If I got to time travel as myself as a 45 year old and ask myself in the future "18 year old Me: "What is the best weekend in your life so far?" I would first say, "Today, because I met myself and she is fine!"
Jokes aside, it would have to be this weekend. I met Russell Howard, then spend a collosall six hours in line to see a free fan screening of The Fault in Our Starts. For those living under a rock or over the age of 30, The Fault In Our Stars (or TFIOS) is a Young Adult Novel written by the masterful John Green. Green is the writer of many other YA novels such as Looking For Alaska and Paper Towns. I've read them all, and I have to say that TFIOS is one of his best works yet and I am proud of his newfound mainstream success. John and his brother, Hank run a YouTube Channel called "vlog brothers" where they gave up calling and texting in exchange for weekly video blogs telling each other about life changes or serious news stuff. Needless to say, as "the teen whisperers" John and Hank together have amassed a following of mostly young people who call them self "nerdfighters". I'm proud to subscribe to this group along with many friends.
He signed my poster and took my iPhone to snap me and Nat Wolf (thanks!)
On Saturday 3rd May, there was a screening of the TFIOS movie at the SVA theatre in Chelsea, New York at 6:30. I got there at 4 and there were already people in the line excess of 200. The theatre could only hold 495. The first group went in, and the organisers, taking pity on the rest of us, organised a second screening. We received green tickets and went to Starbucks. In the line I met a girl called Sarah who came with her mum. As fellow nerdfighters we damn well hit it off and she became a great friend in the 6 hours I spend with her. We Karaoke sang to the song track on the train and talked about books, politics and whined about the screaming 14 year old girls who wouldn't shut their mouths or ovaries.
I won't spoil the movie for the cretins that didn't read the book, but I will say of was very true to the book, my inner hipster had nearly every song on the soundtrack on her iPod already and was eager to get the ones she didn't and I haven't cried so much since I was an infant.
The director, Josh Boone and the actors brought the book to life well and lead me to resent the Mortal Instruments adaption of 2013 even more by comparison.
As a part of my New Year's Resolution to be more adventurous and seize the day more, I decided to go for a Friday night out! Here comes the girls! (I.e. single girl, at a comedy club by herself). Living in New York, I like it, but I still miss the time I spent in England so I get really excited when things that remind me of Warwickshire. When I was searching ticket master in February for something to do and came across a wild Russell Howard live ticket for just $25.00 I nearly screamed. His tickets in England sell for at least £50.00! It was a proper bargain so I snatched them up before ticket master could dare to jack up the prices. Most Americans may not have heard or Russell, but he was on the Conan O'Brien show a year or so back. He is a good natured comedian. A bit naughty, and easily childish (not to mention devishly handsome). His humour is a observant; he includes stories about his amusing family, and awkward live experiences he has had. He seems to attract nutters galore.
When they arrived in the post five days later, I pinned them to my clipboard in anticipation.
Friday the 2nd of May approached and I left my house at 4:30, as doors opened at 6 and I wanted a a good seat. I got to the venue on the Lower West Side of Manhattan, a bar and club called the "Highline Ballroom". I ordered a margarita and some sweet potato chips. I got a really good seat as by 5:30 there were no seats left and people had to stand. I got sat next to a foursome from Birmingham. Two couples who seem I be great old friend and came across the tickets by chance when in Times Square and given a flyer (note to self: accept more flyers in Time Square, you never know what you'll find!).
We chatted, I had another drink, they had a few cans of Stella. Russell's support act came on, a bloke called Mark Normand-- a native New Yorker. He was funnier than I expected! Then, the man of the hour came on for an hour and twenty minutes full of laughs, six foot penises, in-jokes for those us who have seen his show (Russell Howard's Good News--highly recommend it) and a heart-warming story about a teenager who survived cancer whom he befriended.
After wards he came out for pictures. I told him I used to live near where he does in Leamington Spa and I'm studying Economics like he did in Bristol. "It's a small world," he said. We took a picture together, he gave me a hug and peck on the cheek, told me good luck and then like Cinderella I rushed off. Not because my dress was going to turn into rags, but the car I ordered to bring me home was outside and I really didn't want to be stranded in Manhattan.
As I feel that I want to be a bit more approachable, I thought in an effort to make a personal connection with you, I'd make a list of my favourite songs. Now, I love music-- seriously... to a near obsessive amount. I have more than 200 albums on my iTunes and my iPhone's memory is slowly depleting. I rely on one of those old iPod Classics because that often have over 100GB, which is PERFECT for my music addicted self. Here is a piece of my ever-changing list: 35 songs that I listen to at least weekly (in no particular order).
1. Teardrop- Massive Attack
Never mind the singing the singing fetus. The haunting voice of Elizabeth Fraser of the Fraser Twins and the harpsichord riff make this spooky ditty a good one indeed. Those of you who might have not been sitting under a rock for the past ten years or so may remember this song in its instrumental form as the theme song of the Medical Drama, House.
2. Do You Remember The First Time- Pulp
Jarvis Cocker and his band was a big part of my early childhood, especially with this song (despite it being released before I was even born). I heard it for the first time when I was in England with my parents to visit some of my elder cousins. I remember singing and dancing to this in my bad early 2000's fashion.
3. Playing God- Paramore
As an angry pre-pubescent and one who had to deal with bullying in my school days, this was my anthem-- my big "F*CK you!" to all of the hypocrites who made my school life miserable in those days. It also helps that Haley Williams is so delightfully fierce in this video.
4. All is Full of Love- Björk
This reminds me of one of my big musical influences and one of my best friends growing up (Nick, if you're reading this, love ya bro). He introduced me to this song when I was starting to develop my singing voice. It was and still if perfect for my babyish soprano and Björk is such a great artist. Plus the robots in the video clearly state my stance on LGBTA people. Their love is as beautiful as anyone's and they deserve equality.
5. Healing Hands- Citizen Cope
This song is by little-known artist, Citizen Cope (aka Clarence Greenwood). It does help that his near transparent blue-green eyes and jazzy beat melt me like hot chocolate, but the song never fails in getting me to dance around whilst doing a chore or two.
6. Waiting All Night- Rudimental (Feat. Ella Eyre)
This is a bit of a departure from my regular style of indie rock music, however the reggae beat is a really good one. Ella's voice is pure silk and it really does help me to embrace the Caribbean rhythm that I lacked when I was younger.
7. Radioactive- Kings of Leon
I love me some Kings of Leon. This song is another chore-dancing selection. When this song is up I am also prone to some questionable dramatic singing and air-guitar playing.
8. I Want You- Kings Of Leon
At first glance, this song may seem to be a good way to say "Hey babe, I like your face... can I sit on it?" but no. It's actually a commentary on young love and how eager some may be to prove themselves-- like ya know in the case of recording a regrettable sex tape with a boyfriend (it's all in the lyrics).
9. You Don't Love Me- The Kooks
We all had that unrequited crush. The mixed signals, the guy/girl who knew you really liked them and toyed with you till the end. This is song is for the realisation that we are all a little masochistic. An anthem for all of those who are bitter and in love.
10. A Whiter Shade of Pale- Procol Harum
This song is from the 60's and when British Soul music was at it's best. My dad and I used to always listen to this on his record player in the living room. The origins of the song's lyrics are clouded. Some think the band was so high on drugs that they put random words together, others say that a member of the band, Keith Reid, got the title of the song at a party when a girl, seeing her friend looking a little sickly commented on her complexion telling her " You look a whiter shade of pale, love." No matter what is the inspiration, the song is beautiful.
11. (Still A) Weirdo- KT Tunstall
This Scottish songstress penned the song with the misfits in mind. It is about looking at yourself objectively, accepting your mistakes and accepting your faults.
12. That's Alright- Laura Mvula
Another anthem for those who march to the beat of their own drum. The hook, "Who made you the centre of the universe?" Asking people about who made them the right to judge who we are and a nice way to tell them to mind their own damn business.
13. Numb- Linkin Park
We were all rebellious and recalcitrant teens once. Need I say more?
14. Nightcall- London Grammar
The British trio put their own twist to the electro-pop song by Kavinsky. To tell the truth, I kind of like this version for the lyrics. It is serene and powerful with Hanna Reid's floating and emotional vocals really taking the prize. The song details the inner monologue of someone preparing to break up with their soon to be ex-significant other.
15. Midnight City- M83
This catchy ditty has minimal lyrics and tells the story of someone going to their favourite place to be alone and enjoy the view. I like to listen to this in the car. It is a great song for a road trip montage.
16. Just -Radiohead
Jonny Greenwood's guitar solo is epic and Thom Yorke's lyrics about a narcissistic friend who keeps getting himself in dumb situations hits the spot. We all have that friend who we love dearly but can be an attention-grabbing annoyance.
17. Brother- Matt Corby
The Aussie crooner with a soulful voice wrote this song as a commentary on a friend of his who was slowly drifting away and making questionable choices in his life. It's all about offering or asking for help when you or your brother needs it.
18. A Litte Respect- Erasure
This 1988 synth pop hit is a plea for respect and proper treatment from a lover who has been hurt. This is a sort of dancing in your kitchen at one in the morning, hairbrush karaoke single.
19. Wonderwall- Oasis
Oh the Gallagher boys. Liam and Noel, the rocker brothers of the nineties. I love this song when I'm feeling mellowed out and calm. Noel wrote this song about a lover or friend coming to save you from yourself. Someone who is your "wonder wall". A wonderful sentiment.
20. Riptide- Vance Joy
This song manipulates my weakness for a good Ukelele. It's a playful and upbeat song about being socially awkward and being in love with someone who you may deem as way out of your league and the insecurities that come with that.
21. Money On My Mind- Sam Smith
I know this song is grossly overplayed, but hear me out. I think the sentiment of doing what you like and what your talents allow you to do for the love of it rather than the money is a good one; and, I think Sam puts it better then Jessie J did with Price Tag... just my opinion. This is also a hairbrush karaoke song.
22. If I Had a Gun- Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds
Noel is back, and this song about confessing love to someone who as Bruno Mars would say " You'd catch a grenade for." It's about finding the one most of us hope that we would spend eternity with and proving the lengths you would go for them.
23. Somewhere Only We Know- Keane
Keane! I love this boys and Tim Rice-Oxley has a song-writing talent that elicits awe. This song is about going to a place, a physical or mental one of calmness. Somewhere only you and your thoughts can be at peace -- a metaphorical safety blanket.
24. Everybody's Changing- Keane
Keane again, I hope there are no complaints! I really love this song as a statement of being confused as to what exactly are your hopes and aspirations in a world where you may be stagnant and everyone else seems to have their shit together perfectly. It captures the feeling of being a Peter Pan whilst everyone seems to be growing up and out of the people they were when you were friends.
25. When You Were Young- The Killers
This tune makes me dance and sing to the top of my lungs. It recounts the feeling of expectations and how sometimes we all fall short or what we get falls short of those expectations.
26. Mr. Brightside- The Killers
This iconic tune of 2003 tells the story of lead singer, Brandon Flowers and a cheating ex. He turned his feelings of betrayal into this tune saying "It's killing me and taking control", but he's happy that destiny is calling him and opened up his eyes to the truth and looking on the bright side that the relationship is now over and he can relax now.
27. Settle Down- Kimbra
This kiwi-songstress was the female voice on Goyte's "Someone that I Used to Know", but she's a force to be reckoned with in her own right. She wrote this song sarcastically on the social expectation that women are to settle own and have children early. She says that this song is an anthem of independence saying that women don't have to feel desperate to keep someone at their side in fear of being unable to settle down early enough.
28. Sick Muse- Metric
This song is a cynical thought about love and how it can at times be an inconvenience, especially when you're young. Singer, Emily Haines wrote this song when she felt that she was falling in love with the wrong person too strongly and her struggle to forget them.
29. Do I Wanna Know?- Arctic Monkeys
The awesome clap-stomp beat and guitar riff in this song gets me every time. Alex Turner and his band seriously outdid themselves with their most recent album, AM. This is one of my favourite songs off the album. It tells the story of wanting someone and being unsure of whether or not to tell them for fear of their answer.
30. Skinny Love- Bon Iver
Bon Iver ( founded by the lead singer and songwriter, Justin Vernon) is an indie-folk band and this song is one of their more well known singles. In the song, Justin looks back on his relationship with his ex who he refers to as Emma, describing the love as malnourished and and unhealthy.
31. Young Volcanoes- Fall Out Boy
I can not verbally express how ecstatic I was when I learnt that Fall Out Boy was to reform and release an album. That album was Save Rock and Roll and secured their place as the pop-punk gods of the naughties.This is one of my favourite songs from the album. Patrick's voice is as powerful as ever. The song is a battle-cry for those of us will untapped potential saying not to underestimate us, young volcanoes for we will grow to surprise you. They wrote it as a defiant statement against the record execs who inflicted creative wounds in the band in the early days, trying to label them for optimum commercial success.
32. Spectrum- Florence and the Machine
I knew I could not make a list of songs I listen to all the time without a nod to Florence and the Machine. Florence Welch's powerful voice and the baroque pop style makes this duo one of m favourite musical acts. This song is about the spectrum of emotions that being in love releases.
33. Maps- Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Yeah Yeah Yeahs singer Karen O can do no wrong in my eyes. This song's title is an acronym for "My Angus Please Stay", standing for Karen's then long-term boyfriend Angus Andrew. They were going through a period of limbo between staying together and breaking up. She wrote this when she felt him drifting away most.
34. Kids- MGMT
The psychedelic rock duo formed whilst attending university and this was one of their first hits. It reveals the feelings of naivety and confusion when first attending college. The need to make family proud, grow up and step into the adult world (as a student, I relate).
35. Flaws- Bastille
British group Bastille, lead by frontman Dan Smith had a great 2013-2014. Their debut album, Bad Blood was a hit and "Flaws" is a single from it. The song talks about hiding one's flaws and admiring those who own them by accepting them and parading them in the open. It is also about the beginning of any friendship or relationship when everyone's flaws have to be laid out into the open for the relationship to be honest.
There you go! Just some members of my daily playlist. I hope I introduced you to some gems.
Today, I was having a conversation with a close friend of mine who said that she does not know what she wants to do in life. She believes the fact that she is twenty and doesn't know makes her a "failure". I was utterly gobsmacked that she could think that way. My friend (let's call her Elissa) is a psychology major, who is doing her pre-med courses. She is doing medicine because it is what her parents have always pushed her to do, but she does not exactly enjoy it. However, she doesn't hate it either. It is just not her passion or what she perceives as her calling.
I could not understand her point of view. From the age of fourteen, I always knew I would study Economics or Business (never Accounting, though bleh!). I love it as a subject and as a discipline. But, at the age of eighteen, I have no idea where my degree will take me; whether it will point me to journalism, accounting, business, etc. and I am okay with that. When I graduate, I will have a marketable degree and so will she, but how are we, the unsure graduates supposed to find our calling? Well, here are five tips I've gathered from my own experience and advice from my parents and peers.
1. INTERN INTERN INTERN!
Internships, even if unpaid, provide valuable experience and could even land you a full time job. I've interned at banks and law offices and through my intern experience, made judgements on the pros and cons of working in such an establishment. Internships give you a personal view that just reading a job description would not.
2. Join Clubs
As said before, I thought of using my Economics degree to dabble in Journalism. That's also the reason I started this blog, to try out writing and see how I can work. However, a blog alone can not get you a job. I joined the school newspaper and made friends who are all going to be New York Times bound, Pulitzer-Prize Winners in my mind. As someone who is interested in Journalism, the school paper is also a good way to gather clippings of articles for your portfolio (most Journalism internships and entry-level jobs require at least three "published" articles).
If you like Finance, join the Finance/ Investment Club. Acting? Join the Theatre group. You get the idea.
3. Read Up
So, you found out you want to be an Accounting, Economics, English or Psychology major. But, does that mean accountant, economist, teacher or phycologist/psychiatrist is all you can do? No! Your major/ minor can have so many applications in the real world. Visit websites and read journals for your specific field of study. They can offer insight into the myriad of jobs that require your major. Some may surprise you!
4. Talk to professors
Many professors had professional jobs before going into academic work. Form a bond with a few and use them as a career advisor. They could tell you about their professional life and how they might have got into being a professor (if that interests you). A lot even have side jobs or private practises into which they could hire you as an intern. They could also have many friends or connections that could allow you to use them as a recommendation
5. Go to Career Fairs.
Many colleges and universities hold career fair every semester. These fairs a filled with companies trying to attract students and graduates. Look around all the booths and displays. Talk to recruiters and see what they are looking for. There is something there for everyone and you are bound to find something that fits.
All in all, my biggest tip to anyone is do not fret. Do not allow people to choose your career for you. It is your life and you have to live it.
So I've been thinking about what I want to do with my Economics degree. Do I want to work for the private sector? The government? Journalism? The Apple Store? (that would be one cool gig though...). One thing I do know is that I'm doing study abroad to England next spring. It promises to be fun and I'm looking forward to seeing my old friends as well as making new ones. I've already decided on what festivals or comedy gigs I want to see while I'm there too. I'm well chuffed with the possibility of being back home for a long period of time as an adult. I'll be there as a nineteen year old who can pub crawl. I haven't been back to England since I was about 13 and I was with my parents who were not as hipster as I am... NO FESTIVALS :(
I joined my university newspaper this week in an effort to try my hand and journalism. The editor and other interns seem to be really nice and a big happy family which I hope to join fully as they get used to me being there. My first article will be published on Wednesday and I can't bloody wait!
As I plan my I interview with the manager of a local eatery for my next article, I can't help but wonder if Journalism is what I want to do with my degree. I love economics to death but really have no idea what I'm going to do with this knowledge. Ah well I'm young and opportunities will come for me to take. I'll fake it 'til I make it! I'll persevere and work hard until I no longer have too look like I know what I'm doing, but rather actually know.
I wish you many great cups of tea and an abundance of hobnobs.
~ I always said that if I had a blog, one of the things I would do would be to share bits and bobs that I've grown to love in product reviews. So, here I go!~
I've been trying to get fit, or more active than I used to be. My years of eating ramen noodles and watching Korean Dramas was starting to affect my waist line, not to mention my health. I knew I was not going do fad diet, I wanted a lifestyle change. I started eating healthier and using apps such as MyFitnessPal to watch my food choices. However, I am a gym-hater and one who prefers walks and the occasional kickboxing lesson; therefore I needed something that tracked my activity and motivated me. That's where my relationship FitBit began.
I first had a FitBit Zip in Magenta, but the cute Tamagochi-like pedometer got lost within the first month. Luckily, FitBit's awesome customer service policy sent me a new one free of charge, which I lost in H&M whilst trying on trousers... I know that was careless, but that's how I am, a ditz of the most ditzy persuasion imaginable. I decided to splurge the extra forty dollars on a FitBit Flex. This little guy is a lot different as it tracks sleep (which the Zip does not) as well as is worn on the wrist and not as a clip on. This makes it a heck of a lot harder for me to displace, which is a very, very good thing. It is accurate. I have tried walking around counting fifty steps, and the pedometer counted the same. It uses Bluetooth to sync to the FitBit app on your iPhone or android to see how you've been doing OR you can tap the sensor to see the flashing lights. Five lights= you've got to your ten thousand step goal; therefore one light = two thousand steps. The tracker also comes with a USB dongle for your computer so you can sync it that way if you don't have a smartphone.
One pet peeve I have got with the device is the need to charge it. It charges via USB where the sensor is removed from the band and placed in the charger. Full charge takes about 45 minutes, which is reasonable. The FitBit Zip did not need to be charged , but it used a 3V coin battery to show a black and white LED display where the FitBit Flex uses lights and vibrations as well as is active during the night for sleep tracking so the difference in battery life is justified.
It retails for $99.95 on Amazon for the black and $89.99 for the slate, which is a a good $30 less than most other wristbands with similar capabilities such as Jawbone. It comes with a large and small wristband, USB dongle (which is TINY so try not to loose it!), the FitBit sensor to go into the wristband and the USB charger.
New York is the city that never sleeps? That's true. They say road rage is all the rage in New York but I think the biggest danger is Pedestrian Petulance. You see, as I walk the sidewalks of Manhattan behind couples, the elderly and the texting, an intense emotion overflows me and I try to conceal my rage. I walk briskly attempting to get to my appointments on time, but I am gridlocked.
Would lanes help? Probably. Dotted white or yellow lines on the pavement reserved those who wish to walk slowly or quickly and that segregate those going I'm different directions. This is a bit extreme, but I'm the girl who uses spreadsheets to anticipate the most beneficial credit distribution for timely graduation; I live for order.
