Do you make them? It seems that most people do. I think I will skip it this year, as I've never actually kept one. Don't get me wrong, I like the concept of setting goals. However, goals need not be set only once a year. This year I will just keep on trucking as if it is any other day, BUT will continue to try to meet the goals that are already in place.
What are these goals?
1. Make more money. Doesn't everyone have this goal? Even millionaires have this goal, so it is certainly nothing special or unique. I'd like to say I will work harder, but I already bust my hump. Maybe I will alter this goal so that it is more geared towards working smarter instead.
2. Be a better parent. Again, I think many people have this goal, and it is a tough one. Just when you think you are doing the right things, you find out you are not. It's a never ending learning process, and thus might be something that is never truly 100% accomplished.
3. Worry less. Some people are natural born worriers. I am extremely detail oriented, which lends to worrying about even the smallest thing. "Don't sweat the small stuff?" easier said than done. I suppose the key to accomplishing this would be being able to determine what is small stuff exactly.
Who knows what else I'll add during the year. Being healthier and maintaining good relationships will certainly be in the mix. Those things are always there. Should you choose to make resolutions of your own, best of luck to you. They must serve some purpose, or the tradition of doing so would not be so popular.
Bring on the New Year's Day weight loss plan commercials!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Where To Find the Best Deals on Pool Supplies
Keeping your pool looking great is really not all that difficult. So long as you have the proper pool supplies on hand, you will never have to worry about whether or not your pool is safe to swim in. Today, the best place to purchase items for your pool is online. Why? Two reasons - variety and price. Virtually anything you could ever need for your pool can be found online. Savings come in the form of being able to purchase from virtual stores that may not have the significant overhead costs that many brick and mortar stores have.
All of your chemicals and pool accessories can be purchased online if you wish. To ensure you are getting the best deal, consider making a list of what you need prior to shopping. This will allow you pay minimal shipping costs. Even better, some online pool stores offer free shipping deals that you can take advantage of. When free, or low cost shipping is combined with already low prices, it becomes hard to imagine why anyone would shop for their pool supplies anywhere other than online.
All of your chemicals and pool accessories can be purchased online if you wish. To ensure you are getting the best deal, consider making a list of what you need prior to shopping. This will allow you pay minimal shipping costs. Even better, some online pool stores offer free shipping deals that you can take advantage of. When free, or low cost shipping is combined with already low prices, it becomes hard to imagine why anyone would shop for their pool supplies anywhere other than online.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Christmas and the Mistletoe Tradition
Have you ever wondered where some of our modern traditions came from? As the Christmas season approaches, I have been doing some research regarding certain holiday-related topics. My findings may surprise even the biggest scrooge!
Mistletoe has been revered by certain cultures for many, many years. The ancient Celts of Britain felt that Mistletoe held sacred powers of healing, and that it contained the soul of the tree from which it was cut. In the Celtic language, Mistletoe means "All Heal".
The Druids also had an interesting ceremony that included Mistletoe. The pagan priests of the time would carefully cut boughs of Mistletoe from the sacred Oak tree with a golden sickle. They were ever careful not to let the boughs touch the ground, for fear of contaminating them. The priests then divided these boughs into sprigs, and gave them to the people to protect them from storms and other forms of evil.
Mistletoe has also been included in many famous myths from earlier times. The Norse myth that comes to mind is that of the resurrection of Balder, the god of the summer sun. The myth states that Balder had a dream in which he dies. His mother Frigga, the goddess of beauty and love, was rather alarmed by this. Frigga went to all of the elements (air, fire, water, and earth) and asked that they spare her son. When she was satisfied that she had secured their cooperation in this matter, she informed Balder that he would live forever.
Balder had one enemy, though. Loki, the god of evil, discovered one plant that Frigga had overlooked. That plant was Mistletoe. Loki fashioned an arrow made from the branch of the Mistletoe, and dipped it in poison. He then tricked Balder’s blind brother, Hoder, into firing it and killing Balder. Each of the elements tried to bring Balder back to life, but none were successful save for his mother, Frigga. It is said that her tears turned into the berries from the Mistletoe, and when they rained upon Balder they brought him back to life.
In her joy at Balder’s resurrection, she reversed the poisonous reputation of the Mistletoe and kissed everyone who walked beneath the tree on which it grew. She also issued a decree that anyone passing under the Mistletoe must kiss, and therefore no harm would come to them.
Mistletoe has been revered by certain cultures for many, many years. The ancient Celts of Britain felt that Mistletoe held sacred powers of healing, and that it contained the soul of the tree from which it was cut. In the Celtic language, Mistletoe means "All Heal".
The Druids also had an interesting ceremony that included Mistletoe. The pagan priests of the time would carefully cut boughs of Mistletoe from the sacred Oak tree with a golden sickle. They were ever careful not to let the boughs touch the ground, for fear of contaminating them. The priests then divided these boughs into sprigs, and gave them to the people to protect them from storms and other forms of evil.
Mistletoe has also been included in many famous myths from earlier times. The Norse myth that comes to mind is that of the resurrection of Balder, the god of the summer sun. The myth states that Balder had a dream in which he dies. His mother Frigga, the goddess of beauty and love, was rather alarmed by this. Frigga went to all of the elements (air, fire, water, and earth) and asked that they spare her son. When she was satisfied that she had secured their cooperation in this matter, she informed Balder that he would live forever.
Balder had one enemy, though. Loki, the god of evil, discovered one plant that Frigga had overlooked. That plant was Mistletoe. Loki fashioned an arrow made from the branch of the Mistletoe, and dipped it in poison. He then tricked Balder’s blind brother, Hoder, into firing it and killing Balder. Each of the elements tried to bring Balder back to life, but none were successful save for his mother, Frigga. It is said that her tears turned into the berries from the Mistletoe, and when they rained upon Balder they brought him back to life.
In her joy at Balder’s resurrection, she reversed the poisonous reputation of the Mistletoe and kissed everyone who walked beneath the tree on which it grew. She also issued a decree that anyone passing under the Mistletoe must kiss, and therefore no harm would come to them.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
A Christmas History Lesson
The Twelve Days of Christmas is one of the most famous Christmas carols ever written. It has been sung for a great many years, and is known the world over. To most it is a delightful hymn, but it was originally created with a very serious intent. In England between the years of 1558 and 1829, it was illegal to practice Catholicism in public or private. It was essentially a crime to be Catholic in England during those years.
The Twelve Days of Christmas was written to help preserve the traditions of the Catholic faith during the years that Catholicism was banned in England. The song is steeped in symbolism, and the fact that it is so well known throughout the world is a testament to the faith of the followers of the Catholic doctrine. The symbols contained in the song are as follows:
1st verse – "True Love" refers to God.
2nd verse – "2 Turtle Doves" refers to the Old and New Testaments.
3rd verse – "3 French Hens" refers to Faith, Hope, and Charity.
4th verse – "4 Calling Birds" refers to the Four Gospels or the Four Evangelists.
5th verse – "5 Golden Rings" refers to the first five Books of the Old Testament.
6th verse – "6 Geese-a-laying" refers to the six days of creation.
7th verse – "7 Swans-a-swimming" refers to the seven sacraments.
8th verse – "8 Maids-a-milking" refers to the eight beatitudes.
9th verse – "9 Ladies dancing" refers to the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.
10th verse – "10 Lords-a-leaping" refers to the Ten Commandments.
11th verse – "11 Pipers piping" refers to the eleven faithful apostles.
12th verse – "12 Drummers drumming" refers to the twelve points of the Apostle’s creed.
I love this song. It is, by far, my favorite Christmas carol. I had no idea about the symbols contained in the song, until I googled the song lyrics one afternoon. I find it very interesting that a song we all know so well could contain so many hidden meanings. I would never have guessed that it was anything more than lovely Christmas carol.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
The Twelve Days of Christmas was written to help preserve the traditions of the Catholic faith during the years that Catholicism was banned in England. The song is steeped in symbolism, and the fact that it is so well known throughout the world is a testament to the faith of the followers of the Catholic doctrine. The symbols contained in the song are as follows:
1st verse – "True Love" refers to God.
2nd verse – "2 Turtle Doves" refers to the Old and New Testaments.
3rd verse – "3 French Hens" refers to Faith, Hope, and Charity.
4th verse – "4 Calling Birds" refers to the Four Gospels or the Four Evangelists.
5th verse – "5 Golden Rings" refers to the first five Books of the Old Testament.
6th verse – "6 Geese-a-laying" refers to the six days of creation.
7th verse – "7 Swans-a-swimming" refers to the seven sacraments.
8th verse – "8 Maids-a-milking" refers to the eight beatitudes.
9th verse – "9 Ladies dancing" refers to the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.
10th verse – "10 Lords-a-leaping" refers to the Ten Commandments.
11th verse – "11 Pipers piping" refers to the eleven faithful apostles.
12th verse – "12 Drummers drumming" refers to the twelve points of the Apostle’s creed.
I love this song. It is, by far, my favorite Christmas carol. I had no idea about the symbols contained in the song, until I googled the song lyrics one afternoon. I find it very interesting that a song we all know so well could contain so many hidden meanings. I would never have guessed that it was anything more than lovely Christmas carol.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Southern Dishes that Transplants Must Try
I cannot remember if I posted this one here, but even if I did, it should be repeated! (Note: Pimento Cheese should be on this list!)
Southern dishes are among some of the tastiest treats on earth. If you are new to the South, Southern food may shock you at first. However, once you get used to it, you will quickly see why the Southern states have such a high obesity rate. The food here is rich, sweet, heavy, and honestly, quite tasty. The following foods should be tried at least once by new residents.
Grits: The king of Southern dishes, you may want to consider these the white version of polenta. Best served with salt, pepper, and butter. Adding cheese and crumbled bacon will take them to a whole new level. You may find that you do not love them as much as we do, but you should try them at least once.
Fried Green Tomatoes: While this Southern food is not hard to make a home, they always seen to taste better when purchased at a restaurant. While this is one of the Southern dishes that can be purchased in upscale restaurants, they are best when purchased at small town diner.
Barbecue: Each region does BBQ differently, which means that even if you had it in Memphis, it will not be the same as it is in Birmingham. Barbecue is one of the most consistent of Southern dishes, in that it never lets you down now matter which dry rub, sauce, or cooking method is used.
Sweet Tea: Yes, I realize this is a drink and not actually a food, but it deserves to be on the list due to the fact that it is a must try treat. If you are not used to a lot of sugar, watch out. Sweet tea in the South comes loaded with it. Keep in mind when ordering iced tea in a Southern restaurant that your waiter or waitress will automatically assume that you want the sweet variety. If you want unsweet, you will need to order it as such.
Biscuits and Milk Gravy: Many Southern dishes come with an option of some type of bread on the side. This is generally either biscuits or cornbread. While both are excellent choices, if you have never had biscuits with milk gravy, you will want to order it. Milk gravy is a white gravy that is made from oil, flour, and milk. It is seasoned with salt and lots of pepper. The humble combination of a biscuit with milk gravy is my favorite Southern food of all time.
Other Southern treats to consider include an RC Cola (complete with a Moonpie), chili, and fried pickles. There will likely be other Southern dishes that you encounter upon moving to the South that you will find that you never knew you loved. Southern food is the epitome of comfort food, and it is hard to imagine that any other type of food could be much better.
Southern dishes are among some of the tastiest treats on earth. If you are new to the South, Southern food may shock you at first. However, once you get used to it, you will quickly see why the Southern states have such a high obesity rate. The food here is rich, sweet, heavy, and honestly, quite tasty. The following foods should be tried at least once by new residents.
Grits: The king of Southern dishes, you may want to consider these the white version of polenta. Best served with salt, pepper, and butter. Adding cheese and crumbled bacon will take them to a whole new level. You may find that you do not love them as much as we do, but you should try them at least once.
Fried Green Tomatoes: While this Southern food is not hard to make a home, they always seen to taste better when purchased at a restaurant. While this is one of the Southern dishes that can be purchased in upscale restaurants, they are best when purchased at small town diner.
Barbecue: Each region does BBQ differently, which means that even if you had it in Memphis, it will not be the same as it is in Birmingham. Barbecue is one of the most consistent of Southern dishes, in that it never lets you down now matter which dry rub, sauce, or cooking method is used.
Sweet Tea: Yes, I realize this is a drink and not actually a food, but it deserves to be on the list due to the fact that it is a must try treat. If you are not used to a lot of sugar, watch out. Sweet tea in the South comes loaded with it. Keep in mind when ordering iced tea in a Southern restaurant that your waiter or waitress will automatically assume that you want the sweet variety. If you want unsweet, you will need to order it as such.
Biscuits and Milk Gravy: Many Southern dishes come with an option of some type of bread on the side. This is generally either biscuits or cornbread. While both are excellent choices, if you have never had biscuits with milk gravy, you will want to order it. Milk gravy is a white gravy that is made from oil, flour, and milk. It is seasoned with salt and lots of pepper. The humble combination of a biscuit with milk gravy is my favorite Southern food of all time.
Other Southern treats to consider include an RC Cola (complete with a Moonpie), chili, and fried pickles. There will likely be other Southern dishes that you encounter upon moving to the South that you will find that you never knew you loved. Southern food is the epitome of comfort food, and it is hard to imagine that any other type of food could be much better.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Christmas Shopping During Big Sales
Several times a year retailers offer big sales on many of their items. Some of these times include President’s Day, Easter, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and of course Christmas. Retailers hold sale events during these times of year to encourage shoppers to get out and make some big purchases. The last minute Christmas shopping frenzy which takes place each year can be largely attributed to the sale events at Christmas time. Many shoppers specifically wait until the last minute to do their Christmas shopping because they know many items will go on sale at this time. While this is an excellent way to save money, savvy Christmas shoppers know that doing a little bit of their Christmas shopping at these other sales during the year can help to ease the stress and financial burdens often associated with last minute Christmas shopping.
Christmas shopping during big sales is definitely a good idea but it is important to remember that there are some ways to really take advantage of a big sale and some ways to have your Christmas shopping deterred by a big sale. This article will discuss a few basic strategies for doing your Christmas shopping during big sales without falling into some of the common pitfalls often associated with shopping during sales.
One of the biggest pitfalls associated with doing your Christmas shopping during big sales events is to end up purchasing many items you don’t need and would not have purchased if they weren’t on sale. This can be a problem especially if it causes you to exceed the budget you have set for Christmas shopping. This often happens when shoppers encounter a sale they think is simply too good to pass up. For some shoppers a discount of more than 50% seems very appealing and they may be tempted to buy these items just because the price has been reduced by so much but they might not really need the item. In this case the shopper may be saving 50% off of the original price because of the discount but if they wouldn’t have purchased the item if it wasn’t on sale they are really spending more than they would normally spend and are essentially losing money. To avoid this pitfall, it is wise to make a list of each person on your list and what you intend to purchase for them so you will not be tempted by big bargains.
Another problem associated with Christmas shopping during big sales is that hesitancy often causes the shopper to miss out on an item. When you are Christmas shopping during a big sale it is important to be slightly impulsive. If you see an item you think you would like to purchase for someone on your Christmas list, you have to either buy it right away or run the risk that it will be gone if you come back later to look for the item. Retailers often put items on sale when they only have a limited quantity of the item in stock and therefore once they sell out the item is gone. So it is important to remember that when you are Christmas shopping during a big sale, you have to make decisions quickly. You need to either decide to purchase an item or completely forget about the item because it will likely be sold soon after you leave the store.
Christmas shopping during big sales is definitely a good idea but it is important to remember that there are some ways to really take advantage of a big sale and some ways to have your Christmas shopping deterred by a big sale. This article will discuss a few basic strategies for doing your Christmas shopping during big sales without falling into some of the common pitfalls often associated with shopping during sales.
One of the biggest pitfalls associated with doing your Christmas shopping during big sales events is to end up purchasing many items you don’t need and would not have purchased if they weren’t on sale. This can be a problem especially if it causes you to exceed the budget you have set for Christmas shopping. This often happens when shoppers encounter a sale they think is simply too good to pass up. For some shoppers a discount of more than 50% seems very appealing and they may be tempted to buy these items just because the price has been reduced by so much but they might not really need the item. In this case the shopper may be saving 50% off of the original price because of the discount but if they wouldn’t have purchased the item if it wasn’t on sale they are really spending more than they would normally spend and are essentially losing money. To avoid this pitfall, it is wise to make a list of each person on your list and what you intend to purchase for them so you will not be tempted by big bargains.
Another problem associated with Christmas shopping during big sales is that hesitancy often causes the shopper to miss out on an item. When you are Christmas shopping during a big sale it is important to be slightly impulsive. If you see an item you think you would like to purchase for someone on your Christmas list, you have to either buy it right away or run the risk that it will be gone if you come back later to look for the item. Retailers often put items on sale when they only have a limited quantity of the item in stock and therefore once they sell out the item is gone. So it is important to remember that when you are Christmas shopping during a big sale, you have to make decisions quickly. You need to either decide to purchase an item or completely forget about the item because it will likely be sold soon after you leave the store.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Lemon Laws: Protecting Yourself From Financial Loss
Purchasing a car can be quite exciting. Many people now choose to purchase used cars, simply because they are more affordable. What should be a joyful event can quickly be transformed into stress should you find out that the car you purchased is not functioning properly. Fortunately, Lemon Laws are in place to protect those who purchase cars that are not mechanically sound.
Lemon laws can vary from state to state, but each offers protection for a specific period of time. Should you need to place your car in the shop for repairs multiple times, or should the car stop running, you may be entitled to a full refund. You may also be able to receive an entirely different car. Action will be required to make this happen, but help is available should you need to protect yourself.
It is possible to have your case handled by experienced attorneys for free. With no associated cost to you, there is simply no reason to accept that you are stuck with your lemon car purchase. The most important thing is that you do take action as soon as you realize that your new car is not mechanically sound. Take the time to learn more about lemon laws in your state prior to making your next car purchase.
Lemon laws can vary from state to state, but each offers protection for a specific period of time. Should you need to place your car in the shop for repairs multiple times, or should the car stop running, you may be entitled to a full refund. You may also be able to receive an entirely different car. Action will be required to make this happen, but help is available should you need to protect yourself.
It is possible to have your case handled by experienced attorneys for free. With no associated cost to you, there is simply no reason to accept that you are stuck with your lemon car purchase. The most important thing is that you do take action as soon as you realize that your new car is not mechanically sound. Take the time to learn more about lemon laws in your state prior to making your next car purchase.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
When Did Medical Nursing Scrubs Become So Cute?
I clearly remember a time when medical nursing scrubs were as plain as they come. I assume that during that time they were only practical uniforms, and were mainly white to keep with the look of a sterile environment. Surely the doctors and nurses became bored with the same old scrubs, and somewhere along the line, someone made this known.
Today, they come in many colors. Not only are these more fun for those who wear them, but this development is also better for the patients. What these uniforms no represent is a feeling of comfort to patients. Sterile can be scary, colors and patterns are not. For patients, feeling more at ease while in the hospital is of great importance.
As with many things, we learn more about what does and does not work over time. Medical nursing scrubs are a great example of this. Colors being worn in a medical setting are a natural fit. It will certainly be interesting to see how clothing continues to be used to allow doctors and nurses to look great while providing another layer of comfort to those who they care for.
Today, they come in many colors. Not only are these more fun for those who wear them, but this development is also better for the patients. What these uniforms no represent is a feeling of comfort to patients. Sterile can be scary, colors and patterns are not. For patients, feeling more at ease while in the hospital is of great importance.
As with many things, we learn more about what does and does not work over time. Medical nursing scrubs are a great example of this. Colors being worn in a medical setting are a natural fit. It will certainly be interesting to see how clothing continues to be used to allow doctors and nurses to look great while providing another layer of comfort to those who they care for.
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