What my Life Looks Like as of Right Now

My billionth attempt at knitting: My first ever scarf (hopefully)

The mess that is the view from where I'm sitting

Coffee utensils and a random pair of scissors

The view from where I'm sitting Round 2

Stranger Danger: Starbucks Edition

As many of my friends will tell you (if you know them, which you probably don't), I have a knack for striking up life-altering conversations with strangers. I consider this a talent and a hobby. They (my friends) consider this a death wish. Just a little back story.

Yesterday, I decided to sit in Starbucks and knit. I thought that I needed some "alone" time, whatever that is, and I didn't feel like walking all of the way back to my residence hall. A few minutes later, an older man with a large book took a seat in one of the comfy chairs next to me. At first, I was completely thrown off. Why is this guy sitting by me when there are other seats available?

We didn't really look at each other for a while, but then he asked me about my knitting (which I am obsessed with and will talk about for a very long time to anyone who is unfortunate enough to ask). Bam. We ended up talking about his book, a guide to trees around the country, and all of the trees that this man has seen (which is a lot).

It was beautiful. I have always loved trees, but this guy really took it to a whole new level. He even found me some acorns so that I could plant my very own tree (which is something I have always kind of wanted to do). It was awesome.This guy was awesome. The conversation that we had may or may not have made my day.

Look around, find your own stranger, and converse. You never know what you will learn..

Being a Life Learner

I never fully realized the difference between someone who lives their life to learn and someone who just exists.

There is a difference folks. A vast one.

For example, I just completely blanked on the exact definition of the word 'vast'. Normally, I would have just used a dumber word that I already know the meaning of, like large. Not today. Today, I looked it up, refreshed my memory, and utilized that term. Rock on.

For the past few days, I have been reminding myself to be continually curious about the world, and to learn for the fun of it. And guess what, learning magically became fun again! I now know the history of Tootsie Rolls, why people are late, what Lorde's song "Royals" is actually about, songs by Cage the Elephant, and the basics of knitting. It's fantastic.

While a lot of this information may seem useless, it really made me think. How many things do I not know? How many of those things will I never know, and how will that affect my life? Ignorance breeds intolerance and such. Crazy, crazy, crazy.

Maybe not to this extent, but I would like to continue to keep an open (or at least as open as I can be) mind about life. Who knows what else is out there to learn?

Also, knitting is frustrating as all hell.

This is the World, That We Live in

After four months of being an RA, I am a tad bit burned out. I don't know about you, but I have the tendency to emotionally invest completely in everything that I love (such as this job), which can lead to faster mental and emotional exhaustion. Due to the fact that I am completely enamored with this job, and with life, I was not going to stay burned out. (Insert cheesy metaphor about re-lighting my candle and such here.)

So I looked for ways to reverse my burn out. Locking myself in my room didn't work, and neither did avoiding this issue (which is never an effective way to deal with your problems, but who doesn't try it anyway?).

The answer came after a presentation that I gave for my Young Adult Literature class. My group and I ran a class on my favorite book, 'Looking for Alaska'. We noticed that my older copy of the book had a candle on it, while the newer editions just had smoke.

Little difference, I just assumed that it was a stylistic choice. A girl in my class, Ashley, didn't. She looked up this book after our class, unprovoked, and found this and posted it to my Facebook wall:

FROM WIKIPEDIA: YOUR ANSWER!

"In August 2012 blog, Green revealed details regarding the cover design of Looking for Alaska. Green acknowledged the fact that the supposedly extinguished candle did lead to an "improbable amount of smoke," and thus revealed that the initial cover design did not feature the candle. Green then revealed that certain book chains were uncomfortable about displaying or selling the book because they did not want to encourage what looked like cigarette smoke - which Green revealed was the actual 'cause' of the smoke. Thus, book chains added the candle beneath the smoke so that they weren't promoting smoking.

In John Green's box set, released on October 25, 2012, the candle element of the cover of Looking for Alaska has been removed, and features the original cover design. Further paperback releases of the book also have the candle removed."

After reading that, I realized that I have been too comfortable with the world in which we live, assuming things and not looking for answers. So, as of this moment, I am vowing to myself to be more inquisitive, of the people around me and the things that I take for granted. The results of that will be in posts to come.

"Stay thirsty, my friends"

Blazer Challenge

I have been going through a 1/5 life crisis. I am 20 years old, but still feel extremely young for my age, especially as a resident advisor (RA), where many of my younger peers appear to be more mature than me. I am working on becoming a more "mature" individual in some aspects, which is weird as all hell.

As one of the parts of this maturity challenge, I decided that my style selections needed to be more adult-like (it took everything I have not to put that in air quotes), so I looked to one of my RA friends, Livia, for style advice. She always looks extremely professional and adult, no matter what the situation. I looked at her style, and thought about which parts of it made her appear especially serious. Then it hit me.

Blazers.

And just like that, the Blazer Challenge was born. Seven straight days of blazers. Livia even got on board and (temporarily) donated her blazer collection to my cause.

I give myself a C+ for this challenge. I tried to enjoy the blazers, but just ended up feeling constricted. Instead of changing my style to be more blazer-esque, I using some of my more drastic pieces to incorporate the blazers into my wardrobe.

After three days, I just couldn't do it anymore and ended up wear a super bohemian looking outfit, completely with fringe boots and head scarf. Even a few days later, my style is still younger looking and grungier than usual, like a style binge after fasting for a long time.

Maybe there is something to be said for immature after all, at least I would like to think so...

Off Campus Friends...

Getting attacked by Shrillz

...are the best people ever. They really are. As a junior living on campus, especially as an RA, it can be difficult to remember what it's like to talk to people that aren't forced to interact with me for work/caretaking reasons. It's also nice to be completely unfiltered, without having to worry about my job or being a role model (if that's even a thing).

Chris and I hanging out at his place

They also give me a lot of perspective. I can see the different things that they are doing with their lives: being in a band, student teaching in Texas, dating, doing dishes, and all sorts of other crazy things. It's weird though, I am rarely jealous of their lives (although I am so incredibly proud of each and every one of them). While I would love to light a candle every once and a while or blast music loudly, I wouldn't trade what I have for anything (as cheesy as that sounds).

My off-campus friends are supportive as all hell, and I could not love them more if I tried. Thanks for being around guys (especially because I feel like most of you are reading this)!

Attempting to Restart...

It has been quite a long time since I've posted on this motherfucker. Here's a run down of what has happened between my last post and now...

• Worked at my "dream" camp in Pennsylvania. It was actually hellish (lots of weird cultural differences and such), but I made some really great friends and visited New York City twice, which was amazing.

Sophie, Joel, and I at an Italian place in New York City

•  I was hired on as a Resident Advisor (RA)! Unlike my position this summer, being an RA has been phenomenal. My Co-Ra's are really great (even when we fight), and I love my residents to death.

  So that's what's new with me. I even included some RA pictures for your enjoyment. How about you, if you're all still there?I hope that your days are lovely!

My Co-Ras, Eli and Meric

Aaron and one of my residents, Chelsea, who brought me pumpkin coffee for my desk shift

  

So.. I Found my Dream Pet

It's a capybara! A Capybara is basically a giant hamster/guinea pig. It looks like this:

It seems weird at first, until you read this article (aka look at a bunch of pictures)...
http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/after-looking-at-these-photos-you-will-want-a-capybara

It definitely swayed me.

Krewella and Fall Out Boy?

As most of you know, Fall Out Boy is my favorite band of all time (hence the blog title). Krewella, as many of you probably don't know (unless you are in my group of friends at college), is my friend, Erich's favorite EDM (electronic dance music) group.

They are collaborating.

We are both scared and excited. It could be crazy amazing, or just downright crazy. I guess we will just have to wait and see. This link is the teaser that was release (just a warning, the sound quality is awful).

Good Luck on Exams for Those of You Who are Taking Them!

Remember, even if you fail, James Blunt still thinks you're beautiful...

I Wrote More Postcards Than Hooks, I Read More Maps Than Books...

College lets out in about a week, and after that I am in my hometown until mid-June, when I will be heading off to become a camp counselor on the East Coast. Until then, I am going to have buckets of time on my hands. In order to keep myself occupied, I have compiled a list of book that I need to read. it's a weird mix of "literature" and those feel-goods where the couple stays together in the end. Here it is:

A Clockwork Orange- Anthony Burgess

Back When You Were Easier to Love- Emily Wing Smith

The Boy Who Couldn’t Sleep and Never Had To- DC Pierson

Bearded Women- Terrie Milbrodt

Dark Places- Gillian Flynn

Eleanor & Park- Rainbow Rowell

The Secret Lives of Gay Men-Ryan O'Connell

Bonfires- Alexander Helmke
The New Age Camp- Chloe Caldwell

Gates of Paradise- Melissa De La Cruz
Lunch In Paris- Elizabeth Band

Just One Day- Gayle Forman

Less Than Zero- Bret Easton

Love and Other Perishable Items- Kerry Winfrey

On The Road-Jack Kerouac

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest- Ken Kesey

The Glass Castle- Jeanette Walls

Easy- Tammara Webber

Hopeless- Colleen Hoover,
 The Sea of Tranquility-  Katja Millay
The Coincidence of Callie and Hayden-Jessica Sorensen.
Lola and the Boy Next Door- Stephanie Perkins
Isla and the Happily Ever After- Stephanie Perkins
Small Damages-Beth Kephart
Twice Told: Original Stories Inspired by Original Artwork- Scott Hunt

Struck By Lightning-Chris Colfer

The Dice Man- Luke Rhinehart
The Future of Us- Jay Asher

The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test- Tom Wolfe

The Realm of Possibility- David Levithan
Love is the Higher Law- David Levithan
I Wrote This For You

The Tragedy Papers- Elizabeth Liben

Slaughterhouse 5- Kurt Vonnegut
Choke-Chuck Palahniuk
Franny and Zooey-J.D. Salinger

Does Anyone Else Love Awkward?

Because I really do..

Carry This Picture

Carry this picture for luck. Kept in a locket,
Tucked in your collar, close to your chest.
Make it a secret, shown to the closest friends.

And meet me at quarter to seven,
The sun will still shine then, at this time of year.
We'll head to the inlet. And we'll share a bottle there.

And color the coast with your smile
It's the most genuine thing I've ever seen.
I was so lost, but now, I believe.

And follor me south of the big docks, where they tether the boats,
And the rich men revere as so important, they hire our fathers to steer.

And down to the edge of the water,
Where we'll spill our guts,
And we'll name our fears. I'll give you this picture.
Kepp it and don't be scared.

And color the coast with your smile.
It's the most genuine thing I've ever seen.
I was so lost, but now, I believe in the coast,
Your smile is the most genuine thing I've ever seen.
I was so lost, but now, I believe

My Very Own MLIA (My Life is Average) Moment

For those of you who don't know, there is a website called My Life is Average where people submit short stories about 'average' things that have happened to them. For example:

Today, I went to Buffalo Wild Wings with some friends. We walked over to the jukebox and proceeded to put on "The Safety Dance" by Men Without Hats. As the song came on, while we were dancing, an employee comes up to us in a serious tone and asks who put the song on. My friend steps in front and says that he did it. The employee immeadeatly holds up his hand and gives my friend a Hi-5. New favorite resteraunt? I think so. MLIA 

Deep down, I always wished for my own MLIA moment. Yesterday, that wish was granted.

Today in Queer Lit class, my friend and I put N'Sync's Digital Getdown music video/song on the projector before our professor came to class. Some annoying kid turned it down and said that the song was stupid. Halfway through the song, our professor walks in and asks why there is an N'Sync song playing. We tell him that we are trying to relive the 90's. In response, he puts on Say My Name by Destiny's Child, turning the volume back up to the top. MLIA

And just because I could never truly believe some of these stories, here is photographic proof.

 

8Tracks

I used to be a loyal Spotify and Pandora user. Between the two music sharing website-things, I was able to get my fix of songs that I already know, as well as some new ones that I have grown to love. However, Spotify keeps crashing on me for some reason which I cannot seem to figure out. This leaves me with no choice but to find an alternative.

8tracks. 8tracks is a weird combination of Spotify and Pandora, a place where users make and share playlists. When I click to listen to a playlist, I know the general genre, but not the exact songs. It also keeps playing whatever song you are listening to as you peruse the website, one of my favorite features.

Here are a few of my favorite 8tracks mixes.


Life is a Four Letter Word: http://8tracks.com/evertheless/life-is-a-four-letter-word

Classical Dubstep:  http://8tracks.com/docellis/classical-dubstep

The Happiest Playlist Ever!!!!: http://8tracks.com/heikidd17/the-happiest-playlist-ever

100th Post

As cliche as a 100th Post is, here is my 100th Post post. Thanks to everyone who reads this, and to Maria, who helped me to realize that yes, my comment button does work.

The Giant Mechanical Man

Gotta love Netflix. I went back through the quirky and witty sections, and ended up watching The Giant Mechanical Man. It was so amazing and awkward and real. I loved it. It also has an interesting pretense; the leading man is one of those painted street people (I forget what the correct term is). Also, Topher Grace (Eric from That 70's Show) is in it, as well as a few random folks from Gilmore Girls.

It is definitely a fun movie to watch, especially with all of the recent events going on in the world. It's weirdly inspiring.

Birthday Extravaganza Weekend

This weekend was Danielle's, Maddie's, and my Birthday Extravaganza. Every year, the weekend before the weekend before exams, we celebrate all of our birthdays together and give each other presents (since all of our birthdays are after college lets out). Maddie had me for our gift exchange, so she gave me a spoon necklace and all of this really awesome friendship bracelet string. Look at all of those colors, the possibilities are endless.

A while ago, my old roommate Lauren and I got into a huge fight and she ended up moving out of my room. I hadn't seen her since, which was kind of heartbreaking since she was one of my best friends.

 A week ago, she contacted me and asked me to hang out. I had some qualms about it, but decided to hang out with her anyway. I had already lost her as a friend, so what else did I have to lose? As weird as it is, things between us weren't weird at all. We went to our school's cafeteria and hung out for an hour, talking Fall Out Boy (which is cool because none of my other friends really understand them like Lauren does) and life over Chinese food. It was super fun, and we are probably going to hang out again soon, which I am really excited about.

Who says that second chances don't work? Definitely not me.

 

Lauren and I last year.

Let the Countdowns Begin...

13 days until the Pierce the Veil, All-Time Low, You Me At Six, and Mayday Parade concert

15 days until exams are over

28 days until the Fall Out Boy Concert

and 56 more days until I board the plane for camp

Apparently Classic Novel Apparel is Becoming a Thing

I am definitely not complaining.

Save Rock and Roll

DJ Slingshot

Last weekend, all of my friends and I went to go support my friend Erich (DJ Slingshot), while he DJ-ed. Due to a large throng of sorority girls, he didn't win, but we all had fun anyway. Here are some of our pictures.

                                                (Danielle, my roommate, and I)













(From Left: Dan, Danielle, me, Erich, Shrillz, Christie, Maddie)

(Me and Erich/DJ Slingshot) 

Camp Questions

A few days ago, while going through my camp's (I guess that I can call it that now, since I've decided for sure that I'm going there) Facebook page, I found a counselor that goes to my college. Most of them come from Pennsylvania, Arizona, Michigan, or different parts of Europe, so it was nice to find someone from my area.

I messaged him, and we met at Starbucks. Beforehand, I was completely freaked out, since his profile was very nondescript, but he was a cool guy. Props to everyone who can online date/ go on blind dates, it is scary as hell. We ended up talking for three hours, and he answered every question that I had and then some that I hadn't even thought of before. It was great.

Jimmy Eat World

Jimmy Eat World is coming out with a new album, Damage, on June 11th. I am crossing my fingers that they tour near me, but in the meantime, here is the track listing..

Appreciation
Damage
Lean
Book of Love
I Will Steal You Back
Please Say No
How’d You Have Me
No, Never
Byebyelove
You Were Good

 Here is their first song, I Will Steal You Back. Enjoy!

Knife Party

This blog post is a little different that what I usually discuss on here, but it is something that i feel needs to be said, so here it is. Sometimes, I come to the realization that I am extremely naive. Last night was one of those nights.

A lot has been on my mind lately, so I decided to walk around my college's downtown area (if you can even really call it that because it's so small). After an excessive amount of cat-calls and creepy comments, I decided to call it a night and head back to my residence hall.

I walk alone a lot at night, usually because I like to leave parties early. When I tell people this, they say something along the lines of "you shouldn't do that, you're asking for trouble/that's really dangerous". However, when a guy walks alone, he is generally not bothered (at least not to the extent that women are). I understand that the world is not perfect, and there isn't really a whole lot I can do to remedy this situation, minus locking myself in my room at 7pm.

Here's what really grinds my gears though. Recently, I acquired a knife that I carry around with me in my pocket when I walk around alone at night in order to defend myself, due to all of my nightwalks. Keep in mind that lots of guys carry knives, even during the day, and no one says a whole lot about that. But when I mention this to anyone, I swear this is what they see

No. No. No no no no no. Definitely not. I am not going to turn into a slasher/murderer just because I have a weapon. I am then asked why I don't just carry around pepper spray or a rape whistle. Maybe because sprays have a tendency to go bad and not work, and how is a whistle (if you can even muster up the breath to blow it) going to help, especially if you are in an out-of-the-way area? I mean, come on, how many rapes/killings/muggings happen in an area where a rape whistle would actually be beneficial? Very very few.

A knife, however, is easy to grab, and is useful in most situations. Also, the attacker will most likely be caught off-guard by the fact that a woman is wielding a knife, giving her an advantage. Who wouldn't want those odds?

Sexism is still alive and well. I would like to be as well. Oh, and this happened, which was pretty awesome. Gotta love people who appreciate self-preservation.

Tattoo Tuesday

My parents aren't fans of tattoos, aka the understatement of the year. They think that they are stupid and tacky (unfortunately for me, since I have one on my ankle). In their honour, I present to you the most awesome tattoo photos that I could find on the internet.

Fall Out Boy Friday

Today is Fall Out Boy Friday, and Fall Out Boy has put their album out on the internet. It takes a few listens to fully absorb, but it is definitely worth it. Have an awesome weekend!

http://falloutboy.com/