The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

I am so beyond happy to share with you my experience at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, here at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Yesterday was the Grand Opening, and even though I did not go for the whole day, I was able to experience it well for the first time.

The day started off with us going into Universal and getting a timed ticket in order to get into the land.

You walk into Hogsmeade, where you see the Hogwarts Express to your right and the hustle and bustle of the day. As you continue walking, it becomes Hogwarts. The castle looked exactly how I had pictured it in my mind and in the movies. It was perfect.

There are many shops where I was able to check out exclusive Harry Potter paraphernalia and I was able to experience the taste of BUTTERBEER™, which tasted exactly like I thought it would, since I was 7 years old reading the books for the first time.

Flight of the Hippogriff™, was the only ride I was able to experience due to the long lines, and the fact that I will be coming back soon because I now have an season pass to Universal Studios.

Here are some photos you might enjoy, I will keep updating later when I return to this magical world.

Disneyland Forever Fireworks

So, as you all may or may not know, I’m completely obsessed with Disney. Like all things Disney. I love Disneyland. Last week, Lucas and I went twice in two days. On Thursday, I spent the day park hopping between California Adventure and Disneyland because Lucas took his cousin to CA Adventure and my uncle, aunt and cousins were at Disneyland, so I tried hopping between the parks.

It took us from about 9:30 am to 2:30 pm to do all the big rides at California Adventure, or at least get fast passes to the rides, even though some we couldn’t go back to ride right away. On the other hand, I got to experience both parades at Disneyland that day. The Soundsational Parade [which is so so so amazing, it’s really worth the wait], and the Paint the Night Parade [ which is too short for my liking, it’s not worth the wait]. So that day I got to do a lot at both parks.

The next day, Friday, Lucas and I went by ourselves. We arrived fairly late, but the whole point of going this time around was to watch the fireworks from a decent place in the park. During the 24 hour day at Disneyland, we were able to experience the Disneyland Forever Fireworks, but mostly just the projections that are up on Main Street. It was amazing. Friday, on the other hand, we found a spot right in front of the castle about an hour and a half before the fireworks started. This is not a place for you to be able to watch the Paint the Night Parade comfortably, or at all, since there are many people in the way.

We sat down, and as time got closer and closer to the fireworks starting, more and more people tried to shove their way into our personal space, so I recommend you bring a blanket or something to mark your territory.

We were able to sit for most of the time, but as soon as the fireworks and the display on the castle started, everyone began standing up, so we did too.

The whole show was amazing and it definitely makes your cry, or at least gives you goosebumps. Like a whole lot of them. If you don’t believe me read this.

One of my favorite things was that I was able to take photos in front of the castle with no other people in them. It was amazing (:

Here are some photos from the show:

 

 

“To all that come to this happy place: welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here age relives fond memories of the past, and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams, and the hard facts that have created America… with hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world.”

– Walt Disney

Celebrities

So, I’ve met my fair share of celebrities… I mean, I do live in L.A.! haha [just kidding, we don’t see celebs everywhere all the time] … Anywho, Marcus and I were sitting at Starbucks yesterday and we saw the “All- State Guy” and I was all for getting a picture with him, but Marcus convinced me otherwise.

Good thing too, because, later that night I read this by my favorite blogger, Chantelle, also known as FatMumSlim. I thought it was hilarious, so I’m sharing it with you!

xoxo

“If you’re lucky enough to be different, don’t ever change.”
– Taylor Swift

Short Film

Hey guys, so, since everyone should support each other, go check out my friend Sam Felman’s short film!!! It’s kinda trippy but it got me thinking! I loved it. Click HERE!

“But short films are not inferior, just different. I think the short gives a freedom to film-makers. What’s appealing is that you don’t have as much responsibility for storytelling and plot. They can be more like a portrait, or a poem.”

Jane Campion

I’m going to be on the radio!!!

Hey everyone!

As promised last week, I will be on Golden Eagle Radio’s awesome host Marcus aka Phenex 101’s show todayyy [ Monday May 11 @ 3 p.m. & Tuesday May 12 @ 4 p.m. pacific time ]!!!

The topic is break ups! Just some insight from two of  Cal State LA’s most awesome Communication majors (; No, but really, if you’ve recently broken up, are in the process of breaking up, or thinking about breaking you, you should totally tune into this show at: goldeneagleradio.org !!!

No, I did not talk about my most recent break up. Well, I did mention it but I did not go into details. That’s private!!!

I’m really proud of both of us, this was my first time actually being on the radio, so, be nice!

I hope you guys enjoy. Please give us your feedback via Facebook or Instagram.

“With radio, the listener absorbs everything.”
– Bob Edwards

Big Girls Don’t Cry… Much.

Just a little preview of something I’m going to be recording on Cal State LA’s Golden Eagle Radio… Stay tuned… (:

“Big Girls Don’t Cry” Fergie (May 22, 2007) (click the link!)

Da da da da

The smell of your skin lingers on me now
You’re probably on your flight back to your home town
I need some shelter of my own protection, baby
To be with myself and center clarity, peace, serenity

[Chorus:]
I hope you know, I hope you know
That this has nothing to do with you
It’s personal, myself and I
We’ve got some straightenin’ out to do
And I’m gonna miss you like a child misses their blanket
But I’ve got to get a move on with my life
It’s time to be a big girl now
And big girls don’t cry
Don’t cry
Don’t cry
Don’t cry

The path that I’m walking I must go alone
I must take the baby steps ’til I’m full grown, full grown
Fairytales don’t always have a happy ending, do they?
And I foresee the dark ahead if I stay

[Chorus]

Like the little school mate in the school yard
We’ll play jacks and Uno cards
I’ll be your best friend and you’ll be my Valentine
Yes, you can hold my hand if you want to
‘Cause I want to hold yours too
We’ll be playmates and lovers and share our secret worlds

But it’s time for me to go home
It’s getting late and dark outside
I need to be with myself and center clarity, peace, serenity

[Chorus]

La da da da da da

JOIN US: GOLDEN EAGLE FILM FESTIVAL

So, as you guys may or may not know, I’m part of a couple different organizations here at Cal State LA. One of them is Cinematic Visions. We are Cal State LA’s film club, and we are super excited because we have a huge event coming up! If you are a Cal State LA student and would like to join, please contact one of the Board Members, via Facebook! Click the link above!!!

I had a one on one quick little interview with the Cinematic Visions President: Cruz Castillo and this is what he had to say:

E: “What is Cinematic Visions?”
C: “CV is Cal State LA’s official film club and it’s been around for over 10 years; we work in tangent with the Golden Eagle Film Festival. It’s a place for students [of any major] who are interested in the Entertainment Industry to come together and work on projects, make films, produce products, network and teach each other new things.”

The Golden Eagle Film Festival is Cal State LA’s annual film festival, and we [Cinematic Visions] are super ecstatic to run it!

E: “What are you doing for the Golden Eagle Film Festival?”
C: “The club has been in charge of gearing all of the paper work up for the event since the beginning of the year, [the club] has been in charge of keeping up with all of the social media relating the festival, [the club has] been in charge of setting up local bands and other school groups like Golden Eagle Radio and Golden Eagle TV, so they can work in tangent with us [Cinematic Visions]. We are going to have Cal State LA organizations like the Animation Club, HerCampus, Golden Eagle Radio, among others, have their own local booths at the festival, because the purpose of this festival is to network and advertise.”

E: “What are you personally doing for the festival?”
C: “I am the director of the film festival, I deal with the budget, the paperwork and all of the people involved.”

E: What are you hoping to get from the Film Festival?
C: “I am hoping that this will be an opportunity for students to showcase their work. Since Cal State LA is one of the most diverse campuses in the United States, and Los Angeles is the heart of the Entertainment Industry, it would be a great chance for all students to come together and let Los Angeles know what they’re all about.”

E: How are you funding the Golden Eagle Film Festival?
C: “We are getting money from a lot of different venues. ASI [Associated Students Inc.] is helping us a lot. Also, Dr. John Ramirez, the head Chair of the Television, Film and Media Studies Department here at Cal State LA, is helping us get money through the TVF 454: Special Topics in BCST class. Cinematic Visions has also been fundraising all year long to raise money for the festival. We have an IndieGoGo page.”

E: Can you explain what IndieGoGo is?
C: “IndieGoGo is a way to campaign to raise money for independent projects, so please help us out and donate!”

If you are interested in donating to our wonderful cause, please watch this INDIEGOGO Video, and hopefully you will be convinced to help us out!

The GOLDEN EAGLE FILM FESTIVAL WILL BE HELD ON: May 29th 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. and May 30th 8 p.m. – 11 p.m. At Cal State LA. Free of charge.

This is one of the many amazing organizations that I am part of here at Cal State LA, and if you are interested in joining, please be sure to contact us!

Comm Majors

 

Okay, so all of you who read my blog consistently know that I’m a Communication Studies Major, more specifically Public Relations emphasis. Well, if you’ve ever interacted with us Cal State LA majors and you’re from a different major you know we mean business. Let me explain this a little bit…

There are three main emphases here at Cal State LA: Public Relational and Organizational Communication, Social Change and Rhetoric and Interpersonal Communication Language/ Social Interaction. There was one more emphasis but it isn’t offered anymore. Now, if you interact with us on a regular, you know that [from my experience] PRs are insane. They are outgoing and fun, they talk wayyyy too much, they can keep up with several conversations at once and we are the biggest emphasis. The Rhetoricals are crazy smart, they will literally analyze the crap out of whatever you’re saying and throw it back in your face. I’m kind of jealous. The Interpersonals are the sweetest. They truly care about you at all times, how you’re feeling, how you’re doing, they’re like the best friends to have.

I’ve heard people say, “how can you keep up with so many conversations? How do you guys even pay attention to each other if you’re all talking over each other?” Well, it’s a gift. Duh. Seriously. Unless you’re one of us you have no idea how awesome we are. We are intimidating to the outsider, but overall, we are the coolest people around.         

This is one of my favorite articles that list things that people actually say to use, like, daily. But really, Comm majors get the best jobs. *Cross your fingers* Check this out!

 

So, we have the coolest classes, the most amazing professors [I have to write a blog post for my Capstone class!] and the greatest students. We all truly care about each other. It’s insane. One of my besties Jami, says “we just have so much love for each other.” It’s so true. You’re having problems in your love life? Don’t worry, between all of us we will figure it out by the end of the day. You don’t get something in one of your classes? Chances are there are about 6 people around you that have either taken that class or actually understand what’s going on, and they’ll explain everything to you. Need somewhere to live? Don’t fret, we got you. Whether you’re stressing about homework and papers or wanting to go out and get crazy, we’ve got you.

  

I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy. Friends, I just want to thank you so so so much. I seriously love you. Like, a lot. I know I get crazy and loud, but thank you for putting up with the loudness. You guys are seriously the best. I just, can’t even. I’m gonna cry! I’m so happy I joined Lambda Pi Eta, Cinematic Visions and Golden Eagle Radio. With out you guys in my life, I could have never been this happy.

I just can’t believe this is ending so soon. Can we just hit pause and pretend that this isn’t ending yet? Please? No? Come onnnnnn. Please.

“To effectively communicate, we must realize that we are all different in the way we perceive the world and use this understanding as a guide to our communication with others.”

– Tony Robbins

Mendocino Farms

Last Monday, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, David and I were off doing homework in Culver City because we needed a change of scenery. Long story short, we ended up using Yelp to find a restaurant near the Toms store on Abbot Kinney, in Venice. We ended up finding this place called Medocino Farms. Think Chipotle, but cooler, and not burritos but sandwiches.

We walked in and first saw a huge menu, it was pretty easy to use. They had steps:

1. Choose your sandwhich/salad or build your own.

2. Order from the host

3. Try samples at the deli case.

4. Pay at the register.

David ended up ordering a “Spicy Lemongrass Steak Banh Mi” (steak with some stuff in it on a ciabatta panini) and I ordered a “Blue Buffalo, not a Blue Cow” (chicken with buffalo sauce on panini).

We ended up trying all the sides available, my favorite was the mashed potatoes and the healthiest family. Honestly, everything was delicious.

They have beer available, which we thought was funny because they offered the “Eagle Rock Populist IPA” which is were David is from.

They had a really cool soda machine that contains real sugar from sugar cane! It was really nice to know that it did not contain High Fructose Corn Syrup.

They have a really cute kids menu too!

David and I ordered Tea, I got a Passion Fruit Iced Tea and he got the Cranberry Ginger Lemonade. Both were really yummy!

I would really recommend this place. It’s not too far from the beaches, it wasn’t too expensive and, it was a really nice environment.

School started…

Ok, so I finally started school last Thursday. Yes, Thursday. There is a reason for this apparently. It’s because we are missing a Thursday class for Thanksgiving.

Anywho… So school is pretty great. I love being a Senior. I know so many people on campus now. I’m thinking of joining a Society for Communication majors. Sooo excited. I love taking classes in my major. I’m done with all the stupid classes {they call them General Education} haha.

All my classes seem to be pretty interesting. Unfortunately I’m taking a freshman class that wasn’t offered at my Community College before I transferred here. The rest of my classes are (1) 300 classes {upper division, junior level} and (2) 400 classes {senior level}. My professors are really interesting. That’s the thing about taking classes in your own major. Your professors are super into the subject. They love talking about their subjects. They KNOW their subjects. It’s so great!

I’ve been going crazy though. I’ve been at school an average of 10 hours a day. Between work, classes, going to the gym and studying. OH YEAH. I started going to the gym! I’m already dying from being so sore.

Honestly, I know that I have a lot on my plate between reading 30+ pages a day for each class, plus studying, going to class, going to work and TRYING to have a social life and a family life.

I’ve honestly not seen my family at all. The friends that I HAVE seen are the ones I’ve seen in between running from class to work or vice-versa. So, sorry if I haven’t seen you yet. I’m sorry. Text. Call. Snap. etc (:

All in all, I’m happy. I’m really happy. I love having my whole day planned. I’m excited for this quarter.

That’s my recap for this week, even though it’s only Wednesday. xoxo ❤