Group Projects - "Do's and Don't's"

I'll keep this one short and sweet. Being an advertising/public relations major, I've had to work in so many group settings I can't even remember them all. Whether you have to do it for school, work, or in an extra curricular activity, working on a group project usually proves to be tricky. It's difficult to have a good experience, but here are some simple "do's and don't's" to keep in mind.

DO gather contact information for easy communication. Be the person to step up when the group is first formed and get a list of everyone's first and last names, emails, and phone numbers. You can use their first and last name to find them on Facebook and create a group for easy conversation and sharing, and you can also put everyone's email and phone number on the page so the entire group has it.

DO create an account with Box.com or a similar site. Sites like this let you create a file, invite people to share and contribute to it, and upload and download files. This is GREAT for group projects where everyone is going to be doing their own individual tasks. Instead of them having to email everyone and worrying about how long it will take, they just upload it to the box and the entire group can view it and can even download it and make changes if needed. 

DON'T sit back and not speak up. Not only will you not get your voice heard, but you'll be viewed as the person who doesn't do anything. Whether you really care or not, speak up and make sure your group knows you're invested in the project. Even if it's something as simple as what color font to use for the project cover, make sure you let them know you have an opinion and that you are part of the group.

DO your share of the work. Volunteer for the things you're good at (i.e. maybe you love to write so you offer to write all the copy, or maybe you're into research so you volunteer for that.) Most of the time, you're working on the group project for someone higher up, and your group members have access to that person. The last thing you want is them saying you didn't help on the project. If you're uncomfortable with the subject, just pick something you're good at and play on your strengths. You have to realize that you are going to have to do work - just because it's a group project doesn't mean you get to slack.

Don't let this ^ be your train of thought.

DON'T be that guy (or girl.) You know what I'm talking about, the one that takes complete control over the entire project and says they'll do everything and not to worry about it. It's easy to try to be a control freak, but the whole purpose of a group project is to experiment with working with other people. In the "real world," telling your colleagues that you'll do everything on a project isn't going to fly. Do your share and maybe a little more if you feel like someone else in the group is slacking, but be careful when you're dancing on that line. And with that...

DO trust your group members. Like I mentioned before, a lot is invested in a group project, so it's easy to try to take control so that everything gets done the way you want it to. This defeats the purpose of a group project, and the truth is if you overload yourself doing an entire group's work, your final project won't turn out as good as the other groups you're up against who actually shared the load. Three ideas are better than one, and it takes more than one person to put together a successful project.

DON'T complain about your group members. You don't get to choose who you work with in the real world, therefore complaining about your group members in school and trying to get them to change isn't going to teach you anything. Instead, take the challenge and figure out how to utilize the person you're not a fan of. Maybe they are really annoying but they are great at public speaking. Make sure to give them important speaking parts and make them feel like you care about them rather than telling them to shove off every time they speak. 

And finally, DO give credit where credit is due, both to yourself and your group members. If there is any type of evaluation at the end, make it as detailed as you can. You want the people who did a great job to get great rewards, and those who weren't so great to get what they deserve as well. Now, that doesn't mean rip someone apart. Keep it classy, but be honest. In the end, these evaluations will help you, too.

So there are a few tid bits from Mrs. Busy Pants about group projects. Now let me have it, what do you guys think is great advice for working in a group project? 

Leave your comment right under this post :)

Beat the Stress - Take Action

It's the week before Spring Break, which only means one thing: INSURMOUNTABLE AMOUNTS OF STRESS. There's midterms, shifts at work trying to rack up last minute money, homework, social events, and oh yeah, you also have to pack. 

There are so many articles giving us advice on how to avoid stress, but let's face it, it's pretty much impossible. People ask me ALL the time, "How do you do it? How do you not get stressed out?" The answer? I DO. I'm human, and just like everyone else, I feel the pressure of stress. In my opinion, it's impossible to never get stressed out. I think what really makes the difference is HOW you handle the stress. It's so easy to just throw your hands up in the air and whine and complain about how life isn't fair and you have an incredible amount of things on your plate and no time to do it (yeah, I've been there before.) So if you have to do that, then do it, but after you're done you have to do something about it. Just like weight loss or any other goal in our lives, complaining doesn't get us far. It's action that really makes the difference.


So if after you've read all those articles about how to not be stressed out you still somehow magically happen to succumb to stress anyway (impossible not to, seriously,) here are some tips to help you get back on track and get what you need to get done, DONE.


1. Take a breath. I know I often find myself running through the list of things I have to do and I literally start breathing heavy. I freak out inside, and the next thing I know I'm either crying, screaming, or whining to someone about my problems. Truth is, none of that will help (although crying sometimes makes me feel a little better.) So, after I get it out of my system, I sit down, take a deep breath, and try to ignore the big picture and focus on all the little steps I need to take to accomplish my tasks. In my opinion, this is the hardest step, because calming yourself down in a moment of pure freak out is a difficult task. So when it's time for you to start taking action, literally sit down in a chair or on your couch and just breathe. Focus on your breaths (yoga style) and let your mind relax. Focus on how your breath sounds and feels and now on what you have to do. Do this for about five minutes, and then open your eyes, take one final deep breath, and get started. A relaxed, calmed mind is going to function better than one that's frazzled. So don't shove your head in a computer, just breathe.

2. Make a To-Do List. This is not an easy step either because you have to prioritize. I usually use my planner to make my lists so I can appropriate what I have to do with the day I have to do it. But you can also just make a running list and put the "due date" in a separate column. Be careful how you organize your list, the last thing you want to do is get to Thursday and realize that something that was due Wednesday still isn't crossed off. Making the list will not only help you organize when you need to do what, but it should also help you feel a little better. Seeing everything written out on paper usually makes it seem smaller than when it's circling inside of your head. Also, there's nothing like the feeling of crossing an item off the list. The smaller it gets, the less stressed you'll feel.

3. Resist temptations. You're more than welcome to take a study break and take a walk or lay down on your bed and just relax for a little while, but you have to be wary of the temptations that can lead you off course. For instance, avoid Facebook and Pinterest (if your task doesn't involve using a computer, stay off it. If it does, change your passwords or log out so that it's more work to get to those sites.) Also, you're almost guaranteed to have friends around you who don't have as much to do and want you to go out at night or join them for some sort of event, but it's important to stay focused. I've been there before and I've had times when I made the wrong decision. What ends up happening? The entire time I'm out or on Facebook I think about everything I should be doing and that starts to raise my stress level. Then, when I finally do get back on track, I realize how far I set myself back and the stress increases more. So basically, I have to restart at step one, and sometimes there's not even time for that. The key is to stay focused and realize that if you can get through your list, the reward of relaxation will be better than those temptations can offer.


4. Call Mom or Dad. It seems ridiculous, right? You're a grown adult, why should you call them? Well, the truth is, the older people in our lives have been through this crap and they are the ones who can make us realize how small our problems really are. If your mom and dad aren't in your lives, try your boss, grandparents, or anyone else you're close with who isn't in the same generation. What happens when you complain to your friends? They probably shift the focus to them and tell you everything THEY have to do, or worse, tell you that they don't know what you're going to do and give you a simple, "Man, that sucks." But, if you tell your mom, dad, or another elder, they're more likely to help you calm down and see the big picture. They will reinforce the "take it one step at a time" notion and sometimes they even have helpful hints for some of the tasks you have. Overall, it's a safe bet, and on top of that, it's a comforting step that will help ease your stress. It's crazy what the voice of a loved one can do for a stressed soul!

5. Reward yourself. When you cross something off your list, reward yourself with a small something. It may be a dessert you love, reading a chapter of a book you're in the middle of, or catching up on a show. Even though you have a lot to do, your brain needs rest between tasks. If you do five homework assignments and then try to move straight into studying for a test while simultaneously doing your laundry, cooking dinner, and planning a social event - your brain is going to go into overload and most likely shut down. How many times have you been in the middle of studying and realized you aren't remembering anything? Or maybe you're doing a homework assignment and then realize you're doing it all wrong? It's a terrible feeling, and one way to avoid it is to let your brain relax before moving it to the next item on the list. Plus, it helps keep your stress level down if you're happy and content as opposed to freaking out.

6. Wake up early instead of staying up late. I really hate this one, but it is such great advice. I'm a night person, so I used to choose the option of pulling an all-nighter to get things done. Unfortunately, most of my work I did during these all-nighters was C quality at best. The best option is to go to sleep at a decent time and wake up early to start on your tasks. Even if you work in the morning, waking up a few hours before you have to leave will give you ample time to get things done. Your brain will feel rested and ready to face new challenges and your body will be more relaxed, too. By the end of the day, your body is tense from the day's activities. But in the morning, it's freshly rested and ready to take on the world. If you're a night person like me, try it. I promise it will yield amazing results!

7. Avoid the stimulants. Maybe it's because I'm in college, but I can't even count how many of my friends I've seen wait until the last minute, stress out, and then take Adderall to try to get everything finished. Not only is this terrible for your body, but most of the time it has adverse effects. I had one friend take it, stay up all night studying, and then she ended up falling asleep an hour before her exam and missing it all together. I had another friend take it and then she got on Facebook for a minute and the next thing she knew it was three hours until her exam and she hadn't even written a notecard. Almost all my friends who have taken it feel exhausted the next day and can't enjoy the time after their task is over, which should be the time they feel most relaxed and happy. Overall, it's a bad choice. I know I know, I sound like a PSA right now, but in my opinion, it's just not worth the risk. If you absolutely HAVE to pull an all-nighter to get things done, I suggest a more natural approach, like taking B-12 vitamins or even the 5 Hour Energy shot. It's not the best method, but it's the least harmful in my opinion.

8. If after all of this you still feel crazy stressed and can't shake it, my last bit of advice is to just let it out. Sometimes the stress we're under is unlike any we've experienced before and taking these simple steps just isn't enough. In those times, it's better to just let it out. Cry, scream, write it down, tell a friend, whatever you have to do. Not only does this let you release the tension, but usually after this, you realize that the only thing to do is take action. Sometimes it takes this step before you can start with step one. So don't be ashamed and don't think you're being irrational or that you're the only one. Just let it all out, and then get to work.

Overall, stress is an unavoidable hassle and we all have some sort of stress in our lives. My hopes for you are that they remain small and manageable. My mom always tells me that I'll never be handed more than I can handle. There have been times when I've refuted this, argued it to no end, thrown my hands in the air and threatened to give up. But eventually, I see the light at the end of the tunnel, I reach my goal, and the stress disappears. I'm not saying it's easy, because nothing in life worth anything ever is. But my point is, in the end, action is what makes the difference, and if it's a goal worth stressing over, it's a goal worth pursuing - and the reward will be worth the work.

"You've Got a Friend in Me"

It's crazy, we go through life making friends in so many different ways - at work, at school, in social organizations, and sometimes through other friends and casual parties. In any case, it may seem overwhelming trying to keep up with all your friends sometimes. Of course, we all have those certain friends that we see all the time effortlessly (for most, roommates and best friends.) But what about those other great friends that we want to stay close with? How do we fit them in along with all the other tasks clogging up our planners? Well, with a little effort, it can be done. And trust me, your friends will take note! Here are just a few tips I have to help you get started, because I really think once you can get organized, the time with friends will come easily. After all, social life is supposed to be the fun part :P


1. Make plans, and don't break them. It's so easy to write on a friends wall "Hey let's get lunch this week!" or text them and say "We should totally hang out soon!" But the truth is, vague invitations like this are a cop out. It makes you feel like you're making an effort to hang out with someone, but it makes them feel like you're just trying to let them know you are still there, but that you don't have time for them. So, instead of being so vague, ask a specific question and make plans. For instance, say "I'm free Thursday around 1:00! Want to get lunch on campus?" or maybe "My Wednesday night is free and I'm thinking two for one margaritas at Applebees!" Whatever time you have to give, it shows that you really do want to hang out. Of course, it won't always work out for the best. Sometimes they have plans that don't match up with your schedule, so you may have to keep trying before you find something that works. But when you DO find something that works, it's important to KEEP YOUR PLANS. The worst thing you can do is make plans and then send a text a couple hours before you're supposed to meet up with some lame excuse as to why you can't make it. Things come up, that's true, but if you make plans with a friend and then get a homework assignment, you'll just have to figure out a different time to do it or cut the visit with your friend a little shorter than you planned. At least if you show up and explain the situation, they know you wanted to see them so much that you made a sacrifice. Overall, it's better to make specific plans and keep them - everyone will be happy! :)


2. Don't forget! A lot of times, we make plans with so many people that we may have to be two places at once. To avoid this, put your social times in your planner just like the rest of your daily tasks. For instance, I may have written in my planner "Quiz 2 due, work for K92FM 9am - 1pm, pay electricity, hang out with Stacy after homework is done." This helps SO much because then if someone asks me to hang out on that night, I check my planner and see I already have plans with someone else. Like I said before, the worst thing you can do is cancel plans. So make sure you don't overbook!

3. Make the time. So far, I've given you some tips on making plans and keeping them, but how do you find the time to make the plans in the first place? Well, it takes sacrifice. Sometimes (or most of the time, depending on how you are) you probably want to just go home on a free night and collapse on your couch so you can dive into an endless marathon of Grey's Anatomy and eat everything in your fridge. But instead of that, make plans with a friend to do something similar. If you know you have a busy day on Tuesday but you have the evening off and only a small homework assignment due the next day, ask a friend to come hang out and watch TV or a movie. You can get junk food and make a fun night of it, and you'll still have time to do your homework assignment rather than if you chose to go out to a bar. However, if you have a full night off and you feel like you haven't been out in a while, treat yourself. IT'S OKAY to go out every now and then and enjoy life, especially if you're in college. It only happens once, and it's so important to make the most of it while you're there. So take a look at what you have to do for the week, PRIORITIZE, and then figure out who you want to hang out with and when you can fit them in. It may seem silly scheduling time with friends, but if you don't make an effort, you may soon realize that someone you used to be so close with doesn't know anything about you anymore.


4. Don't bring them down. When you do hang out with your friends, you may find your mind wandering to other things you have to do once you go back home. It's important that you drop all your concerns and focus on being in the moment with your friends. Have a good time with them and don't overwhelm them with all the things you have to do when the two of you split up, because most likely you're going to make them feel like they're holding you back and you'd rather be somewhere else. So make an effort to leave all the stress and "To Do" items in the back of your mind, even if it is only for a few hours.


5. If you really don't have the time, pick up the phone and be honest. It happens. Sometimes, we have "Hell Weeks" and we honestly can't make time for anything or anyone. If that happens, pick up the phone and give your friends a call. You can do this while you're doing other things, for instance, while you're taking a study break, doing homework, cooking dinner, driving home, or walking your dog. We are so addicted to texting because it's fast and easy, but the sad thing is, it's also very impersonal. If you pick up the phone and make an effort to ask how your friend is, they'll appreciate it a lot more. You also have the time to tell them everything that's going on in your "Hell Week," which is a good vent for you and lets them know why you can't hang out. You can always follow up with "I can't wait til it's over so we can have another movie night!" The point is, you DO care about your friends, so make sure they understand that and you show it clearly.

These are just a few pointers if you're feeling overwhelmed and like your friends are feeling ignored. Trust me, there isn't enough space on this blog to tell you all how many times I've had friends upset with me for not making enough time for them. I've learned more in this past year about how important it is to make time, even if it is just a lunch date. I hope you found this helpful, and I'm sure after you get started, you'll find that you had more time than you thought for friends. And believe me, if there's one thing that I've learned, it's that friends and family are what make this life worth living. <3

My Fitness Pal - More Like BFF

If you have a smart phone like I do, I'm sure you already have plenty of apps to keep up with. Most likely, you downloaded them once and never viewed them again (why do I still have Line Jumper?) Anyway, the point is that there are some apps that mean the world to us, and some that are easily forgotten. Today, I'm going to introduce you to one that can help you change your life.

My Fitness Pal

My Fitness Pal is an online website (and fully functional amazing app) where you can log your daily food and exercise journal. If you're on a journey to lose weight or just want to maintain a healthy lifestyle, this app is perfect to help you out. Best part? FREE. :)

Setting Goals:

When you first sign up, it will ask you to set a goal. This can be to lose weight or maintain it. If you chose to lose weight, you can increase or decrease your calorie intake by selecting one pound per week, one and a half, or two. This is also when you'll weigh in and put in your measurements if you know them. 

Food Journal:

With My Fitness Pal, you can record everything you eat, from breakfast to dinner and everything in between. It may seem like you have a good grip on what you're eating, but I guarantee as soon as you start logging your food, you'll be shocked at what you're eating. I started using this website last January and my eating habits have changed drastically. I never realized what horrible things were being put in my body with the food I was choosing. It's so important to eat a healthy diet, even if you don't have any weight to lose, because the food you eat affects other aspects of your life as well, such as your energy level. The best part about the journal is that you YOU get to chose what you want to watch. For instance, I watch calories, protein, carbs, sodium, and sugar. If you're more interested in fat, you could chose to watch that. It's all up to your preference.

Here's a screen shot of the diary summary. When you're done for the day, you can click "complete this entry" to see your projected weight loss if "every day were like today."

Searching For Food:

One of my favorite aspects of this app is that you can literally find any food. It's a huge database because there are so many users, so you can type in "Publix Carrot Cake" for instance and log every nutritional value. There's also this AWESOME feature on the app where you can scan the barcode of what you're eating to log it. So easy and fast, which may be why I'm so drawn to it.

Exercise Log:

You also log your exercise on the site/app. This is great because the more cardio you do, the more calories you're "allowed" to eat. They show you a weekly view, too, so you can see how much working out you're really doing. I used to think I was doing so great going for a light jog or a long walk, but you learn quickly the best way to get a great cardio workout FAST (which is great for busy people.)

You can add both cardio and strength work outs to your log.

Progress:

My Fitness Pal shows you all your progress from what you've been eating all week to how much your weight has fluctuated over time. There are pie graphs, bar graphs, and stats for pretty much everything. There are daily summaries as well as weekly. The best part about watching your progress is noticing the big changes that can come with such a small realization. Once you start noticing how bad something "healthy" can be - like a salad, for instance - your eating habits can take a turn for the better.

Great way to see what your diet is mostly made up of. A year ago, mine was all carbs!

Friends:

With My Fitness Pal, you can add your friends and use it as a sort of Facebook-like community, as well. This actually helped me out a lot because I was excited to post my weight loss so that I could get comments from my friends. It's also a great way to ask for recipes or share your struggles with other friends who want to achieve the same goal.

You have a newsfeed where you can comment on your friends statuses. For instance, one of my co-workers has logged in for 5 days in a row, so I might say "Alright, keep it up!"

Community:

There is a section on the website called "community" where you can read other people's success stories and see their pictures, talk about troubles you're having, and get advice. The best part of the community board is the recipes. There's nothing better than eating something you love that's been tweaked to have half the calories! :)

There's so much more to this app, so seriously, GET IT NOW. I promise you won't regret it, and your body will thank you. :)

The Morning Blues

Let's face it. For most of us, the worst part about work is how early we have to wake up to get there. If you're as busy as me, you usually don't make it to bed until at least midnight, and that's if you're lucky. If you're working all day and then have to attend an event or come home to laundry, homework, etc. it's difficult to get to bed at a decent time. Also, if on the off chance you do get to lay down early, most likely you're mind takes a while to shut off from all the things you know still have to be done. So, how do we beat the morning blues and make work a little less dreadful? It's not easy, but it can be done.


1. Set your alarm earlier. I know I know, you're probably shaking your head in confusion and refusal, but it actually can help. If you set your alarm for about twenty minutes earlier than you have it set for now, it allows you time to enjoy waking up. For most of us, as soon as our alarm goes off we are up and running and we have about twenty minutes to get out the door. However, if you set your alarm clock earlier, you can hit snooze if you're extra tired and it makes it feel like you're sleeping in a little longer. You can also wake up when it goes off and sit in bed watching some television for a little while before you have to get up. You might also want to use the extra time to cook a nice breakfast, take a hot shower, or in my case, cuddle with your kitty :) 

How can you not want to cuddle with this? :)

In any case, it's worth a try. My bet is you'll feel better about your mornings if you can slow them down a bit.


2. Eat breakfast. In high school and for most of freshman year of college, I refused to eat breakfast. Most of the time I wasn't hungry that early or I just didn't want to take the time to make something when I could sleep an extra five minutes. But, as we all know, there are studies everywhere indicating that breakfast is a huge asset to our health and our energy. I can't leave without breakfast now, and I don't always have time to cook something so don't feel like that's a necessity. Grab some protein bars or drinks that will fill you up and get your metabolism working but won't require breaking out the skillet and spatula. Breakfast is essential. Check out this article from The Washington Times if you're still unconvinced. Breakfast Energy Boost


3. Take a multivitamin and/or B-12. A lot of times the reason we feel so sleepy in the morning isn't because we didn't get enough sleep (most adults only need about 7 hours,) but rather that our bodies are lacking essential nutrients we need for energy. B-12 is a great supplement for energy, which is probably why a lot of energy drinks and shots have high amounts of it. If you make taking it part of your daily routine, I guarantee you'll notice a difference. If you want to boost it even more, combine with a daily multivitamin. I'm telling you, vitamins, vitamins, vitamins. 

4. Exercise. This one is a no-brainer. If you exercise, you're going to be able to fall asleep quicker, stay asleep, and wake up feeling more energized and less irritated. According to fitness.com, "The more active your body is during the day, the more likely you are able to relax fully at night and fall asleep easily." It also helps with stress, which if you're lacking sleep is probably one of your top concerns. Check out the full article on how exercise helps you sleep better from Fitness.com here: Fitness.com - How Exercise Can Help You Sleep Better


5. Avoid the coffee and do something natural instead. Now, I used to love coffee just as much as the next person. My old bank statements full of Starbucks transactions is proof enough of that. However, I always noticed that coffee really never did much for me, especially after the first hour or so past. In fact, I think it made me sleepier than I was before I had the coffee once the crash kicked in. So, instead, if you wake up and you're exhausted, take a few minutes to stretch. Stretching gets your blood flowing and releases endorphins, but it's not as involved as a morning exercise. With this, you don't have to worry about getting up super early to plan in a work out and a shower after, but you'll feel more energized and you can slowly wake up. If you try this and it really works for you, you might consider looking into yoga.

6. Turn your brain OFF before bed. That means no watching TV, no playing on your iPhone, no reading. When you're ready to lay down, turn off the lights, get under the covers, and let your brain turn off. If you start thinking about everything you need to do, help your brain out by switching the focus. My trick? I'll start at my head and work my way down to my toes relaxing every muscle. This takes a little brain effort because I have to consciously loosen my muscles and because I'm keeping an order of what muscle is next, my brain can't start wondering off thinking about homework. I usually can't even make it back up to my head because eventually, I'm relaxed enough to slip into a great night sleep.


7. Smile. If you wake up really tired, it usually puts you in a bad mood right away. Instead of griping and frowning the entire morning, smile. Smiling makes us happy, and when you're happy, you're more likely to forget that you felt tired. So even if things are rough, find a way to smile. Or, at least walk into work smiling. If you're smiling and greeting everyone when you walk in, you'll get a great response from co-workers, and social energy helps us feel awake and energized. 


8. My last bit of advice: sing. Silly, I know, but it works for me. I'm a TERRIBLE singer, but when I'm super tired, I turn up my favorite songs on the way to work and sing. I've noticed it puts me in a better mood, and because I'm working my voice and brain instead of sitting there numbly driving the same routine I do every day, I wake up more. By the time I get to work I feel significantly better than I did when I left my house.




Now, there are always going to be those mornings/days when no matter what you do or try, you're just tired. IT'S OKAY. Don't assume there's something wrong with you if work is a drag sometimes. Our bodies are complicated, and sometimes they just need rest. For days like that, try to clear your schedule as much as you can to take some time to rest. If that's not possible, try breathing deeply and slowly at your desk/register/etc. Breathing deeply relaxes your body, which may help you feel a little less tired. I hope you have fun trying something new to boost your energy, and don't forget to post a comment with your tips for feeling more awake, too!

5 Tips To Start Balancing School

There's no way to sum up everything there is to know about balancing school in one blog post, which is precisely why I don't intend to try. However, I've found in my academic career that the key to reaching a goal is having a starting point and taking it one step at a time. So, with that said, here are a few tips to get you started.

1. BUY A PLANNER. I know, for most it sounds like I'm speaking ancient language to say it's a smart idea to get an actual book filled with paper and use one of those, (what do they call them?) oh yeah - pens, to write in it. Trust me, I'm just as addicted to my smart phone as the next busy person, but the truth is technology isn't always dependable and at any moment you could lose your contacts, schedule, alarm clocks, and who knows what else. I buy a planner every year and keep it with me in my purse, school bag, or whatever I have on me that day.I write down everything from my work schedule to when I'm hanging out with who, but the best part is I can take my syllabus each semester and fill in my planner with due dates and tests. Not only does it help you organize your school work so that you don't miss an assignment or test, but it will help avoid those awkward moments when you get a phone call from a friend, family member, or worse - your boss, asking why you're not somewhere you didn't know you had to be. 

Example of mine - hopefully you are a little more OCD than I am and don't go haywire on yours :)

2. Read your syllabus. Often times when we're busy we try to avoid reading these (especially since most of them are long, drawn out pages of rediculousness) but trust me, it's worth it. If you can, print out a copy for yourself or use the one the professor gives you and sit it by your desk at home or work so you can reference it if needed. 

3. Prioritize. It seems simple, but I know how difficult it is to sit down and study for a test when everyone else is going to a local bar for Wasted Wednesdays. In the end, it just takes a little self control. You have to ask yourself how prepared you are, what's more important, and of course, what's a stake. It may seem like a few C's and D's are no big deal, but the closer you get to graduation, the more you'll wish you prioritized earlier.

4. Take a break. When you've been at work all day and then had to go to a campus event followed by walking your dog and cooking dinner, it's hard to sit down and read a chapter on how the brain works. So, take a break. Go for a walk, listen to some music, watch a 30 minute television show, and then get back to it. I know sometimes it feels like you have to rush rush rush to get everything done, but some of the worst work comes from an uneasy mind. How many times have you sat down to read and gotten halfway through a chapter just to realize you didn't read a single word. I know I've had scanning-eye-make-you-think-you're-learning syndrome before, but I have learned to avoid it by letting my brain rest for a short time before sitting down to shove it full of text language. 

5. Plan ahead. If you're taking four 3-credit courses, plan study time or homework time into your schedule. If don't have homework, then no big deal that time is free for you to go play. BUT, if you do have homework or studying to do, you'll already have time planned out for it. Of course, this is always easier said than done, but if you are already expecting something in your schedule then it doesn't stress you out as much.

This is just a short list of tips to help if you're feeling a little overwhelmed. I hate to get all "mom" on you, but just take a deep breath and take one step at a time. When you feel overwhelmed, just take a moment to realize that if you do that quiz tonight or read two chapters, that'll be one less thing you have to do tomorrow.

Just A Little Fast Dinner - Boneless Pork Loin Chops

Every week I want to try to give a fast but healthy recipe for dinner, because let's face it, with 99 items on our "To Do" list and only 24 hours in a day, most of the time McDonalds seems like the best option. One of the best things about cooking a good meal instead is the power of left overs. If you can dedicate thirty minutes one or two times a week to cooking, you can significantly decrease the amount of eating out you do just by eating your left overs.


Tonight's feature: Delicious boneless pork loin chops :)


This is so simple and easy, in fact I'm doing it right now! :) All you have to do is get a package of thin sliced, lean, boneless pork chop loins. (I get mine from Publix, but where ever you prefer to buy meat is fine.) Other than that, all you need is the Amazing Taste Pork Seasoning (it's a small red packet, ask your butcher or cashier if you're unsure where to find it.) You'll also need about 1/4 cup of olive oil.


And that's IT. Easy right?


Set your oven to broil. While it's heating up, mix 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup water, and your seasoning in a bowl. Open up the pork loins and dip them in the bowl one at a time, then lay them out on a pan lined with foil. (You can use the excess marinade over the top if you want.) Then, when the oven is heated, stick them in for about 6-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature of your pork chops is at least 145 - 150. You can also bake these, grill them, or sautee them if you have more time and aren't running around doing laundry or in my case, homework. 


They are so tasty and warm up great as left overs! You can have them with some grilled veggies or some of your favorite sides. I'm on a low carb kick right now, so I'll just be having the chops by themselves. :)


Not only is this a great, fast meal, but it's PACKED with good protein and is carb friendly. Oh, and did I mention cheap? ENJOY :)

Karma

In this crazy life of mine, I've realized that all the cliches in the world tell me that, "one day, my hard work will pay off." Most of the time I'm too grumpy, sleepy, or busy to accept this notion, but the truth is I can trace my footsteps in life and testify that it's pretty true. Yes, of course, sometimes life hands us lemons and we can't find the sugar, ice, or a glass to put some lemonade in but for the most part I really think you get what you give. Now, this may be a reflection of my avid belief in Karma, but whether it is or not it's allowed me to always find the positive side (although sometimes it takes me a while to get there.) So, for my first post, I want to leave you all with this: When things get hard, and you feel overwhelmed to the point of no relief, just remember to count what you DO have and not what you don't and always remember that eventually, one day, "all your hard work will pay off."


And if all else fails, tattoo it somewhere where you'll never forget. :)