Entries Tagged 'Family' ↓
August 5th, 2008 — Family, How-To
I hate list posts as well..but, I don’t do it often so deal with it. Here’s a few things I’ve picked up in my 26 years that makes life a little easier.
1) Keep a mini bottle of scope, a pack aspirin, and a granola bar in the car
Why these three things in particular? I’ll explain.
Scope: For a date or an interview. Your breath could always use a little freshening up. Doesn’t melt like toothpaste. And, actually does something for your breath unlike gum (do you really think that after eating tuna sandwich that a tiny piece of stride is going to mask that?)
Aspirin: I’m not sure about you but if the temperature outside climbs past 90 degrees I’m guaranteed to get a headache. Add traffic, an AC that’s on the fritz, and a blazing sun and you’re got yourself the perfect recipe for a headache and probably a bad day. I’m a fan of preventative aspirin, too.
Granola Bar: Not the most exciting snack but it keeps it’s form in all types of weather (extreme hot or cold). And, it’s filling, cheap, and gives you a quick burst of energy. Keeps you from driving through McDonald’s and picking up something fatty when all you want is for your stomach to stop growling.
2) Make mental note of the three grocery items you use the most and ALWAYS buy them when you’re at the store
Seems silly, right? If you’re like us you tend to cook similar things on a weekly basis (I’m talking Taco Night..ugh). Instead of fighting it make sure you always are regularly stocked on your often used items. For us it’s white onions, chicken broth, and hummus. For some reason we’re either using these things to cook every other day (onions, chicken broth) or I’m searching for a snack (hummus).
3) If it takes less than two minutes do it right away
This one I’m borrowing from David Allen’s “Getting Things Done” book. It is such a simple but powerful statement. I apply this to just about everything- responding to an email, making that nagging dentist appointment, changing the AC filter, etc. Literally- if you can complete it in 2 minutes or less just DO IT. Anything over two minutes can either be delegated out to someone else or will require a different action to complete it. By applying this to my work habits I’ve reduced my stress level and have become more productive day to day.
4) Stop using your credit card in places where a debit card will do just fine
Unless you’re using your card to earn frequent flier miles or Disney points stop using your credit card for daily purchases- especially if you don’t have the money to cover an item in your account when you buy something. Keep this in mind- if you don’t have the money now what makes you think you’re going to have it next month when the bill is due? Sure, you’ll get paid- but you’ll also have rent, a car payment, bills, gas, groceries, unexpected expenses- see, the list goes on. So come for the bill your cash will probably already be spent on the aforementioned expenses. Try to get in the habit of only using your credit card in an emergency or for big ticket items. Otherwise you essentially have to run and manage two different budgets and you’ll end up coming up short.
5) Give yourself, or the people you live with, at least an hour of “down” time a day.
For my wife and I THE MOST volatile time of the day is the first hour after we get home. Between a stressful day at work and Atlanta traffic by the time we get home we’re usually a little punchy. I work from home half of my time and I usually get a little antsy for some company. However, when my wife comes home I greet her and then give her some time to decompress from the days stresses. Equally, when I feel like I’m in a bad mood I’ll go to the gym or go for a run. This hour I’m away lets me clear my mind and work through any stresses in a positive way instead of taking it out on a loved one. Also, people generally have expectations (or make assumptions) of each other and when those expectations are not met the result is tension (ie, I want my wife to be happy, bubbly, and ready to go out to dinner the second she gets home. She wants an hour to relax, watch Dr. Phil, and play in her garden). Realizing this has made a world of difference.
Ok, that’s it for now. Stay tuned for part 2 due later this week. If you’ve got any other suggestions leave them in the comments.
January 8th, 2008 — Apple, Family, Gadgets, Technology
Ok, so I am definitely a little late on this…what can I say, it’s been a busy couple of months!
I wanted to give my favorite things I/we bought this past year…I’m setting aside music as that will have it’s own post here shortly… The following is a list of things that I have no cognitive dissonance (read: buyer’s remorse) that have more than payed for themselves in one way or another. Without further ado..
10. Leopard - If you remember I stood in line for the new version of Mac OSX this year. I’ve got it running on the two machines here at couldn’t be happier. The screen/file-sharing ability alone was worth the upgrade.
9. Expedit Bookshelf (Ikea) - Revolutionized and organized the “study” (it’s in quotes because nobody actually studies here but it does sound fancy). We’ve got this puppy on it’s side along with some pull-out containers that organize endless cd’s, cords, and abandoned gadgets.
8. Apple Wireless Keyboard - so small and so stylish. For someone who now has to have two keyboards on the desk at all times this is a much-needed upgrade due to size and portability. BTW, I’m selling a slightly used (previous generation) wireless keyboard on eBay if you’re interested.
7. Apple TV - I’m starting to realize I have a problem.. At any rate, this thing is great- streams all my Top Gear shows, every photo, and every song to the TV downstairs. Has been a hit with the “let us see your photos!” crowd.
6. Maytag Epic High-Efficiency Dryer
5. Maytag Epic High-Efficiency Front Load Washer
#’s 5 and 6 are a pair…front-loading washer/dryers are the wave of the future..I’ve seen the future - and it’s paved in ultra-quiet, lower water consumption, high RPM goodness.
#4. LG French Door (Bottom Freezer) Refridgerator - the KING of the kitchen. Two big doors swing wide. Alarm sounds if you leave the doors open for 30 seconds. Can keep an entire buffalo cold (maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration).
#3. Dirt Devil Kruz - Yeah, you totally didn’t see that coming. Let me tell you how great this thing is. It’s the PERFECT vacuum for hardwood floors with it’s angled head, soft rubber wheels, and it’s nifty charging station means it’s always ready to suck. And, it looks like an alien- so, that’s all you need to know.
#2. Apple iPhone - Definitely the best gadget of the year. I’ve written about it. I’ve taken pictures of it. I’ve taken pictures with it. And, you’re definitely tired of hearing about it. ‘Nuff said.
#1. The House - No brainer for me. We’re loving this new house and couldn’t be happier on our decision. Moving a little outside the city was tough but it was the right choice (and cheaper too). More pictures to come of the inside once we’re 100% unpacked (we still have boxes in the garage, paint to be splattered, and things to be hung).
I hope you’ve enjoyed the list for 2007. If you’ve got a favorite item you’d like to mention feel free to do so in the comments… Also please note that 2008 is looking good for new purchases as well (more to come shortly) 
December 25th, 2007 — Family
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Originally uploaded by c2jupin
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the Jupins’!
November 21st, 2007 — Family, Food
If you’re looking for something a little different (usually funnier than me) head over to my better half’s site: ajbraindrain.wordpress.com. I will say, it tends to be a little random- but definitely worth checking out.
November 15th, 2007 — Family, Flickr
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Originally uploaded by c2jupin
Well, it’s been a long, long, long, road..but, it’s finally happened! You can check my flickr stream for more photos if you’re curious/bored. We’re moving after Thanksgiving but we’re trying to get some fragile stuff moved in before the movers have a chance to break anything.
Still on the to-do list- fight with Comcast about getting service (not looking forward to them), buy a washer and dryer (man, those things aren’t cheap), and a fridge (much importanto). If there’s any money left I’ll be pushing for a flat screen tv for over the mantle…ha..