Saturday, April 30, 2011
Sunshine and Sunscreen
Sunshine! It exists! Flowers are appearing everywhere, the buds on the trees get larger and greener every day. The grass is gaining its shine again, and my car needs a good washing to gain its shine as well. The weather is warming up, or at least trying, and I think it's time to appreciate the lovely weather. It feels great just to get outside and enjoy everything, listen to the birds or the wind in the trees. Enjoy that sunshine! And don't forget the sunscreen, 21 days left until the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life in Vestal!
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Mayday! Mayday!
If you're in any formal education classes, no matter how relaxed a person you are, this distress is going off in your mind this time of year. Yep, the last few weeks of April seem so far away, but here they are slamming into us, flying at the speed of light, only reminding us that May is on its way. Who doesn't want May, you might ask? Anyone who's in school, that's who, because what is one step closer to summer is also one step closer to those final exams and they're closing in! Run!
Okay, no, don't run. Everyone calm down. See, exams are just another deadline; sadly, there's usually about five at once. This isn't horrible though, and it's only taken me four years to grasp it (and I'm sure a few more years to actually put my new plan into effect).
I'm surrounded by people in advanced classes, which is why May is the crucial month in my opinion, because all advanced classes give their exams in that month, while regular finals usually come in June. AP (advanced placement) courses are tough, but teachers try really hard to prepare you for them, they have resources, there are plenty of practice tests online, and there are textbooks for them. IB (International Baccalaureate [back-uh-lor-e-it])is a little different, mostly because it's so new, but resources are available, so please, chill.
There's time to chill, it's still early, but don't chill too much. I've come across some great revelations just from wasting time on the weekends. Most kids get home around five thirty if they have an after school activity, and guess what? Five thirty is six hours away from a bed-time that should provide enough sleep. That's a decent chunk of time to do homework, eat some food, study, work out, and shower, you just can't let yourself get too distracted. Facebook? That's tons of fun, but save that for chill time, besides, it's mostly poeple complaining and raising corn, so get on, then get off. Food can take a while to prepare, but I find that healthy foods are actually easier to make (especially if you are a vegetarian like moi) and they can generally be picked apart and eaten in a snackish manner, which is quick. A workout is easy to fit in; walk your dog (two tasks at once!), run around the block, walk up in the woods, whatever. If you can't at night, do it in the morning. The shower is an easy place to lolly-gag, but if you get in, wash (everything), and get out, you can leave the day-dreaming for before falling asleep.
During the week, there really is only so much of a schedule you can make with school there, that becomes an issue of priorities. Do you really need to see your boyfriend/girlfriend that night, or can he/she wait until tomorrow (I know you're reading this Dad, I know you're saying huh, but I told you, the plan might take a few years to get into effect). The weekends are where some real study dammage can be done.
This is a really crazy idea, I've only just discovered it, but if you wake up before ten, it gives you a whole chunk of day! Imagine what you can get done with all those extra hours! I'm not saying sacrifice your night times, or become a hermit with no friends, but it IS exam time, that's back to priorities. Maybe just sleep in Sundays, and wake up early (ish) on Saturdays to allow yourself some time to get stuff done.
My plan is not perfect, and you've probably been hearing it since you were in seventh grade, but until I tried them, I never cared. I, myself, work better under pressure, but that doesn't mean I leave everything until the last day. Maybe the second to last day, but again with the plan... No, but really. The whole thing is staying on track and keeping motivated, wasting time is just that, a waste. And while I also realize that the whole idea of excersizing seems like a strange thing to force into a tight schedule, it really serves as an excellent way to release some steam, and during these stressful times, healthy choices are the best choices.
Okay, no, don't run. Everyone calm down. See, exams are just another deadline; sadly, there's usually about five at once. This isn't horrible though, and it's only taken me four years to grasp it (and I'm sure a few more years to actually put my new plan into effect).
I'm surrounded by people in advanced classes, which is why May is the crucial month in my opinion, because all advanced classes give their exams in that month, while regular finals usually come in June. AP (advanced placement) courses are tough, but teachers try really hard to prepare you for them, they have resources, there are plenty of practice tests online, and there are textbooks for them. IB (International Baccalaureate [back-uh-lor-e-it])is a little different, mostly because it's so new, but resources are available, so please, chill.
There's time to chill, it's still early, but don't chill too much. I've come across some great revelations just from wasting time on the weekends. Most kids get home around five thirty if they have an after school activity, and guess what? Five thirty is six hours away from a bed-time that should provide enough sleep. That's a decent chunk of time to do homework, eat some food, study, work out, and shower, you just can't let yourself get too distracted. Facebook? That's tons of fun, but save that for chill time, besides, it's mostly poeple complaining and raising corn, so get on, then get off. Food can take a while to prepare, but I find that healthy foods are actually easier to make (especially if you are a vegetarian like moi) and they can generally be picked apart and eaten in a snackish manner, which is quick. A workout is easy to fit in; walk your dog (two tasks at once!), run around the block, walk up in the woods, whatever. If you can't at night, do it in the morning. The shower is an easy place to lolly-gag, but if you get in, wash (everything), and get out, you can leave the day-dreaming for before falling asleep.
During the week, there really is only so much of a schedule you can make with school there, that becomes an issue of priorities. Do you really need to see your boyfriend/girlfriend that night, or can he/she wait until tomorrow (I know you're reading this Dad, I know you're saying huh, but I told you, the plan might take a few years to get into effect). The weekends are where some real study dammage can be done.
This is a really crazy idea, I've only just discovered it, but if you wake up before ten, it gives you a whole chunk of day! Imagine what you can get done with all those extra hours! I'm not saying sacrifice your night times, or become a hermit with no friends, but it IS exam time, that's back to priorities. Maybe just sleep in Sundays, and wake up early (ish) on Saturdays to allow yourself some time to get stuff done.
My plan is not perfect, and you've probably been hearing it since you were in seventh grade, but until I tried them, I never cared. I, myself, work better under pressure, but that doesn't mean I leave everything until the last day. Maybe the second to last day, but again with the plan... No, but really. The whole thing is staying on track and keeping motivated, wasting time is just that, a waste. And while I also realize that the whole idea of excersizing seems like a strange thing to force into a tight schedule, it really serves as an excellent way to release some steam, and during these stressful times, healthy choices are the best choices.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Relay for Life
Relay for Life is coming up soon! In fact, in Vestal, there's only 29 days left! The relay will be held on May 21 to May 22 at Sammon Field on Clayton Avenue. The American Cancer Society holds this event in various towns and counties around our area to raise money in the fight against cancer; each team sets its own goals to donate as well. The National Honor Society at Vestal High School has made a goal of F$8000, all of which will go towards research for cancer.
How can you help? Vestal National Honor Society is hosting a car wash as well as a can and bottle drive on May 1, located in the parking lot in front of Tractor Supply co. on the Vestal Parkway from 11-2. A car wash is $5, with all money going towards the goal. Doug's Fish Fry will also be there, and I've heard they're quite fantastic.
If you can't make this event, I'm planning on posting any new activities the Honor Society is hosting. You can also visit http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=29492 to follow the many teams as they strive to reach their goals, make donations, or simply learn about the cause.
How can you help? Vestal National Honor Society is hosting a car wash as well as a can and bottle drive on May 1, located in the parking lot in front of Tractor Supply co. on the Vestal Parkway from 11-2. A car wash is $5, with all money going towards the goal. Doug's Fish Fry will also be there, and I've heard they're quite fantastic.
If you can't make this event, I'm planning on posting any new activities the Honor Society is hosting. You can also visit http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=29492 to follow the many teams as they strive to reach their goals, make donations, or simply learn about the cause.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
English Riding, Boyfriends, and Bubble Tea…. The ruminations of my life…
So I’m Millennial Generation Shadduck. My grandpa Norm established the insurance agency with pens, paper, a telephone, and word of mouth. My dad and my uncles continued my grandpa’s hard work, but began to transition to computer software, cell phones, and automated billing. Me…. I’m the one who answers the “old guys’” questions regarding technology, and smirks a bit while I blog, text and Facebook all at the same time. With much chagrin, they thought perhaps if I wrote a little on a blog, they would “get the hang of it” and take off . I’m sure, with their techno savvy, I will be here for a loooooooonnnnngggg time.
Let’s get back to the generation title for a sec. My generation is called the Millennial Generation, the Net Generation, and Generation Next. We could have been born anywhere between 1975 and early 2000’s, although it seems to me that a 30 year old is GENERATIONS away from my group, but hey, we have to start somewhere. Our “claim to fame” so far has been an intense familiarity with communication, media, and digital technologies. Boil that down, and yes, I have a cell phone, an Ipod, a laptop, and various gaming systems for different challenges. And yes, I’m using them all RIGHT NOW. We don’t call each other, or sit on “party lines” like my parents did when they were kids, we text eight or ten of us at a time to plan our days. We don’t talk face to face, we blog and email, using shortened “text talk” which reminds my Mamam of the Cockney Rhyming slang of her childhood, and it understood by no one over the age of 25! LOL We plug in, tune out, and turn on. But along with our techno eccentricities, we are the walking future. And unlike the human-in-a-costume aliens of all those thriller seeking sci-fi movies of yesteryear, we are here to help. Bwaaahhhaaahaaa….
Let’s get back to the generation title for a sec. My generation is called the Millennial Generation, the Net Generation, and Generation Next. We could have been born anywhere between 1975 and early 2000’s, although it seems to me that a 30 year old is GENERATIONS away from my group, but hey, we have to start somewhere. Our “claim to fame” so far has been an intense familiarity with communication, media, and digital technologies. Boil that down, and yes, I have a cell phone, an Ipod, a laptop, and various gaming systems for different challenges. And yes, I’m using them all RIGHT NOW. We don’t call each other, or sit on “party lines” like my parents did when they were kids, we text eight or ten of us at a time to plan our days. We don’t talk face to face, we blog and email, using shortened “text talk” which reminds my Mamam of the Cockney Rhyming slang of her childhood, and it understood by no one over the age of 25! LOL We plug in, tune out, and turn on. But along with our techno eccentricities, we are the walking future. And unlike the human-in-a-costume aliens of all those thriller seeking sci-fi movies of yesteryear, we are here to help. Bwaaahhhaaahaaa….
Thursday, March 31, 2011
What is a Nor'easter?
I think it's a terrible April Fool's Joke? It's a bad, bad word especially since Spring has started? Ok what is a Nor'easter? It is often used to refer to any strong rain or snow storm that occurs in the northeast part of the United States, regardless of season, prevailing wind direction, direction of storm travel, or the geographic origin of the storm. Usually nor'easters bring massive amounts of precipitation, high winds, large waves, and marginal storm surge to coastal areas. Depending on the circumstances and the time of year, nor'easters can bring rain, ice, and snow. Ice, snow, and high winds can shut down major airports for days leaving thousands stranded. Ice and snow can also shut down major highways and interstates leaving motorists unable to reach their destinations. During nor'easters, many people lose power because of high winds, ice, and snow. If you are like most people (Including Me) I have watched the local news and the weather channel to see how bad this storm is really going to be. Predictions start a trace of snow all the way up to a foot depending upon how, where and when the nor'easter will hit us. Well I guess all we can do is wait just like everyone else to see what MOTHER NATURE brings us again!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Spring into Snow!
Yesterday, march 23, 2011, the Binghamton area was hit with roughly half a foot of snow, much to the disappointment of the residents. Just the week before, the Spring weather with temperatures as high as 60 degrees got everyone's hopes up that the Winter weather was gone for good. motorcycles were on the roads, kids were wearing shorts, and snow blowers were being stored away until the next storm, which arrived much too early in many people's opinions. SO what's left to look forward to?
It looks like more cold weather. This week's temeratuers aren't supposed to rise over forty degrees. This means chilly mornings, which leads to icy roads, frozen windshields, and slippery walkways. To play it safe, leave for work about ten minutes earlier than you normally would, in order to clear off your car, and take everything slow in the morning.
Important Propane Safety Information
If you smell gas. Propane smells like rotten eggs, a skunk's spray or a dead animal. IMMEDIATELY put out all smoking materials and other open flames. Do not operate lights, appliances, telephones or cell phones. Flames or sparks from these sources can trigger an explosion or a fire.
Leave the area IMMEDIATELY! Get everyone out of the building or area where you suspect gas is leaking. Shut off the gas. Turn off the main gas supply valve on your propane tank if it is SAFE to do so. Report the LEAK. From a neighbor's home or other nearby building away from the gas leak, call your propane retailer right away. Also call 911 and/or your local fire department.
Do not return to the building or area until your propane retailer, emergency responder, or a qualified technician determines it is safe to do so. Get your system checked. Before you attempt to use any of your propane appliances, a qualified service technician must check your entire system to ensure that it is leak free.
For more information please visit www.usepropane.com.
Leave the area IMMEDIATELY! Get everyone out of the building or area where you suspect gas is leaking. Shut off the gas. Turn off the main gas supply valve on your propane tank if it is SAFE to do so. Report the LEAK. From a neighbor's home or other nearby building away from the gas leak, call your propane retailer right away. Also call 911 and/or your local fire department.
Do not return to the building or area until your propane retailer, emergency responder, or a qualified technician determines it is safe to do so. Get your system checked. Before you attempt to use any of your propane appliances, a qualified service technician must check your entire system to ensure that it is leak free.
For more information please visit www.usepropane.com.
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