A place to show my work
Share a lesson you wish you had learned earlier in life.
A lesson I wish I had learned earlier in life is that I can’t please everyone. It took me a while to realize that no matter what I do, there will always be people who are unsatisfied or disagree with me. I have gotten better at this, but it’s something that I still am working on. I must focus on being true to myself and my values rather than seeking validation from others.
Fun Fact
Amazon.com opened for business online in 1995, but it didn’t make a profit until 2001.
A game show dare inspired a town to change its name
Hot Springs, N.M. was renamed Truth or Consequences in 1950 after the popular NBC radio game show hatched a publicity scheme. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the show, host Ralph Edwards wondered if there might be a town in the U.S. who “liked and respected” the show so much they’d change the name to Truth or Consequences. Hot Springs answered the call and via a special election, the town officially voted to have a new name. – 50 Weird Facts That Most People Don’t Know
The oldest piece of cake is nearly 4,000 years old
Go to the Alimentarium food museum in Vevey, Switzerland, and you’ll be able to see the world’s oldest slice of cake, according to Guinness World Records. Discovered in an ancient Egyptian tomb in 1913, the cake consists of two slices of wheat flatbread with a milk and honey filling. Estimated to date back to the reign of Pepi II (2251 to 2157 BCE), it’s the cake’s two copper molds that served as a vacuum, resulting in its preservation. – 50 Weird Facts That Most People Don’t Know
A flamingo’s pink color comes from its food
“These long-legged birds are actually born gray and turn pink as a result of what they eat. Flamingos dine on algae and brine shrimp, which contain natural red, yellow, or orange pigments, or carotenoids, the same ones responsible for color of carrots and tomatoes. As their bodies metabolize the carotenoids, their feathers turn pink.” – 50 Weird Facts That Most People Don’t Know
As I have stated before, I struggle with social anxiety, a challenge that often makes social interactions feel overwhelming. However, I am determined to confront these feelings, and with the help of my therapist, I’m working on going out and being around people without the constant fear of being judged. For my latest homework assignment, I was tasked with finding something that would help me get comfortable with being uncomfortable—if that makes sense.
After much contemplation, I decided to focus on art as a way to channel my creativity and face my fears. Art has always been a passion of mine, and I thought it might be the perfect opportunity to step outside my comfort zone while still engaging in something I love. I began searching for local paint activities that were close to my home. Previously, I’d attended similar events with a close friend, which made the experience more manageable. Driving long distances alone felt daunting, so I was relieved to find venues nearby.
On the night of the event, I was a bundle of nerves. The anticipation of being in a room full of strangers was intimidating. However, I reminded myself of my goal: to embrace these feelings rather than let them dictate my actions. As I mingled with fellow participants and picked up my paintbrush, something wonderful happened—my anxiety began to fade. Instead of focusing on what others might think, I immersed myself in the experience, allowing my creativity to flow.
By the end of the night, I had an absolute blast. Not only did I create a piece of art that I was proud of, but I also connected with others in ways I never thought possible. This experience reaffirmed my belief that stepping out of my comfort zone, even in small ways, can lead to incredible moments of joy and growth. I left the event feeling empowered and excited for the next challenge on my journey to managing social anxiety.
Pun-Official Holiday
September 12
Chocolate Milkshake day is an ex-straw-ordinary holiday
A Congolese bride and groom can’t smile on their wedding day
“The Democratic Republic of the Congo considers marriage such a serious business, neither the bride or groom can smile or laugh during the ceremony, reception, and even in wedding photos. If they do, it shows they’re not serious about their commitment.” – 50 Weird Facts That Most People Don’t Know
People once took tomato pills as medicine
“Back in the 1800s, a medical tomato craze occurred in the U.S., thanks in part to an Ohio physician, Dr. John Cook Bennett, who claimed tomatoes could ease or cure a multitude of ailments, including diarrhea, indigestion, cholera, jaundice and “violent bilious attacks.” Dr. Bennett partnered with drug manufacturer Archibald Miles to produce tomato pills called “Dr. Miles’ Compound Extract of Tomato.” Hundreds of thousands of people bought into it, purchasing the tomato extract pills but the trend died down around 1850, when Americans decided to simply eat the tomatoes instead.” – 50 Weird Facts That Most People Don’t Know
50 years ago, on September 5, 1975
Frank Fools Crow, an Oglala Lakota spiritual leader and medicine man, led the opening prayer for a session of the U.S. Senate, making him the first native American religious leader to do so. He spoke the invocation in Lakota
Mindful Moment
Did you know ironing could be a mindfulness practice? Focus on the weight of an iron as you extend your arm back and forth and notice how the fabric changes as you iron out the wrinkles. Stay present, and when your mind wanders, use your senses to come back to the moment
Cats have their own film festival
Cat lovers can get their fill of amusing cat videos on a big screen at Cat Video Fest, an international film festival featuring a 75-minute compilation of short feline flicks. The festival has been seen in hundreds of theaters worldwide, including the U.S., Canada, Europe and Singapore.50 Weird Facts That Most People Don’t Know
Warren G. Harding’s wife was rumored to have killed him
“The 29th President of the U.S., Warren G. Harding, was elected in 1920, and died in 1923, only two years into his term. Conspiracy theories fueled speculation his wife, Florence Harding, may have poisoned him out of revenge for his extra-marital affairs, especially since she refused an autopsy. The rumors were just that though, and the deceased president died of a heart attack, says historian Robert H. Ferrell, in his book, The Strange Deaths of President Harding, according to Smithsonian Magazine”. 50 Weird Facts That Most People Don’t Know
The creation of the tea bag was an accident
Back in 1904, an American tea trader named Thomas Sullivan shipped tea samples to Europe in little silk pouches so they wouldn’t get mixed up during the voyage. When the recipients got them, they mistakenly dipped the bags into boiling water, and voila, the tea bag was born! 50 Weird Facts That Most People Don’t Know
In Sweden, Cool Ranch Doritos are called “Cool American”
Swedish people don’t know what ranch flavor is, so the product goes by the name of “Cool American” instead, according to Snopes. 50 Weird Facts That Most People Don’t Know
M.A.D. Works 