2020 will be remembered as the year of the pandemic and the creatives. As crazy as it sounds, I don?t think there?s ever been a better time to be a content producer. Whether you?re a musician, a writer, a blogger, a vlogger, or a podcaster, this is your moment. The world is on hold, and all we have to keep us sane is the work of the artistically inclined among us who often don?t get the credit or attention that they deserve. Since I have nothing but time on my hands, I?ve been able to reconnect with the thing that I love most ? music. I feel like a kid in a candy store as I explore the music i ..read more

There?s a growing sentiment that the economic blowback from this pandemic will reach or surpass great depression levels. But what about the cultural ramifications? Around the world, fear has gripped the hearts of the many and is beginning to govern peoples? actions. For example, in America, there?s a growing resentment toward people of Asian descent, and in China, there are reports that they have begun removing black people from their homes and confiscating their passports. We?ve been bombarded with news about each country?s response, or lack thereof, to the ongoing pandemic. Rather than exami ..read more

I?ve been quarantined in my apartment on the outskirts of Madrid for the last few weeks, and I?ve had plenty of time to think and reflect. We all have. First and foremost, I?ll state the obvious ? the coronavirus is horrible. The number of lives lost and/or negatively impacted by this global pandemic has been unfathomable, but the goal of this article isn?t to state the obvious. I?m a firm believer that bad things can happen for you as well as to you. It?s all a matter of perspective. Yes, tragedy in itself is inherently negative, but there?s a lesson and an opportunity in everything if you lo ..read more

You can learn a lot about a person by looking at their playlist. I recently did a lesson with my older ESL students in which they created playlist profiles. They chose songs that they feel accurately represent them in various situations. The kids loved it, and it was a huge success. The lesson went so well that I decided to take it one step further and create a profile for myself using a slightly more complex set of emotions and circumstances than I used in class. My Everyday Mood Electric Relaxation ? A Tribe Called Quest I strive to stay calm and keep my head on straight at all times. This c ..read more

I haven?t written about music in roughly a decade, and that?s because I fell out of love with rap music. But that may have all changed thanks to Netflix. There aren?t many things that can top the honeymoon phase of a relationship. Everything you do or experience together is new and exciting, and the two of you can?t get enough of each other. That?s how I felt about rap music once upon a time. It was a long honeymoon, but even the best of relationships sour at some point. When ours struggled, we had to go our separate ways for a while. I had stopped believing in the future of rap music. But tim ..read more

By Lydia Lee Photo by Taras Makarenko from Pexels Are you tired or overstressed from work? It would be suitable for your health to take a deep breath and relax while enjoying your surroundings. Perhaps you can go for a stroll downtown or hit the road with friends en route to your favorite place. There’s nothing like a joyride with friends. The only thing you need to worry about is what music to play during your joyride. In general, traveling will improve your life. And sometimes, a good old-fashioned joyride is just what the doctor ordered. You don’t have to think about any of your problems or ..read more

The holiday season is finally upon us. The hardest part of holiday shopping is finding gifts that people can, or will, actually use. It can be especially difficult to shop for someone who is a frequent traveler. They?re always on the go, so typical gifts may not be of much use to them. If you currently find yourself in this predicament, keep reading to find some unique gifts for the travelers in your life. Wallets The best travelers tend to be the most organized. The first step of organizing yourself for travel is figuring out your wallet situation. It?s where you keep your money and many of y ..read more

This bustling metropolis is the capital of Spain. While it?s no Manhattan, Madrid is bursting with culture and offers an array of entertainment options. Whether you?re an art enthusiast, a thrill-seeker, or a party animal, Madrid has something for you. How to Get to Madrid Madrid is accessible by air and land. Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suarez International airport (MAD) is conveniently located and provides direct access to the metro and Cercanias trains. You can take a bus to and from the airport. If you?re already in Europe, you can still fly, or you can reach Madrid via train, but I wouldn?t rec ..read more

It?s been a while since I?ve posted anything on Jaded ?80s Baby. While I?ve stayed somewhat active in the blogosphere by publishing a couple of guest posts for other sites, I haven?t dedicated as much time as I should to my growing blog. A lot has been going on behind the scenes, so my mind has been elsewhere. My?family came to visit?in September, the school year started, and I?ve been planning for a life-altering move that will take place at the end of June. I?ve had a lot on my plate, but now that I?ve settled into a routine, things should gradually return to normal.   The Gift and the ..read more

Valencia is one of the most picturesque provinces in Spain, and it is packed with fun things to see and do. From the beautiful coastline to the detailed architecture, Valencia will take your breath away. While you should spend as much time as possible in this captivating locale, sometimes, you only have enough time for a quick trip. If you fall into that category, you?re in luck. I?ve put together a 2-day travel guide full of fun things to do that will make your trip to Valencia easier and more enjoyable. Walking Tour If you don?t mind exercise, you should signup for a free walking tour. My f ..read more