How To Adult: Random Stuff You Should Know How To Do

Some basic skills people can use to get through life:
How to tie a tie: Here is a way to tie a tie without having it on your neck yet. https://www2.bing.com/videos/search?q=how+to+tie+a+tie&&view=detail&mid=1F3F4864AF0BF65167481F3F4864AF0BF6516748&&FORM=VRDGAR's

                                                                                    OK, well maybe not...
How to protest a bad grade:
Do not cry. Do not call your mom so she can talk to the professor (because of privacy rules and because you are legally an adult, your professor can't discuss your grades with your parents without written consent). This is your problem. You need to handle this on your own. Calm down and ask for an appointment when you can talk to your professor about it. Be mature. It's important, but it's just one grade. See if anything can be done.

How to write an email that at least sounds like you're an adult:
Sometimes you will need to email someone to communicate what you need. Here are some suggestions:
First, be sure you have an email address that doesn't make you look silly. Open a new email if you'd like, simply using your name and a couple of  numbers (such as AndrewPancake3323@gmail.com).
Be sure you have the correct email of the person you're talking to.
Start with 'Hello, I have a question I was hoping you could answer.' Then express what it is in a well-mannered tone. 'I am having trouble understanding ___________. I would really appreciate it if you could explain this better for me.' Don't use abbreviations like U for You or LMAO or emojis as you would in a text to a friend, and keep to the subject without other remarks. After your message, double-space (hit Enter twice), and end with 'Thank you,' and write your name and anything that would help identify you, such as which class you are in, if you are emailing a professor, for example. See? Not so hard. Then be sure you check your email for a response.

                                                               This is so NOT how to email an instructor...









How to use an ATM:
You'll have a plastic card that is essentially the same as a credit card. If it has a 'chip' in it, you'll need to have a password. You go up to an ATM and follow the directions it tells you. It will ask your password, and how much cash you want. You can only get cash in multiples of $20. The cash comes out underneath the keypad. It will probably print a receipt. Make sure you're aware how much is in your account. You can't take out money if the account is empty. Be aware of your surroundings so no one is likely to see you enter your password. Also, be aware of scamming devices sometimes put on an ATM. A good rule of thumb is, if you can grab the place where you insert your card and it doesn't seem loose, you're good to go. *See Triogenius 3/26/2018 on how ATMs work.

How to give First Aid to yourself or someone else:
This is for minor situations, of course...
Cuts: Clean it off with soap and water. Dry it with something clean. Apply pressure to stop bleeding. Put on a bandage. Keep it clean at all times. If it just won't stop bleeding, you may need a medical professional to see it in case you need stitches. If it starts to look like it has pus on it or is oozing, or if it feels hot to the touch, it might be infected. Have it checked.
Burns: Ice or cold water first thing to stop the burning process. NEVER put butter or grease on a burn. An ointment that has Xylocaine in it will help it stay clean and relieve some pain.

Punctures: Same as cuts: Keep it clean, cover it initially, then leave it open.
Nosebleed: Whether for no known reason or because the nose was hit, nosebleeds aren't often serious. Don't panic. Try a cold compress on your nose to constrict blood vessels. Try leaning forward and pinching the soft end of your nose. Don't stick wads of tissue up in the nose, it will probably make the bleeding last longer.
If you need an ice pack, any kind of ice can be applied: Ice cubes or blue ice wrapped in a washcloth work well, as do bags of frozen peas, corn, or other small frozen vegetables or fruits. Of course, throw the food out after you've used it for an ice pack.




How to change your bed sheets:


Take the dirty sheets off. It's your call if you want to wash the mattress pad. If you do, you'll need to wait till it's dry and can be put back on. When putting the bottom 'fitted' sheet on, it can help to do the fitted sheet like an "X"....Opposite corners, then the other opposite corners. Take the clean flat sheet and arrange it on top of the fitted sheet. Leave enough at the foot of the bed to tuck under. Top with blanket or blankets. Tuck blankets and sheet under the foot of the mattress. Grab the corners and tuck those under. Top with bedspread, quilt, or top blanket. Don't forget a clean pillowcase. 

https://www2.bing.com/videos/search?q=how+to+change+your+bed+sheets&&view=detail&mid=CA0281443D622B3A745BCA0281443D622B3A745B&&FORM=VRDGAR


How to have less hassle about your Social Security Number: Memorize it and don't share it with people or companies unless there is a very good reason to. That's all.


How to tip, such as in a restaurant, at the salon, etc:
The general amount is 15%, and if it's a meal that cost $20 or less, simply tip $3.00. Most phones have a calculator on them. It would be the same for other services, such as a hair cut or if you would be lucky enough to have room service at a hotel. You can always tip more than 15%, of course. Remember that some people in these service industries depend a lot on their tips for income. In some cases, that's their only income: If you don't tip, then they aren't getting paid. Other places can pay their employees $2.00 an hour because they are confident that tips will bring them to a reasonable income. If you really, really think you got horrible service, tip less or not at all. But this should be rare. If you feel you got poor service in a restaurant, sometimes the problem is in the kitchen, not with the server. You can always speak to the server or a manager in a civilized way and say why you're unhappy with the experience.

That's the latest installment of #HowToAdult. Keep tuned for more later!

How To Adult: I'm Out of Clean Clothes

Do you think your top/pants/socks could stand by themselves because they're so dirty?
Are your friends avoiding you because you smell?
Does an article of clothing look like it's changed color, when in fact it's just dirt?

You're going to have to wash some clothes.


If you haven't before, never fear: We can walk you through it....


First, sort the clothes into separate piles: Whites, light colors, dark colors, and hand washables. Hand washables include fabrics that may snag when thrown in with others, 'fancy' fabrics such as those with trims like sequins or delicate designs, or items that might 'bleed.' These items you can wash in the sink and dry carefully separate from the clothes you put in the dryer.


Why separate them? Mostly because colors can fade ('bleed') into whites and make the whites look more gray. There's no hard and fast rule about this; sometimes you'll just want to throw all of it in one load, and it will likely be OK. Just be aware that over time, the whites will look less white and the light colors will also look faded or discolored. They pick up small amounts of dyes, as well as tiny bits of lint or thread from each other, thus causing the colors to be less bright.

Red sock + white sheets=pink sheets

If you wash all the darker colors together, then even if they do 'bleed,' it won't be as noticeable. You may have an item that's never been washed. If it is red, black, or any dark color,  you might want to wash those separately and notice if they do bleed. Even a black or dark color may bleed--any color can, because fabrics are many times over-dyed--frequently blue jeans are over-dyed.


See a stain on something? There are products to 'pretreat' stains, but a simple way is to pour some detergent directly on the stain. You can also try bar soap or dish detergent. Ink sometimes comes out by using hair spray. Sweat stains can come out using lemon juice. Vinegar also takes out some stains. Try to catch stains as soon as possible, and remember, once you've put the item in the dryer, the stain won't come out anymore.

You may also want to separate towels from clothes because they take longer to dry.


To the Washer!!
Cold, Warm, or Hot water? The washer may suggest different temperatures for different fabrics, but clothes get just as clean in cold water as they do in warm or hot. Plus, the heat of the dryer helps kill any bacteria that may be present in the clothes; so, feel free to use cold water to wash clothes. The washer will have a dial that lets you choose what size load you are washing. If you don't have a lot, you can choose 'small' or 'medium'. This will determine how much water will fill in the machine. If you have a big load, then be sure to choose 'large,' because if clothes are crowded in the washer with not enough water, they won't get as clean.


Take a look at the tags on your clothes for washing instructions, too, as well as fiber content. Generally, most fabrics are washable.

Add detergent:  Follow the directions on the detergent. Usually a washer will say to add detergent, then put the clothes in. If you don't do it that way, don't worry. Either way works. Don't add more detergent than indicated. Too much soap will not be rinsed out completely, and your clothes will feel scratchy when they're done.


The washer will do this: Fill, Wash, Drain out, Spin, Fill again for rinse, Rinse, Drain out, and then Spin out the water again. A load of laundry usually takes about 20-30 minutes to complete.

Get the clothes out as soon as you can: in the spin cycle, clothes are flattened against the wall of the washer and if you ignore them, they'll stay wrinkled even after they've been dried.


*Note: It's not good to forget your clothes in the washer. In short order, they'll smell even worse than when you threw them in to be washed.

In the 1940s, 50s, and 60s, the wringer washer was the 'top of the line' in washing machines. You filled the tub using a hose attached to the water faucet. The machine agitated the water around. When you thought the clothes were clean enough (no timers or buzzers), then you put the clothes through the wringer (the white thing on top of the washer) to squeeze out the water (you cranked it to squeeze clothes through it). Wash water was re-used for the next loads. You would have to repeat the process for a rinse. When you were done, you pulled the plug to drain out the water. into a floor drain. Some people did the wash outside so the water could be drained onto the ground. There were no dryers as we know them until about the mid 1960s. Rainy day? No washing, unless you had clotheslines set up in the house to hang up your wet clothes. Imagine washing diapers this way. But, it was better than scrubbing clothes on a washboard!

To the Dryer!!!
Some clothes shrink the dryer, both in length and width. If you have any clothes you think may shrink, then don't put them in a dryer. Find a space with some circulation and hang them up to dry. It will probably take overnight.


For machine-drying clothes, find the lint trap on your dryer. Pull it out, take the lint off, and re-insert the filter. Look at the dryer and see which cycle applies to your clothes. At this point, if you want, you can throw in a dryer sheet. The purpose of the dryer sheet is to eliminate 'static cling' in your clothes once they are dry. Otherwise they'll stick to each other, to you, and generally drive you crazy. It's even worse in the winter when the air is very dry.


*Helpful fact: If you cut dryer sheets in half, they will work just as well as a whole sheet.


The dryer will beep or somehow signal when the cycle is done. Some dryers will toss the clothes around every 10 minutes until you come and get them, others do not. If your clothes aren't dry yet, repeat the dryer cycle. If they are just a little damp, you can lay them somewhere to finish drying.


Some clothes will definitely shrink with the heat of the dryer. That's another reason not to throw everything into the dryer and keep drying till they are completely dry.


Some clothes do well with just a few minutes in the dryer to get the wrinkles out, then you remove them and hang or drape them somewhere. You can hang shirts on hangers to dry, too.

Ever seen one of these? It's a clothes drying rack. They hold a surprising amount of clothes, and  fold up when not in use.

Towels take a long time to dry. Be patient.
If you have the opportunity, dry your clothes outside: They get softer and smell heavenly once they're dry. Sunshine will also help brighten clothes and fade stains.

You're almost done!! Time to fold.


You may have items you don't care to fold, such as underwear or socks. But, if you at least attempt to fold shirts and pants, or put them on hangers, they'll look a lot better when you go to put them on.


You just washed and dried your clothes! Much better. Notice your friends don't mind sitting close to you now. You're welcome.

How To Adult: Eggs

You can still get a dozen eggs for under $2.00. That gives you a simple way to get some protein that doesn't cost a whole lot. Add a piece of toast and some juice, and there's some good fuel for getting through your day.


But, how? You ask.

OK, there are several ways to 'make eggs.'


Scrambled   https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=how+to+make+eggs+youtube&&view=detail&mid=B589B5669A797050521BB589B5669A797050521B&&FORM=VRDGAR

                                                          This is a pysanky Ukrainian decorated egg

Fried ('sunny side up') https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=how+to+make+eggs+youtube&&view=detail&mid=A098F6E41047E40F59BCA098F6E41047E40F59BC&&FORM=VRDGAR

Hard boiled  https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=how+to+make+eggs+youtube&&view=detail&mid=1DEB725329C2CDACCB951DEB725329C2CDACCB95&&FORM=VDRVRV

Soft boiled  https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=how+to+make+soft+boiled+eggs+youtube&&view=detail&mid=B2F28E1FA2DD1435E2BBB2F28E1FA2DD1435E2BB&&FORM=VRDGAR




Poached  https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=how+to+make+eggs+youtube&&view=detail&mid=A3DDF3AABC1D3588EFE3A3DDF3AABC1D3588EFE3&&FORM=VRDGAR

And remember to thank a chicken for her efforts!!

Sick

You're away at college, and you get sick. Really, really sick. Is it just a cold, or a bug, or is it the flu? What do you do??


1.  Assess the level of sickness. 
Do you feel like it's more than a cold?
Are you so tired you can hardly drag yourself out of bed?
How long has it been going on? More than a few days?
Can you keep food down? Water?
Does your throat hurt?

Can you feel swollen glands in your neck?
Is your neck stiff?
Do you have a headache?
Is there a cough? How does your chest feel?
Do you have any ongoing condition that's making it worse?
Has your roommate or someone you hang out with a lot been sick, too?
Is it your stomach that's not right? In what way?
Do you know if you're running a fever? Have there been chills and then sweating?
What else is going on that concerns you, including stress?
How are you sleeping? Sleeping more, less, having trouble sleeping?

2. Have you tried some home remedies?
Are you taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen for aches and fever?
Do you have anything to soothe your throat if you need it?
Are you eating a lighter diet if your stomach is upset?
Chicken soup is of some value: Warm salty liquid can soothe your symptoms sometimes.
Are you keeping warm?
Are you keeping hydrated?
Are you resting? This is hard to do while trying to keep on top of your studies.


3. Find help.
Most residential (you live on campus) colleges have some kind of medical help available for their students: A clinic or other medical facility near where your dorm is. If you don't know where it is, ask. If you have a Resident Advisor in your dorm, ask that person, or ask a professor. Alternately, go to the campus website and search "wellness" or "Campus Clinic". Keep looking and asking until you find it. The clinic will have nurse practitioners, RNs, and physicians to help you out.


Through your campus or possibly through your medical insurance, there might be an "Ask A Nurse" helpline where you can call and ask questions to see if you need to be seen by a medical professional. This could be really helpful, too.


4. Don't wait very long to be seen.
Get right in to see a medical professional if you're sick. Waiting is likely to make it worse. You may have never done this for yourself before, but never fear: All you have to do is call or stop by and make an appointment. They may even take walk-ins. Plus, if you're really sick, you'll miss classes, and this can be a big problem. Even if the medical professional you see decides it's viral and there's not much to be done besides wait it out, at least you'll know.


5. Depression is also an illness that needs attention. Sometimes, depression can cause other physical symptoms. You don't need to feel embarrassed to ask for help for depression.

And also remember a campus clinic can help with other issues like birth control, reproductive health, and testing for STDs. Any clinic will keep your visit confidential, no matter why you were seen. They can't share your information with anyone including your parents or guardians, unless you give them permission.


If you're well now, take some time to check with your medical insurance to see how coverage works when you're away from home. You can ask your parent or guardian to check for you, or check it out yourself. For example, Will you need to pay a co-pay at the time you're seen, or can it be billed to you or your guardian later? How much is that? This will be good to know before you get sick, but either way, be seen by a medical professional when you need to. The bill can be dealt with later.


Here's hoping for a healthy winter, and for knowing that help is available to you!!

Do You Know How To Fry An Egg?

You probably aced most of your classes in high school, and now you're ready for The Great Adventure aka college. You're learning how to navigate Financial Aid, purchase your textbooks, and get your housing set up.


But, what about the practical side of life? Before you leave home, here are some things that are really helpful to know when there's no parent to help, aka Adulting 101:

• Could you make your own doctor or dentist appointment? Do you know who to call? Do you know how to get a prescription filled? There is often an on-campus clinic; otherwise, you'll have to find somewhere nearby that you can be seen. Check with your parent about what clinic or doctor is covered by your medical insurance, and how that will work. You can't generally just go anywhere you choose, because your medical insurance won't pay for it. Make a list of clinics that work with your insurance.

• Do you have a place where all your passwords for important stuff is kept? There should be another place besides your phone: Phones run out of battery just when you need them, they break, and they get lost. One good idea is to write your passwords down but have a friend keep them.
• Can you check the oil level in your car? Check the tire pressure? Can you change a tire? Would you know what to do if your car conks out? Have a parent or someone show you how to do basic maintenance, and seek out a mechanic that might be a possibility if you need one, close to campus.

BONUS: NEWS FLASH: Did you know you might be able to save on your insurance premiums if you are not bringing a car with you to campus? You don't need full coverage if you won't be driving it, and you can put coverage back on if you go home on break. There can also be reduced premiums if you're going to have your car, but will live in a more rural area (not in the Twin Cities). Ask your insurance agent about these potential savings.

• Can you use an ATM?

• Do you know how to check your bank balance online? Do you keep track of your purchases?
• What would you do in an emergency? For example, if you had a car accident-Do you know where your insurance company's number is? You should have an insurance card in your wallet or in your car. What about a medical emergency? Or, what would you do, or where would you go, if your dorm was unavailable because the water main broke? Or if the power went out?
• Do you know how to do a load of laundry? How to sort colors and whites? How much detergent to use? How to dry clothes? How to fold them? Have someone show you how before you find yourself with no clean clothes.

• Can you make simple food, such as eggs? Mac and cheese from a box? Cook a burger? Follow a recipe? Also, could you make a grocery list to get the stuff to make something? Do you know how to store leftovers safely?  Have someone show you how to do these things. Some 3-ingredient recipes:  https://www.buzzfeed.com/rachelysanders/genius-three-ingredient-recipes?utm_term=.ttpp7ZgwR#.asPKALvP7

• Do you know what items constitute healthy or healthier eating? Why should you not eat pizza seven days a week? Remember your basic food groups? Have. Some. Fruit. And. Vegetables.

• Can you sew on a button that's loose or has fallen off? It's not hard!!
• Do you know how to clean a bathroom?
• Can you tie a tie? Here's how: https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=how+to+tie+a+tie&&view=detail&mid=B1000A43D8489DFCB1ACB1000A43D8489DFCB1AC&FORM=VRDGAR
• Can you change the sheets on your bed?
• How will you get up in the morning? Do you have an alarm clock? Or are you going to use your phone? Is it loud enough to make you wake up?

• How does your college communicate important news to you (like campus is closed due to weather, the most hoped-for news): Is it through your campus e-mail? Check it every day!
• If there is public transportation near you, do you know how to use it? How do you get a bus token or pass, and where does the bus take you? How long will it take to get where you're going? Is there a shuttle bus that can take you to and from campus? How does that work?

These are things you might want to consider as you move into adulting: you can do it, and what you don't know, you can learn. Because those that came before you, learned how to adult, and you can, too.