Author: jennced15

Study Habits

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Many of you know that I am taking a job related exam this coming July. It is making me nervous and I am just praying that I pass even if it is just one question above the pass mark. From all accounts, I hear it is a nerve-racking four hours, one step up from absolute hell. Yea for me!! So I thought I would share some thoughts about my study habits that might be helpful. What helps you get the most out of your study time? 

  1. No distractions: Really this is a no-brainer but you really do retain more in 15 minutes of undistributed focus then you do in an hour where you are constantly distracted. For me, this is my kitchen table as long as others are not around or the public library. This kind of intense studying really does require me to park myself in a quiet corner of the library.
  2. Music: This does mean classical music for me. I work best with music for 2 reasons: first, it keeps my mind focused and not running off in thought about what I need to get done or what I would rather be doing and second, when played over headphones, I can drown out all other distracting noises around me.
  3. Time limits: I studying in 30 minute intervals. I set a timer and I focus intently. When the timer goes off, I can stand up, stretch, use the restroom, grab a drink of water, etc. all while I review what I just studied. I hate working in long stretches and forgetting what I read 3 hours ago because I didn’t pause for a moment to review.
  4. Sleep: No, this isn’t to praise getting a good night’s sleep before an exam (although that is good advice); this is to push for a 15 minute cat nap. After 3-4 hours of intense studying and review; I set an alarm and take a 15 minute nap. For me, this solidifies the subject matter. It really does work. When your alarm goes off, stand up, stretch and read the headings of what was studied. You will find you can more easily grab the key concepts and they are committed to your memory.
  5. Real world application: If I need to remember a date, name, formula, etc.—I always attach it to something current in my life and then it doesn’t seem like such an abstract concept anymore since now it is directly relatable.

The Songs I Loved at Age 12

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This month my oldest niece is turning 12 and that is pretty significant. It is the end of being ‘the kid’ and that start of being a teenager. Music has always played a big part in my life and I know that for my niece, it is no different. So in honor of her birthday; here are 5 of my favorite songs the year that I was 12.

  1. Richard Marx: Right Here Waiting I loved this song so much that I even learned how to play it on the piano.
  2. The B-52’s: Love Shack is this song really this old? Wow, I really am getting old!
  3. Janet Jackson: Rhythm Nation Yeah, so I was a HUGE fan of Janet Jackson during this time. This was song was one that I constantly rewound the tape to listen to.
  4. Tom Petty: Free Fallin’ During this time I developed a deep love and appreciation for Tom Petty and it continues to this day.
  5. Young MC: Bust A Move Just so everyone knows, I still listen to this song to this day while working out.

Festivals to Get the Summer Started

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Nothing tells you summer is at the doorstep quicker than the list of festivals that start to crowd the calendar so here are some of the festivals in my area that I want to make sure I get to. What festivals are you wanting to hit up on your list this year?

  1. I am definitely heading downtown this year to celebrate the Portland Rose Festival. 
  2. Yes, I am going to get my sister’s dog to do this with me (I just need him to be on his best behavior). LOL! 
  3. The Cannon Beach Sandcastle Festival is one  not to be missed. 
  4. Every year I have tried to make it to the Scandinavian Midsummer Festival. Hopefully this year nothing will get in my way! 
  5. I think this would be a hoot to watch: The Portland Milk Carton Boat Race. 

Items that I love

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So I have been shopping a little and here are some items that I have acquired that I absolutely love!

  1. Yes, I bought a salt lamp and you would think it is nothing but a marketing ploy to get you to buy one but guess what, it actually does what it says it does: it cleans the air. My allergies have been so much better since having this in the house. 
  2. This has been a big help for me. It really does make a difference when cooking chicken to have it all the same thickness. 
  3. This one is kind of funny but I have had a LOT of fun experimenting with all the things it can do and have been buying it in the 12 lbs bags.  
  4. I needed a new oil diffuser since mine died but I love how beautiful this one is. 
  5. This is also a funny item but it has been extremely helpful; a shower cap. I have started doing a coconut oil treatment every week for just healthier hair. When you have to let the oil sit on your hair for a couple of hours; you need a shower cap. Now my cap is the $0.80 special from Wal-Mart but there is no reason you can’t also have a pretty longer-lasting one like these.