HANDBOOK for 2010 (or the rest of your life)
Health:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy.
5. Make time to pray.
6. Play more games.
7. Read more books than you did in 2009.
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minute walk daily. And while you walk, smile.
Personality:
11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't overdo. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake.
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. 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.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree...
Society:
25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything.
28. Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
Life:
32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. GOD heals everything.
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37. The best is yet to come.
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.
Everyone have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy & Blessed New Year!
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Who are you going to Call?
How to select your Home Inspector
You’ve been looking at homes for months, made an offer and its been accepted – Yippee!
Now it’s time to get the property inspected. Find out the real condition of the property. Looking beyond the fresh paint and new carpet. But who are you going to call?
It’s not like buying a candy bar; all inspectors are hardly alike. And the Great State of Georgia has No Minimum Requirements for a home inspector’s qualifications. That’s right, anybody can call themselves an expert home inspector, a certified master home inspector or any other impressive sounding title.
So what’s a Buyer or Seller to do? Ask a lot of questions, such as:
What’s your education? Architects, engineers and building science degrees are the best.
What’s your experience? How long have you been in business? How many homes have you inspected? Are you full time or part time?
What’s your professional affiliation? Are you a member of any national or state home inspection organization? Do you maintain a minimum number of continuing education credits annually? What does it mean to be “certified” by your organization?
When the above questions have been answered, then ask for a quotation and schedule availability, so you can evaluate and select the best inspection firm for you.
For more information about Hawkeye Inspection Services, our qualifications and fees, please check our website at www.hawkeyeinspection.com.
You’ve been looking at homes for months, made an offer and its been accepted – Yippee!
Now it’s time to get the property inspected. Find out the real condition of the property. Looking beyond the fresh paint and new carpet. But who are you going to call?
It’s not like buying a candy bar; all inspectors are hardly alike. And the Great State of Georgia has No Minimum Requirements for a home inspector’s qualifications. That’s right, anybody can call themselves an expert home inspector, a certified master home inspector or any other impressive sounding title.
So what’s a Buyer or Seller to do? Ask a lot of questions, such as:
What’s your education? Architects, engineers and building science degrees are the best.
What’s your experience? How long have you been in business? How many homes have you inspected? Are you full time or part time?
What’s your professional affiliation? Are you a member of any national or state home inspection organization? Do you maintain a minimum number of continuing education credits annually? What does it mean to be “certified” by your organization?
When the above questions have been answered, then ask for a quotation and schedule availability, so you can evaluate and select the best inspection firm for you.
For more information about Hawkeye Inspection Services, our qualifications and fees, please check our website at www.hawkeyeinspection.com.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Who Knew?
WD-40. Who knew?
! WD-40 who knew? 'Water Displacement #40' The product began from a search for a rust preventative solvent and degreaser to protect missile parts. WD-40 was created in 1953 by three technicians at the San Diego Rocket Chemical Company. Its name comes from the project that was to find a 'water displacement' compound. They were successful with the fortieth formulation, thus WD-40. The Convair Company bought it in bulk to protect their atlas missile parts.
Ken East (one of the original founders) says there is nothing in WD-40 that would hurt you. When you read the 'shower door' part, try it. It's the first thing that has ever cleaned that spotty shower door. If yours is plastic, it works just as well as glass. It's a miracle! Then try it on your stove top ... Voila! It's now shinier than it's ever been. You'll be amazed.
Here are some other uses:
1. Protects silver from tarnishing.
2. Removes road tar and grime from cars.
3. Cleans and lubricates guitar strings.
4. Gives floors that 'just-waxed' sheen without making them slippery.
5. Keeps flies off cows.
6. Restores and cleans chalkboards.
7. Removes lipstick stains.
8. Loosens stubborn zippers.
9. Untangles jewelry chains.
10. Removes stains from stainless steel sinks.
11. Removes dirt and grime from the barbecue grill.
12. Keeps ceramic/terra cotta garden pots from oxidizing ..
13. Removes tomato stains from clothing.
14. Keeps glass shower doors free of water spots.
15. Camouflages scratches in ceramic and marble floors.
16. Keeps scissors working smoothly.
17. Lubricates noisy door hinges on vehicles and doors in homes.
18. It removes black scuff marks from t he kitchen floor! Use WD-40 for those nasty tar and scuff marks on flooring. It doesn't seem to harm the finish and you won't have to scrub nearly as hard to get them off. Just remember to open some windows if you have a lot of marks.
19. Bug guts will eat away the finish on your car if not removed quickly! Use WD-40!
20. Gives a children's playground gym slide a shine for a super fast slide.
21. Lubricates gear shift and mower deck lever for ease of handling on riding mowers.
22. Rids kids rocking chairs and swings of squeaky noises.
23. Lubricates tracks in sticking home windows and makes them easier to open.
24. Spraying an umbrella stem makes it easier to open and close.
25. Restores and cleans padded leather dashboards in vehicles, as well as vinyl bumpers.
26. Restores and cleans roof racks on vehicles.
27. Lubricates and stops squeaks in electric fans.
28. Lubricates wheel sprockets on tricycles, wagons, and bicycles for easy handling.
29. Lubricates fan belts on washers and dryers and keeps them running smoothly.
30. Keeps rust from forming on saws and saw blades, and other tools.
31. Removes splattered grease on stove.
32. Keeps bathroom mirror from fogging.
33. Lubricates prosthetic limbs.
34. Keeps pigeons off the balcony (they hate the smell).
35. Removes all traces of duct tape.
36. Folks even spray it on their arms, hands, and knees to relieve arthritis pain.
37. Florida 's favorite use is: 'cleans and removes love bugs from grills and bumpers.
38. The favorite use in the state of New York, WD-40 protects the Statue of Liberty from the elements.
39. WD-40 attracts fish. Spray a little on live bait or lures and you will be catching the big one in no time. Also, it's a lot cheaper than the chemical attractants that are made for just that purpose. Keep in mind though, using some chemical laced baits or lures for fishing are not allowed in some states.
40. Use it for fire ant bites. It takes the sting away immediately and stops the itch.
41. WD-40 is great for removing crayon from walls. Spray on the mark and wipe with a clean rag.
42. Also, if you've discovered that your teenage daughter has washed and dried a tube of lipstick with a load of laundry, saturate the lipstick spots with WD-40 and rewash. Presto! The lipstick is gone!
43. If you sprayed WD-40 on the distributor cap, it would displace the moisture and allow the car to start.
P. S. The basic ingredient is FISH OIL.
! WD-40 who knew? 'Water Displacement #40' The product began from a search for a rust preventative solvent and degreaser to protect missile parts. WD-40 was created in 1953 by three technicians at the San Diego Rocket Chemical Company. Its name comes from the project that was to find a 'water displacement' compound. They were successful with the fortieth formulation, thus WD-40. The Convair Company bought it in bulk to protect their atlas missile parts.
Ken East (one of the original founders) says there is nothing in WD-40 that would hurt you. When you read the 'shower door' part, try it. It's the first thing that has ever cleaned that spotty shower door. If yours is plastic, it works just as well as glass. It's a miracle! Then try it on your stove top ... Voila! It's now shinier than it's ever been. You'll be amazed.
Here are some other uses:
1. Protects silver from tarnishing.
2. Removes road tar and grime from cars.
3. Cleans and lubricates guitar strings.
4. Gives floors that 'just-waxed' sheen without making them slippery.
5. Keeps flies off cows.
6. Restores and cleans chalkboards.
7. Removes lipstick stains.
8. Loosens stubborn zippers.
9. Untangles jewelry chains.
10. Removes stains from stainless steel sinks.
11. Removes dirt and grime from the barbecue grill.
12. Keeps ceramic/terra cotta garden pots from oxidizing ..
13. Removes tomato stains from clothing.
14. Keeps glass shower doors free of water spots.
15. Camouflages scratches in ceramic and marble floors.
16. Keeps scissors working smoothly.
17. Lubricates noisy door hinges on vehicles and doors in homes.
18. It removes black scuff marks from t he kitchen floor! Use WD-40 for those nasty tar and scuff marks on flooring. It doesn't seem to harm the finish and you won't have to scrub nearly as hard to get them off. Just remember to open some windows if you have a lot of marks.
19. Bug guts will eat away the finish on your car if not removed quickly! Use WD-40!
20. Gives a children's playground gym slide a shine for a super fast slide.
21. Lubricates gear shift and mower deck lever for ease of handling on riding mowers.
22. Rids kids rocking chairs and swings of squeaky noises.
23. Lubricates tracks in sticking home windows and makes them easier to open.
24. Spraying an umbrella stem makes it easier to open and close.
25. Restores and cleans padded leather dashboards in vehicles, as well as vinyl bumpers.
26. Restores and cleans roof racks on vehicles.
27. Lubricates and stops squeaks in electric fans.
28. Lubricates wheel sprockets on tricycles, wagons, and bicycles for easy handling.
29. Lubricates fan belts on washers and dryers and keeps them running smoothly.
30. Keeps rust from forming on saws and saw blades, and other tools.
31. Removes splattered grease on stove.
32. Keeps bathroom mirror from fogging.
33. Lubricates prosthetic limbs.
34. Keeps pigeons off the balcony (they hate the smell).
35. Removes all traces of duct tape.
36. Folks even spray it on their arms, hands, and knees to relieve arthritis pain.
37. Florida 's favorite use is: 'cleans and removes love bugs from grills and bumpers.
38. The favorite use in the state of New York, WD-40 protects the Statue of Liberty from the elements.
39. WD-40 attracts fish. Spray a little on live bait or lures and you will be catching the big one in no time. Also, it's a lot cheaper than the chemical attractants that are made for just that purpose. Keep in mind though, using some chemical laced baits or lures for fishing are not allowed in some states.
40. Use it for fire ant bites. It takes the sting away immediately and stops the itch.
41. WD-40 is great for removing crayon from walls. Spray on the mark and wipe with a clean rag.
42. Also, if you've discovered that your teenage daughter has washed and dried a tube of lipstick with a load of laundry, saturate the lipstick spots with WD-40 and rewash. Presto! The lipstick is gone!
43. If you sprayed WD-40 on the distributor cap, it would displace the moisture and allow the car to start.
P. S. The basic ingredient is FISH OIL.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Says Who?
Last weekend, I attended the SE Home Inspectors Conference in order to maintain at least 20+ hours of continuing education every year.
Sometimes, the best advise comes from an unexpected source - this time from a conference speakers 7 year old son. He explained that frequently his son would question his parental authority by simply asking "Says Who?" That got me thinking about similar situations often occur during the Home Inspection process of explaining defects to either Buyer or Seller and their agents. The discussion usually starts by me explaining a particular defect, for example some steps missing a handrail, when the Seller states "that's the way it has always been and our builder said it was OK."
I always try to provide an authoritative reference for any defect listed in the Home Inspection Report, such as manufacturers written installation instructions or the Building Code in effect at the time of the home construction. It's also good to remember that the building code is the absolute minimum construction standards which are in place for your safety. You can always exceed the building code, but you should never go below these minimum standards.
Sometimes, the best advise comes from an unexpected source - this time from a conference speakers 7 year old son. He explained that frequently his son would question his parental authority by simply asking "Says Who?" That got me thinking about similar situations often occur during the Home Inspection process of explaining defects to either Buyer or Seller and their agents. The discussion usually starts by me explaining a particular defect, for example some steps missing a handrail, when the Seller states "that's the way it has always been and our builder said it was OK."
I always try to provide an authoritative reference for any defect listed in the Home Inspection Report, such as manufacturers written installation instructions or the Building Code in effect at the time of the home construction. It's also good to remember that the building code is the absolute minimum construction standards which are in place for your safety. You can always exceed the building code, but you should never go below these minimum standards.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Good advice from Lance
Lance's List
Five ways to triumph when feeling overwhelmed:
Get mad. Focus your anger on making positive change.
Put fear in perspective. What's the worst that can happen?
Be ready. Preparation breeds confidence.
Don't dwell. Forget minor setbacks; move on.
Embrace anxiety. It's motivation to take action.
From an interview with Armstrong in Men's Health magazine at http://tinyurl.com/ntdryz
Five ways to triumph when feeling overwhelmed:
Get mad. Focus your anger on making positive change.
Put fear in perspective. What's the worst that can happen?
Be ready. Preparation breeds confidence.
Don't dwell. Forget minor setbacks; move on.
Embrace anxiety. It's motivation to take action.
From an interview with Armstrong in Men's Health magazine at http://tinyurl.com/ntdryz
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Just for Today
Just for today I will try to live through this day only, and not tackle all my problems at once. I can do something for twelve hours that would appall me if I felt that I had to keep it up for a lifetime.
Just for today I will be happy. This assumes to be true what Abraham Lincoln said, that "Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be."
Just for today I will adjust myself to what is, and not try to adjust everything to my own desires. I will take my "luck" as it comes, and fit myself to it.
Just for today I will try to strengthen my mind. I will study. I will learn something useful. I will not be a mental loafer. I will read something that requires effort, thought and concentration.
Just for today I will exercise my soul in three ways: I will do somebody a good turn, and not get found out; if anybody knows of it, it will not count. I will do at least two things I don't want to do - just for exercise. I will not show anyone that my feelings are hurt; they may be hurt, but today I will not show it.
Just for today I will be agreeable. I will look as well as I can, dress becomingly, keep my voice low, be courteous, criticize not one bit. I won't find fault with anything, nor try to improve or regulate anybody but myself.
Just for today I will have a program. I may not follow it exactly, but I will have it. I will save myself from two pests: hurry and indecision.
Just for today I will have a quiet half hour all by myself and relax. During this half hour, sometime, I will try to get a better perspective of my life.
Just for today I will be unafraid. Especially I will not be afraid to enjoy what is beautiful and to believe that as I give to the world, so the world will give to me.
Just for today I will be happy. This assumes to be true what Abraham Lincoln said, that "Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be."
Just for today I will adjust myself to what is, and not try to adjust everything to my own desires. I will take my "luck" as it comes, and fit myself to it.
Just for today I will try to strengthen my mind. I will study. I will learn something useful. I will not be a mental loafer. I will read something that requires effort, thought and concentration.
Just for today I will exercise my soul in three ways: I will do somebody a good turn, and not get found out; if anybody knows of it, it will not count. I will do at least two things I don't want to do - just for exercise. I will not show anyone that my feelings are hurt; they may be hurt, but today I will not show it.
Just for today I will be agreeable. I will look as well as I can, dress becomingly, keep my voice low, be courteous, criticize not one bit. I won't find fault with anything, nor try to improve or regulate anybody but myself.
Just for today I will have a program. I may not follow it exactly, but I will have it. I will save myself from two pests: hurry and indecision.
Just for today I will have a quiet half hour all by myself and relax. During this half hour, sometime, I will try to get a better perspective of my life.
Just for today I will be unafraid. Especially I will not be afraid to enjoy what is beautiful and to believe that as I give to the world, so the world will give to me.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Help me fight MS
Every hour of every day, someone is diagnosed with MS. That's why I registered for the Bike MS Ride, and why I'm asking you to support my fund raising efforts with a tax-deductible donation. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is dedicated to ending the devastating effects of MS but they can't do it without our help. It's faster and easier than ever to support this cause that's so important to me. Simply click the link below to donate online to my personal page. If you prefer, you can send your contribution to the following address.National MS Society- Georgia Chapter1117 Perimeter Center West, Suite E101Atlanta, GA 30338Please mark my name on the memo line of the check. Any amount, great or small, helps to make a difference in the lives of people with MS. I appreciate your support and look forward to letting you know how I do.P.S. If you would like more information about the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, how proceeds from Bike MS are used, or the other ways you can get involved in the fight against MS, please visit nationalmssociety.org.
Click here to visit my personal page.If the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Bike/GAABikeEvents?px=3961406&pg=personal&fr_id=9982&s_tafId=99838
Click here to view the team page for Erin's FightIf the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Bike/GAABikeEvents?team_id=145083&pg=team&fr_id=9982&s_tafId=99838
Click here to view the company page for 24 Hour Fitness Bike TeamIf the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Bike/GAABikeEvents?company=24+Hour&pg=company&fr_id=9982&s_tafId=99838
Early and ongoing treatment with an FDA-approved therapy can make a difference for people with multiple sclerosis. Learn about your options by talking to your health care professional and contacting the National MS Society at http://www.nationalmssociety.org/ or 1-800-FIGHT-MS (344-4867).
Our postal address is:National Multiple Sclerosis Society733 Third AvenueNew York, New York 10017
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Click here to visit my personal page.If the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Bike/GAABikeEvents?px=3961406&pg=personal&fr_id=9982&s_tafId=99838
Click here to view the team page for Erin's FightIf the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Bike/GAABikeEvents?team_id=145083&pg=team&fr_id=9982&s_tafId=99838
Click here to view the company page for 24 Hour Fitness Bike TeamIf the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Bike/GAABikeEvents?company=24+Hour&pg=company&fr_id=9982&s_tafId=99838
Early and ongoing treatment with an FDA-approved therapy can make a difference for people with multiple sclerosis. Learn about your options by talking to your health care professional and contacting the National MS Society at http://www.nationalmssociety.org/ or 1-800-FIGHT-MS (344-4867).
Our postal address is:National Multiple Sclerosis Society733 Third AvenueNew York, New York 10017
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Sunday, July 26, 2009
Dr. Tiffany is PG
BIG NEWS
Just heard from NYC that Tiffany & Mark are PG. Apparently, the blessed event took place right there in our Lake Wedowee loft over the Fourth of July family gathering. I knew I felt crowded, and now I know why!
Just heard from NYC that Tiffany & Mark are PG. Apparently, the blessed event took place right there in our Lake Wedowee loft over the Fourth of July family gathering. I knew I felt crowded, and now I know why!
Monday, July 20, 2009
40 years ago on the Moon
Exactly 40 years ago, I was pitching a night game near Lake Forest, IL, when the umpire looked at his watch and yelled "TIME OUT". He said we're all going inside to watch the astronauts get out of the lunar lander and walk on the moon.
So both teams took off the spikes, and everybody crowded into the adjacent building and sat on the floor staring at a 13" TV. Walter Cronkite was describing what was going on, then Neil Armstrong got out on that little ladder, said his famous words "One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind" and jumped down to the surface of the moon. WOW! We were all mezmorized watching Neil walk around on the moon's surface until the umpire yelled "Play Ball", and back we went to finish our ballgame.
I hope you remember where you were that special night.
So both teams took off the spikes, and everybody crowded into the adjacent building and sat on the floor staring at a 13" TV. Walter Cronkite was describing what was going on, then Neil Armstrong got out on that little ladder, said his famous words "One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind" and jumped down to the surface of the moon. WOW! We were all mezmorized watching Neil walk around on the moon's surface until the umpire yelled "Play Ball", and back we went to finish our ballgame.
I hope you remember where you were that special night.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Foreclosures
Last year , many of the homes I inspected were foreclosures, owned by a bank, aka REO's. This year it seems that the market has turned for me, as I am inspecting more homes that actually have people living in them, their utilities are all on and the whole real estate process seems to be going smoother.
But what really gets under my skin are those foreclosures that don't have their utilities turned on, including water, gas and electricity. I always ask the listing agent if all of the utilities are on, and they quickly say "yup, everything's on". But when I show up, it's dark, water meter locked at the street, gas meter locked at the meter - nothing's on.
Now I can inspect those properties, but the major systems can not be operated, and the Buyer does not get a complete inspection.
So I encourage all Buyers to insist that all utilities be energized and all systems started up BEFORE the home inspector shows up for the inspection.
Thanks for letting me vent, I feel better already.
D
But what really gets under my skin are those foreclosures that don't have their utilities turned on, including water, gas and electricity. I always ask the listing agent if all of the utilities are on, and they quickly say "yup, everything's on". But when I show up, it's dark, water meter locked at the street, gas meter locked at the meter - nothing's on.
Now I can inspect those properties, but the major systems can not be operated, and the Buyer does not get a complete inspection.
So I encourage all Buyers to insist that all utilities be energized and all systems started up BEFORE the home inspector shows up for the inspection.
Thanks for letting me vent, I feel better already.
D
My first post!
Greetings all.
I am updating my website, www.hawkeyeinspection.com, and my webdesigner suggested that I include a blog to post items of interest. Hope you enjoy.
I am updating my website, www.hawkeyeinspection.com, and my webdesigner suggested that I include a blog to post items of interest. Hope you enjoy.
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