Notice Los Angeles isn’t on here. I already looked at flights to Houston, which happens to be Memorial Day Weekend. Tickets go on sale tomorrow. I need to calm down. However, if anyone out there would like to donate funds, that would be greatly appreciated. You will be featured in a blog post.
Future will also be joining Drake on the tour.
KANYE WEST COVERS TIME’S 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE
I know what you’re thinking… WHY would Kanye West be listed as an influential person? He’s so mean. He’s the worst. He’s a terrible person. Blah blah. How many of you have actually followed him throughout his musical career? The man is brilliant and creative. Extremely talented. An epic performer – his Yeezus tour was a full-on production. In the words of Taylor Swift, ironic I know (and can’t believe I’m quoting her), but the “haters gonna hate hate hate hate hate.”
Tesla Motors and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk wrote a tribute to Ye in the magazine. “He’s not afraid of being judged or ridiculed in the process. Kanye’s been playing the long game all along, and we’re only just beginning to see why.”
And yes, I will be purchasing this issue of Time.
OVO POP-UP SHOP IN LOS ANGELES
I really don’t have much to write about this but just wanted to let you all know that if you’re in LA you should stop by. I plan on doing so – obviously. I need to cop some OVO swag, ya dig! For those of you not in Los Angeles, you can order OVO merch online here.
…til Greek Week. That was the motto of Alpha Gamma Delta each year leading up to the best week of our lives, which is currently going down at Westminster College. Talk about a perfect #tbt. For those unfamiliar, let me break down what the week entails.
SPORTS. Lots of sports. Since I’m an all-star athlete and didn’t want to show off my talents among the other members of the Greek community, I stayed on the sidelines during events (pictured right), giving my fellow sisters a chance to participate. False. We wouldn’t be on this 16-year winning streak if I even attempted to partake in any of the events. You’re all welcome.
And yes, you read that correctly. The sisters of the Alpha Epsilon chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta have won Greek Week 16 years in a row, and I couldn’t be MORE proud to be a part of this organization. Red, buff, and green – what what whaaaaat.
I digress. Back to the events, which include: basketball, swimming, pie eating (I probably could have done okay in that), tug-of-war, kickball (Nee, remember when Z-Train pummeled you LOL – glad you’re okay), rock climbing, track events, trivia, and a singing competition known as Greek Idol. I may be missing some, but you get the gist. Events conclude on Friday. Also during the week, each organization learns a dance routine. The dances are performed Saturday night at my favorite event called Sing n Swing. Both Greek Week and Sing n Swing winners are announced that evening. There is a fraternity and sorority winner. *insert chills*
5, 6, 7, 8! Sing n Swing is where I come in. This is really what I live for. Eighty plus girls. Mixing music. Picking out costumes. Creating formations. MANY thanks to my fellow choreographers and especially to the extremely talented Ms. Amy Schillinger for willing this task down to me my freshman year. #honored. See below for our 2011 (my senior year) winning choreography. *insert more chills*
While the bond of sisterhood in general is quite strong, the bond that occurs during this single week is something I cannot explain, and I’m sure this goes for you other Greeks out there, too. But I’m telling you. Something about Alpha Gamma Delta. Few things make me emotional, but thinking back to all of this… CAN I GET A TISSUE.
What I wouldn’t give to go back to this week and to chant ‘to the Eps, to the Eps’ to celebrate both the Alpha Gams and the brothers of Sigma Phi Epsilon’s wins by dancing on tables with multiple champagne showers (pictured left). Miss you, Johnny. *crying*
I am so proud to call these girls my sisters, both ones I went to school with and current ones whom I’ve never met (yes, that sounds creepy, but you completely understand if you’re Greek). With their determination, pride, good sportsmanship, and talents, I am not surprised we have won 16 years in a row.
Sisters, I leave you with this song. It is sure to pump you up before, during, or after any event and especially before you leave the suite on Saturday night to head over to Orr Auditorium. Jillian and Lindsay can attest to that (10, 10, 10, 10!).
So good luck to all Greek organizations this week but most importantly, good luck to my sisters of Alpha Gamma Delta. I hope you squirrels bring home another win, and I hope you crush it on stage Saturday night. Wish I could be there.
Three flights. Thirty-six hours. Ninety years old.
Last weekend my aunt, uncle, and I flew into Pittsburgh to surprise one of my most favorite people in the whole wide world – my grandma. And boy was she so so surprised! Thinking she was going to the Montour musical that evening, which actually doesn’t start until next weekend, she claimed she wasn’t ‘dressed’ for dinner once we told her the plans. She mumbled this through the tears and crying. Grandma always has to look the most presentable. With that being said, I think this blog post could best be told through pictures. Enjoy 🙂
red-eye from LAX landing in the burgh
#sergesselfiestick bros – Michael’s man bun not pictured
Happy 90th, grandma! You are one of the flirtiest and most kind-hearted people I know! I am so glad I was able to fly home to celebrate this milestone. Until next time!
As if the kiss seen around the world wasn’t enough of a surprise (Madonna kissed Drake during his Coachella set for those who don’t know – yes, I’m jealous if you’re wondering), a bonus track from If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late was just released online. Check it below. Thank you, Drake, for the constant tunes.
FRANK OCEAN TO RELEASE ALBUM IN JULY 2015 On Monday, April 5, Mr. Ocean finally took to his Tumblr to announce the follow-up album to his 2012 release ‘Channel Orange.’ This has been a long time coming – the man was MIA for about a year. The long-awaited album, plus a supposed magazine, are set to drop in July (insert praise emoji). The publication will be titled ‘Boys Don’t Cry’ – it should be called ‘Kylie Don’t Cry’ – I know how excited you are for this. The album has yet to be titled.
Frank Ocean/Tumblr
KANYE WEST TO HEADLINE POWER 106’S POWERHOUSE
I made sure I was fully awake at 7:15am sharp on Monday morning to hear the official lineup for Power 106’s annual summer concert, Powerhouse. Getting more and more excited as each artist was announced, it wasn’t until the end that they brought out the big dog… Mr. Kanye West. The rest of the lineup includes: Ty Dolla $ign, Ludacris, Tinashe, G-Eazy, Nipsey Hu$$le, Kid Ink, Casey Veggies, Logic, B.o.B. and Tech N9ne. Pre-sale tickets went on sale Wednesday morning – obviously I snagged a pair (can’t wait, Parker!). I must say, I’m pretty amped to see Luda perform, as well. Powerhouse takes place on Saturday, May 16 at the Honda Center in Anaheim.
KENDRICK LAMAR’S REEBOK COMMERCIAL DEBUT
This I just want you to watch because Kendrick is epic, LA is epic, and these Reeboks are about to be epic.
It only makes sense that my first ‘Music’ post feature songs from none other than the Toronto rapper himself, Mr. Aubrey Drake Graham.
Before I go into that though, here’s what you can look forward to in the ‘Music’ section:
Serge’s Selections. These beginning of the week playlists will feature new music that’s out, music I’m currently listening to, throwbacks, remixes, DJs I’m into… essentially any type of music I want you to jam out to. I can’t promise they will be kid-friendly versions (sorry, mom), so make sure you have your headphones in if you’re listening at work. The playlists will be through SoundCloud, so you can listen directly from the blog post, and you don’t even need an account*. Just press play and enjoy!
Weekly W(rap)-ups. These will be posted near the end of the week and will include a few music news headlines that happened throughout the week. Topics will range from concert announcements to a new album that is dropping to artist gossip (because everyone wants to know Drake’s next move, right?) to music videos and more.
While most of the playlists and wrap-ups will have an urban feel, I really do love all music, so you can expect other genres here too. I mean, I have to let you know when Queen Bey drops a new track! Just no country. Unless Drake decides to throw on a cowboy hat and boots. Then we’ll talk.
So here it is, the first playlist of californyinz…
…would you walk to Las Vegas from Los Angeles? This was the question of the weekend that started on the roughly 270 mile drive to Sin City.
Last weekend some girlfriends and I went to Vegas for ONO (One Night Only – thanks, Kylie). Some may wonder why you would go to Vegas for only one night, but the truth is when you live fairly close, you start to develop a love-hate relationship with the city. Anyways…
Vegas essentials. Aside from the obvious outfits, one clearly needs a selfie stick (thanks, Chiou), a fifth of Fireball, and some dignity (not pictured) to fully capture and enjoy a weekend in Vegas.
We left the South Bay bright and early Saturday morning with an expected arrival time of around noon. Cue an oil change light, a shady auto service center, pit stops at Jersey Mike’s and a gas station for beer, we finally ended up in the City of Sin and checked into the Flamingo Hotel around 2:00pm just in time to hit up the pool. Maybe walking would have been better. KIDDING. Totally kidding. I can barely run one mile let alone walk 270.
Post-pool party antics.
After a hearty dinner, courtesy of the Flamingo food court, it was time to freshen up for the evening.
South Baybes pictured below. Pictured from L to R: Danni, Sydney, Serge, Kylie, Bre, Mackenzie
Time to see Avicii. We ventured to XS Nightclub located in the Wynn hotel. We were put on a guest list earlier that day (thank you, Danni!) and were able to get ahead of the line. As if that wasn’t epic enough, another group of friends (shout out to my Hokies!) had a table (thanks again, Chiou). The inside part of the club was completely packed with people awaiting the arrival of the 25-year-old Swedish sensation (Avicii). Some of you may know I don’t do well with large crowds. Especially large crowds who are pushing and shoving. One of my actual nightmares. But when you’re in Vegas, you face your fears and YOLO.
After lots of pushing and shoving, we made it to the very front. #ragecage Not the best quality, I know, but you get it. You can check out my Instagram video here.
After about an hour waiting for a cab, we made it back to the room around 3:45am. Went to bed, woke up around 8:00am, and got the HECK out of there. I would tell you about the drive back (thanks again for driving, Mac!), but Kylie, Mac, and I were pretty delusional. We did snag some chicken fries, took selfies with aliens, and jammed out to Smash Mouth, but that’s all I want to say about that.
Now, for twomillion dollars… would you walk back to LA?
Welcome to my blog, californyinz! This has been a long time coming, so I am very excited it is finally up and running and even more excited you are here reading!
Why californyinz? Having vacationed to the City of Angels since I was baby Serge, now a resident of the state (almost four years!), and having been born and raised in the Steel City, both California and Pittsburgh have always held and will continue to hold special places in my heart. I wanted a creative way to combine these two loves of mine through writing and knew a blog was just the thing!
californ + yinz*
= californyinz
This isn’t a blog about Drake, you ask? Well yes, I could indeed dedicate a whole site to the 6 God, but that sounds a bit stalker-esque. However, there most definitely will be a Drake presence throughout, as well as a hip-hop music and live entertainment influence, as those are two things I am very passionate about.
What makes this blog different from other lifestyle blogs? This blog stems from experiences with my friends and family. Without them, it would be one lonely girl going to the GRAMMYs, Vegas, a Lakers game, the beach, or wherever else alone. Who wants to read about that? Because of yinz, I have enough stories to curate some pretty epic content for californyinz, so you can expect some personal shout outs!
Get ready to follow my journey from here on out in California and from those frequent trips I make back home to Pittsburgh. Yes, I still consider Pittsburgh home. This bigger platform, compared to Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, will allow me to tell yinz about my West and East Coast happenings and all things hip hop that I love.
Thank you for taking time out of your day to read this. I look forward to sharing my ‘californ’ and ‘yinzer’ experiences with you!
And shout out to my roommate Megan, follow her on Twitter @megstraw – she’s pretty awesome, for helping me choose the fonts for the californyinz logo!
*How someone from Pittsburgh would say “y’all” or “you guys”
Californyinz 