Ramblings of a College Girl

Hey Yellowcard Set Low!

2010-12-11T01:52:00.009-06:00

OMG! someone please pinch me, because I swear the last few days have been a dream.

I've been working on my "concert calender" for a few weeks now. With me now managing a band, concerts and promo are a bigger deal than ever. I've been keeping an eye on a few of the venues in Memphis for some possible shows that could be good promo opportunities...anyway...this is getting off subject.

I'm checking Twitter, which I do like a billion times a day (thank you iPhone!) and see this Tweet from one of my favorite pop punk leading ladies, Cassadee Pope

EXCUSE ME?! SERIOUSLY?! THIS ISN'T A DREAM?!

I would personally like to thank the GENIUS behind this lineup. I could not have put together a more perfect dream tour than these 4 bands. I honestly
don't think I need to say once again how much I ADORE Hey Monday, or idolize Cassadee.

All Time Low: I've been trying to see them live for a few years now. It's one of my dreams to meet the band. They're another one of the one's that have pushed me into following my dreams within the music industry.

Yellowcard: I spent a lot of my high school years with "Ocean Avenue" and "Miles Apart" on repeat.

The Summer Set: While they are a new love, that doesn't make them any less important. My sister saw them last summer & said they were amazing live, so I guess I'll find out for myself soon enough.

Tour dates & venues!

03/25 Sayreville, NJ Starland Ballroom

03/26 Philadelphia, PA Electric Factory

03/28 Washington, DC 9:30 Club

03/29 Charlotte, NC The Fillmore

03/31 Ft Lauderdale, FL Revolution

04/01 Orlando, FL House of Blues

04/02 Atlanta, GA Tabernacle

04/04 St Louis, MO The Pageant

04/05 Kansas City, MO Beaumont Club

04/06 Oklahoma City, OK Diamond Ballroom

04/07 Houston, TX House of Blues

04/08 Dallas, TX Palladium Ballroom

04/09 Austin, TX Stubb's Waller Creek Outdoor Amphitheater

04/11 Tempe, AZ Marquee Theatre

04/12 Los Angeles, CA Club Nokia at LA Live

04/13 Las Vegas, NV House of Blues

04/15 Anaheim, CA Grove of Anaheim

04/16 San Francisco, CA The Warfield Theatre

04/17 Portland, OR Wonder Ballroom

04/18 Seattle, WA Showbox SoDo

04/21 Minneapolis, MN First Avenue

04/22 Milwaukee, WI Eagles Ballroom

04/25 Toronto, ON Sound Academy

04/26 Cleveland, OH House of Blues

04/28 Detroit, MI The Fillmore

04/29 Chicago, IL Congress Theatre

04/30 Cincinnati, OH Bogarts

05/03 New York, NY Best Buy Theater

05/04 Allentown, PA Crocodile Rock

05/05 Clifton Park, NY Northern Lights

05/06 Boston, MA House of Blues

05/07 Baltimore, MD UMBC Fieldhouse

Will you be catching the Dirty Work tour this spring? Which show(s) will you be attending? Which band are you most excited to see?

<3 Jen

I Wish I'd Never Grown Up

2010-10-25T12:41:00.003-05:00

I'm still trying to wrap my head around this weekend. I had Saturday off. The first Saturday I've had off since I started my job. I decided to take the day and spend it with my best friend from high school on her college campus.

I'd forgotten how fun it was to constatly be surrounded by people your own age who are on a similar path as you. We hung out in her room and then caught the football game

The home team won, which was great. It was a good game.

But I still can't get over the fact that all my friends are moving on and I'm still stuck in this rut...this town, this mindset.

In high school I was the social one while my best friend was the one who would spend every night at home studying or catching up on TV shows from that weekend. Now it seems like we've switched roles. I don't think what I'm feeling is jealousy, because I'm really happy that she's finally come out of her shell and become the person that she is right now.

I feel a little left out...a little upset...but I still love her to death. We're on completely different paths right now and it's ok. We'll still be friends 20 years from now because she knows me, things about me, that not many other people do.

Then there's the constant debate of getting back into school. I'm probably going back in the spring & after I finish there I'll have a 2 year degree.

This means that it's time to start looking into 4 year schools to finish out my degree. I think I found a school. I'm in love with the football team and after the virtual tour I took of the campus this morning online...it's beautiful

But I've fallen in love with a campus before only to end up hating the people. I really don't want that to be this school. Their Public Relations program is one of the best in the country though. And with the school that it is, I know I would be getting exactly where I want to be in the next 10 years.

It's all about taking that leap of faith. It's so hard to put your trust in everything...being afraid...I don't want to fail (again). I don't want to let people down. I want to be successful. I want people to remember me.

Someone book me a flight to Neverland, because this "growing up" thing? yeah, it sucks.

<3 Jen

I Could Never Stop Loving Jersey

2010-10-22T13:56:00.004-05:00

I think I've made it pretty evident over the last few years just how much I love HEY MONDAY. They are definitely a major influence to me and one of the many bands that pushed me into doing what I am now.

I'm sure everyone remembers this blog from a few months ago where I talked about HEY MONDAY'S new EP and Jersey leaving the band.

Lucky for us, HEY MONDAY is not the end of Michael "Jersey" Moriarty.

My "obsession" with Jersey probably comes from my little sister who is crazy in love with this guy. When she met him in Memphis over the 4th of July, I swear she talked about it for MONTHS! It's still one of her favorite stories to tell, right up there with the time she met Never Shout Never's Christofer Drew.

That's all besides the point now. If you follow Jersey on Twitter (@omgitsjersey) then you already know that he's putting on new music. I finally had some time to investigate and I'm completely blown away.

I had no idea this bassist had such a voice!! I'm sitting here with his myspace literally on repeat. An acousitc song every now and then is good, and while I usually have to turn them off half way through (not enough "thump" for me!), these songs have completely blown me away.

I'm really upset that I don't live on the east coast. What I would do to see him live right now!

While Jersey hasn't released a physical EP yet, definitely follow his Twitter and Tumblr for all the latest news.

For sure check out the music on Myspace.

I'm definitely surprised by where Jersey has taken life after HEY MONDAY. I'm excited to see where his solo journey leads him.

<3 Jen

P.S. Jersey, if you ever get down here to the south, hit me up! I've got a band that would LOVE to play with you! We could work something out. Good luck! and I can't wait to hear more from you!

24 Hours With...

2010-09-22T15:56:00.009-05:00

What would it be like to spend 24 hours with someone famous? Someone you look up to? A role model?

Work gives me a lot of time to think and this was one of the things that crossed my mind a few nights ago. Actually it was more like "What would it be like to spend 24 hours with Sarah Dessen?" because I think the two of us would get along well, what with our love of pop culture and T.V. and all

I posed the question to my Twitter followers and got some interesting responses; people that I wouldn't normally think typical of a "spend a day with _____" list.

Now, there are some stipulations to this list.

If you choose a celebrity/someone famous, you have to behave as normal as possible. This isn't a "follow a celebrity" type thing. The people on this list, while most are well known for something, are people that I want to talk to, ask questions, get advice from. They're accomplished in their trade or have interesting lives that we can learn from.

So, here goes the list.

Sarah Dessen

So what if she's old enough to be my mom. I've been following her on Twitter for ages & we have so much in common it's almost scary. We ADORE GMA and can't go without it to start our mornings. She got me addicted to Friday Night Lights, one of the BEST T.V. shows in the world. Something about her just seems like she would be a fun person to be around. I'd love to pick her brain about all things writing. Even though I'm not a great fiction/creative writer, I want to get better because I love to write. Maybe Sarah would have some tips for me.

Nick Jonas

Oh come on, you knew he would make this list. Seriously though, for the longest time, I've wanted nothing more than to just TALK to this boy. About what, I don't really know. At only 18, he seems so wise beyond his years. I'd love a chance to sit and talk about life, music, politics, whatever came up.

Diane Sawyer

I'm pretty sure this lady is only part of the reason I'm so interested in journalism. I in no way want to be in front of a camera, but to be the one behind the scenes, asking the hard hitting questions. She's interviewed so many amazing people and been to some of the world's most beautiful places as well as some of the scariest and most dangerous. I'm sure she's got a lot of wisdom and knowledge that she could share with a budding [music] journalist.

Kara DioGuardi

Kara was featured in this month's issue of Seventeen magazine. I had no idea she was as influential to the music industry as she is. For someone who wants to get into the business, I would love to spend a day with her. See what she does, ask her some questions. Learn anything and everything I can about her side of the music industry.

Whitney Port, Lo Bosworth, & Lauren Conrad

I admire these 3 girls so much. They are successful, beautiful, independent 20-somethings. Whitney is a designer, Lo has her blog, and LC...she's done it all: fashion, successful author, inspiring role model. These girls are everything I hope to be over the next 10 years.

Honor Society

Give me 24 hours with these guys: no concert, no music...just a group of friends hanging out, having fun. I seriously want to take these 4 out riding around in my hometown...backroads, windows down, radio turned up, just having fun. Maybe hit up a weekend bonfire or Friday/Saturday night football game. I know for a fact that they're all great guys, all I want is 24 hours to just HAVE FUN!

There you have it. A list of people I would LOVE to spend 24 hours with. What about you? If you had 24 hours, who would you want to spend it with?

<3 Jen

Fall for Fall Television

2010-09-21T14:05:00.004-05:00

ABC is advertising this week as their "Red Carpet Premiere Week," as they should since so many new shows, or fan favorites, are hitting the television screen this week.

With all the advertising they've been doing, it got me to thinking about my own obsession for fall T.V. My "premiere week" started at the beginning of the month with the return of a few of my favorite shows, as well as new shows to fall in love with.

Seeing as I have yet to discover the world that is DVR & Tivo, I spend a lot of my time catching up on these shows on the weekend since I work most nights when they air. My schedule can get a little confusing, but once I break it down into days, it's not that bad.

Monday

The beach, the boys, the drama. I'm a little too young to have watched the original BH 90210 (I've seen some episodes though), but I adore 90210. The season's just starting and already the drama, lies, and secrets are more than anyone is going to be able to handle.

CHUCK'S NOT DEAD!! That was the best news ever as I watched the Season 4 premiere of GG a few weeks ago. I'm already scratching my head though, trying to figure things out and stay one step ahead of Gossip Girl herself. What's going to become of the Dan-Serena-Nate Triangle? What about Chuck & Blair??? and who the heck is the new girl hanging out with Nate?!

Tuesday

Started watching this with my mom last season & became addicted. The people, the stories, and I mean, who doesn't love Bob & Jillian yelling at you to work a little harder. I usually end up crying by the end & feeling the need to spend the next 24 hrs in the gym.

Wednesday

Tyra Banks, fashion, catfights...do I need to say more?

LOVE LOVE LOVE this show!! It's based in my FAVORITE city in the whole wide world, Memphis, Tennessee, so you get tons of beautiful shots of the river and downtown. And just last week, I found out that Ashley Tisdale's character, Savannah, is from Millington! *starts humming "It's a Small World" theme* Millington, for those of you who don't religiously stalk me on Twitter, is where Justin Timberlake is from, where my mom's childhood best friend lives. I visit Millington more than Memphis itself. So yes, I had a minor freak out over that. Anyway..back to the point. The show is only 2 episodes in, but I think it's going to be completely amazing. I'm excited to see what challenge they throw at Marty next.

Thursday

AHHHH!!! I am beyond excited for the new season of GA! After that major shooting that ended last season, and Mer losing the baby, I can already tell that this season is going to be full D-R-A-M-A.

What shows are you guys obsessing over this fall? Maybe I'll add a few of them to my weekly line-up.

<3 Jen

Gingers Make Me Smile

2010-09-20T13:57:00.004-05:00

I don't know why, but since I was little I've always had a thing for gingers. When I was in kindergarten there was a kid in the class room next to mine who I had a MAJOR crush on. He was my first "red head."

Then there was junior high, where I was kinda crazy about this red headed musician in my class. After him, there was the guy who's locker was next to mine all through freshman year. If, for some strange reason, he stumbles across this and remembers his locker was next to mine, yes...I had a HUGE crush on you.

Oh, and then high school...where the kid from kindergarten ended up moving to the same school as me during our senior year...he was every bit of adorable as I remembered him to be.

But those guys don't even begin to touch on my love for gingers. Check out all these guys with fiery locks that have this girl going crazy.

and that's just the guys...so many of my favorite actresses and female singers are ginger as well.

So, next time you wanna pick on a hair color, remember that this girl has a soft spot for the guys (and gals) with hair like fire. Mess with them, and you mess with me.

<3 Jen

Forget Blondes, College Girls Have More Fun

2010-09-20T13:17:00.004-05:00

Admit it, college life is hard. College life for a girl, even harder. For the majority of us, college is the first time we've ever really been on our own: away from mom and dad, friends, teachers, grandparents...anyone that had a hand in raising us.

It's tough to be away from all those people. Trust me, I've been there. It's even harder when you're a freshman walking onto campus for the first time and the only thing you know about college is what you've seen on T.V., in movies, or the horror stories you heard from older friends/relatives.

When I go into something new, I do all kinds of research on the subject. The same goes for college. No one in my family, outside of my ultra conservative cousin, had really gone to college before. I was nervous and scared out of my mind. A few google searches later and I had found some blogs that have become like water to me. I literally can't go a day without them. Written by college girls (and guys!), for the average college student, these blogs have yet to disappoint. I hope they provide as much guidence and inspiration for you as they have for me.

College Fashion
I LOVE this blog! I've never been good at dressing like a "fashionista" but I've always known designers and labels. In my high school it was all about club shirts, jeans, sweats, and Uggs. Not too many girls dressed like they owned the runway. This blog completely changed the way I see fashion. I always considered fashion to be something that was just on the runways at Fashion Week or on the red carpet at award shows. It never occured to me that I could actually transfer the looks I saw in my favorite T.V. shows or movies into my real life. The website profiles tons of different looks, all on a college girl's budget. So if you're looking for this fall's must have items, or just want to find a different way to wear the stuff already in your closet, definitely check out the site. OH! and follow them on Twitter

College Candy
College Candy is definitely a must read for real life college advice. These girls & guys don't sugar coat ANYTHING. From dorm life to parties, hook ups and break ups, this site covers every aspect of college life. Tread lightly though, some readers could find the honesty to be a little much. Me, I enjoy the site more than I should and find it a great representation of college life from college kids. It's not always as perfect as Hollywood makes it seems. With different sections and articles covering anything you could want/need advice on, College Candy has a little bit of it all. You can follow them on Twitter too.

Every College Girl
I actually stumbled across this blog earlier this morning. I haven't had much of a chance to puruse the site, but it looks like it's got a lot of good stuff in it. The layout is fairly simple and easy to navigate, with stories and articles every college girl will easily relate to.

So there you have it...my list of blogs that no college girl should live without. Don't just take my word for it though. Check them out for yourself & then let me know what you think. I have a feeling you guys will become just as addicted to them as I am. :)

<3 Jen

I've Got A Rockband

2010-09-19T12:05:00.006-05:00

I've had this song

stuck in my head all week. Probably because I can relate to it a lot right now. Life is changing quite rapidly as I type this. I've never been a huge fan of change, but know it's necessary to life, so I've learned to embrace it. While some changes aren't always good, changes are what cause us to grow as people. They are what create the atmosphere for some of life's greatest adventures.

I'm setting out on a new adventure & I couldn't be more excited about it. If you're a faithful reader of my blog, you know how my dreams and goals have changed over the last few years. I went from wanting to be a history major with a foreign language minor, to discovering my love and passion for music and writing.

I've joked about working for Pete Wentz, writing for Rolling Stone magazine, even doing PR work for MTV...with this change in life, all those dreams could one day be a reality.

Recently, life gave me another chance to live out one of my dreams: promoting and managing a band.

That's right people, I'm managing and promotiong my very first band!

Such Great Heights is a group of people with major talent. I can't wait to begin the journey we're embarking on. I've known a few of the members for what seems like my entire life. The music is amazing and I can't wait until I have the chance to share it with the entire world. These guys (and gal!) have all the drive and talent it takes to make it in the music industry today; or at least I think they do.

I'm not sure what the future holds for all of us, but I know that if we give it our all, there's nothing that we won't be able to do. We've got some big goals, and even crazier dreams, and I have faith that we'll accomplish all that we set out to do.

Check out the band on Facebook and follow them on Twitter

Lots of new and exciting stuff coming in the next few weeks. I can't wait for you guys to see it all. Make sure you're following those accounts for all the latest news.

<3 Jen

Dream as if You'll Live Forever...

2010-09-06T09:44:00.004-05:00

Growing up in a small town in the south, as a kid I wanted nothing more than to be a cheerleader. I would spend recess with my friends practicing cheers we had seen at the pep rally the week before, turn flips on the flip bar, watch the boys play football. To me there was no higher calling, no one cooler than a high school cheerleader.

When I got to middle school, the desire to be a cheerleader got worse. All the boys were playing pee wee football. I went to the games and sat on the bleachers, sometimes the sidelines, cheering on the guys. 6th grade year rolled around and one of the moms decided it was time to have a pee wee cheerleading squad. I was so excited and begged my mom to let me sign up.

Being out there, on the track, cheering & screaming, was something I lived for. I loved pumping the crowd up. I liked seeing their faces when there was a good play on the field. I liked being with my friends and I LOVED cheering on those boys. I thought that life couldn't get any better.

See, when I was in the 4th grade, I had my life all planned out. I was going to be a high school cheerleader, date a football player, become high school royalty. I thought that was the point of life. I was going to find my soul mate the minute I sat down in my freshmen english class that first semester of high school. We would be high school sweet hearts, grow old on the front porch together.

I know, you're laughing right? Looking back on it now, so am I. I tried out for cheerleading for the next 2 years, never once making the junior high squad. As much as it killed me not to be a part of that elite club, those days I spent in practice leading up to try-outs, taught me a lot of lessons.

like:

Never give up

If one person looks bad we all look bad

Be a team player

Keep your arms strong and your head up!

SMILE!!

So life didn't want me to be a high school cheerleader and live the "southern dream," that's okay. I learned how to be a cheerleader in other ways. I always say that I'm not a star, but no matter what you do, I'll be your biggest cheerleader. That's my job.

I support the people I love. Whether it's from the sidelines, the auditorium chair, backstage at the show...I cheer.

<3 Jen

Heartbeats for Stereo Skyline

2010-09-03T10:17:00.003-05:00

NEW BAND ALERT

Stereo Skyline

I found these guys a few weeks ago during some random YouTube surfing. I wasn't immediately in love, but the music and lyrics were catchy enough that I kept them on my iPod. This last week though, I've had nothing but Stereo Skyline on repeat.

I've been in one of those strangely happy moods where I want nothing but infectious pop music that makes you turn the stereo up while singing and dancing like a fool. Their music is just that. I burned an old school mix CD with Tongue Tied on it and drove around town listening to only that song.

Their debut album, Stuck on Repeat, was released earlier this summer.

The name says it all. Stuck on Repeat is literally an album you will have stuck on repeat. I find myself randomly humming their songs A LOT this week.

My personal favorites?

Tongue Tied
I LOVE the play on words in this song! Everyone has that moment when they run into someone that they really like and they're completely speechless and have no clue what to say, but you know with all your heart that you want to be "tongue tied" with that person. yeah...it goes there and I LOVE IT!

Heartbeat
The melody in this song is amazing. You can literally feel the song beating like a heartbeat.

A Little More Us
This so is so cute! It's hard for me to explain exactly what I like about it. It's got a pretty cute story line that does a lot of back and forth with the lyrics.

Downtown: really cute song. I liked it a lot.

Wanna know more about the band? Check them out on the web!

Myspace
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
PureVolume
Ustream

<3 Jen

Every Girl Needs a Little Brother

2010-09-01T14:41:00.004-05:00

I don't know when this kid got so big. It seems like yesterday that I was going to the hospital and looking at him through the glass and now he's in junior high, playing football, and dating girls.

Can we just pause time right here? He's growing up way too fast for me.

<3 Jen

Lucky 7 2010 Edition

2010-09-01T11:10:00.007-05:00

About a year and a half ago, I wrote this blog about my Lucky 7, my future Hollywood Hookups.

Over the last year, that list has changed, A LOT! So I thought it was about time I updated the list with all the new guys I've fallen for in the last year. Musicians, actors, and one guy that I just can't stop talking about.

Let the countdown begin!

#7 Liam Hemsworth
Miley's now ex-beau caught mine, as well as every other girls attention, when he played Will in Nicholas Sparks's The Last Song. Besides being EXTREMELY good looking, this guy has one heck of an Austrailian accent. YES PLEASE!

#6 Travis Clark

A ginger musician, for this gal, it doesn't get much better than that. Met Travis in December at a show, where I had a complete fan girl moment because "TRAVIS FREAKIN CLARK" was standing behind me. We talked for a total of 5 minutes, but it was literally the best 5 minutes of my life.

#5 Nick Jonas

Last years number one guy has fallen a few spots! OH NO! It was a huge year for Nick: solo album and tour, Les Mis on the West End in London, Camp Rock 2, Jonas. Let's not forget that in just a few short weeks Jailbait Jonas will be jailbait no more! Where are my Nick J cougars at?!

#4 Phil Bensen

Hey look! It's me and my boyfriend Phil Bensen...ok...so the guy's not REALLY my boyfriend, but he is one heck of a guy. I ran into him when I went to OKC with some friends to see Push Play. He was touring with them as their opening act and was just kinda hanging around the venue. Since no one knew who he was it was super easy to stand around and have a normal conversation with him. 30H!3 is our band, he taught me how to box, saved me from the security guards trying to kick me out after the show, and told me to never get drunk and tweet in New Orleans. The guy is adorable and when he really smiles, it's pretty special. I'd kill to run into this Jersey boy again.

#3 Munro Chambers

If you haven't discovered this boy yet, well I'm glad you found him here. Munro Chambers is my new obsession, as well as the show he plays on, Degrassi. Those eyes, that hair, the half smile, half smirk thing he does....HOTT! There really is no other word to describe this guy. Me being the great friend I am though, promised to keep my "Munroitis" at bay since one of my besties already called dibs. Yo Munro, if things don't work out, give me a call!

#2 Alexander Noyes
HUGE leap up the chart for this man! When I wrote the first Lucky 7, Alex was just a drummer in one of my favorite bands. Since then, I've had the opportunity to meet him on more than one occassion. This guy is genuine and sweet, any girls dream. It doesn't hurt that he's extremely sexy when banging away on those drums. :D And anyone that saw the Here Comes Trouble tour knows that this boy can sing! Alex, get at me! We could have some fun!

ANNNNNNNNNNNND DRUM ROLL PLEASE!! my number one guy this year is...

????????
I can't name him! Oh, I know who he is, but he's not getting named, not on here. He's not famous, but he's pretty important to me and I would trade any time spent with those 6guys to be around this one for even a minute.

So there it is, my lucky 7. Any of them make your list? Who have you been obsessing over and no one better date mention that "justin" kid...

<3 Jen

This California Girl has a Teenage Dream

2010-08-26T08:26:00.004-05:00

I'm always Hot N Cold (yes, pun intended) when it comes to Katy Perry. Her songs are always a little hit and miss with me, but I can't help but catch myself humming along.

I absolutely adore Teenage Dream. The melodies are pure and simple pop. The lyrics are quite adorable and relateable, which is something I always look for in a song. From falling in love for the first time, to dealing with a rough break up, this album has it all.

My favorite tracks? Hummingbird Heartbeat, Teenage Dream, and of course California Gurls (I was born in Cali, I have to say that)

Definitely pick up a copy of this album. It's one that you will keep by your stereo, in your car, on your iPod, for months.

<3 Jen

Just the Way You Are

2010-08-25T14:56:00.004-05:00

You've heard him sing with some of this summer's biggest hit-makers, but now, Bruno Mars is breaking out on his own. His hit single, Just the Way You Are, is currently blowing up the charts.

I've been in love with Bruno Mars and his voice since I heard him singing with B.o.B earlier this summer. I think this album is going to be a HUGE hit when it comes out on October 5.

<3 Jen

What's Happening to Hey Monday??

2010-08-25T10:50:00.009-05:00

Seriously, I've been putting this off since last Tuesday. I had such high hopes for Hey Monday's new EP, that I thought I must be missing something when I listened to it and 3 songs in I had to turn it off. I mean, it shot to #1 on iTunes alternative charts the day it came out and #3 on iTunes Top Ten. That had to mean something right?? So, I went to check out the reviews on the album, and finally I didn't feel so alone. While reviews were mixed, many of the ones I read wanted to know the same thing I did, "What happened to Hey Monday?"

Hold on Tight was one of my favorite albums of 2008. I literally kept the album on repeat my entire freshmen year of college. I told everyone I knew about them and constatly compared them to Paramore.

When I found out that they were releasing new music this summer, I, like many other fans, got excited. I counted down the days until Beneath It All was released. I followed the band on Twitter religiously for any news on the album and listened to the songs as the band released them on Myspace.

Then the album actually came out. I downloaded it and like I said, 3 songs in I had to turn it off. This wasn't the Hey Monday I had fallen in love with. In fact, this wasn't even pop punk/punk rock/alternative music.

While all of the album wasn't awful, I wish they would have taken the time to make it a full album like originally planned and not just an EP. I'm gonna go through song by song and give a review/rating of each.

Wish You Were Here 3/5 stars
The music and lyrics are pretty catchy. There's really not much to it though. It's the same few lines over and over again. After about a minute and a half, that gets stale.

Best lyric: Here's my Hollywood ending calling
Every day fades to black
Sick and tired of pretending, darling
That you'll ever come back

Wondergirl 4/5 stars
I really like this song. I think it says a lot for female empowerment & not letting a guy control your life. It's like a big "F*ck you" to every guy that has ever done a girl wrong. This girl, the minute she gets free of the guy, he wants her to come back and save him, but she won't.

Best lyric: "Be your wonder girl, not gonna save you
Wonder girl, go save yourself"

I Don't Wanna Dance 4.5/5 stars
This song is the lead single off the EP. I think Hey Monday made a great choice in choosing this as their single. The song has the typical Hey Monday sound with catchy lyrics and an infectious melody.

Best lyric: I can't pick just one!! It's soooo good! :D

Hangover 5/5 stars
I LOVE the metaphors in this song! I can't say that enough. I've never had a hangover, but I have had my heart broken and I can tell you, if/when that ever happens again, this will be one of the first songs I go to. My immediate reaction to this song was that it was a somewhat girly-er version of Boys Like Girls "Love Drunk." I think it paints a great image of what a bad break up feels like.

Best lyric: It's the short hellos and the long goodbyes
The shake in my lip from the look in your eyes
Makes me want to die
I've got the worst hangover from you

Mr. Pushover 1/5 stars
Don't even get me started on this song. The country vibe, the lyrics that have NO depth...seriously, slow it down, add an acoustic guitar and this could totally pass as a Taylor Swift song. I feel sorry for whoever Mr. Pushover is for even being included on this album.

Best lyric: are you kidding me?!

Where Is My Head 4.5/5 stars
AHHH! Another classic Hey Monday song! Every had someone that you knew was bad for you but you just didn't care? That's this song. I love the lyrics, the music, it's everything I would expect from Hey Monday. Remember the "good girl" from Cobra Starship's, Good Girls Go Bad? Figuaratively, I could see this song being written by the "good girl." I love it!

Best lyric: I might be modest on the outside looking in
But your mouth and body's got the best of me

Don't just take my word for it, though. Here are reviews from some other, more credible sources.

Beneath It All is enjoyable enough, but it feels woefully incomplete.
Alt Press

Bad girl gone good? That seems to be the premise behind the Florida pop punkers torn EP that’s more karaoke-ready than a horrid 90s’ hits compilation. Beneath It All consoles you with a striking pop construction but force feeds you images of Kelly Clarkson (“I Don’t Wanna Dance”) and an edgy Taylor Swift with an innocent butterfly tattoo. Not all is lost with singer Cassadee Pope as her vocals do their best Cartel impression on “Where Is My Head”, but one adolescent anthem will regrettably spit out the “one of these things is not like the other” expression.

Download: “Where Is My Head”
Blame Magazine

If these are the best six songs that were selected from the original lineup, whatever got left on the studio floor would be rough on the ears
IDOBI Network

And just when I thought that this "sophomore slump" couldn't get any worse, Hey Monday's bassist, Jersey, has decided to leave the band. He wrote a letter to his fans via Tumblr. Then followed up with this note thanking his fans for all their support and well wishes.

Hopefully this doesn't spell the end for Hey Monday and they'll be able to pull out one killer album next time around. This fan will wait, somewhat unpatiently, for that day.

<3 Jen

Today is the First Day of the Rest of My Life

2010-08-23T09:59:00.002-05:00

Today marks a huge day in the "Life of Jen" saga. Today, for the first time in 15 years I am not joining my classmates in going back to school. It's a bittersweet day for me and I can't help but wonder if I made the right choice taking some time off. Then I look at the things I'm doing that I wouldn't have the time to do if I was still trying to balance a full course load.

I miss that I won't get to tailgate or go to football games this fall.

I miss living on campus.

I miss being around people my age that just get it.

I miss living drama free.

I miss the excitement that comes with living on campus.

I miss cafe food. (I KNOW! I didn't think I would either)

I miss stay up until 3, getting up at 7, and napping between classes.

But I love that I have the time to do what I'm doing now. Some friends of mine are revamping their band and giving it a serious run for their money. We're working on our dreams, as a team. I didn't realize until this weekend how hard it is to actually get a band up and running. Writing music & then playing it is hard, but so is the promotional type work. This weekend alone I've made about a billion list of everything I know of that successful bands have done to gain the success they have. It's a lot harder than one would think.

Finding venues to play

Coming up with merch ideas & prices

Creating social media pages (graphics, links, info, blogs, music)

Coming up with ideas for photo shoots

Contacting people to review the few demos the band has

STREET TEAMS!

Promo packs

I wouldn't change it though. For the first time in a long time my life actually feels like it has direction and purpose. The girl who could never see past Friday night is actually looking into the future and seeing things she could have never imagined and a reality she never thought could be her's.

I hope you guys continue to follow me in this journey. It's gonna be a long, bumpy ride, but aren't the most interesting stories the ones that aren't easy? The journeys that inspire us to really reach for our dreams? I hope I'm doing that for all of you and that my story helps at least one person go "If she can do it, so can I!"

To everyone, especially those freshmen (college or high school), enjoy the time you have. Make friends. Create memories. LIVE IT UP!

"It's the only life you've got, so you gotta live it big time."

<3 Jen

The Boys of Fall

2010-08-19T13:53:00.009-05:00

Summer is coming to an end. I can't believe that September is right around the corner. While this summer wasn't as amazing as last summer (can't road trip across country to Vegas every year) was, I definitely made quite a few memories. Packing up and saying good bye to friends is always hard, but fall brings about a different kind of excitement. New classes, new friends, reconnecting with old friends and catching up on all your summer adventures. My favorite part of going back to school...the boys. I always spend plenty of time with my girlfriends during the summer but it seems like I never get enough time with the guys, whether it be my best guy buds or the cutie at the beach. This fall, while everyone's going crazy about the new star quarterback or the mysterious guy in art class, these boys are the ones I'll be spending my time obsessing over.

Gossip Girl is back! and with it comes 3 of my favorite guys ever: Ed Westwick, Penn Badgley, and Chace Crawford

After last season's major cliff hanger, it'll be interesting to see what's in store for these 3 guys' characters. Last any of us saw, Chuck had been shot & left for dead.

but wait?? Chuck's ALIVE?! and Dan's a baby daddy?! and Nate...well he seems to be doing a little of what I like to call the "old Chuck Bass."

So, you go enjoy the football game and have fun chatting up the cuties in the library. Me, I'll get out every now and then for some fresh air, food, and good ole human interaction, but don't you dare disturb me on Mondays at 9 pm/8 CST after September 13. I'll be spending that hour with these 3 gorgeous men.

XOXO
Jen

P.S. Team Chuck? Team Dan? Team Nate?

Introducing Me

2010-08-18T15:27:00.006-05:00

For the last two days I've been working on a mix CD for a friend. We got to talking about music last weekend and he hadn't heard of half of my favorite bands. I realized that I needed to fix that, and fast. Thus the idea for the mix CD was born. As I sat thinking about what songs I should put on it, I began to think of songs that made me who I am today; the bands and songs that shaped my views, helped me through messy break-ups, friends stabbing me in the back, whatever life moment that put me where I am at this point in my life.

After working on it, I couldn't not share it with you guys.

What song(s) made you who you are? Any that, no matter where you are or who you're with, you have to stop what you're doing and sing along?

<3 Jen

What the World Needs Now Is Love...

2010-08-12T15:05:00.003-05:00

I know I've mentioned it before, but my faith is a major part of who I am. My family is super conservative and very Christian based. As a kid, I followed everything I was taught and told, because that's what I was suppose to do. I was baptized at 13 and was on my way to being the "perfect" Christian girl. I was gonna grow up, get married, marry a good Christian boy, and have babies that would grow up to be "good Christians." My entire life, I've followed that idea; I've been nothing but the "good little Christian girl," never stepping a toe out of line. I've stayed away from everything that I was taught was bad and would separate me from God: sex, drugs, alcohol...I did all this because that's what I was "suppose" to do, what was expected of me. The older I get, the more I realized that just because this is what I was raised to believe doesn't mean my opinions about them have to be just like my family's. I'm not going to go out and have lots of random sex, but I'm not completely sure I agree with waiting until I'm married anymore. Drugs are just no good. I don't have any plans on EVER getting involved with them. Alcohol...I'm still on the fence about that one. What I've always been taught and what I've taught myself is that it's not drinking that's a "sin," but drunkenness. Drinking can lead to that, so, for me, it's just easier to stay away from it completely.

But I say all that to talk about another touchy subject in my extremely conservative, Christian family: homosexuality. I'm probably gonna get some hate for the next half of this blog, but please remember: everyone is raised with certain morals and values and these were/are mine. You don't have to agree with me, but I do hope that you respect me enough and understand that I'm entitled to my own opinion.

From the time I was little I was taught that homosexuality is wrong, a sin in the eyes of God (a fact that is taught in the majority of Christian churches where I live). I was around 7 the first time I ever remember using the term "gay." I don't know where I learned it from or how I even got a basic idea of what the word meant. At the time, I thought the word meant that you loved someone who was the same sex as you, which, technically isn't that far from the actually definition. Problem? I was playing with my cousin and said that he was gay for loving his dad. With the vague definition I had of the word, I wasn't wrong. My uncle, at the time a preacher in our denomination, chewed me out to the point that I was in tears. I had no clue what I had done wrong and didn't understand where I was wrong. Gay was all about loving someone like you, right? It would be years before I truly learned the connotation behind the word and understand what it was that had made my uncle so mad that night. After that night, I knew that the word "gay" wasn't something to be taken lightly. If something small like that made my uncle, who NEVER yelled, that upset, I knew it was something serious.

Junior High and High School are probably where I got the most exposure to homosexuality. There were always a few kids, most of them guys, that people would talk about and speculate about their orientation, but even then it was never a major issue. Maybe that was a blessing of living in a small town. Most of us accept each other for who/what we are. There was a kid in my driver's ed class that everyone would talk about, but he was just too cute, in my opinion, to be like that. Imagine how upset I was when at the homecoming dance that fall he preferred to dance with a senior guy and not me. After I realized that he really was gay, and it wasn't just kids talking, I accepted it and moved on. That's just who he was...err..is and it never bothered me or anyone else. Maybe this is the moment that I began to pull away from my traditional family values.

People are people and as a straight female, I don't want someone to tell me who I can or can't love because who I love doesn't fit their idea of "right" or "normal." How is that fair?! I know what my faith teaches, but I also know that living a life of fear and shame isn't a life anyone should have to live. I'm sure everyone has heard about Prop 8 out in California. While I don't really talk about it with my family, I'm glad it was repealed. I can't imagine what it must be like to feel so scared or ashamed of your lifestyle that you have to hide it from the people that should understand and love you no matter what: your family. To live in fear that those who are suppose to always be there for you won't accept you the way you are, I just can't even begin to try to put myself in those shoes.

So where does a "good Christian girl" get off on a tangent talking about homosexuality? Degrassi. I was catching up on last night's episode this morning. This season, for the first time (I'm pretty sure) in television history, a teen drama is featuring a major storyline on a FTM (Female to Male) transgender character, Adam.

His story had me in tears. I've fallen in love with awkward, adorable Adam and to see his character going through this really made me think. I honestly can't imagine what life for a transgender must be like. I know it's hard enough for me to "fit in" and according to society I'm "normal."

The best thing about the story line? Adam has a family that, for the most part, accepts him. His friends, while they may not completely understand, still accept him for who he is. The worst? The bullying and teasing that is unfortunately part of it. I know it shouldn't be, but you can't deny the fact that people will always question what they don't understand. Kids bully and make others feel inferior, but adults are no better with their stares and whispers. To wonder when people, especially your family and friends will accept you, or even if they ever will. I dye my hair and my family freaks out. Trying to get people to accept something as important as who you are as a person...I just can't wrap my mind around it.

I think this story line will be a great conversation starter, whether it's kids who are looking for a way to explain to their parents and friends what they're going through or for someone like me to be educated on the topic and start a discussion with my friends. LGBT is a cause that this conservative, Christian girl thinks needs more attention. No one should feel ashamed, scared, or have to deny who they are.

For more information on LGBT check out this site.

What about you? Do you like Adam's story line? Does it make you want to be more involved in a fight for equality? Those of you that have been watching Degrassi as long as I have, do you see any similarities between what Adam is dealing with and what Marco went through when trying to come out to his friends and family? Comment with your thoughts on the subject or Degrassi: The Boiling Point in general.

<3 Jen

Are You an L.A. Baby?

2010-07-21T15:03:00.005-05:00

They've done it again. Just when I think I can't fall anymore in love with Joe, Nick, and Kevin than I already am, they create something completely breath-taking that makes me realize how lucky we fans are to have them in our lives.

The new Jonas L.A. soundtrack is nothing short of absolutely amazing. I downloaded the album on Tuesday and have had it on repeat ever since. Unlike the JONAS season 1 soundtrack, these songs are a lot more true to the Jonas Brothers sound (and not nearly as cheesy. Pizza Girl anyone?). The songs fit into the new feel of this show effortlessly. If you're looking for that song to help define your summer, I almost guarantee you can find it on the Jonas L.A. soundtrack. From summer love, to driving around town with all your friends, this album has it all. Once you turn it on, you'll have a hard time turning it off.

Check out some of the amazing songs (and their videos!) below and don't forget to watch Jonas L.A. when it airs Sundays at 8:30 EST/7:30 CST on Disney Channel and go pick up a copy of this soundtrack!

When Two Different Worlds Collide..

2010-07-19T14:30:00.003-05:00

I live in a lot of different worlds. There's my family world, my friend world, my music world, my blog world, my Twitter world...somehow all these world can exist together. But what's a girl to do when she lives in two worlds where the people don't exactly get along? Well, as of right now, I haven't figured that out. Maybe I'll have a better grip on where I stand by the time I'm done here.

I remember EXACTLY where I was when this world

came into mine. I was in the 4th grade. After lunch, followed by a long recess chasing boys and swinging, my class would come in and Mrs. Farmer would read to us for 20-30 minutes before we got back to work. We read some pretty awesome books in her class, but the day she started reading Harry Potter would be the day my world completely changed. The class flew through Sorcerer's Stone and Chamber of Secrets. By the time Prisoner of Azkaban came out, the majority of my class had their own copy and would read along (or ahead). These students were the ones that made Mrs. Farmer quit reading Harry Potter to us. It didn't matter, I was hooked.

My tween/teen/young adult life has been dedicated to watching these 3 kids grow up.

A story of bravery, friendship, courage, loyalty, full of characters that ANYONE could identify with.

I was always Hermione.

Back when being a girl and being smart got you teased for no reason, she was a pillar of strength in my young life. Here was a girl saying "I'm gonna be smart, and kick major ass while doing it!" There were times when even she had to let her guard down and be a bit vulnerable, but even then her courage and strength were something I looked up to and wanted to emmulate. As I got older, I not only realized that Hermione was more than that. I feel like I owe so much of who I am as a young woman today to her character. I don't take "no" for an answer. If you tell me I can't, I'll show you I can. I'm guarded when it comes to love and relationships, but once I'm in, I'm 100% in, fully committed. I value my friends and family above all else and would do ANYTHING to protect them. Also, we both had that AWFUL, unruly, curly hair as kids that we FINALLY managed to learn how to tame! :)

Once I fully discovered the world of Harry Potter, it was midnight book releases, seeing the movies on the weekends it came out, t-shirts, toys, stuffed animals, you name it, I probably had some version of it with Harry's face on it.

So, what's a girl to do when another massively huge fandom comes knocking at the door? That's right, I'm talking about Twilight.

I know! I know! but hear me out. I became a fan of Twilight back in '05 (I think, the dates are a little fuzzy), before the movies, before Team Edward/Team Jacob, before Rob, Kristen, Taylor. One of my friends had been reading Twilight and told me I should check it out since I liked Harry Potter so much. This was around Thanksgiving of that year. At Christmas, with a little extra cash in my pocket, I set out on a hunt for this "Twilight" book that my friend loved so much. I searched EVERY store! Books a Million, Barnes & Noble, Wal-Mart, Target...I tried them all! No one had the book (and now it won't go away! oh the irony..)FINALLY, hidden away on the bottom self, all the way in the back of the teen section at Hastings, I find a paperback copy for something like $10.

I'm a girl, so I automatically fell in love with the romance of Twilight. Hard core romance was the one thing Harry Potter lacked. I loved every bit of it. My old copy of Twilight sits on my shelf, just as battered and bruised as my Harry Potter books.

Just like with Potter, midnight book releases and movie premieres became my life. I think I was looking for something to cling to while I waited desperately for the final Harry Potter book. Twilight was that for me.

So yeah...I live in two COMPLETELY DIFFERENT worlds. Sometimes they fight with each other, and everyone is always trying to make one better than the other, but hey, I do the same thing with my siblings on a daily basis.

I ♥ Harry
Team Emmett
Hermione is my hero
Still think Bella should have gone with Jacob
Ron will always be my favorite red-head (after Travis Clark!)

Bottom line? I can't choose sides. I won't choose sides.

"I'm Switzerland! I'm neutral."

♥ Jen

p.s. Potter had Rob first. Twilight made him a star, but Harry Potter brought him a little more into the public eye.

Hannah Montana Forever

2010-07-11T18:45:00.001-05:00

It's hard to believe that just 4 years ago, this was how the world knew Miley Cyrus.

A virtual no body who was starring in a brand new Disney Channel show about a Southern girl who lives a double life as world famous rockstar, Hannah Montana.

Today (even though I am WAY older than the target audience), I will sit down with tons of other fans across the U.S. to watch the beginning of the end, Hannah Montana Forever.

There's a lot I could say about Miley and Hannah, but they say a picture's worth a thousand words, so here's a whole bunch of pictures. We're all gonna miss you Miley. I can't wait to see what else the future holds for you.

<3 Jen

Punch Drunk Love for The Summer Set

2010-07-09T13:39:00.020-05:00

I've been converted and not in the religious sense of the word. Recently I've been hearing a ton about this band "The Summer Set" and last night I finally decided to see what all the buzz was about. WOOOOOW was I completely blown away. I've spent the morning listening to some of their songs and can't believe I haven't given these guys (and gal) a chance before this.

If you're like me, you have NO CLUE who The Summer Set is, what they do, where they're from, so here's a quick 411 on the band.

Hailing from Scottsdale, Arizonia, The Summer Set is a pop punk band that formed in 2007. In November of that year they released their first EP

In April of 2008, The Summer Set signed a record deal with The Militia Group. Over the summer they released their second EP

By December 2008, the band was releasing their third EP

The Summer Set released their first full length album Love Like This in October 2009.

Since then the band has made appearances at this year's Bamboozle, played along other pop punk bands like Hey Monday, The Cab, Never Shout Never, and Every Avenue on the AP Tour, and is currently performing on the 2010 Vans Warped Tour.

This month they rereleased Love Like This. The rereleased album includes a bonus CD of Taylor Swift covers.

Members

pictures (myspace.com/thesummerset)

Songs To Fall in Love With

Sites

Official Site

Myspace

Facebook

Individual band twitters are linked in member's pics above :)

I hope you guys enjoy The Summer Set's music as much as I now do. Be sure to check them out on the last few dates of the Vans Warped Tour and pick up a copy of "Love Like This".

<3 Jen

Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better

2010-07-07T11:09:00.009-05:00

I've always believed in the fact that anything a boy can do, a girl can do just as well (if not better! right, girls?) This is why, at the age of 11, I made my step-dad teach me how to start a car. At 12 I forced him to teach me how to drive the riding lawn mower. If my boy cousins could do all that, why couldn't I? Just because I'm a girl doesn't make me incapable of learning and doing. It was this same type rebellion that led me to taking shop class with all the guys my freshman year of high school. Ok, so my motive for that one was getting into other agriculture classes when I got into my junior and senior year, but still, not many girls venture willingly into any kind of dirty, greasy shop. Here I was, one of about 3 girls, in a class full of guys learning a router saw from a ban saw and the difference between MIG and oxy-acetylene welding. Add on to all of this my passion for sports and one might think I had been raised with a group of rough and rowdy boys. Truth? I come from a world where estrogen is Queen.

I think all of this is the reason I have MAD respect for the women I see in the music industry. They're living in a, for the most part, male dominated world and giving the guys a run for their money. Sure there are tons of female solo artists out there (Miley, Gaga, Britney, Xtina...the list could go on), and they're great, but I want to focus on the girls out there who are in a boy's world every day that they're on tour, rehearsing, or just hanging out with the band. I'm talking about female lead singers of male dominate bands.

To even begin to talk about this subject, I think it's important to address the girl who brought the idea into mainstream music. Sure, female lead singers have been around for ages, but it seems to me that Hayley Williams, lead singer for Paramore, made it okay for girls to embrace playing such a role in music.

Hayley brought a different dynamic to the role of female lead singer. Here was a girl, with a bunch of guys, who wasn't a typical show girl. She wasn't out there just to look good and sing well. Finally, there was a girl on the scene who showed that it was okay to be a little rough around the edges. She brings a different idea of what being a girl means. Before Hayley, I don't remember many punk rock, "emo" girls actually owning the personality, the look. To me, Hayley made it ok for us girls to rock out just as hard as the guys. It was cool to wear studded jewelry, cut your hair and dye it outrageous colors. Girls could be rock and roll and still hang on to being girly. We started rocking straight leg jeans and everyone owned at least one pair of Converse.

In an interview with Absolute Punk in May of 2007, Hayley commented on the aspect of being a girl in an all guy band.

We don’t look at ourselves as everybody else does, as this girl-fronted band that’s limited by so many things just because it’s a girl. I think we have more opportunities and we are available to do more things. It’s retarded. Just because I have boobs AP.net has a couple more threads about Paramore. It’s weird. Whatever, I don’t care. We make music for people to enjoy music, not so people can talk about my sexuality.

I've written about my love for Hey Monday on a number of occasions and when people used to ask me about them I would compare them to Paramore, because honestly, Paramore was the only band out there that even begins to touch on what Hey Monday is. I think a lot of it has to do with this girl right here. Cassadee Pope's vocal capabilities are constantly compared to Hayley Williams and the pop punk princess herself, Avril Lavigne. I would 110% have to agree with that. My sisters turned me on to the band at the end of my senior year of high school and I fell in love with them. All through my first year of college, their songs were the anthem of my life. What Avril and Hayley made popular and acceptable for rocker chicks, Cassadee is bringing to an entirely different level. Hey Monday is still a fairly new band, so it'll be interesting to see what Cassadee can do to build on the legacy left by Hayley and Avril.

The band just announced that their sophomore album, Beneath It All, will be released August 17, 2010. Pre-orders are being taken on the band's official site. The first single, Wish You Were Here was released a few weeks ago and the band is performing it while on the 2010 Vans Warped Tour.

It's hard to imagine who could even begin to come after these two amazing girls and make pop punk/alternative music even better than it is. Maybe it's Just Kait, maybe it's somebody else that the world hasn't heard yet. Maybe it's you! Pick up that guitar, grab a mic and start singing and playing your heart out.

YOU ROCK GIRLS! Don't ever forget that!

<3 Jen

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things...

2010-06-09T21:52:00.003-05:00

This...

is my yarn bag. Also know as the pain in the butt/in the way mess around my house. I learned how to crochet when I was about 14 from one of my best friends. I had been trying for years to learn (both my grandma & mom are avid crocheters) but I never caught on. Something finally stuck and I've been hooked on it ever since. I've made TONS of blankets, a few scarves, and a handful of hats.

I really love it. It's something I can do while I'm just sitting around watching T.V. at night. I can take it on the road with me. Heck, I even take it with me to Girls' Night In (everyone quit laughing after about the 3rd time). I like being able to use my hands to make something so special for my family and friends. Each blanket takes time and effort and is usually personalized specifically for the person I'm making it for. I've always like original, one of a kind products and this is one way that I can give the people I love a really unique gift.

What are some of your hobbies? Any obscure or weird ones? I'd love to know what you guys do for fun!

<3 Jen