August 2010's Best Songs

1. Basshunter – Saturday
   First, who couldn't love Basshunter? It's different than his regular songs but it still has that Basshunter feel. I can't sit still and stay quiet when this song is on, I need to dance to it! There is something about his music that just makes it so unique compared to the popular music yet it still fits in. My number one song for sure!

2. 
   
   Swedish House Mafia – One ft. Pharrell
   I just can't stop listening to this. It's catchy. It just makes you want to dance! It's one of those songs that you will just love to hear in a club. It makes you excited, it makes you want to get up and move!

3. 
   
   Sean Kingston – Letting Go (Dutty Love) ft. Nicki Minaj
   It has one of those beats that you need to move to. Sean Kingston has an amazing voice too and it works so well on this track especially with a bit of Nicki Minaj in there. Most definitely one of the top songs of the summer!

4. 
   
   Usher – DJ Got Us Falling In Love
   Perfect for a dance, a club, any place where you need energy! It's about dancing, it's about music, it's about the energy. It's all about being in love with the music and the dance. Unbelievable amount of energy in this song!

5. 
   
   Benny Benassi – Spaceship ft. Kelis, Apl.De.Ap, Jean Baptiste
   Basically, it has an incredible beat. I have heard people say that it is repetitive but the beat is so catchy that repetitiveness is just not an issue to me. The singers have really cool voices and everything works well in the music.

If You're Not Happy, Get Out!

Is your career what you want to do and enjoy doing?
Does your significant other make you extrememly happy?
Do your friends encourage you to be the best you can be?

If the answer is "no" to any one of these questions, you need to get out.

No one is meant to be trapped in a career, relationship, circle of friends, etc. that is going no where. No one is meant to be unhappy, unfulfilled, or unsatisfied with their life.

Yet so many people are. Why? Because they are simply scared to get out. Scared of the unknown.

About a year ago, I was dating a guy and had a circle of friends who were not what I wanted and needed. The guy was great for a while but the supposed circle of friends came with him. I had to pretend to be friends with these people just to keep the boyfriend. I stayed with it for a while because I liked the guy and I was scared to be without him and the friends I had for a few years.

Then there was a chance to get out of it. I never realized how much I didn't enjoy them. I never realized that they did nothing for me. I never realized that they were the worst friends in the world. I never realized that I could be doing so much more. It was a scary experience. How do you get away from the guy you have been with for a few years and the friends you have been with for, well, forever? It's hard. It's especially hard if you have no where else to go. I'm out of that group now and I have never been happier. I didn't even know what else there was in the way of friends and just everything in general. My friends now are not the gossip type or the type that puts people down just to make themself feel better. My boyfriend does not want to just hang out playing video games all the time, he wants to go places, do things, and be with me. It's amazing the change.

It's the same with a career. If you are in a career or even heading in the direction of a career (via university or college) that is just not right for you, then make a switch while you can. Make a change while you're young. I went to university for a while for something that I just didn't enjoy and wasn't good at. I did a switch and I am loving what I'm doing now about a million times more. It was definitely worth it.

If the opportunity presents itself, go for it. If it doesn't, and you aren't happy, then get out. It may be scary but I guarantee that it'll be worth it in the end. You want to be happy. You want to be the best person you can be. Even if you don't know what you want to do or who you want to be with, at least give some more things a try. Get yourself out there so that you know what you do and do not enjoy. Make the most of your life!

Hotmail Is Not Facebook - No Chat!

I thought that this "chat" feature was left for Facebook only, but now Hotmail has to get into it now?  Well Hotmail has officially lost of of their loyal users.

Upgrades and improvements are fine, provided that they actually do improve things!  Adding a messenger does not improve Hotmail.  Is this messenger feature really that good?  What are the pros of this messenger?  Is it considered an improvement?  I certainly do not think so!

First off, it is practically impossible to get rid of the Hotmail Messenger.  It is not easy to figure out how to turn it off as I could not figure it out when I first logged on.  If I cannot figure it out, then it can't be very simple!

Second, it interferes with MSN Instant Messenger.  One of my first experiences with the new Hotmail was when I was checking my email on a regular web browser and talking to my best friend on MSN Instant Messenger.  In the middle of a conversation with my friend, I went to check my email and the conversation was on my web browser as well.  I certainly didn't want it there, so I clicked the "x" button.  I went back to open my MSN Instant Messenger window and, sure enough, it had disappeared as well.

Third, I enjoy checking my email briefly during lunch at work.  First day I had the new Hotmail, I just went onto my email to send a couple emails out.  I also got signed into the Hotmail Messenger as well.  I do not want to chat with my friends and family while I am at work.  I simply want to check my email and not be interrupted by messenger windows popping up!  Also, now people will know how often I check my email, for how long, etc.  That is a bit too much!  I have a tendency to leave up my Hotmail on while I am not on the computer.  I do not want people to talk to me then either.

I feel like it is completely unnecessary to add this Hotmail Messenger feature.  MSN Instant Messenger is it's own application.  It does not need to be combined with Hotmail.  Hotmail is for email.  I do not need instant messenging on both!

After ten years of loyally using Hotmail, I have officially switched over to Gmail.  I am still using MSN Instant Messenger but I'm not sure how long that will last.  Who knows what else MSN could come out with!

Summer Rush 2010

On Sunday August 8, 2010, I was one of the 17,000 people who witnessed one of the most amazing concerts ever - Summer Rush 2010 - Canada's Wonderland - Toronto, Ontario. It was absolutely incredible!

My favourite act was most definitely Basshunter. He has a way to just get the crowd going. Everything was just a million times better when he was on stage. He performed his new song Saturday which the crowd absolutely adored. By far the best performance of the night. Basshunter on stage is electrifying. The crowd was so pumped all during his show.

A very close second was LMFAO, the third to last performance. Performing hits such as Get Krazy, Shots, and I'm in Miami (of course switched to Toronto), they were also amazing. They had so much energy on stage as well. Many people were wondering about the robot on stage - but hey, it was cool!

The audience got very into just about all the performances. I can't think of an actual bad performance so the crowd had good reason to be excited about everyone. I managed to get a very good seat (yes, seat, I was one of the first 3,000 people there!) and looking behind to the grass during was incredibly. Especially during a few of Hedley's songs, the crowds swaying their arms back and forth. What an image! Definitely not something I'll ever forget. Throughout the whole show, you definitely had to be on the seats to see what was going on. Everyone in front of me (and behind me) was standing on their seats, trying to get a glimpse of these incredible performers!

One performance that surprised me was Blake McGrath. I actually had no clue who he was before but I found out that he had previously been on So You Think You Can Dance. No wonder his dancing was unbelievable! I enjoyed his songs as well but the performances - the dances - that was what blew me away.

My other favourite (I had four favourites - Basshunter, LMFAO, Blake McGrath and, last but not least, Girlicious). Of course, they are known for their dancing as well which was exceptional, of course! I knew their songs (unlike Blake McGrath's) so I could sing along to those. And those girls were looking gorgeous, as usual!

All in all, it was an incredible experience! I personally have never been to a concert before so I don't have anything to compare it to, but a second concert will definitely have some competition! I could tell by all the screaming fans that I was not the only one who enjoyed the concert immensely. If you haven't heard these artists and groups mentioned, I would recommend doing so immediately or you will definitely be missing out. I also recommend checking out Summer Rush 2011 - who knows what that will bring!

How To Make The Most of Your College Year

A lot of students are preparing for school right now, specifically, going to college!  It is a very exciting transition.  The whole summer before I started post secondary school was filled with a combination of emotions - excitement, nervous, anxious.  It was incredible.  Sometimes I would be completely ready to move on and other times I just didn't want to leave.

Through my experience starting at two very different post secondary schools, I have come up with ten tips on how to make the most of your college year, starting at the very beginning!

1. Meet everyone you can at the beginning of the school year. At this point in time, everyone is looking for new friends. There are very few first years who don't want to meet new people. You can usually tell that type right after you start talking to them anyway. But meet all sorts of different people. Don't just stick with the same types of people you hung out with in high school. In college, it's time to expand your horizons! Meet everyone and make sure to stay in contact with many of them.

2. Attend every class and do not fall behind. One of the biggest mistakes made in college is forgetting about the actual schoolwork. Sure, it's not that exciting. There are plenty of more fun things you can do instead of going to class. But the truth is, you need to pass. You should always be trying your best. Just because college is different than high school, you don't get in trouble for missing class, doesn't mean that you should miss class. Studies show that the students who attend class will get higher grades. Besides, if you go to class, that is a lot less time you have to waste trying to figure out the lectures by yourself!


3. Decorate and tidy your room. Before you move in, plan your room. Figure out the dimensions. Make a list of what you need to bring to college with you. Then make sure you have some room to decorate it. Buy a few cool decorations. If you have certain passions, use those to decorate your room. Some ideas: photos of you and your friends and family, famous athletes, celebrities from your favourite movies, pieces of art, maps, animal pictures, etc. There are endless ideas. Make it look comforting and inviting, not plain and boring. You are probably going to be doing your homework here and you may have some friends (or a significant other) visit, so you want to make it organized but cool looking! And keep it clean. You never know when you may have an unexpected guest. Make sure you can always make your room presentable in five minutes. You never know when you may need it!


4. Find a gym buddy and hit the gym a couple times per week. This is the time. You have always said you were going to start going to the gym, right? Well find someone else (or even a group of you) who have always said this. Then start going. You don't have to go for two hours every day. But start off by going a couple days every week for a half hour and try to make it up to an hour. Having people to go with gives you more incentive to go. And they will most certainly get on your back if you are not going to the gym.


5. Talk to your parents once or twice per week. You don't have to call them every single day and talk to them for an hour. That is not fun! But try to give them a call at least once a week, they will be very happy with that. Let them know how you're doing in school. Fill them in on some of the friends you have met and have been hanging out with. They might be interested in some events that you have been to. Also, try and send them a couple emails throughout the week. Just a quick email letting them know how your day went or something will make your parents very happy that they are still somewhat involved in your life. It is time to stop being so dependent on your parents but you need to maintain a good relationship with them!


6. Figure out your city's transit system. Figuring out the transit system is extremely important if you are planning to go anywhere besides your house and your school. Those are generally pretty easy. But you will probably need to go grocery shopping. You might want to go visit some friends. You might want to go out at night. You might want to go to a different part of the city just for an adventure. Not that many people have cars in college! So you should definitely figure out the transit system so that you do not always get lost (although getting lost can be fun). It can be scary for someone who is from a small town and has never had to use public transit before, but there are usually lots of city people around who are willing to help.


7. Don't get on the wrong side of your teachers. They are there to help you and to teach you. Listen to them and take their ideas. If you have a question, ask for help. Do not make them dislike you. Then it will be terrible going to their classes each day. It will likely lower your mark because they will be much more critical of your work. It will not make your classes enjoyable. Try to stay on the good side of all your teachers by attending class, handing in your assignments on time, and staying out of trouble in class.


8. Befriend some of the “smarter” students in the class. Obviously, it's good to have some smart friends for school. But keep in mind that smart students will want people who will work hard on projects with them. Even if you aren't a natural genius, as long as you will work hard, then they won't have a problem working with you and helping you. That can always be used as an advantage. But smart people are often social as well. Many people are intimidated by smarter students and don't always try to meet them. They can be just as outgoing, fun, and friendly as the average student. Being friends with this type can benefit you in many ways.


9. Eat healthy. You want to feel good and look good in college. If you are stuck with a meal plan and eating in the cafeteria, make sure you are eating proper food and not all junk food. Save the junk food for when you are just hanging out with friends. Grabbing a slice of pizza with friends is okay. But try to have real meals on regular days. If you are able to make your own food, learn to cook! It is very important! You do not want to be buying fast food all the time.


10. Get involved in events. Go to orientation or frosh week and then join a couple clubs or activities. This is the best way to meet people. Getting involved. People who join clubs generally want to meet people as well. It will give you more to do during the day or in the afternoons or evenings. It'll also help with your resume when you graduate and are looking for jobs (it will show that you can handle doing multiple things at once). Getting involved is a great way to have fun and meet people.


These tips will make your first year a very fun, successful, and memorable year!  Keep checking back for more college stories and tips.

About Me

Hey everyone!  I thought I'd just give a quick little introduction about myself after the first post.

I am currently a college student in Ontario, Canada.  It's the summer right now so I have a full time job at home and, in less than a month, I get to move back to college, which I am very excited about.  I have a couple part time jobs for when I am at school.  I am the type of person who enjoys being busy (thus why I'm a full time student, have two jobs, and have a volunteer position that I think will be about as much as the jobs!).

Some of my interests include friends and family, computers, current events, music, college, decorating, fashion, health and fitness, and food.  Quite a variety, yes, and I do plan to post about all of these!  Because it's August right now, I think I will stick to some posts about college and current events for now and then gradually move on to other topics.  I'll see what my readers would like!

I am very close to my family and friends. I feel very lucky actually to be so close to my family. I always keep in contact with them when I'm away at school. I just have one sister and she is awesome so I don't want to lose the relationship with her. I have some great friends. I will likely mention them in future blogs as well, perhaps without names, but they will be referenced. But friends and family are important to me.

I am always open to opinions - comments, compliments, criticism - whatever you have to say.  You can email me personally at blog.llama112@yahoo.com or comment on any of my posts. If you make a comment that I feel would go well in one of my blogs, I may use it. I will respond to you and ask if you would like your name attached to it. If not, I will reference you as Anonymous. If you would not like something posted, just let me know in the email, no problem!

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to ask. I think this works for an introduction! Happy reading!

New Driving Law - Ageism

Have you ever had a beer at 9:00 and wanted to drive home at midnight? Have you ever wanted to have a tasty cooler with your meal at 6:00 then drive to a friends house at 8:00? Have you ever wanty to try a tasty meal or tessert at a restaurant and then driving to an event just after? Well now, if you're under 21, you can't be responsible like that anymore!

Every driver under 21 in Ontario, Canada must obey this law, started August 1, 2010, regardless of their level of licence.

I understand the zero per cent alcohol level in G1 and G2 drivers. I am a 19 year old fully licensed driver, I should get just as many rights as the 25 year old fully licensed driver. Is this ageism? Yes. It isn't "one year after you have your G". It's "until you`re 22 years old". Completely ageist. The person that got their full G when he or she turned 21 only has a year. With a few more years of driving experience, at 19 I don't have the same rights. I have been to parties before where I just have one cooler and sip it through the entire night. It doesn't affect me whatsoever. Why can't I drive home at 1 a.m. when I have been drinking that one cooler for the past few hours and that's all? A 25 year old can do that but not me, who has still been driving since the age of 16.

It is not extremely easy to got your full G licence. I believe that, once you get your full license, you should have all your rights. If the G2 exit test does not ensure that a driver is responsible and has good judgment, then change the test. Don't put laws on young people. Change the test so that you are only allowing good drivers to drive. Don't punish everyone.

Let's go back to this party. I'm at this party and so is another 19 year old named Sue. Sue is an irresponsible drunk and, regardless of everything we have told her, she has too much to drink and still drives home. Responsible people (like myself) can no longer drive after one cooler. Well, Sue doesn't care about the rules. She never has, so she still drives home. My friends need a ride home, guess who they will go with now that I can't drive. Becuse I will obey the rules. The same irresponsible drunk people will still not obey the rules. All this is doing is taking more responsible people off the road.

I definitely do not promote drinking and driving. In the above situation, I would definitely be discouraging Sue to drive. But people like that are still out there. People will still drink and drive. This law won't stop drunk people from drinking and driving. I am not sure what good this law is actually doing.

If there is a little bit of alcohol in your system, how does that affect people 21 years of age and younger but not affect people 22 years of age or older? Just because I'm 19 does not mean that I will be drunk after just a bit of alcohol. I will still have the same judgment when I turn 22 as when I was 21. It does not magically change.

If this is such a big issue, perhaps there should be a G3 licence implemented. It could be a zero per cent alcohol level waiting period between your G2 and G. But once I have my full licence, I should be able to keep my licence, not have them taken away due to "ageism".

Now that this law is implemented, realize that the irresponsible drunk people (of all ages, not just 21 and under) will still be on the road. All you are doing is taking off the smart, responsible, law abiding drivers.