Where have all the boy bands gone?

The New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys came out of retirement to launch the super boy band tour, NKOTBSB. They also released new cds under their respective group names. Hanson put out a new cd back in 2010, but didn't make a major comeback. Who knows what the Jonas Brothers are up to, probably up to some Tom Foolery after their failed attempts to make it as solo acts. There's also a rumor floating around that 98 Degrees may be returning to the music scene.

There was a gap to be filled by the traditional boy band where there was guy in the band to interest any tween-teen girl.

Enter, One Direction! Finally, something to fill the void with their wholesome boyish looks and upbeat pop music filled with sappy, commercial love song lyrics. Perfection <3 Now, I need to plan a fun road trip!

48 DAYS until I leave for Paris!!!

                I’m going crazy reading travel guides and making lists of EVERYTHING I want to see while abroad. I’ve come to the realization that I need to stop doing this because I still have to get through this semester before I can truly concentrate on getting ready for Paris.

                This summer is completely full with fun things. Paris and London for five weeks, then I leave for Nicaragua a week after I get back, and a week after I get back from there I’ll be a bridesmaid in a dear friend’s wedding. INSANE, but I love it!

Thrice - Daedalus (MySpace Transmissions)

We all were lost now we are found
No one can stop us or slow us down
We are the named and we are known
We know that we'll never walk alone

-lyrics from “Image of the Invisible”

Last night I purchased tickest for myself, Paige, and Rebecca for Thrice’s final tour. They are one of my favorite bands of ALL time. They do not label themselves as a Christian band, but it is evident in their lyrics that they believe in the Almighty. They’re music and lyrics are legit and they will be missed.

Through travel I first became aware of the outside world; it was through travel that I found my own introspective way into becoming a part of it."   -Eudora Welty

In January of 2011 I began my first semester at the University of South Florida as an art history major. I know art history doesn’t seem like a legit major, but it is and they even give you a degree at the end of your education. It’s a subject that envelopes more than just the composition, color, form, and medium of a work, but also the social, political, religious, geographic,  and cultural background of art.

It was during my first semester that I first learned of the art history study abroad program. A full month in Paris and a week in London, it was a dream opportunity. I quickly dismissed the idea due to the cost of tuition, airfare, and food; it was beyond my pay grade. Fast-forward to the fall semester when the school began to push the program as the deadline to apply was quickly approaching. In each of my classes I was forced to sit through the sales pitch by a fellow student who had experienced the program that past summer. With each announcement of the trip my resolve began to wane.  I went home that evening and declared to my parents that I would be going to Paris!

Here I am, six months later, and well on my way to studying in Paris and London over the summer. It hasn't been an easy (or cheap) road, but I believe it will be an invaluable experience and I can’t wait to live in Paris!