a procrastinators manifesto

Hi, my name is Katie, and I'm a procrastinator.

Right now for example I'm avoiding a group paper on corporate social responsibility. And yet another example to add to the list - I just had a shower to avoid this blog post - true story.

I would stop - really I would, but I have never had a bad mark as a consequence. In fact some of my BEST work happens when I'm under pressure. To be honest a lot of times I get stuff back and re-read it and am surprised by my own genius (half of the time I don't really remember writing it).

So I have a few tips for those looking to put off the inevitable.

#1 - Facebook
Facebook is a great way to avoid work, there are so many people to creep on - so little time (or all the time in the world, your choice).


#2 - Twitter
another social media site I'm aware, but so much of my time spent avoiding work is with the intention of starting soon (a word I am very fond of using as it has no time attached to it).

#3 - Take a shower
How can you be expected to do work if you are unclean?? This may just be my OCD talking.



#4 - Make a snack
Eating is a great form of procrastination. You need nourishment to function at your best don't you?



#5 Call a loved one
I don't know about you but my grandma LOVES to talk, anytime I feel like catching up on the family gossip or feel like telling a joke I give my grandma a call. (or Skype, that's right shes on SKYPE...the camera isn't always pointed at her - but shes there!)

So there you have it. My top five procrastination techniques, and now to think about writing my paper....or perhaps I need a snack???

both hands

this song throws me back to first year uni and well...you know.

Ani needs to make it onto my playlist more often.

we will now take a break from our regularly scheduled transmission...

Not the usual Katie blogging today, but a Caitlin nonetheless. We are commuters, GO train commuters. Katie is fortunate enough to get a ride from time to time, while I ride the GO everyday from Burlington to Long Branch. Remember the show Train48? It aired on Global for about two years. I think the idea was better than the show itself. Sometimes I think I should be on that show. Each episode tracked the lives of 12 daily commuters from Burlington to Union Station. Commuters just like me.

TIP #1: When sharing a four-seat quadrant on the GO, always sit diagonally from the other passenger.

Although we are social beings, when it comes to conversing with strangers we need some personal space. Wherever row seating is present it is preferable to leave a few seats between you and other people. There is always an empty space whether it is at the bus stop, the doctor’s office, on the subway or at the movie theatre. For some reason it’s uncomfortable to sit right next to someone.

TIP #2: Keep conversations to a minimum.

Nothing is more annoying than a loud conversation in the morning. That being said- I’m not saying don’t talk at all; just don’t let the whole train in on the conversation.

Last week, I was riding to school with a friend Kara and we were having a quiet discussion. Behind me was a group of four businessmen. They were not having a quiet discussion but rather a full blown conversation. I could hear their conversation perfectly, but since I too was talking this did not bother me.

Well, there was another man wearing torn jeans, heavy boots, and cycling gloves sitting in the quadrant next to me. The chatter frustrated him as he read his metro newspaper. All of the sudden, this man leans towards me and says, “Excuse me, can you keep it down?”

How do I respond? I’m not being nearly as disruptive as the four businessmen behind me? I’m not swearing, laughing or on the phone.

“Um…yea… sure,” I said. “Sorry?”

I was pissed. There is no way this torn jeans man would have confronted the four businessmen. I was a strategic target. I’m a young lady and in his mind am inferior. By telling me to be quiet he accomplished two things. He not only got me to shut up, but he also managed to get the four businessmen to shut up. And he did this without causing himself any shame or embarrassment.

Guest blog by Caitlin McNamee-Lamb

@caitlinmlamb

cupcakes & activism

Yesterday my friend Kara and I spent our evening baking for a cause. We are part of a group called the Clean Train Student Coalition, and we are advocating for the proposed air-rail link from Union station to Pearson to be electrified.

Metrolinx, a government contracted company, has already started construction on the line and plans to run up to 200 diesel trains through the corridor a day. Diesel poses many problems for both you and the environment. Not only is it hazardous to your health, it affects property prices and pollutes the environment.


The CTSC is a student movement linked to the Clean Train Coalition and are working to build student involvement in the push for electrification.

How can you help you ask?? Sign the online petition! Join our Facebook group! Follow us on Twitter! And if you happen to be near Humber Lakeshore campus today at noon stop by A/B or H to buy a cupcake!

laughter is the best medicine

I do a lot of laughable things in the course of a day. If you're anything like me (klutzy, without a verbal filter and the sense of humor of a 10 year old boy) you do as well. What I believe gets me through my most embarrassing situations is my ability to laugh at myself. I recognize when I've done something hilarious/stupid/embarrassing and I can laugh it off.

I think people appreciate that, because really, what's sad about exploding a canister of whip cream all over yourself??? The answer is nothing - its hilarious. That actually happened by the way...last Sunday to (you guessed it) me.

Now laughter actually IS good for you it can strengthen your immune system, boost your energy, diminish pain, and protect you from the damaging effects of stress.

So take a leaf from my book and have a chuckle at your own expense every once and awhile! Trust me it makes the whole offending situation less awkward for those around you, and ultimately makes you healthier!