The 9 Lies Every College Student Tells - A Guest Post

Hi friends! It’s Riley. Remember me? I did a lot of Mom’s blog graphics before moving to Mississippi for college. I’m majoring in musical theatre and am in my fourth semester. It's going really well :)

However, I was recently home for a break and while I was home I discovered that I was lying to people.  Innocently, of course!

You see, someone would ask me about college and before I even thought about it I would shoot off an answer, regardless if it was true or not.

So today I’ve compiled a list of some lies I’ve told people about college and some ones that I’m sure other college students have told. Consider it a cheat sheet for talking to the college student in your life. You’re welcome!

*Disclaimer: this is mostly tongue in cheek.

*Disclaimer 2: Mostly

1. “My semester was fantastic!”

As I tweeted once, I felt like I finished last semester with three pennies, 17 bruises, and a complete lack of confidence. By the time you make it through the finals and what not you feel like you’ve gotten run over by a Mac truck. No joke.

2. “The cafeteria food is really good!”

Yes, I know it was pretty fantastic when you visited for Parents’ Weekend, but it hasn't been good since then.

3. “I’m not spending all my money on Chick-fil-A!”

See lie number 2.

4. “I never skip classes!”

This one makes me laugh. Pro tip: don’t schedule classes at 8am because if you do you’ll want to skip them. Every. Single. Morning.

5. “I’m staying up late studying!”

I’m actually staying up watching Friends on Netflix, but sometimes I study while I do that. College is all about multitasking!

6. “I haven’t cried in such a long time!”

I cried like three days ago because I thought about the Crocodile Hunter for too long.

7. “I’m making tons of friends outside my major!”

This may be because I’m majoring in theatre, but the only other department I interact with is the music department and that’s just because we share a building.

8. “I’m becoming such an adult!”

Which is why I laid on my floor in a blanket burrito and watched The Lion King and ate cereal right out of the box!

(Note, I’ve never done this but it sounds like a good idea)

9. “I’m getting enough sleep!”

Is anyone ever getting enough sleep?!

OK, OK, mom's turn here! ;)

Yes, I have heard my daughter say several of these things to people, but I can assure you she is not really trying to deceive!   It's kind of like that 'ole "How are you?" "I'm great!" response, when really you are not.  Sometimes it's just easier to give a simple answer and move on.  

Seems college kids are no different.

Except for apparently they do not eat or sleep well, go to the classes you are paying for, or study! 

Don't worry- she's coming home on Sunday for Spring Break- I will have a chat with her! ;)

Blessings, 

What's on My Nightstand for March

Welcome back to month two of my new series!  Wow, let me tell you, when you post what you are going to read to the world, you are more apt to read it.

Accountability is key, folks!

So yes, I read last month's books!  And yes, I enjoyed them.

If you or your child haven't read Counting by 7's, I suggest you do.  After all of the comments I got, it seems that I was one of the last of you to read it!  Anyway, it is a good read.  Just be forewarned that death of parents is a topic and therefore should be handled wisely with sensitive kiddos.  I do want my son to read it, but am choosing to save it for a few years for him.

Minimalism is a good read as well.  I do NOT agree with everything the authors have to say, but there is some good food for thought in the book.  Pick and choose what you take to heart.

And of course, A Shepherd Looks to Psalm 23 is a great read!  I knew it would be just based on those who recommended it.  You will not look at Psalm 23 the same way after reading it, I assure you!

So what's on the nightstand for this month?

Rain Reign by Ann Miller - I took the recommendation of one of our friends and ordered the book-Well, I ordered another kid's book as well, but I am saving that for April.

Minimalism for Families by Zoe Kim- Before you think I have lost my mind, I bought this at the same time I bought the Minimalist book.  Again, a reminder that minimalism is NOT about throwing everything you have away and living with nothing.  It is about living with only the things you love and bring you joy.

Taming the Lecture Bug by Joey and Carla Link- This is a book the The Homeschool Review Crew is currently reviewing and it has me intrigued, so I am adding it to my reading list.

That's it for now.  I know it is a small list compared to many of you, but I am finding three seems to be the perfect number for me.

What are you reading this month?

Blessings,

Magic Stix Washable Markers- Challenge Accepted!

Sometimes I write reviews because they are just fun!  Such is the case this week with my review of the Magic Stix Washable Markers from The Pencil Grip, Inc.  You may remember the name from a while back when we had the pleasure of reviewing The Pencil Grip's Thin Stix paints that are non- toxic, fast drying, and NOT MESSY!

I am telling you, I did not think they could outdo themselves after those little gems.

But they have indeed outdone themselves with the Magic Stix Washable Markers.

I mean just the invention of washable markers may be one of the top ten genius inventions for moms of young children.  Am I right or what?  A long time ago one of my children, whom shall remain nameless but knows who she is, colored herself, yes her WHOLE self, with a green magic marker.  It was NOT washable.  And she remained green for several days of baths.  I needed washable markers then.

The same said child also was known to occasionally paint things she did not have permission to paint, but I digress.

So yes, I love that these new markers are washable!

But let me tell you why that is not the part I love the best...

These things are indeed magic!  And to prove it, The Pencil Grip challenges you to the 7 day, no cap challenge.  Yep. you read that correctly.  They WANT you to leave the cap OFF the markers for 7 days and see what happens.

Spoiler alert- let me tell you what happens.

A BIG FAT N-O-T-H-I-N-G!

My 10 year loved beating me to this each morning and then giving us all a report!

 You can see for yourself, they do not dry out or change color.  At all.

Simply amazing.

Funny story- I few years ago this would have been an easy challenge.  I mean, really, what kids ever get the caps put back on the markers correctly if at all?  Mine never could, no matter how how I tried to teach them that lesson.  But, well, let's just say, kids do eventually grow up and possibly listen to a thing or two you say, and for once everyone in my family wanted to keep re-capping these markers. The bigger challenge in our house was keeping them un-capped!  I had to remind everyone each morning- "Do NOT put the caps on!"  And it drove my husband so crazy that each day he asked when we were going to put them away. 

No worries, I stopped after 7 days, but I know from other people who are obviously more patient than

us these markers would have held up many more days!

The Magic Stix Washable Markers are odorless and come in 24 vibrant colors.  They are housed in a clear plastic carrying case that is easy to slip into a bag for safe travel for all of your art kids who cannot take a break from their creativity. They are perfect for any art project you can imagine and will stand up against those kiddos who cannot seem to find the caps.  Anyone?!? 

I admit, I do not have little people in my house that color much, but I do have an adult child who still likes to play sometimes, so you can thank her for the lovely picture!

Vibrant colors!

Let's face it, after a busy day at work, coloring can be just what we need!
 

34 Weeks of Clean- March Links

Yes, March is here and you are now two months into our 34 Weeks of Clean.  I have seen some of your work, and I am proud of you!  If you have fallen behind, no worries.  Just pick up where we are and move forward.   If you are just now joining us, welcome!!

Our goals are to deep clean,  declutter,  and then reorganzize.

This is NOT just about moving things around, or finding new and more creative places to stash our junk.  This is about getting rid of the junk that is holding us down and making our homes a disaster zone.  It is about living with just the things you love!

Go ahead and try it!  Pare down to just the things you need and love and see how much better you feel.

This month we will head into some areas that are notorious for collecting stuff we do not need.  Bathrooms, anyone?  Samples, bottles, and extras?  Toss it!  Entryways full of one mitten and non matching socks?  Toss it!  DVDs in your family room that no one even likes to watch?  Bless someone else!  And pictures and scrapbook supplies? Well let's just say I need a come to Jesus moment with those things this month!


More on that to come.

Until then- remember the rules- one week at a time!  As tempting as it is, do not jump ahead.  You will wear yourself out and regret it.  Ask me how I know this!

Above all, have fun!  Grab a friend and challenge them.  Or work together to achieve success.  Any way you choose is fine, just make it work for YOU!

Oh, and let me know how you are doing!

Blessings,


March

Week 10- The Bathrooms

Week 11- Entryway

Week 12- The Family Room + DVDs

Week 13- Pictures and Scrapbooks

 

Monday Menu and Some Chinese Food

March is upon us!  Yay for slightly warmer temps (though we are supposed to get some snow tomorrow possibly) and for Spring Break!  We will take next week off from school and enjoy having our college girl home.  Can't wait!!


So while I count down the days until her plane lands, here is our menu for the week-

Monday-  Pork Marsala

Tuesday- Beef and Broccoli

Wednesday- Hamburgers

Thursday- Sweet and Sour Chicken

Friday- Baked Fish

Saturday- Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs

Sunday-  Soup

Have I told you we have a love of Chinese food around here?  Years ago, Ashton asked for a wok for Christmas and we were hooked.  We were actually hooked long before the wok, but at least after that addition we started to explore the option of cooking Chinese food at home and not always going out to enjoy it.  Some recipes are admittedly more authentic than others, but we are not picky so you will find some rather easy ones in our stash!  This week's recipe is one of those short and sweet ones- literally!

Enjoy!

Author: Michele Pleasants

Sweet and Sour Chicken

ingredients:

• 1 package of chicken breasts, diced
• 2 TBSP olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1- 8 oz. pineapple chunks
• 1 TBSP vinegar
• 1 TBSP brown sugar
• 1 tsp. ground ginger

instructions:

1. Saute diced chicken and garlic in olive oil until cooked through
2. Combine cornstarch and soy sauce and add to chicken, mixing well
3. Add to chicken, pineapple, vinegar, brown sugar and ginger, stirring well.
4. Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer until thick, 5-10 minutes
5. Serve over rice!

Created using The Recipes Generator