Music News: Mumford and Sons

The New Basement Tapes-When I Get My Hands on You

My favorite folk rock musician has recently collaborated with other awesome people and made a song thing with his voice. Yes Marcus Mumford made the vocals on this song, and it sounds...really cool and more pop than we have typically seen from him. Read a message from Marcus, on the Mumford & Sons website, here. I would also recommend listening to the rest of the Basement Tapes because those are cool too.

Until next time, stay classy!

Music Mondays: Can We Go on Like it Once Was? The Head and the Heart

Another Story by The Head and the Heart

The Head and the Heart is a group that I'm just introducing myself to. They sound like Simon & Garfunkel crossed with Of Monsters and Men. The songs they make invoke lots of "ahhh" moments. Definitely worth a listen.

Until next time, stay classy! 

Music Mondays: Album Wishlist (aka Music and Bands I Love)

Owl City: Ultraviolet

Imagine Dragons: Night Visions

Coldplay: Ghost Stories

Just to name a few.

The Problem with Using Social Media

These days modern society "stays connected" by turning to the internet, and more specifically social media. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr, Youtube, Reddit, Imagur, DeviantArt, Instagram; the internet of today offers unparalleled variety in social media. 

So that's all great but the one big problem I've had with social media lately is the whole issue of....well, time. I think this whole time squeeze I've been experiencing is stemming from my ever increasing list of adult responsibilities. Work takes half of my waking hours. Usually I have anywhere between 0-6 hours of free time a day, but I usually need to spend that time taking care of other obligations. How do people have full time, "real" jobs and still find time to create content for social media all while taking care of miscellaneous, real life responsibilities? Seriously though? How?

Music Mondays: Band Discussion

In my seldom ceasing curiosity for all things music I looked up one of my favorite bands, Of Monsters and Men. I've been wondering for some time (since 2013) if they would release a new album. While they did write/record Silhouettes for the Catching Fire album they haven't done much else in the way of writing/recording new songs due to the fact that they were touring extensively in 2012/2013.

Silhouettes by Of Monsters and Men

Behold this gem of an article by Michael Baggs over at Gigwise. Read the article if you want but it basically says that the band has been working on an album for over a year now. The album will most likely have a different sound and feel compared to My Head is an Animal. It could be that the new album will feel more like rock or high energy pop music, although I doubt this, I really do. Maybe the mood will be different, sadder perhaps or maybe happier.

I think it's safe to assume we can expect there new album....soon? Maybe? Holiday 2014? Regardless I'm totally excited for the new album. I may even pre-order it, I'm not sure. I hope it's soon though. That;s all for now, stay classy!

Further reading:
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/monsters-mens-nanna-bryndis-hilmarsdottir-673888 

Updates, Updates, Uppity Updates annnnd Music Monday

So updates, UPdates, upDATES, um.....let's see....

oh, I registered for a class at a local college...which is HUGE because it means I'm finally, finally going back to school. I'll be taking a gen ed biology class with a lab. The graphic design classes were full :(. Whatever though. It'll be fun. Really.

I've watched the first 2 seasons of Doctor Who and just started the 3rd season. Obsessed? Addicted? Oh yes. Fantastic. Allonsy!

I'm training for a 5k that takes place in September. Oh goodness.

Also listen to this for Music Monday:

Let Her Go by Passenger

It's embarrassing to admit that I just recently discovered this song while America discovered it back in February of this year courtesy of the Superbowl and Budweiser. Sigh...

Boundary Waters and Things

July 4th weekend my friends and I went on this camping trip to Lake Superior/Northern Minnesota and stuff.

Duluth, MN!

Grand Marais, MN!

Also Duluth!

More Updates (I Will Survive)

So today I realized I haven't posted on my blog since June....early June. I HAVE VERY GOOD REASONS FOR THIS. Allow me to explain what's up.

1. I've been stuck in a terrible job for the past two months (May 12-July 3rd).
2. I went on an epic camping trip July 4th weekend (more on that later).
3. Most recently I have once again been stuck looking for a new not-so-bad job after quitting my old one.
4. I'm also getting my academic life back on track while minimizing finical casualties (aka loans). IT'S A LOT HARDER THAN IT LOOKS. 

My previous job is of no concern to you (and I don't really feel like writing about it). I'll be posting about the camping trip in storybook style installations (I think I have at least a month of material to post about, it'll be fun).
My job hunt is going....okay. I currently have one two prospects lined up that I reallyreallyreally hope work out. I also have an interview at 10am tomorrow for a job that would be a great fit for me (I think). I'll let you know how that goes.
I'm also in the process of enrolling at a local college this fall and spring. The plan is to take graphic design classes so I can "get back in the swing of things". I'll also be driving up to school on Friday for a meeting with an admissions councilor...which isn't really necessary but I'm bored.
So yeah, things have been kind of crazy around here....stay classy!

General Thoughts and Things {6/15/14}

Once again I find myself aimlessly browsing the internet but not posting here...which is kinda lame, honestly. A lot has happened in my life this past month and half or so. Finally the pieces are coming together. I've finally found full time employment that pays decently and I've started the enrollment process at a local college's graphic design program (part time for this fall, I'd hate to overwhelm myself). Hopefully all my credits from my alma mater transfer to this local college and vice versa, because I really just need want to finish my degree. Either way, this gap year has proven to be quite an education in what not to do with my life.

This kinda leads to my main point....I fully intend to return to my expensive alma mater for the 2015-2016 school year, if all goes according to plan. I suppose the main variables are how much money I'm able to make and whether all my credits I take this school year transfer back to my alma mater. Either way I'm totally in suspense.

Well I suppose I'll get back to ya'll sometime later this week....stay classy!

A Thought For the Night

The problem with friendships is that neither person wants to appear that they are more interested in the friendship than the other person. Looking more interested means looking  more "desperate".

How I Escaped From Retail Part 2

Remember that thing I posted called How I Escaped From Retail Part 2? Well I realized that I never posted a follow up post so this is the follow up post (or 1 of 2). I'll just post a spoiler up front (because...reasons, idk).

I have escaped from retail, not exactly "unscathed" but I did it.

It was surprisingly easy if not a bit nerve racking, to be honest. Oddly enough this part of the story begins 21 days after I posted Part 1. 

I decided to go through a staffing agency. I applied to said staffing agency, they set up an interview with me, and had me take a few assessments. The interview was set for April 28th. I was nervous, not really nervous (I've been through enough interviews to not be nervous because of an interview) but still nervous. The interview went off without a hitch (it must have been a standard 15-30 minute interview, I can't remember). After the interview the woman interviewing me offered me a job at a call center. She said the position would start May 12th. Of course I accepted. That would give me exactly 2 weeks from the day I accepted the job to the day the job started. Of course I had to submit notices to my current jobs and what not, but that's part 3 material. Stay classy.

Music Monday #6

So guess what? THIS is actually the Music Monday post for this Monday (5/5/14). HAVE A SONG:

Hey, Soul Sister by Train

I don't have much to say about this song except that me and my best friend (at the time) danced to it at my high school prom.

Music.....Thing #5

I know I missed Music Monday because stuff has been crazy lately and I actually have a life....kinda. Anywho, for this installment of Music Thing I'm going to do a album review. Here's the album: 

I acquired this album off of Amazon (I brought the CD). It was a birthday present, sort of. My overall first impression of the album was "Ahhhhhh...". I had this lovely relaxed/contented feeling brought on by the first song "Fireheads". The album doesn't put me to sleep thanks to energetic numbers like "Jungle Drum" and "Big Jumps". The album as a whole has this extremely unique sound that only musicians from Iceland seem to have. It has that easy listening/lounge music sound while maintaining deep emotions and messages. I think that this album appeals to people who like Norah Jones, Of Monsters and Men, and Coldplay.

Legend of Zelda Paper Cut Stop Motion

So I found this cute thing via Zelda Dungeon the other month and thought I'd share it here. I'm a die hard Zelda nerd fan geek.

Update aka I'm Not Dead Yet

AHHHH!!! So I haven't updated this blog in forever awhile. Maybe you want an update? Or two? A lot has happened in my life. Let's just have a top 5 list:

1. I GOT A SHINY NEW JOB!!!!
2. I was able to attend the lovely +Annalise Tecken 's senior music recital (vocal music).
3. I have a terrible cavity beneath a filling that requires a tooth canal to cure (it's scheduled for tomorrow morning).
4. I saw the Amazing Spiderman 2 last night with +Annalise Tecken* and my sister*.
5. I bought used books, and I read Fault in Our Stars.

Is it bad that I just spent 20+ minutes trying to figure out 5 things that have recently happened to me? Anyways, I'll be submitting my notices of resignation tomorrow (I have two jobs to quit) and I'm really excited about it. Scared, but excited. I suppose you'll find out more about my job when I make it facebook official later this week. Anyways that's all for now. May the 4th be with you!






*amazing person asterisk

The Urge to Be Vintage (and Why It's Not Cool to Judge People's Lifestyles)

Lately I've been restlessly browsing vintage cameras on Ebay. One of my summer projects is making a leather messenger bag (that looks vintage). I honestly have a vested interest in the whole vintage/hipster aesthetic (I also like 20th century history....but that's a different topic). One of my favorite brands/shops is Anthropologie (website). I love antique stores and visit them when I can. Almost all my clothes are worn out looking (but that's because I generally don't go clothes shopping often). To be honest I'm hipster...kinda, sorta; aesthetically speaking.

I feel kind of feel guilty about these particular preferences of mine because of how mainstream society views hipsters. You know, the stereotypical, negative views on hipsters? "Hipsters are so condescending and pretentious!" "He thinks he oh-so-cool with his organically sourced canvas bag and Starbucks coffee." "She talked about art and she sounded like a pretentious bitch." Consider this quote from Urban Dictionary:

Hipster: Someone who listens to bands you've never heard of, 

wears ironic tee-shirts, and believes they are better than you.

You see my point? It appears to me that lots of mainstream consumers reject and oppress hipsters because they value free-thinking, overall intelligence, the arts, irony, witty banter, and progressive politics (to name a few).

All to often hipsters are seen as the "bad guy" only because they act different. They dress different and have different world/political views. Mainstream culture tends to shun things that aren't in the "mainstream" (I don't know how this works since our culture is all about "individualism"). It is very shallow to discriminate based on a person's choice of lifestyle.* Don't hate on someone who dresses differently. I mean seriously, that guy's organically sourced cotton plaid shirt isn't hurting you! Or maybe it's the guy's pretentious attitude that's bugging you? News Flash: you are an adult and can actually control how you react to other people. In other words, be polite to the hipster guy and avoid future contact, if possible. Adults don't judge peoples' choices of clothing/music/food/etc. Duh.

Maybe I should stop feeling guilty about my love of the hipster aesthetic. If only society wasn't so harsh on them, or I could have the aesthetic without the attitude. As for me adapting the ideals/morals/political views of the hipster subculture...no, I'll keep my own, thanks :)




Thanks for reading! Have some brownie points for making it through my nonsense ranting.

Further reading: Urban Dictionary, definition of the word "hipster".
                         Wikipedia: Hipster (contemporary subculture) 

*I do not accept or believe the homosexual lifestyle to be moral in any way, but this topic is not meant for footnotes.  

 

A Fork in the Road

Walking down a forest path

I happen upon a fork in the road.

Left of right?

I can't say where they go

and not knowing creates a load

on my mind.

Which place will I call home?

Along this forest road?

Metro

Music Mondays #4

Beautiful Times by Owl City

The latest song by Owl City. This year Owl City will be releasing songs in the form of EPs, which kinda disappoints me because I really prefer full albums over EPs. Whatever. I'm also somewhat surprised that Lindsey Sterling and Owl City teamed up. The pairing does make sense though, when you think about it. I'm just happy because awesome violin part in a Owl City song.

Update

I haven't posted anything here for a week and then some. How about I tell you a little bit about the past week (for lack of better things to post about)?
Let's see....

Work was herp derpy derp.
I've started working at a daycare (a couple of weeks ago). Yay?
Working out has been fun, I can't wait to start biking again!
I finally finished "remodeling" my turtle tank, Leonardo is one lucky terrapin.
This morning I applied to a staffing agency called Spherion (they're based all over the country, give them a look).
My birthday was yesterday, it was kinda lack luster (except for the eating out part, we went to HuHot).
That's to be expected when your birthday falls on Palm Sunday and Confirmation Sunday.
Only two weeks before I get to see my friends, and single, solitary blog follower. Yay!

How I Escaped From Retail Part 1

Level 1: Write resume and Gather References

I have finished rewriting my resume. I have two references lined up. I have *almost* beat level 1 of Escape From Retail. A few tips for derps like me who a) don't have a college degree yet. b) have little to no real professional experience. 

1. Play up your academic achievements. 
1. Did you have a high GPA; cool, write it down. 
2. Write about any classes you took that can translate into workplace skills. Speech classes and business classes are good candidates for a resume.   
3. List and explain some major projects you worked on (papers, presentations, etc). Bonus if you worked with a group. 
4. Student jobs, list them, duh.
5. Volunteer-y thingys. Also good. 
6. Extracurricular activities that make you look good (bonus if they involved volunteering). 
2. List and explain any
1. Summer jobs
2. Internships
3. Volunteer work
4. Other jobs/things that make you a qualified candidate for a particular position. 

Important note: Be sure to provide details and use "resume power words" because the hiring manger doesn't know you. You know you so "worked the cash register" sounds good because you know what you did but the hiring manager doesn't.

I recommend quality over quantity when choosing words and writing a resume.

Also a helpful list of resume power words:

Further reading at ResumeEdge.com 

Music Monday #3

Big Jumps by Emiliana Torrini

Taking risks in life is essential for accomplishing goals. Move forward courageously, work hard, and don't worry about tomorrow. Time will pass anyway.

Music Mondays

Music Mondays #2

The Cave by Mumford & Sons from Sigh No More. Possibly my new favorite song.

The Trick with Blogging....

Is to have a blog that's a) relevant and enjoyable for people to read. b) enjoyable for the blogger to use.

The blogger needs to figure out what they enjoy blogging about. Anything is bloggable, even I'm bloggable, but that can make for a dull blog if done incorrectly.

What format is this subject matter best displayed in? Photo, text, video, sound? After this question is answered a blog website can be picked.

My experience with blogging websites is fairly limited but let me explain the 5 websites I have used so far:

Blogger: geared toward text oriented bloggers, photos/video work well here as well.
Tumblr: a cross of facebook, twitter, youtube, and instagram. Photo blogging is the norm on here. Oh, and watch out for the fandoms.
Youtube: Vlogs, that is all.
Twitter: super tiny blog posts, all the dang time.
Facebook: usually not considered a "blog website". Can be used as such though.

And remember kids, post frequently, post quality content.
 

Art Post #1

Dale Chihuly, Isola di San Giacomo in Palude Chandelier II, Milwaukee Art Museum

This is a Post About....

Music Monday #1

Favorite Song: Fireflies by Owl City

I started listening to Owl City when this song was a radio hit. I remember the first time I heard it. I was in Mr. Myers 11th grade English/Literature class (the exact title of the class escapes me). Mr. Myers did this thing where he would waste spend the whole period having us watch various Youtube videos. One day we watched this video. I bought the song on my brand new iTunes account and the rest is history.

Have some of my instagram-esque scenery photos from yesteryear while I figure out what to do with this blog.