Delilahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh *puke*

If there's one radio host I HATE listening to it's Deliliah. I'm a pretty positive person, but her 'happy all the time' mood makes me want to puke. I swear that she says these happy stories and once it cuts to a song or a commercial she starts flipping and cussing out the people who called in and told them.


The only time I will ever listen to Delilah is for Christmas music.


ONLY TIME.


Sorry. I just felt like I needed to post how much I hate her.


Thanks all XOXO
Merry Christmas <3

Trading in the Beemer and Moving to NYC

Ever since I was little I always pictured myself living in a big city or somewhere else outside of Pittsburgh. Of course I fantasized about NYC and pretty much every place I would visit. My family and friends always tease me because when I come back from a trip I’m on a ‘I wanna move to XYZ’ kick until I visit somewhere else.

Coming out of school I never really wanted to stay in Pittsburgh, but since I got a consulting job based in Pittsburgh I figured it would be the best of both worlds. Travel during the week and be home with my fam and friends on the weekend.  Well of course that didn’t happen. I got ‘lucky’ and pretty much am in the 1% of people at my company that doesn’t travel. I’ve contemplated moving many times over the course of the last 2 ½ years, but never had made a move. I’ve always felt that in my life I’d need to do something drastic. Make a huge change. Get out of my comfort zone. Try something completely new. When I went to Italia I got some of this. It was for a short period of time (and I’d love to move back for greater than the 5/6 months I was there), but I always knew I’d need something more as well. There are sooooooooo many places to live in this world- I don’t want to stay in 1 place my whole life.

One of my really great friends from middle/high school moved to NYC after school and has been living there for awhile. This past summer I went up to visit and of course started my ‘I wanna move here asap’ rant. Welllllllll jump forward 6 months and his roommate moved out and needed someone to sublet his room! I really felt like I couldn’t pass this up. It’s definitely gonna be a hugeeeeee change- I’m selling my car (which I’m pretty much obsessed with), pretty much leaving everything I own here and moving up to the big city!

It’s crazy to me because I feel like I’m starting to live out a dream of mine I’ve had for soooooooo long. I know that there are some people here that will take it personally that I’m leaving- especially new relationships that I’ve started over the last few months. My Mom keeps telling me I need to get this out of my system beforeI have a family. I’ll always wonder what would have been if I don’t go. I feel like over the last year I’ve been working so hard to create a better ‘me’.  This is something, without a doubt, that I need to do in my life before I’d even be able to THINK about settling down.  I’m so excited to live a new life in a new city… I wish I could take certain people with me.

Me and the new roomies :)

Christmas Music :)

So my favorite music, of all time, is Christmas. I LOVEEEEE IT. Back in high school I had vocal nodes and wasn't allowed to sing and talk a lot for 6 weeks. OF COURSE this 6 weeks was over the Christmas season and honestly, that was probably the most depressing part of my life to date. I always joke and say that my mission on this earth is to put out a Christmas album that people will listen to and say 'Wow, how did we live without this before?!' I mean- think along the lines of Mariah's Christmas album. That big. Hey, here's to wishing right ? ;)


Anyways,
I always find it interesting to find out which Christmas song is people's favorites and why?  It is extremely, extremely hard to pick my favorite song. Almost seems down right like an impossible task for me... but after much deliberation I have come up with my fav.


My favorite Christmas song is Oh Holy Night. I loveeeee this song. I love the melody, the lyrics and I especially love to sing it! I just think it's such a beautiful song. My Second favorite is It's the Most Wonderful Time of Time of the Year.


Now I absolutely love myself some Silent Night, We Wish You A Merry Christmas and all the rest of the songs, but if I really had to pick those would be my favorites.


My favorite Christmas album is definitely the Kenny G Christmas album. It just reminds me of being little and decorating the house. That's the music we always bust out at Christmas time!


The best thing about Christmas music is singing the music! In high school I always loved going around to the different nursing homes and performing. I wish I had oppotunities now to sing around the community. One of my favorite traditions is singing Christmas Eve mass. When I was younger there was a group of us that sang in the Church choir. Every Christmas we all come back together and sing. It's always so much fun and I absolutely love it! :)

Leave me a comment and let me know what your fav song is!!!

Here's one of my fav Christmas pix! In college we loved having themed parties and had an awesome Christmas party :)

Love don't let me gooooooooooooooooo

So I have an anthem song. I can't remember if I've ever talked about it before, but it's the one song I listen to that get's me pumped up no matter what. I remember listening to it on the way to job interviews and on my first day of work, before going out and on days where I was just kinda depressed... The World Is Mine (FMIF Remix) Seriously- that song gets me going haha

But since I went over to Europe in 2007 and first heard Love Don't Let Me Go- David Guetta vs. The Egg I fell in love with David Guetta. Loved him. Love his songs, beats, the artists he collaborates with- everything!

Last year I remember hearing him an interview and he was saying how he didn't understand why House/Dance music was so popular in Europe and not in the US and was determined to have it cross the ocean. With the release of Sexy Bitch with Akon I believe he's on a great path to do so. I won't lie, it really does bother me that he has to collaborate with celebrities that are famous over here to get big in the US - but I'll take it. I'm proud that he's on a mission to get his music out there.

He released a follow up to his One Love album entitled One More Love a few weeks back. It's One Love PLUS additional hits he's had come out of the last year PLUS oldies but goodies like the original cut of The World Is Mine and Love Don't Let Me Go.

Check it out- I'm really glad he's becoming main stream in the US :)

Peace, Love and David Guetta
- Juls

What makes a great song?

My sister and I were having a convo about what makes a great song. An artist who is highly regarded can put out a song, sing it perfectly, but if it doesn't have a good melody or beat and have good lyrics it could end up being a real flop.


We believe that theses 3 things- singer, melody/beat, lyrics- make up a perfect song.


Take for example Ke$ha's new cd- Cannibal. It's no surprise to say that Ke$ha really isn't one of those singers you regard as an amazing singer, so she really would need to rely on good melody/beats and lyrics to help her sell songs. She has a song on her album called 'Grow a Pear'. At first glance you're like ummm seriously? 


Now without hearing the song and reading these lyrics - what do you think of the song:
Yeah I think you’re hot
I think you’re alright
But you’re acting like the chick all the time
You are cool and now you’re not just like that
When you grow a pear
You can call me back


The only redeeming grace this song could possible have is if it has a good beat. Well, judge for yourself- Listen to Ke$ha's 'Grow a Pear'


I hate it... so anyways. There really are only 2 songs I like on the whole album
Ke$ha - Blow

Ke$ha- We R Who We R

Honestly... those are the only two songs that are worth listening to. 


Recommendation: Don't buy the cd. There are a few good beats on it, but the lyrics are so weird and horrible that it's not worth the money.


Now take a look at TSwift's amazing album- 
Good Singer? - check!
Awesome melodies? - check!
Good Lyrics? - check check!


It's no surprise that I'm a huge Tswift supporter, but I honestly think that this is by far her best album. I am so impressed by her song writing and performing skills that it's hard for me not to be a fan. It really upsets me when people don't agree because take a look at the music industry right now. Pretty much it's just selling sex and talent is coming in second. Taylor really is the definition of talent. I was watching a documentary on her the other day and Brad Paisley was asked if he believed she should have won the Country Music Association's Entertainer of the Year Award last year. He said that although some may have their opinions about the award (*cough cough* Wynonna) if she hadn't had won the award then the association really wouldn't have been representing the true voice of the fans.


From the day I bought the cd I couldn't put it down. I honestly woke up singing the songs and fell asleep singing the songs. It truly was on repeat 24/7 until Christmas music took over my playlist. If you don't own Speak Now stop reading this, go to itunes and buy it. I promise you won't be disappointed. 


I honestly can't even tell you my favorite song on the album. Originally she wanted to call the album Enchanted (which is an amazing song btw- Enchanted), but her record label thought she really needed a strong title for this album. I love the Speak Now title. It's so fitting and I absolutely love how every song is about a situation or relationship she's gone through in her life. If I were to release an album it would be just like that.
If you were only to listen to 2 other songs on the album (other than the songs you hear on the radio) I'd suggest you listen to:
Taylor Swift - Sparks Fly

Taylor Swift- Love Live



But honestly- listen to the whole cd.


Ok, anyways, I should probably get a job on Taylor's PR team hahaha


Let me know what you think of the album!!


Long live the walls we crashed through
<3 Juls

Well we meet again..

Let's see. It's been 2 months... I know you feel abandoned. How could I just leave my audience like that?

Yeah... I'm sure you really didn't miss me haha, but I'M BACCCCKKKKK.

What's happened in my life? Well, I took the GMAT. Failed miserably- going to be taking it again at the end of December. Ya I definitely haven't picked up the book since I failed it (gotta get back on that). I started having horrible back spasms (I blame failing on the muscle relaxers and vicodin I was on because of them). That's been fun... Work has been ridiculously busy. I dyed my hair red again (although it looks pretty brown right now. prob gonna be re-dying within the next 2 weeks) I have a cute boyfriend now. :)  Annnd a whole slew of artists have released albums!

Seriously- within the last month I've spent so much money on buying new music my credit card pretty much hates me (but itunes loves me!!).

Taylor, Kanye, Nicki, Josh Groban, Girltalk, Rihanna, Ke$ha - to name a few.

In way of Christmas albums you have Jessica Simpson, Mariah's new cd and the Glee Christmas album.

My next few posts will definitely be about the new albums that have come out this month, but I'll leave you with one awesome song right now. On the Glee Christmas album I'm IN LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVEEEEEEEE with their version of this song- God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

Happy Holidays!!!!!!!!
<3 Juls

OMG

So one of my friends just sent me this link. He knows the guys in this video messing with some people on Craigslist. You have to watch it... hahaha

Be warned... It's not the most appropriate video.

Craigs List Eperiments

Lovin' Armin Van Buuren right now

Watch this video! It's awesome Armin Van Buuren talks about his new album

I love how he goes through explaining how they created Mirage. I think it's so cool how dj's go through and put layer after layer of sounds and come up with awesome end products. How just one little loop can create a track that an entire album will be based off of.

The title track is really great- Listen to Mirage

This is him talking about one my favorite track on the album: Making of Not Giving Up On Love

Listen to the end product: Not Giving Up On Love

The entire album is awesome. My two other favs are This Light Between Us and Drowning

Seriously- check it out. You won't be disappointed. PROMISE!!

Julian Smith = HILARIOUS!!!!!

I think I’m a little slow on the uptake. I honestly never came across this guy until my sister posted a video a few days ago on her facebook.

O.M.G

HILARIOUS.

I think I want to marry (or at least date) this guy. He’s soooo funny! All his videos remind me of something me, Alyssa, my sis and bro would make!!

In this video my sister would be the Josh, I would be the guy who says Malk, my bro would be the black guy and my mom is the mellow dad.


This is my favorite video- Hello Brother! I MADE THIS FOR YOOOOOOU!!!

Check him out- sooooo funny!!

For the Tweethearts...

What draws you to a website? What makes you continuously frequent that site or maybe makes you look for a new site?



Having a part in helping to design screens for an application, the look and feel of different sites really stick out to me. Way back when, which I believe was about last March ‘09-ish, I joined Twitter because I wanted to know what all the hype was about. I joined and immediately thought the website was not user friendly, it took some time to figure out what to do and what to click, and, in my mind, it just was not what I thought it would be. It was annoying to me and I only tweeted a few times. I kind of gave up on Twitter and left it behind.


During that time we were rolling out a new part of the system we’re designing at work and I was out in the field with users helping troubleshoot problems and to aid in the adoption of the new functionality. While out at one of the offices I made friends with two of the users. We’d talk about music, concerts, gossip and they always brought up twitter. At that point I really didn’t like twitter- the website wasn’t laid out well and I just didn’t really understand the purpose. I used to listen to their twitter convos, but never really participated. They would gang up on me trying to pressure me into getting a twitter and it wasn’t until they suggested getting a phone app that I decided to give it another try. My phone of that year was the Black Jack 2. I found a free app and downloaded it. I actually started tweeting quite frequently. Having it right on my phone made it so much easier and mobile (obviously haha). The app was definitely easier to use and I could pretty much do everything faster from the app than I could on the website. Well, my free trial of the app came and went and then the company wanted me to buy it. Still not really sold on the value of Twitter I declined and again went twitterless…


Fast forward 6 months. My phone contract is up and I get to get a new phone. Iphone! YAY! One of the first apps I download is Echofon and my obsession with twitter started to take off. Now having a great app, easy access, and much to say I started tweeted multiple times a day. From that point on I started really getting into Twitter. Still, I didn’t like the website.


Applications for Twitter have just been so much easier to navigate and find what you want. I actually hate logging on to Twitter from my computer. So when I heard they were releasing a new Twitter site I was pretty excited to see what changes they’d make. After watching a few videos and reading some sites I’m actually very excited for the new roll out. Do I think I’ll use the website more? Nah, probably not. It’s way easier on my phone, but I did read an interesting statistic. More than 78% of Twitter’s users access the application through their web site in a given month. I was shocked! After having my own experience I figured most users were like me… but I guess not!

 Wired Article – This article really gives you a good sense of the changes and everything that will be included in the new twitter layout.

Here’s another article, very similar, that gives a screenshot preview of the new layout as well Huffington Post Article

As far as roll out- I haven’t been able to find an official date. All I keep reading is that it will start to be rolled out in the next few weeks. Ahhhh!! Can’t wait to see it! Hopefully it’ll be a lot easier to use and will get me to use the web site more! If not, I’m very content with my Echofon app.



Check it outttttttt!!


This guy at my work kept telling me I needed to check out this girl called Little Boots. I kept putting it off and off and finally I took the time and looked her up. I’m mad that I kept putting it off because I love her already!! Within minutes I was on itunes downloading her cd. This is one of her songs that I’ve liked the most so far: Little Boots- Remedy

Sad Day :-(

Pulled From Footballnewsnow.com

No Interest in Ex-Dolphins QB Pat White

By

David Sabia

»Football News Now Staff Writer»September 8, 2010 - 9:18 am EDT

No NFL team has expressed interest in ex-Dolphins QB Pat White since Miami cut him on Saturday.

QB Pat White has yet to hear from a single NFL team since the Dolphins cut him on Saturday and he passed through waivers untouched.

As of Wednesday morning, the former West Virginia star and 44th overall pick in 2009 has had “no visits, no negotiations, no offers” with any teams in the league, according to Pro Football Talk. Teams have reportedly expressed concerns with White’s size and strength, worried that he won’t be able to endure the beating a typical NFL player undergoes throughout the season.

With little interest in the 24-year-old, the question turns towards White’s next move. His 13 game appearances in 2009 render him ineligible to sign to a team’s practice squad, so it’s likely White may wait until 2011 to attempt a comeback.

Other options include, switching positions (the Dolphins told White he would have a better chance of making their final roster as a WR) or signing with a UFL or CFL team to get more real-time reps at quarterback. White, a highly-touted baseball prospect in high school, could also take a shot at making it in the MLB.

Source insists the former Heisman candidate will remain in the NFL: “I’d be surprised if he wasn’t in the league at some point,” a league source said.  The question remains where and when his return will take place.

The Dolphins, who retained QBs Chad Henne, Chad Pennington and Tyler Thigpen over White, will open their season in Buffalo on Sunday.

Read more: http://www.footballnewsnow.com/2010/no-interest-in-ex-dolphins-qb-pat-white/#ixzz0yzoxTEes




SOME ONE PICK UP PAT WHITE!!!!!!


or at least just watch this video of him mimicking the gay Pittsburgh Panther growl




orrrrrrrrr listen to the awesome Morgantown song

Why Parents Shouldn't Have Facebook

1. My mom always talks about facebook and expects us all to explain it to her
2. If you need someone to explain to you how to use facebook then you shouldn't be on it
3. We get questioned on why we 'liked' something at 3am...
4. At the dinner table we get updates on everybody and their mother- where they're going to school, what parties they've attended, what they're doing now, if they just recently broke up with their boyfriends, their sexual preferences --- everything that I already know, but don't say out loud because then people would think I'm a stalker
5. They get mad at you if you don't list BOTH of your parents. First you don't even list any, but since one friends you and lists you as their daughter they show up as your mother... THEN your dad asks why you don't like him enough to list him as your dad on your page. Apparently this looks like either 1. you're mom's divorced or 2. you're estranged from your dad..... *note* when's the last time you even looked at the family relationships someone listed on their page?

... I could keep going on, but there's no point.

I just don't think parents and their children need to be friends on facebook. When I was in high school I didn't have to share my AIM profiles with them or all the notes I wrote to my friends in class...

That's all.
Sorry for the rant.

WVU

WVU FOOTBALL STARTS TOMORROW!!!!
I'M SOOOOO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!

Listen to the 2010 Gold and the Blue song!!!

TSwift

I think there might be something wrong with me...


I'm like obsessed with Taylor Swift right now. All I keep listening to are her 2 cds and especially these songs:


- Today Was a Fairytale
- Mine
- Our Song
- A Place in This World
- Fearless


Sometimes I swear I'm seriously like 14 years old....


I never realized how much I relate to 'A Place In This World' though. I feel like it was written about me haha. 


I don't know what I want, So dont ask me, cause im still trying to figure it out.
Don't know what's down this road,
im just walking.
Trying to see through the rain coming down.
Even though im not the only one,
that feels the way i do.

Im alone, on my own, and that's all i know.
I'll be strong, i'll be wrong,
Oh, but life goes on.
Oh, im just a girl, trying to find a place in this world.

Playlist

So currently I have 2 songs that I keep playing on repeat. Tswift's Mine (that I talked about yesterday), but also Lady Antebellum's American Honey.

OK first ok, I'm not really a big country fan. There are certain groups I like - Sugarland, Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flats- but I don't listen to country all the time. It's kinda funny that these are the 2 songs I'm obsessed with at the moment.

It's funny, I'll be in my car listening to these 2 songs and then I'll be like ok one more time... which turns into one more time... which turns into one more time... and the next thing I know I'm wherever I need to be and I listened to both of them 20 times. hahaha!

Oh well, ya like what ya like I guess!!

Happy Friday y'all ;-)

<3 Juls

I suck at writing in my blog

Sooooo, I suck at writing in my blog. I blame it on my extremely busy life.

What's going on with me? Well thannnnnks for asking ;-)

I started a GMAT class this week! I'm trying to learn as much as I can so I can take the test this fall. I'm targeting October/November timeframe. We'll see how I feel after my class and I'll schedule it then. I really miss music in my life and I'm currently trying to explore programs that mix an MBA program with music business. I could totally see myself working for a record company or managing different music groups. I honestly think that'd be something I'd love. If you know of any good programs let me know!!

I'm currently obsessed with Taylor Swift's Mine. I'm pretty sure I've listened to it like 370200793 times this week. I love Tswift. I know some people aren't particularly fond of her, but I honestly think she's so talented and such a cute girl and all her songs are so catchy- I love her!

I was happy I passed up 1,500 tweets this week. Don't ask me why I care how many tweets I have, but I was happy to reach more than 1,500. Follow me if you don't already!! Follow me!

I'm currently in the middle of like a hundred different tests FINALLY trying to figure out what the heck is wrong with my stomach. I've had problems for like the last 10 years of my life, but they just keep getting worse and worse and I'm fed up. So far everything looks 'normal' - of course right!?

I'm debating whether to move or to stay put. I really really really really want to move, but I know the wise decision is to not move and keep saving money. Ughhh why do grown up decisions have to be so hard?

I'm falling back into that I miss WVU depression since school starts next Monday and I'll again, for the 3 year in a row, not be attending Fall Fest or starting classes. As Snooki would say WAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.

I'm kinda pissed because I'm still stuck at work right now, we're waiting to have a build, so I missed Jersey Shore tonight. It's cool though cause it's DVR'd so I'll definitely watch it tomorrow.

Within the last 2 weeks I've been in like 10 different situations where someone has told me to 'not post that as my status', 'don't put pix up on fb', or 'don't go writing that all over facebook' hahaha. I think it's hilarious. At work my manager and I were having a discussion about something and after it he was like DO NOT POST THAT ON FACEBOOK. (I guess I'm too public?)

Well, it's after midnight now. I'm still at work. I'm tired. I wanna go homeeeeeeeeeee. I don't really know what else to write about sooooo I apologize for my blog being boring lately- I gotta spice it up!!!!!!!!

Listen to this: Bieber Fever!!

Laterrrrrrrrrrrrr Allegator <3

Juls

I'm sorry!!

I'm sorry... I've been a really bad blogger lately... I promise I'll write a new blog entry soon. There's so much going on in my life right now!!!

So - I'm loving the Lil Jon album Crunk Rock at the moment... I found a piano version of the 'Hey' song that's awesome- check it out!!

Lil Jon and 3Oh3 Version

Piano Version

Lovin' it <3
Juls

Caribbean Queen ;-)

Then you and me can finally live out all our fantasies

Layin' on the beach - fall asleep in the West Indies

Listenin' to sounds of pleasure

::Heather Headley- How Many Ways::

Click on Tracks and click on How Many Ways (sorry, I couldn't find a direct link to link on here)

So now having been on 3 different cruise lines I feel like I can start to be a critic of ships and the entire experience. As a whole my favorite ship has been the Magic from Disney Cruise Lines. But there are a few things I would add to this ship from other vessels I've traveled on. First off, I'd add the grand entrances that Royal Caribbean and Carnival include on their ships. I'd add the shops that these two lines have on their ships as well, along with the casino. Anddddd I'd definitely add the kick-a water slide that was on the Carnival Destiny that we rode a million times within the last week. I'll be honest, I was not impressed with Carnival's staterooms. First off, half the stuff in our room was broken- the hair drier was the worst drier I've ever experienced within my 25 years on this earth, the toilet sometimes didn't flush, our shower overflowed like 4 times and I definitely broke one of the lights off of the wall. I think Disney's rooms were by far the nicest I've seen so far. I really liked how they split the bathroom into 2 as well- 1 for the shower and the other for the sink and toilet. I also feel like the staff was more enjoyable on the Disney cruise ship as well. For instance, our waiter knew everything and anything about us last year because he took interest in knowing us and having fun and making our experience great. (On Royal Caribbean we had a similar experience having a great waiter that definitely added to our experience) This time our waiter really only knew my name (and creepily told me that I was his favorite) and rushed us through every meal. The food was good (on a side note), probably too good actually... definitely gained some of the weight I've lost on the 20 Ton Challenge back after the last week. But anyway back to our waiter, I can't even tell you his name. Like he just, I don't know, was definitely a slacker. Never danced in the group dances or anything.


So we started our v-cation (our fam always says v-cation instead of vacation because that's how my sister used to say it when she was little) and in the airport we saw some famous guy (I can't remember his name) who my mom was so excited to see and went up and talked to him. All I know is they said he was in the movie Poseidon Adventure. Idk. Don't ask me- Ernest something? Then Levon Kirkland was on our flight. Can I just say plane rides are so much better with crown and cokes. That's what me and my dad drank on the way down (he brought little airplane bottles) and I was actually in first class on the way back so I ordered some. 

 

You know I had to get the shirt.

First stop: South Beach, Miami!!  And can I please just say OMG I NEED TO GO BACK THERE AND GO OUT!! *Girls, let's go. Seriously- let's skip the Vegas trip and go to Miami* I loveeeeddd it!!! Our first stop was... (as if you wouldn't have guess).... DASH Miami! Hahaha I do have a tip that I'd like to give the Kardashian's. They're actually really stupid. Everything in their store was waaaayyyy over priced and when I was in there I saw a TON of people come in and get pix, look at the 15 items they had in the whole store, realize they weren't going to buy anything, take one more pic, then leave. If they had some cheaper items- say a necklace or any kind of jewelry or underwear - that the everyday person could afford then they'd be selling twice the amount of stuff! Like no, sorry I don't want a $600 sundress that I could probably get at H&M for $40 or no I don't want to buy your QuickTrim products. Buttttt I definitely would have boughten something cheap just to say I bought something and just to get one of their cute shopping bags. They did have water bottles and candles for sale, but they didn't have a price tag on them and I honestly felt stupid asking how much they were.

We saw the ocean walked up and down ocean drive looking for the best place to eat. We ended up eating at the place the Jersey Shore people went out at this week! Hahaha I got home today and watched the episode and was like Ocean Ten! That's where we ate! And I had one of those huge ass drinks you're drinking too! yay! hahaha 

While we were there we didn't see Ronnie dancing up a storm, but we did see a guy in an Argentina number 10 shirt with some awesome dance moves. Please enjoy.

Also, also please watch this video. This guy was walking up and down Ocean Drive. He might be my new favorite person in the entire world.

The next morning we got up early to get in some Miami sun before heading to the ship. Me, Natalie and Gary headed up to the pool on the roof and soaked in the rays for a few hours. It was soooo nice. I really loved Miami. I  found this dress I lovvvvveeeeedddddd, but after trying it on I really wished it didn't come in a pattern print and it would have just been a solid color. If it had I totally would have bought it. I keep thinking about that damn dress cause I loved it so much, ughhh.

So Monday we got on the ship. We were one of the first people on the ship. It's kinda funny because at all the ports we were honestly always one of the last 20 people on the ship and then when we got off on Saturday we were one of the last to get off the ship. Hahaha we wanted to maximize time!!!

Please notice my cruising one piece outfit that I thought was completely appropriate. 

Which I also wore with my floppy hat. I was definitely in top cruising style.

First we toured the ship, took pix of like everything, then once we got our luggage changed into our bathing suits and hit the top deck. 2 Buckets of Coors Light, a few fruity cocktails and lunch down we had our muster drill and then we pulled away from port. Everyone kept commenting to me as I was walking down for the muster drill because I was carrying my bucket of beer (hey! I still had 2 left, I wasn't going to leave it on the deck for someone else to drink!) Soaking in the rays, watching Miami pass us by I'm enjoying my day so far. Thennnn my day took a turn for the worse. I'm sitting out on the deck and on the huge screen above the pool they start playing the Jonas Brother movie (this wasn't bad, I was actually kinda excited because I'd never seen it before). I'm starting to feel nauseous and really really dizzy. I start thinking- well. Maybe it was all the alcohol I consumed in a short amount of time? Did I eat enough at lunch? I thought I did? Maybe I didn't and it's upsetting my stomach? What the heck? So I stand up and look out at the water and immediately feel even worse. Uh-oh, I honestly thought I was going to throw up. So I walk to the bathroom, trying to be calm, still not sure if it's because I drank or if It was something else. How could I be sea sick? I've been on plenty of boats before, none of them ever made me sick. Well, I end up throwing up. Head back to my seat and I'm trying to concentrate on the Jo Bro movie and I like can't even keep my eyes open. My sister says we should head back down to get ready for dinner and I start thinking, uh-oh I'm definitely going to throw up again. So we get down to the cabin, I pass out for like 20 minutes and I wake up and I'm still not feeling well. Pretty much had the worst shower of my life, definitely flooded the bathroom and kept feeling like I was going to pass out. At this point I guess my sister and brother told my dad because he came in with medicine from the ship saying it'd help with sea sickness. I take it and struggle to get ready for dinner. I contemplated not going to dinner, but I didn't want to miss one second of our trip! Instantly I start feeling better. *sigh of relief!!* THANK GOD!!! 

The rest of the night I felt fine, I took the pills the next day too and after that didn't need them anymore. It was soooo weird because I definitely never got sick like that ever before in my life! I will say one thing though, the Destiny was a really shaky ship. I've never really felt the ship moving until this trip. I swear I felt it every moment of the day. The only time I really remember feeling it last summer was the last night when we ate at the back of the ship in this Parrot restaurant. I don't ever remember feeling it like this on the Royal Caribbean ship. Oh well. I made it through!! haha

First day was a day at sea. Started working on our Caribbean tan, started with mimosa's at breakfast and drank until beers at the roulette table. Ok, so I'm definitely not one that likes to gamble. My whole family really isn't. When I go to the casino I end up spending $25 at the most and mostly just go to drink and socialize. Well on this trip my dad, mom and myself found a new love- roulette. We seriously would look forward to playing it every single day hahaha. I played on $50 all week and ended up walking away with $138. I'll take it! haha (It helped pay for a few of those drinks)


Our first port was Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands which are in the British West Indies. Um. I honestly don't think my pictures do this place justice and I don't even know how to describe the color of the water or how beautiful this place really was

The port was real touristy and built up for the cruises. It had a huge pool, a hopping margaritaville, lots of shops and a gorgeous beach lined with swaying palm trees. 

If you looked out at the rest of the island there was pretty much nothing. There were a few houses and a few buildings here and there, but it was not populated at all. It was sooooooooo pretty. We did a snorkeling excursion that took us out on a boat to an inhabited island.  First we passed by a small island that housed numerous species of birds, it was pretty cool to see it from the boat. It's a national park and noone is allowed to go on the island to disturb the birds. 

Once we got to the inhabited island we jumped off the boat and got our snorkeling gear. We got to snorkel all around the island and saw some beautiful fish and coral. A stingray passed us by, along with a school of squid!!! That was soooo cool to see!! I've never seen a squid in the water and to see a bunch of them was honestly soooo sooo cool. I loved it. Turks and Caicos are known for their conch shells and you could see them everywhere in the ocean and on the island. Once we were done snorkeling they took us on a hike through the islands. It used to be a plantation years and years ago. Just looking out onto the water from this little tiny island, where you could see all sides of it was just so neat. The sites were gorgeous. 

I've been to a few different islands in the Caribbean and also have been to the Canary Islands. This place and the Canary Islands are still wayyyyyy at the top of my list as the most beautiful places I've ever seen. Once we rode the boat back (which they blasted bob marley during the trip and gave us rum punch) we just floated in the water and enjoyed the day. I wish we could have stayed on that island all week. It was sooooo relaxing and beautiful.

Second Port of Call: Half Moon Cay. 

Carnival's Island was amazzzzzinnggggg. First off, it was soooooooooo freaking hot. Definitely the hottest day. *whew* Just like all the private islands they had a section roped off for snorkeling. We got to the beach and played around in the water for awhile before we went over to the hut to rent a raft and snorkeling gear. 

Well, we learned this was a bad mistake. They were all sold out of rafts and snorkeling gear. We were upset, we really wanted to go snorkeling again. So my dad went to the excursion desk to see if there were any more spots left. Myself, my dad and my brother ended up going out again to snorkel. This time they dropped us off pretty much in the middle of the ocean and just let us go around 4 different reefs. I wish so bad I would have taken my camera or would have had an underwater camera... it was seriously the coolest thing I've ever seen. At one point I swam up to this spot and saw just tons of reef in front of me, which in the middle dipped down and had all these purple fan coral looking things on the bottom. I felt like I was in the Little Mermaid. We saw a HUGE barracuda! Needless to say we started swimming the other way, fast. 

Me just floating in the water :-)

The rest of the day was just spent swimming in the crystal clear water. This island and Grand Turk had the clearest water I've ever seen. There were even star fish right where we were swimming! it was soooooo cool!!!!

Our last port of call was Nassau.

Nassau, it's still Nassau. The funniest thing though was last year my sister, Joey and I went to this beach called Cabbage Beach. There were very few people there and it was like we had the beach to ourselves! Beautiful clear water, white sandy beaches, not a lot of people- it was great! So we suggest we go back there this year. I'm just going to show you 2 pics... the first one is last year. the second one is this year.

Last year:

This year:

I think we got asked if we wanted to rent jet skis or ride a banana boat or get our hair braided or buy a scarf or bracelet AT LEAST 98723 times (within the first 5 minutes of being there). At one point a guy asked if we wanted a banana boat ride and my dad yelled NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO and the guy goes 'gesshh what did the banana boat do to you?'. It was hilarious. Other hilarious answers that I heard from people around us were

'Banana Boat?' - Bahamian guy

'BANANA NO!!!!' - real southern guy

'How many for the banana boat?' - Bahamian guy

'None!' - really hairy guy

It was pretty funny. They were really trying to sell that damn banana boat. We collected some cool shells and I kept trying to find ones for Natalie to make me a bracelet with, but she kept shooting them all down.

At every beach we had some water animal encounter. It was no different at this beach... except I didn't see it until it STUNG ME!!!! Stupid jelly fish.

Of course we hit up the straw market. I really wanted to hit up Senior Frogs again, but we ran out of time. This was the only day that was cloudy and overcast as some points. When we were at the beach I swear there was a huge cloud that just covered Paradise Island and just stayed there until we left. Once we got back downtown it was beautiful and looking over to the island you could see the cloud was finally leaving. ugh- whatev.

We again were one of the last people one the ship- made it just in time. We actually ended up leaving 3 people in Nassau because they didn't make it to the ship on time! The would succcckkkk.

All in all the trip was great. My brother picked up girls at the teen club, he dressed up in my clothes and went walking around the ship trying to get people's reactions, we ate (a lot), 

I fell in love with a boy who I still don't know if he was with his whole family and the girl that was with them was his sister or if it was his girlfriend, we karaoke-d,  we saw funny comedians, we played tons of roulette, 

we drank a lot,  ran a mile on the top deck just to see what it was like to run on a moving ship, I rode the water slide at least like 10 times a day, we sat with a great family from new england at dinner, 

we got a lot of sun, had great weather, I bought a ton of jewelry, I spent way too much money, I never even thought about my life back home and it was grrrrreeeeaaaaatttttttt.

BOOOO I DON'T WANT TO COME BACK TO REALITY!!! Between my mom's camera, Natalie's camera and my own I currently have over 600 pictures on my computer. If you wanna see them come over!!!

New place to add to my list of cities I want to live in: Miami and in a hut on Grand Turk.

<3 Peace. Love. Margaritas. 

Juls