Netflix or Sleep: The Daily Struggle

Never in my life have I been the type to stay up late on school nights. The thought of not getting enough sleep and having to wake up early the next day has always stressed me out. I'm not sure what has gotten into me the past couple of weeks. Do I think I'm cool for staying up until four in the morning a few times a week? Do I have undiagnosed insomnia? So many questions, so little time. I can't be the only student experiencing this.

What's so fun about going to sleep late anyway? We tend to think our bodies are invincible, but we sure do find out otherwise when we hear our alarms ringing, signaling the new day ahead of us. Sure, going to sleep late every once in a while is not a problem. If it starts becoming a habit, though, I'm sure it will lead to some trouble (sleep depreivation... not fun). 

I know what a lot of you are thinking: "I have to stay up late. It's the only time I can watch Netflix." And let's face it: Netflix does keep a lot of us sane. For some, that statement may be true. Maybe you work and you don't have other time during the day between work and school. But I know that's not the case for the majority of us. This is how the story goes: we get home from class, do something other than homework (in my case it's a nap or the gym...or both), do our homework while iMessaging our friends and constantly refreshing Twitter and Instagram, eat dinner, and then it's Netflix time. And for those of you in the Netflix craze, you know it's impossible to only watch one episode. Then here we are, 4 a.m., wondering where the night went. 

I'm not sure what the solution to this is. Do we give up Netflix? Do we suck it up the next morning when the bags under our eyes are too big for sunglasses to cover? That may be a personal choice. Maybe some of us will be able to find a happy medium. That would be ideal. I guess for now we can try to minimize the number of days we binge watch Netflix and try to get more sleep. 

See you soon,

NG

P.S. Have any of you self-diagnosed yourselves with mild Narcolepsy? I feel like I'm constantly sleeping or in need of sleep... my roommates would agree. Then again, it may be sleep deprivation due to late night Netflix... 

Are You Updated?

Wait, didn't iOS7 come out yesterday? It seems as if it did. But yet again, Apple has managed to give us even more than we could ever imagine: iOS8. After talking to some friends, it seems as if I was one of the few who actually had enough storage to download the new software. After falling asleep for thirty minutes while waiting for it to download, I was finally able to test it out and see what it was all about. 

Although it wasn't much of a change as going from iOS6 to iOS7 was, it still has some pretty cool features. First of all, you can remove yourself from group-chats, which is a huge plus for most teenagers and young adults these days. Most of us have that one group-chat that we cannot stand to be in. There is also a new selfie timer, which we all know is going to come in very handy when trying to get the perfect Instagram picture of our weekend outings. 

As if talking to your favorite people wasn't easy enough before, you can now simply double click on your Home button and your favorites and recents will pop up along the top of your screen. You can also quickly reply to text messages or other notifications by swiping down and replying from whatever screen you're on. The new Health app is also very useful for anybody into fitness or simply living a healthy lifestyle. 

All in all, Apple has managed to give us more than we could have ever thought possible. As soon as we think nothing else can be invented, we get a little red bubble telling us our phone has yet another update. If you haven't downloaded iOS8 yet, I recommend it. Clear some storage (you don't need all those selfies on your camera roll) and make sure your phone is backed up before you do so! 

Feel free to respond with feedback on how you feel about the update! 

NG

DIY Iced Coffee

When I see people drinking hot coffee in this weather, I can't help but wonder what in the world is wrong with them. As if you aren't going to sweat enough walking from class to class, why on earth would you torture your insides with an extremely hot beverage?! I sometimes feel like introducing these people to a good old friend of mine: iced coffee. You get the same, great taste as hot coffee, and it's something refreshing to drink while you're trying to cool down from the unbearable heat.

Sometimes, my impatience gets the best of me when I'm trying to get my coffee. As much as I try not to be, I always get frustrated when things take too long. One thing that drives me crazy is having to wait in line for an 8 ounce cup of coffee. Yes, I will admit: I am a die hard, basic Starbucks lover. It just makes me happy to walk around while holding a plastic cup with the famous green mermaid on it. Thats why I started drinking coffee in the first place (don't lie, I know most of you have the same story). But the fact that my school has about 60,000 students (I'm sure more than half are coffee lovers) and only ONE Starbucks on campus adds a little bit of unneeded stress to my life.

Thats when I thought: I have a coffee machine, why don't I make my own iced coffee? I had never tried making iced coffee on my Keurig machine, but I figured it was more than possible. If you have a Keurig (it seems like every college student has one), or any coffee machine for that matter, give it a try! I'm sure it won't disappoint. Follow these easy steps for your perfect iced coffee:

1. Pick your favorite K-Cup flavor. I usually use Starbucks Vanilla or Gevalia Caramel Machiado.
2. If you used powdered coffee creamer, pour some into the mug you're making the coffee in. Once you have your K-Cup inserted, select the 6 oz setting on the coffee machine.
3. Wait until the coffee is done pouring into your mug. You may have to stir some of the coffee cream powder that has not mixed.
4. Grab a tall, plastic cup and fill it to the top with ice. It is important that it's plastic because the change in temperatures will cause glass to break.
5. Pour the coffee from your mug into the plastic cup. If you use liquid creamer, you can add some to your coffee now that it's in the plastic cup.
6. Voila! You now have your perfect, homemade iced coffee, without having to wait in line!

If you're using a regular coffee machine, brew your coffee as you normally would, creamer and all, and then transfer it to a tall, plastic cup filled with ice. Try it out and let me know how you like it!

Happy drinking!

NG

Unplug Yourself and Look Up

I came across something on Yik Yak earlier today that really caught my attention. For those of you who don't know what Yik Yak is, it's pretty much an anonymous twitter that only shows "yaks" from people in your surrounding area. It's very popular on college campuses across the country, and it's extremely entertaining to read when you're bored. Anyway, what I came across was something along the lines of "If you wear sunglasses and headphones while walking around campus, you're missing out on a lot of things." After just being here for a week and a half, I can totally agree with that statement. Although a lot of us don't want to be bothered while we walk from building to building, it may be nice to actually unplug ourselves and actually pay attention to what is going on in the world around us.

I'm the first to admit that I am a victim of the sunglass and headphones epidemic. (Drastic word choice? Take a look around and you'll see that it isn't.) It's the easiest way to avoid looking awkward, especially when you're a freshman like I am. But, by now we should all have a feel for where our classes are. Take off your headphones and listen to all the beautiful noises going on around you, whether they're student clubs harassing you to take their flyers or a hipster sitting on a bench playing his guitar. 

After reading that "yak", I locked my phone and put it in my bag. You would be amazed at how many people walk around the entire campus with their heads glued to their cell phones. Look up! There are so many things you're missing out on by completely ignoring every living thing that crosses your path. You're blessed enough to go to school at a  beautiful campus, why don't you take it all in? I'm sure it gets old after a few years, but who cares! You really never know when the last time you see the beautiful sights around you is going to be; you might as well enjoy every minute you can!

As of today, I vow to not use my headphones or cell phone as much while walking around campus. Don't lie, we all know you're going to use your phone throughout the entire class. Why not give it a rest during your walk to class? Maybe you'll stumble upon things or people you'd never thought you'd come across, and it may change your life. 

NG

First Week: Check

Finally. It's Sunday afternoon and I couldn't be happier. Weird, right? People usually dread Sundays because the infamous Monday we all have grown to hate follows it. Strangely, I'm happy it's Sunday. The thought gives me a sense of serenity. My first whole week of being away at school has gone by, and I'm glad to say it went extremely well.

To start, I am madly in love with my apartment, especially my room. The thought of coming back to my room every day calms me down, even if I'm sweaty and annoyed from getting lost on campus (yes, that happened). The view from my balcony is none other than the beautiful University of Central Florida. My roommates are some of the most fun girls in town (and Orlando is pretty big). My first week in my apartment was great and I cannot wait to see what else this little home on the fifth floor has in store for me. 

I've experienced quite an array of things this past week. Let's begin with me getting lost while trying to find my school gym... in Orlando's extreme heat and humidity. I'll add that to my list of things to avoid doing. I also had to climb five flights of stairs last night due to my building's elevator deciding to break. Another thing to add to that list. But anyway, enough with the negatives. Here's a big shocker that I stumbled upon in three out of the four classes I'm taking: classes are a whole lot bigger than 35 students. Two of my classes have 1,000+ students enrolled... Crazy right? 

I ended my week with some minor grocery shopping. (Tip: eat before you go to the grocery store and you'll end up buying less food.) I took a small power nap when I got home and I'm currently having some coffee while I wait for my laundry to be done. I can't wait to make dinner (chicken accompanied with Caprese salad...yum!) and have a relaxing night. I have three classes tomorrow, so I'll probably go to bed as soon as I'm done with the reading assignments (you have to read a lot in college, just saying). 

All in all, my first week in school couldn't have gone better. My best friend and my step brother came to visit, so that gave me something to look forward to throughout the week. (Side story: my best friend and I went to IHOP at midnight and had breakfast.... If you've never done that, you're really missing out.) I'll keep you posted on anything that happens this week. A school that has 60,000 students is bound to supply me with something to write about. My textbooks are calling my name, so I better start reading. 

Much love, and good luck to all those starting school this week! Enjoy it; your first week of college only happens once!

NG

Quick Power Surges

I never thought I'd be so happy to see my half-deflated air mattress. After having a very long, HOT day of sorority recruitment, the first thing I wanted to do was plop on my air bed and sleep. (That is after I ate lunch, of course. Do you know they don't give you a lunch break during Rush Week?)  I think at some point of every college student's day, they crave that little bit of sleep to keep them going on what seems like a never ending day.

I'm not saying that I'm planning on taking a nap every single day. But sometimes, it's just the little power surge I need. Whether you have a big test to study for, or a whole four days of recruitment left, naps are always an easy (and healthy) way to get that energy you need.

I find that the short, 20-30 minute naps are usually more effective than the two hour hibernations we all love to take. A short, peaceful rest will help us wake up with energy, ready to conquer whatever task we have ahead of us. Think about it. A lot of people drown themselves in venti sized coffees and super sized Red Bulls. What's the point? (Hello, calories do exist!) Although I myself am an avid coffee drinker (side note: I've had to adjust to iced coffee due to Miami and Orlando's extreme heat), I have come to the conclusion that sometimes all you really need is a quick power nap.

Try it out. The next time you feel exhausted, don't fight it. Go home, and set your alarm to wake you up in the next thirty minutes. I'm 99% sure you'll feel great after you get up. Skip the heavy caffeinated drinks every once in a while. You'll end up crashing a couple hours after you finish them anyway.

Happy napping!

NG

Scratch That- College Is Real!

I was about to begin writing on how weird I felt that this was my last Wednesday in Miami (for a while) when my computer made a ringing sound. I looked at the bottom right hand corner of my computer screen, and noticed that I had a new email in my UCF email account's inbox. Eagerly, I opened it to find my FIRST ever email from a college professor. How crazy is that?!

You're probably thinking, "Ok, she's weird. Why is that so cool?" I get it. I doubt anyone gets excited over emails from their professors. I wasn't necessarily excited, it was just so surreal on how I'm actually starting school soon. College is actually a real thing! Although I've known in the back of my mind that I'd be starting school this month, it hadn't hit me until right now, at 11:51 a.m. when I opened the email from my Financial Accounting professor.

I think that goes to show how you don't really believe things until they actually happen sometimes. All my friends and I knew we'd be starting school in a couple of weeks, but I guess that email made it real. Although it's a bit strange to me that I won't be able to hug my mom on the couch while we watch marathons of Keeping Up With the Kardashians and Botched, or sit in my sister's room while she plays her obnoxious country music, I think I'm really excited for the change. (I say "think" because I'm not sure if the feeling is "excitement" or if I'm extremely scared....I think it's excitement.) Hopefully the three strangers I'll be living with become really good friends of mine- let's face it, no one wants to have reality TV marathons alone! (Can you really call people you talk to every day strangers? That's modern-day technology for you!)

I'd like to end with this: I move to a new city in three days. Three. That's it. I can't wait to make my new apartment my new (temporary) home and fill it with memories that I'll be able to share with those whom I love most. I hope my last few days in Miami are filled with happiness and love from all the people staying behind (or going to other schools for that matter). Miami has been a huge part of my life (18 years of "huge") and I'm glad to say that I've more than enjoyed my time here. Now it's time to take on a new city and start a new story: Orlando, here I come!

NG