Finding The Right Job

Most people say that making the changes to improve yourself are among the hardest tasks someone will do in their life. Like anything, gaining knowledge on the best paths to personal development will make the process much easier and lead to a more successful experience.

Work at a job you love. The importance of this cannot be overstated. If you spend 40 hours a week somewhere, make sure it is a place you want to be. People who like their jobs are happier people. If you do not enjoy your work, find out what you love so you can do it. If you are not satisfied with your job, consider going to a career counselor.

 Aerobics, weight training, protein shakes, how can anyone keep all of the requirements of muscle building in their head at one time? Consider employing the services of a personal trainer. An experienced personal training can use their expertise to create a tailor-made workout plan for you to follow, which will help you to build your muscles quickly and safely. If you continue to work out without professional guidance, it could take you much longer to get the physique that you desire.

Three basic steps to selling your home are pricing it right, staging it well, and negotiating. Sounds easy, right? Then why is it always such a complicated process? When you are selling your real estate you should find a reputable listing agent, or realtor, to assist you. They will represent you throughout the course of the sale of your property. The top agents to chose will be active in more than one market. The best agents will operate in multiple marketing formats as well.

You want to learn more about how to handle your car repairs, and you're kind of lost on the subject. Like many people, when something happens, you just hope that the bill is cheaper than you thought. Ask your auto mechanic about their A.S.E. certification. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence has a test twice a year for it. To earn this certification, mechanics must pass a written test while also having about two years of work experience in auto mechanics and repair. This certification increases your chances of finding competent mechanics.

Finding the right job can be very hard because you cannot know in advance what a job is going to be like. A career counselor will help you find what kind of occupations are right for you, and direct you towards certain jobs.

Win The War On Pest Control

Contending with household pests of all sorts can be a frustrating experience you will not soon forget. Education is critical to winning this kind of battle once and for all. Keep the advice that follows close at hand, and you will have everything you need to get the job done the right way.

Make sure that when you install your windows, they come equipped with screens for protection. Screens can serve as a very strong line of defense for bugs, as most will not get into your home if you have a good screen up. This small investment can save a lot of trouble in the future.

Food dishes are a hot spot when it comes to pests. Ants especially love to hangout in and around them so it can be quite irritating. Sometimes you can simply put the dishes on a table when not in use but that becomes time consuming and obviously your pets might want a drink of water now and then. The best idea is to place the bowls in a shallow dish with soapy water. This will keep the pests away while allowing your pets to drink and eat at their leisure.

To ensure ants don't move into your home, mix 1c sugar and 1c borax in a 1 quart jar. Hammer holes into the lid with a nail and then use the jar to spread the mixture around your foundation, doors, windows and the baseboards on the inside, too. The sugar attracts ants while the Borax kills them.

Household pests can be a terribly vexing dilemma and conquering them can prove to be a real challenge. The key is to learn all you can about effective strategies and methods. Just remember the advice found above, and you will be well prepared to do battle and win the war on pests in decisive fashion.

Carpet Cleaning Job

Maintaining and preserving the beauty of your new carpet will take some time and effort. Preventing soil from coming in contact with your carpet is an important part of keeping it looking new. Use the information provided in this article as a guide to the most effective ways of protecting your carpet from damage.

Before hiring a company to clean your carpets, ensure that they have a solid reputation. Ensure that the company has references and people who can back them up. A good carpet cleaner will have interior designers, realtors and a handful of other sources that will be able to make a recommendation.

You may receive a fantastic price for your carpet cleaning, but remember that the lowest price may not be the best. Sometimes carpet cleaning companies will offer a drastically reduced cost to get the job. When they come to do the work, they are instructed to up-sell as much as possible, and you could end up paying a bundle.

Ask your carpet cleaning company how long they have been in business. This is an industry where people come and go a lot, and you do not want to hire the new guy on the block. Finding someone with years of experience can benefit you. It shows they are serious about their business and have a reputation that has allowed them to sustain.

The people who work for the carpet cleaning company you hire need to be professional and clean. Make sure that the company you hire does not sub-contract jobs out to other companies. You want the company you hire to hire its own employees. These employees need to have background checks and drug tests administered by the company that you employ.

Even though carpet is being used less in high-traffic areas of homes, there are still some areas that need to be protected. There are several ways to protect carpet in those areas, including various types of runners and smaller rugs. This article provides some valuable tips to help you preserve your new carpet.

Plumbing Like A Pro

Plumbing 101: Tending To Your Pipes Like A Pro

Nowadays the need for effective home plumbing is on the rise. The demand for products and equipment leads to some very innovative techniques that you can do yourself. Now is your chance to find something that works for your plumbing system. Here are some tips that you can use to get you started with doing your own plumbing.

If attempting a plumbing repair yourself, be sure and have plenty of buckets on hand to catch spilling water. While you may have turned off the water supply, there is always some water left in the pipes and the larger the home and more extensive the plumbing system, the more water you may encounter.

Plumber

Find out the plumbing codes in your local area before starting any project. Plumbing codes can vary wildly from area to area and you don't want to run afoul of the codes. Visit your local building department to find out information or hire a plumber for a day to help you go over your plans and provide advice.

If you are looking into becoming a plumber, there are a few things that you should know first. The most important thing is that plumbers who work for companies do not make a high salary. You should try to find a way to work for yourself, in order to increase your earnings.

Work

Avoid plumbing problems! Do not stop up the toilet! Some common items that will stop up a toilet include: toys, hair, paper towels, birth control items, and feminine personal products. Do not flush these items down your toilet - unless the instructions say otherwise! These can stop up your toilet - to the point that nothing else will work - except calling a plumber!

As you have read, there are many different ways to deal with and maintain your own plumbing. You need to find the treatment that works for you. There is a ton of information that can help you get started. By following these tips, you are well on your way to doing your own plumbing like a pro.

Car Mechanic

You want to learn more about how to handle your car repairs, and you're kind of lost on the subject. Like many people, when something happens, you just hope that the bill is cheaper than you thought. Take command of your knowledge base concerning auto repair, and put yourself in the position to make a well-informed decision.

There are manuals out there that you can buy to learn how to do simple work on your car. Use these before you pay anyone to do repairs. Yourself a ton of money since mechanics tend to charge for the parts they use and all the labor involved in getting the job done.

Make sure that the auto repair shop you go to offers a warranty on their services. There are plenty of repair shops that will do a shoddy job, and there is nothing you can do about that if you have no warranty. A warranty will give you the opportunity to get the problem fixed for no charge.

When you are in need of an auto repair, shop around to make sure that you get the best deal. Go to at least three different repair shops to get a quote. If anyone charges something that is unrealistically low or high, you should seek someone else to do the job.

Though losing a car key is not always considered a job for a mechanic, try losing one for a modern vehicle and then you'll see that it is a big deal. The dealer will not give you what is needed to replace an electronic ignition key, but will refer you to their auto repair department. You will need to bring the car in and go have one specially made, with a huge bill to go along with it. Avoid this by having a spare key on hand at all times.

It's time to think about your options when it comes to auto repairs. Make sure you think about the tips that have been talked about in this article so that you can choose what you should do. You can now take care of your auto repairs the best way possible.

Things To Pack On Your Next Fishing Trip

A lot of people want to learn how to fish, but they never make real efforts on the subject and are always left wanting to do it. Well, today is a different day and this article is going to provide you with inside knowledge on fishing and how you can become great at it.

Make sure that you are using the right type of bait for the fish in your area. Ask someone at the bait shop for a bit of help with this, if necessary. If you are using the wrong bait, even if it is a high-quality and expensive bait, the fish won't be attracted to it.

Just as in other sports, it is vital to have the proper gear. There are many different types of fishing and each one requires different equipment. If you go fly fishing with a normal rod, you will quickly find yourself put into a position where it is very difficult to fish correctly.

If you are a new fisherman, make a checklist of everything you need to pack for a fishing trip the day before you leave. As you pack, cross off each item. Then review the list to make sure you did not forget anything. If you don't bring all your equipment, it may ruin your fishing trip.

You should learn the way water temperature affects the movement of fish. Generally speaking, fish will swim deeper when the water is cold. During seasons when the temperature fluctuates during the day (fall & spring), fish will rise as the temperature does. Adjust your casting as the day warms up and aim shallower.

You should now feel motivated when thinking about fishing. In fact, you should be motivated enough to not just think you want to do it, but to actually go out and get started. Go ahead and indulge in this relaxing yet, fun activity. If anything, you can catch a meal or two for you and your family or friends to enjoy.

History of Supply Chain Management

Supply chain management has its roots deep within the history of pirating and naval shipping. Originally, the supply chain of nations was managed either by a royal ministry, or an organization. The Dutch East Indian Trading company became famous and one of the richest organizations in the world by affective supply chain management.

What supply chain management entails is the managing of capital, stock, and transportation of products from one point to another. These original masters of management controlled the production of their transportation vehicles (ships), and oversaw the effective shipping strategies used to keep the costs of their adventures low, and the profits from each trip maximized. While most companies today probably aren't dealing in jewels and gold, any company that utilizes logistics and/or transportation can learn a valuable lesson from the tactics inspired by the East Indian Trading Company.

While ships are still used today for some international shipping and logistics, airplanes and trains are the preferred format for transportation in modern times. Shipping by airplane can be expensive, as jet fuel must be managed into the cost of transportation; this is why management of transportation is so important. If the costs are not correctly balanced in a shipping situation, the cost of shipping can easily exceed the revenue for that particular product. A business that is losing money somewhere in the shipping process is destined to fail without a reliable logistics manager.

Click here to learn more about logistics and the transportation management process, from Establish Inc.

Mathematics for a Bright Future

Founded in 1888, The American Mathematical Society (then called the New York Mathematical Society) was established in dedication to interests of mathematical research and scholarship. The main goal of this association was to reward mathematical achievements and to promote excellence in the study of math. Over a century later, this association is stronger than ever and is involved in a multitude of programs that support mathematics and the education system as a whole. Through the scholarships and programs offered by the association, many students have won awards and citation that have allowed them to continue their education and build a career full of opportunities.

The opportunities that arise for a student with a full knowledge of mathematics is immense. In fact, students who attain higher grades and test scores in mathematics tend to have higher wages, better jobs, and more opportunities in life. This is a major reason why so many tutoring services and programs have a high focus on mathematical studies. Mathnasium offers tutoring in math and other subjects through their learning centers, locations all around the United States and Canada.

With a full understanding and an ease in the subject of math, the opportunities open to your children are the greatest gift they can receive. Enroll in tutoring programs from Mathnasium today to get a head start on your children's futures.

Mansard Roofs, French Styles Making a Comeback

For many years in the United States the most popular roofing style has been a simple sloped roof built on a series of footers with a waterproof skin that repels precipitation. In-fact, aside from some of the more historic homes on the Eastern Seaboard, and the manors of Long Island, the majority of homes in the US still use this plain, no-frills, utilitarian style.

There is however a new push toward building homes with more ornate and stylish roofing materials and designs. One style in particular is gaining national attention for its revived popularity: Mansard style roofs. A beautiful French styled roof, the Mansard style is famous for its use of variable sloping roofs that form an obtuse curvature to the entire roof. Not only is this design visually attractive, but serves a purpose as well. The style hails from the Alsace region of France, a region that often sees torrential rains and other precipitation. The Mansard roof style has steeper slopes at the edge of the roof, and shallower grade roofs toward the peak, which provokes precipitation to fall off of the room and not collect.

While the movement to bring back the Mansard roof is still gaining speed, its greatest centers of popularity are in the American South, where many plantation style dwellings have a Mansard style crown, and in the American Southwest, primarily in Utah where Utah residential roofing contractors are seeing more and more new home blueprints utilizing the style.

There are many more traditional styles that are also becoming popular this year, but by far Mansard is the most popular. If you are considering a different style roof for your home, Mansard style is a very good choice, but you also have the options of Dutch gable styles, Catenary, or saddleback. The choice is up to you.

Working Offshore and Onshore

Offshore platforms are oil-drilling rigs that are located in the ocean (most often in the Gulf of Mexico). These rigs can best be explained as giant floating factories in the sea; a factory that also doubles as a ship. Both home and workplace for the many workers that work 8-12 month contracts on the rigs, these floating energy plants need all of the equipment and supplies of both a large-scale factory and a barge. Getting the supplies from shore to rig is the job of only a handful of companies with the knowledge and expertise to ship large amounts of machinery and supplies across the water.

Bluestream Services is an onshore and offshore maintenance and services company that knows the ins-and-outs of balancing onshore and offshore shipping and maintenance. Rental equipment, generators, cooling towers, and other industrial equipment is prepped on the mainland and carefully packed for shipping to various rigs. Once finally shipped to the rig, the equipment is offloaded and brought onto the offshore rig.

Once the equipment is on the rig, the professionals at Bluestream Services continue to service and maintain the equipment throughout the length of the contract. This ensures that the client who ordered the rental equipment has a qualified professional who is familiar with the equipment that can take care of both daily and emergency procedures.

To learn more about offshore equipment and services, visit the Bluestream Services page online.

Attorneys Warn of Fraudulent Car Accidents

It is no surprise that when the economy is seeing bad numbers -- especially such high rates of unemployment -- numerous scams, and other dangerous crimes begin to skyrocket, leaving many people out there potential victims of these scams.

One of the biggest scams Pittsburgh Injury attorneys see, is when people intentionally cause car accidents and pretend to be in pain afterwards. These criminal's intent is to receive settlement checks from your insurance company. The insurance company, will in-turn try to make up for this loss by raising your car insurance rates. What this means is, your insurance company lost money on this false claim, you now have to pay more every month to continue your insurance policy, and the criminal got away with gaining the money. Bowers Ross Fawcett in Pittsburgh, PA is a legal firm that has experienced many years of dealing with these types of criminals, and know all the ways to spot their tricks, and know how to make sure that they don't get away with their crime.

While Bowers Ross Fawcett are professionals, and have the training to spotty these phonies with relative ease, the everyday normal person may not be able to spot the traits of a car accident that was planned and executed. This is why it is so important to consult with an attorney after any accident. If the other party is claiming that they are hurt and want money from your insurance to cover it, hiring an attorney right away can put you in a better position to present your case. If it does turn out that the accident was a part of a scam, both you and your insurance rates will stay unchanged.

Machinery Moving Made Safe

When it comes to moving heavy equipment from one location to another, safety is key. Safety is the main concern anytime heavy equipment such as forklifts, cranes, rigging, or lighting is being moved. Whether simply moving a single piece down the street, or plant location from California to New York, safety has to be factored into every turn of the wheels, and every minute in motion.

Like its name states, heavy equipment weighs a lot -- sometimes up to 40,000 tons! With all of that weight that can potentially shift, anyone around that equipment has to take a lot of care to make sure they do not end up in a mishap. This is why Triple E Machinery has been trusted for 40 years to make all moves -- from small to entire factories -- safe through effective planning and careful execution.

With a large fleet of trucks, forklifts, moving equipment, and cranes, Triple E Machinery can make journeys of any distance, and -- with their harbor services expertise -- can even prepare, load, and ship machinery or items via ship, barge, or other seafaring transports. To start moving machinery today, get shipping with Triple E Machinery.

Honest, Dependable Laptop Repair

When you work on the internet for a living, you start to learn more than you ever wanted to know about computer problems and computer repairs. It is the nature of computers to break, and they have a tendency to break often. When your computer needs repairs, our office has found that you cannot beat Parts People.

We have had problems in the past with unprofessional computer repair services, and we have seen it all. Unprofessional laptop repair services may go into your computer, take any expensive parts, replace them with cheaper parts, and make a profit off of you. Not only is this unethical, it is illegal, but falls under the same category as a dishonest mechanic -- it must be proved that something was done wrong.

Avoiding all of that mess altogether, we have been strong supporters of Parts People and their signature computer repair service for many years. We can not stress enough the honesty, integrity, and quality of the services they perform. Don't get duped by the repair squads in electronics stores, go with the experts. Go with parts-people.com.

Helping the Addicted, Across the US

With the United States facing higher rates of drug use, drug overdoses, and other traumatic effects of the popularity of drugs being higher than ever before, certain treatment centers are taking a stance against the rise, and are encouraging those that have been affected by this to seek helpful, quality treatment for their disease.

Recognized as a true disease now, the spread of the addiction disease has hit epidemic proportions. Above It All Treatment is a 12 step recovery programs in Los Angeles CA that treats addictions to alcohol, opiates, cocaine, marijuana, prescription drugs, heroin, and other substances. Through a variety of treatment programs -- based off of the 12-step philosophy -- Above It All can offer help to both those afflicted with addiction, and the family members and friends that have also been affected by this.

Visit Above It All online at: aboveitalltreatment.com or by calling them at 888-634-4546.

Chilly Weather Across the US

We have been getting updates from readers all across the country about the chilly temperatures that are flooding the US right now. Construction projects have been put on hold by our friends in Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, and even the Florida Panhandle!

How is the weather where you are at?

Brightening Up Your Workplace

Courtesy of LED in Action

Some of the most rugged, toughest jobs in harsh environments usually start early in the morning, before even a single ray of sunlight is anywhere in site. However, even though the light is dim in the wee hours of a hard day's work, your worksite, warehouse, or project area should never be lacking efficient light for your work to get done safely and effectively.

Producing quality goods, depends a lot on the tools that were supplied in order to get the end product. Lighting is actually one of the most important tools when it comes to working on projects of any nature, or in any field or industry. Bad lighting can lead to accidents and oversights, as well as to dangerous conditions where someone could get hurt. whether your work site requires high bay lighting, warehouse lighting, or advanced custom lighting solutions, LED in Action offers lighting solutions that are ensured to handle even the harshest of environments. Their products were designed specifically for intense conditions in factories, warehouses, and even military applications, but are energy-efficient, and affordable enough to use in the home, or even on a camping trip.

To learn more about LED in Action's products, philosophy, to browse their online catalog, or to review information on the Department of energy's ratings of these products, visit them online at:

http://www.ledinaction.com/

Tactical Clothing and Equipment from Kellac

Courtesy of Kellac

There are so many wonderfully fun and exciting things that you can do in the outdoors with friends or family, all year 'round. Outdoor fun is never limited by the seasons, as long as you have the right gear. Whether your passion is winter expeditions, fall hunting, summer camping, or spring hikes, all are great opportunities to get out of your element and witness the beauty of nature.

No matter what your choice is for spending some time outdoors, when it comes to choosing your gear and equipment for your time out on the path, the choice should be very simple. Kellac is the premiere uniform supplier for our Nation's Armed Services, as well as for uniformed professionals in many of the leading security firms. Kellac provides only the highest quality of gear that is environmentally tested to handle the roughest of military applications, as well as any of the toughest of recreational outdoor getaways.

Just some of the few most popular items sought-after by outdoor enthusiasts are Kellac's own:

• Lightweight ABU Uniforms
• Summer Weight ABU Uniforms
• Boots
• Sage ABU Boots
• Outerware
• Backpacks
• Accessories
• and more...

 To start browsing through the huge collection of items in Kellac's online catalog, to learn more about Kellac, or to start your order, visit Kellac online at:

kellac.com

Company, Community Raise Donations Together

Courtesy of Roofers Supply

It is a very heartwarming and inspiring act when a company -- especially a large company that has seen record growth in the past year -- sets aside time and effort to give back to the community and to those who are less fortunate. In the winter 2012 season Roofers Supply, a Utah wholesale roofing supplies seller and construction specialists, geared up for a joint effort between themselves and the community of Utah citizens to raise donations for those in need.

This food drive is just the latest of kind acts that this Utah roofing staple has undertaken in the years since its establishment as a family-owned and operated business in 1994. Taking in $8,620.00 in cash donations, handing out 1,013 sweatshirts, and collecting over 2,000 lbs. of food, this successful food and donation drive is one of the many philanthropic activities the company plans to repeat in years to come, as it continues on with its philosophy of offering care and compassion to all who are our brothers and sisters.

In addition to the community events that Roofers Supply has scheduled for the coming year, they also plan to keep powering forward and continue to grow and expand upon the success that allowed for the company's five locations.

To learn more about Roofers Supply, materials and products offered, to browse through their catalog, or to learn more about the company's charitable events, visit them online at:

 http://www.roofersutah.com/

or stop by one of Roofers Supply's 5 convenient locations:

|Roofers Salt Lake City|

|Roofers Ogden|

|Roofers Lindon|

|Roofers Cedar City|

|Roofers St George|

Let's Get To Work In 2013

Photo Courtesy of Innovatech Products

2013 is officially here. We have said our goodbyes to 2012 and have made our resolutions for 2013. One resolution we all should be sure to have is to work hard in 2013. The economy is beginning to make a comeback, and so many of our friends and family are once again employed and contributing to the hardworking American know-how and ethics that make our country so proud.

2013 looks like it will be a big year for the construction industry. Construction, it seems, is what Americans do best, and in order to protect and strengthen our infrastructure, our government is planning and executing many high-dollar projects. 

Whether your work schedule has you planning a multimillion dollar complex for a high-tech firm, building housing or utilities with the Army Corps of Engineers, or simply renovating an old warehouse, be sure that you have all the right tools to get the job done right.

Innovatech Products is an online purveyor of all of the products and machinery you will need to get that project taken care of. Including tile removal products, floor grinders, and concrete polishing tools, Innovatech products are tested and trusted.

To view a full catalog of products, to learn more about the company, or for pricing and locations, visit Innovatech online at:

 http://www.innovatechproducts.com/

Alternative Parts in the Manufacturing Workplace

Photo Courtesy of Altparts.com

Whatever product or good you are manufacturing, quality manufacturers know that the most professional manufacturing and fabrication equipment comes from Amada America. In the manufacturing industry, no other machine has gained notoriety for being a durable, reliable workhorse. 

While these machines are god-like in their ability to think and create products that are perfect down to the most accurate micrometer, they are not ethereal, they are mortal -- this means that, even though they are legends in the blue collar worker's hall of fame, they are not entirely infallible. Things do go wrong, and pieces have a tendency to break. When they do break, you need to go to the professionals for replacement parts, machines, or qualified service for parts and machines.

Alternative Parts Inc. is a purveyor of Amada America products, as well as a licensed technician for a multitude of fabrication machines through a number of different brands. So if you need alternative or replacement parts, need servicing for existing products, or would simply like to browse through new and innovative technologies and breakthroughs in manufacturing and fabrication, visit the experts from Alt Parts online at:

http://www.altparts.com/

2013 Looks Bright for Construction Jobs

Photo Courtesy of Roofers Supply Group

We are barely a week into 2013 right now, and already this new year has brought us a lot of good news about the overall state of the U.S., and the state of its citizens. The American people, though through troubles and years of struggles through the Great Recession, are beginning to bounce-back in a resilient return to productivity and prominence.

In addition to lowered jobless claims, more companies hiring, less housing foreclosures, and higher holiday spending, the construction industry -- one of the hardest hit by the initial downfall of the economy -- is beginning to see a bright return as well. With 10 states across the U.S. increasing their minimum wages, an increase in public works projects and commercial construction, and with homes beginning to sell and increase in value, the stage is set for a very big construction industry comeback.

Edward Mason, a roofing contractor from Ogden, UT states, "I have a really good feeling about 2013. I have already had three calls this week for big projects this spring... and that is a very good start." In the past few years, Mason admits that it was taking up until the month of May to line up just a few projects for the year. "We are truly blessed to have the work, and we are very thankful for it."

Mason's words reflect the feeling in many American's hearts, that there is a feeling of renewed hope that came with 2013, and we hope that the prosperity will continue to shine on us throughout the coming years, as we have the opportunities, once again, to earn an honest day's work, and to live with and for our families.

New Year Deals At Auctions

Photo Courtesy of Affiliated Auctions

The new year offers many great shopping deals through retail stores and online shopping websites alike. But, there other outlets to purchase items at great low prices that you might not think to consider.

As the new year begins, many of the legal and financial nuances of estates and trusts are coming to an end, allowing for properties and possessions to go forward to auction. These auctions can be a great place to find one of a kind items at unheard of prices. Auctions come in many different forms, including: gun auctions, military auctions, estate auctions, police auctions, and other niche types of auctions.

Estate and trust auctions can yield some of the best deals, as the properties and items sold usually have not been adequately estimated for value, and getting the items sold quickly is at the forefront of concerns for those hosting the auction. Anything can be found at these auctions including: gold coins, furniture, and even animals and livestock. Some of the biggest finds that individuals have encountered at auctions are:

• Stock Certificates
• Vintage Wines
• Gold Krugerrands
• Ming Dynasty Vases
• Historical Documents
• Master Recording Tapes
• Military Memorabilia
• Armory and Weapons
• and more...

The list of treasures you can find through auctions is quite literally endless. To start searching for auctions, to learn more about the auction process, or to view found treasures, visit Affiliated Auctions online at:

 http://www.affiliatedauctions.com/

Battery Prevention

Picture Courtesy of Batterymart.com

Every winter I take a trip. For this winter's little getaway, I decided that I would take a vacation all by myself, instead of doing a big, family-driven holiday. It would be a trip taken all alone... Well, almost all alone, I made the trip with my new BMW 500cc motorcycle. Yes, this trip was kind of just an excuse to ride my motorcycle and be alone while feeling the cool air blow through my hair.

I made the drive from Phoenix, Arizona to Helotes, Texas. It was a long drive, a good 4 days round trip, but it was a peaceful drive that gave me plenty of time to reflect on the past year before New Years Eve.

The trip was going quite well. I had just stopped to have breakfast in Lordsburg, New Mexico when, upon returning to my bike, I had an uneasy feeling. It wasn't the 4 extra strips of thick cut bacon that I ordered with my eggs and fried potatoes, it was a nagging feeling that something was just wrong. Trying to shake this feeling away, I kicked over the engine, only to hear a lifeless response. The bike was dead.

Panic shot through me. The battery, I though, please let it just be the battery. Growing up in the Southwestern United States, I have seen my share of batteries meet a bitter end in the crisp-cold winters of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, so I had come for this trip prepared. Pulling my Leatherman tool from its home at the side of my belt, I opened up the casing on my bike to reveal the battery. Without testing it, I removed the old battery, tossed it onto the ground, and produced a brand new replacement motorcycle battery from my backpack. Finally, we would see if carrying this heavy extra battery for 800 miles would pay off. Once connected, I set the battery inside of its casing and gave the crank another kick. The engine burst into a full rumble and the pangs of anxiety released from my tensed muscles. It was the battery!

With my trip back on, I decided to take a little tour of Lordsburg, slowly driving up and down the streets. I wasn't necessarily taking in the ambiance of this quiet, quaint town, I was searching for a battery store. Not out of necessity, but out of curiosity. I wanted to see how out of luck I would have been if I hadn't brought that spare battery. What I found, was that it would have been terrible luck without a spare battery. The town was sleepy, and being that it was Christmas Eve, all shops were closed. Even if they had been open, it would have been tough to find the specific type of battery I needed.

In short, by me thinking ahead, and purchasing my spare battery from Battery Mart before I started out on the road, I saved myself and my vacation from whatever dangers may lurk in sleepy little towns in New Mexico.