There's Nothing To Do

We're approaching the 4th of July, so most of you have been out of school for.... about a month?


And you're bored already, right? Because while you might say you hate school, once you're out there's "nothing to do." For instance, you couldn't do these:

• Learn to cook or bake, and then make something for your family or friends
• Try a new sport or learn more about one you think you aren't good at

• Take a walk.
• Take pictures, maybe with an old film camera. See how creative you can get: take pictures close up, try for cityscapes, notice the odd thing on the ground, try making videos.
• Get a book or find a source online about another language and learn to say 10 sentences in that language.
• Learn all the words to three songs.
• Pick a new word from the dictionary every week and learn it:Pronunciation, meaning, origin.
• Volunteer someplace---and be creative, find a business or organization that's not necessarily looking for a volunteer but you find it interesting, go in, introduce yourself, and see if they'd like some free help.
• Give yourself a reading challenge: Three books a month? Five?
• See if you can lose 5 pounds-research the healthy way to do it
• Build something. From whatever. Make it up.

• Set a goal of walking a certain number of miles per day, week, month, or for the summer. Keep track and see if you got it done.
• Do you know someone who's a good dancer? Ask if he/she will teach you the moves.

• Start tracing your family tree: Ask questions of parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. Write down what you learn. Get names and dates. Make a chart, and do some research. Here's a good free resource: https://www.familysearch.org/ask/partners/myheritage

• Visit the library and see what treasures it holds. They sometimes have free classes, too...
• Try a no-social media day: Could you do it? What about leaving your phone behind as you go about your day?

We interrupt this can't do list to give props to your local library...…. Did you know they offer..

• Gaming activities
• Storytime for little ones, including an evening family story-telling
• STEM activities
• Cooking activities
• Bike fix-it clinics
• Exploring outside activities
• Graphic novel design activities

-All at a cost of exactly 0 dollars, which is pretty hard to beat.. Go to the library websites and check it out:  Anoka County- https://www.anokacounty.us/1758/Libraries and Hennepin County: https://hclib.org/




Here are links to various summer ideas for all ages.

https://www.edutopia.org/blog/summer-learning-resources-matt-davis

https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/simple-tips-for-summer-math-learning

 https://www.tynker.com/parents/#/ts/courses/learning-paths/advanced-languages  *Tynker has a fee

 https://thekrazycouponlady.com/tips/family/online-activities-keep-your-kids-busy-summer

 https://www.education.com/resources/

https://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/profdev073.shtml 

Free online games for high school age https://www.commonsense.org/education/top-picks/10-great-free-games-for-high-school-students

But of course, these are all things you couldn't do. Because.. you're busy??

How Can It Be This Late? Time Management Tips

Do you ever look at the time and think? How'd that happen, it was only 1:00 ten minutes ago and now it's 4:30?

Time management can be a challenge, what with work, school, study, family, friends, and all the other things that gobble up time... but we found some tips that might help:

• Use. A. Planner. It can be in any form, a notebook will even work. You may have an app for your phone or computer, but it may be best for some to have an actual calendar on paper--a really, really big one. If you write in absolutely everything you need to do, you can keep it right where you'll see it every day, and follow along.

• Take the syllabus from each class and put important due dates on it. You can then plan to have parts of your assignments done in smaller chunks: If an assignment is due on the 20th of the month, then put in 'work on pages 10 to 30' one day, then 'work on pages 30 to 60,' etc. so by the 20th, you've covered everything.
• Make priorities in your days: What absolutely has to get done and by what date, and what can wait till the next week?

• Make your study space comfortable, even inviting. Nobody likes to try and work where there's too much noise, or no space, or no supplies. A stash of snacks in the area will avoid you getting up to find them and getting off task. Messy snacks? Have some hand wipes close so you don't get up to wash hands and wind up watching TV or playing a game.
• And be sure there's enough light!
• Know yourself, and your 'style' of working. Do you work best with no noise, or with headphones on (be honest here). What distracts you too much? What helps you concentrate? You might look for a quiet spot no  one has discovered and make it yours.

• Use even the smallest bits of time to do something. In 10 minutes, you can empty the wastebasket, wipe down a countertop, or clean a sink. You can grab a folder and put all the stuff for tomorrow's classes in there. You can take out your clothes for tomorrow. If you really hurry you could probably even take a shower in 10 minutes. Or, of course, study for 10 minutes on something you always put off.
• You can set a time limit for how long you're going to work on something, whether that's a chore or studying: I'll give this thing 1 hour of my day and no more. Then do it!
• Set timers! You can use a kitchen timer, or of course there are alarm 'clocks' on phones, laptops, tablets, and even watches, often. If you use your phone, put it out of your easy reach, but where you'll hear it. Set the alarm to go off in a certain amount of time, then get to work and wait till you hear it go off. Use timers to wake up in the morning or remind you that you have an appointment or a class.

• And of course, no social media while you're studying. That will all wait, it really will. Talk about a time-waster!
• If you are in a time crunch, and who isn't, don't be shy to tell people you simply do not have time for anything other than study this afternoon (or whenever), and don't feel guilty about it. Learn to say 'no' when you need to. You also need time to rest, and you can say so.
• If you find yourself studying into the wee hours of the night, put a stop to that and be sure you get enough sleep. You won't be absorbing information if you're barely awake.
• Eat some brain-power foods: Nuts, apples, berries, granola, yogurt, raw vegetables--graze away to give you some solid calories (as opposed to candy or chips)
• Drink plenty of water-always have a water bottle by your side.
• Get up and stretch once in a while. Do a simple exercise or walk for five minutes now and then.
• Sometimes, you'll need to be flexible. Situations will come up when you have to switch out your schedule, and that's OK, as long as you're usually following the plan.

How to set a reminder if you have an Iphone: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT205890
Android: https://www.wikihow.tech/Create-Reminders-on-an-Android  There are 'outside apps' available as well.  Often the alarm lets you make a note, so you can say "one hour of studying English," or "Lunch break," in case you forget to eat!

A little planning can help you feel less stressed and more in control. Hopefully, some of these tips will be helpful.

 

 

You're Not That Lost

Often, a student sees our office and rather tentatively pokes her head in, or a toe, or a shoulder, and asks for directions. We don't mind: when you're new to a building, it always seems like a maze.

Today, a young woman stopped in, looking totally confused, and timidly said: "I know this sounds stupid, but I'm so lost. I need to find the Testing Center." She didn't realize how close she was: just a hallway and a turn to the right, and she'd be there. I said to her: You're not that lost. I showed her the way, and off she went. As I sometimes do, I watched her to make sure she headed the right way, and she did. And no, her question didn't sound stupid at all.


Some of you are off to new adventures: In the fall, you'll start college. Or, you'll be taking different classes with different instructors than last year.

Or, you're graduating and heading out into the world.


And you might be feeling a little lost. All the familiar things are now removed, with or without ceremony, and while it's invigorating and exciting, it's also intimidating to have to start all over again. You really want to take it on yourself, but you're torn between "I can do this on my own" and "Help! I'm so clueless!"

As you've grown, I hope you've learned two things: One, that you are usually very capable of figuring things out for yourself, and Two, it's sometimes necessary to ask for help.


Sure, a lot of navigating in your new world involves geography.: where on earth is Room 423-B???You may need to find the location of an interview, or you may be starting a new job. Finding your way around an unfamiliar place is quite a challenge at first, but you'll get the hang of it. .

When you look at the whole picture to see where it is you want to go, and how to get there-academically, career-wise, and in your life, there are lots of paths to take. Maybe you feel overwhelmed, as if it's too much for you. But try not to panic: Friends, parents, advisors, counselors, all can help. Whatever you can figure out for yourself, bravo. And when you find yourself a little lost, it's ok to ask directions. You're not weak or stupid to ask; in fact, it's a sign of wisdom and courage to realize you need some assistance.


Mr. Rogers once said, "Look for the helpers." Everyone needs to seek out a helper from time to time, and we're out here waiting for you to ask.


You might be just a little lost.


And you might find that you were closer to your goal than you thought you were.

The Anti Bucket List

It's not that hard to make up a Bucket List, things you'd like to do before you kick the bucket. What about an anti-bucket list?  It means: What are things you don't want to do, ever? Here are some of mine:

• I have no desire to climb a mountain, in fact, I think people who do are crazy.

                                                                                                                   How is this fun????

• Also, it would be just fine with me if I never flew in a 4-seater plane again.
• As a sub-category, I plan to live happily without discovering zip lines, carnival rides, bungie jumping, sky-diving, or anything else involving being many feet above the ground. 
• I intend to never eat an insect, in any form, even chocolate-coated.
• I can be content to never go on safari, great photo ops or not

• Nor do I have a burning desire to visit Siberia.
• I am one of about five people on earth with no body piercings whatsoever, and I'm fine with that.
• I'll never get a tattoo.
• Cruise? No, thanks. A couple of thousand people stuck on one ship? No.
• Or, take a ride in a submarine. Nope.
• I'll never run for political office.
• I'll never enjoy meetings.
• And I'm never going to like ice-breaker activities.
• Hitch-hiking, no.
• I'll never be a smoker. Doesn't appeal to me a bit.
• Drinking alcohol or taking drugs, nope. 
• Las Vegas has about zero appeal to me. Pay for a plane to take me somewhere to waste money?
• Swimming with sharks? Um, no.
• Attend a high school reunion.
• Run a marathon. Or, run a 3K. Or, just run. I don't run.

• Become even remotely interested in sports, but especially football, basketball, soccer, cricket, volleyball, or boxing.
• Become a slave to my phone.
• Eat one of those 1000 year old eggs. Yech.
• Get arrested or go to jail
• Learn how to use Excel. I just can't think of much that's more boring than queries and formulas. Blech.
• Learn how to play the bagpipes. It's a shame, I know.

Here's a good assessment of why 'traditional' bucket lists are basically stupid: https://zenhabits.net/anti-bucket/

 

What about some anti-bucket items that might make life a little better? I hope I never...

• Contribute to someone's unhappiness
• Avoid helping when I can help
• Ignore those who are in need
• Turn a blind eye to a problem
• Become apathetic about justice
• Turn cynical and give up on a frustrating world
• Lose my sense of humor

• Decide to do nothing at all rather than something 'small'
• Forget how good I have it
• Become unappreciative of my health, and forget to take care of myself
• Stop learning
• Stop sharing knowledge
• Stop noticing the world and people around me
• Dismiss nature: The perfection of a flower, the sun, the moon and stars and clouds, the busyness of animals and insects, their perfect instincts

• Become less than kind and respectful as much as possible
• Miss an opportunity to say I Love You to people that matter to me
• Lose gratefulness for every little thing, because they are big things
• Give up on anything, especially myself.

What would you put on an anti-bucket list?


Here's to 2018: Cheers!!
And let's get rid of the bucket.

 

 

More End Of Year Advice: A Top Ten

Whether you're graduating from high school or college, or have just completed another step on your way to a degree, the end of the school year is fast approaching. You've probably heard words of advice before...so here are 10 more:

 

• 10. Realize that your advisor is really proud of your progress.

• 9. What were you doing in 2012? Annnnnd boom, four years went by.  If you think another 3 years of high school, or 4 years of college, or even 2 or 1, is an impossibly long time, just remember how fast this year has gone by, and the past four years.

• 8. When a class, or a teacher, is tough, realize that you can get through it and learn anyway.

• 7. Be grateful to the people who helped you, and continue to help you, achieve your goals: parents, grandparents, friends, mentors, advisors, teachers. You have an army of people on your side helping you out. Ask them when you need help: That's what they are there for. And if you are graduating, keep in touch!

• 6. When life is just getting on your nerves, hug someone, or a pet, or have a cupcake. The rough patch will pass. Trust us.

• 5. Appreciate and value your friendships. Be there for them and they'll be there for you. Always think before you speak when you are angry. Once you've said it, no amount of "I'm sorry" is going to erase it. Oh, and PS: Spend some 'real' time with friends, not just on Facebook or via texting.

• 4. Make a plan. Stick with it unless you see a better way.
• 3. Be able to bend when you need to.

• 2. Respect others, and respect yourself first.
• 1. Relax. Celebrate. Revel. Be proud of yourself. Smile. There are more amazing things coming up in your life than you can even imagine. Because you are awesome.

 

 

What Did You Do?

If you're feeling overwhelmed, rest assured you aren't the only one. We tend to think about all the things we have to do and the notion that we can't get them done.




There is an app in which, at the end of each day, it sends you an email for you to list what you have done instead of what you haven't, to reassure you that there is progress being made even when it seems like it's not. Kind of like goal setting in reverse.

So at the end of today, make a list of what you have done. It may look like this:

• Got up
• Got dressed
• Got to class on time
• Took good notes
• Checked your goals for the day or month
• Cared about a friend
• Ate decent food
• Went to tutoring, or to study group
• Learned something
• Made sure a bill got paid on time
• Took out some trash
• Read a book
• Studied, and studied well
• Started a project
• Finished a project
• Tweaked a project to make it better

See? It's not hard to find what you've done with your time today, and it hasn't been completely wasted. In fact, maybe listing your day's activities will help you be more accountable to yourself.




If your day's review looks like this, then changes need to happen tomorrow:

• Played video games
• Texted with friend(s)
• Had 2 cookies and a glass of flat soda for lunch
• Texted some more
• Forgot to wear socks. Got frostbite on toes.
• Listened to music. Fell asleep between classes. Missed class.
• Texted some more
• Forgot where you parked your car
• Found car, went home, played video games, texted

And how about if you go back a few more days or a week?

• Returned library books on time
• Took a walk
• Cleaned something
• Called about a job or an internship
• Filled out your FAFSA
• Got your papers sorted so you could find things easier
• Learned something
• Made folders for all your important papers
• Read a book
• Remembered something
• Helped someone with something

Or in the last month or two?
Filled out a scholarship application, and sent it in

• Studied for a test
• Got a decent grade on a test
• Did some research for a class
• Wrote a paper and turned it in on time
• Helped someone with his/her homework
• Read a book
• Was a good coworker
• Avoided a car accident
• Asked for help when you got stuck
• Learned something
• "Forgot" about Facebook for a couple of hours
• Created something just for the fun of it
• Made a goal and set a date for it
• Took two steps towards your goal...or more

Of course, in order to achieve things, you have to have goals so you can 'check them off your list.'




What did you do...In the last year? Two years? Think about where you were then compared to where you are now. You can list things that went wrong and what you learned from them-all of them are steps you've finished. You are doing fine, just remember to keep working at your goals and you're going to get there. You'll see if you look back that you've actually accomplished a lot. It was just a step at a time and it didn't seem like you were going anywhere....




But you were.

Imagine A Better 2016

Where did 2015 go??

 

As I searched for end of the year recaps or videos to share with you, all I seemed to come up with were negative stories: this shooting happened, this bombing, this refugee story, that injustice. We had to offer our "thoughts and prayers" far too many times.

 

I wondered: Where are the good stories? Where are the stories about people helping people without being asked? What about positive "Stories of 2015"? Good things had to have happened...but where were they?

 

What were some good and positive things that happened to you this past year? Stuff like:

• Making progress on a goal you've set
• Making a new friend
• Learning something cool
• Going somewhere you never went before
• Creating something
• Doing something that scared you, and then you liked it
• Enjoying time with friends and family

 

What if we stopped and thought about the possibilities of the new year and focused on that?

UPDATE: Finally, a list of good things that happened this year, via Senator Amy Klobuchar and Buzzfeed:  Read them and smile. I knew they were out there somewhere: http://www.buzzfeed.com/daves4/2015-was-okay?utm_term=.qyDE25MjZ#.djWp1PqKw

Most of us can't accomplish peace in the world. But we can...

•  Remember to be grateful for our lives
•  Learn about other cultures and appreciate that we are actually pretty similar. 
• Care about what's going on around us. 
• Notice when a friend is struggling and offer help. 
• Accept help when we need it.

And, we can imagine a better world starting right now. Have a great 2016!!!

 

"Imagine" by John Lennon, sung by Eva Cassidy