Coffee with a Cause

What seemed like a totally normal day in my Lifespan Development class turned out to be anything but normal. The class is so thought provoking and leaves me feeling intellectually stimulated. For real, every axon feels charged in the best possible way! After our usual 7:30 break, we got a guest speaker. I lowered my laptop so I could see her (I sit in the back row), excited to receive the message. I had no idea what it was going to be about, but I knew it was going to be good!

above: Ms. Missy Zivney (in pink)

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!

Study hot spots during the school year for UT Tyler students

                The comfort of your own room to spend your late night study grinds is the usual thing, but sometimes the bed calls you and you succumb to slumber. Where else can you go to study besides your bed? How about some coffee shops!

                If you’re interested in going off campus to study, there are different coffee shops around town that provide delicious treats, free Wi-Fi and the all mighty coffee boost. There are different kinds of shops that provide coffee around Tyler such as Starbucks, Einstein Bros Bagels, Caffe Tazza, Panera Bread, Barnes & Nobles and Newk’s. 

                Here’s a chart to show the amenities that these different locations provide: 
          

                

                If you like having some noise around you when you study like I do, then these places are right for you. These places provide a mellow atmosphere that is comforting to study around. There’s not too much noise and it’s definitely not too quiet to make you sleep.

                If you get hungry, these sell food so you don’t have to take too much of a food break since it is right there available to you. To look at the menu that each establishment provides, go to their menu by navigating through their individual website.

                You can also go on campus to study if you wish to stay close to home. The Muntz library provides a great zone to study in as the first and third floor are silent areas. They also have their own coffee shop that brews Starbucks coffee. To read more on what the library offers click here. 

              

Farmer's Market!

I promised our followers on Twitter you totally should if you aren't yet following us a blog post regarding Thursday when I went to the farmer's market (the one downtown on the library's patio).

I used more exclamation points than I realized

If you want to make it this week: the farmer's market is Thursdays from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM. There's many benefits to supporting your local farmer's market, but what I love the most is the variety of things you can buy. 

Yes!

While I was there, there were fruits and vegetables, freshly ground coffee, gluten-free baked goods made from all natural ingredients, sundresses, pillows, homemade soaps, and natural hair products. 

Just a portion of the patio

I left the farmer's market with a watermelon, a cantaloupe, some cucumbers, and some coffee. I will probably be there again next week because those homemade soaps smelled wonderful.

Try out the farmer's market at least once and you'll see how much you'll love it. Tell me why you love the farmer's market (or if you don't).

Sad Day for Small Business in Tyler

Downtown Coffee Lounge Barista Lydia Baskins' art latte

Today a very sad thing happend. The Downtown Coffee Lounge shut it's doors... for good. I visited the lounge on monday to see a sign on the front door that read as follows:

UT Tyler Student Vlog: Tour of the Third Floor of the University Center

             Katrina were chilling on the third floor of the UC and it was quiet (SERIOUSLY?!?! probably just summer) so we decided to show y'all the offices that are located up there. Among them, we mention the SI Office, Disability Services, the Student Counseling Center, Academic Advising, Student Life and Leadership. The book store and coffee shops got an honorable mention. ;) You think we'd leave out the coffee?

UT Tyler Student Bloggers Vlog: Disregard My Dirty Car

           The summer evenings at UT Tyler can be kind of quiet, so we decided to do a little coffee run to play and stay awake. Michael, Katrina, and I saw Amelia on the way, and passed by some new sidewalks and lights they are putting in by the BSM and student clinic! :)

Now, I'm caffeinated enough to do things. :) 

Actually Inspired by School?

Having the entire afternoon to read and write on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons allows me to get in some quality homework time. I know, I know. Studying isn't supposed to be fun, but now that I am in classes that pertain more to my future, I have been really inspired. I even opened my wallet for good pens and new notebooks to take notes. Wait, I'm actually taking notes.
I love my major. 

My favorite place to study is the third floor of our new University Center. The area has big chairs and tables to set up to pour over a book or write a paper. I never have to decide between my netbook and my phone, because I have access to as many plugs as I need.  The upstairs area of the UC is like sitting outside, but with a bit more protection from the elements. The warm sunlight shines down on me from the ceiling wide skylight. I believe it energizes me, as well as the caffeine from a Starbucks mocha. Life is good.  It makes me forget Washington Irving is not me favorite American writer, and gives me the opportunity to practice the rhetorical possibilities of understatements.  

My favorite part of college, officially, is the ability to have a choice my classes and times. I have had 8am classes, night classes, and independent study classes. I am so thankful college has taught me about my own learning habits and what works well for me. It certainly helps that I've become "liberated" by my communications class, and have a hand in making the syllabus (which is going on quite well, I should add).

When did I become responsible?
Did I mention I love my classes?