Check out our latest edition!
aireserv.com/mid-hudson-valley | 845-256-6158
COMFORT CONNECTIONS
FOCUS ON ONE THING AT A TIME To Accomplish Your Goals
If you’re like me, you wear multiple hats and have several tasks you must complete daily. I’m constantly meeting with clients and vendors, ensuring technicians have everything they need to do their work, following up with prospective clients to answer any questions they have, and researching and strategizing in an effort to provide the best service we possibly can to our customers. It can be overwhelming to keep track of everything I need to do, and sometimes, I find myself asking how I’ll get it all done.
provides real-life examples and helps me implement new methods and strategies into both my work and personal life.
One of the strategies I learned from the podcast is to take an annual weekend getaway. Although I use this time to relax and decompress, it’s also used as a goal-setting retreat. Andrea and I aim to get away specifically for this purpose every fall. During this time, we take a look at the previous year and see what kind of progress we’ve made on our long-term goals, which short-term goals were met, and which ones still need a bit more focus to be achieved. Then, with our values in mind, we set goals for the following year and outline some steps that will help us reach those goals. For example, we’re looking at the company’s revenue this year to determine our target for 2023 and the growth we’d like to see next year and going forward. Andrea and I also set personal goals. We enjoy having these getaways because they allows us to focus on what we want to accomplish both personally and professionally, and they help to get the ball rolling before we even ring in the new year. So, as you prepare for the holidays and set your resolutions for the new year, be sure to prioritize the things you value most and set up some smaller goals along the way so you can reach your bigger goals. Remember to focus on one thing at a time and always celebrate your victories — no matter how big or small.
But everything changed after reading The One Thing by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan.
The One Thing impacted me both personally and professionally. I used to stretch myself in many directions as I tried to accomplish a day’s work. But after reading this book, I’ve discovered I’m much more productive and motivated when I focus on one thing at a time. The authors argue that the key to success is focusing daily on the “one thing” that’s the most important for achieving your goals. To do this, you first want to determine your goal or mission, then you begin prioritizing those tasks that bring you closer to achieving your goal. When you focus exclusively on one thing at a time, everything else really does seem to fall into place. After following the strategies outlined in The One Thing , I felt less stressed and more motivated than ever. It’s incredible how adjusting your thinking can give you a new perspective on life and daily activities. But I know there is always room for improvement, so I began listening to “The One Thing” podcast, which features stories from people all over the world and how they approach productivity, time management, business, and more. Listening to these stories
Happy holidays, everyone!
Jim Serra
845-256-6158 1
A DAILY DOSE OF GRATITUDE
Raising Thankful Children
Most parents want their kids to view Thanksgiving as a meaningful event — not just an opportunity to indulge in turkey and mashed potatoes. Unfortunately, most kids’ eyes will glaze over when their parents launch into a lecture about thankfulness. You will likely find better success by emphasizing the value of gratitude all year long. “What do you say?” It’s a question we all ask our young children after someone does something nice for them. This practice instills good manners, but it shouldn’t be confused with teaching gratitude. Imparting the meaning behind the words “thank you” takes something more.
Next, consider how you can encourage your child to reflect on who they’re grateful for. Acts of kindness and returning the favor to those who have been good to us can inspire kids to put their gratitude into action. Doing some yardwork, sharing a toy, or making a painting as a gift can help children understand how powerful it can be to outwardly show our gratitude for the people who are in our lives.
Consistency is the most crucial factor, so try to find ways you can incorporate gratitude into your everyday routine. Children of any age can keep a gratitude journal with their parents’ help. Some families also use a gratitude jar where each family member can write what they’re grateful for on a slip of paper and add something different to the jar each week. It’s the perfect way to keep gratitude front and center. These lessons may not sink in immediately, but by cultivating these positive habits in our everyday lives, you will see a big difference in the long run.
If you want grateful children, you need to be grateful parents. Consider how you can incorporate gratitude more into your everyday life. Are you as thankful as you should be? Do you repay favors and write thank-you notes? Do you regularly talk about why you’re so fortunate or what you’re
thankful for? Cultivating gratitude in your life sets a good example, and many studies show it benefits your mental health as well.
‘Tis the Season TO ENSURE YOUR HVAC SYSTEM LASTS ALL WINTER
3. Get rid of clutter around your unit. Clutter around your unit not only poses a fire hazard, it also increases the amount of dust that will settle around your unit in places
While you’re not able to control the weather, you can control to some extent how it affects your home, your heating system, and your wallet. We will be in a winter wonderland here soon, and although the scenery will be beautiful, you want to protect your HVAC system from the harmful effects of snow, ice, and freezing rain. Here are a few tips to give your heating system all the advantages you can so it will weather winter well. 1. Sweep off any buildup. Before going out to play in the snow, ensure your HVAC system is free of any snow or slush accumulation, which can damage your system. Use a broom to gently sweep off the top and sides of the unit as needed. 2. Clear a pathway. Use a broom or shovel to clear a pathway to and around your unit. This will not only allow for proper air circulation but will also help make your technician’s job a little easier if they need to make a trip to your home for any unexpected repairs.
you can’t reach, compromises the air flow around the unit, and creates an added challenge for the technician should you need any maintenance or repairs. If you use a supplemental heat source, such as a space heater, wood stove, or fireplace, to keep your home extra cozy, be sure to keep the area around it clear as well to minimize the risk of accidental fires. 4. Call a technician. Even if you take all precautions, your HVAC system may need some TLC at some point this winter. A winter storm can damage your unit, or there may be snow and ice buildup in areas you forgot to look at or can’t get to. But don’t worry, we’re here to help. Our technicians will be happy to inspect your system and make any necessary repairs to get your system back up and running as quickly as possible. We want you and your family to stay warm all winter long. If you notice any signs of winter wear and tear on your HVAC system, please don’t hesitate to call us.
aireserv.com/mid-hudson-valley 2
Stay Warm This Winter Without Breaking the Bank
On a cold winter’s day, the idea of staying inside and cuddling up with piles of blankets while your heater provides additional warmth sounds like a dream come true. However, heat often takes up about 29% of the utility bill, leaving a massive dent in your bank account. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can use to lower your utility bill while staying warm and cozy this winter. 1. Close off unused rooms. Heat travels throughout your home and can warm up every area of your house. To save money on your heating bill, close off any rooms or spaces you don’t frequently use. 2. Use ceiling fans. For the colder months, you want the blades to turn clockwise during the winter. This direction pulls air upward and allows warm air trapped near the ceiling to travel down the walls and around rooms. 3. Cover your windows. Cold air and moisture can enter your home through doors and windows. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heat loss through windows is responsible for 25%–30% of heating energy use. Replace the tension seal on your doors and windows to keep cold air out. You can
also place blankets over your windows and doors to keep warm air in.
4. Lower the temperature on your thermostat. Although you may want your home warm and toasty during the day, lower your thermostat 2 or 3 degrees at night or when you’re away from the house (except when the temperature will hit the teens or single digits). You will save energy and reduce your heating bill if you lower your heat when you don’t need it. 5. Change your filters. The filter in your heating system can get dirty with hair, dust, pet dander, and other small particles. Although it may not seem like much, it can affect your system’s efficiency because it must work a lot harder when the filter is dirty. Check your filter regularly until you get a feel for how often it needs changing. Depending on the type of filter and the number of people and pets living in your home, it may need to be replaced as often as once a month to ensure your HVAC system works properly all year round. If you have questions about your HVAC system, please allow your friends at Aire Serv of the Mid-Hudson Valley to assist you. We will be happy to help you in any way we can.
Can You Find the Van? We have hidden a tiny van somewhere in this newsletter! Can you find it? If so, send your name, address, phone number, email address, and where in the newsletter you spotted the van to Aire Serv of the Mid-Hudson Valley, 392 Masten Rd, Pleasant Valley, NY, 12569, or email us at AireServMHV@gmail.com. One entry will be drawn at random from all correct entries received. The winner will be contacted by phone and announced in the next newsletter. Prize will be mailed to the winner. Limit one entry per household. Last issue’s winner is Gail K. of Fishkill. Congratulations, Gail!
ROASTED PORK LOIN WITH APPLES
INGREDIENTS
Inspired by MomFoodie.com
• 4 lbs boneless pork loin • 2 tsp garlic powder • 2 tsp salt, divided • 1 tsp black pepper • 8 apples • 2 red onions
• 3 garlic cloves • 1 tbsp brown sugar • 2 tbsp olive oil • 2 tsp cinnamon • 3 tbsp butter, softened
DIRECTIONS 1. In a large bowl, season the pork loin with the garlic powder, 1½ tsp salt, and the pepper, then cover and place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. 2. Preheat the oven to 425°F. 3. Slice the apples and onions, then chop the garlic cloves. Season with the brown sugar, olive oil, remaining salt, and cinnamon. 4. In a 9x13-inch baking dish, place a layer of apples and onions, put the
pork loin on top, then arrange the remaining apples and onions around it.
5. Break the butter into small pieces and place them on the pork loin and apples. Bake for 15 minutes. 6. Reduce the heat to 350°F, then continue to bake for 60 minutes. 7. Remove the dish from the oven and stir the apples and onions. 8. Increase the heat to 450°F and roast for 8–10 minutes, until the roast reaches 145°F.
845-256-6158 3
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
392 Masten Rd. | Pleasant Valley, NY 12569 845-256-6158 | aireserv.com/mid-hudson-valley
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1 2
How a Book Changed My Perspective
A Daily Dose of Gratitude
Keep Your HVAC System Free of Snow
3
5 Ways to Lower Your Heating Bill Roasted Pork Loin with Apples
4
America’s 5 Best Ski Resorts
EXPERIENCE FRESH POWDER AND GREAT VIEWS Top 5 Ski Resorts to Cross Off Your Bucket List
Mad River Glen, Vermont For an authentic, deep-mountain experience, Mad River Glen is considered the best skiing mountain in the East. One of the best features of the resort is that it has single-chair chairlifts — and no snowboarders! The runs are long and the sights are gorgeous while providing an amazing ski run, throwback style! Aspen, Colorado Aspen just had to make this list! This incredibly popular ski resort has four different mountains, providing a wide range of terrains for all different skill levels. The ski resort town is fun, developed, and exciting as well. Deer Valley Resort, Utah A ski-only resort, Deer Valley is a quaint ski town with legendary customer service and unbelievable Utah powder. It should be noted that the chairlifts are speedy and efficient, and the trails are well- groomed. Lift lines are nonexistent, making for an exclusive and remote experience!
Temperatures are dropping and snow is falling in some parts of the country, so it's time for some winter fun! Whether you ski, snowboard, or just enjoy the snow, here are some of the best ski resorts to check out this ski season! Steamboat Springs, Colorado A little less glitzy than some of the other popular ski resorts and towns in Colorado, Steamboat Springs is extremely family-friendly with a Western vibe. Because Steamboat is tucked away in the northwest corner of Colorado, the area catches snow from both Utah and Wyoming, which means you can expect some of the best skiing powder. Whitefish Mountain Resort, Montana While Whitefish Mountain Resort was originally a sleepy, quiet, and remote ski resort, it has gained popularity over the past few years, but it still remains an under-the-radar ski destination with friendly locals and smaller crowds. For beautiful, lush Montana views and no ski lift lines, Whitefish is a must!
4
aireserv.com/mid-hudson-valley
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator