A Vigilant Muse

Dark Blue

2012-02-12T10:03:00.000-08:00

I don't know if other people do this or if it's just another odd quirk of mine, but I tend to celebrate anniversaries for unconventional events. I do it for a number of things, but by far my favorite one is my Dark Blue-versary.

Today marks seven years since the first time I heard "Dark Blue" by Jack's Mannequin.

I made this post a while back about how I first heard the song, but it's truly meant so much more than just some words I wrote. It's really crazy how one simple song has become the ultimate emotional stabilizer for me. I mean, considering how horrible my music-ADD is, I really never would've dreamed that I would've had a favorite song that lasted for 7 years. (Is this starting to sound creepily like a relationship yet?)

I want to share, because this song actually changed my life. Also, the video concept is really cool and fun. Check it out. Well, I'm off to go put this on repeat and celebrate the best seven years of my life!

Oh, You Fancy Huh?

2012-02-09T14:17:00.000-08:00

Blazer: Sears; Top: ?; Skirt: Costco, ha; Pumps: Ross

Another of the old ones from the old apartment, but I felt it was appropriate because I have been running around in a whirlwind of interviews and business casual-casual and coffee. I'm currently in the middle of a giant dilemma called, "What do I wear to this UNC interview in 10 days?" Do I have to wear dress pants? Because I hate them. Can I wear a nice dress as long as I pair it with a cardigan or blazer? It's going to be cold, but...do I need to worry about that for an interview that's going to be inside? Sadly, this is what I'm most worried about right now and not the questions or content. I impulsively bought my first A-line skirt when I unsuccessfully hunted for Jason Wu at Target though.

Tuesday Tunes: Hip-Hop Edition!

2012-02-07T07:09:00.000-08:00

I have known my irl and blogging friend, Aki, for quite a long time. As such, she knows me pretty well. Last Tuesday she commented on my post that she's been pleasantly surprised by my music choices for these posts because she was kind of under the impression from high school that I was more of a rap/hip-hop kinda gal. Which, really, I still am, but my horizons have definitely broadened a bit since then. However, in honor of her comment, this post is going to be dedicated to some of my hip-hop favorites. Not all of it is clean. You've been warned.

1. "Don't Lose Your Head" - Zion I
2. "A Little Bit Cooler" - The Cool Kids
3. "I Can Transform Ya" - Chris Brown ft. Swizz Beatz & Lil' Wayne
4. "Prrrum" - Cosculluela ft. Wisin & Yandel
5. "Get Ur Freak On" - Missy Elliot

Oh man, these were so hard to choose. I might have to do another one soon!

Listography: Top 5 Phrases That Drive Me Crazy

2012-02-05T05:44:00.000-08:00

So I was all set to do a post about the Superbowl...but let's be honest, I am as close to completely ignorant about football as it is possible for one with a sporty brother to be. I was really proud of myself today for being able to correctly inform my mother which two teams were playing this year.

Anyway, I decided, unless something ridiculous like the national anthem fiasco happens again, I should probably not project my ignorance onto the internet. And then I found this week's Listography post over at Kate Takes 5 and figured that was definitely more my thing than football.

1. "You know what I mean/I'm saying?"
I don't watch a lot of MTV and this, almost single-handedly, is the reason why.

2. "No Homo"
I think the reasoning here is fairly obvious.

3. "Anyways, like..."
I swear, "anyways" is one of my biggest pet peeves. I literally flinch sometimes when people use it. Grammar is near and dear to my heart. Also, "like" in any unnecessary context...though I'm very very guilty of that.

4. "So, why aren't you going to med school right away?"
You would be surprised how often I am still getting this question, and I won't get into it, but I want to shoot something every time.

5. "As you should already know/have learned..."
Mainly, when said by bosses/professors followed by something so obscure or unrelated that, well, maybe I learned it but I sure as shit don't remember so thanks for clarifying with the addendum that I should feel bad for not having recalled immediately.

Check out more at Kate's blog in the link above!

You Can Do Anything!

2012-02-03T06:08:00.000-08:00

I'm certain you're all as up to date as I am on Daniel Radcliffe's professional life, and as such I'm sure you were all aware he was on SNL a couple weeks ago. Though there were definitely ups and downs, all throughout, I was completely enamored with his American accent. Cause...hot damn. You know.

One of my favorite sketches was "You Can Do Anything" which, "celebrates the incredibly high self-esteem of the YouTube generation" and was absolutely hilarious.

ETA: Now it's the right video, oops!

I agree a little bit with this assessment of the YouTube/social media generation, as a biology major with medical aspirations and conservative Indian parents, but the thing is that social media really is giving people a chance to show something of themselves that they wouldn't have otherwise. As a self-proclaimed internet connoisseur (yes, I see the irony), sometimes it's true that people's self-importance becomes massively over-inflated after becoming "internet-famous," but many people become so because they are genuinely talented at what they do. Some of my favorite musicians, artists, etc. started on myspace music, deviantart, and other media sites, so I can't even bring myself to totally hate on the Rebecca Blacks and cute kittens of the world, even if they aren't particularly talented. Making videos, publicizing yourself, making yourself a mark for criticism and shame, and gathering an audience can be pretty tough in itself. Plus, criticism on the internet is often much harsher than criticism in real life. Anonymity is a cruel thing. Anyway, as just a funny sketch, I loved this one. Best thing SNL's done in a long long time.

As for my vlog editing:
"I tried and therefore no one should criticize me!"

(kidding)

February in Pictures

2012-02-01T15:13:00.000-08:00

It's crazy that it's already February! I swear it was not that long ago that I was ice skating and ringing in the New Year. February and I have a very love/hate relationship, so we'll see how this one goes. I have a lot of things to do this month, so I thought I'd share my TDL in pictures!

Plan my trip to and start the project I'll be doing at SEARCH Gadchiroli,
a rural health-centric NGO in India, this summer.

Celebrate the 7th anniversary of the first time I heard "Dark Blue" by Jack's Mannequin, because it really is the best and honestly, I've never had a favorite song this long. It's basically a relationship at this point.

Ignore Valentine's Day.

Interview for grad school at this pretty place, UNC Chapel Hill!(!!)

Enjoy the extra day we're gonna have this year! (Seriously, why isn't this a holiday?)

P.S. You should all be really really proud of me if I manage to go the whole month without making a "like the month, but a person!" Starship reference.

Baby Steps

2012-01-30T06:25:00.000-08:00

Disclaimer: Please blame Loni for everything you see in this post.

Okay...within the span of exactly one day, I have become disgustingly invested in Teen Mom. As in, sure, it's a little ridiculous, but so entertaining! I like to believe that I'd be a better mom than basically all of those girls, though I guess maybe not in their same situations. I watched a couple episodes with Loni today...and then I came home and watched like 3 more. Because, I dunno, but Maci's baby-daddy drama and Tyler and Catelynn's relationship drama is just really comforting to me. Sure, I'm stressed as hell, but at least I don't have all that going on.

Plus, those babies are so frickin' cute and I just want to play with all of them. I have a bazillion things I want to do before I have kids, but I mean, it can't hurt to vicariously parent through trashy reality tv, right?

Feel free to stage an intervention.

Strawberry Swing

2012-01-29T09:01:00.000-08:00

Just watch this video. Someone showed it to me yesterday, and holy crap. It's so well-done, and the angle-changing is perfect and I have probably watched it a hundred times already. Happy Sunday!

We Are Just These People

2012-01-26T06:10:00.000-08:00

Ignore that I look 3 months pregnant, if you will...
Top: Charlotte Russe; Sweater: Old Navy; Boots: Ross

First outfit post of the year! Well, okay, this is an old one, but still. I realized I still have a couple strays from the old apartment, so I'm going to post those before I start on the newer ones. I basically took...none during the hiatus, so I'm still trying to find places around my apartment now that would be good. Unfortunately, I'm on a major street now instead of a cute secluded neighborhood, so I have to steel myself and try not to feel like a loser struggling with my tripod and then proceeding to take pictures of myself with people continually walking/driving by. I should really invest in a ~~boyfriend~~ photographer and solve this issue.

Tuesday Tunes!

2012-01-24T05:58:00.000-08:00

Music has been keeping me sane these past few weeks. I swear, looking for a job is practically a full-time job in itself! I'm currently trying to find time to finish editing those vlogs I did with Aki so hopefully new ones soon! But, thank goodness for some old and new favorites.

1. "Somebody That I Used To Know" - Gotye ft. Kimbra
2. "Oh Goodbye" - The Colourist
3. "Not While I'm Around" - Neil Patrick Harris (Sweeney Todd in Concert)
4. "Countdown" - Jupiter One
5. "Kiss Me Slowly" - Parachute

Share Your Favorites!

Beast Mode

2012-01-23T08:56:00.000-08:00

Somehow, though I don't seem to have time to eat regular meals or finish that painting or play the guitar right now, I seem to be finding a LOT of time to read. In the last 2 weeks I've read four books!! Okay, I'll admit, one was a re-read. Still, this is usual for on-vacation Mugdha, but very very not for balancing-a-bazillion-volunteer-activities-and-job-hunting-and-working-on-grad-school-apps Mugdha (phew, that was long). I certainly hope this trend continues throughout the year. I want to keep tabs on what I read this year, because I always seem to forget when people ask for recommendations!

Had to re-read it because the sequel came out. Set in the 1800s, it's YA urban fantasy with kind of a steampunk tilt to it, and damn is it good. I really liked all the characters, which is odd, since I usually can't stand the main girls in these stories.

Sigh. Will Herondale is such a tortured soul, man. This book was just as fast-paced as the first, but other than Will and Charlotte I grew to dislike most of the main characters. Also, the romance got sort of...drawn out for me. I like a little well-done romance, but this kind of distracted from the plot.

I have had this book recommended to me by at least 10 bloggers and like 4 other people in real life, so I had really high expectations. Unfortunately, it just didn't meet them. I think a lot of it was just that I didn't really like the prose-style it was written in and that I didn't like the main character. The setting was really interesting, though. I LOVE dystopias, so that part was great!

Perhaps you've been hiding under a rock and haven't heard of John Green, but all I have to say is GO READ THIS. NOW. And then go find the rest of his books and read them all too. You will absolutely not regret it. I promise.

Happy reading!

The Colourist

2012-01-20T16:47:00.000-08:00

Last night, I went to a show with the roomie, Loni, and some other friends. I was really excited for the headliners, Grouplove, actually, because they'd come highly recommended and they're playing Coachella this year, and I really really like their album.

But, as fate would have it, I ended up liking the opening band way more! Let me introduce you to:

One of the people in our group is good friends with the band, so we got to meet them all and I am seriously in love with their drummer, Maya. She was adorable and fashionable and I really wish I had a picture of the sweater she was wearing because it was Fabulous. Actually, I wish I had pictures at all, but since I am a giant failure, I forgot my camera. Loni and I liked them so much, we ended up buying a CD which immediately earned a spot in my CD changer. You can check 'em out here!

Grouplove was really good too, but I mean, these guys just stole the show (and my heart) with their vocals, energy, and complete and total cuteness on stage.

Also, now I really want to be the cool girl in a rock 'n' roll band.
They take bio majors, right?

A Word On SOPA/PIPA

2012-01-19T06:37:00.000-08:00

I was all set to do a post yesterday, but then I realized it was "blackout" day in protest of the Stop Online Piracy Act and Protect IP Act and thought I would "blackout" my blog (by not posting {not as cool as wikipedia, I know}) in support of those protests. Honestly, if you don't know what I'm talking about, please please at least read through this.

The reason I am really excited by all this hubbub about SOPA/PIPA is that it's really brought the internet together in a way that the world really hasn't seen before. The power of the internet be cray! Sure, it's just an American bill, but tons of people use Wikpedia, Reddit, Google, and the many many other sites that fully or partially "blacked out" yesterday. I think it's a really strong political message of unity to the American government that, no, we DO NOT want our internet censored like that.

The main issues are:
1) The bills allow individuals or companies who think a site in infringing upon their ownership of content to completely shut off revenue channels for that site with basically no investigation. As bloggers, many of us do thrift sales or have etsy shops or have sponsors or do actual business via our blogs. This could mean that, say you post that cute little manip you made of the latest episode of Glee and Fox found it, they could basically cut off all your business.
2) The bills allow the Attorney General to create a blacklist of "foreign" sites with minimal discretion. "Foreign" is simply defined as anything "not domestic" which has been defined as ".com, .org, .us" which is absurd. Also this could easily push internet businesses away from traditional domain names and into other markets.
3) The bills are both worded incredibly vaguely and could lead to further infractions regarding privacy, internet policing, and censorship in the future. They set incredibly dangerous precedents.

So, you guys, maybe we're just happy gals (and guys) minding our own business and telling the world our stories in our little corner of the internet, but really, this affects us all. Call or email your representative and let them know what you think.

Sorry this was so long!

Further links if you're interested:
A Quick Summary of SOPA
A Detailed Analysis of SOPA/PIPA
PIPA Bill Text
Should Copyrights Be Allowed to Override Speech Rights?
The US Recording Industry's (RIAA) Online Piracy Page

Tuesday Tunes!

2012-01-17T05:15:00.000-08:00

Oh, wow. It's been a week since I've been back in San Diego, and I have not been as on top of things as I thought I'd be, hence the sparse blog posts. But, MLK day and this weekend were a nice break from which I hope to recover with vigor! (Now if only I could kick this stupid cold.)

1. "Puttin' On The Ritz" - Fred Astaire
2. "Colours" - Grouplove
3. "Someone Like You (Adele Cover) - Boyce Avenue
4. "Thistle and Weeds" - Mumford and Sons
5. "Frontier Psychiatrist" - The Avalanches

Friday the Thirteenth!

2012-01-13T17:51:00.000-08:00

Let me tell you about how I lost my virginity...

Since it's Friday the 13th today, it seems like the perfect day to recap my Halloween exploits and tell you all about how I went to see the Rocky Horror Picture Show for the first time. At the RHPS, which is SUPER FUN, but also SUPER NOT-FOR-KIDS, they like to call those who've never seen it "virgins" (where was your mind?) and then draw Vs and raunchy things on their faces.

Please don't ask me to explain anything...
My lovely roomie, Loni, and I dressed up as Magenta and Columbia from the show and proceeded to have the craziest experience ever! Let me tell you, you will either be appalled or you will not stop laughing the whole way through. There're callbacks to the movie, times where you get up and dance along, times when you throw things at other people in the audience, a LOT of screaming, and SO MUCH FUN.

Loni as Columbia

Me as Magenta

All in all, a really really good time! And the next night, I was Pocahontas, which hopefully I did justice, because otherwise I would never forgive myself.

Tuesday Tunes!

2012-01-10T05:40:00.000-08:00

Five months is a really long time for music accumulation. I actually decided to check and my iTunes has over 400 new songs on it since August. I admit to having gone through a serious revisiting of my Alan Menken obsession, because, well, he's the best. Also, some great great albums have come out in that time, so without further ado:

1. "Kingdom Dance" - Alan Menken (Tangled Soundtrack)
2. "Bonfire" - Childish Gambino
3. "We Are Young" - fun. ft. Janelle Monae
4. "Princess of China" - Coldplay ft. Rihanna
5. "Amelia Jean" - Jack's Mannequin

Also, quick side-note: I am thinking about making some layout changes in the next couple weeks, so if at any point anything looks strange or stops working, please let me know as it may be due to that. Thanks!

2012-01-08T07:19:00.000-08:00

HI! I'M BACK!
(cue intro to "Just Lose It" by Eminem)

So in case it wasn't obvious, I am officially back to blogging! I figured, what better way to start the new year and a new phase of my life than to come back to something familiar and comforting and awesome? Gotta have some stability while I desperately seek temporary employment, right?

Anyway, I have SO MANY things to share with you guys from over the past few months I've been gone! It sounds like a really long time when I say I've been gone for 5 months, but that time FLEW BY and I feel like that crappy place I was in over the summer is really and truly over, I've graduated college, I'm applying to grad schools in public health, planning a giant volunteer trip for the summer, and I am SO SO ready to get back to posting in this blog.

Now, I'm just going to leave you with a link to this little vlog one of my irl and blogging friends, Aki, and I are doing (shameless self-pimping) because I should probably organize the last five months into individual posts instead of ranting about all of them now.

Happy New Year!

Remembering September 11th

2011-09-12T10:08:00.000-07:00

It's hard to say whether in this jumbled mess of wars and famine and devastation, whether there will be any one day of recent history we remember so clearly as September 11th, 2001. It's really strange to me how the mind makes so vivid a memory of a day that was otherwise ordinary (wake up, get ready, go to school) and that ten years haven't stubbed or faded this particular memory at all.

Seeing the vigils and services being held for the ten year anniversary have brought me back to a hot, September morning in Arizona, where for some unknown reason, ten-year-old me had woken up early. I remember stumbling bleary-eyed downstairs to eat and being shocked out of the drone of my dad's usual morning stock market watch by some particularly unusual screaming. I remember watching my tv, taking in what had been going on while I was ushered, somewhat subdued-ly, by my mother through the morning ritual and then shipped off to school.

I remember sitting in first-hour pre-Algebra and hearing over the announcements that our teachers were not allowed to turn on the televisions to screen the events because several parents had phoned that they didn't want their children to see the extent of the devastation. And while most of our class was in a futile argument with our teacher about how that wasn't fair to us, and we deserved as much as everyone to know what was going on because people in our class had relatives, one kid in my class raised his hand, and said the most profound thing I have ever heard from a sixth-grader. He said, "Ms. Cole, I really think we should be allowed to watch it. Today is a day we're going to remember for the rest of our lives; that we're going to tell our kids about when they read about it in history books. We're not just some kids, this is our history and it's happening to us right now. How can you expect us to miss out on knowing about something that's going to affect and change our futures?"

Even my teacher was dumbstruck.

Ultimately, I remember them still not letting us watch, but we saw it all anyway on loop on the news for days and days as the rubble was sifted through and people were rescued or identified, and you know? I have to agree with my classmate, Andrew. It's a horrible thing to feel privilege to witness, but it was necessary to know what had happened to be able to remember and honor it properly. If I hadn't been witness, along with millions of people, to these terrible events, who knows if I would feel as strongly as I do about peace and about community? September 11th changed things for kids like me, who were just starting to understand the world and open their eyes to the possibilities in people, and the reactions I saw to it will always be a lesson to me in bravery, passion, honor, community, and grace.

Side-note: I'm not back yet, I just have a lot of feelings about this, and I wasn't kidding when I said this is honestly one of the most vivid memories I have from sixth grade, so I thought it was worth sharing. I know it's the 12th, but it took me a little bit to actually get my thoughts together on the matter.

Hiatus

2011-08-03T06:44:00.000-07:00

I am taking a leave of absence from this blog for a bit. I don't know yet if it'll be for a few weeks or a few months, but I know that I will come back to it. For a while now I've been stressed and generally unhappy with myself and disappointed in the way I've been living my life. I've been selling myself short both in terms of health, my career, and my academics, and I don't like the trends I'm seeing in myself. I am realizing that there are a number of changes I need to make in my life and one of them is certainly to spend less of my time on the computer. I've been planning these changes and I'm sad to say that this blog just can't be as high a priority as I want it to be until some other things start looking better.

That being said, I love all of you guys. I love reading about all the things you've posted and learning, little by little about all your amazing lives. I'm so so thankful for the advice you've given me over the past year-and-a-half or so, and the friendships I feel I've made because of this blog. I will probably still keep up with your blogs (because who could stay away?), but while I focus on fixing my real life, I won't be posting much here, save for maybe an update here or there. I sincerely hope you've enjoyed reading this blog as much as I've enjoyed writing it, and I hope I haven't too suddenly sprung this hiatus on you, but rest assured, I'll be back (and hopefully better than ever)! Thank you, to all of you.

So, ta ta for now, but I really hope that when I do come back, you lovely people will welcome me with open arms as gracefully as you did the first time around.

Tuesday Tunes!

2011-08-02T05:43:00.000-07:00

Well, my summer class has started. It's kind of nice to only have one class and an internship to worry about though; the feeling is almost underwhelming. It's History of Modern Science, so like...two steps above a normal history class and two steps below a normal biology class in terms of how interesting it is to me. It's a lot of really dry reading though, so we'll see how much I like it come September. But, anyway, music!

1."Nothing Better" - The Postal Service
2."Somebody Told Me" - The Killers
3."Hate It or Love It - The Game ft. 50 Cent
4."White Houses" - Vanessa Carlton
5."Wordplay" - Jason Mraz

Share Your Favorites!

Tell Me What's The Difference

2011-07-30T05:57:00.000-07:00

Top: F21; Jacket: Sears; Jeans: ?

I spy...

Sometimes, I find myself thinking, "Oh, I should try and look badass today" and then I pull on my leather boots and this blazer, and pretty much, that's as badass as I get. Well, I try. Maybe some of those boots from Monday would help the situation a little, but let's face it, I have entirely too many dresses with full skirts. Well, back to studying for the GRE!

Oh, The Places You'll Go

2011-07-28T06:22:00.000-07:00

Maybe I mentioned this, but before medical school, I really want to do a Masters in Public Health. As I want to work in public health someday, I feel like this masters is going to be only the best of experiences. However, in my narrowing down of schools to apply to, I can't seem to shrink it past 20 fairly equally matched schools. And let's be honest, my bank account can't handle me applying to 20 schools.

So, I've been thinking about where I wanted to live, and the area around the campuses as a major factor for the next set of cuts, and I figured, who better to ask than the wonderful blogosphere! I've narrowed it down to the following states, and most of the schools I've got are in major cities, so have at it! Tell me about where you live and how you like it or tell a friend who lives in one of these places to check me out and give me some input, because lord knows the weather channel is not enough to fish this out!

Maryland (Baltimore)
Michigan (Ann Arbor)
New York (NYC)
Massachussetts (Boston)
North Carolina (Chapel Hill)
Washington (Seattle)
Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, Pittsburgh)
Missouri (St. Louis)
Illinois (Chicago)

So, um, help a girl out?

Tuesday Tunes!

2011-07-26T05:30:00.000-07:00

I can't believe July is almost over! This summer is going by absurdly fast and I honestly have no idea what I've been doing! I mean, guitar got stuck on a back burner because of a small moving/apartment crisis that happened, and now it's almost time for my summer class to start! I am so not ready for August.

1."Look At Me Now" - Chris Brown ft. Busta Rhymes & Lil' Wayne
2."Inventing Shadows" - Dia Frampton
3."The Gambler" - Kenny Rogers
4."In These Arms" - The Swell Season
5."Ottoman" - Vampire Weekend

Share Your Favorites!

Lust List Monday: These Boots Are Made For Walking

2011-07-25T06:26:00.000-07:00

It might be summer, season of flip-flops and sandals, but that certainly doesn't mean my eternal flame for boots has dimmed at all. In fact, lately I've been craving a new pair much the same way sometimes we crave the Christmas spirit in the middle of July.

This Madden Girl Preppie Boot from DSW, because I have none so far in that lovely rust color, and I would love to change that.

For some reason, Kurt, on Glee has made me really want a pair of lace-up boots. This Seychelles Platinum Lace-Up Boot seems like the perfect girl-version of the knee-high lace-up combats everyone's favorite gay countertenor always dons.

I've been crazy desperate for some thigh-high boots since I first saw them being worn casually. Unfortunately, I am short, and thigh-highs have the tendency to make their wearers look like hookers. Thus, I think this modest-heeled Franco Sarto Over-the-Knee Boot would be perfectly suited to my non-hookery needs.

Lastly, certainly not least-ly, and only somewhat in jest, I really want a pair of white go-go boots because I am a weirdo like that. They'd look good with my skin, man. You can't deny that. Scuffing might be an issue though.

Any boots you're drooling over?

Recipe: Easy Stuffed Eggplant

2011-07-23T05:13:00.000-07:00

I will admit that I am a huge fan of pretty much anything stuffed. A while ago, I made stuffed bell pepper, that was, let me tell you, awesome.

Ingredients:
Bell peppers - tops cut off, gutted, boiled
Minced mushrooms and spinach to your liking
Lemon juice, salt & pepper
Grilled chicken in small pieces
Cooked Brown rice
Mozzarella cheese
A slice of Cheddar cheese

Recipe:
1. Mince everything, grill chicken, prepare.
2. Mix the minced vegetables and mozzarella and lemon juice, salt and pepper in a bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds till cheese melts a little.

3. Mix in cooked brown rice and grilled chicken and fill pepper.

4. Place cheddar slice on top. Bake for 30 minutes at 350˚F.

And voila!
The best thing you will ever eat on so little preparation, guaranteed. Let me know if you try it!

We Can Live Like This

2011-07-21T06:34:00.000-07:00

Remember how I was really excited way back when that I was really excited about this Jack's Mannequin concert. Well, that was a month ago, and because I'm a total blogging failure, I hadn't even put those pictures on my computer until today. The drive was long, made better by good companions and the cast of Glee, but oh-so-worth it. I'm usually not a big fan of opening bands, but I'm just going to be honest, I think I've liked the openers at every Jack's show I've seen, and this was no different. They were Lady Danville, Steel Train (whom you might know if you know the band 'fun.', and Live Oak Revue (whom I recommended in the last post). But then Andrew came on, and as usual, he had so much infectious energy. He played basically all of Everything In Transit, which is probably my favorite album to date, not just of theirs. He played some new stuff too, which was just brilliant, and I am SO EXCITED for the album to come out. I was in the first row for most of it, but it was really squashed tight. Anyway, I hope I haven't rambled too much, but, here! Have some fun pictures!

And a new song that's just beautiful: "Restless Dream"

By the time I got home, at 3 am, I could do nothing but change, crash into bed, and sway off to sleep with the most beautiful melodies swimming through my dreams.

Tuesday Tunes!

2011-07-19T05:12:00.000-07:00

Nothing too special today. Just soaking in everything and trying my hardest to motivate myself to study for the GRE. Still a little in shock over Harry Potter, not going to lie, but just giving myself some time should help with that. Music has been an incredible help, as always.

1."Sinner's Heart" - Live Oak Revue ft. Andrew McMahon
2."Good Life" - OneRepublic
3."Super Bass" - Nicki Minaj ft. Ester Dean
4."Raining In My Heart" - Buddy Holly
5."Losing My Religion" - Dia Frampton (Mikell Jade over at The Honeypie Archives reminded me of her, and I couldn't believe I hadn't included it on here yet because she is Awesome with a capital 'A'! Thanks, girl!)

Share Your Favorites!

Goodbye, Harry...

2011-07-18T07:06:00.000-07:00

A lot of you have asked what I thought of the last Harry Potter movie, but let's be honest, I was going to make this post even if nobody had. I will try my best to not be really angsty and relatively brisk about this. The movie itself, was okay. I loved how they did some of the scenes, namely Hermione as Bellatrix and the kiss (even though it wasn't like in the book), but there were also scenes I thought could have been handled better. Here I'm referring to the final Harry/Voldemort battle and the epilogue. Then again, the epilogue was not my favorite in the book either, so I was expecting it to be sort of awkward. I think there is a lot to be said for how much the acting of the kids (um...maybe not Bonnie Wright) has improved, I mean, did you see Matthew Lewis?! That was effing phenomenal! Not to mention that boy has grown up spectacularly. However, as usual, I think it was the older actors that really took the cake here. Most obviously: Julie Walters, Helen McCrory, Helena Bonham Carter, and Alan Rickman (like, holy crap, he was good). But, I also loved Maggie Smith in this one. The woman is 76, battling breast cancer, going through intense chemo, and still did some of the most badass battling I have ever seen. She could have taken a break, but she wanted to do it for the fans who've stuck with the movies. I think impressed isn't quite a strong enough word for what I am. Overall, I did like it a lot.

Emotionally, I've basically been a wreck. I spent probably half of the movie in tears to the point where both friends on either side of me felt the need to offer tissues. And then the day after, I spent the morning in a completely listless haze alternating between reading Half-Blood Prince and not knowing what to do with myself. I read my copy of Dear Mr. Potter and spent most of that time crying, because some of those letters are exactly what I would have said. I realize these books will always be here, but not having any more to look forward to in this series and possibly in this world just kills me.*

Finally, though I know only a small handful of people will see it here, I want to thank J.K. Rowling and everything she's done for me. Spending over half my life and growing up in Harry's world has meant more to me than I can begin to say. Where she put her words, so will I. By the increasingly-wearing pages of my original set of Harry Potter books, I will always silently express my unending gratitude. Honestly, "thank you" just doesn't seem like strong enough of a sentiment, but it's all I can say. Thank you, thank you, thank you. For everything.**

Mischief Managed
*I'm not sure yet about how much new material Pottermore is going to introduce, so I'm not getting my hopes up.
**Dammit, I promised myself I wouldn't cry while writing this, but somehow I've managed to fail.

A Balboa Park Story

2011-07-16T06:09:00.000-07:00

I have been on a half-successful mission this summer to explore more of the city around me. One of the things I did a couple weekends ago was visit the famous and wonderful Balboa Park in San Diego. It's a sprawling park with a number of open amphitheaters, gardens, museums, and other things to amuse you. Seriously, I spent almost six hours there and I feel like I barely made a dent in the place. And it was a beautiful, sunny day, so that didn't really hurt either.

This is the enormous amphitheater where they have free organ concerts on weekends. I have never been here when there hasn't been a wedding party taking pictures all over the place.

There are street artists, magicians, musicians, etc. everywhere that are really good! I saw a high school kid do the most hilarious magic show I've ever seen. So good that I even felt the urge to come out of my Scrooge-y shell and give him a couple bucks at the end. Three guesses why I took this picture, though.

Lilly pond! Enough said! There were koi fish in there too.

They have this really cool exotic garden, and I wanted to include like half the plants I saw there, but seriously, I didn't want to bore you all with pictures of weird trees, so I stuck with this one, which is pretty sweet, right? "Snail" begonias! What I would give to have some of those growing in my yard.

The lovely obligatory fountain! I was probably the only person to manage getting a picture of this thing that didn't have kids running around in it, because let me tell you, those kids were having a right good time playing in this fountain, and it was all I could do not to join them myself.

All-in-all, it was a really fun day! And on my meager budget, it was perfect. I hope to have more adventures like it! Whimsic Alley, I'm talking to you.

Double Double Toil And Trouble

2011-07-14T06:50:00.000-07:00

Cardigan: H&M; Scarf: Handmade; Tunic: ?; Boots: Ross

I don't know what my expression here is. Don't bother asking.

~~Look how cute I can be!~~ I am not conceited.
This post is kind of cheating because I wrote it way earlier, knowing full well that I'd be busy getting ready for waiting in line for the Harry Potter premiere at midnight tonight! And also because it's an outfit from like 3 months ago. Oops! But, in the whole moving and new apartment dealio, I haven't really been able to scope out a good place to take outfit pictures, so this will just have to do. Anyway, I like this one because I don't get to wear that scarf a whole lot even though I spent a bunch of time making it! Now I'm just rambling because even the thought of not being here because I'm waiting for the last Harry Potter movie is making me really antsy. Excuse my flailing.

2011-06-07T04:55:00.000-07:00

It's that time again! While I'm off taking my finals, I will leave these musical gems right here for your enjoyment! I've gotten into really random indie bands I didn't really listen to before, but somehow, the music is all catchy and mellow and awesome and helping me study like crazy. Listen and be amazed (f'realz)!

1."I Would Do Anything For You" - Foster The People
2."The Story" - Brandi Carlile
3."Everywhere I Go" - Lissie
4."Hands (Acoustic)" - Ting Tings
5."Helplessness Blues" - Fleet Foxes

Share Your Favorites!

Lust List Monday: Summer Dresses

2011-06-06T05:25:00.000-07:00

Well, hello. It's been a while since I did one of these, but let's be honest, I am pretty much all year round and all the time in lust of summer dresses. I love the playful, full skirts and the patterns and colors that tease at frolicking in fields during bright, summer days. I need more summer dresses in my life like I need air. Maybe these in particular:

1. Secluded Garden Dress

2. Teal Infinity and Beyond! Dress

3. Sailing Into The Sunset Dress in Navy

4. Indie Darling Dress

What do you say, ladies?

Starship!

2011-06-04T04:39:00.000-07:00

A little over a month ago, I drove up to LA to see an early screening of this wonderful little musical made by my favorite new, hip theater production company, Team StarKid, referenced vaguely here and even more vaguely here. Starship is described as The Little Mermaid meets Aliens meets Avenue Q, an assessment with which I totally agree. It was really good (and the album hit number 4 on iTunes!!), but I was most excited about the meet and greet with some cast members. Actually, I was so excited that I'd made this pretty awesome shirt:

Most of the cast graduated from the University of Michigan theater department and now they're based out of Chicago. Their initial viral success was totally accidental from YouTube uploads of the musical parody A Very Potter Musical. Since then, their success has only grown with A Very Potter Sequel and the crude, but hilarious Me and My Dick, and with Darren Criss's success on Glee. Let me be clear: Each and every one of them is so talented. Many of them sing, play multiple instruments, are great actors, puppeteers, designers, comedians, what have you, and they're all under 25! I got to meet some of them: Brian Holden, Joe Walker, Brant Cox, and Nick Lang.

Such fine, classy men, haha.

Maybe this is a weird feeling because it feels like I've seen them grow in fame from the very beginning, but I'm so proud of all of them! I mean, the screening was at Raleigh Studios! How much more legit do you get than that?! Like, I was all driving in and it didn't hit me how official it all was until I saw these parking spots!

Jonathan Groff!

Taye Diggs!
All in all, it was SUCH A GOOD DAY. In addition to the StarKids, I met a lot of really cool fans and made some fast friends. This fandom is surprisingly small for how big it seems, but oh-so-dedicated. Before the show, we just kept randomly breaking out in songs from AVPM and there was this awesome feeling of family all around.

If you haven't guessed by now, I would seriously suggest taking time out of your weekend to watch all their shows on their YouTube channel, StarKidPotter.

Looking Forward and Back

2011-06-02T05:21:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned here, I spent this past weekend at home for my brother's high school graduation. It was really strange walking into the stadium of my old high school and having to sit in the bleachers instead of out in the chairs on the field like I remember. It was even stranger passing kids from my graduating class and having them show no sign of recognition or smiling what could only be called awkwardly. There were some kids that I could tell pretty much hadn't changed at all since high school, and others that I had to do a double-take to even recognize! I wonder if they felt similar things about me!

All grown up!

Okay...obviously not that grown up...
This kind of defines our relationship, haha. As his big sister, I will always give him a hard time about stupid things (and vice versa), but ultimately, we are just goofballs together. I'm so glad everything worked out and got to go to his graduation (even though my ass was so sore after two hours on those godforsaken bleachers)! Good luck in college, kiddo!

Tuesday Tunes!

2011-05-31T04:40:00.000-07:00

I have been so good about these posts since I started (unlike Lust Lists), but seriously, I've been so into music of all kinds lately, that it's too much not to share!

1."Look What You've Done" - JET
2."Iridescent" - Linkin Park
3."Hey Brown Eyes" - Hema
4."Hasa Diga Eebowai" - Original Cast of The Book of Mormon
5."Sing Sing Sing (With A Swing)" - Louis Prima

Share Your Favorites!

Memorial Day

2011-05-30T12:19:00.000-07:00

Happy Memorial Day!

Maybe this is a cop-out, content-less first post after a hiatus, but I think this is important. I want to wish you all a Happy Memorial Day! Today isn't just about having no class/work, taking advantage of amazing sales, or watching specials all day on TV, it's about soldiers. It's about the ones who've died to protect our freedom, and I think, whether you believe in the justification of war or not, the people who die to ensure that we live safely, they are really heroes and they deserve a moment of our thoughts. So, this memorial day, I urge you to take a minute and think about them, regardless of whether you know anyone who's died in war, think of them and commend their bravery.

Swing, Swing, Swing, Swing!

2011-05-25T11:36:00.000-07:00

Doing domestic things.

Excuse the fact that I look a little crazy in all these. Errbody in the 60s was on psych meds.
This is a few weeks old, but it was inspired by this outfit worn by Helen Bishop in Season 1 of Mad Men. Now, I love 60s style and just the whole domesticity of women's clothing around that time, and I love the billowing skirts and soda-pop dresses, but something about Helen's outfit in this episode was so progressive. It had divorcée written all over it like that was the worst possible thing this woman could have done: become independent. It was defiant and I loved it. Pretty simple pieces, but cool nonetheless, and what better excuse to do my make-up all cool?

I'm visiting my parents this weekend, because my little brother is graduating high school! So, if I'm AWOL for a little bit (I'm going to try to not be!), that's probably why.

Tuesday Tunes: Gaga Edition!

2011-05-24T04:26:00.000-07:00

In honor of Lady Gaga's new album, Born This Way, being released yesterday, today's Tuesday Tunes has a theme! So, here's to one of the most badass, crazy pop women of all time (right up there with Britney and Madonna, in my opinion)! Here are my Lady Gaga favorites!

1."No Floods"
2."Speechless/Your Song" ft. Elton John
3."Boys Boys Boys"
4."Teeth"
5."Brown Eyes"
6."Money Honey"

I'm still getting used to the new album, so I won't make any judgments at this time, but there are songs off it I definitely really like, and even "Born This Way" is growing on me since Glee did it.* In way of some explanation, I think the songs I like most of hers are the ones that really showcase what a great voice and/or imagination she has, which she really does. People often don't give her enough credit, saying she's just vying for attention and is lacking in any lyrical sense. I think she meticulously contemplates every action, every lyric, every outfit, because regardless of the quality, the woman knows how to get. your. attention. and that is half the business of fame, a concept I think she explores really well. Anyway, that's my Gaga appreciation rant, so enjoy! Especially listen to the first two, even if you hate her guts!

Share Your Favorites!

*Damn Glee always makes me like songs I previously didn't. Even effing "Friday" is starting to grow on me. Ugh.

So Long, Farewell

2011-05-20T08:35:00.000-07:00

My lovely roomie and Cali BFF, Loni, is leaving tomorrow.

Azuero, Panama
She's going home for a bit and then heading off to Azuero, Panama for what feels like a million years, even though it's really only a couple months. She's in this program called Amigos de las Americas kind of similar to Project RISHI, but WAYYYY bigger and more legit and in Central America. She's a Senior Project Supervisor, which might mean nothing to you all, but from what I hear it seems like a huge deal and she's going to have a ton of responsibilities and stuff, so I don't even know how much time we'll get to Skype and stuff (especially with me also leaving the country come summer).

Basically, since she's going to be an RA next year, today is the last day we'll be roommates. I like to think we've come a long way since freshman year, and I think of her as a sister (except her and her sister argue WAY more haha). I won't ever think of college without thinking of her and all the fun times we've had. Point being, L, I'm going to miss you a LOT and you've been the best roomie anyone could ask for. Have SO much fun in Panama and I can't wait to hear ALL your stories and sleep on your couch for the entirety of next year!!

Little baby freshies. Like...two days after we'd met.

She's going to kill me for posting this...

...but here's one with me making a dumb face to make up for it.

Adventures sophomore year!

Fancy schmancy!

Home with me in Phoenix!

Inside joke: "Do you really think a dime is sufficient compensation for ripping off its reproductive organs?!"

Indian clothes dress-up! Doesn't she look cute? Haha.

A ladybug and a lion/bear.

Gonna miss you, dude. ♥

For The Fans

2011-05-19T05:04:00.000-07:00

I listened to all your suggestions from Tuesday Tunes and they were AWESOME. To put them in a lame pun, music to my ears. You guys, followers and somewhat regular other commenters, make my day. Call me an attention whore, but there are just some days when I'm kind of desperately seeking validation from that little (2) in my email inbox telling me I have two responses. And when they come, there is nothing more satisfying than reading all of your sweet comments. So, I just want to take today to say, THANKS! I've loved blogging this past year and a half or so, and I've loved getting to know, being insanely inspired by, and reveling in mutual interests with all of you gals (and guys). Thanks for sticking with me, and here's to many many more days of Tuesday Tunes, outfits, spazzy fangirling posts, Lust Lists, life updates, and general blogging tomfoolery!

Tuesday Tunes!

2011-05-17T09:34:00.000-07:00

First off, thanks for the birthday wishes from the last post! I had a great time yesterday! My lovely roomie and her sister made me an awesome cake with their mad frosting skills, haha. And we had girls night! I might have fallen promptly asleep during No Strings Attached, but really the movie was kind of weird and I was a little confused anyway. But without further ado, Tuesday Tunes! This week (with the album coming out on Friday) has been a distinctly GAGA week, but I tried to include some of the mellower tunes I've been listening to as well. Perfect, since it's raining today.

1."The Edge of Glory" - Lady Gaga
2."Hair" - Lady Gaga
3."When You Find Me" - Joshua Radin ft. Maria Taylor
4."Set Fire to the Third Bar" - Snow Patrol
5."1983" - Neon Trees

Share Your Favorites!

Birthday!

2011-05-16T20:01:00.000-07:00

I was going to do a real post today, but then I got busy doing other things because,

It's My Birthday!
Birthdays are a big deal to me, because I'm kind of a youngin' (compared to my friends), but this one has been sort of weird because I just kind of feel like I've gotten old. Plus, I had a lab report due today that sucked my soul out. BUT, this sweet gal over on tumblr made me this cute little Darren Criss birthday post!! And I felt instantly like a thousand times better because....well, it's almost Darren Criss singing happy birthday to me. And now I'm going to have some quality girls night time with some delicious pasta, wine, and a Redbox movie. This birthday has ended on a much better note than it started. Yay!

Going Separate Ways

2011-05-11T10:53:00.000-07:00

I'm not usually into celebrity news (Glee excluded), and one might even see fit to call me "behind the times" on why it's such a big freaking deal what every celebrity ever is doing in their lives, but this news really made me sad. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver have announced a divorce.

She's a beauty, not to mention a strong, successful woman, and well, he was the Governator! Granted, he made some terrible governing decisions, but that aside, they were my absolute favorite power couple for a long time. I remember, a while back, I'd read some of her books, and while the advice was sometimes cliche, they were nonetheless interesting and upbeat and told her story beautifully. I'd watch interviews and documentaries on her with my mom (also a big fan), and her experience as a Kennedy and what the name means to her is really striking. And then, of course, there's "Ah-nold." I mean, maybe he screwed California, but really, the guy's kind of awesome. Or used to be. I think maybe politics sucks the life out of you. Maybe he'll be back.*

All in all, after 25 years of marriage, and some truly good times (from what it looks like), it makes me really sad to see them split. I think I would feel this same kind of loss if say, a distant aunt and uncle got divorced. Kind of a damper on my outlook on eternal love and marriage and stuff. Guess I'll just have to hope for the best with Klaine.

*Excuse my lame attempts at humor. I had an exam today.

Tuesday Tunes!

2011-05-10T05:33:00.000-07:00

This Friday, my campus is hosting a big music fest called the Sun God Festival. I'm iffy about the lineup this year (other than Jimmy Eat World, who is going to be awesome!!) so, in preparation, I've been listening to a crazy amount of new/old music from the artists that are going to be there! Check 'em out!

1."Black and Yellow" - Wiz Khalifa
2."Vanished" - Crystal Castles
3."Bow Chicka Wow Wow" - Mike Posner
4."When I'm With You" - Best Coast
5."Four Chord Song" - Axis of Awesome

Enjoy and Share Your Faves for the Week!

2011-04-19T04:04:00.000-07:00

I'm adding a new feature!
Maybe it's just my super Type A need to organize everything around me, but doing something at the time designated for it is such a burst of endorphins for me, weird creature that I am. Anyway, I've been dying to do a music feature for a long time because it's such a big part of my life. I want to share what I like, and emphasis on this, I want you guys to respond with what your favorites are for the week! Go at me because new music is my must-have, always! Maybe I'll do themes sometimes, but mostly, anything goes. I will link to YouTube, because nothing is worse than having to open a new tab and find a link.

1."Shove It" - Santogold
2."Borneo" - Firewater
3."Rhythm of Love" - Plain White T's
4."Soco Amaretto Lime" - Brand New

Share Some Tunes!

p.s. Glee is off hiatus tonight! Can't wait!

Some Tina Fey For You

2011-04-18T12:40:00.000-07:00

I am a huge huge fan of Mean Girls and older Saturday Night Live, and as such, a huge fan of Tina Fey. Really, the only reason I've yet to watch 30 Rock is because, let's be honest, I can't afford to watch more TV shows right now. But, the magic of this multi-talented lady is that everything she writes and does never ceases to amaze me. Such strength and character and a great sense of humor is rare and unique. So, I love my aunts, but Tina Fey would be the coolest "cool aunt" ever in the history of cool aunts, don't you think?

If you need more proof, just read this article I found called A Mother's Prayer for Its Child by Tina Fey. Too cute.

The End Is Near

2011-04-16T07:18:00.000-07:00

It's almost the end. It's just hitting me. Yesterday, I bought the Deathly Hallows Part 1 DVD. About tn minutes into watching it, it just really hit me and I started crying. This, Harry Potter, is so precious to me. Not only did I grow up with the characters, but I also feel like I grew up with the actors in the films. Dan, Emma, and Rupert are almost distant friends of mine in my head and in my heart. I bawled after I finished the seventh book, but I could at least find consolation in knowing there were several more movies coming out. Though, I am not and have never been a huge fan of the movies, I really liked Deathly Hallows Part 1. For the first time, I thought the acting and directing was as good as the cinematography. Then the Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened and it was all Christmas-come-early and just a little bit more HP. But after July, then what? Where will my childhood friend be? I just can't believe this goliath, this behemoth of a story and of a franchise, is coming to a real and total end. I am having such a hard time coming to any kind of terms with this.

Disney Dreamscapes

2011-04-15T06:02:00.000-07:00

I was looking through some old stuff today and found some favorites that I'd completely forgotten about. Renowned photographer, Annie Leibovitz once did these amazing celebrity shoots recreating scenes from iconic Disney movies.

Julianne Moore as Ariel

Olivia Wilde & Alec Baldwin as the Evil Queen and Magic Mirror

Orlando Bloom as King Arthur

Jessica Biel as Pocahontas

David Beckham as Prince Phillip

Scarlett Johansson as Cinderella. This one is my absolute favorite.
For the rest, you can go here. I want them as prints or something. They all are so pretty and I just love how closely the tone of each picture reflects the characters depicted in it. Some of those were from 2008, and some of them were from the new series done just over a month ago! Let me reiterate how much I want these as prints. Especially the Cinderella one. So now you all know what I want for my birthday in May!

I Will Build A Path To You

2011-04-14T06:08:00.000-07:00

Top: Target; Belt: Charlotte Russe; Skirt: Banana Republic; Tights: ?

All this conferencing and I barely managed to document what I wore, you guys! I just realized that I looked super-cute (at least, I hope I did) all of last weekend, and only have a few pictures of my clothes. Boo. Well, in any case, here's one of them from pre-Day One.

Update: Guitar officially acquired! Send in your websites that allow my free learning. Keep in mind, I know nothing about guitars and these "lessons" should probably start from "How Do I Tune This Thing?" That being said, I'm not totally new to music (i.e. chords and keys) so we won't have to start THAT far back.

The Mornings

2011-04-13T06:01:00.000-07:00

They say that often, during tough times, the hardest thing you will have to do is get out of bed. In the last few weeks, I am finding this increasingly true. Not just figuratively, but literally. After getting up, everything seems easier to do. With class at 7:30 am every single day, I've lost the wake-up time in the mornings that I so cherish. Some of my favorite morning pastimes have been spending an hour or two sipping coffee, catching up on my Google reader, making my lunch, and dressing myself well. Having that ripped away from me because I am physically incapable of waking up at 5 am has taken a significant toll on my morning joy. Enough that I think I might start making the 40 minute walk to campus instead of taking the bus because I can use that morning time to sip my coffee and enjoy the morning at least.

In other news, I am borrowing a guitar from my old apartmate with the full intent to learn. So, look for progress on that front! I hope I can stay motivated enough to actually follow through with this!

photocred: weheartit

La Roche Posay

2011-04-12T08:59:00.001-07:00

My skin and I have a decidedly love-hate relationship. Actually, it's probably more like 30% love and 70% hate. My skin's always been sensitive; I had mild eczema on my legs when I was little that still flares up occasionally and middle/high school was a nightmare with my face breaking out all the time. For a while, I was on Accutane (which, no matter how many lawsuits they get, I will always be a strong proponent of, because holy god, it helped SO MUCH), but to this day, my skin is still really finicky.

Due to this, I'm always trying out new products, reading reviews, switching up my cleansing regimen, and just generally desperately trying to find the method that will make my skin look young, fresh, and healthy. And now, I've caught the aging bug, so...also that. I just bought a bunch of stuff from La Roche Posay, a French company, after having read some really good reviews and having a friend with similar skin to mine practically profess her love to their stuff. So, we'll see how it goes. Any experience with the stuff? Or suggestions for other products?

Borrowed: Music Monday!

2011-04-11T05:23:00.000-07:00

Instead of doing my usual Lust List Monday feature, I'm changing it up today and borrowing a feature from one of my favorite blogs, SWEATshirtDRESSshirt; Music Monday rules!

1. "Coppertone" - Hellogoodbye
Seriously, this song is beautiful. The line from the picture is in it, and it's just delivered so well that when I'm not expecting it, it gives me chills.
2. "If It's Love" - Train
I'm kind of a sucker for Train. "Drops of Jupiter" is one of my all-time favorites, and a song of my childhood, so I can't help but be totally moved by every song they make.
3. "Pass Out" - Tinie Tempah
I have a deep respect for rap and some hip-hop. There is a very long and convoluted method to that madness that I won't bore you with. Plus, he's British. Check the accent.
4. "Dress & Tie" - Charlene Kaye ft. Darren Criss
Pretty, pretty, pretty. Also, don't judge me; I couldn't not include something of his. But, really, listen to it, it's quite good. Apparently, if you're a fan of Chuck, there's a pretty serious fan campaign going to have it play at Chuck and Sarah's wedding.
5. "Hear You Me" - Jimmy Eat World
Old school, but I'm seeing them again in May, and so I've been revisiting. This song always gets me; the almost haunting melody and the emotion behind the words. When I saw them on New Years, this song (no matter that I've heard it a million times) made me cry.

Happy Monday!

Inspiration

2011-04-07T22:19:00.000-07:00

Is it weird to say that I suddenly seem to have too much inspiration? I've been meaning to blog, but I haven't because I don't want to unload the 20-page inspired-Mugdha soliloquy on you guys. This conference, Julia Albain's book I mentioned here, TED talks, and some people have made me turn into a big sappy bubble of happy, inspired, thankful, kind, and excited. So, this is still longer than I planned, but you all are aware of my rambling.
When I was in India this summer, I kept a journal. It was to document everything that we experienced, but also personal; my take on the things I saw and experienced. The pages were small-ish, but I filled over 50 of them with my thoughts, and didn’t even manage to cover the whole trip. I re-discovered a passion for writing in those moments that has often gotten lost during business as usual.
On a whim, with a bunch of friends, I decided to take gospel choir freshman year of college. As someone with little musical training, it was surprisingly easy, not uncomfortable, and really fun. One night, we were all sitting around our common room and suddenly we were having a completely impromptu gospel concert and people were coming in from across the hall to listen. Just a bunch of us girls having fun. Same with impromptu dance parties and teaching each other to awkwardly ballroom. I re-discovered a passion for singing and dancing that my recent Glee obsession has brought to the forefront once again.
I have a friend who is into philosophy/psychology, but has taken a serious interest in biology. Oddly, he considers my biology major to mean that I am his resident expert on the subject, and often, when we hang out, we end up talking about science the entire time. He listens and asks relevant questions and presses my knowledge and I get really excited and worked up when I can actually explain some amazing process or the gist of my research to him. Every time this happens, I realize a passion for science and innovation that hours and hours of lab work sometimes squelch out of me.
And lastly, working with people, helping them feel better, live better. Every Luminaria ceremony that has brought me to tears, the smiles of leprosy patients after I wrapped a particularly nasty wound successfully (even though they looked terrified the whole time I was doing it), the gratitude and relief in the eyes of mothers when we could tell them their baby didn’t have malaria, and recently, the inspiring and thought-provoking commitments made by not just celebrities like Clinton, Mandy Moore, and Sean Penn, but by refugees and over 1000 students at this weekend’s conference. They have reaffirmed my passion for helping people, lifting their spirits, and making them happy in all the ways I can.

The point of this whole thing being that even though I’m not sure where my life is going right now, and that scares the crap out of me, because I used to know exactly, I feel inspired. I am realizing the things I am passionate about and I want to pursue them. So this is my lesson: When you feel inspiration, go for it. Make hard decisions. Re-evaluate, reconnect, and ground yourself. Let it course through you and guide you to the greatest things you will ever accomplish. Over and out.

!!!!!

2011-04-01T16:25:00.000-07:00

I don't usually do posts of this fashion, but really, I can't help myself. I met the awesome guys running The School Fund just now and they are AMAZING. The stuff they're doing to help kids in various countries go to school is amazing. I am so excited for this conference. Sorry if I'm absent for a few days, I'm going to be having the time of my life. Oh, and we got business cards for all of us, so I'm going to be that sweet-ass professional-looking gal that gives out my business card to people. Right.

SO. FREAKING. EXCITED.

Apparently, I'm Versatile

2011-03-31T14:41:00.000-07:00

So, I've been putting this off for quite a while, but then I ended up with two and couldn't avoid it any more. Recently, I was awarded The Versatile Blogger award by not one, but two lovely ladies! So, first off, thank you Ally and Aki for thinking of me for this award! You guys are the best!

The Rules:
1. Thank the person who gave you back the award and link back to them in your post.
2. Tell seven things about yourself.
3. Award fifteen recently discovered new bloggers.
4. Contact these bloggers and let them know they've received this award.

So, here goes. Seven things:
1. Admittedly, I was hesitant about accepting this award because it says to tag 15 bloggers, and I was being all prissy about how if everyone tags 15 people, it's not really an "award" as much as an "observation" about someone's work. I'm still reconciling with that, so don't hate me. I'm human. I still love all your blogs.
2. One of my life goals is to visit 10 countries every 10 years of my life. Right now, I'm at 13 (i.e. a little behind) but I think I can reconcile that. Travel is a huge passion of mine.
3. Truth: I ramble. I'm awkward and shy sometimes, but I love when people are good listeners and ask me questions, because once I start talking, I find it hard to stop.
4. I have this alternate life planned out for when I'm super rich. It's pretty detailed and involves a library and a firefly room in my house. Don't judge.
5. I can solve a Rubik's Cube. And I used to be able to do it in under a minute.
6. Grammar and punctuation misuse are incredibly huge pet peeves of mine. I own Eat Shoots and Leaves AND The Elements of Style.
7. Music makes my world go round. Sometimes I can be exceedingly antisocial because my headphones are in my ears.

Tagging:
The Everywhereist
SWEATshirtDRESSshirt
A Diary of Lovely
The Upside of Wonder
Action Potential
Precipitate
Confessions of a Shopaholic Medical Student
Meg's Mind
Respect The Shoes
Musing Experiences
Musings of a Silent Mind
The Shine Project
Smart, Pretty, and Awkward
bow ties are cool.
Psychedelic Anemone

You guys rock!

CGIU!

2011-03-30T10:01:00.000-07:00

I am so sorry for being all over the place and totally inconsistent over these last few days about posting! I thought things might simmer down a little after my MCAT, but it seems they've just picked up. Suddenly, I'm so busy I've spent the last three days leaving the house at 7 am and not getting back till around 9 pm! Hopefully in the next few weeks, things will go back to normal, but in the mean time, let me introduce you to my biggest (though, most welcome) time suck for this week:

The Clinton Global Initiative is a project started by Bill Clinton that organizes groups to help build innovative solutions to problems (social, economic, environmental, etc) people face around the world. Every year there is a University conference, which focuses mainly on commitments made by college students to do something either in their community or in another. The group I went to India with this past summer, Project RISHI, submitted a commitment, which got accepted to the conference! It's going to be three days long and there is just so much to think about and prepare for it! But, I get to hear the likes of Bill Clinton and Sean Penn speak, so really, why am I complaining?!

Lust List Monday: A Little Lit

2011-03-28T11:53:00.000-07:00

I loveee reading. In fact, I generally find myself unable to walk out of a bookstore without purchasing something. My collection of books has been steadily growing (at a rate totally disproportional to how fast I can read them), but as always, I. Want. More.

City of Fallen Angels - Cassandra Clare

Le Petit Prince - Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Shogun - James Clavell

Crime and Punishment - Fyodor Dostoevsky

A Glamorously Unglamorous Life - Julia Albain

Aasfkljf. Need more free time.

Blow The Candles Out

2011-03-26T13:44:00.001-07:00

Hello lovelies!! I've missed you guys so much! Other than the absolute minimum, I did basically no blog-reading of any kind, and my reader is overflowing with everything I've missed. I want to thank my awesome guest post-ers! Liz, Meg, Karly, and Siew Jye, you gals rock my socks, and just let me know if you ever need me to return the favor!

Dress: Ross; Cardigan & Shoes: Charlotte Russe; Tights: ?; Scarf: Eddie Bauer

I figure a (really old) outfit post is a good way to ease back into things, right? My test went alright, I think. I'm definitely not one to over-analyze things after tests because I feel like it's not worth stressing out about once it's done. Keep calm and carry on, you know? We'll see how I did. I'm mostly just hoping I don't do badly enough that I feel like I have to take it again, haha. And now to enjoy my last day of break in this beautiful spring/summer Arizona weather! Ta!

Hello world. A little care from me.

2011-03-25T03:16:00.000-07:00

Hello, readers of A Vigilant Muse!

Hope you're not surprised I am writing here in Mugdha's blog.

I am Siew Jye, and jye is pronounced as Jay. I haven't got myself a Christian name, well, maybe soon.

I am different here because I am a Malaysian Chinese, born and bred in Malaysia.

My blog: jacksjye.blogspot.com and this is me...

So readers, Have you been to Malaysia? How much do you know about Malaysia?
Speaking of Malaysia, what comes across your mind?
When I was in my primary school, in the age of 9, my Malaysia language teacher told us a story. A true story according to him.
Here how his story goes.

" Years ago, a man in western country was forced to transfer to Malaysia due to his company assignment. He was so upset. In his mind, he pictured the situation in Malaysia. Animals wandering around, tree houses, wooden hut above the trees, people wearing one-piece cloth, and mud all the way. The day had finally come. When the plane landed, he couldn't believe his eyes. He saw KLCC twin towers and there were sky scrappers that totally caught his breathe. And then he was greeted by a local Malaysian man. The Malaysian was responsible to provide accommodation for him. And the American told him :" I am so glad that I don't need to stay on the tree."

Well, my teacher probably made up that story. He was not a good language teacher and he used to smoke in the toilet. His reputation was never good.
____________________________________________________________
I am 23 years old now. I am currently pursuing a degree of Engineering in University of Malaya. We do not call it a college here. We call it university. Things are a little different here. University of Malaya is the first ranking university in my country. Things I like are Sports, outdoor activities, reading books and blogs, shopping and fashion. And I am very active in sports. I watch American series such as Vampire Diaries, Gossip Girls, Fringe, CSI, Nikita, Glee and any great dramas and movies.

My friends and I (the most left) in a dinner held in university

My English is not so perfect. People usually rate it FAIR out of the scale of POOR, FAIR and EXCELLENT.
But I am totally willing to improve!
I love blogging too! As enthusiastic as all of you!
And I love to read about people's life, love to visit people's blog, from all over the world.
I am not sure how I discovered Mugdha's blog.
But I guess Gala Darling linked me to you. Anyway, fate has brought us together.

I have read all of the posts in guest blogging. And i have visited your blogs too =)
It's my first time here, so i might doing it lame...

So, I am so willing to hear from you from your comments=)
Hope you do enjoy my post =)

A big thanks to Mugdha!

I was scheduled to post on 25th March. Ahah! It's 2.02 am on 25th in Malaysia now. Interesting right?

Should I say Good night to you?? Haha... good day to all of you =)

hello from idaho!

2011-03-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

yes ladies, you read right. idaho. yes, the state known for potatoes.

its so great though, you should visit sometime, and we could party.

anyways! i love love love to blog! life is crazy and its important to make

time for yourself and your creativity to come out every once in a while!

my blog is about my husband wade and i. we are newlyweds as of November!

we are the epitome of the word newlywed. we both work and go to school, we

are learning how to save, learning how to cook, learning to learn! we live in a base

ment apartment and love love love being poor married kids. okay, we don't love it,

but we sorta do, because thats how life is, and sometimes you just have to be poor

at first so you can learn how to appreciate things! and kids, thats really what we are.

i mean, i only graduated high school two years ago. i mean, wade's like ancient, a

07'er. sheesh.

anyways! we both do photography on the side and we are learning new things about

the business everyday! its a crazy and competitive talent thats growing! i've taught myself

everything from learning about the camera to editing in photoshop. i'm always up for suggestions

and researching new things to enhance my photos! you can visit my blog if you click here and you

can visit my photography blog if you click here! :] i also do fun give-aways every once in a while so stop

by and leave a comment, i'd love it!

Musings from Loni

2011-03-23T06:02:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

I'm Loni, from the blog Musings of a Silent Mind, and I am-- gasp-- Mugdha's friend in real life.

This would be me.

It all started when we were randomly placed together as roommates in the freshman dorms. Our friendship grew over mutual love of Harry Potter, procrastination, and nerdiness, and now, 3 years later, we're still sharing a bunk bed (although I'm on the top this time), aiding each other's procrastination and-- apparently-- doing guest posts on each other's blogs!

Needless to say, I'm pretty excited that we have taken our relationship to this next level.. I mean, it wasn't enough that people only text one of us to contact the two of us, or that we have both adopted the pronoun "we" when talking about Friday night plans or favorite ice cream flavors (OK, that last one was an exaggeration, I'll admit), but now we're sharing BLOG POSTS?! Oh me, oh my. All my dreams have come true.

How cute are we? :P

Anyway, I guess at this point I should really get on with the actual post part of the blog post, but as you may soon find out, my blog posts generally end up being ramblings about random things and include pretty much anything that pops into my extremely scattered mind. So bear with me here, while we (and by we, I mean I) try to create some order.

In order for you all to get to know me better (and, through me, probably Mugdha) I thought it would be fun to do a list of things that I am currently REALLY excited about. You can tell I am excited by my usage of CAPS LOCK. Helpful, that button.

So, here goes, 5 things that Loni is REALLY excited about:

5. Travel:
I love going to new places! I feel like traveling to different parts of the world has really allowed me to both understand the world a little better, and understand my own culture and life a little better. If you ever get the chance to travel around, I would recommend trying to incorporate some sort of immersion experience-- I found that seeing and interacting in the day to day life of another culture is such a better and more real way of traveling and learning about the world! :)

4. Learning New Things:
As I briefly mentioned above, I am a bit of a nerd. I try to see myself as a student, not only in school, but simply in life. Any experience, good or bad, noteworthy or not, has something that can be learned from it. Our job as humans living on this earth is to understand as much as we can, take as much from our experiences as we can, and apply that to our lives in order to make the world a better place. That sounds a lot deeper than it actually is in application, but the gist is just that I enjoy learning new things and get a bit more excited than my peers about school and/or science and/or reading. Oops.

3. Photography:
Recently I have become interested in photography (as I think Mugdha may have mentioned in a couple of blog posts). It all started with my 365 Project, and has been growing into a genuine love for pictures and the art of taking them. There's something so cool to me about shaping the world around you into your own creative representation.

2. AMIGOS:
I work with an amazing organization called Amigos de las Americas (or AMIGOS). AMIGOS works in rural areas of Latin America to build partnerships with young leaders throughout Latin America and the U.S. to promote youth leadership, community development, and multicultural understanding (Wow, I sounded like I swallowed the official guidebook or something). Seriously though, AMIGOS is a wonderful organization! I first got involved when I was an itty bitty 15-year-old sophomore in high school, and it honestly changed my life. It got me interested in traveling (I went to Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, and I will go to Panama in May with AMIGOS), gave me self-confidence, ignited a passion for learning about people and cultures, and pretty much directed my entire life path. Not to be dramatic or anything. :) I recommend that everyone check out the website, find a chapter near you, or simply "like" the facebook page.

1. Life!
Right now, I am excited about life! I think it's important to be happy with what you've got, even if you are looking for more. Having goals doesn't mean you should ignore what's right in front of you. I'm trying my best to live in the present! No regrets :)

Hope you all enjoyed this (rather long) guest post! Feel free to check out my blog, and of course the AMIGOS website! :)

Guest Post ~ Meg's Mind

2011-03-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

Hi! I am Meg of Meg's Mind. I am thrilled to be filling in for Mugdha while she studies like a crazy person. Go Mugdha! My blog is a lifestyle blog of sorts. Some fashion, some funny, lots of talk about music. Feel free to go check it out. Feel free to not go check it out. Whatever works for you!

Today, I would like to talk about Glee. I have no television shows that I watch on a regular basis. My schedule is just too crazy and I can never remember what night the shows I like are on and what channel is what and then I catch a movie on AMC or a marathon of Law & Order on TNT and BOOM! 3 hours later, I have missed all of the network television shows . So I am not a regular watcher of Glee. I always enjoy it when I happen to catch it though.

On Sunday, through the time sucking awesomeness that is Hulu, I was able to watch all sorts of clips and episodes of Glee. Vigilant Muse readers, why can't life be more like Glee? Seriously! How fantastic would it be if, as you went about the normal business of life, you could occasionally break for a musical number that perfectly captured the moment?

If my life were Glee, here is how Monday would have gone:

6:30 AM: Performance of Michael Jackson's "Beat It" as my message to the dogs and alarms that kept waking me up. LET ME SLEEP!

11:00 AM: Performance of Ella Fitzgerald's "Black Coffee." Megs needs caffeine. All I can think about is a piping hot mug of coffee. With my hands wrapped around it. Seriously, I want it so bad that it is playing out in my mind like some kind of dream sequence. Steam rises from the mug. I slowly encircle the mug with my hands. I raise the mug to my lips and just as my mouth almost meets the mug, I wake up......

3:00 PM: "It's a Hard Knock Life" from Annie. It's just that kind of day.

7:00 PM: "Put On a Happy Face" from Bye Bye Birdie. Because now I must be around people and the current grumpy mood is not going to cut it. I have a presentation to make.

11:00 PM "Sweet Dreams" by Beyonce. Because you know, it's bedtime.

But enough about me, what songs would work today for you? What song should Mugdha's crush, Darren Criss, sing to her to keep her pumped and focused for the big MCAT day?

Tell us all about it in the comments!

Guest Blogger - Elizabeth Illg

2011-03-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

Name: Elizabeth

Blog: www.eillg.blogspot.com

About me:

Words that describe me:

Cheerful

Loving

Passionate

Organized

Fun

Favorite hobbies when not blogging?

When I am not blogging you can find me at the gym, on the computer twittering, on my iphone texting, playing words with friends, watch television (all shows are DVR’ed), working, spending time with B (my boyfriend), Miss Rosie (my chihuahua), and with my family!

B & I

Miss Rosie

My Family

What inspired your blog name?

My inspiration for my blog name was that I was not just focusing on one particular subject so I needed a title the defined everything in my life.

How old is your blog?

I started my blog on 9/10/09, posting my first post on 9/11/09.

I would like to share some opportunities that you have within the blog world:

I want to share with you all about an awesome new blog that has come out that I am apart off. We have six ladies that work together on this blog. There are monthly topics that each women covers weekly. My day is Tuesday. I post every Tuesday @ http://inmytwentiesblog.wordpress.com/ You should tune in and follow us! You will be so happy you did!

I also want to let you know that I am hosting a book club for the year of 2011. The book is "The Happiness Project" http://eillg.blogspot.com/p/happiness-project.html If you would like to be apart of this, please let me know!

The blog word is a blessing to me, please take part in all these fun blogs, events/ideas!

My favorite blogs right now:

Life with Heather http://livinwithheather.blogspot.com/

Silky Bowties http://silkybowties.blogspot.com/

Some days are a complete Waste of Make-up http://www.chroniclesofneely.com/

Happiness is a Journey for Janna http://happinessisajourneyforjanna.blogspot.com/

Fir, Fierce, and Fabulous http://caitmanock.blogspot.com/

Contact information for me:

Email: elizabeth.illg@gmail.com

Twitter: @eillg

Facebook: Elizabeth Illg

A Day At The Beach

2011-03-19T06:09:00.000-07:00

Mission Beach, San Diego, CA
I spent a good chunk of my day yesterday here with Amy. It was such a blast! The day was gorgeous and we ate so much delicious food. I am so glad to get a small break after finals before studying away my spring break. I'm got some awesome guest bloggers lined up for you guys, whom I hope you'll like! Hope you all enjoy your weekends!

Some Technical Notices

2011-03-16T19:41:00.001-07:00

I have a number of little technical things and changes to tell you guys about, but first, let me just take one small fangirling, crazy moment to say: OH MY GOD, THEY KISSED. Pretty much since "Teenage Dream" and more so since "Baby, It's Cold Outside" I think everyone and their mom was just waiting for Kurt and Blaine on Glee to get together, and they finally did! Oh, and then they were top trends on Twitter. But, overall, considering also the amazing New Directions performances and relentless Sarah Palin/Christine O'Donnell mocking, I think it was one of the best episodes to date! Yay! Now to make it through April...

EVERYTHING IS KLAINE AND NOTHING HURTS.

Alright! Well, just some announcements. So, first, I was really surprised so many of you showed an interest in guest blogging while I walk toward my doom. Thank you, all! I'll be getting back to you all as soon as I can so hopefully you'll have enough time to actually write something, haha. Second, the "currently reading" and "blogroll" have been updated! Check 'em out! Especially the blogs, because seriously, those guys are awesome. Third, I know I talk about her all the time, but I finally have a little Miss Hannah Grage button (!) and it's just the cutest thing ever. And last, but not least: Twitter feed! I put it up, and I would love if you read it, but disclaimer: I swear. A lot. Like a dirty, rotten sailor. Probably a bad habit, and I try to keep it to a minimum on the blog and you know, in life, but just be aware that you will see a lot of potty-mouthing. But really, I'm eloquent and well-spoken and I mind my grammar, I swear. No pun intended.

If I sound silly, it's because I have two cups of coffee and a Go Girl in me. And on that note, I'm going to go continue to play "Loser Like Me" on repeat and study for my last final. Ta!

Waiting (and Planning)

2011-03-15T12:46:00.001-07:00

One down, two to go.

I might have only chosen this picture b/c the train looks like the Hogwarts Express.

I have two more finals left (the hard ones) until I am officially on Spring Break! Amy of VeryAimee is coming to visit me on Thursday and we're going to do fun things all weekend (like maybe go to Disneyland!) before we head home to Phoenix.
And then I'm gong to spend the next week not interacting with anyone I know, speaking only what I must to the Starbucks barista and local librarian to get myself through the days until next Saturday: MCAT day.

So, what does this all mean? You guessed it! I might need guest bloggers, you guys! It was one of my resolutions this year to do more collaborations, and I happen to think this is a good way to start! Feel free to shoot me a message at mugdhadidi at hotmail dot com if you'd like to do one, but I think I will also be contacting people and pleading on my knees to my RL blog friends to help me out, haha. And remember: I don't bite. Anything goes. :)

A Different Kind of Monday List

2011-03-14T06:08:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty ambitious and more than a little bit of a dreamer, so I have a lot of lofty goals, ideas, and plans that generally don't see the light of day. But because of this ambition to always be better, I also often doubt myself and my capacity as a result of things I haven't done yet. Sometimes, I let the fact that I'm probably not going to achieve my "20 countries by 20 years of age" goal, or that I didn't get an internship in Paris, or that my GPA isn't super-spectacular get in the way of my dreaming and working toward those dreams. I think that was a big part of why I was so unhappy with last year.

Then, today, I stumbled across a "letter" on Letters I'll Never Send, that was written by a 25-year-old guy. I wish I could find the link again, but it seems to have jumped ship on me. Damn StumbleUpon. Anyway, he started out by just listing off all the things he'd done in his life and after reading a good number of them, I was sort of thinking it was just some cocky letter about how privileged he was. Then he ended it with, "I've had cancer, been told I was cured, and relapsed with a time limit. I've written this letter to remind myself that no matter what I haven't done, and won't get to do, there are so many things that I have done. I want to remember each of those things as my greatest successes and triumphs."

I was moved.
I need to think about it a little, but I will soon be posting such a list, and maybe some of you will feel inspired as well, and do the same.

Happy Pi Day!

No Tracks

2011-03-12T13:37:00.000-08:00

On Thursday, I got to see a lovely little showcase at my school by various acapella groups. I love singing and dancing, and acapella just has this wonderful charm surrounding it that's really fun and awe-inspiring to watch. Of the four amazing groups that performed, the ones that really stood out were the Tritones. Now, they've got a seriously good reputation, and some legitimate credit (they sang back up for Taylor Swift at the 2010 ACM Awards!*) so seeing them live was a real treat.
That has kind of sent me on an acapella group trip. I might have watched every Yale Whiffenpoofs video ever to exist and it's entirely possible that I would be able to recognize any member of USC's SoCal VoCals, Princeton's TigerTones, and BYU's Vocal Point if I were ever to see them. Creepy, I know, but somehow I just can't get enough of not having back-up tracks! It has made me wonder if with any practice, I might be able to audition for one in the fall. I'm sure it has to do a lot with Glee, but I suddenly have crazy musical ambitions, haha.

Some Recommendations:
Lady Marmalade/Ain't No Other Man - SoCal VoCals
Down By The Salley Gardens - The Whiffenpoofs
Happy Ending - BYU Noteworthy

*You can see them around 4:00 of the video.

Tsunami Tragedy

2011-03-11T12:40:00.001-08:00

I was going to do a normal post, but I've been seriously distracted by the news all morning and I felt like this was more important. As I'm sure most of you know, northern Japan was hit with a tsunami after an 8.9 magnitude earthquake.
The earthquake and tsunami have caused immeasurable damage thus far, and Japan continues to be at risk for further damage as a result of aftershocks and a possible follow-up quake. Hawaii got hit, though not as hard, and even California was put on advisory this morning. I thought I had it bad when I was woken up at 5 this morning with calls from my frantic parents, but I have friends with family in these areas, some of who haven't heard from their loved ones yet, and I can't even imagine what that must be like. I truly hope that they do hear positive news soon. Japan is in my thoughts and prayers, and I hope you guys are keeping it in yours as well.

A Small Victory

2011-03-10T12:50:00.000-08:00

I would love to say I looked this good at my interview today (because perhaps I have aspirations to be a multi-talented, fabulously sexy male), but really, I was kind of rushed and tired and the whole picture-taking-uploading thing just didn't happen like I wanted, so, enjoy this picture. It's way more awesome than I am. Okay.

That all being said though, my interview went really well! I pulled on my most rockin' pumps, listened to some awesome music on the way there, wore my pink wayfarers and by the time I was waiting in the lobby (10 minutes early, mind you), I felt like nothing less than a sweet-talking, super-charming, interview-acing machine. And then I continued to feel that way throughout the interview. Also, I'm pretty sure it helped that I hit no traffic on the way down and it's been a beautiful and sunny 75˚F out today. I think today's going to be a good day.

If I'm coming off obnoxiously happy, and you need a mood lift, CHECK THIS OUT.

What Really Knocked Me Out

2011-03-09T06:01:00.000-08:00

Top: Forever 21; Shrug: (not sure...); Leggings: The Westerner boutique, India; Boots: Charlotte Russe; Shades: NYS Neon Pink Wayfarers

This is the first time I've actually posted something I wore the day I actually wore it (well, the day after even), so yay me! Also, I dabbled into some color boosting cause boy has it been overcast and/or bright these past few days. I especially like the way the wayfarers look in the last one. Well, actually, I just like the shades in general. I don't think I have ever felt so much love for one pair of sunglasses. Everything is just better with a pretty rim of pink around it. Seriously.

With finals in a week and MCATs in two, I feel entitled to walking around in my own little hot-pink-rimmed cocky ball of awesome for at least a little while. The confidence boost helps me not stress, haha. Also, I loved a lot of the input you guys had on my last post (because, admittedly, I was worried nobody was going to read it)! Thank you, all!

Chit-Chat

2011-03-08T12:42:00.001-08:00

I've always thought that it was sort of a strange thing that when lacking conversation topics, we turn to the weather. Is it just because it's something everyone experiences, because its effects are immediately assessable, or is there something else? While I'm sure it's a combination of these things, I maintain that often conversations about the weather are short-lived. Totally not a good way to make new friends.
I read an article recently on NPR about how we teach kids with autism spectrum disorders to communicate and have conversations (which reminded me a lot of how Gabby deals with Max on Parenthood, so kudos to the writers for doing their research). The article prompted me to look into the subject some more and what's really interesting about this is that all the research seems to point to one of the main struggles being too much "scripted-ness" in conversation. When a lot of these kids faced conversational territories that fell outside of those they had learned, they became uncomfortable and often responded inappropriately, trying to read for signs of a situation they knew.
It seems that in essence, they are being taught to act in a manner they don't always feel. So, I naturally wandered onto the topic of how improv and drama therapy could be helpful, and it was fascinating to read some of the much more dramatic improvements that had been seen using improv therapy over "scripted" behavior!
The main problem I see with these therapies though, is that they aren't enough to allow for adaptation to new social behaviors by learning. Sure improvisation seems to do this, but essentially, one is assessing a social situation based on learned characteristics and acting accordingly, but only so many characteristics of a situation can be learned. Going back to my previous example, the weather, while once a decidedly normal conversation opener seems to be becoming more of a sign of social awkwardness (as viewed in it's emergence in "ironic" use {which is a whole other story}). These kinds of situations would be increasingly hard to adapt to, but I'm not sure how we would go about solving that. Cognitive neuroscience and neurobio, get to it!
Meanwhile, I think it's important (in light of this interview), to learn how to talk to people. Charisma and confidence go a long way, but ultimately content makes a difference and if we can't figure out how to turn our charms into something meaningful, communication becomes essentially useless.

Note: I realize this is different from my usual stuff, but sometimes I have the urge to express that I actually have an interest in things that are not related to consumerism and scarves. Okay. I might have also read excerpts out of David Sedaris's Me Talk Pretty One Day recently, so...that might have had something to do with this.

Weekend Playlist

2011-03-07T06:07:00.000-08:00

Over the weekend, I had music on the mind. Old, new, pop, acoustic, all sorts that I listened to and practiced singing along with. That is something I want to try and do more. I love to sing, and since my somewhat short-lived choir days, I want to do it more again. Also, somehow I have managed to forget how to sight-sing and that kind of ticks me off. Nothing like forgetting something you could once do to make you feel like a loser, right? Anyway, my weekend recommendations (with videos for the top 3):

1. "Fader" - The Temper Trap

2. "Location" - Freelance Whales

3. "Dress and Tie" - Charlene Kaye ft. Darren Criss
4. "White Lies" - My Dear Disco
5. "Gypsy" - Shakira
6. "Home" - Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
7. "Stop" - Jimmy Eat World
8. "Baby, It's Cold Outside" - Margaret Whiting and Johnny Mercer

Sort of an odd mix, I realize, but still very much awesome. Maybe one of them will make your Mondays a little bit better! :)

Old-World Charm

2011-03-06T09:12:00.000-08:00

First, I want to thanks all of you guys who gave me advice on my interview next week. I'll definitely be taking a lot of that into consideration. ♥
Second, I've been listening to oldies and older Christmas music (don't ask, haha) lately, and watching old videos of things, and it's made me really miss that quaint and clever 1950s charm. Well, it wasn't just the 50s even; it was all the way till the mid-70s and then apparently, it just dropped off the face of the earth!

I miss the way people sang duets to each other, with lots of subtle hinting and playfulness and danced together about 1 foot apart. I miss the prevalence of the deep, booming bass voice and its slow, stylish melodies. Mainly, I envy the lack of screaming in music.

It's sad to see so little general politeness left. No tips of the hat or "how do you dos" anymore, sometimes not even holding open doors (though, I think we've managed to hang on to that one for the most part). I think the botox-y advertisements with everyone smiling even have a certain charm to them. But where has all that gone?!

Sometimes, I think I was born about 60 years too late.

Will Someone Please Call The Surgeon?

2011-03-03T15:18:00.000-08:00

Dress: ModCloth; Tights: Walgreens; Scarf: thrifted; Booties: Charlotte Russe

Photo credits: Loni

My roommate and I, who I've mentioned before, took these a while ago at a nearby park later in the day, so a lot of the shadows were weird. She clicked away while I proceeded to make friends with some adorable little kids. She edited it a little bit and now it's up on her 365 Project which you all should totally check out. Plug pluggy-plug plug. Okay.
Yesterday, I had a volunteer orientation for a hospital I want to volunteer at, and it's made me a little nervous. Not only was it truly overwhelming as far as the sheer number of people there and the size of this place, but they also gave us a ton of things I have to memorize by my interview next week. Since when does one have to devote this much prep time to interview to give their time somewhere for free and because they want to?! Also, I'm worried that being pre-med here is going to be a detriment. I hope I can emphasize in my interview how much I actually want to be there and meet patients and learn rather than just log hours that look good on my resume. Cross your fingers. I know a lot of you ladies give your precious time to volunteer. Got any tips?

Next Stop, Aix-En-Provence!

2011-03-02T05:56:00.000-08:00

In light of not being accepted to that internship in Paris that I wanted (not that big of a surprise, actually), I've been thinking about traveling again. Summer's closer than ever and there are so many places I want to go! London, yes, but recently, the south of France has been looking nicer and nicer as our weather continues to be cold and blech.
Welcome, friends, to my newest destination dream:
Aix-En-Provence, France

La Rotonde

Cathedrale Saint Sauveur

Les Deux Garcons Cafe
How amazing does it sound to stroll the Cours Mirabeau and stop at a cute cafe and people watch; maybe make a wish in the huge fountain? Then stop by the cathedral and marvel at the beauty that is Gothic architecture and question why we can't make buildings like that anymore. I would love to take a day hike around Mont Saint-Victoire just outside of the city and look over the same landscapes as Cezanne (perfect place for outfit pictures!) and Zola did once upon a time. Not to mention that the city is roughly 15 miles from the beautiful Marseille and it's world-famous beaches! Basically, a south of France vacation is sounding much better than anything else I've got planned for the summer right about now. How 'bout it?

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