RANGO

Johnny Depp has done it again in this PG rated children's movie titled Rango.  This chameleon travels on a journey and ends up in a western town called Dirt.  His love for acting lands him the status of a hero in the town and he is made the Sheriff.  The main theme of the movie is water, more specifically the lack of it in this dry dessert.  Rango's job is simple, to bring hope to the people in the community...little does he know that he has some big pants to fill.  The IMBD critics gave this movie a 7.9/10 and I completely disagree.  My family and I are huge movie buffs and although my mom had to drag me to this movie once it began I fell in love.  The movie is definitely geared toward children but there is some crude adult humor in it for all ages to enjoy.  Also there are social and cultural symbols seen throughout.  I would give the movie a 10 and highly recommend people to go see it :)!  I think what made such an impact on me was the fact that they put so much emphasis on significance of water and how it is the sole reason for life on the earth.  Without water we can't survive and people today, myself included, take it for granted.  Rather than a bank filled with money, in the town of Dirt the bank is filled with water and water is the most valuable commodity. So kids, drink more responsibly! 

Osculable

"If you could spend one night with anybody in the world 
                                                                                who would it be with
                                                                                         and what would you do?"

Story of My Life

Pathetic

Ritual

Obnoxious

Crap

Rude

Aweful

Stressful

Time management

Idiotic

Nuisance

Asinine

Terrible

Irresponsible 

Obituary

Nightmare

My Top 10...

#1 Facebook

#2 Sleep

#3 Panda Express

#4 Nutella

#5 Jersey Shore

#6 Gossiping

#7 Partying

#8 Whata Burger

#9 Chewing gum excessively

#10 Spying

...guilty pleasures

Come Support the SMU Dancers!

Brown Bag Spring 2011

                                       Daily Mustang article on Brown Bag

After spending 15 minutes explaining to my Mexican friend that “Brown Bag” is not a racial slur but actually a student choreography dance show I came to the realization that the majority of people on SMU’s campus are oblivious to the arts.  It’s funny that although our athletic teams on campus, for the most part, aren’t that great people are still aware and come support these teams.  Yet the fact that SMU is one of the top 5 best dance Colleges in the nation to attend is completely unknown to most of the student population.  I feel like a free interactive show like Brown Bag is the perfect way for people to incorporate the arts into their daily lives because it’s made so easy for people to come and watch.  The whole reason why we dance and why our profession is in performance is because we want to inspire people and change their lives through movement. Our goal as a dance department throughout these next few years will be to better advertise ourselves and get the word out about "starting a movement" because we dance for the people. 

Super Bowl Entertainment Gone Bad

I don't know where to begin...  Should I start with the fact that Christina Aguilera doesn't even know the words to our own National Anthem? Or just talk about how The Black Eyed Peas were a complete disappointment? What has happened to the entertainment quality at important events?!  The American national anthem "The Star Spangled Banner" is a song that is filled with pride and love for our nation and is a revered historical landmark in our society to represent our freedom and Democracy.  Before every sporting event we come together and sing this anthem.  Now I understand nerves were a huge factor in this Super Bowl game but come on Christina it's our national anthem how do you not know the words?! What's even worse is that she didn't even realize she left out an entire phrase until after the song was over, how do you not realize the words are not with the correct musical phrasing when you sing for a living? "What so proudly we watched at the twilights last gleaming." Really Christina, really? Try "O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming."  At least the halftime show was amazing...not.  I am actually a big fan of the Black Eyed Peas but they were such a let down.  I guess they aren't that great without all the musical technology in the studios that they use.  I felt like they weren't even performing, more like it was a mark because they all had no heart or passion in their singing- it was monotone and their movements didn't go with the music.  The acoustics sucked and you could barely even hear them.  The robots with the boxes around their heads and the group of dancers that were lights had the potential to be great but it just wasn't there, the final product was a fail.  I think its embarrassing that our musical role models today (with the exception of Lady Gaga naturally) don't know the words to our own national anthem or don't sound good unless they have computer technology amping them up.  Where did all the raw talent go that inspires the world today?

LoVe

                                                                        "Those who stand for nothing fall for anything"

"Love me or hate me it won't make me or break me"

"Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change  the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference"

"Divine LOVE always has met and always will meet every human need"

"God is love"                                                        "You had me at hello"
          "Dance like no one is watching"
                 

"If you're a bird, I'm a bird"

                              "Love is like the wind, you can't see it but, you can feel it." 

"Be the change you want to see in the world"

"home is where the heart is"

"you can't have your cake and eat it too"

"what do you do when the one who broke your heart is the only one that can fix it"?

"Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace"                                                                                                    

  "Cause baby,

There ain't no mountain high enough

Ain't no valley low enough

Ain't no river wide enoughTo keep me from getting to you"

I just poured my heart out

there's bits of it on the floor

And I take what's left of it and rinse it under cold water

And call him up for more


"When the Roof Caved in 
and the 
   truth came out
     I just didn't know what 
to 
     do"

I Dare You To Try This

If you can't tell by now I am addicted to Facebook and youtube.  My friends and I always joke about switching our majors to Facebook and Sleep because we are so good at both.  If I ever counted up the hours spent on these two websites it would be scary because they are my main source of procrastination, without them I would be forced to actually do my work in a timely manner.  With that said, during one of my infamous procrastination nights I came across this video and after making fun of it for quite some time found some actual truth to it.  Are you ever caught in a situation that you really wish you could just get out of? I am such a pushover and I am never the type to want to be rude, but people just really get on my nerves sometimes and I really wish I could get the nerve to do something like this...

My friends and I have made a pact that we are going to go out one night and do this but seeing as how we all have no lives right now because school has taken over our lives we will just have to wait and see so stayed tuned :)

True Life: I'm obsessed with GAGA

<"There's nothin' wrong with lovin' who you are" 

       She said, "'Cause He made you perfect, babe" 

       "So hold your head up, girl and you you'll go far, 

       Listen to me when I say" 

I'm beautiful in my way, 

'Cause God makes no mistakes 

I'm on the right track, baby 

I was born this way 

Don't hide yourself in regret, 

Just love yourself and you're set 

I'm on the right track, baby 

I was born this way >

In simplest terms Lady Gaga is my hero and inspiration.  Her lyrics are so pure and so right on target when it comes to life I can't help but want to soak them up in my soul.  Her newest song "Born This Way" gave me the incentive and courage to get through a dance audition recently with confidence by knowing who I was and what I stand for.  Sure she comes to events covered in meat and everyone is always waiting for her newest crazy controversy, but at the end of the day Gaga knows who she is and doesn't care what anyone else has to say about it.  She creates her persona each time she performs and puts so much time and energy into creating this whole new world that no one has touched yet.  She is  so ahead of our time that no one can even come close to being on her spiritual level and people who try and copy her style just look stupid.  One of the most powerful speeches she has ever given that I will never forget is the fact that in todays society, especially in the celebrity spotlight, people are counting on you to fail; the public loves to watch someone reach their peak in fame and then come crashing down with a huge scandal.  Gaga has recognized this pattern and thinks that is the main thing that sets her apart from the rest; she doesn't let judgement cloud her creativity and she is involved in the music industry for the passion and love of her work and not for all those superficial aspects. The first music video I saw of Gaga in "Just Dance" I was speechless, I didn't have anything negative or positive to say I was just in shock and blown away.  She has the power to entertain and educate an audience while leaving them with a feeling of hope.  Watch any interview that she has ever done (I recommend Oprahs) and you will be blown away by her intelligence.  She has a way of speaking about important cultural issues in a very educated and eloquent manner. It would be a dream come true to ever get a chance to sit down and talk with her about anything because she is truly revolutionary.

Where is the Love?

                               "Roses are Red Violets are Blue; Sugar is sweet and so are you."

       I was really disappointed this year about people's attitudes during Valentines Day.  February 14th is a day to celebrate LOVE in all forms.  I think the common misconception is that Valentines day is just about people who are in serious relationships celebrating the fact that they aren't single.  News flash: every single person in the world has experienced love in some shape or form and just because this year you aren't in a relationship doesn't mean you have to be in a bad mood and expect pity from everyone around you.  I remember in elementary school, before things get complicated with relationships, when we used to make cute little cards and candy for the entire class and boys would surprise you with a kiss on the cheek.  Although this is a very cute idea, I believe it is the start of the common misconception about this day.  Spending money on cards, candy, and flowers is a nice gesture but women who are expecting these gifts are putting too much emphasis on the superficial aspects in the relationship.  

     One of my friends sent her mother a huge bouquet of flowers with a note telling her what a great mother she was and that she loved her; Now this is a perfect example of what this day should be about.  Letting the close family and friends in your life know how much they mean to you and how much you appreciate their greatness is the true meaning of Valentines Day to me.  Two of my closest friends are in long distance relationships and this year I helped both the boys surprise the girls with little gifts.  I honestly think I enjoyed planning and completing the deed more than they did because it felt good to do something and I got to show love.    

☮ ♥ :)

                                                                      

Start a Movement

* I dance because sometimes words just aren't enough*

Do the Right Thing

 A few weeks ago while I was getting my nails done with a dg sister of mine my car (named Mallory the Malibu) was hit in the parking lot.  I was told by a witness that a young teenager in a beemer scraped my left rear while trying to get into her parking spot.  Luckily, she left her daddy's name and number on my windshield.  While talking to the dad, who was very apologetic and extremely nice, he recommended the family body shop for me to go to...when I asked how many times they had used it he replied with a remark about teenage drivers and their driving skills - I quickly changed the subject.  Their families insurance covered it and all was well.  However, the next time we got our nails done my friend's car was hit in the same parking lot!  I understand that some parking lots can be tricky to park in but literally both my friend and I have never had any problems parking.  Her car was hit in the front on the right side, which is a really hard way to hit a car when you are pulling in to park.  Unfortunately, the person who hit her didn't have the common courtesy to leave a note.  Granted my friend drives a very nice BMW, but just because someone has a nice car doesn't mean they don't need to be treated with the same type of  respect.  In her case it's not even about the money, it's more about the hassle of getting her car fixed, which having gone through this myself recently is a lot of work and it affects other people who have to drive you and etc.  Just the feeling that another American citizen would do something like that and not own up to their actions is upsetting.  We have both learned that clearly this parking lot is not a good place to park but more importantly how far simple human decency can really go.  We are all human and we all make mistakes  but when you make one the only way to grow as a person and move on is to own up to it. 


*the damage is a little hard to see in the picture, but you get the point.

Why I Refuse to get My Wisdom Teeth Removed

Warning: Severe laughter may endure, especially during the J.C. rap.  

A big portion of the world has to get their wisdom teeth taken out for various reasons, but after watching this video I'm so glad I'm not one of those people.  But if that situation were ever to change one of my best friends from high school, who actually sent me this video has volunteered to come and film me afterwards (what a great friend :) ). This youtube video has about 178,403 hits, one hundred of them are probably from my friends and I but for this type of home video I think that is pretty successful.  When my eldest sister got hers taken out she was a little loopy herself and kept telling my mom over and over again that the operation only took five minutes but I think this girl was affected by the knock out drugs slightly more.  Now as funny as I think this video is that is not entirely the reason why I decided to post it on my blog.  It was more to make a point about just how small the world can really be.  As I said before my friend from my high school in Florida sent me this video this week and I shared it with my friends here at SMU in Dallas and posted it on my facebook.  Well, a few days later one of my guy friends came up to me and was asking me how I found that video and if I knew the girl.  When I replied no and asked why he told me that he had dated the girl in high school and that he couldn't believe that a girl from his small hometown in Topeka, Kansas had become such a hit.  He then proceeded to tell me what a psycho she was and went into their whole dating story and etc.  While listening to his story I just couldn't get over the fact how small our world really is and especially with the technology we have today. 

Inclement Weather

To those of you who don't know my roommates and I no need to thank us for the snow days but just know that we were the cause.  To all the haters out there who don't believe in our superstitious madness this email is proof of what happens when we don't do our snow rituals. 

 

What are these snow rituals you may ask? Ritual numero uno and the MOST important one of them all: sleep with your pjs on inside out.  Ritual number two: sleep with a spoon under your pillow.  Ritual number three: flush ice cubes down ALL the toilets in your place of residence.  Ritual number four, which was added throughout our snow week to ensure full success rate: run around your kitchen table exactly five times. In all honestly, my roommates were hesitant at first to complete these tasks but after that first night it became routine until the night of Wednesday Feb 2.  Because so many people believed that we were acting stupid, we didn't perform our rituals this night and yes we had school the next day.  Needless to say no one doubts our powers anymore and no one makes fun of the Florida girl's snow superstition knowledge.

Party In Fondren!

Don't let people fool you when they tell you they are going to Fondren "library" because we all know what goes down in Fondy.  I can count the number of times I've been to Fondren on one hand because I actually need to get work done when I go to a legit library.  Exam week was my absolute favorite...I don't know if it was the fact that the lady at the desk kept announcing how many minutes till each event they had would take place ie. waffles in the lobby in way too much detail, the fact that people don't understand the concept of headphones, people forming "study groups" aka social networks about how much they hate to study rather than actually doing it, people talking about their whole life stories on the phone with the speaker phone on (that is not a lie or even an exaggeration), people hooking up in the West Stacks (yes that actually happens) or the fact that is so crowded it takes you thirty minutes just to find a seat/ heaven forbid you try and use a study room without signing up for it.  Don't believe me? Just check peoples' facebook statuses.  The secret to my study success is Bridwell Library.  Yes you can hear a pin drop and everytime you make a sudden moment you get stared at but I need to study within a more professional environment.  Four hours in Bridwell is equivalent to a whole day in Fondren.  Even though college is all about studying and getting your degree, we all know there is so much more to it than that and in order for me to enjoy those aspects I chose not to follow the Fondy trend.