After countless hours and sleepless nights, not to mention days of complete discouragement, hard work does really pay off. When you get to a point where there seems to be nothing that can motivate you to keep going, something will pleasantly surprise you and give you the much needed boost to help you get through the rut. Be patient and never give up.

Hallo hallo to our nearly nonexistent readers!  Do not fret, we have not forgotten about this blog.  We've just been a little busy and will attempt to catch up over Christmas break.

The only time to get a full understanding of how kooky you are as a person is to observe the actions of a sick and semi-delirious friend and realize that they're only on the same wavelength as you because this is abnormal for them.

Making a portfolio for the first time is a somewhat terrifying ordeal.

Every once in awhile, two minds may as well have been one mind.  You know you should ask for more help when three hours of researching and asking questions back and forth lead to no earth shattering discoveries.

Strange noises at night will show you how unprepared you are for the zombie apocalypse.  Or any apocalypse for that matter.

One day, when you're older and richer and young adults go around your neighborhood asking for donations, don't be a jerk; either open the door and help out or open the door and give a good excuse.  Do NOT look out the window and shoo the askers away, do NOT give a threadbare excuse, do NOT be rude.

It is possible to learn four weeks of stuff in two days.  However, this takes patience, guidance, and a touch of skill.

You may be pleasantly surprised by a score in a class you didn't think you were doing well in.  Believe in yourself [always with common sense]!

Sometimes, the difference of one's culture is not evident until an innocent, blatant question from a different culture is asked.  Large amounts of laughter and a wonderful culture exchange will ensue!

Example:
"You eat fish that still look like fish?"

The unexpected calmness of a person when you tell them an unannounced change in your life should be received with caution; the worst is not over yet as you are merely in the eye of the storm.

Parents are actually full of surprises sometimes!  You may expect a negative reaction where a relatively pleasant reaction can be found!

UPDATE:  See October - Lesson 41

A greater appreciation for TAs can be found when they are willing to go out of their usual TA hours to sincerely help you catch up and understand a given topic.

One of the stranger conversations in life is to have a text conversation with your parent whose first language is not English and to whom you usually talk to in another language.  An awkward and stiff conversation will follow, and it's probably just better to stop replying and pretend that that conversation never happened.

You know you're getting desperate for a new laptop when you enter any contest you can and haphazardly like Facebook pages left and right.

You know you don't quite click with a person when a substitute teaches a class and you find yourself less worried and more open to speak than you usually do.

To know if you possibly have an antisocial personality, judge your reaction on the following scenario:

• A person you don't know very well posts on your Facebook wall.  What do you do?

1. Reply excitedly.
2. Blink at the unexpected person on your wall, but reply in a pleasant manner anyway.
3. Start saying out loud "This doesn't happen to me!  What am I supposed to say to that?" and attempt to reply in a socially acceptable manner.

The higher the number, the likelihood of a social personality increases.  The lower the number, the likelihood of a antisocial personality increases.

Facebook birthday posts should either consist of at least one of the following:  a novel, an inside joke, or a humorous poem.  It will make things seem much more sincere and entertaining.

Shannon Hale and Libba Bray are probably the greatest author duo presenters ever.

No matter how good of a friend you are with a person, a bonding session is always necessary!  Watching a movie that is both intense action-wise and emotionally will be sure to be an enjoyable and cathartic experience, especially if you haven't chatted face-to-face for an extended period of time.

A villain may make or break a movie.  If the villain acts childish, is supposed to be smart but never does anything to show it, and hyperconfident for no reason at all, that villain sucks.

When working with those who are younger than yourself, you will wonder whether or not you acted in such a immature way. Remember this and always try to act humble and unpretentious.

When life is rough, you will know who support you wholeheartedly. Cherish the family and friends that are there for you no matter what hardships you are going through. You will thank them when they put a smile on your face through those tears.

Learn from your mother when she gives food away to her guests. Always give more than half of the portion away, leaves space for your fridge for more food!

When working with Asian friends, always plan ahead that they will be late. Give them a time to come expecting they will come from a half an hour to an hour later. Come a half hour after the given time, and this will decrease the amount of waiting time.

Sometimes having two people in the kitchen is counter-productive. You will surprise yourself when you are cooking and baking by yourself how much more you can do without another person's help.

Traffic will usually make a person very grumpy. Take deep breaths and take in the scenery. Even better, take out the camera and enjoy the sunset as you sit stagnantly on the pavement.

Finishing early to only wait for others can be the worst thing to wait for, especially when you have already been in the lab for over 4 hours. Find something to entertain yourself for the time being! From studying to watching Youtube videos, you won't feel like you have wasted as much time.

Watching a political debate can be exciting at times. Other times, when the one you are rooting for is doing such a horrible job, all you can do is turn off the TV and hope they will do better next time.

When labeling, make sure it is clear and permanent! If the labeling rubs off, hell may break loose!

The feeling that you have cheated on an exam even though you have not is embarrassing. Lesson: Always bring a calculator to an exam even if it is a writing exam! You never know when you may need it.

Sundays can in fact be productive! You can study, clean the house and get a nap in!! Not to mention spend a little time with friends.

Kids will do the darnedest things for candy or any prize for that matter. The games that were meant to entertain the kids will in turn prove to be more entertaining for the audience.

Hearing the wrong thing can lead to good memories. When guy sounds like "I", your friends may end up doing something ridiculously funny just for something simple as a pair of chopsticks.

When life gets calmer, there may be another storm coming in. But push forward and trudge on.

Meeting new faces and enthusiastic individuals is always exciting and fun!

Some days you just can't help but sleep all day. Days like these are mundane, but in the end will help rejuvenate your energy for the next day.

The feeling you get when you are able to help someone who has helped you all your life is indescribable. A mixture of gratefulness and sense of worth empowers you and is a source of motivation to continue to strive in your endeavors.

Even if you're not feeling creative but you've been putting something off for eons, do it.  Push out a terrible first draft.  The beginning may be a godawful chore, but be patient and keep going; the creative juices will start flowing once more.

Life is best spent with those who continuously make you laugh hysterically.

Deus ex machinas are oh so last millennia.  Avoid them.

For your information: Blocking a five foot girl when you are six feet and 180+ pounds is not something to be proud of.

Know how many times you are allowed to renew books.  Otherwise, you will be scrambling to return them on time.

The anxiety that occurs when you have done something wrong and hoping the parental units do not find is overwhelming. Stay calm and there will always be a way to get out of it.

Arguing on Facebook will make you look like an idiot.

Cooking is a real great stress reliever. If done correctly, the preparation is relaxing and the production is scrumptious. It is a win-win situation.

The quote "I work better/only under pressure" is a way to ensure doom later in life/that day!  A timespan of days will rapidly shrink into hours into minutes into death.

The introvert is not always forgotten.  Although a teacher may appear to have forgotten who you were on yearbook signing day, the reality may actually be the complete opposite, even if it takes five years to realize that fact.

Being remembered in a positive and humorous manner is a great way to trigger nostalgia.

You know you're desperate for new technology if you scramble to enter as many contests as possible.

Looking up pictures of food is a guarantee to not get any work done.

Example:
Moon cakes

Asking questions is usually a good thing, but repeatedly asking "why" over and over again will leave no nerve ungrated, especially if you're trying to be a smart aleck to a person trying to help you out.

You know you have a faulty system if a dozen mandatory learning modules can be completed within an hour due to rapid clicking and barely any thought.

On days when you're running late to the first instance of something (e.g. class), the thing you are late for, especially if you haven't been late for anything else, is likely to be unimportant and a huge waste of time.

Just because you have an idea doesn't mean it's a good one.  Common sense, not cents, people!

Example:
"Lady Pens"

A simple conversation with a new friend allows you to learn more about yourself.

Although sarcasm is often hard to detect through text, passion is easily seen.  Don't think because you half-arsed a paper that it won't be noticed!

A Sunday brunch is a great way to catch up with friends you haven't seen for a long time.

Nighttime equates to social awkwardness, especially if you are walking towards a person in a dimly lit area and stare at their face, trying to figure out if you actually recognize them or not.

Somethings will just slip out and will show what you are truly thinking. Example: When looking up synonyms for "dedication" you type in "dead" instead.

Night lights are much tougher than they appear.  Do not step on them.

The professor is what makes a class entertaining. "What is the lesson? The lesson is: HOLY SHIT!" Become a good professor and throw in a few cuss words here and there to keep students alert!

The surest way to show a maniacal side of you is to leave a long, random voice mail at about midnight.

Quality over quantity, people!  If you're planning to post a Facebook event with details, make sure it's right the first time so you don't look stupid!

Waking up early is a pain. Waking up early in the morning to have a mouse drown on you is even worse. Lesson? Do not wake up early.

Some days when you're running behind in life and haven't checked the syllabus is a day to weep--you probably didn't have to come to an early morning lab.

Sleeping outside at schools is actually amusingly rejuvenating, especially if you find a good shady spot out of busy walkways.

One of the worst kinds of people in the world are those who can't wait for school to end, then get bored within the first week of summer.

One thing you should never take for granted is the invention of wheels, especially if you're moving into a multi-storied dorm.

Once you're passed your teenage years, say hello to senility!

You probably have a quirky sense of humor if you love older, bizarre movies like Clue, Once Upon a Crime, and Galaxy Quest, as well as painting well-known symbols from children's shows...

You've probably done something wrong if people care more about the antagonist than the protagonist, especially if it's before the antagonist's sob story.

It's a rare day on Facebook when you see an ORIGINAL photo that's funny and endearing at the same time.  If only people weren't sheep...

Just by treating others how you would like to be treated, no matter the age difference, it's surprising how your actions will be reciprocated.

People will see what they want to see, even if you have blatantly told them the truth.  Alas, it's no longer your fault for them falling for a prank but an illusion casted from their own mind(s).

Telling someone else to be open-minded, especially when they're joking around, comes off extremely hypocritical when you're not open-minded yourself.

Blaming someone for an unintentional mishap only causes corrosion in trust.

Some electronic brands should be blacklisted for their atrocious quality.

Some people really take the saying "shop 'til you drop" a little too literally.  Don't be one of those people.

You're only digging a deeper nerd/geek hole the more you enjoy fandom crossovers.

It's amazing how talking to someone one-on-one reveals many details you missed before.

The end of an era reveals itself when changes continually come to a once successful thing.

Example:
Reality competition shows and their judge switcheroos.

You know you have first world problems when your sibling says "all of this digital running is making me hungry!"

Every once in awhile, Facebook is actually useful in achieving play dates.

The feeling of finishing an awesome semester is DELIGHTFUL.  Unless it's marred by the fact that you only have a two week break, but nonetheless!

The trick to studying for tests isn't just to know the material, but the test format as well.

For tumblr users:  reposting instead of reblogging, especially if no credit is given, is extremely obnoxious.

You may answer a question correctly even if you heard the question incorrectly. The laughter after realizing what you should have heard will be heard throughout the house.

One of the surest ways to cause a rift in a relationship is to forget about a patient person.

Going down memory lane can be very humbling. To see where your parents lived 30 years ago and look at where they are living now, is a great eye opener on how determination and will power can propel you towards success.

If you were ever considered a nerd or geek for liking something of a younger age group, do not fret!  Just give yourself a few years and you'll suddenly be a part of the popular crowd!

Heat is all relative. Sure, it might be 110 degrees outside, but if you're in a car with the heat blasting in your face, the moment you step outside of the car it will feel like you have just stepped into a mall with awesome AC.

It's a worrisome sign when you're testing out a programming assignment and only the negatively titled tests are working.

Examples:
Tests that did work -- Suicide-note, Insult, CS-nightmare, Programming-nightmare, Friday-the-13th
Tests that did not work -- Dear-John, Haiku, Bond-movie. Bionic-Woman

You never appreciate what you have until you go elsewhere and experience something worse.

The Olympics is one of the few remaining things that brings the world together peacefully.  The world roots for everyone's wellbeing and talents instead of trying to drag them down.

Cherish the time you spend with your family because as you get older, time spent with family only gets shorter and shorter as your life gets busier and busier.

It is not always drama and extravagance that is remembered, but a moment of pure, delightful quirkiness.

You know you've met a lady like girl when she stands at a crosswalk saying "This smells like sh!t." Well guess what girl? Maybe it's your attitude that's sh!t. Have a good attitude when in public, as others are watching!

Even if you're not part of a group you continue to receive emails from, sometimes it's better not to unsubscribe from that list; you may be amused by emails and snarky replies that ensue.

Cars should stay in between the lines on the road.  Unfortunately, many drivers don't understand this.

There is something to be said when certain children's cartoons are more poignant than many live-action movies.

Attempting to incapacitate someone doesn't work too well if you lose your balance...

To keep this lesson as tasteful as possible:  as a female, remember to shave often.

One of the greatest things to receive is a physically written thank you note from someone you've always looked up to, (:

There are never random shots in movies. Every hesitation, every lingering moment is a hint towards the ending.

One of the saddest things to experience is the conclusion of a fandom you love.

When playing a game of "Who Can Get the TA's attention first?" and the way to catch their attention is via an electronic queue, clicking stupendously fast is an excellent skill, but pay attention!  If you keep clicking even after you entered the queue first, you will lose your place and get reprimanded by your partner with a "YOU FOOL!" that the entire class can hear.

Thank you letters really do seem to work.  Send them out after job interviews!  After receiving parting gifts!  Send them with sincerity!

You know you have baked delicious cookies when you come home to a smaller stash of cookies.

Independence and responsibility really do go hand in hand.  If you're a parent, try not to oppress independence with a reason of protectiveness; it will not work out in the long run.

Somedays being absolutely lazy and doing nothing is the best thing to do. Spend this time cooking and baking with friends will relieve any stress you were feeling prior.

Walking with someone for at least 30 minutes is an excellent way to bond as well as exercise.

A long day of a dreadful event can turn out well if you are surrounded by awesome friends who can entertain you for an entire day. There's always a bright side to everything!

Staying up late to talk to strangers is actually a pleasant experience, as long as these strangers are actually internet friends you've known for a few years and talk is casual.

You know your cooking is somewhat decent when the aroma of your microwaved food makes others hungry. Well, either your cooking is good, or the person is very hungry.

One of the most interesting things in life is to wonder why people like you, especially when you're not the kindest person to them.

We do live in a small world sometimes. You will find someone with a connection with you in the most unexpected places and will be pleasantly surprised.

Bad luck in the morning usually means excellent luck later in the day (if not strange luck...)!  You will do well on your tests as well as enjoy a weird outing with your younger sibling's friends!

Making dinner for friends is a rewarding feeling. Especially when there is nothing left on the plates, meaning either the food was really great, or they came ravenous and devoured anything in their sight.

The kindness of an outgoing friend, no matter their age, is something to truly appreciate.

You know you have found a good friend when you can spend hours talking to that person about absolutely nothing to absolutely everything.

To ensure a battle to the death, do NOT use BCC in e-mails, especially ones concerning jobs.

Life is full of surprises. You may think you are safe to touch things in a grocery store, until you see someone rather rotund pick a wedgie in front of you in broad daylight. Be wary and cautious to touch things that may have been touched by such individuals.

Most people do not like confrontation, especially the aggressive kind.  However, why confront directly when you can do things indirectly?  Perhaps all that is needed is a gentle suggestion instead of "You're an idiot."

A little trip to the store on a Sunday afternoon can be filled with surprises. You may find yourself talking to an old friend from high school which you have not seen for years! Catching up with them will leave a smile on your face.

One of most entertaining things to do online is to liveblog something while you watch it.  A series, a movie, a book, whatever the media, liveblog and be entertained!

Solving puzzles in the wee hours of the morning may not be the best, but when you do solve a puzzle before going to bed, you'll be sure to have a good night's rest!

In accordance with July-Lesson 20, even if you run out of things to say, "That's when you know you've found somebody special. When you can just shut the **** up for a minute and comfortably enjoy the silence."

For the unfamiliar, Pulp Fiction

Being in a room and taking a test for over four hours can make a person very grumpy. Especially when a considerate beings decide to read out loud while they are taking their exams with other. Refrain from throwing things as it will only increase the level of anxiety. Keep a cool head and show the test who's boss!

The hypocrisy of human nature knows no bounds.  A public image of friendliness and civility may merely veil the polar opposite.  Commendations are given to acting skills.  None are given for sincerity.

See:  January - Lesson 51

Nervous? Anxious? Think you are going to go crazy? Call up a friend, go feed some ducks and bake up a storm. You will find yourself becoming more relaxed. Your heart will slow down to a mere 100 beats per minute as opposed to 1000. Friends are a great medicine to the anxious.

Slow and steady wins the race.  This is also sound advice to avoid slipping on wet crosswalks!

It's funny how technologically dependent we have become. When going to a Fourth of July celebration, instead of enjoying the outdoors and grilled foods, friends are enjoying a game on their phone. Take time to enjoy the time you have with your friends, you won't regret putting your phone down.

Beating a game is fantastic, even if took forever.  Electronic fireworks don't quite compare, but memories of previous July 4ths will elicit a warm fuzzy feeling.

The nervousness of taking an exam will only hinder one. Although hard to step past the nervousness, one should try their hardest to forget their fear and have confidence in what they know.

Driving like a douchebag with your company phone number and information on the back is an excellent idea if you want to receive a criticizing email!

Puzzle solving at 4 am can be difficult, but when you solve a somewhat easy puzzle, you'll find yourself having a great night (well...morning) sleep!

Randomly adding friends on Facebook, especially if you and the potential "friend" have no mutual friends, will get you this reaction:

You may plan to be at a party for only an hour, then you realized how you have been a hermit for the past week and how much you've missed interacting with your friends! This one hour can easily turn into five hours, so when you have friends, always prepare to stay longer.

No matter how trivial the meeting, remembering names is always a good thing.  A sincerity in caring is shown.

You will find yourself knowing more about a friend when you have to look for a birthday present for them. You start realizing how you notice their sense of style and taste in all sorts of things! The best is when you are able to find a great present for your friend.

Being sucked into a fandom is a dangerous game.  Before you know it, one word happens:  OBSESSION.

You are sleep deprived when taking one nap before 11 am is not enough, but two makes you feel refreshed!

Whenever watching or reading a fictional work, it's good to ask yourself:  "Why do I like this character?"  Better insight of yourself will be found, as well avoiding potentially adverse situations in the future.

You are never too tired to make yourself some dinner! It may take an hour or two to make a dinner, but after a day's of hard work, a nice home cooked meal is well deserved and fulfills the empty stomach.

Exercise, [un]fortunately, truly does make you less grumpy.

The feeling of not having to go into work for the next few weeks is a wonderful feeling, until you realize why you took a week off of work...right to study! Work never sounded so great!

Subtleness is an art form.  Turning around and observing a bus sign just as a person you know starts walking towards you is NOT subtlety, especially if you two are the only living beings in a good 100-foot radius.

Sometimes, it's shocking how much you can care about a fictional world and its inhabitants.

Morning lab meetings can be quite mundane, mostly when you have no idea what the presenter is talking about. No matter how hard you try to focus and pay attention, you will find your eyes slowly becoming heavier and heavier, this is a great time to work out the ocular muscles.

One of the worst feelings in the world is to one day learn that, although you may have been above average in the past, you have suddenly become the bottom rung.  In other words, always have reality checks!  You may save yourself from a myriad of situations!

Sometimes all you need is a nice little break from studying. A nice hike to a waterfall will do the job. Take a nap and proceed to study, you will be surprised at the results.

Trying to steal/control someone else's property is a big no-no, physically or abstractly.

A car wash is impossible without water. So when someone tells you there is no water and you insist on a car wash...you will receive a lot of blank stares.

Human generosity can easily be seen when you fundraise.  Learn from this!  People are more likely to respect and like you if you work hard towards a goal!

Ice cream makes the world go round. When plans don't fall through, ice cream will always be there to make you happy...unless you eat a gallon worth of ice cream.

A person's testimony may bear no opposition to a person of title.  Do not become "a name without a reality [that was] formerly a reality without a name."

Having a hard time sleeping? Watch the OKC Thunders get blown out of the water by the Miami Heats, that will surely put you to sleep. No need to count any sheep.

Sometimes, life just magically works out for you.

Example:
Needed a partner for a class but felt bad for someone else?  It will work out!

Being a parent is a hard job, but it is during tough times when you must be the strongest. Letting go of your guard and crying hysterically when your child is given the news of possible growth of cancer, will not reassure your child. Although hard, as a parent you must keep your head up to keep the morale of your child up.

The older you get, the more sleep you need.


Example:
Freshman year, three hours?  Okay!
Junior year?  HELL NO.

Complaints about your life get you no where in life. The more you complain, the less people care. Push through your complaints and get over yourself. Just do it.

Life is a continually changing experience, even when you're bored to tears.  At one point in life, you may have been so introverted, you were essentially a selective mute.  Suddenly, you realize one day that something changed--you actually have decent people skills.

In other words, even you seem to be subpar in something at the moment, if you work hard (even if it's a slow process) and use common sense, you will eventually attain it.

Example (Physical appearance):

Embarrassing moments sometimes happen in pairs. You may come home to a bathroom door wide open while the shower is on and scare your roommate. You may also proceed a few hours later to almost walk into a pre-occupied bathroom due to failure to notice that guests may also be using the bathroom. This is when you hope the person in the bathroom did not see or hear anything.

A passion, once lost, is extraordinarily hard to regain.

Waking up early to make a delicious breakfast is a great way to start off a day!

The gift of appreciation is hard to earn, and even harder to receive.  Even if you don't like a physical gift, be sure to show your appreciation for the thought behind the gift.  Otherwise, a deterioration in the gift-giver's happiness may occur.

When canceling plans on your friend, please do so far in advance. Canceling within a few hours of the reservation time is not considerate, as your friend could have made other plans. Be a good friend and be considerate when changing plans.

When at a lecture, it's fine that you don't always clap.  It is, however, a problem when you don't ever clap at all.  Come on now.  These people are lecturers for a reason; they're charismatic and inspirational in some form.  Show some appreciation!

Spending time with friends is a good way to take a break from studying, no matter what stupid things they end up doing.

The more you work at a skill, the better you get at it!  Don't stop when you think you're stellar; keep practicing forever and always!

Waiting is one of the worst things you may have to do in your life. Especially when you are waiting for your friend to find their wonderful prank awaiting for them amidst rainbows.

Ever try to act superior and/or condescending when you actually don't know anything at all? Yeah, it doesn't work. You may come off dumber than you actually are or maybe not.

Sometimes being too hopeful is not realistic. Too much of a positive can become a negative, especially in the medical field.

Hope is just around the corner. You may think that something has ended when you really have a chance.  However, just because you received one chance doesn't mean you should stop.  Keep trying for other opportunities until you succeed.

You don't realize what you are missing until you get it back.

Patience is a virtue, but sometimes, it's ridiculous to wait any longer. Oddly enough, the dead may revive when you want to let go of their hand.

Sometimes motivation comes unexpectedly. To be able to see someone with great compassion working at their best is the best way to motivate you in the right direction. Do not seek motivation as sometimes it will come to you.

Photomanipulation of people in unlikely situations may cause some highly amusing results.

Take a day off from studying or work and spend it with your awesome friends. You will not regret what fun and stupid things you may end up doing and the fatigue that comes with it.

Always go in pairs on recreational activities. This will ward off potential kidnappers and be a nice way to socialize.  Besides, you never know when you'll learn some first aid first hand!

When helping kids with activities, you may find yourself being a kid as well. You are never too old to be a kid!

Making snarky comments at people taller than you will involve a heavy amount of slapping you can't quite avoid.

You know you are not well-versed in a culture when the only names you can remember from a textbook are "Muhammad" and "Jafar."

It's important to know how you portray yourself to the world. If you are too negative and pessimistic, people will talk about you in such a manner. On the other hand, if you are a hardworker and caring, people will reciprocate your actions.

Knowing the basics of many languages will help save you from embarrassment.  Know some English, French, Spanish, and Chinese.  Otherwise, you may interpret something completely different...much to your own chagrin...

Example:
"Okie dokie!  Would you like me to meet you there?  Or meeting me at mi casa and go together?"

[You, having next to no knowledge of Spanish, think that "Mi Casa" is a Vietnamese noodle place called "Casa"] "Where is mi casa again?"

"Mi casa = my house in spanish."

/commence laughter

Being forced to go out of your typical places is quite an intriguing experience.  The people act different, the places look different, and all in all, you feel out of place.  However, if you act normal, things may turn out to be pleasantly surprising in the end.  Don't always focus on feeling awkward.  Go with the flow!

Everyone likes to think that they're right.  Everyone likes to think that they're never at fault.  HOWEVER, be wary of miscommunication!  This is both parties being at fault and not one or the other.  Think things through before playing the blame game!

It is amazing how sufficient sleep can make a pounding headache go away! Make sure to catch up on your sleep during the weekends!

You know you live in an Asian household when upstairs is too hot, downstairs is too distracting, and the basement is too cold...

You may be pleasantly surprised going to something you had no excitement for. Going to events all depends on who you go with and how you spend your time with them. An event you may not think was "your scene" may in fact become fun!

Parties for "adults" don't really involve activities.  Thus, be sure you go with a group you enjoy socializing with!

After a long week of work and studying, a feel good comedy is a must! Go watch a hilarious at the end of a hardworking week and you won't regret it!

The surest way to see your application from a stranger's perspective (without actually asking another person to read it) is to remove your name, font preferences, and any other distinguishing factors about you besides your actual statements.  Then, read the application a few days later and see if you sound too pretentious or too bimbo-esque.

Children are easily amused. A simple tablet of Alka-seltzer, film canister and water can go a long way. They will continuously shoot home-made rockets until they have to go home.

"Once is curiosity.  Three times is stupidity."

When attempting to do something physical and it obviously doesn't work, listen to the above quote.

It is truly amazing how kids can touch your lives so much even though you have met them for merely five minutes. Make a goal to meet kids, you will be amazed at what they are capable of.

When in awkward social situations where a stranger asks for your name, wait for a friend to respond first, seeing if they give their real name or an alias.  Based on their response, follow suit.

You don't know what it feels like to have you heart fall out of your ass until you see flashing blue and red lights and the sound of sirens behind you. This is when you hope that karma is good to you and you won't have to face telling your parents of a possible increase in insurance prices.

The harder you try to avoid something, the more likely it will take you by surprise.

A goal set a year ago may have seemed out of reach, but when a year has gone by and you can look back at all the accomplishments you have made, a great celebratory feeling overcomes you. To all the great memories and to many more!

A year may seem like it takes forever to pass, and perhaps some of your resolutions and goals have fallen by the wayside.  However, after passing a full year of [somewhat] consistent lessons, a great feeling of victory and triumph is at hand!

Food is always necessary for a celebration.

Time spent with a pseudo-family is great. Especially when you haven't seen them for a very long time. A simple meal and spending time watching a game show can fulfill a family void.

Never watch a show you like while on a short break from studying.  You will surely never stop in "5 minutes" and just keep marathoning...and marathoning...and marathoning...

Baking is quite the adventure. You may laugh at your friend's stupid mistake, until you make your own mistake and cause a lovely fire. Stay calm and watch as the fire slowly dies, while this happens your friend will be in panic mode. The aftermath? Great food and fun memories.

Be informed of things you may potentially be interested in.  You may be unpleasantly surprised to find out you unintentionally showed interest in an erotica novel.

Getting a nice message from a friend that you haven't seen in awhile always brings a good smile to your face. Maybe being a hermit isn't so bad after all!

Every once in awhile, when you're so consumed with your own first impressions, you may find out that others around you are not as superior as you thought.  In fact, they may be astoundingly subpar!

The things you say really leave a great impact on others. Example: For a person who wants to be a future physician's assistant. "No,I don't actually like to work, I just know a career in the health field is stable and will provide my family with good money..." Yes, this is the type of medical care we all love to see. Be aware of what you say as there may be questionable eye brow raises directed towards you.

Double check your document names.  You may be mortified to find out that your abbreviation turns out to be an unflattering adjective.

Example:
The shortening of analysis:  anal[your name].doc

When driving, do not think for one second that no one is watching you! Yes lady, I can see you checking out your bosoms from my car, and yes you have been looking at them for the duration of this light. If you want to do things discreetly in your car, make sure your windows are tinted.

Taking advice from somebody who fails to succeed is like jumping into a pit of writhing black mambas and saying it won't hurt.

The feeling of hunger and the inability to feed oneself with any food is quite detrimental. It puts into perspective of how starvation feels like.

Reading examples and instructions carefully the first time, even if it's a slow process, will surely save you from confusion and feelings of stupidity later.

When you are sick, you'll be surprised how nasty food will look and smell to you. It will make you repulsive and never ever eat again, regardless of how much you loved food before.

To save yourself from embarrassment, always learn how to pronounce uncommon words.  You may find out that you've been saying things wrong for way too long.

Example:
Menial

Going without food for 5 hours is very grueling, especially when you are taking an exam during this period. Don't let your stomach take over your senses, the results may not be pleasant.

Trying to study while starving is an excellent way to become distracted!

Eating at a cutesy hole in the wall restaurant is rather pleasant. Especially when it is with friends and your server is a cute old Asian lady who is cheerful as can be. You will find yourself sitting there for countless hours.

When unable to find parking for a festival, driving around for several blocks while pretending to be a tour guide may turn out to be quite entertaining, especially if your passenger actually knows their directions.  However, the cherry on top in this situation is giving up on finding an unlimited parking spot, pulling into the first open spot you see, and find out that the spot has no time limit!

You know when you like your research project when getting results becomes very intense and nerve-racking! Waiting patiently as the machine reads the results of your treatments and slowly spitting out what you want to see is pretty rewarding.

The days where you bum around the house are the days you are most likely to receive an invitation to go out.

Baking with a friend is great, baking for a family member is even better! Little actions followed by delicious goodies are always a great way to show your appreciation.

Even if you begin driving only a few minutes after your usual time, time and traffic will be against you.  The left lane (read:  the fast lane) will consist of turtle-like drivers while the right lanes will be blocked by semi-trucks and people who refuse to speed up or slow down, causing you to curse like there's no tomorrow.

You know when you are really missing someone when a very small task reminds you of them.

Silence is deafening when alone.

Funny how hard it is to remember some days, and then you realized what you did that day and you understand it was such a blur. This is what happens when you take out your side rear-view mirror and no epic story arises from this incident, just a simple case of "Asian Driver" syndrome.

One of the strangest experiences in life is to understand something that seems so simple to you but is nearly impossible for someone else to grasp.  Only then will you appreciate your own knowledge and experiences.

Children are simply amazing. They may be fighting for their life against cancer, but they can still come out on top and make those around them smile. Let children be our role models.

Respect and patience are hard-earned virtues, not rights.  However, in order to avoid breaking, some skills in flexibility may be required.

Even if time has caused family dynamics to change, be glad that you have any memories at all.

"No matter what barriers may come between you and your goal, you must push through and never give up." Advice may come in unexpected moments, but these are the advice push you towards the next step and gives you the boost of confidence needed.

To ensure that the person you are face painting for is thoroughly happy with the work of art, do not provide mirrors!

As you grow older, it's often hard not to have cynicism.  However, closer observation of everyday affairs may reveal a greater depth of human nature.

When a SUV is reversing, stand by to watch what it is doing. Yes, it may stop and put its car in drive, but it can also quickly change to reverse in an instant. This is when you run quickly away from the SUV in order to escape from innards from being crushed.

If ever in a warlike game, such as a water fight, never target only one person, especially if they haven't done anything to you.  You will ruin the person's fun.

A simple gesture from a little boy to show that he is sorry can brighten your day. One of the many perks of volunteering.

Overestimating your cooking skills may be a dreadful discovery.  Always prepare your stomach and tastebuds for the worst.

Helping others is a very rewarding feeling. Being able to help a person or friend achieve something they thought was unattainable makes it that much more rewarding. Try it, you might like it!

The shorter you are, the bigger your head will appear in a portrait.  Also, it's important to pay attention to a friend's siblings due to the awkward experience that follows when it's obvious you just mixed them up without knowing it...and there's a 5+ year difference between them...and they don't really look that similar...

Time flies when you are catching up with an old friend. You will suddenly realize that you have somewhere else to go, but yet you still linger to talk more with your friend. Good friends = good talks.

Even if you doubt your own abilities, you may occasionally be surprised when you look at former pieces, finished or unfinished.  Believe in yourself if many others have said the same!

A simple letter of appreciation is more than any monetary amount or a gift can ever express the gratitude a friend has for one another. Friendship should revolve on kind words and actions.

For a well-done, convoluted wuxia story that will constantly keep you guessing, please watch Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils, based on the novel by Jin Yong.

Watching a movie with only a few people in the theater is quite fun, you can say a lot of things you normally wouldn't say when a lot more people are around.

Contrary to May - Lesson 9, marathoning shows may actually be quite an excellent experience...if you're in the mood for it, as it may make the show's events easier to remember and thus make it more enjoyable.

Guys = less dramatic than girls. Therefore are more fun to hang out with, unless you dig the drama and emotions that come with the excess amounts of estrogen, then the opposite would be true.

Binge exercising is not good...binge anything is not good.  Moderation is the way to go!

The later the night gets, the more fun baking becomes! Spend some time baking with a close friend at night and you will see how much more fun it is than baking alone!

If you like a friend enough to attend an event where you're likely to know less than a handful of the attendees, you may be in for a pleasant surprise.  Depending on your interests (and theirs, of course), you may get along quite well with complete strangers!

It's amazing how a good pair of shoes can lighten up someone's day!! Buy a pair, but be sure you don't leave a hole in your wallet.

Packing takes a ridiculously long time.  Pack early and plan for the worst, that way, you may have extra time in the end and not be sweating like you're on a death march.

The moment you are finished with a final is the moment your life becomes really productive. All the fun you have been deprived of and all those errands that are overdue will be accomplished within the few hours after the last final.

When it comes to free food, manners people once learned often go out the window.  If you have a friend who takes more than they should, kindly remind them that they look like a glutton.

A good sleep schedule and regular meals will help you get through finals week. Never let yourself be deprived of sleep or food, performance is directly related to these factors.

It's good to pay to details, but don't assume and miss the big picture!  Just because something on the screen catches your eye does NOT mean that's what your friend was referring to.

Example:
Bright pink e-card caught the eye...instead of the intended Hunger Games post...

Jumping to conclusions may land you in a boat of awkwardness.

Never EVER cheat during a final exam. Not only will you distract others, but you will be embarrassed for the rest of your school career, that is only if you have the dignity to be embarrassed by your stupid act.

In the USA, the left lane is for fast drivers, especially if there isn't a left turn lane coming up.

Assertiveness is key. You must let older people control you because they think they can. Respect them, but be assertive to ensure you will get your point across.

Forgive, but never forget.  Very rarely will people change once you see their darker side.  Don't get caught up in the moment.

Weddings can be quite the experience! Especially when it is not a family wedding. A person may ask you how the food is, when they know damn well that it sucks! Take this opportune moment to practice your poker face.

The day you send birthday wishes via private messages rather than publicly posting them on social networking sites is the day you should probably clear out your friends list, especially if there's a chance that those you didn't say happy birthday to may take offense.

Waking up in the middle of the day can make you a very a lazy person. You will want to just stay in bed for the rest of the day and do absolutely nothing.

Who needs drugs when sleep deprivation provides the same amount of amusement, if not more?  Strange names may arise for things when a person you know stays up until 5am, rattling on about kitties...

Deleting a few words from a sentence can make a big difference. Example: What you really wanted to say, "When I was a little girl," but by deleting the word "little" the uncertainty of your identity becomes the real subject of the conversation.

If you ever have the chance to become an application reviewer, do it.  You will definitely see what's good to put on an application and/or resumé as well as what to avoid.

Steer clear of dramatic girls. They will make you mad. They will make you want to slap them silly. They will make you wish girls were never invented in this form. They will make you so glad that you are not like them. Dramatic girls = bad news bears.

When complimenting people out of the blue, it's probably a good idea not to hover over their shoulder.  It makes you appear like a creeper, especially when it's at a library and the complimentee is working on a project.

Productivity levels can be high even if you are in your pajamas all day! Who said sleeping wasn't productive?

When on the Internet and not using secure/reputable webpages, always be sure to use an alias.  You never know when you'll meet a crazy person online.  Also, if an email seems suspicious, it probably is.  Copy and paste the contents into Google and see if any scam results show up!

When making vanilla ice cream, do not forget to add in the vanilla, but most importantly do not forget to add in the sugar. Frozen cream and milk doesn't taste as good as vanilla ice cream.

Receipts tell a lot about a person. Don't leave such information lying around.

In all unlikely circumstances you will find something that will surprise you. Always look on the bright side, as there will always be something or someone there to help you.