The best thing about being in a sorority is that you have so many sisters that you don’t need to talk to anyone else. You don’t need to make friends in your classes or at work. You don’t need to meet people in your hall, or in the BLUU, or in the library. It’s just a hassle you don’t have to worry about.
Right? Wrong.
Yes, it’s great to have sisters who can double as best friends,
roommates, classmates, study buddies, and lunch dates. But you know
what’s even better? Having sisters AND other friends to do things with.
I’m one of those people that calls lots of people my “best friend.” My
older sister Becca is my best friend, my mom is my best friend, my
platonic guy friend Tom is my best friend, and my sorority sister Maggie
is my best friend. But I have this one best friend, and she’s pretty
much the real deal.
I met Kelsey the summer after 8th
grade at Camp Arcadia, a Christian camp where we spent a week before
high school. We were in the same small group and immediately hit it off.
We lived about 45 minutes apart, so our moms drove us back and forth to
see each other, and we sent each other about a million emails a day
(Example email: Dear Kelsey, high school is scary. But I met a boy, and I
think we’re in love. Love, Abby.). Right before junior year of high
school, Kelsey’s family moved to Wisconsin. Needless to say, I was
devastated. Just kidding, it wasn’t much farther of a drive. We still
kept in great touch, making frequent phone calls and the occasional trip
out to see each other.
Plot twist! Kelsey and I both
committed to TCU during our senior year of high school, and we made
lots of plans. Maybe freshman roommates? Maybe sorority sisters? Maybe
we would have the same major? Maybe our boyfriends would be
brothers!?!?!? Our plan didn’t turn out at all how we expected it to,
but I still wouldn’t change a thing about it.
Kelsey
and I ended up pledging different sororities, and I’ve said for the last
year and a half that a piece of my heart is in Gamma Phi Beta. As much
as I love and adore my sisters, there’s something to be said about a
girl who has been your best friend since the awkward days of 8th grade.
The fact that Kelsey and I are in different sororities does not detract
from our friendship. I actually think it makes it more special. Instead
of seeing each other at chapter meetings or other events, we have to
make time outside of our busy lives to see each other. The fact that we
don’t have our sorority in common forces us to talk about all kinds of
other things, whether that be classes, boys, our families, or pizza.
Just because we aren’t sisters doesn’t mean we can’t be best friends.
I feel this way about lots of my friends. My friend Autumn from high
school is a Kappa, my Frog Camp buddy Caroline is a Sigma Kappa, and one
of my sweet roommates is a Theta. I have learned so much in such
different ways from these girls, and they all bring something different
to the table. If I hadn’t branched out of my sorority, I never would
have been able to have friendships with these great girls.
So that’s my challenge: I urge all of you to reach out of the comfort
zone of the circle of your sisters. Make some fellow Panhellenic
friends, or maybe even some that aren’t Greek at all. Friendships don’t
need letters to be legit. But if they do, I guess that’s cool too.
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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
King of Wallpapers
1. Southern Gothic
I don't know what it is about this playlist, but it always makes me feel like I should be burrito-ed up in a blanket, sipping a cup of coffee. It will definitely get you pumped for Autumn.
2. Autumn Acoustics
This playlist really gets you ready for Autumn. The acoustic tracks featured make you feel like you should be with your friends around a bonfire, looking at the stars.
3. Autumn Leaves
This playlist makes me wish I had a pumpkin spice latte on hand immediately. I personally prefer listening to this one when I can curl up with one of my favorite books of poetry. It's so calming, and makes me wish the cooler weather could make its appearance sooner rather than later.
4. Deep Dark Indie
What's more fitting for Autumn than an Indie playlist? Honestly, I don't think there is.
5. Dreamy Fall
Honestly, the title says it all. The songs on this playlist soothe you and get you more ready for fall than you ever thought possible. Plus, Heartstrings by Leighton Meester is on this playlist. Could it get any better?
6. Halloween Hipster
Okay, I know that the word 'hipster' being in this playlist may very well put some people off of it, but trust me, it's a great playlist. When you just need to get yourself in the Halloween mood, this is the playlist to do it.
7. Wanderlust
What's better than a road trip in Autumn? Almost nothing. Channel your inner love for road trips and fall into this one playlist. It's so fitting for the season.
8. Your Favorite Coffeehouse
In my opinion, there is no better place to be in the middle of Autumn than in your local coffee shop. Being surrounded by the smell of coffee and the crispness of the air wafting inside as people come and go are so calming, and really embody the feeling of fall for me. This playlist will put you right there, in your favorite coffeehouse in Autumn.
Though the temperature may not be enough to get you in the fall mood, these playlists are sure to do the job. So curl up in your bed, grab your favorite mug of coffee, and let these playlists get you ready for when the temperature does fall.
Photo by Carlos Quintero on Unsplash
1. Realizing there's no more toilet paper when it's already too late.
...Happens to the best of us.
yellow and black tissue roll
Photo by Jas Min on Unsplash
2. Making a cup of coffee in the morning and forgetting it in the car.
..This can turn the best of days into the worst.
3. Pushing doors that say pull.
...Come on, we've all done it
4. When you hear people chew.
...I imagine beating you over the head every time I hear you chomp down on that chip!
5. When it's really quiet in a room and you hear that one person breathing like they just ran a marathon.
...Or maybe you just ran up two flights of stairs to get to class, we'll never know.
6. Grabbing a chocolate chip cookie, only to realize it's actually oatmeal raisin.
...Unless you actually like oatmeal raisin, then it's a win-win.
7. Getting comfortable in bed and then realizing you forgot to pee/turn off the light.
...To deal or not to deal, that is the question.
8. That one aunt/uncle that just always gives you that creepy vibe.
...This can make family parties a dread.
9. When your teacher makes you buy a textbook that you never even crack open.
...Sure, next time I'll just hand you my money and you can toss it directly into the garbage!
10. Continuing to open and reopen the fridge until the food that you want magically makes its way in there.
...Maybe if I walk away and come back it will work.
11. Walking into a room and then automatically forgetting why you went in there.
...And having to leave the room in order to remember.
12. People that drive without using their blinker.
..Left, right, straight?! Where ya goin' pal??
13. When you have really slow wi-fi.
black and white striped flag
Photo by Ken Friis Larsen on Unsplash
...Loading...Loading...Loading....ugh.
14. People who feel the need to scream into their phones as if the other person can't hear them.
...If you'd just speak into the phone like a regular human this would be a better experience for us all.
15. The world's obsession with the Kardashian/Jenner families.
...Still don't see what the hype is all about.
16. Advertisements before Youtube videos.
...When all you want to do is get ready while listening to Beyoncé!
17. When people read over your shoulder.
...This one is actually happening to me right now, hi :)
18. A-holes that park in the handicapped spots when they, in fact, not handicapped.
...One day they'll get all the tickets that they deserve.
19. People who cut in line.
...You gotta tell em how it is!
20. The LIRR/MTA
...If you're from NY, I know you can relate to this.
21. Being stuck behind someone who is walking painfully slow.
...I'm running you over in my mind.
22. When people smoke cigarettes right in front of the entrance to the building you have to walk into.
...Thank you for exhaling your smoke right into my face.
23. When boys think it's cool to treat girls like crap.
...Wasn't cool in elementary school, isn't cool now fellas.
24. Guys that still go to high school parties even though they've been out of high school for years.
...They're not laughing with you, they're laughing at you.
25. Celebrities that are obviously lip-syncing.
...Cough, Maria Carey, cough.
26. How you need a scissor to get the scissor out of its package.
...Paradox.
27. When people text using that stupid "voice text" function.
...Please just text with your hands. I have absolutely no idea what you're trying to say.
28. Telling someone you can't hear them, so they use the same exact volume and just repeat what they said.
...Why are you like this???
29. When someone gets in the shower right as you were about to get in the shower.
...Yes, I've been laying in bed for 3 hours but I swear I was just about to get in there!
30. Saying "What?" for some reason, even though you heard what the person said.
...I really do not know why this happens.
31. When you're in a rush but the light is red.
...They just always seem to take longer when you have some place to be.
32. Cashiers putting your change down on the counter instead of in your hand.
...Hello, hi, my hand is right here!
33. The people that go up to order food to the cashier but are still continuing their phone conversation.
...This is just rude, and obnoxious, yet entirely too common.
34. That awkward time in the fall when it's freezing in the morning but stifling in the afternoon.
...Dress in layers people, layers!
selective photo of orange maple leafed
Photo by Jeff Ma on Unsplash
35. Emailing your professor a long winded paragraph about a problem you are having and they email back, "Sure."
...I proofread that email about six times and all you say is "sure"??
36. Guys who put their car as their profile picture on Facebook.
...Are you a transformer?
37. Girls who have "X Years Young." in their Instagram bios.
...Just stop.
38. Trying to find the beginning to a roll of tape.
...This simple task takes way longer than it should.
39. When people drive your car and adjust your mirrors/seat.
...Please don't touch, adjust yourself not my seat!
40. People that talk during the movie.
...No, I can't explain this part to you because I can't hear it as you're blabbing in my ear!
41. People that decide to engage in conversation right in the middle of the hallway/sidewalk.
...I think the middle of this crowded sidewalk is the best place to take random, unnecessary pictures of every single skyscraper in Times Square.
42. When someone says, "no offense," and then continues to say something offensive.
...Well, screw my feelings, right?
43. People that pop their significant others pimples.
...This will never be endearing.
44. Teacher's pets.
...No one likes you. The teachers don't like you, your classmates don't like you. Please stop.
45. Going to the bathroom and someone goes into the stall right next to you.
...Yes, boys, us girls have the same "skip a stall" rule too!
46. When someone leaves your room and doesn't shut the door.
...If the door was closed when you opened it, CLOSE IT!
white wooden door
Photo by Dima Pechurin on Unsplash
47. Political debates between two people who know nothing about politics.
...Or political debates between anyone at all.
48. When you get all ready to go out and your friend cancels plans.
...I wasted a full face of makeup for this!
49. People that drop their friends for their significant other.
... God forbid it doesn't work out, you'll come crawling back.
50. People that don't like animals.
...There is no good reason for this one!
Halloween
1. Going to haunted houses with friends.
Some of the times it is fun but its crazy as well. Sometimes it is scary but if you are with friends it is so much fun.
2. Going to Halloween parties with friends or families or both.
Dress up in ur favorite Halloween costumes from princesses to witches and etc. Such as trunk-or-treat!
3. We all enjoy going to apple orchards to pick apples and to eat donuts with apple cider.
One of the Apple orchards in Michigan is Plymouth Orchards and Cider Mill. There are many others in the state of Michigan.
4. When you are younger or through high school, you go trick or treating in various of costumes going door to door saying "trick or treat" and you get candy or whatever they are giving you for Halloween.
5. Another fun part of October is to go to corn mazes which are sometimes fun and hard to do with friends and family.
One of the corn mazes to go to in the Three Cedars Farm in Northville, MI which I have been there a lot over the years. You can also pick pumpkins there as well and there is usually a barn dance you can do as well while you are there.
6. Back in elementary school, we had Halloween Parties where homeroom parents were the ones who planned them for Halloween.
It gives the children to express themselves during the day and wear costumes.
7. Another event that happens during the month of October is Halloween Nights at the Henry Ford in the evenings.
It is so much fun get to see everyone with their families and dressed in Halloween costumes.
8. The types of candy and food that are popular during Halloween time are candy corn, caramel apples and many other fun foods.
9. I love Halloween and get to see all the interesting and fun costumes that the kids wear which is so amazing and awesome.
10. Listening and performing in Halloween concerts which are fun and get to dress up as well.
Some of the songs
11. Carving pumpkins are always fun to carve because you get to do it with your family and friends.
There are many different designs you can do on a pumpkin but do not make it so hard to do.
“The Cranberries” recorded seven studio albums from 1993 through 2017 and Dolores O’Riordan (their late great, incredible lead voice) had two studio albums as a solo act. Within those nine albums hides a plethora of great music.
14. "Dreams" by The Cranberries
CatharsisMagazine
Upon returning the CD back to my library, I ordered “The Cranberries Treasure Box” set, which consisted of their first four albums, along with bonus tracks. Devouring each album from start to finish over and over again really was like opening a treasure box.
The band hails from Limerick Ireland, and O’Riordan’s signature “yodel” (which she learned from her father), helped to create a band that is really unlike any other. They have anger and hatred in some of their lyrics, as seen in “Loud and Clear,” and then they have moments of beautiful haunting with lines like
“I don't think it's going to happen anymore
You took my thoughts from me, now I want nothing more” (O'Riordan, N. Hogan).
Their music ranges too, from slow peaceful melodies as on “Warchild,” to heaver, rock –grunge influenced pieces like “Salvation.”
“The Cranberries” are truly one of my favorite bands, and is a group that should be more widely known, far beyond their three big hits “Dreams,” “Linger," and "Zombie."
To help with that, here is a Top 10 List of songs by “The Cranberries,” along with two bonus songs, one from both of O’Riordan’s solo albums.
10. “Still Can’t…” from “Everyone Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We?”
The Cranberries - Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why CAN`t We ? 1993The Cranberries - Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why CAN`t We ? 1993.
Track nine on their debut album, has a fast pace, showcasing O’Riordan’s vocal range, some grunge influence, and their unique melodic capacities. It combines acoustic and electric guitar and strong bass lines by brothers Noel and Mike Hogan respectfully, and the very interesting drum style of Fergal Lawler.
9. “How” from “Everyone Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We?”
How - The Cranberries (Lyrics)www.youtube.com
Two song’s later and also from their debut album, “How” has O’Riordan nearly whispering in angst throughout the verses, crescendo-ing up to a strong chorus that showcases the emotion she was able to carry in her singing. Both songs follow the hits “Dreams” and “Linger” which also appear on the band's debut.
8. “Twenty One” from “No Need To Argue”
The Cranberries - Twenty Onewww.youtube.com
A ballad which leads just before the mega-hit “Zombie,” “Twenty One,” is a sad and somber piece that holds more emotion in fewer words that are actually sung. Musically, and lyrically, the song hints towards anxiety and growth and exile. Personally, I would assume the repeating of “Twenty One” would indicate a place in finding one’s own answers. But like all great things, the song is open to the interpretation of each individual listener.
7. “Ridiculous Thoughts” from “No Need To Argue”
Just listen to the intro vocals, and how O’Riordan chants
“You’re gonna have to hold on” (O'Riordan, N. Hogan)
as the song reaches its climax. That’s the only reason needed to justify this song’s placement on this list.
While the entirety of “No Need To Argue” could find its place on a Top 10, these are two of my personal favorites that standout aside “Zombie.” Notable mentions include “Ode To My Family,” “The Icicle Melts,” and “Yeats’ Grave.”
6. “Warchild” from “To The Faithful Departed”
Warchildwww.youtube.com
An acoustic piece with a horn section finds its main ingredient is the haunting and beautiful voice of O’Riordan. Listen to the lyrics as she sings. As the title suggests, the song tells of children in the time of war. A string section is welcomed after the first chorus, warmly filling the soundscape of the music.
5. “Bosnia” from “To The Faithful Departed”
The Cranberries Bosnia ( High Quality )www.youtube.com
This is possibly my favorite of “The Cranberries” songs. I am not going to try and explain why this song is so amazing; if you listen to only one of the songs provided, let it be this one and form your own connection to it. It really is one of the most underrated songs, not only from the band but in the realm of music.
Other notable mentions from “To The Faithful Departed” are “Salvation,” which really showcases the band’s heavier moments, “Cordell,” and “God Be With You”
4. “Loud And Clear “from “Bury The Hatchet”
Loud And Clearwww.youtube.com
This album’s artwork is possible one of the scariest, with the giant eye looking down on a crouching, scared and naked man. Making the list, was either this song or “Animal Instinct.” But the horn section, anger-fueled lyrics such as
“Hope the sun beats down on you
And skin yourself alive” (O'Riordan)
“Loud and Clear” had to make the list.
3. “This Is The Day” from “Wake Up And Smell The Coffee
Everything comes together so perfectly in this chorus; Her voice, the high splashing of the high-hat, the strong strums of the guitar. The chorus leads out with the swirling sensation the guitar provides, along with the underlying bass that constantly pounds in the midst of the chaos.
2. “Conduct” from “Roses”
11 years from their previous album, “Wake Up And Smell The Coffee,” “Conduct” opens the return album, proving that their sound has never dwindled or faded, and picks up right from where the band left off. Other notable tracks from “Roses” are “Schizophrenic Playboy,” and “Show Me”
1. “Why” from “Something Else”
The Cranberries - WhyAcoustic version of "Why" from the new album "Something Else". Out Now: https://cranberries.lnk.to/SEID Follow The Cranberries: ...
This is the last studio album before the death of singer Dolores O’Riordan. The album consists of 10 unplugged, acoustic arrangements of previous hits, along with new orchestrations to accompany the unplugged sound, and three new songs. They redo their three most popular songs, “Zombie,” “Dreams,” and “Linger,” but the three new tracks offered are worth mentioning.
The closing song, “Why,” showcases everything that makes “The Cranberries” one of the most important bands ever. Why you ask, as the title of the song prompts you to? Listen for yourself and see “Why.”
Bonus Tracks from O’Riordan’s solo albums:
“Black Widow” from “Are You Listening?”
If you thought “The Cranberries” had some heavy, borderline metal songs, you were wrong. On O’Riordan’s first solo album, she has this, along with “Stay With Me.” Both bring head-banging to her familiar style with “The Cranberries.” Only these songs crank it up to 11!
“I Want you” from “No Baggage”
Dolores O'Riordan - I Want Youwww.youtube.com
This song is technically not on this album but is instead a B-side that I stumbled upon when looking into her career. It’s simply beautiful. This album drops some of the near-metal moments from “Are You Listening?” but as with all of these albums, there is no shortage of great music. Notable mentions from “No Baggage” include “Lunatic,” “You Set Me On Fire,” and a new version of “Apple Of My Eye,” which first appeared on her previous album.
Go on and complete your music collection by adding the catalog of “The Cranberries” and the two solo albums from O’Riordan.
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