Friday, August 10, 2012

10 Songs I'm Currently Obsessed With

10 Songs I'm Currently Obsessed With:

(don't you dare judge my weird, eclectic, time-transcending taste)

1.) "Hallelujah I Love Her So" by Hugh Laurie.
Yes, this song is a cover performed by none other than Dr. Gregory House himself. Who knew that British actor with the snarky American accent could sing? Or that his musical talents are thoroughly charming? I love this Ray Charles song and this upbeat cover is right on par with the original. Well...it's mighty close.

2.) "The Sound of Sunshine" by Michael Franti & Spearhead.
Am I on the islands? This song is perfect for summer and never fails to put me in a good mood. In fact, it's on my "Happy" playist on iTunes. Every time it plays, I transport myself to the beach and imagine a nice, fruity alcoholic drink in my hand.

3.) "Have A Little Faith In Me" by John Hiatt.
This song was also covered by Jon Bon Jovi and Lea Michele for the "New Year's Eve" movie soundtrack. I like to pretend I have someone in my life of sentimental value that I could sing this song to, but really I don't and I just like to belt it in the car.

4.) "All The Same" by Jay Nash.
An easy-going, acoustic vibe. A little bit of indie, a little bit of rustic, lyrical happiness. Came recommended from a great friend, and now I recommend him to you.

5.) "You Really Got A Hold Of Me" by She & Him.
I absolutely love this song, especially when Smokey Robinson sings it. It's been a classic in my household since I was a child and reminds me of all my Motown sing-a-longs. This cover is perfect -- Zooey Deschanel's raspy voice and soulful projections for this song are on point and the soft guitar strums make it a delight to listen to.

6.) "Paradise By the Dashboard Light" by Meatloaf.
The only reason this song is on here is because of my wonderfully ridiculous family and their karaoke rendition of this hit. Especially the baseball play-by-play. I've been trying to upload the video onto Facebook for months but apparently the 8 minute video is too large and in charge for audiences. But I promise you, once I can figure out how to show the world that lovely clip, it will be on this blog.

7.) "Runaround Sue ft. Greg Bans" by G-Eazy.
This song starts with the classic song by Dion, which I happen to love. (What can I say, I love the oldies.) However, this rap/cover and twist is so addicting, I can't get enough of this song. I tweeted it before, and I'll say it again: watch out, Mac Miller and Sammy Adams. G-Eazy is about to start an uprising. Chill vibe, good lyrics -- all the makings for a decent rap song and cruising/crowd favorite.

8.) "Peoples" by Cheers Elephants.
This Philly-based group has such a smooth vibe, great harmony and the steady beat really get you tapping along. Found them randomly on the internet but I'm a fan. Definitely worth a listen.

9.) "All Your Life" by The Band Perry.
I love my country, I'm not going to lie. And I've really taken a liking to The Band Perry. I think the banjo is a real seller for me, but I also love the vocals from this sibling band. I also hope to repeat these lyrics to someone someday. The hopeless romantic in me continues to dream. 

10.) "Get Low" by Waka Flocka Flame, Nicki Minaj, Tyga & Flo Rida.
Reminds me of my best friends, this summer, and just our random pool house parties. The techno beats and the guest appearances are what sells this song, but the memories I have associated with it trump all.


As always, I'm open to new artists, songs, and opinions. Share what you think and who you think is worth a listen!



And as always . . .



Food for Thought:
"Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent."
- Victor Hugo

Well, This Is Embarrassing

Today, I found this site. This page. This horrible reminder that I, indeed, thought I was really cool my sophomore year of college and wrote about the most pointless, trivial things.

I'm so happy I discovered this blog.

In approximately two weeks, I will be beginning my final year of college. Well, my final year at Shippensburg University.

Senior year. Here it is.

Where did all the time go?

So much has changed in my life since the origins of this blog. I am proud to say that I like where my life is going. Or at least, I like where my life is at right now. I've made a name for myself at school. I help tutor my peers, I have been recognized for my campus contributions, I love my sorority sisters, I enjoy every club and organization I have been a part of. I am honored to be in so many honor societies, to have such strong, close relationships with my professors, and to know that I am making my family and friends proud. I finally feel that I am in my niche -- I am comfortable, content, and I think I can honestly say, happy.

As I've already posted in this blog, I hate change. And I'm certain this final year at school will be full of change -- I like to think I am older and wiser, but I know that my time as a carefree undergraduate is coming to an end.

Here's to living in the present, postponing my worries, and enjoying the last few days at home this summer.




And to continue the tradition . . . Food for Thought:

"I avoid looking back. I prefer good memories to regrets." - Grace Kelly

Friday, May 6, 2011

She's Backkk!

Whaddup, blogspot.


She's back.


The last time I blogged was in February. Yikes. SO much has happened in  my life since then that I am both happy and sad about. After pulling all-nighters for the past 2 weeks, this girl is officially done with her second year of college. THANK THE LORD. I would celebrate being a "Junior" but I've worked ahead in my credits and I was technically a Junior this past semester. However, I am celebrating the end of 6 stressful classes, the end of a 20-page Thesis on the "Shifting Perception of Women at Shippensburg University," and an 18-page paper on "The Role and Function of the International Criminal Court." Shots all around! Ariana is back in the 'Grove.
Speaking of shots, I believe substantial damage has been done to my liver the past 2 months of school. (If you care to Facebook creep, just look up Scranton Parade Day, Date Party and Beer Olympics.) Again, may I reiterate?
She's backkk.
;)

This has definitely been a "growing up" year. Some relationships ended, but lots of new friendships were made and strengthened. I've come to realize how much I dread change. I hate becoming so close with people who are graduating. Actually, I love becoming close with them but I am an emotional mess at the thought that they are entering the real world, starting their careers across the country . . . leaving me behind. :( To the class of 2011-- I love you all and I wish you the best in everything you do. <3 Don't forget about me, Ship, our crazy nights & unforgettable times. You will be missed more than you know.

On a lighter note, I leave for Europe in 10 days. Until then, I plan on sleeping til the afternoon, roadtripping with my best friend, tanning unhealthily (because we KNOW that I'll lose that color abroad), and make some spur-of-the-moment bad decisions. Hopefully you won't see me on the news while I'm abroad. Of course, I'll need to cause havoc ONE night away (...gotta keep the tradition going, right Ab?) but hopefully I'll blog my well-behaved adventures while I'm overseas.

It's summer, kids. Let's live it up.
Here's to the end of a chapter in our lives & onto a new beginning.
Cheers.





Food for Thought:

"We should all start to live before we get too old. Fear is stupid. So are regrets." - Marilyn Monroe

Friday, February 18, 2011

Whaddupppp, what's happening

Well, I would apologize for not blogging for almost a month...however, no one really reads this, so I feel no immediate need to explain what has kept me from this site.

But in case you were wondering what I've been up to...meh. The usual. A few papers here and there, as I try to master MLA, APA, and Chicago/Turabian format. (And I'd just like to insert here how absolutely ridiculous the last format is.) I'm still making that money as a tutor, which I'm learning to like more and more. Some days, when I have great appointments and I see that "A-ha!" moment students have...well, it kind of makes me want to become a teacher or mentor. But then I remember that my mother is a teacher. And then I remember how I promised myself I would not turn into a clone of my mother, no matter how much I love her. And then I also remember I am just a History B.A. major and that if I were to contemplate switching to B.S.Ed, I'd have to take a ridiculous amount of useless classes like Economics and Math, which has nothing to do with history.

Therefore, I am quite content with where I am right now.

In other news, this recent weather has gotten my hyped for Spring. My favorite time of the year! (You should all take this time to record that my birthday is in May and yes, it's a big deal.) However, it is only February 18th and snow and rain are in the forecast for this coming week. I would have loved to rant about those crazy kids wearing shorts and flip-flops all over campus this week, and trust me, I intended to-- until I decided to wear shorts and flip-flops today. Peer pressure? Maybe. But this 60 degree weather was too great to pass up. However, I am worried because as I am typing this, I'm seeing leaves and small animals flying by my window with this horrible wind. (And I sort of forgot my coat and proper shoe attire at school. Oops.)

I have attempted to follow my "let's not bitch" blog, and I'd say I've done pretty decent so far. Sure, a couple fun rants here and there but I'm proud of myself. Slowly but surely, I'm making a change. Are you?


Things I'm Obsessed with This Week:
1.) The Bachelor - Yes, it's one of the most fake shows on the planet and I had no desire to watch it but, long story short, I was bored and watched all the available episodes on Hulu. I'm addicted. Watch this season. If you're male and reading this, you're probably scoffing and thinking "yeah, right" but if it makes you feel any better, a select group of individuals in my life (all macho football-playing heterosexuals) gather to watch this weekly. Now, I won't name names, and I always thought it was ridiculous & made fun of my best friend for going to watch it with them... but I take it allllllll back.
2.) StumbleUpon.com - We all know I love procrastination. (Well, I guess you could call it a love-hate kinda thing.) And this website has made this process SO much better. I'm finding the best websites; hysterical blogs to GREAT vegan recipes. Create an account if you haven't already, it's free.
3.) Twitter - Now, those who know me are aware of my Twitter addiction but this week, it just keeps getting better. My sorority sisters were able to talk to Rob Kardashian just by tweeting him and Justin Bieber has been retweeting all of his fans. In fact, Guiliana Rancic responded to me before & it just about made my day. I love this site. Now, hurry up and make an account so I have more people to tweet!
4.) Justin Bieber - I would have written an entire blog entry about this precious little singer. However, you would have probably stopped reading immediately. His new movie just came out in 3D and bless his heart, he's been visiting fans in theaters ever since. I'm not going to become a cougar and prey on this 16 year old sensation, but I think his songs are cute, catchy, and think people (generally males) give him too much grief. Wait until he's legal to start hating on him. Okay? Great.
5.) HTC Incredible Phone - My new cellular device. And yes...this is phone #14. Cheaper than the iPhone and yes, it's on the Android system, but it's doing me wonders. I've never had a touch screen before in my life...or the internet! But I love finding new things to do on it everyday and I'm glad I haven't gotten into the iPhone frenzy. 

If you really cared to read all of this, God love ya. I know it was long. I'll try to become more regular with my postings...maybe.


Oh, and Food for Thought:
"You'll seldom experience regret for anything that you've done. It is what you haven't done that will torment you. The message, therefore, is clear. Do it! Develop an appreciation for the present moment. Seize every second of your life and savor it. Value your present moments. Using them up in any self-defeating ways means you've lost them forever."
-Wayne Dyer 


Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Updates

Updates on my life?

My lovely roommates and I have just started the p90x workout series. That's right...P90X and Tony Horton! We just completed our 2nd day of workout hell, and as I type this, we are sweating in pain together. God love 'em.

Taking 6 classes this semester. Easiest class? World Geography and Cultural Anthropology. Hardest? The other 4. Chemistry; Theory & Practice of History; History of High and Late Middle Ages; and International Law/Org.
Pray for me? Thanks.

Now, I know I usually don't have time for television...but since break, there are some shows I just have to watch or Hulu. Here's a list.
5 Shows I'm obsessed with right now:
1.) Pretty Little Liars. NOT as good as the books, and the episodes are far from what happens in the series, but I am obsessed. Keep it coming.
2.) GREEK. The last season :(  Beaver, you make my heart melt, you little teacher, you.
3.) Jersey Shore. --- I know, I just wrote that. But I'm actually, for once, watching this season. And I find it hilarious. Annoying and trashy, definitely.
4.) Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Possibly my favorite group of housewives...and that's saying something, seeing as how I've been obsessed with almost EVERY season (minus Atlanta). My favorite girls? Adrienne Maloof and Lisa Vanderpump. And Giggy!
5.) V. Starting up again, and maybe I only like it because the main character used to be "Juliet" on Lost...but I can't wait for this season and the creepy alien outsiders.



Food for Thought:
You will never be happy if you continue to search for what happiness consists of. you will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life. -Albert Camus

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Cravings

5 Random Songs I'm Craving

1.) "Misery" by Maroon 5 -- I've been obsessed with this. Adam Levine has a voice like no other. The Gardiner Sisters do a cute cover of it on youtube.com, too.
2.) "Losing Sleep" by Charlotte Sometimes -- One of those songs that just gets stuck in your head. And yes, I will randomly screech this song throughout the day to myself.
3.) "My Sweet Song" by Toby Lightman -- A bit of a throwback but I love her voice and it's been the perfect song to listen to while watching the snow fall.
4.) "Grenade" by Bruno Mars -- Yes, it's getting overplayed but I can't stop listening to these lyrics & I actually enjoy his music video on VH1
5.) "Right Girl (Acoustic Version)" by The Maine -- Overplayed, maybe, but I play this all the time in my car; easy listening

Top 10 Tired

For a girl who woke up 3 hours ago, boredom has sure set in quickly. And with the snow storm in our midst, it seems like leaving the house is not an option. Which brings me to this post. I'm going to make some "Top 10" lists. 
(My best friend made me do it.)

So here we go. My first Top 10 list of the new year.

Top 10 Things That Make Me Tired
1.) Rain
2.) Staring at the computer screen for too long
3.) Reading books. That small print sucks.
4.) Waking up from a nap, realizing you have nothing better to & then proceeding to lay unmoving for the next hour. All is does it make me want to go back to sleep. Which, indeed, I proceed to do.
5.) Watching movies with no humor. (Insert any drama or macho-gun-muscle movie here).
6.) Hearing my dogs snore. (People-- not so much.)
7.) Driving for long periods of time, where all you see is black pavement and you begin to race any car, just to have something to do.
8.) Listening to classical music. And some country music, for that matter. Anything that sounds depressing, whines about a lost love and whiskey, or has string quartets.
9.) Cold weather; no one wants to be cold, so the logical thing is to wrap oneself up in fuzzy blankets, essentially starting the sleeping process. Which is why I both hate, and love, the cold.
10.) Solitude. Leave me alone for too long, without any human contact, and sure enough you'll find a dozer on the couch.

Alright, that went over well. Now onto my random rant of the day: I do not understand why people keep using "SMH" in both blogs, Facebook statuses, and Tweets. Yes, I understand that it means "Shake My Head" but why must you insert it in the most random of places? Like "Oh, my favorite team lost. Smh." or "Smh, you're funny!" Imagery is a great literary device but this "Smmmmuh"-ing business is something I don't understand. Explain it to me? Thanks.


Food for Thought?
I have a simple philosophy: Fill what’s empty. Empty what’s full. Scratch where it itches. -Alice Roosevelt Longworth