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Winter camping is an interesting alternative to ordinary camping. When planning a winter camping trip, it is important to remember that speed reduces considerably in winter. This, with the fact that there are fewer daylight hours, makes your mileage less than half the original mileage.

You will have to include some cold weather camping gear when deciding on what to take camping. Your clothing has to be in layers for provision to adjust clothing to regulate body moisture and temperature. It is always better to have three types of layers when camping in the winter; a liner layer against the skin like long johns, fleece as an insulation layer, and an outer shell for protection from water and wind. There is no use of wearing too many pairs of socks as once blood flow to the feet is constricted, there is no difference on the number of socks you wear. This is why it is not advised to tie bootlaces too tight when in cold weather.

Your camping supply list should have lots of carbohydrates for the necessary fuel for trekking and keeping the body warm. Cook easy food, which at the same time is appetizing, like one-pot meals or check out our info on easy camping recipes for suggestions. As dry wind can dehydrate you without you knowing about it, it is necessary to drink lots of water; even if you are not thirsty. You can tell if you are properly hydrated if your urine is light colored.

When on a winter camping expedition, hiking is one activity you can do. If you intend to go hiking, then it is better to take some winter hiking gear along with you. Add some instep crampons in the list of camping gear; this keeps you from slipping when walking over ice or hard packed snow.

If Skiing is your pleasure, realize that the high altitudes of the mountains will bring you closer to the heat of the sun. It is hard to imagine, but people do suffer from Sunburns, even in the winter! Either wear a face mask or sunscreen to protect your skin.

Despite the fear of exposure to the cold, people who spend some quality time in the fresh outdoor air usually are a LOT healthier than those who are living indoors with their heat on!

Following all these camping tips will provide for a memorable winter camping experience.

To receive a free copy of the ‘Ultimate What to Take Camping List’, visit Dependable Camping Equipment

Sam Jordan

Sam Jordan is a creative webmaster / content publisher with many interests. He is the webmaster of http://www.dependable-camping-equipment.com in addition to many other sites.

[tags]winter camping gear, cold weather camping, hiking in winter, skiing, camping, winter, hiking, boots[/tags]

Air mattresses are inflatable mattresses used for camping or for overnight guests, since they can be easily rolled and stored. Air mattress can also be used as additional mattress beneath a normal mattress to add comfort for a good night’s sleep.

Air mattresses have improved from being a temporary bedding and camping option to a more desirable and top option bedding preference because air mattresses are now designed with air chambers between the fabrics that gives a gentle cushion feeling to your body. One of the major characteristics of an air mattress is that it moulds the body contour to give proper alignment to the spine. The air chambers allow the mattress to distribute your body weight evenly and acts as a pain reliever for those who suffer from back pain, shoulder pain, hip problems, and also as pressure points in various parts of their bodies.

Gone are the days when these mattresses used to look like plastic inflatable sheets. Now they are compatible to any innerspring mattresses. Air mattresses give the flexibility that most people are looking for such as the option to adjust the level of comfort and firmness of the mattress according to their likes and needs. These adjustments are done by a remote control that allows you to inflate or deflate air as much as you need to. What’s even more fantastic is that it allows each side of the mattress to be adjusted independently — really great for couples with differing sleeping needs. Air mattresses are relatively cheaper compared to other types of mattresses and are available in single, king and queen sizes.

Air Mattress provides detailed information on Air Mattress, Best Air Mattress, Camping Air Mattress, Memory Foam Air Mattress and more. Air Mattress is affiliated with Adjustable Air Beds.

[tags]Air Mattress, Best Air Mattress, Camping Air Mattress, Memory Foam Air Mattress[/tags]

Tent poles are the primary support material for most tents. Wood has been the material traditionally used for such poles. However, over the years, aluminum and fiberglass have emerged as the most sought after material for the poles. These poles are not only stronger than wood, they also come with a cheaper price tag and seem to be ideal for the average American consumer. Plastic poles are also widely available. But they should be avoided since most of them tend to become brittle with time. A valid point about metal tent poles should also be remembered. Although they are currently the toughest tent pole material available, there are some who feel that they may prove to be dangerous if lightning strikes. However, there are others who say that metal poles cannot be a death threat unless one decides to pitch a very high tent and ends up having the highest tent with a metal pole in the vicinity.

Another point to be noted is that tent pole finishing can sometimes prove to be tricky business. Some tent pole manufacturers deliver unfinished tent poles to help the buyer customize it for himself. In such cases, tent pole finishing must be carefully done to reap the maximum possible benefit.

Ordering tent poles is usually a smooth affair. The manufacturer or the seller will just want to know the exact pole length that a buyer wants. Other minute details will usually be comprehended by any manufacturer worth his salt.

Tent pole installation is no hard job either. Most tent poles these days have push buttons in order to make the necessary adjustments according to the height and width of the tent. User manuals should be effectively followed in order to relieve too much stress on the center pole. The durability of tent poles, in many cases, depends on correct installation. Although most tent poles are extremely long lasting, to buy a tent-pole-repair-kit and keeping it handy is a safe option.

The bottom line remains that tent poles are mostly an indispensable accessory in case of tents that require additional support. It is for potential buyers to remember that tent poles provide a perfect look of balance and stability that add to the beauty of a tent.

Tents provides detailed information about tents, camping tents, party tents, and more. Tents is affiliated with Inflatable Boats.

[tags]tents, camping tents, party tents[/tags]

Whether Camping in Canada, Idaho, Missouri, North Georgia, New York, and of course Pennsylvania and the options are endless. While your options may narrow considerably if you are looking to either hike, fish, or boat, it would still take a lifetime to experience it all. Without even heading international!

However, just because there are many spots for camping, you don’t just pack your camping accessories to run off to the first camping spot you come across. Lots of thought goes into choosing a camping location.

When you are choosing a camping location, it is necessary to first consider the accessibility to the camping spot. Especially if you will be arriving by RV. Consider how you intend to get to the camping spot; by driving or by foot. If you are on your first camping trip, and you intend to go by foot, choose a spot that is half a mile walking distance. The view can also be taken into consideration as there is no use going camping in a spot where there is no view when there are many beautiful camping spots around you!

Remember to check if there is access to clean water for you to use during your camping trip. If there is no water, you will have to pack all the water for your needs and to put out the campfire that you make. Of course, when you make a campfire, you need firewood. So choose a camping location where there is access to firewood as you don’t actually intend to carry all the wood to the camping spot! It is always better to choose a camping spot that has dead wood as live trees don’t burn well.

Most important, avoid the ‘uncharted areas’ when choosing a camping location. This is because camping spots which are not established may make your tent roll down a hillside or you may end up having to sleep on rocks during the night, or sharing your food with a Bear! If you are adventurous and want to try out an ‘uncharted area’, make sure the terrain is level enough for you to camp.

The best places to look to choose a camping location would be in the local state parks, national forests, conferring with friends who have gone camping, and of course through the internet.

To receive a free copy of the ‘Ultimate What to Take Camping List’, visit Dependable Camping Equipment

Sam Jordan

Sam Jordan is a creative webmaster / content publisher with many interests. He is the webmaster of http://www.dependable-camping-equipment.com in addition to many other sites.

[tags]choosing a camping location, camping ideas, all access camping, national campgrounds, camp site,[/tags]

What first comes to mind when I say intelligence? Chances are that your mind conjures up images of Albert Einstein or a person who can compute numbers in their head like a computer. This type of intelligence is known as logical-mathematical intelligence and it’s the predominate form of assessing intelligence in our academic systems today. While possessing a superior capacity of this type of intelligence will get you a good grade in most educational institutions, it does not lead to success, happiness, or achievements in life in and of itself.

Famous Classroom Failures

At the turn of the 19th century, a partially deaf boy with attention deficit disorder was sent home by his teacher with a note to his parents saying that the boy was “stupid and unteachable.” This marked the end of the formal schooling for this boy. As an adult, the grade-school failure went on to challenge the greatest scientific minds and academic theorists of his time by inventing the world’s first sustainable electric light bulb and became immortalized in history as being the most prolific inventor of the modern ageThomas Alva Edison.

At the beginning of the 19th century, a humble frontier boy, living in a one-room log cabin in Kentucky, left grade-school after only 18 monthsnever to set foot in a classroom again. This boy had a voracious appetite for books however and mastered everything from the bible to law books. In fact, the young man self-taught his way into his professional career as an attorney which opened the gateway for him to enter politics. On November 6, 1860, the man with only 18 months of grade-school education was elected as the 16th President of the United States and went on to become one of the most inspirational presidents of all timeAbraham Lincoln.

The Nine Distinct Intelligences

It is unfortunate that the logical-mathematical type of intelligence is the predominate form of intelligence used to rate students today in educational institutions. There are in fact nine distinct types of intelligence according to Harvard psychologist Dr. Howard Gardner, who published his theory on multiple intelligences in 1983. The following is a description of those nine intelligences:

1. Logical Intelligence (Number/Reasoning Smarts)

This is having the ability to calculate and quantify as well as complete mathematical operations. It makes use of inductive and deductive reasoning patterns. This type of intelligence is well developed in mathematicians, scientists, and detectives. These types of people are interested in patterns, categories, and relationships. They have a love of arithmetic problems, strategy games such as chess, and conducting methodical experiments.

You Might Be Logically Intelligent if you’re good at:
Solving mathematical problems
Strategy Games
Chess
Conducting scientific experiments
Computer programming
Doing investigations

Examples of Logically Intelligent People
Math teachers / professors
Computer programmers
Engineers
Chemists
Detectives
Scientists

2. Environmental Intelligence (Nature Smarts)

This is having the ability to discriminate among living things and their natural environment. This type of intelligence was important for survival in our evolutionary past as hunters, gatherers, and later as farmers. In modern times, environmentally intelligent people are keen to pick up on subtle changes in environment and movements. Their level of awareness and attention to minute details are superb. These type of people often see, hear, and smell things that other people miss.

You Might Be Environmentally Intelligent if you’re good at:
Identifying suspicious characters from a crowd
Noticing subtle changes in your surroundings
Cooking
Knowing when food is going bad
Spotting poison ivy while hiking
Spotting animals that are hiding

Examples of Environmentally Intelligent People
Chefs
Police officers
Farmers
Hunters
Rangers
Botanists

3. Musical Intelligence (Musical Smarts)

This is the keen ability to discern pitch, rhythm, and tone. This type of intelligence allows us to recognize and reproduce music that is presented to us. Logical-mathematical thinkers and musical thinkers share common thought processes. Musically intelligent people can often express passionate emotion through the use of music.

You Might Be Musically Intelligent if you’re good at:
Karaoke
Playing a musical instrument
Identifying the differences between similar sounds
Reproducing sounds and tunes

Examples of Musically Intelligent People
Musicians
Vocalists
Composers
Conductors
Sound specialists

4. Spiritual Intelligence (Spiritual Smarts)

This is a form of philosophical and spiritual intelligence that tackles deep unanswerable questions about human existence and the meaning of life. Members of the clergy have high levels of this intelligence.

You Might Be Spiritually Intelligent if you’re good at:
Pondering the great unknown
Articulating the meaning of life
Justifying death, suffering, etc.

Examples of Spiritually Intelligent People
Religious leaders
Spiritual leaders
Monks / Nuns
Philosophers
Life coaches

5. Interpersonal Intelligence (Street Smarts)

Interpersonal intelligence is having the ability to read and communicate well with other people. It involves both verbal and nonverbal communication. It involves the sensitivities of moods and emotions of others. Teachers, social workers, actors, and politicians all possess high interpersonal intelligence.

You Might Be Interpersonally Intelligent if you’re good at:
Reading people
Making friends
Communicating with others
Understanding other peoples’ motives
Empathizing with others
Flirting/Seducing members of the opposite sex

Examples of Interpersonally Intelligent People
Teachers
Social workers
Actors
Politicians
Psychologists
Natural leaders

6. Intrapersonal Intelligence (Self Smarts)

This type of intelligence is having the capacity of knowing one’s thoughts and feelings and life purpose. It not only involves appreciation of the self, but also of the human condition. Intrapersonally intelligent people have very good control of their emotions and tend to be shy and reserved towards others when they are young.

You Might Be Intrapersonally Intelligent if you’re good at:
Knowing and accepting how you feel
Listening to yourself
Understanding the nature of your emotions
Planning your life direction
Motivating yourself

Examples of Intrapersonally Intelligent People
Psychologists
Spiritual leaders
Philosophers

7. Kinesthetic Intelligence (Body Smarts)

This is the ability to use a variety of physical skills and being able to manipulate physical objects with proficiency. This type of intelligence requires a great harmony between the mind and the body. This includes hand-eye coordination and athleticism.

You Might Be Kinesthetically Intelligent if you’re good at:
Playing sports
Catching thrown objects
Falling without injury
Dancing
Hand-eye coordination activities
Anything involving quick reflexes

Examples of Kinesthetically Intelligent People
Athletes
Dancers
Mechanics
Craftsmen
Soldiers

8. Linguistic Intelligence (Word Smarts)

This is having the ability to use words and language to articulate complex meanings and convey emotions. This form of intelligence is the most widely shared of human competencies. Prolific writers and speakers have the ability to move people and change emotions with their written or spoken words.

You Might Be Linguistically Intelligent if you’re Good at:
Writing
Reading
Telling stories
Doing crossword puzzles

Examples of Linguistically Intelligent People
Journalists
Novelists
Public Speakers
Consultants
Coaches
Poets

9. Spatial Intelligence (Picture Smarts)

This is having the ability to think in three dimensions. It involves being able to visualize things beyond the surface and think in relation to height, width, and depth as well. A sculptor who is given a block of stone has the ability to see the human figure from that block of stone. An architect has the ability to see the building from a vacant piece of land.

You Might Be Spatially Intelligent if you’re Good at:
Sculpting
Painting
Drawing
Putting together jigsaw puzzles
Navigation

Examples of Spatially Intelligent People
Sailors
Pilots
Sculptors
Painters
Architects

Knowing Your Strengths and Weaknesses

Now that you know what the nine distinct types of intelligences are, figure out where you’re natural blend of intelligences are by giving yourself a score from zero to ten for each of the nine intelligences. Be honest about your natural abilities. This will give you a good baseline at where your strengths and weaknesses lie.

The good thing is that you can improve your level of intelligence through sustainable repetition and practice. Familiarity with a certain skill or ability compensates for a lack of natural aptitude for a certain intelligence, so while you might not be Albert Einstein, you can learn to solve mathematical equations through repetition and practice. You might not be Mozart, but you can learn how to play a guitar through practice. You might not be Captain Nemo, but you can learn to navigate a boat through proper training.

Remember that success in life is not dependant on having a high level of any one particular intelligence, but rather being well-rounded in all forms of intelligence. This should be your goal in life.

Reference:
Gardner, Howard. Multiple Intelligences: A Theory in Practice. Basic Books. 1993

© Copyright 2006 by Tristan Loo.

For over 10 years, Tristan Loo has inspired, motivated, and brought success to the lives of the people he’s touched. Successful in his own right, Tristan has competed athletically against Olympians as a world-class gymnast, saved lives as a police officer, authored numerous Personal Development and Interpersonal Communication books and articles, and is a highly sought-after Personal Development Coach. Tristan is the founder of the Synergy Institute, a San Diego based Personal Development Firm. His philosophy of passionate living and helping others fulfill their dreams has continually been the driving force that has placed him well above the industry standard. Visit Tristan’s website at http://www.synergyinstituteonline.com or by email at info@synergyinstituteonline.com

[tags]intelligence, education, success, tristan, loo, synergy, institute, smarts, thinking[/tags]

What is stress?

Our body is subjected to constant changes in the environment that affect us both physically and emotionally influencing the way we feel, behave and react in various situations. This weathering that the body undergoes under varied pressures of life is stress. Although stress is the root cause of many common health disorders, it isn’t always harmful. Increase in stress upto a certain level boosts productivity. Stress can motivate an individual to win a race or perform well academically. This is positive stress which encourages the individual to improvise and achieve goals which he would not have accomplished otherwise. But when the level of stress overwhelms us and exceeds a certain limit, different biological responses are triggered resulting in increased heart rate, headache, elevated blood pressure, insomnia, muscle tension, rashes, ulcers and accelerated breathing which might lead to life threatening health disorders. Major trauma like death of a loved one, events like losing friendship, having a baby, credit card debts, high electric bill, relocation to a new town, academic failure, loss of a job, marriage, falling hair, rush-hour traffic, annoying boss or neighbor, parenting teens, chronic illness, heavy responsibilities, performing before a huge audience or a new relationship- all can produce stress which bring about negative effects on the body. So, no stress as well as too much stress, both are harmful. One must find the balance and utilize stress for his benefit and improvement.

Stress and the Exercise Connection

Researchers are working around the clock to gain command over stress or fight it more efficiently. Since it is detrimental to health, relationships and life as a whole, it is essential for every individual to take charge and manage stress. To beat stress and make life more relaxed and peaceful, there is no alternative to exercise.

Exercise is fun.

Identify what activities you enjoy the most and try to include them within your daily routine. Exercising builds up your physical reserves and helps you fight stress more efficiently. You should exercise at least four times each week for thirty minutes each session. Any time best suitable for you can be the time for exercise. Simple repetitive exercises like cycling, swimming, jogging, walking, hiking, racquet sports, dancing, skiing and aerobics are some of the best known stress busters. Doctors of patients of depression often recommend these exercises to free the mind of tension. You should rejoice in any kind of exercise activity otherwise it will feel like a chore and gradually you’ll abstain from it. Remember to warm up and cool down before and after you start your exercise program to avoid injury. Gentle stretching exercises are considered best for the warm ups and cool downs. Exercises help you sleep better and start a whole new day with new vigor and an enhanced feeling of self-esteem.

Shape up and build confidence.

Shed those excess fat, control weight, tone your muscles, increase flexibility, rejuvenate skin and radiate confidence through exercises. Ward off stress while exercising moderately at a comfortable pace and slowly speed up to improve stamina and efficiency. Burning calories fuel you up with new vigor to energize the body throughout the day. When you are full of confidence you trust yourself and accomplish those goals you thought were impossible to achieve.

Stay healthy.

Poor health is one of the leading causes of stress. Regular exercise improves blood circulation and promotes oxygen supply to the vital organs of the body thus strengthening the immune system, lungs and heart which in turn fight diseases more efficiently and the body becomes less vulnerable to various health conditions. Exercise boosts liver functions, digestive activities, metabolism, intestinal movements and kidney functions thus keeping constipation, diabetes and arthritis at bay. Exercise makes you feel better and live happier.

Change your focus.

A daily exercise regime keeps your mind off of the mundane routine and stressful thoughts and channels your energy for productive purposes. You mind stays alert and occupied with the potentials of the brighter side of life. Combat stress and enjoy the beauties of life.

Indulge in restful exercises.

Do whatever is good for you. Take positive steps to reduce stress. Laugh aloud with friends and family, go for an outing or just soak in the tub with some aromatic oils or rose petals. Determine the stress causing elements and be creative in finding solutions befitting your hectic schedule to not let them hamper your life. Sit by the fireplace and quietly watch the dancing flames, stroll on the beach and soak in the sun while enjoying the beauty of the sea, gently pet your favorite animal, lie in the backyard in a hammock, sit by the lake, watch the sun go down behind the pine trees, look at the star-studded night sky or simply play with your kids. Keep your mind engaged with matters other than business or family if they bring about stress in your life.

Try the deep relaxation/meditation techniques of Yoga.

The rewards of yoga are endless, both physically and mentally. Practiced for centuries, yoga, whose other word is meditation, massages the internal organs as well as energizes the soul. Essentially, regular exercise of yoga can magically treat stress and various health disorders. It stimulates the muscles in the various body parts in a non-strenuous manner and brings about flexibility in those areas which were never so much worked upon before thus lubricating the joints, ligaments and tendons comprehensively. Muscles are admirably toned by gentle stretching and massage which facilitates blood circulation in the entire body. This, on the other hand, detoxifies the body by quick elimination of wastes from even the farthest corners of the body thus keeping a myriad of infections and health disorders at bay. Active blood circulation also means efficient transport of nutrients which attributes to prompt healing of wounds, delayed ageing, a boost in stamina, improved digestion, dodging disability, enhanced breathing, rejuvenation of skin and radiation of confidence. You will discover a new vigor in life. Most importantly, the goal of yoga is to attune body with mind and soul.

Many yoga exercises are easy and have a magical effect on the students performing yoga. Regular practice of yoga will relieve you of physical pain and stress giving you a positive outlook towards life and enlightenment of soul. It is the exercise of the body as well as the mind. Thousands have been aroused by yoga’s magical touch and have benefited from it. In essence, the centuries old healing process of yoga will transform your life at the spiritual level.

Practice these moderate exercises.

Workplace is the main culprit source of stress in most cases. So, here are some workplace stress busting exercises that are very easy to follow routinely-

1. Deep breathing:

Inhale deeply. Fill in your lungs with as much air as possible, then exhale. A fresh dose of oxygen will recharge your batteries.

2. Neck roll:

Roll your neck clockwise and then anti-clockwise 10-15 times each way. This relieves tension around the neck and shoulder regions. The same can be achieved by looking left, as far back as possible and then looking right the same way. Repeat 10 times.

3. Rub:

Gently give yourself a neck and shoulder rub. Find yourself revived.

4. Bends:

Stand up with feet 1 foot apart. Lift your arms. Gently bend backwards and forwards, left and right, 5 times. This stretching exercise is great for the back muscles which get easily strained because of sitting at the same spot for hours.

5. Chest stretch:

Stand tall with feet 1 foot apart. Lift and stretch your arms straight and forward. Slowly inhale to the fullest while moving your arms to the sides. Keep arms at the same level. Hold for 5 seconds. Exhale and bring the arms back together to the front. Feel the relief.

6. Hand stretch:

Interlock fingers. Extent arms forward at shoulder height and palms facing out. Hold for 10 seconds. Repeat 10 times. This stretches shoulders, hands, wrists and upper back and relieves tension around them.

7. Back stretch:

Stand tall with feet 1 foot apart and hands on the waist. Twist your upper body and turn back as much as possible. Hold for 5 seconds and come back to the starting position. Repeat with the other side. This is particularly good for stretching the middle back.

Any exercise is stress relieving. Actually when we exercise, the brain releases endorphins, that are natural painkillers which give a sense of being healthful thus enhancing the overall mood and of course, that will make you sleep better. So, start exercising and get rid of stress sooner than later.

[tags]bust stress, moderate exercise, health disorder, flexibility, confidence, deep relaxation, yoga[/tags]

Back in 1975, a week after graduating from high school and with my entire life ahead of me, I had a nervous breakdown accompanied by a grand mal seizure and a total shut-down of my heart and lungs.

I had just started a vacation with the rest of my family (parents, brother, and three sisters) and we were driving to Corpus Christi to spend a couple weeks camping on the beach. It was a vacation I was really looking forward to and perhaps itself the trigger of the seizure and nervous breakdown.

For the last two years I was in high school, I participated in a program that allowed me to go to school for a half day and work for a half day. I worked as the manager of a service station in the heart of the San Antonio Medical Center Complex. Out of this service station, and in addition to the normal automotive services offered during that time period, we ran a truck, trailer and equipment rental company that included, front loaders, chain saws, building tools, lawn tools, etc., so I had the responsibility of more than your typical gas station. I am not complaining, I loved it, but I perhaps took on more responsibility than I was prepared to deal with on a stress management level.

Anyway, my typical day required opening up at 7:00 am and getting everything going smoothly by 8:30 am when I would head off to school. At 11:30 am I was finished at school for the day and was back at work by noon where I would work until closing at 9:00 pm. Weekends I almost always worked Saturday and Sunday from 7:00 am until 9:00 pm.

Now that I have established my schedule leading up to this particular vacation, I can get back to the event itself.

As we were traveling to Corpus, I was riding in the front passenger seat and my father was driving. It was typical for me to ride in front, I was 6′ 4″ tall and my mother almost always let me sit up there for the extra leg room. I do not remember anything out of the ordinary about this particular day leading up to my seizure. I do remember being happy about having the vacation and being finished with high school, and I was enjoying a book as we made our way to the beach.

Suddenly, and I vividly remember this, I lurched forward in the seat and felt a darkness come over me. I couldn’t breathe, and everything went completely black within two seconds. I knew I was going to hit my head on the dash, but I couldn’t stop the forward motion or raise my hands to stop. There was nothing frightening about this two seconds it was really quite surreal. As I lurched forward, I do remember trying to say that something was wrong, but while I had a conscious knowledge of what was happening, I had no ability to do anything of my own free will. I have often wondered if this two-second period of conscious helplessness is what someone experiencing a heart attack feels.

I don’t remember anything else very well for the next 30 minutes and I only have a vague recollection of those things that I can remember. Apparently, when I blacked out I very suddenly straightened out, broke the seat in our family station wagon (a substantial feat to accomplish in a new Oldsmobile) and broke the seatbelt. My father immediately pulled the car over to the side of the road and found that I had no heartbeat and was not breathing. He pulled me from the car and gave me CPR.

As soon as I showed signs of recovery, he focused his attention on flagging down other cars to get directions to the nearest hospital. I apparently got up and back into the car, but I don’t remember this at all. The next thing I do remember was waking up in front of a grocery store and seeing my father running in to get better directions. One of my sisters was crying very loud (this was not unusual for her) so I decided to go back to sleep. As I tried to fall asleep, my mother was asking me a million questions that I am told I answered, but I cannot remember being asked or answering.

About fifteen minutes later I awoke in a doctor’s examining room and was being questioned by the doctor. I understand I went in under my own power and apparently conscious, but I don’t remember going in or any of the exam. I do remember being asked to have a seat in a wheelchair to be taken back to our family car when the exam was over.

My first real memory of anything was of things that happened two days later. I remember nothing of the trip home or the next day visiting several doctors. I was not under the influence of any drugs that would have inhibited my memory or kept me unconscious, but I have no memory of those two days. The memories I described immediately following the seizure are things that started to come back to me two days after I had it and while they are my memories and not reconstructed from what others told me, they nonetheless seem more like dreams than anything that really happened to me.

For the next three years I took Phenobarbital and Dilantin, I could not drive; I had to go through all kinds of medical, psychological, and blood tests. I had EEG’s, EKG’s, brain scans for tumors, stroboscopic induced seizure tests, and a host of other tests that I either don’t remember or didn’t even know what they were at the time. For the first year after having the seizure, everyone seemed to be keeping a 24-hour watch over me to see that I was all right because nobody really knew what caused the seizure. I do know my mental reactions, my sharp wit, and my ability to perform complex math in my head were all dulled by the seizure, but to what extent I cannot quantify. I have also felt that my ability to speak articulately has been dulled, but others have said they do not notice a difference.

At the end of three years, I found that it was becoming difficult to talk; the Phenobarbital was making it difficult for me to say things with the clarity I knew I should be able to accomplish. My tongue seemed to fill my mouth with no room left to move. I was able to perform everything else without too much drug-dulling influence, but I was beginning to have a hard time talking. So, and I would NOT recommend this for anyone else, I quit taking my Phenobarbital and Dilantin cold-turkey without the oversight or permission of my neurologist. When I did get around to telling my doctor he went ballistic and explained that people hallucinate and do some really crazy things when they go through Phenobarbital withdrawal. He also informed me that it was the most difficult drug on the market to stop taking. He was astounded when my only reply was that it was no problem and now I could talk as I wanted.

I went through another year or so of evaluations and to this day, nobody can tell me why I had that seizure. I tested negative for epilepsy and every other test they gave me. The best my neurologist could diagnose was that I took on far too many responsibilities as a teenager, that the 60 hours+ per week that I was working was too much, and that my desire to please others by doing my work well and keeping my grades up needed to be re-evaluated to reflect more of what pleased me than what pleased others. If his diagnosis is true, then it was all apparently self-inflicted without any conscious knowledge.

To rationalize it for myself and to learn to adapt, I had to change my ways and learn to accept things for what they are without allowing them to put me under a lot of stress. My father-in-law put to words what I had already taught myself and while it may not work for everyone, putting things in perspective will definitely not hurt anyone.

“There is no T-Rex out there and no matter how bad things get or what you might screw-up, when you step outside you will not be eaten.

It is honorable to do your work ethically and with high integrity, but it is unnecessary to compromise or sacrifice either while still managing to avoid stress if you just keep it all in perspective.

Michael E. Mould is a licensed professional engineer and flight tests airplanes for a living. On the side he operates an online bookselling business and has written the book, “Online Bookselling: A Practical Guide with Detailed Explanations and Insightful Tips,” [Paperback ISBN 1427600708, CD-ROM ISBN 1599714876] and developed “Bookkeeping for Booksellers,” a 19 sheet linked and tabbed Excel Worksheet to help online booksellers with the calculation of tax obligations and to track their business performance.

You can contact mike at: mike@online-bookselling.com and you can visit his website at:

http://www.online-bookselling.com

[tags]stress management, anger management[/tags]

It’s four weeks away and you don’t have any plans. Many of your friends will be away or out with their significant others. You can’t believe it’s been a whole year and you are facing another dateless New Years Eve. What can you do?

If the above sounds familiar, it may be time for some quiet reflection that allows you to really think about what this holiday means to you and how you want to observe it. You may have more options available to you than you realize, especially if you feel stuck on that one idea of going out with a date and “celebrating”. If you tap into your creativity, you can design an evening that works for you and helps you to begin the New Year on the right note.

The following is a general list of possibilities that you can add to:

* Plan an evening out with friends. You can go to dinner, a movie, a club or theatre or a combination of these.

* Plan an evening in with friends. Have a pot luck meal, rent a few movies, splurge of some great desserts and just enjoy each other’s company.

* Plan an evening out alone. Go to a favorite restaurant for a quiet meal, catch a movie, go hear a band or visit your favorite pub where you may be able to connect with some people you know.

* Plan a nice evening home alone. You can either cook or order take out from your favorite restaurant, rent a favorite movie, splurge on a special dessert or all of the above. Perhaps you would rather have a light meal followed by a long soak in the tub or a few hours in your favorite cozy spot, reading a good book.

* Start a quiet celebration early on the 31st. Treat yourself to a massage, manicure, facial, work-out with a personal trainer, time in the steam room or sauna- to name a few possibilities. Then you can follow this up with one of the above for your evening. If you end up home alone, you will have had a day of pleasant self-indulgence that will leave you rested, relaxed and ready for a good night’s sleep.

If you choose a night alone on New Year’s Eve you may want to have a special plan for New Year’s Day. Some possibilities?

* Check with friends about parties that may be going on at the home of an acquaintance or hosted in a local restaurant or pub.

* If the weather is nice, consider doing something outdoors. Many areas of the country have ski areas within a two-hour drive that offer a whole range of outdoor activities. You can invite along a friend (s) or go solo, depending upon who is available. Hiking, biking, ice-skating or any snow related activities (depending upon the area you live in) are perfect at this time of year. It’s also a great way to begin the year’s resolution of getting (staying) in shape and leading a healthier lifestyle. After an outdoor workout, hot chocolate and a meal of comfort food by a warm fire really hits the spot.

* If you are not into planning/participating in something out, consider a project at home. Many of us have unfinished organizing, paperwork and decorating tasks that we would love to get handled and off our to-do lists. How great it would feel to tackle some of this and bask in that feeling of accomplishment afterwards. This does not have to be a day of drudgery. Have music or a movie playing in the background. Take time out for a nice brunch, lunch or dinner. An early dinner with a friend would be a nice way to wrap up it all up.

Whatever you decide to do with this holiday, keep in mind it’s significance of a new beginning. What a great time to start fresh and set those goals that will lead to the life changes you desire. Taking action will make a difference. The choice is up to you.
Have a restful, pleasant and productive New Year. Happy Holidays!

Toni Coleman, MSW is a licensed psychotherapist, relationship coach and founder of http://www.consum-mate.com. As a recognized expert, Toni has been quoted in many local and national publications including: The Chicago Tribune, The Orlando Sentinel, New York Daily News, Indianapolis Star and Newsweek newspapers and Family Circle, Woman’s Day, Cosmo Style, Tango, Men’s Health, Star (regularly quoted body language expert), and Nirvana magazines. She has been featured on abcnews.com; discovery.health.com; aolnews.com; MSN.com, Match.com and planetearthradio.com. Toni offers dating help and relationship advice as the weekly love and dating coach on the KTRS Radio Morning Show (St. Louis, MO) and through her syndicated column, “Dear Dating Coach.”
Her newsletter, The Art Of Intimacy, helps over fifty-five hundred subscribers with its dating and relationship advice. Toni is a member of The International Coach Federation, The International Association Of Coaches and The National Association of Social Workers.

[tags]dating advice, relationship advice, single life, dating help, relationship help[/tags]

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Questions to Ask Camp Staff before applying and sending kids to summer camp.

There are many summer camps available around you nowadays, that it proves to be rather difficult to choose the right summer camp for your child. The best thing to do to choose the right camp would be to compare brochures and websites of different summer camps. You should then highlight the best features of the camp and decide accordingly.

It is always better to find out qualifications of the councilors in the summer camp before sending your child to the camp. It is only if they are qualified and adept should you decide to send your child to the camp. Ask if they are well versed with CPR and first aid. In fact, it would be better if you could visit the camp before sending the child, and decide if there are sufficient activities to keep your child busy. Find out if they have a working clinic too. Choose camps with high return rates and get references from parents of children who have attended the camp.

How to find your child’s current challenges, strengths, and interests so that you can choose appropriate summer camp for him:

There is no special formula to find out the strengths and interests in your child. This is a process that takes time, but will reveal itself naturally. Keep watching your child and see what activities he likes and dislikes. You will then develop a general idea of what interests the child has. Some children may be more outdoor prone, and prefer outdoor activities. You should send such children to summer camps that place more emphasis on sports and outdoor activities. Such children won’t enjoy a summer camp where he or she is taught to make pots.

However, there are quieter children who love doing indoor work like drawing and arts; so send such children to summer camps placing more emphasis to indoor activities. These children won’t actually enjoy spending a day in the wilderness! So you learn their likes and dislikes by watching them; in fact, their interests may also change over time, so just keep a mental note of their habits!

Roy writes about parenting, kids education and home decor. Find more

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