Checklist to Prepare for Hurricane Isaac

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Isaac has his eye on the Gulf states and residents are bracing for the storm.

Angie Hicks, founder of customer review site, Angie’s List gave me these tips to get your home and family ready for the storm.

What to do ahead of time:

1. Gather Your Documents – Get your insurance documents together and put them in a safe place – a place you’ll remember!

2, Program Your Phone – Have your insurance agent’s phone number stored in your phone so you can access it easily.

3. Know your Coverage – Understand what is covered on your homeowner’s insurance policy and what is not.

4. Snap Some Photos – Take photos of your home and it’s contents, be sure to include all electronics and other expensive items. This will assist you if you need to make a claim on your contents insurance.

Here are a few checklists that will help you as the Hurricane approaches:

Preparing for a Hurricane by FEMA

Securing Your Home for a Hurricane by National Hurricane Center

Emergency Plan Checklist by GetButtonedUp.com

Hurricane Preparedness Checklist by GetButtonedUp.com

Be safe and smart in the storm!

 

Keeping an Integrity List

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integrity

integrity (Photo credit: glsims99)

How many times have you said any of the following:

  • We should catch up
  • Let’s go out for drinks
  • Oh – I’ll send you his contact info
  • I’ll reach out and let you know what she says
  • We will definitely celebrate together soon

…and then never actually did it? Yep – me too. It happens – it doesn’t mean you’re a bad person it just means that you should be more honest with yourself and more careful with your words.

I’ve found a new type of list thanks to my Lists & Libations group – it’s called an integrity list. One of the members, Al, told me all about how he uses them. Basically it’s a list of all the things that you say you are going to do so you hold yourself accountable for those actions. Things like calling a friend or meeting up with a co-worker – you say you will do them — but will you ever actually do them? If you keep an integrity list you will be more mindful of the promises you make.

Amazing concept right? I thought so too.

I think people throw around these terms and phrases because they are space fillers during awkward moments.  But often times they are just baseless. Al says one of the worst things you can do is go against your word.  What if the person you promised was really counting on going to dinner or getting that contact and you flaked out on them? That’s not how you want to be perceived. I’m going to start my own integrity list right now and make sure that I choose my words wisely from now on. You should too!

A List for Meeting New People

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Handshake

Handshake (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I’m a naturally curious person. I love asking questions and doing research, which is probably why I googled “Hatfields and McCoys” for over an hour the other day after watching the History Channel special about them.  It’s a great mini-series by the way.

Anyway — it’s no wonder I picked journalism as a career — because I always want to know more.  This is how I approach meeting new people as well. Read more

What Do You Really Need for College?

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It’s that time of year again…the Target commercials for back to school shopping are in full swing. I can’t decide if I love them or hate them…but they are catchy.

Anyway — I remember going back to college every year as being both exciting and a bit of a pain. Moving all that stuff back and forth year after year took it’s toll. But after a while I got it down to a science…as you can imagine.

I went to college at Hofstra University on Long Island to study broadcast journalism. Some of my friends at the time were headed to a different state, and looked at Alabama Education and Career Resources, but I wanted to go into journalism so I stuck to it. I was fortunate enough to be able to live on campus and also be only a half hour away from home. It was a win-win situation for sure.

I have a lot of great memories from college like meeting former President Bill Clinton. OK — I didn’t really get to meet him — but I did shake his hand. This photo always makes me laugh.

I’m glad I got to live on campus because I was able to get the full college experience. But I don’t miss moving in every fall semester. I always dreaded it. It’s a lot of stress to buy all the things you need, pack up the car and relocate your life. But the memories you get from the experience is worth it, it is an experience that stays with you for the rest of your life. You’ll make life long friendships, learn lessons that may or may not help you on the road to your career, you might meet the love of your life in college.

Being prepared will definitely make a difference as you head back to college.

If you can think of anything that isn’t on the list that should be — just drop me a note. I’m hoping this lists helps just one college kid live an easier semester. Good luck!

 

12 Ways To Improve Your Life Now

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Happiness

Happiness (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Positivity is my middle name. I’m always looking on the bright side of things, if I can. I can’t help it — it’s how my mom is and it’s rubbed off on me. I admit — sometimes it’s a stretch but normally if you just stop for one minute you can see the silver lining in any situation.

I’m always interested in new tactics for “living my best life” — as my favorite person Oprah would say. I chatted with self-help expert Alexis Sclamberg and was lucky enough to snag some of her tips so we can all be happier. Read more