Coconut Water

I need to vent that while on the brink of grad school, significant medical questions decided to pop up. One of them hinders my social life dramatically. I can't wait to start grad school! I am staying positive...At least I am getting medical benefits from my employer right now, which will help me handle my health. I heard of someone committing to just looking on the bright side of everything. The bright side is, maybe these medical issues are actually timely, given that I have about 2 months before school confront the health side of things. [[[ I believe that everything will be okay ]]]

This is related to my "" thread but different enough to start anew. I am fascinated with "studio tours" and organizing clips on youtube, where people show how they have organized their small apartments, and why they've done this or that, etc. Never thought I'd be so into seeing other people's knicknacks, cabinet contents, even the "corner of shame!" And so my new hobby is learning to efficiently utilize space on a dime without going crazy from what it ends up looking or feeling like. I do not consider myself to be a personal-space-conscious person, have rarely been into decor. Most important has been is if it works/pretty much fits/isn't a big commitment/doesn't look disgusting. However, I realize I am at a stage where I just need my space to feel kind of nice (and comforting in the process), not thrown together and messy. Right now I have added to my bargain hunting list: a folding screen or curtain to partition one section from another. For example, block off my sleeping area from the kitchen. But if curtains, I need to find a way to secure it from the ceiling without damage, pretty sure my housing contract prohibits drilling holes anywhere. I am going to drive around thrift stores or college towns around move-out time to see if I can score a folding dining table because I refuse to eat at my desk anymore. I want to utilize wall space, but again is the issue of not drilling holes. Will look for tall shelving units, if nothing else. I don't love hanging things on doors though, but might have to put a laundry bag on a hook or get an Ikea toy mesh bag and use it for extra storage of who knows. Other ideas or suggestions? Success stories?

Thanks fuzzy!

My faculty advisor has already given me an enthusiastic nod to take a certain class as an elective that falls outside my department. The class and its professor seem to excellent fit for my area of study. However, the class is restricted to students of that particular department. I will be in the Dept. of Education while the class is restricted to students in the Dept. of Information Studies. But both departments are in the same Graduate School of Education & Information Studies at UCLA. The class really does make sense with my area of specialization (having to do with media, culture, technology and social aspects). I feel the class would be a great way to get started on thinking about what my thesis will be about, and my Fall schedule will be well-rounded with this course. What is a polite and promising way to phrase my email to the professor of the class to allow me to add her class? This is my first quarter and I hope to get the most out of a very condensed Master's program (it's only 1 academic year long). The class is still open, last I checked. P.S. My back-up choice is a core course in my department, but it's in the evening which conflicts with a medical issue I am resolving. I don't think I should mention my medical issue, as I don't want to call attention to it and complicate things. I may be required to attend certain events in the evenings for my department, but I think those would be sporadic and hence more manageable than counting on sitting through a 4 hour class suffering with my condition. I don't want it to look like I used the medical issue as an excuse to enroll.

I considered the debit card, but am not feeling confident about Target being able to charge up my checking - I probably wouldn't worry so much if not for the credit card breach months ago. I don't know too much about all of that, but I imagine Target has taken some steps to up their data security, but still…I think for now I am going to hold off on any Target cards…may revisit the concept when I start school.

What, if anything, would you have done differently in grad school? How would you have prepared yourself better?

The 5% discount offer (no minimum) is really appealing at Target which supplies many essentials I am going to need at UCLA. The store is right next to campus, so it's super convenient. I am concerned with the risks of amassing debt, a lesson learned the hard way. I am also concerned with security. I think I can apply online or at the store. How does one know these days when it's safe to divulge a social security number? Seems wise to avoid whenever possible. But I need to start saving now. Should I skip the complication? What would you do? I see myself shopping at Target for these unavoidable expenses: medical stuff (but not pharmacy), toiletries, food, snacks, household (trash bags), possibly a small kitchen appliance or two, kitchen cooking stuff, possibly clothing (quality tee-shirts).

Tonight I realized I could save album titles to Spotify, where I can easily just play each album on my smartphone. If I get nostalgic all I have to do is pull up the album that is saved as a playlist. I am new to Spotify, but the music is so much more accessible now. And I don't have to worry about the lack of storage space on my smartphone (even though I am still saving all of the digitized music to a big hard drive anyway!). I like your idea of keeping just the CD's in a single place. Before reading your post, I had stripped a few music CD cases of their cover art work as a compromise with myself to get rid of the plastic, hold onto the art, and digitize the music. But I wonder if maybe I could do a CD binder instead that holds the art and disc.

I actually have read about the topic over the course of years, and don't recall all the sources. A lot of stuff out there, though, seems to adhere to the basic idea of categorizing things. Into either boxes or piles of KEEP, TRASH, DONATE, etc. or into prioritizing items into I CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT THIS/WOULD REPLACE RIGHT AWAY IF LOST, I COULD LIVE WITHOUT THIS, ETC. A book called Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui by Karen Kingston I do know has been helpful. Feng Shui or not, I learned how important it is to keep one's environment sacred (sane). By minimizing clutter. Here's a bit about that book: http://www.boomers-active-and-alive.com/de-cluttering.html “Letting go of clutter leaves you free to be you, which is the greatest gift you can ever give yourself.” “People hold onto their clutter because they are afraid to let it go--afraid of the emotions they may experience...afraid they will make a mistake and later regret getting rid of something…Clutter clearing can bring up a lot of “stuff” to be faced and dealt with and intuitively everybody knows it.” I've also heard of you making a rule that if you bring something into your home, you have to get rid of something in exchange.

Having your dad help you with the papers sounds like an excellent step! Definitely worthwhile! If that were my dad, I would try to make it celebratory, like make him lemonade or something. Maybe you can invite friends help you with the books and clothes part? You might even be able to give away a few things, and maybe they can help give you support in parting with figurines and such, like telling you that needy child could give it a new loving home. Unfortunately I did not tally the hours I spent scanning. Lots. And in bits and pieces! But I had downtime. I don't regret it! I would have hired someone had I had the funds allocated. But of course I would have had to trust them with sensitive info. My scanner then was painfully slow. I have a new scanner which is a bit faster, not ideal, but more ideal than lugging around papers. Because we're talking tax files, I think the IRS asks that tax filers keep the past 7 years of tax forms. For those who are old enough for this to apply to, I would assume they can trash anything going back 8 years and beyond. At this point I am considering seeking out/posting a Meetup or some other kind of support group, because I think externalizing the thoughts can help me. Being able to vocalize my rationalizations will probably help me get unstuck. As well as the constant motivation.

See if you can get an electronic copy of anything like bank statements and credit cards from the institutions, then archive those digital versions. Then scan anything you don't truly need in original hard copy. Maybe you should research how essential the hard copy really is in different scenarios, in case you ever need to dispute anything. Then, back up digitally in multiple places and in more than one form (for example back up on CD's *and* thumb drives in case one method fails down the road). I would even suggest leaving a digital back up with your parents for the most important ones. I wish I had someone I knew nearby who could look at my stuff and help me to detach. Sometimes, it takes an outsider to give perspective.

After reading your post, I am inspired to part with a paperback book series I have from when I was a child. Progress! But I will take a digital photo of them for my own keeping. I would find a new home for them through relatives that have kids and comfort myself with knowing that the meaning in them "lives on" better this way instead of gathering dust. By giving them to family, I think I can feel like I am valuing the reasons I kept them, without the burden. Alternatively, I may group up all of the more sentimental items mentally, then meditate and ask myself what is the best way to allow the meaning of these items to "live on." Then, I will act accordingly. Would it really want me to spend my energy in agony over it? How can I make the most out of what this item was ever supposed to do for me? I know it sounds cheesy, and maybe a bit hokey, but hey, if it works… I also am considering having some kind of an internal memorial service for the items. Then, I can honor the spirit of the object, but let go of the physical aspect? I know, it's way out there, but seriously, whatever it takes. I have some old industry work stuff that I have been considering turning into an art project. So that I am somehow capturing the meaning in them and processing the meaning, but then would take a photo of them to keep, and then the end project could get donated or whatever. I actually got rid of a lot of banking type documents by scanning them. It takes time though, but if you can get a hold of one of those automatic feeding scanners, I would say it's probably worth it. Just back up your files though…not on the internet. You could use CD's to back them up, in addition to thumb drives. For me, banking stuff comes into play when dealing with the possibility of getting audited by the IRS or managing past debt. Paper actually takes up a ton of space. When you're dealing with multiple file folders that are bursting, it can really add up in a tiny apartment.

Even though I moved 300+ miles to LA in one car a few years ago, I still have more items than will fit comfortably inside my small studio dwelling this Fall. I have read up on clutter busting, but need extra help because my place will be sub-human size (and because I admit I have issues with "stuff"). My dilemma is compounded by the fact that I am experiencing a minor identity crisis. I am at somewhat of a crossroads to possibly go back into creative work after I complete my Master's in a year. Back in my days of creativity years ago, I used to draw from personal experiences and was always holding onto items that I thought would be useful for this purpose. So then, items were both sentimental *and* functional. And now, I can't decide if I should let the creative inspiration and artifacts go in order to free myself to achieve new creativity. Or, if I just need the opportunity to come to terms and then the solution will present itself naturally. A sampling of "stuff" (items) I am confronting: MEMORIES * Various shapes and forms. I could try to scan and digitize some, but there's something about the actual e.g. photo or document in hand that reminds me of what it once was. BIG DRIVES * Two very large digital storage drives. Ironically, these take up a lot of physical space. They are each as big as at least two large hardcover books put together. I used to work with video (creatively), hence the hugeness. And this is nothing compared to what professional video editors tend to have. Video takes up gobs of space, and then you have to back it up. I used to have a more compact Passport and it stopped working, and I am skeptical about changing up to a small Passport type drive again. MEDICAL RECORDS * It seems anything paper-based is a b*tch to manage. Chances are I won't be joining the military so may not need them anymore. But seems I still should still digitize somehow, and to get rid of the paper, I may have to scan everything which is time consuming not to mention cumbersome. BOOKS * I already donated some books that were just stagnating, but others seem to represent areas of me that need work right now. Hence, I hold onto them as if to resolve the topic instead of throw away the intention. I also have a collectible novel that's thicker than I have room for, but heavy in meaning to me. Am considering seeing if I can ask a relative in the area if she might have extra storage space but A. I rarely see her and feel awkward asking for such a favor B. Just a little insecure about what might happen to my precious artifacts, should they get damaged, then I would have been better off not storing them at all (they could get water damaged, for example) Am probably going to end up snail mailing a few things (at least) to another more close relative, where I know my items will be safe. But I can only afford so much in postage. Ideas? Solutions? Tough love?

Just to state the obvious in case it hasn't been: The Valley (San Fernando Valley) gets HOT. I lived in Studio City last Spring to summer and it was easily in the 100's over the warmer months. It's a dry heat up there, though - which some people feel doesn't hit you as hard as non-dry heat. I was able to get through those heat waves without A/C. Sometimes studied for the GRE with a cold wet towel around my neck. Drank homemade smoothies. Other times, tried to go somewhere cooler. I like the vibe up there - the people up there seem more friendly and cheerful compared to West LA. I wonder if it's because they have more space. I can't really comment on the bike/motorcycle stuff, except: please wear a helmet and be as safe as possible. If I were riding, I think I would always wear neon colors! People in LA drive crazy.

I think I could accept printing out PDF's and downloading just textbooks on an e-reader like the Kindle. My decision is still pending. I generally would prefer working on paper, as well - but I am just so concerned with the burden of bulk! That's interesting you don't use Kindle/iPad anymore, is it solely because you prefer the paper format? Or any other reasons in combination with that aspect?

I sampled this out and adjusted my computer screen at my current day job and it has been a great help to the eyes! This gives me hope in the digital realm. Thank you!

If not for my eyestrain concern, I would stick with a tablet or even laptop for their versatility and ease of academic reading of PDF's and textbooks, at least in the beginning. Any mobile device recommendations, that accounts for eye strain? Unti I encountered these threads, the Kindle Paperwhite was my first choice because of its eye strain prevention features (a serious aspect for someone who has given up contact lenses due to eyestrain issues). A close relative loooves her's, but of course, she only reads novels. I want a mobile device because I figure the paper text will break my already compromised back!

Magoosh's website is great. It was pretty accurate in helping me understand what to aim for when studying for the GRE. But for school/program specifics, try contacting each of the program representatives directly via phone (or email if they aren't available by phone) or even better - attend an Information Session for the programs you are applying to. That is how I got the best GRE and admissions information for my top picks (and I learned there is some information out there that is unofficial, but valuable, and stuff that people will tell you, but not websites). I don't know too much about all of your prospective schools, but I think some universities hold virtual information sessions in addition to in person ones. For my program (MA in Education at UCLA), I ended up attending not one but two Info Sessions. And it was so worth it.

A few pictures of the apartment sounds like a reasonable request. I would seriously consider how this Property Manager's attitude might affect my stay, if I were in that situation. Maybe she's not very helpful overall. But it is also possible she has her own unspoken reservations about renting to someone she isn't able to meet in person, which may help explain her short demeanor. So, the issue may resolve itself once she meets you in person. However, as someone reminded me in another thread, online reviews can be hit or miss. You never know who actually posted the reviews. And I don't know what website you were reading reviews on, as some are more credible than others. Even so, anyone can make up a few fake reviews and get their friends to, it seems. You have every right to ask for the photos again, she may just need some pushing/reminding. Ask again politely. You can soften the request by offering that the photos do not have to reflect the apartment empty, and you just want to confirm your understanding of the essentials. Also - since you are wanting to negotiate to 6 or 9, you should probably wait to mention that until after you get the photos. Then, you may need to offer some incentive for the 6 or 9 term, such as another month paid in advance. But I do suggest you continue searching to keep your options open. Good luck.

Great advice, guys - thanks! I have begun to explore facilities closer to LAX. Hopefully, though, I can whittle down my belongings so I only need to rent a small size unit!

Looking for recommendations for affordable storage facilities in the Greater Los Angeles Metro area. I will be attending UCLA with a car this fall, so the facility's location doesn't have to be to specific to the westside, just commutable maybe once a month at most. I prefer a self storage place where I personally lock up and access all my things, but would consider one of the more mobile options. Never used mobile storage though. I checked Yelp but the reviews by themselves weren't too assuring.

Just "bumping" this up to renew the thread!

Anyone else out there have advice or experience to share on figuring out what their thesis will be/was/is?

Hi gkcalat, Why don't you call the UCLA housing office - they can probably give you some ideas on looking for housing and roommates, even if you aren't living in University housing. Craigslist at craigslist.org is the default for finding ads for cheap rooms and PT jobs, but be careful as there's always the potential for unsafe people on craigslist. Have you contacted UCLA to ask about where UCLA students might look for PT jobs? There might be a job board.

Use your connections! I understand it's common for professors not to get back to prospective applicants. I was extra careful about emailing - and did not even expect to hear back, honestly. They're all busy, and who was I, a total stranger to invade their inbox? But I first looked into etiquette, etc. And I treated it as almost a (brief) introduction, almost like a job application cover letter, offering a bit of a snapshot as to why I'm genuinely interested in the program. And I first read essays and such by the person I was emailing, so by the time I reached out, I was able to express my very sincere interest in the areas of research. I didn't do this at UCLA, but perhaps you reach out to the dept. to see if you could sit in on a class to help you decide? You could contact the Office of Student Services at GSEIS. And let them know you are planning to apply, and what you are interested in doing. Good luck!