Suzanna's Blog

Being Bugged in the Summer

It is now summer, and the birds are singing, the flowers are blooming, and bugs are biting. Bugs always seem to put a damper on the evening, but they can be a bigger problem than you can imagine. West Nile, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, all that stuff is on the rise. It might not seem like a big deal to skimp on putting bug spray on, but don’t take it for granted. I actually know people that have gotten really sick from tick bites alone.  When you go outside, put on bug spray and be careful about areas with tall grass. They usually have bug colonies because of the extra covering. At the same time, don’t freak out! Bugs will always be around. You still need to run about and frolic in the sun! Just be careful. Use some good bug spray, or something. Bug bites are never fun, anyway.

Sleep

If you're like me- and you might not be- you probably lie awake half of the night just because you can't get to sleep. You can be too tired to go to sleep or just a little too hyper. Whatever the case, I am going to share some tips to get you to sleep fast. I'm trying them, too, so don't feel left out. The easiest way is to lay however you feel comfortable, and imagine your feet are heavy and relax them completely. Continue from your toes to your head and that can get you to sleep fast. Here's a tip... DON'T try to count sheep. It doesn't work. Try to just keep still and keep your eyes closed and that can help, too. Also, don't eat before bed. Not only will you not get any sleep, but if you finally do get to sleep, you will have really weird dreams. I hope these tips help you sleep well!

School and Social Lives

It can be hard to catch up with friends and still get good grades in school. Here's how to keep a good balance between school and play. In school, try to pay attention. It can be hard when your friend is sitting right beside you, but school is more important. It's a sad fact of life that school is important. Next, when your friends want to do something with you and you have a test the next day, you can still hang out with your friends, but bring the study guide or homework along with you. Your friends may be able to help you out with the harder problems! Try to mesh school and your friends to your advantage.

Teeth

Okay, this might look like a really weird subject, but think about it... we're kids! We eat the most junk food out of everybody, usually. This takes a huge toll on your teeth, trust me. Here are some easy ways to keep your teeth pearly white!
    First, just be sure to brush twice a day. This is the easiest way to keep them healthy! The hard part is flossing. Trust me, coming from someone who has braces, I know it's a huge pain! It's still worth it. You need to floss at least once a day, but preferrably twice. Morning and night are the best times. Other things to do that might not be so obvious are to be careful on the citrus-y stuff. That can wear at your teeth really fast, so if you like oranges, just be sure to have some toothpaste that has enamel strengtheners in it. Citrus eats at your enamel very fast. Number one thing to take it easy on is candy. I know, I know... it's so tasty! Just limit it to once a week or something. Your teeth will thank you!

Tidy Time

Do you have a problem keeping your bedroom neat? We all do. Especially if you share a room, like I do. Either way, this can help you stay neat so you’ll never lose your homework or your favorite jeans again! (you might find some of your favorite CD’s as well) 

First, take a look at your room like you were a complete stranger. What would someone else think of your room? Would they see the great kid you are, or would they see a messy person? Either way, I’m sure you’re a great kid, but you want people to see the best of you as possible. I know rooms aren’t for other people to look at, but you as a person would probably feel better knowing where everything was and seeing how awesome your room looks!
   
Second, go through your room and see what you want to get rid of. If you share a room, do this with caution!!! You don’t want to be awakened the next morning to hear your sibling screaming where is their clothes.  Make sure it’s your stuff in this case. Once you’re done, just reorganize where you want everything and take the stuff you don’t want and if it’s still usable, give it to the
Salvation Army or Goodwill. Somebody could use it. 
   
Last, keep it neat by straightening things up once a week.  This is all the high points of cleaning your room, so that’s it for this week!

Tips for a Healthy School Life

You’re back at school and… most likely, tired. Homework can drain you, let alone readjusting your body to the new schedule. Here are some tips to keep you healthy and clear minded.

First, always eat breakfast. Breakfast is the best meal of the day for you, and you never want to miss it. If you’re in a hurry, grab something healthy like a granola bar and Gatorade. You could also take a banana or an apple, just be sure to grab some type of fruit as well, or see if there are any in the granola bar. This helps keep you focused for the day. Bon Appetite!

Second, get enough sleep. Spend less time online at night *ahem*and get to sleep at a decent hour. Your body will thank you if you get at least seven or eight hours of sleep.  Be sure to keep a schedule and don’t sleep in on weekends. It might seem great, but you are throwing off your whole body’s time schedule and you’ll just go back to school Monday worse than ever. 

 

Last, drink lots of water. Water flushes out your body of toxins and can improve your overall health. Cold water is best since it keeps you alert and focused. Warm beverages are great for getting sleepy, but they aren’t recommended for starting out the day. Follow all these tips, and you’ll be feeling better than before and it might show in your grades. Think of how thrilled your parents will be as well!
 

 

Music

Do you like listening to music, making your own, or writing lyrics? So do I!  This mainly focuses on music and different things that you might like. Music is a form of art, and there are so many things that involve music. I recommend watching August Rush to understand what I’m saying here. It’s a great movie, your mom and dad would probably enjoy it too. It’s a family movie. Music is all around you, you just have to listen. There’s lots of different kinds, too. I’m a fan of the eighties rock, but also a fan of classical. They don’t really go together, but they don’t have too. Music is a way of expressing emotion.  By listening to it, you’re getting glimpses of the emotion and soul behind it. 

Do you play an instrument? Then you understand it. You are part of making that piece come alive, pulling out more than just sounds. You’re painting a picture with sound! Music really is great, and a wonderful way just to relax. All you have to do is listen.

STARING AT THE SKY

I know this sounds weird. Bear with me. Have you ever had a great day just looking up at the sky? Well, maybe not when it’s dark and rainy, but when there’s a rainbow or when the moon looks golden? Sometime, take some time to look at the sky. If it’s during the daytime, just look at the clouds. Clouds can look like anything. Try to pick out what they look like. I look at the sky constantly, and take many pictures of it.  Be sure not to look into the sun, though. That’s horrible for your eyes. Just take some time to look- really look- at the sky. You can be amazed what’s up there.

Back to School

Well, the title says it all. You may have been going to the school for a while, or going to a new one, but there’s always a hint of nervousness. The main thing you need to do is relax, and aim for the best.  If you’re still feeling nervous, know that you probably aren’t alone. Everyone else will usually be a little nervous, too.  Be sure to get all the supplies you need and try to remember where you left off last year. You’ll be building off old experiences, so just fine tune what you needed to work on last year and such.  

Also, everyone’s concerned about their outfit on the first day of school, when you really don’t have to be. Be sure to dress nice anyway, but keep in mind that most kids don’t judge you right away unless you give them reason. School is mainly to learn anyway, so don’t focus on the small stuff. Try to find some of your friends quick, and you’ll feel right at home.

School's Back Around the Corner

School’s coming back up, and you need to get ready. Start trying to remember what you learned last year!

Seriously, though, you can prepare in many ways for school other than getting the needed supplies. For starters, it’s a great excuse to get some new clothes! Not to mention you can get a new backpack that matches your attitude.

When school’s coming back up, you need to get back in the swing of waking up at the right time. No more sleeping in for you! (I’ll miss it too…) The first week before school, start going to bed 15-30 minutes earlier than you want to, and set your alarm gradually from 10 in the morning back to when you need to wake up. Try to get the rest you need, though. No one wants to pass out from sleep deprivation on their first day of school. What I’m saying is, start getting used to getting to school early in the morning again. That’s it for now!