Cockroaches: College Kid's Worst Nightmare.

If you're like me, you don't like anything that crawls in the dark of the night. Especially when that something is a disgusting roach. I never had to deal with roaches till I moved in my apartment my sophomore year in college. I lived near the river which seemed like a cool idea until I found out that water lures bugs. Water bugs, Palmetto Bugs, and Roaches. Also, some of my roommates were pretty dirty and wouldn't take the trash out which caused them to come as well. And, just because my apartment was known to have bugs too. So, I found some things to keep them away.

Sven Dust.

Seriously, this stuff is the best to keep roaches away. You need to have at least a bottle with you all year if you have a bug problem. Place it around the door, creases in the walls, holes in the floors, basically anywhere a roach can squeeze into. I keep some around the entrance to my door just in case.

Bay Leaves

I'm not joking. This stuff works wonders. I was told this trick by my father who had many apartments with roaches. Place the leaves in holes, creases, anywhere a roach will try to get into. They hate the smell of these leaves. 

Boric-Acid

This works good too but is costly. We used this once and it kept the bugs away for months. Spray in dark places and wet places (Bathroom, behind washers/dryers, under sinks) etc. Wash hands after use because it is poison. If you own pets, DO NOT USE (unless you keep animals away from acid)

Basics:

Bugs come into apartments/dorms usually because it's messy. So, stop being messy. 

• keep counters clean of crumbs/food
• get rid of clutter since they like to hide in dark areas
• take out the trash since they will most likely to be drawn to the smell of rotting food
• have cleaning days with roommates, someone clean an area of the apartment to prevent the bugs from returning
• mop floors with bleach and water to get a strong smell in the apartment, they will most likely leave
• have pipes checked out (we had roaches in our bathroom because of pipes, and they were crawling through there. We used bleached to kill the ones remaining in the pipes. If you use bleach run it down with hot water so it won't smell bad)

Rebellion IS Healthy.

Why Rebellion Is Healthy.

I read an article the other day about the cons of rebellion in teenagers and it really frustrated me. The writer stated that rebellion causes teenagers to do poorly in school and lose focus. I think it is time to hear from someone who DID rebel as a teenager.

Let me just start off saying that I have great parents, they both went to college and have noble professions. I was taught valuable lessons by them like respecting others, being kind, and so on. My father was an devoted Christian who took me to church every Sunday. However, my parents had very different ideas of who I should be. My father wanted me to grow up and not show off my body, he always bought clothes that were too big and that were to expensive for girls my age to wear. My mother wanted me to be the stereotypical prep (wear high heels, dresses, and bright colors). I did as I was told till 7th grade in middle school. 

Middle school was already awkward enough but it didn't help that I was a little overweight but the worst of all was that I didn't know where I belonged. I had my parents telling me who I should be. I had an realization that I wasn't being who I wanted to be! I didn't feel comfortable in bright colors or in heels. It wasn't me. I didn't feel like myself. I liked being creative, being outside, and I liked being in darker colors. As a teenager I didn't like being the center of attention and wearing bright colors made me seem like I wanted attention. Also, wearing preppy clothing made the "prep" crowd focus to me. Let me tell you sometime reader, that crowd is usually filled with the most narrow-minded, shallow, and down right meanest people in middle and high school. I couldn't stand being part of that crowd because I remember how they made fun of people who were labled as "goth" or "emo" and it was down right vile how they treated those people. One day I had enough and stood up for the 'outcasts' which caused me to be an outcast myself. It was fine with me. I was much happier wearing black and fitting in with the misfits. 

My parents weren't very happy with my sudden change of groups and condemned me for it which did not help me emotionally. However, they saw much happier I was and that made them happy. Rebelling made me realize who I was and what I wanted out of life. I found my passion for reading, sketching, and writing. I never saw my passions when I was someone I wasn't. That other crowd wanted to party and spend money. My crowd wanted to go driving, talk about the world, draw, etc. I would never know what I was good at if I didn't rebel and become friends with the misfits. 

Did I drink? Yes.
Did I smoke weed? Yes
Did I do things that were wrong? Sure.
Did I have an attitude problem? Sure, because I refused to be treated like a misfit. I was a person not a label.
Did I question things? Of course, that's a part of growing up.
Did I have a good high school experience? YES!  (to a certain degree)

I had friends and I found a place where I fit in. That's all that mattered. Every teenager wants to feel like they belong so let them be who they want to be! If they wanna dye their hair blue, let them. If they wanna get piercing, let them! It's better for them to do it now than when they are a adult. Let them be a teenager! They only have four years to be carefree and be a teenager. 

I had good morals unlike those in the 'popular' crowd who insulted people on a daily basis. It was sickening that people looked up to them when they made fun of those who were 'different'. I rebelled against the norm and I refused to let them bully people, however when I stood up for myself I was labeled the 'bully'. Tell me, who is the real bully? The people who insult those who are too shy to stand up for themselves or the person who stands up for the weaker?  

But let me tell you something, I am now 20 years old and attend a university with honors so obviously I came out okay. If teenagers don't experiment as teenagers they WILL rebel in college because other people are doing it. I stopped smoking weed at 18 because I realized how stupid it was and it made me overweight so I don't do it in college. Most people who NEVER smoked weed smoke weed in college because they want to try it. People who weren't allowed to rebel in their younger years will most likely rebel in the future. 

Rebelling is healthy because it allows the person to find out who they are and let them learn life lessons for themselves. Parents can tell them about life, but one must life life to understand and love it to the fullest. 

My Advice To Parents;

1. Be there for your children. Let them know they are special and most of all loved. Let them know you accept their choices and will love them no matter what. If a teenager knows their parent will back them up no matter what is life changing.
2. Let your child be who they want to be. You're the parent, you want your child to be happy, so let them! 
3. Acceptance. Accept your child for all their faults and all of their positives. Do not tell your 'gothic' child you are embarrassed by their appearance because they will make your child feel horrible about themselves. Tell your child that you accept their likes and when you say it, you better mean it because chances are your child will know if you don't.
4. Always encourage your child. If your child wants to dye their hair, let them. If you don't chances are they will do it anyway. Encouragement is needed for your child to do their best and if you have their back, they will want to make you proud. 

My Advice To Those Who Don't Feel Like They Belong;

1. Never Be Who Don't Want To Be! I mean it, if wearing all black and going to graveyards make you happy, then do it. If wearing short shorts and tank tops makes you happy, do it! Don't be what others want you to be. You're making them happy, not yourself. You need to make yourself happy first. If you aren't happy with yourself than you will never fully love life.
2. Find a crowd that you feel at home with. That can be from the (I use '' because I don't like labeling people) 'burn outs', 'goths', 'band kids', 'Hispanic kids', 'preppy kids', 'red necks', etc. If that group makes you happy, than that's all the matters! Surround yourself with people who make you happy and you will be happy as well. 
3. Question EVERYTHING. That's right, do it. People question throughout history and found new answers. Question religion. Question everything. When you ask questions, you need to find an answer. Finding answers is part of growing up and realizing who you are as a person. You may find answers that change you and question yourself, but that is healthy and normal. Always question!
4. Do what makes you happy! Life is way too short to not be happy. If dying your hair rainbow makes you happy, then do it. If you wanna skate all weekend, then do it. Life isn't meant to be miserable, you are meant to be happy. 
5. Look yourself in the mirror and smile. You need to be happy in your own skin. You need to happy with yourself. Never listen to what others think about your appearance or your thoughts, be happy with yourself. Everyday look in the mirror and I want you to be happy with yourself. Because, if you're happy, that's all that really matters. 

Rebellion Helps People To Grow And Become The Person They WANT To Be! Rebellion Is Healthy!

Party 101

Partying. 

We are all in college, so therefore we are all alcoholics due to society stereotypes. So, if you decide to give into the stereotype then please listen to words of wisdom. Or don't, and go to jail, it's up to you.

The Party.

Once you decide to become a stereotypical college student and join a party, please do not show up to a random party. I've been to plenty of parties and no one likes a random group showing up. As a host to many parties it really erks me when people I do not know show up and drink my drinks. And yes, I've thrown people out plenty. So don't be the ones thrown out.

Let me break it down for you, alcohol costs money so you are being a free loader if you don't even know the people who bought the probably $60 keg. Also, what will you say if a cute guy/girl asks, "How do you know (insert host name)?". You can't just bash your eyelashes and smile, sorry. So please, either know the host or go with people who know the host. Don't show up to a random party, just don't. 

1. Watch Who Pour Your Drinks.

I'm sure you've heard this from your parents but it's the truth. When you're in a party you are talking and being distracted by the opposite or same sex, so you aren't watching your drink being made. I usually bring my own drinks to the party that way I don't feel like a freeloader and I know I won't be drugged. Some people will take advantage of you, it's the real world and you need to accept it. Hell, some people even try to drug you at bars. Just watch your drink! Take it with you to the bathroom. When you leave your drink alone, it's the perfect time for the person to strike. If you leave it for a moment, just get a new one. Better to be safe than sorry. So, watch your drink all the time. 

2. Who's Driving?

Now is time for the hardest question of the party life. How will you get home after drinking? For the love of some God, DO NOT DRIVE DRUNK. Just don't. Don't even consider it. If there is one thing I really don't like it's when people think nothing bad will happen to them. That's being selfish. It's not just you in danger, it's EVERYONE. Here are some tips to deal with this problem.

1. Force someone to be a DD. If you're going out with a group of friends then talk about it. Usually, someone will volunteer unless you have shittie friends. At times my roomies and I do a switch off. One of us will do it one day and the other the next and so on. If you have to, pull straws and who ever gets the shortest will not drink.
2. If going to a frat party (which I don't like) they usually have their bitches/new members to drive people back so ask, but be careful because some guys will take advantages of drunk girls.
3. CALL A TAXI. Yes, that yellow checkered car that drives so slow in front of you. My college (USC) has taxies that take college kids back home for free as long as you have your student ID. They also have shuttles that drive students back to the college and to the bars downtown. So take advantage of these free rides.
4. Just stay at the house you are in if it's a houseparty. Just crash on the floor, it's safer than the driving drunk.  

Point blank, just have a trusty DD. Don't drive drunk, please don't. 

3. Be Social

Yes, be social. No, I don't mean lapdance on some random guy who is hot. No, talk to people and mingle. No one wants to be that girl who is half naked and having sex with random guys. I hate to break it to you but most people will talk so much shit about you and have no respect for you. It's the truth. Just talk to people, flirt, and make friends. That's what parties are for, to get to know people! This is how I met a lot of friends and some nice guys. No one likes the drunk who is throwing up in the corner. Parties are the greatest places to meet new people. 

And if you do meet someone, get their number, I always forget to ask so don't be me.

4. Check Out Local Bars.

(Five Points, Columbia SC)
Now, I do go to local bars and if you're a student of USC or from SC, you know the picture above is of five points which is great for bars but not so great location (violent). That is why I always go in group and advise you (reader) to the same. Never go to a bar alone, that's just asking for date rape.

For you underage people and not USC students, here are so tips;

• Some bars actually cater to underage, shocking. If you have a twitter I'm sure there is a page for local bars. Some Thursdays girls 18+ can get drinks for $2 at some bars. Also, some bars will allow 18+ to drink, just gotta find the places.
• Gonna get a fake? Okay. I don't understand why the drinking age is 21, if you can join the military, smoke, and quit school then you should be able to drink. If you do find the connection for a fake, please do not use in a grocery store because they SCAN IDS. Put two and two together and you'll know that the fake won't scan and that would be horrible. Use your fake at a bar. Peripherally when it's crowded because the person is less likely to really look at it. Just know how to use it, okay?

Word Of The Day. Feb 4th

Refulgence.

n.
a radiant or resplendent quality or state
brilliance

"The winning book captured the refulgence of Shakespeare in all his glory." 

What to do on winter break?

For most, winter break is the time were you can finally catch up on your sleep. Yet, don't waste your break with sleeping and lying around the house. Here is some advice.

  1.Read. I know, you just had to take exams and study, so the last thing on your mind is reading. As an English Major I love to read teen fiction and books that have been on my goodreads list for months.  This can release stress and give you some you time. The books I managed to read this winter break of 2013 were

• Chosen One: Carol Williams
• American Gods: Neil Gailman 
• Carrie: Stephen King
• Catawba Nation

   2. Take a day trip with some friends. I love the mountains but due to my fear of driving in the snow I wasn't able to spend time in the Smokeys. Yet, my friend and I spent a day in Asheville and had a great time. Getting away from home is what you need at times. 

   3. Spend time with your family. I know, it's cheesy to say but at times people take their family for granted and the holidays are the perfect time to show them how much you love them. Do something nice for them like go shopping together (if you like to fight people in the mall), see a movie, or go out to eat. 

   4. Exercise! No one wants to gain weight on the holidays so why not avoid the stress and work out every other day to make sure your weight stays the same. We all slip up on the holidays but try to keep yourself in check.

  5. Craft. Do a DIY project on pinterest you've pinned earlier this year and spend a day doing it. You finally have time!

  6. Get a part time job! A lot of families need nannies for Christmas break so that is the best job to get, try Care. come. Also, stores need workers for the holidays so try finding a job there. \

  7. Treat yourself! Whatever makes you happy, go and do it! You had a tough semester and deserve to do something for yourself. Go and get your nails. Go see that movie that you've been wanting to see. Drive hours to see your best friend. Spend all your money at the mall. Do whatever makes you happy because you deserve it!

Crow Hop

The Crow Hop originated from Western Tribes. It, too, is a social dance meant to mimic the crow as he bounces around the field. One legend states that the crow brought fire to our land to keep our ancestors alive through the cold winter. Dancers imitate bird-like movements, hopping side to-side, first on one foot and then on the other. Men are the primary sex for this social dance. I noticed that with every step they had to keep in check with the drum's beat, truly focused group of men to be able to step with every drum's beat.

Cherokee, NC

My roomie and I woke up at 7:00 am and hit the road at 8:30 am. I went to Cherokee for extra credit in my Native American culture class at USC and my roomie went with me since she has never seen a real Native American before. We made great time to Spartanburg, SC, we arrived there around 9:30 am. We made it to the Smokey Mountains around 11:00 and I had to face the trauma of driving the parkway on the reservation. I've never driven a parkway in my life until now, even though it was beautiful and breath taking.....

I WAS FREAKIN THE HECK OUT THE WHOLE TIME. I'm a southern girl who has never driven in the mountains yet alone the Blue Ridge Parkway. I was pretty much going 10 mph with people riding my ass. It was horrible. Defiantly getting better at driving in the mountains, at least I hope I am. We finally arrived at the main drag in Cherokee. The first thing we did was hit the casino.

Mind you, my roomie and I are only 20 so we couldn't get into the real casino even though we tried. So we had to sneak into the hotel which was beautiful might I add. The hotel had shops, an indoor fire pit, and so much more. I could see why people never leave the hotel while staying in Cherokee. We ate at the buffet within the casino and it was amazing. best buffet I've ever had.I had the Asian section with some delicious apple pie and bear claw for dessert. That kept me full for the whole day.

 After we ate, we just toured the casino since we couldn't get into the real casino due to our age. So we just watched some old white people gamble. I've never understood the purpose of just wasting money but at least the reservation gets the money. 

After that we went to the main drag of Cherokee and I was unimpressed at what I saw. I saw at least three drunk Native Americans 'entertaining' tourists. I'm pretty sure one fell to the ground when I drove past them. As I study more and more about Native Americans in today's time with federal vs reservation laws it really disappoints me to see them exposing themselves as if they are just some show.  So needless to say I was very unimpressed by the main drag in downtown Cherokee. However, the river was a nice little spot and my friend and I fed ducks until they decided to chase after me when I ran out of food.

 We also took pictures with my favorite statue of a bear. They are everywhere in Cherokee but this was my favorite because of the beautiful artwork painted on it. The bear was located outside the casino's hotel.

The one thing I noticed while touring Cherokee was that I didn't see many teenagers around or citizens of the nation. Yes, some worked in the casino but very few. Yes, there were natives in their attire entertaining tourists. I just did not see people walking around Cherokee like people do in Columbia. And seeing teenagers, good luck with that. We did drive by a skate park when we were lost and saw a few. So, that is a topic I am going to bring up in my class. Overall, the location is breath taking and it was worth the trip all and all. I do want to return in spring to see a powwow and tour the Indian village when it is opened for summer.