Posted in Lifestyle

School tuition

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If you could un-invent something, what would it be?

If I could uninvent something, it would be tuition-free state universities. I firmly believe that education should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial background. The concept of tuition fees for public state schools should never have been introduced, considering its adverse effects on the education sector. It’s outrageous that California State Universities, which were once free until the 1970s, now charge a minimum of $13,000.

This sudden increase in tuition fees has caused an immense financial burden on students and their families, making it difficult for them to pursue higher education. In-state students attending the 23 schools in the CSU system will see a 5% increase of around $270, while students at the nine UC campuses will see a 2.5% increase of about $280 for the upcoming school year. These increases in tuition fees will only exacerbate the existing financial stress on students and make higher education less accessible for those who need it the most.

Furthermore, I was highly disappointed when my grandmother told me that I struggle to pay for school (currently attending community college) because I don’t work hard enough. My grandmother only paid $700 for her Master’s degree, which highlights the significant changes in tuition fees over the years. The drastic increase in tuition fees has made it almost impossible for many deserving students to pursue higher education, and it’s time we take action to make education accessible for everyone.

Posted in Lifestyle

All you need is love

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Can you share a positive example of where you’ve felt loved?

Hey there!

I want to share one of the most amazing moments of love in my life with you. It happened during my birthday dinner last year, and my friends made it truly special. They brought so much warmth and affection to the table that I felt like the luckiest person in the world! We all had a great time together, laughing and chatting while enjoying the delicious feast. It was an evening filled with joy and happiness, which made me appreciate my friends even more. I felt so grateful and blessed to have such wonderful friends as the evening progressed. The warmth and love they showed me that night filled my heart with joy and happiness. It was an unforgettable evening that I will always cherish and look back on with fond memories. I just wanted to share this memory with you and remind you of the power of love and friendship.

Posted in Lifestyle

Decluttering

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Where can you reduce clutter in your life?

Hey there! I’m on a mission to declutter my entire life, and I’m so excited about it! I am a hoarder, just like my parents, but not anymore. Every few years, I embark on an epic cleanout to prove that I’m no longer a hoarder. And let me tell you, it’s a thrilling experience! I get rid of books, clothes, and other stuff I no longer need, which feels fantastic! After my decluttering spree, I feel so much more space and freedom. And sure, there’s always a risk of getting rid of something I might want to keep later, but that’s all part of the fun.

Plus, I’ve learned to shop smarter and more intentionally to fill the void without overdoing it. In 2024, I plan to live a more minimalist lifestyle. I don’t plan on getting rid of everything in my house, but I will declutter many things.

I attempted to follow the Marie Kondo method of asking myself if an item ‘sparks joy’, but I found it unrealistic for me. I enjoy having things, and simply owning them brings me happiness. Moreover, I like starting projects and each project I undertake seems to require me to purchase at least 40 different things before I can even begin. This definitely makes me want to keep the item because I will need it to complete the project.

I think my love for having things comes from watching The Little Mermaid as a child – the scene where Ariel sings “Part of Your World” in the cove made me want to have 20 thingamabobs just like her. So, I’m attempting a different approach now.

My personal belief is that if something can be replaced within 20 minutes for under $20, then it’s probably time to let it go. This includes many of my clothes that I’ve been holding onto. I’m embarking on a journey to declutter my life and see how things change over the course of the year. I invite you to join me on this journey and discover the joy of living a simplified life!

Posted in Lifestyle

Knock knock. Hoo’s there?

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What is your favorite animal?

Can I just say, people always assume that rabbits or bunnies are my favorite animal because of my name, but little do they know that it’s just a nickname that stuck with me! Bunny isn’t even my first animal nickname. When I was a kid, my mom used to call me her “Panda” because I couldn’t say “Panamanian” correctly. I always ended up saying “Pandamanian.” It was hilarious, and cute until my brother started to tease me. The boys would say I wasn’t Panamanian, but a Pomeranian instead. And I am nothing like those little yappy dogs. Eventually, I got the bunny nickname because growing up, my two front teeth were huge, and I had a massive overbite. But bunnies are adorable and I’m cute so why bother being insulted?

My favorite animal? Without a doubt, it’s the owl. They’re truly remarkable creatures – from their striking appearance to their captivating personalities. Did you know that owls have an incredible 14 vertebrates in their neck, allowing them to turn their heads a full 270 degrees? And despite their tube-shaped eyeballs that can’t move in the socket, they’re still incredibly skilled hunters. Even the smallest owl, the elf owl, at only six inches tall and 1.5 ounces, is a testament to their incredible adaptability. And let’s not forget those incredibly long legs! Truly inspiring animals.

From Winnie the Pooh’s wise old Owl to Harry Potter’s trusty Hedwig, these creatures have captured my heart through the ages.

As a kid, I was enchanted by the idea of having my very own owl, just like Harry Potter’s loyal companion, Hedwig. I mean, who wouldn’t love to have a wise and beautiful bird that can deliver messages across long distances? In real life, a snowy owl could easily carry a Nimbus 2000, just like in the books! Although I have to admit, Hedwig’s untimely demise broke my heart a little. But that’s a separate topic. Who says we can’t still dream of having magical pets?

Speaking of magical pets, let’s not forget the adorable little (sentient?) robot owl in Clash of the Titans who stole the show with its charm and cuteness.

The movie Clash of the Titans sparked my interest in ancient Greek mythology. I became fascinated with Athena, the goddess of wisdom, often depicted with an owl by her side. Owls symbolize knowledge and intelligence, making them truly fascinating creatures.

I’m thrilled to share my extensive love of owls, even if I feel like a little kid again, eagerly spilling out fascinating facts that will captivate and amaze all who hear them!

Posted in Lifestyle

Humboldt

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Think back on your most memorable road trip.

My most memorable road trip was to Humboldt County, California, in 2016. It was my first solo trip, and unfortunately, it was a disaster.

I booked a rustic cabin-style hotel online with great reviews and affordable prices. But when I arrived, I realized that it was actually a motel. Being only 18/19 years old, I was unaware that hotels or motels required security deposits. So, I only had enough money to pay for the room and food, and none left for the deposit. I was with a group of people, but none had any extra money to lend me.

Just to let you know, things got worse. Our plan was to visit Humboldt University during our trip, but we didn’t realize that the campus would be closed due to winter break. Moreover, we were in Northern California, and I had never been there before. I was looking forward to a beach city, and since I am from a beach city, I thought it would be the same. The weather was completely different, and I was freezing throughout the trip.

I have to say, the highlight of my entire trip was the moment we got lost in the forest. It was absolutely exhilarating being surrounded by these massive redwood trees towering above us like giants. I felt like I was in a different world- an unforgettable experience!

I wish I had more pictures saved. The only other ones I have from this trip are on Instagram.

Posted in Lifestyle

Sweet and simple

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What snack would you eat right now?

I am currently at work, and I see this prompt. All I can think is that this is an unfair question because it’s only making me hungrier. I am already hungry, and as I wait for my lunch, I want to eat everything right now. However, my favorite snack of choice isn’t really a snack. It’s more of a healthy breakfast, but in a way, a Kardashian has talent.

I would love to eat a toasted cinnamon and raisin bagel with Nutella smothered all over it, topped with fresh banana slices, strawberries, and a drizzle of honey on top.

Posted in Lifestyle

Fred

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Describe an item you were incredibly attached to as a youth. What became of it?

This question made me think of a scene from Me Before You. If you haven’t seen this fantastic movie or read the books, please leave this blog and do so now.

When I was a child, I had a toy horse named Fred, and I loved him dearly. Though his design was simple, consisting of a horse head attached to a stick, he was my constant companion. I would often sing along with him and use him to make quick escapes from imaginary foes. I don’t know if my mom still has the pictures, but I was obsessed with the musical “Grease” and used Fred to act out scenes where he played the role of Danny to my Sandy.

I also remember being obsessed with the name Fred as a kid, aside from the horse I also had a Dino named Fred the Dead..

I eventually stopped playing with Fred as I got older, and my interests changed. When I think of kids outgrowing toys, I always remember Toy Story. However, Fred’s experience was nothing like Jessie’s abandonment in Toy Story 2. That scene emotionally scarred me as a child, and the song still makes me cry. I hung Fred on the wall in my room, and he stayed there until I moved in with my dad. Finally, I got rid of him in 2016 because I wasn’t sure how to explain to my dad that I still needed my emotional support horse.

Posted in Lifestyle

This is the sign you asked for.

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If you had a freeway billboard, what would it say?

If I had a billboard, it would read, “Everything will be alright.”

Life can be tough, and we all face difficulties that make staying positive hard. But it’s important to remember that you’re not alone in your struggles. Positive affirmations can help you shift your mindset and cultivate a more optimistic outlook. Try telling yourself, “Everything will be alright.” This simple phrase can help you build greater self-compassion, motivate positive behaviors, and rewire your brain to think more optimistically. The benefits of optimism are many: decreased stress levels, increased emotional resilience, and greater success in overcoming obstacles. So be kind to yourself, and start incorporating positive affirmations into your daily routine. Remember, small steps can lead to significant changes.

Posted in Lifestyle

Thoughts of the Future

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Do you spend more time thinking about the future or the past? Why?

The future is a constant source of anxiety and worry for me. I am always stressed about what I want to achieve and do in the future. I need more money to support my future, and I worry that I won’t be able to make it to the future that I wish to have. Sometimes, I feel like giving up on my school, work, and life thanks to depression. I want a great future, but the fear of the unknown can be overwhelming, and I often feel stuck in a cycle of worry and anxiety.

To help me with my anxiety, someone suggested that I reduce my caffeine intake as it can cause stress. They also advised me to practice being present and aware of my thoughts, whether focused on the past, present, or future. I should make a game by noticing how often my thoughts time travel. Whenever I see that thoughts about the future are causing me to feel nervous or worried, especially in my body, I should bring myself back to the present. This can be done by taking a deep breath, focusing on my feet on the ground, using my senses to observe my surroundings, and engaging in activities that make me feel good. These simple steps can help me escape worry, fear, dread, and feeling overwhelmed and promote better brain function for navigating life.

Posted in Lifestyle

My own worst enemy

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I’m excited to be participating in Bloganuary for fun. It’s been a while since I’ve taken up a daily writing challenge, but with no school to worry about, I plan to keep up with it. I’m looking forward to encountering some exciting writing prompts.

What are your biggest challenges?

My greatest challenge is none other than myself. I tend to engage in self-sabotaging behavior. It’s like I’m always getting in my own way.

Self-destructive behavior can often be traced back to feelings of anxiety and low self-esteem. Personally, I tend to be very critical of myself due to my own lack of self-respect, which can cause me to procrastinate or give up before even trying to complete a task. If I don’t push myself to finish something, it’s easy for me to put it off until later, which can ultimately become overwhelming. Whenever I feel like I’m not good enough or not trying hard enough, I struggle with feeling like I don’t have anything meaningful to offer.

Sometimes, I fear that I’ve become so self-critical that I can’t be confident in anything I do. This isn’t just a matter of not getting attention; it’s that nothing I do can make me feel like I’m not worthless. I lose motivation and end up giving up or waiting until the last minute to complete a task. Although I know what I should be doing, I often sit, panicking on the inside, and end up doing nothing. I wait until right before midnight to do all of my homework.

Recently, I had an opportunity to write a 10-page paper and a 250-word abstract, hoping to be chosen to present and publish research for said paper. Unfortunately, I allowed myself to get in the way of my success. Although some people think it was a case of impostor syndrome, I knew deep down that it wasn’t that. I was lazy and wasting time on social media instead of working on my paper. I knew what to do, but I kept putting it off until the last minute.

However, it’s a new year and a new day, and I’m determined to change my ways. I’m going to stop procrastinating and overcome my self-doubt. I know I can achieve great things, and I won’t let negative thoughts hold me back any longer. I’m excited to see what I can accomplish when I believe in myself.