Thursday, April 24, 2014

An Unsettling Wake Up Call

Today was just like any other day. I snoozed my alarm five times, finally woke up, showered, and went to my 11am class. I sat in my normal seat, tried my hardest to stay awake and focus on something so stupid like qualitative research methods. Everything was totally normal until I heard two of my classmates talking about an event that happened at my school yesterday.

Apparently yesterday afternoon a man with a gun on his waist was walking around in my university's library, drunk.

Growing up in today's day and age where school shootings are an unfortunate part of our national news, having one of these events happen close to home is one of my biggest fears. I was at school yesterday and walked right past the library. I almost considered going in to relax until my 1pm class started. After I heard the two talking about it so nonchalantly I piped in & had a million questions about it of course. As far as I can tell from the multiple student reports I have heard that yesterday afternoon, a man, not sure if it was a student or not, was drinking beers in the library and students reported seeing a gun on his waist. A few students said it was a shotgun although I'm not sure. There were cops at the library trying to handle the situation where he was arrested. My concern is, why wasn't I notified? Why did the school not release any alerts or put anyone in lockdown? What if I had just walked into the library by chance? Why is this being treated as if nothing happened? Why am I hearing it from the students instead of reliable sources, like the actual university?

Having your personal security put at risk in such a way is absolutely terrifying. It's especially unsettling when the school is completely keeping it a secret from it's students and the media. Yes, it could have been an individual with a permit to carry a weapon, but regardless, I would still have liked to have been notified from the university while it was occurring and definitely some follow up as well. Basically, I just experienced a very rude awakening to an issue that many hope would never occur so close to home.



Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Vinyls & PBR

Just call me a horrible blogger because I have absolutely no schedule when it comes to this thang. I just blog when I'd like and when I'm inspired. Sorry!


Record Store Day was this Saturday and it was so fun. I woke up and walked down to the store down the street from me, AKA Music.

Record Store Day for those unaware is basically a celebration of music on vinyl and local, small record stores; a lot of bands release exclusive music on vinyls that are only available on Record Store Day in limited quantities. The store did an awesome job providing good vibes and music. Free beer was being given out (I was in there like swimwear obv) & local, free music was being played too.



The line wrapped around the store but the PBR and music made everything okay for sure. I was amongst Urban Outfitters biggest customers, dressed in tight pants, jean jackets and beards and tattoos all over the place. Not that I am complaining. A local band from New Jersey, Ortolan, played & I fell in love. I picked up their vinyl on the way out & haven't stopped listening to it. I was also able to pick up two exclusive releases, Ray Lamontagne & a Circa Survive & Sunny Day Real Estate collab, & a Born Ruffians vinyl too.



Basically, between the PBR, live music, and vinyls, it was a hipsters paradise. I enjoyed every minute of it & cannot wait for next year.


Here's what I'm Listening to:
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Friday, April 18, 2014

Growing Up Religious

Growing up in a semi-religious household was always difficult for me. My father was not interested in religion at all, while on the other hand, my mother was convinced that Jesus Christ was going to save us all from the devil himself any day.

I went to Catholic school for pre-school & kindergarden. When my parents put me into public school I was forced to go to CCD once a week. I had to partake in all of the sacraments, attend church, the whole nine yards. It was from an early age that I had decided that religion, specifically Catholicism, was not for me. I dreaded going to CCD and felt that the whole idea of religion was being shoved down my throat without any other options available to me. I felt completely engulfed in a group of people and ideas that I did not belong to. I felt lost & alone. 

My parents thought my absolute dread for any Catholic events or responsibilities was a phase. That any day I would just mature out of it & finally realize that they were right along. They were so wrong.

Thank god I grew up in a time where the internet was available to me. Researching religions took up a lot of my time when I was in middle school just to see what option was best for me. At the end of the day, religion in general is not for me. I don't believe in a god or a savior or anything like that. I don't believe in an afterlife. I don't believe in a heaven or hell.

After all of my research, I found that Buddhism is something that I relate to but on a philosophical level. Believing in reincarnation is not something I necessarily respond to in my own life but I do believe in a lot of the messages the religion is trying to put out there for everyone to live by.

Honestly, I will never truly understand why parents are so intent in making sure that whatever religion they abide by needs to be the same that their children abide by too. People are so different in so many ways and children should be exposed to all of these differences. Children should be able to make up their own decisions in what they believe in and see what is best for them. When I was growing up I wish that I had more of these options available to me. I felt very lost and confused as a child having to attend a school, a class, and religious events that I just absolutely did not believe in. I'm sure that not being a Catholic disappoints my mother, that I'll never get married in a church, or force my children to attend any of the religious things I had to. At this point its just not up to them - & it shouldn't have been from the start.








Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Online Shopping Therapy

Whats the best therapy for any troubles? Umm… hello retail therapy.

After this weeks recent penile breakup drama shopping was a necessary. Hiding inside on a rainy day yesterday with my puppy next to me and watching the Lindsay show thats on demand, (I'm addicted, I am obsessed with her style also) I broke the bank a little and bought some stuff for myself online.

ShopJeen is one of my favorite online shops for all of the super lame things I'm into like, t-shirts and iPhone cases and jewelry. I bought two t-shirts, I just wish everything wasn't so expensive nowadays!




So cute for the summer with my black skater skirt, leggings &/or high-waisted shorts! 




I also bought this for my computer with all of the money that I've accumulated from selling some of my old clothes online. Its a computer sticker that I bought from an Etsy store. I'm hoping it will look as good in the picture but ughhhh who knows things never look as good in the pictures! (fast food ads hello?)











Hope everyone is having a lovely hump day! 


Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Rainy Tuesday

I generally enjoy the idea of a rainy day. Finally having a good excuse to be a hermit and stay inside and drink tea. Music always seems to sound better on a rainy day and showers feel so much more refreshing - am I right?

The idea of going out in the rain is a totally different story.

I always thought I enjoyed the rain until I moved to a city, where doing anything requires walking and walking outside at that. You really just haven't experienced rain until your umbrella flips inside out and you get completely soaked or if a car splashes up rain water (sex and the city reference is real). Basically, living in the city sucks when its raining.

My dog agrees with me on this motto. She refuses to go outside when it rains and would absolutely rather hold it in for another day. I bought her a rain jacket and she looks adorable even if she was completely embarrassed and absolutely hid behind me when other dogs walked by.








Here's what I'm listening to:





Monday, April 14, 2014

No More Negative Nancy's




After spending this beautiful weekend with family and friends, I realized I needed to get rid of some negativity in my life.

*Cue the soundtracks tagged with "sad" "cry" "breakup"* 

It came to head last night when I finally became fed up with my boyfriend after feeling constantly disrespected and not given the proper attention I deserve. I am dealing with a huge family issue at the moment and constantly feel like its made less important when I discuss it with him. Honestly, I just know that there are so many more important people and things that deserve my time than someone who can't give me any of their time about something that is at its utmost importance to me. I also read this article and realized how horrible our relationship is. How horrible is it that I can apply 8/10 out of those scenarios to our relationship? I'm never the dramatic type, or the type to vent on a social site such as this, but it is what it is. He destroyed this relationship, he destroyed me. I am done with it - at least for now.

I'm being brave.
I'm letting go & embracing positivity.


Friday, April 11, 2014

Karma


For those who are always looking to try something different *raises hand*, Karma should be the first place on your list. I have only had Indian food a few times before and have definitely had mixed reviews. This time though? Totally impressed. I went for my birthday dinner this year because of the fantastic reviews it received on yelp and wanted to share some foods that neither my family nor boyfriend had tried before. Even my Nana, the pickiest and most dramatic person I have ever met to date, enjoyed her meal.

We ordered the tandoori gohi (cauliflower marinated in special, somewhat spicy sauces) for an appetizer and it was very yummy. The restaurant also brings chips and two sauces to the table, one that is spicy and a milder, green sauce. For my meal, I ordered malai kofta and it was absolutely delicious. The sauce was the perfect consistency and the spices were not overwhelming. Of course, naan was also ordered for the table, garlic and plain, and it was some of the best naan I've ever ate. Everyone else ordered some variety of a meat dish, two chicken dishes and a shrimp dish and everyone thoroughly enjoyed their meals. On top of having delicious foods, the service was quick and friendly. The atmosphere of the restaurant was also very nice and not busy at all.

All in all? Best Indian food in Philadelphia - hands down.



source: top || bottom

These images are not of my dishes at the restaurant, but examples of what the dishes looked like. 







Monday, April 7, 2014

The B's & C's

B's & C's - also known as  Boyfriends & Ciroc.



They make for an interesting combination I suppose. I spent my weekend visiting my boyfriend in Jersey and it was relaxing (when we weren't fighting...surprise). The two of us splurged on Friday and bought a bottle of Ciroc instead of my usual vodka of choice: pink lemonade Burnetts. Let me just tell you - that shit is jesus juice. Chaser? What chaser? Thats how yummy it is and I'm usually a huge chaser fan. As in let me chug a can of coke after my shot please. And then eat a chip. The chug-chip method is the best I have yet to come by. Strongly recommend it. Whenever I come into a few extra dollars it will definitely be my go-to choice of vodka now.



As if I wasn't treating my body bad enough, the two of us got Taco Bell breakfast Sunday morning. If you aren't already aware, I am a huge TBell fan. When I heard they were putting out a breakfast menu I was more than excited. Well let me tell you, it did NOT disappoint…obviously. I ordered the waffle taco, sans meat, and the boyfriend ordered the breakfast crunchwrap. I could have eaten fifteen waffle tacos because those things are dangerously delicious.

I am back home now and ready to start my week and stop eating so shitty. FYI -  I am writing this while stuffing my face with homemade guacamole and chips… you be the judge of how well I am adhering to that motto right now.

Here's what I'm listening to: 



Friday, April 4, 2014

Stress Less


Thank god it's Friday! 
This week was my first week of classes starting for the spring term and I am already getting stressed. I'm sure my fellow college students can agree that time management only takes you so far before finals week encroaches and you're engulfed in your textbooks for hours on end. Stress has so many negative effects on your life that go beyond you wanting to just curl up in the corner with a bottle of whiskey. Just me? It is really detrimental to your health too. I've made a list of things that I do to keep me stress free especially when I feel totally overwhelmed with schoolwork.


  • Go for a walk
  • Take a hot shower or bath
  • Breathe
  • Exercise 
  • Go to bed a little earlier
  • Sign up for a yoga class
  • Enjoy a hot cup of tea or coffee
  • Focus on what you can control
  • Paint your nails
  • Blast your favorite music
  • Ask for a hug
  • Smile

What keeps you stress free & happy?


Thursday, April 3, 2014

Why You Should Watch Game of Thrones Right Now



I've been obsessed with the HBO series, Game of Thrones, since it premiered in 2011. I've been re-watching it with my boyfriend to get him caught up to the season that premieres this Sunday at 9! Re-watching the show I've realized how much the show itself and the characters have really evolved over the episodes. There are so many reasons that make up a quality TV show, but Game of Thrones just really embodies all of the qualities so well. Because of this it appeals to such a large demographic. I have listed some of the specific reasons below that make the show so awesome to me.


// Dragons
Hello? Must I even explain? How awesome is it to watch a show that successfully implements fantastical attributes like dragons? GoT managed to pull this one off in a totally not tacky way.

// Characters You Love to Hate
The show really tugs on your heart strings often, even in the first season, but it pulls at my hate strings (is that a thing?) even more. Sure there are plenty of characters you just totally love and wish you were them, but there are also a few that you want to burn with green wildfire.

// Eye Candy
What ladies, or gentlemen, want to watch a show without someone to crush on? My crush is totally Jon Snow. Ugh.

// Messy but Suspenseful Plots
Re-watching the seasons over again, I have managed to really get a full grasp of what actually happened and catch some things I missed before. The story lines are very intricate and in-depth, but they all play out so well that you end up on the edge of your couch every episode. 

// Powerful Women Roles
It doesn't take long for any watcher to realize how feminist the show really is. A lot of the extremely important characters are women. The female characters are all extremely positive role models, exemplifying strength and independence.





If you haven't started watching it, I recommend a binge-watch to catch up. I don't know anyone that doesn't love this show and I'm sure you won't be disappointed either. This season is going to be epic. Season 4 premieres this Sunday, April 6, on HBO. 





Tuesday, April 1, 2014

My Camera & I Go to Austin, TX

As you saw earlier this week in the post below, my empty stomach and I went to Austin, but my camera came with too! I haven't posted a lot about it much lately but my true passion and love lies in photography. I've been taking photographs for at least 10 years now, studied it in high school, took classes, and even went to an art school in Manhattan for a year. I really just realized I didn't need to be spending thousands of dollars learning about a craft I already knew so much about but thats a different story.

I post a lot of pictures to my blog but most of them are taken just on my iPhone so they're obviously nothing special. These photographs are taken all with a Canon 7D in RAW format. Each one tells a different story in itself of the city and I find they all really do Texas a good job in justifying its uniqueness.




















This is only a small selection of a larger body of images that I took while I was there. I didn't want to inundate this post with too many images. 
I really do enjoy looking at them. 
I hope you all do too!