It's beginning to feel this week like we all need some peace and quiet and time to relax. We all seem stressed to the max, and everyone in my life has been projecting mad amounts of aggravation.
Chill bros, just chill.
I can joke about this because I'm 5 minutes away from munching on some chocolate and making myself up a Soy Chocolate Chai Latte on the stove. Mmmm Chocolate/caffeine fixes...
But seriously, it feels like everyone I know - me included - is suffering from high amounts of under-appreciation.
We normally put a lot of work into what we do, right? Especially if it's something we believe in, or something we want to succeed. The amounts of energy I have put into some of my projects could power a few hundred rockets into space!
But what happens if that work isn't acknowledged? What if it's brushed off, or accepted as the status quo even when it's clear that you went above and beyond? What if - horror of horrors - someone else took credit for it?
Well first things first, no matter what you do after the last is look petty if you correct them about whose idea it was. But the fact of the matter is - give the credit where credit is due. Otherwise, your hatred or hurt is going to simmer on a backburner for a very long time. So politely correct another's false idea, describe the momentum behind the project and how you came to that idea to the endpoint it is at now to back up your argument, and mention the endgoals you have concerning that project.
I have had work brushed off. I have had a lot of work brushed off. I have watched many people attempt to take credit for it, and I've realized at the end of the day, that where my resentment comes from is not just from under-appreciation, but it's from being overlooked.
We are all staring at people and screaming inside our heads "LOOK at me! SEE me! I am VALUED and I want you to treat me as such!"
Well, if you want to be treated as such, start treating others the same way. It ain't called the Golden Rule for nuthin' folks.
I personally find at the end of the day, that under-appreciation hurts just a little bit less, when I've helped someone else feel legitimately valued.
So, say it truthfully, say it often, folks. Just let those who come into your life know that they really are valued.
Dwellings, Musings, Thoughts, Worries, Apprehensions, Attentions, Conclusions, Contemplations, Deductions, Deliberations, Discernments, Introspections, Meditations, Rationalizations, Realizations, Speculations, Studies, Theories, Understanding...
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Monday, September 16, 2013
Please Support Me
I sit here in triumph, because my first assignment has been passed back to me and I received 90%! Woo hoo!
It's been a busy, frantic first week, and I have been trying to establish a routine and find my footing in the strange yet unfamiliar settings. In trying to find a balance, I've discovered that some things just do not work for me.
I'm taking four courses on recommendation of the Academic Adviser I went to, and those four courses are Law, Power, and Politics, The Messenger: Journalism and Storytelling, World History, and Crime and the Media. I'm taking my political science every Monday,Wednesday and Friday around noon, then on Tuesdays and Thursdays I'm in class from 10 am until 1 pm, for my History and Journalism class, and I have my one night class at around 5 pm.
I have discovered in my first week the following very important points;
1) I'm in a better mood. Because I work on Sundays, Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays, enjoying my classes makes my work seem less stressful, and I am in a happier mood. Especially on Fridays and Mondays.
2) I have no Mondays. Granted, this also means I have no Fridays or weekend, since I will always either be going to class or work, but it means I can't explain my blahs on a day, and it makes it harder for me to be negative.
3) I hate having to actually think before noon. Normally, because of the majority of my work shifts have been nights, I've slept until 10 am, laid in bed for two hours, and maybe started getting up around noon to drink coffee. This means I've been racing out to my morning classes, bagel clenched firmly in teeth, coffee thermos clutched to test to grab a cab to make it on time. But, I'm getting better about catching the buses. And I *hate* being late for classes...
4) I really am an introvert. That time block on Tuesdays and Thursdays kills me a little inside. Stay on campus for 5 odd hours, or catch the bus back home, to read through assignments and cook some food? Well, I've discovered that being on campus constantly around people drains all the energy out of me, so I have to go back home to recharge.
5) I don't like night classes. I used to love them in my first and second years. (You know, the ones where I undoubtedly was hungover until 3 pm?) But this one night class? Phew. I have to drink some form of caffeine during it, otherwise I start to nod off. Plus, this one is in an awkward time frame around where supper is.
6) I get to see my boyfriend a lot more. This is awesome, because I like him, and I'm always popping down to the radio station to rewrite my class notes and check in, and I get to run into him more. Plus, since we're both students again, we have more things to talk about, which makes hanging out more fun.
7) My time management skills are boss. Seriously, I'm working 4 days out of the week, going to school for 5 days, I have a bunch of volunteer jobs I'm doing, and I'm now writing for the student newspapers. I'm awesome.
8) I love my student fees. Seriously, I have dental coverage now. Do you realize how awesome that is?
9) Journalism is the silver tongued devil. Why do I say this? Because it's wooing me. It's wooing me hard. I'm seriously thinking of double majoring in Criminology and Journalism.
10) I reward myself for a job well done. I say this while currently chowing down sushi and inhaling green tea, because I decided that getting an A- on my first paper is cause for celebration. As long as I don't dwell on possible shortcomings, and reward myself for good behavior (like finishing my note taking for the day and reading this weeks' entertainment novel instead of working further on assignments due later on down the road, or getting an A on a paper and gorging myself on sushi.) then I'm sure I'll remain reasonably sane.
The only thing I'll have to remember is to let myself sleep properly. Last night I was up until 4 am!
So please, follow my tenth point when talking to me about my new aspirations in life. Yes, I am very aware I can easily burn out, but pointing this out to me more often will make me dwell on it and stress more than I need to. Instead, ask how those week's classes are going, or if I'm excited for something else happening this week.
After all, I know for a fact I can do this, but your job as my friends and acquaintances is to support me in my endeavors just like I attempt to support yours.
Much love, everyone.
It's been a busy, frantic first week, and I have been trying to establish a routine and find my footing in the strange yet unfamiliar settings. In trying to find a balance, I've discovered that some things just do not work for me.
I'm taking four courses on recommendation of the Academic Adviser I went to, and those four courses are Law, Power, and Politics, The Messenger: Journalism and Storytelling, World History, and Crime and the Media. I'm taking my political science every Monday,Wednesday and Friday around noon, then on Tuesdays and Thursdays I'm in class from 10 am until 1 pm, for my History and Journalism class, and I have my one night class at around 5 pm.
I have discovered in my first week the following very important points;
1) I'm in a better mood. Because I work on Sundays, Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays, enjoying my classes makes my work seem less stressful, and I am in a happier mood. Especially on Fridays and Mondays.
2) I have no Mondays. Granted, this also means I have no Fridays or weekend, since I will always either be going to class or work, but it means I can't explain my blahs on a day, and it makes it harder for me to be negative.
3) I hate having to actually think before noon. Normally, because of the majority of my work shifts have been nights, I've slept until 10 am, laid in bed for two hours, and maybe started getting up around noon to drink coffee. This means I've been racing out to my morning classes, bagel clenched firmly in teeth, coffee thermos clutched to test to grab a cab to make it on time. But, I'm getting better about catching the buses. And I *hate* being late for classes...
4) I really am an introvert. That time block on Tuesdays and Thursdays kills me a little inside. Stay on campus for 5 odd hours, or catch the bus back home, to read through assignments and cook some food? Well, I've discovered that being on campus constantly around people drains all the energy out of me, so I have to go back home to recharge.
5) I don't like night classes. I used to love them in my first and second years. (You know, the ones where I undoubtedly was hungover until 3 pm?) But this one night class? Phew. I have to drink some form of caffeine during it, otherwise I start to nod off. Plus, this one is in an awkward time frame around where supper is.
6) I get to see my boyfriend a lot more. This is awesome, because I like him, and I'm always popping down to the radio station to rewrite my class notes and check in, and I get to run into him more. Plus, since we're both students again, we have more things to talk about, which makes hanging out more fun.
7) My time management skills are boss. Seriously, I'm working 4 days out of the week, going to school for 5 days, I have a bunch of volunteer jobs I'm doing, and I'm now writing for the student newspapers. I'm awesome.
8) I love my student fees. Seriously, I have dental coverage now. Do you realize how awesome that is?
9) Journalism is the silver tongued devil. Why do I say this? Because it's wooing me. It's wooing me hard. I'm seriously thinking of double majoring in Criminology and Journalism.
10) I reward myself for a job well done. I say this while currently chowing down sushi and inhaling green tea, because I decided that getting an A- on my first paper is cause for celebration. As long as I don't dwell on possible shortcomings, and reward myself for good behavior (like finishing my note taking for the day and reading this weeks' entertainment novel instead of working further on assignments due later on down the road, or getting an A on a paper and gorging myself on sushi.) then I'm sure I'll remain reasonably sane.
The only thing I'll have to remember is to let myself sleep properly. Last night I was up until 4 am!
So please, follow my tenth point when talking to me about my new aspirations in life. Yes, I am very aware I can easily burn out, but pointing this out to me more often will make me dwell on it and stress more than I need to. Instead, ask how those week's classes are going, or if I'm excited for something else happening this week.
After all, I know for a fact I can do this, but your job as my friends and acquaintances is to support me in my endeavors just like I attempt to support yours.
Much love, everyone.
Friday, September 6, 2013
Welcome Back to University...
For those who weren't aware, I've been out of university since 2008, working (or not) and essentially avoiding even the thought of having to write papers. But this summer, I caved, and finally decided to head back.
I submitted my late application before the deadline, was approved a week later (yay) and I am now currently fighting with Student Loans to rehabituate my loans so I don't have to pay all of this out of my own pocket.
I'm also dealing with the rather unsettling experience of knowing that I will most likely be the oldest student in all of the courses I'm attending.
My two friends, M and T are having the same experience, and from what I can tell, they're going through it the same way I am: with loads of cynicism, coffee, and confidence.
Confidence? And we're all still uneasy? Well, if you weren't a freshman, you might understand.
Mature students are called mature because they've been on their own, and know things that freshmen still have to figure out. I'm not saying we're world weary, but I am saying we're laughing at the really arrogant frosh in our courses, because we know that attitude will be kicked out of them by the time finals roll around.
Older students tend to have a better idea of where they want to fit in the world, and what actions it'll take to get there. Frosh are understandably going to take a few years to figure this out.
BUT, if you are a Frosh, I'm sure you'll enjoy this next part much more, as it won't come off as condescending to you.
So, I made the point of searching out my classrooms so I wouldn't get lost, and I checked all over for the deals for books, and I even planned out the bus schedule to arrive on time.
Well, my first two days, I was late to my History class, because I got turned around in a building, I waited outside my Journalism class and was almost late because I couldn't figure out if the classroom was open yet or not, my Criminology class lasted only 20 minutes and the professor was late herself, and my Political Science class had homework assigned before we'd even all been sitting in it for 10 minutes.
Actually, ALL of my professors have already assigned homework. Which require textbooks I can't buy yet at the bookstore with hour long lines because I have no money yet, and I can't print out my assignment because I have yet to buy ink for my printer.
Also, I still have work to get through tonight, and the Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope to volunteer at tomorrow.
What happened to the first easy week of University?? Why does it feel like everything has changed since I've been here?
And can someone please tell me where I go to pick up an orientation kit?!
*runs off to catch the bus to work*
I submitted my late application before the deadline, was approved a week later (yay) and I am now currently fighting with Student Loans to rehabituate my loans so I don't have to pay all of this out of my own pocket.
I'm also dealing with the rather unsettling experience of knowing that I will most likely be the oldest student in all of the courses I'm attending.
My two friends, M and T are having the same experience, and from what I can tell, they're going through it the same way I am: with loads of cynicism, coffee, and confidence.
Confidence? And we're all still uneasy? Well, if you weren't a freshman, you might understand.
Mature students are called mature because they've been on their own, and know things that freshmen still have to figure out. I'm not saying we're world weary, but I am saying we're laughing at the really arrogant frosh in our courses, because we know that attitude will be kicked out of them by the time finals roll around.
Older students tend to have a better idea of where they want to fit in the world, and what actions it'll take to get there. Frosh are understandably going to take a few years to figure this out.
BUT, if you are a Frosh, I'm sure you'll enjoy this next part much more, as it won't come off as condescending to you.
So, I made the point of searching out my classrooms so I wouldn't get lost, and I checked all over for the deals for books, and I even planned out the bus schedule to arrive on time.
Well, my first two days, I was late to my History class, because I got turned around in a building, I waited outside my Journalism class and was almost late because I couldn't figure out if the classroom was open yet or not, my Criminology class lasted only 20 minutes and the professor was late herself, and my Political Science class had homework assigned before we'd even all been sitting in it for 10 minutes.
Actually, ALL of my professors have already assigned homework. Which require textbooks I can't buy yet at the bookstore with hour long lines because I have no money yet, and I can't print out my assignment because I have yet to buy ink for my printer.
Also, I still have work to get through tonight, and the Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope to volunteer at tomorrow.
What happened to the first easy week of University?? Why does it feel like everything has changed since I've been here?
And can someone please tell me where I go to pick up an orientation kit?!
*runs off to catch the bus to work*
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Teaser #1
I'm currently working on a book idea that I've been fighting with for the past year. The idea has been very stubborn in making its way out, and I finally decided to let it have its way with me. The result was that every so often I get a jump of motivation and a scene from the book completely plays itself out in my mind and I get to run for a writing device to get it out so I can think of something -anything- other than what my muse is walloping me with above the head.
This scene is just before a mortal is introduced, so to speak, to all the different pantheons. Loki, who has taken an interest in her, is attempting to convince her otherwise, but her curiosity wins out and she insists on being taken to the Halls of the Pantheons themselves. So Loki places what could otherwise be called a geis, a protection or marking of a sort essentially marking her as "his", and under his protection. This is explained in greater detail later on.
It popped into my head for a possible plot involving Nephilim, because so many fun things could happen when you put one specific example of Judeo-Christianity dumped into all the other pantheons you could think of. What ended up happening was this perfect scene mover, as I like to call it. All kinds of foreboding, and foreshadowing and fore- Well, Loki is a bit of a perv, but he hasn't managed to get in her pants yet, although not for lack of trying.
I've yet to flesh out the female protagonist, other than basing her on what I think are my best qualities - snarky, stubborn, and possibly too curious for her own good. So for those who know me, this might just scream me. Woops. Oh well.
I especially enjoy this scene because the beginning illustrates what people seem to forget in relation to religion, which is that society has watered it down, and put their own spin on it. All of this mythology that came into existence was here for a reason in response to some very real emotions, and are meant to represent some very strong concepts. They didn't call them Guardian Angels for nuthin'. And they had to do their fair share of fighting. They're not just cuddly, they're powerful. We should never forget that.
Enjoy your sneak peek.
She was scratching designs into the soft wooden bench when he came to get her. He peered over her shoulder and snorted at the weeping angel she had drawn.
"You have no idea what angels really look like, do you?" He asked her seriously, clasping his palms behind his back. She glared at him, and stuck her fountain pen behind her ear, before standing up and swinging her messenger bag around her shoulders.
"And you do?' she scowled, her fingers in a death grip on the strap. He smirked, and leaned over the bench, passing a hand over her design as if to brush something off it. She leaned over, curious in spite of herself, and saw the ink resettling into a blurry image with wings, attacking another, while flames danced around them. The closer she went, the more details she made out, the swords and spears they were holding, the sandals wrapped around their feet, the cloth wrapped around their torsos and the bracers on their arms, how the fire seemed to surround them...
She jumped back with a yelp, as the flames finally engulfed the bench whole, and Loki laughed beside her.
"One of the hazards of attempting to recreate their image, I'm afraid." He grinned, quite unrepentant. He held out his hand, and she raised an eyebrow. He shrugged and went back to clasping his hands together.
"Walking the Halls themselves tend to be a bad idea for mortals. You need a guide, a-" he waggled his eyebrows a little "-an escort, you know? Otherwise, I can't promise your safety."
She stepped up to him, gingerly linking her hand around his arm. "Weren't you just telling me you can't promise me anything?" He chuckled in response to this, and began to haul her along. The walls seemed to move uncommonly fast, until she suspected he was getting them there faster.
"True. Nice to know you're not ignoring me when I'm talking my head off at you." He smirked at her, trying to get a reaction. She finally caught up to his walk and took strides as long as his. "Well, I could try to ignore you, but you do talk quite a bit. Some of it is bound to get through." She muttered back, giving up keeping her fountain pen by her ear and tossing it in her bag.
Loki laughed again at her snipe, shook his head, and stopped them abruptly at a large set of wooden doors, with dark iron hinges and handles set along very detailed carvings. He turned to her, capturing both her hands before she could yank them away, and raised them to his lips.
"Now listen to me very carefully here, mortal. There are things behind this door that mean you harm, and would be entertained by your suffering." His blue eyes were intent on her, and her cheeks began to heat up from the close proximity, but when she attempted to take a step back, he jerked her forward, and kissed her forehead. "Trickster I might be, but you're my foolish mortal, and I don't want to share."
She slapped a hand over her forehead and swore at the stinging sensation, before pulling her hand away to look for blood. "I'm not your property, Loki, no matter how mortal I am, and I'd love it if you could remember that." She tossed at him bitterly, rubbing her forehead. He grabbed her hand again, and placed it in his former position on his arm, grinning at her tightly.
"I do love a woman with spunk, but what you're about to walk into is something you can't understand. It's nothing to do with gender or race or even cultural habits. You are quite simply inferior to them. And you mean nothing to them but as a toy for their amusement." For once, his blue eyes were serious, and seemed carved from ice. He looked down, studying her fingers on his arm, before returning his gaze to her face. Her pulse had adequately jumped from his warning, and she inhaled then exhaled sharply, before securing her grip on his arm, and staring straight ahead at the doors.
"Last chance to walk away, my curious one." Loki said softly. Her chin jerked up abruptly and she narrowed her eyes and licked her lips nervously.
"But would I still be as curious if I walked away now?" She asked, her voice dipping in tone to correspond with her anxiety. She jumped when she felt his hand cover hers and give a slight squeeze. Did he mean to be comforting? She thought, trying to ignore the tension in her shoulders.
Loki removed his hand from hers and paused before pushing the doors open. "I don't think you know how not to be curious. Just like I know you're too stubborn to back away now." He turned to her and winked, no longer serious, all mischievousness. "I do so like the stubborn ones."
He pushed the doors open, and they walked through.
This scene is just before a mortal is introduced, so to speak, to all the different pantheons. Loki, who has taken an interest in her, is attempting to convince her otherwise, but her curiosity wins out and she insists on being taken to the Halls of the Pantheons themselves. So Loki places what could otherwise be called a geis, a protection or marking of a sort essentially marking her as "his", and under his protection. This is explained in greater detail later on.
It popped into my head for a possible plot involving Nephilim, because so many fun things could happen when you put one specific example of Judeo-Christianity dumped into all the other pantheons you could think of. What ended up happening was this perfect scene mover, as I like to call it. All kinds of foreboding, and foreshadowing and fore- Well, Loki is a bit of a perv, but he hasn't managed to get in her pants yet, although not for lack of trying.
I've yet to flesh out the female protagonist, other than basing her on what I think are my best qualities - snarky, stubborn, and possibly too curious for her own good. So for those who know me, this might just scream me. Woops. Oh well.
I especially enjoy this scene because the beginning illustrates what people seem to forget in relation to religion, which is that society has watered it down, and put their own spin on it. All of this mythology that came into existence was here for a reason in response to some very real emotions, and are meant to represent some very strong concepts. They didn't call them Guardian Angels for nuthin'. And they had to do their fair share of fighting. They're not just cuddly, they're powerful. We should never forget that.
Enjoy your sneak peek.
*
She was scratching designs into the soft wooden bench when he came to get her. He peered over her shoulder and snorted at the weeping angel she had drawn.
"You have no idea what angels really look like, do you?" He asked her seriously, clasping his palms behind his back. She glared at him, and stuck her fountain pen behind her ear, before standing up and swinging her messenger bag around her shoulders.
"And you do?' she scowled, her fingers in a death grip on the strap. He smirked, and leaned over the bench, passing a hand over her design as if to brush something off it. She leaned over, curious in spite of herself, and saw the ink resettling into a blurry image with wings, attacking another, while flames danced around them. The closer she went, the more details she made out, the swords and spears they were holding, the sandals wrapped around their feet, the cloth wrapped around their torsos and the bracers on their arms, how the fire seemed to surround them...
She jumped back with a yelp, as the flames finally engulfed the bench whole, and Loki laughed beside her.
"One of the hazards of attempting to recreate their image, I'm afraid." He grinned, quite unrepentant. He held out his hand, and she raised an eyebrow. He shrugged and went back to clasping his hands together.
"Walking the Halls themselves tend to be a bad idea for mortals. You need a guide, a-" he waggled his eyebrows a little "-an escort, you know? Otherwise, I can't promise your safety."
She stepped up to him, gingerly linking her hand around his arm. "Weren't you just telling me you can't promise me anything?" He chuckled in response to this, and began to haul her along. The walls seemed to move uncommonly fast, until she suspected he was getting them there faster.
"True. Nice to know you're not ignoring me when I'm talking my head off at you." He smirked at her, trying to get a reaction. She finally caught up to his walk and took strides as long as his. "Well, I could try to ignore you, but you do talk quite a bit. Some of it is bound to get through." She muttered back, giving up keeping her fountain pen by her ear and tossing it in her bag.
Loki laughed again at her snipe, shook his head, and stopped them abruptly at a large set of wooden doors, with dark iron hinges and handles set along very detailed carvings. He turned to her, capturing both her hands before she could yank them away, and raised them to his lips.
"Now listen to me very carefully here, mortal. There are things behind this door that mean you harm, and would be entertained by your suffering." His blue eyes were intent on her, and her cheeks began to heat up from the close proximity, but when she attempted to take a step back, he jerked her forward, and kissed her forehead. "Trickster I might be, but you're my foolish mortal, and I don't want to share."
She slapped a hand over her forehead and swore at the stinging sensation, before pulling her hand away to look for blood. "I'm not your property, Loki, no matter how mortal I am, and I'd love it if you could remember that." She tossed at him bitterly, rubbing her forehead. He grabbed her hand again, and placed it in his former position on his arm, grinning at her tightly.
"I do love a woman with spunk, but what you're about to walk into is something you can't understand. It's nothing to do with gender or race or even cultural habits. You are quite simply inferior to them. And you mean nothing to them but as a toy for their amusement." For once, his blue eyes were serious, and seemed carved from ice. He looked down, studying her fingers on his arm, before returning his gaze to her face. Her pulse had adequately jumped from his warning, and she inhaled then exhaled sharply, before securing her grip on his arm, and staring straight ahead at the doors.
"Last chance to walk away, my curious one." Loki said softly. Her chin jerked up abruptly and she narrowed her eyes and licked her lips nervously.
"But would I still be as curious if I walked away now?" She asked, her voice dipping in tone to correspond with her anxiety. She jumped when she felt his hand cover hers and give a slight squeeze. Did he mean to be comforting? She thought, trying to ignore the tension in her shoulders.
Loki removed his hand from hers and paused before pushing the doors open. "I don't think you know how not to be curious. Just like I know you're too stubborn to back away now." He turned to her and winked, no longer serious, all mischievousness. "I do so like the stubborn ones."
He pushed the doors open, and they walked through.
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Tips For Entering "The Real World" : Finances, Health, and Education
Universities, schools, and parents all have this annoying habit of telling us we're not ready for the real world, then neglecting to teach us how to be. Instead, they'll handle the paperwork, bills, and even our meal planning. So if you're about to leave the house of your parental units and want to know what's up, keep reading. I'll try to make this as painless as possible.
Tips for Finances
1. Estimate how many hours you work in a week, times that by 9.50 (to account for any taxes taken from your paycheck) and times that by 4. That's your monthly income. The formula is:
Now add up all your monthly bills including rent, utilities, home phone, cell phone, insurance, savings, and payments. These are your fixed expenses. Subtract your fixed expenses from your monthly income. You should have some left over. The money left over is for your variable expenses, which include transportation, clothing, food, and entertainment. You should always pay your fixed expenses before putting money towards your variable expenses. Money left over is called discretionary income. This is called a budget.
2. Saving sounds stupid now, because you really want to buy that pre-release online, or there's these shoes you were looking at, but it pays off later, in case of unexpected expenses, like if you lose your job, or break your computer. Plus, if you save enough up, you could take a few days off work and have a vacation.
3. It's a good idea to apply for a credit card and set it aside in case of large amounts of unexpected expenses. That way if your savings account can't handle it, your credit card can. Just remember not to overspend more than your monthly income. That way if something happens (like job loss) you won't still have problems paying it off.
4. ALWAYS PAY YOUR TAXES. I can't stress this enough. I have a friend who hasn't paid his taxes in years and had to go bankrupt in order to pay the government back. So remember, make an appointment in March to get your taxes done and do it every year, to avoid a lot of grief.
5. Keep receipts of everything, and store these in a small filing cabinet or folder. They normally sell these for cheap in office supplies stores. Not only will these keep you appraised of how much money you're spending and where, it's handy for tax and finance purposes.
6. Save up your small change. Servers do this with their tips regularly. I suggest this because if you're having a hard month and you need extra money, this will save you in a pinch. Just set aside two or three containers for change and designate one for toonies, one for loonies, and one for quarters. You can even do the same with nickels and dimes as well. Every month, deposit the change in your savings account. It'll add up quickly, and save you from a lot of stress.
7. When estimating how much something will cost, round up, not down. That way, when getting groceries, you'll be pleasantly surprised at the amount of cash you have left over, not scrambling in your pockets for more change.
8. Looking to get a vehicle, nicer apartment, or expensive piece of equipment? Talk to someone at your bank. They'll help you figure out what you can afford, and what monthly payments won't hurt your pocket. They'll also walk you through the process of applying for loans.
9. Insurance is a must. Life insurance, car insurance, tenant insurance, health insurance... Make sure you have these. They protect you from really bad things happening, like a car accident, or your apartment burning down, and all for a small monthly fee. Call your bank to ask for more details.
10. Never be afraid to shop around for better prices. It's your money, you get to determine how to spend it, and if you'd prefer to spend less money for better services, that's your call, not anyone elses' decision.
Tips for Health
1. Eat as healthy as possible. Only have your junk food once a week if possible. Our metabolisms slow down the older we get, and starting this now will save you a lot of trouble later on.
2. Never skip breakfast. Eat the biggest breakfast you can shove in your face. If you need help waking up, try to keep to one cup of coffee/tea a day and drink orange juice instead. It contains natural ingredients that won't throw your sleep cycle off.
3. Sleep at least 8 hours a day. This is non-negotiable. If you stay up too late, make sure you compensate by sleeping in a little longer than usual. Not only will this make you easier to be around (less irritable and nice) but you'll be more productive throughout your day, therefore negating the need to pull all-nighters.
4. Drink water as much as possible, especially right after you wake up in the morning. You've been sleeping, and your body is dehydrated. Use this rule for needing to know if you need to drink more water: the darker your urine, the more water you need to drink. It flushes out your system, fills you up a little more if you don't have time to eat, keeps your metabolism running smoothly so you aren't gaining extra weight, and a glass of water can even make a headache go away. Also, remember this: ice water stimulates your metabolism, making you hungrier, and hot water fills you up more, making it nearly impossible for you to over eat.
5. Cut your soda drinking down. WAY down. Less than once a week, even, and only in small amounts. The soda you're drinking not only eats away at your teeth causing expensive dentist bills, but it eats away at your stomach, messing up your metabolism, making your skin more prone to breakouts, but is FULL of fats that are not good for you, not to mention the fact that all that caffeine will disturb your sleep and make you irritable. Oh, and did I forget to mention that when I personally stopped drinking soda as much, I lost ten pounds? Yeah, I thought that might help.
6. Do some form of exercise for at least 30 minutes every day. EVERY day. I don't mean you have to work out, but at least go for a walk. Why? Your body will move easier, your metabolism will thank you for it, you'll find it easier to sleep at night, you'll get an endorphin rush and feel great after. It's hard to get started, but when you do, stick to it. It'll keep you healthier for longer, and decrease the amount of sick days you have as well.
7. If you do work out, take it slow. Don't expect too much, and remember to alternate body area days. For example, if one day you work solely on legs, the next day, you should work on arms. Your body needs a day of rest for those joints, to build up endurance and stamina.
8. If you're having problems eating healthy, start by challenging yourself. Try cooking a healthy meal once every two weeks, then once every week, then once every other day and... You get the point. Your body will begin to crave all the healthy food you're trying to make, and all those recipes you can find online will help with that.
9. Multivitamins, multivitamins, multivitamins. These are wonderful creations, and I suggest everyone take a multivitamin a day. I strongly recommend One a Day for both men and women, especially the ones with added calcium. Just remember to take one every day, with a meal. Like that huge breakfast you should be making yourself.
10. If you're going to go to a restaurant, try to make it once a week at most. Save it for a treat and really make it worth it, especially if it's going to be not so healthy food. Why? Their food portion sizes are three to four sizes too big for what we all should be eating. The more you eat in one sitting, the more food you'll crave all the time.
Tips for School
1. Never select early morning classes, unless you're sure you're an early morning riser. As in super early morning. Why? You'll need to eat, shower, get dressed, fix your hair, gather your books and notes and homework, and get to the class. I recommend allowing for two hours to get ready, that way you have time to get your lazing, coffee drinking, or workout out of the way, and another half hour for possible transportation delays.
2. As soon as you're out of class, rewrite your notes. Not only will they be neater, and easier to read in preparation for quizzes or exams, but it'll remind you of any forgotten homework as well as refresh the material in your head. Make notes beside concepts you don't understand, and bring them up next class. Plus, if they're neat and well written enough, with plenty of references to the concepts in the textbooks, it's very possible you can sell them to the other members of your class. You know, the less prepared ones, who aren't making as good grades as you.
3. ALWAYS immediately write your homework or readings in your agenda. If you don't have an agenda, get a cheap one at your local bookstore, or head down to the student bookstore or student union building. They normally hand out agendas at the beginning of the year, as is included in your student fees.
4. Check your agenda every night. That way if you have an essay due, or readings to get done, you won't forget about them or lag behind the rest of the class. Doing the readings and rewriting your class notes every day right after your class will ensure you don't spend as much time doing homework, which will leave you more time to have fun.
5. If you're sick or unable to attend a class, email the professor of the class you're missing RIGHT AWAY to inform them. Some of them give class participation marks. That way, you can keep up to date on the classes you've missed. Plus, you can also make an appointment with them to discuss the material from the classes you've missed, and be informed of any possible exam questions that might have been hinted at.
6. Stay after class to talk to the teacher, and discuss the topic from that class. Why? It shows appreciation for the professor, who puts a lot of work into the material they're preparing for you, and makes you and them more invested in the class. You can think of it as brown nosing, sucking up, or whatever you like, but they are up there doing a service for your life to be better, and they are NOT paid very well. Give them the respect anyone deserves and show you don't think of them as a robot.
7. Buy the textbooks. Don't rent or borrow them. I know, I know, it costs money, but it'll be a lot easier to study for that big final if you have your own that is the correct edition. Plus, there are some teachers that insist upon you writing or highlighting in your textbooks. I even had one professor who had us scratch out sentences, draw pictures, and write in all the margins of one book. Big plus: when you have the right edition.
8. Go to every class. What do you think you're paying for? Yes, an education, but it's the entire experience you're looking for. There are some teachers who give out class participation marks to those who show up. Plus there's pop quizzes, tests to hand back out, exam question hints to be dropped, and a professor and class to respect by showing up. If you honestly feel like you can learn better at home, reading from the textbook, take distance courses online. Work the rest of your life around your education, because that's how it'll be mostly painless.
9. Bring a bottle of water and some kind of healthy snack to every class, and remember to use the washroom beforehand. Some professors prefer you to stay in your seat, and if you start to squirm from a full bladder or empty stomach, better to be prepared. Smokers, I feel for you, because you're going to be SOL your entire education.
10. Don't be afraid to ask for help. See an academic adviser at least once every year. Take advantage of student services and see that health care professional. Are therapy or psychiatry options available? Do it! Talk to your professors when you're unsure of something. Ask your administration for support. Being stubborn and trying to do it alone is pointless, You'll have plenty of other opportunities to do that later in life.
Tips for Finances
1. Estimate how many hours you work in a week, times that by 9.50 (to account for any taxes taken from your paycheck) and times that by 4. That's your monthly income. The formula is:
[hours worked in a week x (hourly wage - .50)] x 4 = monthly income
Now add up all your monthly bills including rent, utilities, home phone, cell phone, insurance, savings, and payments. These are your fixed expenses. Subtract your fixed expenses from your monthly income. You should have some left over. The money left over is for your variable expenses, which include transportation, clothing, food, and entertainment. You should always pay your fixed expenses before putting money towards your variable expenses. Money left over is called discretionary income. This is called a budget.
2. Saving sounds stupid now, because you really want to buy that pre-release online, or there's these shoes you were looking at, but it pays off later, in case of unexpected expenses, like if you lose your job, or break your computer. Plus, if you save enough up, you could take a few days off work and have a vacation.
3. It's a good idea to apply for a credit card and set it aside in case of large amounts of unexpected expenses. That way if your savings account can't handle it, your credit card can. Just remember not to overspend more than your monthly income. That way if something happens (like job loss) you won't still have problems paying it off.
4. ALWAYS PAY YOUR TAXES. I can't stress this enough. I have a friend who hasn't paid his taxes in years and had to go bankrupt in order to pay the government back. So remember, make an appointment in March to get your taxes done and do it every year, to avoid a lot of grief.
5. Keep receipts of everything, and store these in a small filing cabinet or folder. They normally sell these for cheap in office supplies stores. Not only will these keep you appraised of how much money you're spending and where, it's handy for tax and finance purposes.
6. Save up your small change. Servers do this with their tips regularly. I suggest this because if you're having a hard month and you need extra money, this will save you in a pinch. Just set aside two or three containers for change and designate one for toonies, one for loonies, and one for quarters. You can even do the same with nickels and dimes as well. Every month, deposit the change in your savings account. It'll add up quickly, and save you from a lot of stress.
7. When estimating how much something will cost, round up, not down. That way, when getting groceries, you'll be pleasantly surprised at the amount of cash you have left over, not scrambling in your pockets for more change.
8. Looking to get a vehicle, nicer apartment, or expensive piece of equipment? Talk to someone at your bank. They'll help you figure out what you can afford, and what monthly payments won't hurt your pocket. They'll also walk you through the process of applying for loans.
9. Insurance is a must. Life insurance, car insurance, tenant insurance, health insurance... Make sure you have these. They protect you from really bad things happening, like a car accident, or your apartment burning down, and all for a small monthly fee. Call your bank to ask for more details.
10. Never be afraid to shop around for better prices. It's your money, you get to determine how to spend it, and if you'd prefer to spend less money for better services, that's your call, not anyone elses' decision.
Tips for Health
1. Eat as healthy as possible. Only have your junk food once a week if possible. Our metabolisms slow down the older we get, and starting this now will save you a lot of trouble later on.
2. Never skip breakfast. Eat the biggest breakfast you can shove in your face. If you need help waking up, try to keep to one cup of coffee/tea a day and drink orange juice instead. It contains natural ingredients that won't throw your sleep cycle off.
3. Sleep at least 8 hours a day. This is non-negotiable. If you stay up too late, make sure you compensate by sleeping in a little longer than usual. Not only will this make you easier to be around (less irritable and nice) but you'll be more productive throughout your day, therefore negating the need to pull all-nighters.
4. Drink water as much as possible, especially right after you wake up in the morning. You've been sleeping, and your body is dehydrated. Use this rule for needing to know if you need to drink more water: the darker your urine, the more water you need to drink. It flushes out your system, fills you up a little more if you don't have time to eat, keeps your metabolism running smoothly so you aren't gaining extra weight, and a glass of water can even make a headache go away. Also, remember this: ice water stimulates your metabolism, making you hungrier, and hot water fills you up more, making it nearly impossible for you to over eat.
5. Cut your soda drinking down. WAY down. Less than once a week, even, and only in small amounts. The soda you're drinking not only eats away at your teeth causing expensive dentist bills, but it eats away at your stomach, messing up your metabolism, making your skin more prone to breakouts, but is FULL of fats that are not good for you, not to mention the fact that all that caffeine will disturb your sleep and make you irritable. Oh, and did I forget to mention that when I personally stopped drinking soda as much, I lost ten pounds? Yeah, I thought that might help.
6. Do some form of exercise for at least 30 minutes every day. EVERY day. I don't mean you have to work out, but at least go for a walk. Why? Your body will move easier, your metabolism will thank you for it, you'll find it easier to sleep at night, you'll get an endorphin rush and feel great after. It's hard to get started, but when you do, stick to it. It'll keep you healthier for longer, and decrease the amount of sick days you have as well.
7. If you do work out, take it slow. Don't expect too much, and remember to alternate body area days. For example, if one day you work solely on legs, the next day, you should work on arms. Your body needs a day of rest for those joints, to build up endurance and stamina.
8. If you're having problems eating healthy, start by challenging yourself. Try cooking a healthy meal once every two weeks, then once every week, then once every other day and... You get the point. Your body will begin to crave all the healthy food you're trying to make, and all those recipes you can find online will help with that.
9. Multivitamins, multivitamins, multivitamins. These are wonderful creations, and I suggest everyone take a multivitamin a day. I strongly recommend One a Day for both men and women, especially the ones with added calcium. Just remember to take one every day, with a meal. Like that huge breakfast you should be making yourself.
10. If you're going to go to a restaurant, try to make it once a week at most. Save it for a treat and really make it worth it, especially if it's going to be not so healthy food. Why? Their food portion sizes are three to four sizes too big for what we all should be eating. The more you eat in one sitting, the more food you'll crave all the time.
Tips for School
1. Never select early morning classes, unless you're sure you're an early morning riser. As in super early morning. Why? You'll need to eat, shower, get dressed, fix your hair, gather your books and notes and homework, and get to the class. I recommend allowing for two hours to get ready, that way you have time to get your lazing, coffee drinking, or workout out of the way, and another half hour for possible transportation delays.
2. As soon as you're out of class, rewrite your notes. Not only will they be neater, and easier to read in preparation for quizzes or exams, but it'll remind you of any forgotten homework as well as refresh the material in your head. Make notes beside concepts you don't understand, and bring them up next class. Plus, if they're neat and well written enough, with plenty of references to the concepts in the textbooks, it's very possible you can sell them to the other members of your class. You know, the less prepared ones, who aren't making as good grades as you.
3. ALWAYS immediately write your homework or readings in your agenda. If you don't have an agenda, get a cheap one at your local bookstore, or head down to the student bookstore or student union building. They normally hand out agendas at the beginning of the year, as is included in your student fees.
4. Check your agenda every night. That way if you have an essay due, or readings to get done, you won't forget about them or lag behind the rest of the class. Doing the readings and rewriting your class notes every day right after your class will ensure you don't spend as much time doing homework, which will leave you more time to have fun.
5. If you're sick or unable to attend a class, email the professor of the class you're missing RIGHT AWAY to inform them. Some of them give class participation marks. That way, you can keep up to date on the classes you've missed. Plus, you can also make an appointment with them to discuss the material from the classes you've missed, and be informed of any possible exam questions that might have been hinted at.
6. Stay after class to talk to the teacher, and discuss the topic from that class. Why? It shows appreciation for the professor, who puts a lot of work into the material they're preparing for you, and makes you and them more invested in the class. You can think of it as brown nosing, sucking up, or whatever you like, but they are up there doing a service for your life to be better, and they are NOT paid very well. Give them the respect anyone deserves and show you don't think of them as a robot.
7. Buy the textbooks. Don't rent or borrow them. I know, I know, it costs money, but it'll be a lot easier to study for that big final if you have your own that is the correct edition. Plus, there are some teachers that insist upon you writing or highlighting in your textbooks. I even had one professor who had us scratch out sentences, draw pictures, and write in all the margins of one book. Big plus: when you have the right edition.
8. Go to every class. What do you think you're paying for? Yes, an education, but it's the entire experience you're looking for. There are some teachers who give out class participation marks to those who show up. Plus there's pop quizzes, tests to hand back out, exam question hints to be dropped, and a professor and class to respect by showing up. If you honestly feel like you can learn better at home, reading from the textbook, take distance courses online. Work the rest of your life around your education, because that's how it'll be mostly painless.
9. Bring a bottle of water and some kind of healthy snack to every class, and remember to use the washroom beforehand. Some professors prefer you to stay in your seat, and if you start to squirm from a full bladder or empty stomach, better to be prepared. Smokers, I feel for you, because you're going to be SOL your entire education.
10. Don't be afraid to ask for help. See an academic adviser at least once every year. Take advantage of student services and see that health care professional. Are therapy or psychiatry options available? Do it! Talk to your professors when you're unsure of something. Ask your administration for support. Being stubborn and trying to do it alone is pointless, You'll have plenty of other opportunities to do that later in life.
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