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OCTOBER 2022 The Bus Never Came LATE FOR A NEW SCHOOL ON THE 1ST DAY
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only did the bus not pick up my little girl, but because she is a trooper and stayed at the bus stop for almost an hour (thinking every new bus that drove down our busy cross street might be hers), she was going to be really late for the start of school. Anne shared with me that she came back to the house with tears in her eyes. Luckily, the elementary school-age boys were ready, and they jumped in the car and sped off to the new middle school to drop Evelyn off. The entire day, I could feel myself a little bit unsettled. I wondered how it was going for her. I hoped she would bounce back, but I know how often one “small” negative thing has the opportunity to snowball and turn into a bit of a train wreck. I so hoped that wasn’t going to be the case for her. I got home, parked the car, came right in, and saw her … Big Smile … the day went really well. Relief. I got the lowdown on the day: How Jill also missed the bus and got in just before her. How Izzie actually got on the high school bus and had to run from the next bus stop back to her original stop. How her English teacher was actually from England and that she loved her accent. How Spanish was going to be terrible because they have to talk Spanish. How chorus was the best class ever. And much more. I don’t know why I was surprised, or why I allowed myself to get anxious at all. Evelyn is a rock star when it comes to going with the flow and turning lemons into lemonade.
I should have known it was going to turn out all right. The takeaway for me, and one that relates to property management very often, is to be patient and let things unfold. We don’t know if something is going to be a “big deal” or a “little deal” to someone. And frankly, when certain situations happen, sometimes they don’t even know. Being patient and not jumping to conclusions based on a negative frame helps us reduce stress and address what needs to be addressed (and pass over the things that don’t).
Luke and His 7th Grader, Evelyn
Thanks, Ev, for being awesome and for the lesson!
School is back in full swing at the Eddinger household. After one year of being spoiled with all four kids in the same school and on the same bus, we have a big transition year. My oldest, Evelyn, is officially …
A middle schooler!
P.S. This was not just an issue of getting to the bus stop late. Anne had Evelyn out there probably five minutes before the published pick-up time. This was an issue of bad information. When Anne called the bus company, they said the bus did stop by, but five minutes earlier than the published pick-up time. Their explanation? The bus route changed and they didn’t update things online … delivered without empathy or apology. P.P.S. That’s also a lesson of what not to do in a service business. Plus, to my amazement, the schedule is still wrong online. I don’t think “Endlessly Improving” is one of the bus company’s core values.
She is definitely ready for it (second-grade teachers telling her she couldn’t talk to friends in the hallway was not going over well her last year). But there was definitely some nervousness with the change, both for her and for me and Anne as parents. On Evelyn’s first day of school, my level of anxiousness went from a pretty low 2 to at least a 7 after one simple text: “Omg. Evelyn’s bus didn’t come and because she didn’t have a watch, didn’t come home till 7:50!” I could feel myself tense up and get a little flush. On her first day at a new school, not
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REUSABLE PRODUCTS THAT ARE ACTUALLY WORTH IT
Maybe reusable grocery bags aren’t your bag, but you still want to save the environment — or even save money. Fear not! These eco-friendly products are sturdy, reliable, and will reduce waste in your home. No. 1: Silicone Stretch Lids Never buy plastic wrap to cover your food again! If you’re always out of lids or food coverings, a silicone food lid might be the answer you’re looking for. A single lid can fit any size container — even stock pots or half a watermelon.
Is It Allergies — Or Poor Air Quality? 3 Reasons Why Indoor Air Affects Your Health
When the weather starts getting cooler, more people spend time indoors — and that’s when the sneezing starts. But the problem isn’t always the season. Sometimes, it’s simply your home air quality. Let’s break down the worst threats, plus some potential solutions. First, biological pollutants love homes. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, up to half of all structures have damp conditions that may encourage molds and bacteria to grow. This can cause major allergic reactions, including asthma. Other biological pollutants include animal dander (minute scales from hair, feathers, or skin), dust mites, cockroach parts, and pollen. The solution: Remove or relocate air quality threats. Dust and construction materials (wood, wallboard, or insulation) contain nutrients that allow bio pollutants to grow. Firewood can also be a source of moisture, fungi, and bugs. Make sure your appliances (humidifiers, kerosene and gas heaters, and gas stoves) aren’t adding too much moisture into the air. You’ll be able to tell from musty odors, moisture on hard surfaces, or even water stains. Second, your home’s air circulation probably isn’t good enough. Most heating and cooling systems (including forced air heating systems) don’t bring fresh air into your house. Although cooking can smell delicious, it can introduce more smoke or air contaminants indoors. Hobbies like painting or welding can also add air contaminants. The solution: Because outdoor air tends to be cleaner, cracking open a window can do wonders to improve your air quality. Bathroom or kitchen fans that exhaust outdoors can bring outdoor air into your home. Third, test for radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas. The EPA estimates that radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer. Radon gas is inert, colorless, and odorless, and comes from the natural decay of uranium found in nearly all soils. While rising out of the ground, it can become trapped in your home. The solution: If your home has alarming levels of radon, installing a radon reduction system can pull the radon from the soil beneath your house, and release it outside. You can also seal cracks in the floor and walls, and improve air circulation with the steps above. According to the EPA, indoor air quality is almost always 2–5 times worse than outdoors. With the right steps, however, you won’t sneeze as much during the holidays. Great air quality will make your home feel like a healthy paradise.
No. 2: Reusable Swab A package of 1,000 Q-tips will tell you “Do not use this product to clean your ears” — but we know that’s what we’re using them for anyway. If you feel guilty about buying thousands of garbage-destined cotton swabs, give LastSwab a try. It’s an affordable, easy-to-clean, reusable silicone swab that’ll do the job — no guilt involved. No. 3: Dishwashing Soap – In Block Form Liquid soap has been the standard dishwashing soap for decades, but, believe it or not, a bar of dish soap is just as hygienic. Dish Block by No Tox Life is vegan soap that has no harsh chemicals or animal-based ingredients, and no excess plastic packaging. Just lather it against your sponge, and you’re ready to wash. No. 4: Bamboo Dish Cloth Did you know that microfiber cloths are non-recyclable microplastics? Instead, consider bamboo washcloths, which can be just as effective and longer lasting. They wash easily after use, and your paper towels will thank you. No. 5: Compostable iPhone Cases Don’t want your smartphone case collecting dust in a landfill 30 years from now? Consider a compostable case! Pela Case, for instance, uses Flaxstic, which is a flax straw-based bioplastic that is bendy and easy to grip. You might be surprised to find that Flaxstic will protect your phones for up to a 20-feet drop. These are just a few of the eco-friendly products sweeping the nation, but definitely some of our favorites. Giving them a try? Let us know what you think!
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HOW PEST CONTROL KEEPS YOUR HOME HEALTHY
5 Benefits of Winter Pest Control
your home is receiving regular treatment before warmer weather arrives. No. 4: Eco-friendly pest control services are safe and affordable. Concerned for your pets or children who run around outdoors? Don’t worry. Nowadays, many pest control companies offer eco-friendly, pet-friendly treatments that’ll keep your entire family safe. Whether your cat likes to explore every nook and cranny in your backyard, or your kids love playing sports outside, your property will be safe from unwanted chemicals. No. 5: Pest control services are humane. It can be tough to know what to do when bumblebees or wasps start making a home in a nearby tree, especially if a loved one has bee allergies. Luckily, many pest control companies can remove it for you, without risking the hive’s life. Plenty of pest control services strive to keep the environment in balance.
Bugs are unique creatures. They can be fascinating, spooky, even cute, but they can also be unclean. Insects are infamous for bringing all sorts of contamination and disease into our homes. Here are a few benefits of hiring a pest control service to ease your mind. No. 1: Now is a perfect time to hire a pest control service. Many homeowners see fewer insects in fall and winter, but it’s incorrect to assume all the insects have left. Many are simply hidden in a state of hibernation, called overwintering. This makes colder months the perfect time to prevent infestations — especially before spring and summer when they hop into action. No. 2: Stop bugs from bringing allergens and bacteria indoors. Even clean homes can attract cockroaches. At the end of the day, your home provides shelter from the harsh elements — and these unwanted house guests can cause major trouble. Insects can be carriers for allergens (or even salmonella and E. coli, in the case of cockroaches), and fecal droppings and shed skin can become airborne, contaminating the air you breathe. This is especially risky for those with sensitive medical conditions.
No. 3: Stop mosquitoes before they arrive. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so it’s often recommended that outside pots and containers be frequently emptied and covered. Since these insects drink blood, they can transmit all types of blood-related diseases. It’s better not to take the risk, and ensure
Don’t wait for the heat to kick in! Get rid of pests now, and you’ll be surprised how extra clean your home will feel.
TAKE A BREAK
Pumpkin Pie Parfaits
Inspired by Kenarry.com
Ingredients
• 3.4 oz instant vanilla pudding mix • 2 cups cold milk • 15-oz can pumpkin purée • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg • 1/8 tsp ground cloves • 1 cup vanilla sandwich cookies • 8 oz whipped topping
Directions
1. In a large bowl, whisk together pudding mix and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes, then stir in pumpkin purée, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves. 2. In a blender or food processor, crush vanilla sandwich cookies into crumbs. 3. In small jars or glasses, place cookie crumbs on bottom, then pumpkin mixture, then whipped topping. Repeat these layers twice and end with cookie crumbs. 4. Chill until ready to serve!
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INSIDE
1
The Bus Never Came
2
Is It Allergies or Poor Air Quality?
Reliable, Eco-Friendly Items You’ll Love
3
Do You Need Pest Control in Winter?
Pumpkin Pie Parfaits
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Turn Your Home Beautifully Scary
3 Tips for a Jaw-Dropping Haunted House
First, add columns and arches to accentuate the height of the space. These features are commonplace in Victorian homes, a favorite for horror films. Temporary DIY options make them far cheaper to install, too!
Scary homes don’t have to be abandoned. They can also be stunning! Make a strong first impression for party guests and trick-or- treaters alike in three simple steps.
Second, create a creepy atmosphere with perfect lighting! It may surprise you how effective mood lighting can be. Anywhere can look scary with the right lighting — especially red, yellow, and silver hues. Third, feature an intimidating piece of decor/furniture. Whether it’s a grandfather clock or raven statue, make sure it’s seen and known. It just might attract a little extra wonder and imagination! Whether you want to create a spooky ambiance for the holidays or it’s your lifelong dream to live in a haunted house, we hope these tips help you have a merry, scary Halloween.
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