Stop Dieting.
Become Physically, Not Externally, Connected to Eating.
Use the Rating of Perceived Hunger (RPH) Scale.
Distinguish Between Emotional and Physical Hunger.
Neutralize Food.
Do Not Skip Meals.
Dispel Myths; Do Not Create Them.
Be Supportive, Not Critical.
Watch Your Language.
Change the Reward System.
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I will design a “Goal Agreement with myself for any goal, no matter how small or large.
My goal Agreement will be written down and I will date the “Goal Agreement†with the starting date and completion date for each goal.
My goal will be described in detail.
All of my Goal Agreements that have not been completed will be read in front of the mirror every day with a lot of enthusiasm.
When a goal is reached, I will sign the Goal agreement.
I will always remember, I CAN BE AS GREAT AS ANYONE. I will have a plan.
I will make sure my goals go together.
My goals will be something I want so much that I’ll be excited to do the work it takes to get it done.
Setting goals is very important to me. It’s not a joke or silly. I know I can’t reach a place I want to go if I do not know how to get there.
I choose to take the goals very seriously no matter how small each goal is.
If I want my life to change, I understand I have to change, or I will stay just about the same as I am right now.
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Arrive about 10-15 minutes early.
Give a warm greeting and firm handshake.
Let the interviewer take the initiative in the interview.
Act natural; be courteous, maintain composure and dignity.
Dress appropriately and professionally; neat and pressed.
Be honest’ interviewers can detect a “bluffâ€. You are not expected to know everything.
Bring extra resumes and samples of past performance (e.g., brochure of successful program you coordinated).
Show interest by asking intelligent and relevant questions.
Allow interviewer to express him/herself and be an effective listener.
Present clarifying information about your credentials; give concrete examples to illustrate abstract skills.
Be confident and positive.
Think of your potential contribution to the employer.
Relax and be yourself.
Be on time.
Be attentive.
Promote yourself.
Talk positively about past employers/co-workers.
Watch for the “interview is over†cue and end on a positive note.
Do not chew gum or smoke, even if invited to do so.
Only call the interviewer by his/her first name if you are invited to do so.
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Auto insurance provides property, liability and medical coverage:
Property coverage pays for damage to or theft of your car.
Liability coverage pays for your legal responsibility to others.
Medical coverage pays for the cost of treating injuries, rehabilitation and sometimes lost wages and funeral expenses.
Do I need insurance to rent a car?
When renting a car, you need insurance. If you have adequate insurance on your own car, including collision and comprehensive, this may be enough.
Before you rent a car:
1. Contact your insurance company.
Find out how much coverage you have on your own car. In most cases, the coverage and deductibles you have on your personal auto policy would apply to a rental car, providing it’s used for pleasure and not business. If you don’t have comprehensive and collision coverage on your own car, you will not be covered if your rental car is stolen or if it is damaged in an accident.
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(ARA) - Undoing the wear and tear of winter should be job number one for motorists as they prepare for warmer weather ahead. Summer’s heat, humidity and heavy stop-and-go traffic can cause marginal systems to fail. Why risk the inconvenience and aggravation of having your vacation interrupted? More importantly, any road-side breakdown on today’s busy highways is unsafe.
The experts at the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) offer the following tips to get your vehicle ready for summer.
Read the owner’s manual and follow the recommended service schedules. The manual contains a complete checklist of services, schedules and other important information about your vehicle.
Flush and refill the cooling system (radiator) according to the service manual’s recommendations. The level, condition and concentration of coolant should be checked periodically. If you are doing your own work, make sure the engine has cooled down before removing the radiator cap.
Have engine performance problems — hard starts, rough idling, stalling — corrected. You’ll get better gasoline mileage and you may prevent more expensive repairs later on. For example, something as simple as a rough idle could indicate an underlying problem that could ruin your vehicle’s catalytic converter over time. The old adage, “Pay me now or pay me later,” is especially true with today’s high-tech, computerized systems.
If you are not a do-it-yourselfer, look for repair facilities with vehicles in the parking lot equal in value to your own, modern equipment in the service bays and signs that the automotive technicians are qualified, such as trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work and training classes, as well as national certification of the individual technicians by ASE.
The tightness and condition of belts, clamps and hoses should be checked by a qualified auto technician. Most do-it-yourselfers do not have the proper equipment. But weekenders can look for signs of wear, cracking or frayed belts. And, once again, don’t ignore the service schedules listed in the owner’s manual.
Have a marginally operating air conditioner system serviced by a qualified technician. The air conditioners on older vehicles often contain ozone-depleting chemicals that could be released into the air through improper or incompetent service.
Change the oil and oil filter as specified in owner’s manual. (Properly dispose of used oil.) Polls of technicians overwhelmingly indicate that this is one of the most neglected services, and one that can greatly reduce the life of your car, light truck or SUV.
Replace other filters (air, fuel, PCV, etc.) as recommended in the service manual.
Check the condition of tires, including the spare. Let the tires “cool down” before checking their pressure. Uneven wear, “cupping,” vibrations or “pulling” to one side indicates problems with your tires or suspension system.
Don’t neglect your transmission. Costly repairs can be prevented by routine service.
For safety and convenience, inspect all lights and bulbs; replace burned out bulbs. Replace worn wiper blades and keep plenty of washer solvent on hand to fight summer’s dust and insects.
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) was founded in 1972 as a non-profit, independent organization dedicated to improving the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive technicians. ASE-certified technicians wear blue and white ASE shoulder insignia and carry credentials listing their exact area(s) of certification. Their employers often display the blue and white ASE sign.
For a free brochure with summertime automotive tips, send a self-addressed, stamped long envelope to: ASE Summer Brochure, Dept. ARA-1, 101 Blue Seal Dr., S.E., Suite 101, Leesburg, Va., 20175, or visit www.asecert.org for more information.
Courtesy of ARA Content
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When buying a car, be it new or used, it’s important to know what type of vehicle will fit your needs best. If you’re on a tight budget and don’t need a lot of room; buying a full size SUV may not be the best way to go. Buy what you need for now while the money is tight…you can always splurge and purchase that new “dream machine†when your finances have improved.
Prior to visiting your local car dealership, do your homework. Once you decide on the type of car you would like to own, go to Consumer Reports online and look for the following:
What is the maintenance report – have there been many problems with this model?
Is it the type of car that will have an expensive insurance premium – convertibles, two door, sports car, etc.
What are the average costs for this new vehicle – know approximately what you should be paying before you go to the showroom!
Are there any features you can’t live without, like AC in Phoenix or a block heater in Fargo?
Miles-per-gallon is an important thing for you to consider. You might want to look for a vehicle that can get closer to 40 miles to the gallon instead of 10 to 15.
Know that a new car has its heaviest depreciation (loss of value) in the first two years of ownership so you might want to consider a “new to you†used car.
Buying a New or Used Car with Financing
So you found the car of your dreams but don’t know how you are going to pay for it? Well there are a few steps involved in financing.
• Get Your Credit Report: Before you walk into the dealership and apply for financing you need to know what your credit record is like. Too many dealers will trick you into believing your credit report is less than stellar and will try to slide in a higher interest rate.
See our Credit Check page for more information.
• Decide where you will finance: It’s convenient to finance through the dealer but many times you are not getting the best interest rate.
Consider the following sources:
a. Credit Unions: If you belong to one, you can usually get much lower interest rates. Credit Unions are there to serve you, not themselves.
b. Online Lenders: With lower overhead, online lenders can offer you better rates than a dealer.
• Check the fine print: Make sure you will not be penalized for paying off the loan early. Also check the minimum collision coverage required. If you are used to carrying a $1000 deductible and the lender requires a $500 deductible, you could be in for a surprise when the bill shows up.
• If you decide to go to the dealer to arrange the financing, request to see the approval letter from the lending institution. Dealers can mark up the interest rates and earn commission by doing this little trick.
• Before signing: Check the fine print ! Always keep a calculator with you and double check everything.
The differences between leasing and buying.
• Ownership
a.LEASING: You do not own the vehicle. You get to use it but must return it at the end of the lease unless you choose to buy it.
b.BUYING: You own the vehicle and get to keep it at the end of the financing term.
• Up-front costs
a. LEASING: Up-front costs may include the first month’s payment, a refundable security deposit, a capitalized cost reduction (like a down payment), taxes, registration and other fees, and other charges.
b. BUYING: Up-front costs include the cash price or a down payment, taxes, registration and other fees, and other charges.
• Monthly payments
a. LEASING: Monthly lease payments are usually lower than monthly loan payments because you are paying only for the vehicle’s depreciation during the lease term, plus rent charges (like interest), taxes, and fees.
b. BUYING: Monthly loan payments are usually higher than monthly lease payments because you are paying for the entire purchase price of the vehicle, plus interest and other finance charges, taxes, and fees.
• Early termination
a. LEASING: You are responsible for any early termination charges if you end the lease early.
b. BUYING: You are responsible for any pay-off amount if you end the loan early.
• Vehicle return
a. LEASING: You may return the vehicle at lease end, pay any end-of-lease costs, and “walk away.â€
b. BUYING: You may have to sell or trade the vehicle when you decide you want a different vehicle.
• Future value
a. LEASING: The lessor has the risk of the future market value of the vehicle.
b. BUYING: You have the risk of the vehicle’s market value when you trade or sell it.
• Mileage
a. LEASING: Most leases limit the number of miles you may drive (often 12,000-15,000 per year). You can negotiate a higher mileage limit and pay a higher monthly payment. You will likely have to pay charges for exceeding those limits if you return the vehicle.
b. BUYING: You may drive as many miles as you want, but higher mileage will lower the vehicle’s trade-in or resale value.
• Excess wear
a. LEASING: Most leases limit wear to the vehicle during the lease term. You will likely have to pay extra charges for exceeding those limits if you return the vehicle.
b. BUYING: There are no limits or charges for excessive wear to the vehicle, but excessive wear will lower the vehicle’s trade-in or resale value.
• End of term
a. LEASING: At the end of the lease (typically 2-4 years), you may have a new payment either to finance the purchase of the existing vehicle or to lease another vehicle.
b. BUYING: At the end of the loan term (typically 4-6 years), you have no further loan payments.
Consider all the costs involved in a lease.
At the beginning of the lease, you may have to pay your first monthly payment; a refundable security deposit or your last monthly payment; other fees for licenses, registration, and title; a capitalized cost reduction (like a down payment); an acquisition fee (also called a processing or assignment fee); freight or destination charges; and state or local taxes.
During the lease, you will have to pay your monthly payment; any additional taxes not included in the payment such as sales, use, and personal property taxes; insurance premiums; ongoing maintenance costs; and any fees for late payment. You’ll also have to pay for safety and emissions inspections and any traffic tickets. If you end your lease early, you may have to pay substantial early termination charges.
At the end of the lease, if you don’t buy the vehicle, you may have to pay a disposition fee and charges for excess miles and excess wear.
Negotiating a lease, this which can be considered.
• the agreed-upon value of the vehicle–a lower value can reduce your monthly payment
• up-front payments, including the capitalized cost reduction
• the length of the lease
• the monthly lease payment
• any end-of-lease fees and charges
• the mileage allowed and per-mile charges for excess miles
• the option to purchase either at lease end or earlier
• whether your lease includes “gap†coverage, which protects you if the vehicle is stolen or totaled in an accident.
• Ask for alternatives to advertised specials and other lease offerings.
Know your rights and responsibilities
• When you lease a vehicle, you have the right to use it for an agreed-upon number of months and miles turn it in at lease end, pay any end-of-lease fees and charges, and walk away
• buy the vehicle if you have a purchase option
take advantage of any warranties, recalls, or other services that apply to the vehicle.
You may be responsible for
• excess mileage charges when you return the vehicle. Your lease agreement will tell you how many miles you can drive before you must pay for extra miles and how much the per-mile charge will be.
• excess wear charges when you return the vehicle. The standards for excess wear, such as for body damage or worn tires, are in your lease agreement.
• substantial payments if you end the lease early. The earlier you end the lease, the greater these charges are likely to be.
Insurers use credit scores to price car insurance
Auto insurance companies now think your credit score is an important indicator of whether or not you are a safe driver. Some say it carries more weight than your driving record.
More than half of all auto insurers are believed to use credit scoring in setting insurance rates. A spokesman for Allstate Corporation says it helps them keep the cost of insurance low and allows for a more fair underwriting structure.
Consumer advocate groups object to the practice, saying credit scores reward some groups of consumers more than others. They say insurance should be rated by the driving record, not what a person’s income level might be. The Consumer Federation of America is urging Congress to rule against the practice. About 20 states have introduced legislation to prohibit or restrict the use of credit scoring, and several have ruled that it cannot be the sole factor in premium or underwriting decisions. Arkansas has banned the practice entirely.
A driver who paid cash for everything, paid on time, and had a perfect driving record, said her insurance cost rose because she had no credit history.
Insurers say credit scoring provides a consistent, reliable tool to evaluate the risk of insuring someone, and it is not discriminatory.
A credit score is based on outstanding debt, length of credit history, late payments, collections, bankruptcies, and new applications for credit.
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We get paid for bringing value to the market place. We don’t get paid for the number of hours we work; we get paid for value.
You can be valuable to your family or church or community but if you are not valuable to the marketplace- you won’t earn much money.
To become valuable to the marketplace – work harder on yourself than you do on the job
Success is something you attract because of the person you become. Success is not something you pursue – it will elude you like a butterfly.
Wealth Philosophy – Many people think it is the economy but it is philosophy. If one couple can live on 5K a month how come another couple needs 5,500 per month to get by? The difference is not your paycheck, it is your philosophy. Train yourself to leave any business operation better than when you found it..
Attitude toward wealth – Feed the goose to lay the golden eggsâ€
Financial ambition is good – not greed
Legitimate ambition says, “I only want something at the service of others. Not the expense of others, but at the service of others.
Financial independence Definition: It’s the ability to live soley from the income of your own personal resources. You’re not placing the burden on others to support you. And you have the ability and desire to support others because you know you could never had made it alone. What you do with what you get is more important than what you get.
Learn to live on 70% of your income. Net means the money you have left after paying your taxes. 10% charity, 10% risk – venture capital, 10% savings.
Decide how you want to live now, versus how long you want to work. Be careful with credit, it is the easiest way to get into debt. It is hard to get rich quickly but it is easy to get rich slowly. List you assets and liabilities – Keep excellent books, not only for tax purposes, but for yourself, your financial future and for your own sense of self worth.
More money will only make you more of what you already areâ€
Written by Jim Rohn “Leading An Inspired Lifeâ€
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It is important that you create three informational files:-
Homeowners manual:
Take a binder and top load sheet protectors. When you make repairs or improvements to your home make a note of it.
Ownership manual:
Same materials needed except that you will have to photograph every room, stick of furniture, jewelry etc. in your home. Place the original sales receipt, the date purchased, and a photo of each item in it’s own sleeve.
Medical file for each member of the family:
All doctors names and phone numbers.
Health conditions.
Medications
Insurance papers
Etc.
It is also a very good idea to keep a record of the date of any inoculations and immunizations (both children and adults) as well has childhood illnesses etc. We all think we will remember these things but it is amazing how memory fades and how time flies.
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Investing is a function of time and money. If you start early, you have a lot of time and you will not need as much money. If you start late, you have little time and you will need much more money to begin your investing.
Become an investor first, start your career second. If you become an investor first, you can be anything you want to be and still be financially free. Be an investor first and you can choose to do what you want to do because you love doing it, rather than because of how much it pays.
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Network Marketing
Advantages to owning your own network marketing business:
Owning your own business without a large amount of start up costs.
Education – the positive education and support materials to help you reach your success is unlimited!
Networking – working with and meeting “like minded†peers.
Support – network marketing is built on the key to success – you only become wealthy and successful in this business when you help enough other people do the same.
It uses the “power of multiplicationâ€.
Major tax advantages for owning your own business.
For additional resources on network marketing click here
Internet Marketing
The internet is the ultimate 24 hour a day money machine while you eat, while you sleep, while you play…money is pouring into your life….from all over the world!
Advantages for setting up a Internet Marketing Business
No marketing costs
No Product costs
No shipping charges
Instant delivery
The power of the internet is that you can fail, fast for free
Business Tax Advantages
For additional Internet Marketing Resources click here
Home business
This is a great way to take your hobby or passion and turn it into a business working from your home.
Great tax advantages including a tax write off for a portion of the house you are doing business in.
Opportunity to do what you love instead of having to try and love something you do…like your JOB (Just Over Broke!)
For additional resources on Home Businesses click here
Buy a business – Franchise
I do not recommend this unless you have extensive experience in the type of franchise you pick.
You usually have a large dollar investment to buy one.
You are essentially “buying†a job. It doesn’t free up your time but takes more of your time.
Still has a higher rate of failure compared to the other investment opportunities.
For additional resources on Buying a Business click here
Stocks / Mutual Funds (Paper assets. Buying “part ownership of companies) & Commodities (The same as buying stocks but are products like gold, silver, corn, cattle, etc.)
Advantages:
Creating a business that can supplement and then eventually replace your income from your JOB.
No employees
No inventory
No selling of products or plans to friends, family or others.
No billing
No shipping or handling of products
No advertising costs
No office to maintain
No insurance costs
You can work from any place where a computer and an internet connection is available.
You can take time off anytime you want without any major effect on your business.
You don’t need to check in, ask permission from, consult with or answer to any other person.
Very little time is required
Very little money needed to start this business.
Free to do what you want to don instead of what you “have†to do.
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Auto insurance companies now think your credit score is an important indicator of whether or not you are a safe driver. Some say it carries more weight than your driving record.
More than half of all auto insurers are believed to use credit scoring in setting insurance rates. A spokesman for Allstate Corporation says it helps them keep the cost of insurance low and allows for a more fair underwriting structure.
Consumer advocate groups object to the practice, saying credit scores reward some groups of consumers more than others. They say insurance should be rated by the driving record, not what a person’s income level might be. The Consumer Federation of America is urging Congress to rule against the practice. About 20 states have introduced legislation to prohibit or restrict the use of credit scoring, and several have ruled that it cannot be the sole factor in premium or underwriting decisions. Arkansas has banned the practice entirely.
A driver who paid cash for everything, paid on time, and had a perfect driving record, said her insurance cost rose because she had no credit history.
Insurers say credit scoring provides a consistent, reliable tool to evaluate the risk of insuring someone, and it is not discriminatory.
A credit score is based on outstanding debt, length of credit history, late payments, collections, bankruptcies, and new applications for credit.
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Over 50% of all credit card debt in America is personal debt.
Some problems associated with making payments today for items bought yesterday.
When you are in debt, you are working for someone else.
You restrict or stop investing in yourself and your future.
The freedom to change jobs, career or location is limited or lost.
Being in debt creates stress and pressure both mentally and physically.
The sense of being in control of your life is diminished.
DEBT can be as destructive as any drug. Marriages are ruined, hope for a better future is diminished, as well as personal freedom.
BAD DEBT IS TO BE AVOIDED AT ALL COSTS!
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More than a third of vehicle occupant deaths are due to single-vehicle rollovers, according to a recent study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
The popularity of sport utility vehicles plays a role. Because they are designed for off-road driving, they have a higher center of gravity. Drivers can lose control more easily when they make a sudden turn. They are also a little top heavy. But when it comes to safety, the largest factor is the person sitting behind the wheel.
These are some of the factors that cause drivers to lose control of an SUV:
* Speeding. Observe the speed limit and slow down when the weather is bad or the road is crowded.
* Overreacting. Sudden turns are often caused by drivers who are not paying attention. They fail to use directional signals and fail to see someone in their blind spot. They yank the steering wheel, overcorrect, and lose control.
* Taking curves faster than the posted speed limit, not allowing for weather conditions.
* Continuing to drive when the driver is sleepy, overtired, or exhausted. Such drivers fail to see trouble coming or may drive onto the shoulder, then overcorrect causing them to lose control.
Surviving a rollover
Ejection is the main cause of death in a rollover. A person wearing a seat belt is 50 percent more likely to survive such a crash.
If you are wearing a seat belt, you may find yourself hanging upside down inside the car. Stop to think before you do anything. Put your arm out to catch yourself before releasing the belt so you don’t fall.
Always free yourself before undoing a child’s safety seat. Be prepared to catch the child.
BETTER WAY TO HOLD THE WHEEL
Positioning your hands on the steering wheel correctly will keep your arms out of the way if the air bag deploys in a collision. Instructors for the AAA recommend holding the wheel with hands at 8:00 o’clock and 4:00 o’clock position.
Formerly, drivers were advised to hold the steering wheel at the 10:00 and 2:00 position or the 9:00 and 3:00 position.
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Tools are a part of everyone’s workday. With common hand tools, familiarity can cause problems. Using simple tools is not as simple as it seems.
Before you pick up the first screwdriver at hand, ask yourself if the blade is the right shape and the right size. Your choice can make a difference in whether the task is most easily done. More important, it can make a difference in whether or not you come away from the job with a gash or an abrasion.
Screwdrivers come in many blade shapes and sizes. Don’t use a flathead screwdriver if you need a Phillips head. Don’t use one with a blade that’s smaller than the screw head. Get the right one instead of the one that’s handy to grab.
There’s something else to check before using a screwdriver. Look at it to see if it’s worn. Blades that are rounded at the ends could slip and jam into your hand. If the handle is damaged, find another one.
The National Safety Council reminds us that tools such as chippers and saws come with manufacturer-provided guards. Don’t remove them. Check the manufacturer’s instructions before using them.
Tool use involves simple common sense. You wouldn’t use a huge hammer to pound in a tack, for example. But you could be tempted to do it just because the big hammer is at hand. That would be a bad choice, and your fingers could tell you so for days to come.
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Here is a basic truth you must accept and believe if you are to achieve your dream…
Your dream can be a reality! That’s right, your future can actually see you living your dream. It doesn’t just have to be a big wish!
When we are young we are dreamers. Nothing seems too big for us to accomplish. Nothing seems too outrageous. The world is ours on a string as the old song goes. Until…
“Reality†hits. Reality is what others want to box you in with: “You can’t do that.†“Nobody has ever done that before.†“It will never work.†“You’ve gone off the deep end now!â€
All dreamers (who eventually become accomplishers) have heard these things. Yet they overcome them. They refuse to accept someone else’s “reality†for their own life. They let the average people live their average lives, bound by fear, while they pursue their chosen future – their dream! So don’t believe the people who tell you that you can’t or won’t. Believe your dream. Believe that it can be your future!
Once you have determined that you can actually live your dream, I want you to memorize this acronym. I shared it in an article a number of months ago but I found that it is tremendously helpful for reminding and motivating us toward our dreams.
D is for Dare (dare to dream while others don’t)
R is for Relentless (relentlessly pursue your dream no matter what)
E is for Excellence (strive for excellence in all you do)
A is for Abandon (abandon any other alternative plans)
M is for Measure (constantly measure where you are in your dream journey)
Okay, that’s great and motivating, but what about the practical stuff? Well, there is certainly practical stuff. No matter how lofty your dream, no matter how spectacular, you will live most of your life in the mundane. Richard Nixon said of the presidency that you “campaign with poetry, but govern with prose.†The vision is beautiful, the actual is mundane (not bad but “everyday†so to speak).
If you are to achieve your dream, you need to plan and work and work and plan. Here are my thoughts on how to go about reaching your dream and securing it as your future: Decide that you will do it. This may seem elementary but many people never decide and commit fully to their dream. They simply keep “thinking” about it. Tell others that you are going to do it. This puts you on the record as to what you are dreaming about. It makes you accountable. It will help you do it if for no other reason than to avoid embarrassment!
Develop a step-by-step plan. This is absolutely essential. You must sit down and write out a few things:
1. A timeline. How long will it take to the end?
2. Action steps. Point-by-point what you will do and when you will do them.
3. Resources you will need to draw from. What will it take? Who will need to be involved for help or advice?
4. An evaluation tool. You need to evaluate from time to time whether you are progressing or not.
5. A celebration. Yep, when you are done you should already have planned what you will do to celebrate. Make it big!
I have found that there is no better time than now to start making your dream a reality. So, set aside some time today to get started on your dream.
Follow the action plan and set your sights for the top of the mountain! You will be glad you did!
About The Author:
Chris Widener is a popular speaker and writer as well as the President of Made for Success, a company helping individuals and organizations turn their potential into performance, succeed in every area of their lives and achieve their dreams.
To see Chris “live” at the upcoming Jim Rohn Weekend Event as he speaks on the subject of Secrets of Influence go to http://Chris-Widener.InspiresYOU.com/ or call 800-929-0434.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/
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Though cell phones are a favorite target of
legislators, a new study by the American Automobile
Association shows that calling is far from the most
frequent of driver distractions.
The camera survey photographs showed that 97
percent of drivers were reaching for something or
leaning as the camera followed them. Fiddling with
the radio was next at 91 percent, 77 percent were
talking to passengers, 71 percent were eating or
drinking, and 46 percent were grooming themselves.
Only 30 percent were making calls from behind the
wheel.
About 40 percent were seen reading or writing while
waiting for a red light to change.
These and other distractions cause 1.2 million
crashes a year and about 12,000 fatalities.
www.outonmyown.com
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Decorating the Christmas tree and mantle doesn’t seem like a very dangerous thing to do. Depending on the condition of your light strings, however, it could be.
Because you were in a hurry to get decorations put away last year, you may have twisted, bent, or folded your light strings in a way that causes damage to the wires. In storage, lights can be damaged as well. It’s important to inspect strands and make sure they are mechanically and electrically sound.
An even better choice is to replace older light strings with new ones. They are inexpensive and most have fuses in the base for safety. They are much safer.
Firefighters say outdoor lights should be on a timer so they don’t burn all night. All indoor decorations should be turned off before you go to bed.
The firefighters have seen the pain and anguish of those who have lost their homes, belongings, and Christmas gifts because of a December fire. It has touched some firemen so much that they stock Christmas toys for the children. Some develop a Christmas fund so they can significantly help one or two families who were burned out.
www.outonmyown.com
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Authorities on the subject say the rules for vehicle maintenance and driving technique apply in all seasons.
But, the penalty for not heeding them is more serious in winter. With that in mind, consider this advice from the National Safety Council:
Before even considering driving in bad weather, make sure your vehicle checks out and all systems are working properly. Make sure you have all-season or snow tires, and that they are properly inflated.
Assemble your emergency kit. A plastic crate or tote bag will hold gloves, a scarf, knit cap, extra clothes, ice scraper, safety goggles, flashlight, flares, jumper cables, water, and a first aid kit. You could add boots, blankets, a snow shovel and snow brush. A bag of sand or two pieces of burlap will give extra traction.
Now, ask yourself if you really have to go. Check the weather report and your own physical and emotional state. If you can postpone the trip, do so. If not …
* Buckle everyone up. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says kids under 12 should travel in the back seat in an age-appropriate safety seat.
* Be gentle on your car. Turn everything off before starting the engine. Avoid braking too hard or too abruptly, and accelerate smoothly.
* Double the 2-second rule for the interval between your vehicle and the one ahead. Sometimes a 6-second interval is better.
www.outonmyown.com
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You might find these top ten tips useful for clearing your clutter:
1. Clean before you clear your clutter
Dirt is different from clutter. Cleaning away the dust and grime first lets you see the clutter clearly, and stops the clearing from being such a dusty job.
2. Never attempt clutter clearing when you’re angry
Strong emotions get in the way of thinking clearly. To clear clutter you need an objective eye (which is one reason why it’s useful to have a coach).
3. Start with the small stuff
To get past the feeling of overwhelm, start with your junk drawer - we all have at least one. You’ll feel great when it’s done! And remembering that feeling will inspire you to move on to the bigger stuff.
4. Don’t be too hard on yourself
It may take two or even three sweeps to clear the clutter. But do put a time limit on it.
5. Clear out anything not used or loved
Under normal circumstances, if you have not used an item in the past year, then you will not use it again.
6. Set yourself a time limit
This is a great tip for dealing with anything that’s unfinished or needing repair. Set yourself a period of time - maybe six months - to get it finished. If by then it’s still unfinished, it has to go!
7. Don’t put up with other people’s clutter
We’ve all fallen for this one! Looking after other people’s belongings is fine but only for an agreed period of time.
8. Recycle stuff that’s “too good to throw out”
It’s very difficult for most of us to simply throw something away - so recycle it to friends, hospitals, schools or charities who will actually use it.
9. Keep the balance - “one in, one out”
Once you’ve cleared, how do you maintain that clutter free state? Make a rule that you clear space for whatever you bring into your home by clearing out something else. So when you buy a book, for example, you have to get rid of one you have already.
10. Get started!
The moment you start, changes will occur. You’ll feel lighter and empowered to continue. Other members of your household will be motivated to clear their clutter. Your home will feel the benefits and appear full of positive energy.
These top ten tips for clearing your clutter have been reproduced by kind permission of Julie Smith who is an authority on this subject as she is a “clutter coach”!.
www.outonmyown.com
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