Life itself never ceases to amaze me.
It is so beautiful, yet so tragic all at the same time.
It always seems to throw things at us when we do not expect it, and yet is so full of suprises it can make one’s head spin.
For example, I recently ran into two girls I had attended high school with in my neighborhood of East Flatbush, Brooklyn. One went to college in the Mid-West, and does not really care for it, but will finish up there. The other hit a rocky path for a time, and now seems to be on a much better path.
Interesting correct? And they happened when I was going to work, and coming from work.
Or another perfect example: I work at a camp, and our security guard for the summer was hit with a tragedy over the weekend. He was hit with the unfortunate loss of a loved one. His brother had his life slip away on a Summer afternoon on a Brooklyn street due to a cold act of violence. Quite difficult to fanthom? Surely. Unexpected? You got it. Shocking? Yes and no. Yes because his life was cut short by another human being. And no becasue death is indeed a part of life.
The lesson to be learned here kiddies is that life is short and unpredicable. Meaning then, life should be lived everyday like it is the last day, and should not be taken for granted. Often times we do not do what we wish becasue we have a case of the “Someday syndrome,” basically putting things off because we think we have tomorrow. So how about we not live like “someday” and start living for today.
I do not mean to sound preachy here, but it is the truth. And the truth is indeed stranger then fiction, and can sometimes sting.
Till next time
Krystal
Hard to believe it is already July!
It just seems like yesterday I packed up my dorm room and came home for the summer, and in alittle over a month I’ll be heading back!
On that note, I hope everyone had a good July 4th weekend, and that it was how it was meant to be: Fun and spent with people that are close to you!
I started my job as a camp counselor yesterday, and so far it is going well. This is my 5th year working with Catholic Charities Operation FUN programs for the mentally disabled, and it seems like it gets more enjoyable each time. This year, I have most of the same kids I had last year and a few new faces, which always makes for an enjoyable summer.
There are some new faces on staff as well, especially since we combined with SYEP (Summer Youth Employment Program) which provides jobs for young people aged 14-24. So it is a Catholic Charities/SYEP collaboration this summer.
Everyone basically has their set schedule of trips already, and for my group, trips include South Street Seaport, Brooklyn Promenade, the Coney Island Boardwalk, and Bowling. Tomorrow is the Promenade and I am excited for this first trip in the first week of camp.
For the next six weeks, this is what I’ll be doing, and I enjoy it!
Till Next time kiddies!
Krystal.
Yes I said it!
Music does indeed = happiness. It has the unique gifit of lifting one out of a bad mood, bringing people together, or taking a stand against a major social issue that is not getting the attention it deserves otherwise.
For example, the music of Michael Jackson inspired many a young person to get up and dance, and hence why we have Chris, Usher, and Justin. Even with his untimely and shocking death last week, he will continue to inspire many people to get up and moonwalk, and who knows maybe even change the face of the music industry which is slowly deteriotiong.
Another perfect example is the Vans Warped Tour. Warped Tour is the punk Rock Summer Camp every summer, and brings together the years best acts in rock, and even some from hip hop on rare occasions. It is turning 15 this year, and does not show any signs of slowing down. which is a big relief for alternative music fans such as myself. And this years is already in full swing, and is promising to be as good as the first year.
Let’s face it, music makes the world go around, so find your tune and turn it up!
Hello all!
Well it is hard to believe, but it is almost July!
Know what that means? Summer is close to being halfway done, and before you know it, it will be time to pack up and head back to school.
I hope everyone is enjoying the summer, and so far mine has been pretty eventful.
Last week, I picked up a copy of Lauren Conrad’s (yes that Lauren Conrad) book “L.A. Candy” Even cooler is the fact that she is doing a book tour right now, and Barnes and Noble in Tribeca, NYC was her second stop. So not only did I really enjoy reading her book, but she signed it as well.
A few weeks earlier, I spent the night at one of my friend’s house in Hazlet, NJ. They are twins, and they both attend GCU. We went out with several of their friends from school, and one of our other GCU buddies. We had dinner at the Cheesecake Factory in Freehold, and that was a really good time just being around good people.
One of the biggest bummers of the summer was probably watching the closing of Virgin Megastore in Union Square. Why? Well because Virgin Times Square closed in March, and we really don’t have many music stores that I know of around. These were both actually pieces of history to the NYC music scene and now they are both dunzo.
I must say, as women we surely do love to shop, so it is no surprise at the Dereon sample sale in May, women and girls were picking over clothes like a bunch of vultures. The prices were all under 15, and what better way to update your wardrobe with designer duds?
And of course, another big highlight of the summer has been hanging out with my hometown friends. I haven’t had the chance to see all of them, but i’ll get to it soon!
If summer part one was pretty sweet so far, I cant wait for summer part two!
TTFN
Krystal
I love summer vacation! It’s not just the fact that school is out, and I can rest and just relax, but it is more or less the perfect time to catch on music and movies. More or less music for me!
So here it is, my ultimate summer playlist that keeps me going well into fall:
- All Time Low “The Beach” I’m not a beach person, but ATL has a great mix of songs that could all be summer anthems, This one happens to be more about summer then any of them.
- Blink 182 “The Rock Show” Blink 182 just scream SUMMER ANTHEMS! “The Rock Show” is no different, especially if you are like me, and do attend summer concerts.
- Paramore “Misery Business” I cannot see this song being out at any other time but summer. Since it is a song about letting go of all those things that can bother you and poison you, it fits well with summer because summer is a time for taking a break and not thinking about anything else.
- A Day to Remember “Downfall of Us All” Upbeat post hardcore that can relate to every hardcore and pop punk kid alike
- Fall out boy “Thanks for the Memories” When the end of summer arrives, this will be the first song that pops into your head
- Rihanna “SOS” Perfect dance song.
- Forever the Sickest Kids “Whoa oh (Me vs. Everyone” Dance pop-rock that will lighten the hardest hard rockers.
- Family Force Five any song. These Southern Gentlemen mix rock, crunk, and punk to a unique sound that doesn’t hold anything back.
- Sugarcult “Memory” This song is about 4-6 yrs old, but it still is the perfect summer song to drive to beach with the top down
- Flo Rida “Low” I think this song was probably played in every club when it came out.
- All American Rejects “Dirty Little Secrets” Not to say that anyone would have any dirty little secrets over the summer, but if you do, this is your theme song.
- And lastly, My Chemical Romance “Helena, Teenagers and I’m Not Ok.” Whether you like these guys or not, you have to admit they are one of the most talented bands around. They are also one of the most down to earth and big hearted group of guys you will ever meet.
Happy Early Summer!
With only about one week left until summer, it is just about time to rest your brains, sleep and chill until the fall when school starts. And if you are heading off to college, summer will be the time to get ready for a new start, and with that comes buying much needed supplies and things that you are going to need to make your dorm days happy days.
Allow me to break your supply lists down by category:
First off Dorm Needs
- Comforter/sheets/bed sham. Most of your bedding can be found at Target, or Bed, Bath and Beyond. I suggest Target because it is cheaper, and in my eyes more fun to shop at.
- Bed Risers. If you have seen the dorm, and if the beds seem kinda low, bed risers can raise the bed off an additional 6 inches. This is especially good if you plan on having under bed storage.
- Back rest/body pillow. These are great to have if you plan on having study sessions on your bed. However I must warn you: These may lead you to fall asleep.
- Bins/Storage. Some dorm rooms can be kinda tiny, so every inch of free space to store stuff is crucial.
- Cleaning supplies. When you move into your dorm, I suggest cleaning it before you move your stuff in. Now most colleges do clean the dorms prior to new students moving in, but you can never be too safe. Keep Lysol/Clorox wipes around at all times, and invest in either a mop or vacuum cleaner to upkeep your living space.
- Cooking supplies. Sometimes campus dining can be a tad mundane, so if you get bored, making your own food you know is always an option.
School Supplies
What is a proper school year without the proper supplies to get you classroom ready?
- Binders/Notebooks. Some professors lecture and you take nots at your will. Sometimes if you are lucky they will give you notes just so. To keep up, get a good binder/notebook to keep everything handy.
- Pencils, pens, highlighters. These will help make your study sessions easier.
- A good computer. Many college campuses give students free laptops when they enter as freshmen, but yet don’t give that option if you transfer in. So invest in a sturdy laptop that will take you into the college years and beyond.
- Folders to hold your syllabi.
Thats is pretty much all I can think of for the moment, if I come up with anymore, there will be a part 2.
Krystal
Happy June!
Know what that means? The Class of 2009 is getting ready to say good bye to high school, and hello to college as the class of 2013. Congrats and welcome to the next phase in your life!
So ever wonder how you survive the the first yr of college?
Well allow me to tell you and give you some advice:
-First thing first, if you are going to dorm on campus, MAKE TARGET YOUR BEST FRIEND!!! Target has just about any and everything you need for your dormie needs, and its cheaper then most places.
-Get in touch with your new roomie. GCU does this thing where they send you the name and number of you new roommate before you guys have orientation. So take advantage of this, and talk to them on line, FB, or whatever means you choose. You guys have to talk about room arrangements, and all that good stuff anyway.
-Get to know your campus. Since GCU is only 155 acres, it is pretty hard to get lost, but it DOES happen, especially on the first day. So before the first day, once you have moved in, talk alittle walking tour with your roommate, friend, etc. Get to know the ins and outs. This can help stop alot of first day jitters.
-Avoid the freshman 15! The Freshman 15 is the weight that creeps up on you during the first year of college due to stress and other factors. Try to eat healthy, and learn where to find the gym on campus.
-Take your vitamins! Again if you live in a dorm, or are commuting, college has many different people and that means many different germs all together in the same area. It is very easy to get sick, and for the most part there is no time to waste once you get into the swing of things on campus.
-If you do get sick, know where the campus doctor is. GCU has doctor and nurse services that are free of charge to our students.
-Let Lysol and Chlorox wipes be your friends. Again dorm life offers many different people and germs floating around, so in order to avoid getting sick, wipe EVERYTHING down when you clean your room, and use disinfectant like there is no tomorrow.
-Get INVOLVED ON CAMPUS! Wheather you are a resident or commuter, there is nothing worse then going to class, and that’s it. Join a club, organization, or get a job. It is guaranteed to help make your college years go by faster, and it looks good for grad school. GCU offers a lot, and the trick is finding something you like. Ill suggest ::cough STARS::cough.
-And the last piece of vital important advice I can give to incoming freshman, well maybe two, is 1) Hold on to your morals, and 2) KEEP GOD FIRST! I’m telling you, if you dont know what you stand for when you come into college, you will fall/fail, and I have seen it happen to many girls. Pray for everything and anything, and watch it come into play.
I hope these tips are helpful, and will nake your transistion to college easier.
Peace for now,
Krystal
Happy late Memorial Day weekend!
Know what that means? It is unofficially summer break!!! YAY!
After a long year in school of tests, papers, presentations, meetings, and whatever else us college kids juggle, it is now time for a three month hiatus of fun, work, and rest.
I know for me personally, my summer is going to involve concerts (Green Day anyone?) work, and play. In fact, I started last week when I hung out with some of my friends, and just walked around the city that we all love so much! NYC is our playground, so why not go play?
I hope everyone else has great summer plans, and I cant wait to hear about it!
Krystal M.
Well it is official: I can now call myself a Junior in College!
My finals ended May 7th, and now I have this summer to rest and gear up for the next, and last two years in my college career. Its going to be more work, internships, and a whole lot more stuff in order to get the degree that I am working my tail off for! Only 2 more years to go! Yay!
On another note: My summer plans are going to involve work, fun and a combinaton of work and fun!
I’m working at a camp for the mentally disabled, and this is my 5th year doing so. I began as a high school student doing volunteer work for Catholic Charities Operation FUN programs for the mentally disabled, and I joined the staff last summer, and enjoy every minute of it. These kids have taught me a lot, and I could spend a whole day about it, but that is for another time.
As of now, I can finally breathe, and enjoy home!
Catch ya on the flip side guys!
Krystal
Well it is hard to believe that tomorrow is already May 1st! Know what that means? Finals are right around the corner and time to move out very soon!
I began packing today, and I must say, it does not surprise me with the amount of stuff that I have here. Of course most of it is clothing, but what can I say? I love clothes, and as a female, you can never have too much!
Last Thursday was the last party of the semester, the Rock N Rewind party, and it was huge for my club because we booked a band to play the party. New Liberty is a rock/punk band from Philadelphia that totally rocked, and even though the turn out for that portion was not that great, the ones that were there for the band had a blast! Personally for me, I would prefer a small group of people that really enjoy something then a large group who are just going to be party poopers.
Then last night was a huge deal because it was time for residents to pick their rooms for next year. I am excited becasue I am moving into a single in St. Catherine’s andwill be sharing a bathroom with one other person instead of a whole wing of people. And plus, the closet space owns! Plus alot of my friends picked that floor so once again, I will be in good company.
Now I am two papers, and three finals away from summer 09! Yay! It may be three months long, but I have some great memories from this year, and some to look forward to next year!
Until Next time,
Krystal