I'm a crazy music listener.
Like you won't find me without my iPod.
I honestly feel lost without it.
^I know that is incredibly stupid sounding.
But it's totally true.
I can spend hours on YouTube listening to rising stars.
I'll listen to the "Top 40" type music, but it isn't really my favorite.
My favorite thing ever is medleys of Top 40 music. I just love medleys in general!
Here's a few of my favorite medleys:
(Christina Grimmie was discovered by Selena Gomez's dad via YouTube and she has a spectacular voice. She does lots of covers but has a few originals. I normally do not like Miley Cyrus very much but this medley is AMAZING)
(This is by Christina Grimmie as well, but it's produced by Kurt Schneider (so is the Miley Cyrus one seen above). He wrote this for his friends to sing. I discovered his channel when I was looking up the Glee Version of Don't Stop Believing and he does it amazing!)
(also a favorite!)
Just a couple covers:
(This is great!)
(Can you tell I really like her?)
You should definitely watch these
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
"There are big ships and little ships, but the best are friendships."
Today during my free classes, another girl and I decided to go through the US states. (I knew a lot more I thought, but I left a few out) Whenever I said Ohio, I had a flashback to October 2010 when I had one of the best weekends ever! I went with my school marching band to Ohio for a competition and to visit two amusement parks. My favorite part of that trip was just being with my three best friends. They can make me smile easier than anyone else! We can even have fun on a bus! Maddieson and I had a dance party in our seats at 3am. Like a legitly, choreographed dance that we taught to the other two best friends in our group(: But the fun did not stop after that LONG drive. We continue to dance and sing and laugh and talk the entire weekend. That's what best friends are for, right?
True or dare on the bus, dance party in the hotel room, watching the Hangover, screaming our heads off, eating lots of junk food...Goodness I love you guys!
A loyal friend laughs at your jokes when they're not so good, and sympathizes with your problems when they're not so bad. ~Arnold H. Glasgow
(or laugh when your shirt is stained!)
If you're alone, I'll be your shadow. If you want to cry, I'll be your shoulder. If you want a hug, I'll be your pillow. If you need to be happy, I'll be your smile. But anytime you need a friend, I'll just be me. ~Author Unknown
I miss you guys so much but know we'll still be the best of friends when I return!
I cannot wait for marching band, year 3. AKA 2011.(:
True or dare on the bus, dance party in the hotel room, watching the Hangover, screaming our heads off, eating lots of junk food...Goodness I love you guys!
A loyal friend laughs at your jokes when they're not so good, and sympathizes with your problems when they're not so bad. ~Arnold H. Glasgow
(or laugh when your shirt is stained!)
If you're alone, I'll be your shadow. If you want to cry, I'll be your shoulder. If you want a hug, I'll be your pillow. If you need to be happy, I'll be your smile. But anytime you need a friend, I'll just be me. ~Author Unknown
I miss you guys so much but know we'll still be the best of friends when I return!
I cannot wait for marching band, year 3. AKA 2011.(:
Child Abuse: a serious problem.
Well since my previous post was about something very few people know about me, I decided to post another on the same topic. There is a song called "Alyssa Lies" by Jason Micheal Carroll (it's country) about a daddy whose daughter meets a little girl in school who is abused. The main lyric is "Alyssa lies to the classroom, Alyssa lies everyday at school. Alyssa lies to the teacher as as tries to cover up every bruise." The first time I heard this song I was siting into Southpoint Mall with my mom about to go to California Pizza Kitchen. It got me thinking: how did I get so lucky? Why do I have two loving parents when some children don't have one and suffer considerably because of this. The last line of the song is "Alyssa lies with Jesus 'cause there's nothing anyone would do." I don't want children to have to go through that pain. Ever.
I'm not sure what, but I know I want to do something dealing with abused children in my life.
A few similar songs:
The Little Girl by John Michael Montgomery
Concrete Angel by Martina McBride
11th Commandment by Collin Raye
Dear Mr. Jesus by PowerSource
That is just the tip of the iceberg.
I know this is a pretty serious post for a blog, but child abuse is a serious issue. Hope this sparks some calling for you as well.
Did you know that 2450 children are abused or neglected daily? DAILY!
I'm not sure what, but I know I want to do something dealing with abused children in my life.
A few similar songs:
The Little Girl by John Michael Montgomery
Concrete Angel by Martina McBride
11th Commandment by Collin Raye
Dear Mr. Jesus by PowerSource
That is just the tip of the iceberg.
I know this is a pretty serious post for a blog, but child abuse is a serious issue. Hope this sparks some calling for you as well.
Did you know that 2450 children are abused or neglected daily? DAILY!
"I like piña coladas and getting caught in the rain"
Funny thing about me that very few people know:
I DREAM of having a "stuck in the rain" moment. Whether it's like "The Notebook" and they are canoeing (sooo cute!) or like High School Musical 3 and are dancing on the roof top of their school, it's adorable. Last summer I got stuck in the rain. The only problem was I was walking my dog. No offense to her but she isn't really the romantic type(: As I was walking home from school it started raining making me think of this. Not exactly raining. It was more like a very windy drizzle. By the time I returned home, I was soaked to the core. And cold! It feels like spring came for a few days just to taunt me. Now it's gone again. BUT that's irrevelent. So I was walking home in the rain and decided to add to my bucket list (yes, I do have a bucket list) to get caught walking (or canoeing or dancing) somewhere with a boy.(:
I DREAM of having a "stuck in the rain" moment. Whether it's like "The Notebook" and they are canoeing (sooo cute!) or like High School Musical 3 and are dancing on the roof top of their school, it's adorable. Last summer I got stuck in the rain. The only problem was I was walking my dog. No offense to her but she isn't really the romantic type(: As I was walking home from school it started raining making me think of this. Not exactly raining. It was more like a very windy drizzle. By the time I returned home, I was soaked to the core. And cold! It feels like spring came for a few days just to taunt me. Now it's gone again. BUT that's irrevelent. So I was walking home in the rain and decided to add to my bucket list (yes, I do have a bucket list) to get caught walking (or canoeing or dancing) somewhere with a boy.(:
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
JEWELRY.
Jewelry.
The one accessory that I can never ever ever have enough of.
Whether it's earrings, necklaces, or rings I absolutely LOVE them.
Some of my favorites pieces are below:
In 1992, my dad's mother passed away from a brain tumor. Her name was Grace as well. When I was born three years later I was blessed with my amazing name of Grace. This ring was given to my mother after her death. All of the her other jewelry was given to my aunt so I'm really proud to have this from my grandmother. Although I never met her, I am more than excited to meet her in heaven.
My sister has travelled the world. Whenever she returns home she always brings me a small gift. When she studied abroad in Turkey and worked in Romania a few summer she brought me back these amazing earrings. I love them so much!
I got this a few days ago from a cheap store in downtown Oxford called Primark. Only £2. LOVE.
Another view.
My boyfriend of five months gave me this gorgeous necklace for Christmas. I wear it practically every day and get so many compliments on it. Whenever I tell people that my boyfriend gave it to me they are always impressed. I love you Ryan!
I got these in February when my parents and I went to France. I got these at a market in Fontainbleau. Check my older posts to here about that fun time!
My mommy gave me these earrings so they are very special(: She doesn't have her earrings pierced, but really wanted to steal them back from me!
Last May my daddy went to Africa for three weeks with his work. He says he did a little work, but I don't believe it(: All of his stories dealt with going on safaris where he would see elephants and lions. He said Africa was exactly like Lion King portrayed it! Love that movie. He got another women on the trip to pick out these earrings for me. They are made from zebra (or maybe giraffe) bones and hand painted.
The one accessory that I can never ever ever have enough of.
Whether it's earrings, necklaces, or rings I absolutely LOVE them.
Some of my favorites pieces are below:
In 1992, my dad's mother passed away from a brain tumor. Her name was Grace as well. When I was born three years later I was blessed with my amazing name of Grace. This ring was given to my mother after her death. All of the her other jewelry was given to my aunt so I'm really proud to have this from my grandmother. Although I never met her, I am more than excited to meet her in heaven.
My sister has travelled the world. Whenever she returns home she always brings me a small gift. When she studied abroad in Turkey and worked in Romania a few summer she brought me back these amazing earrings. I love them so much!
I got this a few days ago from a cheap store in downtown Oxford called Primark. Only £2. LOVE.
Another view.
My boyfriend of five months gave me this gorgeous necklace for Christmas. I wear it practically every day and get so many compliments on it. Whenever I tell people that my boyfriend gave it to me they are always impressed. I love you Ryan!
I got these in February when my parents and I went to France. I got these at a market in Fontainbleau. Check my older posts to here about that fun time!
My mommy gave me these earrings so they are very special(: She doesn't have her earrings pierced, but really wanted to steal them back from me!
Last May my daddy went to Africa for three weeks with his work. He says he did a little work, but I don't believe it(: All of his stories dealt with going on safaris where he would see elephants and lions. He said Africa was exactly like Lion King portrayed it! Love that movie. He got another women on the trip to pick out these earrings for me. They are made from zebra (or maybe giraffe) bones and hand painted.
Comfy or cute.
Comfortable or cute.
That's the question.
I debate this question in my head every morning after crawling out of the warm and inviting thing that is called a bed.
If the world was perfect, then I could go for both.
BUT it isn't.
Usually I am not that pessimistic.
But it's true.
The world ISN'T perfect. Or close.
Which means that every morning I have to choose between comfortable or cute.
I generally choose comfortable.
I'm not a fashion queen.
At all.
I would choose an old softball t-shirt, jeans, and Converse over a dress and heels any day.
The one thing I really like is shoes. I know, I know. VERY cliché. But it's true. I'm a sucker for a new pair of shoes. This said, I love old shoes too. Not old as in created a trillion years old, just well worn shoes. I have a pair of shoes from fourth grade that I absolutely love. Crazy, I know. But it's true.
Now you may be saying I don't care about you old shoes. Don't worry. This post HAS a point. I'm getting there.
My love for shoes means that I have a lot pairs. I really like variety. I have everything from high heels to tennis shoes to rain boots to flip flops. The problem with this addiction to shoes is my feet hate shoes. Every pair of shoes I own gives me blisters. That's a lie -- my pair from fourth grade don't. Since I love shoes so much I make excuses for them. (Just go with it.) Like I'll say "I just need to break them in every year" or duct tape them when the brute truth is the shoes just give me blisters.
My mom got sick of me complaining a few days ago and decided that I need to have a shoe clean out. Meaning that every single pair of my shoes that don't hurt have to be thrown away. If that happened I would be left with..ugh..a pair of shoes. She took my shoe shopping and I got two new pairs. One is seen below.
She told me the first pair of shoes to go would be my Converse. Honestly, I almost broke into tears in the middle of the shoe store. I have had my Converse for almost two years and they are already failing me. ): I hid them from her in case she decides she will clean out my shoes since I will not.
In memory I wrote this letter.
Dear Converse,
I'm sorry I cannot wear you. You're safe under my dresser. I won't let her get you.
Love you lots,
Grace
Since I am a total math dork while I was walking to school today I made this up:
Pain/Cuteness
If the answer is lower than 0 than the shoes stay. If it's above 0 than I need a new pair.
That's the question.
I debate this question in my head every morning after crawling out of the warm and inviting thing that is called a bed.
If the world was perfect, then I could go for both.
BUT it isn't.
Usually I am not that pessimistic.
But it's true.
The world ISN'T perfect. Or close.
Which means that every morning I have to choose between comfortable or cute.
I generally choose comfortable.
I'm not a fashion queen.
At all.
I would choose an old softball t-shirt, jeans, and Converse over a dress and heels any day.
The one thing I really like is shoes. I know, I know. VERY cliché. But it's true. I'm a sucker for a new pair of shoes. This said, I love old shoes too. Not old as in created a trillion years old, just well worn shoes. I have a pair of shoes from fourth grade that I absolutely love. Crazy, I know. But it's true.
Now you may be saying I don't care about you old shoes. Don't worry. This post HAS a point. I'm getting there.
My love for shoes means that I have a lot pairs. I really like variety. I have everything from high heels to tennis shoes to rain boots to flip flops. The problem with this addiction to shoes is my feet hate shoes. Every pair of shoes I own gives me blisters. That's a lie -- my pair from fourth grade don't. Since I love shoes so much I make excuses for them. (Just go with it.) Like I'll say "I just need to break them in every year" or duct tape them when the brute truth is the shoes just give me blisters.
My mom got sick of me complaining a few days ago and decided that I need to have a shoe clean out. Meaning that every single pair of my shoes that don't hurt have to be thrown away. If that happened I would be left with..ugh..a pair of shoes. She took my shoe shopping and I got two new pairs. One is seen below.
She told me the first pair of shoes to go would be my Converse. Honestly, I almost broke into tears in the middle of the shoe store. I have had my Converse for almost two years and they are already failing me. ): I hid them from her in case she decides she will clean out my shoes since I will not.
In memory I wrote this letter.
Dear Converse,
I'm sorry I cannot wear you. You're safe under my dresser. I won't let her get you.
Love you lots,
Grace
Since I am a total math dork while I was walking to school today I made this up:
Pain/Cuteness
If the answer is lower than 0 than the shoes stay. If it's above 0 than I need a new pair.
Monday, March 28, 2011
DISCOVERY!
I feel like I just discovered the Internet or radio.
But I obviously didn't.
INSTEAD (but equally awesome) I learned how to change the background of the blog.
I feel like the one I choose is very fitting to the fact that I'm travelling. And the picture is a map.
Please tell me you laughed.
Or smiled?
Or maybe even just a twitch?
Whatever.
It may seem like a small improvement BUT in my mind "every small thing counts".
^^That quote has really helped me in the time that I have been here. Because it really is true. If you are unhappy (which I am not anymore but WAS) than everything seems unfortunate. A few small things end up meaning so much more. For example, I still remember the first day we had place mats. I know you are thinking "Ooh, wow. Placements", while rolling your eyes BUT it supports the quote. Every small thing does count!
But I obviously didn't.
INSTEAD (but equally awesome) I learned how to change the background of the blog.
I feel like the one I choose is very fitting to the fact that I'm travelling. And the picture is a map.
Please tell me you laughed.
Or smiled?
Or maybe even just a twitch?
Whatever.
It may seem like a small improvement BUT in my mind "every small thing counts".
^^That quote has really helped me in the time that I have been here. Because it really is true. If you are unhappy (which I am not anymore but WAS) than everything seems unfortunate. A few small things end up meaning so much more. For example, I still remember the first day we had place mats. I know you are thinking "Ooh, wow. Placements", while rolling your eyes BUT it supports the quote. Every small thing does count!
NON Edited Shots From Magdalen College
If you can't read well...then typing this is useless.
Just look at the title.
Just look at the title.
Edited Pictures from Magdalen College
I can never decide whether to edit pictures or not.
Like seriously, I debate so much that I could make a pro/con list 5439058269 pages long.
Well, that's an exaggeration(:
As you can see from the title--
These pictures are taken in Magdalen College downtown Oxford on March 26.
normally i HATE this edit scheme, but i think it looks alright for this one.
“In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death (Proverbs 12:28).”
Like seriously, I debate so much that I could make a pro/con list 5439058269 pages long.
Well, that's an exaggeration(:
As you can see from the title--
These pictures are taken in Magdalen College downtown Oxford on March 26.
normally i HATE this edit scheme, but i think it looks alright for this one.
“In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death (Proverbs 12:28).”
Random Photoshoooooot.
Something you should know about me:
I hate pictures of myself. Meaning that I don't like being in pictures. I live BEHIND the camera. Today I had some random urge to dress up (meaning add some of my mom's lipstick and put on some eye-liner) and take pictures. My hair had been in a bun the whole day so it was really curly. I had just gotten new CHEAP sunglasses after the pair one of my best friends gave me broke ): so yea. I decided to show those off(:
Opinions?
SPRING. SPRING. SPRING.
<3
probably my favorite.
edited version of the above one.
(my facebook picture)
None of these are edited.
I really like the lighting in this one.
YAY for gorgeous spring days!(:
I look a bit like a lion. RAWR(:
I like my eyelashes in this one.
I'm not quite sure why I like this one. I just do.
I hate pictures of myself. Meaning that I don't like being in pictures. I live BEHIND the camera. Today I had some random urge to dress up (meaning add some of my mom's lipstick and put on some eye-liner) and take pictures. My hair had been in a bun the whole day so it was really curly. I had just gotten new CHEAP sunglasses after the pair one of my best friends gave me broke ): so yea. I decided to show those off(:
Opinions?
SPRING. SPRING. SPRING.
<3
probably my favorite.
edited version of the above one.
(my facebook picture)
None of these are edited.
I really like the lighting in this one.
YAY for gorgeous spring days!(:
I look a bit like a lion. RAWR(:
I like my eyelashes in this one.
I'm not quite sure why I like this one. I just do.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Reflections
I have always loved photography. I have gotten better through time at actually TAKING pictures. Like when I was 5, I would take pictures of people and forget that they had heads. After I got the hang of actually having people's faces in the middle I would stick my finger into the lens. After mastering the art of having faces and NO fingers, I was launched into middle school where every picture you take is of yourself. And generally it's the classic "Profile Picture" angle (Camera above head looking down at you) or in the mirror reflection. Now that I have grown up (no, not really) I include people's faces, exclude my fingers, and take more "artistic" shots. Or I like to think they are artistic. The one thing that has stayed the same is my LOVE of reflection. I really do. Not mirror reflections. I love water reflection. 
Magdalen College
3.25.2011
Taken in down town Oxford.
Swans
3.19.2011
Taken in London.
London Eye and Parliament
3.19.2011
Taken in London
Magdalen College
3.25.2011
Taken in down town Oxford.
Swans
3.19.2011
Taken in London.
London Eye and Parliament
3.19.2011
Taken in London
WICKED!
A few days ago, my mother and I attended Wicked the Musical in London. It was spectacular!
Apollo Victoria Theatre
Elphaba and Glinda
We went to the Wednesday Matinee and had AMAZING seats: Row F and in the middle. Close AND in the center?! I honestly, don't think it gets any better(:
I wish I had been able to take pictures during the show, but that's like 100% illegal and I was not in the mood to get in trouble with the law.
The Emerald City<3
As soon as we returned home, I bought the Wicked Soundtrack off iTunes. Now I carry my iPod around in my pocket so I have constant Wicked playing wherever I go. It's amazing. Hearing the amazing voices of Kristen Chenoweth and Idina Menzel makes me entirely jealous. Obviously, those aren't the people who played Glinda and Elphaba when I saw it (because they don't do it anymore) BUT that's who is recorded for the album because they were the stars when it began.
My favorite songs off the album:
- No One Mourns the Wicked - played at the beginning and end
- Defying Gravity - where Elphaba is pulled into the air
- No Good Deed (Goes Unpunished) - where Elphaba is hoping that Fiyaro (her love) isn't dead
- For Good - Elphaba and Glinda are talking about how "Who can say if I've been changed for better? But because I knew you, I have been changed for good." I love that.
I could rant about Wicked for HOURS. But I won't(:
P.S. If you ever have the chance to see Wicked, DO IT. You won't regret it AT ALL!
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