|
Change is an inevitable part of life, and yet today it sometimes seems as though changes in society, technology, and the economy are happening faster than ever before. Our modern world requires us to adapt quickly to the changes around us, but sometimes that is more difficult than we'd like. Here are a few tips for surviving and embracing change:
1. Change is more fun when you do it, than when it is done to you.
Changes in our lives are initiated by two forces - by our own decisions, and by forces or events beyond our control. When the impetus for change comes from the outside, engage in the process instead of being swept along by it. Two key tips for surviving externally-imposed change are: "Learn to recognize when it is coming," and "change before you
have to."
2. Change will have an unpleasant ripping effect if you don't let go.
If you're weighted down by strong attachments to "what is" you will not be able to flow freely with the requirements of change. Hold lightly, not tightly, to the external trappings of your current life. Keep asking yourself, "What do I have to get rid of before I can be free to change? What must I face before moving forward"?
3. Accept that change is uncomfortable.
Change often forces us out of our comfort zone and upsets our sense of control over our own destiny. Prepare for the emotional reactions to change - anxiety, conflict, fear of the unknown, failure, or disapproval. Change may require you to learn new skills. Be willing to live with the uncomfortable feeling that comes with having to temporarily take on the role of
awkward novice.
4. Recognize that changes tend to take more time and energy than you think they should.
Often when we are in the midst of change we are tempted to give up short of completing the journey. When we don't change, we are left with disappointment, depression, and anger. Keep your mind's eye focused on the vision of your ultimate destination, and keep your actions focused in the present on the path you can see directly in front of you.
5. Embrace the concept of "experimenting" with your life.
Herbert Otto hit upon an important survival tip when he said: "Change and growth take place when a person has risked himself and dares to become involved with experimenting with his own life." We have the power to initiate change in order to create and evolve our own lives. Experimentation can best be summed up as:
- You try something
- You get feedback (positive or negative)
- You learn and adjust
6. Change occurs on both the inside and the outside.
External circumstances may give us the motivation to change, but nothing can truly change us internally until, or unless, we wish to change. Change occurs consciously and unconsciously and sometimes what appears to be "resistance" is just change occurring internally
or unconsciously.
7. You can develop your change muscles!
Change is a process that requires mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual work. Each time you successfully navigate a change you build the "muscles" required to do so with greater ease on subsequent occasions. Look at each new change as a chance to build your change muscles!
May change enhance your life,
In recent years, granite has become a popular surface choice for bathroom and kitchen countertops. Granite is beautiful and extremely durable, but some homeowners hesitate to use it because of myths about it being unsafe or difficult to care for. Below, find a list of granite myths dispelled:
1. Granite is absorbent.
Granite qualifies as impervious to water and is actually less absorbent than some solid surface (plastic) products.
2. Granite stains easily.
Granite is resistant to stains. Generally any liquid spilled on a granite top, if wiped up within a few minutes, will not stain. Liquids that do not evaporate, such as oils, will cause stains only if left to soak into the stone.
3. Granite requires a lot of maintenance.
Routine cleaning with a mild soap and water is all that is generally required. Once a year, a reapplication of a penetrating sealer should be performed. It takes only about 15 minutes. Never use abrasive cleaners.
4. Granite's tiny pores and fissures harbour bacteria.
Bacteria are found everywhere. If they are on a granite top, then they can also be found on a laminate or solid surface top. Use an antibacterial soap to wash your countertop if you are concerned.
5. Granite and marble are essentially the same.
Other than the fact that they are both natural stones and can be polished, granite and marble are otherwise very different. Marble is generally a calcareous stone, formed from oceanic deposits and then compressed under pressure (metamorphosed). Granite, however, is an igneous rock, essentially molten magma, that is cooled and then hardened below the earths surface.
Your natural stone counter top choice will add years of beauty, strength, durability, and ease of maintenance to your home. Enjoy!
Selecting the right shower head for economy and ease of use can be a challenge. Here is some helpful information to assist you.
 |
Why is low-flow the way to go?
Older shower heads use between 3 and 6 gallons (15 and 30 L) of water per minute, whereas newer, low-flow models use less than 2 gallons (10 L) per minute - and you won't even notice the difference in water pressure.
What you will notice though is that your hot-water use will be reduced by up to 50%, which will cut both your electricity and water bills in the process. A family of three could save between $175 and $190 per year (depending on whether they use electricity or natural gas to heat the water) just by switching to a low-flow shower head.
Which shower head is best for your needs?
- Aerating shower heads mix air into the water stream. This maintains steady pressure so the flow has an even, full shower spray while using less water.
- Non-aerating shower hears deliver a strong spray minus the air. The water flow pulses, giving you a massaging effect.
- Multiple-flow shower heads allow you to set the spray from fine to coarse. Some even feature a pause setting, which allows you to stop the water while soaping up, saving even more. The big tip here? Remember to use it!
|
| |
 |
Have you ever watched a home staging show on TV and wished your home could appear clean and decluttered, too? Here are some suggestions to help you get started:
1. Lightening up your furniture.
Going neutral isn't just good for walls - its good for sofas, too. Beiges and ivories reflect light instead of absorbing it as darker colors do. The result: a sense of airiness and peace that makes people want to stay.
2. Enlarging a cramped bedroom.
How? A small lamp and a large mirror can do it. Just hang the mirror on one wall and plug in the lamp directly across from it. The light will bounce off the mirror and reflect back, immediately making the room appear larger.
3. Expanding shelf space.
Store half of all personal items and prized possessions in the basement or garage. Too many knick-knacks can make a room look crowded; plus they make it harder for a buyer to imagine what his or her items will look like in the space!
|
There is nothing like the ambiance of a wood burning fireplace. But like any heating system, wood burning fireplaces require maintenance to ensure safe and efficient operation. They should be inspected and cleaned every year.
This process is not a do-it-yourself job.
Simply put, get the flue cleaned to avoid a chimney fire. A chimney fire occurs when the combustible deposits in the chimney (creosote) ignite. A chimney fire involves flames shooting out the chimney top, and air roaring up the chimney to feed the fire. A chimney sweep can remove the creosote deposits that potentially cause fires. Second, have the flue inspected. A flue liner in good condition will help protect your home if you do have a chimney fire. Call a trained technician to clean and inspect your chimney flue.
Old Unlined Chimneys
Fireplaces in old homes may not have clay flue liners. Unlined brick chimneys come in two varieties: single thickness (four inches of brick), and double thickness (eight inches of brick). Consider hiring an expert who does not offer a chimney lining service. An unbiased expert opinion on whether a liner is needed.
Glass Doors
Glass doors reduce heat loss when the fireplace is not running. Most glass door systems added to an existing fireplace are not designed to be closed when the fire is lit. Some high efficiency zero-clearance fireplaces are designed for operation with the doors closed. If you are not sure, ask the technician who cleans and inspects your fireplace and flue.
Wood Stove
Modern wood stoves burn wood cleanly and efficiently. The wood stove must be cleaned and inspected annually. An expert will check the flue, the hearth and the clearance to combustibles.
Zero-Clearance
Today, a fireplace can be added to almost any home. A zero-clearance fireplace can be installed directly against an existing wall and supported by the existing floor (a foundation is not required).
THIS IS AN EXCERPT FROM PILLAR TO POST® HOME INFORMATION SERIES
CONTACT YOUR LOCAL HOME INSPECTOR FOR A FULL VERSION
 |
Evidence suggests we all have "clock genes" predisposing us to a favorite time of day, this is called our chronotype. And since our master clock is the brain, there are a host of personality traits that go along with that preference. Read on to learn which traits the hands on your internal clock are pointing to.
You're an independent lark if you...
- Rarely rely on your alarm clock to get out of bed
- Dream up your best ideas before noon
- Prefer to exercise in the morning
You're an adventurous owl if you...
- Tend to toss and turn if you retire before midnight
- Almost always skip breakfast
- Feel a spurt of energy around 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
You're a tenacious sparrow if you...
- Feel best around 2 p.m.- 4 p.m.
- Tend to have light lunches
- Almost never nap in the late afternoon
You're a versatile humming bird if you...
- Awaken about the same time on weekends as on weekdays
- Can have a great workout day or night
- Feel a second wind around 4 p.m.
|
It's no fun to have to replace a broken appliance. Find out how you can get more years out of your clothes washer and delay the need to replace a little longer.
Soap up smart.
Use no more than 4 Tbs, soap (1/4 cup) per load. Excess soap makes excess suds, which can stick to gaskets and moving parts - causing them to deteriorate and leak.
Extend washer life: 3 to 5 years.
Be leery of the overload.
It's tempting to get as many clothes into the machine as you can - but oversized loads can overburden your washer. In fact, overloading is the number-one cause of damage to washing machines, so stick to medium loads.
Extend washer life: 3 to 5 years.
Keep things level.
Make sure your washer is on a flat floor. A washer that's sitting on an uneven surface can shake and break itself during the spin cycle.
Extend washer life: 3 to 5 years.
 |
- Do not burn trash.
- Do not burn pressure-treated or painted wood.
- Burn seasoned hardwood. Softwood will cause creosote to build up more quickly.
- Load the logs near the back of the fireplace.
- Use the spark screen.
- Make sure smoke and CO detectors are functioning.
- Have the chimney and fireplace or wood stove inspected and cleaned annually.
PILLAR TO POST® HOME INFORMATION SERIES
|
CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE PDF
(800) 294-5591
pillartopost.com
More Pillar To Post INFO
Copyright Pillar To Post® 2009
If you would like to use any of this content, please contact the Pillar To Post® marketing department.
|