So last week I mentioned the trip to Disneyland I was planning. I had probably the most fun I have ever had at Disneyland on that trip! My friends and I left the football game a little early (which was too bad but USC won anyways, and we had to sacrifice some things for the sake of Disneyland), and starting driving to Anaheim. Because we were surprising my roommate for her birthday, we blindfolded her as we got close to Disneyland so the surprise wouldn’t be ruined. Needless to say she was thoroughly surpised and had an awesome birthday at Disneyland! We even got her an “It’s my birthday!” from City Hall. We went to California Adventure and went on a few rides, plus saw the spectacular show “World of Color,” a combination of water, light, color, and fire on Paradise Pier in front of California Screamin’. While watching this show I even remembered a presentation given last semester for the Engineering Honors Colloquium on water feature design, by a Chief Engineer from the company WET Design (one of their most recognizable water features is the Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas). It was nice to be apply to visualize what I had learned in Colloquium, with the Disney touch. In addition to seeing “World of Color,” we went on many of my favorite rides including the teacups, thunder mountain, grizzly river run, Indiana Jones, and the matterhorn (we didn’t go on space mountain because it was having technical difficulties). We didn’t leave the park until midnight, and got back to campus shortly after that. Although I was absolutely exhausted the next day while doing homework, Disneyland was definitely worth it!
After two midterms last week in my general education (GE) course, Introduction to Buddhist Literature, and my civil engineering Statics course, and two papers due this week (for my Buddist Literature course and my other GE American Bestsellers since WWII), I’ve had some time to develop some solid study and break time playlists. Here’s a sample of what I’ve listened to in order to stay focused and reenergize. It’s an interesting mix of pop, alternative, 80’s, rock, and other music. I tend to rely on classic songs to get me through long study sessions.
Natalie’s Music (50 recently played songs and other artists):
- Pumped Up Kicks – Foster the People
- Ray of Light – Madonna
- Moves Like Jagger – Maroon 5
- Burning Love – Elvis Presley
- Skinny Love – Bon Iver
- Hello – Martin Solveig & Dragonette
- Almost Lover – A Fine Frenzy
- Helium Hearts – Jason Reeves
- Dog Days are Over – Florence + The Machines
- Young Folks – Peter Bjorn and John
- I Feel It All – Feist
- Suddenly I See – KT Tunstall
- Sleepyhead – Passion Pit
- Golden (Like the State) – Quiet Company
- Sweetest Thing – U2
- 99 Luftballons – Nena
- Our House – Madness
- What is Love – Haddaway
- Jessie’s Girl – Rick Springfield
- Uptown Girl – Billy Joel
- We Got The Beat – The Go-Go’s
- Whip It – Devo
- Come On Eileen – Dexy’s Midnight Runners
- Build Me Up Buttercup – The Foundations
- Walking On Sunshine – Katrina & the Waves
- Believe – Cher
- Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic – The Police
- Perfect Day – Hoku
- Dancing in the Moonlight – King Harvest
- Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
- You Make My Dreams – Daryl Hall & John Oates
- September – Earth Wind & Fire
- Shout – The Isley Brothers
- Twist & Shout – The Beatles
- Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison
- Here I Go Again – Whitesnake
- Livin’ On a Prayer – Bon Jovi
- Sweet Child O’ Mine – Guns N’ Roses
- We’re Not Gonna Take It- Twisted Sister
- Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond
- Separate Ways – Journey
- Hit Me With Your Best Shot – Pat Benatar
- Dancing With Myself – Billy Idol
- Your Love – The Outfield
- Are You Gonna Be My Girl – Jet
- Footloose – Kenny Loggins
- Jack and Diane – John Mellencamp
- Just Can’t Get Enough – Depeche Mode
- It’s My Life – Bon Jovi
- Jump – Van Halen
So in addition to these excellent songs, I’m also listening to music by Adelle, Jack Johnson, Eric Hutchinson, Sara Bareilles, MGMT, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, The Beatles, U2, Queen, and Michael Jackson. And of course to keep the study vibe going, I include classical music like Mozart. Enjoy!