In recent conversations with new post-grads, I commonly hear the same defeated yet wishful comment:

“I’m so ready for the new year.”

And you know what? I couldn’t agree more. After a year of ups and downs, college graduation, and a weird new existence of life after college, I too am ready to get rid of my frenemy, 2010.

Personally for me, 2010 has been very strange. It was either really good or really, really bad – no in between. I haven’t had a year this bipolar since venturing off to college in 2006. Needless to say, my relationship with the past twelve months is something that I’m not looking to hold onto or cherish because, well, if this were a real life relationship, I’m pretty sure my BFFs would tell me to kick that jerk to the curb.

So, at the stroke of midnight, I’m doing just that.
See you never, 2010!

OK, so 2010 wasn’t a total bust. Half of it was spent rounding out my senior year of college (which rocked my socks off), and I did learn a lot about myself. It’s just that like many post-grads, I feel like since graduation all the things I’ve wanted to come true haven’t. While most people have had a few lucky breaks, the majority of us are still searching for that perfect opportunity, that new something that energizes us. We’ve grown cynical and lost the faith that we’d find our passion and go on to do great things with our college degrees. We have run out of steam to find what we’re looking for and the confidence that we can even get it. Read More »

100 things to do when you’re upset

Enough with the sex tapes!

More stuff I don’t need…but kinda want

Gag me Octomom

Your 5 awesome music selections for the week

How is this news!?!?!

Jude may be a douche, but he’s still adorable

For a few weeks, I was in a rut – a big, blah rut that I couldn’t seem to find my way out of. I was grouchy, apathetic, and basically bored with everything. My self-esteem was not at its usual high-point, and I had no idea what the heck was wrong with me.

I know I lead a charmed life by any standards. I’m single during my senior year, I love my family, I have the most amazing friends, I go to a great school, and I live within five blocks of the most scrumptious fro-yo in the world. Life is great. So why the heck didn’t I feel as great as I should?

Well, even now, a few weeks later and finally back in Happyville, I don’t have an answer to that question. Something was just off, and I can’t really explain what it was. All I know is it’s over now thanks to a few things I did for myself. If you’re feeling funkadelic (and not the good kind) – whether caused by boys, school, or an unsolved perpetrator – maybe a few of these activities will help you claw your way out.

Outdoor Activities: Exercise gives you endorphins and endorphins make you happy (and happy people just don’t shoot their husbands, as Elle Woods would say). So get out and go for a hike, or play tennis, or take a dance class! Go solo or with friends, either way, take some time for yourself!
Set a short-term goal for yourself; reaching goals will give you a sense of accomplishment, which generally makes people feel happy and productive. Setting an attainable, short term goal will force you to be proactive and get you motivated. Read More »

The three weeks before I graduated from undergrad I was miserable. I was sad, and already dreading the day all my friends would leave our previously un-penetrated bubble of binge drinking, late nights, traveling, naps and academia.

I’m in grad school now but I realized the crummy days are coming back again. My fifth year friends are rounding the victory lap and getting ready to leave school. I’m excited for them to scatter across the country, but sad to see them go. I decided my sentiment was best expressed in two playlists; one for those dark, depressing days and one for the hopeful, bright ones.

We’ll start with the sad one. Sometimes the best way to get over a hurdle is to have a good cry. This should make you do just that.

1. Freshman – Verve Pipe

Achingly sad when I was a freshman in high school, still pretty tear-inducing now that I know what they’re talking about.

2. Forever Young – Alphaville

This song is most known for the 8 billion TV prom scenes its used in. Don’t hold that against it. If you want to hold those haircuts against them, be my guest.

3. Tear – Red Hot Chili Peppers

Best lyric? “Say it now because you never know.” It sounds so much easier when Anthony Kiedis is advising you. Read More »

Q. Dear Tuffy Luv,

I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I’m at a great school pursuing my dream career, I live in a great apartment with a roommate I adore, and, yeah, I don’t have a lot of money because I’m a student, but really, I’m doing okay.

But I’ve been in a series of bad relationships and I just got dumped (again) a couple of weeks ago by a guy I was just casually dating. Ever since, I’ve been so depressed that it’s really hard to just get through the day. I know it’s not worth it to get so upset over a guy, but I can’t shake this depression. What should I do?

-Retardedly Sad

A. Dear Retardedly Sad,

First of all, I’m really sorry about the guy. It always sucks to get dumped, no matter how it went down. So, get thee to a Coldstone Creamery and ice cream thy pain away.

But it’s also important to try to see the situation objectively (well, I mean, as objectively as you can) and try to pinpoint exactly what it is you’re really upset about. Read More »

“I hate these commercials!”

Throwing a pillow at the TV, my roommate pressed her fingers into her eyes and squeezed her eyes shut, doing everything she could to totally block out the tinkling piano and embracing couple on the screen. Another diamond commercial, another reason to feel lonely during the holidays.

If you think you’re the only single girl this holiday season, think again. All across the world, women are pressing the mute button on commercials where a happy wife is drowning in diamonds, staring at the big empty space occupying December 31st on their calendars with dread, and wondering if it’s possible to actually meet someone cute at an office Christmas party.

Living the single life can be difficult at times, but the holiday season tends to highlight those difficulties with an extra harshness. Read More »