Teen Pulse

I can’t quite believe it’s already 2013. Everyone has already made New Year’s resolutions and is leaving 2012 in the dust.
But last year isn’t about to just disappear. It didn’t just leave with some of the most periodically significant events in history — the presidential election and the Olympics, for example — 2012 also left the legacy of one of the craziest years in fashion.
Haute couture exploded as designers sought new ways to make unique clothing and accessories.
Silhouettes ballooned when designers like Comme des Garçons decided to make shirts and dresses excessively large and stiff (so that the models looked as if they were in giant flattened plum costumes) but something in all the grandeur still screamed fashion.
The amount of color and print on the runway mushroomed. Color blocking, metallics, jewel tones and newly modern colors like ox blood red and mustard yellow made flashy appearances in multiple fashion shows.
We saw pants patterned with palm trees, exotic flowers and different types of animal prints.
Sparkles and giant accessories dominated shows and even massive, feather-like “loofah” dresses nearly engulfed models.
And yet, all of this was translated into a more human, consumer-oriented, wearable form.

College begins a new chapter in life for both students and families. Students get to see a life outside of Los Alamos and families adjust to missing a family member that is miles away.
Some young people have described the experience of leaving home as exciting, overwhelming, interesting and sad.
In contrast, families have said that having a part of their family leaving is sad, but also a proud experience because that person is moving on in life.
In the months of November and December, the weather gets colder, people’s bank accounts dwindle and the holidays arrive.
This time of year marks a season of giving, joy and guilt-free eating, but it’s also a time for families to be reunited.
Aidan Bradbury Aranda, a 2012 Los Alamos High School graduate, is attending the University of Southern California and is majoring in film.
Bradbury Aranda said that leaving New Mexico was “an interesting change because I was used to living in a smaller town and moving to the big city was exciting, but also a bit overwhelming.” He also said he missed the nature, the stars and green chile.
Even though he likes California, Bradbury Aranda said, “I like being home because I get to see my family again, as well as my friends, plus I prefer living in my house than in my dorm room.”

Dear Santa,
It’s me again, and I’ve got a few wishes for Christmas this year.
At first I wanted a pony, but I figured that wouldn’t fit very well into your bag of toys, so I settled on something more reasonable.
I instead wish for that pair of camel-colored boots I found in Dillard’s a few weeks ago, a sparkly headband, and a voluminous polka-dot scarf — preferably in red, yellow, pink, white, or all of the above.
I hope that’s not too much to ask for. Try looking at discount stores to get the best deals.
Merry Christmas!
Love,
Alexandra Helen

Dear Santa, 
I know I haven’t been the best boy, but I hope you will give me something other than coal this year. Anyway here goes. I’d like:
• An Erector set
• Lincoln logs
• An iPhone 5
• A pogo stick
• Your autograph

• Monday: Candycane elephant
• Tuesday: Snowflake card
• Wednesday:  
Movies and munchies
• Thursday: Bottle cap art
• Friday: Coloring contest

Memberships are free and open to all in third through eighth grade.
The White Rock Youth Activity Center is at 10 Sherwood Blvd., 672-1565. The Los Alamos Youth Activity  Center is at 475 20th St., 662-9412.