For the Love of Lists

Engineering life one step at a time

How to Stay the Course: OpenCourseWare and Independent Study

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OCW Motivation
Ever wanted to learn a new language?  Pick up some computer skills?  Perhaps brush up on some world history?  It’s never been easier with the wide availability of open courses and online education.  The world of knowledge is literally at your fingertips 24/7, merely a click away.  But even with a resolution to expand your mind, it can be difficult to stay motivated when there is no external pressure to push through the work.  For some it even brings back memories of groaning school days and exam stress.  Yet, it doesn’t have to feel that way.  In this age we are given such an opportunity to learn anything we’ve ever wanted to learn from scholars and experts all around the world.  With a few tips and tricks you too can stay the course.
OpenCourseWare (OCW) lessons deliver educational content typically published by universities and posted free or at low-cost online.  They include course notes, example problems, videos, articles, and more designed for independent study.  A quick search will yield results from the likes of Harvard, Stanford, Johns Hopkins, Yale, Tufts, and many others.  In addition, stand alone learning sites have been established to provide general education on a variety of topics.  Subjects range from personal finance to advanced robotics, with everything in between.  Here are a few of my favorite sources:
So now that you’ve chosen a course, how do you approach it?  Check out these ten tips to keep you on track:
1) Set a (SMART) goal
     Before jumping into a course, you’ll be most successful if you understand what you want to learn and when you want to learn it by.  For example, “I’d like to complete this course on introductory physics within three months in order to understand the fundamentals of mechanics.”  Framing the goal will help you plan out the best way to achieve it.
2) Understand your motivation(s)
     It’s not always enough to just want to do something without knowing why you want to do it.  Ask yourself what you to gain by taking an online course: maybe studying up on personal finance will help ease the stress of tax season/family budgeting or perhaps learning to code will enhance your resume.  Make a note of the reason and post it somewhere visible so it won’t be forgotten.
3) Set short-term milestones
     Some of these courses are based on material that can be covered within a week, while others are built around semester-long college syllabi.  Don’t let the longer ones discourage you!  Break up the course into smaller chunks (i.e. units) and set a timeline to complete each of them.  Mark the dates in your calendar so you have deadlines to meet.
4) Plan a reward
     While the satisfaction of completing a course may be enough for some, it always helps to dangle an extra carrot at the end of the road.  Choose a reward (or multiple small ones for short-term milestones) that you can look forward to at the end of the course.  Share your reward idea with friends or family to help you stay accountable.
5) Dedicate a routine time block
     In busy schedules it’s difficult to squeeze in time every day for an extra task.  Look at your average week and find a routine time you can focus on your education.  This may be 15 minutes per day or an hour twice a week; whatever works for you consistently.  Try to pick a time when you can be free from other distractions.  Sticking to a routine will get you a lot further than simply logging in now and then.  Speaking of distractions, make those time blocks social media-free!
6) Choose a study space
     Some people need complete peace and quiet in order to study, and others don’t mind a bit of background noise.  Try both and see what works best for you.  Noise-reducing headphones or white noise sites (like Coffitivity) are your friends.  Whichever you choose, have a clear workspace and equip it with whatever tools you may need (notebooks, pens, highlighters, post-its, etc).
7) Dedicate a notebook/binder/folder
     Speaking of supplies, it’s best to keep your course notes in one location.  This can be a notebook and folder with a set of printouts or a comprehensive binder.  Doing this keeps you focused on one subject at a time and lets you organize your thoughts for review.
8) Set reminders
     Even with a routine, it’s easy to put aside personal development when there are plenty of other tasks to complete during the day.  Set reminders for your study blocks and put your sessions in your calendars as standing appointments.  Make them motivational, functional, or authoritative: whichever will get you back on the computer.
9) Keep a running list of questions to answer
     Retention is always optimal when we are engaged in what we are learning.  If you get stuck on a concept or you don’t understand an example, make a note of it and search out the answer.  Allow yourself time to review your notes and clear up any confusion.
10) Supplement with real-world applications
     Course material can often get dry, so make it a point to read interesting related articles or practice what you’ve learned.  If you’ve been studying Spanish, try to have a conversation with a fluent speaker.  If you’ve been studying finance, create a sample budget.  If you’ve been studying engineering, read up on some of the incredible inventions being released.  Tying everything together will help solidify the material in your mind.
I hope these tips can help keep you motivated as you pursue your independent study.  If you haven’t explored OpenCourseWare before, now is a great time to try it.  There is literally a course out there for everyone.  Best of luck!

The Best Shows for Healthy Food Swaps

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The Best Shows for Healthy Food Swaps

It’s that time of year again: many of us are suddenly watching our plates, trying new foods, and making an effort to make healthier choices.  And while the excitement of resolutions can push us through the first few weeks, that motivation tends to wane as time passes.  So how do we remedy this?  New ideas can reinvigorate our goals, particularly tasty ones.  I’ve found that I’ve been able to stay on track the longest when I surround myself with new recipes that are both appetizing and good for me.

Recently I got sucked into ABC’s new show, My Diet is Better Than Yours.  It’s about five people trying to make major lifestyle changes as guided by five diet founders.  The one that struck me the most is called the “Superfood Swap Diet“, created by nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner.  It’s aim is to help you eat the foods you crave, but substituting them for healthier versions based on nutrition-packed “superfoods”.  Of all the diet plans presented I feel this is the most sustainable and satisfying for the average person.  While I may not be able to give up hamburgers, I have no problem swapping them for whole grain buns and leaner cuts of meat, for example.  So with this in mind, I’ve been searching out shows full of recipes that help solve such cravings with enticing alternatives.

Most of these shows air on Cooking Channel (CC), but there are a few options that air (or have aired) on Food Network (FN) or other network channels.  Don’t worry if you don’t get one of these channels; many full episodes and videos are available on their websites for free, in addition to nearly all of their recipes.  You can also check out their Pinterest boards (such as Hungry Girl or The Biggest Loser) for encouragement.

Cooking Shows

  • Hungry Girl (Cooking Channel) – focused on low-calorie/low-fat food swaps for all of your favorite meals
  • Not My Mama’s Meals (Cooking Channel) – Paula Deen’s son recreates her famous recipes with healthy twists
  • How to Live to 100 (Cooking Channel) – vegan and vegetarian recipes based on “superfoods”
  • Drop 5 lbs with Good Housekeeping (Cooking Channel) – a 10-episode series focused on healthy meal planning
  • Junk Food Flip (Cooking Channel) – chefs create lighter versions of restaurants’ guilty pleasures
  • Ingredient Intel (Cooking Channel) – 2-minute shorts about fresh foods and cooking fundamentals
  • Giada at Home (Food Network) – while not technically a health-based show, episodes frequently focus on lighter meals

Health & Fitness Shows

  • The Biggest Loser (NBC) – contestants compete to lose weight with the support of experienced personal trainers
  • My Diet is Better Than Yours (ABC) – contestants guided by the creators of different nutrition plans compete to see which is most effective

Previously Aired Shows – These shows are not currently airing, but have recipes and videos preserved online focused on healthy eating.

I hope this helps you stay on track with your health and fitness goals for the year!  As always, if you have any options to add to this list feel free to comment below!

How to Live the Christmas Spirit All Year Long

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Christmas Spirit

Recently, my husband and I were discussing how short-lived the Christmas season can be and how all the good will can sometimes seem artificial.  Of course, the lead-up to the season has started earlier and earlier each year, but as soon as January 1st hits we are typically back to focusing on ourselves and stripping away all the joyous intent: no more cheerful music, no more family get-togethers, significantly less charity.  We decided that the issue isn’t the traditions and facets of Christmas, but instead the fact that we associate them only with Christmas and thus leave them behind in the new year.  But why can’t we keep that spirit going?

I’ve been considering all of the elements that comprise the Christmas season, and I want to make it my mission to incorporate them throughout the year.  There’s no reason we can’t enjoy this spirit all year round and use it to greatly improve our lives.  Here is what I thought of:

  • Connection with the Church – While there are many who spend Advent fervently preparing for Christmas, there are others who return to the church only annually as a pilgrimage to the source of the occasion.  Those who retain the religious core of Christmas view it as one of the chief times to reconnect with the church.  However, this connection can happen weekly, daily even, with simple actions and intents to strengthen your faith.  This year, in whatever manner your practice, try to reach out further through routine Mass and prayer.
  • Family & Friends – This time of year we almost always look forward to spending quality time with those closest to us.  We travel for miles, balance logistics, make phone calls, send cards, and more just to let our loved ones know we are thinking of them.  Yet I know I am guilty of those calls lapsing the rest of the year.  Any time is a good one to send a letter or gather people together, so why not make it a point of staying in contact continuously?  All it takes is a quick message or visit from time to time.
  • Seasonal Traditions – Each family has their own set of events set off by the Christmas season: tree trimmings, Advent calendars, Elf on a Shelf, ice skating, cookie baking, readings of “The Night Before Christmas”, sledding, etc.  Especially in situations where change is ever present, such as with military families, those traditions can be the constants we anticipate all year.  But such traditions can exist in each and every season, if we so choose.  They are the events and activities we cherish and pass down, and while they may evolve and adapt over time, they keep us present in the times.
  • Gifts & Charity – Of course it’s the kids who run to the presents under the tree in excitement, but the truth is that everyone enjoys a thoughtful gift.  One of my favorite parts of Christmas is searching out that “perfect gift” for someone, anticipating what their reaction will be when they receive it.  But I’d like to think that from time to time I could make or find simple gifts to surprise those I care about, either to honor minor occasions or to cheer them up.  Also, starting with Thanksgiving, this time of year is when most of us try to be more generous through coin donations and acts of service.  Yet organizations such as the Salvation Army and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital need such help every day.  This year, make it a point to volunteer your time or funds towards good causes, even if it’s as small as gifting some food to someone in need.
  • Cheerful Music & Media – Every year I have a list of “must-see” holiday-themed TV and movies I need to watch in order to consider my season complete, along with playlists full of Christmas music.  It’s hard to stay in a bad mood singing along to Jingle Bell Rock or watching The Grinch grow his heart.  So why is it that the rest of the year I forget to use such feel-good media as a tool when I’m feeling down?  No one says you can’t dream of a white Christmas starting in July, and nevertheless there is plenty of other cheerful music in this world for us to appreciate.  Make a playlist and collect videos that make you happy, and hold onto them for a rainy day.
  • Decorations – I love those calm, quiet nights that you can bundle up, stroll down the street, and wander among the lighted houses.  Or sitting by the Christmas tree after everyone has gone to bed.  For only up to a month we strive to make our homes beautiful and deliberate, filling them with reminders of the season.  And yes, some of you are already expert decorators and I applaud you, but a lot of us focus our efforts on Christmas.  But there are simple ways to incorporate those sentimental trinkets, those seasonal displays, and those twinkling lights.  See what ways you can think of to carry these through the other eleven months.
  • Homemade Items & Feasts – Some of the best gifts are homemade.  When you know someone has spent not only money, but time on your present it means a lot more.  Funny enough, sometimes those gifts are even easier (a warm batch of chocolate chip cookies can go a long way).  This goes even further with the typical homemade feasts we enjoy on Christmas Eve or Christmas night.  Generally, this is a time we drop the processed convenience and make wholesome meals to sit down and share with our families and friends.  Now, I don’t know about you, but there’s no way I could make a turkey dinner after work.  But there’s no reason I couldn’t choose to make it on a weekend.  And striving for home-cooked meals for our families is always a good thing.
  • Good Will – Especially during this time we often speak of “good will towards men” and try to be friendlier with those around us.  As shy as I am I still try to wish those I encounter “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays”.  But why does this effort stop with the last “Happy New Year”?  We don’t have to begin elaborate conversations with everyone we meet, but even a simple “hello” or “have a nice day” can cheer someone’s spirit.
  • Miracles – It is sometimes too easy to forget the core of Christmas and the miracle it is celebrating.  It is then too easy to stop recognizing miracles in our everyday lives.  Whether it’s through church or being present in our gratitude, miracles are granted all the time.  Be grateful for the gifts you receive and celebrate them.

While nothing can, or should, replace the glory of Christmas Day, I hope this list has given you some ideas for ways to continue the Christmas spirit throughout the year.  Most of all, I wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas.

“My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple: loving others.  Come to think of it, why do we have to wait for Christmas to do that?” – Bob Hope

 

Simple Ways to Go Seasonal

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Simple Ways to Go Seasonal

Every time I browse Pinterest my feed is filled with photos of beautifully and meticulously decorated homes, each christened with the marks of the next holiday over the horizon.  When it comes to Christmas, often these rooms are completely transformed into winter wonderlands.  I have to admit: I’m jealous.  I’d love to have the time and energy to create a magazine worthy home, even if it’s just for a few weeks.  That being said, for those of us with limited budgets and resources, there are several simpler ways to enjoy the seasons.

  • Scented Candles: I know, I know, I’m starting off with perhaps the most feminine item on this list, but the truth is that they really do make your home more pleasant.  One strategically placed Christmas Cookie candle may be enough to make you feel like Santa is on his way.  They’re not just for Christmas though – choose one of your favorite scents per season and switch them when the weather turns.
  • Lotions & Soaps: Okay so maybe this is more girly than the first, but even guys will use hand soap that smells like citrus in the summertime and secretly appreciate it.  I know some people keep decorative towels to put out for the holidays, but since they’re not always meant for actual use I’m sticking with these more functional items.  If you have people in your home who don’t share your affinity for seasonal cleaning products, stick to a lotion that you can enjoy all to yourself.
  • Wreaths: Obviously the most common ones we see are for Christmas, but there’s been a trend all year for seasonal wreaths that span all 12 months.  Check out Pinterest for tons of DIY ideas and try to choose a single wreath that can be adapted to each of the four seasons (add boughs of holly, blossoming flowers, tropical palms, harvested wheat, etc).  Seasonal flags could also suit this idea if you’re a fan of them (although the American flag works all year round!).
  • Artwork: If you’re the type of person who has collected too many prints to hang up on your wall, why not change one or two out every few months?  Alternatively you could have one set of holiday-themed frames that you switch out as needed.  If you have kids, you could always have them draw up a new batch of pictures each season as a fun project (and hanging them on the fridge is even easier than leveling frames).
  • Recipes: We all know of the benefits of eating fresh produce that’s in season, so why not keep a batch of recipes handy for each one.  I’m not just talking about the 50 pumpkin spiced desserts you have for the fall; you could find new ways to use asparagus in the spring or eggplant in the summer.  Try to find a new family favorite each year using the fresh ingredients that you can all look forward to.  And if fruits and veggies aren’t your thing (I’m in this group), you can always set a tradition of making holiday themed meals.
  • Music: So again, Christmas music is the obvious choice here.  But why not make a point to listen to other holiday themed music throughout the year?  Valentine’s Day love songs, St. Patrick’s Day Celtic jigs, and Independence Day marches are all fun ways to appreciate the seasons.  Or make it a point to listen to tropical music throughout the summer during those years you just can’t get away.  Music is one of the easiest ways to lift your mood.
  • Books: This one may be a stretch, but it’s something I would like to try.  Most of us would like to read more, but I think the problem is that we get overwhelmed by choices.  Here’s an idea: pick a different genre to read each season.  My picks would be classics for the winter, personal development for the spring, fun fiction for the summer, and biographies for the fall.
  • Family Traditions:  This encompasses all the activities, crafts, trips, and other tasks that you associate with the seasons.  Even if you’re not the type to keep a running bucket list, try to have at least one activity or project that the whole family can look forward to every year.  Here are some examples: camping, apple picking, spring cleaning, gingerbread houses, volunteer events, beach trips, flower picking, or even just an elaborate s’more night.  Tailor it to your family and make it something special.

I hope this has given you some ideas for simpler ways to enjoy the holidays and appreciate all four seasons.  We can’t all be Martha Stewart, but we can adjust the little things to be more present in the time of year.  What are your favorite ways to decorate and spend the holidays?

Pandora Christmas Stations for Every Mood

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Christmas Music
Pandora Christmas Stations for Every Mood
Year after year my dad kicks off Christmas morning with the same playlist, comprised of the best of the holiday classics (according to him): Dolly Parton’s “Hard Candy Christmas“, Bing Crosby’s “Christmas in Killarney“, and the ever-popular “I’m Gettin’ Nuttin’ for Christmas“.  Of course these are interspersed with the usual traditional hits, but these unique picks are what I look forward to every year.  Watching Mom shake her head as Dad sings another verse of “Dominick the Donkey” reminds me that no matter what else changes the rest of the year, I always have these constant traditions to look forward to.

That being said, it’s always nice to change up the mix now and then.  Sometimes you’re looking to settle down with a few relaxing chorale works, while at other times it’s just a “Jingle Bell Rock” kind of day.  If you’re shopping around for some holiday variety this season, here is a list of Pandora options that are sure to get you through to “December the 25th“.

Classic Christmas

Family Christmas

Religious Christmas

Pop & Modern Christmas

Nostalgic Christmas

Decades

Country Christmas

Fun Twists

Ethnic Christmas

If you’re not celebrating Christmas this season, Pandora has a Hanukkah station to enjoy as another option.  And for those who aren’t Pandora fans, Songza is also a great tool to stream Christmas music according to your mood (they have unique playlists such as “A Merry and Bright Christmas Party” and “Teen Pop Christmas”).  So whichever you choose, I hope you’re enjoying the holiday season, and I wish you a Happy Hanukkah and a Merry Christmas!

https://youtu.be/9l8X5WOlD9Y

What are your favorite Christmas songs?  Share below!