to realized I loved this opportunity. 

So many times after I changed my major to English I was told that I needed to immediately think of grad school, to move on to another program after graduation. In my mind, this department has set me in a direction that I could not be any more thankful for. 

The Missouri Review internship has definitely opened my eyes to the publishing world, and has also introduced me to some amazing people. One of the bonuses to being an English major is that the group of fellow English majors is so small that you eventually befriend them due to the fact that you have so many classes together. 

In addition to what I've already said, something neat about being an English major is that it can be a platform towards other careers. For instance, I could go into teaching, publishing, or even copywriting. It's so flexible and makes me feel a bit more confident in taking steps towards what I'm going to do in a new city after graduation (fingers crossed for Nashville!)

Overall, as "stupid" as an English major may sound, the change to become one may actually be one of the best decisions I could have made in college.

praying to grilled cheesus

As of 12:30 am on July 14th I found out that one of my favorite humans left this world FAR too early. Cory Monteith was such an incredible person and from the first second I saw him on Glee, I knew there was something special about him that was going to make me fall in love. Low and behold, four seasons later, he was still my all time favorite character. The highs and lows of Finn Hudson on that show were so real, so human. Outside of the show he was such an inspiration to all. He had such a positive outlook on life, so happy. The fact that he entered himself into rehab in April only proved so much more why I have respect for him. He admitted he had a problem and wanted to fix it. It takes so much courage to do that and I wish I had half of the strength he did. 

It's so surreal to think that he won't be on Glee next season and won't be able to continue what was bound to be an amazing career. Rest in peace Cory, you will be missed so dearly.

hello blogging world!

So this is where it starts. 

I decided to start this blog for random blurbs regarding anything. This can range from stories of daily life, new music I've found, books, videos, etc. Sure, I have a tumblr and it's great to waste time on, but there needs to be a space where I can share my randomness outside of that site. I'm rather nervous considering I have never used a blog before, but there comes a time where we just have to take a leap of faith.