I'm Back!

       After a semester of being away from the Call Center, I can't express how much I miss this second family of mine! I am so pleased to see familiar faces as well as two new ones:) Carver. and Dallas., I'm excited to get to know you guys better!

I Graduated from UT Tyler....Now What?

On Friday, December 13th, I graduated from The University of Texas at Tyler with my bachelor's. I walked across the stage and later went out to eat with my family.

Now, I'm still working my two part time jobs and have to get started on what I'm going to do post-graduation. It still hasn't fully sunk in that I won't have to worry about classes next spring. So I'm feeling a bit lost. 

You can't cook?

Part of being a college student is fending for yourself when it comes to your meals (I don't mean using your dining dollars for every single meal). I've heard plenty of people say that they can't cook: they burn water, as the expression goes. I'm going to tell you to not listen to that noise.

Amen

Too many are afraid of making food because if it turns out badly, it would be a waste of food and time. That shouldn't stop you. I like to mostly bake, but I still try out new things to cook. And yes, I've messed up some recipes. Don't let that discourage you.

All you need are simple recipes, some creativity and some patience. After you learn some basics, you can get a little bolder and start experimenting with new things.

Decaf yourself

I work two part time jobs and I'm a full time student. I drink two cups of coffee every morning and while I'm working here at the call center, I drink coffee as well.

I feel your pain

I had a midterm this morning and I ended up drinking three cups of coffee along with a cup of green tea. Maybe it's time for a caffeine detox.

Caffeine exhibits the features of a typical psychoactive substance of dependence. It is valuable to recognize caffeine dependence as a clinical syndrome, since some people feel compelled to continue caffeine use despite desires and recommendations to the contrary (x). 

Mind that caffeine dependence happens when you drink about 5-7 cups of coffee daily.

Excessive consumption of caffeine will produce problems, and appropriate information should be given to minimize effects in psychiatric patients and other sensitive groups. It is important to balance this with information on the benefits of caffeine, for most consumers can usually control their intake to maximize the beneficial effects and reduce or prevent adverse effects due to over-consumption or consumption at inappropriate times (x). 

While there are health benefits derived from caffeine, it's probably not healthy to be sleepy around 3 P.M. and have to drink another cup or two of coffee to be able to function and get rid of a headache. I've decided to start a caffeine detox and have a bit better relationship with coffee after that.

While there's no consensus on the best way to go about it, it's generally advised to slowly wean off caffeine. Let's get our schedule in order!

Day 1: Regular amount of coffee

Day 2: 10% decaf 

Day 3: 25% decaf

Day 4: 50% decaf

Day 5: 75% decaf and black tea

Day 6: just tea

Day 7: regular tea and a cup of decaf tea

Day 8: decaf tea

Day 9: decaf tea and water

Day 10: just water

Once we've gotten past out caffeine deficiency, we can better enjoy an occasional cup of coffee instead of always waiting until our next one.

If anyone is joining me next week in this, let me know how it goes!