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It is the time of our lives that we are beginning to enter the adult world and most of us, if not all of us, have no idea what we are doing. It's like starting a video game, but skipping the tutorial. We're all just running around aimlessly hoping we accidentally do something right that moves us along the right path. Now that graduation has just happened, or is right around the corner for some of us, it's time to start thinking about how we are going to take care of ourselves once we are on our own.
1. Google is your best friend.
Google will probably answer any question that you have about anything, ever. Why does my foot hurt? What is a 401k? How long can someone survive off of chicken nuggets and wine? I am also willing to bet the answer to the meaning of life is on there somewhere.
2. Don't be afraid to say no!
Being out there in the real world, we are going to have many responsibilities and probably not a lot of free time. When you do have free time, and if you are like me, you aren't going to want to get out and do too much every time single time. It's OK to say no once in awhile. Besides, once you are on your own, you can't pretend your mom won't let you go out if you wanna stay in and relax.
3. Justify your actions/purchases.
If you are going to do something, especially something ridiculous, always make sure you can back it up with some form of logic. *Drops a few hundred dollars on "Supernatural" Convention tickets* They may never come back to town since the series is almost over! If you are going to make a big purchase though, make sure you aren't breaking yourself and have enough money to get you through. You can take risks, but be smart about it.
4. Call mom.
Much like Google, she has the answers to most of life's questions. How long should I microwave the chicken? Does it really matter if I separate the darks and the colors? She is always on your side, even if you are wrong, but she will tell you that you are wrong and help you fix the situation. She isn't going to be there forever, and she will appreciate the phone calls to know how you are doing. Trust me, life will be easier and you will understand a lot more if you talk to her.
5. Remember to do things that make you happy.
It is scary to think about the future. Usually people think that being an adult is wake up, work, eat, pay bills and sleep. Get out there and travel while you can. Continue to work on your happiness. Visit your friends and family. Continue to paint or play video games or set a night each week to completely unwind if those are what you are into. Adult life doesn't have to be a scary thought constantly looming over you. You will be just fine.
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Lifestyle
7 Signs You're A Starbucks Addict
I'll be the first one to admit I'm addicted to Starbucks.
03 December
658
Tumblr
If you’re anything like me, you love a good cup of coffee. My coffee always comes from Starbucks; I refuse to drink it from anywhere else. Over the years, it’s become one of my biggest addictions. So, if you are aware that you’re a Starbucks addict as well, or maybe you need to check to see if you’re an addict, here are seven ways to tell.
1. You have a Gold Card
Whether you know where your physical shiny Gold Card is that you were sent in the mail (mine is happily in my wallet) or you simply see the Gold Card on the Starbucks app, your Gold Card symbolizes your membership status with Starbucks. My Gold Card status is good through the end of 2017. Naturally, we addicts have no problem maintaining Gold status each year since we have around a drink a day.
2. You know how to use the mobile app like it’s the back of your hand
From mobile ordering to finding a Starbucks that’s open past 9 p.m., the Starbucks app has got your back. The app is basically an addict's best friend. It holds my Gold Card in it with my balance, all of my Star Rewards, coupons and the power to mobile order. Without it, how would we be able to find a Starbucks to get a late night Chai tea latte at 9:30 p.m.? With the mobile app, I've got the power of Starbucks coffee at my fingertips.
3. You mobile order is saved and ready to order with the push of a button
Early morning? Don’t want to sit in the drive through line? We addicts know that the mobile ordering is the solution. All I have to do is go to the order tab on the app and right at the top is my usual drink, grande iced Caffe Americano. I simply click "order," leave my house, grab my drink off the counter, and head off to work. The glares I get as I walk past the line of people waiting to order or receive their drinks are unreal, but what can I say, I’m smart and order ahead.
4. The baristas know you by name
Each one of the baristas knows you by name when you walk into the store. Now some of the drive-thrus even have cameras in them and when you pull up they see your face and say “Hey girl! Want your usual *insert drink here*?” Having the baristas as your friends is a perk, you know them, they know you, and most importantly, they know exactly how to make your drink perfectly.
5. You can’t get through the day without at least one Starbucks
Well, I average two a day so maybe I’m a super addict. A girl’s got to have her espresso in the morning and tea in the afternoon though, right? Most addicts will have to start their mornings out with a coffee or whatever their drink of choice is. If we addicts miss our morning caffeine, we will most likely be grumpy and the best thing to do is get us some caffeine ASAP.
6. The amount of caffeine that you can consume in a day scares most people
During this past finals week I managed to drink 12 shots of espresso in a five-hour period. Granted, I did start shaking around 8, I downed them like a champ and proceeded to write two papers and take an online exam. Caffeine = productivity.
7. Most people around you question why you go to Starbucks everyday
*Sigh* Non-addicts -- they just don’t understand an addict's need for a delicious cup of Starbucks everyday. It’s basically a necessity in our lives and there’s often criticism from those who don’t believe in caffeine or even worse, they prefer Dunkin' Donuts coffee over Starbucks. Some people tell me that I don't need my Starbucks everyday but caffeine isn't an optional, it's necessary.
At this point, everyone around me has realized I’m an addict and while there has been attempts to intervene and halt my addiction, all attempts have failed. I’m a proud Starbucks addict who enjoys their finer coffee. So fellow addicts, keep on drinking Starbucks and block the haters out over a nice hot cup of Starbucks.
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Photo by redcharlie on Unsplash
College involves a whirlwind of emotions, whether it’s from the stress of an assignment (or twenty), or from fighting with your roommate. It can be overwhelming at times and it’s important to take a step a back and calmly think things over. Maybe gain some perspective. The following aren’t foolproof tips and may not apply to you, but I was able to find success with them (hope you do too!)
1. Don't Show Off
If you're one of those people who can write a 15-page story in one night, then congrats, my friend. Only needed one cup of coffee? Even better. However, for some of us, ideas don’t flow as soon as we open our laptops. Brainstorming is often a must and not everyone will finish things at the same time. Go at your own pace. Don’t be ashamed that an “easy” assignment took you so long. The point is that you got it done in the first place.
2. Fit in a Nap
College, has its perks: more freedom, friends living in walking distance, and binging on crappy food. But there’s one thing we all dread and it’s waking up in the morning and attending yet another tedious class. It’s strange that in high school we manage to stay there for eight hours straight but the idea of sitting in a two-hour lecture is mind blowing. Hearing a professor drone on for that long has a tiring effect. So, if you have time, don’t ignore that feeling. Give in to it. I’ve learned that a 20-minute nap can actually be effective (don’t get me wrong a two-hour one does the trick too). I’m more willing to do work as the guilt of previously wasting time motivates me.
3. Sit and Observe
Sure, you’ve been told that your “young years” are for mistakes. But why not let other people make those? Let that kid who got caught plagiarizing inspire you to submit all original stuff even if it’s complete shit. Let that girl who drank too much inspire you to stop double fisting and keep track of your limit. There’s no reason to spend another night by the bathroom toilet. Just watch the ridiculousness that goes on and somehow you’ll find yourself becoming the mature one in the room, otherwise known as the momof the friend group.
4. Reward System
We’ve all been through a rough cramming session that has taken a lot out of us. Sure, the real world is hard but studying for hours on end is no cakewalk. A necessary step in keeping one’s sanity is to go celebrate after finishing said studying. Skip the dining hall and order a pizza (suggestion: split with roommate for a cheaper outcome), go to karaoke night at a frat, or if you’re low on cash, have a "Lord of the Rings" marathon. The point is: unwind.
5. Procrastinate the Right Way
The first thing to note is that we all do it. Procrastination takes a hold of the best of us and there’s no way around it. So why not take advantage of that time you aren’t using for homework? Maybe reorganize your closet, throw a load of laundry in or (if you have access to a kitchen) whip up a real dinner for yourself. Ignore the temptation that is telling you to watch a whole season of Parks and Rec.
6. Be Civil with your Roommate
Only some of us are so lucky when we go the “random route” in choosing a roomie. This is a person you will have to see, hear, and sleep next to every day. You’ve got two semesters to perfect living with them. If the two of you aren’t friends, at least discuss schedules and be considerate when they have an 8 am the next day. Also, never start a fight about little things. There’s more of a chance their dirty dishes will get washed if you leave a passive aggressive note or casually mention it.
There’s a million to navigate college, but these small things can apply to life in general. For example, learning to be civil with your roommate can help you learn to put up with that annoying coworker who insists on undermining you at every given opportunity. Dealing with these type of situations can grant you more satisfaction in the long run, instead of taking the easy way out.
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Lifestyle
How The Holidays Have Changed
It all started when we learned the truth about Santa.
02 December
3677
Pinterest
It is no secret that many American traditions have changed over time. As we grow older we change in so many ways that it only makes sense that we also change the way we celebrate special occasions. Of course when it comes to the holidays there are some family traditions that many of us still excitedly look forward to, whether it is eating your favorite dish or seeing favorite cousin. However, we all know that the holidays have overall changed a little from what they used to be.
1. Has anyone actually gone caroling?
While it may always be shown in holiday movies caroling has actually been on the sharp decline for some time now. According to the Pew Research Center the percentage of people who went caroling as a child dropped by almost half when asked if they were going to continue the tradition. Considering most people don't enjoy singing for strangers, including myself, this change in tradition is one I can understand.
2. Christmas cards.
Christmas and New Year gift card Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
Besides your dentist or doctor people don't really send christmas cards to extended family and friends anymore. Surprisingly this used to be one of the more popular holiday traditions celebrated in America. Pewforum.org reported an almost 20% decrease in people who sent cards and people who plan to send cards. I personally would love to see this tradition saved considering sending the basic Merry Christmas or Happy Thanksgiving text to friends isn't always sufficient enough.
3. Putting up the Christmas Tree.
When I was a kid putting up the christmas tree was a very big deal. It was always huge and extravagant with ornaments of all kinds. This is still a reality for a lot of people but it has become a little less common. Whether it is small and skinny or full and decorated putting up a Christmas tree is still one of the most celebrated traditions.
4. Gifting baked goods.
butter cookies on plate Photo by Monika Grabkowska on Unsplash
Giving and receiving baked goods for special events is still very mainstream in America but the idea of doing it specifically for the holidays has become less and less popular. If we could try and keep this tradition going I would greatly appreciate it. Baked goods will always be considered a great gift to me.
5. Attending religious services.
boy holding Holy Bible Photo by David Beale on Unsplash
Christmas is already beginning to see Christmas a cultural practice rather than a religious one. This may be the reason that less people plan to attend religious services during the holidays compared to when their were kids. It could also be because your parents at there to wake you up.
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Lifestyle
10 Signs You Did Musicals In School
Fellow thespians, you know who you are.
02 December
1774
Everyone who has done musicals knows that once you go there you can never go back. It's like a virus. It never leaves and you find yourself attracted to all types of theater things. You're drawn to it like a moth to a flame. There are certain things you know to be true, whether you did a musical once or have done them your entire life.
1. A single word can make you burst into song.
If you happen to mention even one cue word around me, it's likely that I will break into song. It just happens. Nobody else knows what is happening either so don't feel left out.
2. You knew how to contour before it was cool.
All of the stage makeup you had to do for every performance is paying off. But, remember to tone it down a bit for off stage.
3. You own a huge collection of foundations that are way darker than your natural skin tone.
It's something you have to live with because the lights on stage are bright. If you don't own a collection of foundations then the above gif is the reaction you get.
4. Accidentally going too heavy on the blush and bronzer when you're not on stage.
This is a more rare occurrence but we've all done it a few times. It's okay. It's most likely going to happen after a long run of performances.
5. You've learned to get comfortable with improvisation.
Things happen. Some could accidentally get hit with a baseball bat on stage and you have to roll with it.
6. When you watch another performance you always notice the curtains moving.
It's really distracting. Now you understand what your director was talking about when she told the cast millions of times not to touch the curtains.
7. You know that getting comfortable with the script is the most important thing.
After that, the most hilarious shenanigans ensue on stage.
8. The little ongoing games that take place both on and off stage.
How many times can I get him to break character? When will someone notice that I have been doing the macarena for the last five minutes? The possibilities are endless.
9. You have no problems going to see a show more than once.
You know that each show is drastically different, even if it is the same story.
10. Your fellow cast members become your family.
While you're glad it's over because you don't have to worry about not eating dairy before the show and all of the other little things that come along with being in choir, you're going to miss it. Who else but your cast mates will understand the struggle?
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