Problem: Article: Swim class is often inconvenient; it involves undressing, showering, getting wet, and then getting dressed again, all while you’re still at school and in front of your friends and peers. Plan ahead before you leave your home that morning, and you’ll be able to minimize the inconvenience that comes from swim class.  If you have gym class earlier in the day, consider wearing your swimsuit under your clothes so you don’t have to change when you get to the locker room. If you’re a girl, consider tightly braiding your hair in the morning.  No guarantees, but it may keep your hair dry. Avoid wearing tight clothes such as skinny jeans, since these are harder to put on after getting out of the pool. Always lock your belongings in a locker with a combination lock.  Practice using the lock until you can confidently open it without looking at the code. Your goal should be finding something that’s comfortable, practical, and efficient in the pool. You’ll need to wear the same swimwear for as long as your swimming unit lasts, so find something that you enjoy wearing.  For girls, choose a swimsuit that you feel comfortable in and that lets you move freely in the pool. For guys, you’ll need a pair of comfortable swim trunks. Avoid any that impair your movement or are excessively baggy, as these will slow you down in the pool. Consult your instructor and make sure that your planned attire follows any regulations in place. Make sure that, if you wear shorts that are not intended for water (basketball shorts, running shorts, etc.) that they have a very secure waistband, or preferably a drawstring. You don’t want to lose your shorts in the pool. As long as your school allows them, goggles are a practical part of every swimmer’s attire. You should have a high-quality pair that will keep the water out of your eyes. This will help you focus more on your swimming, and less on the distracting feeling of water in your eyes. When you wear your goggles, make sure that they’re not too tight across the nose. Goggles should be snug around your eyes, and not let water seep in, but they shouldn’t be uncomfortably tight. When the gym period ends, you’ll probably need to dry off, shower, and change your clothes before you move on to the rest of your day. Plan ahead and bring everything you’ll need with you in your duffel bag. Include:  Large plastic bag for your wet swimsuit. Shampoo and conditioner (for girls, or guys with longer hair). A hairbrush/wide toothed comb (for people with long hair). Body wash (Chlorine will dry out your skin unless you wash it off). Deodorant and/or body spray. Large beach towel. Makeup (if you plan to apply it after gym class). Flip-flops to wear on the pool deck. If you’re on your period (or anticipate that you could be, within the next couple of days), bring tampons with you in your duffel bag. Tampons can be worn in the pool without any problem, and should be worn instead of pads in this setting.  The adhesive on most types of pads isn’t waterproof, so they may come off in the pool, and are generally less effective in water than tampons anyway. Many young women start wearing tampons (rather than pads) for the first time during a gym swimming unit. If you’re in this situation, it’s completely normal and nothing to feel worried or anxious about. Since you’ll be changing clothes at the pool and bringing more items to class than you normally would, you’ll need a pool-specific bag to bring everything in. This is all in an effort to keep your belongings safe and intact.  Make sure that the bag zips shut and has a flat bottom so your clothes won’t get wrinkled. In addition, you may want to look for a waterproof bag, in case pool water gets splashed on it. Consider investing in a combination lock if you haven’t already. Usually, swimming units are stress-free and involve tons of free time. Don’t be too worried about it. Many people squirm at the thought of mandatory swimming with classmates, but end up loving it. Don’t get too worked up with anxiety over the swimming unit; be mature and have fun.
Summary: Plan ahead for your day. Consider the swimwear that you plan on wearing. Purchase a good pair of goggles. Prepare your bag with necessities. Bring tampons if you’re menstruating. Pack your things in a duffel bag. Enjoy yourself!

Problem: Article: Although you need more materials than you would if you used a simple curling ribbon, this procedure doesn't take that long to accomplish. Fabric ribbons that you've taken the time to curl can add something a little extra to a nice package.  Find a dowel stick (pencil or rod works, too) which you'll use to curl the ribbon around. A bigger diameter creates a bigger curl, while a smaller diameter creates a smaller curl. Get a length of fabric ribbon. The width doesn't particularly matter, it just depends on what you want in terms of width. Make it a few inches (or centimeters) longer than the final desired length because curling will make it smaller. Mix cornstarch and water in a spray bottle. Grab a couple clothespins or clips, or use tape. They have to be completely dry before you remove them from the dowel, because otherwise they may lose their shape. This can take awhile so it's a good idea to curl your ribbons with plenty of time to spare before you need to use them.
Summary: Gather your materials. Allow your ribbons to dry.

Problem: Article: Adopting a Lab from a shelter or rescue group is a great thing to do, as these dogs are often loving, loyal animals who through no fault of their own have ended up in a rescue. Just keep in mind that adopting a Lab can mean compromising on little things such as the dog’s color, age, or gender. Most dog breeds have fans who work to ensure that special dog breeds, such as Labradors, have good homes. Check to see if there are any Labrador rescue groups in your area with dogs available for adoption.  You may be able to get contact information for local rescue organizations from your local humane society, veterinarian's office, or pet shop. Keep in mind that dogs who end up in rescue programs are not there because they are bad. Owners may give up their dogs because of life circumstances such as a divorce, job loss, or physical condition. Other times a dog may end up in a rescue program because the owner did not fully consider the financial and/or time commitment that a dog requires. If you are nervous about adopting a dog, keep in mind that many adoption agencies offer or even require a trial period for qualified adopters. During the trial period, you will be able to take the dog home for a week to see if you are a good match for each other. Even if you do not have to or want to do a trial period, it is important to meet your potential new pet. Spend some time with him or her before you decide if this is the dog for you. Shelters often have special areas for prospective pet owners and their family members (people and pets) to get to know a potential new member.
Summary:
Consider adopting a Lab. Look into a breed-specific Labrador retriever rescue group. Ask about a trial period.