Amanda and Patrick

Daily Resolution: Investigate Urban Legends

Whether you have lived in an area for 10 days or 10 years, you can likely discover some interesting and sometimes frightening urban legends if you inquire about the local area. An urban legend does not actually refer to an urban environment but rather implies local stories and folklore that have been handed down without much documentation. Older children seem to be aware of these tales and often recant them around campfires or sleepovers. Many of these stories involve bridges, murders, woods, or strange creatures. Challenge yourself to discover an urban legend of your locale. If you know some, then share a few.

Today’s Resolution: Have Some Fun for One

Solitaire is a basic game that comes loaded on most computers for passing the time or real strategizing. Instead of letting the mouse do all of the work, get yourself a real deck of playing cards and set up a game on the kitchen table, the floor, or on your desk (only if the boss is out of the office). In an age where everything is going electronic, sometimes it is good to do some things the old-fashioned way.

Today’s Resolution: Write a “Letter to the Editor”

Today's Resolution: Write a “Letter to the Editor”

Need to vent? Feeling appreciative? Just need to be heard? Consider writing a “letter to the editor” for a local newspaper or online forum/blog.  If you are writing to complain, be sure to propose a feasible solution. If you are writing to thank an individual or organization, be specific about what actions were taken and who benefited. Chances are you will feel better afterward and someone will be reassured they are not the only ones with similar feelings or grateful you took the time to thank someone deserving.

Today’s Resolution: Find the Frayed & Flammable

There are all too frequently stories on the news of house fires without a specific known cause. Take some preventive measures today and take notice of electrical outlets (particularly those that do not work) and any frayed cords that are plugged in. Replace cords if necessary. Be sure flammable items are away from possible heat sources. An ounce of prevention…

Today’s Resolution: Load Up

Some grocery stores are now allowing customers to pre-load  their member cards with coupons before they even step out the door.  For those who hate to clip coupons, this is a great way to add to your grocery savings. If you don’t have a member card for your local grocery store, get one. Check the website for additional savings programs. Many sites also offer bonuses to customers who fill out a simple survey.

Today’s Resolution: Learn About DIY for Dummies

Changing the oil on a car, unclogging a toilet, tiling a bathroom…what do these have in common? They are Do It Yourself activities that may or may not come easily to you. Paying an expert to do a job effectively is worth it to many, but sometimes stepping out of your comfort zone to learn to do something handy yourself can be very satisfying. Decide on a DIY task; don’t be a dummy.

Today’s Resolution: Re-Card Someone

Today's Resolution: re-card-someone

When people get greeting cards (for many occasions), many will hold on to them especially if they are particularly sentimental or humorous. Recycle them in a nontraditional way by re-sending them. Share that funny commentary with the one who originally gave it to you or spread the humor to someone new. Don’t try to hide that it is re-used either.  Add commentary to previous remarks and even sign it again.

Today’s Resolution: Manage a Little Menu Mania

Even if you do not eat out much, having a menu on hand for your favorite food haunts is helpful when you are craving that certain something. Hard copies of menus can be kept in an envelope or electronic copies from restaurant websites can be bookmarked or kept in a folder on your computer desktop. It’s also a helpful way to make decisions when you have out of town guests and you are planning to go out for a meal. Each time you go out for a meal, grab a copy of the menu to add to your collection.

Today’s Resolution: Give Yourself a Pick Me Up

Chores around the house and yard can be daunting if they are put off for any amount of time. It can be easier than we would like to think to ignore things that can be done, especially if they are not urgent. Choose one task to do when you move from one room to the next on another errand.  Is the laundry room on your way to the bathroom (we know what needs to be done there!)? Pick up any stray items that could go in the washer: socks, dish towels, a t-shirt and start a load of laundry. Then go do your business!

Today’s Resolution: Do Some Window Shopping

Many shopping websites have registers or wish-lists. Hop on one of these and create your earmarked set of items you would like. The next time you have a birthday or gift-giving occasion where you could be the recipient, let family and friends know you have pre-selected items to get you just what you want. Encourage others to create these carts too so you don’t spend hours shopping for a sweater they do not like!