CampusIntel

I don’t know what it was, but today I woke up and felt like I was coming out of a coma in a TERRIBLY bad mood. I am talking funk of 2010!

Then I realized that a lot of people probably feel this way at some time or another… So I decided to give some ways that would make the funk easier, if not go away altogether.

Therefore, ladies and gentlemen, I give you….

Alix’s Guide to Learning How to Smile When You are in a Funk!

First of all, we should realize that there are two different categories:

1. Making yourself feel better with others and,
2. Making yourself feel better individually.

If you are trying to make yourself feel better with others, try doing something easy, a board game, call up a long-lost best friend, or even just going for a stroll and a chat. Better yet, have stories that will make you smile, a smile goes a long way towards cheering you up.  The littlest things make life so much better and you just don’t realize it.

 Making yourself feel better individually is probably where most of you will end up. If you are like me this mood seems crippling, it almost physically hurts and makes you want to cry.

But don’t worry, if this only happens once in a blue moon, then it’s just a funk, and even better, there are ways of overcoming it.

Here are a few things I would recommend:

1. Exercise: exercise releases endorphins and it truly will give you a lift. That little lift can brighten your day so much!

2. Smile: I realize I said this one before but there have been studies (done by professionals not just by me) where they say when you smile if you are upset, it is more likely you cannot stay upset then if you don’t even try to smile. Read a joke book, go through pictures, or even think of funny moments that have happened recently.

3. You Time: What do you like to do by yourself? I personally like curling up with a non-school related book and maybe even take the “tea test” (make a cup of tea, if your book is really good by the time you go to have a sip your tea has turned cold).

4. Go watch America’s Funniest Home Videos… seriously there is one where a chicken fights a kangaroo, I mean come on, when you read that last sentence, tell me it didn’t make you crack a smile (and that’s right smiles are good!)

As a student in my 4^th year of university, I know what this time of year can do to someone – the school work starts piling up, the teachers start ragging on you, and the winter weather is still bringing you down (although it has been sunnier than normal lately…). Basically, they are all the perfect combination to put you in a funk.

But just remember, you are allowed to feel this way, just follow my few steps, and soon you’ll be on your way to a speedy recovery!

Best of luck everyone!

What do Men look for in Women?

It’s a question that has baffled women for ages…myself included. One moment girls have cooties and you are running away from them, then the next, you’re chasing the girl of your dreams.

Most women believe men only look for looks…but ask any guy and you may very well be surprised to learn that perfect bodies and skinny models are far from being the “perfect woman.”

So now you’re thinking… so if that’s not on the top of the list, what is? Guys are attracted to many different traits and of course not attracted to others. Fortunately, I’m here to highlight some of the top qualities that I believe men look for in women.

Personality 

• Surprisingly, a woman’s personality always makes the top of the charts. It is what is most beautiful.  It’s also what distinguishes one female from another. That’s why I believe there’s someone for everyone.

Physical Features

• Alright, alright, I know I said looks aren’t important, but I will admit, guys have a weakness for a female’s eyes and a female’s smile. Now I repeat, although physical features may entice a man to meet you, remember this key fact: Men would rather get to know a woman and discover that she is beautiful naturally instead of just judging her from the way she looks and finding out that she’s really an ugly person on the inside. And remember, men want someone beautiful but beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Happy

• No, this isn’t where I’m going to make you sing “If you’re happy and you know it” But if you are happy and you know it…show it. Why? Well because, men love happy women. Women tend to be the more emotional party of the two in a relationship and being happy is a sign of a good relationship.

Confidence

• This kind of ties into being happy but surprisingly, men dig a woman with confidence and who is comfortable with themselves. That being the case, do remember, that confidence are ego are two different things – although you may not know the difference – men do.

Honesty

• This one is kind of a no-brainer, but honesty and trust are two definite qualities that men seek for in a woman. With our society the way it is, it’s no surprise than want to make sure their woman is going to be faithful.

Intelligence

• We’re not expecting women to be Albert Einstein but we love women that can hold a conversation and be intriguing. A woman that can’t spell her name and uses the word “like” five times in a sentence is definitely not our ideal woman.

Companionship:

• We’re looking for a woman that shares similar interests and that will be our best friend until the day we die. We want someone there to play tennis against us, listen to our stories about our past, and of course, help us study for that upcoming test.

Independence:

• Sure, we love to be wanted and needed and to hold her tight when going through a dark alleyway, but at the same time, we love women that are able to take care of themselves without feeling that she has to compromise herself in a relationship. Too much clingy makes us tear away.

A Sense of Humour.

• No, you do not have to tell us a knock-knock joke every two-seconds, but making us laugh is always a bonus. It shows a free-spirited side. As a bonus, if you laugh at our jokes, it makes us feel really great, so that’s one way of getting bonus points. Plus, a woman with a nice laugh is amazing, so hopefully laughter is as contagious as they say it is.

Basically, we are looking for our future with the hope of being with our partner ‘til the day we die. That being the case, I now ask you women, what do YOU look for in a guy? Is your list similar to ours?

And as a side note, perhaps you can explain your love for chocolate…. Cause I definitely haven’t figured that one out yet.

So an army guy walks into a bar – wait, I know what you’re thinking! This is not a joke; it’s the story of my life. If there was only one military man in the crowd, we would find each other, I kid you not. It’s like an invisible magnetic force I cannot stop, no matter how often I’ve tried.

Despite the fact that both of my parents are civilians, I grew up in a very large military community. As a result, I’ve dated and been friends with my fair share (or more) of men in the military. These experiences have left me with a predominantly negative opinion of those who put on combats every day before they head out the door.

I need to start off by saying not all military/service men are bad romantic partners. Some of my friends are married to perfect, awesome, handsome, NICE military men. Not many, but a few. And this blog does not discuss their capabilities as associated with their jobs, simply their dating habits as I’ve experienced them.

What is it that makes the military man (or firefighter or police officer or sports player) so desirable? I blame the media. With movies like “Dear John” portraying young hotties as romantic heroes, it is no wonder that we come to expect the same of their real life counter-parts. Men in uniform are the grown up girl’s version of Prince Charming.

But ladies, I am here to tell you that he will not ride in on a white horse and save the day. If anything, he will be the reason your day sucked so bad. Although the notion of dating a soldier is a romantic one, my experience has been filled with cheating, lying, not keeping promises, rude/hurtful comments, etc. etc. etc. I could write a thesis based on my own experiences in this field.

I believe that because the military is such a male dominated profession, the men develop a mob mentality/life style as they go through courses and day to day living together. With that much testosterone in one place, it is no wonder that competition arises and they try to one-up each other on the dating scene. Their egos become inflated because many girls swoon at the notion of a soldier, and as a result, they have all the power in the relationship.

Now, I know I sound like a bitter and scorned woman, and maybe I am a little bit. But after sitting down and thinking about all the relationships I’ve had since high school, I realized the common denominator in the bad ones was that they were all men who wear uniforms. Either I am a really terrible judge of character, or I am onto something here. Men in uniform know what to say, when to say it, how to say it, etc. to make you believe whatever they are saying to you.

Despite having been “screwed over” numerous times, I seem to fall for it again and again. No amount of lecturing or begging from friends and family can convince me that this guy is no different than the rest. Even after swearing off military men, I still seem to find myself thinking I’ve found one who “isn’t like the others”.

But this time, I am swearing them off for good…I think?

Men in uniform are good for a party, good for a fling, good to look at, but I would slap the majority of them with an “unsuitable for dating” sticker. At the very least, they should be forced to wear a “Proceed with Caution” sign around their neck.

March 17 is Saint Patrick’s Day, international holiday for university and college students, and all true partiers, reserved for the celebration of green beer. Well, that is what most people would say the holiday’s purpose is. In fact, Saint Patrick’s Day is a 1,500 year old Irish religious holiday commemorating the country’s most foundational figurehead. So, here’s the history lesson on why we sporadically dye everything green every March 17.

Legend has it, Saint Patrick was born into a prominent Roman-British family during the 5th century, A.D., in Britain. His father and grandfather were church deacons, a vocation Patrick would eventually pursue himself. Then, when he was 16, the young saint to be was kidnapped and smuggled to Ireland in order to be sold as a slave.

The young captive was eventually met with a message from God. Instructed to flee to the Eastern coast of Ireland, board a ship, and return to Britain, Saint Patrick followed the divine orders. He successfully returned to Britain, and studied with the priesthood, eventually being ordained. In 432 A.D. he was called back to Ireland in order to help convert aristocracy and peasants alike to Christianity.

Saint Patrick’s return to Ireland is when all the folklore originates. For example, the shamrock was conceptualized as a symbol of Irish nationalism due to Saint Patrick’s teaching strategies. He would use the shamrock, or three-leafed clover, as a visual representation of the Holy Trinity – the three leaves of the shamrock are the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The shamrock is now a symbol of Irish Christianity and Saint Patrick, and its green colour has been adopted as a marker of Saint Patrick’s work.

The shamrock symbol later inspired the original Irish folk tune “The Wearing of the Green,” anonymously written during the Irish Rebellion of 1798. And rebels who wore a shamrock in their caubeens during this era were representing their support for Irish Republicanism, at risk of being hung for doing so.

Following Saint Patrick’s death on March 17, 461, the date was recognized as a feast day during the Christian season of Lent. Soon it would be recognized as a Holy day of obligation, eventually becoming celebrated as a one-day break from fasting during Lent. Indulging in feasting and drinking ale, original Irish beer, became common festivities on Saint Patrick‘s Day.

It is also widely believed that Saint Patrick could party with the best of ‘em. Apparently, he could consume over six pints of beer and still be able to beat out any Englishman in a game of darts. That’s my kind of saint.

In 1903, March 17 was originally recognized as a National Holiday in Ireland. In the 1990s, the Irish government utilized the fun spirit of the holiday to market tourism. Now it is commonplace for everyone worldwide to be Irish for one day of the year, an excellent way to create awareness about the country. The biggest Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations are in Dublin, and also in the Irish city of Downpatrick, where the Saint is rumoured to be buried. In these cities, the festivities last all week, resembling an Irish version of Mardis Gras.

Photo Source: Vatican.va

The Catholic Church is once again being publicly scrutinized with news surfacimg this week of paedophilic acts that are personally connected to Pope Benedict XVI. Der Spiegel, a German newspaper, reported this week that in 1980 a priest in Munich was secretly transferred within the Archdiocese after an 11 year old boy came forward with abuse allegations. In an interview with NPR.org, Der Spiegel reporter Peter Wensierski said that after the priest’s transfer, he continued to work with children, and it was recorded that he was accused numerous more times of child sexual abuse. The priest was sentenced to a prison term for the abusive acts after 1986, but upon his release the Catholic Church of Munich reassigned him roles that involved him working around children, and has maintained positions that require interaction with children until today, Wensierski says.

If not scandalous enough, the story has another punchy side to it: Pope Benedict XVI was the Archbishop of Munich in 1980 when the accused priest was transferred. The Vatican is saying that one of the Pope’s subordinates at the time handled the secret transfer of the priest, but Wensierski says there is record of Pope Benedict’s direct reign over the situation. Not surprisingly, the Vatican is sticking to its story that the current head of the Roman Catholic Church is completely uninvolved with the sketchy personnel shuffle, or any involvement in covering up sexual abuse.

The news comes on the cusp of another sex abuse scandal within the German Catholic Church. Over the past 2 months, more than 600 students within Germany’s Catholic school board system have come forward with allegations of sex abuse committed on them by Catholic priests, Wensierski told the NPR.

The German Archdiocese allegations are the latest in a legacy of sexual abuse allegations on the Catholic Church worldwide. Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Ireland, Italy, Poland, The Netherlands, The United Kingdom, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Canada, The US, Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines have all been met with scandalous allegations of sex abuse committed by priests.

In Canada alone, the Catholic Church has been under scrutiny since the 1950s. Thousands of Aboriginal people who were sent to Christian residential schools  have come forward with stories of sexual abuse being acted out in these institutions, with litigations continually being held regarding the issue. Other sites of abuse include the Mount Cashel Orphanage in Newfoundland, whose accused priests were found guilty by the Supreme Court of sexual abuse on children.

A friend of mine just moved into a new apartment. She is a student who is near graduation and has a good bit of debt. Her apartment was pretty bare, and I love to decorate. So, the two of us got together to decorate her apartment!

So far we have finished the bathroom. I will update you on how the rest of the decorating goes. But we’ve tried to keep the costs low. It’s pretty easy to be cost effective, if you shop at stores like Wal-mart and the Dollarama! You can get a lot of nice things. Keep your eyes out for sales!

To the right is a photo of my friend’s shower curtain. This is a part of the before we re-decorated. She lives in an apartment and can’t really afford to buy pain, plus she would have to paint it back once she moves out. The counters are a tan colour and the sink/toilet are white. Therefore her bathroom really needed to get brighter!

Last winter she had gone on a trip to Cuba that I knew she loved. So I went through her photos and found six scenic pictures I thought she would like. The next time we hung out I showed her the pictures I had picked out. She picked the three she liked best, and those were the pictures we centered our decorating around.

We wanted to go with a beach theme to liven up the bathroom. She wanted it to be a place she liked, it is where she gets ready in the morning. It is important to have a positive image in the morning! So we thought in this small space a bright shower curtain would look great!

As you can see from the photos. Her bathroom was, well, it was blah! It definitely needed a pick-me-up. So my friend and I went on a shopping excursion where we purchased a few items and re-arranged some items that were already part of her apartment.

We first went to Wal-mart. There she purchased:

• One blue shower curtain
• One sandy-beige hand towel
• One blue facecloth
• One pack of wood-faced curtain hooks
• One blue hand towel
• One soap dish
• One toothbrush/paste holder

Everything at Wal-mart was affordable. We chose the prices she was able to pay. We found the perfect shower curtain. It looks exactly like the ocean. Once we brought it back to her apartment and hung it up we know it was perfect. The picture on the package did not do it justice. We chose the wood-faced curtain hooks because they reminded us of boardwalks on the beach. From choosing the wooden hooks that lead us to choose a soap dish that was on a white ceramic with a wooden base.

The towels were an easy choice. We found the most beautiful colour beige, it resembled the prettiest of all sand. As you can see in the photo to the left, we draped the blue facecloth over the beige towel.

The next store we visited was the Dollarama. Thank the Lord for this store! I tell you, this place is the best Here we purchased:

• 3 wooden frames
• 3 glass containers with metal lids
• One box of purple Q-tips
• 3 inspirational rocks

The items from the dollarstore were what pulled the bathroom together in the end. The three glass containers were put up against the far wall, and were filled with colourful items! Bath salts, bathbombs and pretty Q-tips. A cheap, easy way to add colour to a bathroom! The three photos were hung on the wall and this is where we placed the scenic photos of Cuba.

The inspirational rocks say: smile, laugh and love. These add “beachy-ness” to the room, but are also a reminded of some of the important things in life.

My friend and I loved the purple Q-tips! I have seen them in blue before as well, so check out your local Dollarama!

After putting everything into the bathroom and setting it up we both felt like there was something missing. She had a bamboo plant in her dinning room, so we borrowed that to put on the back of the toilet, a little inside from the outside!

Lastly we added a white candle, not only will this scented candle come in handy if someone makes a stinky, but it will also be great for a romantic or relaxing bath!

Overall, my friend did not go over her budget. She was able to change her blahh and boring bathroom into a Cuban getaway!After looking at the bathroom all put together my friend said:

I just want to spend all my time in the bathroom now!

We had a lot of fun going shopping and then back to her apartment to decorate. So if your bathroom is looking blah, head over to Wal-mart and do some re-decorating! It’s totally worth it.

Over all my friend and I had a lot of fun. Next week I’ll be back with Decorating 1001. Stay tuned to find out which room I’ll be transforming next!

Metro Transit bus #979, taken by Chris Grady in 2005

Don’t you just hate when you get on the bus and there are those ANNOYING people who think they are in their own car, or are the only person on the bus? Just like there are things you don’t do at a table or on a plane, there are things you just don’t do on a bus! Therefore, I have made this simple guide for those who do not understand proper bus etiquette.

(These are in no particular order)

15. The bus is not a playground, so don’t let your kids act like it is one – Don’t you just hate those parents who let their kids run around like they’re in their own home or on the school’s playground? Why? It’s a MOVING vehicle!!! Come on now, somebody is going to get hurt!

14. Don’t yell ‘INDOOR VOICES’ at your kids (especially when they aren’t even being that loud) – Set an example for your child. By yelling indoor voices, you totally defeat the purpose of them using their indoor voices. If mommy can yell, so can we!

13. Don’t pay with 100 coins – Now I understand if you have a bunch of coins, I’m a student, I totally understand. But come on… Jamming up the coin taker? Pleaseee. Put them in a few at a time if you have 100 coins!

12. Don’t stare at others – This one goes for ALL the time, not just on the bus. But seriously, it is so uncomfortable when you are sitting on the bus and you can feel the person across the isle just staring you down. So you look over at them and then they look away…. two seconds later they’re at it again!!

11. You can listen to your music, but the rest of us DO NOT want to hear it – It’s been a long day at school or work, you have a headache and you’re getting on the bus to go home. You sit down and at the next stop this guy (or girl) gets on the bus and sits behind you, 3 seats back. S/he has headphones on, but might as well have speakers, because everyone on the bus can hear the words perfectly!! I don’t mind if people listen to music, I do it myself sometimes, but I don’t want to listen to YOUR music!

10. Don’t sing aloud to your music – There is a time and a place for everything. You may think a bus is a great place to display your musical talents (or lack there of) but it’s not. Just that plain and simple, if we wanted to hear you sing, we would ask you.

9. Move to the back of the bus – When the bus is getting full and you are standing up, don’t stay at the front of the bus, move to the back! The people in the back don’t bite! I was on the bus the other day (luckily I had snagged a seat) but I noticed these people who were standing right before the step up to the back of the bus and they just wouldn’t go to the VERY back. More people were getting on and it was getting extremely squished near the front. The back of the bus had all that space! Just be courteous and move back! It’s not that difficult.

8. Give up your seat for the elderly – Shouldn’t this one be obvious? Yeah, you may be tired, but when an older lady or man get on the bus everyone should start to get up to give him/her a seat. It’s just not right to have an elderly person standing. I was on a bus one day (standing) and this older man got on the bus and NO ONE got up to give him a seat at first. I was mortified. There were all these people in their 20’s sitting and no one offered him a seat.

7. Talk to your friends not at them – I don’t want to hear your conversation about the crazy party you went to last night or the hotttttt dudee you almost had and I don’t think anyone else does either, so don’t talk to your friend who is on the opposite end of the bus. Enough said.

6. Wear deodorant please – Deodorant or soap, it’s not too expensive. If you can afford to ride the bus, you can afford to cleanse. I was on the bust one day and this guy about my age got on. He was standing near the back door, and I was sitting near it. He lifted his arm to hold onto the bar and I almost puked. I think the person next to me was feeling a bit queasy too! I hope he didn’t think that raunchy smell was me!

5. When you cough, cover your mouth – We learn this in primary! Don’t spread germs, we’re already too close to each other. If you have to cough just be polite and cover your mouth!

4. If the bus is full, don’t take up two seats – It’s just that simple! Put your bag on your lap or on the floor. Not so hard to do.

3. Talking on cell phones – I could go on for a while about this one. It’s okay to talk on your cell, we all do it. But no one wants to hear your conversation about the guy you slept with last night or how you just found out you can fit your entire fist (including most of your wrist) in your mouth.

2. If there are a lot of empty seats, don’t sit by a random person - There are empty seats everywhere but you get on the bus and just have to sit by me! Why????

1. If I’m listening to music, I don’t want to talk to you – I have my earphones in for a reason. A) I want to listen to my music. B) I am tired and had a long day. C) To avoid weird people who like to make small talk with me on the bus.

If you follow these rules I think everyone would enjoy their bus ride just a little bit more! I know I would. As students we’re often forced to take the bus because no one can afford to buy their own car let alone pay for the gas to make it drive! If we just all follow these simple 15 rules then everyone will be happier!

Don’t play innocent, we’ve all been there.  You met up with that cute guy or gal who you’ve been eyeing in class for a quick bite and everything’s going great.  The conversation is flowing and there’s smiles all around until that awkward lull when he or she pulls out their cellphone to read or answer a text message.  At this point you’re red in the face, fumbling to finish your sentence hoping that they’re still listening to you. Then you ask yourself things like, “Who are they texting?”, “Am I boring him/her?” and of course “Is he/she into me?”

Text messaging is a huge cultural phenomenon among teenagers and young adults, in which peers can keep in constant communication, anywhere at any time with the touch of a few buttons. It’s cheap. It’s convenient. It’s perfect.

With these points in mind, texting seems to be a great and inexpensive way to keep in touch with your pals. What you might not have considered though is the strain it can put on your personal relationships with others.

Texting allows couples and dates to keep in touch by connecting, flirting and of course “sexting”, many young adults seeing it as a necessary form of additional communcation aside from e-mails and phone calls.  It also provides singles the opportunity to feel out a potential match and can provide a quick getaway during a bad or awkward date (“My sister’s car broke down/is in the hospital/is in prison/etc.” Anything to get you out of there!).

As amazing as text messaging is, there are potential issues when texting and dating are combined. In an era where electronic forms of communication like e-mail, text and instant messaging are considered the norm, everyone is expected to be in constant contact with one another. It is because of this, a person’s texting habits can be translated into their persona and feelings, whether they’re glued to their QWERTY board or whether T9 is uncharted territory to them.

On the negative side of things, texting can be toxic for relationships and when pursuing potential romantic partners. Many second dates have been ruled out with the constant use of text messaging with friends or ex-partners during dates. For many, texting on a date is annoying and unnattractive. If you’re texting at a restaurant, your date will get the vibe you’re not interested in them and would rather communicate electronically with someone else than talking to you. A problem I have often encounted is the ambiguity of messages. What one perceives as sarcasm, another might take literally.

Now, you don’t have to chuck your cellphone into the garbage to assure a healthy romantic relationship. Simple little things can help, like, I don’t know, dialing their phone number? Just because texting is a norm doesn’t mean that you have to absolve all other more personal forms of communication. And besides, it makes people feel special, and you want to feel special, don’t you?

In a William Wallace (Braveheart) voice: “They can take our lives, but they can never take our FREEDOM!!”

Many have seen that movie, many have heard these words (probably even recited improperly), but no one realizes that these words are something to live by on a day–to-day basis. These words, along with other famous quotes, become the foundation to a good inner-strength. I will, throughout my BoBH (pronounced Bob) blogs, explain the importance of this quote and of the others, but for now, let’s start at the start. Start off on a good foot, with some rainbows, pixie dust and a bucket of sunshine.

Now that you’ve realized the point of these blogs, I want you to realize why I’m here. I, myself, have been through my fair share of relationships. From the best, long-term relationships, to the utterly terrible, short-term disasters, I’ve dealt with many situations. Now don’t get me wrong. I’m no guru; I’m no man whore or some “know-it-all”. Recently, I’ve come to notice that many boys, like me, go into relationships without realizing what they are doing, what they want and the changes that may need to be made.

That’s why I’m here. I’m that little voice inside your head, hopefully leading you to happiness with whoever that person may be.

Just like sports, video production, cooking, you need to have a pre-“game” plan:

Step 1:
Foundation for the Future.

The main thing is that both parties involved know what each other want and agree on it. Hell, sign a contract if you want (we all know how some women can alter the “understanding”). Choose your destiny is pretty appropriate to this topic. First off, figure out what you guys “are”. Is this relationship a serious one (long-term or just a short-term one)? The famous “friends with benefits”? The “no-friends, just benefits” combo? Feel free to create your own, individually or as a couple.

But wait! Don’t just think present, maybe even look into the future. Obviously no one is asking you to be like Nostradamus, but talk about the future with you guys. Do you see this “friend with benefits” deal become a serious relationship? How fast do you want to move in a relationship? Basic understanding is the foundation of this relationship.

Step 1.1:
1+1=1?

I only created this step recently; I’ve come to realize its key importance in a successful relationship. I’ve called it 1.1 because it belongs fundamentally with the foundation, yet is not necessary and can be watered-down if preferred.

This step, I believe, can be mainly used for the serious relationships, but can be changed for whatever plan you have created for the both of you. Now remember, this step doesn’t have to be a cannonball attack (all at once), it can be more like a grenade explosion, with several pieces hitting you at different times, and slowly letting the pieces sink in.

What I’m trying to get at is that you need to understand the other person’s likes, dislikes, hobbies, preferences, turn-ons, turn-offs, etc… Like mentioned before, feel free to sit down with each other and just let loose, telling everything, starting with a clean and open slate. Or just over time, mention something that you like or dislike. But for the love of all that is right…do not get mad at the other person if they did not know. They don’t read minds! Explain to the person why you like or hate that thing…make it clear and understandable.

This is why it’s 1+1=1. If you want to understand the other person, and for them to understand you, you will need to become “one” and share what is necessary to make the relationship fun, exciting and enjoyable.

This will be it for this blog. Those are just a few quick tips to start off. If there is anything you guys want me to talk about or discuss more in depth, feel free to ask/recommend. I’m open to all.

And remember: Stay good, stay strong, and stay out of trouble!

Peace.

Andrew

Initially going to wait until Friday to post this, but I realized that there are some university students who think the weekend begins on Wednesday (and lets face it, if you are a university student you can justify drinking any night of the week)! So here it is, ladies and gentlemen and avid drinkers alike! My hangover guide!!!!!

To begin with I need to explain the three different types of hangovers:

Level 1: throbbing headache either at the base of your skull or pounding just behind your eyes. Although this is really uncomfortable most people who have this hangover can function throughout the day (though it should be noted noises get louder and lights get brighter). I also like to call this the wine hangover (as this is how I get after drinking red wine).

Level 2: Nausea and intense head ache, vertigo, waves of selective amnesia about the previous night, inability to function at normal or half-par levels. This hangover results from drinking excessively only taking a couple of sips of water, NOT having carb laden foods and not taking anything like Tylonel or Advil before you hit the hay. **Note you will be exhausted because you have most likely passed out, this is NOT sleep and therefore you have a legitimate excuse to bitch, whine and complain all day about your poor, hung over body.

Level 3: Think migraine, your vision is blurred, your stomach is turning inside out, and the toilet seems to be your new best friend. Sadly when you are this hung over you are most likely going to realize that you do, in fact, really need to get onto cleaning your toilet and you can’t understand how you let it go so long…. STOP do not go there, that train of thought will guarantee to set you off up-chucking again. Your body will ache from head to toe (those muscles in your stomach get a really good work out though) and you will think you are dying… you are not, but it certainly feels close doesn’t it?

So now that you are all aware of the types of hangovers (and that they are no means set in stone) here are the top 9 ways to get rid of a hangover:

1. WATER! It’s not hard people, hangovers = your body dehydrated, so stop being stupid and drink some water BEFORE you go to bed. Not only can this minimize the morning effects but you just wont feel so gross.

2. Greasy foods: this is for the level two and three hangovers. If you get greasy foods into you it will help settle the nausea. But please, once again, do not be stupid! If you are having trouble sitting upright, splurge and get delivery on that pizza. Also take tiny little bites initially if you still are having trouble with your stomach.

3. Exercise!!!! My personal favourite. If your hangover is mild (level one or early stages level two) go for a jog, go for a bike (and if you are in Sackville take advantage of the WONDERFUL weather we appear to be having). Take a walk outside making sure to stay hydrated by drinking water, but at the same time getting your heart rate up. This will release endorphins making your headache go away and giving you a light fluffy feeling of satisfaction of working off all the booze from the night before.

4. Sex, yes sex. Sex does the same thing as exercise (plus the exercise part)! **NOTE** I am not endorsing going out and finding someone to sleep with you. I am just happening to say that if you are with somebody you are sleeping with or your one night stand stayed over, take advantage. Besides, trying something new sexually never hurt anybody… well depending on what exactly but moving on….

5. Indulge yourself, stay in bed with a good book or a movie… allow your body to rest and recover. As much as I dislike being told that time is the only way to make hangovers better, time will allow your body to recuperate even if your head is not feeling right.

6. DO NOT EAT CHOCOLATE. Hangovers are exactly like migraines, chocolate only makes head aches and migraines worse, your body doesn’t need that.

7. Now that your body is hydrated from all that water get your elctrolites back by drinking a sugary drink. My mum usually recommends Pepsi or something.

8. This is strictly for level 3 hangover; perscription migraine medication or “triptans”. (These can include zomig, imitrex, etc) although these drugs are used exclusively to treat migraines they do take hangovers away. **DISCLAIMER** this is obviously off-label use and I really do not endorse this particular method, but if you truly feel it is justified there is no way I can stop you.

9. The best thing known to university student-kind. GRAVOL. Takes away nausea and dizziness. You can sleep off your hangover.

I hope this helps even a little bit, stay tuned in for my next blog on the “Top Ten Ways to Please Your Man”… oh no… wait… that’s Cosmo…