And by that I do not mean our cars. Okay I admit in the past month we have had to replace both batteries in each car. I dont know, maybe they both decided to become friends and start losing everything together but let me tell you it was a blow. But thats over now so now Im going to concentrate on today's topic.
I will be the first to admit it.
This semester is not going well for me, mainly because I cannot find the motivation to start studying really hard once again. How do you say this.. when you've tasted the icing there's no way you're going to plow through the entire cake.. when you've experienced the fullness of 1 month of beautiful holidays, who wants to go back to the hard slog???
Because I am really, really behind my uni work, and its only week 1. Am starting to stress about it really hard.
Not to mention the fact that I am sick. Sick as a dog. Who knew the human nasal cavity and sinuses could produce so much mucosal?!! Not to mention I have red eye (conjuntivitis, thank you, Jayden) and a cough that makes my voice sound deeper than Josh's (well okay, maybe Joash's because Josh does not inherently have a deep voice at all). In short, having a man voice, bloodshot eyes and a persistant cough does not make you want to study at all.
I hope this passes soon.
In the meantime, here is a clip of a song, “Thank you’ by the Katinas. It just helps remind me that I have so much to be thankful for everyday, and especially not to forget God in all this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJEPg7fKOtc
Friday, July 27, 2012
Friday, July 20, 2012
School holidays
Its been so long since I have blogged. Main reason is because of exams, everything had flown out of the window. But since then I have had an entire month off.
An entire month off to spend time with my son. My precious, very cute, loving and cheeky son. I love that he is cheeky and I love that he is mine. I love his sudden and passionate hugs before he runs off to play with something else. I love that cheeky grin that crosses his face everytime he thinks he's done something wrong and now its time to run away from Mum and Dad.
An entire month off to spend time with my husband.
Also my brother and sister-in-law as well as my mother flew down to spend some time with us.
All in all these holidays have been fantastic. I have never needed a break more than I have now.
Now that I've come up for air, its hard to voluntarily submerge myself back into the uni life.
Semester 2 starts next week, and already readings have been assigned.
If anything, last semester taught me that it is okay to spend more time with Jayden.
Heres to the next semester.. 4 more months of pure hard work...
I can hardly wait for the end of year holidays, where we get 4 MONTHS off.. whoo hoo..
An entire month off to spend time with my son. My precious, very cute, loving and cheeky son. I love that he is cheeky and I love that he is mine. I love his sudden and passionate hugs before he runs off to play with something else. I love that cheeky grin that crosses his face everytime he thinks he's done something wrong and now its time to run away from Mum and Dad.
An entire month off to spend time with my husband.
Also my brother and sister-in-law as well as my mother flew down to spend some time with us.
All in all these holidays have been fantastic. I have never needed a break more than I have now.
Now that I've come up for air, its hard to voluntarily submerge myself back into the uni life.
Semester 2 starts next week, and already readings have been assigned.
If anything, last semester taught me that it is okay to spend more time with Jayden.
Heres to the next semester.. 4 more months of pure hard work...
I can hardly wait for the end of year holidays, where we get 4 MONTHS off.. whoo hoo..
Thursday, April 26, 2012
My First Haircut... on Jayden.
In the words of my husband "No, you can't even blame it on him because he doesn't yet know how to hold a scissors, Deb".
I remember the time when my brother returned from the barber all upset because they didnt cut the hair on top of his head uniform to the rest growing around it (yes think short all around and long on top). I managed to convince him what a great prospective hairdresser I would be, and we ended up using a just a scissors (no comb at all!!) to 'correct' this seemingly unsightly haircut. The result was fantastic - at first. Did I mention that my brother is the tallest person in the family so no one noticed the patches until we went to church and all his other friends did. For the next few weeks he was known as 'patchy boy'. We can laugh about it now, but it was so not funny then. Especially to my brother.
Fastforward to present. The thing I realise about impromptu haircuts is that it all starts innocently enough. All I wanted to do then was help my brother. Genuinely from the heart. Jayden's hair was getting longer and touching his neck, so all I wanted to do was to trim the ends. Really. So I stripped him naked, got him into the tub and started snipping away. This is a snippet of the conversation between Josh and I.
After the back part was done:
Me: "Hey look it doesnt look too bad doesnt it?!! "
Josh: **long pause** then "oh yeah its okay."
Me: "I think ill trim the top too okay? I mean how hard can it be?" (Famous last words)
Josh: **even longer pause** "Erm Deb it is a rash decision, do we really want to do this now??"
Me: "If not now, then when? Oh yeah it'll be fine i think, hair is just hair it will grow back"
Josh: "Um... okayy... i guess..."
Looking back at this i think every fibre in my poor long suffering husband was wanting to scream at me "NO NO NONONOOONONO WHAT ARE U THINKING WOMAN GET BACK IN THE KITCHEN (lol)!!!" but Josh being the nice/gentlemanly(ha ha) person he is, held back.
I then take one biggg snip off the top of Jayden's hair
Me: "NOOOOOOOOOOOO!! WHAT HAVE I DONE AW MAN!!"
Josh: "DEB oh NO!!!! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!!"
My son now looks like a vagabond (a socially not accepted person). The line of hair outlining his forehead is now ragged and zig-zagged. Hair is everywhere in the tub, clinging to his body and getting into his eyes. He is not a happy camper. Me? I am holding the scissors and freaking out. Not in a good place at all. Josh is staring at his once formerly perfect son's hair and shaking his head.
The rest of the haircut pretty much went like this. Suffice to say at the end of it I was a wreck, Jayden was crying and Josh, well HE was fine. Afterall, it wasnt HIS hair that I butchered. Neither did HE do any butchering. I think he was able to see the funny side of it first. I was unable to look at Jayden's hair for the next few days without surpressing the urge to burst into tears.
Okay enough talk, here's the hair. You may think it doenst look too bad but, it does to me.
We (and by we i mean Josh) finally shaved it all off. He didnt do a half-bad job either. Hence here is my cute little botak headed son for you:
Not saying that I will never attempt this again, I will at some point, but it will be when I have finally gotten over the trauma of giving a bad haircut.
I remember the time when my brother returned from the barber all upset because they didnt cut the hair on top of his head uniform to the rest growing around it (yes think short all around and long on top). I managed to convince him what a great prospective hairdresser I would be, and we ended up using a just a scissors (no comb at all!!) to 'correct' this seemingly unsightly haircut. The result was fantastic - at first. Did I mention that my brother is the tallest person in the family so no one noticed the patches until we went to church and all his other friends did. For the next few weeks he was known as 'patchy boy'. We can laugh about it now, but it was so not funny then. Especially to my brother.
Fastforward to present. The thing I realise about impromptu haircuts is that it all starts innocently enough. All I wanted to do then was help my brother. Genuinely from the heart. Jayden's hair was getting longer and touching his neck, so all I wanted to do was to trim the ends. Really. So I stripped him naked, got him into the tub and started snipping away. This is a snippet of the conversation between Josh and I.
After the back part was done:
Me: "Hey look it doesnt look too bad doesnt it?!! "
Josh: **long pause** then "oh yeah its okay."
Me: "I think ill trim the top too okay? I mean how hard can it be?" (Famous last words)
Josh: **even longer pause** "Erm Deb it is a rash decision, do we really want to do this now??"
Me: "If not now, then when? Oh yeah it'll be fine i think, hair is just hair it will grow back"
Josh: "Um... okayy... i guess..."
Looking back at this i think every fibre in my poor long suffering husband was wanting to scream at me "NO NO NONONOOONONO WHAT ARE U THINKING WOMAN GET BACK IN THE KITCHEN (lol)!!!" but Josh being the nice/gentlemanly(ha ha) person he is, held back.
I then take one biggg snip off the top of Jayden's hair
Me: "NOOOOOOOOOOOO!! WHAT HAVE I DONE AW MAN!!"
Josh: "DEB oh NO!!!! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!!"
My son now looks like a vagabond (a socially not accepted person). The line of hair outlining his forehead is now ragged and zig-zagged. Hair is everywhere in the tub, clinging to his body and getting into his eyes. He is not a happy camper. Me? I am holding the scissors and freaking out. Not in a good place at all. Josh is staring at his once formerly perfect son's hair and shaking his head.
The rest of the haircut pretty much went like this. Suffice to say at the end of it I was a wreck, Jayden was crying and Josh, well HE was fine. Afterall, it wasnt HIS hair that I butchered. Neither did HE do any butchering. I think he was able to see the funny side of it first. I was unable to look at Jayden's hair for the next few days without surpressing the urge to burst into tears.
Okay enough talk, here's the hair. You may think it doenst look too bad but, it does to me.
Not saying that I will never attempt this again, I will at some point, but it will be when I have finally gotten over the trauma of giving a bad haircut.
Friday, April 13, 2012
Negotiations in bathtime
As most of you probably know by now, the Bath is one of Jayden's favourite places to be. Every night without fail there is a massive struggle to get him out of the tub, which usually involves me bending down, trying to grab and wrap him in a thick towel all around so he doesnt catch a cold, all this while having to fight the thrashing, squirming, wriggling about not to mention the loud, loud screams and cries. Ah the cries. Did i mention my face/eardrums are about level with his in this struggle? Dont even get me started on avoiding the flailing punches he tries to throw at me (See my previous post). Aww cute?? Not.
Its taken me sometime, but I've finally figured the key to not breaking my back and him not catching hypothermia is... wait for it... for him to come willingly out himself!!! (pretty genius I know). So from last week I've come up with a multitude of bribes for him.
"Jayden!!! Do you want to see Aunty Becca's room and mess it up??" YAAAYYY!!"
"Jayden!! Time to get out!! Quick lets go watch the Wiggles on youtube!!"
"Jayden!! Don't you want to turn the lights on for mummy??"
(He's worked out that flipping the switch brings light and its the best thing since sliced bread, so this bribe is tops).
Each of these will result in him cocking his head, smiling and reaching his hands toward me.
Until last night.
Even after going through all 3 bribes (and many more), he cocked his head, took one look at his bath and then...
shook his head.
Suddenly it occurred to me.
He is 1 and half years. What the heck am i doing negotiating with a 1 year old?"
So I just picked him up and resigned myself to my fate.
SIGH. Back to the drawing board.
On another note, here's a quick update of Uni.
I have made it through first half of the term and we currently have holidays up till next week. Am happy with how I am going studywise, but am seeking to definately do better. Thank you to all of yous for all your prayers love and support!
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Backfiring
When Jayden was about 6-7 months old and getting more mobile, he started becoming more prone to accidents, like, (sometimes) falling of the bed (i am such a good mum). One time after leaving him on the bed Josh and I both walked out of a room, only to come back in 2 minutes later to find him sitting on the floor, playing with the electrical wiring all happy and cooing. He was happy but he had obviously rolled off the bed onto the floor seeing as how he couldnt walk or have very good motor control at that time. Point is, unlike that nice occasion that ended in smiles most of the time it would end in tears.
So, being the most awesome mum I am (ha ha right), in an attempt to make him stop crying and smiling, I would play what I call (in my head), the 'beating' game. I would lead him to the object / site of where he had fallen or struck himself, hit it once or twice and say "Bad___ (whatever the object is, say the bed).. "Bad Bed!! U made Jayden cry!!" This would never fail to stop him from crying and start him laughing at me. I would think "Wow win win, I am such an awesome mother how good am i see how much I made him laugh despite his pain what a brave little man" and give myself a pat on the back.
Now, 9 months down the track, I am only beginning to discover what a colossally BAD, BAD idea that was. B.A.D. Not only does it promote violence, it also gives him a reason to hit.. yes you've guessed it.. me. I can only look back and think of how foolish/stupid/naive I was and the heck was I thinking!!!!
Now that Jayden is a little older, he's worked out that he cant actually do everything he wants, and the people that stop him from doing so are the formerly nice people known as Mum and Dad. I think that in his mind he equates us to the bad objects that Mummy hit for making him angry before, so that gives him a license to hit and lash out at us, especially Mummy for when he doesnt get his way (Daddy he still regards with something close to respect or maybe its fear when Josh raises his voice).
For transgressions like "no honey you cant play with the power outlet you may get electrocuted and Mummy and Daddy are going to, in turn, get killed by your nice grandparents so please stop that" or "No honey you cannot go outside yet it is 7degrees not to mention 6.30am" or even "STOP hitting/pushing/sitting on Charlie/Milo Jayden that is NOT cool" will earn a little smack. From his tiny little hand. Which in turn makes me feel a tinge of panic because now I think that im raising a wild man. It also makes me feel (just a tiny bit, okay, ALOT) of pride through my frustration because I also see a (soon to be)independent, stubborn and strong little man struggling to assert himself. Exactly like his mother.
Guess they were right when they say your character/flaws/strengths magnifies ten times in your children.
So, being the most awesome mum I am (ha ha right), in an attempt to make him stop crying and smiling, I would play what I call (in my head), the 'beating' game. I would lead him to the object / site of where he had fallen or struck himself, hit it once or twice and say "Bad___ (whatever the object is, say the bed).. "Bad Bed!! U made Jayden cry!!" This would never fail to stop him from crying and start him laughing at me. I would think "Wow win win, I am such an awesome mother how good am i see how much I made him laugh despite his pain what a brave little man" and give myself a pat on the back.
Now, 9 months down the track, I am only beginning to discover what a colossally BAD, BAD idea that was. B.A.D. Not only does it promote violence, it also gives him a reason to hit.. yes you've guessed it.. me. I can only look back and think of how foolish/stupid/naive I was and the heck was I thinking!!!!
Now that Jayden is a little older, he's worked out that he cant actually do everything he wants, and the people that stop him from doing so are the formerly nice people known as Mum and Dad. I think that in his mind he equates us to the bad objects that Mummy hit for making him angry before, so that gives him a license to hit and lash out at us, especially Mummy for when he doesnt get his way (Daddy he still regards with something close to respect or maybe its fear when Josh raises his voice).
For transgressions like "no honey you cant play with the power outlet you may get electrocuted and Mummy and Daddy are going to, in turn, get killed by your nice grandparents so please stop that" or "No honey you cannot go outside yet it is 7degrees not to mention 6.30am" or even "STOP hitting/pushing/sitting on Charlie/Milo Jayden that is NOT cool" will earn a little smack. From his tiny little hand. Which in turn makes me feel a tinge of panic because now I think that im raising a wild man. It also makes me feel (just a tiny bit, okay, ALOT) of pride through my frustration because I also see a (soon to be)independent, stubborn and strong little man struggling to assert himself. Exactly like his mother.
Guess they were right when they say your character/flaws/strengths magnifies ten times in your children.
Monday, April 2, 2012
15 months and 9 days
Dear Jayden,
Today you are 15 months and 9 days old. Weird date to be writing this, but Mummy has been so busy with uni study papers and deadlines that she hasnt had the opportunity.
It is so hard to believe 15 months ago you were just born. This time last year Mummy was staying home with you, caring for you every hour of every minute of every day (well, except for nights because Daddy is so awesome). I will come right out and say that I really miss this time with you now. I have put together some thoughts, that hopefully will be able to express how I feel being your mother. Thank you for being you, our lives wouldnt be complete without you around.
I love how you have grown. I love (and sometimes hate) how you are now able to express emotions and thoughts. From crying in general just because to crying when things dont go your way.
I love how when we ask you "Where's Miley (the cat) Jayden?" and you always run to our wardrobe, point to Milo and say "There". In fact, "There" is one of your first words.
I love how you love bathtime. I especially love your refusal to get out of the bath, and then proceed to run away from me, screaming with happy laughter when Im trying to dress you. Yes, think wet slippery naked all over the house even in winter when its like 8 degrees in the house (Potential Occupational health and safety issue).
I love how you give me cuddles and run all around the place. I even love how the first thing you do when we get home from anywhere is run through the house looking for "Aunty Becca" and try to crashknock her door (even though my mummy-ego takes a beating then its still cute).
I love your cheeky smile whenever Daddy asks you to say "Da-Da" and how you always, always say "MA-MA" instead and burst out into fits of laughter, even though we know well that you are fully capable of saying it.
In short, you are amazing.
Love,
Daddy and Mummy
Today you are 15 months and 9 days old. Weird date to be writing this, but Mummy has been so busy with uni study papers and deadlines that she hasnt had the opportunity.
It is so hard to believe 15 months ago you were just born. This time last year Mummy was staying home with you, caring for you every hour of every minute of every day (well, except for nights because Daddy is so awesome). I will come right out and say that I really miss this time with you now. I have put together some thoughts, that hopefully will be able to express how I feel being your mother. Thank you for being you, our lives wouldnt be complete without you around.
I love how you have grown. I love (and sometimes hate) how you are now able to express emotions and thoughts. From crying in general just because to crying when things dont go your way.
I love how when we ask you "Where's Miley (the cat) Jayden?" and you always run to our wardrobe, point to Milo and say "There". In fact, "There" is one of your first words.
I love how you love bathtime. I especially love your refusal to get out of the bath, and then proceed to run away from me, screaming with happy laughter when Im trying to dress you. Yes, think wet slippery naked all over the house even in winter when its like 8 degrees in the house (Potential Occupational health and safety issue).
I love how you give me cuddles and run all around the place. I even love how the first thing you do when we get home from anywhere is run through the house looking for "Aunty Becca" and try to crashknock her door (even though my mummy-ego takes a beating then its still cute).
I love your cheeky smile whenever Daddy asks you to say "Da-Da" and how you always, always say "MA-MA" instead and burst out into fits of laughter, even though we know well that you are fully capable of saying it.
In short, you are amazing.
Love,
Daddy and Mummy
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Guide to Surviving Uni
After officially surviving my second week at Uni, I have put together a list of essentials for surviving university. Going to uni is like having your plane crash and trekking back to civilisation. After the initial shock (ie the crash) a plan is needed to survive those long hours walking.
So for all those budding university students or people who wish to take the drop... here it is.. Deb's Ultimate Guide.
DEB'S GUIDE TO UNI SURVIVAL
1. Backpacks
The cardinal rule. You need good equipment for long distances trekking. At uni you move around constantly, up to classes, walk up the stairs, walk to the city.. all this time lugging around your books, stationery, files, papers... need I say more? I have always wondered how some people can go around with a sling on bag on one side. Isnt that annoying? Your balance is thrown off, the way you walk is affected and so is your spinal alignment. So unless you want to end up walking lopsided and with one shoulder permanently placed higher than the other, I recommend you get a good durable, backpack.
2. Water and Food
Ah, the survival kit. Having a waterbottle and a container of food with me has been my saving grace for these past 2 weeks. Once I forgot my water, and was inherently thirsty the entire day. Saves me money too - now I dont have to spend on food. Maybe pack some healthy snacks, or if your like me, a combination of both to last you throughout the entire time your are in Uni. Being Asian, I would advise you to overpack your food, because it almost always never lasts throughout the day, especially after munchies. Some fruit, a museli bar, cheese and crackers, sandwich.. you get the picture.
3. Get to know the place
Get to know your uni. Know where your lectures and tutorials are, but most importantly know where the staff tea room is.
This one technically you aren't supposed to do - but if you are a budget conscious cheapskate like me you will. This saves you at least $4 a day in coffee. A cup Coffee is so expensive yet it is a necessity. If you bring your own teabags, its free!! Lets face it - you need caffiene in your system. My first week after studying till 1am and doing the laundry at 2am, my eyes would not keep open despite every other cell of my body was busy internally screaming WAKE UP WAKKE UP, it did not help I was sitting in the front, and nodding off, had to buy a cup (rookie fail).Lesson learnt: Go Teabags!
4. Pens and Stationery
A man without his tools is nothing. You need good writing aparatuses. I have always been very particular about the pens and paper I use and it has paid off. I personally prefer black pilot ball pens - the click on and off type - no need to look for caps (i always lose them). Notebooks are good, but the paper gsm has to be thick (knowing that at 2am out of sheer frustration you can poke numerous holes into your paper, and then turn that into a game by pretending that sheet of paper is the incompetent lecturer/tutor's face as that is the reason why you still dont understand the material) - and after a poking frenzy, sitback and discover that you've pretty much ruined the entire material you have been working on for the past 2 hours and need to start again) - true story). So make sure you have a good thick quality paper to do your notes on.
5. Having a good bunch of friends
This is essential to surviving on so many levels. No man is an island. Extra tip: Make friends that know what they are doing and that are smarter than you. This way you are fool-proof against not knowing where the lecture rooms are, or when an assignment is due. Better yet, do group projects with them. That way they can carry you.. I mean you can work together collabratively toward achieving your one common goal.
6. Know your way around the library
The library is the place where I spend most of my time when I am not in lectures. Such a good place to do work, go online, facebook, blogging... Set a challenge for yourself. Know where it is and what it contains. A good way to get to know the library is to look for a book. Any random book. Just type it into the catalogue and away you go. For the first week I did not realise the library had 3 levels - I thought it existed in this tiny hole and corner. Not until I looked for a book. It has indeed opened my eyes to the many other computers, books, journals, study cubicles.. it seriously felt like I was living under rock when I discovered this. A whole new world. Seriously.
4. Making friends with the librarian
Once again a good way to do this is to look for a book. Or lose your student ID card in the library. Librarians are a wealth of information when it comes to library procedures and where things are located. I had to go back 3 times to ask where the same book was to the same librarian, and by the end of it I can safely say I have made friends with him. Whether he likes me or considers me his friend, I cannot safely say. I can however, say that he knows me now by sight. And by name as he recorded my information when I lost my card. I got it back by the way so Im taking it as a sign he likes me.
5. Turning up to all lectures, tutorials and workshops
A study showed that students that turn up for their lectures had higher grades than those that did not. So turn up. Even if you think you know the material. Or if you think they are a waste of time. They are not. At the very least you can sit there with your friends (#5) and eat your food (#2). The lecturer will be very happy to see you there as well, and who knows may even give you a good mark. If all else fails just saying that 'you've been to the lecture' gives you credibility with your parents, so thats a good thing right?
6. Be Prepared
I cannot stress this enough!!!! Prepare the night before for all your lectures and for your Day At Uni (all except the food component that is, that one you do in the morning before you leave). Read notes before the lectures, and attempt the questions before the workshop, tutorial and practicals. Buy your bus tickets before going on the bus. Even the tiny details like printing your timetable out matter. Set your alarm. If you have kids, pack their bags the night before so in the mornings just one diaper and clothing change, breakfast and you can go!! If not you are liable to turn into a screaming banshee in the mornings when everyone wakes up late.
So thats my list so far, please let me know if you would like to add anything else to it.. I would love to hear your ideas!
So for all those budding university students or people who wish to take the drop... here it is.. Deb's Ultimate Guide.
DEB'S GUIDE TO UNI SURVIVAL
1. Backpacks
The cardinal rule. You need good equipment for long distances trekking. At uni you move around constantly, up to classes, walk up the stairs, walk to the city.. all this time lugging around your books, stationery, files, papers... need I say more? I have always wondered how some people can go around with a sling on bag on one side. Isnt that annoying? Your balance is thrown off, the way you walk is affected and so is your spinal alignment. So unless you want to end up walking lopsided and with one shoulder permanently placed higher than the other, I recommend you get a good durable, backpack.
2. Water and Food
Ah, the survival kit. Having a waterbottle and a container of food with me has been my saving grace for these past 2 weeks. Once I forgot my water, and was inherently thirsty the entire day. Saves me money too - now I dont have to spend on food. Maybe pack some healthy snacks, or if your like me, a combination of both to last you throughout the entire time your are in Uni. Being Asian, I would advise you to overpack your food, because it almost always never lasts throughout the day, especially after munchies. Some fruit, a museli bar, cheese and crackers, sandwich.. you get the picture.
3. Get to know the place
Get to know your uni. Know where your lectures and tutorials are, but most importantly know where the staff tea room is.
This one technically you aren't supposed to do - but if you are a budget conscious cheapskate like me you will. This saves you at least $4 a day in coffee. A cup Coffee is so expensive yet it is a necessity. If you bring your own teabags, its free!! Lets face it - you need caffiene in your system. My first week after studying till 1am and doing the laundry at 2am, my eyes would not keep open despite every other cell of my body was busy internally screaming WAKE UP WAKKE UP, it did not help I was sitting in the front, and nodding off, had to buy a cup (rookie fail).Lesson learnt: Go Teabags!
4. Pens and Stationery
A man without his tools is nothing. You need good writing aparatuses. I have always been very particular about the pens and paper I use and it has paid off. I personally prefer black pilot ball pens - the click on and off type - no need to look for caps (i always lose them). Notebooks are good, but the paper gsm has to be thick (knowing that at 2am out of sheer frustration you can poke numerous holes into your paper, and then turn that into a game by pretending that sheet of paper is the incompetent lecturer/tutor's face as that is the reason why you still dont understand the material) - and after a poking frenzy, sitback and discover that you've pretty much ruined the entire material you have been working on for the past 2 hours and need to start again) - true story). So make sure you have a good thick quality paper to do your notes on.
5. Having a good bunch of friends
This is essential to surviving on so many levels. No man is an island. Extra tip: Make friends that know what they are doing and that are smarter than you. This way you are fool-proof against not knowing where the lecture rooms are, or when an assignment is due. Better yet, do group projects with them. That way they can carry you.. I mean you can work together collabratively toward achieving your one common goal.
6. Know your way around the library
The library is the place where I spend most of my time when I am not in lectures. Such a good place to do work, go online, facebook, blogging... Set a challenge for yourself. Know where it is and what it contains. A good way to get to know the library is to look for a book. Any random book. Just type it into the catalogue and away you go. For the first week I did not realise the library had 3 levels - I thought it existed in this tiny hole and corner. Not until I looked for a book. It has indeed opened my eyes to the many other computers, books, journals, study cubicles.. it seriously felt like I was living under rock when I discovered this. A whole new world. Seriously.
4. Making friends with the librarian
Once again a good way to do this is to look for a book. Or lose your student ID card in the library. Librarians are a wealth of information when it comes to library procedures and where things are located. I had to go back 3 times to ask where the same book was to the same librarian, and by the end of it I can safely say I have made friends with him. Whether he likes me or considers me his friend, I cannot safely say. I can however, say that he knows me now by sight. And by name as he recorded my information when I lost my card. I got it back by the way so Im taking it as a sign he likes me.
5. Turning up to all lectures, tutorials and workshops
A study showed that students that turn up for their lectures had higher grades than those that did not. So turn up. Even if you think you know the material. Or if you think they are a waste of time. They are not. At the very least you can sit there with your friends (#5) and eat your food (#2). The lecturer will be very happy to see you there as well, and who knows may even give you a good mark. If all else fails just saying that 'you've been to the lecture' gives you credibility with your parents, so thats a good thing right?
6. Be Prepared
I cannot stress this enough!!!! Prepare the night before for all your lectures and for your Day At Uni (all except the food component that is, that one you do in the morning before you leave). Read notes before the lectures, and attempt the questions before the workshop, tutorial and practicals. Buy your bus tickets before going on the bus. Even the tiny details like printing your timetable out matter. Set your alarm. If you have kids, pack their bags the night before so in the mornings just one diaper and clothing change, breakfast and you can go!! If not you are liable to turn into a screaming banshee in the mornings when everyone wakes up late.
So thats my list so far, please let me know if you would like to add anything else to it.. I would love to hear your ideas!
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