By Tanasia Warren

LifeAtStart.com reporter

In Child Development, we’re learning about goals and how it can help us later in life or even right now.  Goals are something you want to achieve. This can be something you want to be, to have, to learn, or to create.

Short-term goals are goals that you can start now and accomplish quickly – in a week or a few months. For example, short terms goals could be shooting for getting all A’s in 3^rd quarter since it’s already midterm time.  Another short term goal could be to work on yourself, like learning how to be more interactive with people if you are anti-social or have social anxiety.  Several short terms goals can help you accomplish a long term goal. Getting all A’s and working on being more social can help you later in life if you decide to go to college.

Long-term goals will take you a bit longer – you can accomplish in 1-5 years, maybe even longer. For example, graduating high school. If you are a senior, however that would be a short-term goal for you, and graduating college, if you’re going, would be a long-term goal. Thinking about what you want to be when you grow up, and how you want to live could also be example of long-term goals.

Smarter goals, however, are different from just regular goals in a few ways.

A regular goal could be just saying – I will not procrastinate.   A smarter goal, which is a goal that is said more positively, would be turning that sentence into – I will get my work done on time.

It’s more of a positive push to help you better achieve that goal.

Specific– state exactly what you want to accomplish

Measurable- what will tell you that you have accomplished this goal.

Action plan- the steps you take to reach the goal you have set.

Realistic and relevant to you- think about your skills, interest and personality.

Time line for action plan and deadline for final goal

Enjoyable and ethical- are you enjoying the process of achieving your goal?

Resourced- who or what can help you. For example, people, time, money, energy, skills and information.

Contact Tanasia at: [email protected]

By Michael Komorowski

LifeAtStart.com reporter

For all you carnivores out there this article is a definite must read. I’ve worked at Shorty’s BBQ for five months and with the late hours I work midnight snacking has become a fourth meal. Since most restaurants are closed by midnight I am usually stuck eating at Shorty’s. You would think Shorty’s food would get old after awhile, but surprisingly it hasn’t.

The variety served at Shorty’s is just enough to keep me from getting sick of the same food. From the delicious burgers and fries to the slabs of ribs dripping in sweet and spicy BBQ sauce, this restaurant has it all. For all those people who are not true barbecue lovers, Shorty’s offers a variety of non-barbecue menu items including chicken sandwiches and smoked brisket served on Texas toast topped with coleslaw. This restaurant will have anything to suit your meaty needs.

I have decided to rate this restaurant based on atmosphere, quality of food, and service

Service=4/5

Atmosphere=3/5

Food=4/5

If you have any questions or comments feel free to contact me at [email protected]

BY RYSA LAKE
LifeAtStart.com Reporter

It’s about a month into 2015, but it’s never too late to start on your New Year’s resolutions. Whether it’s something as small as drinking more water, or something bigger like losing weight, follow these tips to help you stay on track.

Start Small

Now this may sound silly because it sounds logical, but some people think they can just jump into the pool without testing the water. When people jump into things, they can get too overwhelmed and want to quit. If you’re saving money, start out by saving five dollars a week, then after a couple weeks start saving ten.  That way you don’t feel like you are drowning.

 Remind Yourself

Most of the time New Year’s goals fall through because you simply forget, but with your cell phone, you can set reminders. Setting reminders when you first start out can be very helpful, and after a while you won’t need them anymore.

Reward Yourself

Sure you have one major goal, but you might not feel like you’re getting anywhere. If you take your goal one step at a time, it won’t seem insurmountable, and reward yourself after each milestone. You will then have more motivation to keep pushing on.

Everyone always says “New Year, New Me,” but this year, stick to the saying. Remember it takes 21 days to make a habit.

If you have any comments, questions, or concerns e-mail me at: [email protected]

By Rysa Lake

LifeAtStart.com Reporter

One of my favorite foods are my grandma’s sugar cookies, and that’s why I decided to share them with you. Whether you like to eat them with just sugar on top or like to get crafty and frost them, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

1 cup flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon nutmeg

2 cups sugar

1 cup Crisco

2 eggs

1 teaspoon lemon extract

1 cup buttermilk

Additional 4 cup flour

Cookie cutters

Directions

In a bowl mix the flour, baking soda, salt and nutmeg. In a different bowl, mix together the sugar, Crisco, eggs, lemon extract and buttermilk until it is a creamy consistency. Mix the dry ingredients into the creamy batter. After mixing the two together, add an additional 4 cups of flour. After mixing up the dough, you need to let it sit in the fridge for about two hours. Once the two hours are up and you’re ready to bake, roll the dough to about a half inch in thickness, and then use cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Bake on 400 degrees for 10 minutes, let cool and decorate how you see fit.

Contact Rysa at: [email protected]