#ROI

I recently read a pretty interesting book called, ROI: Return On Influence by Mark Schaefer. I took a lot away from it, but what stuck with me is the idea that people on the Internet like reciprocity. The old idea of “You do me a favor, I’ll do you a favor.” We do this in real life all the time.  I mean we even feel uncomfortable or off-balance with ourselves if someone does something nice for us and we haven’t returned the favor.  So it’s only natural that we would do this online right?  I mean you have to wonder, “Did Sally really like that picture or does she just like everyone’s pictures to get more likes on her own?”  We all know those people that like everything you post even though you barely know them.  Don’t get me wrong, getting likes is always nice and you can’t help but feel loved, but does it make you rude now to not like someone’s post/picture back?  Is it the equivalent of not buying someone lunch after they bought yours last week?  The answer is yes.  Whatever their reason, they are choosing to “like” your picture/post, and it only helps you when someone does that. So if they are doing that more than rarely and you don’t reciprocate, don’t be surprised if they stop doing you the “favor” of “like”-ing your stuff.

The End of a Chapter.

As my 22^nd birthday soon approaches, I can’t help but feel…well...weird. For the first time in my entire life, I have no idea what my future holds.  I mean from the time I was 5 till now I’ve pretty much known what I would be doing year to year.  I was going to this grade next year and the next and so on and then with college, I had a good idea of what that would be like also.  So be turning 22 in less than 2 months is terrifying.  I feel so old.  I mean I know in reality 22 isn’t that old, but right now at this point in my life it sure feels like it.  I’ve never been a “real” adult with “real” responsibilities with no more help from anyone.  I think there are two crisis’ you go through in life.  First is the “Oh crap, I’m about to graduate from college and be in the real world and I don’t have a clue where my life is leading me.” The second is the “Oh crap, I’m halfway done with my life and I didn’t do everything I said I would and I’m not young anymore.”  Both are only temporary and I know things will get easier once I get passed this semi-crisis.  I’m excited to see what life holds for me and my future.

Ahhhh the beach…

I don’t know what it is about the beach that I love but…actually I do know what it is.  I love the ocean and how you can look out into the distance and see what feels like the edge of the Earth.  I love the white sand between my toes and the hot sun on my skin.  I always said I’d live on the beach one day and I still stand by that.  I feel so at peace and relaxed when there and it doesn’t hurt that I get a nice tan.  I mean we need Vitamin D to feel energized and in a good mood so when you go a long time stuck inside and in the cold months, you begin to crave the beach.  I mean I crave the beach all year, but especially after a long winter.  One of life’s simple pleasures is walking into the ocean and feeling the water for the first time after a long winter.

The Future of Facebook.

I’ve noticed over the last couple of years how Facebook’s popularity has changed.  Facebook used to be the only social media out there and of course the most popular and now there are so many other platforms.  Instagram and Twitter have gained some serious popularity with young people and I would say they are even more popular than Facebook.  Facebook is now taken over by ads and annoying games.  It’s most useful attribute is that you can use it like white pages.  EVERYONE is on Facebook so it’s a good stalking mechanism. (not that I do that J)  Also there’s something about my mom being on there that makes it less appealing.  I’ve heard people complain that there’s too much clutter on Facebook and I have to agree.  It’s a good way to see what’s going on with your friends and family, but it’s more of a newsletter/forum.  I hate to say it, but I think one day Facebook will end the way MySpace did and the new hottest social media will emerge. 

#St.Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day was last week and it’s a definitely a fun holiday.  Most probably think of it as an excuse to get drunk, but it’s actually got a lot of history.  Saint Patrick's Day, or the Feast of Saint Patrick is a cultural and religious celebration held on 17 March, the traditional death date of Saint Patrick (c. AD 385–461), the foremost patron saint of Ireland. Saint Patrick's Day was made an official Christian feast day in the early 17th century and is observed by the Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion (especially the Church of Ireland), the Eastern Orthodox Church, and Lutheran Church. The day commemorates Saint Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland, and celebrates the heritage and culture of the Irish in general. Celebrations generally involve public parades and festivals, céilithe, and the wearing of green attire or shamrocks. Christians also attend church services and the Lenten restrictions on eating and drinking alcohol are lifted for the day, which has encouraged and propagated the holiday's tradition of alcohol consumption. So whether you are celebrating in the U.S. or in the homeland of Ireland, you’re sure to have a good time.

#Traveling

As Summer approaches, traveling becomes ever present on our minds.  I personally have not traveled as much as I would like, but I have places in mind I plan on visiting one day. I think traveling is so important especially when you're young and have no responsibilities.  Even if you have to go alone...Go. Just go.  You'll regret not going later on in life.  So here are some places I suggest visiting at some point in life.

Rome, Italy- THE FOOD AND CULTURE. I MEAN COME ON.

London, England-Ugh The royals are so fascinating. I'm obsessed with Kate and William.

Sydney, Austrailia- Who doesn't love kangaroos and hearing those accents?

Los Angeles, CA- The weather and the chance of running into a celeb is enough in itself.

New York City, New York- I don't need to explain why you should visit here.

Nashville, TN- Because everyone should experience a little country at some point in their life!

Orlando, FL- DISNEYWORLD. THE GREATEST PLACE ON EARTH.

#SpringBreak

IT’S FINALLY HERE. The long (and I mean long awaited) Spring Break is almost here. I absolutely cannot wait to enjoy my week of no classes, although I already got a week from snow.  But that didn’t count to me.  We all know most college kids go to the beach for Spring Break.  I mean it wouldn’t be Spring Break without it right?  Well for some of us, that just doesn’t happen.  Either money or other responsibilities keep us from that glorious week of mayhem.  So I’m going to give you a few ideas of things you could do instead.

1. Visit your family. As a college student, you don’t see your family often so take this time to spend time with them.  It would mean a lot to them.

2. I know you don’t want to hear this, but CATCH UP ON HOMEWORK.

3.  Start a project around your apartment.  Maybe a new picture or paint a bookshelf.

4.  Go hiking. Get some exercise.  Bikini season is almost here, unfortunately.

5. Just CHILL.  You know… what you used to love doing when you had the time?