My Wonderful Week of Sickness

Sounds like something that shouldn't be a thing right? Well it was for me this week. Being sick this week has actually turned into a really ok thing for me. I started feeling off on Monday during my microbiology class and once I got back to my dorm I immediately went to bed and slept just about the entire day woke up with a high fever and sore throat. At this point I realized that I had a lab the next day and a test in two days (that is supposed to be very challenging) and broke down crying out of stress and went back to sleep to try and forget about it (don't worry there is a happy ending!). Anyways I woke up and talked to my mom for a long time on the phone which was really nice and the next morning I called my aunt and she took me to urgent care.

After a long wait at urgent care, almost passing out in the waiting room chair, the doctor saw me and I was running a 101.6 degree fever (Fahrenheit not Celsius for my non US readers) with an infected throat which generally speaking, is almost always strep. The doc did some swabs and gave me some antibiotics and sent me on my way. I am just starting to feel better but what I was most concerned about was getting really behind on school because especially in sciences and classes that involve a lot of reading (humanities usually) it is so easy to get really behind really fast. But luckily my school is amazing and my professors are even more amazing. 

A scan of Streptococcus bacteria from an electron microscope taken from here in case you were interested, but that is the stuff that is in my throat making me sick. Sorry I got nerd for a second there.

I went to both of my labs today and my anatomy professor was so gracious and pushed back my lab practical test two days without me even asking because she figured I would need more time to study and she let me leave the lab early because she didn't want me to stress myself out too much, she practically made me leave. And my microbiology teacher is letting me take the test whenever I feel prepared to take it and he was super interested in how I was doing and about how the strep progressed and such (I mean he is a microbio teacher so, naturally). It was just so nice to have my professors actually care about my well being and they are taking so many measures to make sure I don't fall behind and it just feels really nice and takes a lot of stress off. That is just one of the many reasons why I love going to a small private school.

So even though today was my first day out of bed, I am just really happy and relieved to not be falling behind and also my boss was super nice and gave me the time off I needed and he even gave me a longer shift on Sunday to make up for hours that I didn't get while being sick. 

With the up and coming Lucky event here in Seattle (which we do not have tickets to yet but hopefully will soon!) I have been exploring some more of the electronic music and here is a bit of my bounty:

Radioactive/Stranger (Mashup) - Daft Punk vs. Imagine Dragons

Fortune Days - The Glitch Mob (you can actually listen to the whole album here which I would highly advise, it is perfect homework/reading music). They are also coming to Seattle in May and I am hoping to get a ticket with the next paycheck cause damn would that be a good show.

And lastly

In My Mind - Ivan Gough and Feenixpawl ft. Georgi Kay (Axwell Mix)

That is all, I hope everyone is feeling healthy and happy and enjoy the rest of your week!

~~~

Seattle and New Personal Project

I would just like to briefly talk about the Seahawks going to the Superbowl. First of all, living in Seattle while the Seahawks are having this amazing season is such a blessing. To see a city come together under the pride of football. And even though football is super diluted nowadays from advertising it still can get entire cities together to cheer and yell and scream at the top of their lungs in love and excitement.

Another dimension for this to me is my grandma. I know it sounds super cheesy and dumb but I don't care. This year my grandma will be turning 93 and was born in Seattle. Ever since that team started she has been a fan and the Seahawks have never won a Superbowl in all this time. I just want them to win one Superbowl before she dies. That sounds morbid, but seriously, I really just want the Seahawks to win for her. I will definitely be tuning in for the game and screaming and gasping along with this city.

And now onto this "personal project." I have decided to start my very own yearbook for 2014. It consists of me carrying around a cheap little disposable camera whenever I go out and semi-documenting my adventures of the year. Then pasting them in sketch book (I prefer their thick construction like paper as opposed to a standard scrapbook) and writing little descriptions about said adventures and filling in the empty spaces with some of my creative sketches (to help along with my new years resolution to learn how to draw). I am so so excited to get into this project, I have already used up a camera and a half for this past weekend, and I shall also be scanning and posting a few of my photos.

I thought this up myself though I am sure its been done in the past. The idea of using a disposable camera has to do with not being too worried about the picture, nowadays with all things digital we all need to see the picture after it is taken and make sure we all look good, but without that ability, everything is candid and my hypothesis is that more pictures will turn out. Also there is a sense of excitement with getting the film developed and seeing how everything turned out. I shall update you all as the project develops.

ALSO, I don't know if I have mentioned this yet, but Taylor and I officially have Fall Out Boy/Paramore MonumenTour Tickets for Nor Cal in August. We are making a trip down for the weekend and I am so psyched for it. Possibly seeing New Politics/Magic Man at Neumos in February, a few of their songs below :)

New Politics - Harlem

New Politics - Tonight You're Perfect

Magic Man - Paris

Hope you enjoyed the post and the music :) Have a wonderful rest of the week!

~~~

First Week of Classes: Winter Quarter Edition

I have officially made it through my second first week of this school year. Feeling a little bit overwhelmed and under qualified, I still absolutely love being back in Seattle. I have already read over 100 text book pages and am still a little behind but still hanging in. The difference this quarter is that I don't have my terrible psychology class and both of my bio classes are starting to be interesting and kind of ok to learn about. But despite all of the work that comes with college, I love being here and I am going to take advantage of it and marinate in this education.

And on the social side of things, this quarter has started out way fun. I now have class at regular times so I can have lunch with my friends and that has actually been a huge thing for me. Last quarter I skipped a few too many classes out of anxiety and having a convenient break in the day has made a world of difference. And this past weekend my neighbor and friend had a few of his hometown buddies come and visit and I had so much fun getting to know some new people and touring around Seattle. Another thing is that I am just starting to get close with my friends here. Moving to a school in a different state was really hard for me because I didn't have those friends that I met in 3rd grade and know everything about and can talk to about anything. I had to start fresh and that freaked me out. But now I have a group of friends who are amazing and so different in all of the good ways. It is just so refreshing to be surrounded by people that you love.

And on the work side of things. Working almost double the hours but it is way easier now. My schedule was so weird last quarter and I was required to volunteer once a week and my classes just had a lot of weird busy work. Now that my schedule for school is normal and I have better studying habits, picking up the extra hours hasn't taken much of a toll on me at all. I actually enjoy going to work, I work with really nice people and my manager is a total sweetheart.

All in all I think it is pretty easy to tell that this quarter is off to an amazing start and I cannot wait to see what comes.

Also below is twenty one pilots new music video for Truce and it is quite lovely :)

Stay happy, breathe, and enjoy.

~~~

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

I recently saw The Secret Life of Walter Mitty with my parents and it was quite incredible. I will say, from the perspective of myself, that it was one of the most incredible movies I have ever seen. I was on the verge of tears the entire move and cried myself to sleep that night in awe. People on the internet say that the characters lack development and the story is missing the meat but I disagree extremely strongly.

Maybe that is because I am easily inspired and easily impressed by things like this. The softer focus made it appear dream like and I felt like I didn't want to wake up. It also inspires me because I know I am blossoming into the person I want to be, just like Walter did. I am going out and hiking throughout Washington and have a trip to Alaska planned. I cannot wait to see these beautiful places and go these places with beautiful people. And a new goal of mine, backpacking in Iceland. I could go on about this movie for a really long time, but truth is I really don't even know how to word my feelings about it. It was adorable, inspiring, courageous, beautiful, and so many more things.

I would highly highly recommend this movie to everyone, I plan on seeing it again very soon, I do wish it was showing in IMAX though, my one complaint. Ever since the trailer came out I have been waiting to see this and it did not disappoint my expectations in any way. I know this won't be the best movie to everyone, but it is to me. Also, its surprisingly hilarious and I have never laughed that loud at a movie, just saying. Below is Dirty Paws by Of Monsters and Men, featured in the trailer and movie. Just another thing that inspires me.

~~~

"To see the world, 

things dangerous to come to, 

to see behind walls, 

draw closer,

 to find each other and to feel. 

That is the purpose of life."

--The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (Life Magazine)

Winter Break and New Year's Resolutions!

It has been quite a relaxing winter break, being back in the California with no work or school. But at the same time I feel this bittersweetness of being home and also of finishing the year off. This has probably been the year of my "turning point" into adulthood. I struggled with identity and went through some hard times coming out on top having conquered quite a bit of depression and anxiety. After this year I feel the most myself, the most me, and boy, does that feel good. I gained and then lost my "Freshman Fifteen" and I feel more healthy than ever. I stopped eating meat and I have more energy than ever and I feel so much more alive. I have had the amazing opportunity to see some incredible bands live and music has really become a thing that I enjoy so much. I have made new friends in Seattle and have started building these incredible relationships with a few incredible people who I really admire and inspire me so much.

All in all I am so proud of who I have become and everything I have conquered and I am SO PUMPED for this upcoming year, I know it will be full of laughter and late night study nights and hikes into the Washington wild and friendship and love and so much of everything.

One of my friends said the following (quite beautifully might I add), "I'm having this realization that my entire life up until now was just fluff, just filler. Sure, I learned and grew up and made friends but it was all for what's happening now. Now, I'm living somewhere I love where I can go out and just breathe in the beauty of nature. I'm studying something that I have such a strong passion for and I am surrounded by people with that same passion. I've made friends that make me feel more appreciated and loved than I ever have. I have a kitten who doesn't seem like much and is a total asshole but who comforts me and keeps me company when I need it most. I have a family who I love with my whole being. I am becoming a better person, with a whole new inspiration burning inside of me that I've never let come to the surface before. I am so thankful for this past year, 2013 was the hardest year of my life, but also the most important. 2014 has so much in store for me, I can't wait."

We are all growing up, now everything means more, its harder, but everything is so much more important to me now, my relationships, my studies, my family. It's like someone has turned on a light and I see everything with clarity now.

And looking forward to this next year, here are a few of my Resolutions for 2014 :) (They start off simple and stupid but that is because it took me longer to think out the really important ones)

1. NO SODA
2. Teach myself how to sing
3. Teach myself to draw (summer class?)
4. Get into my Word more, learn more about my religion and spirituality
5.Work a few more hours and buy myself nice things (aka concert tickets and trips)
6. PROMOTE AND PRACTICE SELF LOVE, SELF ACTUALIZATION, AND SELF CONFIDENCE
7. Continue to not let work and anxiety stop me from doing things that I love/want to do
8. Seek nature, love nature, and nurture nature
9. Travel a bit more, see new places and meet new people
10. Build on my current friendships and appreciate people more and be more grateful for these people.

I hope you all have amazing holiday breaks and lets all look forward to an incredible incoming year!

~~~

Winter will be white, Music

Music has been my best friend these past few months. Through all of the stress that is college it has helped me decompress and remember to take a breath or two. I have been extremely fortunate to see some amazing musicians perform this fall and am looking forward to seeing some more during winter quarter. So many good albums have come out this past year and I must share them with you! Also none of this will come as a surprise since I have talked about almost all of these bands in previous posts...

1. Vessel - twenty one pilots

Tyler and Josh totally rocked this album and seeing them live a few weeks ago was just the icing on the cake. Josh is such an incredible drummer and with the combination of that and Tyler's compelling lyrics, the entire album is a must listen to. In concert, their performance was so whole heartily done and more genuine than any show I have been to. It was pretty cool getting to meet Tyler too, it would be weird to say things like, yeah he was a really nice guy because I don't really know anything about him but I can tell he puts everything he has into his music and I can really appreciate that.

2. Oak Island - Our Last Night

Also got to see these guys in concert, so amazing live as well. It was unfortunate that their set only lasted about a half hour and for most of the set we were weaving up to the front and slightly distracted but that didn't stop me from screaming every lyric at the top of my lungs. Their new album is pretty amazing and even though it is quite short with only seven songs, the instrumentals and vocals are beautiful. Matt and Trevor's voices go so well together and even though the lyrics are fairly simple, they always but so much effort into their music and they were way better live than on any of their recorded music.

3. Sempiternal - Bring me the Horizon

This is my most recent new found love, Taylor and I just bought tickets for their show in March. Tay has been looking forward to the day that Bring me the Horizon comes to the States since she was just a teen babe. And honestly, I am so looking forward to this show as well. Before I bought my ticket I had heard a few of their songs but since then I have checked out their most recent album and, boy, is it gold. On youtube they have the full album for our listening joys. I have listened to it a good five or six times through and have appreciated every moment of it. The thing I love about heavier music is the heavier use of bass and more intricate instrument usage in general. It is actually really soothing to me, which might be strange. I plan on taking some time to listen to their older stuff in the near future. Also Oli Sykes (lead singer) just came out with a winter collection and I may or may not blow the bank on it.

4. Too Weird to Live, Too Rare to Die! - Panic! at the Disco

This is Panic!'s newest album and way different from their many different sounds. The band has undergone quite a few rearrangements of new members and the different sound in the music totally reflects this. This album is much more dance-y than their usual but it totally works with Brendon's voice. They are coming next year and it is sold out but I'm holding out for stubhub prices to drop right before the show (rumor says that that almost always happens, people trying to get rid of their tickets) and since none of them have been selling, I'm confident they will start dropping soon. Been waiting to see them since I was a young babe and if this night comes true it shall be a beautiful night.

Those are the albums I am currently listening to for fall and going into winter, once I find some more gems I won't hesitate to share! I am also so looking forward to Thanksgiving, I get to go up north and visit all of my friends from far away places as well as my friends from not so far away places! Including a few friends I haven't seen in over a year! I have been a bit sick all quarter and this is unfortunate but I am so looking forward to some time off of school, only have classes tomorrow for the rest of the week, oh the joys of the holidays!

~~~

Some people lose themselves at one point or another

and when you find yourself again, you will be a different person, 

everything will be different and that is ok. 

It is ok to be sad and you have every right to feel sad 

but also know that you don't have to feel sad forever, 

that is a burden no one was meant to bare

Our Last Night Concert

Photo taken from Trevor Wentworth's Instagram, I am in this picture somewhere but I'm not even going to try and look..

So this concert definitely happened last Saturday but I have been going very nonstop on life and today is my breathing day! And the concert was quite amazing. It was at Showbox SoDo and it was my first time going there it it was a quite sick venue. Unlike the twenty one pilots concert we decided to go after the doors opened to avoid waiting in a terribly cold line. Despite the fact that we were at probably the very back of the line, we made it up to the second row during Our Last Nights set. I definitely thought I was going to die multiple times, especially when two people elbowed me in the face from either side and my head bent almost completely backwards and I just about broke it, BUT IT WAS WORTH IT. 

In short, Our Last Night's set was amazing and they are so incredible live and it was all things good and no things bad. Well bad in one aspect, and that is that it was only a half an hour set. I knew all the words to all of the songs they played and they played all of my favorite songs by them and that was quite nice. I am so holding out for them to play with warped tour.

Also Issues played next and I wasn't quite invested in them but they were also really good live. Got pretty up close with Tyler Carter and that was nice. After being elbowed on every part of our bodies Taylor and I called it quits on the front and chilled in the back for Breathe Carolina and Sleeping with Sirens sets. Kellin Quinn talked way too much, like much more talking than playing which was dumb but this really tall friend we made asked me if I wanted to go on his shoulder, and for the very brief moments I was on his shoulders it was really cool, the best view, especially because he was a good 6'2" at least. Then a security person told me to get down, BUT IT WAS WORTH IT.

All in all it was a great concert and even though we got quite beaten up it was still so amazing and I look forward to seeing them again in the future. Below are some more photos from the show taken by the wonderful Karen Ready. After the show I found her website and I am so digging her work.

~~~

Many more shows coming up in winter and spring including Panic! and Bring me the Horizon and I plan on going bankrupt buying all of the tickets...