Author Archives: paulaspring

About paulaspring

I work at S & R Compression in Tulsa, OK. My passions are writing, music and anything home. I'm a little bit gruff and very western. However, I love alternative music and especially from the 80's. If you wonder the difference between Southern and Western; well, there is a very big difference, indeed. The same difference as could be seen in a "Wyatt Erp" and a "southern belle or gent."

Building an Inexpensive Function for Home Offices

A Work-From-Home Therapy

Time Management for Working at Home

Working at home can bring a sense of freedom. It’s the feeling of being your own boss, even if you are not. You can eat when you want, drink when, and what you want. there are a lot of rules that can be broken when someone else is not watching.

However, it is wise to say, ‘never treat another adult like an unruly child.’ This is true. Especially, when it comes to people who work from home. The biggest catch for people who work from whom is being able to balance newly found freedom with serious work from home. That is not always easy. Some work from home jobs are often randomly timed. Meaning, the next days schedule may not be known until the next day. That makes planning hard. Here are a few tips that may help or inspire a well planned work/home life schedule.

Make sure the job you choose can also, work with your home life.

The responsibilities you have are not only to your employer. There are responsibilities at home, as well. Make sure you are clear in every way what will be expected from you from your employer. In other words, always ask questions. It is important to know every task and every responsibility in order to know how to plan within your work schedule. Asking the right questions can help you get that understanding. Right down your questions and the answers. This will help you evaluate how much time you will need to spend doing work, and determine how much time in between you may have for home responsibilities.

Some work from home jobs can take up too much of your needed time for personal matters. Remember. Do not take on anything that’s going to be to much. You may find that it was easier to work away from than at home. Having important matters for going to the doctor or anything else important should not be hard to be able to take time off to do.

Beware of random.

There is a difference between being a responsible and reliable employee, and being taken for granted. Do not let your good quality be thought of as ‘take for granted.‘ Too many random tasks thrown at you during any time in your day or night is not fair. Let your employer know, “Hey, I can’t work after 4:00 pm,” If it is not definite and an agreement between you and your employer, set the time yourself. Give yourself time for you and/or family.

Get up at a regular time every work day.

Set your alarm. Get up. Take a shower. Get dressed. Give yourself time for a good breakfast and some wake-up time. Be refreshed and alert. All random cannot be avoided. This will also, help that your day stays active and non-lethargic. Remember. You have to balance home and work. Getting out of bed too late causes slagging. Do not slag your day. Do home and work so that the weekend can be clear for fun.

Go to bed!

Every night before your work day, go to bed. Make sure you give yourself at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night. Not going to bed on time causes slag, also. You’ll feel tired, and sluggish. You’ll move slower, and get less done. This includes what you can get done at home, as well as, for work.

Having the habit of going to bed too late and sleeping to long can lead to depression for even a healthy person. It is also, a fast track to a lowered immunity for fighting disease and sickness. Such as, the Coronavirus. Don’t get depressed, and don’t get sick.

Make two to-do lists.

Make two to-do lists. Make one for the things that are needed done for your home and one for work. Take some from your home list and put with your work list. Having a little extra time between working can give you enough time to do things at home. For instance, taking out the trash, loading the dishwasher, starting laundry etc. It depends, of course, on how much extra time you’ll actually have. Remember, to scratch off everything accomplished.

Keep a schedule.

Plan what time you are going to get up; what time are you going to have breakfast; what time are your going to have lunch; what time are you going to take at least 15 minute breaks. Breaks are just as important at home as it is in a job away from home. Take regularly scheduled breaks. It is good for your health.

Don’t forget to schedule how long you are going to spend on these breaks. Are you going to spend 30 minutes having lunch or an hour. Just make sure that they start and stop at scheduled times. Keep them cohesive to quitting time. Don’t schedule a 15 minute break 30 minutes before quitting time. Use your away from home job’s schedule as a template.

Plan your lunch.

What do you truthfully have time to do? Will you have time to cook lunch? Most work at home jobs may not provide enough time to cook lunch. Know the limit. Prepare ahead your lunch to maintain it within a schedule. A schedule like 30 minutes to an hour. This would include any food ordering, as well. Stick to a schedule. A schedule is reliable, and trustworthy that you are truthfully responsible.

Maintain schedule upkeep.

Remember, to work on your next days schedule during your current work day. As things come along, and things come to mind, write them down. This will help you keep up with making the schedule and update your to-do list. These two things are symbiotic to a well organized schedule, and making sure that all things are getting done. Doing this will help to free up more of your time at the end of the work day.

From Horse and Carriage to the Tiny Living of Today

Savannah Victorian Historic District, 213 West Bolton Street (House), Savannah, Chatham County, GA It is currently nestled between two houses. A reflection of some Tiny House locations.

When considering Tiny House living, and small space living, the time of a horse and carriage parked outside of a tiny, one room cottage comes to mind. The difference between living today and living yesterday may seem worlds apart. They are not very different in contrast from each other.

There was a time, and times before that the average person or family lived in one room. The only extra would have been perhaps, a loft with hay stuffed mattresses spread across the floor to sleep upon. All daily living would have taken place in the main room or singular room. Dinner was cooked on a wood stove or in a fireplace that served as both heating and cook top.

The working class; as they would have been, lived minimally. Like today, limited space and affordability governed how much space a person or family could occupy. These were the pioneers of utilizing every available space to it’s maximum. The shelving above the windows gives a certain indication of the necessity to be creatively resourceful.

Time is another factor. Much like, today. Yesterday’s modern people had much to get done in one day. They had no aid from a microwave, washing machine, nor pizza delivery. However, today most of people’s time is spent outside of the home. That time spent equals 40 – 60 hours per day, and if not more.

The rigor of laundry probably cost about a days time plus dinner.

There was once that moving up meant getting a larger house, and a maid to help in the home. What may have been considered shabby or meager for a home is left behind for what might have been referred to as, “… a fine cottage!” A bedroom instead of like a studio or loft. Separate areas with open space for cooking, dinning, and laundry would have been that step up.

A cottage this size would have housed a family of 5.

The Tiny House Movement is almost or is a revolution. A mass demand for affordable housing. A demand that says, “If you won’t do it, I’ll do it myself!” The National Low Income Housing Coalition reported, “Nationally, there is a shortage of more than 7 million affordable homes for our nation’s 11 million plus extremely low-income families.” These numbers are astonishing. Now, with COVID-19 causing a near collapse upon our economy. It can be expected for things to get worse before they get better.

There are 65,370 new cases of COVID-19 in the United States since July 15, 2020. According to the CDC there have been 136,938 total deaths in the United States. With those numbers talking to all of us. It could be easy to assume that another quarantine could be on it’s way. Yet, it is understandable why the government, major companies, and small businesses do not want to see that happen.

In a modern Tiny House, a bench is often the replacement for a sofa, and is multi-functional. In these depicted days of old, soft seating was rarely afforded by the working class. Today, cushions are easily afforded, and no sofa saves money, and space.

Before the pandemic of COVID-19, affordable housing was in a crisis, and still is in a crisis. This was published by CNN, “(CNN)If the coronavirus pandemic continues to drive unemployment levels as high as predicted, homelessness will increase 40% to 45% by the end of the year, according to an analysis by a Columbia University economics professor.”

Predictions, stats, and unfortunately situations like above broadens the mind about the deeper message that Tiny House Movers are subtly saying. Ownership is the greatest security! Rent is only as low as the next sudden economical shift. Almost, whatever happens in the economy. You/I will always have a roof over head.

A Tiny House interior usually comes with loft, fully functioning kitchen, a small sitting area, and a bathroom w/shower.

Needless to say, Tiny Houses are not without style. They can be custom built or do it yourself. That is a great allowance for uniqueness and personality that makes a home happy. It is within everyone’s nature for a home to reflect ourselves.

There is also the classification of a Tiny House. Most Tiny Houses are classified an RV, and are built in a manner that can be pulled behind a qualified vehicle. RV parks are usually where they reside. In that situation, there is rental for RV parking.

If your state, county, etc. allows a parking spot on private land for an RV classified Tiny House, there will still be other ordinances to abide by. One consideration for me is that I live in Tornado Alley. RV’s and trailer homes are not recommended in my state, but they do allow them. This includes Tiny Homes. For me a Steel frame, rock siding and rock foundation would be “up my alley” for a Tiny Home. Keep safe!

The Kitchen Table Work Space

It seems that working at home is not just a trend. It is the future happening, now! What makes it seem so trendy is the many people who are new to working at home. There are also a lot of people discovering a stay-at-home side-gig. Having a side-gig supplements extra money into the income derived from a full-time job.

It makes for a busier home life either way. As we all know, a busier home life leads to extra clutter. We don’t want clutter, and extra clutter just adds to the problem of disorganization.

Some people are lucky to already have a designated space in their home that is a home office. Some people are content to work at their kitchen tables. Others are discovering the new duty to assign to a kitchen table. For all of these, there are ways to utilize the kitchen table and still have a clean and lovely family dinner space later.

One thing to deal with when your office is your kitchen table is getting the work out and putting it away. What’s wanted is to be able to have your work readily at hand. This is obtainable buy some simple rearranging. A bookcase or shelf with handy, decorative storage bins can make all of the difference. Adding castors to the bottom gives it portability. Important documents, notes, and supplies can be kept stored away making it easy to retrieve and easy to put away in a well organized manner.

When your kitchen table is your office, portability and storage is important. You’ll need to return your workspace into a home again. Good, organizable storage is a must in making that almost, daily transformation happen. Having it on wheels provides the same efficiency that an office away from home provides. Just roll it in then roll it out.

A suitcase on wheels is another good solution. Utilizing a rolling suitcase for work can still be utilized for travel later. This kills two birds with one stone. If your already storing your suitcase, you can keep your work stored away in your suitcase. Then when you are ready for travel, unpack the work and fill it with your travel needs. Your work will be home when you return.

Utilizing the pockets and storage nooks that may already exist in your suitcase is great for organizing office supplies. A drawer organizer can be added for more organization. They can be utilized to maintain neatness in the storage of other office supplies that may be needed. Things like pens, pencils, staples, paperclips, and etc.

If you don’t want to roll, then carry. As long as it is not too strenuous, carrying your office work to your kitchen table works. You can use a storage bin/bins or a suitcase not on wheels. If either are decoratively pleasing enough, leave them out as a peace of furniture. They can look great stored openly.

Make sure the storage you choose provides you with adequate space for what is being stored. If the space is too small, loss of important documents and destruction/damage of documents can occur. It is also very difficult to find what you need in an efficient manner, if your storage is over crammed.

Working at home requires as much efficiency as an away from home office requires. It helps you keep focused on dates and times that are needed for deadlines and appointments. This is even if all appointments are online. Everyone your working for or with is on a schedule. Don’t loose notes and reminders.

If your planning to relocate your workspace to a home office, that is easier achieved if all the work and tools you use are kept well organized. It will roll or carry to your new office space just as easy as it did to your kitchen table.

What you use, now for storage does not have to be expensive. However, it should be sturdy. don’t use cardboard boxes or anything that is going to fall apart. if you do use cardboard boxes, make sure that you reinforce them. Avoid the problem of carrying your work to the kitchen table and the bottom of the box drops out on you. That would be a big hindrance in your work schedule.

A rolling cart is another convenient way to store office work and supplies. Not only can the supplies and work be stored on these. The bins you store in or books you may be required to have can be stored neatly and efficiently.

Getting something attractive and that can enhance the look of your home will hide away any sign that you work from home. Later, if you choose, you could integrate it into a home office or leave it to store other things.

There can be a lot of freedom when you work from home. One of those freedoms is being able to decide where you want your office, and how you want it to look. It can be open concept, a room of it’s own, or the coziness that can be derived from a kitchen table. It’s all yours! So, enjoy it!

Domestic Robots

Although, domestic robots have been around since the 1980’s and before. Robots have become a family companion, and especially during the Coronavirus Pandemic. People have explored the internet and other media resources to find an outlet of escape from quarantine. In these explorations, people have inspired upon the idea to experiment within the field of robot companionship.

This companionship isn’t in regards to loneliness nor sadness, but instead to see “what if,” and to find that perhaps there is fun in owning a robot. Almost, like a new family pet. This is not exclusive to just families. It is also explored by single individuals, and people seeking alternatives to having a pet.

Made by UBTECH ROBOTICS CORP, and one of the most popular of it’s type; the Alpha 1 Pro stands 16 inches tall and deemed the title, humanoid robot. It is able to be programmed by 3d programmable software, plus pose, record, and playback (prp) function. Prp is that the Alpha 1 Pro can be put in a posed position. The position is then recorded on an app that plays back the position. It also has pre-programmed moves and positions. The prp feature allows the user to add to the list of motions and poses that already comes in the app.

Although, the Alpha 1 Pro is classified a toy. It is recommended for ages 8 – adult, and also utilized for educational puposes. The manufactures of this robot has this to say about the Alpha 1 Pro, “Alpha 1P is so much more than a piece of motorized plastic… His personality and his life-like human movements make him a member of the family.”

As far as, fun-for-all. There are a wide selection of robots for fun and duty. These duties consist of vacuuming, mopping, serving as a security system, and functioning a smart home. They can play games or read to your children.

This Alpha 1 Pro can be found on Amazon (Alpha 1 Pro link) and other stores. Amazon includes a manufactures video, accessories, and other similar products.

When selecting a robot, it is necessary to consider what the reason is for. Is it going to be for strictly domestic reasons? Reasons like cleaning or mopping a home. Is it for fun, only? If so, what type of fun should the robot provide? How big should the robot be? Does the size matter? Such as, will it’s new home be a small space? Will it be preferred that the robot is kept in storage until needed? What about for smart home and security purposes?

Just like choosing a pet, choosing the right robot is not different. The robot must suit the needs and wants of the owner. Making a careful, well planned selection will result in a positive investment, and not a waste of money on what would seem a useless piece of junk, because the robot did not fit the owner. May the Force be with you!

Is Racism Terrorism?

When starting to write this post, I was looking for the legal definition for the word/term terrorism. What I found shocked me! What I found is best described in Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Here is what I found.

Definition of terrorism

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to navigation Jump to search

There is no universal agreement on the definition of terrorism.^[1][2] Various legal systems and government agencies use different definitions of terrorism. Moreover, governments have been reluctant to formulate an agreed-upon and legally binding definition. Difficulties arise from the fact that the term has become politically and emotionally charged.^[3] Since 1994, the United Nations General Assembly has condemned terrorist acts using the following political description of terrorism:

Criminal acts intended or calculated to provoke a state of terror in the general public, a group of persons or particular persons for political purposes are in any circumstance unjustifiable, whatever the considerations of a political, philosophical, ideological, racial, ethnic, religious or any other nature that may be invoked to justify them.^[4]

In the United States of America, terrorism is defined in Title 22 Chapter 38 U.S. Code § 2656f as “premeditated, politically motivated violence perpetrated against noncombatant targets by subnational groups or clandestine agents”.^[5]

In general, terrorism is classified^{[by whom?]} as:

The use of violence or of the threat of violence in the pursuit of political, religious, ideological or social objectives
Acts committed by non-state actors (or by undercover personnel serving on the behalf of their respective governments)
Acts reaching more than the immediate target victims and also directed at targets consisting of a larger spectrum of society
Both mala prohibita (i.e., crime that is made illegal by legislation) and mala in se (i.e., crime that is inherently immoral or wrong)

The following criteria of violence or threat of violence usually fall outside of the definition of terrorism:^[6][7]

Wartime (including a declared war) or peacetime acts of violence committed by a nation state against another nation state regardless of legality or illegality and are carried out by properly uniformed forces or legal combatants of such nation states
Reasonable acts of self-defense, such as the use of force to kill, apprehend, or punish criminals who pose a threat to the lives of humans or property
Legitimate targets in war, such as enemy combatants and strategic infrastructure that form an integral part of the enemy’s war effort such as defense industries and ports
Collateral damage, including the infliction of incidental damage to non-combatant targets during an attack on or attempting to attack legitimate targets in war (from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

The simpler Google definition states.

ter·ror·ism/ˈterəˌrizəm/Learn to pronounce nounnoun: terrorism

the unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims.”the fight against terrorism”

The amount of trading we do with Africa, a dominantly black nation, and namely South Africa is stated by the Office of the United States Trade Representative to be;

“U.S. goods and services trade with South Africa totaled an estimated $18.9 billion in 2018. Exports were $8.4 billion; imports were $10.5 billion. The U.S. goods and services trade deficit with South Africa was $2.1 billion in 2018.

South Africa is currently our 38th largest goods trading partner with $14.0 billion in total (two way) goods trade during 2018. Goods exports totaled $5.5 billion; goods imports totaled $8.5 billion.” (About)

According to Export.gov trading with South Africa has included both import and export. Our nation and all nations rely on international trading in order to sustain income to our nation. As it is the same for all nations to sustain by the manner of importing and exporting. It is every nations main income. We as Americans would like for those countries that we are fortunate enough to trade with to feel safe and comfortable within our borders.

Export.gov states, “South Africa imported $7.7 billion in agricultural and food products in FY2018, which is at the same level as in FY2017. The major products imported were rice ($437 million), wheat ($395 million), chicken cuts and offal ($389 million), palm oil ($305 million), corn ($208 million), whiskies ($181 million) and soybean meal ($173 million).

In FY2018, the United States exported $371 million of agricultural, fish and forestry products to South Africa, down marginally from the previous fiscal year. Major products exported by the United States to South Africa included, poultry meat, planting seeds, feed and fodder, distilled spirits and tree nuts. Other major products imported by South Africa from the United States included wheat, dairy products and sorghum.”

There are yearly meetings that one government has with the other to discuss such trading. It is very helpful to our nation and nation’s leaders to be able to host some of those meetings within our borders. It keeps our namesake healthy among other nations that have visited our country, having witnessed well treatment to our people, and have been also, treated well.

It is shameful for our nation to be a public announcement to other nations that we are racially hateful towards them. This is demonstrated by how hatefully someone Black was treated, how someone Hispanic was treated, how someone Irish was treated, etc., and that they were our own.

Although, racism with violence cannot be classified as terrorism. There is no way that a hate group or person is able to build an army to retaliate against ones own nation, again! There is no more North vs. South. There is the hater and/or some little group with the hater, only! They might form a gang, but they do not form an army.

Besides that, there are other nations that would be willing to retaliate any army formed out from hate. Just as they always do. Other nations rescue people abused by their own nation. So, if there are people who want to form an army, start another civil war, take over America, commit genocide upon another race, then defend that at war with a foreign nation are truly ignorant. They do not know that this is the banner that they are waving. It is a worthless cause. It should never be treated as if intelligent.

What is intelligent is that our nation’s people are standing together against racial ignorance and injustice. They are brother with brother, and sister with sister. They stand together saluting the cause of under God and human unity. They are the dominant of this nation and beacons unto the world. God Bless!

The Portable Investment

In these days of the Coronavirus, and increased violence due to racial injustice, we are all having to make adjustments in our day to day living. Some of these adjustments are minor. Some these adjustments are major. The last thing we need added to these adjustment is more inconvenience.

One inconvenience already existed for some. Now, the inconveniences may have increased for a few who live in the circumstance of not having a washer and dryer. Although, rare some laundry-mates still accept coins. Unfortunately, those depending on this type of laundry-mate are having to look harder for coins, do less laundry, or seek a laundry-mate that will accept debit cards.

From there the inconvenience may extend into the overcrowding of a laundry-mate that is equipped to accept debit cards. Yet, still not forgetting that having to spend any extended amount of time in a crowd increases the chances for contracting COVID-19. Especially, when the crowd is hauling baskets of dirty laundry around.

It is understood that having to go to the laundry-mate during COVID-19 can be daunting. As if it was not, before COVID-19. Yet, having clean laundry is just as important as the increased need to practice good hygiene and to wash our hands more regularly. All of the extra efforts are toward prevention. Going to the laundry-mate, on the other hand, can seem damned if we do or damned if we don’t.

Money is tight for a lot of people. Unemployment is skyrocketed. Anyone that has had the Cornavirus, has had to be hospitalized, and without health insurance has current medical expenses. Not to mention, other added expenses to just daily living. This brings to question; is going to the laundry-mate more cost effective than owning a washer and dryer? Especially, if it poses a greater risk for contracting COVID-19?

The washer/dryer alternatives may cost less over a year’s time than going to the laundry-mate. These alternatives are portable. They could either resolve the problem of having to go to the laundry-mate, at all; or reduce the frequency of going, and the amount of laundry that must go to the laundry-mate. This depends upon the capacity of the washer and dryer. Portable washers and dryers cost at least 50% – 75% less than traditional washers and dryers.

For example, when I bought my portable washer and dryer I paid a total of about $415.00 for both. My washer (made by Haier) at the time was on sale for about $165.00. My dryer (made by Magic Chef) was about $250.00. This was approximately 2 years ago. I have never been happier with an investment since my car! When the Coronavirus hit, I was even happier with my investment! I could obey the stay at home order and not concern going to the laundry-mate.

I only wash for one. I opted for the 1.5 cubic capacity washer, and the 1 cubic capacity dryer. I would have selected a larger dryer, but I live in a small space. So, the dryer needed to be smaller in order to hide it.

There are other brands in portable washers and dryers. One is made by Samsung (washer). Other types and brands are coming out with their versions. The prices vary from high to low, but they are all about 50% – 75% less costly than a traditional washer and dryer.

Here is the gist. I spent an average of $35.00 per week on laundry. Multiply $35.00 X 4 weeks in a month average. That is a total of $140.00 per month on laundry. That does not include laundry soap, dryer sheets, etc. If you subtract the cost of going to the laundry-mate from the cost of my portable washer, the result is $25.00. So, in about a little over a week of using my washer, the washer paid for itself. You must also factor in increased water expenses. Where I live, I have free water. I am lucky.

A Quick Review

The washer (made by haier) is different, but great. On a scale from 1 – 10. I give it a 10! It has a flat beater that rises and falls from the bottom. You can order castors and a tray to roll it around. There is also a stand to place it under, and the dryer on top. It has multiple cycles. Including, a gentle cycle. It has multiple load sizes; small, medium, large, and extra large. It beeps when laundry is finished washing. It’s rinse cycle is spin and rinse. Except, for the gentle cycle which fills with water and rinses. It works excellently!
The dryer (made by Magic Chef) is about a 4 on the scale. I think it’s because it is so small, and extra precaution was taken toward fire prevention in the making of this product. To this degree, I am 5’4″ tall and I weight about 140 lbs. My jeans are small. It takes about 30 minutes to 45 minutes to dry one pair of jeans. Two large towels take about the same amount of time. All in all, It takes about 3 hours to dry an extra-large load from the washer. That doesn’t bother me, because I am at home and doing other things. For that reason that the dryer is small and slow, I wash daily. Compared to other dryers, there are some that seem a little hotter (by reading product descriptions and review) in temperature than mine, but I’m good. I can’t complain. I really am happy and will not buy a different one at this time, and there has been no great increase in my electric bill. It is hard to notice any increase.

I am absolutely happy with having a washer and dryer in my rental. As far as the dryer is concerned, I could hang my jeans and towels up to dry and be just fine. Since it makes no great impact on my electric, I just let them dry in the dryer. The wrinkles are not near as removed as would be a bigger dryer, but they are reduced. I hope this helps you consider an investment in a portable washer and dryer, if needed!

The Camping “Staycation!”

You’ve probably heard in the news that camping has become the alternative family getaway. Due to the Coranavirus (of course), restricted vacationing as part of safety requirements are pushing people into a new direction to getaway.

In normal times of good health and prosperity, the family vacation, according to financial experts, cost about 5-10% of a households income. For example, if you make $40,000 per year then your vacation expenditure would cost from $2,000 – $4,000.

So, how much are you willing to spend on camping? Given the average cost for a family vacation, it might be affordable to go camping in style. Perhaps an expensive tent or maybe an RV. Not to mention, RV sales have seen approximately 40 – 60% increase in sales and rentals. Wow!

There are expensive ways to camp and there are less expensive ways to camp. The duration of time you spend camping should be a determinant as to cost and/or vice-versa. It is advised that any long length of time spent camping should be as comfortable as possible. The factors to consider are accessibility to food, drinking water, shower/hygiene, bathroom and weather conditions such as, how hot and how cold. Understanding that it is summer, some may option to camp their staycation in the fall.

Other factors to include are pets and wildlife. Although, camping is deemed one of the safest ways to vacation having a heads up on surrounding wildlife can benefit safety for you, children, and pets. Be sure to research the wildlife and nature of your perspective campsite. Nature includes poisonous plants that children and pets should not consume. This includes plants that cause skin irritation like Poison Oak and Poison Ivy.

It is impossible to list all of the things needed for a safe and fun camping trip. This is due to that everyone is unique. Why take a fishing pole if you don’t fish? You should research your gear according to your accommodations as well as your planned activities. Yes, plan all activity to insure safety. All equipment should be safe.

Whether you buy/rent an RV or utilize tents, one of the most important things to remember is a first aid kit. Make sure you have first aid and a first aid list. Bring enough first aid for your entire trip. This link from Patient + Urgent Care Clinic might be helpful in making a first aid list.

As far as all other things to bring on a camping trip, it does depend a lot on what activities you are going to take part in during your stay in the beautiful wild. Yet, there are a few other things that might be considered. This link from Love The Outdoors provides lots of guidance on what to bring. They even mentioned feminine products. I’m female and I didn’t think of that one (LOL).

One more important thing to remember is travel has been restricted in some areas. AAA (Triple A) has published on it’s website a travel restriction map. This map will tell you where travel is restricted. Using this will guide your direction when hunting for a camping spot. AAA travel restriction map.

All-in-all, have a safe, and happy staycation!

Preparing for the Winter of COVID-19

This has been a time of history for all of us. What we now have are the tools to learn from this new, pandemic, historical experience. Such is one of the purposes of history. We want this to be over. We want to get back to work and continue our lives where it has left off. That is how the summer is looking.

Yet, the summer may not be the same as what could come in the winter. The scientist and government authorities are already seriously contemplating the thought that the winter will bring about a second wave of COVID-19. That wave will also, have to strongly regard the flu, and that people still die from it.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Currently, flu cases are low. Yet, on May 2, 2020 the CDC also reported that pediatric flu deaths are at 174 for the season. That is just May 2, 2020. However, the CDC report states that the flu is lower than the usual national average.

Evidently, the flu, alone is such a problem that the CDC has weekly predictions forecasting the rate of the flu and reports it’s reach by a system called Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report (FluView). Assuming that a lot of people’s immune systems are already low due to having had COVID-19, hospitalized, and/or treated for the virus. We could be facing an extra contagious winter than ever before.

We must be prepared. We must take proper, organized measurements to do our part for the winter.

What was one of the first things we learned during the onset of the quarantine? We learned that panic buying happens. How do we prevent panic buying? We do so systematically. We don’t rush to wipe-out store shelves for toilet paper, cleaning supplies, and face-masks. We purchase gradually during the summer months. So, instead of your usual supply amount. You purchase a little extra. For instance; if you buy a pack of nine rolls of toilet paper per week, buy two packs of nine or a twenty-four pack. Take your usual weekly supply out, use the usual amount, but save the rest. Do this with any and all supplies you may fear running out of.

During the summer, don’t get spend-happy. It is still a good time to reduce extra spending. I know a lot of us have lost our jobs and have fallen behind on necessary expenses. Being a little more conservative with money might be money well spent when the winter comes. Being low on cash is still better than without. Save some money!

Food prices are already going up! There were a lot of total shutdowns in the food industry. We may feel like we can’t afford to prepare. Just remember. A little goes a long ways. When you are grocery shopping and your grocery bill is looking too high, already. Try to buy just one more pack of hamburger meat or something. keep it as a stash. You do not have to do it all at once. One extra pack of this, and one extra pack of that next time could take you far in the possible future.

Be health conscious, now! It’s summer. A great time to lose weight and exercise. Do that. Yes! By all means. Just don’t overdo it. To much brings about lowered immunity. Do not lower your immunity. Keep it pumped up, but don’t overdo anything. Eat well. Good nutrition also, pumps immunity. Keep good nutrition.

Keep hydrated. It will be summer, as well. Maintain absolutely, no dehydration! That will severely lower your immunity. Drink lots of healthy fluids. That does not mean self-deny all summer, but maintain water and nutrition for your drinks.

Do not overdo vitamins. You can overdose vitamins. This also, means multiple types. Taking too many types at one time is as bad as taking too much of one. Talk to your doctor about vitamins and how much you really need to take.

No one has said for certain what the winter will bring. What has been said is that a second wave is possible. It may be difficult to interrupt life and plans when the world is starting to open up, again. Yet, the possibility of a winter that may resemble our spring is very prevalent. The possibility cannot be ignored. It is best to prepare for the “just in case”. If we are more organized and greater prepared, the possible next time may be easier.

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Building an Inexpensive Function for Home Offices

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From Horse and Carriage to the Tiny Living of Today

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Domestic Robots

Is Racism Terrorism?

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Preparing for the Winter of COVID-19

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