Easy Binder Organization

Since starting college how I organized my classwork has changed drastically. Folders and spirals for the first time in forever (they'll be music, they'll be fun... sorry but I couldn't resist a Frozen reference). 

And this new system really works well for me. It's much friendlier on my back! Now that I'm carrying around so many textbooks, binders were really out of the question. Although I have had at least one "looseleaf textbook" each semester due to the sheer size of the book (this semester it's actually just 100+ page financial report we're working with all semester); in which case I would only put a spiral and the chapters we were working on in it.  

But in High School, I used a very different system that I loved. Each class had a binder and each binder was set up the same way using 5 dividers with tabs.

The first divider was labelled "To Do" and is exactly what the name implied: it housed my homework for that night which was often a worksheet or packet section. I also put any homework calendars, monthly/unit overview sheets, or project rubrics here. (Once my homework was finished I would put it right before the "To Do" so it was easy to find.) 

The second divider was labelled "Current Topic" and is, again, very self explanatory. Any notes, handouts, or finished homework from the chapter or unit being worked on went here and was always in chronological order.

The third divider was labelled "Past Topics." Basically once we were tested on the "Current Topic" that section was moved here. This was really nice when it came time for midterms/finals because all the notes were here and uncluttered.

The fourth divider was labelled "Reference." This was almost always the smallest binder section and usually housed the course syllabus and anything that would be used consistently throughout the semester. Some examples being the Periodic Table in Chemistry, formula sheets in Physics or math classes, special grammar handouts for French, etc. 

The final divider was labelled "Paper" and you guessed it, it had plenty of looseleaf stocked up.

This method was fantastic because I always knew where to find my homework (both To Do and to turn in), to look for notes from last class, and to not worry about misplacing my syllabus because they were in their assigned spots.

What do you use for your class organization system? 

What's In My Agenda

So this is a follow up to another post about how I organize my baby agenda. First, a disclaimer: these are tips and tricks that work FOR ME, customization is key to lasting organization. I suggest you at least try them but if you know one of these tips will not work with your lifestyle skip it or adapt it and find something that does work. Now, let's get started.

- To organize an agenda or planner you first need to get an agenda! It doesn't have to super fancy or expensive but I do suggest an actual planner over a simple notebook. I have this Five Star one from Mead and it's perfect! 

I love the vertical layout and simple cover but if horizontal chunks and Lilly Pulitzer, Jonathan Adler, or your school's agenda are more your speed go for because this thing is going to be with you for a LONG time!

- Next comes the color coding aka my favorite part! At the beginning of the semester I assign each of my classes and activities a color. Everything related to it is that color: it's folder, spiral, and highlighter. When I see a green box next to something on my To Do list I immediately know it's for MKTG345.

-  Finally, use your planner! WRITE STUFF DOWN! It should be one of the first things you put in your backpack and one of the first things you pull out in class or when you sit down to study, do homework, etc. And the (in my opinion) most fun part, CROSS STUFF OFF! Seeing the fruits of your efforts is super fulfilling and excellent motivation. 

What are some of your agenda organizing tips?

On Repeat: The Beatles

This weekend marked the golden anniversary of The Beatles arrival in the U.S. and their first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. Being my favorite band I listen to a LOT of Beatles' music and today is no different. Here's a sampling of my favorites.  

In My Life

- I've already decided this will be what my father-daughter dance will be at my wedding.

Across the Universe

- Although this song is not intended to be a worship song by any means, I can't help but feel closer to The Lord while listening to it. Maybe it's something about how the minutiae of life is contrasted with the phrase Jai guru deva ohm which means "victory to God divine."

Eight Days a Week

- So upbeat and fun to dance to! This is another future wedding song.

Octopus's Garden

- This kid's I nanny and babysit for love this song and I can see why. It's so sweet and almost sounds like it could be a cartoon.

Here Comes the Sun

- Who can't help but smile when they hear this song? I always think the scene in The Parent Trap when it comes on.

Let it Be

- Basically perfect.

Hey Jude

- Again, basically perfect and a great crowd pleaser. It was so fun singing this at the Paul McCartney concert with 40,000 others.

There's so many more I didn't include for the sake of keeping this post a bearable length.

But surprise! Here's a quick clip of that first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show! I couldn't resist. :)

What are your favorite Beatles' songs?

Freedom: Reflection on GΓΣΣK Retreat

This weekend was one of the most fun weekends I have ever had in my life. To be with roughly 150 members of UL's Greek community as well as fifteenish students from UT, University of Florida, and Tulane. I learned a lot and bonded a lot with my sisters. Here's a run of how the weekend went. 

Friday

Well after working and a quick visit to the clinic to get my eyes checked out, I went over to Our Lady of Wisdom and the Catholic Student Center to help out with a few administration-y set up things and prayer for the retreat. Then after check-in was complete we got together with our family groups and ate dinner. Sadly, it was chik-fil-a sandwiches which while delicious do not make the cut for my New Year's Resolution. Then it was time for the bus ride up to Tall Timbers retreat center. One we got there we found our cabins and then went to the opening session. We watched this video which led to our discussion on the retreat's theme: Freedom. We then had time with our chapters to talk about whatever we wanted. This led to some really engaging discussion and questions. After a joke about getting Father Sibley to answer some questions we went out to find him and ask. He and Father McIntyre stayed to answer our questions for almost an hour.

Saturday

Our cabin was one of the few that didn't have hot water this weekend, not only that but the water pressure was horrible. This led to a very quick shower with most of the shampoo still left in my hair. We then had a catechetical mass, which is essentially a teaching mass and Father explains what's going on and WHY. It was really cool because he related it all back to Greek life and Rituals. We then had lab sessions about different topics I went to one about why Catholic do what we do, basically pick a Priest's brain round two. ;) We had free time for games like bazooka ball, volleyball, air hockey, hikes, studying, napping, etc. After this time we went to separate men's and women's labs. We had one about Finding the One (#plottwist it's Jesus) and I went to one about regret. We got then got back with our chapters and later family groups for more hanging out and discussion. Then maybe my second favorite part Adoration. I love being in the physical presence of Jesus and having that time to spend with Him. I also went to confession for the first time in almost 12 years. Finally my night wound down at the bonfire and a hike through the middle of the woods at night. I was pretty waiting for Jason to come get us the entire time. How I even fell asleep that night is a miracle. 

Sunday

We met with our family groups to discuss our experiences and how we can bring what we've learned to schools and chapters. We had mass, then chapter time (which double-dutied for packing time) and it was back to UL.

For freedom Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit to the yoke of slavery. - Galatians 5:1. 

Sorry this post was such an info dump but I had to write it all down! 

What are some of your retreat experiences?