THE EVENTUAL HAND-SANITIZER STORY

Hello North Shore students! I hope everyone had a really awesome Thanksgiving!

Well, today, being “black Friday”, the malls/stores and roads were a cluttered mess with people. I really wanted a digital camera that was being sold at Target, but when I arrived at 4:45 am it was sold out! This was very disappointing. However, I honestly must say that it was fun to watch people “racing” down the aisles and yelling at their spouses/shopping buddies/relatives for being too slow, and not “looking alive” as one woman said this morning. ---what a riot. (both funny and chaotic)

Anyone get up to go “black Friday-ing”? If so… what did’ya get?!

Even though it is important for some to get up, wait in line, and scramble through hundreds of people… is it worth it? I was honestly thinking about this Swine Flu sickness the whole time.

.. I'm getting to the point I promise. ...

I’m SO glad that North Shore has the hand sanitizing stations but don’t you ever find yourself going up to one, to find it empty? You take your sparkling clean hand (… not likely and an over exaggeration) and go to push/touch on the level to dispense the solution, and its empty! Ahhh! This is so frustrating! Some of them are automatic but some aren’t. I really appreciate how they give us the opportunity to sanitize ourselves but they should really keep on top of refills especially during this crazy flu season. Ugh.

- Kristen

P.S. --> I was recently informed that all of the hand sanitizer beliefs on how it's unhealthy if you use too much etc. ... is all a myth. Not sure how I feel about this. I personally believe that it obviously just dries out skin. So, try to use one that is lotion based (ie. one from Bath&Body Works) ... or just lotion up after using alot! :)

State House Visit

Joanne, Victoria, Cala, Laura, Angela and I had the pleasure of visiting the State House on Monday. We were invited by the very friendly Representative Theodore C. Speliotis and we got to spend some time with him in his office and we talked about the Scholars Program and what his job as a State Rep entailed. We learned that he is the Chair of the committee in charge of licensing in the state of Massachusetts (all issues concerning consumer credit, consumer protection, the issuance of licenses for the sale of alcoholic beverages, the registration of various trades or professions.) We also learned about the complicated process of how bills were discussed by the representatives and passed. We even talked about how some of them make the public angry. Mr. Speliotis talked about how people can have a strong opinion about something but when they vote in the house they need to review all perspectives and angles and that what they vote for might not be what their personal opinion is but what is right, based on all the facts presented.Mr. Speliotis was so kind, and he prepared us lunch and we got to eat with him and his secretaries and assistants.

After lunch we took a picture in front of the grand staircase with the Representative. It was so much fun! Then we took a tour with a delightful old woman named Mary who although she was old, she was very up to date with her history and very amusing with her story telling about the state house. While we were there we had the privilege of meeting former Governor Michael Dukakis who served from 1975–1979 and from 1983–1991, and was also the Democratic presidential nominee in 1988. After our intellectual adventure to the state house Joanne kindly drove us to Sonic where we got slushies (although she didn't get one because she does not like them). We got back to NSCC and parted ways.

I really enjoyed our trip to the State House and got to know the other girls a lot better. It was a great learning experience and hope we get to go again!
Thanks again Joanne and Victoria, I had a blast!

(Thank You Victoria for your help with this blog)

SEMESTER: ALMOST OVER AND OUT

Well, I haven’t posted in awhile, and it’s great to finally be back! Sorry all for not posting on Halloween; must have missed that one because I wasn’t sure if it was my turn to blog.
So... The good news – I’m just going to have to make up for it! :) I hope everyone had a nice Halloween, and a nice Veterans Day. I am just so thankful for everyone fighting for our country. Past and present.

So, I’m VERY excited that this semester is almost over. I don’t know about all of you, but this semester has been kicking my you know what. I’ve never taken as many tests, quizzes, and done this many lab reports in all of my 19 years of living. NO JOKE. Going to both campuses and working doesn’t help either! However, I know my education is going to pay off in the end. (let us hope.. haha)

The best thing to do is to think forward and positively.
What is everyone’s outlook on this semester? Any regrets, thoughts, experiences, etc?
The best part about this blog is that people can post anonymously. It’s so good to get things off your chest, and just to vent! (Just be courteous, and obviously... don’t mention names!)

For me personally, aside from all the work, a few things came to mind. I’m not a smoker, but it bothers me how as I’m walking into the building, I end up smelling like a smoker. Anyone else feel this way? I just think smoking is gross, and the smell just grosses me out. I know there is nothing I can do, but at some campuses, smoking is not permitted anywhere near the building; smokers would have to smoke in their car, etc. Just thought I’d throw this smoking situation out there.
Hmm.. ...


-Kristen

The Freedom of Choice

We live in a country that within reason lets people do whatever they want. Some choose to smoke cigarettes, which is perfectly fine. No one individual can stop you from smoking are they responsible for you increasing your chances of cancer. But smokers have a responsibility to be thoughtful of people who are non smokers, and to their wishes to not have to be too close to second hand smoke. A few weeks ago I found myself walking through a mushroom cloud of smoke at one of the entrances of the school and due to inclement weather, the smokers all wanted to stay dry. Is this fair? Absolutely not. Although their is not a designated smoking area on North Shore property, the smoking crowd needs to be placed in their own isolated area (I know of a few colleges that have smoking "gazebos" that students can go to and smoke and be away from the general public) or smoking needs to be outlawed all together on campus. To add a little fuel to the fire, the smoking crowd toss their filters into when they are done are total eye sores, and the worst part is some students don't even use them. I found myself enjoying some warm weather recently, and was sitting on the ledge which is abutted directly with grass and saw a insane amount of filters just sitting their. Change needs to happen, and it needs to happen soon. If you are a student who feels the same way, find someone on the Student Government, and voice your concerns.

Swine Flu Scare.

I was diagnosed with a mild case of the swine flu this past week so I spent most of my time laying down, feeling like crap, for lack of a better word. While in bed, awaiting what seemed to be death, I realized I should of taken better precautions and I wouldn't be throwing up and have a fever of 101 due to the H1N1 virus. SO, to all you happy and healthy folks, here are some ways to not be stupid like me and prevent yourself from getting the dreadful flu! (Don't worry, I'm all better now).

And sorry if I sound like your grandmother trying to tell you what to do, but seriously, this thing, is horrible to have.

1) WASH YOUR HANDS!
2) Use hand sanitizer after touching a million things..like money, door handles etc.
3) Keep your hands away from your mouth (NO BITING YOUR NAILS LIKE I DO!), eyes etc.
4) Get some rest. Don't be an insomniac!
5) If you do think you are getting sick, stay home, take meds and stay away from the elderly, pregnant and small children.

Symptoms of the H1N1:
*fever
*cough
*sore throat
*runny nose
*body aches
*headache that will not go away
*chills
*fatigue
*diarrhea (in some cases)
*vomiting (in some cases)

Unfortunately, doctors offices are currently flooded with cases of the flu, but if you are experiencing these symptoms, make an appointment and they may prescribe you something to help ease the aches and pains.

PLEASE take care, and don't freak out over the flu. Keep yourself clean and healthy.

Guide for the Eater

Seeing as I have been doing a couple guides by experience, I figured I might as well continue. So here are some suggestions on how to save your hard earned money.

If you’re like me you’re trying to hold onto every last dime that you barely have the time to earn. So it can get kind of hard when you end up spending 10+ for various snacks and food at school. Here are a couple tricks, and how I try to do things

1) Always always always bring a drink with you, I suggest water since most of your body is made of water, but its up to you

2) Bring your own snacks, I find that a mega pack of snacks is a lot cheaper at BJ’s than at school

3) Bring a piece of fruit. Not only can you barely find fruit at school, but it’s also expensive when you do. So do your wallet and body a favor and bring some fruit

4) Eat breakfast! Everyone’s heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, it also saves a few bucks as well so you don’t feel the need to grab that caramel macchiato and coffee roll.

When I follow my own rules I find that I only need to buy a sandwich or burger each day. It costs around $5 but is a lot less expensive than buying a whole meal and lots of snacks in between. However that’s only when you eat at school. If you go to Lynn, like I do, than there is a large selection of equally expensive meals within walking distance from the campus. I find that its just easier to stay in school since the food their tastes just as good.