MAKE A NOTE!! -- July 17th, 2002
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A Free Twice Monthly (1st and 3d Wednesday of each month) Ezine with (Hopefully) Useful Info on a Wide Variety of Topics
NEXT ISSUE TO BE PUBLISHED ON/ABOUT AUGUST 7TH, 2002
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NOTE: Each entry has a suggested "POST IT..." location at the end. We recommend that you print out the ezine, cut out each entry, & post it in these locations to make it easier for you to find when you need it. And if you like what you read, be sure to pass it on to someone else who can use it.
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When to Let Go & Move On
EDITOR'S NOTE: While we try to keep our articles short, at times we feel the benefit outweighs the length, as is the case with the following article. Enjoy.
We've all been there at one time or another, usually with kids' activities more than our own. After having been a part of a particular group, club, sport, team, or class, something changes and it just isn't the same anymore. Instead of being excited about participating, they dread it; and after the activity, instead of talking in a positive way about it, you only hear complaining or comparisons to the way it "used to be". Whether a leader/instructor moves away and a new one takes over, an injury occurs, you move to a new location, or other participants change the atmosphere of the group, it just isn't the same anymore. Here are some ways to help you decide whether to stay or go. First, make a list of all the benefits, all the positives, that have EVER been a part of this activity/group. Now cross off the benefits that are no longer there because of whatever changes have come about. The biggest mistake people make, in trying to make a decision like this, is continuing to think of the activity the way it USED to be, instead of the current reality. Circle the benefits that have become debatable. Do you see the participant improving, simply maintaining their current skill level, or worsening? Make another list of all the negatives that are now a part of the activity. If a significant number of the benefits are now eliminated, then you might want to start looking into a change. Change may not mean moving just yet. First, is it possible that the situation may improve? If an instructor has moved away, is it possible they might come back? If it is a problem with the other participants or the way the activity is being conducted, can you discuss it with the leader to see if they can resolve things? Is there a supervisor that you can talk to? If it is an injury, will it heal? If the answers to all these questions are "no," then start considering other groups/activities. If it is a problem with the leader/instructor start checking around to see if you can find the same program, but with a better leader/instructor. Check the yellow pages, ask friends & neighbors, call & speak to the leaders on the phone (you can eliminate a lot of driving around with a few minutes on the phone). Go & observe their group to see if it might be a good alternative, and talk to the parents who are a part of that group. Give it a try for a few weeks/months before deciding to quit the old group. If you cannot find the same program with an instructor that you like, then consider switching to a completely new activity. Again, ask around, & give the new program a try before quitting the old program. Before making the final decision, make a list of all the benefits you see from the new program and consider whether you think they will continue. This is a tough decision to make, esp. when your child has excelled in some area for so long, but sometimes it is just time to move on. If the change would involve your child, then be sure to include them on the decision making. Helping them to work their way through the steps above, will not only make a transition easier for them, but help them in future decision-making. If you do decide to leave a group, be considerate & give a couple of weeks notice, and, if appropriate, let the leaders know why you are leaving...if they aren't aware of the problem, then it is hard for them to make a positive change. SIDE NOTE FOR SPORTS CHANGES: If you are changing sports teams because of hostile behavior in the stands, you might consider switching to a sport where it is individual instead of team competition. One observation many of us have made is that for some reason it is the team participation sports (soccer, hockey, baseball, basketball) that seem to have problems with aggressive fans. But sports like swimming, gymnastics, track, or even martial arts where students compete mostly individually, but are still part of a team, in general, don't seem to have a problem with this type of thing.
POST IT...near your activity calendar.
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World's Most Dangerous Places
Here's a link for our military readers (or other world travelers) on the move... http://www.comebackalive.com/df/index.htm. While the military usually briefs their people on dangers before traveling to a foreign country, they may not have time to cover ALL the bases. This site, "Danger Finder," has info on it from Robert Pelton, author of "The World's Most Dangerous Places". You can click on "Dangerous Places," then on the country you are interested in. Under each country you can get an overview of the situation there, who the people in control are, dangerous days (usually anniversaries of historical events in their cause), what to do in an emergency, & much more. No one will probably agree with 100% of the site (i.e. while I see that the day they bombed the FBI building in Waco could be a dangerous day, I don't see how the day Lincoln was assassinated could be a problem), but I think it is still a good tool for those traveling to these places. Keep in mind the subject matter, it isn't for the kiddies. If you are a military spouse prone to worrying, then I'd advise against using it.
POST IT...with your passports.
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Glucosamine/Chondroitin Dose (Help for Joints)
As you may have read in previous issues, or in other publications, many people with osteoarthritis and joint problems seem to get relief from Glucosamine/Chondroitin. These are substances that your body produces naturally to build up and lubricate your joints, but taking the supplement gives you a little extra. In my late 30's I started having problems with my hip, limping almost all the time, and eating over the counter pain killer by the handful. Once I started on the supplement, I rarely had trouble, and now only occasionally will take pain killers. And I have recommended it to many others who have also experienced great relief. But be sure to consider the dose you are taking. I used to take the lower strength 4x a day, and then the double strength 3x a day, both with good results. But I noticed that when I switched to the triple strength that you take only 2x a day, it seemed like I had more problems with my symptoms returning. When I switched back to the double dose, I was fine. So stay aware of your symptoms, keep a log on your calendar if necessary, no two bodies work alike. And as with all your medical choices, be sure to check with your doctor. For more info on Glucosamine/Chondroitin, see our May 1st, 1999 back issue (follow back issue retrieval directions below). My favorite brand is Osteo-Bi-Flex by Sundown, which tends to be one of the least expensive (also recommended by Dr. Theo, an expert in the area), it has coupons with almost every box, and you can join their Ambassadors Club to get more coupons, a newsletter, and use your box lids to get nice merchandise free. Check them out at http://www.osteobiflex.com
POST IT...with your supplements.
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Special Operations Warrior Foundation
Once in a while we come across a charity that we feel deserves a little promotion. The Special Operations Warrior Foundation (SOWF) is one of those charities. Special Operations units are busier than ever these days, because of the type of war being waged. With this kind of activity, you can't help but have a higher rate of casualties both in training and actual missions. These men put their lives on the line for their country, often sacrificing time with their own families, to keep your families safe. When a death occurs the SOWF steps in to help the families. Scholarships are offered to the children, in addition to financial aid counseling to try to find other sources of financing. The families can also receive free help from the foundation's family counselor. And unlike some groups where the money never seems to get to where it is truly needed, 95% of donations go to the people being helped (only 3% goes to management/general, and 2% for fundraising). America's SOF Forces have suffered casualties at over 15 times the rate of conventional forces. Most of these casualties occur at an early age, at the beginning of their careers, thus leaving behind families who have yet to accumulate the resources to provide for their surviving children's college education. For those of you who have watched the TV reports of these brave men who gave all and wished you could do something, here's a something you can do. For more info, call (877) 337-7693, email warrior@specialops.org, or go to their web site at http://www.specialops.org/
POST IT...near your checkbook.
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Recipe: Toss & Bake Italian Potatoes
Preheat oven to 400F. Toss 2 lbs quartered potatoes (best with the skin on) with 1/2C Italian dressing and 1/2C parmesan cheese. Place in greased 13x9 pan or large cookie sheet. Bake 40-45 min or until lightly browned. Would also probably work well with other veggies or other favorite dressings. Makes 6-8 servings.
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Back Issue Treasure: November 1st, 2000 Issue (It Never Hurts to Ask, Job Hunting Sites, Job Hunting Books, & Preventative Maintenance for your Computer)
This back issue would be a good one if you know someone who is in the market for a new job. The Job Hunting Sites article will take you to a web site that lists the top 100 job hunting sites. The book recommendations might also help someone in search of a new job. Make sure you are keeping your computer running well by reading our article on Preventative Maintenance for your Computer. And read "It Never Hurts to Ask" and find out how letting your voice be heard can benefit not only a company, but yourself as well.
POST IT...by your computer.
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Final Words
JOKE (From Jill)
A small boy was sitting on a park bench reading his Bible. He began to shout out "Alleluia!" and "Praise God!" He didn't care who heard. A man overheard him and asked what he was so excited about. The young boy told him "I just read that God parted the sea and freed the Israelites." The man thought he would "straighten" the boy out and told him that scientists have discovered that the water was probably only about 10 inches deep and they could have easily waded through it. The young boy said."o.k." and the man, satisfied with his accomplishment, began to walk away when the boy began to shout out praises again. The man walked back to the boy and asked "Now what?" The young boy replied, "I just read that God drowned the Egyptian soldiers in only 10 inches of water!"
QUOTE
“Be open-minded, but not so open-minded that your brains fall out.”
--Stephen A. Kallis, Jr.
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AT&T's Community Port
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