Hey guys! We had the BEST weather in Los Angeles this weekend. I mean, it’s the sort of weather when you wish it could stay like this all year long. Not too hot, not too cold, clear blue sky, slight breeze. Perfect for sitting under a tree and reading or opening up windows and finishing up your homework before Monday (you should’ve done that Friday so you could enjoy the weekend!). This Kewl staffer went for a hike up in the hills of Griffith Park. You can always count on seeing some frisky dogs, beautiful trees, flowers and on a clear day, you can see the ocean. I always feel amazing after my hike at Griffith. Looking down on that huge city reminds me how small I am and how huge the world is and that it has a million things to offer. It’s also a great way to clear your mind and be by yourself. If you don’t have hiking trails nearby, a walk around your neighborhood can also be good to be with your thoughts. Going to a park is a great get away, too.

I also sang with a rock n’ roll band for kids called “Egg,” which is always a blast. It’s the kewlest when the kids come up on stage with us to sing and dance. I think it’d be impossible not to be in a good mood after one of our shows!

And even though the weather has been lovely in L.A., we are sending good thoughts to Fargo which is fighting floodwaters.

yourweekendwarriorkewlteam

While stuck in traffic on the highway the other day, I saw a bumper sticker that read “drive friendly, it’s catching.” I wanted to wave out my window and smile at this driver, but I didn’t because that would be unsafe driving, right? haha. Instead, I decided to remember those words and put it to use while I’m driving. Earlier this week, I stopped behind a school bus with its stop signs and red lights flashing. The line of cars behind me began to honk. I couldn’t believe that people could be so impatient - it literally took about ten seconds of waiting. Not only is it impatience, it’s the law to stop in that situation. At first it made me angry, but then I figured I’d be no better than the honkers if I let their aggression get to me. So I sat there calmly, glad that the children crossed the street safely. We’ve all heard how if you smile at someone, they’ll most likely smile back. And that the act of smiling fools your brain into thinking you actually are happy. It’s funny how you can be in a bad mood, but then you see some friends and start smiling and laughing and your bad mood disappears. Happiness can be contagious! It’s not like I never get frustrated or impatient, but I’ve learned to take deep breaths, maybe do a few stretches, then I feel much better. That’s something you can do, too, maybe before a big test, or when your little brother is driving you crazy! Instead of lashing out at someone, try to address the situation calmly and you’ll be surprised how they react. And instead of letting that frustration build up inside you, take a few moments to breathe and relax. So then you’ll be smiling, then you’ll smile at the next person you meet, then they’ll smile at the next person they meet…Happiness, pass it on!

Have you guys seen the hoopla in the media about that un-retouched photo of Kim Kardashian? The internet was saturated with the picture today and it got me really riled up! There was a photo of Kim looking gorgeous and then someone leaked the photo minus air brushing and brightening — and get this, she still looked gorgeous! But little did the “leaker” know, Kim is proud of her body, air brushed or not. She put the original photo on her website stating that she has curves, has cellulite and is happy with her figure. You go girl!!! I wish more celebrities would show us who they really are. I am so sick of the media harping on the female body. Nothing is ever good enough! She’s too skinny…she’s gaining weight…does she have an eating disorder. Give me a break! I have some beautiful friends. I mean, GORGEOUS, but every single one of them criticizes their awesome bodies, curves, muscles and I blame the media. I admit, even I fall victim to the hype. But I have wonderful friends that set me straight the second I start dissing my form. And you know what? I’m getting better at accepting my body, imaginary flaws and all. I get past the outside mainly because my body can do such amazing things: dance, roller skate, swim, run, cartwheels. Who cares if I have some dimples in my thighs? Life is short and we shouldn’t waste our time stressing over our figures. I think we all should embrace our unique bodies just as Kim Kardashian has. I salute her for breaking that Hollywood stereotype!!

yourbodylovingkewlteam

Here’s a great quote: “Confront problems, not people.” It might seem really obvious, but gee, it really made an impact on me. I have always sort of bit my tongue when something was bugging me. I did it so often it became a bad habit and then what happened was one day, after I’d had enough, I’d explode on the person who was doing the bugging. They would always react the same way: total shock. I couldn’t understand it. Wasn’t it obvious that I was irritated, but that I was being super evolved and mature by not saying anything? Wasn’t it clear that I was a Zen friend with a really kewl head who was incredibly patient with said irritating person? And didn’t irritating person realize how irritating she was?? I thought I’d been a saint for not saying anything all this time! Well, imagine MY surprise when I was told time and time again that these people had no idea I was fuming on the inside! And that my “asserting myself” was in fact interpreted as an attack on them! Wow! What a huge misunderstanding this all becomes when the truth is not spoken up front. What I am learning, is that it’s okay to speak up and say what’s on your mind when it’s on your mind. Sure you have to wait for the right time and place, but it’s better not to let it build up and then explode. And what this quote makes me realize is that one way of looking at a troublesome situation is like a problem to be solved, rather than a person to be confronted. Make sense? I think one way to approach someone could be this: “Hey, Rachel. Maybe you can help me. I am feeling kinda stressed out about the (insert problem here). I’m doing the best I can to solve this. Do you have any ideas?” For example, I’m really noise sensitive. I hate the sound of a continuously barking dog or a continuously crying baby or a noisy neighbor. So I’m gonna practice confronting the problem - not the person! “Excuse me, you super-annoying jerk, I MEAN friendly neighbor: I am such a noise freak and I am having trouble sleeping/studying/breathing when I hear your dog bark continuously. Maybe you can help me. Is there some way to calm her down? Is there anything I can do to help?” Then you can always follow up with an offer to reciprocate: “Thanks so much for helping me! Please let me know if we ever do anything over here on this side of the fence that you need to talk about. You’re the bomb!”  Or something like that… I dunno. Try it out. Let us know what you come up with!

yourtryingtobepeacefulkewlteam