Why I love "How I Met Your Mother"

I'm incredibly aware of how annoying I am always talking about HIMYM and constantly quoting different episodes...but, you know what?  This television show is truly the best sitcom that ever aired, and here's why:

1) Ted Mosby
Theodore Evelyn Mosby is not only an adorable, quirky romantic who just can't seem to find the right girl.  He's also someone to look towards for encouragement.  The thing I love the most about HIMYM is how absolutely real the episodes can make you feel.  Ted goes through HELL to find his happy ending.  He gets beat up by goat, he gets left at the alter, his favorite (and most hideous) pair of red cowboy boots get set on fire and flung out a two story window.  He struggles for years to finally get recognized as an architect, only to find out that his real passion is teaching.  The obstacles that Ted Mosby has to go through are funny and well-written, but also very relatable.  No matter how bad it gets for him, he ends up happy..and that is something we should keep in mind when we think that things could only get worse.

2) Robin, Barney, Lily and Marshall
Ted is not the only character that one can relate with.  The beautiful thing about HIMYM is that all of the characters probably reflect a tiny piece of yourself that you may or may not always notice.  For example, I relate to Robin's restlessness.  She does want to find love, but she always puts herself and her job and her travels before any man she meets, even if they could be a perfect match (cough, Ted).
I relate to the carelessness of Barney which is deep seeded in his abandonment by his father.  *daddy issues*
I relate to Lily's constant dream quest. She loves teaching kindergarten, but she always has that head cannon to one day be an artist.  Her determination is actually very admirable, because after everything she and Marshall go through, she gets to move to Rome and be an art consultant for a year.  This is a trait we should all hold to forever.  Never lose your will to do what you love. (Watch season 6, episode 3  "Unfinished" when you're feeling discouraged about your goals.  It's my absolute favorite).
Lastly, I relate to Marshall's heart.  He is very family oriented and shows it in his relationship with his father and also with Lily.  He underlines the importance of complete love and family bonds.  He also sings everything he does which I catch myself doing as well.

3)Life Lessons
If I could meet the writers of this show, I'd probably cry because they have influenced me so much, but I'd also applaud them akwardly by myself.  HIMYM is more than a hilarious sitcom of 5 friends living in NYC.  It has some serious life lessons embedded. I'll list a few that I think stand out.
-"Nothing good happens after 2 a.m." 
seriously, just go to bed.
-"Never invite an ex to a wedding."
This shows its importance at Lily & Marshall's wedding, and at Ted & Stella's wedding. It also does at Barney & Robin's wedding, because Ted tries to be a romantic with Robin, yet again, and gets into a huge fight with Barney.  Yikes.
-The Murtaugh list is bull shit
In season 4, Barney want's to toilet paper the laser tag arena because they banned him for being too rough with the kids, but Ted says he's too old for that.  So Barney is all, "challenge accepted" and tries to do a bunch of stupid things that Ted says he's too old for which ends up almost killing him.  However, in the end Ted points out that the Murtaugh list is stupid because you can never be "too old" and they go TP the laser tag place anyway.  Basically, the moral of this is to keep doing childish things if it feels right to you.  Release your inner kid.
-Long distance relationships are "just awful"
Ted says this when he's talking about Victoria moving to Germany.  He ended up cheating on her because he could barely remember what Victoria looked like and they rarely talked.  Honestly though, I know first hand that they really don't work like 90% of the time, so I definitely agree with Ted.
-It's important to laugh at yourself
Robin is the poster child for embarrassing moments.  She was Robin Sparkles, for crying out loud...even though I actually love her songs, but that's another story.  Anyway, there's an episode where Robin's coworker, Sandy Rivers, shows everyone all of her embarrassing videos.  She has a lot, too.  She spent so much time trying to figure out how to get revenge, but Ted tells her to just laugh along with them.  When she finally does that, she was so relieved.
Everyone has embarrassing stories.  We're stupid, silly humans.  You can't hide them forever, so you may as well laugh about them.
-Finding love takes patience
Not everyone will find a Lily and Marshall relationship, and that's okay.  Heck, some people may not even be cut out for love, like Barney.  The biggest life lesson in HIMYM is to never be discouraged if your life doesn't turn out like the movies.  Everyone is dealt a different hand and as long as you truly know yourself and what you want want, you'll find happiness in the end.
"I think for the most part, if you're really honest with yourself about what you want out of life, life gives it to you."

I could go on for hours about why I love HIMYM, but I won't do that.  However, now when you're like "why is Zoë so obsessed with this tv show" you'll understand my reasoning and maybe you'll watch it to feel better as well.  Trust me, it works.

How I packed for a year abroad

I've lived abroad for a year before, and I'm about to go do it again.  The question people usually ask me is, "how in the world do you pack for a year?"  My answer is usually, "it's difficult."
Most websites will tell you to pack light and save room for souvenirs, but that's better for a short trip, not for a year!  In my opinion, it's better to pack as much as you're allowed to (for airline purposes).  This way, you'll feel more comfortable and at home in your new apartment in a new country.  This method also saves you money on shopping for new clothes-- but don't get me wrong, I still buy stuff for myself abroad.  I'm not made of stone.
Airlines allow you one checked bag, weighing 50 pounds or less, one carry-on bag with dimensions of 21x18x8 or smaller, and one personal bag.  The personal bag is supposed to be small enough to fit under the seat.

My checked bag holds the majority of my clothes and all liquid items bigger than 3 oz.  In my checked bag for Ireland I have:
1 pair of combat boots
1 pair of short rain boots
1 pair of running shoes
1 pair of ankle boots
3 cardigans
1 blazer
4 long sleeve shirts
2 plain v-neck short sleeve shirts
6 pair of pants (this is possibly excessive, but I wear my jeans out until they rip, so, better safe than sorry)
2 light jackets (Northface zip-up & Adidas thermal zip-up)
1 rain coat
12 pair of socks
6 "other" tops
2 pair of leggings
4 pair of tights
2 pair of long underwear (it's cold in the Emerald Isle!)
1 skirt
2 dresses
2 scarves
1 set of warm pajamas

Bathroom/Liquids
-8 oz shampoo and conditioner bottles
-face wash/ lotion/ astringent / body spray
!MAKE SURE you double ziplock all liquids in your checked bag!
-Giant bag of medicine (ibuprofen, Tums, Midol, birth control, cold medicine)
-8 oz bottle peppermint cooling lotion--This is great for sore feet and legs.  Traveling can be tiring.
-Poopourri (I know this seems funny but, new roommates...)
**Roll of toilet paper** This is SO helpful when you move into a new city and don't know where the nearest drug store is yet.

My bag weighs 48 pounds! So all of those items still weigh under the maximum allowance.

Keep in mind that I'm moving to Ireland--my bag was very different when I moved to the south of France because I didn't need as many warm layers!
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My carry on this year is an XL Longchamp duffle, and I'm using it to carry my clothes for my 2 weeks I'll be spending in France.  Therefore I have more summery clothes in this bag.

5 dresses
1 skirt
4 tops
1 romper
1 pair of sandals
1 pair of flats
1 pair of dressy shorts
1 pair of runing shorts
1 set of cooler pajama's
ALL of my underwear...probably 25+ pair
4 bras
1 swimsuit
1 fuzzy blanket! (This isn't necessary for everyone, but it's nice to have when you move into your new apartment.  I'm also picky about my blankets.)
1 gallon ziplock of tampons--SUPER important.  No pun intended.

Airlines allow one quart zip-lock of liquids 3oz or less. So I shoved in small bottles of shampoo and conditioner, dry shampoo, sunscreen, toothpaste and all my liquid makeup items! (remember to take foundations and other liquids out of your makeup bag and put them in your ziplock, or they'll throw them out!)
I also brought a tooth brush and a bar of soap in a travel box.

This bag weighs about 13 pounds but it squishes very small, so it fits the airline's regulations.

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My personal bag is a Northface backpack.  I always use a backpack as my personal bag because I can hold more stuff than a purse AND I can stick my purse inside my backpack.

My personal bag holds:

-small bag of jewelry and hair accessories (also not 100% necessary for everyone, but I personally need my accessories)
-laptop and charger
-digital camera and charger
-deodorant & hairbrush
**Passport** Keep this in a handy spot!!
-folder of important documents
-makeup
-purse
    *Purse holds all my lipsticks, a journal and coloring book, my wallet, headphones, portable phone charger and phone cord, umbrella...and anything else you think you'd need

My backpack in all weighs about 10 pounds, which is pretty heavy to lug around an airport.  However, the one I have is much more comfortable than a simple backpack because of the padding on the back and straps.

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Basically, packing to live abroad for a year can be very difficult.  However, I think if you pack as much as you can (realistically, that is.  Don't just through your whole wardrobe and shoe collection in a bag.) your adjustment to being dropped into a new atmosphere will be much simpler.  You'll also be less likely to spend money on clothes, toiletries and medicine, which can really add up and be a pain.
**Disclosure: My mum is planning to send me a package when I get to Dublin with my big winter coat and a few more warm sweaters.  I could have packed less jeans or tops in order to fit these things into my suitcase and avoid mailing them, but this works better for me.

I hope this blog answers all of your questions and helps you out if you intend on spending a year abroad!

xoxo
Zoë

I refuse to be a waitress forever

I interviewed for a job for after graduation and surprise, surprise, I didn't get it.  I know that it's because I'm terrible at interviews.  When I'm nervous and on the spot, I sort of black out and ramble.  I was ill-prepared to answer their questions and that's my fault, but I know I would have been a great fit for the position.

When I read my rejection email, I immediately thought, "I will never interview again."  Of course, that's impossible, and when I realized that one day I would have to do it again I thought, "I guess I'll apply for grad school?"  I suppose I wouldn't mind continuing my education, but I hate the thought of still having to wait tables as a part-time job.

I do and say a lot of embarrassing things as a waitress, so I thought to lighten the mood (and to promise myself that I will not be a waitress forever) I'd tell the world some stories of how totally awkward I am at work.

1) Balancing heavy food and drinks is just asking for trouble, really. 

-One time, I spilled an entire bowl of tomato soup on a rich old woman's white shirt. 

-Another time I dropped a full glass of Doctor Pepper on a man's lap.  

-I also poured water in a woman's purse once, but she didn't see it so I just pretended it didn't happen.

2) I'm an absolute mess at work.

-Once I leaned up against barbecue sauce somehow and was walking around with this big glob of bbq on my back for who knows how long...oh and it was in my hair too.

-I picked up a bottle of A1 by the lid when I was cleaning a table and go figure, it spilled all over me.  So I smelled like steak for about 6 hours and needless to say, I hate A1 now.

-If I had a dollar for every time I spilled salsa on me, I wouldn't even need a job.

  

3) I get tongue-tied far too often.

-I used to watch a lot of Spongebob Squarepants, and in the episode where Mr. Krabs' daughter takes over the Krusty Krab and sells salad instead of burgers, Spongebob doesn't know what a salad is and he pronounces them funny.  It's like sal-ad...hard to explain unless you've heard it, but anyway,  I frequently say salad wrong to customers on accident.  "Here's your caesar sal-ad!" *Walks away awkwardly and hopes no one notices*

-One time I tried to say, "Have a good day, ladies!" and it came out as "Have a good lady!"

-I got "no problem" and "you're welcome"mixed up a couple times and said "Your problem!" Yikes.

-My personal favorite awkward tongue twister:  A table with a family of maybe 3 kids ordered spinach and artichoke dip.  When I delivered it to their table  I said, "Here is your spinach and artichoke dick!"  I still will not say that menu item out loud. 

So, I'm discouraged about not getting that job, but at least I know that I'm determined enough to keep trying so I don't have to embarrass myself daily waiting tables.

A Year of Lasts

I have been telling myself that I'm ready for graduation since this semester began.  I've felt more than ready, really.  I have been counting down the days until I can live homework-free.  However this week is my sorority's initiation week and I've been through it a couple times already, but it's now hitting me that this is my LAST initiation week.
This year, I'll participate in my LAST Greek week.
I'll go to my LAST formal.
I'll attend my LAST homecoming basketball game (at least one where I can be all decked out in spirit).
I'll eat my LAST Fiesta Fuego, Subco, and Cyclone Salad meals.
I'll work at the French table for my LAST international food expo.
I'll buy my LAST Starbucks drink from Donna.
I'll go to my LAST adviser meeting with my amazing, inspiring French prof.
I'll write my LAST 10 page paper in 5 hours in the Rice Library, hopped up on caffeine.
I'll wave my LAST time at the waving bus driver.
I'll work my LAST hour in the Miller Foreign Language Lab.
I'll buy my LAST books in the campus store.
I'll take my LAST elevator ride to the third floor of the LA (because let's face it, I'm not taking the stairs).
I'll complain one LAST time about homework, even though homework is probably the reason I retained any information for the past four years.
I've already registered for classes for my LAST semester.

I know that I can always come back after graduation and relive some of these memories, but it won't be the same.  I'm ready to graduate and be done with school, but I'm still coming to terms with the idea of leaving my life here at USI.
Wish me luck in my year of lasts.

5 Things Overdressed Women Hate to Hear

I, for one, have always been overdressed.  I'm overdressed for dates, classes, even road trips or plane rides.  Although you may think this is something I can control, I assure you that it is not.  Here are a few things an overdressed woman gets tired of hearing:

1) "Let's go to the gym!"
Wait.  People wear tennis shoes to gym, right?  Will these converse be good enough?  No, I don't have a pair of those weird shorts with the underwear attached to them...do I need those?  Can I wear the spandex I normally wear under short dresses instead?

2) "Wear your sorority t-shirt on Wednesday."
Awh, man...I had a really cute outfit picked out for Wednesday. Plus, this t-shirt is too baggy on me and I'd rather show that I have a shape.

3) "Here at (insert restaurant name) our employees wear button up shirts and dress pants"
But are accessories allowed?  I need a little flair.

4) "We're going to Show-Me's, not a charity gala."
I'm sorry that I just bought this dress and it only looks cute when my hair is curled.

5) "Aren't you uncomfortable in those shoes?"
Of course I am...but have you seen them?

Maybe it's a bad thing to have a fashion sense.  Maybe it's crazy to always want to be dressed well.  Even if being always overdressed is seen as a bad trait, I will forever take pride in it because no one  is more powerful than a well-dressed woman.

Rock Show Culture

I've been going to rock shows since I was 13.  I've learned over the past 8 years that there is a specific set of rules one must follow when planning on attending a show.  Frankly, I feel like there are lots of people who are either forgetting the rules or never learned them-- so these are for you.

Rule #1: Attire
It's the day of the concert and you're overwhelmingly excited.  You're going to see your favorite band play live!  I understand, it's a thrilling idea.  However, do NOT wear a t-shirt with the band's name on it.  We all know you're a fan because you spent 40 dollars on a ticket to watch them play.  Wearing their name on your clothes is just overkill.

Rule #2: Line Etiquette
This is something you learn in kindergarten.  There's even a charming rhyme about this one simple rule: "No cuts, no buts, no coconuts." Seriously, it's just common courtesy.  Don't save spots in the line for your 5 friends who won't be showing up until an hour before the show.  The group behind you has probably been in line for 12 hours, so by saving spots, there's a possibility that you're ruining someone else's chance of getting barricade, making their effort pointless.  

Rule #3: Line Waiting
If you are staying the night outside the venue, you must make fun of the people who brought a tent, because they are less hardcore than you.  Although you may secretly be jealous of the fact that they have something to hide under from the rain while you're sleeping on the sidewalk, soaking wet and freezing.

Rule #4: Before the Doors Open
Your heart is racing.  There is one hour until they let you in the venue.  One person from your group must run to the car and put away all of your blankets, snacks, pillows and jackets.  Now one by one, make sure to run to the nearest McDonald's for the restroom because once you're on barricade, there's no potty breaks until the show is over.  This is prime time for people to try and cut in front of you in line.  Stand your ground.  Don't be afraid to be an asshole.

Rule #5: Entering the Venue
You don't need that purse.  Bringing in a purse means the security has to look inside, therefore prolonging your entrance.  (Hint: Girls, hook your car key to your bra strap and keep your phone in your front pocket).  Once you're past security, RUN to the pit. despite all the guards yelling, "DON'T RUN."  Grab the barricade and breathe a sigh of relief because your efforts were worthwhile.

Rule #6: Concert Courtesy
If you didn't get barricade, you didn't get barricade.  Please, do not try to squeeze your way up there.  Don't be that guy.

If you got barricade, hold on tight and prepare to have bruised arms tomorrow.

If you got barricade and you're a 6 foot tall man, COME ON.  Let the short ones in front.  You can see over everyone anyway.  Rude.

If you have a crush on the lead singer, spare yourself some embarrassment and don't yell "OMG I LOVE YOU SO MUCH" every 2 minutes.  Girl we get it, you're thirsty.

If you really love a song, don't scream the lyrics with your horrible singing voice into the person's ear in front of you.

If you really love the band you're seeing, put your phone down.  Take a couple nice photos, then enjoy the concert.  What's the point of being there if you just record the whole thing?  I doubt you'll even watch the videos later.

Rule #7: Post-Show
Your head is spinning; your ears are ringing; you have this undying thirst for a gallon of water.  You feel like total crap but it was worth it in the end.  You've seen your favorite band play.  You've danced to their songs while they sing the lyrics that have gotten through your toughest days.  You spent a day with your friends and strangers that you know nothing about.  However you do know that you all came together for your equal love of one band.  It is a night where you feel like you finally fit in--a night where everything makes sense.

Shows are more than just a past time for misfit teens.  They are happy memories for the ones who need them.  Follow the rules, enjoy the shows and be grateful for times like these.  This is OUR culture.

High school vs. College

High school was such a simple time.  You'd wake up at 7:00 am 5 days a week, maybe work a part-time job or go to an extracurricular activity after school, then have 2 days off to do whatever you wanted.  I was a very busy teenager with school, dance, work (sometimes I'd keep 2 jobs at once) and homework, but I still wish I could go back to high school because everything was so easy.
A few things change when one goes off to college.  Here are a few things that changed about me, thanks to the increase in responsibility that college gave me.

1) I never do laundry

I look back and think about when I lived at home and there was a laundry machine FOR FREE at my disposal everyday and how I took advantage of that.  I would throw my clothes that I wore once in the hamper or even shirts that I tried on but didn't want to wear or hang up again.  I ended up needing to do laundry every 3 days because my hamper got full so fast.  It's the same with towels.   I used a towel ONE TIME before washing it.  Today I use the same towel for 2 weeks before washing it.  I can't believe my 15-year-old self.  Now that I'm living on my own with no laundry machine, I just do laundry when I'm running low on clean underwear (which isn't very often because I have a panty addiction, brought on by those darn sales at Victoria's Secret).

2) Leftovers are my favorites

This is another example of my carelessness in high school.  I never ate leftovers.  I wish I could slap teenage me upside the head and say, "Oh, you're too GOOD for leftovers? You don't like free food?  You think it tastes BAD the next day? Looks like you forgot to put your crown on today, Princess Zoë." Seriously, today if I found an Olive Garden box in my fridge with leftover pasta in it I'd be thanking the refrigerator gods.

3) Manicures are for special occasions

Being the high maintenance brat that I was, I had acrylic nails in high school and would refill them every 2 weeks.  I would also get a new set every couple months.  That's 20 dollars every 2 weeks and 45 dollars every couple months just for my FINGERNAILS.  Don't get me wrong, I'd still love to be able to do that but I have more important things to pay for...like food and gas and electricity.  I miss when my mum would give me a blank check and leave me at Hollywood Nails when I spent all the money I made at my two jobs on clothing.  If I asked mum for that today she'd be like "LOL no."

4) Online shopping comes second to paying bills

Just kidding, I still online shop...all the time.  Oops.  Some things never change I guess.

xoxo,

Princess Zoë