The end of things, the beginning of others (Blog)

I'm not usually the type to be sad when a class ends. Especially at the end of a particularly long and strenuous semester, I usually can't wait to high-tail it out of the classroom and spend my time doing other things.

However, this semester I took Opinion Writing. I knew that I was going to like the class because I tend to bee a very opinionated person (not shocking) and sometimes have a little trouble keeping my personal thoughts out of articles. Not always, but doing straight news-reporting can be tiresome and boring to me.

This past semester I was exposed to a new world of writing about whatever I wanted - and being able to say whatever I wanted! I could interject my own thoughts and feelings about my subjects, and didn't have to worry about keep my voice out of my pieces.

I loved it.

I asked my professor, Brian Thompson, if it would be possible to get an Advanced Opinion Writing class sometime in the future.

He laughed, and said no, but how exciting would it be to take that class?

"More opinions than you can handle!"

While I'm sad that the semester is over, I will miss my Opinion Writing class. I learned so many great things about the people in class with me. Katy Bass and her dad's tampon shopping experience at Costco. The time a baby pooped in Bo Culkeen's mouth. When Ant Perucci ran down a hill and jacked up his face as a kid. I can think of more, but I'm laughing to hard to type them out right now.

I'll miss the class, and the people. I learned so much about writing, and the beautiful little quirks everyone has.

This blog will continue, though. So stay tuned!

Once a singer, always a singer (Blog)

I sing all the time.

When I get ready in the morning, in the shower (the sound is fantastic!), while I walk to class, in the library (quietly), and especially when I drive.

I'm a big fan of Broadway, Disney and pop music when I go on my singing escapades. Recently I've been really into Lady GaGa and Ke$ha, Michael Jackson ("Earth Song"? Ooh yeah!) and the song "Part of Your World" from the Little Mermaid Broadway musical.

Embarrassing, right? I know.

The car singing is probably the worst. I drive a little silver car, without any sort of tinted windows. People can see everything. Probably hear me, too. I go all out when I car-sing. Suddenly, my car transforms into a Broadway theater or sold-out auditorium, and it's just me and my hundreds of thousands of fans.

Then suddenly I'm brought back to reality, by the cars honking around me. I've been sitting at the green light, rocking out for the past few minutes.

It happens more than one would think.

If you've never car-sang or shower-sang before, I encourage you to do it. It doesn't matter who is listening, or if you're completely tone deaf. It's fun!

A little more serious (Blog)

If you know me, you know that I'm terribly sarcastic and the queen of cracking jokes at inappropriate times. I've always got something to say about everything, and while its useful sometimes, I'm glad I know how to turn it off most of the time.

A few weeks ago, a professor of mine told me that she thinks I hide behind behind funny so that others can't see how smart I am.

The more I think about it, she's right.

But then I asked myself- why wouldn't I want people to know that I'm smart? I certainly don't want everyone to think I'm stupid, but I guess it was a subconscious thing.

Since when was it not cool to be smart? And why are women sometimes looked down upon for being intelligent?

I think I can be both smart and funny, simultaneously. For a long time, I hid behind being funny, just because it's easy for me. But this professor made me realize that I shouldn't sell myself short. Everyone should know my full potential.

Thank you for making me realize that.

Getting recognized (Blog)

So, I have my own radio show on WFCF 88.5 FM, Flagler College Radio. I absolutely love it, and Wednesdays from 9-11 are the highlight of my week.

Others have told me that I have a pretty distinct voice, but I didn't believe it until I was recognized in public - only by my voice.

I was in Target shopping for shampoo, and on the phone with my mom.

I noticed a woman looking at me, but I didn't think much of it. As soon as I hung up, she rushed over to me.

"Oh my gosh, are you DJ Lush?" she asked, excitedly.

I was so surprised she recognized me...but also weirded out she was listening to my telephone conversation (haha).

"Yep, that's me," I replied.

"What! No you aren't. You're lying," she said, suddenly doubting my identity.

The truth is - I am DJ Lush! I didn't know how to prove it to her though, and just wanted to pick out my shampoo and move on.

"Alright, well, if you're Lush, then say the weather report. You know, the one you read on the air," she demanded.

I did.

"Oh my god! Let me get my boyfriend...he loves your show!"

She pulled her phone out of her bag and called him. I talked to him on the phone.

Although it was flattering to know that people enjoy my radio show and listen every week, it was also strange to finally realize it. I mean, I've been doing this show for about a year now, and never knew people tuned in regularly.

The entire WFCF DJ crew is fantastic, and I encourage you to listen to all of their shows.

(Especially mine)

I'll be coming back to the airwaves in September, Fridays from 7-9 A.M. Be sure to tune in!

-DJ Lush

Momentary panic! (Blog)

Last night I misplaced my favorite ring. The silver one, with blue stones and diamonds.

I took it off before I got into the shower and placed it on my cluttered desk. I didn't think much of it at the time.

Hours later, after coming home late at night, I was putting my jewelry away and couldn't find my ring. Anywhere.

Don't you hate that feeling when you've misplaced something incredibly important to you? That feeling of momentary panic, where nothing else matters except for finding what you've lost.

I know it's only a ring, and they can easily be replaced, but I was still so upset!

It was past midnight and I couldn't start my homework until I found my ring. I turned my room upside down, moving everything and checking under every surface.

I even turned on the bright, overhead light and nearly woke up my roommate in my panic.

And then: there it was!

Right under my desk chair. How did it get there? I don't know.

When you find what you've been looking for, such relief washes over you. I think this is something everyone has gone through, so hopefully you can relate.

I'm not taking off my ring again!

Get out of my damn way! (Blog)

Funny story.

Tonight, I was waiting in line for two rolls of quarters at the Customer Service counter at Winn Dixie.

It’s laundry night.

It’s about 8 p.m., and there’s only one person in line ahead of me.

A man rolls up, in a handicapped cart, and sighs impatiently behind me.

I talk to the cashier, and she goes in the back room to grab my quarters.

Meanwhile, the man behind me continues to sigh loudly. As soon as the cashier returns to me, before the transaction even ends, he speaks.

“Parliament Extra Lights.” he says, matter-of-factly, and glares at me.

Then, without warning, he proceeds to run into me with his handicapped cart!

What world do we live in where people think it’s acceptable to just run others over in the grocery store? I mean, I know I’ve been in a rush, but first of all I wasn’t even done with my transaction, and hadn’t gotten my quarters yet!

After running into my hip with the cart, he looks up at me, and says listlessly,

“Oh, shiiiiiit.”

Oh shit? Yeah, I concur.

I step aside, and could do nothing except laugh. I mean, how often can I say that someone impaled me with their shopping cart in the supermarket? I found the situation pretty funny.

I hope that man thinks of me when he’s smoking his extra lights tonight. The girl at Winn Dixie, with the long, black hair, and the hyena-like laughing that came from my mouth when the incident occurred.

I wonder who he’ll decide to hip-check next?

Addicted doesn't even begin to describe it. (Blog)

So here I am, the week before finals. It’s 12:51 A.M. and I just returned from the 24-hour Starbucks in Ponta Vedra with a coffee.

I have classes beginning at 9:30 tomorrow, but I needed a coffee to write my papers. And no, McDonald’s just doesn’t cut it.

Whenever I buy Starbucks, I always tell the barista that I don’t need a receipt, simply because I don’t want to acknowledge the insane amount of money I spent at the establishment weekly.

Well, daily.

I was thinking about it the other day, and I spend, on average, about $20 at Starbucks a week. That’s $80 a month, and almost $1,000 a year.

$1,000! I was shocked when I discovered the amount of money I spend on something so simple. I mean, I have a coffee machine in my room, but it’s just not the same. It’s not made with love.

Or caramel syrup.

Do you know what I could do with the extra $1,000 a year? I could have my hair cut, colored and styled monthly. I could buy a Chanel purse. I could (almost) buy a new laptop.

Maybe I’ll start being smart about my money. I mean, I am getting older, I’m not always going to have spending money available to me at all times.

Ah, who am I kidding? I’ll be back at Starbucks tomorrow morning for a venti caramel macchiato.

I’ll change one of these days. Just not tomorrow.