Putting a Spring into Your Step at UT Tyler!

Now that we have been in school for a few weeks and we students are getting back into our normal, “oh good God, this paper is due! We have a quiz!” routine, it’s time to find a way to cope with this transient, fleeting time of the year. In the past few posts of mine, we’ve discussed how to handle not always excelling at things the first time around and the complications of Texas weather on fashion. However, this semester is going to fly by! I know it seems like it just started, but it is already February: the shortest month of the year with only 28 days. At the risk of sounding like that obstreperous Rebecca Black song, March comes after that! That means if you start now, that only leaves about a little over a month to plan the perfect spring break! It sounds like a really long time, but we all know how time flies when you’re taking quizzes, having perfect attendance in that 8 am class (am I right?), and studying late into the night for all those exams.

This bunny is in your home, studying your notes!

Here is a spring board of fun ideas to do over Spring Break and why they’re awesome! Check it out:

-We Will Rock You the Musical: this musical based on the works of Queen will be happening in scenic Dallas, Texas! They will be doing theatrical renditions of Queen’s biggest hits. This ‘killer queen’ is super excited and looking at ticket prices right now. Ticket prices start at $32! Come see We Will Rock You the Musical in Fair Park!

Hockey: Only thing manly when put on ice

-Ottawa Senators vs. Dallas Stars- come get your cheer on and watch a really great hockey game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas! :D Okay, so truth be told: I love hockey and really get into it, so bring earplugs because there are others like this. But seriously! Ticket prices start at $28. Face off, March 22 at 2 p.m.!

-Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center- Okay, anything that promises both liquid nitrogen ice cream and an IMAX theatre sounds really awesome in my book! For non-members, the combo fee to enjoy both the exhibits and the IMAX theatre is only $18! It’s fun, educational, there’s ice cream, there’s science… what more could you want?

I want all the brightly colored things!

-Jasper Azalea Festival- this sounds like a blast. On March 15, 2014, there’s going to be arts and crafts and a butterfly release, garden tours, live music, and vendors! When I checked the website, they said there was going to be a petting zoo. I know where I am going to be! Seriously, I am hoping there’s an alpaca. They are such mysterious creatures! The fun starts at the Jasper County Courthouse Square at 9 a.m. sharp! Be there or be square J

So, I know there’s quite a bit of time between now and spring break, but you don’t want to be stuck buying tickets at the last minute! (These can get expensive!) Happy planning and may the odds forever be in your favor.

Plan For Next Semester ... TODAY!

   One of my favorite things is to plan for the upcoming new semester before the old one has officially ended. My eyes light up with the thoughts of diligent studying, well-taken notes, and the constant stream of A+ grades I will receive.

You Study WHAT?

   For many people the system of Higher Education is a pathway to studying the things that fascinate you. For some it might be the work of the Romantic Poets, the 1667 government of Germany, or the way that molecules work under different temperatures. Everybody finds certain things more fascinating than others, however justifying your interests can sometimes be difficult.

Mid-Semester Madness

You know those stressful times where you have 3 tests to study for and homework in 2 other classes? I don't! Well, not anymore.

As a child, my Kindergarten teacher described my by saying "Her internal clock just isn't ticking!" I was all about the fun and socializing, and I easily lost my focus when a task was at hand.

At some point in my educational career, I really turned things around. REALLY. Now, most of my friends and family would describe me as a hyper-organized individual that almost plans too much!

This was a to-do list that I made for myself last semester. Intense...I know.

I made sure to cross things off as I completed them!

But fret no more, my fellow students! I'm about to give you the keys to the kingdom! Or...just my personal organizational habits that have VASTLY improved my time management skills.

Reclaiming my Time

During a normal school day, I waste so much time. Time finding my pants. Time finding something to eat. Time finding my books. Time finding matching socks.
Time.
Time.
Time.
Time that I have to admit that I just don’t have. So, today, I will tell you I have actually learned from my mistakes.

       My first step, as TJ suggested, I’m going to clean my closet. Actually, I will clean out my closet. After coming to college, I lost about thirty pounds by walking around campus and eating better. Almost half of the clothes that are in my closet, I can’t even wear anymore. It’s about time I let go, and embrace my new body. Maybe The Toms Shoes Campus Club will have another garage sale? I’ll have everything they need.

       I aim to tackle that thick stack of papers on my desk. Yes, have used the excuse that I read a study somewhere that said that making stacks of things is our brain's way to say that we will come back to the task later. It is later, now I have no excuse. An accumulation of papers that embody all that is important… but not important enough to store, shred, or record? COME ON. Once I get rid of the piles on my desk, maybe I can use the space to write something, instead of hunching over my laptop on my bed. Isn't that what desks are for, anyway?

       Before I turn in early, I will prepare a comprehensive grocery list of all the food I eat during the week. Without planning ahead and being realistic about what I need, I end up spending money on fast food that I do not necessarily have, and eating junk instead of something delicious and healthy. After I go shopping Tuesday, everything will be set.

School is much easier when I feel more organized. Man, I miss eating at the MET.