about

My name is Laura and I'm 28 years old. I live in Illinois and work as a licensed veterinary technician. I am a runner, bookworm and obviously, an animal lover.


I've been on this site since '05. I take hiatuses, but I'm never gone for good. I enjoy giving advice and I've made such lovely friends on this site that I couldn't imagine giving it up!

chat it up yo.


ps. here's my bestestestest friend.
I love him. You will too :)

advice

All of my ipod songs got deleted and it looks like I'm stuck with starting over. Do you guys have any good artists or songs to recommend?

I really like acoustic sounding music like James Blunt and my favorite bands are Lifehouse and Blue October.

Also, I like Jack's Mannequin and Angels and Airwaves if you have any suggestions along those lines. :)

http://www.advicenators.com/qview.php?q=532581


From there:

If You Like:
That Popish/Punk Sound,
kind of like ALL TIME LOW or PLAIN WHITE T'S,
try the following:

- A Change of Pace.
- The Almost.
- The Audition.
- Asteria.
- Cartel.
- Cobra Starship.
- Every Avenue. *
- The Higher.
- Hit The Lights.
- Houston Calls.
- A Kidnap in Color. *
- Lights Out Dancing.
- The Maine.
- Mayday Parade. *
- My Favorite Highway.
- The Prize Fight.
- Relient k. *
- The Rocket Summer. *
- Say Anything.
- Sing It Loud.
- The Spotlight.
- This Providence.
- We The Kings.



If you like the more Rockish/Indie Sound,
such as LIFEHOUSE or THE SPILL CANVAS,
try these:

- The Apathy Eulogy.
- Brighten.
- The Classic Crime.
- Daphne Loves Derby.
- Dashboard Confessional.
- Matchbook Romance.
- Rooney.
- Silversun Pickups.
- The Starting Line.
- The Hush Sound.
- Transition.
- Valencia.
- You, Me, And Everyone We Know.



If you like that different kind of Inide/Alternative sound,
kind of like THE POSTAL SERVICE,
try these bands:

- Barely Blind.
- The Cab.
- Death Cab For Cutie.
- The Elliot Project.
- Ingrid Michaelson. *
- Jason Mraz. *
- Lily Allen.
- Mat Kearney.
- Mika.
- Mutemath.
- October Fall.
- Sherwood.
- There For Tomorrow.


-Laura (16-f)

[view]

ok,so i have a boyfriend and he works from monday to saturday,he only comes to my house on friday,and saturday because on sunday's he has to help his brother at work,when he comes to my house he comes around 7 in dha night.and when there is no school he goes to work he dont even bother to stay with me,but if i tell him oh there is no school tomorrow come to my house to have sex then there he would come right away.is like i dont get it,on saturday he came at 8 in dha night with his friend and i was kind of pist because he came at that time,sometimes i think he dosent'even cares,because i think that if he was a tru man he would come on sundaysz nd spend a litle time with me and then leave.tomorrow i aint even gonna look at him,if yu were in my position what will you do,nd sorry if this si too lonq,i just nedd someone to help me cuz i dont have nobody to help me :[

I'm sorry, but I couldn't really understand your question.


Can you re type without chatspeak? Then maybe I'll be able to help you.


-Laura (16-f)

[view]

anybody give me some tips or step clear my head

http://www.advicenators.com/qview.php?q=549129

From there:


Dealing with stress is never easy, but I'll try to help you, even if only in the least.


Whenever I'm feeling stressed, like when I'm working on really tough homework or feel like I have too much going on with my friends, boys, my family, etc, I have a few ways of trying to calm myself down.


Here are a few tips that help me:

1. Listening to music.
- Now, I'm not talking heavy metal, screaming until your throat bleeds music. I mean, calm, mellow music. As far as what's on my "stressed" playlist, it includes, The Rocket Summer, Maroon 5, Daphne Loves Derby, Coldplay, and Jason Mraz to name a few. But, obviously, everyone's taste in music varies and you may hate those artists, or maybe not. Either way, I suggest finding some calm, slow songs that makes you happy listening to them, putting them into one playlist/cd and listening to it whenever you're feeling stressed or like there's just too much going on in your life.


2. Laying down.
- I literally lay down in the middle of my room, and watch my ceiling fan. I know this might sound weird or stupid or whatever, but it really helps. Just laying there watching, thinking, and breathing is really soothing in times of stress. Plus, it gives you time away from everything, in a sense, and time to just sort out all of your thoughts. You don't have to lay down in the middle of your bedroom floor, just laying down [alone] in your bed or someplace you think is comfortable should do the trick.


3. Writing.
- This usually helps me when I'm stressed or upset by my friends, a boy, or some sort of social aspect, ya know? Even if you're not good at writing, it's a good therapy or stress reliever. Poems, songs, stories, whatever you're into. It doesn't matter if it isn't "good", all that matters is that you're letting your feelings out and saying what you need to say. You could even just keep a journal, and just write down what's bothering you, why, and how you're feeling. And the best part, you can write whatever you want and you NEVER have to show ANYBODY! ;]


4. Some form of exercise or physical activity.
- For me, sometimes it's running. It helps me forget about whatever's going on, and the stressful things in my life. It also makes me feel productive, which is one of my favorite feelings. But it can be anything for you: walking, swimming, biking, heck, even playing Nintendo Wii is fine if it helps you calm down. PLUS, it's proven that exercise makes you feel better than you did before AND that people who exercise are proven to be happier and healthier than those who don't. Talk about an added bonus =]



Now that I've given you some tips to minimize the stress something else that can really help make it go away, is organization. Keep yourself on a schedule, and push yourself to get your schoolwork done or to get to work on time. Don't slack off or procrastinate, it really only adds to the stress and makes you feel worse =/


After all your hard work, reward yourself. So, say you ace a really hard final that you were totally unsure about, go buy yourself something you really want! You deserve it =]


I hope this helps!


-Laura (16-f)

[view]

ok im gonna be a black cat for halloween and i bought the cat ears and tail but idk what i should wear .. should i wear a black leotard with black tights and black shorts over it? or black pants and the black leotard?

Thanks for inboxing.


I think either option would be fine. Pants might be better, just so you're not chilly =]


-Laura (16-f)

[view]

i need songs about entering like new segments of your life, like hard times and over coming the obstacles

stuff that sounds like: valencia, four year strong, the cab, a day to remember, a change of pace, hit the lights, forever the sickest kids, metro station

or even specific songs by those bands

just anything about getting through rough times

thank you (:

Definitely check out The Rocket Summer's newer CD "Do You Feel".


Other than that,
http://www.advicenators.com/qview.php?q=532581


From there, try:
My Favorite Highway.
Daphne Loves Derby.
Ingrid Michaelson.
Search The City.


-Laura (16-f)

[view]

i cant for the life of me think of a good myspace display name.

my name is kayla

help please?

Use a song title!


For example, my name is Laura and one of my favorite songs is "Jamie All Over" by Mayday parade. So, my Myspace display name is Laura All Over ;]


-Laura (16-f)

[view]

what does it mean when you have dreams about the boy you like? and is it normal or is it weird to have dreams about them

It's totally normal. My boyfriend is in my dreams all the time.


-Laura (16-f)

[view]

I just want to know..
Is it wrong or mean to not tell my friends about me having sex?
I've never been the girl that tells her friends EVERYTHING..mostly because i just feel like its MY business. My friends are very very judgemental and they'll talk about it with other people. They have HUGE mouths. So yes, i don't want them talking about my personal business with eachother. I wish i could tell them and they would just say "Okay." and not talk about it. But..even if i begged them to do that..its just not going to happen. I really love them to death but..telling them things is not something i'm comfortable with. So, really, is it wrong that i don't tell them???

No, it's not wrong of you to keep personal things to yourself. I'm like you, in that I usually keep personal things to myself, too. Sometimes we just don't WANT to share every single detail of our lives, even with our closest friends. Some things are just meant to be shared with ourselves and nobody else.


Bottom Line:
If you want to keep something private, then keep it to yourself. Especially if you think your friends have "huge mouths" and might tell people that you wouldn't normally tell these things to. It's nothing to feel bad about.


-Laura (16-f)

[view]

I just need a song that'll make me cry..
Preferably a sad breakup song.
I love all kinds of music.

http://www.advicenators.com/qview.php?q=545691


From there:

A Beautiful Mess: Jason Mraz.
All Again For You: We The Kings.
Amazing Because it is: The Almost.
Beauty In A Car Crash: Flight 409.
Before You Go: Flight 409.
*Between You and I: Every Avenue.
The Boy Who Blocked His Own Shot: Brand New.
Cute Without The "E": Taking Back Sunday.
Dare You To Move: Switchfoot.
Dead Leaves And The Dirty Ground: The White Stripes.
Dreaming With A Broken Heart: John Mayer.
Driving Away: Holiday Parade.
Emergency: Paramore.
*Giving Up: Ingrid Michaelson.
*The Golden State: Flight 409.
Gone So Young: Amber Pacific.
Hometown Glory: Adele.
Inevitable: Anberlin.
Iris: The Goo Goo Dolls.
Just Say You're Not Into It: Mayday Parade.
The Last Something That Meant Anything: Mayday Parade.
A Lesson in Charades: Asteria.
A Lonely September: Plain White T's.
*Miserable at Best: Mayday Parade.
Music Box: Thrice.
Northern Downpour: Panic at the Disco.
Nothing Left To Lose: Mat Kearney.
One-Man Drinking Games: Mayday Parade.
Pressure: Paramore.
*Remembering Sunday: All Time Low.
Rooftops: Lostprophets.
Say the Word: The Classic Crime.
*Slow Dancing In A Burning Room: John Mayer.
So Contagious: Acceptance.
Teardrops on My Guitar: Taylor Swift.
There Was No Theif: Relient k.
Three Cheers For Five Years: Mayday Parade.
Tired and Uninspired: My American Heart.
Until You're Over Me: Maroon 5.
*Up Against The Wall: Boys Like Girls.
You're Making It Come Alive: My Favorite Highway.


-Laura (16-f)

[view]

I'm throwing my bet friend a 15th bday party this year, and were gonna party hardy all night long :)

Does anyone know of any fun songs to dance, and just like chill to? I'll take any type

Lucky for you, my school's homecoming was a few weeks ago and I heard a ton of great songs to dance to that I'll include in my list, along with some good songs to "chill" to ;]


Let it Rock: Kevin Rudolf.
Stronger: Kanye West.
American Boy: Estelle.
Discotech: Young Love.
Closer: Ne-Yo.
Cry For You: September.
Just Dance: Lady Gaga.
Control: Metro Station.
4 Minutes: Madonna.
The Way I Are: Timbaland.
Take it Home: The White Tie Affair.
Disturbia: Rihanna.
So What?: Pink.
The Garden: Mirah.
I'm Slowly Turning Into You: The White Stripes.
Dance With A Match: The Fastest Kid Alive.
Freak Out!: every Avenue.
Lust be a Lady: A Kidnap in Color.
One of the Boys: Katy Perry.
You Have What I Need: Hawk Nelson.
Which To Bury; Us Or The Hatchet?: Relient k.
Believe: The Bravery.
Mercy: Duffy.


-Laura (16-f)

[view]

Okay, I just recently got into punk/rock/screamo bands, and I wanted to know what some bands like that are...and if there anygood.

http://www.advicenators.com/qview.php?q=532581


From there:
If you like that rockish type of alternative,
like BRAND NEW, try these:

- Alkaline Trio.
- Armor For Sleep.
- Forever The Sickest Kids.
- Just Surrender.
- Madeavail.
- Mae.
- Saosin.
- Search The City.
- Senses Fail.
- Something Corporate.
- Story Of the Year.
- Sugarcult.
- The Get Up Kids.
- Thursday.
- Unwritten Law.


If You like that harder Alternative/Rock,
kind of like THE USED,
give these a listen:

- Amber Pacific.
- The Academy Is...
- Bayside.
- Escape The Fate.
- Flight 409. *
- Four Year Strong.
- The Frantic.
- From First To Last.
- Halifax.
- Ivoryline.
- My American Heart.
- Pierce The Veil.
- Rise Against.
- Schoolyard Heroes.
- Taking Back Sunday.
- Thrice.


If you're into Screamo stuff,
similar to DANCE GAVIN DANCE or ATREYU,
try these;
- Alesana.
- All That Remains.
- As I Lay Dying.
- August Burns Red.
- Bullet for my Valentine.
- Drop dead Gorgeous.
- Haste the Day.
- Inept.
- Lovehatehero.
- Scary Kids Scaring Kids.
- The Devil Wears Prada.
- Underoath.


-Laura (16-f)

[view]

Well, we usually only talk on the computer, but on there, she's usually pretty open.. She'll tell me certain things that she doesn't tell her other friends as you mentioned in # 5 of your list of Top 5.. She'll laugh at my jokes as you also said in your list of Top 5.. She just acts kinda relaxed, but when serious, she'll tell me things she wouldn't tell to her friends, or even family.. She's usually online everyday, and she syas I'm "dependable" and such. She says she trusts me, and I'm one of the few people she does trust..

I hope this helps! I'll think more..

Well, I'm thinking it's either one of two things:


1. She really trusts you and values your friendship more than some of her other friendships.
2. She likes you as more than a friend.


I'm torn as to which one I think it is, though, because they kind of go hand in hand. It really does seem like she thinks of you as a really good friend, I just don't know if her feelings go beyond that.


Honestly? I think you should just ask her. Just bring it up, and don't be pushy about it. While you're talking one day, just say something like "So lately I've been thinking, and I've realized I like you and I was wondering if you feel the same way. But if you don't, I totally understand." Make sure to include something like that last part, so she won't freak out in case she doesn't like you.


Let me know how everything goes and if you need any more help, I'm always here =]



-Laura (16-f)

[view]

over the last few months, specifically, i've realized that most teenage girls are so fake, myself included. for example, all girls... (1) talk without caps but usually in abbreviations or with all correct punctuation, (2) carry tote bags to school, (3) wear hollister & abercrombie, (4) have a manicure, pedicure or combo, (5) have or had side bangs, (6) either "scrunch" or straighten their hair, (7) have or have wanted a tiffany bracelet / necklace, (8) own converse in any color... (9) have / have worn / have wanted to wear mascara and / or eyeliner (1) usually talk with extra letters (e.g., heyy! how are youu?)

all of the above apply to me, but why are girls so obsessed with fitting in with the popular crowd? it's not even state-wide, it's NATIONwide. all teenage girls are skinny and obsessed with their weight and either all or most of the above apply. why is this? what's your opinion on it? i sometimes wonder myself where my individuality has gone, but EVERYONE does it. so why does everyone go along with it? it's so bad that once on advicenators, i was reading a girl's problem and i was going through the exact same thing and -- BECAUSE ALL GIRLS TALK THE SAME WAY -- i actually stopped and asked myself if i submitted that question, and had to check. i can't even recognize my own voice and way of speaking because everyone talks in the same way.

Honestly, I was quite insulted by this question. Just because girls have similar interests or wear the same type of shoe doesn't mean we're "fake". Just because I carry a tote bag or wear mascara does not mean I'm trying to be "popular", because I'm not.



1. Talking without caps is because of laziness, and I admit that I sometimes do this when I'm talking on AIM to more than one person. I get lazy and type without using capitalization because it's easier for me to keep up with my conversations. I'm not the best person when it comes to doing two things at once, but not worrying about something as minuscule as my capitalization on AIM really helps.


2. The only reason I, and many girls that I know, carry a tote bag is because my school is overcrowded and we have NO time to go to our lockers. Literally, our hallways are INSANELY crowded and have WAY too many people. I don't think I'm "cool" and I'm not trying to be "cute", I just need something to carry my books and whatnot in that doesn't hurt my back.


3. Hollister and Abercrombie are worn by a lot of people because apparently it's a "cool" store. Magazines and TV shows have labeled it a "cool" store, therefore people want to be "cool" and shop there, too. Personally? I think it's too expensive and it all looks that same, but everybody has different opinions and likes different things: clothing stores included.


4. I don't ever see girls at my school with manicures/pedicures/"combos", so I really can't form an opinion on this assumption.


5. What's wrong with side bangs? They look nice and are easy to take care of. Just because a lot of people have them doesn't mean it's stupid or that they "want to be popular". It's just a style that's caught on, like teasing your hair in the 80's. Maybe that's just how they like their hair?


6. This is the only part of your rant/question that I DO semi agree with you on. I think that straightening and "scrunching" hair has become an obsession and really needs to stop. But if girls think it looks nice, then let them be confident and feel pretty.


7. I don't see girls at my school with Tiffany bracelets, either, so again I cannot really say anything about this.


8. Converse shoes are classic, and not only girls wear them, but GUYS do too. So I really don't get why you think that girls wear them to be "cool" or whatever?


9. Wearing make up is just something girls DO. It's been a tradition [for lack of better word] for CENTURIES, and girls just continue to follow it today.


10. Exxtraa letters liikeee totallyy don't make youuuu look coool, and thissss iss the only other point you made that I agree with. The extra letters get soooooooo annoying.



"all teenage girls are skinny and obsessed with their weight and either all or most of the above apply. why is this?"

- This would be because of the wonderful thing we call media. Do you ever see models that weigh more than 90 pounds? NO. I think it's disgusting and that all models should go eat a cupcake [or 6?]. But the media and Hollywood seem to think that thin is in, and that in order to be "beautiful", you need to be able to wear a size 0. I personally do NOT think this is true AT ALL, and that beauty goes a lot deeper than your jean size.


"i sometimes wonder myself where my individuality has gone, but EVERYONE does it."

- If you don't feel you're an individual, then change that! Do things because you WANT to. Wear the clothes you LIKE, and do your hair however you WANT to do it. If you follow the crowd, you might get lost in it.


Bottom Line:
I'm sorry if any part of my answer insulted you, because I really didn't mean to. I just think this was more of a rant than a question, and that over half of the assumptions you made were incorrect. However, hopefully my answer helped at least a little bit =]



-Laura (16-f)

[view]

Wow. So I'm a freshman and I'm going to homecoming saturday. and I honestly feel completly screwed. I can NOT dance. And don't say I don't have to. I WANT TO! I told all these guys i'd dance with them. As in, grind. I don't know what to do. Pleaseee help. Please.

First of, let me say that I was just like you! My homecoming was about 3 weeks ago, and I was SO nervous about the fact that I can NOT dance. And to make matters worse, my boyfriend [who I went to the dance with] loves to dance. My advice to you: is to just go with it. When somebody starts dancing with you, just follow their lead and do what they're doing. Don't think about it too much, just do what feels right.


Or you can be like me and tell your date/the person you're dancing with that you can't dance, and maybe if they're cool like my date, they'll help you out. And don't worry, you'll surly be a better dancer than me ;]


-Laura (16-f)

[view]

Here is the link..

http://www.advicenators.com/qview.php?q=551167

Alright, thanks.


As far as additional information, tell me how she acts around you. Does she do any of the things on the list I gave you in my answer to your original question? Does she act shy or like she wants to impress you? Does she call you and ask to do something together?


-Laura (16-f)

[view]

Hello, this is in regard to my question I posted about a week ago. You said if perhaps I provided some additional information, you could help..

What type of information would be helpful? What are you looking for exactly?

I could be more scecific, just kinda curious to what you wanted, as I don't wanna bore you to death.

Again, I do appreciate the advice you've already provided.

Thanks for inboxing, but I have no idea which question you're talking about. Can you send me another inbox including a LINK to the question you asked previously?

Thanks =]


-Laura (16-f)

[view]

Just wondering what some peoples goals are. some things you would like to do before you die.Your dreams.

- Fall in love, and not just teenage "love". Real, passionate, once in a lifetime love. [I'm cheesy, I know]
- Travel to as many places as I possibly can.
- Cure Tourettes/Help cure some sort of disease/disorder/etc.
- Change lives, and inspire people.
- Live my life with no regrets.
- Enjoy my teenage years. [You're only young once...]
- Make great memories that WILL last a lifetime.


=]


-Laura (16-f)

[view]

The girl I like already knows I like her a lot.The song I wrote to her on Valentines Day really made her speechless. She was like "you wrote a song for me?" in a suprised kind of voice. I guess the best thing to do is be patient with her. I am also thinking about asking her to the homecoming dance, how should I go about asking her this?

Thanks for inboxing =]


Being patient with her IS a good idea. Take things slow, and don't rush into or force her to do anything she does not want to do.


As for asking her to the homecoming dance, I think it's a good idea. As far as how to go about it, do it face to face. Just bring it up with her casually like, "So, the homecoming dance is coming up and if you aren't going with anybody, I was wondering if you'd like to go with me." Just be really calm and nice about it, and don't force it.


My only other tip: is stick to asking her face to face without going over the edge. Like you know on TV and in magazine article when you see/read about guys asking girls to a dance in big extravagant ways? Don't do that, because it might be too much =X


If you need any more help, you can send me another inbox =]


-Laura (16-f)

[view]

Yep, again the same girl I'm always talking about. I just adore the girl, and whenever I get into scenarios beyond my control, I ask the people who are experienced with this type of stuff.

Anyhow, we've been good friends for about 6 1/2 months now. We started out talking about casual stuff, harmless subjects, ect. Which grew into a bit more of a stronger friendship, and she's told me she's comfortable with me, I'm one of the few people she trusts. Anyhow, we tried the dating thing for about two weeks, and she was worried that one of us would be hurt in the relationship, incase we found someone else, or just ended up hurting each other, so we broke it off.

After taking a break for a couple days from talking, we resumed talking, but it was weird. We're back to just casual/harmless stuff, and now it's grown into more of a "personnal" conversation. She even she told me she loved me, which she hasn't told me in a couple of months.

So my question is, do you guys think she may be interested in me again, or am I just getting hopeful?

http://www.advicenators.com/qview.php?q=532578


From there:

I'm going to start off by saying this: if a girl smiles A LOT when she's around you, she probably likes you as more than a friend.


The Top 5 other things to look for:
1. She laughs at your jokes.
- No matter how many times she's heard them, or how totally lame they are, she'll laugh at them. End of story.


2. She touches you (not sexually, get your head outta the gutter!)
- She plays with your hair, or fixes your shirt or something. Maybe she even holds your hand, that's a pretty good sign that she likes you.


3. She includes you in things.
- She talks to you even when she's with her friends. She makes an effort to include you, like by asking you things. Even lame questions like, 'What color should I paint my nails?' might be her way of trying to include you.


4. She makes an effort to talk to you/see you.
- She texts you just to say hello, she's late to class just because she wanted to hug you good bye, or she calls you just to see what you're doing.


5. She trusts you, and talks to you seriously.
- She tells you things that she might not normally tell others. Like, if she's in a bad mood and tells others she's fine, she'll actually tell you that she failed that geometry test, or her friends aren't including her lately. She opens up to you and isn't afraid to be herself.


Even though every girl is different, these are the top 5 things girls do when they like a guy. So, chances are, if she's holding your hand and texting you saying :" Hey whatcha up to? :)", chances are she's doing it all for a reason.


To me, it's kind of hard to tell if she's interested or not. Maybe if you add more information, I can help you out?


-Laura (16-f)


EDIT:
Yes, click on my username and it will bring you to my advice column. Click the link at the top that says "Ask Questions" and then fill it out just like you filled it out to ask this question.

[view]

okay so anyone who went to school in the 90's might know what game im talking about.. it was a computer game ( we played it at my school a lot when i was in like 2,3,4th grade lol) it was about like 2 fish and they had to find there grandmas treasure or something like that and theyre where other fish trying to stop them along the way haha and i remember the grandma always made them like peanut butter and jelly or something hahah it sounds really corny but i remember it was a fun computer game and i want to try to find it for my nephew.. so if anyone know what game im talking about and they no the title please let me know thank!!!

FREDDY FISH. That game used to be my absolute favorite thing ever! =]


-Laura (16-f)

[view]

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