In my writing class last semester, we had to come up with a paper that focused on a significant event in our lives. Originally, I was thinking of writing about one of the mission trips I went on or the time my brother had to stay in a psych ward for abusing drugs and alcohol. As my professor continued to suggest topics for inspiration, he said, "You shouldn't choose the time you went to Disney World, because there's nothing interesting about how you got to ride Space Mountain ten minutes faster thanks to FASTPASS."

Hold on.

Did he just say Disney World? As in no one can write about Disney World?

If anyone is capable of putting meaning to a trip to Disney, it's me. So here's what I, being a Disney freak and complete child, came up with:

The characters, events, and outcomes of Disney movies are as real to me as the people in this class are real to you.  It’s not that I believe in evil queens that transform into monstrous fire-breathing dragons or magic glowing hair that has the power to heal.  I do, however, have faith in a character’s journey to find her place in the world and ultimately live her dreams.  The self-discovery and happily-ever-after that Disney is famous for are elements I can’t help but believe to be true in real life.  After all, the classic stories we grew up with are a reflection of life, just hyped up and colored with magic.

What I'll be missing

The perks of being home from college:

• Getting to sing as loud and as bad as I want without embarrassing myself.
• Not having to wear a bra to bed. 
• Getting to talk about and fangirl over One Direction without anyone thinking I'm a loser.
• Starting my day with a solo dance party (music blasting; major white girl dance moves).
• CATS!
• Ditching the flip-flops when I shower.
• Not having to wait for a shower.
• Having a car to drive (where I can blast more music and whip out more white girl dance moves). 

Basically, being home means being accepted unconditionally and not having to worry about what other people think of me. As someone who is constantly thinking others are judging me negatively, being home is like finally being able to breathe. Too bad I go back to school tomorrow.


On Repeat: "Hot Air Balloon" - Owl City


(End Note: Why am I an English major again? In my first point, should that be "as loudly and as badly"? Should that question mark be inside the quotation mark? Do I put a period outside of these parenthesis? I suck.)

Fatties USA

Little Baby Freddy Cheese Curd

 Girls love food.  If you meet a girl who claims she doesn't love food, she's lying. So what do you do when you get together with your two best friends on a Friday night? You have an epic food party of course. The more carbs and cheese, the better. And nothing, my friends, is more cheese-infested and carbified than the colossal, the revered, the magnificent: Cheesy Cheddar Pull-Apart Bread!  I'll link you to the recipe here, but I'm warning you, this is some major food porn.

Before Baking

 This bread is probably a billion calories. Per bite. For real, let's break it down:
Between the crevices of a sliced-up loaf of bread, you slather a half cup of melted butter. Then you stuff it with four cups of cheese. If you don't think that's a lot of cheese, you must milk cows for a living because holy heart attack. Not to mention all the garlic. We put so much that I wouldn't be surprised if its sweet stench is laced throughout this post. 

After Baking

Unnnnnnnffffffffff. With so much cheese and butter on a huge piece of bread, you'd think we'd share this with my family, our neighbors, and maybe even the Brady Bunch, right? Hahahahaha no. We only gave ourselves a second to stare at its beauty before attacking it from all sides. I was dipping it in chunky salsa and the leftover butter-garlic mixture with more thirst than a crazed honey badger.  Halfway through, my friend goes, "This is why we don't have boyfriends."  Yes. Yes indeed. 

The Only Survivors

 Within ten minutes, our glutton dream was over and in turn we gained 6 pounds each and some food babies. Worth it? Yes. Although I now get queasy at the sight of cheese and fear the upcoming summer days spent in bathing suites. Fatty or not, I'm really glad I got to spend the evening with two of my favorite people. And in the end, we concluded that it's okay that we don't have boyfriends. At least this way we don't have to shave. Plus there's more food for us.



On Repeat: "Troublemaker" - Olly Murs

Hi, welcome to Subway!

How many subs can I make for you today? And if it's over six, a tip would be fantastic.

What kind of bread? Let's see if you can say "monterey cheddar" correctly on the first try.

Six-inch or footlong? Honestly, do you think I can read your mind?

Do you want double meat or double cheese? I'm not gonna tell you, but it's 60 cents more for extra cheese.

American, provolone, pepper jack, or shredded cheddar? I hate pulling apart American cheese. Please don't pick American cheese. UGH YOU PICKED AMERICAN CHEESE.

Do you want it toasted? It's the dinner rush and you're really gonna make me put your steak in the microwave which takes five times longer than the toaster? I'm done caring.

Lettuce or tomato? If you say spinach at the last second, I'm only giving you 5 leaves.

Any other veggies? Congratulations for picking EVERYTHING, your body loves you!!! But I can't close your sub. Good luck eating that.

Any dressing? Pick Chipotle Southwest! Chipotle Chipotle Chipotle! It's my favorite.

Do you want to add any chips, cookies, or drinks? If you do, I'll think you're rich cuz dis bout to get expensive.

Your total is $XX.XX. Don't you dare pay for a $16 order with a hundred dollar bill or I WILL CUT YOU.

If you take our one-minute survey on the bottom of your receipt, you'll get a free cookie the next time you come in. My manager makes us do these surveys anyway, so it really doesn't matter whether or not you give us good reviews.

Have a good day/night. ~**smile like a cherub**~


Only two more days of this!!!! Honestly, I'm generally a patient, happy person and am exaggerating with most of these afterthoughts, but man, sometimes I just can't help wanting to tell people they're being stupid.


On Repeat: "Live While We're Young (acoustic)" - One Direction. Don't you ever tell me 1D can't sing.  Sweet Jesus.

So You Want To Watch Youtube?

As someone who has been avidly watching youtube since 2007, I have been dying to go to VidCon in California since John and Hank announced it in 2010.  But because I’m just a teenager from Michigan who has only traveled as west as Colorado, I knew I'd never have a chance to go.
My friend, however, recently moved near Anaheim, giving me the opportunity to visit her in California this summer.  In other words: I GET TO ATTEND VIDCON 2013.

*slides down a rainbow into a field of prancing unicorns* 
*floats on a cloud of youtube heaven* 
*dies a happy, blissful death*

While high on fangirl happiness, I created a list of my favorite youtubers and divided them into categories hoping that others would read and discover their new favorite youtuber. I guarantee there’s a channel you'll fall in love with and/or be addicted to. Read on and find out :)

01. BRITISH EYECANDY (sorry, I only watch enough to make a list of guys)

a. Jacksgap: Cheeky vlogs in HD brought to you by youtube’s most wanted: Jack Harries and his twin brother Finn. (key word: twin)

b. Danisnotonfire: Basically Tumblr in human form. He’s got great hair, a sarcastic sense of humor, and more knowledge of internet culture than, well, everyone on the internet.

c. Pointlessblog: He likes One Direction; he bakes with his mom; and he can ghetto booty dance. What more do you want?

MORE: MarcusButlerTV, Amazingphil, KickthePJ

02: FASHION&BEAUTY

a. Stilababe09: Weekly videos providing you with style inspiration and all the fun that comes with being a girl. Done with her quirky confidence, of course.

b. Macbarbie07: Fun DIY fashion ideas, seasonal lookbooks, and beauty favorites. It’s no surprise she has 1,620,000+ subscribers; she’s perfection.

c. Scarlettheartsmakeup: If you don’t hate her for being so darn gorgeous, you’ll love her for her sweet personality and beauty tutorials. Bonus: She was in Cody Simpson's "iYiYi" music video.

MORE: Zoella280390, AndreasChoice, theFashionCitizen

03. FUNNY

a. Crabstickz: He often dresses up in wigs and acts out scenes with several different characters played by himself. You’ll fall over laughing. Plus his accent is SO enticing.

b. Soundlyawake: He’s responsible for creating hits such as Sh*t Girls Say to Gay Guys and Humblebrags With Keisha. His humor is spot on with real life.

c. OlanRogers: His laugh accounts for half of his likability, and the other half comes from his signature vlogging style that will leave you in tears.

MORE: MattKoval, BlimeyCow, Kingsley

04. MUSICIAN

a. DaveDays: He does covers and music videos for popular songs while giving everything a pop punk twist. He is also my future husband.

b. KayteGrace: She has a natural talent that could rival Taylor Swift and He Is We. Check out “Soaked You In” and you’ll be singing it for days.

c. LandonAustin: On his channel, you’ll find romantic music videos set to his acoustic tracks. Offering both covers and original tunes, his passion for music is inspiring and effecting.

MORE: ChesterSee, gootmusic, ToriKelly

05: VLOGGER (sort of)

a. italktosnakes: Calling all nerds! Kristina Horner is here to bring you her views on Harry Potter, board games, and the writing process.

b. Hayleyghoover: She’s smart, witty, funny, and, frankly, everything you want to be. It’s a scientific fact that no one does it better than Hayley G.

c. JosephBirdsong: Beware, this Arkansas gay boy will steal your soul! He’ll tell you what’s up on alcohol, celebrities, and killer-Furbys.

MORE: CoffeyChat, TylerOakley, BooShoe37

06: BEST OF THE BEST

a. MeekaKitty: The amount of time she puts into editing her videos will make you question your motivation in life. Pretty much you’ll be waiting your whole life until the day you can call her your best friend.

b. Strawburry17: Music Video Pro. Positive Speaker FTW. All around fantastic person. She will leave you smiling from ear to ear.

c. Nanalew: Her videos are a window to the human soul, urging you to think deeper about your life and your time here on earth. Join the Lewnatics.

MORE: albinwonderland, whatthebuckshow, ninebrassmonkeys

07: DIY

a. BrittaniLouiseTaylor: While exuding happiness, she’ll show you how to bling out pretty much anything you own. Then at the end of nearly every video, she’ll do a giveaway contest. WOO!

b. TheSorryGirls: These Canadian besties will give you the best home-made gift ideas for every holiday, as well as offer tips and ideas for costumes and parties.

c. TheMrKate: For the advanced crafter, Mr. Kate gives the coolest DIY ideas that will make you shout, “I want that!”

MORE: threadbanger, anneorshine, PaperPastels

Obviously I only graced a few of the HUNDREDS of awesome youtubers out there. I watch at least 3 hours of youtube a day (except for recently since I gave up youtube for lent. I know, I'm crazy), so I have a ton more channels to suggest. The cool thing about YouTube is that once you find someone you like, it’s not hard to find a bunch of other people that are similar to them.

Let me know if you'd like more categories or channel suggestions! :)

And yes, I stole my title for this post from Karen Kavett, but she's fantastic too, so check her out.

No, I will not write you paper on the migration patterns of wildebeests

When people find out I'm an English major with dreams of becoming a published author, I usually get one of two reactions:

Adults smile at me, their doubts showing through their blank stares and overly chipper sound of "Ohh"s. 

Kids my age think they're the funniest people alive and say, "You'll write my papers, then, won't you?"

Basically, I'm never taken seriously.  But maybe that's because I never speak of my major seriously.

Whenever I'm asked what I go to school for, my response is almost always, "I want to be an author, but obviously I don't need to go to college for that, so, I don't know, I need another major besides English." Or, " I'm majoring in Creative Writing, so yeah, I won't really have a substantial job."

The red flag here in case you missed it: I have no confidence in my dreams.

Why is that? Why do I shrug my shoulders and say I want to be an author as if it is the most stupid and least satisfying goal?

If I had to blame anything, it would be the way today's popular society views an English degree.  In elementary school, we were taught to dream big and work hard so that we could become things like scientists and brain surgeons.  In high school, we were pushed to fill our schedule with advanced classes and to skip out on "pointless" courses like stitchery and foods in order to get in to the best universities which would ultimately score us the best jobs. "Best jobs" of course always meant the ones that brought in the most bank.  Unless you're J.K. Rowling, writers and authors never made the cut.  Evidently, the obvious jobs an English major can get someone are lackluster and senseless in comparison. 

And maybe this is true.  I can't make money spending nine hours a day writing a book I'm not sure will sell.  There's a fat chance that the first publisher (or first ten publishers) I send my novel to will want to sign a contract with me. 

I've bought into the idea that being a writer for a living won't be comfortable.  That pursuing an English degree will only get me so far.  It's because of these notions I've been fooled into believing that I have no confidence in my future. 

The truth? If I keep feeding myself these lines, if I continue to expect my peers to regard my dreams with doubts, then I'll never reach my heart's desire. 

And what's the point of having a dream if you're only going to let the negative views of others stomp it to nothingness?

Pretty much what I mean:

Currently Reading: My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
On Repeat: "The City" - Ed Sheeran