Lifeflix

I was just totally clueless — Cher (Alicia Silverstone) Updated: 7/8/22 NO ONE likes being the new kid, but everyone remembers being the new kid at least once. It’s inevitable. You’re the shiny new toy. All eyes are on you.  It feels like the end of the world, blah, blah, blah. We’ve all been there, and most of the time — it screams: anxiety.  I remember my first time. I was 10. While I wasn’t moving across the country, or even across the state, I was still moving into a different home that was 15 minutes away. But, for me — it felt like MILES away. In a way, it was like losing a part of myself. My neighborhood. My school. My friends. In the middle of the school year. I was distraught. I was awkward. I didn’t know how to make new friends. Well, not immediately.  After MANY tears on this first day and an endless day of wanting to cover Harry Potter’s Cloak of Invisibility over me to remain invisible … the unexpected happened. My now best friend of over 10+ years took a moment to a

We don't make mistakes, just happy little accidents - Bob Ross Updated: 7/8/22 BOB  ROSS -- American Painting Art Extraordinaire (at least to some). With a stroke of a brush you can create anything. From a happy tree to a happy accident. In the world of painting, there are no mistakes, only art. How would I know? Well, with my expertise ... in paint by numbers and various attempts at TRYING to create art ... and the fact that I'm not Bob (at all) -- art is in the eyes of the beholder. I remember being about 4 or 5 watching PBS Classics. YES. Mister Rogers. Reading Rainbow. Zoboomafoo. While all GREAT shows, nothing compared quite like watching Bob Ross. Growing up, I wasn't particularly gifted in the drawing category, but I was VERY crafty. I picked up my Crayola Watercolors and a drawing pad and began creating. I unlocked my inner artist.  As Bob once said:  I can't think of anything more rewarding than being able to express yourself to others through painting. E

"... cause we are all capable of the most incredible change. We can evolve while staying true to who we are. We can honor who we've been and choose who we want to be next" -- The Doctor (Doctor Who) History.  We often wondered as children what the true purpose of history class was. Was it a jumble of names and dates? Did it seem more fantasy than truth? Why even learn about a past that doesn't even pertain to our current time? It doesn't really matter, does it? But, it does! It always has -- but it is the way in which it is taught that can truly help us remember history.  In this blogpost, I am here to emphasize the importance of history. To develop a better understanding of the world that can help us understand ourselves and our society as a whole. To learn and understand our surroundings: our neighbors, family, and communities. To understand the impact of change positively and negatively. To be more decisive and aware of our everyday decisions. A

"Know that I'm with you the only way that I can be. Until you're in my arms again. Remember Me" -- Miguel (Coco) Losing someone you care about most deeply is never easy to come to terms with. Even if they aren't gone yet, you have to essentially prepare for the inevitable. While I am not one for being vulnerable with my feelings, it is only fitting with this blog post. I have been close with my grandmother for 20 years. We have never been apart. When I was little, we (meaning my parents and grandparents) moved from Livermore to Stockton. While I have no recollection of this move, I do remember my childhood home. The small single story-home with a two-car garage. The greenery which spanned across the front. Cars occasionally passing by as we overlooked an empty field (which was now the soccer field of  Weston Ranch High). So many memories: good and bad have occurred within that house. Bringing home our first and only St. Bernard puppy. Breaking my arm at

"We accept the fact that we had to sacrifice a whole Saturday for whatever we did wrong, but we think you're crazy to make us write an essay telling you who we think you are. You see us as you want to see us. In the simplest terms, the most convenient definitions but we found out that each one of us is a brain" - Brian Johnson (The Breakfast Club)  We think instinctively as human-beings that communication should be easy to understand -- but it's not. While we may understand a common language, we do not all share the same characteristics and experiences as each other. While we may wish it were as easy as talking to someone who knows exactly what you are trying to say or what you have gone through (as the quote says): 'each one of us is a brain'.  Being an ambivert (but mostly an introvert), communicative skills can be even harder to try to obtain. Being in an environment where you're afraid to communicate can be even worse. Thankfully, I have lea

"Just because you dispose of something does not mean you give up past experiences of your identity" -- Marie Kondo Hello, Hello! Wow, it seems like only yesterday when we were all enjoying the holiday season. Baking cookies. Sitting around the fireplace. Spending time with our loved ones. Now, we are in the middle of March. How did that happen?!? Well, for me. This week is very dear to me. Not only is it my Spring Break, but we are officially 12 days away from the first day of Spring (March 20th). I cannot wait! I've had enough with the chilly weather, bring on the sunshine!  For most of us, I am sure we are all familiar with that one time out of the year where we decide: "hmm … you know what? I'm free today. How about reorganizing my life. It's looking a little messy". That time is the start of Spring Cleaning. Sure, we do clean in the Winter too -- but what is so special about Spring Cleaning? Why do we feel the need to clean just beca