How to get through the last month of school...

When I think of summer, this is what I picture in my mind. Of course, with one month left of college, I have a slight case of senioritis. Actually, I take that back. I have a HUGE case of senioritis.

I'm missing more classes than normal, I can't focus, nor do I want to even attempt to study for anything. How can I with summer less than a month away?

Here's how to survive the last month of school:

1. Resist the warm weather. We all want to soak in it, but don't let the warm weather distract you from class. Probably too late for most of us. I have seen too many people going to the Point for fun activities. FAIL.

2. Compromise. Do your work outside. There are plenty of parks, common areas, benches, etc. that can allow you to soak up the nice weather but get your work done at the same time!

3. Hide in the library. If you dedicate one day that you can bang out all of your work in the lib, you should be able to stay on schedule. I'm not talking about all-nighters or running off of coffee, just a couple of hours in the lib should be just fine--especially for Point Park work.


4. Who cares. This probably contradicts my first three points. Hopefully your last month of school doesn't reflect your entire semester. I am slacking a ton, I'm sure many others are. Let's be honest, summer is right around the corner, assignments are not going to get done.

Random thought: Bad case of the mondays.

How to not break the bank when you purchase items at the Point Cafe...

The Point Park Cafe literally raises its prices every year. It is now $3 for a yogurt, almost $7 if you get a wrap and chips, $3 and some change for a soggy fruit cup, and a whopping $8 for a pre-made salad that sits over in the cooler by the coffee. The cheapest things in the cafe include drinks, small snacks and other random things that will never fill you up.

Here's how to eat cheap in the cafe:

1. Buy Brisk Iced-Tea. This brisk not only has caffeine to get you through your busy day, but it comes in many flavors and once it actually lasted me 2 days because it's so big! Also, it's only a buck! Can't beat that...

2. Fruit and pop-tarts are cheap. With their variety of pop-tarts and fruit for only one dollar, that's a good way to start your day and not spend a lot of money. Make sure you check for rotten spots on the apples. Point Park's apples have never been the most promising.

3. Cafe Snack wraps. $2.19 per wrap, and although I may need about 3 of these to be full, they are a good snack that can kind of tie you over until you get home.

4. Grilled Cheese. Grilled cheese in the cafe is delicious and cheap, but they never put enough cheese! That's just a personal complaint, but usually I can get a cup of soup and a grilled cheese for only $4.18, which is pretty cheap compared to their $8 salads, just saying...

5. Eat at subway instead. It's really close and $5 footlongs, duh.

Random thought: This weather is miserable!

How to look cute while dressing comfy...

FYI: This is what happens when you google, "Yoga Pants"

Everyone has those days when they want to come to class in sweats and a hoodie. Most people do this anyway, because honestly, who are we trying to impress at Point Park.

Here's how to look cute and dress comfortable:

1. Yoga pants. For guys, I don't recommend this, but for girls, this may be your best bet. Yoga pants and a cute shirt, yoga pants in a hoodie, yoga pants in a cute hoodie, it never fails. Comfortable and not sloppy looking--and they come in all different colors!

2. Leggings. Same thing goes for leggings - comfortable and cute with a big hoodie and UGGS (well I think so anyway.)

3. Jeggings. The new mix between jeans and leggings. I make fun of the name but they are surprisingly comfier and cuter than you may think!

4. A dress and UGGS. Cute for the spring and easy to pick out!

5. A hoodie and sweats for you athletes. I wear this at least twice a week. Everyone who hates this, no more judging.

Random thought: This week is going slow.

How to test out of a class...

Don't want to take your general education classes? Or you aren't able to graduate on time? Testing out of a class using the CLEP program is easier and cheaper than taking a class! When you test out of a specific course, sometimes it even counts for two! Take Natural Sciences for example. This CLEP test will allow you to test out of NSET 1 & 2, therefore you will only have to pass one test for two classes. It will only cost you a little less than $100. Here's how:

1. Do the research. On collegeboard.com there are links to CLEP testing that give you all of the details. You can see which tests are available, where the closest testing center is, the costs, registering info, etc.

2. Once you pick the class that you would like to CLEP out of, download the registration form available through your test center and send it in with a payment. It's best to schedule your test during the summer or while you are on a break, that way you have more time to focus. I ended up scheduling the Natural Sciences CLEP test for next week, right in the midst of the semester. Although I gave myself plenty of months to prepare, it's tough to sit down and study for it when you have 10 million other things to do for your current classes.

3. Buy a CLEP book. They have these books available online or at Barnes&Noble, Borders, etc., and I recommend getting one to study from. The literature CLEP test is more comprehensive reading and answering questions, but the Natural Sciences test consists of a lot of double-negative questions, diagrams, etc. The CLEP books aren't that expensive and they will definitely help you study.

4. Schedule these tests early in your college years. If you don't pass one of the tests, you can retake it 6 months later. If you try to test out your freshman or sophomore year, you have plenty of time to retake the test if you don't pass it right away.

That's all.

Random thought: Feeling guilty for not going to class.

How to make your papers longer...

Getting that last page done on your 10-page research paper is always difficult to do. Need to add some length? Here are some ways to extend your paper so you don't have to do all the leg work.

1. Change the size of your periods. If you change all of these from 10-12 or 12-14 font size, it will add at least a page to your document, depending on how long it is. CTRL+F with find and replace, and then add the bigger period to replace the smaller ones. Hope this helps!

2. Change your spacing. Typically in word you can add more depth to your spacing to make your double-spacing longer, however you do not want to add too much. You need to keep this spacing reasonable, not noticeable. Under paragraph you will see a spacing tab, click on this and then up your double spacing point (pt.) just a teeenssyy bit. This may help! =)

3. Change your font to Arial. This only works in your COPA classes or for the professors who don't really care about AP style or the type of font/size that you are using. If you change it to Arial 12pt. font, it will most likely add a half page or possibly even one to your research paper.

4. Do your research before you start writing. This will not only put more ideas in your head before you begin to write, but it will also take less time to write your paper if you break up your research day and your writing day.

5. Make your headers BIGGER. This will add length.

Random thought: Let's go UCONN.

How to find an outfit in 30 minutes or less!

I could literally end this post after the image. But I guess that's kind of vague. Yesterday a friend and I went to South Side Works because she needed to find an outfit for a Little Wayne concert (lol) I guess I should have spelled it 'lil' wayne...oh well. Anyway, we were pressed for time! I thought I was just going to return my redbox movies, but I ended up buying a dress and a shirt (for only 20 bucks, chicka yeahhh)

We had about twenty minutes to shop, but instead we took about a half hour. Anyway, here is how to shop like we did!

1. Know what you want to buy. Have an idea already in your head. My friend Michele (yes, we're no longer fighting) wanted a blazer and a tank for Lil' Wayne, so we figured H&M and Forever 21 would be our best bet. It's a good thing Mich already knew what she wanted, this way we didn't end up trying on random shirts to ruin our time. Found the blazer in H&M, I grabbed a button up, we briefly chatted with the cashier about Bugles (Beagles, Bangles) and we were on our way!

2.Know your store. In this case, we went to 2 stores and bought everything successfully within a half hour, yet for other people this may be hard to do! Target one store and go for it. If you need a dress, top, jeans, leggings, anything--I'm sure many girls reading this would know that Forever is your best bet.

3. Eliminate the items you want to try on. If you have a friend with you, let them retrieve different sizes/clothes if you need them so you don't waste time in the dressing room! If you know your size and think you can fit it, don't even bother trying it on! (This is something I would do, yet many people wouldn't recommend it.)

4. Shop fast!

Random thought: Duke is out, my bracket is screwed.

How to find time to eat during the day....

So I googled food and that's what happened.

Anyway, does anybody else find it difficult to find time to eat during the day when you are busy?

This week I am feeling extra rushed, extra busy with no time for myself to run, eat or keep my room organized. :( I'm a mess this week. And super hungry.

Here are some tips to find time to eat during the day!

1. Pack a lunch the night before! (But don't forget it in the morning, Karly) This is a cheaper and more effective way to make sure that you will have time to eat, whether it is during class, at work, etc. And you get to choose what you pack therefore you have more options!

2. Bring your food to class. Even if you have a 15 min. break before or after class, grab something quickly and bring it in! You pay to be there, so who says you can't eat if you're hungry! (just nothing too crunchy...) I don't recommend buying anything from the Point Park Cafe unless you have a meal plan because it is literally $9.00 for a pre-packaged salad. Absolutely ridiculous!

3. Allot yourself a lunchtime, if you can! This way you will get hungry at the same time everyday and you will also know that you have that half-hour to spare just to eat! This works in your favor if you have a less busy day than others. I wish I had time for this--somedays I do!

4. Pack snacks! ...Self-explanatory kind-of

Random thought: I am so hungry if you couldn't tell by this post...

How to pass Media and Ethics at Point Park...

If any of you have taken Media, Ethics, and Responsibilities at Point Park, then you are aware that it is:

A. Much more difficult than other classes here at Point Park (surprise, surprise)
B. Very Demanding
C. Hard to pass the quizzes (even if you do all of the reading!)

Therefore, here are some tips in order for you to pass the class (based on the inspirations of others and my own experience):

1. Read everything. Bylines, small anecdotes, everything. Read it twice if you have to because you have quizzes every week and there are direct quotes and similar answers on the multiple-choice questions.

2. Highlight names, dates, places, quotes, percentages inspirational things -- and read over your highlights. Specific names will be addressed on the quizzes and sometimes even percentages of surveys will be noted. You have a quiz every week, don't let that slip your mind.

3. Don't lose the syllabus, or even misplace it. I have currently done this, therefore I am not prepared for the reading in class today for the first time this semester which means:

A. I will most likely be embarrassed in class.
B. I may not do so well on the quiz
C. Because "C" I have no idea what the reading was for the class.

4. Don't sit by yourself, make friends. Due to the fact that I didn't do this, I have no idea what the reading is for today because I misplaced my syllabus! Fail.

5. TAB YOUR NOTEBOOK! The midterm has direct quotes, etc., yet it is open book. Just because it is open book does not mean it will be easy. Because it isn't. Be prepared and tab the sections with authors, summaries of the readings, etc.

For the rest of the tips on this class, stay posted because I'm only about half-way through the class, therefore I'm taking these tips for myself as well. Wish me good luck.

Random thought: I better go or I may be late for Ethics! EEK.

How to remain calm while stuck in an elevator..

This weekend was very stressful. As some of you may know, myself and others threw Karly Shorts a surprise birthday party (yay she was surprised!) As I was trying to balance work, running, errands, planning and creating elaborate lies to fool Karly, things were actually going pretty smoothly.

I was anticipating the party and Karly's reaction and just hoping that no one would blow the surprise. Everything was going fine until the elevator decided to stop working as myself and 4 others made our way up (or tried to) to the 14th floor of The Washington Plaza Apartment complex.

After being stuck for almost an hour and a half, the power was shut off in our elevator and a very strong man pryed the doors of the elevator open with his bare hands. Very similar to how the incredible hulk may have handled this. The strong man freed us all and we made it to the surprise! However, many people fear getting stuck in an elevator for 15 minutes, let alone for an hour and a half!

Here's how to remain calm:

1. Think positively. I have been stuck on a Washington Plaza elevator before and it is not fun. However, the first time that I was stuck, it was only for 15 minutes, therefore when my elevator got stuck this time, I tried to believe that it wouldn't last very long. As time passed and I worried that I would miss the surprise, I began to think negatively--which just made me more stressed. In a situation like this it helps to stay positive and believe you will get out as soon as possible even though it may take a little bit longer than you think.

2. Continue to stay updated with the building employees that are associated with the elevator. Although the employees may be annoyed by this, they aren't the ones stuck on the elevator, so you can bug them as much as you want. I continued to call the front desk of the elevator every 10 minutes to be updated on the situation. This way, you will have an estimated time for when you will be free, and you can also be notified with what type of problem the elevator is facing. The employees may also help you remain calm, which is a plus!


3. Sing. I was stuck in the elevator with 4 people that had very good singing voices! Although I cannot sing for the life of me, this helped lighten the mood a bit, and even though I was thinking negatively, the singing brought a smile to my face every now and then. It may get a little crazy afer an hour, but you will get used to the tunes.

I'm sure there are other ways to remain calm when you are stuck in an elevator, however, these are just the tips that I have for you that related to my own experience! If anybody has experiences with being stuck in the elevator, feel free to tell your story or comment!

Random thought: I have great friends. =)

How to help Japan

As most of you know by now, on March 11, Japan was struck with an earthquake with a magnitude of 8.9, which then led to multiple tsunamis dangering and ending the lives of many. Thousands. Although this natural disaster hasn't occurred in the United States, we are indirectly affected, and many people like myself are directly affected.

The radiation is so high, that Japanese enforcers are actually dropping gallons of water on the plants to cool it off--in hopes of stopping the tragedy. So far, not much is looking promising.

Similarly to last year with Haiti, there are many groups/organizations reaching out to help those in Japan, and there is a way that all of us can contribute somehow.

Here's how:

1. World Vision has emergency teams on the ground in Japan and they are taking donations for supplies of blankets, food, water, etc. to keep those who are struggling to survive, alive. A lot of the contributions targets children and families that are directly affected. To donate, CLICK HERE

2.Convoy of hope has just expedited 50,000 meals to Japan and is also trying to get immediate supplies over there. According to Convoy, homeless people are already undergoing food/water shortages - struggling to survive. The impact is 30-feet high, wiping out entire villages. At this time they are not accepting volunteers, however, you can help donate. DONATE HERE

3. Save the Children, an organization that has been stationed in Japan for 25 years is focused on providing food, water, clothing,education, medics etc., especially in their state of dire need, presently. HELP HERE!

4. Somebody should start something up around campus. Last year, myself and 3 other athletes ran the Pittsburgh half-marathon (new blog) for the Haiti H20 team in efforts to donate to Haiti during their natural disaster tragedy. I hope to coordinate something along those lines this year with possibly an organization that will benefit the present Japan catastrophes. Any ideas? We should all try to help in one way or another.

5. Pray for them :)

That's all for now -- check back later with more updates. There are dozens more of organizations that are attempting to help. Please join them! (in helping, not literally, unless you can.)

Random thought: Amazing how so many lives overseas affect so many lives in America.

How to make homemade popcorn!

If you have read my previous post, then you are aware of the health kick that my roommate Karly and I are exploring. In result of that, instead of buying our usual Orville Redenbacher, "Movie theatre butter" popcorn, we have resorted to just the kernels to make our own.

I remember that my mom used to make this for my brother's and I to decorate the Christmas tree and even to snack on occasionally. It's pretty simple to make. Here's how!

1. Place a medium or large pot/saucepan (depending on how much popcorn you plan on making) on your stovetop burner.

2. Fill the bottom of the pot with cooking oil, either vegetable or olive, whichever you prefer (or have!)

3. Turn the heat setting to high and put one kernel at the bottom of the pan.

4. Once the pan is heated thoroughly and the oil begins to boil/sizzle, the one kernel will pop.

5. Once the kernel pops, fill the bottom of your pan with kernels. Pictured below.


6. Keep checking on the popocorn, however, once everything starts going according to plan, the popcorn will start to pop!


7. Once the popcorn begins to pop consistently, ususally after one or two minutes of the first couple pops, you should grasp the pan handles and shake around the popcorn. This will prevent the popcorn on the bottom from burning. (I learned my lesson after the fact, therefore my popcorn was a little overdone. It's a good thing I don't mind burnt popcorn! )

8. Once the pops begin to slow, your popcorn should be close to done! Pour melted butter, pepper, salt, etc., whichever type of seasoning you may prefer! For you healthy eaters, sometimes it's just as tasty plain!

Wallah!



Random thought: This crappy weather can stop now.

How to get "Pauly D" abs (inspired by Karly Shorts)

Okay, so most of you know that I'm from Jersey--yes, I have lived/been at the Jersey Shore, yes, I have been to Karma, yes, I have met "Pauly D" and his crew, and yes, I know how to fist pump, and yes, I have "Pauly D" abs...

Well, the first fact is true anyway.

Despite all of that, summer is coming up and everybody is looking to get a smokin' beach bod. My good friend Karly Shorts once told me that some good "ab foods" are:

1. Fruits
2. Nuts
3. Berries
4. Oils
5. Some other healthy stuff

As we perused through the grocery store yesterday, we filled our cart with reduced-fat, low-calorie, no lard, "ab food" products, and some other unappealing stuff! :( We had to skip right over the Doritos, Chips Ahoy and double fudge brownie ice cream in order to keep ourselves healthy. As sad as it was, I know it will help us out in the long run!

We got some fruits and a lot of healthy stuff, but we skipped the nuts and berries because frankly, with our college budget, 10 bucks for a small container of cashews didn't exactly make the cut.

If you want "Pauly D" abs, it's time to crack down. May is just around corner which means school is almost out and the beach/pool is calling your name. So no more ravioli, ziti or 5-day drinking binges, it's straight GTL from now on.

Random thought: Great value products are cheap and delicious!

How to not get distracted by Facebook...

Some may wonder:
How to NOT go on Facebook while you are checking your email or doing homework online?

NOT POSSIBLE!

I used to think it was possible until everything began to be connected to Facebook. Classes with online journalism, social media, group projects, etc. --they all seem to coordinate with Facebook in one way or another, forcing you to constantly check up on it!

...Or it may be the newest photo album uploaded from last weekend that you are dying to check out! Either way, we're all sucked in.

One of the worst parts is that we receive all of our Facebook notifications either via phone or email these days, forcing us to constantly check the book even when we are checking our email for school reasons.

It's a lost cause. (Sorry for the trick post, opposite of how to)

Random thought: I am reallllly good at procrastinating.

How to...de-stress!

Picture above: How to not de-stress!?

I'm sure most of you are familiar with the "stress ball". Which, I don't know about you, but if I am feeling anxious and overly stressed, I don't exactly have five minutes to sit down and squish a stupid ball that most likely will not relieve any of my stress. In actuality, it may just set you back with time. It's kind of funny because they place this corny, smiling graphic on a pointless ball that may just end up making you more annoyed at the time. (We all know these stress balls are just cool to play with because of the gel inside, not to de-stress anybody.)

Anyway, here are my top 5 ways to de-stress in the moment of a crisis:

1. Take 5 seconds to breathe and write a 'to-do' list. This will help you organize your thoughts. This way, when one of your tasks is completed, you can cross it off the list! (When you cross everything off the list you will feel productive and relieved!) This extra time will also give you a minute to relax and keep your mind from racing.

2. Do your biggest task first. Sometimes if I have a crapload of stuff to do in one day, if I tackle my biggest job first, it almost lightens my load halfway. And also, if I don't have the opportunity to cross everything off the list, at least I know my greatest hassle is out of the way.

3. Grab a snack! I know, I know, sometimes you call your mom and she's like, "don't worry sweetie, just relax, you will get it all done, eventually!" And you're like, "MOM, I DON'T HAVE EVENTUALLY! I HAVE 3 HOURS!" And you think to yourself, I don't have time to eat, pee, breathe, sleep, live, cry, etc. Which first of all, especially for us girls, we definitely have time to cry. Breathing is a necessity. We are obviously still living even though we feel like dying. And for all of you that know me well, I definitely find time to eat. So you can too! Sometimes if you are extra hungry you become extra grumpy! I do anyway. So take 5 minutes to either pack an extra snack in the morning or grab one along the way to your interview or class, whatever.

4. Go for a run/exercise, whatever. Obviously this isn't going to be possible if you are in the middle of a long-day crisis of back to back duties, but if you are just stressed out about a huge paper, interview, application, etc., going for a run to trigger those endorphins will leave you feeling happy and relieved! So take 20-30 minutes to exercise and you may feel relieved. If you are more of an elliptcal-er or a biker, you can bring your book along and kill two birds with one stone! For those of you who aren't the exercising type, take this time to watch tv, write or play out one of your other hobbies that will keep you on track!

5. Stay positive. If you are running around like a maniac and telling everybody: "I still have to go to work, write my thesis paper, turn in 2 articles, eat dinner, go to the store, send that email to joe schmoe, fix my cover letter, blah blah blah, I'm gonna die of hunger, I will never get anything done, I hate my life. Chances are, with this attitude, you will never get anything done! Speaking negatively about what you have to accomplish, over and over again will just make everything worse! Stay positive, take a deep breath and cross the tasks off of your to-do list one by one!

That's all!

Random thought of the day: I want to be a columnist.

New Blog!

Here's the latest:

1. This is my new blog. Some of you may be familiar with my old blog: A Peek at Point Park. Time to try something new.

2. Still at Point Park. Gonna graduate in May and will continue on for my Masters in Journalism.

3. Gonna keep writing so I'm gonna keep blogging.

4. Gist of it: How to do...anything! From cooking meals and managing money to de-stressing!

5. That brings me to my first post! Enjoy. =)