How to Find a Running Group

While most runners enjoy a peaceful, meditative run once in a while, most of the time they prefer to run with a group. The miles fly by as conversation and banter totally occupy the runners. Each group run becomes an inviting social event. The mind is nurtured by time spent with friends while the body reaches greater fitness. Not that is a bargain, but how does one go about finding a running group?

Most cities have many running groups. When someone asks me about running groups in our area, I can steer them to as many as twenty different groups of runners that meet at various times in a variety of locations.

Here are some ways to find a running group in your area:

Join a local running club. To find one, ask at local running shoe stores or Google the name of your city and the words 'running' and 'club.' Ask at your local running shoe store if they sponsor any running groups. Most do; however, the members may be faster than you want to run. Don't be afraid to ask about the demographics of the group; tell them your speed. They want you to be a happy, contented, injury-free runner, so they will usually provide good guidance. Search in your local paper. Many have health and fitness sections that list local running groups. Check at your local YMCA's. Many sponsor group runs that are either free or close to it. If you are a member of a gym, ask there. Ask other runners you run into on the trails. Post a note on a bulletin board at trail heads. Check online for a running meetup group. If there is not one, start one. Ask the cross-country coach at a nearby high school. Ask at local pubs. This may be a surprise, but pub runs are becoming quite popular. In my city several pubs sponsor weekly runs; then runners return to the pub for a beer, dinner, and, of course, socializing. Ask at recreation centers. Go to the Road Runner Clubs of America website, and find a coach in your area. Most running coaches have their own groups, as I do, but even if they don't, they should be a good resource to help you find a group.

Friends magnify your emotions. They just do. So, if you enjoy running, imagine how much you'll enjoy it with a group of running friends. They will change your life in other ways, too. One of the people in my beginner running group recently commented that she joined my group because her social group's main entertainment was going out to dinner, and she realized that just wasn't doing her any good. She had gained some weight and knew this was part of the problem.

She wisely reasoned that her life needed a new, healthier focus. She joined my running group, and now she is spending time with other people who are also interested in a healthy lifestyle.

What's Right With This Picture?

When I was a wee youngster, one of the educational tools for kiddos was a little something called, What's Wrong With This Picture? The goal was for a child to look at a drawing and see the things that were out of place, upside down, etc. For example, if the picture was of a carpenter hammering a nail into a board, the artist may have made the nail a pencil, the board a slice of bread, the hammer a spatula, stuff like that.

Every once in a while, I happen across a story where tons of things are wrong. Yet, due to some great decisions, there lays the proverbial pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. This makes me think the opposite of that childhood exercise, "What's right with this picture?"

Here's the tale du Jour:

The parents of my friend, Carrie, live in a small town in Pennsylvania. Last month, at 2 AM, bricks and rocks were thrown into their house, shattering a plate glass window and breaking lamps and other delicate things. When the first window broke, Carrie's father, John, jumped out of bed and rushed to the window in time to see a group of teenagers peeling away on scooters.

While he cleaned up the mess, Pops came to a decision on how to handle the matter. The next day, he drove around the neighborhood until he spotted some familiar looking scooters. He stopped, told the lady of the house what had happened, and said he'd like to speak to the owners of the scooters. She shut the door in his face.

Later that evening, two 16-year olds and two sets of parents showed up on John's doorstep. Both boys were nervous as could be; visibly shaking and sweating. The young men admitted they'd done the vandalism, apologized profusely, begged him not to call the police and said they'd work to pay off the damage.

John introduced himself and offered his hand. When the boys shook it, he said, "Thank you for being men about this."

As they chatted some more, John recognized one of the boys and asked, "Don't you play basketball for the high school?" The boy nodded. "Well, come basketball season, I'll be in the crowd cheering for you. I think your life is going to start heading in some real positive directions!"

Wow! John has every right to want the heads of these punks on a platter! And yet? He forgives them, extends the opportunity to right their wrong AND then, THEN even says he'll support their basketball team this fall! There aren't many people in the world that would turn the other cheek, but even less who'd embrace the lives of these guys outside the situation at hand. Thankfully, John did!

So often, we hear stories of people whose lives were on a downward spiral. Then, one person -just one person - believed in them, felt they were worth something and gave them a chance. Will John's actions be what turn these boys' lives around? Maybe... just maybe!

This story has given me some new insight on how we should all strive to have John's mindset; to cut major slack, even if it's undeserved. To believe that past actions don't have to determine the future. To look at every event as an opportunity to make a positive difference. To be a driving force of positive change in the life of just a single other person.

At worst, it may mean extending an opportunity to an undeserving person. At best, it may mean the point when one's life changes forever!

Tips for Finding Small Shoes and Large Shoes

Having petite feet is often perceived as feminine but finding petite sized shoes for an adult can become difficult as small sized women's shoes are often hard to find. Petite size shoes are made - shoe manufacturers produce shoes in a wide range of different widths and sizes. The reason that smaller than average sizes shoes are often difficult to find is because high street stores do not order them on a regular basis like normal sizes because there is not a perceived demand for shoes in smaller than average sizes for women with small feet.

Women with small sized feet are not as fortunate as their average foot sized friends believe they are. Women who wear a shoe size 1 may find the correct size shoe and may find it in an adult style shoe that they like but a common problem often encountered is that the shoe is often too wide may still be too much of a wide fitting shoe for narrow and dainty feet. I have often heard it said that it is easier for ladies that require a large sized ladies shoe to find shoes than it is for those unfortunate to be a below average sized shoe to find stylish and chic shoes in an adult size and not have to resort to shopping in the children's range.

There are a few shops I am aware of that can be classed as speciality shops and do feature clothing specifically above and below what are considered normal and average sizes however such shops are very niche targeted and do not often have a wide range of clothing and shoes available in stock or on display.

Shopping for women's petite size shoes can be ardous sometimes but do not immediately dismiss high street chain, sometimes the size you require can be ordered specially if it is available. If you are really lucky they might even have one in stock. If you order a specific product that is not in stock but can be obtained from suppliers you might have to pay a small deposit or even the full amount.

An option that I would definitely recommend is to shop online for anything that may seem hard to obtain from high street stores. Online shopping and the use of search engines to find things that used to be difficult to obtain really has been a lifeline for many people with individual requirements, whether you have large size feet or extra small feet there is a wealth of information and e-commerce sites that are returned each time a search query is entered. The major drawback of shopping online for footwear, in any size, is that you are unable to actually try on the shoes and decide if they fit correctly and often it can be the case that those gorgeous shoes you viewed online are not as good as they looked. Try to ensure that if you do order anything online such as footwear or clothing that the company has an adequate returns policy and does not affect your statutory rights.

A few advantages of shopping online, especially for specialist and niche products, is that it is very convenient and can often save you a lot of time that could have been spent seeking what you want to purchase. Google is now actually a word in the Dictionary so feel free to Google away and find what you want and need. Online is often a very competitive marketplace for merchants too so you may be able to pick up a bargain and may even be able to enjoy free delivery so whether you have large or small feet, wide feet or thin feet there will usually be an online merchant that is attempting to fill a niche in the market.

Making the Most of Your Peak and Off-peak Times

What is the most essential part of your business? You are!

As small business owners, we think we should be working on our business 24 hours a day. Breaks and quiet time are an increasingly rare event. When that happens, you might want to ask yourself:

Where does sleep rank in my priorities? Am I irritable? Is it difficult for me to concentrate on one task? How could this affect my success for the next day's activities?

I've recently met business owners that could really benefit from a good night's sleep. It's very easy to notice the signs: tired-looking, nervous, unsure, unable to concentrate, and lacking motivation. All can be very critical to the success of your business.

There are many challenges to maintaining a consistent sleeping schedule. When I first started my business, sleeping was something that got in the way of what I wanted to do. Focusing on my business often meant late nights brainstorming, researching, and working. I'm sure you can relate.

Today, things are very different. I've found a happy medium that allows me to focus on work and stagger my business-related activities as the day progresses. The first half of the day is 100% devoted to work-related activities; the second half of the day fades into downtime activities. This schedule allows me to relax and prepare for a good night's sleep as well as the next day's tasks. I can get to sleep and stay asleep the entire night.

We all sleep more than a third of our lives away. Sleep can solve many health problems. So, why not empower your business by figuring out your work and sleep patterns? With a little time and effort, you will not only outshine the competition, but also add more years to your life.

Resources on getting a good night's sleep:

http://www.journalsleep.org/ http://www.aasmnet.org/ [http://www.shuteye.com/sleeploss.asp]

How Should You Go About Collecting and Purchasing Antique Silver?

Now days everyone I meet seems to enjoy browsing the many antique shops around and have started a collection of some sort. One item that seems to be particularly popular to collect is vintage silverware, because it is relatively easy to find.

Originally some people started off their collection by getting a few pieces which they would use for serving at dinner parties or even collecting a full set to be used on special occasions. Whatever the reason, it is wonderful to know a little about this particular antique and hopefully help when you are looking to purchase pieces in the future.

The first thing you need to consider is whether you wish to buy sterling silver or silver plate. During the 1700 and 1800's setting your table with sterling silverware it was a sign of wealth in England, Europe and America. However, because of the invention of electroplating during the last century, the use of silver plated cutlery has become an affordable luxury in the average family household. Certainly silver plated pieces are what you are more likely to find when searching for antique silverware. Usually these pieces will have the maker and company's name on who had produced them. However, sterling silver pieces are much rarer to find and usually on have a maker's name or initials on them along with the location where they were made.

The next thing you will need to consider is what sort of pattern you are going to collect. There are hundreds of patterns and styles as well as many different makers of these items. The best of way of avoiding only having a half set of one particular pattern is to look for ones that you can mix and match. This is one of the best ways of putting together a good quality set of vintage silverware and by the end you should have a service that is not only practical but is a pleasant visual experience when arranged on your dining table.

From the 1870's to about the 1920's the popularity of silverware being used was at its peak. Many makers of silverware would make up to 100 different pieces of a particular pattern. Certainly during Victorian times dining had become a very elaborate affair, with sometimes as many as eight or more courses being served to the guests. Each dinner would obviously begin with soup, this would be followed by a salad course, then you would have a fruit course (supposed to help cleanse the palate) and then the other courses would follow i.e., fish, meat, desert, cheese and more fruit. So you would find that there were a large variety of forks, knives and spoons laid out on the table to compliment each course. Certainly when searching for a particular pattern that you are collecting in the myriad of antique shops around you will not only find knives, forks and spoons you may find a set of lovely demitasse spoons (used with coffee) or even the more rarer of items terrapin forks (which would have been used for eating turtles)! As you look around the antique shops for pieces to add your collection you will occasionally find pieces that have been repaired. Although this does not generally ruin the appearance of the item, it may be reduce its value, but if the item shows slight signs of wear it does not decrease its value (it just shows that it was a much used and loved item). What I would suggest you do not purchase is items that have been extremely tarnished. Items that are often highly tarnished will hide signs of damage and any imperfections on them and they even may have been altered to make them appear rarer than they are. It has been known for spoons to have been cut sometimes so that they in fact resemble an ice cream fork or have been pierced to look like a sugar shifter (both of which seem to be extremely rare items to find).

Now you have made that all important purchase you will now need to know everything possible on how to preserve the items beauty and value. At all times these items should be stored in a dry place, preferably if possible a silver file or drawer. Cover the pieces with a soft cloth to prevent any tarnishing and when they need polishing use only a non abrasive silver polish and a soft polishing cloth. Again you must remember to wash and dry them thoroughly, using only warm water with a weak detergent mixture in and soft cloths to dry them with.

If you become serious about building up a good collection of silverware it is an idea to educate yourself on collecting silverware. Not only can you purchase books on the subject over the internet or go to your local library or bookstore, you could even carry out a search on "antique silverware" at any one of the search engines available on the web (such as Google).

But for now just have a great time rummaging through the many aisles and stalls at various antique shops or markets searching for the most beautiful pattern of vintage silverware you could imagine.

Why Granny Flats Are Better Than a Nursing Home

There comes a time in our lives when we have to think about things like retirement and nest eggs. While being old slows us down, it shouldn't stop us from continuing to enjoy our lives, long after we've hung up our working gloves. If anything, this should be a time when we begin to enjoy ourselves, including the fruits of a lifetime of hard work.

Many of those approaching retirement age first consider a place to live. These days, nursing homes or special care homes are not the only alternatives a senior citizen has when they decide to move out of their family homes, which may have grown too big or proven to become a little unmanageable. Granny flats, also known as "mother-in-law-apartments," "granny suites" or "accessory apartments" are fast becoming a more appealing prospect for senior citizens who would rather use their hard-earned money traveling abroad.

A granny flat is a separate dwelling unit built on properties that are normally for one dwelling unit only and has its own entrance, living area, kitchen and bathroom. It is usually built over a rear detached garage, above or below the main floor of a single-detached dwelling, attached to a single-detached dwelling at grade or detached from the principal dwelling, very much like a guesthouse.

For senior citizens and their families who've found nursing homes too impersonal and expensive, for sons and daughters who've found they really can't bear to have Mom living so far away, the granny flat is the best option. Not only will it keep your family together, but your elderly relatives will also be able to enjoy a sense of privacy and independence that they are loath to lose. They, as well are assured that they have someone close by they can turn to for emergencies like driving to and from the doctor's office for check-ups or grocery shopping.

For the families of senior citizens, another reason why granny flats are better than nursing homes is the fact that energy bills are considerately lower since this occupies a smaller space. One of the main reasons senior citizens are forced to move out of their family homes is because they can no longer manage the bills that large houses incur.

Granny flats can also be built according to your personal preferences. With many home designs available ranging from single to five bedrooms, you will surely find a granny flat that will suit you and your elderly parents' requirements. Going online will yield a lot of the information you need, as well as the laws and regulations concerning the construction of granny flats in your area. Take note that there may be some council areas that prohibit construction due to zoning laws so again, the importance of doing research is being stressed to avoid any future complications.

But the biggest benefit of granny flats for most people is that it can also be a great investment. When you do your research and plan everything right, not only will you be able to have your elderly parents close, you will also be able to manage your finances more effectively. Thanks to the SEPP (State Environmental Planning Policy) you will be able to build granny flats on your property and rent it out for increased yield and good depreciation benefits. They could also help you significantly if you are struggling with loan repayments on your property.