What is Home?

The definition of "home" is absolute in dictionaries but often has a loose interpretation. I tend to take things "as is" but the definition started changing constantly for me.
For example, in high school, home was where I lived with my family.
When I went to college as a freshman, home was the house my parents lived in the city I grew up.
Almost two years ago, I moved to southern West Virginia with my parents. I lived there for 6 months. Home became the state I grew up in and where my friends were, Florida.
After 6 months in southern West Virginia, I moved to Morgantown to continue my degree.
I never traveled much while I lived in Florida. Since moving north, I have yet to stay in one place for longer than 3 months.

When I visit my parents and my old bed feels like a guest bed in a room I barely lived in. A room that has memorabilia of my past thrown about yet still seems foreign.
When I visit my friends in Florida, I'm staying in a cold hotel room.
I live in an apartment while going to school but I know it's just a temporary "home."

So whenever I get asked "where's home?" I'm so confused. I end up saying how my parents live in southern West Virginia but I'm from Florida. I don't really feel like I have a home. For some reason, that seems so depressing. How can someone feel like they have no home anywhere? It's just a lonely statement.

I decided to Google alternative definitions/interpretations of "what is home?"
Here are some of my favorite results after the break:

Signs You Might be in a Bad Relationship

This song is different than the others I've written about because it is in Japanese. I don't know Japanese except a few words and phrases due to my nerd outs on anime, so please don't expect me to translate. I'm pretty much assuming the lyrics are along the lines of what is being portrayed in the MV. That being said, here is my commentary.

I'm not sure if everyone can relate to this video. However, THIS WAS MY LIFE FOR A SEMESTER (4 MONTHS). I'm a person who tends to over-think things after it's all said and done. Especially if I'm constantly reminded of it. I noticed it all comes down to perspective. At the time, all of my friends saw me as the girl in the video- miserable and unattached. I thought I was happy because he met everything on the list of what I thought I wanted. My perspective in the relationship was clouded by my ideals. I didn't realize I was in a bad relationship till it was over....

Stars - Your Ex Lover is Dead

God that was strange to see you again
Introduced by a friend of a friend
Smiled and said 'yes I think we've met before'

 Running into an ex is on the list of the top 10 possible awkward encounters to have. It's weird that it's so awkward because you spent time with this person and for a brief moment they were one of the most important people in your life. Yet even if you separate in an amicable way, running into them is so uncomfortable. Maybe it is because you opened up to them and were vulnerable. But when it ends we choose to ignore those facts and focus on the negatives. Now I'm not saying every ex is actually a great person. They are an ex for a reason; they could have been a real jerk towards you or it was great but your lives and priorities changed so you drifted. Either way it is strange to see each other again because you are faced with reliving some of those moments and the person you used to be.

I know it's real when...

I'm pretty much the worst blogger ever by going on vacation and not having anything queued. I apologize. I honestly thought I would have time to blog but life happened so I didn't. Also since this is a more "hey, I'm alive please don't stop reading my blog" post, it's going to be a bit random. I say random because I had 3 quick ideas and had a friend choose a number. The chosen number is "2" if you are wondering. So here goes:

I know it's real when...

I was a Slut

I watched Silver Linings Playbook, directed and written by David O. Russell, for the first time yesterday. Honestly, the beginning was a bit slow to me but I became enthralled with the story as it continued. By the way, this isn't a movie review and is more of a reflection.
Jennifer Lawrence's character Tiffany stated these lines that hit home for me.   

I was a slut. There will always be a part of me that is dirty and sloppy, but I like that, just like all the other parts of myself. I can forgive. Can you say the same for yourself, fucker? Can you forgive? Are you capable of that?

No, I haven't lost a husband so I cannot relate in that way. However, when something traumatic happens to someone it affects them in a grand way; either they withdrawal into themselves or cannot get enough of people and intimacy. Neither way is healthier than the other. You could say you'll act one way if something traumatic happens but you don't really know till you're in the situation.

10 Signs You're Entering Adulthood

It's you're 21st birthday? You're a citizen of the United States?!  This means you have all the responsibility in the world to get plastered legally!! Cheers for entering adulthood!!

If you remember this night, you didn't drink enough.

Now that you got all of that out of your system. Do you feel like an adult? Probably not. But it's okay because being an adult is slightly overrated.

However, it t will come creeping up on you in the future and you'll have a moment of realization that you are indeed an adult. Mostly. I mean you're probably still in your 20s when you realize it.

I'm Amanda and I have "officially" been an adult for 2 years. I only now started to feel like one so I decided to compile a list of sure signs that you have indeed entered adulthood.

A Series of Unfortunate Roommates and Neighbor Part 1: The Roommates

I have the worst luck ever when it comes to roommates and neighbors. My experiences with roommates were just ew. So please read this post and learn to not be that gross roommate.

First off, please don't think I'm completely anal about the smallest things whenever I have roommates. I understand some noise and mess. I'm a horribly messy person. However, my mess stays in my personal areas and I cannot leave a shared area messy. That's rude. End of story. Needless to say, most of my past roommates have one thing in common: they were complete slobs.

Bastille - Poet

"Your body lies upon the sheet,
Of paper and words so sweet.
I can't say the words,
so I wrote you into my verse.
Now you'll live through the ages,
I can feel your pulse in the pages."

Bastille is quickly becoming an obsession of mine. I just can't get enough of them. Every song I have heard is so great but this one stands out. Maybe it's because I am a hopeless romantic or my literature obsession is showing, but the lyrics of this song is incredibly romantic!

American Authors - Believer

"I’m just a believer
That things will get better
Some can take it or leave it
But I don’t wanna let it go"

This is the most uplifting song I have ever heard. This song oozes positivity and forward thinking, not to mention everyone can relate to the verses. Everyone is nervous about the future and if you're not, kudos to you for winning at life. I feel as if anyone can relate to "I'm always lookin' for something / but I hate changin'." I don't know but this song is pretty awesome to listen to when I start having self-doubts. I love that it makes me feel positive about life because people should feel positive things will get better and not let go of that. Plus it's catchy and the music video makes me want to visit New York again.

Life Choices and Decision-Making

I'm graduating with my bachelor's degree December 2014 and being the type of person that I am, I've already started planning my future. I keep asking myself what is my next step? I know what my different short term goals are. I'm just not sure which goal I should focus on next. It's terrifying and exciting. There are three main choices but then each one has multiple choices within them.

• Graduate school
• Teach English as a 2nd language in a foreign country 
• Apply to publishing jobs stateside

The Actual Difference Self-Confidence and Respect Makes

"Bayside Couple" by mrhayata @ flickr

I stumbled upon this article, The Actual Difference Between Women Who Are Hot And Who Are Beautiful, by Lauren Martin while she makes an excellent distinction between being described as "hot" versus "beautiful" as a woman, she begins her article with negative undertones towards men. 

She begins by listing different adjectives with sexual innuendos that are used to describe a woman's appearance. Eventually, she distinguishes it's not all men who determine a woman's worth by their sex appeal, however, for most of the article she treats men as a whole, essentially describing them as sex crazed, only seeing women as objects. 

I have some issues with this argument because it's not fully one-sided as she makes it seem. Women describe men with adjectives that are suggestive, such as hot and sexy. We put pressure on them about having the perfect set of abs and arms, the slightly rugged look similar to David Beckham. They shouldn't be overweight or underweight. We put a lot of pressure on them too and forget to use the words like handsome and attractive to describe one we like. 

Kimbra - Settle Down

"I wanna settle down
Baby there's no need to run
I'll love you well
I wanna settle down
It's time to bring you down
On just one knee for now
Lets make our vows"

I thought Kimbra was insane the first time I watched this music video and heard the lyrics. I thought she was being literal about settling down. However, I began to look between the lines, noticing the undertones of satire in the video. Now, I feel as if this video is a commentary on how society puts pressure on young girls that their end goal is to settle down and have children. These young girls need to plan out their inevitable settled lives. This is displayed through the young girl living out a "married life" with her grown husband. He begins to cheat on her but she continues her daily chores of married life, all the while she keeps an expressionless facade. The girl being expressionless gives the viewer a feeling she is unfulfilled in this monotonous settled life.

Dark Chocolate Truffles

Each year I also make homemade dark chocolate truffles for Valentine's Day. These are really simple to make and tend to prepare them in conjunction with the Oreo Truffles. This recipe doesn't make as many as the oreo truffle recipe but these are incredibly rich and I can only eat maybe one or two pieces a day, which is good for an indulgent snack. However, I would make these with plans to share and spread the love.

Deal-breakers

Relationships are tough. I only been in one serious relationship that lasted 2 years and a bunch of "oh we're dating but I only see you in school and we don't talk outside of school" relationships. I don't really count the latter since most of those averaged out at 9 days. Then a couple that were on the way to being serious but died after a few months. It happens. They're all very unique life experiences.

Why am I bringing up my past T-Swift inspiring failed relationships? Well, through these relationships I have realized some of my personal deal-breakers. I also had a conversation about deal-breakers  with an old friend the other day, so I thought of compiling a list of what my very practical and somewhat odd deal-breakers are for a blog post.

Definition brought to you by Urban Dictionary

Top 20 Classic Love Songs (Part 2)

This is Part 2 of Top 20 Classic Love Songs. I just want to say that brainstorming this list was tons of fun. It was also a lot of work watching the videos, researching the songs, and pulling out perfect lyrics. I have so much respect for blogs who do this often.

That being said: Enjoy!


10. Journey - Faithfully

"Oh, girl, you stand by me
I'm forever yours
Faithfully"

Journey is another must for this list and it would be almost sacrilegious if I didn't include this song. Faithfully peaked at #12 on Billboards Hot 20 and popularity continues to grow into today with popular shows like Glee covering it. This is an anthem for long distance lovers trying to make the relationship work.

Oreo Truffles

In Japan on Valentine's Day girls make chocolate for the boys they like. When I found that out I instantly loved that idea. Making chocolates for someone is so personal and sweet, in more ways than one! I almost never have someone for Valentine's Day but I started to make chocolates each year regardless, this way I am able to share them with my friends and family. Also, honestly, myself. Because I am a girl and being alone on Valentine's Day is never ideal.

Top 20 Classic Love Songs (Part 1)

 In lieu of Valentine's Day coming up I decided to have a cliche "Love" theme for this week's post(s). I used to hate Valentine's day but now I enjoy it even when I'm single; just because I'm not in a relationship doesn't mean I'm not loved. I like to celebrate the people who do love me by making them chocolates and sweets.I'm positive they do not mind.
Any-who, this originally started out as a Top 10 post, however, I asked my lovely friends for some suggestions.Which had a plentiful response and now I cannot narrow it down. All of these songs are classics and amazing in their own way and really set the mood for Valentine's Day whether you have a significant other or will be cuddling with your cat.

NOTE: This is really not in any particular order. I am not a professional music critic. These are just my opinions.

Partial to the Night Sky and Attracted to Rooftops

"And if you're partial to the night sky
If you're vaguely attracted to rooftops..."

This song, especially those lines, is incredibly nostalgic for me. About 5 years ago I met this boy while I was going to school in Lakeland, Florida. We became friends and the only time we got to hang out was late at night to the early morning hours. Of course, we didn't mind that time because who sleeps at night during their early 20s?

He almost always took us to the small, quiet downtown district of the city, where we would start the night climbing over a small fence into one of the raddest playgrounds ever. There was a replica of the Eiffel Tower to climb on and "turtle shell" swings. A security camera was in place to ward off hooligans because if you got in sight of it a booming voice would say "censor." Nothing would ever happen. When we would get bored with that, we would walk towards the well-lit Lake Mirror and follow a portion of the path to the downtown strip. From here we would either wander the streets or find random benches or ledges to sit on when we got tired of walking. However, most of the time he would climb onto buildings' rooftops (lovingly called Building Climbing). Sometimes I would also be able to (I lack upper body strength in every way) and those were my favorite moments.

A Beginner's Lesson

Since I can remember I loved art, so much so that I told my kindergarten teacher that I wanted to be an artist. Finally, when I was a junior in high school I decided to sign up for Painting as an elective. I was always doodling on my school papers but I was never an amazing drawer, maybe I'll be decent at painting.
I entered the class excited for getting out the paint and brushes but the first week focused on the fundamentals such as different ways to shade, colors, lines, etc. When we were finally able to paint, an apple with water colors, my painting was horrible. I was devastated. I hated the class.
Things changed a few weeks later when we started to use acrylics. My art teacher came up to me while I was frustrated trying to perfect a monochromatic piece and said something I'll never forget.  In fact, I actually wrote it down later that day so I wouldn't:

'A painting doesn't need to be perfect. It's not a photograph. It's not a drawing. 

It's a painting. What makes a painting perfect is emotions and 

conveying how you feel. It doesn't need to be detailed or overly simple.

It's whatever you make it and how you see the world.'

Lucia - Hide (Like Stars)

I recently stumbled upon this song and loved Lucia's voice. However, to win me completely over, the lyrics need to be on point so when I heard "Grab my hand, let's steal some light together/Run away when they are not aware of it," I was sold. The rest of the lyrics and Lucia's delicate voice did not disappoint.
Furthermore, the video is beautifully done with wide shots to include the gorgeous scenery that is reminiscent of final days of summer. Lucia's outfits complimented the innocence depicted in the video, also that red dress is simply gorgeous on her. Overall, this song is whimsical, enchanting, and full of love from a promising artist.

P.S. Did you check out that tree house? It was awesome.