Why hello again!
For today's blog post I wanted to talk about the music that I have currently had on repeat! Lately I have been all about Alexander Jean's EPs High Enough and Head High. There are only about 5-6 songs on each EP but I am living for them right now. There is just something about the songs that shakes something within me and just makes me feel happy. No matter how much I've been working or how tired I've been feeling the second I hear even one of the songs from these I am instantly happy.
For those of you that don't know Alexander Jean they are a band made up of Mark Ballas and his wife BC Jean. I have had the pleasure of meeting these two recently when Mark was playing a guest star as the role of the Teen Angel in the musical Grease. After the show ended Alexander Jean did a mini concert for the audience and I was overjoyed and not expecting that. But on top of this surprise performance they stayed around after to meet the fans. I was beyond excited to meet them as I knew of a few of their songs and had bought their EPs while I was waiting for the doors to open for Grease.
They are two of the most humble people I have ever met. I'm not one to get star struck too often as I know they are just regular people like the rest of us but I admit I was definitely at little star struck from this encounter. And I have to say I thought BC Jean's vocals were amazing on the EPs they blew my mind live. I love the raw edginess to her tone of voice and her vocal range is insane! I was blown away by that small performance and am counting down until another opportunity to hear them live comes up again.
As for Mark I also thought his vocals were really good and unique on the EPs but again are much better live. He has such a versatile singing voice that it makes me sad I didn't get to see him play Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys on Broadway. I am the type of person where if I like a song I have to check out liver versions of that song to see how well the artist can perform it live. I do this simply because there are so many different tools out there that can mask ones true voice that I prefer to hear the live versions. And if they can actually sing the song live or even better it makes me fall in love with their music all over again!
This isn't to say I have anything against any artists who use autotune or anything like that it's just a personal preference of mine. I prefer my music to be unfiltered if you will so that you can get the full effect of it. Sometimes the added sounds technology can create can be cool but I also find that if I tune into it really well I will end up finding that one sound that consistently repeats throughout the song and it ruins it for me. I like the focus to be on the artists and what they can do on their own as they all work so hard at what they do.
But back to Alexander Jean I just want to say that my favourite song from their Head High EP is So Bad. The way it is written just makes me want to sing and dance around no matter where I am when the song is playing. And my favourite song from their High Enough EP is Easier Said than Done. And that my friends is my Music Monday!
Monday, 2 July 2018
Wednesday, 20 June 2018
What's New Wednesday
Hello hello!
What's new this week is I am currently on day eight of a twelve day stretch of days worked in a row. Today I pulled a double in which I was at one job in the morning and one of my other jobs in the afternoon stretching into the evening. I can't remember the last time I did a long stretch like this but I can remember that the biggest stretch I had worked was twenty-one days straight without a break. At the time I did this I was not at one of the jobs I am not currently at and I distinctly remember doing some very long days within that time frame. I had also done a few doubles during that time that were worse than today's.
Back then it had been four hours at one and then eight hours at another one. Today's was four and a half at one and five at the other. Now while I can feel the exhaustion kicking in and you can see it on my face I have discovered that this time I am not as upset about the lack of days off. When I did that big stretch or even smaller ones like twelve days straight I remember being very stressed, frustrated, exhausted and just a being a big hot mess. Now I feel an odd calmness to working so many days. Yes I am definitely counting down until my next day off, yes I am running on lack of sleep and yes it is taking a little bit of a toll on my body but mentally I am doing okay.
The reason I am writing this is because the big difference in the past days worked stretches and now is where I work. Back then I was at a point where I was overwhelmed with everything at the one job and felt like I was being unheard and at times mistreated despite working so hard to make everyone happy. But now I am at ease in my new job that replaced that one. I have only been there for a few months and have already connected with my new coworkers to a point I am protective of them which for those who know me it takes a lot for me to become that way and consider you family as well.
I think it is essential for anyone who is working a job that maybe started out great but eventually became a toxic environment for you to take yourself out of that equation and to find something new that you love! You can even try something new/out of your comfort zone. I did that and it's done wonders for me all around. I stepped out of my comfort zone with the new job I took and though I wasn't doing as well at that as I wanted I have since found something else. The something else is still at the same job but a different position one in which I am finding I am far more comfortable with and excel at. If I hadn't stepped out of my comfort zone in the first place I would not have been able to explore this other option as I am currently doing.
So my advice to those of you reading this is to never be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and take a risk. It doesn't have to be a big one just something that could change things in your life for the better. Also have some people in your corner because without the support and encouragement of my closest friends and family I would have never had the courage to try this. And at the end of the day if you aren't happy where you are find something that will make you happy because nothing is worth harming your mental state or being.
What's new this week is I am currently on day eight of a twelve day stretch of days worked in a row. Today I pulled a double in which I was at one job in the morning and one of my other jobs in the afternoon stretching into the evening. I can't remember the last time I did a long stretch like this but I can remember that the biggest stretch I had worked was twenty-one days straight without a break. At the time I did this I was not at one of the jobs I am not currently at and I distinctly remember doing some very long days within that time frame. I had also done a few doubles during that time that were worse than today's.
Back then it had been four hours at one and then eight hours at another one. Today's was four and a half at one and five at the other. Now while I can feel the exhaustion kicking in and you can see it on my face I have discovered that this time I am not as upset about the lack of days off. When I did that big stretch or even smaller ones like twelve days straight I remember being very stressed, frustrated, exhausted and just a being a big hot mess. Now I feel an odd calmness to working so many days. Yes I am definitely counting down until my next day off, yes I am running on lack of sleep and yes it is taking a little bit of a toll on my body but mentally I am doing okay.
The reason I am writing this is because the big difference in the past days worked stretches and now is where I work. Back then I was at a point where I was overwhelmed with everything at the one job and felt like I was being unheard and at times mistreated despite working so hard to make everyone happy. But now I am at ease in my new job that replaced that one. I have only been there for a few months and have already connected with my new coworkers to a point I am protective of them which for those who know me it takes a lot for me to become that way and consider you family as well.
I think it is essential for anyone who is working a job that maybe started out great but eventually became a toxic environment for you to take yourself out of that equation and to find something new that you love! You can even try something new/out of your comfort zone. I did that and it's done wonders for me all around. I stepped out of my comfort zone with the new job I took and though I wasn't doing as well at that as I wanted I have since found something else. The something else is still at the same job but a different position one in which I am finding I am far more comfortable with and excel at. If I hadn't stepped out of my comfort zone in the first place I would not have been able to explore this other option as I am currently doing.
So my advice to those of you reading this is to never be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and take a risk. It doesn't have to be a big one just something that could change things in your life for the better. Also have some people in your corner because without the support and encouragement of my closest friends and family I would have never had the courage to try this. And at the end of the day if you aren't happy where you are find something that will make you happy because nothing is worth harming your mental state or being.
Wednesday, 13 June 2018
What's Up Wednesday
Hello everyone!
I know it has been quite some time since I wrote my last post but life has been crazy busy since I graduated from school. I have decided to try my hand at blogging again and hope to make more frequent posts. In the time that I have been away a lot has gone on in my life that is a little insane to say the least! I moved away from home, got my own place, adopted a dog and split my time working three jobs. When I am not at work I am either lounging around trying to embrace my down time or I am doing things for my sorority as I am still heavily involved in that.
Okay so during this post I wanted to address something that people ask me all the time and that is 'How do you manage your time with three jobs?' The answer is fairly simple at least for me that is. I am the type of person that functions on being busy and when I'm not doing something I am very easily bored. So working three jobs helps keep me busy and on the go. What I do to be able to balance them is easy as all of my jobs are part-time. The fact that they are part time makes it easy for my to split up what I'm working when and where.
As part time jobs my hours per shift range from three to five and so some days I will pull a double as I like to call it where I work at two jobs in one day. The easiest way to work the three jobs is the one I need to most to get to where I want to with my career I am at for four days in a row and am available at any time during those days. The other two jobs I split between the remaining three days in the week. One of those jobs I have my availability set so that I can only work the mornings and the other one only has shifts in the evening which leaves time in between for me to go home and get things done or take a nap.
I admit it is not easy having the three jobs but I have to get by some how and so this is the best way to do that, at least for now that is! Eventually I will be able to work just one job and not have to worry so much about things but for now I just have to keep my head high and keep working my hardest to get to where I want to!
I know it has been quite some time since I wrote my last post but life has been crazy busy since I graduated from school. I have decided to try my hand at blogging again and hope to make more frequent posts. In the time that I have been away a lot has gone on in my life that is a little insane to say the least! I moved away from home, got my own place, adopted a dog and split my time working three jobs. When I am not at work I am either lounging around trying to embrace my down time or I am doing things for my sorority as I am still heavily involved in that.
Okay so during this post I wanted to address something that people ask me all the time and that is 'How do you manage your time with three jobs?' The answer is fairly simple at least for me that is. I am the type of person that functions on being busy and when I'm not doing something I am very easily bored. So working three jobs helps keep me busy and on the go. What I do to be able to balance them is easy as all of my jobs are part-time. The fact that they are part time makes it easy for my to split up what I'm working when and where.
As part time jobs my hours per shift range from three to five and so some days I will pull a double as I like to call it where I work at two jobs in one day. The easiest way to work the three jobs is the one I need to most to get to where I want to with my career I am at for four days in a row and am available at any time during those days. The other two jobs I split between the remaining three days in the week. One of those jobs I have my availability set so that I can only work the mornings and the other one only has shifts in the evening which leaves time in between for me to go home and get things done or take a nap.
I admit it is not easy having the three jobs but I have to get by some how and so this is the best way to do that, at least for now that is! Eventually I will be able to work just one job and not have to worry so much about things but for now I just have to keep my head high and keep working my hardest to get to where I want to!
Monday, 22 September 2014
Guess who's back?
Hello hello fellow bloggers and readers!
I know it has been a while since my last post but things have picked up an are crazy busy this year! Between school, my job, my sorority and still finding a placement things have been a little more than hectic. I hope to get back into the swing of things by doing more blog posts; if not daily ones then at least weekly ones to keep you up to date on what's going on! So for this blog entry I want to talk about this incredible experience I had back on September 13th and 14th at the International Centre in Toronto. Thanks to having a job this past summer and having a pay check for once I was able to be apart of the biggest dance convention in Canada called VIP Dance Events.
VIP Dance is run by the wonderful Blake McGrath who many know from his times of choreographing for both So You Think You Can Dance and So You Think You Can Dance Canada. At VIP Dance I got to work with some of the most incredible choreographers in dance from NAPPYTABS to Brian Friedman who choreographs for Britney Spears to Marty Kudelka who choreographs for Justin Timberlake and many more. It was something I had debated for a while as to whether or not I was going to do it but I'm glad I made the decision to par take.
It was an absolutely astounding weekend filled with dance varying between hip hop and contemporary with a little jazz funk thrown in from the master mind himself Blake. I couldn't be more thankful that I got to be there and not only grow as a dancer but as a person. I learned so many things from all the choreographers that took part that it is overwhelming. The entire weekend I was awe struck but how truly fantastic the staff for VIP Dance is and how willing they are to get out there to help. One big thing I learned from the weekend is that it's not about getting all the moves right in dance but about putting your all into the steps you know you can nail and to learn from where you struggle.
Another big thing I learned came from the brilliant Chaz Buzan when he said "Bring the human to your art." There is just something about the speech he gave when talking about it that truly hit home for me. I know I will never forget what he said and could not be more grateful. Going into VIP Dance I only really knew Blake and NAPPYTABS amongst a few others but felt I would be highly inspired by them which don't get me wrong I am. But I found that it is Chaz whom I didn't know much about who inspired and empowered me the most from this dance convention which was another learning curve for me. I could not be more thankful or more grateful for VIP Dance and all it taught me that weekend!
I know it has been a while since my last post but things have picked up an are crazy busy this year! Between school, my job, my sorority and still finding a placement things have been a little more than hectic. I hope to get back into the swing of things by doing more blog posts; if not daily ones then at least weekly ones to keep you up to date on what's going on! So for this blog entry I want to talk about this incredible experience I had back on September 13th and 14th at the International Centre in Toronto. Thanks to having a job this past summer and having a pay check for once I was able to be apart of the biggest dance convention in Canada called VIP Dance Events.
VIP Dance is run by the wonderful Blake McGrath who many know from his times of choreographing for both So You Think You Can Dance and So You Think You Can Dance Canada. At VIP Dance I got to work with some of the most incredible choreographers in dance from NAPPYTABS to Brian Friedman who choreographs for Britney Spears to Marty Kudelka who choreographs for Justin Timberlake and many more. It was something I had debated for a while as to whether or not I was going to do it but I'm glad I made the decision to par take.
It was an absolutely astounding weekend filled with dance varying between hip hop and contemporary with a little jazz funk thrown in from the master mind himself Blake. I couldn't be more thankful that I got to be there and not only grow as a dancer but as a person. I learned so many things from all the choreographers that took part that it is overwhelming. The entire weekend I was awe struck but how truly fantastic the staff for VIP Dance is and how willing they are to get out there to help. One big thing I learned from the weekend is that it's not about getting all the moves right in dance but about putting your all into the steps you know you can nail and to learn from where you struggle.
Another big thing I learned came from the brilliant Chaz Buzan when he said "Bring the human to your art." There is just something about the speech he gave when talking about it that truly hit home for me. I know I will never forget what he said and could not be more grateful. Going into VIP Dance I only really knew Blake and NAPPYTABS amongst a few others but felt I would be highly inspired by them which don't get me wrong I am. But I found that it is Chaz whom I didn't know much about who inspired and empowered me the most from this dance convention which was another learning curve for me. I could not be more thankful or more grateful for VIP Dance and all it taught me that weekend!
Chaz Buzan!
The man of the weekend Blake McGrath!
Tuesday, 24 June 2014
Update Tuesday!
Hello readers!
I just want to start off by again apologizing for how spaced out my blog posts are anymore. I have been super busy with work and trying to get my ground covered for my business I am slowly developing. But for today's post I want to talk about something that I was just recently apart of that was in the midst of all my busyness. This past Sunday I was a volunteer for the Autism Speaks Walk held in London. I have always been big on helping out in the community and helping with great causes such of this. I myself do not have much awareness about Autism but by being apart of this walk as a volunteer it allowed me to get to know more.
I want to encourage everyone to get out there an actively participate in a cause that they strongly care about or would even just like to know more about as it is a great way to raise awareness for different organizations. Over this past year I have been able to be apart of a mental health awareness week, an Epilepsy awareness day, a 5K Colour Run for the Cancer Society and now the Autism Speaks walk this past Sunday. I plan on keeping up my participation in so many different things because it makes me feel good and it makes me feel like I am doing my part to help out others in the community. Again I strongly encourage that you get out there and do the same!
Happy Tuesday Everyone! :)
I just want to start off by again apologizing for how spaced out my blog posts are anymore. I have been super busy with work and trying to get my ground covered for my business I am slowly developing. But for today's post I want to talk about something that I was just recently apart of that was in the midst of all my busyness. This past Sunday I was a volunteer for the Autism Speaks Walk held in London. I have always been big on helping out in the community and helping with great causes such of this. I myself do not have much awareness about Autism but by being apart of this walk as a volunteer it allowed me to get to know more.
I want to encourage everyone to get out there an actively participate in a cause that they strongly care about or would even just like to know more about as it is a great way to raise awareness for different organizations. Over this past year I have been able to be apart of a mental health awareness week, an Epilepsy awareness day, a 5K Colour Run for the Cancer Society and now the Autism Speaks walk this past Sunday. I plan on keeping up my participation in so many different things because it makes me feel good and it makes me feel like I am doing my part to help out others in the community. Again I strongly encourage that you get out there and do the same!
Happy Tuesday Everyone! :)
Wednesday, 7 May 2014
What's Up Wednesday: Busy Body!
Hello readers! I know it has been a while since my last post but since school let out and Summer has begun I have been very busy! I've been trying to get things unpacked form my move out of residence and back home while at the same time re-packing the things I will be taking back with me when I return to residence in August. On top of the unpacking situation I have been doing orientation for my summer job which has me pretty excited and it has been keeping me busy as well.
But despite all of these things what has been keeping me the most busy is I have been working on things for my business Xo Designs that I have already begun. Xo Designs is not yet booming but I am slowly working on things to get it all organized before it turns into anything too major. At this point it is baby steps I am taking but with each new step no matter how small it has me even more excited of what's to come. I also wouldn't be able to do any of this if it weren't for the classes I took and what they taught me while taking them.
Starting my own business is a big step but it is something I have been wanting to do for a while and so that is what I'm working on. Call it a summer project if you will but I will get Xo Designs off the ground. I am currently working with some fantastic people to help me and be apart of this incredible journey I am embarking on. There are some bright things in the future for Xo Designs that I am currently in the process of working on. It is going to be crazy the next four months which means my posts will not be as frequent as they were before and they will change from the daily themes to whatever it is I feel like updating all of you on! :) Stay tuned!
But despite all of these things what has been keeping me the most busy is I have been working on things for my business Xo Designs that I have already begun. Xo Designs is not yet booming but I am slowly working on things to get it all organized before it turns into anything too major. At this point it is baby steps I am taking but with each new step no matter how small it has me even more excited of what's to come. I also wouldn't be able to do any of this if it weren't for the classes I took and what they taught me while taking them.
Starting my own business is a big step but it is something I have been wanting to do for a while and so that is what I'm working on. Call it a summer project if you will but I will get Xo Designs off the ground. I am currently working with some fantastic people to help me and be apart of this incredible journey I am embarking on. There are some bright things in the future for Xo Designs that I am currently in the process of working on. It is going to be crazy the next four months which means my posts will not be as frequent as they were before and they will change from the daily themes to whatever it is I feel like updating all of you on! :) Stay tuned!
Wednesday, 23 April 2014
What's Up Wednesday: STUDY BREAK!
Today is a wonderful day simply because I got my hardest exams out of the way already and it is the only day I don't have an exam. I have one final exam tomorrow then I had back home for the summer. As for today it is my study break day or well slightly. I have been spending my day packing, cleaning and studying a bit but I am currently getting ready to head out to a dance class tonight! It has been far too long since I've been back in the studio dancing so I am overly excited to be going to one tonight!
I'm going to be taking a beginner hip hop class even though I have training in hip hop already the beginner was just the only one offered tonight and I figured I should do it anyways since I am a little out of practice to say the least. Not only will dancing at the studio be a study break for me but I get to do it with one of my new sisters as I am now an active sister in the Delta Phi Nu sorority in Toronto! Overall I am just a very happy girl who really needs to dance!
I'm going to be taking a beginner hip hop class even though I have training in hip hop already the beginner was just the only one offered tonight and I figured I should do it anyways since I am a little out of practice to say the least. Not only will dancing at the studio be a study break for me but I get to do it with one of my new sisters as I am now an active sister in the Delta Phi Nu sorority in Toronto! Overall I am just a very happy girl who really needs to dance!
Dancer in the Production of Motown!
Monday, 21 April 2014
Man Crush Monday: Anthony Ladao
Today for Man Crush Monday my featured man actually crosses over with Music Monday as he is both my pick for Man Crush Monday and a musician. For today's Man Crush Monday it is a cutie from the band Midnight Red named Anthony Ladao. I had never heard of his band before or knew who he was until I went to The Wanted concert last Thursday and Midnight Red was one of the two opening bands. Not only can Anthony sing but he can dance and well that just sells me right there. I have a weakness for singers/dancers and he happens to be both.
As it turns out this week is my exam week in which I am stressed to the max about but listening to songs by Midnight Red has been what is getting me through my stressful situation and in just a few days I will be done! But any who, Anthony Ladao is my Man Crush Monday who's yours?
As it turns out this week is my exam week in which I am stressed to the max about but listening to songs by Midnight Red has been what is getting me through my stressful situation and in just a few days I will be done! But any who, Anthony Ladao is my Man Crush Monday who's yours?
Thursday, 17 April 2014
Throwback Thursday:Motown
This week's Throwback Thursday is back to my grade 11 year when I was involved in our music departments production of Motown. Motown wasn't just a production for us it had become our lives at the time it consumed us in the best possible way, it was our 'family bonding' experience, our débuts and so much more. In a way this production changed our lives. I know it changed mine and that of my friends who were involved. Motown was an absolutely incredible experience. In order to understand anything at all from that show you had to have been involved.
As a department we literally put our blood, sweat and tears into the production and left our hearts on the stage. We gave it our all and we worked our butts off to make it what it had been. From long rehearsals Friday's after school to the point we took turns as to who brought in dinner and dealing with the fact that we would literally be at school from 8am (or earlier for those who go there early) until about 7 at night every Friday up until performance week. With rehearsals that long tempers ran high and things could go wrong in an instant but in the end it was absolutely remarkable.
As a department we literally put our blood, sweat and tears into the production and left our hearts on the stage. We gave it our all and we worked our butts off to make it what it had been. From long rehearsals Friday's after school to the point we took turns as to who brought in dinner and dealing with the fact that we would literally be at school from 8am (or earlier for those who go there early) until about 7 at night every Friday up until performance week. With rehearsals that long tempers ran high and things could go wrong in an instant but in the end it was absolutely remarkable.
Pre-show Hair and Makeup with the best!
Wednesday, 16 April 2014
What's Up Wednesday: Busy Bee
Hello readers! For this week's What's Up Wednesday it is all about how crazy busy I am/have been lately. My being busy is also why my blog posts will be a little less frequent for the next few weeks as there is so much going on! Tomorrow I have my final/last class of first year and then next week exams begin! I have been busy this week trying to get study notes made and start my studying for my exams. All my projects and assignments have been completed and now all that's left is to get to studying.
On top of studying for my exams I have a lot of other things going on especially this week. Tomorrow night I have a concert for a band I have been dying to see The Wanted. I am so excited for it but in order to be able to enjoy myself at the concert it means I need to get some more studying in before I go out. Then on Friday I have my initiation for my sorority! Everything is coming up so fast and there's those two things this week, then next week is exams plus moving back home and it is just chaotic. But hey, I function on chaos! Good luck to my fellow classmates on their exams!
On top of studying for my exams I have a lot of other things going on especially this week. Tomorrow night I have a concert for a band I have been dying to see The Wanted. I am so excited for it but in order to be able to enjoy myself at the concert it means I need to get some more studying in before I go out. Then on Friday I have my initiation for my sorority! Everything is coming up so fast and there's those two things this week, then next week is exams plus moving back home and it is just chaotic. But hey, I function on chaos! Good luck to my fellow classmates on their exams!
Tuesday, 15 April 2014
Top Ten Tuesday: Study Time!
For this week's Top 10 Tuesday I thought I would do the top ten things I do while studying.how I study. I figured since exams start next week for myself and my fellow classmates that this is very fitting.
1. Study Tool- Use Concept Maps: I was taught how to use concept maps in high school by my music teachers and they have saved me on more than one occasion when it comes to studying I love them!
2. Study Tool- Study Notes: I go through all the notes and slideshows from my classes and try to get down the big points I know we discussed in great detail in class to be able to use them as study notes/ I make study notes based of the reviews that come teachers give out
3. Study Tool- Audacity: Audacity is a free recording tool you can download from the internet. I use Audacity to record myself reading my notes that way I can internalize the notes better and I'm able to get other things done (ie. doing the dishes).
4. Study Tool- Reading my notes backwards: doing this is something I was taught in music where we take apart our music and read it backwards or start from the end and go back so that we learn the material in a different order. I still find this helpful even when it doesn't concern music as it gives me a break from reading the same thing over and over again, granted I am still reading the same material it's just not in the same order.
5. Study Tool- Trying to guess what's on the exam: sometimes I will go through and make up a mock exam with questions that I think will be on the test based on discussions in class or highlighted points in my notes from class/the slideshows.
6. Study Stress Buster- Playing music and I don't meaning like playing music to listen to I mean physically getting out my flute or my guitar or sometimes even both and just playing them. A lot of the times I will just run through drills on my instruments because I was one of those weird music kids that actually loved doing drills in high school. The music helps calm me and makes me feel like I can actually get something accomplished.
7. Study Stress Buster- Singing solfege! For those that don't know solfege is simply your do, re mi's but instead of just singing the do, re, mi's I will get out a piece of my sheet music I have for my instruments and go through the piece singing it to solfege. Not only does the singing help me when I go back to playing the piece but it just makes me feel like I'm speaking another language and it soothes me.
8. Study Stress Buster- Nap. As many of my friends know I tend to be asleep about 90% of the time but that's because I use it as an escape from life and I'm usually just always really tired. Taking a nap helps as a stress buster because it allows me to relax, have a few dreams then get up and be energized for the next study session I'm about to begin after my nap.
9. Study Stress Buster- Watching an episode or two of one of my favourite shows. I don't necessarily mean to use this as a method to catch up on shows but more of and I actually go back and rewatch episodes from my favourite shows because I like to feel I'm involved in their drama rather than dealing with my own of studying.
10. Study Stress Buster-When in doubt dance it out! In the past as a break from studying I would dance around my room or my living room and make up a new routine. But being off at college I don't exactly have that space to my advantage unless I want to look like a fool dancing in my lounge on the floor. Instead of actually trying to dance since space is limited I go through on youtube and find dance routines I love and watch those or look for music that when I hear it for the first time it makes an instant routine appear in my head.
1. Study Tool- Use Concept Maps: I was taught how to use concept maps in high school by my music teachers and they have saved me on more than one occasion when it comes to studying I love them!
2. Study Tool- Study Notes: I go through all the notes and slideshows from my classes and try to get down the big points I know we discussed in great detail in class to be able to use them as study notes/ I make study notes based of the reviews that come teachers give out
3. Study Tool- Audacity: Audacity is a free recording tool you can download from the internet. I use Audacity to record myself reading my notes that way I can internalize the notes better and I'm able to get other things done (ie. doing the dishes).
4. Study Tool- Reading my notes backwards: doing this is something I was taught in music where we take apart our music and read it backwards or start from the end and go back so that we learn the material in a different order. I still find this helpful even when it doesn't concern music as it gives me a break from reading the same thing over and over again, granted I am still reading the same material it's just not in the same order.
5. Study Tool- Trying to guess what's on the exam: sometimes I will go through and make up a mock exam with questions that I think will be on the test based on discussions in class or highlighted points in my notes from class/the slideshows.
6. Study Stress Buster- Playing music and I don't meaning like playing music to listen to I mean physically getting out my flute or my guitar or sometimes even both and just playing them. A lot of the times I will just run through drills on my instruments because I was one of those weird music kids that actually loved doing drills in high school. The music helps calm me and makes me feel like I can actually get something accomplished.
7. Study Stress Buster- Singing solfege! For those that don't know solfege is simply your do, re mi's but instead of just singing the do, re, mi's I will get out a piece of my sheet music I have for my instruments and go through the piece singing it to solfege. Not only does the singing help me when I go back to playing the piece but it just makes me feel like I'm speaking another language and it soothes me.
8. Study Stress Buster- Nap. As many of my friends know I tend to be asleep about 90% of the time but that's because I use it as an escape from life and I'm usually just always really tired. Taking a nap helps as a stress buster because it allows me to relax, have a few dreams then get up and be energized for the next study session I'm about to begin after my nap.
9. Study Stress Buster- Watching an episode or two of one of my favourite shows. I don't necessarily mean to use this as a method to catch up on shows but more of and I actually go back and rewatch episodes from my favourite shows because I like to feel I'm involved in their drama rather than dealing with my own of studying.
10. Study Stress Buster-When in doubt dance it out! In the past as a break from studying I would dance around my room or my living room and make up a new routine. But being off at college I don't exactly have that space to my advantage unless I want to look like a fool dancing in my lounge on the floor. Instead of actually trying to dance since space is limited I go through on youtube and find dance routines I love and watch those or look for music that when I hear it for the first time it makes an instant routine appear in my head.
Friday, 11 April 2014
Fashion Friday: Kristen Bell
*sighs* The beautiful Kristen Bell! A perfect combination of sass, silly and stunning all wrapped into one! Most people know Kristen Bell to be the wonderful actress that plays the extremely sassy Veronica Mars in the hit television series Veronica Mars. But Kristen Bell also happens to be the voice of Anna from Frozen! The entire time I was watching the movie I was trying to place the voice and when I finally figured it out I was ecstatic because she is one of my favourite actresses. Kristen Bell is absolutely beautiful in anything she wears and her in this dress is just incredible! I love how it looks on her and the colour of it just makes her face stand out that much more so that you can see her goofy expressions!
Thursday, 10 April 2014
Throwback Thursday: The Selfie
Wednesday, 9 April 2014
What's Up Wednesday: Casino Night!
For today's What's Up Wednesday it is all about Casino Night! Being apart of the residence council while staying in residence this year means I've gotten to work with some incredible people to put on different events for the students living in residence. I'm sad to say that Res Council for this year is now over and tonight is our last event. So we all thought why not go out with a bang and have a Casino Night? Myself and the other members of the council have been working very hard to manage to pull this off even while there are only three weeks left of school. And here we are the event has finally come and everyone is pumped for tonight! There's going to be card games, popcorn, a photo booth, people will get to walk the red carpet and so much more! Can't wait to see the turn out tonight! Let the games begin and may the odds be ever in your favour!
Tuesday, 8 April 2014
Top 10 Tuesday: Animals as Pets
For this week's Top 10 Tuesday I wanted to do my top 10 animals as pets that you couldn't actually have as a pet but you can at least imagine!
1. Ring Tailed Lemur
2. Spotted Dolphin
3. Panther
4. Fruit Bat
5. Kangaroo
6. Squirrel Lemur
7. Bald Eagle
8. Pacific Pink Indo Humpback Dolphin
9. Penguin
10. Fox
1. Ring Tailed Lemur
2. Spotted Dolphin
3. Panther
4. Fruit Bat
5. Kangaroo
6. Squirrel Lemur
7. Bald Eagle
8. Pacific Pink Indo Humpback Dolphin
9. Penguin
10. Fox
Monday, 7 April 2014
Special Feature! Mayhem Monday: Technology
Instead of the usual Music Monday or Man Crush Monday the topic for today is a special feature I like to call Mayhem Monday. Why Mayhem Monday you ask? The answer is simple this past Friday I got to deal with the mayhem that is my computer crashing just days before I had presentations to do and just around the last three weeks of school. It was chaotic and stressful and filled with multiple break downs as I unfortunately lost all my project work, my class notes and all the slide show presentations I had from my classes that I used for study notes for the upcoming exams.
All in all I was completely frustrated and still am today even though my laptop is up and running again. Currently my old hard drive is being worked on at a computer store and I have hopes that they will be able to at least retrieve my word documents and my power point presentations. Anything else on the hard drive such a pictures and music is low on my importance scale at this rate because my school work stuff is much more important. On top of the mayhem from my laptop crashing my laptop has now decided it doesn't like me much and is making me get an 'I hate technology' feeling as well as an 'I am going to throw you out the window if you don't start cooperating' feeling. And yes that last feeling would involve me talking to my laptop because some days talking to inanimate objects helps and other days it just makes you look crazy. But hey I never claimed I was 'normal' now did I?
I hope everyone else had a better weekend and Monday than I did!
All in all I was completely frustrated and still am today even though my laptop is up and running again. Currently my old hard drive is being worked on at a computer store and I have hopes that they will be able to at least retrieve my word documents and my power point presentations. Anything else on the hard drive such a pictures and music is low on my importance scale at this rate because my school work stuff is much more important. On top of the mayhem from my laptop crashing my laptop has now decided it doesn't like me much and is making me get an 'I hate technology' feeling as well as an 'I am going to throw you out the window if you don't start cooperating' feeling. And yes that last feeling would involve me talking to my laptop because some days talking to inanimate objects helps and other days it just makes you look crazy. But hey I never claimed I was 'normal' now did I?
I hope everyone else had a better weekend and Monday than I did!
Thursday, 3 April 2014
Throwback Thursday: Halloween
Wednesday, 2 April 2014
What's Up Wednesday: First Year and How I got here!
I can't believe it in a matter of three more weeks I will have officially completed my first year of college! I honestly still don't even feel like I'm in college and that it's all just some kind of long dream I haven't woken up from (in a good way. I guess that feeling is probably because I was more prepared to go off to college than I thought I was. All of this wouldn't be possible and I wouldn't be where I am or who I am today if it weren't for the most influential people in my life form high school: my music teachers. They taught me for five years both in class and out of class. I could not be any more happy where I am and where I see myself going in the future.
But without my music teachers I truly do not have any idea how I would be. They started off as my teachers, grew to become my friends, my family, my support and so much more that many people do not understand because they were not apart of it. To say I was a music student is not enough, I literally lived and breathed music in high school. Heck, I still do today even in college and even without being able to see them every day. My biggest thing when leaving for college wasn't that I wasn't ready but it was that I had to leave the greatness that was and still is my high school music department behind. The experience, the lessons, the friendships, the jokes, all of it were truly incredible and helped to get me here! I can honestly say I love my music teachers whole heartedly!
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But without my music teachers I truly do not have any idea how I would be. They started off as my teachers, grew to become my friends, my family, my support and so much more that many people do not understand because they were not apart of it. To say I was a music student is not enough, I literally lived and breathed music in high school. Heck, I still do today even in college and even without being able to see them every day. My biggest thing when leaving for college wasn't that I wasn't ready but it was that I had to leave the greatness that was and still is my high school music department behind. The experience, the lessons, the friendships, the jokes, all of it were truly incredible and helped to get me here! I can honestly say I love my music teachers whole heartedly!
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Out of the three music teachers I had the pleasure of getting to know and work with the most influential would be that of Mary Gillard. She had me from the first weeks of school in grade nine and was stuck with me until my last days in my victory lap. This year is Mary's retirement year and all I can say is I feel sorry for those who will not have the pleasure of getting to know her the way that I have. She is an incredible woman, and an inspiration to all she comes in contact with! Always remember to sing like strong Viking women!
Tuesday, 1 April 2014
Top Ten Tuesday: Favourite Gemstones
My top 10 favourite gemstones:
1. Lapis Lazuli
2. Hematite
3. Bloodstone
4. Green Aventurine
5. Moonstone
6. Malachite
7. Amethyst
8. Tiger's Eye
9. Tourmaline
10. Goldstone
1. Lapis Lazuli
2. Hematite
3. Bloodstone
4. Green Aventurine
5. Moonstone
6. Malachite
7. Amethyst
8. Tiger's Eye
9. Tourmaline
10. Goldstone
Monday, 31 March 2014
Man Crush Monday: James Lafferty
Ahh James Lafferty or as most people know him bad boy turned good Nathan Scott from One Tree Hill. At first I didn't know who my Man Crush Monday was for this week and then he came into my head. It's probably to do with the fact that I have been watching all of my favourite television shows all over again lately. (Note to self: don't buy fav television series on DVD if you intend on getting any work done). Thinking about it time and time again no one could play Nathan Scott better than James Lafferty because he simply just makes that role work for him.
With James Lafferty I didn't know who he was until I fell in love with One Tree Hill and so naturally I had to look him up. What I discovered from my search made me like him even more. As it turns out James Lafferty voiced one of the characters in my favourite Christmas movie Annabelle's wish. I guess it was one of those 'it really is a small world isn't it?' kind of moments because something I love from my childhood once again connected with something of my now!
With James Lafferty I didn't know who he was until I fell in love with One Tree Hill and so naturally I had to look him up. What I discovered from my search made me like him even more. As it turns out James Lafferty voiced one of the characters in my favourite Christmas movie Annabelle's wish. I guess it was one of those 'it really is a small world isn't it?' kind of moments because something I love from my childhood once again connected with something of my now!
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