Insta-Self

Social Media vs. Reality

We've all experienced those moments when we're scrolling through our news feed on Facebook and someone posted another excessively informative status about their pregnancy, illness, relationship, or about their life in general. We've all had those thoughts like "Why did he/she post that? Is that necessary?" Sometimes we laugh because the person has gotten themselves into a really unfortunate/awkward situation. Sometimes we cringe because the person has gone into wayyyy too much detail about their recent case of food poisoning. Sometimes we get jealous because the person posted a FLAWLESS picture on Instagram. Or sometimes we feel that our life is inadequate because the person has the perfect relationship picture with their boyfriend, best friends, or family. 

I don't know about you, but I've beaten myself up a few times because I compare my life to what others are doing. Sometimes I have to keep reminding myself that these "perfect" people I'm seeing on social media aren't perfect. No one is. Let's be honest here. What I post on my social media is only a sliver of what my real life actually is like and 90% of the time, I'm leaving out bits and pieces of the truth. Now, I'm not flat out lying in my posts but I'm not being completely honest either. Take the picture in the middle of the bottom row of my photo collage (seen above). This picture is of my family at my cousin's wedding. Sure, we look pretty happy/perfect. My sister posted this picture to Instagram with the caption "wedding with the family!" It got quite a few likes and a couple comments here and there, and it was rewarding to see everyone think that my family was "perfect". What you don't know is that shortly before this photo was taken, my mom and sister were bickering, I was complaining about the heat, Dad almost got stung by a bee, and Danny was making fun of Dad. Sound like a perfect family?

We forget that what we see on social media is only a tiny portion of someone's life, and we only see it after it's been edited, cropped, and applied with a filter. I think, is the persona I'm putting out there on social media, an actual representation of my life? Or is it the edited, cropped, and filter-applied representation? What happens when our real human lives, don't match up to our digital social media lives? Social media gives us this power to be whomever we want (our Insta-self). So why not make our lives seemingly perfect? What could go wrong?

I don't know about you, but I get a sense of inadequacy when I see posts of other's seemingly good lives. Sometimes I stress about what profile picture I should use, the amount of selfies I've posted in the past month, or how to word my Facebook status to ensure I get the most amount of likes/affirmative comments as possible. When I don't get that affirmative notification saying that someone liked my picture/status/life event, I feel that I've made a huge fool out of myself. A little dramatic, right? I feel that this is where social media has done us wrong. Social media has all of a sudden become the Hunger Games. We survive on likes and affirmative comments, therefore our lives essentially have to be flawless in order to survive. Our relationship has to consist of perfect couple pictures. Our tweets and statuses have to be the perfect mixture of funny and relatable. Our selfies have to feature the best side of us, the best lighting, the best filter, etc. We HAVE to be the Insta-Self. If we're not, we've all of a sudden done something wrong and lost at the game of social media.  

We are literally being Catfished every single day by people we know, AND we're doing the Catfising to people we know.

Here's my challenge for you:

Try and be more honest with your "Insta-self". Quit putting up the front that's going to get you the most likes/comments or show people how absolutely wonderful your life is. Quit comparing your "Real-self" to your friend's "Insta-selves". You're not missing anything and you're selfies are just as beautiful. Social media is a powerful tool and it requires a lot of balance. Be honest with people, but understand that others may not agree with you or they might see right through your "Insta-self".

 Insta-selves can be great. Online, you can portray yourself however you want with hardly any effort. However, they only survive on affirmative responses from others. Real-selves take a little bit more effort to mold, but they survive on the love you have for yourself which is a lot more rewarding than a thumbs-up from Facebook. 

Girl's Best Friend.

Why everyone needs a dog

When it comes to dogs, I have a huge soft spot. I've realized that I can't look at the humane society's website without feeling the need to adopt a dog, I can't walk by a dog without fighting the urge to pet it, and I most certainly can't imagine my life without one. 

When I worked as a preschool teacher last summer, I planned a lesson devoted to pets. I planned that we would go around the room and each student would tell me the name of their pet, what it was, and what kind of pet they would like to have. I was anticipating numerous students saying that they had a dog named Fido and that they would like another dog. However, I was surprised to hear that numerous students didn't own a dog. Or a pet for that matter.

And it was this finding that saddened me. When I was child, we never went without an animal. We owned dogs, cats, horses, fish, guinea pigs, sheep, even chickens at one point. Now that I am older and interact with children of all ages on a daily basis, I realize how happy I was that I had the ability to work with these animals. I can proudly say that I am capable of taking care of something, I'm comfortable around all animals (excluding snakes, sharks, and other terrifying creatures), and I could never imagine hurting a pet. I strongly believe that pets (of any kind) can teach your children a lot. They teach them to develop a sense of responsibility, a strong work ethic, a compassionate heart, and a gentle nature. 

Cats or dogs?

I think this is kind of a funny question mainly because I like them both! However, I love dogs. They act as constant companions, are always happy to see you, can be guardians, and never fail to put a smile on your face. I like cats, I really do. They're cute, fluffy, and can be great companions. To me, there's just something about the bond between a dog and their owner. 

For the past three summers, I've lived with my grandma. Three summers ago, my grandma got a puppy named Rosy that was part poodle and part farm dog (aka an unknown breed). Rosy and I became quick friends. I took her for walks, taught her to walk on a leash, helped my grandma to teach her basic obedient skills, took naps with her, cuddled with her, and even told her some of my secrets. I trusted Rosy and she trusted me. 

I taught her so many things and she taught me: 

She taught me that it's ok to make a few mistakes because you will always be loved in the end. 

She taught me that something so simple as being outside or getting a belly rub can bring you happiness. 

She taught me that a small task, like doing your nails, can have a heightened entertainment factor when a dog is added. 

And she taught me that it doesn't matter if your jobless, penniless, and living in your grandmother's house. Your dog will see you as the most important person in the world. They will always be by impressed by your lame "magic" tricks, always want to play with you, and never want to leave your side. They will love you unconditionally, protect you fearlessly, and devote their life to you. I think John Grogan said it best in his book Marley and Me.

"A person can learn a lot from a dog, even a loopy one like ours. Marley taught me about living each day with unbridled exuberance and joy, about seizing the moment and following your heart. He taught me to appreciate the simple things -- a walk in the woods, a fresh snowfall, a nap in a shaft of winter sunlight. And as he grew old and achy, he taught me about optimism in the face of adversity. Mostly he taught me about friendship and selflessness and, above all else, unwavering loyalty."

To you, my lovely Rosy. 

Loves as of lately

Loves as of Lately

I realized it's been a while since I've done one of these posts and lately there have been so many things I've started to love. So here we go!

1. Long Island Medium: Theresa Caputo

Long Island Medium has always been one of my favorite shows mainly because Theresa Caputo is such a character! I absolutely adore her personality and what she does as a medium. I found the show entertaining so when I found out she wrote books, I immediately had to read them. I read her first book, There's More to Life Than This back in December. This book really opened my eyes! It was interesting, inspirational, and really put into perspective the gift Theresa has. When she announced the release of her second book, You Can't Make This Stuff Up, I got way too excited. Her second book is scheduled to come out in September of this year and I honestly can't wait! September can't get here soon enough!

2. Tumblr!

I've always heard about Tumblr and actually went so far to get one a couple years ago. However, I didn't like it that much and ended up deleting my account. Now, I decided to buck up and get one and I am so glad I did. I actually really like it! It's kind of like pinterest, only more interactive and personal. I love that I can read blogs, look at funny pictures, and even watch videos all in one place instead of having to go from link to link to link. If you don't have one, I strongly suggest getting one and following these people:

Drugstore Princess: she's gives great beauty advice and she finds drugstore products that are exactly like high end products only without the hefty price tag!

The College Prepster: I follow her blog religiously, so why not follow her on Tumblr?

Kingsley: because he's an awesome YouTuber and super hilarious

Kate Spade: One word. Perfection. That's all.

Cosmo Magazine: because it's cosmo!

Oscar PR Girl: it's combining Oscar De La Renta and Public Relations. #bomb

How Do I Put This Gently, Bad Engagement Photos, Suri's Burn Book, My Life Through Kristen Wiig, Brides Throwing Cats: for when you need a good laugh

and of course follow me!

Collegiate Chickadee

3. The Office

All 9 seasons are on Netflix right now, so of course I made it to season 5 in two weeks! Let me sum up this show in three simple sentences. "Michael Scott is too funny.", "Pam and Jim are adorable together.", and "I laugh way too much during one episode."

3. A Rocket to the Moon

First of all, how cute are these guys? I mean seriously. Adorable. Even though they broke up, they released an awesome album last year, Wild and Free, that is a great acoustic/country/summertime feel. I love it! Listen to it below!

Are you guys digging the new look? 'Cause I am! Don't hesitate to get in contact with me! Email me at collegiatechickadee@gmail.com! Follow me, message me, whatever your little hearts desire. 

Graduation

Laine the Recent Grad

I can't believe I'm saying this but I am officially a college graduate. That's right. I, Laine Greblunas, have graduated from college. It feels like only yesterday when I walked onto the campus at the University of South Dakota as a freshman. I can't believe how fast the time flies. I remember my first freshman class so vividly. I remember how scared I was to be sitting in a lecture hall full of 50 plus people, all older than me. I remember accepting my bid card to Alpha Xi Delta and I remember my first post on this blog. I remember the person I was a freshman. 

It's crazy to think that you can go to college one day and four years later come out a completely different person. It's also crazy to think that I'll have a career soon. That is the one thing that I find so completely crazy. For the past 10 years I have lived off of babysitting money, minimum wage, and part time jobs. Now, I'll be entering the work force where I will have benefits, vacation days, paid leave, and a full time job. 

Now as I sit at home seeing my brother go through the exact same thing I went through four years ago, I can't help but laugh. I remember when I thought I had it figured out before I went college. I remember thinking that my high school friends were the only great friends I would have and that college couldn't possibly provide me with people that I can connect with. Boy, was I wrong. I walked onto campus knowing only one person. Now, I walked out having 80 plus sisters and numerous friends and connections. I walked in undecided in what I wanted to major in and I walked out with a degree in Contemporary Media and Journalism.

I honestly couldn't have asked for a better college experience. I made so many friends all the while feeling safe and comfortable even though I was 120 miles from home. I ventured out of my comfort zone and lived with 50 other women in a sorority house. Then, took responsibility by renting my first apartment where I paid bills and managed my money (or lack thereof). I joined organizations that I, initially, had no interest in. I got involved outside and within the Vermillion community. I took classes that challenged me above and beyond what high school could have provided me with. I took a job at a daycare without realizing how much I would fall in love with it. I experienced relationships with guys that didn't know me as a second grader. I drafted more resumes and cover letters along with applying for internships and jobs. I thought about my future more than I ever had in high school.

During college, you have the ability to think only about yourself. As much as I love my parents and I value their opinion greatly, they had no influence on what I picked as a major. They didn't pay my bills for me or tutor me through my classes. My parents let me fly. And that is the greatest thing about college. You have the freedom to fly. You decide where you want your life to go and you decide how you're going to get there. Your future is literally right in front of you! The home you have had all your life will always be there for you and, trust me, it's nice to go back and be with your family and loved ones. But you never know what you're capable of until you are one step from crossing your limit. Don't be afraid of what college has to offer you. Take the hard classes, meet new people, experience new things. Because four years from now you'll look back on what was college and be so grateful for the experience. 

If I could give my piece of advice to high school graduates it would be this: don't be afraid of new things. Embrace college with all it has to offer you. It will be the best four years of your life.

Jam Session

Jam Session: New Country Albums

It was a great start to spring for Country music this past month! Basically, my bank account is going to be gone by the time I'm finished buying all these albums off of iTunes. This post is going to be one big jam session because I have a lot of great albums you all have to check out!

10,000 Towns by Eli Young Band

Eli Young Band holds such a special place in my heart. Their song Even if it Breaks your Heart brings tears to my eyes every single time I hear it. Why? Because I'm a sap...and because it has such a powerful message (duh). So when Drunk Last Night was released as the first single off their new album earlier this year, I downloaded it immediately and played it nonstop. I was prepared to hear excellence when 10,000 Towns was released and I was pleasantly surprised. Eli Young Band has such a distinct and mellow sound that definitely sets them apart from the rest of country music. 

My Favorite songs are:

10,000 Towns

Dust

Angel Like You

Let's Do Something Tonight

Your Last Broken Heart

Prayer for the Road

Check out their 10,000 Towns below!

Riser by Dierks Bentley

So Dierks Bentley has been around for quite a while and he's become such a big star in country music. Personally, I think he's awesome. When he released I Hold On as the first single off his new album, I wasn't sure what to think of it. I liked it, but at the same time I wasn't crazy about it. I still bought it. I still listened to it. But my end feeling was like "eh..." When Riser came out February 25th, I actually forgot about it until my cousin told me to listen to it over spring break. So I did and it was fantastic. This album is really different than what we're used to seeing with Dierks Bentley. I feel the lyrics and the music really complement each other. The music seems fierce and intense but his voice tones down what could potentially be strong back beats and over powering guitars. This album definitely focuses a lot more on what is being said compared to how it's said. I like every song on this album, however these are my absolute hands-down favorite songs:

Say You Do

Pretty Girls

Drunk on a Plane

Five

Damn These Dreams

Back Porch 

Check out Riser below!

Where it All Began by Dan+Shay

So I didn't really know much about Dan+Shay, even when they came out with their song 19 You and Me. After hearing them on the radio a few times, I couldn't tell if they were country or more pop rock. After hearing their album, Where it all Began, I've come to the conclusion that these guys are definitely country and they're someone you should check out. Not only are they the cutest things in the world, but they're voices work so well together (talk about perfect harmonies!). I almost feel that they're like Florida Georgia Line only more toned down and acoustic. The music you can expect to hear on this album is going to be more acoustic but I think it's absolutely perfect for summer. The lyrics are so detailed and it describes what you would think summer would be. Although their album doesn't come out until April 3rd, you can stream it on Spotify! I'm counting down the days as we speak!

My favorite songs are:

Show You Off

Stop Drop + Roll

What you Do To Me

Can't Say No

First Time Feeling

Somewhere Only We Know

Parking Brake

Check out Where it All Began Below!

Don't forget to check out my Spotify profile!

My Blog-iversery!

One Year Blog-iversery!

Well, it's been one year since I've started Collegiate Chickadee! I am so excited with the progress this has made and I'm even more excited to see Collegiate Chickadee grow further. You have probably noticed the new layout of Collegiate Chickadee. I figured since it looked the a certain way for a year, it was time for a change. I hope everyone likes it!

Since this is my one-year I'd like to dedicate this post to my Alpha Xi Delta Epsilon Sisters. Grab a tissue, my friends...or I should grab a tissue.

When I first joined Alpha Xi Delta, I was completely unaware at how much change was going to go on in my life in the next 4 years. As a freshman, I was completely taken off guard.  When it came to formal recruitment, I was not planning on attending. I hadn't really been exposed to much Greek Life, outside of the movie Animal House, therefore my idea of sorority life was pretty skewed. From the moment I walked into Alpha Xi Delta, something clicked. To this day, I couldn't tell you what it was but something just felt right. After going through formal recruitment, I was given a bid card to Alpha Xi Delta and I remember running back to the house, chanting, and being excited beyond belief. When I met all my sisters, we took pictures and bonded. Freshman year as an Alpha Xi Delta was beyond amazing and little did I know, it was just the beginning. 

Sophomore year was a little rough. I moved into the Alpha Xi Delta house where I went from having no roommate to 45 plus roommates. Also at this time, I was going through some very big personal problems in my life that were all too confusing and dramatic. We'll just say I was at the lowest of lows.  My big sister (in Alpha Xi Delta), Sarah, became my number one fan. She cheered me up when I didn't think anyone could and she turned into someone I looked up to and I aspired to be just amazing of a big as she was. Without my big, I don't think I would have stayed. Without my big, I would still be lost, confused, and broken. Shortly after her, more sisters started to support me. They picked my broken pieces up off the floor and put me back together. During this whole process, not one sister made me feel like I was a burden. They had more patience with me, than I had with myself. They gave me love, support, a home, and the feeling that I was worth something to them. To me, that is true sisterhood. 

And now here I am. I'm a senior in college, ready to graduate, and leave my home and sisters behind. Am I nervous? A little. Am I scared? Quite a bit. Am I prepared to say my goodbyes to Alpha Xi Delta? Not at all. I could sit here and talk all day about these women and how proud I am of them. Not only did we build a house up to become an amazing chapter, but we grew into a family. The sad thing is that sometimes we loose sight of that. Was my years in Alpha Xi Delta drama-free? HEAVEN'S NO! I had my fair share of tiffs with sisters. However, I grew from those moments. I admitted my wrongs, made my apologies, mended those relationships, and moved on. The one thing I learned is that every dramatic happening is not an end. It's merely a roadblock and patience is the only way you can overcome it. Every sister in Alpha Xi Delta is here for a reason, every sister in Alpha Xi Delta is a blessing, every sister in Alpha Xi Delta adds to our success as a chapter and every sister in Alpha Xi Delta is worth the world and more. We need to remember that "without bitterness or defeat, we may encounter misfortune and with humility meet success". 

 I can't put into words how much this house changed me. Through Alpha Xi Delta, I grew into a courageous, graceful, and peaceful woman. I learned more about myself and my sisters than I thought possible. So, it is in the next two months that I bid my adieu to the place that I've called home for the past four years. I say goodbye to all the memories of Strollers weekend, Willings, formals, date parties, movie marathons, nail parties, pillow talks, bunk beds, second-floor and basement lounges, the chapter room, Killarney, Picadilly, Sunshine, Betxiville, monday night meetings, initiations, pledging ceremonies, programs, and sisterhood events. I say goodbye (which will be the hardest one) to my Guidette Family, to my littles Ashley and Amber, my grand littles Aubrey and Jasmine, and my great grand littles Heather and (...I will meet you soon and shower you with love). I will never forget Alpha Xi Delta and all she's done for me. Also, I will never forget my sisters and the relationships I made here. Through Alpha Xi Delta, I found so much love and I found the woman I was destined to be. Along the way, I found my family. 

Until next time, my lovely Alpha Xi. It was quite the journey! Stay ClassXi. 

Alpha Xi Delta Bid Day 2010. 

Alpha Xi Delta Bid Day 2013.

Fascination Friday

Love as of Lately

It's been a while since I've had a nice, relaxing vacation. It's spring break and I've welcomed the idea of doing absolutely nothing for the next couple of days. This post is dedicated to everything that I have been fascinated with or fell in love with over the past few days. 

1. MINNEAPOLIS At the start of Spring Break, I took a little trip with a couple of friends to Minneapolis. Considering it's only a 5 hour drive between Sioux Falls and Minneapolis, this trip seemed absolutely perfect for a small weekend get away. We visited the Mall of America, shopped, and had a wonderful dinner paired with equally as wonderful drinks. If you follow my instagram, ilaineg, you can get a glimpse into what the weekend was like!

2. SJP. Sarah Jessica Parker is the epitome of amazing. I aspire to be her! She has morphed into such an amazing woman since I saw her in the original Footloose movie, and I fell in love with her as Carrie Bradshaw. After seeing the entire series (more than once) and both of the movies (...again more than once), I have started to identify the two women as one. This video of SJP with Vogue makes me happy and love SJP, New York, and her life so much more.

3. MY BOOKS ABOUT PARIS. Over Christmas break, I went on a much need adventure in Barnes and Noble and found two amazing books about Paris. The first one, The Pairs Wife by Paula McLain showed me a little about Ernest Hemingway's first wife, Hadley. After getting married, they moved to Paris. They spent their days exploring Paris and other countries, socializing with friends, and falling in love. This book was beyond fantastic and sparked my fascination with Paris. I then started my other book, Paris My Sweet: A Year in the City of Light (and Dark Chocolate) by Amy Thomas. She tells her story about her life in Paris working for Louis Vuitton as a writer and exploring the city's finest sweet and chocolate shops. Although I'm not very far into the book, I am already in love with Paris and this book!

4. TAKE ME THERE. After reading the books about Paris, buying a journal with the Eiffel Tower on it, and pinteresting tons of pictures and links about traveling (view my Take me There board here), I have the biggest urge to run to a foreign country and see the world! In fact, this post on Ytravel blog 29 travel experiences to place on your bucket list has me itching to jump on the fastest plane across the ocean. 

    

5. JOHN LEGEND. After hearing All of Me on the radio, I knew I had to hear more. His album, Love in the Future, is everything I expected everything to be and more. It is sultry and the perfect kind of album to fall asleep to. And in all honesty, I would not complain having John Legend sing me to sleep every night.  

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