Both the upstairs and downstairs windows have been replaced with very insulated double-pane vinyl windows. In addition, we replaced all the windows in our basement with clear glass block windows which let in more light and are more secure. We used Champion windows, and were more than pleased with the results. Our electric bills went from $600 in 2007 to $450 in 2008. And the new windows are easy to clean (not that I’m much of a cleaner). They also insulate sound much better.
Very happy to have completed this one.
Jun 25, 04:59AM PDT | 0 comments
I became a Procovery facilitator for Procovery:
http://www.procovery.com for 14 months now. It’s the best facilitated peer circle format I’ve yet seen. It works for circles that include:
- - other facilitators
- - health care providers
- - family members and support people
- - People with any mental disorer
In fact, the process, which is quite defined, can be used with any group of people who have a disease or disorder from which they cannot “recover”. . .that is, go back to their former state of being.
Procovery is forward looking. . you accept the present, that the past is behind you, and move forward towards hope, satisfaction, and fullfillment. In addition to mental illness, the Procovery model can be used with - - people with Diabetes
- - people who have the illness of Alcoholism
- - people who are Homeless.
and so forth.
I have started two groups so far, one in a Residential Care Facility (RCF) for people who happen to be mentally disordered. The other one is in my home. I’m committed to starting at least 2 more groups or circles before the end of July. One at my church, where they have several programs for the homeless, and one in a church or facility nearby, so that healthcare providers can refer people who are comming out of hospital or residential facilities can have a place to continue their Procovery
I also have a BLOG that I contribute to 3-5 times a week related to hope, support, and inspiration for people who are PROCOVERING.
“Procovery – and Friends” http://www.shcrt.blogspot.com
So CHEER me . . . I am DOING it!!!!
Jun 27, 2006, 01:22PM PDT | 5 cheers | 1 comment
With your budget, there are only two variables: inflow and outflow. If you spend more than your income, it’s called poverty or possibly bankruptcy.
There are several ways to help get to a positive cash flow – Increase your income, and/or decrease your expenses.
Here are three things I have done for several years that save money, and help stem the spending, so I can balance my budget:
1) Cook your own breakfast. Whether you eat cereal, or eggs and hash browns, making it yourself can save TONS of money in a year.
Let’s see: 1/2 of a 3 egg omelet and a hash brown patty = ONE Quarter !! (eggs are about a dime each, I get hash browns for about 10 cents each) Time, you say? Well it takes me 10 minutes to make my own pretty good breakfast. It would probably take me just as long to drive to a fast-food restaurant and go through the drive-through. And the cost at a fast food? Well, what do YOU spend. . .$1.25, $2.00, or what? Let’s say that you spend TWO DOLLARS a day (just on weekdays). That comes to $1.75 saved for 10 minutes effort, or an hourly wage of $10.50.
Or, to put it another way, if you save $1.75 (or whatever you spend) 5 days each week, that’s $455.00 per year. Enough to buy an IPod, or a pretty good digital camera, or make one month’s rent. . .
Stay tuned for the second and third easy idea. . .
Jun 19, 2006, 09:20AM PDT | 2 cheers | 0 comments
I'm doing 34 things
