Working in a high school brings me back to when I was in high school.  Things seem like they haven’t changed.  The same issues these teens go through were the same as mine.  Cliques, fitting in, the opposite sex, sex, dancing, music, mean girls, smart girls, bullies, etc. etc.  Fashion. image. But now there is easy access to cell phones (which weren’t even allowed back when i was in high school-class of 04 what what). 

Easy access to social networking but more leeway to unseen shit talking.  I noticed AND what I do not get around here are when people put their own pictures on their wallpapers on the cellphones.  Our society has been getting a bad case of narcissistic tendencies as generations get by and it is because of facebook.  Recording aka updating every move you make on your status on facebook.  I am not hating and I think it is such an amazing tool but seriously you dont have remind yourself how good you look with having provocative close ups on the screen of your cell aiite.  I feel its much more prominent out here in New York versus LA and it was something I thought only high schoolers were just doing but staff my age are on the same boat.  That is enough of my vent. 

Another observation I had are field trips

L.A. students ride on this… 

on even short field trips.  yah for New York, for field trips we take 30 students on the subway.  so trying to pack these kids in a train full of people.  As the chaperon, you have to hold the doors until the very last student gets on. 

Imagine the look we get. hehe. These teens are used these trains so for them it is second nature.  They have to think quick and move fast which helps stimulates their brains and make them aware of their surroundings. 

Choice of Clothing. I love that H&M is so accessible to the students.  I enjoy seeing young girls sporting blazers and flats.  But more so what is HUGE is CALI wear lol like Hollister and this brand called Rugby.  The Prep look.  This was “wavy” back when I was in high school but that is where it originated from.  When back then during the 90s we were sporting East Coast bubble jackets and oversized bagggy clothing.

Now everything is fitted. And more prep/surfer look.  Lines are ridiculous long for Ab & Fitch. 

I giggle to myself when the students pass by me in the hallway are wearing a Malibu CALI shirt.  I guess they are subtle reminders of home and it makes me smile big inside.  These teens have no idea the beaches that are written all over their clothing.  I see images of memories and snapshots of scenery that accompany these names.  These urban Harlem students sporting surfer clothing is a sight to see.

In Los Angeles, the students sport mostly american apparel & urban outfitters.  They have resorted wearing Hollister for their sweats and a single clothing for layering. 

On whatever coast you reside on, teens will be teens.  They are in a search to find themselves. 

Los Angeles. From this.

To this. New York.

As an LA native, stepping outside today and feeling the 47 degree weather on my sun-kissed skin felt nice.  I have survived (so far) New York’s snow that seems like it will never stop falling.  Now, it has piled up with all the street dirt and juices.  It has all been set aside.  Yum.

Shoveling in the early AM makes me glad that I do not own a car out here in New York.  Well that and crazy drivers (mostly taxis).  Starting today, New York had made an announcement that all street cleaning laws shall be applied.  So today at least mother nature helped a little.  The sun came out and melted some of the sun away but it is pretty inconvenient when so much snow like that as accumulated so much that you find some inside as well.

Aside from that, Snow is VERY magical. When it initially falls on the ground, there is this softness and gracefulness to it.  During my first snowfall, I came out of the bus from work giggling and laughing inside. My eyes lit up, my cheeks got all pink, and my lips slowly formed this grin of delight.  Magic I tell you.  Magic.  There is also this technique that needs to happen when you walk in the white streets of new york.  Not every block scrapes off the ice that forms.  You are “skating” across this thin layer of ice and hoping that you do not fall on your ass.  There is this also this specific technique where you dig your heel and let the rest of your foot follow along.  One.  step. at. a. time.  One wrong step may lead to a mishap.  It takes your full attention but people still are on their cell and girls are on their tiny heels. OK Heels are cute. Especially with leggings.

But notice thick heels. ( Note: I shall very soon write about New York’s Sophisticated Style)

Not only does the weather thicken my skin up,  the entire culture of the city.  The assertiveness that you need to get on the trains even if you know another will pass in another five minutes (Thank you btw for a reliable public transit New York City). 

The aggressiveness to hold your ground when people push and shove.  New Yorkers.  People call it rude.  But they just don’t mess around.  Customer Service does not mean anything to them.  They do not want to know who the gift is for and the life story of that person and their mom.  Just gender.  Name of item.  I try to practice to myself at home but I have failed many times (Don’t worry I really don’t do this).  Late nights subway trains thickens your skin.  You are surrounded by very interesting and entertaining individuals.  There is also this non-censorship about what happens inside the train. 

Children are exposed to everything and there is so much stimulation that surrounds them.  In Los Angeles, Children are kept within the safe confinement of their parents’ vehicle protected from what surrounds them.  Kids are forced to move and have strong reflexes which matures them much faster.  I see parents interact with their children more than be focused on the road while getting them to school. 

Reading is a huge deal out here and it is simply beautiful.  You are underground. No reception.

Pay phones are not extinct underground just in case something happens there is a connection to human life. 

No technology except an ipod, games on your cell, a movie pre-downloading, or a kindle.  A time for yourself.  To get work done. Or Clear your mind. To reflect.