Your Big Sister One Year Later

I cant believe it has been a year (and two months) since my book was released! It seems like yesterday that I was pitching the concept to Nancy, my publisher (Wyatt-MacKenzie Publishing, Inc.). I am always asked if this was this the book I knew I would write. The answer is a resounding NO! I almost didn't write at all! I had this preconceived notion that I had to be degreed in English or Literature and well read on the "classics" to be a real "Writer"... at least that is what all of the writing magazines and references I studied lead me to believe. Being that I have a book on the market now is a true testimony to don't believe everything you read! This was a book from the heart...not to mention it was easy to write because I had already written it 10 years ago... I just had to revise for a wider audience.

Having "published author" on my list of accomplishments is HUGE! I am just so grateful to this whole experience because of the other professional doors it has opened for me. Everything I am doing now is a direct result of this book and I am so glad I took the leap of faith.

So what am I writing now? So many of you have asked for and are anxiously awaiting a sequel... the next installment of the Big Sister's Guides series. Well, I am happy to say....I'm working on it! I actually have several topics in the works, I just cant seem to focus on one at a time. I am writing them all simultaneously and it is a snail-race to the finish line. I just go where my writing muse takes me, ya know!

To all of my loyal fans (most of whom are related to me) thank you so much for your continued support. Please continue to spread the word about Your Big Sister!

Managing Your Cash on Campus

A common misconception among parents is that living on campus means you don’t need any additional money past what’s on your campus card. Take it from me… my poor parents thought I could live on $45 a month! When I was in school, campus cards got you food from the cafeteria and that’s it! I more than understand that there is life beyond sanctioned school activities and meals. So the magic question is… how to ask your parents for more money?

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You're Gonna Get Googled!

I was watching Good Morning America a couple days ago and there was a “college prep” piece on roommates - specifically about getting to know (or rather getting information on) your new college roommate before school starts. In the old days, we just picked up the phone and gave each other a ring. Nowadays, you will most likely find your new co-habitant on either MySpace or FaceBook or some other on-line community. That’s just what this mother did for her daughter’s proposed roommate. She dug her up on FaceBook and did not like what she saw! Apparently this young lady had chronicled lude behavior (drinking, wild partying, etc.) on her FaceBook page and the mother did not want her daughter living with her. So much so, the woman printed out over 40 pages of the girls site content, marched it right over to university housing, and demanded a transfer! While I completely understand this mother’s point, I do think that was a tad bit over the top. After all, we shouldn’t judge a FaceBook by its cover. However, your online community content puts you on everlasting “blast” and could cost you more than just a potential roommate.

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Spring Term Cleaning

Packing for your freshman year of college was probably very exciting and overwhelming.
If you missed all of the talk-show segments and didn’t get a chance to read that “back-to-school” article on what and how to pack for college, my guess is you took EVERYTHING except your bed (which you actually tried to figure out how that would work).
You are smiling aren’t you? I know you are because it’s true. How do I know, I did it myself when I went to school. I treated going off to college as if I was never to return. Low and behold I never entertained the thought that maybe I would have to move out someday.
Well, now you look around at the (pardon me for saying) junk that you have accumulated on top of the stuff you brought with you and well… it’s probably a bit cramped. Good news! Winter break is upon you and unless you are going skiing or to the Caribbean, odds are that you are going back home. Your first extended vacation from college-land is the perfect time to re-assess, re-group, and pare down… time for some Spring Term Cleaning.

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Bringing Him Home for the Holdiays

The holidays are upon us… and I know you are planning your trip home to be with your families. You may be, in fact, planning to come home with a traveling partner in the form of a new significant other. So that the experience is pleasant for all, here's my two cents worth...
I'm sure your family is aware that you are dating and you may have already mention your current love interest to them but bringing someone home is a major. Ask yourself these questions: How long have you been dating? How long have you been dating before you told your family about him? Have you both discussed the seriousness of your relationship? Bringing someone home, especially for the holidays (or some other significant event like a wedding) it sends a signal to the guy... and your family about what he means to you. I suggest be sure to evaluate the depth of your dating. It's a good idea to wait until there is some substance to your relationship before you invite him along. Think about this… If you bring Tom home for Thanksgiving... and Bill home for Christmas, well…that's just not good. Imagine the impression you are potentially giving your family! Meeting the parents is a big step for everyone involved.
You and your boyfriend should be mutually ready… and confident in the stability of your relationship. Not only that, it helps to give each other a crash course on what to expect from your families in terms of culture, traditions, general attitudes, etc. Lastly, never spring your love interest on your family. Give them a heads up so they can prepare (and be on their best behavior) for your guest. Discuss sleeping arrangements beforehand so there are no embarrassing or awkward moments in front of everyone.