Finding the Balance

OK—in the mostly-fabulous world of Maeve Kaplan-Taylor, there are a bazillion things to do: feed my Guinea pigs, named Sabrina and Mark this week (Sabrina Bryan and Mark Ballas—my favorite couple on Dancing with the Stars!), go to hip hop class, be on time for Hebrew School, meet with my math tutor, AND practice my singing and acting in between. Oh yeah, and homework, too.

On top of everything else, my best friends—the BSG—have been bugging me to hang out with them almost every afternoon. I mean, I love my girls, but I have all these things to do! Sometimes, it’s hard to find a good balance between BFF time and lessons time, you know?

Do you ever feel like you’re pulling a balancing act trying to squeeze in time with your friends and time to get all your other stuff done? I TOTALLY feel that way. I hate letting my friends down, but I have so much to do!

*Talk more about finding the balance and other personal probs in our Sleepover Tower Club!*

you tell us ...

How do you stay close with your friends when you've got tons of stuff to do?

XOXO,

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Comments (153)

Miley_Ramsey writes:

After school Maeve Time:
1.Go to Montoya's with the BSG

2.Go to Charlotte's and do homework together with the BSG.
Ask Katani for help in math
Ask Charlotte for help in English

3. Bring math you still don't understand to your math tutor.

4. Go to Hebrew School

5. Go home and ask for help with homework you STILL don't understand.

6. Go to tower and practice Singing and Dancing

P.S Set the alarm on your cell phone so you don't forget.

Try the schedule, it should work!

Thanks! That sounds like a great plan :-)

XOXO,

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animeroxmysox123 writes:

well what you could do is mabey have your friends come over for a while or you guys go to starbucks or what ever kewl place is around your school and just hang out there and talk about your school problems or if you guys have the same classes talk about what you like or disslike about that certan class and then go home and do your home work! ^.^

Yeah, that's a great idea! The BSG and I go to Montoya's a lot just for a few minutes to chat. I'm so glad we all have lunch together!

XOXO,

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hollywood43 writes:

	I have a ton to do...Hip hop class, feed my ginie pigs(Angelina and Brad), math totor, and acting at Broadway with my twin sister Hey! You sound just like me! XOXO,

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hopester96 writes:

	well you just have to make sure that right when you get home you finish your work...thats how i manage mylife. Also if you have a project do it the day you get it!!

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violetglow writes:

I have a MAJOR probelm with this! I hate studying so much! And I'd much rather hang out with firends! I'd love to if my mom would let me! And, just for that I have a curfew! Ten o'clock! Now I can barely spend anytime with my friends! MAJOR BUMMER!

Yeah, that is a bummer. But, as we've been told 100 times, studying is more important than hanging out with friends 24/7. Don't worry -- you're not alone!

XOXO,

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icy.bookworm writes:

	If your doing homework, you can do it with them! There's some bonding time, AND you can get homework done. It also makes homework a lot funner! Yeah! I can only do that with some assignments, though. Usually, if the BSG get together to do homework, we just end up goofing off and laughing the whole time! Nothing gets done! XOXO,

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kitten cutie writes:

	Maeve you should always use your time well. When you have time to do homework and the bsg aren't bugging you (lol) you use that time to do homework. Also it's better to hang out with your friends during the weekend better than during the week.

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gubgub151 writes:

Hey Mauve
I know exactly what you mean!Lately at school I have been so cramed with homework that the only time I really get to see my friends is at breaks.And esspecially right now because I am out of school for a few weeks on a trip. But what I find really handy when I have a few extra minutes is text mesiging or emailing. It only takes a second plus you can get the scoop on whats going on or just chat with your buds!

Au revoir!
Gubgub151

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pinkiemonkey6 writes:

	well, i moved to AZ from IN, and i had tons of great freinds, so i email them EVERY day.

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egirl226 writes:

just like meave i have dyslexia. so i aint trying to be mean but you could recomend to maybe cut back on sports cause you never know what gose on in a peoples live. just some advice its realy hard to read stuff i figured that out but school so at least you didnot request to cut back on school even though its is hard and i would like that i need that time to improve my studies. please write back to tell me if u lik my advice. thanks

That's great advice! School ALWAYS comes before activities!

XOXO,

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mejustme writes:

	well you tell them you have tons of stuph to do and you will make plan as soon as possibal.i have had the same thing happen to me it works an trust no matter who it is if they are a true friend they will undestand i have had so much happen between me and my friend here we are we are still friends . love forever baller25

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Lunatuna writes:

	Dear Maeve, I hang out and have playdates with my friends on the days when I'm not super-busy.

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dancer987654321 writes:

	I call them, but my mom will never let me invite anyone over!!!! What should I do Maeve? Love, dancer987654321 Talk to your mom way in advance before you call one of your friends to come over. That way, she'll feel like you can both plan around your visit. XOXO,

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candygirl234 writes:

	The best way I find is 2 e-mail!Whenever ur on the computer just take a quick glance at ur e-mail!It's simple & you can still stay in touch with ur buds! Great advice! The BSG and I like to IM, too. XOXO,

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egirl226 writes:

	hey meave in am so busy. i have girlscouts horsebackriding and acting, dance and singing/acting lessons, ccd and singing, tutoring and acting/singing, fianally free time, singing, church and acting i really whant to be a star so i do all this. but help

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kgirl188 writes:

	hey maeve,Dealing wiht important stuff and friends is difficult but if you tell them what's up I'm sure they'll understand. My friends usually say It's all right girl, just remember were always hear for you. If mine understand yours will too!! Good Luck Girlfriend!! ps Just wanted to give a shoutout to my friends egirl226 and mdancergirl!!!!!

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cheer11 writes:

	try and cut back on a few things such as your math tutor you could try and get better on it so you dont have to go. Oooh, I can't cut back on my math tutor. He's the one who helps me get better at math! Plus, like my mom always says, spending time on schoolwork when there is a lot to be done is more important than spending time with friends! XOXO,

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prettypinkgirlystuff writes:

	When im in the rush. I really don't take a break and talk to my friends. So they usally get mad at me. But then I apolegize, and then i explain im really bussy, so they understand. Then the next day I come to them and guess what? Their bussy. LOL!

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hotpinktennis14 writes:

	i call them and talk on the phone for like 3 hours!!! lol!!!!! THREE hours? Wow! You must have a LOT to talk about! XOXO,

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Tea_House_Moon writes:

	If you are in a play or have a concert/recital, invite all your friends to it then meet up after the performance for ice cream! This is a very fun way to meet up and show what you have been working on all this time.

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Hollywood24 writes:

	Invite them to do stuff with you! Maybe you could all take a lesson together! Ooooh, I'd love for the BSG to take hip hop with me, but somehow I can't picture Katani or Charlotte signing up with much enthusiasm, you know? lol! XOXO,

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doubletrouble writes:

	i just talk 2 them @ school or when i'm done with homework i'll call them. i do it in a very long process tho.LOL!

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charlotteramseyfan5000011 writes:

	over the past week, i've had so much hw i haven't had time for anything else liek reading, my fav pastime. it's really hard to get it all done without staying up really late. -charlotteramseyfan5000011

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sidnee#8 writes:

Ok I have time to do all kinds of stuff because I am home schooled the question that people ask all the time and I HATE! Is do you have friends? Yes I have friends just because I am home schooled does not mean I can't do stuff! I do swim team
x-crountry ski team and I love to just hang out! I do have friends that are going to the public school and I have friends that are home schooled too. So I am just saying no need to be all stressted out ok ever one is going through the same thing you are so just go with the flow. But be your self too! K! That is the most inportant thing to remember! Just be your self! And everything will fall right in place! smilies/cool.gif

Hey, cool! I'm glad you cleared up all those myths about home-schooled kids. And, it's good to know that ALL kids get stressed out about school sometimes -- no matter what kind of situation you're in!

XOXO,

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muga123 writes:

	Well I have a book club that has a lot of my friends in it so that helps. I also get my home work done right after school so I get to relax. Also on the weekends since I get no home work I sometimes have play dates with someone. Fun! It might be a little hard for me since I have dyslexia, but it sounds like a great way to spend time with besties! XOXO,

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Kaija1997 writes:

	Do the stuff with them. If that doesn't work, take a break and have a sleepover or something. If it's school work do homework together. It's really fun. Plus you get extra help. Just don't get distracted! Been there(staying up to 8:30 because you didn't finish your homework)

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horseluvr84 writes:

	I email, or find some way to keep in touch.

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heartlessangel writes:

Well I try to stay in touch with her, but i spend all of my time laughing with her at school and like every Friday, we have extra time together. It is either a very long playdate of just a big sleepover, i really like it when we have sleepovers because they are themed, like we've had a camping Flight 29 Down sleepover, a super secret spy one, a hotel sleepover ( which actually happended, and one that we thought we were in the North Pole! We have a huge imagination and we don't want to waste it so we use it a lot but i only use my daydreaming thing at home because i don't want to get in trouble with my teacher.

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redsoxfreak24 writes:

	i talk to my friends while doing my homework or they come over and we do homework together Ooooh, that's hard. Whenever I try to do work up in the tower, I just get soooo distracted. It's like impossible. XOXO,

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spellbee12 writes:

	i try 2 be involved in the same aftur schul stuff since all of us have TONS of hw.right now,we're in show choir,student produced opera,drama club & b-ball 2gether.if ur bffs r super busy,try 2 find an activity that u all love & that wont conflict w/ their(or urs)hw or family stuff. hope this works!

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purple seashells writes:

	if its homework study together cleaning your room? re-organise together! doing the dishes or laundry? do it together and talk about your new fav tv shows, friends etc... but whatever you do...DO NOT GOOF OFF UNTIL YOUR DONE YOUR WORK!!! THEN YOU CAN GO CRAZY!! No goofing off until work is done? That's what everyone says! I guess you must be right! XOXO,

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allstar2152 writes:

	eat with them and if you can do the things you need to do with them..........or tell them they will understand

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fleur11 writes:

	I have lots of free time, the only thing I have is guitar lessons after school, and sometimes other little things, i feel sorry for you people that have so much stuff to do! I think the two after school programs i have are almost to much to handel.

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SummerRead34 writes:

Dear Maeve,
My LA teacher is giving me to much homework! I have a planner but it stills doesn't help. I have reading, studing, and my mom signing things. Plus my bffs don't come over much because I have to much homework. Can you help me?

Dear SummerRead34,

Sometimes, I feel soooo overwhelmed with schoolwork! It's super important to stay on top of things in school and not wait until the last minute. Unfortunately, I have to miss out on some stuff from time to time when I've got loads of schoolwork to do, but the BSG understand!

XOXO,

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dancer987654321 writes:

	I always work first and then I will have a long time after to spend with friends

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id_rather_b_dancing writes:

i try to get my hw and chores done first, then email and IM my friends, then get ready for dance or singing, and when i get home i chill out, check my email, talk to my friends on the phone, or get together with them. also, i have friends at dance so i talk to them there, and at singing, i convinced my friend to join (she has a great voice) and so i see her there. also, i see them at school sometimes and i try not to slack off of my work with my friends (luv ya guys) but i don't cut them out of my life and i try to find time to see them. hope this helps!

id_rather_b_dancing

Dear id_rather_b_dancing,

That's a great idea! If you do activities with your friends, then you can chat whenever you get a chance!

XOXO,

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MaeveFan173 writes:

	What I do since I have sooo many things to do I try to do sleepovers e-mail talking at recess talking on the phone and invite them over when I am free Dear MaeveFan173, COOL NAME! Hahaha! That sounds like good advice. My mom is always telling me to prioritize! XOXO,

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MaeveFan173 writes:

	My BFF Meliha told me that my other BFF said that I was sooo annoying.I don't want to be her BFF anymore but I don't want to hurt her feelings.What should I do?

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queenaff writes:

	i love u!

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martyrockssocute writes:

I've had friends leave and then call them in a year to find that they just say ' Hi. Ummm...nice to talk to you.....ummm....bye'.My best friend moved away. She's still my BFF and we DO try to stay in touch but it just gets harder and harder to keep the connection up. I just don't have much time and I'm afraid that we'll loose each other. I don't want to forget her like I did the others.

Dear martyrockssocute,

Phone conversations can be hard because you don't know if the other person is busy, distracted, whatever. Try emailing your friend once in a while. That way, you'll have her full attention when she reads your note!

XOXO,

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rentluver1996 writes:

	I stay i touch with my friends by instant messaging them and talking in the halls, i try to get together with my friends onweekends when i don't have as much homework. it wors out good.

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ladybug23 writes:

My friend likes someone who I like and we are argueing about what do I do ? smilies/cry.gif

Dear ladybug23,

Ooooh, this happens to so many BFFs! You and your friend need to think about what is more important to the both of you -- your friendship or this boy? Then, talk about how you can stop competing with each other and start working together on something that doesn't involve getting a boy's attention. Hopefully, you'll remember life before you started arguing and why you're love being BFFs!

XOXO,

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Aloha_Girl101 writes:

	Hey Maeve. When it's been a busy day, I send my friends E-cards in a spare moment to let them know that I do care, even if I don't have the time to show it! Dear Aloha_Girl101, Cool! E-cards are soooo fun. Great suggestion! Check out the cool cards we have here at Club BSG (free stuff for girls.) XOXO,

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7lilgill7 writes:

	I always find time even if I just talk to them for 5 min to 1 min I make sure I always talk to them!

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isabel/cassy girl writes:

dear maeve , im so totally stuck between 2 friends they are total oppisites! one has short hair and hangs with me at school ,and another has long hair and plays with me at home! and they almost hate each other!what the heck do i do! smilies/sad.gif

Dear isabel/cassy girl,

As much as we would like them to, school friends and home friends don't always mix. They both know YOU very well, but they don't know each other at all -- a little weird, huh? Don't be upset if they don't click as friends right away, but encourage hanging out as a group. As they get to know each other better, they'll stop feeling like they only have YOU in common.

XOXO,

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dulce writes:

	i talk on the phonewi th my friends.Or i tex them 2,but what i sometimes do is we sent each other emails Dear dulce, That sounds like a great way to keep in touch. Use ALL forms of communication -- you're bound to get a hold of someone! XOXO,

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sammi32195 writes:

	I like to talk to them in the beginning of the week to see what says we are all free and then I make the plans with them (officially) that night. That way, if something else comes up I won't push my plans with my friends aside and I can hang out with my friends

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kekechi writes:

	i just tell them ill talk to them later they'll understand they always do!

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pinkglam1811 writes:

	I check my email usually 4-5 times on school days and then on weekends I am always checking my email. IM my BFF ALOT! We also talk on the phone like everyday! I like to have a sleepover every weekend. Squeezing friends into my school week is tough because I have an activity almost everyday, but usually they are late. Wednesday's are my days! Thats when I try to hang out with my friends most!

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MS Writer writes:

	Most of my friend and i do the same sports and other activites, but we are not always together in them. we all know how important school and the other activites are to each other, so we just plan a huge get together at the movies and hang out for a few houre a few times a month. we also talk like crazy at school because we are in all the same classes.

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katanigirl1996 writes:

	I usuallyjust have aton of homework or basketbal1 practice, then I call them. And some weekends we go over to eachothers houses. I have a friend who Is jst around the corner and I hag out with her all the time.

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babymegan90 writes:

	I do my home work and then call them. We just go 2 the skate park and hang out then!

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melody122 writes:

	I usually I call them and ask when their days are free and then we hang-out.

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