Strategy for those Monday surprises

Today was just the most recent in a string of Monday surprises this year, by which I mean assignments which were NOT due suddenly were. A bad moment under any circumstances, right?

But because I am now applying my new strategy, I was ready when my first period teacher announced that we'd had enough time to work on it, and today we were turning in the assignment. First period, and on a Monday! My partner and I had worked yesterday on the assignment, emailing drafts back and forth, so that we were ready and turned it in, and for a major grade too, which counts as 70% instead of the daily grade (30%) we all believed this was.

Our grade was the only 100, and the highest grade in the class - compared to the average 60.

But the real point here is my new strategy, which is this: do everything you can, complete all assignments possible, AS IF they are due tomorrow - or, especially, on Monday.

The strategy works because you finish everything without putting it off - you know what I'm talking about here - just because you have more time and therefore just because you can. It forces you to assume that you MUST knock it out.

The bonus is that you keep your time open for the new incoming assignments, because there will always be incoming.

There really ARE apps for all that!

First, a top five list - notable for a different flashcard application (I still like Quizlet a lot), another graphing calculator to try, and Evernote which I actually like and use. I'm planning to try the project app soon. Here's the link.

Next, here's a list from Lifehacker for the Mac Student

Continuing our Apple/Mac theme, here are 8 more.

And this' year's updates list from AppStorm here.

Know what doesn't work very well? Those big paper calendars that lie flat on your desk. Seems like it would be handy to write on, easy to see for reminders, etc. The reality? That's where I put stuff down or spread my work out on the desk, covering it up.

Sweatpants?

Sweatpants - at least a certain kind - are a great solution to the first decision of the day: what to wear. Nike makes them without elastic at the bottom, which makes them look more like pants and less like you're on the way to workout. And with the deep side pockets, back pocket with velcro, and the heavyweight fabric you just look like you're wearing COMFORTABLE pants. 

They're also a good solution for your mood, because who doesn't feel better wearing sweats?

Here is your illustrated guide to a PhD

Matt Might's illustrated guide to a PhD explains it visually. But to understand you need to take a look at the full explanation here

Strange but interesting

Big Bang Flash Mob fun to start your Thanksgiving break

Taking the longer view

Here are some ways I've been looking at the future:

This is the last time I'll see these particular trees in my back yard turn colors. Next year at this time I'll be living somewhere else, and see different trees lose their leaves.

I just placed my order for my cap and gown. Four years from now I'll have my college graduation to look forward to.

Ten years from now I will have become what I set out to be, working and driving (I hope) a paid-for Mustang GT.

How awesome is that?