Dear Just Be Personal Assistants

Answering your questions on life's details. Whether it is vacation ideas or tips for saving time and money, we've got 'em.

February 22, 2012

Dear J.B. Assistants: I got stuck in my car during this last winter storm. What should I stock in a winter driving kit before I hit the roads next time?

A lot of people ‘forget’ how much time they spend in their car, or that weather reports can often be wrong. If you were caught off-guard by this last winter storm for whatever reason, you’re not alone. This can be a really scary situation, particularly if you have children or animals or a vulnerable person in your car with you. Here’s what you need in your car so that you’re more prepared for the next storm.

Blankets, sleeping bags or a space blanket. You don’t want to run your car engine and deplete your fuel tank just to run the heater.
Flashlight with extra batteries.
Auto first-aid kit.
High-calorie, non-perishable, easily opened food. Include a trash bag for handling trash from the packaging. If you’re traveling with young children or pets, make sure that you have appropriate food supplies such as formula or pet food.
Bottled water for each person in the vehicle.
Small package of tissues, toilet paper (and/or wet wipes and diapers, if you have a baby) and a trash bag for sanitary purposes.
Battery-powered radio.
Metal can and water-proof matches to melt snow for drinking water.
Appropriate winter clothing (including heavy shoes or boots) if you are not already appropriately dressed. Whether this sounds obvious or unnecessary, remember that many of us wear lighter clothing and shoes to work; we might not anticipate the quick changes in weather throughout the day.
Sand (or cat litter) for tire traction and a shovel.
An auto emergency tool kit. Kits should include tow ropes, windshield scrapers, jumper (booster) cables and flares, in addition to the usual jack and spare tires.
A compass and local road maps. Don’t rely solely on phone apps or other satellite-driven GPS systems.
Puzzles, games or other materials for children.

Please note, I consulted the FEMA and Department of Homeland Security websites for this blog, and I would urge anyone to read through these websites for other preparation measures. It’s important that you be informed about where you are traveling, the weather, and that someone knows your route and anticipated arrival when it involves longer trips. Read more about many different preparation measures at www.ready.gov.

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February 20, 2012

Dear J.B. Assistants: What is President’s Day all about?

This federal holiday was originally implemented by Congress in 1880 as “Washington’s Birthday” to honor George Washington’s birthday on February 22^nd. On January 1, 1971, the federal holiday was shifted to the third Monday in February by the Uniform Monday Holiday Act.

The holiday was considered as a broader holiday in 1951. The purpose was not to honor any particular President, but to honor the office of the Presidency. Other bills have tried to officially change the holiday to include references to President Abraham Lincoln (whose birthday fell on February 12^th). All of these Congressional bills have failed.

According to Wikipedia, the term “Presidents’ Day” began its public appearance in the 1980’s. Although Lincoln’s birthday was never a federal holiday, many state governments have officially renamed their Washington’s Birthday observances as “Presidents’ Day”, “Washington and Lincoln Day”, or other such designations. Some states include special honors to additional presidents other than Lincoln or Washington. In short, President’s Day appears to be a popular name but with different meanings and titles throughout the United States.

While the holiday used to keep stores closed and stop the mail, most people now know it as an ordinary Monday. If this includes you, consider this as an opportunity to talk to your children about democracy or read up on a point in American history. Happy President’s Day! Or perhaps Happy Washington’s Birthday…

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February 15, 2012

Dear J.B. Assistants: I heard that incandescent light bulbs were being phased out. What do I need to know when buying the new LED lights?

Congress originally legislated that all new 100-watt bulbs use 25% less power as of January 1, 2012. In following years, 75, 60 and 40-watt bulbs were also to fall in line. Manufacturers raced to re-tool their assembly lines for production of the LED (light-emitting diode) lamps, but then Congress de-funded enforcement at the last minute in 2011. What does this mean? It means that even though you might still find incandescent bulbs on the store shelves, most manufacturers have moved on, and you’ll soon be shopping for LED’s regardless of what Congress has to say.

Consider, however, that LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs are super-efficient, typically using just one-fourth the power of regular bulbs. They cost significantly more upfront, but they pay for themselves over the life of the bulb with reduced energy use and replacement costs. Here’s what you’ll need to know when buying bulbs.

First, look for lumens, not watts. For years, people have purchased bulbs by reading the wattage, learning over time the approximate amount of light a 60 or 75-watt bulb would produce. With new light bulbs that use less energy, wattage is no longer a reliable indicator of brightness. Lumens directly indicate the brightness. For example, a standard 60-watt bulb generates approximately 800 lumens. If you’re looking to buy a bulb that will give you the amount of light you used to get from a 60-watt bulb, you’ll now look for 800 lumens. In short:

WHAT YOU USED TO WHAT YOU LOOK

LOOK FOR: FOR NOW:

150 watts 2,600 lumens

100 watts 1,600 lumens

75 watts 1,100 lumens

60 watts 800 lumens

40 watts 450 lumens

You can use lumens to compare the brightness of any bulb, regardless of the technology behind it, and regardless of whether it’s a halogen incandescent, CFL or LED. Using lumens helps you compare “apples to apples” when you shop for light bulbs. Once you know how bright a bulb you want, you can compare other factors, like the yearly energy cost.

When you shop for light bulbs, you’ll also want to think about light appearance, or color temperature. Light appearance ranges from warm to cool. Warmer light looks more yellow, like the light from a traditional incandescent bulb, cooler light appears more blue.

To find out the light appearance of a light bulb, look at the Lighting Facts label on the package. The Lighting Facts label gives you information you need to compare different bulbs. It tells you:

Brightness (in lumens)

Yearly estimated energy cost

Expected bulb life (in years)

Light appearance (how warm or cool the light will look)

Wattage (the energy used)

If the bulb contains mercury

My first visit to the bulb aisle this year was more effort than I originally planned, but many stores have helpful charts and the Lighting Facts label was simple to read. Just keep the lumens in mind, and the rest is a quick comparison of the product details.

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February 8, 2012

Dear J.B. Assistants: Is it ok to email a thank you note, or should I handwrite it?

Times are changing, which is why I wanted to consult with a few different sources.

Emily Post Institute, one of America’s leaders in promoting etiquette: It’s always correct to send handwritten thank-you’s, and people always appreciate them. Handwritten notes are warmer and more personal than a phone call or email. Email is great when you just need to say a quick and simple thank you. A note would be expected in these situations:

• Wedding, baby shower or birthday gifts. If it is a gift of money, let the giver know how you’ll use it—to furnish your home or add to savings. Wedding and baby shower thank you’s are expected within 3 months, whereas birthday gift thank you’s are expected within a week.

•Congratulatory gifts or cards. Send a note to anyone who sends a present or card with a personally written message to acknowledge an accomplishment, such as a graduation or promotion.

•Gifts received when sick. Notes should be written when the patient feels well enough, or a relative or close friend can write notes on his or her behalf.

•Condolence notes or gifts. Send a written thank-you to anyone who sent a personal note, flowers, or a donation. It’s fine for a close friend or relative to write notes on the recipient’s behalf.

Thank-you notes are not always necessary for presents that have been given in person at a housewarming, going away party, or similar occasion. If a sincere thank-you was expressed in person when the gift was received, that’s sufficient.

Gifts sent as a “thank you for…” require a note of appreciation in return. It’s necessary to let the sender know that the present arrived and is appreciated.

Ask Yahoo!, an on-line Q&A service:

Almost never! The only exception to this rule is during a job search. Because hiring decisions are sometimes made very quickly, an email thank-you note can be an excellent way to keep your name in front of the interviewer. However, if email has not already been your main form of contact with the company, it’s best to send a typed thank-you letter. Traditional, formal companies will appreciate the gesture. Many sources recommend mailing a paper thank you in addition to emailing a thank you, just to cover all your bases.

Letitia Baldrige, a nationally recognized authority on the subject of etiquette:

A note is always expected. Email will do it for the little presents, like a small business gift or minor favor from a friend. At the very least, acknowledge the gift because otherwise that person is going to wonder, did you get it, do I dare ask. It’s embarrassing to ask.

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February 1, 2012

Dear J.B. Assistants: I recently heard about the Blue Zones – places where people live longer than anywhere else in the world. How could I incorporate findings from these places into my current lifestyle?

Just to update our blog readers, the Blue Zones are pockets of people that reach age 100 at rates 10 times greater than in the United States. A team of scientists evaluated each location to identify lifestyle characteristics that might explain longevity. They found that the lifestyles of all Blue Zones residents shared nine specific characteristics. Briefly:

Move Naturally – This isn’t about using the gym, but incorporating natural activity into your day-to-day work. Take the stairs, do your own yard work, etc.

Have Purpose – Be able to articulate your values, passions, and talents, then put it into action.

De-Stress – Pray, nap, go to happy hour. Make relieving stress a routine.

Eat Less – Stop eating when your stomach is 80% full. The 20% gap between not being hungry and feeling full could be the difference between losing or gaining weight.

Eat More Plants – Beans and nuts are highlights.

Drink – Yes, you heard it right. That’s alcohol. But just 1-2 drinks per day.

Attend Services – Most of the longest-living people belonged to some faith-based community. The specific religion didn’t matter.

Live Close to Family – Living with or near parents; having a positive, committed relationship; and investing time with children makes a significant difference.

Know Your Tribe – Social circles that support healthy behaviors will do more to add years to your life than just about anything else.

Incorporating a lot of these strategies into your life is up to you. After all, no one else can make you eat salad or attend church or move in with your parents. But let’s say some things might be easier if you had more time. At the risk of shameless marketing, let me make a few suggestions about how Just Be Assistants can add TIME to your week while you make healthy lifestyle changes.

Do you hate grocery shopping? Perhaps giving up your shopping list to Just Be Assistants could help you find more time to spend with friends.

Would coming home to fresh, wholesome, home-cooked meals from a Just Be assistant prevent you from stopping off at the fast-food restaurant on the way home from work?

Do you need a vacation to de-stress? Just Be Assistants can do the house-sitting and keep your pets happy without any of the extra costs of a kennel.

Do you have mundane paperwork or phone calls that need done? Just Be Assistants could tackle the details… and give you the perfect excuse to make happy hour.

Are you looking for the perfect gift your wife/husband/mom/dad, a gift that will free them up to do something they love? Just Be Assistants can be extra help that makes their day a little bit brighter.

I like to think that we could easily remove life activities and commitments that blur our focus on health and the things we love to do. But in some cases that might not be completely realistic. That’s where Just Be Assistants was designed to work. Our mission is to help you live and enjoy your life more fully, simply by helping in whatever tasks that you choose. So if it’s a Blue Zone you’re looking for, I think we could help you take a few steps in that direction. Give us a call and find out!

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