TRUE CONFESSIONS Together While Apart
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In this issue, we will be giving you ideas to keep your sanity and protect your mental and physical health. Going stir crazy can be a big problem for even the introverted introverts during this period of staying at home and away from others. However, staying home can save so many lives. To make it more fun, we have created the perfect list of in-home activities.
Our dear readers, The staff at True Confessions hopes everyone is staying safe and healthy during these trying times. Please follow the guidelines and safety measures your state government has put in place to ensure a quick recovery for our social lives. We hope the world returns back to normal soon, but in the meantime, we need something to do to fight off the boredom. So, our staff has compiled a COVID-19 bucket list for you to do, all from the comfort of your own home. Don’t go stir-crazy! Toodles, Editor In Chief, Madelyn Grueter
Contents 3: Baking 4-5: Staying Safe 6-7: Pick a Hobby 8: Go Outdoors 9: Workout 10-11: What to Watch 12-13: Quarantine Playlist 14-15: Pets!
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Staff List Paige Albright Tess DeGrazia Hailey Frank Madelyn Grueter
Reporter Photographer & Photo Editor Designer Editor in Chief
1. Try a New Recipe Baking for fun has become more and more common during quarantine. Online recipes have made baking easier and more common. Banana bread has been deemed the official baking food for this quarantine, but our staff has a few great tasty ideas of their own. No matter how picky the eater or the specificity of food type needed there is a recipe out there for you.
Fav Chocolate Chip Cookies
Written by: Hailey Frank
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 1 egg Beat together softened 1&1/2 cups of all butter and sugars until purpose flour creamy. Add the egg and 1/2 tsp of baking soda vanilla, and mix for only 101/4 cup of brown 15 seconds. Next, add flour, sugar salt, and baking soda and mix 3/4 cup of chocolate to form a crumbly dough. chips Press the dough together and 1/4 tsp of salt incorporate the chocolate 1 tsp of vanilla chips with a spatula or your 1/2 cup of white sugar hands. Bake on a cookie sheet 8 tbsp of butter for 9-11 minutes. Enjoy!
Written by: Madelyn Grueter
“Oh, sheet!” Texas Sheet Cake
2 cups of sugar 1/2 cup of sour cream 2 eggs 2 cups of flour 1/2 tsp of salt 1 tsp of baking soda 3 sticks of butter 1 cup of water 8 tbsp of cocoa 6 tbsp of milk 1 lb of powdered sugar 1 tsp of vanilla OPTIONAL: sliced pecans
Cake- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a large cookie sheet. Cream together the sugar, sour cream, and eggs. Next, sift together flour, salt, and baking soda and add to the mixture. Boil 2 sticks of butter, water, and 4 tbsp. of cocoa and pour over flour mixture while hot. Mix thoroughly and bake for 20 minutes. Icing- Boil 1 stick of butter, milk, and 4 tbsp. of cocoa. Pour boiling mixture over powdered sugar. Mix together with vanilla. Pour icing over the cake while hot. (Optional: once the icing has set, add sliced pecans on top.)
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2. Staying Safe Written by: Paige Albright
Attention readers, here lies our COVID-19 PSA for you! Our dear readers, everybody wants to stay happy and healthy throughout quarantine. So to achieve our goal we included the World Health Organization’s (WHO) simple safety guidelines. There is no guarantee one won’t contract COVID-19, but by following these recommendations, it will be pretty darn hard to catch it.
Wash Your Hands
Firstly, your hands. Wash them. After you go outside, before you eat, after you clean your room at 2am since your sleep schedule has gone down the toilet, after you go to the restroom, and even after you play with your beloved pet (ie. 1415). Sing the ABC’s twice and use warm water. For those of us who didn't pass kindergarten, just wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.
Respiratory Hygiene The WHO recommends the population perform superior respiratory hygiene, but what does that even mean? It actually means our moms are right and have been for a long time. Sneeze into your elbow, cough into your elbow too, facing away from all humans nearby. Nobody wants you sneezing in their face. That’s just gross. Wear a mask in public to keep your germs in, and everyone else’s out. Many are making fun patterned masks, washable/reusable. The internet has many easy tutorials for you to follow.
Do Not Touch Your Face Whatever you do, don't touch your face! The easiest way for germs to get into your body is through your eyes, nose, mouth, and they are all conveniently found close together on most human faces. So like an art gallery, no touching. Most of us don’t realize how much we touch our face, but we do it subconsciously. Want a fun challenge? Video record yourself and try not to touch your face, see how long until you forget, or for a set time then play it back to count.
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Seek Medical Help
Another important recommendation is that, if you do think that germs of some sort have infiltrated your immune system giving you a cough, or fever, reach out to a medical professional. Call your doctor or a 24hr speed clinic to see if you can come in for an appointment. While it is very important that you get proper medical attention, make sure you give the medical center a heads up, so you don’t put yourself or others at an unnecessary risk. Whilst on the topic of medicine, make sure you show your support for those battling it out face to face with the virus. But, remember the health care workers are the final defense not the first line, we are the first line by staying home and doing all that we can to stop the spread.
Stay Six Feet Apart Like hands to your face, stay away from people. Six feet to be exact, Yes, even the extroverts. We know it's hard to stay away, refrain from hugging, and wear a mask when talking. However, we must all play our part in order to keep ourselves and our neighbors safe. So, for the sake of wanting to visit my grandparents as soon as safely possible, please stay six feet apart. Similar to the RomCom Five Feet Apart, you know the one with Cole Sprouse. I know this is very hard, but there are still ways to keep connected but at a distance.
Be Aware!
Finally, do your own research. Learn what is happening with laws and ordinances being passed in your state, county, town, and neighborhood. Believe in the motto all librarians live by and don't trust everything you read on the internet! Many are putting out their thoughts on the situation, but that does not mean it is fact. When in doubt, return to your trusted, school-approved sources.
Please stay safe!
-True Confessions Staff
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3. Pick A Hobby Hobbies are everywhere, and they are the perfect way to keep busy at home. You can pick up a new hobby or advance an old one. Going stir crazy can be a big problem for even the most introverted introverts during this period of staying at home and away from others. But, staying home can save so many lives. Here are a few of our quarantine hobbies. Remember you can make a hobby out of anything just pick something you love!
Written by: Madelyn Grueter
Everyday I'm Puzzling
Ah, puzzles. A favorite pastime for many that’s been around since 1767. For me, puzzles are a tradition in my family. Every year for Christmas, we get a new puzzle and solve it on New Year’s Eve, before the clock strikes midnight. It’s a great way to start the new year, by accomplishing a task. My late great-grandma, Gigi, started the tradition and we’ve been puzzling ever since. I rediscovered puzzles this quarantine since I had so much free time. Puzzles are great because they’re time consuming, satisfying, and something to do with the whole family.
Written by: Paige Albright
Paper puzzles have been hobbies for decades, from sudoku to crosswords in the everyday paper. You might have looked past them thinking they are for elderly people, but I have found a perfect way to protect my sanity: dot-to-dots! They are not nearly as frustrating as sudoku, but still provide a good mental challenge. Especially if the puzzles have a twist on it like, only connect events, or certain symbols have different rules. They are also very accessible for everyone, just print of a puzzle from online. Or copy it onto a paper if a printer is not available.
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Dotted Drawings
Written by: Hailey Frank
Nailed It! Use a base coat to help your polish stick to your nails better. Use 2 coats of your color of choice to make it opaque. Adding a top coat will prevent dents or scratches in the polish and help it last. Add a different color or design on 1 or 2 nails as an accent nail!
I started doing my nails a lot more often when ICCSD closed school. I’ve always loved painting my nails. I currently own 38 bottles of nail polish, in almost all colors! My favorite polish colors are pastels, mostly pink. Keeping your nails a bit longer can give you more room to create art. Here are a couple things you should keep in mind when painting your nails:
Written by: Tess DeGrazia
I started the hobby of bullet journaling about a year ago, but more recently I’ve been making an effort to do more of it. I’ve built up my calligraphy and recently included that in my journal. Ever since it was announced that we had to be isolated at home for some time, I started doing this more often. Bullet journaling helps to let myself get a breather from the stresses of media; it helps to get a break.
Write It Out
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4. Go Outdoors Written by: Madelyn Grueter
5 Reasons to Go Outside: 1. The “sunshine vitamin” : When natural sunlight hits the skin, it makes vitamin D from cholesterol. Vitamin D regulates calcium in the intestines and kidneys. 2. To lower stress. These are stressful times, but going outside is proven to reduce levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, in the brain. It can also reduce heart rate. 3. To strengthen your immune system. The immune system needs challenges to work best, and we all desire strong immunity right now. A trip outside can increase the number of white blood cells in one’s body. White blood cells strengthen your immune system by battling pathogens alongside antibodies. 4. To simply get out of the house. Self-isolation can be tough, but it doesn’t have to be suffocating. Make sure to follow proper COVID-19 etiquette, though. Walk six feet apart, don’t spit on the ground, clean up after yourself, and when passing in groups, form a single file line. And remember, as tempting as that playground looks, metal can hold viruses up to two to three days. 5. It’s completely free!
Sourses: Medical News Today Scandinavian Journal of Forest Research Askthescientists.com
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5. Workout Written by: Paige Albright
Let's Pump It Up
As many sports are being canceled, gyms are being closed, and all of us are staying at home, it can seem hard to get your normal activities in. But, here are a few ways to get your blood flowing and your heart pumping. If you are looking for a fun way to get your cardio in, have you tried an 80’s jazzercise class? After laughing at the old music and fashion style you can enjoy the workout with a smile. You could even dress up to fit the era, nobody is there to judge you. Or try a Rockettes jazz class broadcasted for free off of their Instagram(@theRockettes). Looking for a low impact workout? Check out yoga and pilates. Nolte Academy is offering discounted Zoom pilates classes almost everyday. There are also thousands of videos on YouTube, ranging from a good morning stretch to full on sweating buckets. Don’t have too much time left over? Check out Barry’s 20 minute workouts on Instagram (@Barry’s) for free! There are instructors from all over the United States leading you through a challenging circuit, but don't fear there are many options to each set to best suit you and your abilities. Many accounts on all social media platforms that are posting circuits/workout inspiration for specific muscle groups (@homeabs, @_kylieross, @lathoma3) Make use of your free time from school to go outside! Take your legs out for a stroll, run/jog, or hike. Maybe bust out your old bike or roller skates. Maybe you could be like me and safely try to teach yourself how to ride a skateboard. Walk your pet, amazon sells harnesses for almost all mammal pets. I have even walked my rabbit, granted it took a long time since he kept hopping in zig-zags. Places like trails, public paths, and most parks are still open. However, I recommend that you visit these places during lull times to avoid a crowd. Remember that you just need to take care of yourself, do what you need to do. If you are bored, why not try a fun work out? Working out can give you that accomplished feeling to start or end your day. 9
6. What To Watch 6. What To Watch Written by: Tess Degrazia
One of the most confusing things for people during quarantine is what to watch while stuck at home. Here are a few shows that are some of our favorites! (We highly recommend all of them and we hope this helps to fill your time).
"The Office"-
This show is one to watch for a good chuckle. I’ve been watching it for three years and have seen it over 60 times. It’s one of those shows that never gets old, and I’m still watching it currently. To me, it’s one of the best shows ever created. It’s about these wonderful characters who work at a paper company. As it sounds as though it’s boring, it’s the most hilarious show with such funny characters. It truly is one of the most interesting and intriguing shows to binge to. It shares iconic references while gets deep about relationships with one another. Currently, "The Office" is only on Netflix.
"The Good Place"This show shows a lot about how others can impact our lives, while it also simply brings humor and fun. It’s one of those shows to watch when you need a pick-me-up, or simply just to binge! Definitely a good one with iconic characters. It’s about four characters who die and end up in “The Good Place”, but later it takes an interesting and shocking turn. This show has the best characters and the best storyline. You can find this show on Netflix, Hulu, or NBC. I (seriously), highly recommend it, the humor is definitely top-notch. 10
“Schitt’s Creek”Now this show is one I recommend for everybody. It’s one of the funniest shows I have ever seen. It shows and talks about change, humor, and shares a wonderful story about a hilarious family. It’s one of the best shows I’ve ever watched. I definitely recommend watching this with family as well! It deals with a “wealthy” family who loses all their money who ends up with one sole possession which is a town they bought as a joke called “Schitt’s Creek”. They have to then move to this small town which is essentially all they have and learn how to change to this new, small, and rural environment. It has the best humor and the characters are just spectacular. 10/10 recommend and you can watch it on Netflix!
“Good Luck Charlie”As we know this is a bit of a throwback show. But to be honest, I think it’s one of the most iconic shows ever made. The characters are just simply hilarious and the show takes twists and turns almost every episode. If you’re feeling nostalgic, this show is one of the best to watch, hands down. I’ve recently been watching this on Disney Plus, and it’s bringing back amounts of childhood memories and so much nostalgia I didn’t expect. This show is about a big family that has different adventures every day. It’s one of the most uplifting and nostalgic shows ever.
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7. Quarentine Playlist Toxic- Britney Spears
Dancing On My Own- Calum Scott
Hands to Myself- Selena Gomez
Alone Together- Dan+Shay
We’re All In This Together- High School Musical Cast
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Work from Home- Fifth Harmony
House Party- Sam Hunt
If the World Was Ending- JP Saxe, Julia Michaels
Better Together by Jack Johnson
A Moment Apart- Odesza
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8. 8. Pets! This is a very stressful time and animals are great ways to relieve that stress. Also, right now is a great time to foster. Being home all the day, there is so much time to adjust to having a new member of the family. If you do not have a pet, here are some of ours to make your day.
The Mother-Duckers
Written by: Madelyn Grueter In a spur of the moment decision, I am now the proud owner of four little ducklings. Well, not so little anymore. Only a month old and the ducks have nearly tripled in size! Names: Aflac, Komodo Origami, Ming-Ming, and Olly Ages: about 1 month Species: Domestic & marbled ducks Favorite Food: Mealworms Favorite Activity: Swimming
This is my dog, Witten, but I usually call her Witty. My family named her after Jason Witten, who was a tight end for the Dallas Cowboys. She is also very smart and loves poeple. Name: Witten Age: 5 Species: Dog(Labradoodle) Height: Favorite Food: popcorn Favorite Activity: Licking EVERYTHING 14
Witten
Written by: Hailey Frank
Luna & Rosie
Written by: Tess Degrazia
My two dogs Rosie and Luna are truly blessings. They bring joy and love to our family and tie everything together. Names: Luna & Rosie Ages: 2 & 12 Species: Dogs(Mini Bernedoodle & Rescue) Favorite Foods: banana & steak Favorite Activities: Cuddles & sitting in the sun
Hoho
Recently I got a new air plant, which are tiny plants that grow vines as they live. Now if you know me, I’m not the best caretaker of plants, but after getting this specific air plant, I’m happy to say I’ve improved since my first air plant that has sadly passed. When I started and got this plant, it was tiny but blossoming, and now it’s leaves have grown twice the size. What I learned out of everything so far is to occasionally give it sunlight while watering it or spraying it with water three times a week. I wish I had learned that the first time around. I hope to soon get more air plants to have multiple at a time, but as of now I just have the one. Being in quarantine I’ve also learned generally a lot more about caretaking for plants. So I think it would be a good growth experience to care for multiple plants at once, especially if it’s air plants.
Written by: Tess Degrazia
Name: Hoho Age: 6 months Species: Airplant Favorite Food: Water Favorite Activity: Chilling
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Enjoy! Hey readers! We figured you would be bored soon, if you are not already, so here is a little dot to dot to keep you occupied. And guess what? You can make one too! Take the image of your choice and put it into Google Drawings. Create dots and numbers along the outline until you are happy with the final product.