Recently, I mentioned that I was trying to make meal-planning a bit simpler. Well, apparently there's nothing like getting a full-time job to put your organizational efforts into hyper-drive! Here's what I've been doing to get prepared for the new school year:
Purse-Sized Meal Planning Grocery/Recipe Cards
Inspired after reading Nannygoat's 30 day meal plan, I downloaded some trendy & stylish recipe cards (here) and filled them out the most commonly eaten meals in our home. On the cards, I also included suggestions for vegetables and side dishes which are often a difficult decision in themselves. Since I made the JPG recipe cards and filled them out using Adobe Photoshop, I decided to send them to my local photolab for printing. I am slipping them into a small 4x6 photo album and will carry them in my purse. Now, when I'm out shopping, I can make sure I don't forget to buy that one pesky ingredient that I always seem to forget!
Once a Month Cooking (or OMAC)
I've heard a lot about Once a Month Cooking over the years. I've always meant to give it a try, but lacked the motivation and/or a free day to devote to cooking. However, the combination of the husband being out of town on Friday-Saturday and my desire to get things together before my first day on the job Monday gave me an opportunity to try it this weekend. The basic premise is that you buy groceries in bulk, spend a day cooking said groceries, package for freezing and enjoy your bounty of prepared meals out of the freezer for days to come. Many people actually try to make enough meals for an entire month, but I decided just to cook as much as I could and call it "good."
The most important part of this OMAC thing is the menu planning/grocery list stage. I spent many hours on the internet looking up recipes and tips for freezing. I found most of my recipes at recipezaar.com where you can search "OMAC" or "make ahead" and find loads of recipes. Some people plan their meals based on which meats are on sale, but I simply chose things my family would actually eat. Then, I made out a huge grocery list and divided it by the sections in our grocery store (fresh, cold, frozen, canned) to help find things quickly and easily. I was dreading the trip to the store. In my mind, I imagined that it would take hours on end to find everything. However, since I went at the end of a long day of back-to-school shopping and I was ready to get home, I simply stuck to my list and got out rather quickly. I was also dreading the final tally on the check-out receipt, but it was actually just bit over what a typical excursion to the grocery costs. (Another reason why people like OMAC: it prevents waste and saves money in the end.)
Saturday was cooking day, and--I'll be honest--it was a long one. I started cooking at 8 a.m. and finished at 4 p.m. I'm sure I could have been a bit better with my cooking organization and saved time, but my "method" was to look around and ask, "What needs to be cooked next?" I also had two little kitchen elves who were a great help (and it felt good to be teaching them some cooking skills). I had to overcome my desire to constantly clean up and, instead, waited until the end of the day to clean up just once (though I did wash some dishes along the way). I used all my resources including my trusty crock pot and my bread maker. Here's what I ended up with at the end of the day (links provided to the recipes I used):
*Meat for tacos/spaghetti
*1 Chicken & Rice Casserole
*10 Breakfast Burritos (will do more after we see how they taste post-freezer)
*Shredded chicken (to use in casseroles or soups)
*6 Calzones (using this bread maker dough recipe)
*Pulled Pork for sandwiches (frozen in individual servings for lunches)
*Chicken Relleno (a new recipe, but quite tasty)
*6 Hamburger Steaks
*2 packages of homemade chicken broth (left from cooking chicken)
*10 slices of breakfast sausage (ready to be microwaved for a quick meal)
*Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread (thanks to my parent's overflowing garden--we made muffins instead of loaves)
*Fried Rice with Chicken (actually, I have the rice ready but I need to finish this meal today)
*2 packages of brown rice to be used as a side
I also froze pork chops and a roast beef that can be thawed and thrown into the crock pot. And, while I was at it, I decided to try my hand at Sticky Roast Chicken which I prepared and will be cooking for lunch today.
Yes, it was a long day, but I feel a little more under control and relieved knowing that, if all else fails, there is something in the freezer to eat!
Showing posts with label tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tips. Show all posts
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Do Unto Others
Professors are busy folk--I get that. Many times, they don't have time to answer everyone's e-mails in a timely manner...probably because they are swamped! That's why students should try to take care of one another. Lately, I've had more of my questions answered by friends and random co-students than I have by instructors. I'm always so thankful when someone takes the time to reply to an e-mail or share a informative link or give insight on a project.
The best advice I can give on taking online courses is to live by the golden rule: do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Take time to reply to an e-mail if you have the answer. Encourage a fellow student who seems to be overwhelmed. Direct someone to a good resource online or in a textbook. "Live" education is all about sharing ideas and online learning should be no different.
The best advice I can give on taking online courses is to live by the golden rule: do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Take time to reply to an e-mail if you have the answer. Encourage a fellow student who seems to be overwhelmed. Direct someone to a good resource online or in a textbook. "Live" education is all about sharing ideas and online learning should be no different.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Studying for the 21st Century
I think anything that makes life easier or makes information more accessible/portable is cool. Sometimes I wish I lived in a metro area and had to take the train to get to work just so I could watch podcasts on the train; it just sounds hip!
As a commuter student, it can be difficult to manage the transfer of information from school to home and vice versa, especially when you are working on many different computers. It can also complicate studying on-the-go. You've heard about my love of old-fashioned index cards , but since I am also somewhat of a self-proclaimed technology geek, I have been looking at the many online study aids that are available to students.
SyncNotes seems to be one web application with promise. You can synchronize information between the web and all your many techno gadgetry (computers, cell phone, PDA) so you will always have access to the information you need no matter your location. You know what that means, right? No more excuses for not studying!
As a commuter student, it can be difficult to manage the transfer of information from school to home and vice versa, especially when you are working on many different computers. It can also complicate studying on-the-go. You've heard about my love of old-fashioned index cards , but since I am also somewhat of a self-proclaimed technology geek, I have been looking at the many online study aids that are available to students.
SyncNotes seems to be one web application with promise. You can synchronize information between the web and all your many techno gadgetry (computers, cell phone, PDA) so you will always have access to the information you need no matter your location. You know what that means, right? No more excuses for not studying!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Don't Forget to Blink
I've been having a bit of trouble focusing. Not focusing as in "I can't concentrate on one thing" (although one could argue...), but focusing with my eyes. I wore glasses my entire life until about four years ago when a optometrist told me that he could write me a slight perscription but I didn't have to have it. At that point, I ditched glasses for good.
Since that time, I took on a job that involved countless hours of computer time and then I decided to go back to college where I would be reading endless chapters from my textbooks, reading projected slides on the walls of my classroom and significantly adding to the hours I spend glaring into a computer screen. Things have started to get noticably fuzzy for me again, not to mention that I've been coming home with frequent headaches. So, off to the optometrist I went.
Turns out, my vision is actually pretty good, but I am getting a pair of reading glasses for reading & computer work. My eyes have gotten so used to having to constantly focus on something that they kind of get "stuck" in that position, so glasses should help my eyes not to work so hard.
One interesting tid-bit that I walked away with was that I'm probably not blinking enough. The doc said that a person normally blinks 16 times per minute, but when you are concentrating on a computer screen, it slows down to one or two times per minute! Yikes! Not only does that lead to eye strain and headaches, but it also creates dry eyes.
His solution: stick a note on my computer screen that says, "Blink." Simple enough.
So, the tip of the day: Don't forget to blink!
Since that time, I took on a job that involved countless hours of computer time and then I decided to go back to college where I would be reading endless chapters from my textbooks, reading projected slides on the walls of my classroom and significantly adding to the hours I spend glaring into a computer screen. Things have started to get noticably fuzzy for me again, not to mention that I've been coming home with frequent headaches. So, off to the optometrist I went.
Turns out, my vision is actually pretty good, but I am getting a pair of reading glasses for reading & computer work. My eyes have gotten so used to having to constantly focus on something that they kind of get "stuck" in that position, so glasses should help my eyes not to work so hard.
One interesting tid-bit that I walked away with was that I'm probably not blinking enough. The doc said that a person normally blinks 16 times per minute, but when you are concentrating on a computer screen, it slows down to one or two times per minute! Yikes! Not only does that lead to eye strain and headaches, but it also creates dry eyes.
His solution: stick a note on my computer screen that says, "Blink." Simple enough.
So, the tip of the day: Don't forget to blink!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Be Diligent
For high school graduates, going to college is mostly about learning how to manage life on your own without mom or dad or your really smart best friend, etc. doing all the work for you. "If you don't take care of yourself, no one else will do it for you." It was a lesson I learned a long time ago.
Applying those same principles to my college reentry, I have been very diligent about getting periodic degree checks through the Registrar's Office and double-checking with my advisor to make sure all of the requirements for graduation are on par. I'm sure I have tipped a "9" on the annoying meter, but I'd really hate for my graduation plans to go down the drain because administrators who have their plates full didn't notice that I lacked a few hours or one of my credits didn't transfer properly.
Sometimes, being annoying, I mean, persistent pays off.
Two weeks before the fall semester began, I noticed that my total credits were three hours short. I contacted the Registrar for one last degree check (where they look over your transcripts vs. degree requirements and let you know what you have left to complete). They assured me that it was being looked into and I never heard back from them. So, I asked my advisor who was sure we had worked it all out at the end of the spring semester and who was pretty certain that it should be okay.
Guess who's taking three extra hours this semester? Me, that's who.
My advisor said he hated for me to have to pay for another three hours, but I told him I would hate to not get to graduate because I didn't pay for three lousy hours!
Luckily, I am taking three one-hour classes so they are not extremely labor intensive. They are also self-guided which means I can turn in the work whenever I complete it all, but I have until December. I'm thinking about devoting an entire weekend to it just to get rid of it.
So, I'm not super-psyched to be enrolled in 18 hours this semester, but it could be worse. One guy in my class is taking 21 hours...and he' married with two kids under two years old. Yikes!!
Be diligent when it comes to your education, people!
Applying those same principles to my college reentry, I have been very diligent about getting periodic degree checks through the Registrar's Office and double-checking with my advisor to make sure all of the requirements for graduation are on par. I'm sure I have tipped a "9" on the annoying meter, but I'd really hate for my graduation plans to go down the drain because administrators who have their plates full didn't notice that I lacked a few hours or one of my credits didn't transfer properly.
Sometimes, being annoying, I mean, persistent pays off.
Two weeks before the fall semester began, I noticed that my total credits were three hours short. I contacted the Registrar for one last degree check (where they look over your transcripts vs. degree requirements and let you know what you have left to complete). They assured me that it was being looked into and I never heard back from them. So, I asked my advisor who was sure we had worked it all out at the end of the spring semester and who was pretty certain that it should be okay.
Guess who's taking three extra hours this semester? Me, that's who.
My advisor said he hated for me to have to pay for another three hours, but I told him I would hate to not get to graduate because I didn't pay for three lousy hours!
Luckily, I am taking three one-hour classes so they are not extremely labor intensive. They are also self-guided which means I can turn in the work whenever I complete it all, but I have until December. I'm thinking about devoting an entire weekend to it just to get rid of it.
So, I'm not super-psyched to be enrolled in 18 hours this semester, but it could be worse. One guy in my class is taking 21 hours...and he' married with two kids under two years old. Yikes!!
Be diligent when it comes to your education, people!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Summer? What Summer?
This morning, thanks to my youngest daughter who woke up at 5:30 a.m. and couldn't go back to sleep, I got up early and finished my summer coursework. All the "i's" have been dotted and "t's" crossed, so I can officially brush my hands together and call it a semester.
Would I do it all over again if I could? I won't be stupid and say that it was easy juggling school work, my kids' summer activities, my travel schedule and a host of "everyday life" chores. I struggled with spending downtime with my kids (like a real summer should be) and I didn't get to do a great many things that I planned to catch up on this summer.
I spent a lot of time pre-planning my travels to make sure I would have adequate time and internet connections, spent several late nights with in my office, and tried to do homework while keeping an eye on my kids and their friends. Heck, I even spent some quality multitasking time poolside in a bathing suit--lifeguarding, sunbathing and doing homework!
If I were to do it over again, I would....but just once.
If I weren't trying to speed up graduation and complete my degree this fall, I wouldn't have taken summer school nor would I have advised anyone else to. Summer break is really important for recharging batteries and preventing burn-out, but since I can see the light at the end of my tunnel, it has been worth it for me. After all, there's always next summer to catch up on my postponed projects.
Would I do it all over again if I could? I won't be stupid and say that it was easy juggling school work, my kids' summer activities, my travel schedule and a host of "everyday life" chores. I struggled with spending downtime with my kids (like a real summer should be) and I didn't get to do a great many things that I planned to catch up on this summer.
I spent a lot of time pre-planning my travels to make sure I would have adequate time and internet connections, spent several late nights with in my office, and tried to do homework while keeping an eye on my kids and their friends. Heck, I even spent some quality multitasking time poolside in a bathing suit--lifeguarding, sunbathing and doing homework!
If I were to do it over again, I would....but just once.
If I weren't trying to speed up graduation and complete my degree this fall, I wouldn't have taken summer school nor would I have advised anyone else to. Summer break is really important for recharging batteries and preventing burn-out, but since I can see the light at the end of my tunnel, it has been worth it for me. After all, there's always next summer to catch up on my postponed projects.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Testing Out of Class: Part One
Today I began my quest to a) get out of taking a snoozer of a class and b) saving some moolah (the test costs $10 as opposed to almost $300 for a few credit hours). I took part one of four of the test for my general education Computer Science requirement. The test covers four different windows based software programs and today's section was over Access.
I have never, ever used Access before.
Needless to say, I was quite nervous about this test. I'm pretty computer savvy, but I had no idea how the test would operate or if the training software would be adequate preparation. OR if my brain would function properly (that's always questionable).
I had to pass with a 70% and you can only take each section of the test twice (and you can't move on to another area until the first is passed). Scary!
The test was almost game-like. First of all, it was timed (50 minutes). Second of all, if you made three wrong moves, you were out (well, you missed the question). So, when I actually answered correctly, I had to restrain myself from doing fist-pumps in the air....probably because I seemed to be missing so many! There were SO many times when I was just on the brink of getting it right, but I had used up my three wrong moves. OUCH! There were other times when I had one wrong move left, and I managed to pull out a winner. WAHOO! Oh, and don't even think about trying to use the "Help" function if you are stuck...that would be a definite "strike!"
Wanna know my score? 70%. Exactly 70%! You should have heard the major sigh of relief coming from my cubicle.
What have I learned from this fiasco? Actually use the training software; it really does help (even if it is somewhat annoying to go through). Also, schedule your test for later in the afternoon so you can go through your training software one last time before the test. This totally saved the day for me.
I kept thinking, "If I have only missed one more...." Instead, I switched gears and treated myself to some Mexican food. :)
I have never, ever used Access before.
Needless to say, I was quite nervous about this test. I'm pretty computer savvy, but I had no idea how the test would operate or if the training software would be adequate preparation. OR if my brain would function properly (that's always questionable).
I had to pass with a 70% and you can only take each section of the test twice (and you can't move on to another area until the first is passed). Scary!
The test was almost game-like. First of all, it was timed (50 minutes). Second of all, if you made three wrong moves, you were out (well, you missed the question). So, when I actually answered correctly, I had to restrain myself from doing fist-pumps in the air....probably because I seemed to be missing so many! There were SO many times when I was just on the brink of getting it right, but I had used up my three wrong moves. OUCH! There were other times when I had one wrong move left, and I managed to pull out a winner. WAHOO! Oh, and don't even think about trying to use the "Help" function if you are stuck...that would be a definite "strike!"
Wanna know my score? 70%. Exactly 70%! You should have heard the major sigh of relief coming from my cubicle.
What have I learned from this fiasco? Actually use the training software; it really does help (even if it is somewhat annoying to go through). Also, schedule your test for later in the afternoon so you can go through your training software one last time before the test. This totally saved the day for me.
I kept thinking, "If I have only missed one more...." Instead, I switched gears and treated myself to some Mexican food. :)
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Scholarships Rock!
I just checked my student e-mail account tonight and, low and behold, I found out that I am receiving a scholarship for fall and spring!! Yay, me! It will cover six hours of tuition which only equates to about $750, but $750 will buy a lot of gasoline or groceries, my friends (well, not a lot but it beats nothing!).
Actually, after two seconds of silent celebration I busted out the calculator. As I've already mentioned, I plan on going to summer school so I can graduate in December. Since my summer school classes start next week (and it's not too late to withdraw for a full refund at this point), I decided I'd better do some quick calculations. The calculator still says it is a better financial move for me to graduate at mid-term, so the plans roll on....
Applying for scholarships has been hard for me since I went back to school as an adult. I generally feel like a) they are intended for teenagers or b) I don't stand a chance or c) I just can't write a bunch of bull glorifying myself like I was able to as a high school senior.
Earlier this spring, I picked up an application for my department's scholarship because one of my professors kept harping on it. I thought, "What the heck...it's worth a shot." But after I got past all the formalities (name, address, blah...blah...blah...), they started in with questions like "Why are you valuable to our department?" Well....I'm not. I guess I could be considered valuable because I make good grades, give good reviews for my professors and pay my tuition bill, but other than that... I ended up wadding it up and throwing it away. I just couldn't make myself write some phony baloney, even if it was for free money.
Later, my professor mentioned how they have, in years past, had money laying around because there weren't enough applicants and how, many times, all the applicants end up getting a scholarship. A girl in my class confirmed it by telling me she had gotten $500 per semester. Hello??? This is information I would have liked to have known before I threw my application away! When I asked the girl how she was valuable to the department, she said she made up something about how she always sings the praises of the department to other people. Niiiice. Why couldn't I have thought of that?
Lesson learned: it never hurts to apply for scholarships. If it does make you sick at your stomach to write sugar-coated nuggets of praise about yourself, just keep a trash can or toilet nearby as you write. It's free money!! F-R-E-E M-O-N-E-Y!!
Actually, after two seconds of silent celebration I busted out the calculator. As I've already mentioned, I plan on going to summer school so I can graduate in December. Since my summer school classes start next week (and it's not too late to withdraw for a full refund at this point), I decided I'd better do some quick calculations. The calculator still says it is a better financial move for me to graduate at mid-term, so the plans roll on....
Applying for scholarships has been hard for me since I went back to school as an adult. I generally feel like a) they are intended for teenagers or b) I don't stand a chance or c) I just can't write a bunch of bull glorifying myself like I was able to as a high school senior.
Earlier this spring, I picked up an application for my department's scholarship because one of my professors kept harping on it. I thought, "What the heck...it's worth a shot." But after I got past all the formalities (name, address, blah...blah...blah...), they started in with questions like "Why are you valuable to our department?" Well....I'm not. I guess I could be considered valuable because I make good grades, give good reviews for my professors and pay my tuition bill, but other than that... I ended up wadding it up and throwing it away. I just couldn't make myself write some phony baloney, even if it was for free money.
Later, my professor mentioned how they have, in years past, had money laying around because there weren't enough applicants and how, many times, all the applicants end up getting a scholarship. A girl in my class confirmed it by telling me she had gotten $500 per semester. Hello??? This is information I would have liked to have known before I threw my application away! When I asked the girl how she was valuable to the department, she said she made up something about how she always sings the praises of the department to other people. Niiiice. Why couldn't I have thought of that?
Lesson learned: it never hurts to apply for scholarships. If it does make you sick at your stomach to write sugar-coated nuggets of praise about yourself, just keep a trash can or toilet nearby as you write. It's free money!! F-R-E-E M-O-N-E-Y!!
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Colleges Are More Flexible Than You Think
When I first decided to go back to college, I did some major debating about whether I should finish a degree online or go the traditional route. As you can tell, traditional university won out for several reasons, but the allure of the flexible online class really intrigued me.
I was surprised to find that traditional schools are way more flexible and accommodating than you think! I first discovered this when I asked my advisor about a "features writing" class that I saw in the undergraduate catalog but not on the class schedule. He told me that it was no longer offered but suggested that I take it as an independent study course instead. Okie-dokie. I did it!
Then, when I realized that I wanted to take summer school but I already had two weeks blocked out on my calendar for travels--things that are very important to me and that I will not compromise for class--my advisor suggested a "hybrid class:" part traditional classroom, part independent study. Basically, I will go in for some lectures and I will work on projects at home. I ended up enrolling in two hybrid courses this summer because the second class was scheduled while I would be traveling. Add those to the one online class I will be taking and that means I won't have to miss my travels at all!
I enrolled in a geography class at another university (it is an online class; my school doesn't offer these), but I was afraid that it wouldn't meet my general ed requirements because it wasn't listed on the transfer list of classes for our state. A quick e-mail to the registrar's office and they said it would be just fine.
Also, I found out that one specific classes listed as requirement for my major could be substituted for another class. I thought that was really weird--aren't requirements "requirements?"--but I was really glad to be able to work it all out. It was the one class preventing me from graduating in December.
So the moral of the story is: if you think traditional university is not for you because it's not as flexible, you might be wrong. Make friends with your advisor because they know all the short-cuts and substitutions that aren't going to be spelled out in any undergraduate catalog. When in doubt, call the registrar's office, and lastly, always eat your Wheaties. Oh wait...maybe you can strike out the last one.
I was surprised to find that traditional schools are way more flexible and accommodating than you think! I first discovered this when I asked my advisor about a "features writing" class that I saw in the undergraduate catalog but not on the class schedule. He told me that it was no longer offered but suggested that I take it as an independent study course instead. Okie-dokie. I did it!
Then, when I realized that I wanted to take summer school but I already had two weeks blocked out on my calendar for travels--things that are very important to me and that I will not compromise for class--my advisor suggested a "hybrid class:" part traditional classroom, part independent study. Basically, I will go in for some lectures and I will work on projects at home. I ended up enrolling in two hybrid courses this summer because the second class was scheduled while I would be traveling. Add those to the one online class I will be taking and that means I won't have to miss my travels at all!
I enrolled in a geography class at another university (it is an online class; my school doesn't offer these), but I was afraid that it wouldn't meet my general ed requirements because it wasn't listed on the transfer list of classes for our state. A quick e-mail to the registrar's office and they said it would be just fine.
Also, I found out that one specific classes listed as requirement for my major could be substituted for another class. I thought that was really weird--aren't requirements "requirements?"--but I was really glad to be able to work it all out. It was the one class preventing me from graduating in December.
So the moral of the story is: if you think traditional university is not for you because it's not as flexible, you might be wrong. Make friends with your advisor because they know all the short-cuts and substitutions that aren't going to be spelled out in any undergraduate catalog. When in doubt, call the registrar's office, and lastly, always eat your Wheaties. Oh wait...maybe you can strike out the last one.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
It's the Little Things
At the beginning of the semester, my History instructor mentioned that we could earn 5 extra points by answering the questions at the back of each chapter in our books.
"Why would I want to do that?" I thought. It was almost as absurd as suggesting we actually READ the book! "All that hassle for 5 measly points? No way, Jose!"
Then came the first test and I discovered she was a teacher that required you to memorize every detail of our lecture notes. I still had made a B, but you know me....a perfectionist never settles for a B. I started thinking that maybe those 5 measly points might be worth the trouble after all.
Know what? They were.
Turns out that 5 little points can turn a B into an A. 5 little points can turn a 95 into a 100. Even if I wasn't so hung up on perfection, it would still be worth the time to get the 5 little points because it takes the stress off of you during a test, knowing that you have some room for error.
And the kicker? The questions at the end of each chapter have the answers listed in the back of the book. So yes, I was just that lazy...but I have since reformed! :)
The moral of the story is to take care of the little things b/c the little things have a greater impact than you think! (Oh man , I could get all philosophical with that one...)
"Why would I want to do that?" I thought. It was almost as absurd as suggesting we actually READ the book! "All that hassle for 5 measly points? No way, Jose!"
Then came the first test and I discovered she was a teacher that required you to memorize every detail of our lecture notes. I still had made a B, but you know me....a perfectionist never settles for a B. I started thinking that maybe those 5 measly points might be worth the trouble after all.
Know what? They were.
Turns out that 5 little points can turn a B into an A. 5 little points can turn a 95 into a 100. Even if I wasn't so hung up on perfection, it would still be worth the time to get the 5 little points because it takes the stress off of you during a test, knowing that you have some room for error.
And the kicker? The questions at the end of each chapter have the answers listed in the back of the book. So yes, I was just that lazy...but I have since reformed! :)
The moral of the story is to take care of the little things b/c the little things have a greater impact than you think! (Oh man , I could get all philosophical with that one...)
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Two of My Most Favorite University Resources
The library & the gym.
Lately, I've fallen in love again with reading (probably because I don't have a ton of required reading to do this semester) and I have taken full advantage of my university's library. I bet half the students only step foot in the library to look for research paper materials and never again. That's so sad! There are LOTS of great things in the library. I am a lover of nonfiction books, so there are plenty to keep me excited. I have recently fallen in love with the audio books section. It is a new section of the library so it's not very large, but it's wonderful for a long-distance commuter like myself. They have a great variety from fiction, nonfiction, history, self-help, spiritual...you name it. Study rooms are a favorite resource for me on test days, and, of course, there's also the most used resource at the library: internet access. You can even use internet access to go to the library's web page which has a ton of useful links (card catalog, check your due dates, etc.) but you can even gain access to free e-book downloads as well. Probably the best resource in the entire library is the reference librarians. Oh my gosh---they are SO helpful! When I was writing my last big paper in the fall, the reference librarian saved me hours of research trying to dig up sources and/or information. He was even so specific, he gave me page numbers of the books I was to look up!
My other favorite university resource is the wellness center (gym). I live nowhere near a gym nor would I want to shell out money for a gym membership when I have a fantastic wellness center on campus that I can use for free! It's filled with the latest cardio equipment and weight systems plus an indoor walking track, basketball court (okay, I'll never use that one), and even a rock climbing wall. How cool is that? (I've GOT to try it before I graduate). Luckily for me, I usually use the gym at noon after I get out of class and it is pretty slow at that time of the day. That means I get first dibs on selecting the channels to watch on tv!
Did I mention that all these things are FREE??? Oh yea...I'm taking advantage while I can.
Lately, I've fallen in love again with reading (probably because I don't have a ton of required reading to do this semester) and I have taken full advantage of my university's library. I bet half the students only step foot in the library to look for research paper materials and never again. That's so sad! There are LOTS of great things in the library. I am a lover of nonfiction books, so there are plenty to keep me excited. I have recently fallen in love with the audio books section. It is a new section of the library so it's not very large, but it's wonderful for a long-distance commuter like myself. They have a great variety from fiction, nonfiction, history, self-help, spiritual...you name it. Study rooms are a favorite resource for me on test days, and, of course, there's also the most used resource at the library: internet access. You can even use internet access to go to the library's web page which has a ton of useful links (card catalog, check your due dates, etc.) but you can even gain access to free e-book downloads as well. Probably the best resource in the entire library is the reference librarians. Oh my gosh---they are SO helpful! When I was writing my last big paper in the fall, the reference librarian saved me hours of research trying to dig up sources and/or information. He was even so specific, he gave me page numbers of the books I was to look up!
My other favorite university resource is the wellness center (gym). I live nowhere near a gym nor would I want to shell out money for a gym membership when I have a fantastic wellness center on campus that I can use for free! It's filled with the latest cardio equipment and weight systems plus an indoor walking track, basketball court (okay, I'll never use that one), and even a rock climbing wall. How cool is that? (I've GOT to try it before I graduate). Luckily for me, I usually use the gym at noon after I get out of class and it is pretty slow at that time of the day. That means I get first dibs on selecting the channels to watch on tv!
Did I mention that all these things are FREE??? Oh yea...I'm taking advantage while I can.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Surviving the Drive
Surviving the drive--that's what I titled one of this week's articles for my newswriting class that contains tips & tricks for commuter students.
One of the reasons I hesitated in returning to college was the awful 120 mile round-trip drive that would await me daily.
Surprisingly, the commute is not all that bad. It's a nice way to start the day. It's one of the rare times when I can sit and think without noise or interruption. Some days, the drive can even be beautiful, depending on the weather. It has not been what I expected at all.
I thought I would share some of the tips that I gathered for my article in hopes that someone else might also find them useful for the dreaded commuter lifestyle:
*Plan ahead. Gather all essential items the night before leaving for campus. Check the fuel level of your vehicle to avoid having to stop at the gas station on the way to class.
*Drive safely. It is very important to get a good night’s rest before driving. According to a study done by the AAA (aaafoundation.org), a person who slept for five hours or less is up to 4.5 times as likely to be involved in a sleep-related crash. Also, always remember to wear a safety belt when traveling.
*Stock up with essentials. Cell phone chargers, pens, paper, medicine, snacks and money are several items to never be without.
*Be prepared in case of an emergency. Learn how to change a flat. Create a back-up plan in case bad weather--such as storms or snow—arrives.
*Find ways to make the drive more enjoyable or productive. One student I interviewed uses a small, hand-held tape recorder to record important information from her classes. She studies by listening to her audio notes on the way to class.
Audio books can be a great alternative to listening to the radio. Students rarely have spare time for recreational reading, so the morning commute can be a great way to “read” without flipping any pages. Audio books can also be downloaded online or checked out at a local library.
*Perform regular car maintenance. Prevention is the key to avoiding many mechanical problems. Check fluid levels and tire air pressure regularly. Also, change a vehicle’s oil every 3000 miles.
*Spend time on campus outside of classroom time. Get involved in student events and activities. Commuting does not have to mean giving up a social life.
*Find a place on-campus for studying and relaxing. My university has a commuter lounge with tables, couches, lockers, TV and even a mini kitchen for commuter students (only!) to use. Cool, huh? Other places for peace and quiet include the library, bookstore or coffee shop.
One of the reasons I hesitated in returning to college was the awful 120 mile round-trip drive that would await me daily.
Surprisingly, the commute is not all that bad. It's a nice way to start the day. It's one of the rare times when I can sit and think without noise or interruption. Some days, the drive can even be beautiful, depending on the weather. It has not been what I expected at all.
I thought I would share some of the tips that I gathered for my article in hopes that someone else might also find them useful for the dreaded commuter lifestyle:
*Plan ahead. Gather all essential items the night before leaving for campus. Check the fuel level of your vehicle to avoid having to stop at the gas station on the way to class.
*Drive safely. It is very important to get a good night’s rest before driving. According to a study done by the AAA (aaafoundation.org), a person who slept for five hours or less is up to 4.5 times as likely to be involved in a sleep-related crash. Also, always remember to wear a safety belt when traveling.
*Stock up with essentials. Cell phone chargers, pens, paper, medicine, snacks and money are several items to never be without.
*Be prepared in case of an emergency. Learn how to change a flat. Create a back-up plan in case bad weather--such as storms or snow—arrives.
*Find ways to make the drive more enjoyable or productive. One student I interviewed uses a small, hand-held tape recorder to record important information from her classes. She studies by listening to her audio notes on the way to class.
Audio books can be a great alternative to listening to the radio. Students rarely have spare time for recreational reading, so the morning commute can be a great way to “read” without flipping any pages. Audio books can also be downloaded online or checked out at a local library.
*Perform regular car maintenance. Prevention is the key to avoiding many mechanical problems. Check fluid levels and tire air pressure regularly. Also, change a vehicle’s oil every 3000 miles.
*Spend time on campus outside of classroom time. Get involved in student events and activities. Commuting does not have to mean giving up a social life.
*Find a place on-campus for studying and relaxing. My university has a commuter lounge with tables, couches, lockers, TV and even a mini kitchen for commuter students (only!) to use. Cool, huh? Other places for peace and quiet include the library, bookstore or coffee shop.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Beat the Rush
If you're not a freshman student, it's likely that there's no hand-holding for you throughout the college process. You're basically on your own to figure out when to be where and what you need to do before class begins. That can pose a problem for some of us who can't exactly remember all the details about the registration process.
I got lucky.
I was on-campus earlier this summer to finish my enrollment (basically to "seal the deal" before I could back out -- lol!), and I happened to be in the Registrar's Office when I overheard the lady "hand-holding" for an incoming true freshman. She explained where several key buildings are located, told her where she needed to go next (get her ID card made & pick up a parking sticker, neither of which my advisor mentioned to me) and, the best tip that I overheard that day: to go to the bookstore.
Evidentally, some university bookstores have been feeling the pressure from online retailers and resellers and are now trying to keep the cash at home. I went to my bookstore and they wrote down my schedule and will have all of my required books pulled and waiting for me when I arrive on campus this week. They will simply hand me a bill and a bag of books then I will calmly walk right out the door. I can tell you from experience, the bookstore can be brutal during the first week of school. There are plenty of long lines, students running around trying to find all their books, and cranky store employees. Whoever came up with this "pull the books in advance" idea was pure genius.
Honestly, every place on campus will be swamped and crazy during the first week of class. My advice: if it's not already too late, go take care of all the "little things" (ID's, parking stickers, books, any financial aid loose ends, etc.) before school starts. It will save a little bit of your sanity!
I got lucky.
I was on-campus earlier this summer to finish my enrollment (basically to "seal the deal" before I could back out -- lol!), and I happened to be in the Registrar's Office when I overheard the lady "hand-holding" for an incoming true freshman. She explained where several key buildings are located, told her where she needed to go next (get her ID card made & pick up a parking sticker, neither of which my advisor mentioned to me) and, the best tip that I overheard that day: to go to the bookstore.
Evidentally, some university bookstores have been feeling the pressure from online retailers and resellers and are now trying to keep the cash at home. I went to my bookstore and they wrote down my schedule and will have all of my required books pulled and waiting for me when I arrive on campus this week. They will simply hand me a bill and a bag of books then I will calmly walk right out the door. I can tell you from experience, the bookstore can be brutal during the first week of school. There are plenty of long lines, students running around trying to find all their books, and cranky store employees. Whoever came up with this "pull the books in advance" idea was pure genius.
Honestly, every place on campus will be swamped and crazy during the first week of class. My advice: if it's not already too late, go take care of all the "little things" (ID's, parking stickers, books, any financial aid loose ends, etc.) before school starts. It will save a little bit of your sanity!
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