Tag: tips

A Young Left-Handed Person

My Grandfather was left-handed and helped me learn how to cut with a knife. Both of my parents were right-handed. Getting left-handed scissors in school years ago was almost impossible. A little left-handed boy taught me how to tie my shoes in Kindergarten. All of the desks in school were set up for right-handed people, making it challenging to write with no place to rest your arm on.

Junior High And Senior High Years

I took sewing, and I never liked to sew. I was good at it, but I never cared about sewing. I just learned lately that they make left-handed sewing machines. I had a left-handed sewing machine years ago, and then maybe I would like sewing now. Years ago, they only made suitable-handled watches. I have a left-handed eye now, and I love it. I took pottery in Junior high, and they had the old-fashioned kick wheels which work for right or left-handed people. In high school, they had motorized ones that were set up for only right-handed people. They could have mounted the motor upside down on one but did not. They had two old-fashioned kick wheels, so I had to use one of those. My right-handed pottery teachers had a hard time teaching me how to make pottery since a left-handed person spins the wheel in the opposite direction.

Adult Years

Machinery repair and use are not easy for a left-handed person. Taking an oil filter off is easy if you are right-handed. A left-handed person usually has no place to put the tool to take off the oil filter. Chainsaws are set for right-handed people, and left-handed people get all the wood chips thrown all over them. Weed Whackers throw all the grass on your clothes if you are left-handed. Power tools are also made for right-handed people. I finally purchased a left-handed circular saw which makes cutting much easier since I don’t have to look over to see where I am cutting anymore. A right-handed person designs clock winding. I should have had a left-handed guitar since I never learned how to play a right-handed one since the strings are backward for a left-handed person. Most vacuum cleaners are designed for right-handed people because the motor is not in the middle. It is on the right side, which makes it off balance for a left-handed person.

Paying Or Signing For Things In A Store

The pens are permanently attached to the right side, and I have to try to move them over to the left side. The cord is too short, so my signature looks terrible. Pulling my credit card down usually takes two attempts since the slider is on the right side.

Cars And Trucks

The instrument panel is opposite where I would like it to be. The shifter is on the wrong side for me. I have learned to live with driving vehicles designed for right-handed people. I have learned to live and adapt to living in a right-handed world.

Tags left handed in a right handed world, tips

How To Turn A Bad Thing Into A Good Thing

Post author By Laura Weers
Post date October 1, 2021
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A Bad School Day

Suppose the class bully made fun of you today and made you feel lousy; help out your other classmates that he is bullying. If two or three of you ban together, he will most likely stop bullying all of you since most bullies are scared-eyed cats. Do not let a bully someone. If you see an injustice happening to someone, stop it as soon as possible. If you got a bad grade on your test today, study harder and realize it is a subject that demands more of your attention to get the quality you want to receive. If a student or teacher mistreats you, get help from a higher official.

Sickness And Bad Health

Always remember there is someone in much worse shape than you. Learn how you can help others that are going through what you are going through. Find a new job or hobby that will help benefit your health and also help others. Always think positive thoughts and never throw in the towel. If you give up on yourself, others will give up on you, also. You are your own best cheerleader, so let those hidden talents come shining through and put sunshine into the lives of others. God is your ultimate cheerleader, so let him guide your life in a direction that will help you and God’s other children. God put you on earth to accomplish a goal, so do not have a pity party and accomplish nothing day after day. God wants his children to be active and productive, and by just helping out one other person today, you can fulfill that goal.

Travel Delays

No one likes delays but think of what you can see that is new in the area where you are delayed. Suppose they have a museum. Please take a tour of it. Go on a sightseeing tour of the town. Eat at a new restaurant in the city where you are. Talk to some locals and ask them for ideas about what you should see in the area. Get on your smartphone and see if they have anything that piqued your interest. They may have a store in the town with something you can add to your collection or an excellent shopping area.

Bad Purchases

If you purchased something that fell apart right away after the warranty was up, be grateful that it lasted till the contract was up. Buying a car or large ticket item that is a lemon is a bad experience. Try to get rid of the wrong car and trade it up for a better model, even if it is older than the car you are trading in. My first car was a lemon, and I changed for a better car with more mileage for only $700.00, and then I had a dependable car. Sometimes it is better to try fixing the item than trade for something different if you consider shipping, taxes, etc. Never repurchase the same brand if you have had trouble with that brand in the past. There will always be better purchases that will be dependable for you, and you will have fond memories of them in your lifetime.

Tags Inspirations with Laura, tips, Travel

Working Outdoors

Outdoors And The Sounds Of Nature

I love listening to the birds sing when I work outdoors. I like the sound of the leaves moving in the wind. I can hear trains and airplanes, helicopters, and tractors working in the fields. The grass sways back and forth on windy days. I love the sound of gentle rain. The sweet sounds of newborn animals in the early spring bring joy to my heart as a new generation of animals can enjoy life on earth. Being outdoors awakens the senses. I love Fall when the leaves turn colors. I love going to apple orchards and drinking apple cider. I love hearing the sounds of nature that God created for us to enjoy daily.

Mowing and Weed Whacking

I enjoy mowing my lawn as I find it very relaxing. I love looking at my yard after I have cut it. Weed whacking is a perfect form of exercise. I weed whack for about 1.5 hours and then rest and relax. I take great pride in the looks of my lawn as I think it shows how much you respected all of your relatives that have passed that lived on your farm. In my younger days, I used to mow with my grandfather’s old push mower with a grass catcher on the back of it. One had a workout using a push mower without a motor. My horses enjoyed the fresh-cut grass immensely.

Gardening

My Father and I used to have a massive garden as we sold fresh garden produce at Farmer’s market in Clear Lake, Iowa. I have a miniature garden now. I still raise a lot of vegetables that I freeze for the winter months and early spring. I love planning my garden every year and rotating the vegetables to different garden areas to prevent diseases. I use natural dust and sprays because I do not want to use chemicals in my garden produce. Weeding and tending to a garden is very time-consuming, but the rewards of your labor are well worth it. In the Fall, I work up my garden and work fertilizer into the ground, and I repeat that process in the spring.

Tree Trimming And Pruning

I love to trim my bushes and cut branches out of my trees with my chainsaw. I have a commercial chainsaw and a tiny battery chainsaw. I love the little chain saw, which is excellent for most trimming projects. I have an old-fashioned hand giant scissors-type trimmer with which I cut my raspberry bushes and other brushes. I love the looks of a well-pruned tree and neatly trimmed bushes.

Farm Building Painting And General Repairs

I want my farm buildings to look their absolute best. I ensure they are painted, the roofs are in good shape, and any repairs are done promptly. The way your farm looks says a great deal about you. If it looks neat and well taken care of, it shows you take pride in all your work. God wants us to take care of the land for future generations and leave it in excellent shape. Any tree we cut down should always plant with a new one to take its place. If we take nutrients out of the soil, we must replace them. We are all God’s stewards of the land and much more. We all must do our part to save planet earth for future generations.

Tags Inspirations with Laura, tips

Lines Of Miscommunication

Post author By Laura Weers
Post date September 24, 2021
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Talk Over Misunderstandings

If you signed a contract and felt an error, contact the person and see if you can resolve the issue quickly. The misunderstanding may be on your part or the other party’s. The agreement may not have been explained thoroughly. Maybe one contingency was left out of the contract unintentionally. Do not lose your cool and work things out on a civil level. Never yell and curse at someone, as the problem will escalate way out of control, and chances are you will never be able to prove your point.

Call In A mediator If Necessary To Clear Up A Major Problem With A Business.

I was trading in a ring at a Jewelry store one day, and he did not give me credit for my trade-in. I asked him about it, and he said I did not add the figures right. I added and re-added my figures and always came up with my figure. I finally had to have a friend come with me. She finally had to tell him we would call a mediator to solve the problem. After he was told a mediator would be coming in, he could add in my favor in a big hurry and gave me the money for my trade-in ASAP. Never give up when you know you are in the right on business matters or other matters.

Miscommunication Occurs Everyday In The Business World

Remember, the customer is always right if they are upfront and honest with you. If they order food from you and say they cannot eat it, you better sample some yourself and see how you like it before you refuse to return their money. My friend and I ordered soup at a restaurant out of town years ago, which tasted burnt. She looked in the pan and said yes, it had burned in the pan. She gave us back half of our money, and we never returned it. My friend ordered french fries once that were limp and soaked with grease, and she got her money back when she told them to eat one.

Miscommunication In The Family

It might be over money matters, health problems, high bills, your kids, etc. Are you listening to your spouse or hearing what you want? The main fault of miscommunication is not hearing or understanding what the other party is trying their best to tell you. Never argue when tired or worn out, or more issues will occur quickly. Talk things over calmly and rationally. Please do not get into an I said, and he said, standoff because no one will win at that game. Always have your listening ears on and your mouth shut until you have heard the other person’s concerns or problems. Miscommunication does not have to occur if you know all of the facts and understand why things happened as they did. Do not let miscommunication end or break your relationships with family, friends, and others you meet on life’s Hi-Way.

Tags Inspirations with Laura, tips

Fall Cleaning And Equipment Storage Care

Post author By Laura Weers
Post date September 20, 2021
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How To Get Your Equipment Ready For Storage

I drain all the gas from my weed whackers and chainsaws. I run them dry, then put them away until I get them ready for the next season. I put fresh oil in my snowblowers and garden tiller. I always check the anti-freeze in my lawnmowers, tractors, and vehicles to make sure the anti-freeze is at least -20 below. I check it with a little bulb and tube with balls in it, and the more balls that rise to the top, the better off you are. I ensure everything is greased and the tires have the correct pressure. I put fresh oil in my power generators, so I can run a few things in my house if the power goes out. Make sure the batteries are fully charged in all your equipment, and start them up occasionally on warm days to keep the batteries up. Batteries will lose their charge quickly in cold weather. If you do not use the equipment for a long time, put a battery charger on it so you will not have to purchase a new battery on the coldest day of the year.

Furnace Care

Have your furnace cleaned and checked over every year before winter starts. If you do not, your furnace will likely quit working on the coldest day of the year. Put a new furnace filter in your furnace often, as a dirty filter causes your furnace to work harder and wear out much quicker. If you have a humidifier, put a fresh filter in it as a limed-up filter will not let the moisture through to your rooms.

Waxing Your Equipment And vehicles

Waxed equipment will not rust out quickly. I put high-quality wax on my gear and vehicles. A top-quality resin will stop rust from forming and protect your vehicle from salt that they put on the roads in the winter. I also wax the windshield as it helps displace water more quickly. If you have leather seats, put a leather conditioner on them so they will not dry out and crack. Remember always to clean the undercarriage of your equipment, as rust can form there very quickly.

Fall Cleaning Inside And Outside

Clean out your kitchen cupboards and remove items just taking up space. Move and clean under furniture, and put lemon oil on wood furniture so it will not dry out and show cracks in the wood. Clean out the medicine cabinet and get rid of expired medicines. Wash all of the bedding and curtains. Wash and wax wooden floors. Get your carpet shampooed. Clean curio cabinets and the chest of drawers and storage areas. Give your bathroom a complete cleaning: dust bookcases and dust off books. Clean your basement floor and storage sleeves. Sweep out your garage and dispose of unwanted chemicals at your local landfill. Sweep and clean out farm buildings. Make sure all of the light bulbs are working in your outdoor facilities. Clean the windows in your home and your buildings. Get painting and repair work done outdoors before winter sets in. Remember to weed things out and remove something every time you do fall cleaning. Uncluttered and maintained homes and buildings look fantastic when taken care of correctly. I hope you are ready for winter to descend upon us.

Tags Fall, Fall Cleaning, tips

Blurred Vision

Blurred Vision In Life

Sometimes we do not see the whole perspective in life. We see just what we want to see. We will never see the entire picture by focusing on what we want to see, Branch out in life and do not stay focused on just one thing, or you will have blurred vision. As the old saying goes, do not put all your eggs in one basket, or you may lose everything. When looking at a painting, look at every detail, or you may not see what the artist wants you to see. Most photographs capture a moment in the artist’s life. Study his image and see what he saw when he painted his portrait. Illustrations and pictures have stories to tell from years ago or of present times. Do not wait for the perfect time to do something; that day may never come. Do not put off doing what you can do today until tomorrow, as tomorrow may never come. Enjoy life and its mysteries and the beauty in life.

Continued Blurred Vision

If you see something you want and can afford, purchase and enjoy it. Do not save all of your money for the next guy, as he may spend it right away. I met one woman on a vacation who kept spending her Father’s inheritance on jewelry and had no idea the quality of the jewelry she was buying. Never buy something just to be buying something. Some people never learn from their mistakes and are doomed to repeat them repeatedly. Some people keep throwing good money after bad money. If you have no idea how the stock market works or betting on horses, etc., do not try it, as you will lose your money quickly. Think before you act in hast, which will help you clear up your vision.

God And Blurred Vision

Many of us do not thank God often enough for what he has done to help us daily. Praise God every single day for your many blessings. Our eyes must only be focused on the Lord, for this is how we should live. We must see the World through the Lord’s eyes for clear spiritual vision. We should live a life of faith and courage but also a dash of direction and meaning that will help make the World a better place for us having been here. God will guide you away from blurred vision if you ask him for guidance in your daily living. Thy word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto thy path. Psalm 119: 105. Read your Bible daily along with reading daily devotions and pray without ceasing and “praising our savior all your day long” from the song Blessed Assurance. Get away from blurred vision in your life as soon as possible so you won’t miss out on sunny days ahead of you.

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Why Do We Collect Things ?

Post author By Laura Weers
Post date August 9, 2021
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Children’s Collections

Most young children have a rock collection or shell collection. Children are attracted to bright shiny objects and small items that they can take with them easily. A child will pick up any rock that is of interest to them, As a child grows older, they get pickier about the stone they pick out. Sea shells are easy to pick up and do not weigh much. Your child is interested in the different shapes of the bodies and will ask you how they were formed. Some children have a kid’s book collection, dolls, toy cars, electronic games, comic books, leaves, stuffed animals, and so much more that they collect. Children are drawn to things they see in stores or nature. A child will soon start collecting things that pique their interest.

Adult Collections

Some people may have a shed of antique cars, trucks, etc. Coin collections might grow in value if you acarefully pick out coins with no flaws. Women may have fancy shoes, purses, and designer clothing adorning their closets. Men may buy a fancy old plane or boat that they use on weekends.

We Collect Things That Piqued Our Interest Years Ago

If we had a small toy car we loved as a child, we might buy a large version of it as an adult. If we could not afford to buy what we wanted years ago, we may purchase it now that we are older and have the money to do so. Some women buy lavish jewelry. I think fabulous jewelry is a total waste of money. Some men may buy a Rolex watch or some other fancy timepiece. If you notice a particular old toy you had as a child in a store, you may purchase it because it brings back fond memories of a carefree, happy-go-lucky time in your life. Maybe you liked a famous painting by a particular artist years ago, and now have an art collection of his most famous paintings.

You May Add To An Inherited Collection

If you inherited a collection of bells, salt and pepper shakers, spoons, or something else, you add to that collection if you like it. I had a spoon, salt, pepper, and a toy car collection. I have sold my readers. Some people have to buy two of everything. I have read that people that have two of everything have a fear of being alone. Collect everything in moderation. After all, too much of anything looks horrible and disorderly. Don’t go to every garage sale or auction to buy something to add to a collection that is turning into an addiction or hoarding problem. Remember to be very picky about what you collect so you will not have too many as the collection will overpower your home, and your home will look cluttered, and no one will appreciate your collection.

Tags Inspirations with Laura, tips

Where To Find Good Used items For Sale

Where To Find Good Used Items For Sale

Post author By Laura Weers
Post date July 26, 2021
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Household Goods

Sometimes furniture stores will have good used couches and chairs for sale. I have found lovely brass lamps for sale at rummage sales and auctions. Auctions have many antique to modern furniture and appliances for sale and much more. I have had excellent luck buying used furniture and appliances at Southside Furniture in Mason City, Iowa. I have found household goods at thrift stores in various towns. The Re-Store in Mason City, Iowa, has furniture, bathroom fixtures, office chairs, radios, used doors, tools, lawn furniture, windows, and much more for sale at reasonable prices. I have purchased demo vacuums or new vacuums at low prices from eBay. I have also found well-used tools, dehumidifiers, air conditioners, and more at my local pawn shops. I have purchased tools and furniture from a hardware store in Kalona, Iowa.

Lawn And Garden Equipment

I generally purchase riding mowers that were demoed with very few hours on them. I have purchased lawn equipment and tools at Floyd and Leonard, located in Mason City, Iowa; They have an excellent service department that will take care of your needs and keep your equipment in top running order. I have found some lawn equipment at rummage sales. I like The Trading Post in Gordonsville, Minnesota, as they sell top-quality tools, lawnmowers, and much more. Hardware stores have a variety of mowers and tools for sale. I like Hardware Hank Stores, located in Iowa. They have very knowledgeable employees who will guide you in the right direction for your needs. My friend purchased a practically new Toro snowblower from a pawn shop in Iowa.

Buy Items In Small Towns

I have purchased excellent antique furniture in Stockholm, Wisconsin. When visiting small towns, walk in the shops, and you will be greatly surprised by the variety of items they have for sale. I have found used cross necklaces, music boxes, lamps, books, tools, and toys from my childhood. Some old stores will have appliances sitting in their stores for years, and you can buy them at a reasonably discounted price. You will be happy you shopped in small towns across America when you bring home the treasures you found in their stores.

Newspapers, Other Publications, And Online

Over the years, I have found lawnmowers, bicycles, cars, antiques, and other beautiful items for sale in various publications. I look online for slightly used lawn tractors, tools, refrigerators, etc.

Bulletin Boards Placed In Businesses

I have seen a wide variety of items for sale on bulletin boards; the owner is usually the actual seller of the article, which makes for easier negotiation on the item’s price. Never be afraid to negotiate on any item you are considering buying that is used or new. The worst thing that can happen in negotiation is that they can say no, but if they say yes, you will eventually have a bit of spending money for something else that you will need.

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Public Information

Social Media

Once you publish something on a social media platform, it becomes public information quickly. Think about what you put on social media before you hit the publish button; once your post is out there for the world to see, it will follow you for the rest of your life. If you think your post is cute now, it is most likely not suitable for the internet. Everyone will know the truth if you put down someone or make fun of them. You are to be pitied if you cannot think of anything genuinely newsworthy or educational to be published for others to see. Do not post gross or rude pictures of others on the internet. Never trash a business or anyone on the internet, as it shows your lack of intelligence to post something of value for the world to see. Your social media network or blog is part of you. I hope you always represent yourself in a good light and what you represent and stand for in society. If you cannot post something with yelling, swearing, or lousy language, it does not say much about your character, and employers will not likely hire you. What I post and represent is a part of me and one of my great passions in life.

Be Careful With Your Personal Information

We receive many phone calls daily that want your SS or other private numbers. I do not answer area phone calls. I hang up when I get a call that wants my numbers; Many people have gotten scammed over the years by unrelenting Vultures. They tend to prey on vulnerable individuals with scare tactics. These Vultures the person someone has been using their credit card, SS number, or car insurance has expired. They want them to give their old card number to them, and then they will issue them a new one. Of course, they are now using their old cards and spending their hard-earned money. Never give anyone your card numbers, as they will soon become public information. Be careful to who you give your credit card number when ordering something. Please make sure the websites you contain are on our secure sites.

Change Your Passwords Often

Do not use easy or short passwords, as hackers can quickly figure those out. Use long and extra complicated passwords. Passwords can be a pain to remember, but being taken advantage of is much worse. If a Vulture latches onto one of your passwords and gets on the dark web, it is now public information. Do not tell anyone your passwords, and change them often. Always stay one step ahead of the Vultures. Stay on top of your game with your private information so it does not become public unless you want it to be general.

Tags Social Media, tips

Treated Unfairly

If You Feel A Business Has Treated You Unfairly

If you have a problem with a business, tell the owner about it ASAP. Most business owners will be more than happy to help you with a problem that you have had with their product or service. If I have received cold food at a restaurant, tell them about it, and they will offer you another hot plate of food at a discounted price for your inconvenience. Never sit and stew about being mistreated or trash a business because of one little occurrence you have had there. You’re mistaken if you did not mention the problem to them and assume they are mind readers. Businesses want happy customers that will return to them in the future and customers that will tell their friends to come to their business. Repeat customers keep business doors open.

Has A Person mistreated You?

If you have been mistreated, confront the person and tell them how they made you feel. If they laughed and made fun of you, ask them why they did that to you or how they would feel if the shoe was on the other foot. Have you been judged incorrectly? If so, stand up for yourself and defend against their false accusation. There is nothing worse than being accused of something you did not do. One morning someone could not find something, and they accused me of taking it and found it in their purse in an envelope later in the morning. I did not even get an apology from them. Never accuse someone unfairly, as they will never forget it.

Do Your Coworkers mistreat You?

Do you get all the jobs others do not want where you work? If you have to scrub the floors and clean the toilet constantly, complain. Tell the other employees it is only fair for everyone to clean the bathroom and the feet. Now you can do the job you were hired to do, which makes for a happy work environment. Your coworkers will know they cannot pull the wool over your eyes and get away with it.

Has A Teacher Or Student mistreated You?

If you are young, tell your parents your teacher misjudges you. Has your teacher let the other students pick on you and done nothing to stop it? Tell your parents, and they will talk to the school principal about the teacher mistreating you. If you have a teacher who treats you like the class clown and you are older, confront him. Some teachers and students will zoom in on a student that they deem weak and defenseless. Teachers and students like this need to be stopped in their tracks. I have had teachers punish me for things I never did, and I do not like anyone to be mistreated or judged unfairly. God is the only Judge of man.

Tags Inspirations with Laura, tips