Drving Me Crazy

Hello everyone,
I feel that on this blog sometimes we forget to mention things about our introvertness and just get caught away in the story-telling and sharing. Well here is a little bit of information on me that has to do with both my introvert and extrovert sides.

I love alone time.  It can be the best, and I don't always get it, so my alone car rides to school each day have been precious.  When I am by myself I can turn up my music loud and listen to whatever I want.  Say I want ACDC, or Justin Bieber, no one is there to say nay or neigh (because there are no horses in my car either!)

But that time alone has brought someone out in me; someone who is both amazing and terrifying, and a little terrified.  I have brought out the aggressive driver.  Not so much aggressive, but purposefully and I don't want anyone stopping me.

Alyssa said it best, " you know how to drive unsafe safely." this simple means that yes I speed and change lanes fast, but I do it in a smart way.  I always use my blinker.  Always use my seatbelt. Always check for other cars.  So while I might be the person to tailgate you, I know my limits and wont get too close to your bumper.

This craziness has brought out my paranoia too.  I am always looking for the police. Always. And I watch for people following me because out of all the people in the world, I'm the on to be followed. Lol. But the moment I stop worrying I know it will happen, because it always happens to the people not watching.

So driving is literally making me go insane, which is ironic, because me going for drives is what gets me out of the house which is making me go insane.  Catch 22.

Amanda

My Musical Evolution as Told By Alyssa

Amanda already gave her piece about Music and since we have such different music tastes, I wanted my chance to write about the evolution of my music taste as well as what music means to me.

In the way that colors that add character the world, music injects vibrancy into my life and I couldn't possibly imagine the world without it. The sheer, effervescent joy I get from music is hard to express in words. It's invisible art that only the ear can detect. Color adds the aesthetic but music adds the flavor. For this reason, I incorporate music on a daily basis. I begin and end my days with music.  Every mundane, monotonous thing I do is done with music in the background. It has a dual purpose as it has the ability to distract me. The notes create this sound barrier blocking my troubles away from the world, yet it keeps me focused; creating this untouchable bubble. A life without music is simply unimaginable.


The Evolution of my Music Taste

The Younger Years

The era of Kindergarten to elementary school can be characterized by all things Disney. I listened to Classic Disney and Disney Channel Stars. Memories of jumping on the bed, belting note for note to I won't Say I'm in Love are forever imprinted in my mind. I also do not bear any shame for listening to the Jonas Brothers. Yes, I was the girl who screamed in a high-pitched voice whenever a Jo-Bros Music Video came on. Disney Channel stars were the only artists I knew; I could sing all their words by heart. And can I just say, Aly&AJ were greatly underrated.

Middle School

Middle School is where my music taste really began to develop and change. I discovered what I considered, "Big Kid" music; the kind of music that didn't play on Disney Channel. I listened to everything heard on the Top 40 Countdown, and my 12-year old self felt so cool. However; this was also the era where I discovered music scores, K-pop, Alternative Music, and Indie Music a la Vampire Weekend. I would listen to the Narnia Soundtrack and hum awkwardly/incoherently to the swoops of violins and cellos. I would squeal and dance to Korean artists. My inability to play guitar did not impede me from playing air guitar to All Time Low.Needless to say my music tastes is a little bit everywhere. My hoarding skills kicked in as I scoured every corner of the internet, looking for music. YouTube was the best haven for music and I would relish every moment I discovered a new band.

High School to Present

Nothing drastic was added to my repertoire that I didn't already have; rather, these past years have been about soldifying what I already like. Alternative music didn't amount to much; I still like it, but I wouldn't consider myself a hardcore fan (although I have rekindled my love for All Time Low) and I have a newfound appreciate for indie folk. I still listen to K-Pop and Music scores but the latter is not listened to as often as the former. And I still find my guilty pleasure in sugary pop music (I am a 5SOS and The Vamps fan).

Despite my musical evolution, I still find myself open to most genres. So if I rave about the one odd rap song once in a blue moon, that may be why. For me, discovering a new song is the equivalent to opening presents on Christmas day. Most importantly, I love music for what it can offer people. It's a universal communicator. I've made friends with people solely through our love of the same music and it's such a powerful tool for communicating. As an introvert, music is an escapists' device where I can lose myself in music. There are times when I just lie in bed, stare at my ceiling, and listen to music. I don't have to worry about any of my problems or insecurities.  I can just absorb the music and feel a sense of tranquility sink in. And the fact that someone out there feels the same makes it even better.