All posts by BackStory

Comedy, Personel Things

Love yourself!

To give you guys some perspective, I had this post drafted a couple weeks before the current date, and I had unearthed it a couple days ago. I thought it would be a something fun and silly for you guys to just laugh at you know? Just a super lighthearted post that doesn’t involve too much deep thought. All you have to do is sit down somewhere comfortable and read through my usual shenanigans.

Alright, onto today’s topic!

Do you ever get that feeling when you look at the mirror, and are just taken aback by your own physical reflection? Because the thing about this is that, we’re literally thinking constantly all day. Kept with our own mind and thoughts. And that is what we know best. We know nothing better than the inner workings of our own individual minds. But we don’t spend that equivalent amount of time each day, looking at our mirror images and viewing every technicality in our design(Thank goodness).

Keeping that in mind, this leaves us with every single trait that we categorize ourselves into and what type of person we are, and what type of voice our minds have. So when you look in the mirror, you only see what others see in your presence. Which is your physical being.

Every time I look at my reflection in the morning(which is like forty-five seconds on a good day), it’s still hard for me to put two and two together and realize, “This is the body that contains the myriad of weird thoughts that I have everyday? Huh.”

To sum it up for you, I have absolutely 0% chance of growing anymore. Which was literally confirmed by my doctor. Just two inches. And I could’ve at least been 5’0. But no. My genes just had to screw up my chances of being an average-height human being that can reach things on their own.

So dear friends, for the sake of entertaining you all with my own unending pain due to my physical characteristics, I present to you a post that many of you taller readers cannot relate to. But are free to laugh and take this lightly. But those fellow shorties out there, this is for you.

Problems of being short:

(AKA, the everyday adventures(mostly struggles) of small babies around the world.

  1. Being unable to reach anything.

Attempting to reach things when you’re under 5’4( give or take)is a hazard to your life. With this pinnacle of habit, it has ended with disastrous attempts of reaching for snacks, boxes, books, etc.

A book on a high shelf?

Well good luck getting that thing down without a concussion.

Snacks located on a high shelf and you’re famished?

Sorry, a bowl of cereal is your lunch now.

Trying to mount something on the wall?

Even that stool you’re standing on is useless at this point so you might as well get someone else to do it to save yourself from going to the hospital.

There have been countless moments where I’ve embarrassed myself or nearly ended up decapitated or with a dislocated body part because I couldn’t reach something, and one incident nearly ended up with me having a dislocated ankle.

Moral of all of this is: Ask others to assist you!

2. Being babied.

So this goes for everyone I’ve met at school and have become comfortable enough to befriend. Be it long term or acquaintance, I have no idea if it’s just a me problem or if other people out there have this too. But people I’ve met and have become close with me just warmed up to the fact that I was, as they like to call it, “pocket sized.”

What I’m basically saying is that if you’re short; people will think you’re cute.

I’ve undergone my share of cheek squishes, surprise piggybacks, back hugs, face pinches, head pats, height based nicknames, you name it. And this has all gone to the point where I could be doing something completely normal, and then easily predict what my friend’s reactions will be so I can mentally brace myself for the babying that is to come. But of course they won’t overstep boundaries or anything like that because true friends won’t step over your personal space bubble when you don’t want them to.

But hey, love and attention is great, and it’s nice to know that there are people out there who love you for who you are and make sure you know it too.

3. Having freakishly small hands, feet, or both. (This may not apply to all ‘short’ people)

Yes, I have both. Need I say more?

To categorize my fingers and toes as actual parts of my body makes me question myself and the prescription glasses I’m wearing, because all I see when I take a peak at my toes and fingers, are chubby nubbins of flesh that are as small as a child’s. And I’m not sure if that’s entirely normal.

One time, as a joke, I measured my pinkie to see how big it was. But I was mistaken by assuming they were actually ‘big.’ But it doesn’t matter, I will proudly display my 5 centimeter pinkie whenever I make pinkie promises.

Do I need to start drinking more milk?

Do I need to start bathing in milk?

When I first started playing alto sax last year, my fingers weren’t able to reach one of the most crucial keys in the entire instrument. Which made me pretty spitting mad when I was put up to do one of my first jazz solos on the spot while I was physically incapable of actually playing. And when I started playing Bari sax for a short period of time(which according to my research is 6 feet, 4 inches, and roughly 45 pounds. Don’t believe me? Look it up.)it was essentially a lost cause and I couldn’t even carry that thing without asking some other poor soul to help me waddle home with it in my clutches.

I can probably write a whole list about the problems of having small hands and feet. So I will.

Hands:

  • It takes a lot of effort to play an instrument. More than it does for an actual person with average sized hands.
  • Nail polish looks terrible and makes your fingers look like deformed Teletubbies.
  • Big rings and other statement jewelry are too big on your hands and fingers.
  • Thumb wars are the worst and you always always lose.
  • Trying to wrap your hands around anything is literally impossible. (Examples: Footballs, rackets, stacks of books, bundles of something, thick utensils.)
  • When shaking hands with someone, your hands will get crushed.
  • Gloves never fit.

Feet/Short legs:

  • “One size fits all” is a lie.
  • Other people always want to compare their feet to yours. (Please explain to me why)
  • Your feet can easily get stuck in places that people with bigger feet can’t get stuck in.
  • People always point out the size of your feet(Please explain to me why).
  • Riding bicycles is pointless when your feet don’t reach the pedals.

Upsides of being short:

  • More leg room in cars/flights/etc.
  • Showers will never be too short
  • Shirts/tops meant for taller people can easily be turned into a cute dress or oversized fashion
  • Blankets will never be too short, so your feet will never stick out
  • You learn how to become a stealth ninja(from having to climb on top of things in order to reach something without damage)
  • Tall people can protect you from harsh weather(sun, rain, wind, etc)
  • You never have to worry about hitting your head on doorways
  • You can take a nap in even the smallest of spaces
  • Getting hugs from taller people is the best
  • You can where children’s shoes/mittens/clothing with no trouble
  • Calf-length socks easily become knee-length socks

Even with all of these struggles, we should all still love ourselves for who we are. Don’t ever, EVER, think that the way you look determines your worth. I cannot stress this enough, you are beautiful and gorgeous on the inside. This post was honestly just for laughs, but in all seriousness you should always embrace the beauty you have. Even if it takes some time to realize it.

Stay safe, safe happy, and love yourself!

Bytes, Science and Tech

WWDC 2020

WWDC(Apple Worldwide Developer’s Conference), started on June 22 and ended yesterday(June 26th). My dad and I always found the time to watch it when we had the time and see what Apple’s come up with that year. And it always gets me so hyped up to see these awesome new innovations and improvements in devices that are already incredible. This year I watched parts of the live stream event on my own time and I was really happy that they incorporated features that can truly be useful and heighten the functionality of Apple devices even more.

Today I will be listing some of my favorite features that were announced this week during WWDC, and are soon to be released to the general public in autumn.

*Happy Kanmani Noises*

1. Scribble

I use my iPad Pro and Apple pencil a lot; it’s a seriously useful tool for drawing, designing, and writing. As well as creating quality work. It replaces a laptop with the same functionality and gives you so much opportunity to create things seamlessly, and be exposed to everything it has to offer(and there is quite a lot).

The iPad Pro is an amazing tool to create things that can make anything written, drawn, shot, or designed on there, look seamless and professional. And when creativity is allowed to bleed into our projects, then I can completely take the reins and create pieces that can be unique and special. When it comes down to a major project, the most logical case is that the end product is expected by the teacher to be neat and diligently done. Especially if it’s something that’s could effect your grade for the quarter or semester.

And even when you’re not a student, you may find yourself having to do something work related, like a presentation, or an important document. In a work setting, I’m sure you would want to make it look presentable and professional.

So when Apple announced the “Scribble” feature you could probably imagine my excitement.

Scribble essentially takes what you can do with text(that is written on a keyboard)and takes those exact features on handwritten text. The Scribble feature takes the input controls used for typed text and gives you those same options for things you handwrote on your device. Like changing the color, or even copying the handwritten text and pasting it onto a separate document, which automatically turns it into typed text. Not only that, but if you draw a shape, then it will automatically turn into a perfect version of that shape. So all of your illustrations can be clean and on point.

I’m super happy that this actually exists, because I get really meticulous when I have, say, a really important paper due, or a presentation for class. I usually spend a lot of time perfecting my designs and writing if I’m handwriting it on a digital device, and if their hasty scribbles from quickly written notes, then it’s hard to decipher them when I actually go back to study them. I’m really excited to test out this feature and use it to it’s full potential.

2. Widgets

I mostly use widgets for apps that I check in with daily, like WordPress; to monitor my blog. Or basic information like the weather, activity stats, emails, etc. I think widgets are really good for when you want just a quick glance at something, rather than fully opening the app only to have it open for a few seconds at a time. There really great if your in a hurry and you just want to quickly check out what the weather is like, or what the day’s news headline is.

On I03 14, Apple is now bringing widgets onto the Home Screen, where you can immediately have a look at your personal widget(s). Just like before, you can pick which widgets you want, but you can also choose how big or small you want it to be and have it reside on your Home Screen. I also love that you can ‘stack’ your widgets(up to ten!)so you have all of the widgets you want on the Home Screen and easy to access.

3. Automatic Switching

As a person who listens to music a lot, this literally made me want to march up to whoever came up with this an give them a big hug(although under the circumstances we are under now I don’t think that’s a very good idea). I really like use AirPods because you don’t have to deal with cords and the sound quality is great. And I connect them to two of my main devices, which is my iPad and my iPhone. But it’s such a pain to have to switch between the two devices manually.

I know, I sound like a brat, but it’s true.

I’m really happy that Apple has acknowledged the struggles of lazy people like me and have created a seamless way to transition between devices with no hassle.

4. Memoji

I’m gonna be honest and say that I don’t use Memoji that often.

When I’m texting someone(which is also quite rare actually)I usually just use words or cute stickers of my favorite characters like Gudetama(This is not sponsored). But I do use Memoji stickers sometimes, even if it’s not as often as other people. I like the fact that you can express yourself in little ways when you’re communicating with someone, and in fun and silly ways. You can make your messages personal and meaningful with a mini version of yourself.

And in IOS 14, Apple is taking Memoji and making them more expressive by improving muscle structure, as well as adding in new accessories that can shine light on your skills or career. Plus, Apple has added more face options, so you can choose the face that looks closest to how you look right now.

Ah, I can finally make my Memoji have a baby face just like I do in real life.

5. Battery Notifications

Like I mentioned previously, I use my AirPods a lot. I love that both the AirPods and the case have long battery lives, but I always forget to charge them when they are at they’re lowest energy point. So for someone as forgetful as I am, this is definitely something that will be very helpful in the future.

I hope I was able to give you a quick little overview of a few of the great things Apple introduced during their WWDC event this week. This post was really just a chance for me to geek out with you guys about the great stuff Apple is putting out. Who knows what’ll come next? If there’s one thing I want them to do, it’s to have the Apple Pencil be compatible with the iPhone. That would be incredibly cool AND useful…

Well anyway; stay healthy, stay happy, and clean all of your devices!

Writing

How to start a fire(without causing disaster).

Since the summer holidays have started, we’ve all been trying to entertain ourselves and do productive things amid the insanity the world is experiencing right now. None of us have gone outside unless absolutely necessary. But obviously, I think some of us are going just a tad bit crazy from staying home for so long. As the eldest, I’m usually in charge of keeping the younger two entertained and smooth over any fights(and try not to cause any). And make sure nothing ends up in blood and tears.

Along with that, I also have to entertain myself. I mean, I already finished 2 out of the 3 books that I have to read for my Pre-Honor’s English class,(both of which making me question everything I know about literature,). If I’m bored, then I’ll usually draw or watch my favorite YouTube channels. But even then, boredom can still reach it’s peak. I mean come on, I can’t just sit around like a cone of melted ice cream and expect myself to stay sane that way.

There have been times where I have been considering mass producing pictures of my face and my sibling’s faces, and then sticking them around our house. But of course, that would involve a lot of printer paper and ink cartridges. As well as having the constant worry of wondering if a small child’s face will greet you when you are doing something as innocent as brushing your teeth.

We’ve basically reached the point where everything we didn’t really do that much before(when we were all busy with work and school), have now implemented themselves into our daily lives to keep ourselves from having the same exact experiences everyday.

My siblings and I, for example, have been taking cardboard scraps and turning them into art projects. My sister is currently infatuated with the one and only Minnie Mouse, while my brother is immersing himself into the world of drawing out robot blueprints. Naturally, they would both go to me to help tailor what they created in their whimsical minds. Which leaves me to tell you all that I know have light bruises in between my fingers from holding scissors in uncomfortable positions for far to long.

As for my parents, they’ve become very meticulous with they’re plans on activities and such, and always insist for us all to stay outside rather then holed up in our house.

(Now this is the part where I will tell you why the title of this post is relevant to today’s rant. )

A couple weeks back, it was around 9 or 10 o’clock at night and I had stayed up reading while my parents were relaxing in the living room and watching television. Then my dad called me to the living room and said he wanted to show me something. And there I was, wearing pajamas and rubbing my eyes sleepily as my parents point and do there own commentary of whats going on in the video.

The video consisted of a sweet couple demonstrating how to make a brick stove within 10 minutes; using very few materials. The video itself made the project look very simple and doable, and I assumed my dad would want to try it for himself. With that in mind, I bid goodnight to my parents and squashed myself into the bed sheets. I didn’t think much of it until the topic arose once again.

A few days later:

My dad had gotten quite a few bricks and instructed my mom on how to stack them properly, while my dad grabbed a tool from the garage to sever a couple of the bricks in half so they would fit on the corners of the brick stack properly. Meanwhile, my brother was in a complete panic because he didn’t like the prospect of having smoke anywhere near us and our house. And just as my mother started setting the sticks we place inside the stove, he lit a match and dropped it into the squat little stack of brick. And just as that happened, smoke started to curl around us as little flames made themselves known before

There it was, our own homemade “rocket” stove spewing smoke everywhere as wind blew in our direction as little flames licked the surface of the brick. My sister and I went back and forth trying to find sticks to feed into the stove to keep it going. And so far it seemed to be working little by little. It was obvious that there were some improvements that had to be made in order to have the stove work properly instead of just spew smoke directly at out faces. But my mom still managed to boil something in the stove and experiment with it as time went on.

I think my parents have found the perfect technique that works for us because we were finally able to use the stove in a way that allowed us to have things cooked constantly rather then the flames just giving out in random intervals. But I admit that finding the right way to construct the stove can be a bit difficult. You may have to add in different components in order to get it working the way you want it to, but that doesn’t mean it still isn’t a great way to live outdoors.

Long story short(well, this wasn’t really a long story but you get what I mean), we’ve reached the point where we are now starting fires in our backyard. But we’re all happy, so that’s what matters.

Our entire family has taken to staying outside for the entire day and only go inside when it’s bedtime. For one thing, it’s just too hot to be inside where you’ll be burned into a crisp. Not to mention that there is much more space outside and fresh gusts of wind; as well as the constant symphony of the surrounding wildlife.

In this time when a lot of things may leave us unsure or frightened, lets take a moment to enjoy the happiness that being outside can bring us. Even if you’re just looking out a window, take the time to appreciate the beauty that we are nestled in.

As usual, stay happy, stay healthy, and don’t forget to give yourself moments to just breathe.

Bytes, Personal

Why technology is an art form:

About a month ago, I got up and dusted off my hard copy of Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson. I had already read the book previously, but my interpretation of the book back then was taken from a perspective in which I was confused and therefore, making assumptions that most likely had nothing to do with Steve Job’s actual creative process with his development of Apple products.

Anyway, the book got me thinking of how, in the California Steve Jobs grew up in, technology most likely consisted of cord telephones, clunky(yet functional)desktop computers, and an array of other gadgets that were considered new even when computers were introduced before Steve Jobs created his.

But in the California I’m growing up in right now, it’s become the home base for massive companies and incorporations for computing and technology. Everywhere you look on the streets(globally), someone’s holding a device or has something plugged into their ears; or wrapped around their wrist. Apple or not, a lot of people have immersed themselves into the tech they decided to purchase in order to improve or add to their lives. It might be for medical reasons, education purposes, etc.

Technology has also become emphatically eminent in the study and documentation of nearly everything that has happened for the past few decades. It has escalated the way medicine and doctoring is done, and nearly everything we do now circulates with technology. Schools are using them as a basis for education, hospitals use computers and tablets to track patient history and record data, etc.

But we also use our devices in ways that aren’t just for practicality. But for our own little exploits and fun. Like gaming, drawing, creating music, there are so many opportunities to create things that you want to introduce, and maybe even share with others. And that’s what I find really beautiful with the constant evolution of our machinery, is that we can all find new things that we weren’t familiar with before. Like trying out a new program, or learning how to code. Or maybe creating your first digital art piece.

At the start of this year, on of my classes was Photo Arts, which dealt with how to shoot with a camera, edit images, and how to take good pictures by practicing and studying art principles and angles. It was probably one of my favorite classes and I really hope to take the advanced class in my junior year. It was always my dad who takes pictures in our family, on his phone, or a camera. So when I started taking this class,

I’ve started to appreciate the lengths people go to, to capture moments in ways that could be seared perfectly in your memory.

That metaphor sounded brutal, oh dear.

Photography has really changed my perception of art the more I learned about it, and I’ve found myself taking more pictures at times when I usually wouldn’t have say, a couple months ago. Taking pictures and editing them has unexpectedly become something that really helps me relax when I’m under a lot of pressure. For example, when I was still taking my classes online(the summer holidays have started), I was trying to finish all of my assignments, whilst trying to turn in quality work so I could receive full marks. And even though I still had to do work for Photo Arts, it truly didn’t feel like I was producing pieces for school.

Every time it came the time to send out a new set of photos for my class, it was always a topic that was really beneficial in learning, but could also be done in our current living situations. I enjoyed taking the time to dig deep into my subject and figure out angles and which placement looked best, or which type of lighting made the centerpiece stand out. It was these little mindless thoughts that calmed me and made me feel like I was actually creating art.

So, in honor of this random rant, I present to you a digital portfolio of a few select photos that I wanted to share with you all. Some were shot on my school campus with heavy equipment, while some others were taken and edited just on my phone while at home. There is a lot of improvement that needs to happen with my photography skills, and there is a lot I still need to know, but these are pictures that I’m still proud of because they were taken with passion and determination. So, please enjoy this mini collection produced by yours truly.

Due to some technical difficulties, I couldn’t download the document and turn it into a PDF file. So I’m going to attach the link below so you can view the presentation.

https://www.canva.com/design/DAD-hvjoXDI/Q6d1gwazKn9PpsSOV9ZnOg/edit

Writing

Don’t overlook the small things, they could mean a lot more later on.

When you hear the word “food” whats the first thing you think of?

Your favorite food?

Making food?

Eating food?

Do you imagine a fresh bowl of fruit? Glistening from a wash in the sink, vivid colors heeding each other as they attempt to attract the attention of their consumer? How about a steaming bowl of noodles? An array of vegetables and spices nestled into the side of the bowl while the rest of the contents are doused in thick sauce and liquid. Soaking everything in its path and giving it pigmentation.

Your mind may take you to a time when all was right in the world, and the only thing you felt was warmth and natural comfort in your surroundings. You may remember a food that – no matter how many times you had it – made you feel better then you were moments before your stomach was deprived of occupation.

Food is a crucial part of every living thing. It provides nourishment, strength, as well as containing elements that can be beneficial for your body. (Depending on what you’re actually eating)

But it is also a provider of a multitude of emotions; such as nostalgia, happiness, warmth, etc. I like to think that food isn’t just something that we need to survive physically. But also to keep our minds cleansed and happy too.

For example, eating foods that you like – or find particular happiness in – can increase serotonin levels. Which is excellent because serotonin is a crucial neurotransmitter in the human body, as well as the chemical in our bodies that is popularly known to be the supplier of contentment and joy. Low levels of serotonin can leave you feeling depressed, irritable, and low in physical(and mental)vigor. Your thoughts will also be very dark and negative and you may experience increased levels of anxiety.

Keeping your serotonin levels at a steady rate is good not only for your mental health, but benefits you physically as well. When you’re happy, you will be more active, productive, and you treat yourself and others better as well. When you are rather depressed and inactive, you could crave food, or not want to eat at all. Which can lead to being over or under weight. And when your mental conscious has no motivation to do anything and stays dark and pessimistic, you won’t really want to get up and do something active either. Inactivity can also lead to major negative factors for your body, inside and out. (If you want your serotonin to be a decent degree, consider inputting little things into your daily life that makes you happy. Like reading, listening to music/podcasts, etc.)

Long story short,

Food is pretty important if you wanna function properly.

I’ve always grown up with home-cooked food, and I’m used to my mom’s little experiments(that somehow always end up successful when she does them) Because of this, I always prefer eating warm food rather then something that was pre-made.

Along with that, I always bring lunch from home to school rather than purchasing something from the school cafeteria. I sit down at lunch and I’m instantly happier when I see delicious food waiting for me. When I’m stressed about a major test or something went wrong, I’m always comforted by foods that I love that were made by the person I love.

The food that my mom makes everyday can only be described that way too. It’s just love and comfort. Eating something she made just instantly makes me feel this internal warmth that I can’t seem to describe. And my mother being the loving mama bear she is, will not let anyone leave our dining room table until they are stuff full of her magic that she calls food. Whether it being just us, or with guests over, tabletop conversation is usually just my mom saying:

“Would you like some more of this?”

“Okay then, how about this?”

“Does anyone need something to drink? Water? Tea? Coffee? Juice?”

“Would you like some more rice?”

“I also have some dosa/chapathi/vegetable sides/chutney/every South India food imaginable would you like some?”

“WhAt Do YoU mEaN yOu’Re DoNe EaTiNg I’m NoT dOnE fEeDiNg YoU.”

When it comes to attending to other people during mealtimes, my mother is an unstoppable hurricane of love and rice that will feed you until you can’t even think of food anymore. And I say this with the deepest and utmost affection. (And 15 years of personal experience.)

I’ve always been a lover of good food, and I am always open to trying new things(If it stays within our vegan/vegetarian basis). My favorite foods are all Asian foods, but I always get super enthusiastic when my mom tries experiments in the kitchen. And that has been happening quite a lot lately since we are all at home and we rarely go out. My mom has tried some new things that she hasn’t done before, like:

  • Naan
  • Pizza Dough
  • Carrot Cake
  • Tirunelveli Halwa(A popular India sweet. Also, please forgive my spelling.)
  • Potato Chips
  • Mayonnaise
  • Fruit Yogurt

Personally, I wasn’t surprised that my mom nailed all of these unfamiliar recipes on the first try, considering that she has had years and years of experience in the kitchen. She knows how to work around technical issues and dealing with an unexpected situation when working on a meal. Not only that, but she can create a loophole that can have our resulting product be absolutely perfect rather then an actual disaster. Which are all skills that I wish I had, but hope to attain as I slowly try to get used to working in a kitchen.

So, this post is pretty randomly written. I will admit that now.

But each part of this post really just has the purpose to convince my reader(You!)That anything, even the smallest of things, can bring you happiness, peace, and joy. Even in this time when everything seems unpredictable. And lately, I’ve been finding myself happy everytime I sit with my little sister and make yogurt for her, or grab an ingredient for my mom in the kitchen. It’s these little things that keeps us going throughout the day, even when we’re at our breaking point.

Being isolated for a prolonged period of time can really make you hypersensitive to your own atmosphere and emotions. Especially when you are left to yourself a/o a very small amount of people. Each experience we are blessed with now is something we should cherish. Everything we do now and consider “normal” and just overlook; could be different years from now.

And that’s okay.

Keep the people you love, and the people who love you, close. Don’t forget who you love and live for. And most of all, keep yourself healthy and happy. Don’t let these dark times seep into you until you succumb in it’s grasp. It’s unsurprisingly easy to do. So do little things that make you happy, and don’t forget to always have time to take care of yourself. And like I mentioned before, eating food is an exceptional way to increase serotonin(happiness).

Before I end this post, I would like to address the recent events that have been happening recently that have caused protesting around the world.

Everything that has happened has made my heart ache for those who have been lost, and those who have been deprived of the love and acceptance they deserve. Discrimination is not something that should be tolerated, and we should all embrace our difference and should not judge others because they are different from you. Diversity is what makes our species so beautiful. And when we are all together and supporting each other, that’s when we are the most powerful.

Be safe, be happy, be healthy. And always love yourself.

Personal

Relax, it’ll be okay.

(This post is not sponsored.)

Many people tend to struggle when working in an environment where they generally can’t focus, or just aren’t used to doing that task in. And now, with everyone at home working, it’s a bit troubling for those who struggle with that. Working at home can be quite the adjustment if you’re used to a quite office or study space.

When you’re accustomed to a specific atmosphere but then suddenly have to deal with chaos at home, it can be quite the challenge. Whether you have little ones at home, pets(pets are amazing stress relievers too)or just a bountiful amount of distractions; it can get difficult to concentrate. So today I will help you figure out the perfect atmosphere to work and/or study in.

Productivity

It can be hard to be productive when there are so many things to meddle with in your surrounding space. What I recommend is keeping only what is absolutely necessary on your work space. On my desk:

  • Small tech bag – adapters, charging cables, wired earbuds if my Bluetooth doesn’t work, screen wipes, etc.
  • Pen case – 1 metal mechanical pencil, 1 pen, 1 eraser, and 1 small pack of graphite
  • Small Lotion – For dry hands
  • Phone – Only used if necessary

All of this is kept in a drawer on my desk so I don’t keep messing with them, but are located in areas where they can be easily accessed.

The items you need personally are obviously going to be different from mine, and should be tailored to your personal needs. But this is only one part to keeping yourself productive. Surroundings are one thing, but you have to actually keep staying on task. So here are some things that can help contribute to that.

Music

If you’re like me and listen to music while working or studying, then I suggest listening to music that is soft, slow and mellow. What I noticed in the past, is that when I listen to music with a heavy beat, catchy lyrics, and is super pumped up, my brain gets hyped up too. I’ll eventually start losing concentration on my work, and then focus all my senses to the music. So create a playlist that does the exact opposite of that.

Maybe have some smooth jazz going, or soft orchestrals. Not only will this keep you focused, but also keep your mind calm and hushed. If music isn’t really your thing while working, then why not have some nature sounds? There are plenty of apps you can download on any device that plays natural sounds like rain, rushing water, ocean, forests, etc. And there are features you can set on any Amazon Alexa as well, if that is your preference.

The Pomodoro Technique ( thanks Babu Peryiappa)

The “Pomodoro” technique was developed in the 1980s by Francesco Cirillo. Basically, you set a specific time fragment to work in(25 minutes, 30 minutes, whatever you want)after finishing that time frame, you take a break. Before continuing to work for the same amount of time. This goes on in a continuous pattern into you get your task done. Traditionally, time segments are set to 25 minutes for working.

I was made aware of this technique by my uncle(as mentioned in the subtitle)when I was much younger. But I always associated the word “Pomodoro” to tomatoes and pasta. I didn’t find myself using this technique myself until I started high school. Where I have to make a plan on how to execute my time studying, and doing homework and projects. I find it to be extremely beneficial in keeping myself together and organized with my time.

There are several apps that are designed specifically for this purpose that I think are really cool, but just keeping your eye on the clock from time to time also works. Or having a little stopwatch on hand. Because this is benefiting you, and will be fabricated to help you. So do whatever way is best for you. You aren’t obligated to take my advice or anyone else’s. Just do what you are comfortable with and what you think will benefit you. Here are some apps that can help, and hopefully give you a few options if you wanna started this technique yourself:

  • BFT: Bear Focus Timer – Personally, I think this is by far the cutest one out of all of the ones I will be mentioning today. The app features a bear names Tom, Tom is a friendly little bear who will keep track of your time. But he won’t be so friendly when you keep meddling with your phone(his face furrows into a cute lil’ frown)All you have to do is turn your phone face down and start working, if you turn your phone face up and start messing with it, Tom gets a little mad. The app also provides white noise to help you focus.
  • Move On – This app has a very simple and minimalistic interface and is extremely easy to use. So for those of you out there who just want to set their times and breaks, this is the app for you.
  • Forest – This is a very creative way to keep focused and I personally love it for it’s clever way of supporting productivity. As soon as you set your timer, a little tree will start growing in that time. But if you close that app and go to another one, the tree stops growing. If you keep doing this everyday, soon you’ll have a dense forest!
  • Plantie – “Plantie” is a similar app to the previously mentioned one, with simple and appealing graphics. You can collect rewards and choose different plants to grow and unlock.

Device

You should also tailor your device so you have all of the documents and platforms you need the most, in a spot where you can see it right away and click on it. If your device has a dock somewhere on the screen where you can click and drag different things, then it’s a good idea to keep them in that deck. For easy and immediate access.

If you’re just using a search engine, then don’t keep an excessive amount of tabs open. But only the ones you are needing right at that moment. You can always recover the previous tab you had deleted.

As for your device itself, only keep the apps and platforms you need and know you use. And this doesn’t just have to be work/school related. It can be games, or anything really. Just as long as you know you use them then scarcely at all.

I don’t like working in spaces that are cluttered and disorganized. It messes with my productivity and I feel less and less ready to actually work. My mind will often scatter off to wherever there is disorder, and then I feel a little nag in my head urging to clean it. This goes for digital devices too. Don’t let this stop you from working well. Choose a day to clean out your workspace AND your digital devices. Because both can contribute to how distracted you can get.

Lighting

Lighting is just as important as focus and surrounding objects, because you don’t want something that will irritate your eyes or give you a migraine. Have lighting that is comfortable for you. When I’m working at night, I keep on two lamps that radiate a very soft, warm glow that keeps me comfortable. I also keep the brightness low on both my phone and iPad when I’m working. And if dark mode can be enabled into your device, I highly recommend using that in a work setting.

If you are working for long periods at a time, then your eyes will be continuously exposed to a the stark white paper, or a glowing screen. So try lowering any chances of getting a headache in your work session by alleviating everything so your comfortable.

Clothing

Yes. Your physical body is very important as well when you’re working so listen up before you close this tab or skip ahead to the next paragraph.

Wear clothing that brings nothing to you but comfort. Something that makes you feel good and fresh. And it can be just about anything. Pajamas, sweatpants, whatever. Just don’t wear anything that will irritate your skin or make you feel restricted in your own body. The reason behind that is because while you work, your mind will constantly wander back to the fact that some part of your body doesn’t feel as nice as it should. So before you have to go and change in the middle of working or studying, just wear something comfy beforehand so you don’t have to. No one is going to judge you, and you’ll be fully focused while super comfy.

Just don’t fall asleep.

Physical and Mental Wellness

Working is important, but your mind and body are just as important. If not, more. Your mind endures so much each and everyday, information is packed into and thoughts cloud and drift apart. You can feel your mind get congested and that can really affect you physically too. Work shouldn’t go to the extent where you are constantly burned out and not getting a healthy amount of sleep.

You should be taking care of your body by eating a balanced amount of things that you need in order to function properly. Eat all three meals each day. With balanced amounts of fruits, vegetables, carbs, protein, etc. But if you participate in everyday fasting, then eat very well in the meals you do allow yourself to eat. But fasting doesn’t give you an excuse not to drink water. Drink lots of water, fasting or not, humans are like sponges. Without water we are dry and rough, and that’s really bad for your health.

Remember to stay active by doing exercises that are suited to you. Don’t do a rigorous Olympic style workout. Not everyone is an athlete and that is okay. Do the best you can with a workout plan that fits for you. Maybe 10 pushups and 25 crunches. Or a one-hour run or bike ride.

Don’t look at the way other people stay fit and assume it’ll work for you, because they outfitted their activity to work for them.

With all this, we also have to constantly keep in mind that we have to keep ourselves mentally healthy as we do physically. There are many different methods for calming the mind and relieving stress. Like painting or drawing, playing music or just listening to it, writing down your thoughts, spend time with family etc. Anyone can do anything they choose to relieve stress, but meditation really takes it to another level.

I started my first meditation session yesterday with my family. All the lights were turned off, the house engulfed in darkness with the soft lull of an infant night. My dad had found an app called “Oak.” Which is a beautifully designed app that teaches you how to do different styles of mediation, and can help keep track of your meditation. It also provides breathing exercises and keeps track of that too. I highly recommend this for anyone who is a newcomer to actually meditating, like me, or if you’ve been meditating for a while and want an app that can help you keep track of your sessions.

Meditation wasn’t something I thought about doing because I thought I wouldn’t be able to keep up with it. That I wouldn’t be able to reach inner peace and the process of clearing my mind. But I was clearly proven wrong last night when the mess of my thoughts melted away until the only thing left was a single mantra. My entire body relaxed and my breath became effortless and steady.

My mind was blank for the first time in my entire life.

I hope these tips could help those of you out there who are having a bit of trouble adjusting to working and/or studying at home, these were all things I learned in the past month when school was shut down. But it doesn’t matter if you’re a student or not. We’re all on the same level here and need to have each other’s back. So please care for others and protect yourself.

Stay healthy, stay safe, stay happy. Also, get lots of sleep and cuddles.

Personal, Writing

An Introvert’s Lament

Last Friday, I had an English assignment where I had to write about my experience amid the global Covid-19 pandemic. As well as my feelings as this takes place worldwide. Our teacher said that we could write this in any written form we wanted(poem, song, narrative, etc.)so I chose to do it in the form of a narrative essay. Documenting my experience and emotions through this difficult time. I wanted to share this with you because what we’re all going through right now is something not a lot of people have experienced in their lifetimes.

This is something I never expected to happen and so many emotions were swirling inside of me that I didn’t know how to filter them. But writing was my best option. And my only option. The pen and paper never give you backlash. They are the tools to help you convey things that are sometimes hard to express with your voice. So this assignment was probably the only thing between me, and me just snapping from how crazy all of this is.

I just wanted to share this with you all because it didn’t feel right to have a piece where my emotions are just raw, with absolutely no filter, and not share it with others who may be struggling with their thoughts on this as well. So please, while you’re reading this, think about how you are feeling.

An Introvert’s Lament

Kanmani Harivenkatesh

English 1

Between the ages of 3 to 10, the prospect of the world being anything but perfect was astonishing to me. That not every human being was kind, that many people don’t sleep safely with their stomachs full and a loving kiss from a dear one lingering on their temple. But as I grew, I experienced the world with eyes wide and my heart pinned to my chest. My mind had grown from these encounters and observations, but hardened my perception of the human race and the world we live and coexist with. 

Of course there’s a multitude of things in the world that reap emotions from me that are fiery and awful, I hate it. But I feel anyway because I don’t have the capability to lie to my own conscience. Some of that hatred is directed towards the harshness that comes with being a teenager in today’s world. Anxiety, social burdens, educational pressures. So much in such early stages of life and yet no one cares to ask, “How are you feeling about all of this?” Life moves too fast and I feel like I’m not catching up fast enough. And yet, here I am now, sitting at my desk with absolutely nothing else to do except write until my wrists give out. There are many things that happened in history that shape our species’s race. But I have never, in my entire life, experienced what we are going through right now globally. 

When the virus started making headlines(I’m not even gonna sugarcoat this because this is the brutal truth)I brushed it off. I thought it would come and pass like so many things in today’s news. But I never thought that it would manifest into what it has become now. I’ve read enough books about statistics to know that in many cases, nothing goes down until it reaches its peak. And in order to cut something off in the middle, you have to take extreme measures. 

This concept was brought into my mind once again on our last few days of school before it was cancelled for a considerable amount of time. Quickly replaced with a stuttered “Distance Learning” that keeps me on my toes and ready to polish off 45+ math problems in twenty minutes flat and turned in. Sure, learning is certainly more relaxed now that we have the opportunity to go at our own paces, but it isn’t the same when there isn’t someone to guide you. 

Hospitals across the country, across the world, have to take double shifts, reuse tools and material, leave themselves without sleep for extremely long periods of time. The stress they are undergoing without buckling under the pressure is something that I will never forget for the rest of my life. And it’s going to be pretty hard to forget the rest of all this too. 

Another emotion I’ve been feeling is frustration and fear. The two mental states that are extremely hard to express for me. And yet that’s the only thing I’ve been feeling everytime I read the news, or keep remembering that life isn’t normal anymore, and it’ll we a while before it actually is again. And the fact that this is completely unpredictable really scares people We don’t know when it will stop, how many people will be affected, and how long this will actually last. These are all questions that I wish with every beat of my heart, had answers. But clearly they haven’t been answered with precise statements yet, so that’s just wonderful. (No, it’s not.)

With this being a new experience for everyone, it’s brought us all together in a way too. That is quite an ironic thing to say considering we are told to distance ourselves from others, but we are in this together because nearly everyone in the entire planet is going through the same thing. Not one country having to fight for themselves, but everyone. Tied together in a way that truly represents the bond we all have. That we are all connected and there for each other even in these distressing times where a little word of comfort can do so much. 

    With the virus cases increasing, so has human kindness. Neighbors offer to buy groceries and leave them on the doorstep, stores and shops delivering food rather than customers coming to purchase them. Everyone is going through this at the same rate. Staying home and cuddling with blankets, or getting work done in their homes rather than an office. Everyone has now immersed themselves into the natural habitat of a full-fledged introvert. Which is certainly a good thing. Not only that, but the decrease in greenhouse gasses going into the atmosphere is healing the wounds left by pollution. Which I never expected to happen since I was too busy worrying myself over the virus. 

    Even with those small notes of happiness, it doesn’t shake the feeling of complete helplessness that I feel each time I see the numbers of virus cases increasing every time I decide to take a look. This essay was a good way for me to let out what I was feeling, but I still need to stoke what’s still bubbling in me every time I remember that I can’t even hug anyone anymore. 

This essay wasn’t too negative, but it wasn’t very sunshine and rainbows either. But we can’t let our dark thoughts flicker and burn. We have to drown them before they consume us whole. That is the most dangerous thing about our minds. They can convince us of horrid things that maybe won’t even happen. But we must stay positive and follow guidelines such as social-distancing and only going out if it’s absolutely necessary.

Let us stay positive and happy. And try to find a way where you can channel your thoughts. Because you are not alone, and never will be. So fall into the embraces of what you go to for comfort. Confide in it, and receive the closure you seek.

Comedy, The Best

The(Insane)Adventures of Blue and Tomato+ April Favorites

Update: Schools out for the rest of the school year.

ლ(¯ロ¯”ლ)

Oh dear god.

Ever since school ended and the “Shelter in Place” order was put out, my time has been consumed by completing work in the morning, and chilling for the rest of the day. “Chilling” meaning binge-watching cooking videos(even though I’m hopeless at cooking)and cleaning my room.

Like, everyday.

Even though it’s always clean.

Hey, I see you judging me. Don’t do that. ｡◕ – ◕｡

Ever since our exceptionally increased time staying indoors(sorry, extroverts), I’ve found myself outdoors longer. Either working with my iPad and keyboard, or just with a cup of tea watching on like a proud general as my siblings wreak havoc into our innocent backyard.

But I’ve also been looking around at the heavy amount of life that surrounds our house.

(And no, I don’t mean the other humans stuffed at home as well. Sorry.)

Birds, squirrels, insects, everything you can imagine that reside in forest-like environments. Everyday is a symphony of chittering birds as golden light filters through the newly sprouting leaves on the trees. Our backyard has become covered with a translucent green canopy that glows with the sun’s touches. Thick puffs of clouds spread across the cobalt sky, so bright that just looking up at the sky distresses your eyes.

But, there are a handful of little critters that seem to be the soul of the natural heartbeat of our backyard.

Blue,

Tomato #1, and Tomato #2.

Oh, and we mustn’t forget The Honorable Sir Peanut.

So, these may sound quite ridiculous. But each name is attached to a creature with a story. Thus the names given are to suit them, and for us to identify our little friends as they come and go through our home as they please.

Lets starts with Blue:

Blue:

  • Species: Bird
  • Type: Blue Jay
  • Likes: Peanuts; terrorizing smaller birds
  • Dislikes: Squirrels
  • Story behind the name: I think it’s quite obvious why “Blue” seemed to be fitting for this particular bird. My dad shall take credit for this highly creative name.

Tomato #1 and #Tomato 2

  • Species: Squirrel
  • Like: Peanuts, bird seeds, gymnastics
  • Dislikes: Birds
  • Story behind the name(s): When we realized these two squirrels had taken a liking to our backyard(and the tons of food and shelter provided)my brother took it up to himself to name these two. I don’t quite understand why tomatoes seemed to be fitting for two squirrels. But I can’t really argue with a stubborn 8 year-old boy.

The Honorable Sir Peanut

  • Species: Caterpillar?
  • Likes: Unknown
  • Dislikes: Unknown
  • Story behind the name: So, a few days back, my brother and I were out on the deck admiring the rain when we saw a little green blob floating right in front of our eyes like magic. Stupefied and curious, we wondered how the little thing could be floating with absolutely nothing supporting it. So out of spite, I hazardously stuck out my hand so it was aligned a foot above the gravity-defying caterpillar. My hand was laid out horizontally in a ninja-like position. And just like a ninja, I chopped my hand in front of the air above the caterpillar. To my shock, the caterpillar disappeared. Most likely pulled along with whatever invisible force(or spider web)that it was attached to. Therefore I did the most logical thing and screamed bloody murder out of panic. I checked all over my clothes and hair for any sign of a little green glob crawling on me. I was still a little shaken even when I found no signs of it finding home in the folds of my jacket. However, I felt bad about how the whole situation turned out. Therefore I gave him the name, The Honorable Sir Peanut, because he is honored for not fighting me and my stupidity. And Peanut, because he was small and cute. Like a peanut. May you live honorably, wherever you are.

Blue and the Tomato Twins(I have no idea if they’re actually related)are always fighting in the spring and summer time. The squirrels are always stretching in unfathomable positions to get bird-seed out of the bird feeders. While simultaneously scaring away smaller birds from that specific bird feeder.

Blue is an angry one who swoops down gracefully before deciding to terrorize the birds who are a bit smaller then him. But they’re a sucker for peanuts and on multiple occasions, wandered into our house searching for peanuts. And sometimes, my dad would lure Blue with a trail of peanuts through the kitchen doorway.

The other animals that come by are snakes(garden snakes not, like, anacondas)my dad found them one day in our side yard, and freed them. Those poor little babies were probably alone and split form their mother. So I was happy that they were with their mother.

There are also little mice who crawl in the corners, crows that seat themselves on the telephone poles, and two pigeons who make it a point to fly as close to me as possible before launching themselves a hairsbreadth away from my head before flying away. But we’ve seen those two pigeons since our days in the apartment complex we used to live in. So it’s kinda like looking at our past before moving into this house. There is also a slick, black, service cat(a cat that comes to your neighborhood to catch and eat mice. Frightening, I know).

The cat comes by every so often to our deck, well, more like under our deck, looking for mice to eat for its next meal. I’ve tried each time to create a connection with it because I love dogs and cats. But this particular cat seems to have a liking to sashay away the moment I turn to greet it. And when it does turn around, it’s emerald green eyes stare into my soul like it’s judging me for coming outside wearing my leggings inside out. Then it swishes it’s tail and turns away. Leaving me wondering if I’ve unknowingly waged a war against all felines.

To be honest, without these creatures wreaking absolute mayhem across our backyard, our home wouldn’t be home. Sure family and friends can make a place be a home. But the little things outside our homes can be just as welcomed as the ones inside. So treat everything with respect, even it can sometimes be irritating. They have just the same amount of will to live as you do. They have every right to live on the same land you do. They are not inferior to the human race and should never be put into any category before our own species.

Our world is going through some difficult times right now, and my last post circulated around the Coronavirus pandemic, but I think I’ve fed you enough of my perspective of it. This half of the post is dedicated to just little things that can help you get through our prolonged stay at home and social-distancing. I know I did this last time, but those were particular apps that cultivated my needs and interests. The difference here is that I will be recommending things that can apply to a vast amount of people and not just myself.

I will try to do something each month on this blog. So today’s would be something like “April Favorites.” I’ll try to do this at least every month.

(NONE OF THIS IS SPONSORED ALL RIGHTS GO TO THE RESPECTFUL OWNERS OF THE FOLLOWING ARCHIVES/LABELS/NAMES)

Apps

  • Tide – Tide is a mindfulness app that is very helpful for productivity, meditation, and sleep. It provides nature sounds for sleep or work. This app also uses the “Pomodoro” method. A timer will be set, and for a specific amount of time you will work, but then once that timer is over, you will take a break for another chunk of time before working again. Personally, I like this method because you can work very well without getting overworked.
  • Quizlet – This is an app that can be used by students and teachers alike. You can create quizzes, flashcards, lessons, etc. Based on whatever it is that you need to study, or need to teach your students. This is extremely helpful if you are a visual or verbal learner. Because you can listen/see the comprehension.
  • Notability – I mentioned this app in my last post but I’ll go into a bit more depth this time. This is quite possibly the best note-taking app I’ve ever used so far. It has a simple interface, but is packed with extremely useful features. For example, you can take audio recordings if you’re in a lecture or meeting. Then you can play back the audio and take notes or touch them up with added detail. I highly recommend this for everyone, but especially students. This has helped me so much for nearly all of my classes.
  • Khan Academy – This is extremely useful if you need extra help practicing something, but you’re struggling academically. Or if you learn something better if someone is teaching it to you. You can search anything in Math, Science, English, History, whatever, and it’ll pop up with so many lessons, videos, and activities to help you with it. This isn’t just an app, but also a website online.
  • Epic! – This is also an app/website, and is great if you have little ones at home. They provide a full selection of popular books for children, with audios as well. Along with a wide array learning videos.

Movies

I tried to do a selection of different genres so you can find the stuff you like.

  • To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
  • The Darkest Minds
  • Gravity
  • Interstellar
  • Cinderella(Disney Live Action)
  • Aladdin(Disney Live Action)
  • Mulan(My favorite movie. I just had to put it in)
  • Avengers(Just watch all of them, there’s no shame)
  • Harry Potter(But please read the book first)

Anime

  • Yuri On Ice – This is an anime about a male Japanese figure skater who is the ace of his country. But finds himself in a long slump when he takes a very low place in a major global competition. Finally, he finds himself wanting to skate again, and love it again. This is a beautiful story with equally gorgeous animation. The music is also incredibly well thought out. This anime has major character development that I admired even before finishing the series.
  • Free! – Free! Is about an extremely talented swimmer who takes on finding his place in competitive swimming again, overcoming darkness in his past, and renewing his love for competing with his friends beside him in the pool lanes. This anime has such an amazing plot and story line, character development is subtle yet so spot on, and the exquisite animation and stylistics just makes me wanna cry. As a former swimmer, I found myself being reacquainted with the pool environment, and the zing of being in a competitive space. This anime has a stunning story and a very deep story that embraces the mental aspects that come to being pressured when you’re especially good at something.
  • Gakuen Babysitters – This anime is super cute and fluffy. About a Ryuichi and his baby brother who live with the dean of a a very high end school after there parents pass away in an accident. This anime follows the days of Ryuichi as he works as a babysitter in the school for the children of teachers who work on his campus.
  • Pokémon – C’mon, you can’t go wrong with Pokémon.

I hope this can give some of you a bit of comfort and something to look forward to when you wake up and are ready to start the day. This is definitely a time where we need to support each other. And words are so powerful right now so please, show your love to those you care about and keep them in your mind in this time when touch is so dangerous. But also take this time to self reflect and care for yourself. We need to keep our physical bodies healthy, but never forget that your emotions are just as important as your heartbeat.

Writing

What to do when your quarantined. A guide to keeping yourself from being bored to oblivion.

A lot has happened in the world since my last post. And I’m having a bit of a pickle trying to figure out where exactly I should start. But you know, like always I’m gonna wing it and start from the beginning.

Friday, March 13, 2020 9:20 am

Around this time, the Coronavirus(or Covid-19 as they now call it) had already been a rising concern amongst various countries around the world. Some schools had already been shut down until further notice. But our school hadn’t done that just yet(keep note that the date listed above was a while before now, just to give you some perspective). My friends, teachers, and basically the entire school population wanted to be at home rather than being jostled into classrooms and intermingling with other people’s germs.

I was sitting in biology, finishing up with correcting my latest test(98% woohoo!)my friend was sitting next to me as we were getting packed up for our next classes. I was reaching down to grab my pocketbook to jot a reminder down for myself when the principal’s voice boomed through the loudspeaker. That being a rare occasion, the entire class perked up to hear what the principal had to say:

“Teachers, please read to your students the email that has just been sent to you. Once again, teachers, please read to your students the email that has just been sent to you.”

The email stated that all students, administrators, and faculty would not be coming to school on Tuesday of the next week(Monday was a Teacher-In Service day). And a set date hadn’t been confirmed for when we would be on campus once again.

My friends and I looked at each other, our expressions disgruntled and asking a thousand questions.

“When will we be back at school?”

“1/2 of the second semester is ending, how will we turn in our final assignments?

“Will our grades go down?”

“How will we do assignments and takes classes?”

The classroom had reached a soft hum, everyone was distracted. Emotions were tossed about the classroom like a volleyball; confusion, relief, irritation, fear.

The only emotion you could see on my face was this:

…

(￣ᗝ￣) r u serious

As soon as I left the classroom, I bolted to the nearest bench so I could put down my stuff and pull out my hand sanitizer, which I proceeded to vigorously on my hands and in between my fingers. Which was a habit I had since elementary school; but every since this virus broke out, it was done with new purpose. I rushed to my next class, eager to discuss this with my friends who had the same questions I did. That we all did.

The rest of the school day was a blur, everyone’s mind focused on getting things out of lockers, collecting the necessary material to keep at home, figuring out ways to get classwork done when not set in a classroom. And we all left with promises of seeing each other whenever school would be open and safe again.

It is March 26th, 2020, and quite a few days after the “Shelter in Place” order was put upon California. The overall experience thus far has been nothing but odd. I myself am a pretty introverted person as I have emphasized on multiple occasions. I like staying home rather than frolicking about the city wearing sunglasses and having a selfie stick as my partner in crime. I’m not a social butterfly but I’m not necessarily a hermit either. So you can imagine my surprise when the Californian government is telling me to stay home. Like what?

Self-quarantine, social-distancing and maintaining self-hygiene seems to be the best way to keep this virus away from touching more people. So if you see the streets empty in your favorite hotspot, or a line of stores and buildings empty. Well, in this particular case it’s the best thing to do. But these changes have made our ordinary everyday lives, not so ordinary anymore. So let me give you a little peek into my daily routine in quarantine:

8:30am: Wake up. (And proceed to roll around my bed like a ball of mochi until I have the motivation to get up. Which takes 30 minutes).

9:00am: Get all the hygiene stuff done and eat a breakfast.

11:00am: Sign into an online video chat with my Algebra teacher and classmates on Zoom. A math lesson that will proceed for roughly 60 minutes.

12:00-2:30: Get all my work done and turned in for the day. The assignments usually aren’t due until a few days after they are posted and assigned, but I always try to do work ahead of time to get it out of the way.

2:30-Bedtime: The rest of the day is left to leisure, I can chill out and watch videos on YouTube, binge movies, hang with my munchkins, draw. And just keep myself from getting bored.

Looking this schedule over, it seems simple, and not as elaborate as a usual day. But this virus has changed so many things for so many people that it’s brought on new experiences and habits to even the busiest of us.

So, in order keep safe, let us all:

  • Wash hands thoroughly with soap for 20 seconds or more
  • Disinfect constantly used objects
  • Stay away from people who look sick or are sick
  • Cover your cough and sneeze to avoid transmitting bacteria to people surrounding you
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
  • Wipe down all surfaces
  • If you want to hug someone, give them an air-hug instead 🙂

Take this time to do the things that make you happy and calm. And avoid reading the news too much, it’ll agitate you and your mind to the point where you get paranoid.

With all that said, I will be sharing with you, the things that have been keeping me occupied and happy through this odd period of time. And hopefully can help ease the feeling of being in an unfamiliar territory in this icky situation our world is in.

(Disclaimer: NONE OF THIS IS SPONSORED. I OWN NONE OF THE PLATFORMS, LABELS, OR NAMES LISTED IN THIS POST.)

Music:

I’ve been listening to BTS’s new album Map of the Soul: 7. Which came out late last month. Personally, it’s one of my favorite BTS albums to date and every song has incredible lyrics and vibes. My favorite songs from the album were:

“On”

“Filter”

“Friends”

“Black Swan”

and “Louder than Bombs”

I encourage you to listen to this album because it touched both my mind, and my persona in a whole new way. Plus, the whole album just gets you to feel things. And opens your senses, blocking away the serious thoughts clouding our minds.

I’ve also been working through Selena Gomez’s latest album Rare. My top two from that album so far are, “Ring” and “Look at Her Now.”

Books:

Recently, I binge read through the entire Japanese manga series “The Girl from the Other Side” and fell in love with the soft art and detailed story. I also recently finished the book “Moon Chosen” written by P.C. Cast. Which is a compelling fairy tale-isque story. But of course, I’ve also binge-read through the entire Harry Potter series. Again.

Television/Media:

To keep myself entertained, I’ve been watching movies on Disney+ and watching cooking videos on YouTube. I’ve also been gaming quite a bit and reading web comics. The apps I do recommend are the following:

Webtoons – You can find tons of comics and manga written and drawn by incredible artists around the world, and you can find works based on the genres you prefer best.

Alto’s Adventure – Alto’s Adventure has probably been my favorite game to play on TV and handheld devices for the past couple years. The game is really simple and calming to play. The graphics and the design are soft and aren’t heavy on your eyes. But the artistry is minimalistic yet stunning. The music is also very mellow and comforting.

Tasty – Tasty is actually a YouTube channel that came from Buzzfeed. The channel itself has many how-to’s and recipes and cooking and baking tips. But now they’ve put it all into an awesome app-form that leaves your tummy rumbling. You can save all your favorite recipes so you can go back to them. You can find tons of different meals, snacks, and desserts to prepare at home. And there are lots of recipes from around the world. Like India, Japan, etc.

Animal Restaurant – Animal Restaurant is a sweet game where you are helping a little crew of animals run a new restaurant and work as an employee. It’s a fun, relaxing game, but it can be a bit addicting!

Hidden Folks – Hidden Folks is basically a search and find in an animated app form. The levels get increasing more difficult as the layouts become more intricate. You will have to find people, objects, and animals.

Music Tiles – This is a game where you can tap into your inner musician and unlock different songs to play on tiles that represent piano keys.

Essentials:

Cozy clothing – I don’t think I’ve worn anything except pajama pants and a super soft sweater ever since school ended and I could care less. It’s make me happy to be a living mochi everyday.

Tea – I’ve also been drinking lots of tea lately, it warms me up and it’s really yummy! (Except when I’m the one brewing it and not my mom).

iPad Pro – This is where nearly all of my schoolwork and communications have been happening constantly. From my Zoom calls to schoolwork. And gaming too. The Notability app has been my favorite app to use for productivity and written digital notes.

Sleeping – I just love sleeping in general. And being lazy.

Cuddling – Just cuddling on the couch with a cup of tea, pajamas, tons of blankets, and the TV on or a good book is my ideal way to spend every day. I recommend that all of you do this at least a few times. Take this opportunity to just stay home and laze around and do nothing. Melt into the couch cushions, indulge in your favorite series, catch up with an old book. Because what’s worse than any virus, is losing ourselves to the panic.

I hope all of you will stay safe, healthy, and happy. And let yourself be brought into the embrace of soft cuddles with your blankets, and a good movie on. That’s an order!

Artists, Beta, Inspirational People, Music

K-POP, Tamil music gurus, and me, the midget, music enthusiast.

So, I realized that I haven’t done a post focused entirely on music. Except for one or two entries from the early stages of my blog(that I now cringe at while reading). And quite honestly, I feel like a complete nitwit considering that there is a separate category for music on this blog. And after three(soon to be four)years there’s barely any music related posts.

Goodness, I anticipate blogging and making posts; and I want to make quality content, but it’s hard. Especially when there’s about 200+ rough drafts waiting to either be deleted or posted.

So.

Um.

Yay, procrastination!

About a month or so back, I had taken my final exams for the first semester. And let me tell you, that week and the two weeks before were just filled with unnecessarily high levels of stress and anxiety.

That entire week was just me studying till I felt like there was a dozen encyclopedias stuffed into my cranial cavity. All I was thinking after I finished an exam for a class was:

I WANT EAT

I WANT SLEEP

I’m the type of person who doesn’t show my intensive anxiety on the outside; but it always eats me up on the inside. To the point where I physically can’t stop thinking about it. So the only way I was really able to have some peace at school and while studying, was by listening to the music I liked best.

And that included K-POP.

Unfortunately, I belly flopped into the K-POP boat a wee bit later than everyone else did(about six to seven years late to be exact, but that’s okay). Now those of you out there who are cursing me out for this horrendous mistake, I’m sorry, forgive my ignorance; and please don’t lash out on me with posters and ridiculously merchandise featuring your bias(for those K-POP fans out there wondering, my bias is everyone. I love everyone. There are a few from BTS that I love especially but still. I love everyone.)

To be fair, I didn’t figure out that K-POP stood for KOREAN POP until late into last year so hear me out all of you hardcore K-POP fans.

For those of you who are left in the metaphorical dust in regards to what in the world I’m talking about(trust me if you asked me a few years back I wouldn’t have known either)here’s a little background:

Korean pop, or better known as K-POP, is essentially Korean pop music that was popularized in the early 2000s but in my opinion(meaning that these facts may or may not be accurate, so don’t take my word for it)took the world by storm a few years back when the popular Korean boy band BTS, made their debut in 2013 with their music. The stars who sing and dance in this genre are often called “idols.” (Don’t ask me why cause’ doing the “research” just confused my little brain to a pulp.)

Now, I’m of Asian descent, like 100%, so you would think that I would stay up to date on this kind of stuff, but being a hermit, I have no knowledge of what people find interesting on the world wide web. And that’s due to the fact that I don’t have any social media whatsoever(Which I’m immensely grateful for). And no, I don’t necessarily think YouTube counts. Anyways, I was too busy listening to my instrumental and EDM to really throw a glance to the K-POP genre. But it started to blossom interest in my mind.

I listen to music constantly. While doing homework, studying, working out, drawing, walking through the school campus, between passing periods, during study hall, reading at home, or- alright I think you get the point. As you can see, I have a great love for music, and all types of it. And it’s a major outlet for me, so I’m open to listening to lots of genres. So it was inevitable that I started listening to music I wasn’t engrossed in at an earlier time.

And boy was that the best decision my Spotify account could make.

(This work is not sponsored).

So, I’ve heard of BTS a lot, always seeing their well-dressed persons on the suggested bar on YouTube, and their songs always popped up in the suggested category of my Spotify. Ironically, I was never invested into boy bands in the first place, so I was skeptical that I would actually like them. But it came as a pleasant surprise(and a punch to my musical ego)and I instantly got thrown into the K-POP hole and into the arms of the waiting International Armys(“ARMY” is the name of BTS fans)

The amount of time it took for me to speed through nearly every BTS album in current existence is absolutely insane. Their music just caught me instantly and I don’t think I’ll be able to be pried out of the grips of the BTS fandom anytime soon so sanity nice knowin’ you.

I would absolutely suggest listening to this group because their music has so much heart, so much passion put into it, and each member of the group came from a different background. And what’s so great about them is that you can personally relate to them in ways that not a lot of celebrities can, where they feel untouchable because of their accomplishments and social status. But instead, they are humble and don’t put themselves above others because of their fame. Because they’re just regular people too. All of them young, extremely talented musicians who create music than anyone can enjoy. And it’s incredible that you don’t need to understand Korean in order to understand the vibe of the music they release.

Their music isn’t circulating around relationships and things interconnected with it. But things that everyone goes through but don’t usually like talk about; like mental health, self-esteem, family, etc.

Needless to say, about 85% of my Spotify playlists are now overpowered by K-POP. And hey, that isn’t entirely a bad thing.

And to keep the fire kindling on the topic of music, I would also like to switch to a musical genre that has a bit of less spunk but beautiful nevertheless; as well as honor another musician that has had quite the impact. But not recently, no, but I was introduced to his compositions very very early into my life and grew up listening to his songs, humming along to them, and being the background music to my childhood and now.

And before I end this section of the post, I’ll leave some of my favorite K-POP songs down below for you to indulge in if you are so willing.

“Perfect Man” by SHINHWA
“Good to Me” by SEVENTEEN

And here are some of my personal favorite songs by BTS:

“Lie” by BTS
“Airplane Pt. 2” by BTS
“Go Go” by BTS
“DNA” by BTS
“Don’t Leave Me” by BTS
“I Need U” by BTS
“Serendipity” by BTS
“Intro: Singularity” by BTS
“Intro: Boy Meets Evil” by BTS
“Save Me” by BTS
“Blood Sweat and Tears” by BTS
“Run” by BTS

Call me cliché but, deep down, nearly every older sister or brother would testify to the fact that no matter how much our younger siblings will grow, we would still love the little munchkins to the point of oblivion. I mean, older siblings struggle with a lot of things with the watchful eyes of not only your parents and peers, but the little ones who look up to you for guidance. Where nearly everything you do circulates around not only succeeding in life and for yourself; but to also be a responsible voice of reason, a role model, a teacher, a protector.

And it goes the same exact way for parents and guardians. They will try their absolute best to influence their children in the most positive ways so they can be successful and happy when they are older. And they become better people in society as they grow up. So, like many people, they share what they find interesting to they children.

From when I was a little girl until now, Tamil music always dominated the soft lull of our household. (Okay, “soft lull” meaning the constant screeches of small children, and bickering between siblings.) We don’t necessarily listen to the more recently released Tamil songs from movies and stuff. But the classics from the 1900’s. I guess I personally prefer the old Tamil stuff from the new because it just sounds like there’s much more effort and soul put into it, than what’s produced now in movies and such.

But a specific contributor to these works of art, is from a Tamil composer, singer, songwriter, conductor, arranger, and a bunch of other things that I don’t remember the names of; Illayraja.

Talk about high-status.

Those of you who are readers of this blog, but also relatives or close friends of our family, would probably know my dad’s ocean deep appreciation for Illayraja. And his infatuation with the maestro’s music So, in honor of him,(and my dad’s relatable mild obsession), here is a bit of a backstory to those of you who are unfamiliar with South India’s household musical name and how he came to be the legend he is deemed now.

(Just so none of the Illayraja super fans lash out at me in the comment section, I would like to point out that I’m most likely not spelling his name right since I’ve seen so many variations of it through my reading. Which didn’t help at all to further remedy my confusion, so forgive me if my misspellings have provoked you.)

Illayraja was born on the second of July in 1943, but was born under the name of Gnanathesikan in Pannaipuram(not pani puri, no that’s a food)of the Theni District in Tamil Nadu, India.

So I’m just gonna add a little tidbit in here and then we can continue onto the background portion of this post. Cause’ I think this applies to more than just Illayraja.

What I’ve learned over the years from personal observation, and being attentive to other peoples actions; is that the place(s)you grow up in, and who brings you up, can heavily influence who you are and how you perceive the world. I was born and raised in California; but I have abundant South Indian influence because both of my parents are Indian, making me 100% South Indian by blood. So many of my views of the world, the things I do, the people I talk to and befriend, is all from what I was taught, what I was exposed to, and what I know about the world from the position I was put in when I was born. So there are the things I do and don’t know, which affect my actions and opinions.

This applies to quite literally, anyone.

What I mean by that, is everything that you do, writing, drawing, or participating in discussions. Your views and view points are solely influenced by what you’re being surrounded with.

Music for example, I prefer foreign music rather than Western music because I grew up listening to songs that mostly weren’t in English. Though I didn’t realize this maybe two or three years ago, it still came to be that I’ve become more opinionated with musical dialect. Not that I have anything against songs in English, I just don’t listen to them as much as I listen to foreign genres.

And this goes for everyone, your personal likes and dislikes can and are manifested by what you have been exposed to throughout your life. And keep in mind that it can be anything.

So don’t underestimate the power of what you usually overlook everyday as something that doesn’t need to be acknowledged or accounted for; because it can easily find it’s place in your own mind.

Alright, psychological lecture over; moving on.

Illayraja was exposed to a lot of traditional village music, folk music, and you know all that jazz(no, not actual jazz, that was just an expression). Making his music and compositions have many traditional elements to them. Most of his songs have a fusion between common Indian instrumentals, and lead Western instruments like flutes and saxes. With this interesting combo of stylistics, it creates a kind of seamless bond between long-established South Indian folk tunes, and classic orchestral pieces that one would usually find more popular in Western canonical music.

With this unique blend, listening to just one of these compositions is whimsical in the experience of hearing the highs and lows, the dips and caresses of the violins to the higher instruments. Even though I only have eight to nine years of musical exposure, it was obvious that Illayraja has a keen eye for dolce(sweet, delicate)in his music. And he managed to bring that sweet swell of the music and put it perfectly on sheet music.

Illayraja’s music was also one of the earliest forms of Western and Tamil fusions in music. Combining traditional orchestral and strings with Tamil folk music which usually consisted of hand-made, authentic instruments with deep, woody sounds. Fuse both of them together and bam, you have an intricate masterpiece in your hands.

Here is a bit of an article from NewWorldEncyclopedia.Org(THIS IS NOT MINE, RIGHTS GO TO THE PROPER OWNERS)

“The use of an orchestration technique that is a synthesis of Western and Indian instruments and musical modes characterized Ilaiyaraaja’s music. He pioneered the use of electronic music technology that integrated synthesisers, electric guitars and keyboards, rhythm boxes and MIDI with large orchestras that also featured the veena,venu,nadaswaram,mridangam, and tabla.[28][29] His flair for catchy melodies, and to his employment of subtle nuances in chord progressions, beats and timbres accounts for the popularity of Ilaiyaraaja’s music.[30][31][32] Ilaiyaraaja’s songs typically have a musical form where orchestral preludes and interludes layer vocal stanzas and choruses. They often contain polyphonic melodies; the lead vocals interweave with supporting melody lines sung by another voice or played by instruments. Polyrhythms, particularly in songs with Indian folk or Carnatic influences, have prominence. The melodic structure of his songs demand considerable vocal virtuosity, and have found expressive platform among some of India’s respected vocalists and playback singers, such as K.J. Yesudas, S.P. Balasubramaniam, S. Janaki, P. Susheela, K.S. Chithra, Malaysia Vasudevan, Asha Bhosle and Lata Mangeshkar.[33] Ilaiyaraaja has sung his own compositions for films,[34] recognizable by his rustic and nasal voice. He has penned the lyrics for some of his songs in Tamil and other languages.[35][36] Ilaiyaraaja has become famous for his evocative film themes and background music,[37] and examples of those include his work for Pallavi Anupallavi (1984), Punnagai Mannan (1986), Mouna Raagam (1986) and Geethanjali (1989).”

And here is the link to the full article:

https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Ilaiyaraaja

Of course, all this Einstein-level musical awareness didn’t come with a snap of his conductor’s baton. Like everything in life, it took time and effort. And it would be an understatement to say that he worked hard.

At the age of 14, he joined a traveling musical group(led by his elder brother). Which honestly takes so much guts, I mean you would have to give me a really good reason to drop everything I’m doing in California, pick up my instruments, and start parading across the country while playing music with a group I don’t know well.

Yeah, no.

Anyway, our buddy Illayraaja spent most of his time performing throughout South India, spending the next decade traveling to perform. Eventually writing his own composition.

Personally, when I read that his first musical composition was a musical reworking of an elegy written by a famous Tamil poet who dedicated this specific piece to India’s first prime minister(sorry, I was very confused with how to write this entire sentence properly without sounding stupid, forgive me). I was pretty amazed that his first ever written work was based off poetry. An elegy at that.

An elegy is a form of poetry that is often a piece that is dedicated to a person who has passed away. Note: Not to be confused with a eulogy.

You see, the thing about poetry is that words are embodying the emotions that tie together the entire spiel, rather than using a slew of words to only describe things. Poetry is essentially the artistic way of writing and it’s common for the words and expressions used in poetry to be ornamented.

Not to mention that it’s already hard enough to use words and string them together to make something whole and beautiful. And there are plenty of people out there who struggle with writing poetry and get frustrated in the process, and I would be lying if I said I wasn’t one of those people.

I mean sometimes it’s hard to just talk like a normally functioning human being and sound sane.

Yes, yes, it’s very difficult.

But the interesting thing about poetry-that sets it off from other styles of writing-is that you can be describing the most desultory thing, like, I dunno, microwaving a bowl of pencils(which I don’t recommend doing by the way)and you can make it sound like a Shakespearean Sonnet.

Observe:

The metal gleams as the door opens,

Ceramic against glass a tinkling sound of conscience.

Ash coloured particles foreign against pristine white

Blush pink rubber like a crown of a person pleasing an audience.

Although this particular treat will not metabolite.

See! The magic of poetry can make the most horrid things sound beautiful!

And my poem wasn’t even good!

（；^ω^）

My point is that capturing poetry and putting it into another form is exceptionally difficult. Imagine putting that particular poem into melody form.

Well.

From my experience anyway.

Okay back to Illayraja.

As you could’ve guessed(from my unnecessary rant about poetry) Illayraja obviously showed from a rather infant like time that he had capability that a lot of people wished they had but didn’t. When you grow up as a musician, you have to be exposed to nearly every basic thing in music if you want to go onto big things. I know this because it’s drilled into our brains constantly by our band directors.

Illayraja went under Dhanraj Master(a famous music teacher from Tamil Nadu as well)to learn as a music student. Eventually attaining the name Raaja from his esteemed teacher. And from these lessons were where he became acquainted with Western music stylistics. Some time later becoming a very adept classical guitarist by taking a distance course in Trinity College of Music, in London.

As he grew older, there were more opportunities for him as a musician. Slowly getting more high-end. Playing as a guitarist for bands, composing for movies, etc. Many people have called him the “demigod” of music, holding him to a very high esteem that he certainly deserves and his accomplishments are certainly held to a very high stature.

He was recruited as an assistant for musical directory, and had worked on 200 film projects. And as a musical assistant, he was set to writing the sheet music for of the melodies and musical outlines. Which again, is a very ambitious task. Especially under such pressure and watchful eyes of his seniors. And on top of all that, he started writing his very own scores and compositions as he worked under the legendary director G.K Venkatesh.

Eventually, in 1975, he was called after to compose a film score for Tamil film, proceeding to apply the variety of music he had become thoroughly aware of. And if you have forgotten, it was a mixture of folk melodies, Western, and Tamil poetry.

Illayraja has received a multitude of rewards and honours, including five Indian National Film Awards, and the National Film Award for Best Musical Direction.

I’m hoping that in the near future I can make longer individual posts about both BTS and Illayraja. But I thought I could combine the two into one mega-post about music. Obviously to make up for the fact that I haven’t posted anything since New Year’s Eve. Which technically speaking, was last year.

I’m a pathetic high school student. I know. ¯_(◕ヮ◕)_/¯