Buying Fresh Fruits

Bananas:  Skin should be free of bruises and black or brown spots.  Purchase them green and allow them to ripen at home at room temperature.

Berries:  Select plump, solid berries with good color.  Avoid stained containers which indicate wet or leaky berries.  Berries with clinging caps, such as blackberries and raspberries, may be unripe.  Strawberries without caps may be overripe.

Melons:
In cantaloupes, thick, close netting on the rind indicates best quality.  Cantaloupes are ripe when the stem scar is smooth and the space between the netting is yellow or yellow-green.  They are best when fully ripe with fruity odor.

Honeydews are ripe when the rind has creamy to yellowish color and velvety texture.  Immature honeydews are whitish green.

Ripe watermelons have some yellow color on one side.  If melons are white or pale green on one side, they are not ripe. 

Oranges, Grapefruits and Lemons:  Choose those heavy for their size.  Smoother, thinner skins usually indicate more juice.  Most skin markings do not affect quality.  Oranges with a slight greenish tinge may be just as ripe as fully colored ones.  Light or greenish yellow lemons are more tart than deep yellow ones.  Avoid citrus fruits showing withered, sunken or soft areas.

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The Greatest Little Boy

The greatest little boy, in a baseball hat,

Stands in a field, with his ball and bat.

Says, “I’m the greatest player of them all!”

He puts his bat on his shoulder.

And he tosses up his ball.

And the ball goes up and the ball comes down,

And he swings his bat all the way around.

The world’s so still you can hear the sound

As the baseball falls to the ground.

Now the little boy doesn’t say a word….

Picks up his bat.  He is undeterred.

Says, “I’m the  greatest there has ever been!”

And he grits his teeth.  And he tries it again.

And the ball goes up and the ball comes down,

And he swings his bat all the way around.

The world’s so still you can hear the sound

As the baseball falls to the ground.

He makes no excuses; he shows no fear

He just closes his eyes, and listens to the cheers.

Now the little boy, he adjusts his hat.

Picks up his ball.  Stares at his bat.

Says, “I’m the greatest, and the game is on the line!”

So he gives his all, one last time.

And the ball goes up, like the moon so bright,

Swings his bat, with all his might.

And the world’s as still as still can be,

And the baseball falls; and that’s strike 3.

Now it’s supper time and his momma calls,

Little boy starts home, with his bat and ball.

Says, “I’m the greatest, that is a fact…

But even I didn’t know, I could pitch like that!”

Lyrics by Don Schlitz

As preformed by Kenny Rogers

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Inventions

Lincoln Logs were invented in 1916 by John Lloyd Wright (1892-1972), an architect and one of the five children of the world-famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright. John patented his toy in 1920, and sold the logs through his toy company, the Red Square Toy Company. Playskool bought the rights to Lincoln Logs in 1943.

The windshield wiper was invented by Mary Anderson in 1903 to help streetcars operate safely in the rain. In 1905 she patented her invention, which allowed the car operator to control the external, swinging arm wipers from within the car. Windshield wipers became standard equipment on cars a decade later. Anderson was from Alabama, USA.

Velcro - George de Mestral was a Swiss engineer who invented Velcro in 1948. While hiking, he had noticed that burrs (burdock seeds) stuck to his clothing extraordinarily well. The burrs had hook-like protrusions that attached themselves firmly to clothing. Mestral used this same model to develop Velcro, which consists of one strip of nylon with loops, and another with hooks. Mestral patented Velcro in 1957. It was originally used mostly for fastening clothes, but is now used to fasten many other things. 

Tea bags were invented by Thomas Sullivan around 1908. The first bags were made from silk. Sullivan was a tea and coffee merchant in New York who began packaging tea sample in tiny silk bags, but many customers brewed the tea in them (the tea-filled bag was placed directly into the boiling water where the tea brewed, instead of the traditional way of brewing loose tea in a teapot). Later tea bags were made of thin paper.

The parking meter was invented by Carl C. Magee of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA. The first parking meter was installed in Oklahoma City. Magee holds a patent (#2,118,318) for a "coin controlled parking meter," filed on May 13, 1935 and issued on May 24, 1938.

The yo-yo is one of the oldest toys. Yo-yo's have been used as a toy for over 2,500 years, when the ancient Romans played with wooden and metal yo-yo's. The word "yo-yo" may come from Tagalog language (the language of the Philippines), meaning "to come back."

Richard G. Drew (1899-1980) invented masking tape and clear adhesive tape (also called cellophane tape or Scotch tape). Drew was an engineer for the 3M company (the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing). Drew's first tape invention was a masking tape made for painters in 1923 (this tape was designed to help painters paint a straight border between two colors). This early masking tape was a wide paper tape with adhesive on only the edges of the tape - not in the middle. Drew made an improved tape called Scotch (TM) Brand Cellulose Tape in 1930. This tape was a clear, all-purpose adhesive tape that was soon adopted worldwide. The first tape dispenser with a built-in cutting edge was invented in 1932 by John A. Borden, another 3M employee.

The game of basketball was invented by James Naismith (1861-1939). Naismith was a Canadian physical education instructor who invented the game in 1891 so that his students could participate in sports during the winter. In his original game, which he developed while at the Springfield, Massachusetts YMCA (Young Men's Christian Association), Naismith used a soccer ball which was thrown into peach baskets (with the basket bottoms intact). The first public basketball game was in Springfield, MA, USA, on March 11, 1892. Basketball was first played at the Olympics in Berlin Germany in 1936 (America won the gold medal, and Naismith was there).

Liquid Paper is a quick-drying, paper-colored (white) liquid that is painted onto paper to correct printed material. Liquid Paper was invented in 1951 by Bessie Nesmith (1922-1980). It was based on white tempera paint (Nesmith was also an artist). Nesmith was a secretary in Texas, USA, before the time of word processors. She began selling her vastly popular invention, and soon ran the very successful Liquid Paper company. Her son, Michael Nesmith, was a member of the rock group called the Monkees.

Legos (TM) are a very popular interlocking plastic toy. The LEGO toy company was founded by Ole Kirk Christiansen of Denmark in 1932, but the company then sold mostly wooden toys. The word LEGO was formed from two Danish words, "LEg GOdt," which mean "play well." Christiansen was a carpenter from the Danish village of Billund. The interlocking plastic blocks (the stud and tube coupling system) were invented by Godtfred Christiansen (Ole's son), and patented in 1958. Lego toys were first sold in the USA in 1961. LEGO people were introduced in 1974.

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Top TV Catchphrases

Catchphrases we still remember:

“Ayyyy” from “Happy Days”
“How you doin’” from “Friends”
“D’oh” from “The Simpsons”
“Yada, yada, yada” from “Seinfeld”

"Hello, Newman” from “Seinfeld”
“Missed it by that much” from “Get Smart”
“Yeah, that’s the ticket” from “Saturday Night Live”
“Hey, Hey, Hey” from “What’s Happening”
“Thank you beddy much” from “Taxi”
“Do you wanna hug it out” from “Entourage”
“Mom liked you best” from “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour”

“Sit on it” from “Happy Days”

"Now cut that out” from “The Jack Benny Comedy Program”
“What you see is what you get” from “The Flip Wilson Show”
“I’ve made a huge mistake” from “Arrested Development”
“I know nothing” from “Hogan’s Heroes”
“Here come de judge” from “Laugh In”
“You look marvelous” from “Saturday Night Live”
“I’m comin’ to join ya Elizabeth” from “Sanford and Son”
“Would you believe” from “Get Smart”
“Ohhhh Rob” from “The Dick Van Dyke Show”
“Kiss my grits” from “Alice"
“Nanu, Nanu” from “Mork and Mindy”
“Don’t be ridiculous” from “Perfect Strangers”
“No soup for you” from “Seinfeld”
“One of these days, pow right in the kisser” from “The Honeymooners”
“Did I do that” from “Family Matters”
“Well isn’t that special” from “Saturday Night Live”
“Sock it to me” from “Laugh In”
“We were on a break” from “Friends”
“That’s what she said” from “The Office”
“It’s going to be legendary” from “How I Met Your Mother”
“Excuuse me” from “Saturday Night Live”
“Lucy, you’ve got some splainin’ to do” from “I Love Lucy” (even though he never said it quite that way – the closest he came was “Lucy, splain” and “All right, start splainin’”)
“We are two wild and crazy guys” from “Saturday Night Live”

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Nostalgia

As I live and breath!  Go figure, these images still bring smiles and memories!

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How to Tell if Someone Is Having a Heart Attack

      Heart attacks usually start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort, or even more subtle flu-like symptoms. Heart attack symptoms can be subtle, and it's not always easy to tell what's happening. But if someone is having a heart attack, every second counts: There's a limited window of time before heart muscle is permanently damaged. Delaying treatment also increases the risk of sudden death from an irregular heart rhythm. 
     To give someone the best possible chance of recovery, it's wise to familiarize yourself with the warning signs of a heart attack. Remember that all heart attacks are not equal: Even if you've seen someone have a heart attack before, a second heart attack or a heart attack in someone else might not have the same symptoms.

Pay special attention to heart attack symptoms in women
     Although many people mistakenly believe that cardiovascular disease isn't a problem for women, it's still a leading cause of death. Unfortunately, women tend to have different heart attack symptoms than men, so heart disease may go unrecognized until it's too late. In a study of 515 women who'd had heart attacks, the most frequently reported symptoms were unusual fatigue, sleep disturbances, shortness of breath, indigestion, and anxiety. Less than one-third reported any chest discomfort.

How to respond if you see signs of a heart attack
     In general, it's best to call 911 if you have any reason to suspect that someone is having a heart attack. Waiting even an hour or two may limit treatment options and reduce the chance of a full recovery. It's common for someone having a heart attack to downplay the situation because he or she isembarrassed and doesn't want to cause a scene. Take charge and call for help even if the person tries to talk you out of it. Don't wait to see if heart attack symptoms go away -- and call even if the symptoms do disappear or come and go. If it turns out to be something less serious than a heart attack, at least you'll have some peace of mind.

Bear in mind that not all of the following warning signs occur in every heart attack.

The five signs of heart attack:

Chest discomfort or pain
     The most commonly reported heart attack symptom among men is chest discomfort, often described as a heaviness, tightness, or even a burning sensation. The feeling usually starts in the center of the chest and may or may not radiate to other areas of the body. It may go away and then come back, or it may be continuous. If you're aware of someone experiencing any persistent chest discomfort, call 911 right away. Even if it's angina rather than a full-blown heart attack, he needs to see a doctor.

Discomfort in other parts of the body
     Sometimes the pain of a heart attack doesn't occur in the chest. Instead, he or she might complain of discomfort or pain in one or both arms or back, neck, jaw, or even stomach. Women are more likely than men to experience pain in the jaw or back during an attack. It can be hard to tell if the discomfort is related to a heart attack or something else entirely, but if the pain came on suddenly or the person is experiencing another symptom as well, call 911.

Shortness of breath
     It's common to be a little short of breath after exertion. But if someone is having difficulty breathing when at rest, it's cause for concern. Have him stop whatever he's doing and sit or lie down. If the shortness of breath persists for more than two minutes, call 911.

Nausea, sweating, pallor, or clamminess
     These more subtle signs of heart attack can sometimes be mistaken for the flu. Women are more likely than men to report flu-like symptoms. If these symptoms come on suddenly or are accompanied by other signs of a heart attack, call 911.

A general feeling of extreme weakness or fatigue
     As with nausea and sweating, weakness or fatigue can be symptoms of other conditions. But if the weakness or tiredness comes on suddenly -- especially if it's a woman experiencing it -- call 911.

By Stephanie Trelogan

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Helpful Food Hints

Your fruit salads will look perfect when you use an egg slicer to make perfect slices of strawberries, kiwis or bananas.

Fresh lemon juice will remove onion scent from hands.

To save money, pour all leftover vegetables and water in which they are cooked into a freezer container.  When full, add tomato juice and seasoning to create a "free" soup.

Instant potatoes are a good stew thickener.

Three large stalks of celery, chopped and added to about two cups of beans (navy, brown, pinto, etc.), will make then easier to digest.

When cooking vegetables that grow above aground, the rule of thumb is to boil them without a cover.

A lump of sugar added to water when cooking greens helps vegetables retain their fresh color.

Never soak vegetables after slicing; they will lose much of their nutritional value.

Fresh vegetables require little seasoning or cooking.  If the vegetable is old, dress it up with sauces or seasoning.

To cut down on odors when cooking cabbage, cauliflower, etc, add a little vinegar to the cooking water.

To avoid tears when cutting onions, try cutting them under cold running water or briefly placing them in the freezer before cutting.

Perk up soggy lettuce by soaking it in a mixture of lemon juice and cold water.

Egg shells can be easily removed from hard-boiled eggs if they are quickly rinses in cold water after they are boiled.  Also, add a drop of food coloring to the water to help tell the cooked eggs apart from the raw ones in the refrigerator.

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Kindergarten Day

This month we celebrate "Kindergarten Day", in honor of Friedrich Froebel who was born on April 21, 1782.  He coined the word “kindergarten” and in 1837 he founded the first Kindergarten at the Play and Activity Institute in Germany.  The school was built upon a series of innovative principles that used the innate curiosity and intrests of children to guide them to see what Froebel believed to be the harmonious, interconnectedness of all things -- through song and play (which was unheard of in earlier schools); daily lessons in drawing, design, and other artistic activities; and learning through active doing and close contacts with the natural world -- many of the kindergartens actually had real gardens attached to them that the children tended and in doing so, Froebel believed, cultivated their own inner lives.

By the 1840s, Froebel was even issuing stock in his enterprise, the Universal German Kindergarten, at around ten dollars a share. But the business never made him wealthy -- in fact, though the kindergarten idea spread throughout Germany in the mid-19th century, it was fiercely resisted by the autocratic Prussian state, which esentially outlawed it in 1851 because it was believed that Kindergartens promoted democratic ideas that were dangerous to the rigid status quo. Froebel would die a year later, in 1852 -- some say of a broken heart.

As Norman Brosterman reports in his fascinating book, Inventing Kindergarten, by 1860, even the Prussian authorities relented and allowed this highly popular new form of schooling to continue. The first public American Kindergarten was opened in 1873 in St. Louis. By 1876, at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, there was a model kindergarten for inspection on the grounds at Fairmont Park. One visitor, Mrs. Anna Wright, was so taken with what she saw that she bought a set of what were called "Froebel's Gifts" -- the blocks and balls, sticks and geometric forms that all kindergartens were equipped with -- and took a course of instruction so that she could pass on what she had seen about Froebel's ideas of beautiful unity to her son, Frank Lloyd Wright. Cubism, the Bauhaus, Taliesin (styles of art) -- in fact, a good part of what we see and call "modern," as Brosterman points out -- is arguably attributable to Froebel and the visionary geometries of his children's garden.   By John Cech

Froebel's Gifts:

Gifts 1 and 2  - and a box of the initial complete set of Gifts shown below:

Gifts 3, 4, 5 and 6 shown below:

And on they go!

***  Friedrich Froebel, the man who invented kindergarten and forever changed early childhood education, designed the Froebel Gifts in 1840.  They have been referred to as 'the toy that created modernism'.  They are basically blocks, but so much more.  They were created to help children perceive the unity and interconnectedness of art, math and nature.  He was a predecessor  to Maria Montessori and their works have often been compared and contrasted.   Montessori however believed the design of her materials was scientifically based and gave more thought to the readiness of the child.  Her materials are designed for a specific purpose and that is how they are to be used, with out much -if any, deviation.  Froebel on the other hand designed his materials to be open ended.

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How Long to Keep Important Paperwork

Is your important paperwork piling up? Check out the information to see what to keep, what to toss, and how to store those hard-to-replace documents.


Where to Store Documents

Emergency Kit

• Birth/death certificates
• Social Security cards
• Passports
• Emergency contact information (insurance agents, doctors, family)
• Marriage certificates/divorce decrees
• Wills
• Copies of your driver's license, green card, and other identification cards
• Copies of lifesaving prescriptions (like insulin, asthma inhalers, etc.)
• List of bank account and credit card account numbers
• Inventory of household goods

Filing Cabinet

• Legal documents
• Warranty/rebate documentation
• Bank statements
• Paycheck stubs
• Bills
• Investment records
• Retirement savings statements
• Medical records
• Credit card statements
• Tax returns

How Long to Keep Documents
Tax documents - Seven Years. This includes tax returns, as well as supporting documents like W-2 forms, receipts, and real estate closing statements. The IRS may audit you within three years if it suspects good-faith errors; six years if it believes you underreported your income by at least 25%; and unlimited time if you did not file a return or filed a fraudulent one.

Investment records - Keep as long as you own the securities, plus another seven years. You'll need them to prove capital gains and losses.

Bank statements - One month. You just need these long enough to check the accuracy of the transactions Unless the statement is your only record for a tax-related transaction, there's no need to keep them longer. Plus, your bank will have them available online.

Retirement plan statements - Most, one year, for tax purposes. Keep Roth IRA statements until you retire, to prove you already paid tax on your contributions.

IRA Contributions - Forever - If you made a nondeductible contribution to an IRA, keep the records indefinitely to prove that you already paid tax on this money when the time comes to withdraw.

Legal Correspondence - (Marriage Certificates, Death Certificates, Divorce Papers, etc.) - Forever

Credit card statements - Shred immediately after checking the accuracy of the transactions. These documents are a prime source for identity theft. Unless the statement is your only record for a tax-related transaction, there's no need to keep them longer. Plus, your issuer will have them available online.

Paychecks - One year, until you receive your W-2. Bills One year, for tax purposes. W-2 forms Until you begin claiming Social Security. They're the best estimate of your earnings and entitlements.

Paid Bills: 1 Year - Go through your bills once a year. In most cases, when the canceled check from a paid bill has been returned, you can get rid of the bill.

Insurance Records - Life of the policy, plus 10 years.

Warranties/Guaranties - Life of the Product

Current Contracts and Leases - Life of Contract, plus 3 Years

Audit Reports - Forever

Housing Records: As long as you own the home, plus 6 years.

• Keep all records documenting the purchase price and the cost of all permanent improvements -- such as remodeling, additions and installations.
• Keep all records of expenses incurred in selling and buying the property, such as legal fees and your real estate agent's commission, for six years after you sell your home.
• Holding on to these records is important because any improvements you make on your house, as well as expenses in selling it, are added to the original purchase price or cost basis. This adds up to a greater profit (also known as capital gains) when you sell your house. Therefore, you lower your capital gains tax.

Brokerage statements - Until you sell your securities.

*** WORD OF CAUTION***
Make sure you shred all personal documents before you throw them away. If you don't, thieves can go through your garbage, find account numbers and use this information to buy items on your credit card or empty your bank account.

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The Sense of Touch

From our first moments of life, the sense of touch is the most important of our five senses. We can't live without it. It is a basic human need. This isn't surprising when we think about how infants need loving touch to be healthy and develop properly. Additionally, touch can heal. Many conditions can be alleviated by the healing touch of another human being: headaches, stress, anxiety, difficulty relaxing, tiredness, chronic pain, strained or injured muscles. Healing touches release the body's natural capacity to heal. It's holistic; starting with the skin, it "touches" the mind and spirit as well as the body.


Simple affection is the most basic form of healing touch. Hugs, caresses, hand holding, cuddling, kissing and putting an arm around another express love and nurturing. A pat on the back communicates support and praise. And doesn't it feel so good?

Therapeutic Massage
This can bring deep relaxation to the body and reduce stress and mental and physical fatigue. It can help circulation and healing of tissues and bones. Headaches, back pain, and the pain of tight or overworked muscles can respond to massage. It can also improve posture, flexibility and give an overall sense of well-being.

~ Joel Schorn

Quote:
"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around." ~ Leo F. Buscaglia

Helpful Hint:

It is possible to relieve or fend off a headache by gently massaging your ears, which releases tension from head muscles.

A Bit of Humor - You Might be a Massage Therapist if...
■Your uncle throws his back out. And you throw it back in.
■You're the strongest muscle relaxer available without a prescription.
■You never rub people "the wrong way."
■You relax more shoulders before 6 a.m. than most people do their entire lives.

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Fresh Cut Flower Care

Following these 6 easy flower care tips... will help to increase the longevity of your fresh cut flowers.

How can I make my flowers last longer?
Certain varieties of fresh cut flowers last longer than others. Carnations, for example... can remain vibrant for long periods. Roses have a shorter vase life, but are prized for their special and delicate beauty. When buying flowers, be sure to ask your florist how long you should expect your arrangement to last. Whatever variety you choose, a little TLC will go a long way to keep your flowers looking fresh longer.

Essentials for your flowers...
Keep your flowers in a cool area, 65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Place your flowers out of direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents, and direct drafts from the sides or above. Don't place your flowers on anything that gives off heat such as TV's or heating radiators. Avoid leaving your flowers in the car.

When your flowers arrive in wet Oasis foam...
Keep the floral foam soaked with water containing floral food. The floral shop should provide and extra packet with your arrangement. Be sure to follow the instructions on the floral food packet.

When your flowers are arranged in water...
Keep the vase filled with water containing floral food provided by the florist. Be sure to follow the instructions on the floral food packet.

If the water in the vase becomes cloudy... replace the entire contents of the vase with fresh water and new floral food. Re-cut the stems with a sharp knife removing 1" to 2" of the stem. Remove any leaves that will be below the water line to discourage bacterial growth that can clog the stem of the flowers.

When your flowers have woody stems and branches...
Cut the stems with sharp pruning shears. Place the stems in tepid water containing fresh floral food... to promote flower opening.

Why use floral food... and what is it?
Floral food is a combination of ingredients that help to nourish the flowers and discourage bacteria growth in the water. It is one of the best... and easiest ways to extend the life of your flowers. It is very important to follow the directions on the package. Improperly mixed floral food can do more harm than good!

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Color Symbolism and Bible Meanings

Colors meanings play an important role in religion worldwide. In the Christian tradition, color meanings come both from the meanings in the Bible and from the traditions of religious art. The colors meanings below are based on biblical references.

White - White color meanings in the Bible refers to manna (Exodus 16:31), righteousness (Revelation 19:8), forgiven sins (Psalms 5:7), the garments of angels (Revelation 15:6), gravestones (Matthew 23:27) and the throne of judgment (Revelation 20:11). White symbolizes purity and joy. White can also mean beauty (Song of Solomon 5:14), costly decorations and wealth (I Kings 10:22).

Red or Scarlet - Red color meanings in the Bible can refer to the blood of life, sacrifice, sin or war. Specific bible references include the dragon of Revelation (12:3) and ritual sacrifice (Numbers 19:2). Red could also be a mark of prosperity (Proverbs 31:21).

Green - Green color meanings in the Bible is usually a reference to growth, vegetation or fertility. Specific references include pastures (Psalms 23:12), marriage bed (Song of Solomon 1:16), papyrus plant (Job 8:16) and trees (Luke 23:31).

Blue - Blue color meanings in the Bible refers to the sky, heaven (Exodus 24:10) and Holy Spirit. Sometimes blue can mean water, the water of the spirit (John 4:13) or the Lord's commandments (Numbers 15:38). Blue can also be for chastening or describe drapes or holy coverings.

Yellow or Amber - Yellow color meanings in the Bible refers to God's glory (Ezekiel 1:4) or the brightness of Christ (Revelation 21:23). Yellow can also refer to God's fire (Hebrew's 12:29) or judgment (Genesis 19:24). Yellow is also used to describe the color of gold (Psalm 68:13).

Black - Black color meanings in the Bible refers to sin (Job 6:15), disease (Job 30:30), death (Lamentations 4:8), famine (Revelation 6:5) and the night (Proverbs 7:9). Occasionally black indicates health (healthy hair) or marble.

Purple - Purple color meanings in the Bible refers to royalty and kingship. Purple dye was rare and precious. To obtain the dye, an incredible amount of mollusks shells had to be crushed and processed. Purple was used in the tabernacle (Exodus 26:1) and for the garments of the wealthy.

Silver and Gray - Silver color meanings in the Bible refers to truth (Psalms 12:6), old age (Genesis 42:38), the beauty of age (Proverbs 20:29), weakness (Hosea 7:9) and ashes (Genesis 18:27). The association withes connects the color gray to sorrow, destruction, purification, mourning and repentance.

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Newby Realty provides sales of new and used manufactured (mobile) homes throughout Florida in Bradenton, Clearwater, Debary, Edgewater, Ellenton, Englewood, Fort Pierce, Hudson, Lakeland, N. Fort Myers, New Smyrna Beach, Ocala, Orange City, Palmetto, Port Charlotte, Port Richey, Sarasota, Winter Springs, Zephyrhills.

4 Jobs Everyone Should Have

Here are four jobs that can teach you valuable life lessons:

1. Server
Everyone's been to a restaurant with bad service. You have a slow, inattentive server. Your food comes out the wrong way. And as a result, you tip the bare minimum -- or nothing at all.

But have you ever stopped to think that it's not always the server's fault? (I mean, sometimes it is, but not always.) He or she could have given the cook your correct order -- but the cook messed up. A colleague could have called in sick, leaving your server with all of the tables in the restaurant. Yet the server takes the blame.
What you'll learn:  A job in food service teaches you empathy. Not only for the server, but for people in general. After all -- not everything is as it seems. Think about that the next time you want to leave a next-to-nothing tip.

2. Retail clerk
You can always tell if someone has worked in retail before. Those who haven't sometimes treat sales clerks rudely or like they are above the workers. They may act as if the associate's only job in life is to assist in their retail therapy. Those who have worked in retail tend to have a little more patience with the sales associates and are more respectful toward them.
What you'll learn:  Just because someone's job is to help you doesn't give you the right to be rude or disrespectful. Those two virtues -- patience and respect -- will take you a long way in the way you treat other people.

3. Customer service:
Think about all of the times you've called customer service, whether at an airline, a cable company, your cell phone provider or an insurance company. Chances are, you called when you were angry or had a complaint. You probably chose to take your frustrations out on the customer service rep.

After working in customer service -- specifically at a call center -- you'll hopefully change your behavior. You realize that whatever you're upset about is not the rep's fault. In fact, you know they want to help you.
What you'll learn: A job in customer service can teach you kindness and will make you think twice about the way you treat people.

4. Manual labor
It goes without saying that manual labor of any type, whether mowing lawns or construction, is hard work. Those who perform manual labor or have in the past know that the hours are long, the work is hard and you have to pay attention to everything, as safety is a large issue in most manual labor positions.
What you'll learn:  More than anything, manual labor will teach you work ethic. There is little room for error and no matter what you're doing, you'll be working hard.

By Rachel Farrell

Become a Fan of Newby Realty on Facebook	Newby Realty - Manufactured Home Sales
Newby Realty provides sales of new and used manufactured (mobile) homes throughout Florida in Bradenton, Clearwater, Debary, Edgewater, Ellenton, Englewood, Fort Pierce, Hudson, Lakeland, N. Fort Myers, New Smyrna Beach, Ocala, Orange City, Palmetto, Port Charlotte, Port Richey, Sarasota, Winter Springs, Zephyrhills.

Tips on Downsizing: Moving from the Family Home

Below are a few suggestions on how to get started, what to do with all you have, and tips for keeping things peaceful.

How to Get Started
•Start with the rooms you use the least: In most family homes there are rooms that are not always used on a daily basis, such as guest bedrooms, basements, or living rooms. Start the sorting process in these rooms and avoid cluttering the areas of the home used regularly.
•Start with large items: In order to feel you are making progress, in each room start with the largest items and move towards the smallest. For example, identify what you will do with the furniture before you start on the knick-knacks.
•Have a sorting system: Sort items by using stickers, making piles, or making detailed lists of what will be kept, what will be given away and to where, and what is still undecided.
•Write down family history: Take the time to write down special memories or any family history that is connected to special items. This information will be cherished for generations to come and will contribute to the value of family heirlooms.
•Work in scheduled blocks of time: Plan to sort items for periods of no more than two hours at a time. The process of revisiting memories and making decisions about items you have lived with for many years can be emotionally difficult. You will feel less overwhelmed and make better decisions if you take regular breaks and allow yourself time to digest what is happening.
•Start early and don't rush yourself: Be sure to plan plenty of time for the sifting and sorting process. Take moments to laugh at old pictures, read old letters, and grieve for losses. If you can�t decide what to do with an item, set it aside and return to it later. Work at a pace that is comfortable for you and your situation.

What to Do With All This Stuff
•Keep the items that you treasure the most: Make a list of items you refuse to part with and keep that list in sight as you sort through other possessions. You may need to amend this list as you come across new things but it will remind you that everything is not of equal value.

•Consider bequeathing items now: Identify those items you want certain family members to have and consider what items you are willing to bequest now. Remember, you may get more pleasure out of seeing your granddaughter enjoy your china at the next family event than knowing she will have it after you are gone.
•Get rid of things you no longer need: Be realistic about what items you use regularly and what items you are just used to having around. The electric carving knife you use at Thanksgiving may not be as necessary as the toaster oven you use every morning.
•Consider having a garage sale or home auction: Having enough items that are likely to net a profit (furniture, antiques, electronics) may make the effort of having a garage sale worthwhile. Alternatively, if your possessions are potentially of substantial value, consider holding a home auction. You can often hire a service agency to catalog and appraise your possessions and coordinate a home auction for a percentage of the profit.
•Donate to charity: For those items you cannot give away as gifts or sell for profit, make a tax deductible donation to charity. Often traditional charity organizations will pick-up donated items. Consider thinking of specific organizations for specific items, for example, donating your professional wardrobe to an abused women's shelter or employment assistance program; donating books to the local library sale; offering furniture to the Red Cross for fire victims; or giving old instruments to a school music program.
•Have the kids remove their "stuff": Don't hesitate to tell the adult children it is time to collect their childhood belongings and store their own mementos. Give them a deadline that works with your schedule and warn them that anything leftover will be donated to charity. You may be surprised at how much they decide not to store themselves!

Dividing Things Peacefully
•Agree on a system: In order to avoid disagreements among adult children and other family members, create a clear system for identifying who gets what. One idea is to assign each family member a colored sticker and identify items accordingly. An alternative is to have family members take turns choosing items they would like to have. In both cases it is good to clearly outline what items are available for the taking.
•Be sure everyone gets something special: Even though disagreements may still occur, agreeable solutions may be achieved more readily if everyone feels they received something meaningful to them.
•Encourage negotiation: If disagreements happen despite your efforts, encourage family members to negotiate amongst themselves. Someone may be willing to trade an item with financial worth for something with more sentimental value. If these exchanges occur, be sure not to take offense.

Leaving a family home can be a bittersweet event that involves revisiting many painful and joyful memories. During the process of downsizing we may be surprised at how attached we have become to our possessions and how difficult it might seem to part with them. It is important to remember, however, that it is the relationships in our lives that give us the most pleasure. A life filled with possessions is no competition to a life filled with family, friends, and meaningful connections.

By AARP

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Newby Realty provides sales of new and used manufactured (mobile) homes throughout Florida in Bradenton, Clearwater, Debary, Edgewater, Ellenton, Englewood, Fort Pierce, Hudson, Lakeland, N. Fort Myers, New Smyrna Beach, Ocala, Orange City, Palmetto, Port Charlotte, Port Richey, Sarasota, Winter Springs, Zephyrhills.

Overcome Adult Peer Pressure

After spending a year writing our newest book Living With Less So Your Family Has More, my husband and I (Jill Savage) have really been thinking about the reality of adult peer pressure. The words “peer pressure” usually refer to the pressure to conform that teenagers experience. But if we’re honest, peer pressure doesn’t stop after the teen years… it continues right on into adulthood.

If we’re not aware of the demand to conform, we’ll likely find ourselves pressured into a lifestyle that requires we work more to give our family more. At the end of our life, though, what we give our family materially isn’t nearly as important as what we give our family relationally. Bigger isn’t necessarily better. Less really can be more.

We can’t resist peer pressure if we don’t recognize it’s there. Watch out for these types of adult peer pressure:

Pressure to have debt—Our culture seeks immediate gratification. We want what we want when we want it… even if we have to pay double the price in interest to have it. Believe it or not, there are middle class people who pay cash for a car, refuse the concept of 12 months same as cash, and other than having a mortgage for a home would never take out a loan for anything.

Pressure to give our kids every possible opportunity—In our activity centered life too many of us forget that the best opportunity we can give our kids is simply the opportunity to be a kid. In the preschool years, our kids need to play in the backyard sandbox rather than on an organized sports team.

Pressure to move up the corporate ladder---We have to weigh carefully how much time and energy we want to pour into our career, especially if it will take away from our family. There are those who resist this pressure and choose to step off the corporate ladder. Yes, it limits their earning power, but it increases their availability to their family.

Pressure to live in the right neighborhood and drive the right car---Too often we allow ourselves to be defined by things that we could lose in the blink of an eye…especially in the economic challenges we’ve experienced over the past few years. Those who resist this peer pressure may drive older cars and live in a house and neighborhood they can easily afford.

Adult peer pressure is real, it’s controlling, and it will influence us far more than we realize. Join me in considering the impact cultural expectations have on your thinking. And if you’re so inclined, join those of us who believe that you can live with less and actually give your family more.

By Jill Savage, Hearts at Home

Become a Fan of Newby Realty on Facebook	Newby Realty - Manufactured Home Sales
Newby Realty provides sales of new and used manufactured (mobile) homes throughout Florida in Bradenton, Clearwater, Debary, Edgewater, Ellenton, Englewood, Fort Pierce, Hudson, Lakeland, N. Fort Myers, New Smyrna Beach, Ocala, Orange City, Palmetto, Port Charlotte, Port Richey, Sarasota, Winter Springs, Zephyrhills.