NationStates Jolt Archive

I've decided to start a thread where people can post helpful hints that they have learned to make life easier. It can be anything from an easier way to peal potatos to the best way to wipe snow off your car.

Whatever , as long as it helps you live an easier life.


1)If you are a coffee drinker, then a "one cup" coffee maker is a great thing to buy. They cost about 20-60 dollars (American) and nothing is nicer than waking up late for work, and being able to get a hot cup of coffee made in 3 minutes! (coffee bags, which are basically tea bags, with coffee in them instead, are also nice!)

2) Buy yourselve a knife sharpener. Nothing can ruin your day quite like fighting to chop your veggies while making dinner.

3) ALWAYS waterproof your shoes! Nothing will make you want to buy a gun and use it like wet feet!

4) Organize your bills. Build yourself a litle bill box, or buy one. Late fees suck!

5) Buy yourself some nice folding chairs! What's worse than having to sit on the ground? Mobile seats are a must have for campers too!

6) When you buy something for your computer, buy better than you will need, because you'll be really pissed when you get that new game, and it doesn't run quite like it should!

7) Every room in your house should have a flashlight, a pen and pad, and a knife in it. You always need them when they aren't around.

8) Don't get a credit card until you know you can afford to pay for it! Your credit is more important most other things in life. And NEVER use one credit card to pay for another. Credit Cards are NOT consolidation loans!

9) Unless you have money to burn, don't buy a color photo printer for your digital camera. It's cheaper, per photo, to go to Walmart or Target to get them developed! Plus it's just another square foot of space taken up on your already cluttered desk.





MORE TO COME!!!

8) Never borrow money

9) Avoid the T.V and internet. It makes you become a zombie.

10) Nothing matters, the universe is huge, nothing you could ever do will make you important. You are not important. This lets me stay calm in many situations and takes loads of pressure off. Only works if your realy belive in it.

11) Relax your shoulders. It is sientifically proven that this will make you happy. Do it. Now.

The whole thing about needing good credit is a myth, you don't need credit at all. Pay cash for everything. The only way to keep a good FICO score is to stay in debt.

Build an emergency cash fund, it should cover 2-3 months of your bills

Pay yourself the first 2 hours of work everyday, until you get your emergency fund built up the first 2 hours of everyday go there, after that you can build your retirement fund, and a petty cash fund (for buying big things like cars)

scub your bathroom right after you get out of the shower, it's all steamy so everything just wipes off easy, if you scrub your toilet every morning it never gets too dirty.


Buy a sectioned folder and keep everything you would ever need in it (birth certificates, car titles, ins info) and then lock it up somewhere besides where you live.

Keep an emergency medical page updated for yourself ( allergies, past surgeries, meds you are on, ect)

make your dinner before you go to work,(chop veggies, mix casseroles ect.) that way when you get home it is already almost ready.

If you have a warm and safe place to sleep; food to eat; and the love of another person, thank God how truely blessed your life is.

The whole thing about needing good credit is a myth, you don't need credit at all. Pay cash for everything. The only way to keep a good FICO score is to stay in debt.

Build an emergency cash fund, it should cover 2-3 months of your bills

Pay yourself the first 2 hours of work everyday, until you get your emergency fund built up the first 2 hours of everyday go there, after that you can build your retirement fund, and a petty cash fund (for buying big things like cars)

scub your bathroom right after you get out of the shower, it's all steamy so everything just wipes off easy, if you scrub your toilet every morning it never gets too dirty.


Buy a sectioned folder and keep everything you would ever need in it (birth certificates, car titles, ins info) and then lock it up somewhere besides where you live.
Keep an emergency medical page updated for yourself ( allergies, past surgeries, meds you are on, ect)

make your dinner before you go to work,(chop veggies, mix casseroles ect.) that way when you get home it is already almost ready.
Great suggestions! I'd like to add that a good thing to do either in addition to, or instead of, the bolded part, is to get a fireproof lock box. I have one, and all my irreplaceable and flammable keepsakes go in it.

12) Always keep a few "gifts" on hand. It sucks when people drop in, espicially around the holidays and you forgot to get the person a gift, or they got you something and you didn't get them something. Small gifts, a bottle of cheaper wine, whatever.

13) Candles in glass jars can be a pain to light when they are burnt way down low. Light a piece of uncooked spaghetti and use this to light the candle.

14) Along with the flashlight, pen, knife, keep a book of matched in all rooms too.

15) Always carry an extra lighter if you smoke. THat, or a book of matches. Nothing sucks more than having a lighter that doesn't work when you are having a nic fit.

Always smell the milk before you have a drink.

Never let your wife go on a hunting trip with you (if she isn't a hunter).

if you are married, share a bed with a significant other, or the like, always buy the quilt/comfoter one size larger than the bed (ie, for a queen size bed, buy a king comforter) then there is no fighting over the covers, for the most part.:)

69.) Don't start bad habits that will deteriorate yoru health like over eating or smoking. If you have already started them, quit now - you may not feel like life is getting better while you are getting over the habit but afterwards you will see great improvements in your health which doesnt suck.

70.) Exercise. You gotta feel good about yourself if you want to feel good. Like a yoga teacher of mine always said "Good health isn't everything, but everything else is nothing without good health". It's nice to feel good about how you look, as well as having extra strength for work and play. It's also nice to have confidence.

invest in a defibrillator

if you are married, share a bed with a significant other, or the like, always buy the quilt/comfoter one size larger than the bed (ie, for a queen size bed, buy a king comforter) then there is no fighting over the covers, for the most part.:)

good advice, but sometimes the smaller cover makes you get closer to your S.O., which has it's benefits. :D

invest in a defibrillator

isn't that for asthma breathing treatments?

in extreme cases, maybe...

in extreme cases, maybe...

then what else would you use it for?

Great suggestions! I'd like to add that a good thing to do either in addition to, or instead of, the bolded part, is to get a fireproof lock box. I have one, and all my irreplaceable and flammable keepsakes go in it.

I have one now that claims to be fire proof as well as water resistant- Its got a heavy gasket.
I guess stuff could survive the fire, but get ruined by firemen putting out the fire, which wouldnt be fair.

isn't that for asthma breathing treatments?

No-you're thinking of a nebulizer.

A defibrulator is to jump start a heart. They are more readily available and coming way down in price.

then what else would you use it for?

recreational use.......

No-you're thinking of a nebulizer.

A defibrulator is to jump start a heart. They are more readily available and coming way down in price.


oh yeah - lol

and I didn't even smoke any pot this morning

recreational use.......

well since this is an advice thread, make with the advice on how to use it for recreational purposes.

I want one of those things they have at the chiro office where it pulses currents through your body... it's a great massage! I'd liek to see what happens if I put the nodes that attach to the body on each temple.

Always carry a lighter with you,whether you smoke or not.It comes in handy in all kinds of situations.that and you can be nice and offer your smoker friends a light.

13) Candles in glass jars can be a pain to light when they are burnt way down low. Light a piece of uncooked spaghetti and use this to light the candle.

I HAVE to try that! EDIT I did, works great! Thanks!

14) Along with the flashlight, pen, knife, keep a book of matched in all rooms too.

And maybe a few sticks of Spaghetti! ;)

Always carry a lighter with you,whether you smoke or not.It comes in handy in all kinds of situations.that and you can be nice and offer your smoker friends a light.

I agree. I am always able to start a fire or cut something. My tool kit in my car includes matches, knives, etc... Duct tape of course. In addition to tools, jumper cables and rope.
Knife/lighter/flashlight and small over night kit in my briefcase as well.

I often prepared.

I agree. I am always able to start a fire or cut something. My tool kit in my car includes matches, knives, etc... Duct tape of course. In addition to tools, jumper cables and rope.
Knife/lighter/flashlight and small over night kit in my briefcase as well.

I often prepared.

that and it might not be legal to walk around with a knife on you all the time.but where in the world are you forbiden to carry a lighter on the streets?

isn't that for asthma breathing treatments?


no thats what they use in the movies on dying people the CLEAR! things that shock you ive always wondered what might happen if you put one of those on a guys face

11) Relax your shoulders. It is sientifically proven that this will make you happy. Do it. Now.

Ok, I'm relaxing my shoulders. And I'm not happy. :(
And now I have scoliosis! Thanks a lot!!!!!!!!!!

I agree. I am always able to start a fire or cut something. My tool kit in my car includes matches, knives, etc... Duct tape of course. In addition to tools, jumper cables and rope.
Knife/lighter/flashlight and small over night kit in my briefcase as well.

I often prepared.
Which reminds me! Always carry a basic toolkit in your car! (pliers, crescent wrench, flat and philips screwdriver, electric and duck tape, zip ties, wire, hammer, tire pressure gauge) even if you don't know how to fix things. Because someone who stops might be able to fix whats wrong, if only he had a pair of pliers!

well since this is an advice thread, make with the advice on how to use it for recreational purposes.

I want one of those things they have at the chiro office where it pulses currents through your body... it's a great massage! I'd liek to see what happens if I put the nodes that attach to the body on each temple.

you could have some some with people. conceal it as a telephone..... a lot of fun ideas. use your imagination;)

Always carry a lighter with you,whether you smoke or not.It comes in handy in all kinds of situations.that and you can be nice and offer your smoker friends a light.

Or to start a fire in the school bathroom...

Ok, I'm relaxing my shoulders. And I'm not happy. :(
And now I have scoliosis! Thanks a lot!!!!!!!!!!
Hey, damnit! I HAVE scoliosis, and I demand you take your ass over to the "Politically Correct" thread! ;)

I HAVE to try that! EDIT I did, works great! Thanks!

And maybe a few sticks of Spaghetti! ;)


glad to help-- my dad taught me that one

learn proper etiquette and use it. This ranges from "high culture" things like opera, symphony, and yes, even musicals (please never go to a musical wearing jeans or sneakers. its rude) to things like dining out. If you are ever in a situation such as a business dinner or wedding or anything formal, you will impress people. alot.

get atleast one well tailored suit (not to leave women out, but they tend to wear a different dress for every occasion). Not only will you feel good because you look good, but you will make a damn good impression and turn quite a few heads.

I have to add a few that I just remembered

Learn how to change a flat tire

Keep comfortable walking shoes in your trunk (with spare socks) because you never know when your car might break down in the middle of nowhere and you will have to walk, also keep a blanket and jumper cables in your trunk

maybe keep a pair of blue jeans in there as well. if you are caught in a twister and you are whisked away to japan - you may need to sell those jeans for some spending cash so that you can make it to the emerald castle. watch out for flying monkeys, but you gotta try the poppies!

please and thank you, m'am and sir. those five words will get you respect and make your life a ton easier (the whole first impression lasts a lifetime)

please and thank you, m'am and sir. those five words will get you respect and make your life a ton easier (the whole first impression lasts a lifetime)
Agreed! Thank you! ;)

Hey, damnit! I HAVE scoliosis, and I demand you take your ass over to the "Politically Correct" thread! ;)

No... I seriously do have scoliosis. Lol! :)

No... I seriously do have scoliosis. Lol! :)
2 Questions. Does it hurt you as bad as it hurts me? ( i can barely do the dishes without having to lie down when I'm done)

Have you ever had a doctor tell you the pain is "all in your head"?

Wear sportcoats.

Dont be a slob because its popular.

2 Questions. Does it hurt you as bad as it hurts me? ( i can barely do the dishes without having to lie down when I'm done)

Have you ever had a doctor tell you the pain is "all in your head"?

Lol, no I guess I'm lucky. I don't really think I have it, I think my doctor is just stupid. I just slouch a little... it isn't really a big deal. I don't see why slouching is cause for diagnosing a disease.. I can fix it by just standing up sraighter I believe. That's what my doctor said anyway.. lol.

Lol, no I guess I'm lucky. I don't really think I have it, I think my doctor is just stupid. I just slouch a little... it isn't really a big deal. I don't see why slouching is cause for diagnosing a disease.. I can fix it by just standing up sraighter I believe. That's what my doctor said anyway.. lol.
I'd get yourself a second opinion, because when I found out I had it, I laughed at the doctor because it didn't hurt at all.

9 years later, it has progressed to two curves above 50 degrees, making my back shaped like an S. It hurts like hell all the time, and if I would have given it attention sooner, I'd be a lot healthier and ALOT more mobile right now.

Now my only recourse is fusion surgury, and I've been told I'll never be back to 100%. (It also puts pressure on your intenal organs, and makes it hard to breathe!)It's a scary thought, and quite depressing. If I wasn't so damn good looking, I'd be depressed! ;)

1) Take cold showers in the morning, even in the middle of winter. Warm showers can make you sleepy, and you might wanna go back to sleep. Plus, you'll be one of the rare indivuals that does.

2) Tear a small hole in the cuff of your jacket, and feel inside and make sure it has a space.(Make the hole in only one side) Than Stick a $1, $5, $10, and $20 bill inside a small envople, seal it, and then fold it up and stick it in. Then sew the hole half closed. Then next time you need some cash, quickly rip it open, fish out the envolpe, and eurkia, theres the money.

3) Set up christmas lights before it snows. Even if it's mid november, if you know snow is coming, set um up. This will save you the stress of putting them up in the snow.

4)Always keep a length of rope in your car. It can come in handy often. Make sure it's heavy duty and can support at least your own weight. (I can't drive yet so I wouldn't know, but my uncle told me this, so yeah)


I'll post more later.....

I'd get yourself a second opinion, because when I found out I had it, I laughed at the doctor because it didn't hurt at all.

9 years later, it has progressed to two curves above 50 degrees, making my back shaped like an S. It hurts like hell all the time, and if I would have given it attention sooner, I'd be a lot healthier and ALOT more mobile right now.

Now my only recourse is fusion surgury, and I've been told I'll never be back to 100%. (It also puts pressure on your intenal organs, and makes it hard to breathe!)It's a scary thought, and quite depressing. If I wasn't so damn good looking, I'd be depressed! ;)

Ouch. WEll thanks for the advice. lol. Good luck with that surgery ;)

Ouch. WEll thanks for the advice. lol. Good luck with that surgery ;)
Thanks! And FYI, I smoke weed and it relaxes my muscles, which helps greatly! And it doesn't fuck up your liver and kidneys like narcotic painkillers. And if you use it to cook with, it doesn't hurt your lungs either. So next time you see someone who thinks weed doesn't have any medicinal value, tell them they are dead wrong!

If you are an audiophile, and LOVE your music, don't buy crappy "computer speakers" with crappy "subwoofers" Spend 2 dollars on the adaptor to make the audio out connection on your computer into a rca connector, and buy a home stereo reciever and speakers instead.

You will notice the difference! And if you're a smart shopper, the price difference isn't too mcuh. (unless you want a couple thousand watts of wall shaking bass, and eardrum shattering highs, in which case the home reciever is the best choice anyways!)

Thanks! And FYI, I smoke weed and it relaxes my muscles, which helps greatly! And it doesn't fuck up your liver and kidneys like narcotic painkillers. And if you use it to cook with, it doesn't hurt your lungs either. So next time you see someone who thinks weed doesn't have any medicinal value, tell them they are dead wrong!
I wish it was legal here, my hubby has crohns and I just know if he could smoke a little he would be in a lot less pain. I have read great things about medicinal marijuana for crohns.

I wish it was legal here, my hubby has crohns and I just know if he could smoke a little he would be in a lot less pain. I have read great things about medicinal marijuana for crohns.
If you want, I'll give you my e-mail address, and give ya some tips on how to grow a plant "incognitio". I obey all laws that protect people, but I will NEVER obey one that prevents me from easing my own pain!

Let me know and I'll post my e-mail for ya!

If you want, I'll give you my e-mail address, and give ya some tips on how to grow a plant "incognitio". I obey all laws that protect people, but I will NEVER obey one that prevents me from easing my own pain!

Let me know and I'll post my e-mail for ya!
yeah, I used to have a garden for profit in my wild younger days

I have decided not to break the law anymore, but thanks anyway.;)

I don't know how easy this is for people who don't have London transport, but hey...

Take a british rail or tube ticket. Anything around that size is good, like those cheap phone card things you see people handing out. Fold it in half. Now fold down the corners until the edges are parallel with the fold. Voila! This little table makes it easy to roll cigarettes or anything else and can be placed in your wallet for safe keeping. Simply place the paper in the groove and fill to your leisure!

These are a couple of things I've found its always good to keep on me over the years, so I'm ready for fun whenever it occurs.

My cigarette case contains:

Packet of Short Rizla
'Card Table' as above
1 Cigarette (I don't smoke the damn things, but have got several girls numbers by providing the right smoke at the right time. Plus, the tobacco makes an emergency mixer)
1 Lighter
Old tickets for roaches, cheats, scams and phone numbers.


Your jacket should contain a small reading light, rolling tobacco, a hip flask with a slug or two of choice, chewing gum, some rennies (or other stomach settlers), a spare key and any illicit substances or pieces of equipment you need for a night out. Even if you prefer other areas of concealment, then if you're sneaking out or leaving rapidly you'll know you always have everything with you.

Bump

my advise for life:



don't trust anyone till they earned it, but no need to be an asshole to people while you're not trusting them :)

be nice

be excellent to each other! (and party on dudes!) :)

don't bottle up emotions cos they'll come back to bite you in the ass later

don't use drugs to cover up stuff you don't like or hide away from things. they just get worse while you're oblivious to it...

remember that everybody's different, so keep that in mind and try to be tolerant

appreciate what you have, even if its not a lot, cos its probably a hell of a lot more than a whole load of people have, and it could always be worse. appreciate your family and loved ones the most, cos time with them is undoubtedly limited, so make the most of it and let them know what they mean to you while you can. there's nothing wrong with expressing emotion if you're a bloke (its not a very "manly" thing to do some prudes would say:rolleyes: )

stress only gets to you if you let it

all you need is love :fluffle:

Make sure the person you marry actually will go to work. Nothing like having to pay all the bills and hear someone complaining. ;)

Never lick a steak knife.

Never pay for e-mail accounts, anti-virus software, anti-spyware software, or online phone services. If you can buy it, I can show you the free version that works just as well! (sometimes better!)

Make sure the person you marry actually will go to work. Nothing like having to pay all the bills and hear someone complaining. ;)
I agree. ;)

Never lick a steak knife.


yeah....that would hurt.....

I'd get yourself a second opinion, because when I found out I had it, I laughed at the doctor because it didn't hurt at all.

9 years later, it has progressed to two curves above 50 degrees, making my back shaped like an S. It hurts like hell all the time, and if I would have given it attention sooner, I'd be a lot healthier and ALOT more mobile right now.

Now my only recourse is fusion surgury, and I've been told I'll never be back to 100%. (It also puts pressure on your intenal organs, and makes it hard to breathe!)It's a scary thought, and quite depressing. If I wasn't so damn good looking, I'd be depressed! ;)
wow

that, coupled with the drunken car crash.

You should have your own tv show.

Never call magnus ver magnussen a pussy to his face.

wow

that, coupled with the drunken car crash.

You should have your own tv show.
I didn't even tell you about when I wrecked my motorcycle and had to be life flighted (helicopter) to the emergency room so a hand micro-surgeon could put my leg back together!

Or the time I was cutting down trees on a cliff on the shore of Lake Erie, and dislocated my knee, and had to crawl 75 feet up the cliff with a chainsaw in my hand to get help! (It was a Husqvarna, I wasn't leaving it behind!)

I have more stories than Gulliver! The only difference is, I think he had medical insurance! :p

Bump

always do your homework
listent to what your parents say, you may not agree but you might learn some thing

please and thank you, m'am and sir. those five words will get you respect and make your life a ton easier (the whole first impression lasts a lifetime)
So if I was to go up to a woman, point at my crotch and say,
"M'am, please sir. Thank you."
I would get respect?

listent to what your parents say, you may not agree but you might learn some thing
"when I was 14 I could not believe how ignorant my father was. Then when I turned 21, I was amazed at how much he had learnt in 7 years"
- Mark Twain

Make sure the person you fall in love with is divorced before you start a relationship with him/her. Get proof.

Find something to laugh about every day. If you can't laugh at life, start learning.

Try to see the positive side of everything. Even when it doesn't seem like it, there usually is a brighter side.

For the truly tragic events in life, remeber: You can't always prevent bad things from happening but you are still here. Make the best of it.

When you're driving make a point to give a friendly wave at complete strangers as you drive past them. Not only does it reduce road rage, it's interesting to see the expressions on people's faces. A lot of them wave back.

If she says she sees ghosts when you're bangin', probably you might want to end the relationship.

Buy packets of seeds that will grow where you live and start a varied garden, so that when the oil truly runs out and produce can't be imported from the other hemisphere, you'll have food. Also have a knife, in case you have to defend yourself or kill a rat to eat. Buy flint as a complement for starting fires. Keep hard copies of any computerized work you'll still want. Even though you probably won't be able to replenish them, a store of latex condoms isn't a bad idea just to hold you for the first couple weeks/months/years depending on how often you have sex. Stock up on warm clothes and make sure your bicycle remains functional.