Sleep During Pregnancy
February 29, 2008
Sleep During Pregnancy
by: Dr. Harry Watters
For most pregnant women, being comfortable and getting enough rest can be two of the biggest challenges. Typically, these problems affect more than 75 percent of pregnant women.
During the second and third trimesters (20 weeks and beyond), lower back pain and stomach discomfort often increase.Women who normally sleep on their back or stomach often find getting enough restful sleep especially challenging. Sleeping on the back is discouraged because of compression of the uterus on the large blood vessels (inferior vena cava) and on the intestines, causing decreased blood flow and oxygen to the baby.
Some Tips on Improving Your Sleep.
Set the proper mood to prepare for sleep through soft lighting, a good book, a warm bath (try adding a small amount of lavender oil) and/or a warm non-caffeinated beverage. Experiment to see what helps you unwind.
Massage by your partner is also a good way to relax.
Try daily exercise - walking or pregnancy aerobics often help.
Use comfort aids, such as the Gentle Air Maternity Bed or a special body pillow to support your abdomen and hips.
Real Estate: Homes on Market Taking Much Longer to Sell, in Past Six Months
February 29, 2008
Real Estate: Homes on Market Taking Much Longer to Sell, in Past Six Months
by: Monte Helme
On average, the length of time required from real estate listing to contract has increased dramatically in the U.S. in the past six months, according to HouseHunt’s latest national “Current Market Conditions” homes for sale activity survey. Seventy-five percent of respondents said it is now taking more than 30 days. Of that figure, 30% said it is taking more than 60 days.
Three months ago, 52% of survey respondents said the average time on the market required for a home to sell was more than 30 days on the real estate market. Six months ago, only 35% said it was taking more than 30 days as buyer frenzy continued unabated.
“Current Market Conditions” 4th quarter survey also found:
Home sales prices remain firm. Currently, 82% say they are getting 95% or more of asking home prices. This compares with 80% in the third quarter and 90% in the second quarter of 2005.
Solid appreciation. One-half of all respondents report home price appreciation of 10% or more in the fourth quarter, year-to-year. This compares with 46% in the third quarter and 42% in the second quarter.
Life isnt Sex and the City
February 28, 2008
A couple of weeks ago, I watched a Sex and the City episode, in which Charlotte, in her never-ending quest to find true love, attends a seminar to teach her how to do just that.
She drags Carrie along, who scoffs at the whole thing. She thinks both the women who got sucked into attending and the seminar leader are sad and ridiculous.
To attract the right men, the crowd is counseled to use affirmations, which Carrie finds preposterous. These suckers actually think they’re going to meet guys by reciting a string of useless words!
During the presentation, Charlotte raises her hand to ask the leader a question. She says something like, “I’ve been using my affirmations, but I still haven’t found the right one.”
Slightly annoyed, the leader says, you have to get out there, you have to love yourself, and so on.
Carrie grabs the mic from Charlotte and insists, “She is out there.”
The leader says something, but Carrie drowns her out, “She is out there.”
As far as Carrie’s concerned, the seminar is a scam. There are probably no decent men left on the planet. The good ones are married, and the rest have issues.
How To Fight Cultural Differences In Marriage And Stay Happy
February 27, 2008
When people plan to marry, they expect to find in their partner not only a lover but a friend also. A person with whom they can share their opinions, their emotions, thoughts and fears.
In marriage we are looking for a partner who will be able to understand our values, our likes and dislikes.
If a man and a woman are born and raised in the same country, most likely they are familiar with the same songs, movies, jokes, books and life in general. They basically have the same roots. In the case of a western man -foreign woman family everything is more complicated and requires much more patience and understanding from both spouses.
On one hand each of the partners has an opportunity to learn a great deal about the other’s country, culture, traditions and life styles which can be very interesting.
On the other hand it can be very disappointing, the inability to understand your partner’s excitements and, or frustrations. For example, say you are watching the television and suddenly you see a famous actor or singer, or other type of an artist whose name you have grown up with. Maybe this artist was an idol for your parents and the music of this artist was often played in your house when you were a child.
U.S. Homeowners Oppose Proposal To Replace Home Mortgage Interest Rates Deduction With 15% Tax Credit
February 26, 2008
U.S. Homeowners Oppose Proposal To Replace Home Mortgage Interest Rates Deduction With 15% Tax Credit
by: Monte Helme
Only six percent of homeowners said they favored the proposal. The remaining nine percent said they were undecided.
In addition to replacing the home mortgage interest deduction - an important component of the U.S. tax code since 1913 - the Advisory Panel would eliminate deductions for state and local taxes, including property taxes; eliminate interest deductions for home equity loans and second homes; and eliminate the Low Income Housing Credit.
“Our survey represents a random sampling of homeowners,” said Michael Bearden, president and CEO of HouseHunt-Inc.com. “While not scientifically designed, we feel that our survey results accurately reflect homeowner sentiment.”
Bearden also pointed to a national survey conducted earlier by RT Strategies on behalf of the National Association of Home Builders. That survey found that 68% of respondents said they want to retain current homeowner deductions.”
In late October, the million-member National Association of Realtors launched an aggressive advertising and public relations campaign to convince members of Congress and the leadership of key congressional committees to oppose the Advisory Panel’s recommendations. The real estate industry trade association predicts that home prices, particularly in high cost areas, could decline as much as 15% if the proposal is adopted.
The Sponge
February 25, 2008
The Sponge
by: Carol Dorman
Sponges are funny things. They come in all manner of shapes, sizes and colours. They’re very amenable, ready to serve whenever needed and never complain. Indeed, a sponge can sit for days on end, usually when we forget where it is, calmly watching its world go by without even a twitch. Always ready, however, to respond at an instant to any household emergency.
It wipes, it washes, it absorbs, it cleans and when we wring it to within an inch of its existence, it smiles and does it all over again.
Ah, yes, the sponge is a valuable companion. Bath Sponge is full of fun. It squidges and suds and playfully bounces from the walls without danger of damage - to wall or bath occupant. Such a friendly thing.
Outdoors Sponge is a robust creature. Put it in a bucket of cleaning concoction and it effortlessly creates glimmer from grime, converting the much loved but well-used family sedan into a Chariot of the Gods, a Head of State’s limousine, a veritable Rolls Royce in a sea of Mitsubishis…but I digress…
Family Law
February 24, 2008
A frustrating lack of permanence plagues modern relationships. Approximately one of every two marriages ends in divorce and the average length of a marriage before divorce is only five years. Many couples today chose cohabitation over traditional marriage. What happened to the idealized family depicted in Father Knows Best, Leave it To Beaver, The Donna Reed Show and Ozzie and Harriet?
No simple answer exists to this question: our intimate relationships have been affected by the industrialization of society, urbanization, continued changes in the traditional roles of the sexes and greater economic independence for women, a rise in the percentage of the population pursuing a college education, a lessening of social pressure against couples who cohabit, the recognition of legal rights for llegitimate children, a decreasing birth rate, improved birth control methods and a longer life expectancy. All these factors contribute to our alarming divorce rate.
Is it any wonder the state ( literally, the state you live in and as, generically, any form of government) must pass laws that affect our personal relationships as we struggle for answers?
Baby Shower Cakes - More Than Just Dessert
February 24, 2008
Baby Shower Cakes - More Than Just Dessert
by: Debbie Pettitt
A baby shower is a way for family and friends to celebrate the expected arrival of a new baby with the parents-to-be. It is a joyous occasion and fun for all! But hosting a great baby shower takes some real planning. A very important part of the planning process is the cake. Every baby shower needs a cake, but the cake can serve as more than just a dessert–it can also double as a decoration, even a centerpiece!
Most baby showers have a theme, and the entire party is based on that theme. The cake is no exception and should also follow whatever theme you’ve chosen. If you’re talented and can bake and decorate a cake (or know someone who can), you may want to have a home-made cake. Or you can order one from a bakery, making sure you place your order in plenty of time for the shower.
Once you’ve decided whether it will be home-made or store-bought, you will need to decide what type of cake to have. There are many different varieties of baby shower cakes to choose from. Some of them are listed below:
e-Matchmaking: Can a Computer Program Find Love For You?
February 23, 2008
I logged on to a dating site the other day and was greeted by a large, flashing message. It promised that if I took the time to answer a series of questions that they would find a “perfect match” for me. Imagine that? All the work and worry of being single - gone! We truly have evolved! Not only can computer programs manage the entire traffic system of a city and make chess grandmasters cry, but now they can lead my perfect match right to my doorstep. I always wanted a Stepford wife, I hope it comes assembled.
The recent trend in Internet Dating has been the use of a “computer personality test” of some sort. Websites claim that these tests, usually developed by a “top psychologist”, have the ability to understand you and your needs through a series of questions. Confused? Lost in love? Problems communicating? Don’t worry, the Online Dating Hal 5000 can figure you out! In fact, when you’re done, this computer program will know your needs and desires better than you do.
Retirement Party Ideas
February 22, 2008
Retirement Party Ideas
by: Dee Schrock
Celebrate and reminisce as you pay tribute to the special guest of honor!
Use this time to remember special people and events, enjoy some good humor, and celebrate upcoming plans. Keep the atmosphere jovial.
While many people like to chip in and buy the guest of honor something special, this is also a good time for gag or white elephant gifts. You can ask people to bring something old or outdated, such as a typewriter.
Activity Ideas
Roast the retiree-to-be. Include all kinds of funny memories and jokingly reflect on the embarrassing as well as the touching moments! Be sure to videotape as a keepsake.
Is the guest of honor known for any particular hobby or activity? How about an all-inclusive activity such as bowling or based on his interests such as a natural history museum.
Gambling on a winner? Choose a casino night as a couples retirement party theme.
Create a time capsule to be opened in five years. Include some of his favorite items and a questionnaire about what he thinks retirement will be like. Make a video of the party to include in his time capsule.
