30 June 2017

10 Skills Women Naturally Have that are Totes Badass!

Hey Nurds,

Sorry I did not get this up yesterday! I had a study session for my Multivariable Calc class, homework, sleep, and lounging about (as one does).  Regardless, here this is! It took quite a bit of time to plan out (and get the proper research/citations), but it is here--not that you were waiting for it.

Although some of these skills do not apply to all women or girls, they are typical in the female population due to cultural customs, genetics, or media/social norms

Men may be fantastic with their spatial skills, explaining why they are usually more successful in STEM fields, but women are generally so much better in a variety of areas that men may lack in. That is to say that there are biological and socio-cultural factors that influence these findings. Additionally, let's use these skills to our advantage and proudly display them. As the saying goes, "if you have it, flaunt it." That is to say that you aren't a douche about it, because, let's be real, the world already has enough douches. But too often are women too polite about how they feel that we often find it hard to accept compliments and think highly of ourselves even for a split second. But that's another discussion for another time! Onward!

23 June 2017

My "Type" of Guy


Okay, here we go!

Let's get into this: So as you may or may not know, I've been writing letters to my future husband for a while now, long before the song (shout-out to my girl, Meghan Trainor!) came out. And although it may seem that I'm writing to no one, I know that perhaps someone will read these letters in the future, assumedly my future husband. Granted, I'm probably going to have like seven future ex-husbands so there's a possibility more than one man is going to be reading these letters, so I 

In terms of physical appearance, I don't really expect a physical or phenotypical persona, because, honestly, I do not know who I'll end up with, or what he'll look like. And quite, frankly I don't really explicitly discriminate against anyone. Have I liked or been attracted to Asian, African-American, Hispanic? Yes! And white men, amongst other types of people, as well as men of different ages (I'm talking about you, Anderson Cooper! ; )), body sizes, and, yes, sexualities. And, I'm not going to lie, I do prefer young, white and Hispanic people in appearance, but personality wins, proving to be the factor that helps eliminate the odds of the "many fish in the sea" that I should be with. I'm also guilty of being attracted to more gay men than straight men, because well, Anderson Cooper.

Hair color shouldn't make a difference, nor perchance, he has some disability. So physical appearance aside, I just hope that he has a personality, humor, respect (especially for the underdogs, such as myself, and especially of different cultures, women, and the LGBTQ+ community), integrity, and commitment. Commitment is a big one; if you're not committed to you career, ambitions, and family, I won't even consider you as a potential partner. Oh, and someone who really cares about their health, friends, and family. Hopefully, I can learn a lot from this person--about life, friendship, and whatever comes my way.

I would like for my future husband to have ambitions in life and some sort of talent--something that would adventures more memorable. I'm not into that whole "opposites attract" philosophy; it may work, but I'd rather have someone who shares the same ideology as me; we may not be in the same industries and have the same career goals, but as long as we share the same fundamental values, I'm a happy woman.


But I don't know. Only time will only know who I end up with and when . . .

I know this was all over the place, but seriously, what's your type? Let me know in the comments below!

On that note, I love you and #alllivesmatter , especially #blacklives matter, #blm

Until next Friday!!!


16 June 2017

SUMMER PLANS

Hello Nurds,

As some of you know, I am already on summer vacation and have been since before Memorial Day, actually. And as summer solstice approaches, here are some plans I have for the approaching summer.

Again, as some of you know, I will be attending UCLA late September, so I have an extended summer than what I'm used to. That means that I have quite a bit of time to explore and elaborate new projects. I would typically finish school and the end of May and start school some time in the beginning of August, so I'm really chilling. That's not the way the system works in all US high schools and community colleges, but bear with me. So let's get into this!


1) TAKE SUMMER CLASSES

I know. Some of you might be thinking: Joss, you're on summer vacation. Why are you going to take classes? Well, as I have said before, I am talented at stressing myself out. Additionally, there's still SO MUCH to learn and, well, this advances how much money I save and how early I will graduate. Again, I have taken an unconventional means to get to UCLA, and will be starting as a junior right out of high school (due to AP scores/community college classes). Also, there's so much I want to learn that I don't think I'd complete my core degree programs in the four years most of us strive four without sacrificing a few summers. You can check out: HOW I GOT INTO UCLA in a later post, coming this October! 

With that said, I have already started my summer session at the local community college on the 12th and that will last until mid-July, so that's a lot of course load in so little time (not the Mary-Kate and Ashley movie). There, I will be taking Elementary French, Human Sexuality, Elementary Statistics for Behavioral Science, Reporting and Writing, and Spinning.

Okay, lemme break it down: 

a) French | I have always wanted to take French. It sounds sexy, fancy, and sophisticated and well, I plan on minor-ing in French at UCLA and this will be a great head-start for that.

b) Human Sexuality and Elementary Stats | These are just psych electives I wanna retake so they transfer to UCLA. Again, these will help me with my Neuroscience minor. More on why I also chose this as a minor in my last post right here:

c) Reporting and Writing | As y'all know, I love writing and this is a journalism course, so put two and two together and KABOOM, you get lemonade. Wait, that's not how that works :/ In reality, I have always wanted to be the Editor-in-Chief of Seventeen Magazine, but I think I see blogging more in my future, as I write/blog just about the same things: fashion, accessories, social/civil rights, stories, news, reviews, etc. But, in any case, it's still important to know the essentials to reporting/writing for any journalism outlet, including my blog.

d) Spinning | I chose this as a balance to my crazy schedule. A woman needs to keep herself sane and relaxed. Plus, I burn calories and this is a huge excuse to exercise--so win-win!


Additionally, starting mid-August, I'll be taking online classes for UCLA:
e) Drama of Diversity | I'm sure the reason I got into UCLA was because of my emphasis on projecting diversity in film and literature, so it's only fitting that I will be taking this course.

f) Introductory Screenwriting | This ties in with the diversity concept and my love of writing. When people think of diversity, they usually think of just race, gender, or sexuality, but I want to project more than that--mental illnesses, body types, ages, disabilities, socioeconomic backgrounds, religious affiliations, you name it! People are multifaceted and thus should not be seen as clichés. I'm not the only one who'll admit that I hate clichés and stereotypes in movies.

g) Introduction to Art and Technique of Filmmaking | This is just a course I want to take to foster some filmmaking skills and what not.

h) Acting and Performance in Film | Similarly, this is another course I feel will foster my filmmaking skills, with an emphasis on studying the craft of actors and actresses in acclaimed roles in film as well as the cinematography of these films.


2) CONTINUE WRITING

As you all know, I love writing and can't get enough of it, so here are a few more projects I will start and continue in the months to come:

a) Songs | I need to get back in the nook of my writing. I've been writing songs since I was about ten,


b) Novels | I've written entries whether in my novel documents themselves or even in the Memo app on my phone, Google Keep, or atop a random sheet of scratch paper. I've spent a great deal of time organizing my thoughts and planning that I will actually (fingers crossed) begin to publish my first novel of a three-part series this upcoming NANOWRIMO (which, if you don't know, is short for National Novel Writing Month). It's only fitting that the first novel shall be called Daydreamer. Go figure :/


c) Short Stories and Poems | I'm working on a collection of short stories and poems and letters (oh my) that I've written throughout my life--some really bad and others jaw-dropping (but that's just me talking). Then, I'll provide some commentary on my rationale, thought-processes, and inspiration when writing each.


e) Comic Book | I've been working on a comic book series this past year and it's going famously. I'm still doing a story board and organizing and not so much creating the comic book series itself. Planning is probably the most fascinating part of the whole process. I'm giving life to these characters and personalities that will shine light on mental illnesses and a plethora of attributes that make these characters people who you may see every day--diversity.


3) YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Yes, peers, I said it! Home girl will be creating her own Youtube channel!! But hold on! I'm not making it any time soon. I'm just planning things out. With a schedule, so I know what I will be vlogging and dicussing about when and what I will be discussing and blogging. One thing I will be vlogging about is my experience at UCLA as a lot of people seem to be interested in that kind of stuff. I mean, UCLA is the most applied to campus in the US, after all! And this will be an outlet in itself--for personal memories. 

I will also be doing movie/book reviews, because I will be doing a lot of reading now that I have time (and not just for class), as well as fashion, news (political, social, etc.), and academic tutoring/test prep. Since I am passionate about Neuroscience (biopsychology) amongst other things and since I have taken quite a bit of AP /SAT courses, I will do test prep for people who look forward to that. 

With that said, this ALL requires a lot of planning and since I will be attending one of the most prestigious schools probably in the world, I will not have all the time in the world to really focus on my channel and blogging, so planning is essential. Hopefully, it will be worth it and when I do begin to post on Youtube, I will let all you lovelies know!!



4) READING

a) Re-read the Harry Potter series | I read this series throughout elementary school and side note: I read the first novel for three years, because I was too young to read. But now that I'm older, and an adult, I want to read what I probably didn't pick up on and read through a fresh lens and different perspective. I can't wait to be reinvigorated by the majestic writing of J.K. Rowling again!


b) Finish the The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series | I started this beloved series, but I never finished it. The movie adaptations only really covered the first three novels, and I only read the first one-and-a-half, so womp womp womp.


c) Read any other book | I've received a vast number of books these years, usually in the form of a gift (I may or may not have stolen a book or two, but you'll never know . . .) within the past five years that I've hard even touched, reading only the synopses, but never actually opening up the books. That is why I've dedicated this summer to just catching up on that. I'm not going to finish them all, but look out for a book review or two in the upcoming months <3 p="">


5) FINISH MY VICTORIA JUSTICE COLLAGE
Over a year ago, I started a collage of pictures of Victoria Justice, and I never finished it, nor have I touched or colored it in any way and for some reason, it's kinda creepy looking at some mini, one-eyed Victoria Justice portraits, but yeah, I hope I finish it. The only things I have drawn in the past year are designs here and there (when I'd be bored in class), so I haven't sat down and drawn for pleasure in awhile. 


6) LEARNING PIANO AND UKULELE
Weird thing: I write songs with a keyboard and I played xylophone/marimba when I had been in drumline, but I never actually learned how to play the piano, which is weird. So I need to actually sit down at my keyboard and use the accompanying piano book in order to learn that. Yeah, I can play marimba and xylophone, but those require mallets, and instead of playing manually, I'd be striking the instrument. As for the piano, I'll have to play manually, which means that I'll have to play with BOTH hands, and I'm right-handed, so that's probably not going to work. I'll try though *guiltily laughs*



What are you doing this summer? 

Love you, Nurds!!

09 June 2017

LGBTQ+ PRIDE MONTH | My Story | Pride Songs



So, as you may (or may not) know, June is PRIDE MONTH!! And while I could choose just any song for the returning Song of the Month, I didn't think that would fit the ticket. Fitting with the theme, I decided to just post this video by WatchMojo.com on Youtube instead to support our community and our Allies. Not many may consider Pride a holiday or even a month of celebration--particularly those not in the community--but LGBTQ+ peoples and our Allies are welcome to celebrate and what better place to start than by having some music, right?

Additionally, we think we may know a bit about LGBTQ+ history. I even thought I did and this was only debunked when I spent a weekend at UCLA for a Pride Admit weekend (for incoming LGBTQ+ students) and we played the very famous Kahoot with LGBTQ+ related questions that no one could really answer. It was pretty hysterical. With that said, here is another video by WatchMojo regarding some of the most significant events in LGBTQ+ history. It's pretty enlightening and interesting just to see that we've come a long way--from violence and drastic oppression to a standard of acceptance in society. We still have to overcome dangerous hazards and personal oppression maybe at work, at home, or whatever, but we as a world have gained acceptance, even despite some places in the world being more fundamentalist or extremist. People are going to disagree, but find a community (whether online or in your local area or school) where you are most happy; you'll need some environment to be there and support you when it may seem that others are not. Remember: most of the world is on your side. If you go to a pride parade, which you can find in many major cities, like L.A., you'll see a multitude of diverse faces of people in the community and our Allies who are with you. By going to the Women's March, I never knew that there were so many people that agreed with my ideology--many people of different shapes, sizes, shades, religious affiliations, gender identities, sexualities, disabilities, you name it! We're all here together. I support and love you!


Alright. If you guys are LGBTQ+ or somewhere in between and you are a little ambivalent about coming out or coming to terms with who you are, feel free to email me at funkynurd.aero@gmail.com so we can talk all about it. Everything will be completely confidential! I do an advice column on one of the blogs that I guest blog at, so this is like second nature. Additionally, I have my AA in Psychology, which doesn't say much, but I will also be getting my MS in Neuroscience, and with my personal experience and from witnessing other coming out stories (via Youtube and friends/family), I think I can help. I'm at a place in my life where I'm happier with my transition and LGBTQ+ identity. Being apart of this community is important. It demonstrates another aspect about yourself that makes you more and more unique. We all have our own paths to happiness and self-confidence, so I want you all to know that it's okay to take your time. No one should be pressured to come out.


Lastly, I want to tell you my coming out story . . . just not now . . . not yet. I am planning it though. I'll do a video and blog post on my transition with pictures and the whole shebang--but next June. It will be a year in the making. Since I am still transitioning, I felt it would make sense to see a complete transition during the next Pride month. Partially because that will require more time and dedication to acquire all the pictures and therapy and stuff, there is so much to say--from my discovering that I'm trans at the age of 3 or 4 to being in school to coming to terms with who I am, including depression and a hell of a lot more. I don't want my story to be all over the place. And, still, there's still so much I haven't experienced as a trans woman. I just know that UCLA will offer me the right resources to allow me to feel more in tune with myself and my body. 

02 June 2017

I AM BACK!!

So peeps,

I am back, and I'm sure you all missed me (*crickets*). Nonetheless, I have been busy with my studies, as expected. To catch you all up to speed, I have been busy graduating high school and community college simultaneously, which, as you can expect, is not an easy feat. It's like being pregnant, eating for two (or in Octomom's case, nine).


The food may seem irresistible and you may not be exactly dissatisfied with eating more (I mean, who would?), but at the end of the day, it's a lot of work--watching what you consume for the sake of the health of the baby/babies. That's what my life has been like for the last, well, who could count [years/months]? Needless to say, I went to two schools and did twice the amount of work as my peers on top of my rocky personal life, extracurriculars, volunteering, and work--just so I could be one step closer to my idea of success and happiness. 


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