Always remember that even if you have a lot of work to do, all-nighters aren't all they're cracked up to be. Your work will be crappy and really slow if you're running on no sleep. It's more economical to get that sleep - your work will be more efficient (quality+speed) when your brain works right.
I was once working my ass off on a programming project. A friend was nagging me to come over and play guitar hero with him. I said hell no, I'm working, trying to solve this issue in my code. I was so frustrated I took him up on it, went to his apartment, slammed a shot of vodka (at 2pm) and rocked out in my underwear. This lightened my mood so much that I had a clear head when I went back to work I was instantly able to solve the problem.
- - So I guess the moral is, give your brain a break now and then. But don't use it as an excuse to procrastinate.
Go dumpster diving, but NOT for food. Are you at or near a rich kid college? Find out when their dorms' move-out dates are. Scope it out, Pillage, return home with furniture/stereo/computer monitor/clothing/household goods. Their wastefulness and procrastination is your free shit. And since it's all THINGS and not trash being thrown out in huge quantities on the same day, it's all clean unless it rains.
Other tips:
- Stress is good for you. Take it as a challenge and use it as motivation. EAT IT. SH1T VICTORY.
- Ebay-sell anything with a brand name, take good pictures.
- Sell used panties and stockings to perverts on Craigslist
- Restrain consumption. You don't need to buy that. (TV, furniture, shoes, everything)
- Get one frying pan or saucepan at the thrift store. Don't bother buying any housey junk, most college kids (your potential roommates) stock up on way too much of that anyway.
- shoplift cans of soup
- buy a 15 lb bag of rice in chinatown
- bike to do your errands. you get your stuff done but you get exercise at the same time. you feel better when you get a little workout. You'll be so busy with work that when vacation time comes, you'll say "when the hell did I get so hot?"
- party not more than weekly
- Professors like to teach. Ask them questions if you're stuck or confused
- drink horrifyingly cheap liquor, such as Vladimir vodka and Old Smuggler whiskey. it will make you less enthusiastic about drinking, but very buzzed/drunk when you're going for it. If you're a wuss for flavor, go for 99 Apples.
- Get all the perks possible out of your job, when you find one. Eat customers' leftovers. Take binders and paper so you don't have to buy them. Pride is not a priority.
- Be amazing at everything you do, and likeable to boot. Sincerity gets you tips at work and special considerations from Instructors (extended deadline, sorry I'm late, etc - use sparingly)
- Subscribe to Courage_Wolf on Twitter
- Use vinegar to clean your home. It's cheaper and less harmful than cleaning products.
- Keep an eye on newsletters for senior shows, openings, and other events that will have FREE FOOD.
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http://community.livejournal.com/poor_skills/ -
http://community.livejournal.com/poor_skills/tag/cooking