New Year... New Me

January is a new year...... and as many Facebookers like to post, "New year, new me!!" As cliche as it might sound, one of my friends and I made a new year's resolution dedicated to being healthier. We started eating better foods, watching nutrition labels, and sticking to a work out schedule. I know it's still super early in the year, but we've stuck to it so far, and I'm really excited to see where it takes us.

I've tried to make New Year's resolutions in the past, but I've never actually stuck to them before; I'm sure we've all been there. We start, feel great, and after a while, the excuses start to flood over us, and we surrender to temptation.

I'm not going to tell you to get fit in 2015, but I am going to urge you to stick to your resolution! I've made it roughly a month so far, which is the farthest I've ever gotten! Also, now that I'm writing this, I'll look ridiculous if I give up, so now I have to keep up with my resolution.

The whole "New Year New Me" phrase is a little childish. Everyone says it, but how rewarding would it be if you actually stuck to it?  So why should we make resolutions (and stick to them)?

You Feel Great!
Feeling dedicated to something you are really trying to accomplish is a feeling so outrageously wonderful!You get that, "Yeaaah! I did it!" moment. Baby steps go a long way when you look back at how far you've come. So far, I am very proud of myself for sticking to a goal, and I couldn't feel better!

Everyone Is Doing It!
the New Year is a great time to make that change you've been wanting to for days/weeks/months/years because a lot of other people will also be wanting to make a change! Sine everyone wants something done, you can all work together to achieve a common goal! This will help you build relationships with others, while you simultaneous work towards something you really want.

Your Friends/Family Will Be Proud
If you have people that care about you, they will likely care about your resolution! They will guide you when you need assistance, and express their pride in your accomplishments. I know that personally, I feel a thousand times better about my resolution when my mom texts me about how she's glad I'm doing something good for myself, or when my friends text me encouraging words. It makes sticking to my goals that much easier and fun.

It's Fun
The only way you're going to stick to your resulotion is if you enjoy doing it! I really love going to the gym with my friend. It makes it a million times more exciting, and working out has become something I look forward to after class.

You Can Brag About It On Social Media When You're Done
Let's face it... when it comes to social media, we love nothing more than giving updates on our lives. So how great would it feel to post a picture of yourself and feel condifent doing so? Or updating your Facebook friends letting them know you quit smoking? Or that you can climb mountins now? It'll be super neat, that's the answer.

New Me
Your final result. What you've been waiting and working for is just around the corner with a lil hard work and deedication! You want this, so why not put in work? The feeling of change can be scary, but if it's for the best, GO FOR IT.

Your Goal Setting Skills Develop
When you follow through with a really difficult resolution, you'll be more likely to set goals for yourself in the future... not only will you set them, you'll stick to them because you have experience doing so.

So don't lose faith! Ryan and I believe in you and your abilities! 

Insta-Lurking Myself

My favorite form of social media is Instagram. There's just something about the simplicity of a single picture and a typically short caption that I really enjoy. Since you can only post one photo at a time, people usually pick their best pictures to post. So, instead of getting spammed with albums of  100 pictures of a Facebook friend's vacation, you get to see a single, neat picture that sums up what the user wants to post! I've always loved my Instagram without really analyzing my posts, so I decided to take a deeper look at my profile.

view upon opening my profile

Looks pretty standard. Let's peep at my bio and data!

Let's start with my username: prettykitty44. Upon inital viewing, someone may think that I created this account a while ago. Most people my age will use their name or a combo of their name and some numbers, but mine just seems immature for a person of my age. After actually looking at my posts it becomes apparent that the name is probably ironic. At first glance, however, someone may be confused. 

I have posted 359 pictures, and if you go through my profile, you will realize that I don't post more than a once, maybe twice a week. I've had the account for roughly 2 and a half years. 

I have 459 followers and am following 351 people. I have more followers than people I follow, so that means I don't follow every single person that follows me. I guess some people think I post entertaining pictures-- otherwise I wouldn't have any followers. 

My name reads "kt J Gorzek." I feel like this is a sort of hint at the fact that my username is ironic.

You can tell I'm a young adult because of my use of emojis in my bio. I am obviously a college student. Basic research will tell you that Augie is in Rock Island, so we can assume from the first emoji that my hometown is Rockford, IL. The second line starts with "sewin" following a scissor emoji. Usually people write about things they like in their bios, so this tells us that I enjoy sewing. Next is a heart with the link to another user, @fujiko08th's, Instagram. It leads to the profile belonging to Mark Salstrand. This person is most likely significant to me. "Houseplantz" follows the same "if you like it put it in your bio" rule; I probably like plants. 

If you tap on the location button, a map appears of places I have taken photos. I spend a lot of time in Illinois and Wisconsin. This confirms the assumption that I go to Augustana and that I am from Rockford.

If you tap on my tagged photos, you can see that I appear in photos posted by @mcgovnaa @comrun4 @jacgrygiel and @sarahgorzek most frequently. These people are probably very close to me! In most every picture that I am tagged in, I appear with friends! This tells you that I like to hang out with my pals and to take pictures with them. I appear mostly with other ladies. 

Now on to viewing my own posts:

Tagged in these pictures is @fujiko08th. Two pictures show us in 2011 and in 2015. From this and other posts, it becomes pretty clear that @fujiko08th is my boyfriend, and that I have been dating him for quite a while. Now it makes sense as to why his name was in my bio with a heart emoji!

Besides @fujiko08th, a person frequently tagged in my posts is @mcgovnaa. This picture makes it obvious that we are roomies! Since she shows up in a lot of my photos, it can be inferred that we get along pretty well. And that we live in Andreen Hall. And really like Christmas. 

Who am I on the gram? I like to post pictures of my friends and am tagged in pictures with friends. I really do enjoy spending time with other people. My friends and family and social life are a very important part of who I am. The people I am closer to tend to be in more pictures that I post. In this aspect, I feel that my true personality comes across on this form of social media. 

My usage of hashtags emphasizes my personality as well. I enjoy using a lot of #ManCrushMondays, #TransformationTuesdays, and #ThrowbackThursdays (#mcm, #tbt). My boyfriend and I are pretty great friends, so I use #mcm on a lot of pictures of him. I think that change is very important, so when I post my side by side comparisons of pictures with a #transformationtuesday in the caption, it accurately reflects my attitude towards change. I'm a pretty sentimental gal, so you'll see a pretty regular #tbt on my gram. 

What doesn't come across on my insta? I like things other than just sewing, plants, and my friends & fam. I love to paint and draw, but I don't really like to post my work online, so some pretty big hobbies of mine are hidden from those who don't know me personally. I guess people will know the basics about me-- who my friends are, some things that I'm interested in, what my face looks like, but they don't really know what my voice sounds like, or anything really intimate about me. I could smell really bad and nobody would ever know from insta. I like to meet new people and make friends and talk, but that isn't really obvious and can't necessarily be inferred from my captions or photos. 

Get to know me irl. My pictures are important to me, but not as important as human to human interaction!

The Battle With Rap Themes

WARNING**** This blog post contains a cornucopia of explicit language that some may find offensive. Reader discretion advised.

In this age of Internet, many young artists are quick to rise to fame. Sites like YouTube, Soundcloud, and Bandcamp allow users to upload their music and share it with ease. If they're lucky, their song will continue to be shared until they reach internet fame or their video goes viral. This accessibility to music can be used for good and evil.

Many teens and young adults (including myself) can be quick to jump on the bandwagon by listening to the latest hit without really considering what the song is really about. The songs are catchy-- that's why they're popular in the first place. They're fun to dance to, play in the car, and maybe even sing along to. 

Sometimes I feel sort of guilty listening to the songs and liking them, though. I've quoted Bobby Shmurda's "Hot Nigga" by yelling "'bout a week agoooo"in response to when my parents asked me how long it's been since I've done the dishes and danced the Shmurda as I sauntered away. I've sang along with "I Don't Fuck With You" by Big Sean with my friends. I've even laughed while yelling, "BAKING SODA" as I flailed my arms in the air, as O.T. Gensis does in "CoCo."

At first, "Hot Nigga" seems like a catchy little tune. The song is famed for its line "'bout a week ago,"

which many young people use as a lighthearted response. However, if you actually take the time to read through the song's lyrics, you'll first realize that they barely make sense. Then, you'll be shocked about how the song is all about killing people and, in my opinion, overuses the word "nigga(s)."

Well... "I Dont Fuck With You" is a pretty offensive title to begin with. Though it can be a sort of relatable situation for people my age to be in, if you actually watch the video, it's kind of terrible. There is flashing during what appears to be a high school football game. And the lyrics "you little stupid ass bitch I ain't fucking with you" isn't too kind, not matter how much you dislike someone.

 The entire video is him packaging cocaine. That's it. The lyrics are pretty repetitive. 

The issue with these videos goes deeper than the surface problems I've identified. These videos and others of their kind normalize dangerous, sexist, and offensive behavior. Many music videos feature women, but not in the most positive roles. They are often referred to as a "bitch," "hoe," "trick," etc., not things you would necessarily want to be called. Often times they are portrayed in an extremely sexual manner, or appear in roles where they are there to serve as a source of pleasure. Not only do these songs degrade women, they glorify gang violence. Bobby Shmurda raps about killing other "niggas."It desensitizes the target audience to offensive language and scenarios, and in a way, mocks those who are offended for feeling the way they do. These songs are catchy-- but the themes? Not so much.

Temper Tantrums and Feminism: a Self-Reflection

When I first read about Shulamith Firestone's behaviour, I was kind of appalled. I thought that, at times, she acted insanely immature-- she threw temper tantrums that seemed awfully childish to me. When she stood on a desk and ripped up papers, I thought that she couldn't sink much lower. I've always been taught that if you want to be treated with respect, you should treat others with respect. It's the golden rule, for crying out loud, Shulamith! 'Get your act together,' I thought to myself. 'Blowing up on other people because you disagree with them is no way to get what you want.' That may be the case today, but maybe it wasn't the case back then.

Shulamith and I live in different time periods. In the 20th century, nobody was listening to women and treated them with disrespect when they voiced their concerns about inequalities. It may have been the only way to bring attention to her cause at the time. It's hard for me to truly say what I would have done and what I would consider appropriate, were I in her shoes. Nowadays it's easy for me to post on Facebook or tumblr or twitter how I feel, and hundereds of people can see. It wasn't so easy back then.

The situation then reminded me to consider how I act when someone says something I disagree with. I may have been known to over react in my day (NOT because I am female). Sometimes, it just really makes me upset when someone is being ignorant and rude. 

For exapmle, I have a male friend, who, for the sake of his reputation, shall remain unnamed. We'll call him David. So David and his friends were hanging out with a group of ladies. david's friend was showing David some pictures on his phone. The two were giggling and laughing as they scrolled through what we later found out to be photos. Curious, I asked them what they were laughing at. "Just some slut's profile pictures," David said. 

My blood was boiling. I tried to stay calm, but it was to no avail. "WHAT MAKES HER A SLUT, MIGHT I ASK?"I gritted through my teeth. My roomie, also in the room, backed me up. "Yes, David. Please share." 
"You can see her tits in like every single one of her profile pictures!"
"She can't help that. Are you serious?"
David laughed and my roomie & I lost it. We began ranting and yelling at him.

In retrospect I wonder if that was really the right way to go about arguing my point. Obviously there are a million things I thought David did wrong, but should I have been so immature about arguing with him? Shulamith would have yelled at David & co. She would not have tolerated their behaivor, as my roomie and I did not. Maybe I over reacted by yelling and calling him a mysoginist (this was not the first sexist remark I'd heard David utter). Maybe I should have kept calm and reflected. Is it okay for me to make such an outburst to get my point across? Will it make David reconsider his actions, or will he just laught at me and talk to his friend about me being an emotional woman? I have to reconsider how I go about fighting my battles in this day and age, where I could channel this emotion into a more positive outlet (like this blog post).

Don't be sexist. 

9 Ways to Make Your Dorm Feel Like Home for the Holidays!

Christmas is a time for fun and cheer.... and lots of decorations. What is a tradition for most families in their households can be carried over to your dorm room (your roomie permitting...) with ease. Here are 9 ways you can "spruce" up your room to make it feel homey in time for the holiday season!!

1. Set up a Christmas tree (if you celebrate Chrismas)
The Christmas tree is iconic. It brings people together, and a light into your home. Why not bring a tiny version into your room?? I got my tree at Jo-Ann's on Black Friday for ~$5, along with a set of 10 snowflake lights for $1 at the Dollar Tree. Not very cost effective at all! PLUS!!! You and your roomie/friends/enemies can come together and make ornaments for funsies. It'll be a good bonding experience.

2. String lights and garland around your room
Easy peasy. It'll take 10 minutes, and costs about ~$5 for a 100 sting lights from Walgreens. That's about enough to go over your windows. Also, if you're lazy, you can leave them up all year and it won't even be a big deal!

3. Window sticky thingies.
Now everyone outside can see that you're filled with Christmas/Hannukah/your holiday of choice spirit!! It'll make ya smile when you open your blinds in the morning too. You can also put them on your mirrors for a little extra somethin'!

4. Scents
Scented pinecones and/or a holiday themed scented candle bring the holiday vibe together. There are some fascinating visual effects you can bring into your room, but you can't forget the smells!! My roomie and I have cinnamon scented pinecones for decoration and a pine tree scented candle-- a fantastic combo. Bring the smell of Christmas out of the cold and into your cozy room.

5. Wear Christmas PJ's
When I wear my jammies I just feel so cozy. This season is a time to feel happy and cuddly, and what better way to feel so cozy than with special PJ's and maybe a fuzzy blanket? Snugglin' is great, and if you have a fab roomie like I do, maybe you'll even snuggle together!

6. Play Christmas music every waking hour of the day.
My roomie and I have a record player, so you best believe I brought my Nutcracker vinyl back to school with me after break! Set up a playlist on YouTube of some of your faves and play them when you need something to get jiggy with during a study sesh.
Here are some of my personal favorites to get you started:
All I Want for Christmas is You (Mariah Carey)
Let is Snow (Dean Martin)
What Christmas Means to Me (Hanson)
Santa Baby (Eartha Kitt)

7. Lots of  Ho-Cho.
After a long day of sledding as a lil' kiddo, I would always look forward to coming home to a nice big mug of hot chocolate! Now when I come home from walking through the cold all the way up to my room, I like to warm back up with the same drink I enjoyed in my youth.

8. Paper Snowlflakes
CLASSIC. They are so easy to make and take such little effort that it's hard to say no to this (unless you're a lil' Grinch). You can tape them up, hang them from places, whatever. It's honestly so hard to go wrong with these!

9. Watch Frozen....(Or a classic holiday favorite)
Rudolph, Frosty, The Island of Misfit Toys, A Christmas Story.... everyone that celebrates Christmas has a favorite movie to watch
But Frozen, man, I just really like that movie. I even have Elsa pajamas that I got on Black Friday this year. Trust me--just watch this video!

But Not This...

This summer I stumbled upon a YouTube channel with my best friend and we instantly became hooked on his videos. I've shown them to essentially everyone that matters to me, which is why I'm sharing this with y'all. Now, I've gotten mixed reactions from my friends/family/etc. when I showed them. My mother was confused, my roomie died laughing, and sometimes my friends just didn't understand why I found these videos as hilarious as I do (as they are). I don't expect you to laugh, but if you do, it's probably becaus you understand irony.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TU5w5OMfVj4

Follow the link.

As silly as I personally think this video ( and the rest of his videos are), he makes an important point: Everyone has a limit. To quote 'MDE forever,' "There is a lot that a man can be put through in life before he reaches his limits." Sometimes the smallest things can set you off!! This can be surprising to those around you, and, on occasion, yourself!

Now obviously this guy is just joshin' around. He isn't actually upset about his chocolates. He didn't actually get duped by someone he "led into his castle." This video was clearly created with intentions of getting a laugh out of people, but this does not make it void of an arguement!!!

Say we really WERE to take this fellow seriously. Say whoever he is addressing in this video "tuched his chocolates," even after he specifically asked the addressee not to. That would stink!! Giving people second chances based on faith that they will have learned their lesson and then having your faith be shattered into a million pieces would be quite infuriating. Trust is a very fragile thing, and forgiveness can be quite difficult to give. To be mislead once is bad enough, but being stabbed in the back twice is an exceptionally awful feeling.

Should we take this video seriously, it appears that it is very easy to set people with a broken sense of trust off. Something as small as chocolates can cause a man to expose his bloated belly and film himself as he rambles about his disappointment in the addressee. This same concept applies to people universally! Anyone could be upset if something they really cared about was tampered with.

SO... be kind to others! You don't know what's going on in others' lives, and something you could say as a joke or do unintentionally could really upset someone. Be curteous and thoughtful; pay attention to what they say and how they appear to be feeling. You could end up sending them over the edge, and that is not a very nice thing to do.

ALSO, if you are in the position of frustrated human being, be patient. Not everyone always understands that maybe you've had a bad day, or week, or month, etc. Also, try to communicate your feelings in a sane way instead of ranting in front of a mirror and making threats to someone you're upset with. But hey, whatever works.

THANK YOU