Living life with a new Pet

At the beginning of March, my grandpa decided that he could no longer take care of himself alone. He needed to be around people and start a new routine as he was getting to weak to do it all himself. He moved in with us shortly after and he brought his dog, Honey.

Honey is a rescue dog we picked up for him at the Rochester Humane Society about two years back. At the time she was probably already 5 years old but such a sweet dog. He wanted a companion as he had just lost his other dog a few months prior to getting Honey.

The only issue with having Honey in our house as well was that we have a 15 year old Rat Terrier, named Marbles. Marbles is use to being the only pet in the house and we often joke about how much of a princess she can be as she is spoiled. We were nervous to bring Honey into Marbles environment because she can be territorial and the last thing we want is to stress out a 15 year old dog.

At First, there was an adjustment period. Marbles would run after Honey trying to bite her and tell her off, but after some adjusting she eventually got use to Honey and now they get along fine. It was hard for all of us because we had to make this work no matter what and we didn't want Marbles to get herself worked up in the process. In time they got along and now they're always looking out for each other.

-Holly

Balancing Life

Trying to determine what to work on first can be a hard thing to do when you're trying to balance a great deal of tasks. Lately I have struggled with making the right decisions when it comes to setting aside the right time to get something done. 

I currently work 3 days a week at a Semi- Truck supplier in Troy in sales as well as balancing five classes, 4 at Walsh College and my last 4 credits at Macomb Community. I plan to graduate in December as i am going to take my final capstone alone in the fall semester. 

Trying to schedule family time, school time and work along with the occasional travel for work can be a daunting task. Its hard to find the motivation to complete school work when the weather is breaking and all i want to do is spend time outside with family and friends. 

Here are some tips in which i like to follow when trying to manage life and work: 

1. Making a schedule. Listing the things i have to complete for the week and the due dates, even putting due dates on non homework assignments so that i can complete them in a timely manner. 

2. Avoid spending time doing things that are not contributing to myself. If there is something i know i shouldn't waste my time on, i simply don't. I have so many things going on and its important to realize that its ok to say no. you cant do everything and some things you have to decline.

3. Staying motivated. Things i like to do to help me stay motivated include taking half hour breaks during homework days and going for a walk. Its a good activity to clear the mind and i get to enjoy a little sunshine and fresh air which cant be beat. 

What different things do you do to help keep you on task and get things done when you have a busy schedule? I know that no matter what is going on in your life, we all have these days or weeks.