From LA to PA

Welcome To SoCali

2011-04-18T14:11:00.000-04:00

Twenty days. I am so excited to be going back to the home land but even more excited because I will be bringing back a friend who has never been to California, let alone who has been on a plane before.

Every time I go home I experience a culture shock, I can only imagine what she will experience.

I have noticed that people tend to either love or hate southern California depending on the specific individual. I hope that she likes it! I understand that there are many misconceptions about California but in the end it is a very beautiful place.

I wish I could take everyone to California to see how amazing it is. This blog only describes so much but there are so much that words cannot explain.

Like the beauty of a real sunset, the feeling of walking down Rodeo Drive, or driving past a movie set. The feeling is priceless.

Just have an open mind and the experience will be amazing. (:

Adio PA

2011-04-04T10:23:00.000-04:00

April first. I looked outside my window and thought one thing, 'is this an April Fool's joke?'

Rain. Then hail. Then snow? How is that even possible?

But for the first time this entire school year at Penn State University I put aside my LA attitude and decided to deal with it.

Why you may ask? Because when everyone is excited to go home and for the first year of college to be over, I am not.

As much as I may complain that no one is as glamourous or there are no palm trees I know that as soon as I depart from State College airport, I will be probably cry.

No, I am not Lindsay Lohan finding out that she is guilty for breaking her probation at the LA court house, I am Giselle Pina being upset because I actually do love it here in State College.

Trust me, Giselle crying is a big deal. I only cry when I depart from Southern California. It's a big a deal! Obvi.

So maybe I can drop the LA 'tude for the next month and actually act like I do belong here? Maybe...

So Not Classy, Merely Catty.

2011-03-27T16:57:00.000-04:00

One thing I've noticed since I have been here are how different the girls are from the LA girls. Sometimes I think that some of the girls are aliens, some even look like aliens. Maybe they are!?

I never understood why some girls here try so hard to look a certain way just because they think it's "cool." Let's get real, the style that you are aiming for was established in LA in the fashion industry, no need to be rude to me!

I am not making a generality, I don't mind these very select few girls out there that act this way but the attitudes are so different from PA to LA as well. In LA, we are relatively nice but we are busy. Yes, busy. Do not mistake this for us being "rude" or "self-absorbed." We are merely trying to live our chaotic lives and if you are standing in the street aimlessly walking, we will run you over.

But here, these select girls go out of their ways to cause problems but can't we agree that we are all busy and should be dealing with our own problems? In LA, if we have a problem with a girl we don't care. We are busy dealing with the over $4.00 gas prices and unemployment but here, obviously some have enough care and concern to start fights and throw beverages at people they dislike.

NOT classy. NOT LA.

Is That Rain?

2011-03-22T00:39:00.000-04:00

I look outside every morning before my 8 am class and judge what I will wear that day based on what I see. Just recently has been amazing: beautiful sun shining through the west halls quad every morning illuminating the now visible grass and trees. So of course, I put on shorts and gladiators!

I strut down to my 8 am class and of course catch multiple stares from everyone else around in sweats. I mean, come on people! Can't you see that the sun is kind of visible right now!?

I know, I am taking this way too far but I cannot help myself. I mean in California everyone is wearing the new spring collections and I am very confused because I am unsure what season to wear!

After my 8 am class I walk outside and notice I have walked out into a whirlwind of both cold air and clouds consuming the sky. 'What the ?!' Is all I can think.

My mother always told me that the east coast is unpredictable when it comes to weather but please, be Charlie Sheen and be upfront with your situation? Please. I will become a bigger fan of the weather just as people are with him.

This Is Not a Question and Answer.

2011-03-14T22:07:00.000-04:00

I love going home 99% of the time. I have the weather I can usually count on, sophisticated lifestyle, and of course, my family and friends.

Life is so different between Southern California and Central Pennsylvania but one thing will always remain the same, I can never be let down with a lack of questions.

I am sure fellow classmates think they are the only ones with curious questions of the sort, well let me reassure you fellow classmates you are wrong!

As soon as I arrived back to the warm weather (which Southern Californians determined was actually cold to them), I was bombarded by questions of all sorts. I am use to it, of course.

At Penn State one might ask, "Giselle, is the weather always sunny?"
My answer: "No, I do not live in a utopia. But if you ask another dumb question to someone who says yes please find me!"

In Southern California one might ask something similar: "Giselle, does it snow a lot in Pennsylvania?"
My answer: "Well if 20 inches in a week is a lot to you then yes."

My favorite I just received from a friend at home was the most memorable though: "Giselle, we tan every day here. Does everyone tan in Pennsylvania?"
My answer:" No, there is no sun there now. Obviously."
Friend's response: "How about if it's sunny. Like, what do they do?"
My answer: "Not tan. That's what Californians do only I swear."
Friend's confused response: "Wait, so what do they do? I don't get it? I thought everyone and their moms tanned..."

Questions. Questions. Questions. They will never let me down. I guess Pennsylvanians and Californians have more in common than I originally thought.

Maybe the Pennsylvanians and Californians can ask questions to each other, become best friends like the girls on The Hills and enjoy a nice Starbucks White Chocolate Mocha Skim With Whip. Not ask me. But then again, us Californians do like the attention...

Keeping Up With The State Pattians

2011-03-01T19:24:00.000-05:00

I had heard countless stories in regards to a famous "holiday" at home called State Patty's Day. I was scared because my sorority had warned about the past police enforcement, etc. attempting to stop the disapproved holiday.

Let me just say, State Patty's Day is so not LA.

The fraternity boys we socialed with were very well, creepy. Boys, if you want to talk to a girl do not stare at her and not say anything. And do not stalk her. Do not stalk her at your fraternity house and do not stalk her on facebook. Learn from Ronnie from the Jersey Shore, this does not work. You are NOT a guido. Nor does acting like one make your chances with a girl any better. We will pull a Sammi on you and we'll have serious issues.

"Visitors" strut their goodies down the street acting like they own the runway made me beg the police to pull them over! Don't ask others where College Avenue is, not LA. Act like you know where you are! Or ask in a very classy manner. Class is very important.

If you are going to drink, please be classy as well. I understand that college students love to indulge in alcoholic beverages that are not the most expensive, or best quality, but please act with a little decency. Running down the street screaming you are drunk and flagging down undercover cop cars and dancing in front of them is NOT LA. Keep your composure. Please.

In addition, feel free to enjoy this entertaining video!

A Good Ol Time For A Good Ol Cause

2011-02-21T21:48:00.000-05:00

Something I noticed quickly about State College is that the morals are completely backwards from my home. I found the idea of "THON" as both strange and refreshing! Raising money for Pediatric Cancer in children with nothing in return is absolutely amazing!

The only time I hear about people helping others is for their own image. I mean for the most part I only see other people yelling vulgar comments or trying to hit others with their cars, but that's normal. Take for example, certain celebrities taking a horrible situation such as Haiti and speaking in a commercial (for large sums of money) and merely pretending like they care. If they cared I would think they would be able to cut their busy schedules to physically help out.

I loved being able to raise money for someone else and not spend it on clothes and shoes. I loved watching how happy the kids were and it was not because their mommy bought them new designer clothes. And I loved being apart of something bigger and better than just some show like the Grammys.

It's nice to be selfless, for a change.

Ice Falling!

2011-02-13T18:10:00.000-05:00

I have discovered the most entertaining past time while living in State College, Pennsylvania. It is dangerous to the participant, risky, unpredictable it is called-walking on the side walks.

I cannot explain how absolutely amusing it is watching in my cozy little room and through my tiny window the influx of people of course, falling.

I know, I know, I am mean. It does suck being on the other side of the situation and trust me, I am no more coordinated than you! But let's get real, laughing at other people's expense is pure humor.

In California there is no problem with walking on the side walks during the winter. Shoot! The sidewalk is our runway walk practice!

But here....I cannot even put to words. I can sit at my window all day with a nice, warm white chocolate mocha and savor the moments too brilliant for words.

And since I have become so engaged into this new activity I cannot help but have my top three moments of all time.

My first would be the ever so popular "oh was that ice? I did not just trip! I swear!" (Participant keeps walking like nothing happens). Let's get real, we all saw you man.

My second would be the "you're my friend I will help you! Oh wait! I cannot help myself!" (Both participants fall on each other and keep falling because they cannot understand that two is not better than one in this situation).

And my third favorite situation would be the school and authoritative figures reactions. "Penn State needs to close down the school before it gets sued." Penn State's response: No. "The police sit and wait for someone to fall." (Lines of police cars and ambulances at every stop sign at campus just waiting. Irony?)

This strange land is funny. No, not funny, hilarious.

The Super Whatttt?

2011-02-07T16:32:00.001-05:00

The superbowl. One day. One time. One big deal. I have never witnessed such chaos and discrepancy between friends, enemies, and strangers just because of a jersey someone was wearing? Dear God, I feel like I just walked through Compton or something.

I mean it’s football. They pass a ball around, smack each other on the behinds a few times, big deal. But Superbowl Sunday felt like something more here at Penn State-like a holiday.

I was left alone as my friends and floormates felt the urge to go home back to watch the game. People missing classes and the ever so exciting weekend to go home? Wow, something I will never understand.

My facebook was on blast as status updates vomited all over my news feed it almost sickened me. When do I ever see a Lakers game status update. Oh yes!... never.

It is so strange seeing people’s obsessions here. Like for me, I obsess over shoes and tanning. I mean how doesn’t? How could you not?

But here, here?! Football. Not only an obsession, a definite lifestyle. I will not deny the amazing times at the Penn State football games but this is a broadcasted game. We all know the two teams are amazing or the game never would have existed.

But to threaten others, talk down on them as people because they chose the opposing team? I feel like some people need to go take on a hobby or something, like stamp collecting for God’s sakes.

They're Robots too!?

2011-01-31T16:45:00.000-05:00

I thought originally that I was a Martian. But now I know I was wrong. I am actually a robot. I realized this on the way to my sorority rush.

I strut the same-every time. Legs straight, one in front of the other just like on a tight rope. Hips rolling left to right not too much, but just enough. Head up not to the ceiling but as if a pole were under my neck. Shoulders back. Good posture. Check.

Arriving at the second sorority house I noticed that I was not only a robot, but so were the other girls!

“HAHA OMG LIKE THAT IS SO FUNNY!” said 90% of the girls (or robots, I am still unsure?) overly enthusiastic with the largest grins on their faces and eyes popping out of their heads.

Every girl was wearing the same thing. simple top with a high wasted skirt. Boots. Yes, these girls are all robots how can you deny how simple and plain they look!?

Of course, I am a different kind of robot than them. My specialty is speech. When a sister asked “So, where are you from?” I answered the same thing: “Los Angeles.”

“Wow, what are you doing here?!”

And so, at this time my programming kicked into gear.

“I went here for the experience. I wanted something completely different. I wanted to live in seasons and meet new people…blah blah blah.”

My programming gave out after awhile though after attending multiple parties. I forgot who I had said this specific response to, where I was, and what exactly I had said since my consciousness was left out of thought completely!

Thank God for robot programming for answering these questions. But these strange robot girls that were rushing with me are still a mystery. What a strange world.

Where Am I?

2011-01-26T12:20:00.000-05:00

People don’t believe in aliens. But I do. I am one of them.

There are very few of us around here but we are so obvious to recognize. Freshly dyed hair, a clean golden tan, and designer glasses three times bigger than our actual faces. We are Californians stuck in the most peculiar town of State College, Pennsylvania.

My first year experience has been one where I have been taught about these peoples’ customs and culture.

“Giselle, do you want to get a hoagie?”

My confusing response: “A what!?”

“Giselle, do you want to watch ESPN? The football game is on.”

My annoyed response: “NO, why would I watch football. I only care about the Lakers and the Kardashians. Obvi.”

“Giselle, you are girl here. Why aren’t you wearing a Northface, UGGS, and jeggings? Something is wrong with you!”

My screaming response as fire is erupting through my ears and nose: “No, something is obviously wrong with you! Why the heck would I ever wear that?! Hello!”

A strange town this place is. Very different than my home planet of California where the sun is always shining and the palm trees remind you that you live in the most beautiful town in the country.

However, as much as I miss the warm nights cuddled up with my alien boyfriend watching the waves crash along the shore and the incredible shopping in Beverly Hills, I do love it here.

Maybe I can attempt to learn from these different people? Maybe I can assimilate into their unusual world? Maybe…

But for now. I am the odd one out. A living, breathing alien stuck in a place where it is impossible to know which direction is west of east because there is no ocean? How can these beings have no ocean. How do they live?!

Well, I will try. For now.