Just because your teacher has not announced extra credit opportunities, does not necessarily mean that there are none. If you feel you would benefit from extra credit, always ask your teacher what you can do to improve your grade. If something is going on in your life that has affected your grades, make sure your teacher knows about it. She may be more willing to work with you if you have a legitimate excuse for falling behind in the first place. Be sure to communicate that you are genuinely willing to work to improve your grade. Teachers are not likely to change your grade unless you put in a lot of effort. Understand ahead of time how much of an effect extra credit can have on your grade. This will vary from class to class, so never expect that you can turn your C into an A by writing one additional essay just because that worked in another class. Some teachers offer lots of extra credit opportunities, but some don't offer any at all, so don't expect it. If your teacher does give you the chance to complete extra credit assignments, be thankful for it. Do not complain about the amount of work that is required or the number of points you can earn for it. Your teacher didn't have to give you any extra credit opportunities at all. Do as much extra credit as you can, as long as it isn't interfering with your other assignments. You should always complete the required assignments for your class before you move on to extra credit. If you've been given an extra credit assignment, it's up to you to make the most out of it. In order to show your teacher that you really care and get the best grade possible, you need to put your all into your work. As with all other assignments, make sure you understand the expectations. Don't be afraid to ask your teacher to explain the requirements if you don't understand them. If your teacher gives you the option to choose your extra credit assignment, make it something that you are passionate about. For example, if you have to write a research paper about a controversial issue of your choosing, pick a topic that you find interesting. You will have a much easier time completing the assignment (and you will probably do better work) if you enjoy learning about the topic. Always hand your extra credit in on time. Do not disappoint your teachers again by turning in your work late.

Summary: Don't be afraid to ask. See it as a gift. Commit yourself to it.

Though you might feel the need to be tough, realize that the true sign of strength is being able to be vulnerable. You cannot heal if you stifle your emotions. When you feel the urge to cry, do so. If you are at work or in public, step away to the restroom for a few moments. Allowing yourself to be vulnerable will make it easier to process negative or unresolved emotions in the long run. Don't be afraid to let everything out. Avoid constantly ruminating over the loss, however. Schedule time each day to think about it, cry, and mourn your relationship. Once that time is over, move on to something else. If your friendship ended abruptly or in anger, you may not have had the chance to say goodbye. You do not need to send this letter nor do you need to bash your friend in it. Consider reflecting on the positive memories that you had with them, acknowledging the value the friendship added to your life, but then end the letter with a goodbye. Acknowledge what you did wrong in the letter or what you could have done differently, but don't fixate on it. What's done is done. Beyond a letter, you can also benefit from some daily reflections surrounding the loss. Each day, perhaps when you come home from work or school or when you are feeling overwhelmed with sadness, take a few moments to write down your thoughts and how you are feeling. . Meditation can be a great tool in helping you stay present, focused and relaxed rather than constantly thinking about your lost friendship. Meditation helps to clear the mind so that you can think more logically and calmly about issues you are facing. Take ten minutes each day, either in the morning or when you get home, to meditate in a quiet space where you will be uninterrupted. There are several meditation apps available for download including "Calm" and "Headspace." Social media will only trigger you to think about your friend more, thus making it more difficult for you to cope and move on. For the next few weeks, stay off of social media as much as possible. Deactivate your accounts or simply delete the apps from your phone. If you must still use social media, then you can at least unfollow or unfriend your old friend so that you don't see the things they post. You might even consider blocking them. If you're tempted to call your friend, consider blocking their number as well. It can take six weeks to fully grieve from the loss of a deep friendship, although it sometimes takes as long as two years. You shouldn't expect to wake up a few days later and feel completely normal and fine. Don't rush the process, be gentle with yourself, and give yourself space to heal. You might have some anxiety surrounding how you will deal the next time you see them, especially if you two work together or are in the same friend group. Or you might see them out and about in the city one day, as well. Plan a script in your head so that you feel prepared at all times. It can be very simple like "Hello, Janine. I hope you're doing well." And then you can walk away. You don't have to approach them, but if you are in close proximity, at least you have a few words that you can speak that are both polite and short. It may help to tell mutual friends about the end of the relationship so they can help you steer clear of your former friend. Many people often only consider the breakup of a romantic relationship as being tough, but a longtime friendship dissolving can be equally as heartbreaking. Notice signs of depression that could become debilitating. If you feel that you cannot get out of bed, don't enjoy life any longer, or can't keep up with your basic responsibilities, consider getting outside help. Look for therapists in your area.

Summary: Cry it out. Write a letter. Write in your journal. Meditate Avoid social media. Give yourself time. Develop a plan for when you see them. Reach out for professional help.

The easiest way to maintain the glass in your fireplace or woodstove is to clean it regularly so that deep cleaning isn't necessary. When you're burning regular fires, clean the glass each week with an ash paste: When the fireplace or woodstove has had a day or two to cool, gather some ashes. Mix the ashes with enough water to make a paste. Apply the paste to the glass with a microfiber cloth to remove soot and dirt. Wipe the glass clean with a damp microfiber cloth. Alternatively, you can buy a commercially-available paste cleaning product. Sometimes cleaning agents and ash paste can leave streaks on your glass that make it difficult to see the fire. To remove this, mix one part vinegar with three parts water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the glass and wipe the glass with a dry microfiber cloth until the glass is dry. Clean the inside and the outside of the glass in this way to remove streaks and make the glass clear and spotless. Glass cleaners that contain silicone will leave a layer on the glass. This layer will protect the glass from dirt and soot buildup, meaning you won't have to clean the glass as often, and cleaning will be easier. Before applying any cleaner that isn't made specifically for wood stoves or fireplaces, read the instructions to make sure it's heat- and fire-safe. Scraping the glass with a razor blade or other sharp implement may help to remove soot and buildup from fireplace and woodstove glass, but it's more likely to scratch or gouge the glass. Modern fireplace and woodstove glass is actually a ceramic glass, and it's much softer than regular glass. Scratches in the glass will make the fire harder to see, and will provide small crevasses for soot and dirt to hide.
Summary: Clean the glass regularly. Remove streaks with water and vinegar. Apply glass cleaner with silicone. Don't scrape the glass.