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!

Me and my friends at Disneyland (It's Halloween Time!)

 

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):

  1. Pumped Up Kicks – Foster the People
  2. Ray of Light – Madonna
  3. Moves Like Jagger – Maroon 5
  4. Burning Love – Elvis Presley
  5. Skinny Love – Bon Iver
  6. Hello – Martin Solveig & Dragonette
  7. Almost Lover – A Fine Frenzy
  8. Helium Hearts – Jason Reeves
  9. Dog Days are Over – Florence + The Machines
  10. Young Folks – Peter Bjorn and John
  11. I Feel It All – Feist
  12. Suddenly I See – KT Tunstall
  13. Sleepyhead – Passion Pit
  14. Golden (Like the State) – Quiet Company
  15. Sweetest Thing – U2
  16. 99 Luftballons – Nena
  17. Our House – Madness
  18. What is Love – Haddaway
  19. Jessie’s Girl – Rick Springfield
  20. Uptown Girl – Billy Joel
  21. We Got The Beat – The Go-Go’s
  22. Whip It – Devo
  23. Come On Eileen – Dexy’s Midnight Runners
  24. Build Me Up Buttercup – The Foundations
  25. Walking On Sunshine – Katrina & the Waves
  26. Believe – Cher
  27. Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic – The Police
  28. Perfect Day – Hoku
  29. Dancing in the Moonlight – King Harvest
  30. Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
  31. You Make My Dreams – Daryl Hall & John Oates
  32. September – Earth Wind & Fire
  33. Shout – The Isley Brothers
  34. Twist & Shout – The Beatles
  35. Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison
  36. Here I Go Again – Whitesnake
  37. Livin’ On a Prayer – Bon Jovi
  38. Sweet Child O’ Mine – Guns N’ Roses
  39. We’re Not Gonna Take It- Twisted Sister
  40. Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond
  41. Separate Ways – Journey
  42. Hit Me With Your Best Shot – Pat Benatar
  43. Dancing With Myself – Billy Idol
  44. Your Love – The Outfield
  45. Are You Gonna Be My Girl – Jet
  46. Footloose – Kenny Loggins
  47. Jack and Diane – John Mellencamp
  48. Just Can’t Get Enough – Depeche Mode
  49. It’s My Life – Bon Jovi
  50. 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!