In response to a discussion I had with my husband about "sleeping computers" and other appliances left on I decided to do some research that fill our life. There are many things we should know about call it trivia, if you will, but these little tidbits can often times become life changing strategies.
What started out as an "I told you so" project turned out to be very interesting and I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I did researching it.
Regarding the discussion I had with my husband concerned his computers and if it cost money to let them "sleep" and if not turning them off added to what we call "carbon footprints," the answer is yes.
I will bet you did not know that your sleeping computer, the plugged in cell phone charger that is just sitting around waiting for the cell phone and all the other sleeping appliances you have around the house add about 5 percent or more to your power bill. Not only is it costing money it is adding to the carbon footprint of the atmosphere.
So if saving money is one of your goals and if trying to help save our earth is something else you are interested in trying doing this. Plug all your sleeping appliances like the computer, chargers, TV's into those power strips and turn them off when you leave the house or are simply not using them. Yes, it is another thing to bother with, but if it saves some money and if three of four million of us did this we would save 2.5 million tons of CO2 from being added to the atmosphere this year. Now that is good.
Here are some quick tricks to putting out small fires that may happen around the home. If you have a steak or lamb chops in the oven and the broiler catches fire, close the oven door and turn off the stove. The lack of oxygen will soon put out the fire.
You are lighting candles for a special evening and your sleeve catches fire, do not wave your arm around, as the oxygen will fuel the fire, do what you kindly learned in school, drop to the floor and roll. The lack of oxygen will put the fire out.
A small grease fire that breaks out in a pan needs a lid put on it immediately, do not put water on a grease fire, you will only make it grow. A lid and turning the stove off cuts off the oxygen supply and the fire will go out.
If a large grease fire breaks out use a Dry Chemical ABC fire extinguisher that you should have in your house. If the extinguisher does not work and / or the fire does not go out quickly, call 911 and get out of the house at once.
If the fire you are trying to put out is one of turmoil, one of problems that do not go up in flames, but feel as though they are going to, take a moment to do some deep breathing. Whatever the crisis it will not be solved with hysterics or dish throwing, though I do admit sometimes that feels like the perfect thing to do.
Taking a moment to prioritize will help. Decide on the big issues and then work on the smaller ones, taking one small step at a time solves many problems. Reevaluating circumstances, changing things you can change and negotiating the things you can not change can work wonders. Remember, whatever the crisis you are facing, there is a very good chance that it is not the end of the world and that a solution is possible, if you take your time to work it out.
Ever have problems knowing what to say in time of sickness, death, job layoff, a cheating spouse or divorce. The typical "he is in a better place" or "it's for the best" are really not appropriate, even though I have used them more than once.
Sometimes remembering a funny story about the person is appropriate. Offering to help with something specific, (not the call me if you need anything talk), but offering to mow the lawn, help clean or whatever looks like it needs to be done, gives comfort to the person in need. Talking about the person's good qualities can help, too. But most of the time it is important to say it like it really is. "It sucks." And then give the person a great big hug. In my book that phrase says it all and suits most occasions.
Talking to your parents or other older relatives about what to do when they become ill or mentally incapacitated is probably one of the hardest things to do. Most older people do not want to face that day and many are very closed mouthed about their affairs. It takes a bit of planning before you even begin the conversation. You may even have to weave a tale to get the conversation going. In my opinion this is when a little white lie falls into good graces. The conversation has to take place at a time when the people involved are mentally healthy. It is best done in private and not at a family gathering, it is a serious and worthy topic that every family should face. Every state has its own laws, so you should be certain you have done some homework before you start this conversation.
If you are dealing with someone you know will not respond too favorably to dealing with his or her affairs with you. It may need to bring up an imaginary or real person that suddenly became ill and did not have their affairs in order. Or you can mention you are getting your affairs in order and ask if they have done the same. If they say yes, ask for information on how they handled it and who is in charge of their affairs. Taking time if they say no, to explain the difficulties they and who ever will be in charge will face in the time of need. They may not be aware that in the case of mental problems or serious illness the person and their affairs will have to go into a guardianship hearing, which could be rather heartbreaking for all concerned.
There are several types of Power of Attorney available from temporary, medical and durable, each covers a certain group of conditions and needs to be looked into each particular case.
If your parents or elderly relative are resisting the idea of putting their affairs in order, do not push. Tell them to think about it and that you will get back to them in a few weeks. If in the meantime your parents are agreeable ask if they would like to speak to their lawyer or yours. Be gentle, but firm, as it will make life a lot easier for all of you, even though they may not understand it at the moment.
Well, I have touched on the tip of the iceberg of things you should know and may not; There is a great deal of things to be covered, but for now I will let you absorb these tidbits and wish you well.