Emily-I am traveling for work this week, and need some advice on keeping myself entertained after work/evening, but staying tip top for work the next day, which rolls around really early. I'll be in Texas through Friday July 2nd---my hotel gym is not so good, and it is raining outside.
Dear Sean,
Traveling is definitely a source of life’s great adventures. However, business traveling can often take you to a place where you would not necessarily go by choice. The beauty of this type of situation is that it offers you the opportunity to learn about a new place, and expose yourself to things that may be outside of your core interests. Wherever you are, you have to assume that there are new things there for you to explore that you don’t have at home. To find out what a new place is all about, ask around (your hotel concierge can be a good start) or try and find the city’s chamber of commerce website for insight into the culture of where you are. Another way to find the pulse of your destination could be to read the arts and entertainment section of the local paper. Maybe you have always wondered about whether or not you’d like contemporary art, and their local museum is featuring a noteworthy installment. Not into art? Try and find out a little history of where you are, and cruise by the local historical digs. You may not be into string on a daily basis, but if you’re in the city that is home to the biggest ball of string - THAT could certainly be worth a stop and the purchase of a commemorative magnet. Wherever you are, there is going to be a “best” of something. Try to find it. Maybe you can find the best view in the city, the best cup of coffee, or the best public art. If all else fails, try and use this time to do a few of the things you have been putting off. Perhaps you’ll be able to write that romantic ode to your wife you really wanted to compose….
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Major Movers
From Leslie:
here's my question: my new husband and i are embarking on a 3000 mile relocation next month and i'm at a standstill. we want to hire movers to pack our truck, drive it across country ourselves, and hire people to move it out on the other end. so, how do we navigate all the seemingly deceitful moving companies? which route do we take from sf to new freaking hampshire? where do i even start?
From Emily:
Ahhh moving. One of the most exciting and stressful times in one’s life. I know a little about this, as I once moved 3 times within a two year period.
Here is where to start: take an honest inventory of all of your stuff and figure out what you can donate or throw away. Look at this as a fabulous opportunity to cleanse yourself! You and your husband can rid yourself of old t-shirts and bleach stained towels! When you move something you’re paying to move it. Do you really need that pink sequin skirt that you wore as your Gem costume last Halloween? Perhaps. Do you want to put more money towards it? Probably not. Cleansing can be fun, and if you do it in advance, you’ll be able to thoughtfully donate to great charities that might give your treasures a chance to be treasured again. Old magazines? See if a local hospital might want them. Old work clothes? Great for a women’s shelter, or an organization that helps people get back into the job market. Taffeta bridesmaid dress? Could be a prom dress for someone who couldn’t afford one otherwise. You get the idea. First, eliminate as much as you can. Second, invite over your most trusted minimalist friends and have them help you go through EVERYTHING you’re thinking of taking with you. Make it a fun fashion show. Maybe you can trade an item that is “So California” with someone for something that could be “So New Hampshire”. Donate, trade, cleanse….and feel good about it because it’s GREEN and could save you some $$$!!
How do you find a trustworthy moving company to help you? I’d strongly recommend finding a website that rates moving companies. Try www.yelp.com or do a web search and you can find a bunch of different sites that rate companies in your area and around your destination. Sift through the consumer reviews and get at least 3 quotes for each end of your move. Before you call, you should know when you’re going reach your destination, which brings us to the next question….
What route should you take to New Hampshire? You and your husband get to decide this one! You guys are set up to have an incredible adventure, one you’ll laugh about for years to come. Here is what you should do:
1. Discuss what each of you envisions for your journey. Pick the top 3 things you would like to do on your trip. Is it stopping for collectable plates? Seeing the Great Salt Lake? Comparing cornfields in Iowa? You guys decide.
2. Discuss and then agree on how many days you’ll spend on your trip.
3. Make a general plan for where you’d like to stop, and find out which places will have a safe place for you to park your truck. Make some reservations, noting the cancellation policy in case you find a more charming or functional alternative on your way. Then, create a flexible itinerary. Be sure to write out all the contact numbers and addresses on the itinerary (or somewhere you can easily find it).
4. Toast yourselves for all of your hard work and prepare for your fun journey! Enjoy your clean living space before you move, then take tons of pictures and/or video along the way!
Just for kicks, I thought I'd include some things I think would be a VERY BAD idea to do:
*Have a huge going away party the night before you move, BEFORE you've packed up all your stuff. Then, leave everything in your old place, and plan to just get new stuff when you arrive in New Hampshire. This is expensive, and people typically don't look too kindly on arriving in a new home with all of your old stuff in it. Believe me.
*Play the fun and idiodic game of "Let's not use a map and see where the winds take us". This is sure to get you guys fighting.
*Leave all of the following items at home: your cell charger, a map, your AAA card, your debit card, your husband, and your dog. Moving isn't a great time to embrace your inner gambler. Trust me on this one.
*Try and move everything yourself. You will, without a doubt herniate something and probably end up yelling at each other. I don't care how much you love your husband, if he has dropped his end of the 300lb china cabinet and it's crashing down on you, you're bound to say a few expletives.
*Try and move by garbage bag. Kitchen supplies, vases, and high heeled shoes are ALL items that will simply NOT be contained by a flimsy garbage bag. I had a friend who once used garbage bags to move all of her things during our early 20's. It wasn't until she arrived at her new abode that the bags were SCENTED. Her entire room smelled of scented garbage bag (which is similar to the scent of a dryer sheet) until she moved next. With boxes.
here's my question: my new husband and i are embarking on a 3000 mile relocation next month and i'm at a standstill. we want to hire movers to pack our truck, drive it across country ourselves, and hire people to move it out on the other end. so, how do we navigate all the seemingly deceitful moving companies? which route do we take from sf to new freaking hampshire? where do i even start?
From Emily:
Ahhh moving. One of the most exciting and stressful times in one’s life. I know a little about this, as I once moved 3 times within a two year period.
Here is where to start: take an honest inventory of all of your stuff and figure out what you can donate or throw away. Look at this as a fabulous opportunity to cleanse yourself! You and your husband can rid yourself of old t-shirts and bleach stained towels! When you move something you’re paying to move it. Do you really need that pink sequin skirt that you wore as your Gem costume last Halloween? Perhaps. Do you want to put more money towards it? Probably not. Cleansing can be fun, and if you do it in advance, you’ll be able to thoughtfully donate to great charities that might give your treasures a chance to be treasured again. Old magazines? See if a local hospital might want them. Old work clothes? Great for a women’s shelter, or an organization that helps people get back into the job market. Taffeta bridesmaid dress? Could be a prom dress for someone who couldn’t afford one otherwise. You get the idea. First, eliminate as much as you can. Second, invite over your most trusted minimalist friends and have them help you go through EVERYTHING you’re thinking of taking with you. Make it a fun fashion show. Maybe you can trade an item that is “So California” with someone for something that could be “So New Hampshire”. Donate, trade, cleanse….and feel good about it because it’s GREEN and could save you some $$$!!
How do you find a trustworthy moving company to help you? I’d strongly recommend finding a website that rates moving companies. Try www.yelp.com or do a web search and you can find a bunch of different sites that rate companies in your area and around your destination. Sift through the consumer reviews and get at least 3 quotes for each end of your move. Before you call, you should know when you’re going reach your destination, which brings us to the next question….
What route should you take to New Hampshire? You and your husband get to decide this one! You guys are set up to have an incredible adventure, one you’ll laugh about for years to come. Here is what you should do:
1. Discuss what each of you envisions for your journey. Pick the top 3 things you would like to do on your trip. Is it stopping for collectable plates? Seeing the Great Salt Lake? Comparing cornfields in Iowa? You guys decide.
2. Discuss and then agree on how many days you’ll spend on your trip.
3. Make a general plan for where you’d like to stop, and find out which places will have a safe place for you to park your truck. Make some reservations, noting the cancellation policy in case you find a more charming or functional alternative on your way. Then, create a flexible itinerary. Be sure to write out all the contact numbers and addresses on the itinerary (or somewhere you can easily find it).
4. Toast yourselves for all of your hard work and prepare for your fun journey! Enjoy your clean living space before you move, then take tons of pictures and/or video along the way!
Just for kicks, I thought I'd include some things I think would be a VERY BAD idea to do:
*Have a huge going away party the night before you move, BEFORE you've packed up all your stuff. Then, leave everything in your old place, and plan to just get new stuff when you arrive in New Hampshire. This is expensive, and people typically don't look too kindly on arriving in a new home with all of your old stuff in it. Believe me.
*Play the fun and idiodic game of "Let's not use a map and see where the winds take us". This is sure to get you guys fighting.
*Leave all of the following items at home: your cell charger, a map, your AAA card, your debit card, your husband, and your dog. Moving isn't a great time to embrace your inner gambler. Trust me on this one.
*Try and move everything yourself. You will, without a doubt herniate something and probably end up yelling at each other. I don't care how much you love your husband, if he has dropped his end of the 300lb china cabinet and it's crashing down on you, you're bound to say a few expletives.
*Try and move by garbage bag. Kitchen supplies, vases, and high heeled shoes are ALL items that will simply NOT be contained by a flimsy garbage bag. I had a friend who once used garbage bags to move all of her things during our early 20's. It wasn't until she arrived at her new abode that the bags were SCENTED. Her entire room smelled of scented garbage bag (which is similar to the scent of a dryer sheet) until she moved next. With boxes.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Keeping in touch.....
Q. From Whitney....
"As a modern woman, I'm sure you have friends and family scattered all over this country, maybe even the world. How do you keep your friends close when there is such great distance between you?"
Dear Whitney,
This is a GREAT question - and I swear, I'm not just saying that because I appreciate you being gutsy enough to ask the first one! Our lives are busy, filled with thousands of things to do, people to call, and errands to run. Keeping in contact, maintaining a close relationship while you're not in close proximity can be difficult at best. In order to maintain a relationship, you have to communicate, but I recommend that you communicate with intention. Try doing the following things:
1. Figure out what relationships you're looking to improve
2.Take a realistic look at how much time you can dedicate to those relationships. Sometimes, we wish we were closer with people so we start up a daily or weekly conversation with them. Two or three weeks pass, and you realize; "Oh CRIPES! I haven't returned XYZ's call!!" Better to start out small and foster a realistic level of contact, than deal with the guilt of the new relationship falling apart.
3. Start communicating. Ask questions, and try to set up a time to see the person (or family :)! A few ideas for communication....
a. Send a card. You can send a postcard, a birthday card, a holiday card, or a thinking of you card. Though it's archaic, the handwritten word tends to imply a higher level of care. I keep a list of addresses in my planner so I can send a card from wherever I may be.
b. Set a reminder to get into contact. Set a time, on a reasonable interval, to make a phone call, email, or facebook message. While mass emails among friends are humorous, easy, and entertaining, it’s hard to remain close through them. When you make contact, be sure to include a point of discussion. Something to talk about so that the person will know what to anticipate when they call you back. I am terrible at this personally. I am the QUEEN of writing an email with 10 questions about a friend’s life. Best to stick with one or two so that your contact doesn’t get overwhelmed!
c. Set up a time to see one another face to face. Look at your schedule and your finances. Who can you see this year? Who can come to visit you? You may get a surprise and find out someone is traveling around your area! Great, now set up a time to meet for coffee, dinner, interpretive dancing, whatever. Even if you only see people once a year, that can be more than enough to keep a relationship alive. If you know you’re going to be somewhere, think of who you want to see, and then make a plan to see them. The further in advance you can do this, the better. It will allow you plenty of time to communicate more often before the visit, which will bring you CLOSER.
Beware...if you take this advice, you may find you need advice on a few other things! How to make more time for yourself, how to get your family member off your couch, etc.
Good Luck!
Emily
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Thank you for visiting!
Welcome to my blog, thank you so very much for visiting me! I hope you'll take a look around at the site, sign up to follow me, and email me a question or two in search of advice. I promise to provide at least a kernel of interest and a humorous anecdote.
Since this is my first entry, I thought I'd share some unsolicited advice.
1. I strongly recommend that you arm yourself with some "pump it up" music. It can completely change your day, give you a moment of solace, or help you to laugh at a bad situation that you can't change. I love music, I love to sing, so my "pump it up" playlist on my ipod is pretty long. When the tantrums are in full swing, the child gate is ripped off the wall, and a toddler has just soiled him or herself, I find that a little Black Eyed Peas can help me gain perspective. If you don't have a "pump it up" playlist, get one. If you do, update it! Add in some older songs that you used to hear at the pep rallies in high school, do a search on itunes of what the kids are listening to nowadays. Music can be great therapy, and if you're at home or have an ipod, it can be right at your fingertips.
2. On the 4th of July, try to dress your small children in something other than red, white, and blue. Trying to find a 2-foot-tall person in a sea of preschool patriotism can be near impossible. If you feel like you absolutely MUST dress your little ones in the theme for the holiday, I understand. Some of the star spangled smocked dresses and flag t-shirts are downright irresistible! Take a picture on your phone of your child before you go into any crowded areas. That way, if they get lost, you will be prepared with an up to date picture on hand.
3.Never send anything in an email you wouldn't want to come out in court. If you absolutely have to say something unseemly, make a phone call and hope that you aren't being recorded!
Well, there are three of the MANY fascinating things I have to share with you. There is much, much more interest, intrigue and instruction to come!
Since this is my first entry, I thought I'd share some unsolicited advice.
1. I strongly recommend that you arm yourself with some "pump it up" music. It can completely change your day, give you a moment of solace, or help you to laugh at a bad situation that you can't change. I love music, I love to sing, so my "pump it up" playlist on my ipod is pretty long. When the tantrums are in full swing, the child gate is ripped off the wall, and a toddler has just soiled him or herself, I find that a little Black Eyed Peas can help me gain perspective. If you don't have a "pump it up" playlist, get one. If you do, update it! Add in some older songs that you used to hear at the pep rallies in high school, do a search on itunes of what the kids are listening to nowadays. Music can be great therapy, and if you're at home or have an ipod, it can be right at your fingertips.
2. On the 4th of July, try to dress your small children in something other than red, white, and blue. Trying to find a 2-foot-tall person in a sea of preschool patriotism can be near impossible. If you feel like you absolutely MUST dress your little ones in the theme for the holiday, I understand. Some of the star spangled smocked dresses and flag t-shirts are downright irresistible! Take a picture on your phone of your child before you go into any crowded areas. That way, if they get lost, you will be prepared with an up to date picture on hand.
3.Never send anything in an email you wouldn't want to come out in court. If you absolutely have to say something unseemly, make a phone call and hope that you aren't being recorded!
Well, there are three of the MANY fascinating things I have to share with you. There is much, much more interest, intrigue and instruction to come!
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