Maria's Howto: Making Family Reunions Less Awkward

Oh family reunions... a place where you get pinched by the cheek by that aunt who hasn't seen you since you were a baby. When your out to dinner with all 10 of your cousins, with nothing to talk about/do. A time where moms of toddlers retreat to the spa for 75% of the time, and drop off their kids with you.

I speak from experience when I say - "Family reunions are mega awkward.". No matter what, it's at one point going to be uncomfortable/weird. So here are some fixes for common problems at these reunions:

1. The dinner conversations are absolutley silent:

• Give your opinion on a movie that recently came out. If anybody there hasn't seen it, make plans to see it! It's a double win! Your talking, and are going to bond!
• Talk about a sports team/athlete who made a big win/loss recently. Or talk about Jeremy Lin. Either way, make sure your family are all clear fans of one team - you do not want to get into a fight with that uncle who loves the Chicago Bears when your more of an LA Laker.
• Mention something interesting that's happening in your life right now - moving houses, getting a new job, etc. The simple things matter.
• If the weather has been crazy in another nearby location, mention that. Warning: Only use this as a conversation starter. Using it as a middle-of or end-of conversation thing will just tell the other person the conversation has died.
• Tell a funny story. If your brave enough to create some laughs, go ahead and do it! Even better - make sure another family members knows about it. Then they can chip in and help you out.
• Ask another family member to do one of the above; You don't want to be that person who is always starting up the conversations and making the effort. Ask your sibling/spouse/cousin/whoever something like "Did you see the Hunger Games yet?" or "What do you think about Jeremy Lin?" or the one that never fails, "Do you remember the time when..."

2. Something/someone/the weather has cancelled your family plans.

• Make a variation to your previous plans. Were you going a movie? Pop up some popcorn and start watching a DVD. Were you going to a special Mexican ruesturant? The kitchen is now El Taco Central!
• Check your email. You don't want to go antisocial after plans have been ruined - so check your email. It occupys time and works.
• Play a board game/do a puzzle. Typically if you have kids around, they'll warm up to the idea of playing a board game/doing a puzzle.
• Retreat to silence. If the plans that were cancelled were special to you, this is a good idea. Pray, meditate, chill out, do something like that. It also passes time.

3. One person is being annoying/weird/awkward.

• Chances are the person doesn't know they're being bad. Lead them away from their annoying antics. They're probably a child who doesn't realize how loud they are, or something like that.
• If they are being intentional, it's typically towards one person. Close to you or not, you're all family. If your close enough with the awkward person, talk to them about it.

4. You've tried all of the above.

• Resort to other forms of help. Yahoo Answers, friends, stuff like that.
• Remember - your family will always be attached to you. Don't let one awkward moment get in the way.

Good luck! :D

Maria's Howto; Avoid Fighting w/ the 'Rents!

Parents differ in ways and shapes. Sometimes they are too loose with you, because they want you to have fun; and you don't recieve the discipline you need. Sometimes they are too strict with you, because they don't want you to get in trouble; and you get to be happy. Here are ways to AVOID getting into arguments. For what to do if your IN an argument... well we can't really help you there.
1. Don't be afraid. If your want to wear a certain shirt to school but your mom may not like it - don't wear a different one - just ask her about it. "Hey Mom, does this shirt look okay for school?" is fine. Say it with a smile on your face, and have an optimistic attitude. Be ready to accept whatever answer comes your way,

2. Show your growing, not grown up. For most children, they don't have a sudden event where they have to mature and grow up immediatley. So please, act your age. Being right 100% of the time and being super mature is basically saying you want to throw away your childhood. Also - don't expect the "I'm still a minor" phrase to get you out of trouble and excuse you from acting immature.

3. Act like yourself, don't put on an act. By not showing your identity, your showing that you are young and naive. By exploding your identity, your showing that you are young and naive. By showing your identity, you show that you know where the line is,and where the starting line is.
4. Be calm. No matter what, staying calm and patient is the #1 way to not get in a yell-fest with your parents. Holding your fist down won't just work either, you have to look AND feel peaceful. Your sense of calm and leveled perspective will rub off on your parents, and they'll see things the same way you do.
5. Avoid them. If you've tried all else, then avoid the situation entirely. That way, you can at least say you tried.

Maria's Intro; Hello!

Hello! My name is Maria, and these are a few things you should know about me!

1. I ♥ to draw! I primarily draw traditionally, but can/will do digital art. My "style" remains this anime-chibi style! Check out my Deviantart!
2. I ♥ K-Pop! Could not live without it! My favorites are... Girls Generation, 2NE1, T-Ara, Super Junior, Wonder Girls, 4Minute, and IU.
3. I ♥ K-Dramas! Can't describe how much I love them! My favorites are... You're Beautiful, Secret Garden, Stars Falling From The Sky, I Love You, Dream High, Dream High 2, Shut Up and Let's Go, Vampire Prosecutor, God of Study, Creating Destiny, and Heartstrings.
4. I ♥ anime! Because of anime, I'm this girly cutesy-loving person! My favorites are... Pokemon, Higurashi(all except the OVA Kira), Death Note, Tokyo Mew Mew, Vampire Knight, Monster, and OHSHC!
5. I ♥ cute things! If it's pink and cute, it's mine!

That's pretty much me! I'll try to post something every day/every other day. Look out for the following!

Maria's Howto; - my how-to guides! Step-by-step walk throughs on how to do something - ranges from all things. Parent-related, friendship-wise, and just those other little things.
Maria's Storys; - one in many stories! True stories, fake stories, altered stories, it's all here! I'll try to make them as Vlogish as possible.
Maria's Rants; - hilarious rants based on the 100% truth. Expect sarcasm, satire, and a ton of laughs in these.