Learning Commons Blog: January 2019

You didn't think I was serious when I promised to write weekly posts about my accomplishments, but you were wrong. We should all be proud of ourselves, every once in a while, and take the time to reflect on our decisions. This helps us view our lives in a new perspective, perhaps what other see every day. The days fly by so quickly, it took me half an hour to remember the weekdays. Instead of listing them all, here are my top three accomplishments and why I chose them.

Winter Cleaning
I cleaned out my dorm. It was so dirty and gross and I was so angry and frustrated and watched Hoarders: Buried Alive on Youtube to keep motivated. I moved my stuff around, wiped the desks and the walls, and completed my goal of creating a clean, organized living/work space. I still have more work to get done, but I can do that when I have more free time. I've only lived here for a week, and I've already made it home. I was so proud, and still am, when I saw my plans through to the end. It was a long process, and my allergies did not approve, but I pushed through. I also learned that I have WAY too many belongings (I did live here over the summer) and need to move or get rid of the excess.

I Let Myself be Sick
I took a much-needed nap. I took my first nap in months on my yoga matt on my floor, with the heating blanket over my face, and my JoJo blanket over my feet. For almost two hours I had a pleasant slumber. I had a sinus infection, headaches, and cramps. I went to work earlier that day, and ate food, went to class, and once I handled my responsibilities, I said no. I took the time to let my body and mind rest and recover. I had emails asking much of me, that I denied, and took care of myself. Now I'm not sick, but only because I didn't overexert myself. I've done too much of that already.

Worked then Played
Woke up and went to Brewed in the heavy snow, while it was snowing: hot chocolate and croissant. French assignment #1 in Voho Lobby, then leftover chili from the Pub while watching French videos. Playwriting, then French assignment #2. Dinner with my best friend, movies with my sisters, anime with my best friend, then a good night's sleep. I pushed through my homework, then had fun with my friends. No regrets.

Giphy Source

Sources

N/A. goodreads. 2019. Web. . 21 Jan 2019. <https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/accomplishment>.

Keeping Toasty: SNOW DAY

by Arabella Chamberlain

trying to get to class (Photo Credit)

IT'S A MIRACLE. We all thought this would never happen. After days of trudging through piles of snow for those unyielding 8AMs, we've finally heard those word we thought we'd never hear: "CLASSES CANCELLED." It's insane how excited all my friends got upon the news. Upon countless professors constantly insisting that "Coe never cancels" or "as long as Coe is open, I'm teaching," that blessed email was greeted with rejoice. That being said, what do we do now?

Since classes are cancelled because of the freezing cold temperatures, it might be a smart idea to stay in on Wednesday. But before you bunker down, make sure you have supplies to last you or good enough winter clothes - scarves, hats, mittens, parkas - to keep you toasty outside. Even then, avoid long term exposure to the elements and know when to seek medical attention.

when the wind blows on campus (Photo Credit)

Other than the terrifying risk of hypothermia and frostbite, you're free all day Wednesday! Take this time to get some stuff done. Here's some suggestions:

Sort emails. (And respond to the important ones!) Been putting off replying to that one from your boss - Stop stalling and get to work! Make folders and organize your emails. Delete all those emails you don't need anymore.
Do that laundry you've been procrastinating. You might have to wait a bit for the washer or dryer to free up, but you don't have class, so no excuses! If you can't find a machine to stake a claim on, maybe chill in the laundry room and strike up a conversation with someone new. Who knows - you might find true love! (You're welcome, btw...)
Get ahead (or catch up) on homework. We all know there's always that one professor that's going to say, "the assignment is still due Wednesday." Don't be caught off guard. Check with professors that haven't already reached out to you and find out if their course schedule is just shifting a little or if that exam is still Friday. Even if you think you're on top of everything, run through a mental list of upcoming assignments and things to study for. Anything you can start early on? Midterms will be here before you know it.
Reorganize. Clean up your room. Sort your assignments in a planner. Fix your schedule. All of these are great ideas to get started on early in the semester so by midterms, you aren't losing your mind. Save a piece of your sanity!
Take time to recover. Are you feeling under the weather? If this cold weather has wiped you out and you've got the sniffles, curl up under the covers and try to relax. Take a nap, get some rest. Let your body work its magic and hopefully you'll be feeling better soon.
Read a book. (Or binge-watch Netflix...) Use some of this newfound free time to pick up a book. Reading for enjoyment seems to go the wayside once we get to college, but it can be a great way to de-stress and stretch your imagination. Find a good book, grab some cocoa, get a comfy blanket and go to town!
Catch up on the LC Blog! My colleagues and I have been tirelessly working to get new content out to you guys, but maybe you've missed something exciting. Scroll back through our posts and let us know what you think!

Stay warm!

(Here's some puppers to inspire you.)

BOTW January 28

By Paige Waskow

The book of the week is:

Where'd Ya Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple

What's it about?

What would you do if your strange but brilliant and lovable mother vanished in thin air? In a spiral of emails, notes, and quirky narration, Maria Semple creates a world in which high school aged Bee attempts to figure out what happened to her disappeared mother, Bernadette. The novel delves into the family's history- a promise that Bee can have anything she wants if she gets perfect grades (she chooses to take a family trip to Antarctica), Bernadette's work in architecture, the move of Bee and her parents to Seattle, and the obscure events leading to and including Bernadette's disappearance.

Hoping for answers, and her trip to Antarctica, Bee's journey spans the past and present. It's perfectly odd in all the right ways, and the story loops the reader through this change of events, never pausing in action. Besides the main family members Bee, Bernadette, and Elgin, a whole array of fun and diverse cast of characters adds complexity and context. Semple writes with wit and satire while then blending it into the seriousness (and often troubling) parts of life.

via GIPHY

Why did I choose it?

I quickly sped through this amazing book one summer. I loved it because of the plot, of course, but also the nature in which Semple creates her narrative. As mentioned above, the book is made up of components such as letters and files. (There is also narration, which portrays Bee's experience, but mostly stands to make the story a story.) This immediately got my interest, but also reflected what I felt the story taught me and was trying to get across. Not only did I learn way more about the antarctic continent, but of the struggle to be creative and thrive in a confusing world. Ultimately, I loved Where'd Ya Go, Bernadette for its honesty and weird fun.

Where can you get Where'd Ya Go, Bernadette?

This book is available at Coe's library as well as the Cedar Rapids Public Library. If you don't have a CRPL card, you can get one for free!

via GIPHY

If you have a book you love and want to see as a BOTW, leave a comment below.

Happy reading!

References:

McAlpin, Heller. “Screwball Satire With A Warm Heart In 'Bernadette'.” NPR, NPR, 14 Aug. 2012, www.npr.org/2012/08/14/157227450/screwball-satire-with-a-warm-heart-in-bernadette.

It's Alive!: How to take care of your new houseplant friend

By Paige Waskow

In my last post, I shared some benefits of having plants (you can check it out here). If you are considering getting a new friend but don't want to kill it, fear not! These are a few plants that are easy to grow.

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1. Aloe vera: aloes are pretty common succulents that are both drought tolerant and hardy. To take good care of an aloe, give it bright indirect or direct light and water once a week. Additionally, aloes don't need as much water as say a spider plant or philodendron. They are not leafy, tropical plants and stay strong when it's hot and dry outside!

Soaking air plants

Source: Paige Waskow

2. Spider plants: spider plants are awesome plants to have around. If given the right conditions, they grow quite quickly and also produce baby spider plants that you can grow! To take care of a spider plant, give it indirect light (light you can read in), and water it once or twice a week. The soil should always be moist but not wet (they are not as drought tolerant as succulents or aloe). Another easy to care for plant that thrives in the same conditions are philodendrons. They have long almost vine like leaves.

Striped Succulent
Source: Paige Waskow

3. Air plants: these plants are amazing and are hard to kill. Air plants don't need soil and can live pretty much wherever . The only thing they really need is water, and to do so, soak them in water for about an hour once or twice a week. They can come in all shapes, sizes, and colors.

4. Succulents and cacti: these plants come in all shapes and styles, but all are pretty easy to maintain. Like aloe, these plants really like sun, warmth, and don't need a lot of water. You can water them once a week, but they may not even need that. When watering, measuring out the water, or having a controlled way to manage it, can help you avoid giving your succulent too much.

It's Always a Great Time to Get a Plant

By Paige Waskow

In a world so fascinated with growth, why not take the idea literally and get a plant? From the medicinal aloe vera to fast growing spider plants and giant elephant ears, our photosynthesizing friends have many benefits to offer us.

In my experience (it could be argued that I may be on the edge of having too many), taking care of plants has always been a positive and gratifying experience. They are bright and green, bringing life into my dorm room. Beyond simply being visually aesthetic, plants have also brought me a sense of calm. They are a way that I can see growth in taking care of something, especially when the bustle of classes and loads of homework make me feel that I am never truly getting anything done. When the dark days of winter arrive and the greenery of the outdoors hides, my room becomes its own vibrant ecosystem.

Beyond my personal love of plants, there are a multitude of research and data regarding them. Plants can provide many benefits to humans, and these are a few:

1. Oxygen and air purity

One could argue that breathing is an important part of existing, and according to many studies and articles, this ABC one included, certain plants help improve both oxygen and air quality in a room. Plants are good at removing volatile organic compounds (aka chemicals that could make you feel sick (NASA 5,8)) and producing oxygen as a result of photosynthesis. Additionally, although more specific to certain conditions, this NASA funded experiment found benefits of indoor plants in tightly sealed buildings with high amounts of VOCs.

2. Reduce stress and increase energy

Plants can help you relax and find a sense of purpose. According to Texas A&M University, many studies have shown that participation in gardening and cultivating plants brings positive mental results and feelings of accomplishment rather than stress (TAMU 13). The university's page also notes that plants in a person's working environment allow for a more energized and positive experience (7).

3. Help in recovery and mental health

Plants are used to help after surgeries and create a stimulating environment for patients. Active care of plants, or even simply having them present made a difference. Patients had better recovery times and were less anxious and fatigued (Treehugger 5). Hopefully, you aren't performing surgery in your dorm room, but these studies only add to the notion that plants have positive effects on both our minds and bodies.

In personal experience, I worked at the Missouri Botanical Gardens for an internship and learned about their Therapeutic Horticulture division. Workers in this department do things such as take plants into hospitals and have interactive community events including plants. If you want to learn more, you can check out their website here.

References:

“Health and Well-Being Benefits of Plants.” Ellison Chair in International Floriculture, Texas A&M University, ellisonchair.tamu.edu/health-and-well-being-benefits-of-plants/#.V7dBbpMrLBI.

Breyer, Melissa. “5 Health Benefits of Houseplants.” TreeHugger, Treehugger, 13 Feb. 2015, www.treehugger.com/health/5-health-benefits-houseplants.html.

Healthline Editorial Team. “Importance of Plants in the Home.” Healthline, Healthline Media, www.healthline.com/health/importance-plants-home#health.

Larcombe, Danica-Lea. “Indoor Plants Don't Just Look Nice - They Are Healthy, Too.” ABC News, 24 July 2017, www.abc.net.au/news/2017-07-24/living-in-an-apartment-you-should-get-some-indoor-plants/8738556.

Lee, Sophie. “Why Indoor Plants Make You Feel Better.” NBCNews.com, NBCUniversal News Group, 13 July 2017, www.nbcnews.com/better/health/indoor-plants-can-instantly-boost-your-health-happiness-ncna781806.

NASA. “Plants Clean Air and Water for Indoor Environments.” NASA, NASA, spinoff.nasa.gov/Spinoff2007/ps_3.html.

Missouri Botanical Garden. “Therapeutic Horticulture.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/learn-discover/adults/therapeutic-horticulture.aspx.

Elephant ear photo: Paige Waskow

Proper Sleep

Without enough sleep, we all become tall two-year-olds.
~ JoJo Jensen, Dirt Farmer Wisdom, 2002

Yesterday Afternoon

New Year’s may seem so long ago, but it’s only been 23 days since I promised myself I’d get eight hours of sleep every night. Over winter break I met that goal, Fall semester was horrible for my sleep cycle, especially since I slept 8-9 hours every day. Coe sent out an email earlier this week about a sleep program that has come to campus to help willing students gain a full-night’s rest. I bought a Fitbit for the purpose of tracking my sleep, and now I can use it’s complete capabilities. Using the pack I received from in front of the caf, I will follow their plan this week and see if there’s been any improvement.

In the pack I received were: a stress ball, chamomile (herbal) tea, a sleep mask, earplugs, and a guide sheet. The guide sheet lists a ton of helpful ways to help you wind down and prepare for sleep hours ahead of time, which is what I need. At the bottom of the sheet are (outdated) links to Sleep Education and Center for Disease Control. By learning more about sleep, sleep issues, and methods to remedy a not-so-good situation, I hope to arm myself with motivational tools. I’ll be posting weekly updates on my progress and any new information I find. For now, I’m going to take a nap.

P.S. I did notice contradictions between the pamphlet I received and the guide sheet. The pamphlet says “when you nap, you get mostly deep, non-REM sleep. This helps pay off a sleep debt, without shortening the next night’s sleep”; while the sheet says “if you have trouble sleeping, avoid naps, especially in the afternoon”.

Today
Yesterday afternoon I took a 1.5 hour nap on my yoga mat, on the floor of my dorm. I don’t want to nap in my bed, because it’s too comfortable and I’d never get up on time, so I relaxed to the smell of peppermint and tea tree and fell asleep. I felt much better after this nap, refreshed, and ready to do my homework. The trick was to go to sleep for the evening. My Fitbit buzzed me to get ready for sleep at 10 pm, and by 11 I was ready, but not sleepy. I decided to watch one more episode of my show, and restart my knitting, and wound up going to bed at my usual midnight. It seems midnight is my new pattern for this semester, and according to the pamphlet I have to keep the same hours on the weekend...this is troublesome, but doable. I got great sleep last night, but unfortunately forgot to wear my Fitbit to bed so I don’t have the data…

I usually stay up a little later on the weekends, but for now midnight will be the standard until I can get in bed by 11:45, then 11:30, and so on until I make it to 11 on the dot. I’ll keep you posted.

Sources

Jordan, Paul. 84 Famous Sleep Quotes. 2019. Web. 25 1 2019. <https://sleephabits.net/sleep-quotes#necessity>.
N/A. Healthy Sleep Habits. 9 2 2017. Web. 25 1 2019. <http://sleepeducation.org/essentials-in-sleep/healthy-sleep-habits>.
N/A. Sleep and Sleep Disorders. 5 2017 6. Web. 25 1 2019. <https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_us.html>.

Perfectionism: Changing My Perspective

Last week I focused on thinking realistically and not placing unreasonable expectations on myself through encouragement. Instead of my typical working one million things into my already limited schedule, I took things one step at a time. To moderate my anxiety towards “failing” my French homework - by not understanding the text perfectly when reading it - I focused on my psychology and catching up on the readings while planning new ways to study the information. There was a bit of procrastination since I decided to research careers in psychology, master’s degree programs, and Ph. D programs, but I got back on track and completed my assignments. I am not a failure for doing the homework I consider easier first, nor am I in the wrong for taking the breaks I needed to take to relax and calm myself.

This week, my goal is to alter my perspective. Perfectionists tend to think in the extreme (perfect or failure, beautiful or ugly, lazy or hard-working) which can be counterproductive and cause us to procrastinate out of fear of not meeting the expectations we believe others have for us. Changing my take on events will allow me to see the reality others see and better handle stressful situations. First, I will picture how my closest friends and family would treat an obstacle. Next, I’ll try to come up with other explanations for why I was unable to do something, and whether I should even believe I should. Finally, I will follow my own advice. You see, I give advice to people I want to help but I don’t follow it; this time I will do as I advise others to do.

This will be difficult because I enjoy pushing myself to my limits, but I’ve learned that I push too hard and need to treat myself better. Just today, my professor asked for our reflections on the reading, but I didn’t have it. I read the article, spoke about the article, participated in class as usual, but forgot to write a reflection. Maybe my exhaustion helped, but I didn’t panic. After class I told her I’d do better and she wished me luck. Progress!

I hope you enjoyed my second update, make sure to read next week’s post to see how well I’ve done at following Anxiety Canada’s advice.

https://www.anxietycanada.com/sites/default/files/Perfectionism.pdf

Sources

A Better Night Routine

I’ve had a set schedule since I was born. I can’t quote my mother on this, but she understood the necessity of a daily routine for her daughter. Everyone needs some variation of order in their life, and some are more than happy to create some. When to eat, sleep, wake-up, shower, and play, soon shift from the parent’s responsibility to the school’s. Depending on when school starts - whether you need a ride there or can walk, the clothes you need to wear to match the weather, lunch, recess, classroom changes, et cetera - your schedule will shift, but mostly it was prepared for you. Now, you’re an adult. Once you choose your classes, your schedule gains some structure; it’s up to you to decide when to do any and all of these activities.

My priorities changed last summer, and I took control of my time. One difference is that now I don’t work until 9 am. My goal was to gain at least eight hours of sleep every night. Midnight is my cut-off point, and the latest I wake up is 8:15 am. Still, I only get 6-7 hours of sleep, and wake up exhausted. The goal of today is to discover techniques I can implement to create a better way for me to get all the sleep I need.

LifeHack
Leon Ho of LifeHack.org offered many solutions to the ongoing sleep struggle battle, but I do not work a 9am-5pm, I work a 5pm-9:30pm-10:00pm shift. I am a part-timer, and dropped a shift this semester so I can do my homework and have more time to study. Here’s a general overview:

I wake up 8:15 am at the latest Mon-Thurs
Mon and Tues I return from work around 10 pm
Mon and Tues I eat dinner around 10 pm

Leon recommends having dinner a few hours before bed (Ho 1) but that’s impossible for me. I only have two hours (max) before I need to be knocked out in bed at midnight. He also recommends a “light” meal, but ramen is ramen. We’re college kids (adults) so a freshly grown garden salad is not an option. Instead, I will throw my boots and coat off, and eat slowly until I’m full. He also recommends taking the time to be tidy (Ho 1), but this won’t happen either. I put things where they can go, and clean them up on Wednesdays.

I skipped to his three-point-system (of sorts) because I already know the other advice he gives.

Have a clear plan
Create reminders and alarms
Start small, make it easy so that you can’t say no

My goal is to have the same routine for every night, including the nights I work. I need to: 1) eat dinner and drink water, 2) change the water in my oil diffuser and fill it with a new scent, brush my teeth, 3) wash my face, floss, and moisturize, and 4) have all my electronics turned off and charging at least 15 minutes before bed. I also need to implement yoga into this 1.5 hours block of free-time I’ve already filled with the other four. The plan is for me to first eat and relax by watching videos on my laptop for half an hour. Next, I’ll wash my face, et cetera. Afterwards, I’ll refill my oil diffuser. At 11:30 pm I’ll meditate for 15 minutes; if there’s time between this and the diffuser I’ll clean a little (it’s not a priority). At 11:45 pm every night I will go to bed, no exceptions.

I do believe this will be difficult to maintain because I can’t control when I get out of work, the weather, or my transportation. The best way to start a habit is to start it, so this is my goal for the evening. Wish me luck!

Sources
Leon Ho. Life Hack. 22 August 2018. Web. 22 January 2019. <https://www.lifehack.org/679044/night-routine-ultimate-guide>.

BOTW January 21

By Paige Waskow

The book of the week is:

Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson

What's it about?

Just Mercy is a nonfiction recollection of the work of Bryan Stevenson, a defense lawyer in Birmingham, Alabama. The central plot of the story follows Walter McMillan, a black man convicted of killing a white woman. His trial only lasts a day and a half, the jury is made up of eleven white people and one black person, and the judge overrules their conviction of guilty to sentence him to death row. As Stevenson quickly notes in his story, McMillan is completely innocent, and there was significant evidence to prove so. His fight to prove McMillan innocent identifies the injustice and racism in the justice system.

Alongside this story, Just Mercy follows the cases of other individuals Stevenson defended. Some are guilty of a crime, some are innocent, but the central point of the book argues that the choices and procedures of the judicial system are not equal. Stevenson's journey and heartbreaking experiences raise important questions such as: what is mercy and why is it important?, who gets to decide who lives and who dies?, and why do we use methods such as solitary confinement and trial as adults for children?

Why did I choose it?

I choose this book because of its raw honesty and identification of injustice. The stories of the book helped me better understand both the broken judicial system as well as how those who do not have power in society are treated. I especially got a better sense of the racism of the system and how it does not give equal protection under the law. Of course, I went in and came away biased, I am against the death penalty, but regardless of any individual's belief, Just Mercy is an important book that gives light to issues that are easily covered up.

Beyond the message of the book, Stevenson's writing reads like a novel. The book's action and stories are careful laid out in extensive detail. Both the facts and emotions are powerful, and you will not get bored reading it.

Learning more:

If you are interested in learning more about Stevenson's law firm, The Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), you can click here to go to their website.

Additionally, the author spoke at a TED conference about his work and personal beliefs. His talk is called "We need to talk about injustice". If you are interested, click here to go to the video.

Is there anything else you should know?

Just Mercy does have accounts of murder, sexual assault, and other violence due to the nature of crimes and stories discussed through out Stevenson's career.

Where can you get Just Mercy?

Just Mercy is available at Coe's library as well as at the Cedar Rapids Public Library. If you don't have a CRPL library card, you can get one for free.

If you have a book you love and want to see as a BOTW, leave a comment below.

Happy reading!

References:

Equal Justice Initiative. “The Book.” Equal Justice Initiative, 2017, eji.org/just-mercy/book.

Conover, Ted. “‘Just Mercy,’ by Bryan Stevenson.” The New York Times, 17 Oct. 2014, www.nytimes.com/2014/10/19/books/review/just-mercy-by-bryan-stevenson.html?smid=pl-share.

Accomplishments: Week One

“Look at a day when you are supremely satisfied at the end. It's not a day when you lounge around doing nothing; it's a day you've had everything to do and you've done it.”

― Margaret Thatcher

The first week back to school is always stressful, but this was definitely worse than last year. My new work schedule, new classes, paying for textbooks, and new responsibilities overwhelmed me, at least if I focus on the negatives. Today I’ll tell you all the positive things that I haven’t taken the time to reflect on, and maybe this will inspire you to see the good in your life and be proud of your accomplishments.

My Birthday
I turned 20 last Tuesday, and I’m a changed woman. Officially, I am no longer a teenager. Twenty, an even number, a sturdy foundation to the beginning of my adult life. I’ve worked hard in my recent teens (eighteen and nineteen) to prepare for this moment, so I spent the day relaxing and eating too many sweets. My plant-babies died over break so my mom sent me seven new ones. I haven’t given up on my aloe and I will revive it! On Thursday my presents from my dad arrived and I am so grateful for a satin sleep mask. No light passes through and I’ve been sleeping like a baby ever since. They also sent me a fleece pullover. Finally, my arms are warm.

I Moved
With the help of three friends, I moved from the top floor of Murray to Voorhees. The original plan was to move the furniture in the new dorm and bring over my bedding, then officially begin the move on Saturday, but the weather changed and a storm was brewing. The weather was, unfortunately, the least problematic obstacle that day. The room was filthy! Dirt and dust and hair and the smell, ooh the smell. It was a real piece of work (Did I mention mounds of dirt and dust?) With the weather change, we had to move faster and bring over as much as possible before the snow. We managed to bring over the last of my belongings when two inches of snow had fallen. Some may say it was a miracle, I say it was the hard-work of my friends and I, and I am so grateful for them.

Officer Duties
As an officer in Alpha Gamma Delta, I have duties to fulfill. I asked for a lot of help, groaned, took a lot of breaks, but pushed through all of the other events I worked through last week and got the job done. I was too exhausted yesterday (and the day before that, and so on) to pat myself on the back, so it’s a pleasant, warm experience to take the time to remember all I’ve accomplished.

If you enjoy posts like this, or have your own accomplishment you’d like to share please comment down below! I’ll be posting weekly to help build up this habit of seeing how far I’ve come.

Sources

N/A. goodreads. 2019. Web. . 21 Jan 2019. <https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/accomplishment>.

Learning to Knit

Over winter break I spent an entire week watching YouTube videos on repeat, trying to learn to knit. My goal was to create a square patch of knit rows, but no matter how many times I tried, I couldn’t follow any tutorials. The comment section was full of people saying they were easily able to make a row within nine minutes of practice. 1/100 comment would be from a knitter who believed these "teachers" were going about teaching the wrong way. I'll warn you now, they were right.

Recommendations v. Tutorials
The woman in the first video I watched made many recommendations that she didn’t do herself. For example, she said to use bamboo needles (which I bought) while she used fancy aluminum ones. She recommended a brightly colored yarn, but failed to mention the fact that the size of the needle you use depends on the yarn's label. The problem with her using metal needles in the tutorial, is that this allows the yarn to slip more easily. Wooden needles grip the yarn, which is why beginners should use it. She went too fast, and no matter how I many times I slowed the video and rewatched it, I was never able to knit. It was the #1 most viewed video but not the most helpful.

Unusual Methods
The second video I watched was a woman teaching her mother, and it was 50 minutes long. This one seemed more promising because she went step by step, plus her mother was a beginner too. Unfortunately her way to begin the stitch drastically differed from the first video. The first woman had me loop the yarn behind my thumb and middle finger, then under the thumb to make a loop. This woman wanted me to use my wrists and all of my fingers to start the loop, then use my other hand to close it around my needle. I did what she wanted, but it was a waste of time. She didn’t make much sense either. The third video I watched was a man, and his video was the shortest. He took the yarn and looped it in seconds, then I did. It was so easy, I couldn’t believe how overcomplicated the first teachers made the process. I’m a fast learner, so from his 6 minute video I was able to make the first loop, the base for my stitches, and one row of the stitch. The problem was then figuring out how to keep the loops going.

The Wrong Stitch for Beginners
After all this (day 1) I gave up for the night and went to bed. I practiced for hours and hours, but always got stuck on that second row. Finally, I resigned my YouTube fascination and found LoveKnitting. Their method was completely different. I was able to make one row, then two, then an entire square patch. I watched the tutorials and learned the knit stitch, the purl stitch, the stockinette stitch, and now I’m learning the seed stitch. The stitch the previous videos taught was the garter stitch, and LoveKnitting has that listed after the seed stitch. Once you learn how to knit and purl the rest is easy (at least easier than if you started with them).

The beginning was extremely irritating, but once I was able to create my flow, I sat for hours watching TV doing something productive simultaneously. I want to learn to crochet soon and make doilies and pot holders, but for now I’m going to focus on choosing a project to start and complete. How do I choose when there are hundreds of crafts to make in all the variations stitching?

Thank you for reading, for more information check out these links, and feel free to leave a comment down below!

Helpful Hints
To learn more about how taking on a craft can help your brain read Dr. Sarah McKay's article with MindBodyGreen. Check out Loveknitting for knitting tutorials and Simple Knitting: a perfect guide for beginners.

National Hobby Month

Since joining a women’s fraternity I’ve had to purchase paint supplies, objects to paint, yarn, et cetera and I’ve decided to use all of these supplies that I’ve paid for because I’ve grown to enjoy completing projects and making others smile. Besides my desire to use my purchases wisely, there are many health benefits for starting and working through these tasks (for more info read Dr. Sarah McKay’s article from MindBodyGreen). I’ve always loved playing musical instruments, but lessons don’t fit in my budget. I spent around $480 for lessons, $400 for my violin, and $50 for supplies and proper storage: In total I paid around $830 to make my dream of being a violinist come true, only to discover that the pressure of playing for others created unnecessary stress. I don't regret the experiences I gained last year, because now I'm wary of using my money in places it doesn't belong. All of my crafts supplies can be purchased at Walmart, Target, Hobby Lobby, Michaels’, or Amazon. Unless I choose to spend my money on expensive supplies, I won’t spend more than $50.

I encourage who finds themselves unbelievably bored when they have free time, to pick up a craft and do something productive while they watch Netflix. I painted a squirrel while watching Mary and the Witch’s Flower, and colored in my old Hello Kitty coloring book while waiting for laundry. There will be times where you’re not juggling several things at once, and starting a craft is a great way to use that time.

As an added bonus to reading slightly embarrassing stories of my failed attempts at hobbies, I will continue to post what I've learned from these hobbies I've picked up. Feel free to comment down below your funny stories or any questions you have that I can find the answer to. Also, January is National Hobby Month, so happy holidays!

Helpful Hints

McKay, Dr. Sarah. Why Crafting is Great for Your Brain: A Neuroscientist Explains. N/A. Web. 17 Jan 2019. <https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-14252/why-crafting-is-great-for-your-brain-a-neuroscientist-explains.html>.

How Not to Lose Your Mind: Scheduling for Dummies (And Smarties...)

By Arabella Chamberlain

As I look at my daily planner, I look a bit like this as I try to calculate the number of hours I can study, eat, sleep, and breathe, all while acing all my classes, participating in 50 clubs, and curing cancer in my free time.

College is crazy busy. I spend half my time just trying to remember what class I'm supposed to be in, when that meeting was I had to go to, and what assignments I had due. It can be overwhelming the sheer number of clubs and organizations on campus as well. So how do you do it? How do you maintain your sanity when all you feel like doing is taking a nap?

The most important way to keep cool with a busy schedule is don't take on too much in the first place. At the start of the year, there's a flurry of clubs and organizations trying to recruit you to join this club, be an exec in that club, come to this event - everyone wants a piece of you. It's hard to say no when everyone's offering free snacks and pizza, yet somehow, you have to find balance for yourself. Maybe right now you think you can handle it all, but what happens when there's a setback?

It's only the first week and yet, professors are already bombarding us with assignments. In order to make this semester a little easier on yourself, we need to get ahead of the game. Fast. So let's get organized.

One of the biggest obstacles standing between students and success is organization. In a study done in 2008, researchers found that disorganized students were more likely to struggle in their classes, turn in late assignments, and feel dispassionate towards their education. Getting organized benefits more than just your sanity, it can benefit your grades.

It can be daunting to try and clean up your life, especially when you've gotten used to your comfy clutter, but here's some tips:

find your balance - Make a list of all the stuff you do regularly. What are your commitments and things you need to prioritize? Figure out what really matters to you and make that what you strive to accomplish. Know what you need to get done.
keep track - And keep on track. I know it can be hard to find time to scribble out all the things you need to do, but it doesn't hurt to scribble down reminders about important things every once in a while. If you really want to get organized, pick up a cheap weekly planner or, being a broke college student, download a To Do list app or utilize Google Calendar.
schedule, schedule, schedule - Did I mention how important it is to schedule things? If something is super important, cannot be missed, high priority - why wouldn't you schedule it or make a reminder? When things seem a little intense, sit down and decide when and how long you're going to work on this or that. Be productive by working on chunks of your to do list. Don't forget to schedule breaks, too. Don't burn yourself out.
when in doubt, cut it out - If you think taking on something new might be too much, or your current commitments are overwhelming, it's okay to cut it out. Is an officer position in a club too much for your already hectic schedule? Let the club know and see if they can find a new officer. You should never feel like you're letting someone down by admitting you're doing too much, remember that. Anyone that makes you feel otherwise is just jealous they can't juggle as much as you already do.

Honestly, there's so much more you can do to get organized; this is just scratching the surface. But for now, hopefully that gives you a good head start. Try to start reorganizing before the semester gets overwhelming, get some baby steps in the right direction so you can make this your best semester yet. Don't forget, the Obama's believe in you.

Time Management - Organization

More Resources:
Odyssey: 7 Tips for Staying Organized in College
Thought Co: Get Organized in College
Time Management Series: Jasmine Barlow

Time Management

Time Management - Prioritization

Perfectionism: Acceptance and Action

Habits that have leveled up over time are hard to give up especially since we worked so hard to get where we are, but when these habits cause anxiety it’s game over. Psychology Today is one of my favorite websites, because when I ask Google questions psychologists answer them. I’ve considered myself a perfectionist my entire life (starting as a baby) but once the workload became too heavy and my moral was challenged I started to see this as a problem. To help you understand how the behaviors of perfectionists differ from those who are not I recommend reading this article by Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo 9 Signs That You Might Be a Perfectionist. I resonated with all nine signs, in case you’re curious.

Last month I decided to start over and work through my perfectionism one step at a time through Anxiety BC. Currently known as Anxiety Canada, this nonprofit aims to help people of all ages overcome their anxiety and create happier lives for themselves. Using a free pdf created to educate and help those with perfectionism I will set a weekly goal following their advice and research, and hopefully I will gain healthier control over my mental health.

~The best way to start a habit is to start it the day you decide which habit to start

Though not the most poetic quote, this is the advice I tell others, and the advice I live by. As of today (Wednesday 16, 2019) I will follow the steps they provide and post weekly updates every Wednesday. So, let’s begin.

Tool #1: Changing Perfectionist Thinking

Step #1: Realistic Thinking
According to Anxiety BC the first step is to change my mindset towards my behavior and my standards. I need to think in positive terms that are not critical, or sarcastic, and helpful to accomplishing my goals. I’ve been practicing being more realistic with myself since I first read the article, and my goals have indeed become less broad and overwhelming. I have a lot of responsibilities, but I know not to overload myself and to stop trying to do one million things at once.

For example, yesterday I felt anxious because I received my syllabi and realized the amount of work I need to put into my classes to get straight As. I was purchasing textbooks are realized how costly they are, while researching proper materials to care for succulents in the winter; it was also my birthday. I napped on my desk for a half hour, and munched on baby carrots to sooth my grinding teeth. The month-long vacation was wondrous, and the concept of becoming stressed in the coming days made me stressed, I felt the weight of all of my future responsibilities at once. I took many deep breaths and wrote out on my whiteboard what tasks I felt I needed to complete first - which was all of them. I then took quite a few more deep breaths and wrote what I absolutely, positively had to get done by today (Wednesday), and finally I was able to breath properly. I went to dinner with my best friend and yoga with my squirrel sister. All the tasks I wanted to get done ASAP, I pushed to different days. Changing the ways I describe the necessity of activities has helped me create realistic goals.

For today I will focus on positive, realistic thinking and motivate myself to take things one step at a time and not worry too much about the overall outcome. For example, my goal is not to earn straight As, but rather to learn the material the best I can and maintain my current GPA. If I get straight As, yay, if not my world will not crumble and no one will be disappointed in me, including, myself.

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my thought processes and my struggle with setting far too high expectations for myself. Maybe you can see a bit of yourself in me. Next week, I’ll update you on my progression, so see you next time!

Helpful Hints
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/better-perfect/201611/9-signs-you-might-be-perfectionist
https://www.anxietycanada.com/sites/default/files/Perfectionism.pdf
https://www.anxietycanada.com/

Hello!

Taylor Nosekabel

Newsletter Writer/Editor

Who am I?

I am Taylor Nosekabel, and I am a freshman from Huxley, Iowa. I am majoring in English and Creative Writing and minoring in Anthropology. I love The Office, Harry Potter (Proud Hufflepuff!), and Hamilton. Some of my hobbies include reading, writing, binge-watching Netflix, hiking and exploring the outdoors, and doing yoga. I am a member of Alpha Omicron Pi, production editor shadow for the Coe Review, and a member of Rock-Climbing Club and Harry Potter club. Some of my favorite books would have to be Fangirl, Harry Potter, The Book Thief, and Outlander.

My Job:

I am a Newsletter Writer/Editor for the Learning Commons. This means that I take all the articles that other people working here have written and create a short and condensed version to put in the newsletters I have created. These newsletters are distributed in various places around campus, such as the bathrooms and library. I hope to help students by giving them access to this newsletter that has various tips and tricks on how to make life in college a little easier.

BOTW January 14

By Paige Waskow

The book of the week is:

I am the Messenger by Markus Zusak

What's it about?:

Published in 2002, I am the Messenger follows Ed, a cab driver. The book comically begins with Ed and his close friends getting stuck in a bank during a robbery. After a chain of events that introduces the reader to the basics of his life (such as his coffee loving dog, the Doorman, and giant crush on his best friend Audrey), Ed starts receiving playing cards, aces, in the mail. The first card, the ace of diamonds, simply has three addresses written across it. Noting that this is an odd occurrence, Ed ignores them, however, they continue to bother him. When he finally decides to check them out, his life changes forever.

Why did I choose it?:

I am the Messenger is one of my favorite books. It's funny and entertaining but dives deeply into what it means to love people and enter into their lives, even though it is so often difficult. It also addresses the meaning of self and existence in a world that has certain expectations of us. The main character is self described as pretty bad at everything and not overly unique. He is a 19 year old taxi cab driver, has hardly any connection to his family, and he plays cards with his friends; that's about it.

The diversity of characters in the book is great, and Zusak does not cover up struggle or lightly address difficult topics. He asks a lot of the reader: to contemplate who we are in a world with so many other people, to struggle with Ed, and to challenge our life's purpose. I have re-read it a few times, and it doesn't get old.

via GIPHY

Is there anything else you should know?:

1. The book contains the sexual assault of a minor character. The assault occurs towards the beginning of the book but is mentioned a few more times as the main character struggles with it.

2. Markus Zusak is most popularly known for his bestseller and awarded story, The Book Thief.

Where can you get this book?:

I am the Messenger is available at the Cedar Rapids Public Library.

If you have a book you love and want to see as a BOTW, leave a comment below. Happy reading!

Working Through Academic Resolutions