Where'd the simplicity go?

[Erika Teufel]

So I don't know about you guys, but my life is anything but simple nowadays. Back when I was a youngen living in Chicago, all I was worried about was "I wonder if I'm going to go hang out with Adam in the courtyard today..." Now, at the age of 17, I'm working two jobs, paying everything to take care of my car with seldom, extremely kind donations from my grandma, losing hair about ACTs and college apps, worrying about being able to buy a new computer for college which needs to be a Mac, and struggling to get to get a sufficient amount sleep.

So what happened to the simple days? I can't even answer this question because from the last time I was 100% completely content and happy with life is left back in the 90's. Being completely stress free these days is extremely rare for anyone in the world. Kids are even starting to notice that something in this world is going wrong with help from stressed parents about losing everything they own because of the state of the economy. So how do we keep the good times rolling? Here are some cheap ways I can still have fun without paying too much money or being super concerned about time.

-go to freakin' Arlington Theater instead of AMC 30 ($5.25<$10.00)

-thrift stores and resale shops aren't just for poor people anymore. Thanks to Ragstock coming into Woodfield very recently, you can now find amazing deals at extremely low prices. (I got an Urban Outfitters jacket there for 8 dollars)

-if you have an amount of homework that is most likely going to keep you up until 4 o'clock in the morning, figure out which subject you can sacrifice one little homework assignment. (you'll still get into college, I promise)

-coupons, coupons, coupons. Me and my mother saved $60 at Jewel the other day. This isn't just helping you out but also, you're helping your entire family out. Giving = getting.

-take a break, a personal day, something. If everything starts moving at you way too fast, stop. Take a breather and but your brain on hibernation mode for an hour.

So what about you? How has your simple life changed since when you were a kid?

What tips do you have for other students/families/adults/teens that would help them settle down and become more stress free?

[Tom Meyer]

I don't really worry that much about college and the ACT. I plan on going to college but it is outrageous how much it is and I think it's stupid to base college entry on one test. I don't even know what I plan to study in college or where I want to go but it's not really stressing me out that much. Whatever happens, happens. I'll try to make the best out of it.

[micheal kiely]

i really just try to eat as much as i can at home before i go out with my friends. fills me up and i dont have to spend a dime on food!

[Val Mann]

I totally agree Erika! I can't even remember the last time I was stress free. Oh, the good ol' days of watching Rugrats and Rocket Power...I love going to thrift stores and looking for cute shirts that are ridiculously cheap, and weird little knick-knacks too. And Arlington Theater is the best. Half the price of AMC and there's a Panera right next to it. Good suggestions :)

[Allison Dunnington]

One of my favorite and free places to go is the library. (Yes, I know I'm a dork.) It's a great place to check out fairly new movies and books, and since the main library is rated 10th in the nation, it has to be good.

[Elory Hranicka]

I kinda smiled when i read the cupon one. my mom is totally cupon crazy! we saved tons of money with them and plus Aldi is the best place ever. Also Salvation Army has become out new place to find cute cloths and all kinds of other things most of the clothin there is only 90 cents and still have the tags!