Canadian geese always fly in a "V" formation. Do you know why? The lead goose is moving the wind resistance for the rest of them. While the lead goose is flapping hard, the rest of the geese are flying along with less resistance. After a time the lead goose gets tired and falls back. Another goose takes the point position. Scientists, using wind tunnel experiments, have discovered that geese flying in a "V" formation can fly 72% farther than one goose could fly by himself.

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Facts & Tips
•Top three things the average guy is afraid will happen to his child: 1) serious illness 2) abduction 3) hit by car

•Actual #1 killer of kids under 14 is a car accident with the child as a passenger

•50% of kids receive an allowance

•Researchers in San Francisco have developed a faster, 100% reliable test for detecting traces of mad cow disease

•99% of men change a diaper

•Wearing a tie can lead to glaucoma and blindness. Wearing a necktie tightly for even 3 minutes can increase pressure within the eyes

•Sushi provides potassium and iron (seaweed), fiber & various nutrients (vegetable) and omega 3 fatty acids (fish). It is the perfect finger food. It is a nutritious food with a low calorie count and can be varied to your taste. Perfect for parties.

•The average guy would prefer to hear “it’s a boy”

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Misc Facts & Tips
•Of all the first time events for a child, the average guy would least like to miss their child’s first walk.

•Researchers have found the blowing a small quantity of carbon dioxide over a plot of growing berry plants increases the berries’ vitamin C content & antioxidant levels

•50% of parents think kids have it easier than they did growing up.

•People who play video games have better visual acuity than those who don’t. Just 10 hours of play the ability to track fast-moving objects improves.

•Soy based lotions soften and may be useful when shaving, reducing bumps and ingrown hairs. It also apparently slows hair growth.

•Booster seats protect children between 4 and 7 years old 60% better than just a seat belt.

Most curfews for kids are either 10 PM and 11 PM

Misc Facts & Tips
•After eating watch or listen to something funny rather than watching or listening to something serious or boring. You will substantially lower your blood sugar levels. Researchers don’t know exactly why, but they think that humor releases something from the brain that controls the amount of sugar in the blood.

•Green tea helps kill bacteria in your mouth that cause gum disease and bad breath

•A new oil blend may increase your metabolism, lower cholesterol and promote weight loss. It consists of olive, coconut, flaxseed and other oils. All of these are healthy oils on their own.

•Men are 85% more likely to be hit by lightening than women.

•White eggs come from white feathered, white-earlobed birds while brown eggs come from red feathered, red-earlobed hens. There is no difference inside or nutritionally. Brown eggs cost more because the birds are larger & cost more to feed

•Old-fashioned oatmeal is the hulled grain rolled into flakes. Instant oatmeal is just old-fashioned-oatmeal cut up so it cooks faster.

•Salmon steak is a cross-cut of the fish, which includes the skin and bones. A salmon filet is sliced lengthwise along the vertebrae and does not include bone.

•Dill pickles are cucumbers soaked in vinegar and dill. Kosher pickles are soaked in vinegar and garlic.

Misc Facts & Tips
•Raisins and golden raisins: Are all made from Thompson seedless white grapes. The dark raisins are sun-dried while golden raisins are dried indoors with sulfur-dioxide.

•A single cell phone’s electromagnetic energy interfered with the proper functioning of 8 out of 20 medical devices in a Harvard study.

•Eating oats will increase the amount of testosterone in your bloodstream.

•Black widows are about ½ inch long with a grape-shaped abdomen. They have an hour glass shaped mark on the underside. Its bite causes localized pain, muscle soreness, stomach contractions and sweating, but hardly every death. Sedatives and pain relievers will ease symptoms.

•You are 65 times more likely to be killed driving 719 miles than driving. 719 miles is the average length of a nonstop domestic flight.

•The leaves of tomato plants help keep bugs away, especially mosquitos, cockroaches ticks and other biting bugs.

•PropertyRoom.com has police seized property from around the country. Available property is auctioned in an eBay style sales format.

•There is a 20% chance that your insurance company will never discover your ticket for a moving violation. 50% if you got the ticket out of state.

•Taking an aspirin a day reduces your risk of a first heart attack 32%

•Unfiltered fluorescent overhead lighting is one of the leading causes of eye strain, blurry vision and light sensitivity at the office. Workers will notice improvement within weeks of you reducing the glare by adding a prismatic tinted light cover designed to mimic natural sunlight.

•Home chores that burn the most calories - carrying groceries upstairs. Other seasonal activities are shoveling snow, racking leaves and pushing a lawn mower. Each burns about 98 calories per 10 minutes. Gardening - shoveling, weeding, burrowing, trimming, etc. - is also a good household chore for exercise.

•The average persons sleeps 141,288 in a lifetime. They also spend 85,725 working, 81,681 watching TV and 9,945 commuting

•Most kids can tell time on a traditional clock at age 6.

•50% of people can tell the time by looking at the sun, but very few can tell time by the moon. The moon cycle is 6 hours to reach its highest peak and 6 hours to set. A full moon rises at dusk reaching its apex at midnight. At ¾ it rises at midnight and reaches the top at dawn. ¼ moons rise at noon and peak at dusk.

Misc Facts & Tips
•Top three excuses people give when pulled over for speeding: 1) Didn’t realize the speed limit 2) Have to go to the bathroom very badly 3) The speedometer must be broken. Best excuse: Family emergency. 70% will get a ticket regardless of excuse.

•Crimes most people worried about: #1 Auto Theft #2 Terrorism #3 Burglary

•Most arrests are for DUI.

•Ask the judge if you can donate the amount of the ticket to a charity in lieu of conviction. Without a conviction on record you don’t receive points and insurance rates won’t increase.

•To keep clothes looking newer longer, turn them inside out before washing. This will also keep the buttons stronger as they won’t snag on the agitator.

•Splash you face with warm water, lather up and wait 3 minutes before shaving. Exposure to the water makes the hair expand in volume about 34%, making it softer and easier to cut.

•To fall asleep faster with less tossing and turning, awakening more refreshed, light a jasmine scented candle on the nightstand for a couple of minutes prior to bed. Lavender was tested too, but had about the same results as no scent.

•People who are optimistic live longer, healthy lives and are more physically and mentally fit than pessimistic individuals

•Those who use an electric toothbrush have less plaque and tarter on their teeth.

•Use toothpaste to polish out scratches on your CD or DVD. Use paste, not gel and then wipe from the center out with optical grade cloth, a cotton ball or even your finger. Rinse with water.

•57% of workers 45 to 54 have saved less than $50,000 for retirement. To catch up consider putting up to 50% of raises into your 401(k) plan and automatic investment funds with low fees that you direct how to invest.

•If you’re 50 and put $250 per month into retirement at 7% annual return, at age 65 you will be able to retire with an annual withdrawal of $10,676 until age 90. If you increase that to $350 per month and wait until 70 to retire you will be able to withdraw $22,732 annually until age 90.
 

I've learned.... That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person

I've learned.... That when you're in love, it shows.

I've learned.... That just one person saying to me, 'You've made my day!' makes my day.

I've learned..... That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.

I've learned.... That being kind is more important than being right

I've learned.... That you should never say no to a gift from a child.

I've learned .... That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way.

I've learned.... That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.

I've learned.... That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.

I've learned.... That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.

I've learned.... That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.

I've learned.... That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.

I've learned.... That money doesn't buy class.

I've learned.... That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.

I've learned... That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.

I've learned.... That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

I 've learned.... That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.

I've learned.... That love, not time, heals all wounds..

I've learned.... That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.

I've learned.... That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.

I've learned.... That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.

I've learned ... That life is tough, but I'm tougher.

I've learned.... That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.

I've learned.... That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.

I've learned.... That I wish I could have told my Mom that I love her one more time before she passed away.

I've learned .... That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.

I've learned.... That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

I've learned.... That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, that you're hooked for life.

I've learned.... That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it..

I've learned... That the less time I have to get things done, the more things I get done.

The Best Woods for Grilling Meats

Alder
Fruity flavor
Good for salmon & other fish
- it is a softwood and imparts a gentle flavor

Apple
Light fruit flavor
Good for pork. It will penetrate and compliment the meat, without overpowering

Cherry
Slightly sweet flavor
Good for buffalo and other dense gaming meats

Hickory
Strong & Smoky flavor
Good for Beef or poultry. It burns quickly, so add gradually

Maple
Sweet & Smoky flavor
Good for beef and pork

Mesquite
Intense smoky flavor
Good for beef. But don’t use too much. Mesquite burns hot and overdoing it may leave the meat tasting like a log.



How to get the smell of smoke out of your clothes

Cotton
Throw it in the dryer on air fluff. The air circulation will speed up the freshening. Add a sheet of fabric softer to add fragrance.

Leather
For natural colored leather simply wipe off with cloth moistened apple-cider vinegar
For leather dyed black, or another color, you will probably need to visit a professional leather cleaner or let hang in a well ventilated area for some time.

Suede
Rub down with a damp cloth - water only.

Wool
Sprinkle baking soda on the garment and let sit for ½ hour before vacuuming off.



How to improve your mood now

Fake a smile
Not a spiteful smirk, but a smile. It is hard to remain angry with a smile on your face. Try it.

Clean
Pick up clothes, organize clutter, do laundry, clean your desk, file, etc. Concentrating on a physical task will calm you down.

Exercise
Go for a walk, climb stairs, go for a run, go to the gym for a workout. Physical exercise naturally changes your mood.

Wear blue
The color blue is calming. Can’t change? Go look at a blue sky. By the way, orange is most irritating, while red and purple reflect power

Listen to music
Whatever type you enjoy. Music can be calming or give you renewed energy.

Smell & Sound
Fresh flowers, fresh fruit, such as a freshly cut lemon, newly-mowed grass, fresh air or even the sound of a train rumbling down the track will change the beat of your life.

Pet your cat
Skin to skin contact is a natural upper. So if you don’t have a pet, a massage will help, or even sex.

Eat folate rich foods
Folate has been shown to reduce depression. Eat some berries, spinach, or a leafy salad.



How does your cell phone signal travel?

The signal
When you turn on your cell phone it sends out a series of codes, such as phone number, serial number and service provider, to the carrier’s nearest tower.

Using the Public Switched Telephone Numbers (PSTN) - the same system used by land lines - the cell tower relays the information to the carriers nearest Mobile Telephone Switching Office (MTSO) The MTSO pings back to your phone and this happens almost continuously.

Making a call
When you hit send the information for your call - your phone’s data and the number being called - is sent to the MTSO. The system then reserves a place for you on the PSTN.

If you are making a call to a landline the call is sent along the PSTN to the phone you are calling. If the call is to another cell phone the call travels to the MTSO in the dialed area code.

Connecting
A connection is established with the nearest tower for the person you called and then sends the call to you to establish a connection between the 2 phones.

Each handset encodes the voice into digital signals. The towers can handle more calls digitally because the signals take up less space than analog

There are about 203 million cell phones in the US placing over a billion calls daily. The average connect time ranges from 4 to 8 seconds

Hubble Telescope Photos of the Universe - Top 10

The Sombrero Galaxy - 28 million light years from Earth - was voted best picture taken  by the Hubble telescope. It has 800 billion suns and is some 50,000 light years across

The Ant Nebula, a cloud of dust and gas whose technical name is Mz3, resembles an ant when observed using ground-based telescopes.  The nebula lies within our galaxy between 3,000 and 6,000 light years from Earth.

In third place is Nebula NGC 2392, called 'Eskimo' because it looks like a face surrounded by a furry hood.  The hood is, in fact, a ring of comet-shaped objects flying away from a dying star.  Eskimo is 5,000 light years from Earth.

Cat’s Eye Nebula

The Hourglass Nebula, 8,000 light years away, has a 'pinched-in-the-middle' look because the winds that shape it are weaker at the centre.

In sixth place is the Cone Nebula.  The part pictured here is 2.5 light years in length (the equivalent of 23 million return trips to the Moon).

The Perfect Storm is a small region in the Swan Nebula over 5,500 light years away. It is described as 'a bubbly ocean of hydrogen and small amounts of oxygen, sulphur and other elements'.

Starry Night is named because it reminded astronomers of the Van Gogh painting.  It is a halo of light around a star in the Milky Way, our galaxy.

The glowering eyes from 114 million light years away are the swirling cores of two merging galaxies called NGC 2207 and IC 2163 in the distant Canis Major constellation.

The Trifid Nebula.  A 'stellar nursery', 9,000 light years from here, it is where new stars are being born.

To See More & Larger Pictures Click Here

Sleep deprivation leaves you sleepy during the day, decreases productivity and performance levels, and promotes the process of inflammation, which can lead to including heart disease and hardening of the arteries.

Consistently getting just 6 hours sleep a night leaves you sleep deprived. Seek to get an average of 8 hours rest for optimal health.

How To Catch Wild Pigs

1. Find a suitable place in the woods and leave some corn on the ground. The pigs find the corn and begin to come daily to feed on the corn you leave for them.

2. Build one side of a fence. The pigs while begin feeding on the corn again once they get used to the fence.

3. Build another side of the fence. Again, once the pigs get used to the new fence addition they will eat the corn again.

4. Build a third side to the fence. The pigs will begin coming for the free corn once they get used to the fence.

5. Build a gate with latch and leave open. Again, when the pigs become accustomed to the gate they will feed on the free corn.

6. Once the pigs are inside, close the gate and capture the entire herd. They will grunt and groan, running around because they lost their freedom. They have grown used to the free corn and not foraging for their own food and will eventually accept captivity.

Does this sound a little like Americans? The government keeps pushing us toward socialism and keeps spreading the free corn out in the form of programs such as supplemental income, tax credit for unearned income, tobacco subsidies, dairy subsidies, payments not to plant crops (CRP), welfare, medicine, drugs, etc.. While we continually lose our freedoms -- just a little at a time.

Potty Train a Child in Hours

Uses for WD-40

•Protects silver from tarnishing.
•Removes road tar, grime & bugs from cars
•Gives floors that 'just-waxed' sheen without making it slippery.
•Restores and cleans chalkboards.
•Removes lipstick stains.
•Loosens stubborn zippers
•Untangles jewelry chains.
•Removes stains from stainless steel sinks. Cleans the fronts of Stainless steel appliances
•Removes dirt and grime from the barbecue grill.
•Keeps ceramic/terra cotta garden pots from oxidizing.
•Removes tomato stains from clothing
•Keeps glass shower doors free of water spots.
•Camouflages scratches in ceramic and marble floors.
•Keeps scissors working smoothly.
•Lubricates noisy door hinges on doors in cars and buildings
•Gives a children's play gym slide a shine for a super fast slide.
•Lubricates tracks in sticking home windows and makes them easier to open.
•Spraying an umbrella stem makes it easier to open and close.
•Restores and cleans padded leather dashboards in vehicles, as well as vinyl bumpers & roof racks
•Lubricates and stops squeaks in electric fans.
•Lubricates fan belts on washers and dryers and keeps them running smoothly
•Lubricates wheel sprockets on tricycles, wagons, and bicycles for easy handling.
•Keeps rust from forming on saws and saw blades, and other tools.
•Removes splattered grease on stove.
•Keeps bathroom mirror from fogging.
•Keeps pigeons away (they hate the smell).
•Removes all traces of duct tape.
•Folks even spray it on their arms, hands, and knees to relieve Arthritis pain.
•Removes bugs from grills and bumpers.
•WD-40 attracts fish. Spray a LITTLE on live bait or lures
•Use it for fire ant bites. It takes the sting away immediately and stops the itch.
• WD-40 is great for removing crayon from walls. Spray on the mark and wipe with a clean rag.
•Spray WD-40 on the distributor cap, it will displace the moisture and allow the car to start.
• Removes black scuff marks from floors.
•Removes graffiti paint from vehicle finish.

Courtesy Snopes.com

Terrorism: Advice from Israeli Security They have very few airport threats and everyone knows what to do to prevent terrorism in the streets.

Shortcomings, Loss & Setbacks are INEVITABLE
Suffering, Worry & Sadness are all OPTIONAL
Be cheerful & happy always!
Give THANKS TO GOD in every circumstance!

A miracle is not the suspension
of natural law, but the operation
of a higher law.

Misc Facts & Tips
•To eliminate weeds pour a mixture of boiling water and vinegar over weeds in sidewalk cracks.

•30% of water evaporates from your lawn and garden during midday. Water in the early morning for best water retention. You will save additional water if you set your mower to 2”-3” for your lawn - longer grass blades shade the roots. Only water your garden when it is dry.

•Most water heaters are set at 140 degrees. By setting your water heater to 120 degrees you will save 6-10% of your heating bill without any effect on hot water showers, your clothes washer or cleaning dishes.

•If a problem has a solution, then there is no reason to worry about it; you have an answer. If a problem has no solution and you can’t do anything about it, then you have no reason to worry about it; it is out of your control

•Maintaining good health throughout life can save you money. Good health is one of the key factors to enjoying a happy retirement. Staying fit will allow you to save money you may otherwise have to spend on medical costs, allows you to retire later and save more money for retirement and studies show will give you more mental alertness and confidence to make sound investments for retirement.

Natural Pesticide to Keep Spiders Away
It's hard to kill spiders because they don't lick their bodies like ants and other insects so they don't absorb insecticides. But, they won't walk over sharp things.

Use epsom salts! It has sharp crystals! Pour epson salts on windowsills and doors, inside and out. Rain will wash it away, just reapply.

The real reason that we can't have the Ten Commandments posted in a courthouse is this: You cannot post 'Thou Shalt Not Steal,' 'Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery,' and 'Thou Shall Not Lie' in a building full of lawyers, judges and politicians - it creates a hostile work environment.

ANSWER ME A QUESTION

Why does the sun lighten our hair but darken our skin?
Why doesn't glue stick to the inside of the bottle?
Why don't you ever see the headline "Psychic Wins Lottery"?
Why is "abbreviated" such a long word?
Why is a boxing ring square?
Why is it called lipstick if you can still move your lips?
Why is it considered necessary to nail down the lid of a coffin?
Why is it that doctors call what they do "practice"?
Why is it that rain drops but snow falls?
Why is it that to stop Windows 95, you have to click on "Start"?
Why is it that when you're driving and looking for an address, you turn down the volume on the radio?
Why is lemon juice made with artificial flavor, and dishwashing liquid made with real lemons?
Why is the man who invests all your money called a broker?
Why is the third hand on the watch called a second hand?
Why is the time of day with the slowest traffic called rush hour?
Why is the word dictionary in the dictionary?
Why isn't there a special name for the tops of your feet?
Why isn't there mouse-flavored cat food?
Why can't they make the whole plane out of the same substance they use to make the indestructible black box?
Can fat people go skinny-dipping?
Why do you need a driver's license to buy liquor when you can't drink and drive?

A Birth Certificate shows that we were born, a Death Certificate shows that we died, pictures show that we lived!

Just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other and just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do love each other.

We don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.

No matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.

True friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.

You can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.

It's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.

That you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.
 
You can keep going long after you think you can't.

We are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

Either you control your attitude or it controls you.

Heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

Money is a lousy way of keeping score.

My best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.

Sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up..

Sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

Maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

It isn't always enough, to be forgiven by others. Sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.

No matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.

Our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are,
but, we are responsible for who we become.

You shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.

Two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.

Your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.

Even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you - you will find the strength to help.

Credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being

'The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything;
they just make the most of everything.

Do Your Kids Know How To Dial 911?
•Teach them what to do in an emergency. First they should find a trusted adult. If none is nearby teach them to dial 911.

•Teach kids how to dial by showing them how on an unplugged phone (so you don’t make an accidental call.) Be sure to say 9 - 1 - 1, not 9 - 11. Have the kids practice on the unplugged phone.

•Explain to the kids that 911 is for emergencies only. Let them know that an emergency is not scraping their knee or wanting a drink of water or being unable to find a shoe. A real emergency is a house fire, a car accident, if someone collapses and isn’t moving or is in severe pain or has a very serious injury

•Teach the kids that the 911 dispatcher can be trusted and will help them and it is OK to answer personal questions such as age, address, etc. 

•Practice calls to 911 on the unplugged phone.

•At my house we have a list of numbers posted in several places. These lists include phone numbers, the address and other pertinent information so they are easily accessible.

Opportunity or Scams:
•An estimated 25 million adults were scammed last year.

•For financial products such as stocks, bonds, investment funds and other registered products you can check for licensing by contacting you state’s securities regulatory board. Find them at nasaa.org. You may also contact the NASD’s BrokerCheck service at nasd.com to verify licensing, complaints of record, regulatory fines and to find if the product being pitched is registered, 

•For business opportunities such as a work at home job or loan first check with the Better Business Bureau at bbb.org to see if they have any reports or complaints against the company. Also check the Federal Trade Comission at ftc.gov.

•Google it. Yahoo it. Check a few search engines. Check out the product name, the company and its owners. Even add fraud or scam to the search parameters. It will likely pop up if there are any negative reports.

•Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

•Red Flags: Unaccessible customer service numbers, hidden terms, foreign address or ownership, demand for money wire, limited time offer or deal demanding immediate attention, cashier’s check sent to you for more than the purchase with a request to send back difference, guaranteed returns of 10% or more.

•Ask questions: Why aren’t the big companies offering the same returns? How can they offer such high returns? 

Misc Facts & Tips
•After paying monthly expenses only 13% of people will save for their retirement, while 28% of people will spend extra cash on entertainment.

•Buying vs renting a home. Home ownership has its benefits for taxes, never being forced to move by a landlord and the possible investment benefits, but it can also be costly to maintain, require meticulous record keeping and land you in hot water should you lose a job or have a major illness that leaves you unable to make the payments. Renting gives you more freedom to change jobs or relocate more readily with less ties to expensive repairs, market conditions and lives ups and downs. Relocating periodically mixes things up in your life and causes you to reduce the clutter. Proper planning and investing of savings can actually put you financially ahead.

Waiting a few years to retire will increase the size of your retirement check for the rest of your life. Plus you will be able to save additional money by working a few years longer, reducing what you need it retirement. About 40% of retirees don’t have this option due to health, so start young to maintain a healthy lifestyle that will bless you in the golden years.

To calculate how long it will take an investment to double your money use the rule of 72. Divide 72 by the annual rate of return. An investment making 8% will double your investment in 9 years.

To figure how much you are losing in retirement savings by spending money now add a zero to the end. A $40,000 car will cut your savings by $400,000 over 30 years of investing. Buy a less expensive car now and invest the savings.

What is your hourly rate? Divide you annual earning by half and drop off the last 3 zeros. At $50,000 annual salary you are making $25 per hour.

Cell phone carriers are making it easier to switch plans without having to add extra years to your contract. If you want to switch carriers, many are now allowing a proration of fees usually charged to switch before your 2 year contract expires.

•Teaching kids financial responsibility:
Age 6  piggy bank
Age 10 savings account
Age 13 set a budget
Age 15 get a job
Age 17 credit card

Match what kids earn and save. For younger children match whatever they save dollar for dollar. Once they start making extra money by doing odd jobs, babysitting, etc match their earnings 25 cents to the dollar and savings up to 50 cents on the dollar. This will teach them to be wage earners, savers and how to make financial decisions.

•The unemployment rate for men increased 58%, while it only rose by 33% in the massive layoffs of the current recession cuts

•The average duration of unemployment for people 45-64 years old is 22 weeks

•A gallon of gas at $2.50 breaks down as follows:
10 cents to the service station, 18 cents to the feds, 23 cents to your state and city, oil companies get around 35 cents, crude oil suppliers get the major share at $1.64

•Thunderstorm Safety:
1. Stay away from electric & telephone lines - lightening can follow them.
2. You are still in harms way if you can hear the thunder.
3. If you are driving during a thunderstorm, stay in your vehicle with the windows closed.
4. Stay away from water - don’t do laundry, wash dishes or take a shower. If swimming or boating, head to the safety of the shore and get away from the water.

SIGNS
Veterinarians office:
All unattended children given free kitten"

On a Plumbers truck:
"We repair what your husband fixed."

Pizza shop slogan:
"7 days without pizza makes one Weak."

At a tire shop in Milwaukee:
"Invite us to your next blowout."

Door of a plastic surgeons office:
"Hello, can we pick your nose?"

Sign at the psychic's Hotline:
“Don't call us, we'll call you."

At a Towing Company:
"We don't charge an arm and a leg. We want tows."

Billboard on the side of the road:
"Keep your eyes on the road and stop reading these signs."

On an Electricians truck:
"Let us remove your shorts."

In a Nonsmoking Area:
"If we see smoking we will assume you are on fire and take appropriate action."

On Maternity Room Door:
"Push, Push, Push."

At an Optometrists Office
"If you don't see what you're looking for you've come to the right place."

On a Taxidermist's window:
"We really know our stuff."

In a Podiatrist's office:
"Time wounds all heels."

On a fence:
"Salesmen Welcome, Dog food is expensive."

Outside a Muffler Shop:
"No appointment necessary, we'll hear you coming."

In a Veterinarians waiting room:
"Be back in 5 minutes, Sit! Stay!"

Inside a Bowling Alley:
"Please be quiet, we need to hear a pin drop."

In a counselors office:
"Growing old is mandatory, growing wise is optional."

At a garage specializing in radiator repair:
“A great place to take a leak."
 

LIFE HANDBOOK

Health:
Drink plenty of water.
Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
Live with the 3 E's - Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.
Make time for prayer.
Play more games.
Read more books than you did the year before.
Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
Sleep for 7 hours.
Take a 10-30 minutes walk every day. And while you walk, smile.

Personality:
Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control - instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
Don't over do. Keep your limits.
Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
Dream more while you are awake.
Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
Smile and laugh more.
You don't have to win every argument.

Society:
Call your family often.
Each day give something good to others.
Forgive everyone for everything.
Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
Try to make at least three people smile each day.
What other people think of you is none of your business.
Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your family and friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:
Do the right thing!
Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
GOD heals everything.
However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
The best is yet to come.
When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
God is on the throne. So, be happy.

Real Estate Sales Commissions:
•Many people want to lower the commission sellers pay to real estate agents. For sellers it is money lost to sell the house. To buyers it is an added price to buy the house.

•The common perception is that the rate is 6%. The actual average rate is 5.1%. In today’s buyer’s market it is harder to negotiate this rate unless you have a home with a higher perceived resale appeal.

•At HungryAgents.com you can post your home for free for agents to bid on the commission.

•Use a discount broker that charges a flat fee to list the home on the multiple listing service and handle the closing. You have to do the legwork to market the property, but the savings can be substantial.

•Sell the home yourself. There are plenty of resources to help you. If you offer to pay the buyer’s agent’s commission of 3% you can get extra help marketing the property. Why pay the listing agent such a high commission to simply list the property?

Misc Facts & Tips
•80% of home buyers start their search online.

•A half bath adds about 10% to the selling price of a home. A full bath adds about 20% to a homes sale price. Consider using an underused space to add a bath, such as a walk-in closet, storage space, or under the eaves for stairs.

•#1 rule of renting – check out the tenants, especially their previous rental history. Credit reports don’t tell a real story. How they treated a prior property is a great indicator. If they maintain their home and pay rent on time no matter what they are likely good tenants. If they always have an excuse, find someone with better priorities.

•When selling real estate
Replacing siding pays back up to 82% of the cost
Adding a deck pays back up to 73% of the cost
New windows pays back up to 77% of the cost
Adding trees, bushes and other landscaping adds up to 10% to a homes value
Upgrading the front door and entryway can add $1,000’s beyond the cost

Selling Real Estate:
•In any market curb appeal is one of the most important factors in getting people to take notice of the property. A little effort to paint, reside and landscape can go a long way to move a house quicker, especially in a slow market.

•Cutting the price by 10% is probably the fastest way to sell a house. In the long run it may save you money when you factor in mortgage payments, taxes, insurance, etc while you wait for a house to sell while sitting on the market.

•Rent the house to cover costs while waiting for the home to increase in value and the sales market to rebound. This will stop the flow of money out when you are paying for your own residence and a property you need to sell.

•Be creative. Offer a free car, a vacation to Hawaii, all new appliances, etc to sweeten the pot to attract buyers. Sometimes the ‘free’ extra will cause buyers to choose your property over another similar property of interest.

Misc Facts & Tips
•Best use of cola - especially Coke & Pepsi - cleaning the acid off car battery terminals

•Think twice before using a mortgage broker. A portion of your closing costs go to the broker, PLUS the lending institution pays the broker. The higher the interest rate, the higher the fee. They are working for the highest commission, not you.

•You would think that giving the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number is ni big deal. But, with those four numbers it is easy to obtain the entire number. The first three are based on the state where the number was obtained, usually the state of birth. The next two are based on your birth date. Don’t give out any of your Social Security numbers unless required to do so by an employer, financial institution or someone required to report to the IRS. Why do other companies need the info anyway.

•1973 average size of a new home 1,700 sq ft
2004 average size of a new home 2,500 sq ft

1973 life expectancy 71.2 yrs
2004 life expectancy 77.9 yrs

1973 4 women per 100 MBA graduates
2004 42 women per 100 MBA graduates

1973 revolving credit debt per average household $600
2004 revolving debt per average household $7,300

•Liquidation sales usually start with the store going out of business hiking their prices before beginning to slowly offer discounts which start at prices above the pre-liquidation price. Check competitors. They can usually beat the liquidation price by up to 30%

•Small furniture stores have more bargaining room than chain stores. A furniture maker’s factory outlet can offer good savings also.

Entertaining for parties drink suggestions
1 server for every 25 guests
1 bartender for every 50 guests
2 bottles of wine for every 4 guests
6 liters of soda for every 50 guests
5 square feet of space per guest.
70%-80% of invitees typically show up

Winning odd games strategies
•Mini golf - tee off on the flat rubber, not on the dots provided as guides. You will get a smoother hit. Avoid bank shots. Concrete is unpredictable. Instead roll the ball to a spot on the carpet to line up direct shots. Your score will be more consistent.

•Carnival sledgehammer - lead with your dominate arm, aim for the edge closest to you and follow through with your swing.

•Cannonball splash - the more surface area you hit, the bigger the splash. Get a running jump and spread out just before you hit the water. You will make greater surface contact with the water and the increased slide from the run will splash more water than a vertical jump.

•H-O-R-S-E - go for standard basic shots. Circus shots(lucky shots) are impressive to look at if executed well and you actually make the shot, but basic shots are like bread and butter and when executed with style can be impressive but easy to make. A bank shot close to the backboard shooting the ball high gives you a greater likelihood the ball will go in.

Online Banks are a viable choice:
•Yields are higher - you can earn up to 10x the yield at online only banks. Check out the interest rates on savings. They are far superior at online banks, with accounts FDIC insured.

•Accessing your money is easy - it used to be hard to move your money. Now accounts come with ATM cards useable at your local store as ATM transactions as well as credit card transactions. You can take extra cash out if needed using store transactions, or, if you need to use an ATM machine, most online banks reimburse fees. To make a deposit you can use direct deposit, online transfers or mail a check for deposit.

•Customer service is a call or e-mail away. Online banks work to excel at customer service, whereas brick and mortar services tend to make you wait in lines or use do it yourself customer service.

•Brick and Mortar banks offer many similar services, with some even offering higher interest, online only savings. But, if you pay too many ATM fees and have your money earning next to nothing in savings, you need to at least move that money into an online bank.

•ING Bank, HSBS Direct, E-Trade Bank and others offer services you should check into.

Reduce Junk Mail, Spam & Unwanted Calls
•National Do Not Call Registry – donotcall.gov
•Anti-junk mail and anti-spam – dmaconsumers.org
•Send back privacy policy statements with ‘no permission granted’ statements attached
•Write ‘no mailing lists’ on all warranties and rebate coupons when submitting
•Email optout@abacus-us.com to reduce catalog mailings
•Optoutpreescreen.com to opt out of credit card offers

Beneficiaries of life insurance, retirement accounts and other policies must be changed with the administrator. Your will has no effect. You should add a back up beneficiary just in case. Leaving the beneficiary forms blank or naming a minor as beneficiary are surefire ways to sending your estate to probate and all of the costs associated with that. Changing beneficiaries is as simple as filling out a simple form. Keep copies.

About Money
Money can buy a house, but not a home
Money can buy a clock, but not time
Money can buy a bed, but not sleep
Money can buy a book, but not knowledge or wisdom
With money you can see a doctor, but can’t buy health
With money you can buy a position, but not respect
Money can buy blood, but not life
Money can buy sex, but not love

Potty Train a Child in Hours

 This is a dramatic 30 second video about how to deal with a common kitchen fire ...oil in a frying pan. Read the following introduction, then watch the show. It is a real eye-opener!

At the Fire Fighting Training school they would demonstrate this with a deep fat fryer set on the fire field. An instructor would don a fire suit and using an 8 oz cup at the end of a 10-foot pole toss water onto the grease fire. The results got the attention of the students.

The water, being heavier than oil, sinks to the bottom where it instantly becomes superheated. The explosive force of the steam blows the burning oil up and out. On the open field, it became a thirty foot high fireball that resembled a nuclear blast.

Inside the confines of a kitchen, the fire ball hits the ceiling and fills the entire room. Do not throw sugar or flour on a grease fire. One cup of either creates the explosive force of two sticks of dynamite.

This is a powerful message----watch the video and don't forget what you see.

See the video here --> A KITCHEN FIRE

Misc Facts & Tips
•When lightning strikes - If you are caught outdoors during a thunderstorm, follow the 30-30 rule. Seek a safer location immediately if the thunder occurs 30 seconds or less after the lightning. Once the storm has passed, wait at least 30 minutes after the last lightning flash before leaving the shelter. - wisdomtips.com

•Memory booster - Scientists have discovered that bushing your teeth with your opposite hand or driving to work a different way or even chewing gum is a form of mental exercise that increases blood flowing through your brain which helps to create and strengthen both brain lobes & the link between lobes. - wisdomtips.com

•Mosquitoes Repellent: Rubbing a handful of fresh basil leaves on your skin should protect you from mosquitoes for a few hours. The herb does not contain hazardous chemicals and is less likely to cause skin irritations than the synthetic bug sprays.

•American’s favorite t-shirt color is white. 2nd & 3rd choice are blue and black. White was favored more than blue & black combined.

•Mosquito repellent - before and during mosquito season take Vitamin B complex daily. The scent emitted from your pores will repel the pests.

Safety Tips
1. Tae Kwon Do Tip: The elbow is the strongest point on your body. If you are close enough to use it, do!

2. Learned this from a tourist guide. If a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse, DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM. Toss it away from you.... Chances are that he is more interested in your wallet and/or purse than you, and he will go for the wallet/purse. RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!

3. If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy... The driver won't see you, but everybody else will. This has saved lives.

4. Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating, working, etc., and just sit (doing their checkbook, or making a list, etc. DON'T DO THIS!) The predator will be watching you, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side, put a gun to your head, and tell you where to go. AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR, LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE..

If someone is in the car with a gun to your head DO NOT DRIVE OFF, Repeat: DO NOT DRIVE OFF! Instead gun the engine and speed into anything, wrecking the car. Your Air Bag will save you. If the person is in the back seat they will get the worst of it. As soon as the car crashes bail out and run. It is better than having them find your body in a remote location.

5. A few notes about getting into your car in a parking lot, or parking garage: 
A.) Be aware: look around you; look into your car, at the passenger side floor, and in the back seat
B.) If you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door. Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their cars.
C.) Look at the car parked on the driver's side of your vehicle, and the passenger side... If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back into the mall, or work, and get a guard/policeman to walk you back out. ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY. (And better paranoid than dead.)

6. ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs. Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot. (This is especially true at NIGHT!)

7. If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, ALWAYS RUN! The predator will only hit you (a running target) 4 in 100 times; and even then, it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ. RUN, preferably in a zig-zag pattern!

8. As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic: STOP! It may get you raped, or killed. Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good-looking, well educated man, who ALWAYS played on the sympathies of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often asked 'for help' into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is when he abducted his next victim.

9. Another Safety Point: Someone just told me that her friend heard a crying baby on her porch the night before last, and she called the police because it was late and she thought it was weird. The police told her 'Whatever you do, DO NOT open the door.' The lady then said that it sounded like the baby had crawled near a window, and she was worried that it would crawl to the street and get run over. The policeman said, 'We already have a unit on the way, whatever you do, DO NOT open the door.' He told her that they think a serial killer has a baby's cry recorded and uses it to coax women out of their homes thinking that someone dropped off a baby. He said they have not verified it, but have had several calls by women saying that they hear baby's cries outside their doors when they're home alone at night.
 
10 . Water scam! If you wake up in the middle of the night to hear all your taps outside running or what you think is a burst pipe, DO NOT GO OUT TO INVESTIGATE! These people turn on all your outside taps full ball so that you will go out to investigate and then attack.

Stay alert, keep safe, and look out for your neighbors!

Misc Facts & Tips
•To keep your sneakers cleaner longer use spray starch on them when new and after every wash. The dirt can’t grind in because the starch provides a protective coating.

•Recycle your old shoes. Someone in another part of the world can use them or they can be turned into sports surfaces. Check out these sites for more information:: nikereuseashoe, soles4souls and oneworldrunning.

•For minor burns rub the inside of a freshly peeled potato skin on the burn to relieve pain and prmote healing.Minor burns

•In 1836 Alabama was the first US state to declare Christmas a legal holiday.

•Experiencing stress when you drive? Keep the radio volume lower. A college study shows that turning up the volume while driving adds to stress and increases volume. Conversely. keeping the volume at a lower setting keeps stress and blood pressure levels lower.

An Obituary printed in the London Times -

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:
- Knowing when to come in out of the rain;
- Why the early bird gets the worm;
- Life isn't always fair;
- and maybe it was my fault.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge). His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims.

Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his wife, Discretion, by his daughter, Responsibility, and by his son, Reason..

He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers;
I Know My Rights
I Want It Now
Someone Else Is To Blame
I'm A Victim

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone

Vick’s VapoRub and Vasoline to Stop Coughing

Many people have used Vick’s and Vasoline for years to treat chapped lips and dry skin. It has also been applied to necks and chests for cold relief from sore throats and coughing.

There is a new effective way to apply these products to relieve coughing. Apply to the bottoms of the feet and put on socks. The soles of the feet absorb easily. If you’ve ever had a detox foot bath, you will know this already.

This is more effective in relieving persistent coughing than prescription medicine, leading to a more restful sleep. Relief begins in a matter of minutes and lasts for hours.

Telephone Scam - Someone calls you claiming to be a telephone service technician from your local area telephone service - AT&T, Sprint, etc - who is conducting a test on the telephone lines, claiming there have been problems with the lines. To complete the test the fake repair person asks you to press nine(9), zero(0), the pound sign (#), and then hang up.

It seems perfectly natural. Repairmen are always testing lines, right? This actually happened to me at work. We had been having phone troubles a few weeks before. I thought nothing of it. When I got off the phone I asked an IT person who happened to be standing nearby if we were having telephone troubles again. We immediately called our service carrier who interrupted the international call in progress.

By pushing 90#, you give the requesting individual full access to your telephone line, which enables them to place long distance calls billed to your home or business phone number. DO NOT press 90# for ANYONE.

A legitimate telephone repairman will be on site. They will never ask you to do dial 90#.

A lady wrote an editorial::

 Recently, large demonstrations have taken place across the country, protesting the fact that Congress is finally addressing the issue of illegal immigration.

Certain people are angry that the U.S. might protect its own borders, might make it harder to sneak into this country and, once here, to stay indefinitely.

Let me see if I correctly understand the thinking behind these protests.

Let's say I break into your house. Let's say that when you discover me in your house, you insist that I leave. But I say, "I've made all the beds and washed the dishes and did the laundry and swept the floors. I've done all the things you don't like to do. I'm hard-working and honest (except for when I broke into your house).

According to the protesters:

You are Required to let me stay in your house. You are Required to add me to your family's insurance plan. You are Required to Educate my kids. You are Required to Provide other benefits to me & to my family (my husband will do all of your yard work because he is also hard-working and honest, except for that breaking in part).

If you try to call the police or force me out, I will call my friends who will picket your house carrying signs that proclaim my RIGHT to be there. It's only fair, after all, because you have a nicer house than I do, and I'm just trying to better myself. I'm a hard-working and honest, person, except for well, you know, I did break into your house. And oh yeah, I get a free education, where you have to pay your own way through college.

And what a deal it is for me!!!

 I live in your house, contributing only a fraction of the cost of my keep, and there is nothing you can do about it without being accused of cold, uncaring, selfish, prejudiced, and bigoted behavior.

Oh yeah, I DEMAND that you learn MY LANGUAGE!!!  So you can communicate with me. And don't forget to make sure your forms are in MY language - I need to understand them...

Why can't people see how ridiculous this is?!  Only in America!!

WARNING: 2010 Census Cautions from the Better Business Bureau
 
Be Cautious About Giving Info to Census Workers by Susan Johnson
 
With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft. The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country. Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, and other relevant data.

The big question is - how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist? BBB offers the following advice:

If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions. However, you should never invite anyone you don't know into your home.
 
Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information. Do not give your Social Security number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census.

 NO MATTER WHAT THEY ASK, YOU REALLY ONLY NEED TO TELL THEM HOW MANY PEOPLE LIVE AT YOUR ADDRESS.
 
While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, YOU DON'T HAVE TO ANSWER ANYTHING AT ALL ABOUT YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION. The Census Bureau will not ask for Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers, nor will employees solicit donations. Any one asking for that information is NOT with the Census Bureau.
 
THE CENSUS BUREAU HAS DECIDED NOT TO WORK WITH ACORN ON GATHERING THIS INFORMATION.. No Acorn worker should approach you saying he/she is with the Census Bureau.

Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at home. However, the Census Bureau will not contact you by Email, so be on the lookout for Email scams impersonating the Census.
 
Never click on a link or open any attachments in an Email that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio
Things I learned in life:
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words ''In five years, will this matter?".
26. Always choose life.
27. Forgive everyone everything always.
28. What other people think of you is none of your business.
29. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.
30. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
31. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
32. Believe in miracles.
33. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
34. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
35. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
36. Your children get only one childhood.
37. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
38. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
39. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
40. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
41. The best is yet to come.
42. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
43. Yield.
44. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

A few things I think she forgot to say:
45. Give your life to Jesus - nothing else compares to the journey of joy, love, hope, peace and happiness you will experience as you get to know Him better and become just like Him. One day He will wrap His arms around you and tell you He is so glad you came home.
46. Life is a gift from God. What you do with it should be your gift to God.
47. How you respond to adversity, disappointment and hardship reveals what is really in your heart. Fill it daily with God’s Word.