The Disappointing Final Season of the Netflix Series 'On My Block'

If you haven't watched the series all the way through, this reflection contains spoilers, so please come back after you've watched the series. 😊

The synopsis of The Netflix series "On My Block" is: A coming-of-age story about four bright, street-savvy friends navigating their way through high school in the gritty South Central Los Angeles, trying to get their friend out of a gang, and having friendship turn into something more.  The Huz and I were hooked on the story and cast of characters from the first few episodes and throughout the series going all the way to Season 3.  So when the final season, Season 4, was announced, I was excited to dive back into the series and revisit the kids that I felt invested in.  

The series itself is essentially a comedy, but it has several dark moments due to the inner city aspect of the overall arc of the story. It never dwells too much on the tragedies and for the most part, the series did a great job allowing heart and emotion to exist while keeping it lighthearted.  Season 4 was intended to wrap up the stories of the 4 main characters--Cesar, Monse, Ruby, & Jamal--what they are currently up to and how their future could be. 

From the first episode of Season 4 I already felt much disappointment.  Several episodes later, it still focused too much on a fifth character--Jasmine and her (in my opinion) not believable acceptance into the group. In the previous seasons she was simply the annoying side character and she was tolerable as that. But in Season 4, she seems to have been undeservedly upgraded to the star of the show--she was in almost every scene, taking up most of the screen time and dominating the script. This new season didn't feel like an adequate continuation of the show I was hooked on and it certainly didn't seem like an appropriate way to end the series as a whole. Instead it felt like a set-up to a spin-off starring Jasmine--which it if happens, I will certainly not be viewing (not sorry about it). 

For shock value, they killed off a character that was moving towards a positive trajectory in his life.  It was a character that was always predictably one that would be killed--certainly so--especially with the lifestyle he led. The Huz and I were always on edge that he would be killed.  So, because it was predictable, I was hoping the writers would allow him to live--to ride off into the sunset and have a great life. Yes, there's tragedy and death in the inner city, but there are triumphs and it would have been nice to see it for this particular character.  But the writers chose differently--which for me as a viewer, wasn't satisfying. 

I also felt like they changed Jamal's character so drastically it just wasn't believable--he went from a quirky humorously dorky person to some over-the-top player playboy that can have any girl he wants and apparently does so....insinuations of a parade of nameless girls that he blatantly disrespects and disregards.  Ruby became a prop character for Jasmine.  And Cesar and Monse began doing a sort of "romantic dance" that pretty much involved Monse giving up all her dignity and feminism membership card to play second fiddle to Cesar's other girlfriend. The blatant misogyny made it beyond difficult to root for a relationship that previously gave me the feels.  Instead, I was rooting for Monse to move on from Cesar even though they alluded to them possibly having a future.  As a fan and viewer, I didn't want that.  And that's simply just sad. 

And whoever decided that the 4th AND final season was going to be heavily focused on Jasmine, I just want to say, you've highly disappointed me as a fan of this show. She is not who I wanted to see the most of as the show came to a close.  I wanted to see Cesar struggle with his place in the world. I wanted to see Monse grow into her femininity, confidence and strength. I wanted to see Ruby figure out that you can't always win everything but you can still be winning. And I wanted Jamal to believe in the loyalty of his friends and be comfortable in who he is without trying to impress others.  And I wanted to see all this with the same humor, lightheartedness and heart the other seasons were able to exhibit.  

But I did not. 

Farewell, "On My Block". 

**All my opinions are mine & mine alone.**

Pro and Con Your Favorite City: Sharing some California Love

This post can be found on Haley's page on Facebook

When I saw this list from vlogger Haley Dasovich, I went through a personal reflection of sorts. Never before have I felt so much negativity and vitriol about living in California and more specifically Los Angeles. I've lived in LA County for about 40 years and have raised my sons here and have never even considered moving anywhere else. And it isn't because it's some kind of utopian place with no negative aspects.  There are some valid points that I've heard people make that may make living on this side of the West Coast unappealing.  But I'm still a pretty solid Californian and specifically a pretty content Southern Californian. 

Big pros: There are so many things to do here.  Many activities like hiking, shopping, dining and sightseeing. We have theme parks. We have mild weather--never unbearably cold or warm. We have diversity in cultures, political beliefs and many religious denominations. We have dense super populated cities, less so, and quiet sleepy towns. We have beaches and mountains. 

Some cons: Just like anywhere, there are drawbacks.  The most glaring of these negatives is the high cost of living. It's very expensive to live here, from housing to gas prices to just general everyday products. We do have public transportation but the most convenient mode of getting around is with a car.  The freeways are often congested.  We have smog and all the things associated with big cities. 

But once you're accustomed to the vibe of the city, it's home. Every area has its own personality and many feel pride in what their city or cities stand for or accomplish. It's a hustle and bustle, but it's also serene and peaceful--it all depends on how YOU want to do it. It's easy to get on the negative mindset and hate on a city (some people spend too much time focusing on their dislike of cities they don't even live in), but if you love something, don't let that get you down. Even when I hear the most hateful things about California (and maybe sometimes agree with certain points-of-view), I'm still thankful to be living here.  I guess that's what matters the most.  

As usual, sending light & love out to you and the city you live in. 😉😘

ERetail LLC 

 

Selective Sharing: Privacy is Not the Same as Secrecy

This is a post on Social Media

Ultimately, whatever you decide to post is your choice and honestly people will judge your life through their eyes and make assumptions whenever or wherever they choose. Honestly, I've been the most entertained by the over-sharers on my timeline and I've often cringed at how much someone will reveal about their personal life. Again, I'm not the posting police and feel that you have the right and the prerogative to post as much and as little about your life as you deem fit.  But my personal opinion is "less is more".  You can post about your life without revealing too much, and being a social media enthusiast myself, I find it a satisfying challenge to find those "postable" parts of our lives without giving viewers more than what's consciously and deliberately intended for sharing.

An old co-worker used to post many entries regarding her husband--their romance, how much they mean to each other and so on. Then she started posting cryptic entries like "finding herself" or wanting to "travel alone".  As a "reader" it was clear something different was going on in her life. After some time, she then posted she was single and that she wants to preserve her privacy and feels that she doesn't have to share anything she doesn't want to. Ok.  I mean, of course, she's allowed to post whatever she wants.  But talk about a let-down for some of us who felt invested in the "story" of her life.  Again, I'm just being cheeky in that she doesn't owe any of us an explanation of her life.  She shared what she shared and now she doesn't want to.  But I wonder if she has regrets?  Plus, I believe she unfriended most people...even myself who offered no comment on her life.  I'm not sure what her reasoning was on that, but she certainly has that right. But I can't help but speculate that deleting friends may have much to do with regrets she felt for posting too much of her life.

Most recently, an old high school peer started posting entries that alluded to her husband stepping out of their marriage.  The posts dominated my timeline for a bit and although I was wondering what was happening, I also felt uncomfortable that she was displaying her life so freely.  After some time, she posted that her husband had come home and they were "working it out".  Shortly after that, she started posting about how great her family life had become, how attentive her husband was being and that they were planning to renew their vows.  As much as I try not to, you know I was all over the place judging her. But she chose to post what she did (and is continuing to post) so I guess it just comes with the territory.  I'm not sure how her story will unfold, but what she has shared in the past & what she will continue to share in the present and future will follow her whether she may want them to or not. As an unintentional voyeur of her life, I can only hope that she only has positive things to post about her relationship from here on out. Although truthfully as a judging human, I don't have many positive things to feel about a man in a committed relationship who cheats. 🚫

When all is said and done, you decide what you want to share with anyone or everyone.  That being said, I would also like to encourage more mindful choices in what one posts.  You can be private about some things and open about other things.  The reader doesn't know.  They take in whatever is put out.  And once it's put out there, even if deleted, can never be taken back. If even one person sees it, the damage is done. Trust me, I've seen people post something in anger and haste, take it down and still be severely judged for it (even if they don't realize it).

Be guided by kindness, especially to yourself.  Sending light & love! 😘

Following The Rules To Be Kind

I've had many breakfasts at this establishment over the years. And I'm thankful they exist. It's a place to have delicious breakfast sandwiches, coffee and various baked goods. They're local and an ideal place to meet up with friends as I've done many times. 

When I read the above post I immediately feel the desperation in their words. To reach the point of feeling like they needed to post something, they would have had to reach a breaking point--the kind of harassment that felt the necessity to speak up. And I feel much empathy and anger on their behalf. 

The pandemic has not only been a difficult situation for many, but it's also been polarizing--some believing that it's somehow a world-wide hoax.  If it is, it's the most organized hoax there ever is, to have every country cooperate and continue to perpetuate it--to have hospital and medical professionals reiterate the causes of death and inflate hospitalization numbers. Anything is possible, I guess.  So you are free to believe what you want. Of course you are. It's marvelous to be able to say, "in my opinion..."   

But as a society we create order through rules with the intention of protecting the group as a whole. For example, cities enact speed limits on highways & even stricter speed limits in school zones. Drivers are not free to drive as fast as they want in these areas or they will be subject to consequences. Again, people are free to disagree of the effectiveness of speed limits and they can express these feelings to whomever want to listen, but it is what it is and if one chooses to speed, they will receive a costly ticket and/or other outcomes. 

We are in a pandemic.  Yes, I know some people may disagree.  So, naturally, wearing a mask as an additional barrier to help slow or stop the spread of a "faux" virus is something they strongly disagree with.  I've heard it.  I know it.  But how we behave in this society is a choice. You can absolutely & totally refuse.  You can fight every business that chooses to follow the states' mask mandates.  You have every right to yell and scream and cause trouble for workers at businesses.  

But wow, that's truly truly on you as a human being when you choose to cause trouble for people who are just trying to continue going about their business--trying to stay open and do the best they can in the most difficult situation.  They may even not agree with the mandates themselves--but they want to keep their businesses open.  And some just truly want to keep themselves and their employees as safe as they can.

Freedom includes not supporting businesses you disagree with if that's what aligns with your personal integrity.  Rather than coming into an establishment and causing them problems, go somewhere else (if you look hard enough, there are a good handful of businesses with like minds to any situation) or make your own coffee and baked goods, shop online (where masks are not required) etc... Stay true to yourself, but do it kindly. 

Some businesses exhibit sassy energy to counteract the vocal push-backs with their rules.

 

There is too much toxicity in the world right now especially in politics.  Name-calling is the norm and if you belong from different political parties, you are each others' enemies. Morality, integrity, decency and overall character is questioned. I'm no exception--I've done my fair share of judging others. But lately, I've fallen back from this mindset.  I've decided that politics is not going to be WHO I am.  For some individuals, their political beliefs are a defining characteristic of who they are--they live and breathe it. Admittedly, my beliefs do lean towards one party...but that party doesn't encompass everything that I believe in.  I don't have rose-colored glasses to the corruption and propaganda from BOTH parties. AND I don't believe there is ONE answer to all the problems existing in society or one political party that holds all the said answer or answers. 

Mask, no-masks, vaccinations, no-vaccinations.  So freakin' polarizing. But humanity -- caring for others. Taking a step back and focusing on kindness and how we treat others around us--that's what I want to focus on.  That's the type of person I want to be. 

So, that being said.  When a business says, put on a mask, put it on.  Otherwise, find another business to patronize. That's the kind thing to do. 

As always, wishing light & love out to the universe and into your lives. XOXO 😗

 

My Memory Bank is Rich with Gratitude

This summer felt important.  The Youngest was going to be a Junior and the First-Born was heading to University. Major milestones.  I didn't want to think too much about it--some would probably say I was in denial.  Ok.  I was.  The speed of time never felt more overwhelming than at this time in my life.  

Because of the pandemic (and some home improvements we had scheduled), we didn't plan any travel destinations.  We felt comfortable with the little excursions, staying fairly local and sticking to what many refer to as "staycations".  We did Disneyland Resort for a couple days staying at an off-property hotel, we did a dinner & show, we watched several movies, went to lunches and dinners, and just generally spent time being together (and lifting each others' spirits when we needed it).  We're fortunate enough to genuinely enjoy each others' company and this particular summer in general I wanted to bask in their company. I love all of our big activity/travel memories, but I also cherish the ordinary moments--the conversations, the laughs, the teasing, the hugs--all special to my full Mom-heart.  

The day The Youngest went to his High School Junior Orientation was pretty much the unofficial, official start to breaking out of the summer mode and facing the reality of the milestone changes ahead. He received his school I.D., his textbooks and his class schedule--in a week's time, he would begin his 11 Grade life journey.

The First-Born was gathering all his things for dorm move-in. But before all that he attended the college honors program, received a super nice water bottle & got a good look at the building he was going to be residing in just a couple of days. And then the day arrived--Move-In Day. 

It was a calm yet emotional day. We pretty much helped him move his things in, had a nice dinner with him, stopped by Target for some last-minute items and spent quality time with him before we finally had to leave. More than a farewell, it was a "see you soon", since he isn't too far away. Plus, thanks to modern technology, we have instant texts, phone calls & Skype. But yes, my heart hurts.  That's my baby I'm leaving to fend for himself. My love for him is exponential & I wish him all the joy, self-fulfillment and success that is meant for him. I pray for him. I cheer him on.

We had a pleasant & delicious dinner at a local Ramen restaurant very close to the First-Born's University.

The First-Born sent a selfie for his first day of actual classes. 💛

The Youngest started Junior Year (11th Grade) High School as well. It was a good day but he was understandably tired. Back to the grind.

It's been eventful in our household and I've been trying to feel every moment, appreciate it all and understand how special and significant events large and small are. I have just the best memories with my family and I pray for many more to deposit into my memory bank. 

Wishing everyone a heart full of gratitude and love & light. XOXO

 

Anime and Foodie Family Adventures

We attended an anime SmileFest event at Rodeo 39 Public Market in Stanton, California and had a good time. Thanks to the forethought of The Huz, we arrived about 2 hours before the event was scheduled to begin. With some teamwork, we were able to scope out the event and get into the correct lines in order to procure the limited complimentary merchandise they advertised including a super nice Ramen Bowl with chopsticks--unexpectedly good quality for free merch.  Pro-tip: when you attend these events, be patient, be kind and also prepare to come early to avoid missing out on desired items.

While in line, The Huz got me a Hawaiian style Vietnamese Coffee from AFK First Coffee.  It's the first vendor you find right at the front entrance. This coffee is not for the faint of heart--it's pretty strong yet delicious.  I am hoping that it doesn't keep me up too late tonight though. LOL.

To be perfectly honest, I'm not one to ever order beer, but The Huz wanted a specific mug that could only be acquired with purchase so he decided to get me a Mango Beer. He doesn't drink alcohol himself.  I, on the other hand, am more of a fruity cocktail person (and not even that much), but I figured, this should be okay.  To be fair, if you enjoy beer, this selection is probably fabulous! But what I learned about myself is that I am not a beer person. Nope. That's something I wouldn't willingly get on my own. 😁

The Youngest has always wanted to try "squid ink" and I have yet to find a place we could try so it was a delight to find that Nandomo by Hironori offered a "squid ink" Ramen selection. The broth is flavorful and the squid ink flavor is subtle. The meat is think and juicy and it all blends together deliciously to make a super tasty bowl. It's a satisfying selection and I could see ourselves coming back for sure.

From Oi Asian Fusion I had to try their Fried Chicken Adobo selection. I was expecting it to be saucier, but it was okay because it was still a tasty selection. The chicken was crispy and juicy. The soft boiled egg it came with was cooked just right. Overall, it was a tasty meal.

  The First-Born was thrilled to complete the tasks that allowed him to get limited edition merch from the event. He was/is a happy collector.

 

 

Churros with a coffee dipping sauce from Banh Xeo Boys. The churros by themselves are "just okay". But paired with that coffee dipping sauce...absolutely fabulous! 

Pandan Horchata and Pork Belly Fries also from Banh Xeo Boys is tasty and filling. They also included some pork egg rolls which were good too!

The anime portion of the event was very lively as well, with a DJ playing upbeat songs and lots & lots of attendees.  There was an enormously long line at the main SmileFest booth because people were vying for a mystery box. It was a fun event and I'm glad my family got to share it together. 

Sending light & love to you all out there. I hope you make time to enjoy the things that make you smile. XOXO 😗

It's A-Hole-in-the-Ceiling Kind of Day

When we had a traumatizing backyard fire that sadly destroyed our shed a few months ago, it was a wake-up call for us to take stock of our electrical wiring and install updates to make sure that we stay safe and lessen our risk of anything like that (or worse) happening to us again. We have a fairly old house and the wiring was designed in a time that technology wasn't a way of life so the house wasn't outlet friendly.  We made due by using extension chords and what-not which are not only hard to manage at times, but could potentially be unsafe for various reasons.  However, re-wiring one's house electrical system is not only very costly but also disruptive to members of the household. We weighed the pros and the cons and decided that we had to make the decision to go ahead with this particular house improvement because it fell under "necessity"--safety and peace of mind.  It was especially difficult for me because I had an unofficial (an internal one I didn't share with other members of my family) goal to make 2021 a "low-buy" year which means that we were going to make an effort to spend as little money as possible and really focus on essentials and necessities. It's actually a movement that many minimalists (I'm not one, but I've been reading up on certain philosophies I would like to incorporate in my life) use to either save money or just make a conscious effort not to acquire more "stuff".  But again, life had other plans for us and that goal will definitely not be accomplished this year. 🤷

So, we begun the whole re-wiring process. The electrician assured us that we didn't need to vacate our property and they would work on segments of the house so that we would never truly be out of power. The drilling began and for the most part we were able to get by.  I'm not going to lie and say it was easy having strangers all up and around my house and space, but I kept telling myself it was all for a purpose and we truly would be better off after it was all over. Despite that self-talk though, I still felt a lot of anxiety. Anyway, to make a long story short, the workers hit a few snags here and there which caused them to take longer than they anticipated and also left us without light sources for a few days (as well as a cooking source since the microwave and oven were without power). Thankfully, they were able to still send power to our refrigerator & freezer because that would have been beyond inconvenient if we had to throw away all that food (goes against my low-waste philosophies and it would just plain suck!). Again, no matter what, there's always something to be thankful for--even when you're living with battery powered light for several evenings and don't have a place to cook meals. We basically ate take-out for two weeks which isn't as fun as one might think especially since I didn't realize that cooking and preparing meals is a big de-stresser for me (it's not just something I do, it's something I need). I'm still learning things about myself, apparently. 🤷 

As we were approaching week three of the whole process, I was in one of the rooms when I heard a loud crash. As these weeks have passed, so much noise has occurred that it was safe to say it was just another thing that was knocked down.  I was curious, but just decided to wait til someone (The Huz and 2 sons were in various parts of our home) informed me what happened. Shortly after the loud noise, the door opens and my First-Born said something like, "You're not gonna wanna come out just yet".  I was like, "Well, that doesn't sound good."   I could hear the vacuum going and some "clean-up" noises just outside the door. The First-Born begins to tell me that there's a giant hole in the ceiling as one of the workers fell through it. 🤯Thankfully, no one was hurt.  But yeah, we have a giant hole in our ceiling. 

The First-Born took a quick snap shot!

After the initial disbelief, I mean, I think I was actually speechless for a few minutes, we actually found a bit of humor in it all. I mean, we were all feeling a bit crazy by this time and it was one of the moments when we all just felt like, "Well, what else could go wrong?"  I think when you have a big hole in your ceiling, being able to find something positive is a helpful coping mechanism. 

Even a big hole in the ceiling is fixable.

A few days later, it was patched up by drywall. It will be sanded and then painted and will never look like anything unusual happened there.  But we all know. And although it definitely didn't feel good when it happened, along with the days of noise, dust and strangers in our house--those moments passed.  They finished and we have safe electrical wiring and more outlets to use. Positive changes. 

Just reminding myself and everyone that needs to hear it, life has its arduous moments. Keep trying, keep moving forward. Sending light & love to everyone. XOXO 😘