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Liberation

May 22, 2019 by szachik@pvs.org 1 Comment


By Hannah Hall

Some days I need to just lift my spirits and set myself free. The one cliché people say is “go to your happy place” and all will be well. Do you know what I say to that? I say alrighty, and I head on out to my happy place. You may have thought reading that question I was about to bash the whole idea of happy places ‘n such, but actually I just wanted to bring you along to my happy place to experience it…you know, in case it is one of those days.

“The Happy Place”

Imagine yourself waking up to the peaceful aurora and its warm, pink, glow glistening upon your cheeks. You go to open a window; the cool breeze prances upon your body as if you were the sky. You are breathing in the clean, fresh air, letting it fill your lungs, and then you exhale–it leaves your body along with any tension you have hidden within you. You listen to the trees as birds sing and leaves crinkle. Take a step outside and feel the earth beneath you. The ground is not harsh, but comforting and supple. Feel the space between you and everything around you; embrace it and allow yourself to flourish. It is just you and the world, man, you and the world.

Doesn’t that feel nice? Personally, I am not a morning person, but this scenario just makes me want to be woken up by the sun naturally with no uhhhhhh blaring alarm clock. Sorry for making you think of that dreadful device, but at least now you have a happy place to go to! I am interested to hear your happy place and how mine made you feel. Thanks for coming along the journey with me. Peace out, my free birds.

Editor: Luke Langlois

Filed Under: Advice, Daily Life, The Outdoors Tagged With: Hannah Hall, Liberation

The things you do that are ABSOLUTELY irritating

April 15, 2019 by szachik@pvs.org 1 Comment

For Editor Makena’s Plant/Opinion Theme, Hannah weighs in with an OPINION. Pay attention: these are things that irritate Hannah, in her opinion.

By Hannah Hall

Do people ever just do things so annoying that it sets off an internal explosion? For me, the answer is an enormous yes. People don’t realize they are doing anything wrong, and that’s what really gets me. So, for your knowledge, here is a list of my personal pet peeves:

  • When people respond to texts with “I know”

I am guilty of doing this, I must admit, but please don’t be a know it all. It could make the person you’re responding to feel bad and defeated. Next time let out a little “really?!” and let them share their little fun fact!

  • People looking over your shoulders when you’re busy

Okay, this just gets me nervous. First of all, I feel violated. Secondly, I get self conscious about what I am doing! Please ask first.

  • One-upping

Okay, we get it, you’re cool and better than everybody. Just kidding. Please let people have their moment; you crush their passion when you one-up them!!! This is especially unacceptable in a group situation when it embarrasses the other person.

  • Always on your phone

I hang out with my friends to hang out with my friends. With all that being said, if you would rather be on your phone then talk to me, don’t waste my time. Please stay at home, pal.

  • Taking spots

Seriously……stop. If I get up to go to the water fountain or just do something else for not even 5 minutes and you took my spot, especially when I say save my spot, you need a class on how to be respectful, or maybe I need to take a class on how not to be peeved. Adding on to this, I hate it when somebody takes my unassigned assigned seat in class–you all know what I am talking about, and they knoooow it was mine??? This is also inexcusable and bothersome.

  • Talking over others

Everybody has their moment to speak. Just please wait for somebody to finish talking, and enter the conversation AFTER. One of the worst feelings is feeling unheard. And if you can’t wait a whole three seconds, just jump in at the tail of the thought after the point has been made.

  • Jumping into conversations

I wasn’t talking to you and nobody asked. It’s also rude to go into other people’s business; you never know if people are speaking about an inside joke or personal matters. This also includes answering a question that wasn’t directed towards you, oh, and when somebody challenges a thought of yours, who was not in the convo. This especially makes me scream!

  • When somebody does something they know obviously annoys people

If it’s annoying multiple people, just don’t do it. For example, this includes clicking your pen, bouncing your leg, kicking chairs, and staring at people right next to you.

  • Overexplaining

Once something makes sense, it makes sense. There is no need for somebody to keep blabbing on and on about a topic.

  • Telling excessive puns

Yes, a short and sweet pun is good every once in a while, but don’t overuse them. That’s all I have to say for this one.

PSA Disclaimer: I don’t expect people to do everything I say, and I definitely know the world does not revolve around me. I have a right to be upset; feelings just come with being human. Annoyance is just another feeling. And again, these are MY opinions.

Editor: Makena Behnke

Filed Under: Plants & Opinions Tagged With: Hannah Hall, The things you do that are ABSOLUTELY irritating

Mercury Retrograde–A Brief Explanation . . .

April 3, 2019 by szachik@pvs.org Leave a Comment


By Hannah Hall, Blogger and Extreme Amateur Astrologer

Astrology nerds everywhere blame their seasonal problems on Mercury in retrograde. Problems arise such as communication issues, being easily annoyed, or lack of focus. This blaming of Mercury Retrograde sometimes gets me rolling my eyes, but the general idea of this phenomena is interesting. Retrograde refers to a planet moving in reverse. A planet moving in reverse? What I found in my research is that this retrograde isn’t as wowing as it seems.

First, to put this into perspective, you know when you are in a car and the car next to you speeds up suddenly and it feels like you’re going in reverse? This situation is kind of like the Mercury Retrograde. Basically, both planets are obviously still moving forward, but the perspective that we have on Earth makes it seem like Mercury is going in reverse because the speed at which Mercury orbits is much faster than Earth’s. According to Emily Ridout, folklorist, astrologer, yogini, and writer of Mercury Retrograde: Why You Should Care, “In Astrology, when planets are in retrograde motion, it indicates that the energy of that planet is moving more inward. In our outward, achievement-oriented society, this can seem scary, but I assure you, it’s not.” So with all of that being said, why do we care about planets in retrograde? Most people get the misconception that with astrology, planetary movements dictate our actions and what we have to say and do. But this is wrong. Instead, we are supposed to take in account what is happening around us and take that energy and channnnneellllllllll it into your actions. Specifically during the Mercury Retrograde, our communication skills are affected adversely; this means anything between our speech to the thoughts in our head is affected. You see? This is why people are always buggin’ about the retrograde! It’s because communication is a basic aspect in each of our lives, and when an extraterrestrial body is supposedly dominating and hanging over our every move, a natural reaction would be to freak. But have no fear, even though you may or may not have a sudden loss of focus, or anything of that sort, astrology just suggests during this time you stick to familiar things and don’t start anything new; go easy on yourself; relax. Adventure after the retrograde is over. So continue doing yo’ thang and walk that walk and especially talk that talk.

One more thing: Mercury Retrograde happens multiple times a year! This year the retrogrades are March 5 through 28; July 7 through 31; and  October 31 through November 20.

Disclaimer: I am no professional zodiac master. Try these additional sources for further information.

https://www.emilyridout.com/blog/mercury-retrograde

https://www.goalcast.com/2018/09/07/mercury-retrograde/

Everything You Need to Know About Mercury Retrograde

Filed Under: Advice Tagged With: Hannah Hall, Mercury Retrograde. A brief explanation . . .

Cookie

February 27, 2019 by szachik@pvs.org 1 Comment

By Hannah Hall

The perfect pairing for a glass of ~almond~ milk is a warm chocolate chip cookie (peep Makena Behnke’s perf almond milk recipe in her previous post). This recipe comes from fellow student and cookie connoisseur Oliver Kaufmann.

Things U Need!

–Baking sheet

-Oven

-Two large bowls

-Teaspoon

-Measuring cups

-Whisk

Ingredients!

-½  cup softened, salted butter

-1 cup brown sugar packed

-1 egg

-1 tsp vanilla

-¾ cup of all purpose flour

-1 ½  cups of crushed graham cracker crumbs

-½ tsp baking soda

-¼ tsp of salt

-1 cup chocolate chips

Steps!

Preheat your oven at 350°.

Whisk brown sugar and butter together in one bowl.

Add vanilla and egg to the brown sugar and butter mixture, and whisk.

In another bowl mix flour, graham cracker, baking soda,  and salt.

Then, slowly add the dry bowl into the wet bowl, and whisk together until a massive ball forms.

Fold in your chocolate chips, and make smaller balls (like spoon-sized ones). Put them on your baking sheet, and bake for 7 minutes.

Take them out ‘n eat! 🙂

*Suggestion: Cool your heated cookies in Makena’s almond milk beverage.

Editor: AJ Patencio

Filed Under: Advice, Food Tagged With: Cookie, Hannah Hall

10 Ways to De-Stress as a Student

February 7, 2019 by szachik@pvs.org 3 Comments

Debut Post by Incoming Blog Reporter Hannah Hall

Our lives as students are always exciting and difficult. This can make it hard to stay relaxed, whether it be from the pressure of homework, or from your peers. Have compassion for yourself; always remember to stay relaxed and be positive. Here is a simple, yet effective, mix of tips to help you de-stress in the long run.

1. Spend more time with family and friends:

It will always be helpful to have a lil’ talk with these people–explain how you feel if you are under pressure, or talk about fun stuff. Either helps.

2. Get enough sleep:

Sometimes we find it hard to sleep when there is a lot to study. However, it is important to get enough rest for our mental health.

3. Be yourself:

The only person you should be comparing yourself to is you! You’re not your classmate, and you never will be, so learn to be the best that you can possibly be.

4. Write down the source of the stress:

If you are facing any kind of problems in the classroom, a way to handle situations is by writing them down. Getting stuff out to yourself first is important in learning how to express your thoughts and feelings.

5. Handle your exam tension wisely:

Don’t get frightened about the remaining portions that need to be completed during your exam. There is always room to communicate with your teacher; I am sure they will understand.

6. Snack on some brain food:

Having some refreshments and snacks, and taking breaks while you study will help to increase your concentration, but don’t dawdle around too long. Maybe even set a timer for intervals to help keep you on track!

7. Do not let go of your hobbies:

If there’s one extracurricular that you really look forward to and feel relaxed and happy afterwards, do whatever it takes to keep it in your schedule.

8. Manage your time:

Make a schedule for yourself in the beginning of the week that says exactly what you’re going to work on and at the exact times you will work on it.

9. Eat healthy and exercise:

By eating healthy, you help to improve your cognitive function, and through exercise, you can reduce your stress level. Exercise and physical activity produce endorphins; these make ya feel good.

10. Always be prepared:

Try not to overload yourself; be prepared always. Complete your assignments and projects on time and schedule your time for studying–especially if that’s what’s stressing you out!

Editor: Luke Langlois

Filed Under: Advice Tagged With: 10 Ways to De-Stress As a Student, Hannah Hall

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About

We are the Palm Valley Firebirds of Rancho Mirage, California. Join us in our endeavors. Venture through the school year with us, perusing the artwork of our students, community, and staff. Our goal is to share the poems, stories, drawings and photographs, essays and parodies that come out of our school. Welcome aboard!