Music Playlists

Feeling sad is a natural feeling. If we didn't have sadness or suffering in the world, we wouldn’t be able to feel the good things either. They’re a package deal. In your “Sad” playlist, first have songs that you know will make you cry because it’s ok to cry. Sometimes a good cry is all a girl needs. Getting all of those tears out of your system is a good thing. Next comes the hopeful songs. Songs that’ll make you feel like there is a way out. Last but not least, are the songs that’ll make you smile. Smiling is the best form of medicine.

            Every girl’s emotional rollercoaster has to have its ups as well. A “Happy” playlist is always helpful when you’re getting ready for a date or getting dressed for a night out of town with the girls. These songs should be the “pump up the party” type of songs. Any song that gets you ready to party is one that has to be on this playlist. These songs will lighten the mood and get you excited for whatever adventure you have in stored for the night.

           I understand that not everyone in this world is spiritual and that’s just fine. However, for all those who are, a “God” playlist is always nice to have on hand. Not every day is going to be your best day and sometimes looking for someone to go to in your time of need is helpful to you. Music is one of the best ways of worshipping any type of God. Even if you’re having the best day of your life, singing praise to your God can make you feel even lighter inside.

            Everybody has that inner kid inside of them just screaming to let loose; even snotty adults do too. Having a “Kids” playlist on your phone or iPod is not a bad thing in any way. On those days that you miss being a kid and want to take a little stroll down memory lane; what better way of doing it than listening to all those songs you used to sing loud and obnoxiously when you were ten years old. Plus it’s always nice to have kid friendly songs if you’re listening to music with a child around.

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Saving Money

In the current economy, money can tend to be very scarce. Many families are living paycheck-to –paycheck and believe they can’t afford to have nice things. However, that’s not entirely true. There are many creative ways in which you can save money and still be able to afford to go out shopping or have a night out with friends.

For those impulsive shoppers, a helpful tip is to be conscious about how much you’re spending and what you’re spending it on. While standing in the checkout line, ask yourself whether or not you really truly need this. If you have any doubt at all, don’t buy it! What’s the point of paying for something that’s just going to sit around and not get used. Your money could be used for something more useful, such as college tuition.

            Speaking of college, tuition can be pretty expensive depending on the type of college you chose to go to. Private or out of state tuition can range from twenty five to fifty thousand dollars a year. Most students receive scholarships or financial aid to help pay for college. Many schools offer scholarships for having high ACT and SAT scores, along with honors you were awarded while in high school. Check Google for more scholarships as well. You can get scholarships for just about anything; from service hours to having a big family. Even if they are for a couple hundred dollars, every little bit counts.

            Having great style doesn't have to come from an expansive high end department store. Consignment stores have a lot of nice clothes that are quite inexpensive, although some of them you can tell were well worn. Places such as Plato’s Closet and Stuff Etc. are great examples of typical thrift stores.

            If you’re not big into the whole consignment store thing, there are plenty of stores that have great clothes without forcing you to spend a bundle. JC Pennies, Sears, Deb’s, Von Maur, Dillard’s, and Maurice’s are just a few. They offer a wide variety of styles and choices to choose from. Plus, they offer special coupons if you sign up to receive their weekly emails.

            Saving money can be difficult, especially if you’re an impulsive buyer. If you have a consistent flow of income, put some of it aside for a rainy day. Or create a special account specifically for college so you don’t have the temptation to spend it.  

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How to Survive High School

Your first day of your freshman year in high school might be a little scary. You’re new to the school and don’t know where everything is, you’re new to all the teachers and their teaching styles, and most importantly you’re new to all the people. People feel uncomfortable when they’re around unfamiliar faces, especially when you notice how old the upper classmen look. But the upper classman aren't that much different from you.

            Most schools offer a freshman orientation a week or two before school starts so the freshman know where to go when they arrive on their first day. It’s good to use that orientation time to get familiar with where all your classrooms are and what your teachers are like. Make sure you’re not late on your first day, so don’t dilly dally in the hallway before class. Being tardy doesn’t make for a good start to the school year.

Come to class prepared with all the necessities; such as pens, pencils, paper, etc. Some teachers will have certain materials they want you to bring and they’ll tell you all of that either at the orientation or the first day. Depending on how many kids you have in your class, the hallways may be a little crowded. Try to avoid using the main hallways as much as possible. It’s all slow moving traffic with everyone pushing and shoving. Unless you’re good at weaving in and out of people, I suggest you use the back hallways or find a more convenient route to your next class.

Don’t procrastinate your homework. It’s a bad habit to get into because the temptation will be ten times worse in college. If you have a study hall, get it done then. If you have a full schedule and no time for a study hall, get it done as soon as you get home. Writing a three page paper is a whole lot easier to do at four o’clock in the afternoon than two o’clock in the morning. If you’re busy with activities after school and have no time for homework, go in early to get it done. The library is open before and after school for your connivance. If you’re having difficulties with a certain subject, try talking to the teacher. They might be free before or after school to help you. If the teacher isn’t free, try asking for a tutor. It might be a little embarrassing at first, but it’s ok to ask for help.

Everyone says high school goes by quickly. One day you’re sitting in the gym at freshman orientation and the next you’re walking across the stage at graduation. Don’t let it pass you by without creating great memories. Get involved. There are a numerous amount of clubs or sports you can join that would love to have you. High school will seem to pass by in a flash, but as long as you create memories, you’ll survive high school just fine. Who knows, you might even enjoy it.

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