NIU

HEARING AIDS, TANNING LOTION, AND FREE MUSIC DOWNLOADS...GRANDPARENTS

Posted by Stacy on Tuesday, April 28, 2009 12:00 PM

My parents passed away when I was 14 and so it was at that time that my brother and I were sent to live with our grandparents. At first we were very concerned about leaving our home and our friends, but that was really the least of the problems, we soon discovered. We had visited with our grandparents very seldom when we were younger, so when we did see them it was mostly cookies and candy and playing games. I don't think that either Tom or I really had any clue what living with them would truly be like. When we first arrived, they had set up rooms for us, which really were quite nice, but most of our stuff went into storage and we really only got to bring a few items with us. The one household item that we did convince Grandpa that we needed was our computer. We told him we really needed to have it in order to do our school work, which really wasn't what we were thinking at the time, but that is how we convinced him.

The first few months started out okay, but it seemed that tension was getting thicker the older we were getting, and I mean all of us. First grandpa got his hearing aid because he couldn't hear right, but that was not a good thing because with the hearing aid he could hear some things really well, but still spent all his time saying WHAT? So I am not sure if the problem was really his hearing or just HIM! Then it was we couldn't access free music downloads on the computer because they said that was illegal...Everybody does it, but still they were constantly policing us. Then in the summer they started complaining about the smell of the tanning lotion that I was using and how it was making my grandmother sick.

Don't get me wrong, I love my grandparents, and do appreciate the fact that they took us in when mom and dad died, but I must admit that when it came time to go away to school, I really was not sad to be on my own. I must admit that I still go visit on school breaks and stuff, because they are still family, but boy I am glad that we don't all live under the same roof anymore, that was just too much!

Finance Class and Credit Cards

Posted by Stacy on Monday, April 20, 2009 1:34 PM

I remember in my finance class we learned a lot about credit cards. We talked about things like Smart Balance Transfers and also what should be charged with credit and what should not (if the payment outlasts what you charged it should not be put on credit, like a meal or a movie).

This class was enjoyable, definitely applied to all of our lives and was extremely informative and helpful. HOWEVER, it came about 2 years too late for a lot of the students in the class (and I'm assuming many that took it at other times as well). Thankfully I am not in this boat (really, thank God) but a lot of the students were already into debt by their junior year when we could take the class. It isn't offered to freshman and sophomores; however that happens to be the time when people start getting credit cards (when they leave home and are on their own at school) and by the time they reach their junior year and are taking this class, they have already accumulated some sort of credit card debt most likely.

We do talk about things like balance transfer credit cards for those who have a high interest card (and most students do), a lot of times can find 0% APR. But the talks we have about establishing credit and paying your bill on time and even negotiating a lower interest rate with the company before you get into trouble really do come too late in a lot of cases. I really do feel like this course is extremely informative and helpful and would be very beneficial, but it definitely needs to be opened to students starting their freshman year of college. This way, while students are getting their credit cards and before they actually have a chance to run themselves into debt or use it irresponsibly, they can learn about the consequences and also about how important it is to work on establishing good credit throughout college.

Right now, we are laying the stones for our future. We want to graduate and be able to buy a home in the near future or a car and if you spend irresponsibly throughout college and prove that you aren't worthy of credit, you are going to end up like one of those commercials for the credit reports where the kid is living in his parents basement and I am guessing that's not what most people want.

Electronic cigarettes and quitting smoking

Posted by Stacy on Saturday, April 18, 2009 9:25 PM

We just talked about electronic cigarettes in my health psychology class. Basically they are like regular cigarettes instead they are battery powered and they allow the smoker to get nicotine but they also have a lot of benefits.

When someone is smoking an electronic cigarette, they can do it in a public place where regular cigarettes have been banned. There is no excess or second hand smoke given off so it is safe for those around. And your clothes and car and home won't smell like it either.

We also talked about how this may be a good way for someone to stop smoking or at least try to wean themselves off and cut back from their regular habit. It is a way for them to get the feeling of smoking but can also lower the dosage. We read a study about people who tried to quit smoking and the best ways to do it overall and we found that the kinds that mimicked smoking the most helped. Chewing gum was pretty effective because it lowers the nicotine dosage but it also requires something to be in your mouth which keeps it busy. Also people who would eat carrots or similar shaped food when they got the urge helped. This is why electronic cigarettes would work well because something is still in their mouth and keeping them occupied, but the dose may be lower as well as the other side effects like excess smoke coming off, butts and the smell that gets everywhere (clothes, car, furniture, hair).

While other ways of quitting aren't so great, like the patch. But we found that a lot of quitting had to do with mental preparation and their motivation to do so. Some people would be quitting for their kids or their job maybe or because their health was declining, but didn't really want to do it for themselves. So when they were faced with withdrawal and challenges, they really weren't up for it because they didn't have it in them to want to quit.

So you definitely need to want it and do it for the right reasons (well they are all right reasons, but at least come from within yourself) and then you can find the most effective method to help yourself get through. Using ways like electronic cigarettes is a great start too.

MOM BUYS MUCK BOOTS FOR ME AND ACORN SLIPPERS FOR SARA

Posted by Stacy on Thursday, April 16, 2009 11:59 AM

There is nothing better than a shopping trip with mom. About once a month she comes by and takes me and my girlfriends on a shopping trip and out to lunch. It is always a blast, and my friends actually seem to like my mom, which really shouldn't surprise me because I really like her too. Anyway, we go out just us girls and hang out. Sometimes we go shopping at one of the local shopping malls. There are about six or seven right in this area, so it just depends really on where we want to have lunch or if we are looking for something specific, then that may determine where we go. All in all we have a blast, and usually don't buy too much stuff, and what we do buy is usually on mom, yep even for my friends, now you can see why everyone thinks my mom is amazing!

She came down last week and when she did we had only made our plans a day in advance so I really wasn't sure where I wanted to go. My friend Sara was coming with us and suggested a new area of outlet stores nearby and that was right up mom's alley. She loved to shop, but really loved to bargain shop. LOL Anyway, we found a place over in that area that we could go for lunch and we headed out first thing in the morning for a day of shopping. We started out looking at some of the great discount clothing shops. I am not talking about like cheap clothes, I am talking designer clothing at low prices. We picked up a few miscellaneous items, but then we came across a shoe outlet store, and I just love shoes, so I had to look. We went into this shop and honestly I was in heaven. I had never seen so many designer shoes at discount prices. I finally tried on a few things and wound up getting a pair of Muck Boots. They were just awesome, and while I was trying them on, Sara had found a pair of Acorn Slippers that she just had to have. Mom bought both for us and that was it, we were off to lunch, and after that she took us to Walmart for a few necessity items. Now you can see why I love my mommy sooooooo much!

Ads online and in the Newspaper

Posted by Stacy on Tuesday, April 14, 2009 12:59 PM

Every time you sign onto the internet a pop up comes on or the article you are reading has an ad on the side of it. Even when I check my online bank statement I come across ads for investing or even one time a few days ago there was an ad for dog food? And the newspaper is full of ads. For grocery stores and the local mall as well as the classified sections and people looking to get rid of their old fridge or car or even their baby (seriously there are adoption ads right next to the ad for 2 for 1 watermelons).

I think the most common ads are ones for auto performance parts or people selling their car, looking to buy it or even just looking for a piece of a car. There are even ads for auto aftermarket parts (whatever that even means). You see people looking for stereos for their car or something called vellano wheels. And it amazes me that they probably find those things ha.

I do though think it is interesting that people have adoption ads in the newspaper. It makes me wonder how that could even be legal (but I'm sure it is when you get lawyers involved and everything). It just seems so sketchy. But I guess with adoption being as hard as it is right now and taking so long, the more you get your name out there, the better off you are. It just seems so cheesy when they have a picture of themselves and talk about how great and loving they are to people they don't even know.

But even though I think it is kind of silly, I can't help myself from clicking on random ads that pop up when I am online or when I open my email and get them (that's probably why I keep getting more and more because I continue to open them and okay them on my computer). And I always look in the Sunday paper at the people who are selling their old fridge or their car parts (like just the steering wheel ha) and even the people who are looking for a baby. And I probably will continue to do so, and who knows, maybe one day I will have a personal ad in there (probably not though) ha.

Admitting when you are wrong

Posted by Stacy on Monday, April 13, 2009 1:54 PM

Now I understand that we are all young here and that we want to live and act as if we have nothing in this world to really be concerned with except grades and spending money. Unfortunately this is not true and we're all adults. Despite this reality there are still some things that most of us ignore or actually block out of our conversations in order to live without cares. This is fine for some things that we can afford to push out of our minds, but that's the thing about real life; it doesn't matter what you believe because it is right here all the time.

What I am getting at here specifically is not just drinking or partying in general, it is what can happen as a result of the partying or the drinking. During this time in our lives we all can choose to be promiscuous and many of us do. This is not necessarily a problem if we take in to account that we are using protection and not drinking when these types of things occur. If we are not taking precautions though that is when we get those strong doses of negativity that none of us wants to have to deal with. Aside from the big mess that can result from pregnancy, diseases can spread quite quickly in the college community if you don't stay on top of your own health. Conditions like genital herpes or syphilis can really ruin more than just your day. If you are also like many of my friends who have come down with these types of things, you might tend to deny having anything. This is an even worse decision than the initial mistake. Here you can develop many worse symptoms and health problems because you are embarrassed to get yourself treated.

I know today I might sound a little bit preachy but sometimes it takes a friend saying it to really get you to admit that you are doing something wrong. I myself still find that I listen to my friends more than my parents on more serious issues despite the fact that this makes no sense whatsoever. For the rest of the semester and your time here in college please just take care of yourself and don't deny when you have done something stupid, because it could be much worse not admitting it.

HARIBO CANDY LEADS TO WEDDING PROPOSAL

Posted by Stacy on Monday, April 13, 2009 12:50 PM

I went with my boyfriend to meet his family this past weekend. I was of course a little bit nervous, because he told me that they are really old fashioned and that they haven't liked any of his past girlfriends, so obviously that put me a little on edge. I decided that I was just going to be myself and that I could not worry about what they thought, I just needed to be true to myself. Well, honestly they were just the sweetest people, and they had this incredible haribo chocolate which was just incredible. I mean this candy was soooooo delicious, I really thought I was going to eat it all. Honestly, I probably would have except it was not mine, however I did rave about it several times, so much so that his mom offered to send me some, which I thought was so sweet of her. I usually buy my candy at the bulk candy store, but this candy was so incredible and she told me that she had to drive about 100 miles to get this particular candy. I did suggest to her that she look into buying it online, but she said that she doesn't use her computer much, so I told her I would look online for it to see if she could have it shipped to her and found that haribo is available online. Now, I told her I would have some sent directly to her.

When we left after the weekend Liam, told me that his family loved me and that must mean that we have to get married, and he pulled out a ring and proposed to me. I almost died! I know that most people discuss getting married in advance, but Liam and I really hadn't discussed it and I was just completely caught off guard, but I did say YES!! I mean he is the most incredible man that I have ever met and I really can't imagine my life without him. We agreed that we will wait another year before tying the knot, but honestly that will give me time to plan the perfect wedding. And I will only have one walk down the isle so it must be perfect.

Continuing or enhancing your education or training

Posted by Stacy on Thursday, April 09, 2009 11:12 AM

While it may not seem like the right time to go back to school right now, it really is! If you fear losing your job in this economy or have wanted to do something different with your life you can do elearning!

Online training courses for people who are looking to go back to school are available right now. If you have kids or are employed and want to take classes when you have the time from the comfort of your own home this is definitely the way to go.

A lot of adults who go back to school for whatever reason don't feel comfortable in an atmosphere with all younger students so they prefer to do as many courses online as they can at the rate that is most comfortable for them.

It is affordable and convenient and is definitely an option for anyone. You can even get financial aid for elearning or anyone who may have that as the reason holding them back from taking them.

Another reason would be to further your current career. Many times you need to be certified in something in order to be promoted and take that next step in your company. With tools like online training videos and courses, companies can help to advance their employees and build their business stronger while still having them there to do their current job. There is no need for them to take time off of work or from their busy day at your company to attend classes at a local school when they can do all of the training online at their convenience.

I feel like a lot of people don't realize that they have this option. They think that they don't have the time or the money or the patience even to travel all the way to a school or university and learn something on top of all of the other responsibilities that they have. But really you can find help with the tuition (especially if you have a unique situation) and you can take these classes in your own time at your own convenience in your pajamas on your computer in your home if you like. This is a great way to help out your future and pave the way for a new career or life for you and maybe even your family.

LOCKSMITH NYC SAVES US

Posted by Stacy on Friday, April 03, 2009 11:39 AM

Got home from a night of drinking with my buddies, when I noticed that I had locked myself out of my place. My roommate who was with me didn't have his keys either. You know we have one of those doors that locks when you close it, and so I guess we did a no brainer and both left our keys inside. It really figures, and the saddest thing is that this isn't the first time we have both left without keys. I guess we just weren't really thinking about it when Jake showed up and asked us if we wanted to go out and play some pool and have a few beers. He was driving, so I didn't give much thought to where my keys were. Anyway, as we had done many times before we called a locksmith nyc to come and bail us out. We have used this locksmith new york before and he is not only quick, but very reasonable. I even asked him if we could get the frequent discount, but he just rolled his eyes, and says in this type of business he doesn't really get too many repeat customers. He said that most of his customers learn their lesson the first time. Then he laughed. I was really too drunk to care that he was making fun of us. But now that I think about it, that was really kind of rude. I think that he was getting a laugh at our expense, and that just isn't right, because maybe next time we won't call him. Okay, so we probably will because he is nice and the truth is I have his number programmed in my cell now, so he is our locksmith for life. Anyway, he got us in right away, and asked if he could make us a spare key that we could give to a neighbor or use a hide a key for or something. I told him that would be great, since I know the people next door and since they are students like us, they are usually up in the middle of the night like us. I guess maybe we won't need him as much in the future, but I wouldn't bet on it.

WEIGHT LOSS CAN BE A BODY BUILDERS BEST FRIEND

Posted by Stacy on Wednesday, April 01, 2009 3:31 PM

I have been a body builder for several years now. I started working out in my friend's basement and I graduated to a gym membership when I started to drive. Since then I have found that working out not only keeps me in shape, but it also gives me incredible stamina. Very often, the guys here at school are amazed at how I can run and swim with the muscle mass that I have put on. They think that it will limit me, but honestly it doesn't at all. I think that many guys my size don't have any flexibility and stamina, but I truly do. I think that is because many guys over do packing on the pounds, and I always keep myself lean. On occasion when my weight goes up too high I use diet pills and other weight loss products, which you don't really hear body builders doing a lot. It makes sense to me that if you want to stay muscular, then you have to keep the fat off. I eat a very lean diet, and watch my fat and sugar content. I eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables, to keep my body in good shape and good health.

A friend of mine recently suggested that I start working in the local gym a few nights a week, and I thought it sounded right up my alley. I have waited tables a few times in the past, but it never really occurred to me to head into the gym for a job. I went in and applied and spoke to the owner, and he was so impressed with me that he hired me as a part time trainer for a few nights a week and Saturdays. And the best part is that not only will I get paid to be there, but I will also get a free gym membership, which means, less money out of my pocket. And this place is state of the art. They have three floors and pool and a separate room for the serious training. I start next week, and in the meantime I can start working out there now. This is going to be the best job ever.