I may be wrong, but I have always thought that the best & most vitamins were at the skin or barely under it----i.e. don't peel carrots, but scrub them with a stiff brush.
Definately a good use for litter. We don't have a cat and we have a bad for rare spills. Just pour some on the spill and then using your foot, grind, crush and rub the litter into the oil and it's gone.
As someone who is struggling to devise a workable budget and live within it, this piece really put things in perspective. Thanks so much for writing it.
I guess it all depends on how determined you are to make changes in your life. Just 45 minutes in a day is great, but you also have time after work and during the weekends to make your dreams come true.
Well I wasn't sure if we weren't supposed to follow the suggestions above or below the post.
My husband and I were treated to a few questions on the way to Canada from Minnesota and a wave-back-in to the USA many years ago when we made a cross-border visit on Canada Day. We are hoping to make a similar trip sometime in the next year or so, and I wondered how things had changed. At any rate, thanks for the tips from someone who has made the trip many times recently (Andrea).
Hi, Philip! I'm still struggling to use a budget, but this is an interesting way to think of it - a tool to make me happy, rather than a burden to weigh me down.
Andrea, there are online classes that aren't for credit, but which can go on your resume and can be a boon to your career. I added a few to my social bookmarking in the past month: MIT OpenCourseWare (http://ocw.mit.edu/) is free. (I have others in my del.icio.us but I need to see if the links are still valid.
I worked my way through another round of school, from 2002-2004, for another certification. (NOTE: I do not have children at home and don't ever blame people for wanting to spend their evenings with their families.)
I took notes in class on a Palm with keyboard, and printed them. I'd sit on my car when it was warm enough, and eat lunch and study. That was the ONLY time I studied - and I pulled of a cumulative 3.97 GPA.
Thirty minutes of study a few times a week (with reading novels the other days) made all the difference in the world.
Believe it or not, some border guards appreciate a joke or two. Also, in case you didn't notice, the majority of this post was about the 'non-joking' side of how to cross the border. Humor, however, has gotten me through a number of times, faster than the times where I just sit there with a terrified look on my face.
As usual with rabid commentors, I have to ask, did you read the post? If so, I'd love it if you could go back and point out where I said that social security cards were enough for proof of citizenship. Thanks.
However, we'll take most of your 'sugustions' to heart.
That was a good kick in the butt, Jonathan. I wish that the classes that I want to take were online courses, but alas. I guess I can use the time to brush up on my Chinese. That can be done online.
I'm a smoker, and I filled a huge sundial bird-feeder with the stuff to use as an ashtray. When I put my cigarette out, it stays out (since I smoke outside, this reduces the chance of fire in my yard), and when I want to clean up a little, I just use a cat litter shovel to pick up my butts.
Firstly I just want to say you enter into any country by PRIVILEGE not right! (Unless it’s your own.) Keep this in mind when traveling to other countries. This will help you a lot. It is your responsibility to know your rights, and there laws. Pleading ignorance does not get you out of trouble. Not every country is like your own and just because you can do something in your country does not mean it is legal in another.
DO NOT TELL JOKES!!!!!!
As you may think your original and funny, you have to keep in mind that s/he has already probably heard the joke before. So when you have someone tell you the same joke for the multiple times would you think it’s funny? (They do have a sense of humor)
DO NOT ASK FOR DIRECTIONS!!!!!!!
Let the Officer ask his questions first. When he appears to be done then ask, but not before. It will appear as if you are trying to divert attention away from the purpose of your trip. The Officers are not always looking for terrorist. There are many other things they have to look out for, so if you think your are being questioned because of terrorism think again. It could be that you fit the profile of a wanted person. Lets face it Canada is a Source Country for drugs, so if you think that the US officers are only looking for terrorists please open your eyes. They have to deal with immigration laws, trade laws, criminal laws, and so on. They don't just try to keep the terrorists out but also try to protect the economy and your social well being.
S.S. Cards DO NOT CUT IT!!!!!
When you cross you want a Drivers License (WITH YOUR PICTURE) and a birth certificate. You could get in without these however do not be surprised if you get sent to immigration. You NEED PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP, the only thing that does this is your Birth Certificate or passport. SO AS YOU MAY NOT NEED YOUR PASSPORT NOW, you still need to prove you were born from either country (Canada, U.S.).
Lastly but not least...
Keep in mind that you may think you’re the only one crossing the border that day however the guards deal with literally hundreds of people in an hour, asking the same questions over and over and over again. SO if the guard seems edgy don't think he is being a prick to you for whatever reason, but think maybe he just dealt with someone that was a criminal, or s/he was just screamed at for some unknown reason. If he was joking the entire time do you think he will catch the bad stuff when it does reach his booth? Or do you want the guard that is paying attention and is asking you one or two more question then you’re used to, so that s/he feels satisfied with letting you go down the road? Your rights are limited at the border and please keep that in mind. If you have nothing to hide just let them look, don’t be a smart ass, don’t complain, don’t even thank them. Just accept it. Like I said before keep in mind you cross international borders by privilege not right, and accept the consequences with that.
Oh and for heaven sakes do not tell jokes, you’re not funny! lol
I wonder how to balance nearly every day, and though my assets outweigh my liabilities (now that I'm past my 20's), I still think it's tricky.
Based on my observations, people tend to have very different priorities and different perspectives on what they consider luxury vs. essentials -- I'm not talking about small items (though those things can add up) but how people order their lives, meaning how they make big decisions on how to pursue a career (changing jobs frequently can often net more income but can cause family instability), where to live, what to drive, what schools to send their kids to (private vs. public), whether to buy a vacation home, where to vacation, etc. I guess I've learned that there are some things I may buy that are important to me but seem frivolous to others, but then I realize that I can buy certain things because I've saved on other things (the balancing act). Basically, at some point when you become semi-solvent, you can have what you want but (for most people) not everything you want.
And, as I know you know, there is a difference between having debt that is easily paid each month and debt that is oppressive. So if you can handle the payments and still take a dream trip, do it!
I'm reminded of what Emerson said:
"A man builds a fine house; and now he has a master, and a task for life; he is to furnish, watch, show it, and keep it in repair, the rest of his days."
Aw, man. Now I have to figure out whether or not it's flammable. That's going to cost me a garbage can, Justin.
I had no idea cat litter was so versatile. Since it's always underfoot (my cat likes to fling it out and around the house), I always just thought of it as a nuisance. The tent tip is a great one - I HATE opening up my tent at the start of summer!
I have probably been watching way too much HGTV but the sales agents on Design to Sell nearly always want to get rid of the color(s) (as well as all the family photos) and go with neutral, generic look so new families can imagine themselves living in the house. When we sell, I'll have to paint over deep (cranberry) red, bright blue, yellow, and green.
Decor is one thing; major functional changes are another, including those that you didn't realize would be major like having to redo the bath for $8000+ just to replace a $500 tub. The recommended bathroom person wouldn't even call back with a quote after making us wait months to stop by and give us an estimate; I don't know if he was just slack or didn't think we'd believe him when he told us what we eventually learned what we had to do to fix a seemingly minor problem. Fortunately, we found a diligent contractor who mentioned the bad news but followed up very quickly with hey-this-would-look-great ideas.
I know I've heard an authority somewhere (fire marshal or something) say you shouldn't use cat litter around fire, because it may be flammable. I seem to remember a story about someone burning down thier house after they threw cat litter on a grease fire and it fed the fire instead of putting it out.
I can't find any source or confirmation online, which makes me think it was probably bad information, but still, something to be careful about, just in case. I guess "test your litter first" would be good advice.
My solution is to budget in small luxuries every month or two. This is usually just something like $20-$25 that I am free to just go out and blow however I want to. It might be a nice dinner and a movie, or something new for one of my hobbies. It isn't so much about how much it is as long as I keep it small. I find that it can be a welcome break from frugal living when you need it most. Yes, it does set me back a little on paying off debts, but it keeps me a little more sane.
Very interesting article. I was especially delighted to hear of another person who turned orange as a baby from eating too many carrots! I thought I was the only one...
On topic, though, for the last two years, I have been getting my produce from a local CSA, and now I can't even touch supermarket produce anymore. The purple carrots are just amazing.
I may be wrong, but I have always thought that the best & most vitamins were at the skin or barely under it----i.e. don't peel carrots, but scrub them with a stiff brush.
Definately a good use for litter. We don't have a cat and we have a bad for rare spills. Just pour some on the spill and then using your foot, grind, crush and rub the litter into the oil and it's gone.
As someone who is struggling to devise a workable budget and live within it, this piece really put things in perspective. Thanks so much for writing it.
most of these are anecdotal
>Selling used books on Ebay? Get rid of smoke and must by sealing them overnight in a can with clean cat litter.
this doesn't work.
I guess it all depends on how determined you are to make changes in your life. Just 45 minutes in a day is great, but you also have time after work and during the weekends to make your dreams come true.
@Andrea: Awwww. Well, if it doesn't light up, keep trying other things until it does, and then do a "How to blow up a trashcan" post!
This is an excellent piece. I'm glad to see you here on this site. Thanks for sharing those thoughts - it almost makes budgeting seem downright Zen.
I had never heard of that - what a great resource!
The thing that makes the trip smooth as peanut butter is having your passport. Without that, you're pretty much asking to be harrassed. :)
Well I wasn't sure if we weren't supposed to follow the suggestions above or below the post.
My husband and I were treated to a few questions on the way to Canada from Minnesota and a wave-back-in to the USA many years ago when we made a cross-border visit on Canada Day. We are hoping to make a similar trip sometime in the next year or so, and I wondered how things had changed. At any rate, thanks for the tips from someone who has made the trip many times recently (Andrea).
Hi, Philip! I'm still struggling to use a budget, but this is an interesting way to think of it - a tool to make me happy, rather than a burden to weigh me down.
Andrea, there are online classes that aren't for credit, but which can go on your resume and can be a boon to your career. I added a few to my social bookmarking in the past month: MIT OpenCourseWare (http://ocw.mit.edu/) is free. (I have others in my del.icio.us but I need to see if the links are still valid.
I worked my way through another round of school, from 2002-2004, for another certification. (NOTE: I do not have children at home and don't ever blame people for wanting to spend their evenings with their families.)
I took notes in class on a Palm with keyboard, and printed them. I'd sit on my car when it was warm enough, and eat lunch and study. That was the ONLY time I studied - and I pulled of a cumulative 3.97 GPA.
Thirty minutes of study a few times a week (with reading novels the other days) made all the difference in the world.
Believe it or not, some border guards appreciate a joke or two. Also, in case you didn't notice, the majority of this post was about the 'non-joking' side of how to cross the border. Humor, however, has gotten me through a number of times, faster than the times where I just sit there with a terrified look on my face.
As usual with rabid commentors, I have to ask, did you read the post? If so, I'd love it if you could go back and point out where I said that social security cards were enough for proof of citizenship. Thanks.
However, we'll take most of your 'sugustions' to heart.
That was a good kick in the butt, Jonathan. I wish that the classes that I want to take were online courses, but alas. I guess I can use the time to brush up on my Chinese. That can be done online.
and my dentist told methat bottled water doesn't have chloride (well some special ones do) so your teeth won;t be as strong as when u drink tap water
I'm a smoker, and I filled a huge sundial bird-feeder with the stuff to use as an ashtray. When I put my cigarette out, it stays out (since I smoke outside, this reduces the chance of fire in my yard), and when I want to clean up a little, I just use a cat litter shovel to pick up my butts.
Firstly I just want to say you enter into any country by PRIVILEGE not right! (Unless it’s your own.) Keep this in mind when traveling to other countries. This will help you a lot. It is your responsibility to know your rights, and there laws. Pleading ignorance does not get you out of trouble. Not every country is like your own and just because you can do something in your country does not mean it is legal in another.
DO NOT TELL JOKES!!!!!!
As you may think your original and funny, you have to keep in mind that s/he has already probably heard the joke before. So when you have someone tell you the same joke for the multiple times would you think it’s funny? (They do have a sense of humor)
DO NOT ASK FOR DIRECTIONS!!!!!!!
Let the Officer ask his questions first. When he appears to be done then ask, but not before. It will appear as if you are trying to divert attention away from the purpose of your trip. The Officers are not always looking for terrorist. There are many other things they have to look out for, so if you think your are being questioned because of terrorism think again. It could be that you fit the profile of a wanted person. Lets face it Canada is a Source Country for drugs, so if you think that the US officers are only looking for terrorists please open your eyes. They have to deal with immigration laws, trade laws, criminal laws, and so on. They don't just try to keep the terrorists out but also try to protect the economy and your social well being.
S.S. Cards DO NOT CUT IT!!!!!
When you cross you want a Drivers License (WITH YOUR PICTURE) and a birth certificate. You could get in without these however do not be surprised if you get sent to immigration. You NEED PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP, the only thing that does this is your Birth Certificate or passport. SO AS YOU MAY NOT NEED YOUR PASSPORT NOW, you still need to prove you were born from either country (Canada, U.S.).
Lastly but not least...
Keep in mind that you may think you’re the only one crossing the border that day however the guards deal with literally hundreds of people in an hour, asking the same questions over and over and over again. SO if the guard seems edgy don't think he is being a prick to you for whatever reason, but think maybe he just dealt with someone that was a criminal, or s/he was just screamed at for some unknown reason. If he was joking the entire time do you think he will catch the bad stuff when it does reach his booth? Or do you want the guard that is paying attention and is asking you one or two more question then you’re used to, so that s/he feels satisfied with letting you go down the road? Your rights are limited at the border and please keep that in mind. If you have nothing to hide just let them look, don’t be a smart ass, don’t complain, don’t even thank them. Just accept it. Like I said before keep in mind you cross international borders by privilege not right, and accept the consequences with that.
Oh and for heaven sakes do not tell jokes, you’re not funny! lol
I wonder how to balance nearly every day, and though my assets outweigh my liabilities (now that I'm past my 20's), I still think it's tricky.
Based on my observations, people tend to have very different priorities and different perspectives on what they consider luxury vs. essentials -- I'm not talking about small items (though those things can add up) but how people order their lives, meaning how they make big decisions on how to pursue a career (changing jobs frequently can often net more income but can cause family instability), where to live, what to drive, what schools to send their kids to (private vs. public), whether to buy a vacation home, where to vacation, etc. I guess I've learned that there are some things I may buy that are important to me but seem frivolous to others, but then I realize that I can buy certain things because I've saved on other things (the balancing act). Basically, at some point when you become semi-solvent, you can have what you want but (for most people) not everything you want.
And, as I know you know, there is a difference between having debt that is easily paid each month and debt that is oppressive. So if you can handle the payments and still take a dream trip, do it!
I'm reminded of what Emerson said:
"A man builds a fine house; and now he has a master, and a task for life; he is to furnish, watch, show it, and keep it in repair, the rest of his days."
Rebekah, who offers these great buys on ebay? I hope you don't mind giving the information. Always looking for a bargain. :) Thanks
Aw, man. Now I have to figure out whether or not it's flammable. That's going to cost me a garbage can, Justin.
I had no idea cat litter was so versatile. Since it's always underfoot (my cat likes to fling it out and around the house), I always just thought of it as a nuisance. The tent tip is a great one - I HATE opening up my tent at the start of summer!
I have probably been watching way too much HGTV but the sales agents on Design to Sell nearly always want to get rid of the color(s) (as well as all the family photos) and go with neutral, generic look so new families can imagine themselves living in the house. When we sell, I'll have to paint over deep (cranberry) red, bright blue, yellow, and green.
Decor is one thing; major functional changes are another, including those that you didn't realize would be major like having to redo the bath for $8000+ just to replace a $500 tub. The recommended bathroom person wouldn't even call back with a quote after making us wait months to stop by and give us an estimate; I don't know if he was just slack or didn't think we'd believe him when he told us what we eventually learned what we had to do to fix a seemingly minor problem. Fortunately, we found a diligent contractor who mentioned the bad news but followed up very quickly with hey-this-would-look-great ideas.
I know I've heard an authority somewhere (fire marshal or something) say you shouldn't use cat litter around fire, because it may be flammable. I seem to remember a story about someone burning down thier house after they threw cat litter on a grease fire and it fed the fire instead of putting it out.
I can't find any source or confirmation online, which makes me think it was probably bad information, but still, something to be careful about, just in case. I guess "test your litter first" would be good advice.
Great post Linsey!
My solution is to budget in small luxuries every month or two. This is usually just something like $20-$25 that I am free to just go out and blow however I want to. It might be a nice dinner and a movie, or something new for one of my hobbies. It isn't so much about how much it is as long as I keep it small. I find that it can be a welcome break from frugal living when you need it most. Yes, it does set me back a little on paying off debts, but it keeps me a little more sane.
Very interesting article. I was especially delighted to hear of another person who turned orange as a baby from eating too many carrots! I thought I was the only one...
On topic, though, for the last two years, I have been getting my produce from a local CSA, and now I can't even touch supermarket produce anymore. The purple carrots are just amazing.