I love to read self-help magazines, blogs, and columns. I am always looking for a way to better myself, be more organized or efficient. I was reading how to make mornings flow more smoothly, and I found that out of the seven suggestions, I do five things wrong every morning. See how you score!

Stop Hitting Snooze This is like the best invention that anyone has created. I love my 10 or 20 minutes extra that I get to ease into waking up because of this miraculous button. My only problem is that I set the alarm for 10-20 minutes before I need to get up.

Stop Taking Long, Hot Showers Cant do it. I believe that a long, luxurious shower in the morning is the perfect way to start the day. I get enough shock value as my day progresses. A hot shower allows me to think about the day ahead, make my mental to-do list, and since I am the last one to get ready in the morning, why not?

Stop Drinking Coffee I am not a coffee drinker, but I grew up in the Pepsi generation, and to this day I have a caffeinated soda for breakfast. I have tried to behave and go for a normal breakfast beverage, but have never beaten the headache that comes from not having my caffeine.

Stop Making Breakfast This is one that I can live with thanks to protein drinks and the revolutionary invention of a meal in a bar. Just grab and go!

Stop Checking Emails I dont know why this cant wait, but it cant. I must check my emails first thing in the morning. I cannot live without knowing what I missed during the six hours that I have been asleep.

Stop Checking Social Media Just like my emails, I must see what exciting event I missed and wish all the beautiful people having a birthday a wonderful day. Basically, I am nosy and addicted. It is nothing that I havent admitted before.

Stop Stressing Over Your Outfit In my younger days, I would plan every outfit down to the jewelry the night before. Fast forward a few decades and I have figured out what works for me and I stick to it. It is such a relief to be comfortable with my style.

The way I look at it, if I make it to where I need to be when I need to be there, Im good.

Heres a look at the events and activities happening on the West Side of Fairmont.

Fairmont Senior High School

Aug. 14 Schedule changes for Seniors, 8 a.m. noon

Aug. 15 Schedule changes for Sophomores and Juniors, 8 a.m. noon

Aug. 16 Schedule changes for Freshman, 8 a.m. noon

Aug. 16 Freshmen Orientation time to be announced

Watson Elementary

Aug. 7, 8 and 9 New student registration, 9 a.m. 3 p.m.

West Fairmont Middle School

Aug. 15 and 16 New Student Enrollment, 8 a.m. 11 a.m. and noon 2 p.m.

Aug. 21 Open House, 6 p.m. 8 p.m.

Aug. 23 First Day for Students

NOTE: Students entering 7th grade will be required to show proof of the following prior to entry into school for the 2017-2018 year:

1. Dental examination

2. Health check examination

3. Immunizations Tdap and MCV4

If your child has already received their health and dental exam within the last 12 months, please ask your childs physician and dentist to complete the necessary form (can be picked up in the office) and return to the school.

W.Va. Derby Days

Video Racing fundraiser will be held at the Fraternal Order of the Eagles at 305 First St., Fairmont, on Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Dinner is from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Racing begins at 7 p.m. The cost is $20 per person to name your horse. Call 304-363-4882 or 304-296-3300 for tickets. Ladies, please wear your prettiest hat for the contest for a chance to win a prize. Hosted by Connecting Link.

2nd Annual Backpack and School Supplies Pickup

You can also register for the giveaway for the last time on Saturday at Windmill Park from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Then come on Aug. 12 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Windmill Park, located at Ogden Avenue, for the distribution of the backpacks and supplies. There will be a cookout with free food and fun for the whole family. A DJ will be playing tunes, and updates about whats happening in the neighborhood will be available. Event hosted by Westside Action Coalition of Fairmont and Marion County Starts Smart Backpack and School Supplies. You may also pick up your school supply application at the Fairmont office of the state Department of Health and Human Resources.

Read the original here:
Toni Ricer - Self help magazines, columns, blogs are great way to better oneself - The Exponent Telegram (press release) (registration) (blog)