: To Share

I've decided to start a new section on my blog, the idea for which is completely taken from Katie's "Tips for Tim." It will be tips and thoughts from dorm life that I think others might like to hear. Things that I have learned and need to be shared.

• The way your room smells can be a great way to invite a little home inside. Glade scented oil warmers work wonders! (especially against the odors of laundry time, shoes, and coffee filters in the trash can) You might even consider switching up the scent per season. Right now we have Apple Cinnamon and it is delightful.
• Whenever there is free coffee in Third Lobby, grab an empty tumbler or cup and fill it up to stick in the fridge. Ice cubes, coffee, cream, and sugar make for a great study break iced beverage.
• Open packages alone. If possible, don't let people see you carry them in. It takes all the joy out of opening a package from a loved one when you feel guilty that someone sent it to you, when others don't get mail. Although extremely rude, but kind of inevitable with a large box, people will become grabby when they see food or homemade cookies. It's even more upsetting when you are so excited about your package, but someone laughs at its contents. Savor your mail alone. Share what you may not eat/use.....but take time to discover the contents of your box first.  
• Pandora stations are your best friend. Eddie Vedder and Pearl Jam are musts. My stations include: Christmas, Classical, Don Ross (aucoustic guitar), Disney, Christian Contemporary, Mumford and Sons, Jonsi, Top 40, Dubstep, Frank Sinatra, Olafur Arnalds, Boy Bands, and Company of Thieves. They cover a range of moods and settings and allow for amazing new music discoveries.
• Star charts, even if begun with good intentions, do not foster community.