How To Be Sick

Sorry for the lack of updating readers, but I have been battling a monster sickness. It's gone from fever, to upset stomach, to laryngitis, to coughing. According to the doctor it's viral and there is nothing I can do about it other than wait it out. I've been trying to find my "magic over the counter medication" combination, and in the process, I've learned a few things about colds and how you have to learn to deal with them as a post grad.

The first thing I've learned is to take time off from work if you need it. Last weekend, when my cold was at it's worst, I assumed I would power through my work days easily and rest up at night. Wrong. I ended up having to take off on Monday to recooperate a little bit, and I'm so glad I did. It's tough to give up your personal days, or even take time off without pay, but your health is more important.

The second thing I've learned is that cough suppressants are a HUGE waste of money. As post grads, we've got to save every penny we can! All suppressants do is try to stop the coughing reflex, and frankly, many don't work. at all. Theraflu extreme cough and cold? I'm talking to you buddy.... Try to find the root of your cough, and then attack that sickness with over the counter medication. In the meantime, suck on Fisherman's Friend cough drops. Those things are miracle workers.

The third thing I've learned is that being sick as a post grad means saying no to fun things as well. I've missed a few social gatherings in the past week that I was really looking forward to, but I know I would have a miserable time if I went. It's more important than ever that I'm healthy enough to come into work, so I've learned that I actually need to take it easy until I am completely better.

What about you post grads, how to you handle sickness? Any amazing coughing remedies that I haven't heard of yet?

IRS

Beginning today, January 17, 2011, the IRS will be accepting tax returns. I have never done my own taxes, and I'm not going to pretend I have. My mother has been gracious enough to use the skills she learned at H & R Block to do my taxes every year. While doing this, though, she has made sure to teach me some things. And as post grads, our taxes just got a lot more complicated.

Forms you will need to get:

• W2 for every job you held in 2010.
• 1099 in case you were contracted
• 1098 T from your school to prove how much tuition you paid
• 1098 E from EACH of your lenders to prove how much interest you paid on your loans.

These forms are needed no matter what kind of return you file. There is also the American Opportunity Credit that all of you should look into. People who were in college in 2010 (that's us by the way) can qualify for up to $2500 more on your return. I highly recommend checking that out to see if you qualify. More information can be found here.

Good luck Post Grads! I hope you all get a great tax return this year.

Mouse Hunt

By Allison Sass

Monday morning, as I woke up bright an early for work, I found myself in a cheery mood. I had forced myself to get 8 hours of sleep the night before, and was excited for the week to come.

This was minutes before I walked into my bathroom and found a small dead mouse lying in the middle of the floor. Day officially ruined.

As recent grads, it's likely that our living spaces are either cramped, old, or both. Cheaper rent in an older house means more money to spend on food... it also means that you are at a greater risk to inherit any mice that have already taken up residence in your new place.

At first, I was horrified. My apartment mates and I are clean, and my apartment is also pretty well maintained. I'm careful to avoid leaving open food containers around, and try to clean up after myself when cooking. Yet, here is a dead mouse blocking me from my morning shower that I now have to dispose of.

Thankfully, knock on wood, our apartment has only been graced by this one mouse since last winter. In case you find yourself in a similar predicament, here's how to deal with the little mousey friends that plague so many post grad's lives.

Peppermint oil- Drip pure peppermint oil (not extract) around the perimiter of your apartment walls and near cooking appliances. Mice can't stand the smell and will run from it.

Traps- Okay, so mice are a little cute. It's sad to kill them, but if you don't, they will multiply. Buy some snap traps, sticky traps, or have a heart traps, and place them against the wall where you last saw a mouse. Cuteness or Infestation... it's your call.

Clean up- Clean your closet floors as much as possible.. clothing and papers make perfect nests for mice.

Cat- Not always practical, but if you have a family cat nearby or a friend's cat to borrow, it might be time for a kitty sleepover.

Any horrifying mice experiences/ tips that you would like to share? Leave us a comment!