Pain Changes People

This year is coming to a quick end and yes I know I said I'd blog more often and with each post I apologize about not blogging more often...

With that said...I'm sorry about not blogging more often. 
I really really do try to whenever I remember but please bear with me. Thinking of topics isn't always the easiest and I try to think of blog topics that won't stir up debates or anger within my readers.

But I feel like this post is long overdue.

I happened to be going through a list of quotes on this social media page I found, and I find three words that I basically have been trying to explain through my words, my music, my advice.

Pain. Changes. People.

It changes our thoughts, our beliefs, our experiences, our outlook, our behavior. Everything. Pain is the one thing that allows us to evaluate ourselves in the worth way possible and believe it to be justified and logical. It makes us focus on the aspects of this that spurred on the source of the pain and then it makes us want to change it. No one wants to feel pain if we can feel other emotions such as happiness and relief. Pain is sometimes ultimately for the better but the process of working through the hurt is sometimes far too long for the end result to be worth it. At times, it's the process itself that twists and mangles the thoughts and beliefs of a person. 

I wish I could say that I don't have a personal experience to back this up, but I do. Since I don't want to delve too much into my past life, I shall briefly describe a scenario that I experienced barely ten minutes ago. 

As you all know, I am currently a sophomore in Highschool. I am taking two college course and while I admit that it is not nearly as stressful as my upcoming years, I still find it to be quite challenging at times. For some or other reason, I thought today was Thursday (not Wednesday) and that my homework for one of my college classes was due this Friday. I have never really made this mistake before, so it came as a shock to me. My first thought was 'oh, that's ok. Finish it and give it to her on Friday(when my next class is)' and then I proceeded to tell my friends why I don't have my binder and homework for that class to get a good laugh out of it. 

Now here's where I have a problem with the way others react. When a friend of yours has obviously made a mistake and is trying to play it off cool, casually laugh along with the person about the situation. Do. Not. Laugh. At. The. Person. 

I don't know if that was my friend's intention, but I was deeply hurt at seeing my friend laugh at me. I don't think that was her intention, but a simple act like that can and will tell your friend that s/he is stupid for making that mistake. 

What this can lead to is your friend feeling insignificant for any amount of time and then not wanting to open up to you about any other mistakes or misunderstandings that s/he has made. Please be careful whenever you say or do something because it can hurt the other person. 

I realize that this has probably turned into a little venting session for me, apologies for that, but I hope my experience has helped you realize how much a simple action can hurt a person. When you close this page and shut off your laptop or switch to another app on your phone, I do wish that my message of this post will stay in your head. 

Every New Beginning Comes From Some Other Beginning's End

Right now in my life, there are a lot of things that are changing, that are ending, that are starting a new chapter.

School started about a week ago for me, and even though it's only been 5 days of actual school (we didn't do anything the first day), I can already sense the pressure building. Being in my sophomore year and having a college-course class is tough but I know I can make it. If something is beginning and I know that I'm going to have to buckle up and get ready for the ride that's starting, it's always important for me to know that there are things out there that are beginning as well.

I'm getting ready for the school year; I'm organized, I'm taking down notes, keeping my planner updated every day, making sure I'm not procrastinating. I still feel as if I'm going to be drowning in homework and studying till midnight.

 With all of this, though, I'm keeping myself grounded by the things I love. I've listed a few things below that are going to start or have recently started that is helping me stay sane!

1. Fall Out Boy recently released their song Centuries . I absolutely love this song! It's new, it's catchy, it's different, and it will definitely bring about a slight change in the fan-base and in the band that I think everyone will be happy with.
2. Black Veil Brides have released two singles from their yet-to-be-released self-titled album called Heart of Fire and Faithless.Their new album (BVB IV) will be released in October and I just can't wait!
3. Season 10 of Supernatural will premiere on Tuesday, October 7 at 9/8c. If you guys don't know yet, I am a major fan of the TV Series called Supernatural on the CW network. I have watch seasons 1-6 and overall know what happens in Seasons 7-9 (yes I have seen the season 9 finale), so even though I haven't watched the last three seasons, I am very excited for Season 10!
4. Peter Capaldi, as the 12th Doctor in Doctor Who, has already shot two episodes which have aired. The new season for Doctor Who (BBC) has already started, but is only a few episodes in, so I'm looking forward to seeing Capaldi play the new Doctor. In my opinion, Capaldi will bring a new side of the Doctor out - the side that genuinely realizes the cost of his actions and wants to set out to rectify them. I will definitely root for him!

I know that as the year passes by, I will have less and less time to root for and support the bands and TV series that I love because I will be extremely busy. Even though I won't be able to publicly show my love and support for everyone that is starting a new chapter of their lives, I will definitely keep them in my heart and wish them luck along the way.

I would like to do that to all of my readers as well. You guys are so amazing and you might be started or have already started something new and unique in your life. It may be out of your comfort zone and you may not be used to it and there probably will be some aspects that you completely despise, but I'm here every step of the way. I get the discomfort, I get the nerves and the uneasiness and I want you to know that you are strong and independent; you have the courage and strength to finish this new chapter and begin another one later. Just get through the first few pages, you never know what you will find. 

Summer Days drifted away to the Summer Night

Well it's been at least 5 months since I've last posted and I want to apologize profusely to those of you who have been reading all of my posts since I've started. What with my finals and summer homework and summer classes I'd totally forgotten about this blog. I'm terribly sorry.

But the past is the past and I want to start a new leaf with this year's summer. I've fallen behind on many of my Blogger Challenge posts and I promise I will make up for it over the course of the next 2 months.
Now let's get on to the main post shall we?

I actually really wanted to dedicate this post to the almost-over summer and talk about what I did over the two month break. I should have been studying for the SATs and trying to get ahead of the next school year's syllabus but I wanted to recharge this summer. I joined the Supernatural and Sherlock fandom! Yes...I'm a SuperWhoLockian now :) I also started watching Criminal Minds and CSI. With all of these TV marathons over the summer, I needed to balance out the fun with the work.

I thought more about what I'd want to be  when I go into college and how I can improve my life in order to get there.
(I.E. First step: Be Organized! School is about to start and I bought new binders and notebooks for each class. )
As I continued catching up on the SuperWhoLock episodes, I got ready for my new school year and even started studying for the SATs towards the end of summer! I know, crazy right?

I also went to Montreal and Quebec in Canada. It was beautiful there, especially Quebec. I found it so interesting because of all the culture that's been embedded in the walls of the city, It's colorful and entertaining and informative. I found that going there definitely helped me end my summer in a positive note because of all the things I decided I wanted to know more about. And what better way of doing that than going back to school and paying attention in History Class!?

School starts tomorrow for me, and even though I'm excited for a new year of learning, I also don't want to forget all the fandoms I've joined and the friends that came along with it. I've decided to decorate my notebooks with quotes from the SuperWhoLock Fandom.

• Supernatural quotes are on my English notebook
• Doctor Who quotes are on my History notebook
• Sherlock quotes are on my Cultural Anthropology (Semester 1) and Intro to Human Origins (Semester 2) notebook

This way, I remember the fun I've had over the summer while reminding myself that fun and education can go hand in hand.

My English Notebook =)

That's the thing with music...it demands to be felt

What's up guys? It's Ash here and fair warning you might see a hint of fangirling here and there because this post is

ALL.
ABOUT.
MUSIC.

DUN DUN DUN

Annnnddddd..................if any of you know me in real life or have talked to be before, music is a big big big big BIG part of my life. I love singing and I love playing the piano and most of all I love listening to music so today I'm going to be talking about the top three of my favorite bands and why I like them.

If you haven't noticed already, there's a list of my favorite musicians on the top left of my blog. (P.s. It's not in the order of most to least favorite).

The number one musician/band just has to be Black Veil Brides. I admit that I don't listen to them daily and/or 24/7, but that band really just has been there for me and helped me through a really rough patch in my life which I don't think I would ever be able to repay them for. I find them to be a really inspiring group of people who look out for each of their fans and love their fan base. The way they talk about their fans, it really awes me because of how much passion they have for their music and their love for every single person who they've helped through their music. If I'd continue, my post on Black Veil Brides would take up the entire page, so I'll just leave it at this: It's because of them I am where I am today. I owe everything to them.

My second favorite musician/band usually varies since I listen to a widespread area of genres, so I'll go with Pierce the Veil. To be honest, I just really love their songs and how, at first glance, it sounds like its just a catchy song with nothing more to it, but then when you really listen to it, it has a much deeper meaning. Both the band and the listeners have that kind of connection to each song and it's that bond that makes Pierce the Veil so special. Even if I don't listen to one of their songs for months, I will still be able to come back to that song and enjoy it as much as I did when I first heard it; that's something I really like because then it's like you'll never grow too old for that band. It's always there for you.

My third favorite musician/band (again it varies) is Ed Sheeran. With Ed Sheeran, there's always a nostalgic quality that I like listening to in his songs. The way he's able to pour his feelings out into each song and make it something that we all can relate to is amazing. I also love the fact that most of his slow are on the quieter side (even if he does rap in them). Ed and his songs are a great inspiration when I want to write something meaningful and I almost always end up daydreaming whenever I listen to his songs. They just bring out that dreamer in all of us.

There you have it folks! My top three musicians/bands. Like I said before, I listen to a wide variety of genres so if you have a band that you like or think I should check out, leave it in the comments below! I'd be thrilled to find new music to listen to and if you want to listen to some of my favorite musicians/bands I'd be more that happy!!

Which new nail style will you try today?

Now a lot of people over look the whole "nail" thing while others take it a little too far. What I like to do is take my nails seriously but still maintain the whole "subtle look" (a.k.a french nails, plain nude, or a light pastel color that won't draw attention).

That was before.

Today I'm going to look at some mani-pedi combos I found online that I want to share with you guys. It's sparkly, glittery, and a pop of colors which I cannot wait to try! You can get the entire list of 10 mani-pedi combos on Seventeen and pictures of how the nail polish looks like. I didn't include every single picture since I figured it'd take up a lot of space

Leggo!
 
1. Silver Glitter and Hot Pink
++Milani Jewel FX Nail Lacquer in Silver ($4.55)
++Pixi Nail Color in Summer Pink ($8)
 
2. Black and Red
++CoverGirl Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss in Black Diamond ($4.99)
++Formula X For Sephora in Pyrotechnic ($10.50)
 
3.Gray and Radiant Orchid
++e.l.f Essential Nail Polish in Misty Haze ($2)
++Butter LONDON Molly Coddled Nail Lacquer ($15)
 
4. Chocolate and Rose
++Zoya Nail Polish in Louise ($9)
++Maybelline Color Show Nail Polish in Pink & Proper ($2.99)
 
5. Nude and Cobalt
++March Jacobs beauty Enamored Hi-Shine Nail Lacquer ($18)
++Fuse Gelnamel Gel Plolish ($6.39)
 
6.Raspberry and Magenta Glitter
++L'Oreal Colour Riche Nail Trend Setter in Crazy For Chic ($4.99)
++Blackheart Magenta Glitter Nail Polish ($3.75)
 
7. White Texture and Creamy Beige
++China Glaze Sand Dolla Make You Holla ($6.99)
++Sonia Kashuk Nail Color in Nudist($4.75)
 
8. Peach and Dark Purple
++Color Club Nail-Robi ($8)
++eddie Resort Fling ($8.50)
 
9. Gunmetal and Hot Purple
++NYC New York Color Long Wearing Nail Enamel in Rock The Party! ($0.93)
++Illamasqua Nail Varnish in Grab ($17)
 
10. Bright and Yellow Pink
++OPI I Just Can't Cope-acabana ($9)
++Nicole by OPI Selena Gomez Collection Nail Polish in Naturally ($7.04)

Well there you have it, 10 Perfect Combos to try when you get your mani-pedi done! I'm definitely going to try one of these out!!

This World Will Be Reborn in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1!

2014 is coming in (however many for you) hours!!
A new year is for new times, new goals, new opinions, and new chances. The past year has been a great (but stressful) 12 months.

  2013 started off with the stress of my math finals and state tests coming up in a few months looming over my head. I was successfully able to focus on my education and pass both finals with outstanding achievement, even though it took me loads of studying for it.

On the topic of relationships, it was a tough year. I became closer with certain best friends, stopped talking to certain other best friends. The stress from school had pushed me so much that my dependancy on music had become even more apparent. I'd started to spend much of my free time listening to my music to calm me down or help me not continue my slighty-harmful habits (I'd rather not elaborate on that). My sudden change in music tastes surprised my close friends and family. For some, they easily accepted the change while others had a very hard time with it.

   Unfortunately, I'd made a choice to break the relationship between me and the people who weren't able to accept it. I'm sad to say I lost very great people, but I'm happy that I'd broken relationships that could've hurt me in the future.

   A new year of high school is making me excited to meet new people and have new experiences and I'm happy of the new chance I have in my life.

   Have a fun New Year's Eve Party!!!

This is my 25th New Years. And I haven’t been sober for any of them
— Jack Barakat (@JackAllTimeLow) December 31, 2013

New Year's Inspiration: May you never forget what is worth remembering nor ever remember what is best forgotten

     Up until now, few things have inspired me to do something other than finish my homework, finish my projects, and get off my lazy bum sitting on the couch watching Doctor Who, so here I am, sitting in front of my computer to start a project due after Christmas Break....

Haha..his face is hilarious in this one XD

     Really though, I'm not doing anything in life right now, but I was browsing Tumblr today (as a normally do to procrastinate working) and came across this amazing quote that just blew my mind.

 

 Well, this really isn't inspirational, but I really liked the quote/saying (and the picture itself is beautiful). To me, if this was up on my wall, I would definitely be able to start the day with a clean, fresh, and happy mind. This quote is all about dwelling on the things you need to and burying the things in your past you don't need. Certain events made you stronger, so remember your strength, not your weakness.

     This New Years, 2014, call up an old friend and reminisce, go to your favorite coffee shop that you haven't been to in years, or even try something new with the people you love! Forget that grudge you've been holding for three years, stop stalking your ex's Facebook profile to see how his new relationship is doing, and for God's sake cross out his face in all the pictures on your wall. 

     Oh, and one more thing, go inspire someone else.

Inspire...

I'm listening to the radio on the way home from school last year, and a Nickleback song starts to play.

If today was your last day

That got me thinking, if today was my last day, would I be ready to leave? Would I know that I did something good with my life? I still have more than half of my life to do something good, but ignoring that...

I realized, that I hadn't done anything remotely significant in my life. Sure, I'd helped someone pick up his books in the hallway, or helped someone study for a test, but I'd barely helped anyone. It gave me the courage to wake up the next morning with a set goal: make someone happy. Doing this one simple act made me feel great about myself. It made me happy that I'd been able to put a smile on someone else's face.

I'm including the lyrics to the song in this post, and I hope it does for you what it did for me. Inspire.

If Today Was Your Last Day...

My best friend gave me the best advice
He said each day's a gift and not a given right
Leave no stone unturned, leave your fears behind
And try to take the path less traveled by
That first step you take is the longest stride

 

If today was your last day and tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday?
Would you live each moment like your last
Leave old pictures in the past?
Donate every dime you had, if today was your last day?
What if, what if, if today was your last day?

 

Against the grain should be a way of life
What's worth the price is always worth the fight
Every second counts 'cause there's no second try
So live like you're never living twice
Don't take the free ride in your own life

 

What if, what if, if today was your last day and tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday?
Would you live each moment like your last?
Leave old pictures in the past?
Donate every dime you had?

 

And would you call those friends you never see?
Reminisce old memories?
Would you forgive your enemies?
And would you find that one you're dreaming of?
Swear up and down to God above
That you'd finally fall in love if today was your last day?

 

If today was your last day
Would you make your mark by mending a broken heart?
You know it's never too late to shoot for the stars
Regardless of who you are

 

So do whatever it takes
'Cause you can't rewind a moment in this life
Let nothing stand in your way
'Cause the hands of time are never on your side

 

If today was your last day and tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday?
Would you live each moment like your last?
Leave old pictures in the past?
Donate every dime you had?

 

And would you call those friends you never see?
Reminisce old memories?
Would you forgive your enemies?
And would you find that one you're dreaming of
Swear up and down to God above
That you'd finally fall in love if today was your last day?

 

~Nickleback~