With three children to educate we spend a lot of time trying to keep up with the latest information about our community’s education system. A friend who teaches in our local school system mentioned an interesting new initiative which teachers are finding to be helpful in building their teaching skills and maximizing available resources.

This program, called the “Systemfor Teacher and Student Advancement” (TAP) utilizes a number of different strategies to attract talented teachers to the profession and retain them in the schools. The system was initiated by education philanthropist Lowell Milken and is managed today by a recognized teacher support organization, the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET).

TAP was developed following extensive research into proven methods of teacher in-service training. The goals of the program include identifying new teaching methods, finding opportunities for professional growth, encouraging peer mentoring and implementing strategies for improving teaching skills.

Schools which incorporate TAP integrate the program’s key elements which include restructuring the school day to allow teachers to collaborate on curriculum planning, introducing new methods of instructions, introducing strategies for peer support and allowing teachers to pursue career advancements even while they remain in the classroom.

One of the components of TAP that I appreciate is that it’s based on sound empirical evaluation, not only theories. TAP schools use an assessment tool, the TAP Teaching Skills, Knowledge and Responsibility Standards, to ascertain students’ academic growth in schools which use the TAP method. Teachers are compensated according to their students’ academic achievements and growth. Teacher receive additional compensation if they accept added roles and responsibilities in the school.

This month the NIET is holding it 12th conference for policymakers, educators, representatives of foundations, businesspeople and community members who are bringing TAP to more schools. I look forward to its continued success in expanding the educational opportunities of our children.

I am going to fill you in on a little secret that not many people know; I suffer from pretty severe anxiety. 

Now to me it’s pretty severe because at one point I needed to go to my doctor to get a prescription just so I wouldn’t stress and freak out over everything.  When I say everything I mean everything.  The most trivial things to most would send me into a total tailspin like being a few minutes late for work or what we were having for dinner.  I am not kidding when I tell you that is how bad I was and I feel like I am better now but I still have anxiety that is hard to control sometimes.

I know I am not alone and I am glad to see there are places people can go for mental health treatment like the PCH Treatment Center.  I feel like I am pretty lucky because there are people who suffer from bi polar disease and extreme depression.  Not saying having anxiety is a walk in the park but I feel pretty lucky because it could be a lot worse.  Thankfully I am not depressed and I am of pretty sound mind but like I mentioned I get anxiety pretty often over most things.  Some things are easier to calm down from than others but I feel like I have gotten better over the years.  Not 100% but better to the point where I am currently not on any medication.  Some days are bad and I could really use medication but I am trying to manage myself without the use of medication.

Like I said some days are better than others but I am doing everything I can to live my life as normal as I possibly can.

Tax time is upon us yet again and hopefully you haven’t missed a tax payment or still have unfiled tax returns from years past.  If you are having tax troubles you may want to check out www.friedlaw.com/tax/. 

Having a tax problem is a problem I am sure you are not interested in having.  I guess who would be interested in having the IRS knocking on their door looking to settle up a past debt.  If you are one of those people who have fallen into tax troubles don’t wait until it is too late, get help from a tax relief service. 

A tax relief service will be able to provide you with an attorney who is verse in tax law and will know what to do and how to help you settle up with the IRS.  The IRS is an organization that isn’t very patient so if you find yourself in a tax situation get help ASAP.

When I was living in Maryland there were a few people I knew who had tax problems in the past and sought help from a tax relief service.  They said getting profession help was the only way that they were going to avoid the full brunt of Washington, DC and the IRS.  They said they knew they were in too deep and owed to much money to the IRS and trying to resolve it on their own wasn’t an option.  The funny thing is when you are owed a refund it could take up to twelve weeks but when you owe Washington, DC there is no grace period what so ever.  You need to settle up and settle up fast.

People from time to time slip into tax trouble and need a little assistance to make it right so if you ever find yourself in this kind of position please be sure to get help from a tax relief service and get it taken care of so you can avoid further headaches.    

Have you ever been in tax trouble? If so what did you do to get is resolved?

I remember when Melinda and I first met over ten years ago her and I both lived in apartments which in a way was nice because the rental management was there to take care of everything and anything you needed done in regards to maintenance.

When you make that move from apartment to your own place you no longer have that staff at your disposal and you become the property manager.  If the washer breaks you now need to figure out how to get it fixed or if it needs to be replaced where if you rent all you need to do is make a phone call to have it taken care of.  We are currently renting our property from a private owner versus a complex type place which in a way is nice.  I feel our place is a lot nicer­­ than a townhouse that would be in a huge complex type setting.  Our landlord lived in our place before we rented it so it was painted nicely and had a lot of upgraded features that a typical rental property wouldn’t have .  Whenever we need something done I either call our landlord or I will do the work myself depending on what needs to be done.

Another thing is when you get your own place more and more places now have hoa management and that is to try to keep the neighborhood as neat, clean and uniform as possible.  I feel there are pros and cons to a hoe association but usually in the long run the pros win over the cons.  I know where we are currently living has hoe management and it appears to be very beneficial.  This summer they are looking to put some money back into the community and install a bigger and better playground for the kids which we are looking forward to.  Again these are just my opinions and everyone needs to find a place that is just right for them where they can feel comfortable in calling it home.

What are your thoughts on renting vs buying?

In this economy more and more people are trying to do what they can to save money on home improvements but really want to improve the space where they live.  Even though people want to save money they also want to make sure that they are getting what they pay for and are hiring the most competent and reputable contractors they can.

Finding reputable contractors is very difficult and trades like electricians and plumbers require the best so you need to make sure that you are doing your homework.  To me the plumbing and electrical are essential and having it done properly is a must. No one wants to hire someone and then have their pipes burst or back up or have their house catch fire.  I can’t stress enough the importance of doing your homework when looking for contractors.

When I am looking for a contractor I typically ask around and see who my friends and family have used in the past.  If they give them a passing grade I then will look them up via the Better Business Bureau and make sure they have no complaints against them and last thing I do is ask the contractor for references. I know you are thinking this may be over kill but this is your home we are talking about and there is no reason to let anyone who isn’t qualifies work on it.

I remember when we lived near Washington, DC the pool of qualified contractors was plentiful but I still needed to do my homework especially since I didn’t have any family or friends in the area.  I was able to get references from co-workers which helped out a lot and I am glad I was able to use them as a resource.   Remember if you live in an area and have no friends or family in the area it is extra important to get references from co-workers, the contractor and even the Better Business Bureau.  I know the process is a extremely time consuming but in the end you will be glad you did.

When looking for a contractor or someone to do work on your home what step do you take to be sure you are getting the best?  I would love to hear your thoughts.

These days we are living longer than we were ten to twenty years ago and we are seeing a lot more people using in home care more than ever.

I am not really sure what the average life expectancy is these days but I know my grandparent are in their 80’s and so is Melinda’s grandfather.  As people and parents get older they are more interested in home health care and I can understand why they are.  Elderly people need assistance with every day life like getting dressed, eating and taking daily medication.  As you get older you aren’t able to get around as well as you did in the past so having a healthcare professional come to you seems to make perfect sense.  Another reason is people tend to be more comfortable in their own home and if you are able to get someone to come to you that is a really cool thing.

I am seeing a lot of places that are now offering more than just in home health care.  They are helping with daily tasks such as preparing meals, running errands, opening mail, caring for the pets and are even providing companionship and conversation.  I really like the companionship option because if you are elderly and alone you would really benefit from this type of service.

Melinda’s grandfather for instance would really benefit from a companionship service as his wife passed away over two years ago and is lonely and rightfully so.  When you have someone in your life for fifty to sixty years and then you are alone that is a real shock to your system and could really just use someone to talk to.  Unfortunately family isn’t always available so it is nice to have this kids of service available.  

Home health care isn’t only for elderly people it is also being used more by expecting and new parents.  Having a new born is stressful and a TON of work and parents just need an extra hand around the house with various chores and baby duty so they are tapping into these kinds of services that are now offered. 

What are your thoughts on these kinds of services?  Do you feel old and young could benefit from them?

Every month when the electric bill comes I get instantly annoyed because typically is it higher than I would like.  It also doesn’t help knowing there are alternative energy sources like solar available that we aren’t utilizing that we could be and that would help us save a ton of cash.

I started looking into solar and found Vivint Solar and learned a few things that I didn’t know.

Vivint Solar has a power purchase agreement.  What that means is they retain ownership of your system, but agree to design, install, and maintain your system for free and you agree to purchase the power your panels generate from them.   A PPA ensures you can enjoy the benefits of clean, renewable solar energy without having to recoup your investment over 10 to 20 years. A PPA helps you enjoy the benefits of solar without a large, up-front investment as well as offers you stable electric rates by allowing you to lock in your rate for the next 20 years.

I have looked at the solar option in the past and the costs have been crazy expensive but Vivint makes solor affordable for everyone.  They walk you through the whole process step by step from the initial process to obtain all necessary permits and completing the installation.

Solar is really that easy and can be installed in one day.  Crazy.

Technology has come such a far way and has really become affordable for almost every one

Vivint is more than just solar and they are  dedicated to enhancing security, convenience and energy efficiency.

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In our house crafts are done almost daily and it feels like our house is filled with tons of craft supplies for kids. I am always coming home to new things hanging on the wall or from the light over the kitchen table.

The other day Melinda was serching online for craft deals and luckly found Factory Direct Craft and took advantage of their great prices and stocked up on craft supplies for a few projects that she wants to work on with Shae. Their selection of craft supplies for kids is crazy and I am amazed that you can find just about anything you need for that special project.

I like when Melinda and Shae do crafts because she is so excited and proud of her work and she loves showing me her final product when I walk through the door. I love looking around the kitchen and seeing all of Shae’s art work displayed. I can remember when Shaun and Sabreena were younger and were always doing crafts.  They used to love doing crafts and were so proud of their work just like Shae is now.

Kids love crafts and I am glad Shae enjoys it because I enjoy seeing it around the house.

Do your kids love to do crafts? Mine do.

Men and women are different in so many ways and one of the biggest ways in my opinion is appearance.

Men typically put less than five minutes worth of thought into their daily outfits and typically don’t care what they look like when they go out in public. Now before men start emailing me in anger I know not all men are like this but if I had to guess I would say 70% if not more of men are like this. Women on the other hand are the complete opposite. Women need to have just the right outfit including shoes picked out to wear and that is just to run to the grocery store. On the weekends Melinda and I will have to run a few errands to places like Wal-Mart and the fish store and I see her putting on makeup and I also ask her why because we are only going to Wal-Mart. I on the other hand go out in sweatpants and a sweatshirt, LOL. This right here shows how different men and women are.

I do see products on the market that help prevent hair loss in women and men and that might be the one thing men and women do have in common when it comes to their appearance. No one wants to have bad hair or no hair for that matter if they are able to control it so men and women will do just about anything to prevent that from happening. I look at my grandfather at the age of 80 and he has a full head of hair so I am hoping I follow suit because I can deal with a lot of things when it comes to my appearance but not sure how I would feel if I had a problem with my hair.

I know that you are thinking that is a superficial way to think and you are 100% correct but that is just how I feel and I am sorry if you don’t agree.

What is one thing that matters most to you when it comes to your appearance?