q Now that the holidays are coming, you're going to be bombarded with mail-order catalogs. Before it starts, recycle all of your old catalogs. Then, put a pretty basket by your favorite reading chair to collect new catalogs from which you might buy holiday gifts.
q Paw through stacks of board games, Barbie dolls and other toys. Collect missing pieces, and put them with the appropriate game or toy. Then, create 3 stacks: 1) Keep 2) Donate and 3) Toss. Thanksgiving is the perfect time for you to donate all of those games and toys your family never uses. Take them to your local Goodwill, orphanage or other favorite charity organization. This is a wonderful way to teach kids about the spirit of giving.
q Get yourself some pretty lined baskets, or see-through Rubbermaid containers--one for each family member. Label each basket with a family member's name and store them in the coat closet. This will be each person's storage area for items that easily get lost, such as winter hats, umbrellas, scarves, earmuffs, mittens, gloves and so on.
q Check your vehicle's anti-freeze, hoses, snow tires and so on to be sure it's ready for Jack Frost. While you're at it, stock some winter vehicle apparatus in your trunk, such as an ice scraper, a portable shovel and emergency gear such as a warm blanket, a flash light, motor oil, a compass, jumper cables, emergency lights and some non-perishable snacks. When you're out on the road this winter, be sure to carry along your cell phone. It can be a lifesaver. If you live in a warm climate, emergency equipment in your car can also benefit you.
q November 8-14 is Pursuit of Happiness Week. Originally, the holiday was created to remind everyone, as stated in the Declaration of Independence, that all men and women are 'endowed by the creator with certain unalienable rights, that among them are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.' Make a list of 30 things you can do in 10 minutes or less that make you happy, like enjoying a sunset, listening to a favorite song, writing to a loved one or looking through an old photo album. Then, each day, choose one of those things from your list and enjoy.
q November 27th is Thanksgiving Day. Do something memorable this year. Have each family member say something they're thankful for before dinner, or volunteer at a soup kitchen for a few hours, or invite a friend or neighbor over who would otherwise be alone for the holiday. Do something that will warm someone else's heart, and your heart will be warmed in return.
q Clean your computer keyboard. First, shut down your computer. Second, turn the keyboard upside down, gently shake it and then blow it clean with a can of compressed air. Finally, turn your keyboard right side up, lightly dampen a Q-tip with alcohol, and wipe dirt away from your computer keyboard surface and in between the keys.
q Winterize the house. Check your furnace filter and change if necessary. If it's still in good condition, temporarily remove the filter to suction off any dust with a vacuum. Cover your air conditioner to prevent drafts and to protect the unit. Inspect the fireplace and have it serviced if you haven't done so lately. Browse around for drafty areas--doors and windows--and seal them. Check the chimney to be sure it's clear. Check smoke detectors and change batteries.
q Initiate the seasonal equipment switch. Prepare to hibernate your lawn, garden, and barbecue paraphernalia for the winter. Be sure everything is hosed down and prepped for the cold months ahead so that you'll be ready for the first thaw in spring. At the same time, get your winter equipment ready. The snow blower should be ready in a pinch when the first snowflake falls. Get it serviced early if necessary. Be sure you're equipped with a shovel, salt, firewood and anything else you need. For you warm weather folks, instead of putting the mower and other equipment away, your job is to clean each thoroughly.
