mariespeaks

[mariespeaks]

school started on Wednesday which is cool I guess. It’s weird having real school again. Tests are in person so I have to put in the effort to make a good grade. Right now I’m working on math which is definitely my hardest class so far. I’m really looking forward to being done with it. As for everything else, it’s just a lot of reading, but not a ton more beyond that. Overall, things aren’t too bad now, but then again, I’ve only had 3 days of classes. Tonight, I’ll try to finish up adding my homework into @todoistofficial so that I won’t have to think about it too much. https://www.instagram.com/p/CTGVSBHHsD4/?utm_medium=tumblr

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i wish i had a solution for how to do boring work. i don’t think there is a fail proof, perfect solution to force yourself to do stuff you don’t want to do, but here’s what i’ve found helps some of the time. 

1. do it with a friend. hate studying? study with a friend. maybe that’s quizzing each other or maybe it’s just sitting together while you work on separate projects. i like to set up productive facetime study sessions with my friends to keep me accountable. 

2. try to rely on discipline/habits/routines instead of motivation. ex. use the self control app on mac to force yourself from your infinity pool time sucks. i’m not good at setting study routines, so i can’t speak to that

3. give yourself breaks. i do the pomodoro technique. i’m writing this post on one of my breaks actually

4. reward yourself. this doesn’t have to be a big thing. for me, i LOVE to cross of tasks in my bujo, that’s a great reward for me. or sometimes i like to post my progress on social media. 

5. minimize other points of friction. i’ve been using looseleaf paper to take my notes. and ya know, i kinda hate it. that’s probably too strong of language, but generally, i just don’t really like it and prefer to use a notebook for taking notes. so instead of forcing myself to use a system i dislike, i just purchased a notebook. 

i hope this helps. i don’t intend to seem like a study guru - i’m not. i’m just a student struggling to find a system that works for me. 

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1 day rule

i was watching matt deavella’s youtube channel and he talked about the “1 day rule”. the 1 day rule is when you never skip a habit for two days in a row. so you can only skip a habit for 1 day. i think this is a great idea for avoiding a slump/burn out, getting out of a slump, or even starting a new habit. the 1 day is a fantastic example of mindful productivity - being productive while still being kind to yourself. 

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sun 7 feb 2021

i’m steadily chugging through my very long to do list. these are real photos of my desk when studying. although i like keeping a tidy desk, it never stays clean while i’m studying. I’m prioritizing finishing my enviro work. my plans for the rest of the night are

- finish ap live videos

- do spanish homework

- do math worksheet

- do comp gov readings 

- catch up on pride and prejudice readings

i’m actually feeling pretty good about myself because i’m getting work done! i’ve been very unproductive and sort of depressed lately, so it’s nice to be getting back in the flow of studying and homework :))) 

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2/3/2021 I’m back. I’ve been struggling with life in general lately. Everything feels so overwhelming yk? If you feel that way, know that’s you’re not alone. Anyways, I’ve decided to use this account to catalogue my days. Today, I’m catching up on Pride and Prejudice for my AP Lit class. I’m like a solid 30 chapters behind where I should be. I’m not too worried about it because I’ve already read P&P, so I know what’s happening. Besides that, I have a essay-test-thingy due today so I also have to work on that. Anyways, today I’m reading at my dinner table. https://www.instagram.com/p/CK1iJljBSTR/?igshid=dlqdm446d2me

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i just finished a notebook and i feel so proud of myself. this school year, i went on a stationary no buy. i decided to use up my looseleaf paper and half full notebooks before i go to college. i don’t really like loose leaf paper that much, so i thought i’d use it up this year while i’m at home and can store it in binders (which i don’t love carrying to school bc they’re so bulky and heavy). 

anyways, i ripped out the unused pages in my notebooks, and started taking notes on them. i finished my chem notebook from 10th grade, my ap chem notebook from 11th grade, my bio notebook from 11th grade, and nearly my 2nd apush notebook (i used up 1 notebook completely in apush, then moved onto a second which i did not finish). 

i’m so proud of myself for setting a goal and sticking to it! using up the stationary you have is so important. i feel almost freer (?) having broken from the bonds of consumerism. like there’s something so simple and nice about finishing something: a book, a lip balm, a notebook, or pen. it’s also better for the environment to use up your resources then buy more as opposed to buying stuff you really don’t need. 

anyways, i just wanted to share this mini success with the ~world~ lol. i doubt anyone cares, but i am proud of myself! <3 

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Planet Earth II (2016) Episode 05 “Grasslands” Directed by Chadden Hunter

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it would definitely be “somebody that i used to know”. i hate that song more than anything else in this world

Weird question but if y’all were stuck in a time loop where you died and then the day restarted over and over again, what slightly insanity-inducing song would be playing every time you woke up

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My New Year's Resolutions for 2021

My New Year’s Resolutions for 2021

I have a number of New Year’s Resolutions. But who is really surprised by that? Literally, no one. It should be noted that these resolutions are in no particular order. I’m thinking of resolutions as I go along, so take that as you will.  One | Take My Meds Consistently  I am terrible about taking my medications every day, and obviously that’s really important. So I WILL get better about taking…

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My Picks for Eco-Friendly Notebooks

My Picks for Eco-Friendly Notebooks

One of  my big goals for my life is to be more environmentally friendly. I’ve been thinking about the whole paper notes vs. iPad debate and others like it. For example, instead of going out and buying a Tesla or Prius, it’s actually better to keep the car you currently have provided it isn’t  a massive gas-guzzler like a Hummer (or some other mechanical abomination)! So, I’m keeping my 2003 Camry…

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We Gotta Be Better People: We Cannot Go On Like This

We Gotta Be Better People: We Cannot Go On Like This

Y’all. We are failing to take care of one another and our environment. We don’t stay home when we should, drive too much, machine dry our clothes when they could hang to dry, and hoard resources.  I’ve been wracked with guilt. For the past five-ish years, I’ve been thinking a lot about my role in our world. I haven’t come to any definite conclusions besides these two: one, do as much good as…

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My Favorite Podcasts

Note: all links will be to apple podcasts. This American Life I love this podcast. I almost feel like I shouldn’t call it a podcast since for most of my life, I listened to it on the radio. NPR has been a facet of my life since before I could remember. Ira Glass’s voice just brings me home every time. Although I cannot separate the personal memories from This American Life, I can still…

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The Items of my Perfect Wardrobe - My Favorite Pieces

The Items of my Perfect Wardrobe – My Favorite Pieces

This is a long one, I hope you enjoy it! Nay, you better enjoy it, this took me like a whole 3 hours to make, so applause and external validation will be expected in the form of kind comments below. Thank you and enjoy the post 😉  Sweaters From left to right: Black Turtleneck | J. Crew Boyfriend Sweater | L.L. Bean Fisherman Sweater | Uniqlo V-Neck Sweater | Uniqlo Crewneck Sweater I live in…

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How I Bullet Journal as a Student

How I Bullet Journal as a Student

The Origin Story

I use my bullet journal as a glorified collection of to do lists. I’ve used a planner to organize my homework since 6th grade. I’d write down what homework was assigned that day. I didn’t bother with due dates – everything was almost always due the next day. Long term projects and due dates went in the monthly calendar. I’ve kept this system, at least some variation of it,…

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Swipe ➡️ to highlight 11/28/2020 Just some AP euro notes. I’m working my way through the AMSCO review book from the scientific revolution up to the enlightenment aka 10 chapters 😅 wish me luck!!! I’m also compulsively adding schools to my applying list so there’s that too. Lol! I think I’m just getting stressed because I haven’t been accepted anywhere yet which makes sense bc decisions aren’t release until December but still I’m stressed!! Anyways, I’m sure everything’s will work out, I just have to give myself time. https://www.instagram.com/p/CII_JHNBRm7/?igshid=1ldcgrdeos77b

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What I've Been Reading

What I’ve Been Reading

Hi!

I’ve been MIA. I apologize. I’ve been a bit of a trainwreck lately. I am a living testament that people really should take their meds… Also, I did this thing called applying to college, and that in and of itself was borderline traumatic, but I’m here and alive (mostly). 

Anyways, as always I’ve been reading. I’ll start with what I’m currently reading. 

Currently Reading The Grapes…

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Monday, 11-9-2020 Long day. I’m going to sleep now! Good night. I hope you had a good day. Here are some notes from my European history class. https://www.instagram.com/p/CHZhQGhBP0Y/?igshid=svajb7rzs4nu