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raidpirate52 · 5 years

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The Loud House Season 2 Scorecard by raidpirate52

More in-depth analysis under “Keep Reading”.

11 Louds a Leapin: A great Nickelodeon Christmas special. Definitely ranks up there among SpongeBob, Hey Arnold, and Rugrats as a must watch for the holiday season each year. Luan's puns were pretty funny and the running gag of Lana trying to catch a reindeer. Easily worth an "A". Intern for the Worse: Quite the step down. Not a very good episode. Only satisfying part was Lincoln and Clyde getting back at Flip, but overall, not the most enjoyable episode. I grade this episode a "D". The Old and the Restless: A fairly average episode. There isn't anything in the episode I dislike but nothing that really has me going back for more. It earns an average "C". Baby Steps: Lincoln trying to teach Clyde how to be a big brother was nice. Gave us some nice interactions with the younger sisters. I found it funny how Lincoln promised each of them $5 as Lola put it, "Okay, I played the damsel in distress act, now where's my five bucks?" I give this episode a "B". Brawl in the Family: Worst. Loud House. Episode. Ever. The plot is so dumb. Unlike other episodes where bad things happen to Lincoln, this one was completely unwarranted. If the sisters wanted Lincoln out of the fight, then maybe they shouldn't have taken his things, let him do what he wanted. But, no, this episode isn't enjoyable in the slightest. Easily worth an "F". Suite and Sour: No shortage of hilarity in this episode. Lana and Lynn racing in the elevator, Lola renting the whole spa, Lori getting trapped outside (twice), Leni getting the front desk job. Also, a short but cute moment of Lincoln and Lucy playing ghost hunters together. An episode that's always fun to watch. I give the episode an "A". Back in Black: A great Lucy episode. Loved her interaction/crush on Rocky and the latter returning the feeling. Definitely one of my favorite episodes and easily deserves an "A". Making the Grade: While it's a better Lisa episode than what we were given back in season 1, it's still not that great an episode to me. Mainly forgettable and not a lot of enjoyment, this episode gets a "D". Vantastic Voyage: Episode has some pretty funny moments ("We've been practicing for four hours! SIT DOWN!"), but there are some slow moments, but overall a very enjoyable episode. I give this episode a "B". Patching Things Up: It's weird realizing this was a season 2 episode because it felt so much like an early episode 1. I really loved the Lana and Lola moments where they supported each other through most the episode and making up in the end and becoming Blue Bell scouts together. The Clyde and Lincoln subplot felt unneeded and felt out of place for the episode, so I didn't enjoy them in this one. Still though, the Lola and Lana twin moments make the episode good, so it gets a "B". Cheater By the Dozen: It's got some enjoyable moments. Overall, I'd say this is a good episode. My favorite part is the ending with Lori being understanding her sibling's intentions and it also showed how caring of a boyfriend Bobby is. I give this episode a "B". Lock 'N' Loud: The extremes the Loud kids take to securing their home was amusing. Also Lana trying, and failing to train Charles to be a guard dog had some funny moments. Especially the end, "Finally!". Overall, I give this episode an "A". The Whole Picture: Overall, it's a fairly average episode. Got some laughs here and there and it's got a unique premise. The highlight of the episode was the heartwarming ending, so it gets a rank up and I grade it a "B". No Such Luck: So the most infamous episode. I have to be honest, I don't really "hate" the episode as much as other episodes I gave an "F" for. I recognize that some of Lincoln's misfortunes were brought upon by himself. Unfortunately the retribution was disproportionate, so I rank it down to a "D". In my opinion there are worse episodes, but this episode is still weak. Frog Wild: A great episode with Lana and Lincoln! The story with Lana meeting Hops was beautiful and it was nice seeing my top two characters trying to protect the frogs. Also at the end with them rescuing some Ducks was a funny moments as well. Definitely give this episode an "A". Kick the Bucket List: A fairly average episode. Nothing much to say about it. Didn't enjoy much, nothing I really hated. I give the episode a "C". Party Down: It was funny how Lori emphasized on the word "sophisticated". Had some good moments, but I feel it doesn't quite hit the spark as some of the best episodes this season had to offer. I still rank it a respectable "B". Fed Up: Watching the Loud kids sabotage dinner to get pizza was funny. Especially when they continuously thought they were done only for their dad to come up with some miracle way of getting it done. A good episode, I rank it a "B". Shell Shock: So Lincoln spends most of the episode thinking the worst of Ronnie Anne, but the ending shows her more softer side. I've seen this episode done in numerous shows, and this one was alright. Doesn't stand out to me, but nothing as bad in worse episodes. I grade it a "C". Pulp Fiction: I liked seeing the sisters in personas in Lincoln's Ace Savy's imagination. Wasn't too invested in Principal Huggins side of the plot though. Honestly I find it weird the show gives him focus as I don't find him to be that engaging of a characters. I give this episode a "C". Pets Peeved: It's cute that the pets get the spotlight for an episode. I kind of wish they gave us a little more distinct personalities outside their animal instinct, but it's still a highly entertaining episode. I give this episode a "B". Potty Mouth: Another cartoon with a swearing episode. This one doesn't disappoint. I liked the small part where the reason Lincoln swore was because of destroying the TV with the Wii remote like controller...that's why you wear the strap, Lincoln! Also Lana holding in her anger and singing Jingle Bells. "She didn't see it Lana/Lola guess you'll have to do it again!" A pleasure to watch, I give it a "B". I feel it's just missing a spectacular moment but it's still good nonetheless. L is for Love: One of the flagship episodes of the show and it's not hard to see why. Only thing I dislike is most of the pairings are birds-of-a-feather hookups when we've seen in the past that isn't always needed like Lucy/Rocky which this episode basically duped. Still some of the new hookups were cute, special mention goes to Lana and Skippy. With Luan and Benny getting an episode next season and more focus on Luna and Sam as well as some nods towards Leni and Chaz it would be nice to see more of these characters. A good watch from beginning to end. The story to Rita and Lynn Sr. was also quite heartwarming. The episode gets an "A". The Loudest Mission: Relative Chaos: It was nice to meet Ronnie Anne's extended family and quite the surprising plot twist that she's staying with them. Definitely worth the watch. I give this episode an "A". Out of the Picture: I feel the highlight of this episode was Lincoln switching Lola's picture out at the end of the episode, putting her needs above his. It was a nice moment and Lola showed gratitude for it. Some other funny moments were when Lincoln and Clyde tried to get into the groups' picture to no avail each time. I give the episode a "B". Room with a Feud: A better version of Brawl in the Family, especially with a much better ending, but still a fairly mundane episode. The best was seeing the sisters interact with different sisters, but overall I still give it a "C". Back Out There: I liked the focus on Lincoln hanging out with his friends. While they may have goofed up, their hearts were in the right place at least. I give this episode an "A". Spell it Out: A good Lucy episode. I liked the ending where she regretted making her spell that she thought caused them to lose their voices, but it was shown in the end that despite not remembering her input they all still care for her, and that's nice. I give this episode a "B". Fool's Paradise: I think this one was a little better than the last April Fool's episode. Definitely enjoyed seeing Luan get pranked back for the trouble she caused in this episode. I give this episode a "B". Job Insecurity: The only highlight for me in this one was Lola swearing over the phone to get her dad out of the restaurant job. Other than that I felt it was a fairly mundane episode. I grade this episode a "C". Aargh! You For Real: Again, another okay episode. Doesn't really stand out to me as much as better episodes this season but there was nothing I hated. I give this episode a "C". Garage Banned: A nice premise, and some good moments. I liked Lori letting Lana sleep in her bed when she got nightmares and the various attempts Lori tried to get out of the garage and Lucy actually succeeding in talking to a ghost. A good episode, but not enough to be spectacular, so I give it a "B". Change of Heart: Yeah, an episode of Clyde acting cringey around Lori. Welp. Well, at least it tried to make a plot out of steering him away from it, but then we had stupid moments of Lori wanting him to act creepy towards her, it's just...nah. Leni is the only reason this episode isn't an "F" and is instead a "D". Health Kicked: The episode's alright. I liked when the Loud kids complained about working out too hard, but other than that, nothing really spectacular about this one. I grade it a "C". Future Tense: Same as above. It's actually quite fitting that these episodes went together. I give this one a "C" as well. The Yates are creepy. Lynner Takes All: I'm okay about Lynn being over-competitive but I feel they went a little too far than needed in this. Still, an overall good episode, but it isn't the best that Loud House can be. I give the episode a "C". Yes Man: Lincoln again putting his sisters needs above his shows what a good brother/protagonist he is. I thought it was funny when he tried acting like his sisters to get his parents to give him money for the concert tickets. Of course the concert at the end was really nice for the sisters as well. I don't know if I'm alone in this but the Smooch-look looks kind of dumb? lol. I know they're a KISS parody, but still looks stupid, but I still enjoyed this episode. I give this episode a "B". Friend or Faux: Probably my favorite Lisa episode. It was nice that she made a friend with a kid her own age and Darcy is a good character for her to develop, so I guess that crush in L for Love is canned for her. I give this episode a "B". No Laughing Matter: The Luan episode of the season that's not tied to April Fool's and like No Funny Business, I like this one more. It was nice that the family rallied around her to get her back into comedy. I give this episode a "B". No Spoilers: The plot felt slow at times, but was still a good one. I liked Leni showing that she's good at setting up parties for those she cares about and was able to make her mom's birthday better than what her siblings had planned. I give this episode a "B". Legends: I loved Legends of the Hidden Temple as a kid. While Lincoln supports Orange Iguanas, I was on team Green Monkeys! Anyway, this episode, while hitting some nostalgia points, in other areas, fell flat. Like it wasn't really Legends of the Hidden Temple as many things were cut, so it felt more like a cheap parody and I didn't like the two characters introduced here as they only reminded me of Hawk and Hank carbon copies. Could've been a lot better, it's a shame, probably my most disappointed episode. I give the episode a "C". Mall of Duty: I really loved this episode! Lincoln spending time with his younger sisters, and being able to track them down in the mall showed what a great big brother he is. I also liked that the younger sisters kept his irresponsible moments of the episodes a secret, and it was amusing that Lana hatched ducklings that imprinted on her. I easily rank this one an "A". Read a Loud: This one was a sweet episode. I really enjoyed watching Lincoln help Lola with her struggles to read. Probably my favorite Lola episode. I rank it an "A". Not a Loud: I enjoy this episode. Some may have found Lincoln's birth story to be ridiculous, and it was, but since it's a cartoon, I can let it slide and it doesn't really effect my opinion on the show. An enjoyable episode, I grade it a "B". Tricked: A great Halloween special. I liked Lola and Lana changing costumes to get more candy and Lily as a baby kangaroo is adorable. Also, after being karma houdinis in their previous appearance, Hawk and Hank get what they deserve in the end. The Crying Dame: Cheer up baby, don't you cry! No more tears, it's cheer up time! Laugh with me and you will be: Happy! Happy! Happy!...good luck getting that tune out of your head after this one. I liked Lincoln dressing up as Foxy Fenton at the end to cheer Lily up. It was a good episode. I grade it a "B". Anti-Social: Not much to praise in this episode. A bit more boring than even the most average episodes, so I grade it a "D". Snow Way Out: One of my most favorite Lana episodes. I liked when she was the center of hugs for once after she gave up her winning ticket. Also having Hops get the coupon to reuse was funny. I easily give this episode an "A". Snow Way Down: It's probably my favorite Lincoln and Clyde episode. Clyde not being a wimp and actually getting to the top of the slope is probably one of his best moments. Nothing to hate in this episode, so I also give this episode an "A". Overall, I think this was a great season and I grade it an "A".

#the loud house #loud house #nickelodeon

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gethealthy18-blog · 5 years

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Dear Moms, Let’s Simplify Christmas (& Enjoy It) This Year!

New Post has been published on http://healingawerness.com/news/dear-moms-lets-simplify-christmas-enjoy-it-this-year/

Dear Moms, Let’s Simplify Christmas (& Enjoy It) This Year!

Let’s face it, while the movies portray images of happy families laughing around the kitchen table or in front of the fireplace during the Christmas season, often moms end up more stressed out and busier than ever. I know I fall into the trap, and each year I have to try again to stay focused on what matters and simplify Christmas.

We want this time of year to be filled with warm memories for our families and friends, and it is so easy to get wrapped up (pun intended) in the business of the season. It’s easy to want to be present and enjoy the moment, but there is often so much to do that this is difficult to accomplish.

There must be a better way!

Can We Simplify Christmas?

Over the years, our family (like many) has searched for ways to simplify Christmas while still giving our kids the traditions and memories that bring joy and happy memories.

I’ve written about some of the things that have worked for us, like prioritizing experiences over material gifts, limiting the number of presents per person, and focusing on a spirit of giving instead of receiving.

All that aside, it’s tough to recognize all of the outside forces that act on us despite our best intentions … and we wonder why we are again in Target on Christmas Eve at 10 P.M., when we really were going to be so intentional and simple this year!

Rejecting the Christmas Crisis

The ads, Facebook posts, and store displays seem to begin earlier every year exclaiming (I saw a store with a Christmas display in early October this year!): “There’s X number of days left until Christmas!”

Translation: “Hurry up! Only a few shopping days left!”

We all know this isn’t what the holidays should be about. It’s not what any of us wants for ourselves or our families. But somehow it just creeps in. The sense that we’re not giving enough … or doing the right things …

It’s time to take back Christmas! And yes, this may not be the year when you magically transform into the living embodiment of a Real Simple magazine article. (Wouldn’t we all love it if it was actually that easy?)

This may not be the year when you Konmari your house to perfection before placing carefully chosen (and of course eco-friendly) presents under the tree.

But this can be the year when you create enough space for you and your family to continue to shape and enjoy your traditions. The year when your picture of “the perfect Christmas” becomes a little clearer and a little more real.

And chances are it won’t take much!

Minimalism … Can It Go with Christmas?

Merriam Webster defines “minimalism” as “a style or technique that is characterized by extreme spareness and simplicity.” This buzzword has enjoyed a lot of popularity in recent years, especially since the bestselling book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up came around.

I can buy simplicity, but “spareness”? Does this really go along with our idea of Christmas?

I have to believe there’s a way to be mindful and peaceful about Christmas without going to extremes. Maybe it’s more about a shift of mindset than going bare bones. About asking yourself — and your family — what is really important and crossing the rest off the list.

Our family tries to give only one material present per person. That may seem extreme to some. But over the years we’ve realized that experiences mean more to us (and our kids) than material presents, and we’ve moved toward a kind of Christmas that emphasizes quality over quantity.

That feels like the right kind of “minimalism” for us … but what is right for you? Here are a few ideas to try if you feel like you need to hit the pause button this holiday season.

Simplify Christmas by Finding Your Sweet Spot

These are the things I’ve found most helpful in simplifying Christmas. I try to hold on to these to help me focus on my family and not everything that needs to “get done” this year.

Evaluate Your Favorite Christmas Traditions

Think back on Christmases past. What are your most cherished memories? What should Christmas really be about? These could be from when you were a child or from times with your own children.

Chances are your best memories aren’t about stuff, but about time spent with others.

Take note of everything that stands out to you as a tradition you want to recreate. Write it down. Talk to the family about it.

Schedule the Essentials

Make a list of “must-dos” using the list of favorite Christmas memories for inspiration. Keep this list short — three or maybe five items at most. Pare it down to what really matters the most (spareness and simplicity!).

These must-do traditions will of course change over the years as a family grows. That’s the beauty of it.

You may have a special circumstance to navigate (a new baby, travel plans, a sick relative, a tight budget). Reevaluate and adjust, limiting yourself to what will give the most joy this year.

Maybe cooking is really important to your family. Maybe the annual shopping trip with your sisters gives the most joy. Maybe it’s time to try a new tradition like a family Christmas movie marathon, or singing in the choir at Midnight Mass.

Give priority to traditions that help you connect with friends and family. Put them on the calendar now and schedule the downtime to do them.

Bottom line, Konmari-style, say “yes” to what brings you joy.

And that means saying “no” to what doesn’t!

Review Christmases Past for Pitfalls That Stress You Out

We all have our little habits that rob us of our joy.

It could be overspending, overeating, or overdoing. It could be online shopping in the dead of night when we can’t sleep. It could be that urge to rush out two days before Christmas and buy just a little bit more.

All this leads to additional stress. More to store, more to return, more to clean up, and more post-holiday bills to pay.

Don’t get me wrong. I am not against giving gifts. I love the feeling of giving and receiving a well-chosen gift on Christmas. But I had to learn the hard way that I needed to simplify Christmas in order to preserve the meaning of the season.

If we can identify just one or two or three things that stress us out each year and eliminate it, that seems like a good kind of minimalism. Decide what you will say “no” to this year (and tell someone to keep you accountable). Maybe ask your spouse to do this with you!

Which goes with the next step …

Set a Budget and Number of Gifts

This is pretty generic advice, I know. But I can think back to plenty of years when I didn’t do it, or at least never committed to more than a vague idea of how much was “too much.”

Gift-giving gives joy and is a worthy tradition. Just look at the Three Kings who traveled so far to give their gifts to the Christ Child. But they could only carry so much with them.

It’s a rather shocking statistic that in the U.S., only 1% of the goods we buy are still in use 6 months later. Yes… only 1%! And it makes sense, doesn’t it? New things thrill us only for a little while.

“One of the enemies of happiness is adaptation,” says Dr. Thomas Gilovich, a psychology professor at Cornell University who has been studying the question of money and happiness for over two decades. “We buy things to make us happy, and we succeed. But only for a while. New things are exciting to us at first, but then we adapt to them.”

In fact we are more likely to remember and cherish experiences rather than material things. These become the stories we tell and relive.

Setting a budget and being choosy about the kinds of gifts we give helps us learn when to say “just right.”

Designate a “Give Back” Day or Week

Making room for what we receive often pains kids especially. Mention you’re about to get rid of something, and suddenly that thing is their “favorite.”

Am I right?

Designating a “Give Back” day (or even a week if you need it) gives everyone a chance to get in the right mindset and know the expectations. Read a book or watch a movie about the generosity of St. Nicholas to set the mood. This article has some helpful tips too for helping kids get on board.

Although we can certainly give back any time of year, I find it’s best to do this before Christmas so it doesn’t get forgotten.

Take a Picture of Each Gift to Review (Before Buying Anything Else)

It’s so easy to simply lose track of what we intend to give and what we already bought when it’s hidden away in the back of the closet!

Keep a digital record by snapping a pic and keeping an album in a secure spot. You can use apps like Evernote, Remember the Milk, or a Dropbox or Google Keep folder. Keep track of even small items like stocking stuffers. You can even screenshot a website to keep track of experience gifts.

Before you buy, take a look at the album and give yourself a cooling-off period to decide if it’s the right choice.

You can even move images to a new album or folder to keep track of returns or presents that didn’t make the cut but you might consider for next year.

When Things Go Wrong, Make An Act of Gratitude

G. K. Chesterton wrote, “I would maintain that thanks is the highest form of thought.” When things don’t go according to plan, control what you can: your thoughts.

Christmas traditions develop little by little, year by year, and sometimes with no advance planning. By learning to let go and let the memories happen we make room for shared experiences with the ones we love the most.

Show gratitude for what you have and give your kids and yourself the greatest gift of all this Christmas — a contented and present parent.

How do you stay grounded during the holidays? What are the traditions you want to make room for?

Source: https://wellnessmama.com/130653/simplify-christmas/

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omgmagnificentcollectorpost-blog · 7 years

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New Post has been published on Around the Fire pit

New Post has been published on http://www.aroundthefirepit.com/compassion/

Compassion

Palliative Care conference

A while ago I was able to attend the 25th annual palliative care conference in Winnipeg. During this 2 day event the common threat was compassion. Compassion is something that palliative care workers all have. Without compassion palliative care does not mean anything.

The beginning of compassion: not feeling better, but feeling worse.

There is always something you can do to help someone feel better. It does often not have to be a big thing. A kind word, or a smile, a hand on your shoulder, these are all things that show compassion. Doing a little extra, without being asked, and without expecting anything in return is a sign of compassion. Compassion is does not always feel nice, it can feel like your heart is breaking, because of what you see and hear. It can bring you to tears and make you feel powerless. Often you can’t change anything about the situation the other person is in, like palliative patients, but you can always be that comforting hand, or that shoulder to lean on.

Sharing compassion

A hug without words can give more comfort than any fancy words will often do. Sometimes it is hard to get involved, because being involved means getting close. The reality is, anyone who has done work like this will tell you that being involved and getting close will bring you much satisfaction afterwards. What you are able to share through compassion is so much more than anything else you might be able to do. Making your career path out of helping people feel better is not always easy. Many times you will run into frustrating situations that may leave you not feeling compassionate at all. And then all of a sudden there is this one moment, this one word, or touch that makes it all worth it and will fill you with compassion. It will give you the strength to continue to be compassionate.

Compassion is like love

Compassion is like love, the more you give it, the more you will receive in return. And like love, it can be messy and painful and break your heart. But it can also fill you with light and love and gratitude. This is what brings you satisfaction, and this is why people want to take career paths that involve helping others, like doctors and nurses. It takes compassion to give patient a positive experience and help them through their illness. Most of us can think of a situation we were in, that left us feeling stranded, and hurt, maybe even angry. And also most of us can think of situations we encountered that left us smiling and shining with gratitude, because of someone’s compassion towards us.

Being kind

Being kind and considerate may inspire others to feel valued. And being compassionate towards others will create a connection that tells us we are all human beings and we are valued; opening the door that enables us to connect with the other person.

Compassion

Compassion in health care

So what is going wrong in the health care these days? Or is something wrong? Maybe it is just my own perception that makes me feel that compassion in healthcare workers is grossly lacking? People wanting to help people; is how we all start out in the health care profession. I believe everyone starts out with being a compassionate person who empathizes with the other person’s situation. Compassion is something that can grow, but we have to work at it and cultivate it through being empathetic.

Demands of the job?

Then why do we see so little of it in the health care? Is it because of the demands of the job? I think partly this is true. I also think that nurses and doctors are not being very well supported in their work. And because most nursing personal are women, and women are notorious for doing and giving and not complaining, support for them is almost none existing.

Nursing and compassion

Nursing especially has become much more technical then when I first starting out as a nurse. We did back rubs, emphases was on making and keeping the patient comfortable. Now nursing is often doing tasks, like giving medications, starting an intravenous, and many more tasks that have all become very technical. Often not leaving much room to become familiar with the patient, let alone getting close.

To be compassionate

However this does not mean we cannot be compassionate, you just have to work harder at it. Showing your compassion can be easily done and it does not matter that you are doing a task to make a patient better. After all a patient is still a human being and not some kind of machine we pump medicine into. Simple acknowledging that the patient is a human being is showing compassion, a kind word, a smile and a touch all will help you stay connected with the person you are caring for. Speaking with the patient, not over the patient with your co-working, keeps you connected with the patient. It shows them you care, and will make them feel valued. Patients, who have a positive experience in a hospital, or care home, are much more satisfied and less likely to complain about things. And, maybe most importantly, I think they will get better sooner and thus will experience lesser complication during their stay.

Sunrise

Supporting health care workers

Now how can we make sure that health care workers are able to give compassion? And still do all the other things they have to do? One of the things I can think of is to support each other. I can think of different places I worked where we had great support among each other. A monthly get together, a potluck during holiday season and many other things, often involving the significant other and the children. What I have found lacking is support from higher up, a simple thank you, or a free cup of coffee at Mother’s Day, will go a long way in my opinion in making staff feel valued and appreciated. There are many things that can be done to support health care workers. What example can you give?

Let me know what you think.

Sunset Palliative care

Palliative Manitoba

#compassion #conference #empathy #gratitude #health care #nursing #palliative #support

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