21 tips for life...

ONE. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.

TWO. Marry a man/woman you love to talk to.. As you get older, t heir conversational skills will be as important as any other.

THREE. Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.

FOUR. When you say, 'I love you,' mean it.

FIVE. When you say, 'I'm sorry,' look the person in the eye.

SIX... Be engaged at least six months before you get married.

SEVEN. Believe in love at first sight.

EIGHT. Never laugh at anyone's dreams. People who don't have dreams don't have much.

NINE. Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely..

TEN.. In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.

ELEVEN. Don't judge people by their relatives.

TWELVE. Talk slowly but think quickly. <>

THIRTEEN! .... When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, 'Why do you want to know?'

FOURTEEN. Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

FIFTEEN. Say 'bless you' when you hear someone sneeze.

SIXTEEN. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.

SEVENTEEN. Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others; and Responsibility for all your actions.

EIGHTEEN. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.

NINETEEN. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

TWENTY. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice..

TWENTY- ONE. Spend some time alone.

Anguished English
by: Richard Lederer

I found this book in a quaint store out in Kavanaugh and got such a kick out of it that I had to buy not just one copy, but TWO! :) Here's some silly excerpts that will hopefully bring a smile to your face. These are direct quotes from students "revising" history beyond recognition. ;)

1. The Gorgons had long snakes in their hair. They looked like women, only more horrible.
2. Zwingli's followers all smashed their organs.
3. Sanzibar is noted for its monkeys. The British governor lives there.
4. The Puritans thoughts every event significant because it was a massage from God.
5. The divine wind protected Japan by sinking the fleet of invading Mongrels.
6. During the years 1933-38, there were domestic problems at home as well as abroad.
7. The President of the United States, in having foreign affairs, has to have the consent of the Senate.
8. The difference between a king and a president is that a king is the son of his father, but a president isn't.

10 Things to Pray for your children

*From In Touch Magazine - September 2009*

1. For Godly wisdom
2. For character
3. For a spirit of excellence
4. For humility
5. For a desire to know God
6. For Direction
7. For favor
8. For discernment
9. For the right friends/spouse
10. For respect towards authority

Tips for selling your home fast!

Putting your house on the market and watching it sit unsold can be a wrenching experience. Here are some expert suggestions for ensuring a quick sale. As the home-sales season goes in to high gear, you may feel extra pressure to sell your house in a hurry. Here are some ways to set a winning pace in the home-sale race.

1) Hire a top-notch sales agent. "You need a good agent, an agent who knows your neighborhood" says Julie Greenwood, co-owner of Greenwood King Properties, a Houston real estate agency.

2)Price it right. The No. 1 thing that will sell a house quickly is price. "That's the name of the game," says Tom Innes, president of Re/Max Commonwealth in Richmond, Va. "If you price it right, it will sell. If you price it wrong, it won't sell."OK, so just how do you play the home-sale version of "The Price is Right"? That crackerjack agent you hired should have a good sense of what price will help sell your home sooner rather than later. As the owner, your objectivity is diminished, so give your agent free rein, within reason, to set the price. The broker will look at the average days a home in your neighborhood is on the market, how your home compares to others in the area and its condition.

3)Find a loan that's right for you!
Create an adjustable sales plan. Come up with a sales strategy, but make sure it's flexible. What's your initial asking price? How long will you insist on it before making a reduction? How much of a cut will you accept? What about after that? Having a plan in place will help you react quickly, according to Greenwood, and will move your home that much more quickly.

4)Clear out the clutter. "Get the clutter out of it," says Stephen Roulac, author of the forthcoming "360 Housing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them." It will make your home more inviting to buyers. "After you thought you got out the clutter, take out more. Get it spare, open and fresh."

5)Offer incentives. Incentives can help shorten the sales cycle, but be careful. Agents are divided on how much they help. "I think it can be a fine line between wanting to sell a house quickly and having it look like it's a fire sale," Greenwood says. If prospective buyers get the idea that you're desperate to sell, they will try to get you to accept a bargain-basement price. Roulac, however, believes that adding premiums can help speed a house sale. A popular incentive offered purchasers is closing-cost help. You also can encourage your sales agent: Offer a higher commission for a speedy sale or give your broker show tickets, a meal at a fine restaurant or some other perk if the property moves quickly.

6)Don't get distracted. What about those "cash for homes" ads you see on matchbook covers, billboards and late-night TV? Agents say houses sold this way are heavily discounted. You will sell your property quickly, but it will go cheap, probably at a price that really won't make you happy. "If it's too good of an offer to be true, it is too good of an offer," says Re/Max's Innes.

7)Ask for company help. If you're relocating because of a job change or company transfer, you may be eligible for home-sale help from your employer or a relocation company representing your employer. "Generally speaking, these buyouts are fair," says Todd Thornton, a real estate instructor, consultant and author of "Home Buying Without the BS." "An appraiser would appraise the property, and the buyout would be for the suggested fair market value less a sales fee," he explains. "The company would then put the home on the market with a local real estate professional." While that's a great deal for the home sellers, Thornton notes that many companies are scaling back on their relocation packages, so it may not be an option.

8)Rent it. If time runs out and you've got to get out of Dodge without selling your home, consider renting it. Just be sure to strike a deal with the renters so your home will be available for showing. For example, if a home such as yours normally rents for $1,000 a month, offer a discount (say $750) in exchange for the renters making the house accessible for showings to potential buyers.The downside of renting a house that you're trying to sell is that its condition probably won't be as pristine as you or buyers would like. One way around this problem, says Innes, is to rent with an option to buy. "Let people move in six months and pay rent and then close," he says.

God has blessed each of us with unique gifts and strengths...see if you can find yours among the lists below! :)

Strengths of wisdom and character:

• Creativity (originality, ingenuity)
  
• Curiosity
• Active Open-Mindedness (judgement, critical thinking)
  
• Love of Learning
• Perspective (wisdom)

Strengths of Courage:

• Bravery (value)
• Industry (Perseverance, Diligence)
• Honesty (Authenticity, Sincerity, Integrity)
• Vitality (Vigor, Zest, Enthusiasm)

Strengths of Humanity:

• Intimate Attachment (Capacity to love and be loved)
• Kindness (Altruism, Generosity, Nurterance, Care, "Niceness")
• Hot Intelligence

Strengths of Justice:

• Citizenship and Teamwork (Duty, Social Responsibility, Loyalty)
• Fairness (Justice, Equity)
• Leadership

Strengths of Temperance

• Forgiveness and Mercy
• Modesty and Humility
• Prudence
• Regulation of Oneself (Self-Control, Self-Discipline)

Strengths of Transcendence

• Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence (Awe, Wonder)
• Gratitude
• Hope (Optimism, Future-Mindedness, Future Orientation)
• Playfulness and Humor
• Spirituality (Religiousness, Sense of Purpose)

*Taken from "Thank You Power" by Deborah Norville*

Events in Central Arkansas to get you in the Christmas Spirit!



1) River City Men's Choir

Thursday the 10th, River City Men's Choir is performing at Trinity United Methodist Church at 7 (both nights) for free. It's absolutely wonderful and a real treat! You need to get their early as it always fills up and there's a limit on the number of people they let in due to safety fire laws. Their first performance was yesterday at 3 pm. Here's a link for their website http://www.rivercitymenschorus.com/


2) Christmas Lane and Christ Play

First Assembly Church in North Little Rock is having their annual Christmas Lane and Christmas Play. Christmas Lane features different booths serving various treats like popcorn, hot chocolate, hot dogs, cookies, peanuts, candy, etc...and all free...plus kids rides and Santa. That starts before the play. The play is usually a musical and very funny for the entire family. At intermission they usually give out prizes based on your registering when you come in - not mandatory (kids prizes).Friday 12-11 Christmas Lane 6-7:45 and play at 8 pm
Saturday 12-12 Christmas Lane 6-7:45 and play at 8 pm
Sunday 12-13 Christmas Lane 4-4:45 and play at 6 pm
All Free! For more info and/or directions call them at 501-758-8553 or visit their website at http://www.firstnlr.com/

3. Arkansas Symphony Orchestra presents "Jingle Bell (Little) Rock"

Dec. 9-19th from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Fun, holiday concert.


4. Little Rock Wind Symphony presents "Christmas Kaleidoscope"

Dec. 10th at 7:30pm. Located at Second Baptist Church, 222 E. 8th Street


5. Holiday Tour of Homes

December 12 - in West Little Rock from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Wildwood Park's Holiday Tour of Homes highlights a lineup of seven magnificent homes in West Little Rock. Admission is $30. 501-821-7275.


6. Christmas in the Wild

December 12 - at the Little Rock Zoo from 9:00-11:00 a.m. or 1:00-3:00 p.m. Meet Santa and enjoy milk and cookies. You can join Santa as he delivers gifts to the zoo animals. 501-661-7203.

7. Annual Family Holiday Concert

December 12 at the North Little Rock High School East Campus Auditorium. Featuring the AR Symphony Orchestra and a holiday fair with crafts and the chance to meet Santa.


8. Dashing Thru the Lights

December 12 at Burns Park, North Little Rock. A fun stroll through the Holiday Lights Display (1 mile). Admission is $5.


9. The Nutcracker

December 12-139. Ballet at the Robinson Center Music Hall at 7 p.m. or Saturday @ 3 p.m. Sunday Tickets - $32 for adults and $22 for children.


10. Arkansas Chamber Singers Holiday Concert

Dec. 13th @ 3 p.m.Cathedral of St. Andrew, 617 Louisiana St.Carols by candlelight.


11.Holiday Open House Museum of Discovery

Dec. 13th from 1 - 4 p.m. Free admission.


12. Nutcracker Tea Peabody Hotel

Dec. 13th @ 12:15 and 1:45 p.m. Take photos with the nutcracker characters and tea. Tickets are $32 for adults and $22 for kids.


13. Arkansas Symphony Orchestra presents "A Leahy Family Christmas"

Dec. 18-19th at the Robinson Center Music Hall. For tickets and additional information, call 501-666-1761.

10 Tips on helping you become a more thankful person!

1. List three mundane things that enhance your daily life.
2. Rent a funny video, or play with the puppies at a pet shop.
3. Cut out the whine.
4. List three things for which you are thankful.
5. Write a gratitute letter to someone.
6. Say thank you to someone overdue to hear it.
7. Focus on something of beauty, and share it with someone else.
8. Ask yourself what's not necessary and eliminate it.
9. Spend five minutes listing as many positive life events as possible.
10. Find a blessing in something bad.

*Taken from Deborah Norville's book titled : Thank You Power*

10 Tips for selling your home in the winter months!

1) Clear a Path
Continually shovel a path through the snow, especially if it's still falling.
Footprints on freshly fallen snow will turn to ice if the temperature is low enough, so scrape the walk.
Sprinkle a layer of sand over the sidewalk and steps to ensure your buyers' stable footing.
Remember to open a path from the street to the sidewalk so visitors aren't forced to crawl over snowdrifts.
If it's raining, put a rubber mat by the front door or a container to hold wet umbrellas.

2) Let in the Light
Pull up the blinds, open the shutters, push back the drapes on every window.
Turn on every light in the house, including appliance lights and closet lights.
Brighten dark rooms with few windows by placing spotlights on the floor behind furniture.
Turn off TV.

3) Turn on the Heat
Pump up that thermostat. It's better to heat the house a degree or two warmer than usual and then set the temperature at normal. This prevents the heat from kicking on when the buyer is present, because some HVAC systems are loud.
You want the temperature inside to be comfortable and to give the buyer more of a reason to linger, especially on a cold day.
Light the fireplace, but open the damper, place a grate in front of it and don't leave it unattended for very long. You don't want your house to catch fire!

4) Create a mood.
Make your living room appear romantic by placing two champagne glasses near a champagne bucket on the coffee table.
Toss afghans or throws across the arms of your sofa.
Turn your bathroom into a spa:
Hang plush robes.
Roll up wash cloths, tie with a ribbon and place in a basket on the counter.
Set up a grouping of soaps, lotions and shampoo.
Place vases filled with winter flowers around the house.
Set a breakfast tray on the bed containing a coffee cup, saucer, napkin, rolled-up newspaper.
Dress your dining room table for a dinner for two.

5) Turn on the Music
Turn on soft music. I used to play Enya until one day I heard it piped in at a mortuary.
Jazz or classical is soothing.
Don't turn on a commercial radio station - fill the CD changer so your music will be continuous.

6) Ease Up on the Scents
Many people are allergic to certain scents and deodorizers, so don't spray the air or plug-in air fresheners.
Don't burn candles or spray perfume in the bedroom for the same reason.
If you're going to bake cookies or simmer spices such as cinnamon in water on the stove, put out munchies so buyers aren't disappointed. More than one sad buyer has said, "Oh, darn, I thought there were cookies in here!"

7) Make it Visually Pleasing
Display photographs showcasing your summer flower gardens and lush green lawns.
Keep blinds partially closed that otherwise show undesirable outdoor scenery such as a dilapidated fence or a nearby structure that obstructs views.
Make Your House Sparkle:
Wash windows
Clean out cobwebs.
If necessary, re-caulk tubs, showers and sinks.
Polish chrome faucets and mirrors.
Clean out the refrigerator.
Vacuum daily. If your carpeting is plush, vacuum in one direction.
Wash and wax floors.
Dust furniture, ceiling fan blades and light fixtures.
Bleach dingy grout.
Empty trash and recycling bins.

8) Serve Winter Foods
Don't serve muffins or any other kind of food that can be popped into the mouth because you want buyers to stay for a while and notice elements they might otherwise miss.
Hot soups such as tortilla, potato or squash are delicious on a cold day.
Chili or stew is a great alternative to soup, but leave a receptacle for disposal of the paper bowls and spoons.
Hot apple cider or cups of cocoa make great beverage choices.

9) Provide Specific Information
Attach printed cards to items and in rooms that provide further information the buyer might miss or might not know. You have so little time to make an impression.
If you have an antique chandelier in your dining room, put a card on it that discloses its age and other important details.
If you have removed the washer and dryer from the laundry room, attach a card to the wall describing the room.
If your basement stairs are steep, attach a card to the railing that cautions buyers to watch their step.
Take care when placing a card that says: "Not included in the sale." That will make a buyer want it, but you can play that later to your advantage.

10) Use Timers and Technology to Your Advantage
Plug indoor lamps into a timer to automatically turn on at times buyers will be present.
Consider using motion sensors that will light up in the evening when a buyer approaches your doorstep.
Set your crock-pot on a timer to warm up soup at designated time.
If you use an answering machine, turn it off or mute messages

Here are ten tips to help you prepare your home for winter:

1) Furnace Inspection
Call an HVAC professional to inspect your furnace and clean ducts.
Stock up on furnace filters and change them monthly.
Consider switching out your thermostat for a programmable thermostat.
If your home is heated by a hot-water radiator, bleed the valves by opening them slightly and when water appears, close them.
Remove all flammable material from the area surrounding your furnace.
2) Get the Fireplace Ready
Cap or screen the top of the chimney to keep out rodents and birds.
If the chimney hasn't been cleaned for a while, call a chimney sweep to remove soot and creosote.
Buy firewood or chop wood. Store it in a dry place away from the exterior of your home.
Inspect the fireplace damper for proper opening and closing.
Check the mortar between bricks and tuckpoint, if necessary.
3) Check the Exterior, Doors and Windows
Inspect exterior for crevice cracks and exposed entry points around pipes; seal them.
Use weatherstripping around doors to prevent cold air from entering the home and caulk windows.
Replace cracked glass in windows and, if you end up replacing the entire window, prime and paint exposed wood.
If your home has a basement, consider protecting its window wells by covering them with plastic shields.
Switch out summer screens with glass replacements from storage. If you have storm windows, install them.
4) Inspect Roof, Gutters & Downspouts
If your weather temperature will fall below 32 degrees in the winter, adding extra insulation to the attic will prevent warm air from creeping to your roof and causing ice dams.
Check flashing to ensure water cannot enter the home.
Replace worn roof shingles or tiles.
Clean out the gutters and use a hose to spray water down the downspouts to clear away debris.
Consider installing leaf guards on the gutters or extensions on the downspouts to direct water away from the home.
5) Service Weather-Specific Equipment
Drain gas from lawnmowers.
Service or tune-up snow blowers.
Replace worn rakes and snow shovels.
Clean, dry and store summer gardening equipment.
Sharpen ice choppers and buy bags of ice-melt / sand.
6) Check Foundations
Rake away all debris and edible vegetation from the foundation.
Seal up entry points to keep small animals from crawling under the house.
Tuckpoint or seal foundation cracks. Mice can slip through space as thin as a dime.
Inspect sill plates for dry rot or pest infestation.
Secure crawlspace entrances.
7) Install Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Some cities require a smoke detector in every room.
Buy extra smoke detector batteries and change them when daylight savings ends.
Install a carbon monoxide detector near your furnace and / or water heater.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they work.
Buy a fire extinguisher or replace an extinguisher older than 10 years.
8) Prevent Plumbing Freezes
Locate your water main in the event you need to shut it off in an emergency.
Drain all garden hoses.
Insulate exposed plumbing pipes.
Drain air conditioner pipes and, if your AC has a water shut-off valve, turn it off.
If you go on vacation, leave the heat on, set to at least 55 degrees.
9) Prepare Landscaping & Outdoor Surfaces
Trim trees if branches hang too close to the house or electrical wires.
Ask a gardener when your trees should be pruned to prevent winter injury.
Plant spring flower bulbs and lift bulbs that cannot winter over such as dahlias in areas where the ground freezes.
Seal driveways, brick patios and wood decks.
Don't automatically remove dead vegetation from gardens as some provide attractive scenery in an otherwise dreary, snow-drenched yard.
Move sensitive potted plants indoors or to a sheltered area.
10) Prepare an Emergency Kit
Buy indoor candles and matches / lighter for use during a power shortage.
Find the phone numbers for your utility companies and tape them near your phone or inside the phone book.
Buy a battery back-up to protect your computer and sensitive electronic equipment.
Store extra bottled water and non-perishable food supplies (including pet food, if you have a pet), blankets and a first-aid kit in a dry and easy-to-access location.
Prepare an evacuation plan in the event of an emergency.