STARS: Surviving being shut in

This is slightly different from cabin fever in that you can still travel but not far. I am going to help you survive a potential quarantine as more and more places and institutions close and events are postponed and canceled. 

I tap into local businesses and those 24/7 places like QT and Waffle House. I am an avid supporter of both, the latter since I became a night shifter. 

Reconnect with friends and family during this time. Plan to visit each other if you are closely. I don't see my friends and family often and now is the perfect time to do so. 

I use my quiet time to catch up on movies and television shows and then stream anything else random. Netflix, Hulu, Disney and ESPN Plus. 

I also maintain my routine naps but this is also a good time to Spring clean. I will finally complete my man cave purge and project. If the weather cooperates, I will start the yearly maintenance of my yard. It's only March and I am ashamed of it right now. 

I will be fully rested and all of my incidental work will be complete once normal activities resume.

STARS: Writing a book

Many of you talk of doing this or that you should do this. I still receive questions about it as an author.  

Therefore I thought this would be a great topic of discussion. 

I wrote my table of contents first to outline what and how I was going to write "From Darkness to Sunshine." 

I then wrote a chapter a week, sometimes two, with a deadline of finishing in seven months.  

I would focus solely on that chapter for the week and would research and often isolate myself to get into the mindset of that chapter. I didn't worry so much about the editing, only the content. Editing would come upon successful completion of the chapter. 

I met my deadline, even finishing a week early. I already had my publishing company, Lulu, chosen, and knew what length I wanted to choose. I then submitted the content portion and allowed them to do the rest. I already had my cover guy in tact and even professional photos planned. 

The book released a few months later due to editorial and design concerns but I was still able to market the book well and plan book signings, pre orders and launches. 

I was glad at how From Darkness to Sunshine went and look forward to how Scared Eyes is going to fare. Life has gotten in the way of production of this book but I am returning to what made my production of the first book successful. 

STARS: Couponing Chronicles; Missing Something

I have began a silent hashtag #NoStonesUnTurned. I think this applies to many areas of life, including couponing. 

I'm gearing up for my next two couponing hauls as we speak.  First, I'm using Sunday nights to do the bulk of this. This is my planning night and when I map out strategy better, stores, and even watch couponing videos. 

I make a list of stuff I need and then look through the sales papers and PGs I have to see what the best deals for that week are. 

I also know which stores to shop at. DG will always be a staple for me but I am liking Walgreens more and more. They are overall very coupon friendly and do not change up a lot of the rules to punish those trying to save a few bucks.  

I then have everything ready for game day (shopping): paper coupons in labeled envelopes: itemized lists on both paper and ListEase, pairing them with Fetch, Ibotta and other rewards and then I am ready for action. 

I will post updates on how I perform! 

STARS: Couponing Chronicles: Planning

I had a less than favorable experience this weekend. I will not name the store but I will say that the customer service, as well as the rule modification threw me.

I have been able to stack manufacturer and paper coupons ever since I started. I did it last month in Rock Hill. However in the Upstate, this franchise has cracked down. 

I was upset and frustrated at first. However I confided in my couponing mentors, as well as YouTube , and formed an action plan in two weeks when I return. 

I plan to create my second account, which will help my couponing cause. I already have plenty of PG inserts and will get RMN also if necessary.  

The way "Couponing With Toni" broke it down is what I'm going with.  She maps her transactions not only by store but by digitals and paper coupons and her OOPs are still low. 

She simply goes for the powerful coupons and pairs them with store specials.  For example, Febreze and other items are BOGO currently.  She works with that to maximize her savings and build points.  

I realize I have a long ways to go still but a shorter way to arrive. I will use every resource I can to take advantage of the digitals I didn't use this weekend and the paper ones that await.

STARS: Reacting to a tragic situation

It is true that everyone grieves differently and handles tragedies in various ways. This is all well and good but you don't want it to resort to bad habits such as drinking or gluttony.  Here's how I handle these types of times, such as Challenger, 9/11 or a tragic loss, like that of my brother or a worldly loss such as losing Kobe Bryant earlier. 

I mediate and pray for a moment, and then I spend a short time talking with people that are experiencing and processing this loss.  This can be just a few hours. 

I then proceed to remove myself from the situation and occupy my mind. This can be from going to an outlet such as the coffee shop, the gym or the lab to write. I also use this time to clean and purge cluttered areas of my house and car. I also engage in weather appropriate activities such as swimming and yard care. I have found through at least 10 such events that my mind is clearer and ready to go. 

I have also tried burying myself in my work and achieving a goal.  This has had adverse effects on me so I have concluded that simple planning and goal setting is best for about a week or two. Many remember how during 9/11, everything seemed to pause for about a week or two. The timetable is not reverent but there must be adequate healing and recovery time. 

I have been able to come out of these situations stronger and more competent to handle life and its challenges. I have even been able to counsel and help others in this regard.  Often all people need is a listening ear. I have been this listening ear for all of last decade and I plan to be each decade that I live. 

STARS: Couponing Haul Update

I couponed for the first time in two months and for the first time this year. 

I went to Dollar General only just because I was limited in paper coupons. I plan on adding another account, watching more videos, using Walgreens more, and having no less than 3 PGs.  I hope that should cover it. 

I did fare better on my combo of paper and digital coupons than I had. OOP was only high because I needed stuff and didn't have coupons for everything. I am planning for February now. 

I have already targeted my items: Angel Soft toilet paper, toothpaste, deodorant, Dawn dish detergent, Gain laundry detergent, body wash (Dove or Irish Spring). I am really trying to take full advantage of the $5 off of $25 at DG and then utilize Walgreens to build points. I need vitamins and dental floss so items like this are easier to buy when my coupons aren't as plentiful and I can build points for the future. 

My OOP for February will be to save 70% off of my total purchase. I nearly saved 50% this weekend with barely any organization. Having a new DG near my home and several Walgreens will help me reach this goal. 

I am back to saving where I can so look out in 2020 and beyond for me!

STARS: Surviving the Graveyard Shift

I am writing my first blog post of 2020 as I celebrate 10 years of blogging. I will continue with the STAR method in regards to surviving working nights.  

Many people important to us work 3rd shift: law enforcement, medical professionals, security, hotel management, and retail. It's much quieter and laid back but please don't make the assumption that every job is a day job (although based on traffic, it feels like it.)

I wanted to make sure my sleep schedule was steady first, especially on my days off. I have a set time for going to bed and waking up. I do my best not to deviate from that.  

I also keep my caffeine supply steady and plentiful.  Quality coffee, organic energy and vitamins. I also have moved my exercise activities to the middle of the night. Less people in the gym but I am active and more productive.  

I also have minimal noise and interruptions before and when I am awake. I try to notify as many as possible that I work 3rd. This isn't to brag or show off as I did get a promotion at work.  I need my rest and I want to ensure I get it. 

Lastly, it's ok to nap but please don't make the mistake of sleeping all day or at crazy times. Get your consistent rest during the day and you can be fine.  I have found that falling asleep within 2-3 hours of me getting off from work is preferable for me. 

Ok that's the rundown and it has helped me survived the past 4 months. It will take a month or two for your carcadian rhythm to kick in but you can be fine also. Just make sure you stay encouraged and rest when you get off from work.