Phung

Strange jobs? How do we define that? Years ago I stole cars as a repo-man, had some adventures as an investigative process-server, and even handed out samples in grocery stores. Here are some other unusual jobs you can aspire to:

Wrinkle Chaser

This is the person that irons wrinkles from shoes as they are being made to ensure they are perfectly smooth when you buy them.

Chicken Sexer

This is a real job title. A chicken sexer sorts through baby chicks to determine if they are male or female, and then segregate them.

Citrus Fruit Colorer

A Citrus Fruit Colorer, with the help of steam and chemicals, gives citrus fruit a more natural coloring, because fruit is usually picked before it is fully ripe.

Celluloid Trimmer

A Celluloid Trimmer shaves down a golf club and then adds celluloid bands onto the golf clubs to make the leather grip stay in place.

Odor Judgers

Want to smell armpits all day to help make effective deodorants? I'm not sure why somebody other than some strange fetishist would want this job.

Furniture Tester

Now here's a good one. The La-z-Boy Company (and probably others) employs furniture testers to check out their recliners. Want to relax for a living?

Cowpuncher

You can herd, castrate and brand cattle. Then, when you get bored castrating cattle, you can repair fences, watering troughs and do other maintenance work on the ranch.

Alligator Wrangler

This is more of a dangerous job than a strange one, and probably not worth the pay, unless you get a T.V. show like the The Crocodile Hunter.

This is just a small sampling of the weird jobs out there. I understand that sumo-wrestlers need helpers in the bathroom, for example, and a friend of mine once had a job painting "Brake Release" on those little handles all day. Then there are the strange businesses you can start, but that's another story.

Steve Gillman has had an interest in all the many ways to make money since childhood. You can read about more strange businesses and jobs at his website: http://www.UnusualWaysToMakeMoney.com

Given the conditions in the world today it is a wise person who decides to provide for their own personal and financial security... by building a home-based business.

The choices are almost endless... and the business opportunity landscape is strewn with the bodies of those who did not do their home work and due-diligence. Having a sensible list of criteria, upon which to judge any business opportunity, is a much needed commodity... and one which will pay huge benefits in terms of success or failure.

Like you, I am on a constant quest for home based businesses which meet some pretty strigent and specific benchmarks.

Here is my...

14-ESSENTIAL CRITERIA FOR SELECTING A HOME-BASED BUSINESS...

1. Must be global, from day one, with no serious barriers created because of shipping, logistical issues, regulations, etc.

2. Must be totally online where my understanding and comfort with computers enables me to earn unlimited income.

3. Must be in a truly cutting-edge market. One which is on the forefront of its industry... with true technological advantages, and a level of exclusivity both as to form and function. The "unique selling proposition" must be clear and properly defined.

4. Must have a compensation system which allows for massive income from massive results.

5. Must pay weekly... or more often.

6. Must pay through a global ATM/debit card or some other means of instant payment... accessible from anywhere in the world.

7. Must have a customer service system based on a philosophy of excellence and over-fulfilling. (Happy customers are repeat customers).

8. Must have a product or service which has true "universal appeal".

9. Must be priced competitively and represent true value for the end user.

10. Must have sophisticated marketing and management tools that are f`r`e`e (or at very low cost) and are web based.

11. Must have both online and off-line marketing materials that represent the best execution of both copy and graphics.

12. Must generate a positive, gut-level, response that tells you that "this is for me". Your interest and enthusiasm are immediate and you "get it" instantly. If you feel this way... so will others.

13. Must have a company management team which is experienced, ethical, and fair... and the financial strength to overcome any obstacles that may appear.

14. Must have a marketing model which is quickly and inexpensively scaleable to meet rapid growth.

Owning and operating one of the most visited generic network business opportunity websites in the world puts me in a unique position. I am able to evaluate dozens of business opportunities monthly. My list of criteria has evolved over the span of many years. I've watched "deals" come and go. I have learned that whenever I ignore my own criteria I usually regret it.

Not many companies can hold up under the scrutiny of the above listed criteria... the ones who do have a huge lead on any competition... and represent a solid foundation for long term success.

(c) Copyright 2007 Thom Reece ... Thom is the CEO and Senior Consultant for Online Marketing Group, and developer of the popular Online Marketing Resource Center. His articles are published widely both online and in the traditional business press. To see a f`r`e`e video of what Thom believes is one of the most exciting new home-based, online business opportunities in the world today go to: [ http://go2-url.com/arrrrz ]

Combine poverty, readily available poor choices of sugar snacks and drinks at schools and recreation areas, the sedentary lifestyle of television and computer entertained children, and high carb/high fat diets at home with the female body and problems quickly arise. The younger a child is when they begin to lose muscle and replace it with fat, the harder it becomes to stop the tide of obesity in middle school and high school. The potential of these children is squashed out with shame and deep seated emotional scarring by stigmatization and peer ostracizing.

According to a recent study from The University of Texas at Austin, obese girls are half as likely to attend college as non-obese girls.(Crosnoe, R. 2007) Certainly, the ability to change people's bad habits and lives as witnessed in the popular television show "The Biggest Loser" is available to a few lucky contestants. If our school systems must step back from the importance of year after year of memorizing important data that is now available in seconds on the computer and switch their curriculum. Introduce health classes that actually produce hard bodied, drug free and alcohol free young people, parenting classes that produce skilled parents with knowledge of my "Compassionate Parenting" based on child development markers, and practical money savvy business minds.

Make these mandatory and prerequisites to the important but advanced classes like trigonometry, chemistry and Spanish that few students need or use in their future. I am proposing that the schools spend time creating strong healthy bodies with organic nutrition, stretching, dance, cardio and weight lifting every day and watch their discipline problems, drop out rates, drug and alcohol use, and boredom levels plummet. Children left to sit in rows for seven hours a day fed sugar and fake wheat food are dying, not thriving.

Dr. Molly Barrow holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and is the author of the new book, Matchlines: A Revolutionary New Way of Looking at Relationships and Making the Right Choices in Love, ISBN 159507158X. She is an authority on relationship and psychological topics, a member of the American Psychological Association and a licensed mental health counselor. Dr. Molly has appeared as an expert in the film, My Suicide, documentaries Ready to Explode and KTLA Impact, NBC news, PBS In Focus, WBZT talk radio and in O Magazine, Psychology Today, Newsday, The Nest, MSN.com, Yahoo, Match.com, N Magazine, Womens Health and Womens World. Please visit: http://www.DrMollyBarrow.com for Match Lines System for Successful Relationships

There is romance to be found in the great north. Canada is a country full of majestic scenery in its many lakes, and rivers, mountains and forests, and wonderful cosmopolitan areas. There are many hotels that stand out either for their history and beautiful surroundings, or for their luxurious accommodations and amenities in the midst urban sophistication. Either of these scenarios make these hotels a perfect setting for a romantic interlude to not be forgotten.

The Wedgewood Hotel and Spa, Vancouver, British Columbia

The Wedgewood Hotel and Spa, located on Vancouvers chic Robson Square, is a romantic European boutique-style hotel. Privately owned and operated, it is smaller and more intimate than some other local hotels. All of the 83 luxurious rooms at the Wedgewood feature private balconies and beautifully crafted plush furnishings. You can relax at the spa and fitness centre, which carries the renowned Epicuren cosmetic line. The Award-winning restaurant Bacchus offers outstanding dining with live entertainment nightly and is known for its exceptional weekend brunches and afternoon tea. The Wedgewood Hotel is close to many attractions in Vancouver, and there is no shortage of activities to choose from. Suites and romance packages are available.

Chateau Lake Louise, Lake Louise, Alberta

Discovery Travel voted Chateau Lake Louise as one of the ''World's Top 10 Honeymoon Hot Spots'' and did so for a very good reason. The scenery is breathtaking and the hotel is grandiose. Chateau Lake Louise is surrounded with snow-frosted Rocky Mountain peaks and secluded next to a legendary lake. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise has a full range of newly renovated rooms and elegant suites featuring either a mountain or lake view, with facilities befitting one of the world's finest mountain resorts: award-winning cuisine in eight restaurants and lounges, and a gallery of unique boutiques to shop at. Your adventure starts right outside the Chateau's doors. You can go hiking, canoeing, mountain biking, fly fishing, horseback riding, skiing and snowshoeing (depending on the season of course!). Or you can kick back and relax in the spa, indoor pool or hot tub.

Windsor Arms, Toronto, Ontario

Step through the Gothic inspired doorways and you will find a luxurious, two-storey lounge, richly panelled in dark oak and offering 26 suites and two luxury rooms across four floors of this deluxe boutique hotel. Located centrally in Toronto in the upscale Yorkville area, this discreet small luxury hotel offers guests Torontos only caviar and champagne lounge, a dance and live entertainment club, a luxury spa and an indoor pool, complete with poolside fireplace and gourmet restaurant. Traditional tea is served at 1:30pm and 3:30pm daily. Shopping and entertainment are only steps away.

The Marriot Niagra Falls Fallsview and Spa, Niagra Falls, Ontario

We all know that Niagra Falls is one of the honeymoon capitals of the world. Something about those majestic falls inspires the romantic side in couples. A room with a view is a must in this location and this new luxury property boasts that it's the closest hotel to Niagara Falls. The hotel has 427 Fallsview guestrooms overlooking Niagara Falls. The Deluxe Fallsview Fireplace and Whirlpool Suite is an intimate Suite featuring a King sized bed, a large 2-person Whirlpool and a fireplace. This suite is located on one of the hotel's higher floors, and offers an extraordinary view of both the Canadian and American Falls.

Chateau Montebello, Montebello, Quebec

Nestled in the midst of a private 65000 acre estate, Le Chateau Montebello is located on the shores of the Outaouais River, halfway between Ottawa and Montreal and is a great place to get away from it all. This resort opened in 1930 as a private club and became a hotel in 1971. A legendary log chateau, being the largest log-cabin in the world, the hotel is an idyllic four-season resort offering a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities including: curling, cross country skiing, skating, dog-sledding, snow-shoeing, and sleigh rides in the winter and boating, fishing, jet-skiing, lawn games, outdoor swimming, tennis, and an 18 hole golf course. Jacuzzi suites and romance packages are available.

Chateau Frontenac, Quebec City, Quebec

This is a magnificent castle-like structure with copper turrets and stone towers, Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac is over 100 years old and a historic landmark of Quebec City. Situated on top of the Cap Diamant Cliffs in the heart of the old walled-in city, Le Chateau Frontenac overlooks the St. Lawrence River and provides some great views. Romance packages are available for any of the beautifully furnished 618 guestrooms and suites. There are exquisite restaurants, an elegant, beautiful bar and a more casual veranda bar. The Chateau also has many upscale boutique shops, art galleries, a florist and hair salon. There is also an on-site indoor pool and fitness center. When do venture out, a stay at the Chateau Frontenac permits you easy walking access to all of the wonderful sites and romantic experiences that Old Quebec has to offer.

The Casino Nova Scotia, Halifax, Nova Scotia

The Casino Nova Scotia is the only hotel located directly on the waterfront, in the heart of downtown Halifax. Guests enjoy convenient access via the walkway to Casino Nova Scotia, many boutiques, shops, restaurants, banks and entertainment hot spots. Casino Nova Scotia is located next door to the Hotel and offers you gaming, entertainment and restaurants. The hotel has two popular restaurants, with outdoor patios featuring a spectacular view of Halifax Harbour, offering an eclectic menu, two lounges, and an indoor heated swimming pool with a large modern fitness facility and full spa services. The rooms offer spectacular views of Halifax Harbour, Historic Properties, the city, or of the courtyard. . The Casino Nova Scotia offers full Concierge services, where sightseeing tours, Harbour boat ours, whale watching, deep-sea fishing, golf and other activities can be arranged. One-bedroom suites or Luxury suites are available.

Jolana Klobouk is a former travel agent who has traveled extensively for work and vacations with her family. For more travel information, visit her travel websites: http://www.best-family-beach-vacations.com and http://www.FlyFromCanada.com

When buying a home and evaluating your mortgage loan options, you'll likely encounter the term "balloon loan." This type of loan allows you to make fixed payments for a certain period of time, but then requires you to pay off the remaining balance in one lump-sum payment.

Key Points of the Balloon Loan

• The interest rate on a balloon mortgage loan is almost always lower than the interest rate on a traditional 15- or 30-year mortgage loan. This is the primary benefit offered by this type of loan.
• The result of the lower interest rate, of course, is a lower overall monthly payment.
• Balloon mortgage loans usually have a term of five to seven years. After that, you must pay off the remaining balance in full (either by refinancing or paying out of pocket).
• Some balloon loans can be converted to a fixed-rate mortgage loan at the end of the original term. In such cases, the fixed-rate loan will take on current interest rates at the time of conversion.
• A balloon loan may be a good idea if you only plan to stay in a house for five to seven years. It can save you money each month, and if you sell the house before the term ends, you'll avoid the lump sum payment.

Before deciding whether or not a balloon loan is right for you, you should educate yourself on all of the loan types. It's also a good idea to seek the advice of a qualified, reputable mortgage professional.

Conclusion

If you only plan to stay in a home for a few years, a balloon loan might be a good option for you. In most cases, a balloon loan will offer lower interest rates than a conventional, long-term loan. Educate yourself before choosing a balloon loan, and be sure to have a plan in place for when the loan terms ends. Always seek the advice of a qualified mortgage professional.

* Copyright 2006, Brandon Cornett. You may republish this article in its entirety, provided you keep the byline, author's note and website hyperlink intact.

About the Author
Brandon Cornett is the editor of HomeBuyingInstitute.com, one of the Internet's largest libraries of home buying information -- over 100 expert articles on home buying and home mortgage loans! Learn more at: http://www.homebuyinginstitute.com

Once you have decided to adopt a VoIP phone system for your business or home, the next step is to decide on a provider. There are so many options to choose from with each offering attractive schemes.

The first step would be to sit down and list in detail your needs. Once you have a clear idea do an internet search to find out about different providers, the facilities they are offering, and whether or not they have a reliable operation in your area. Read blogs as well as reviews on VoIP phones and the different companies, check with the better business bureau and chamber of commerce as to whether there are any complaints registered against the companies you are considering.

Some important considerations when choosing a provider are:

The costs: undertake a comparison of the VoIP fees. These can range form US $ 8- US$ 30 per month. And, depending on the charges, the facilities offered will vary. What you need to do is list what features are beneficial to you and then determine for these services what the monthly fees will be.

Read the offers carefully. Surf the web to find out what each provider offers for the fees charged. Think about call forwarding, voice mail, call waiting and so on. Read about what kind of network the provider has, the technology he is using and what his future plans are.

An important consideration is the ability to contact emergency services. Choose a provider who has E911 access. This is dependant on whether the VoIP system is to be the only phone connection in your home.

Find out whether the provider offers free technical support. Some do charge for technical services. Also determine whether your existing computer system and internet cable will support VoIP services. Determine whether you will need any new equipment or software.

Ask about number portability and whether you will be able to retain your current landline number.

Find out what the different plans being offered are and whether there are any promotional schemes. There are databases of residential and business VoIP providers listing special deals, features, and plans.

Make a list of doubts/questions you have and seek answers from VoIP experts.

Make a list of hardware and software required such as phones, internet speeds, IP phones, routers and so on. Determine portability as well as efficacy of the services.

Read the contract carefully. Find out whether there is a lock in period within which you cannot change schemes or providers.

Ask about service charges applicable. Find out about sound quality and reliability of services.

Find out whether there will be additional costs for making international or long distance calls.

Weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a final decision. Most broadband phones work with a DSL or cable modem internet. If you have a dial-up, satellite or wireless broadband then VoIP phones will not work in your home or office.

Paul Wilson is a freelance writer for http://www.1866Voip.com, the premier website to find help on Voip including topics on online voip, voip phone, voip service providers, voip solutions, business voip, internet telephony voip and more. He also freelances for the premier Voip Services Article Submission Directory site http://www.1888Articles.com/voip-articles-127_12.html

Often, abused, neglected and taken for granted is the poor old faithful tender. It is easily the least maintained of all craft on the waters of the world today and probably always was! However, the poor thing is expected to give sterling service, twenty-four hours a day in all weathers.

It is fair to say that many tenders should be dragged off the beach and attacked with a good strong chain saw and the resulting flotsam used to stoke up the barbyhowever, for the others that remain afloat, there are a few things that may take them into the next millenium, with a stroke of luck!

CATEGORIES
Well, basically all that we have to deal with are four kinds. Wooden, aluminium, rubber and fibreglass. Let's kick off with the first category.

TIMBER
Very many existing tenders are constructed from ply and these are often in exceedingly poor repair. They are given the most cursory nod as a rule and only looked at when a foot goes through the bottom. The greatest protection of all is generally three things, paint, paint and more paint. If the wood is protected from the weather, greater is the chance of survival. Before painting your tender, DRY it out thoroughly, it'll have a lot more chance of letting the paint actually stick to itIf it doesn't have a drain plug, then fit oneIt'll give it twice the life if water is not allowed to accumulate. Oh yes, secure the bungs with lanyards. Holes may be rudely repaired with a good old square patch using epoxy and bronze screws.

Flotation is always highly recommended in ply dinghies and may be in the form of sealed polystyrene glued under seats. Also, inflatable beach balls stuffed in lockers and then inflated are cheap and safe. Always tie your rowlocks on with nylon rope and repair all damage the instant it is done.

Finally, wash it out thoroughly and store upside down when not in use and replace all painters and leads regularly. I'm not supposed to say this either but in the case of a very leaky tender, a quick efficient repair may be undertaken by turning over the boat, thoroughly drying out, then painting rubberised bitumen paint over the bottom several times. It won't last forever but it will work for a while.

INFLATABLES
An old favourite is the inflatable. Giving many years of reliable service they have huge buoyancy, require little maintenance and are extremely light. So much so they are the favourite prey of those vile beings that lurk around boatyards and relieve you of your much loved rubber duckyboiling in hot tar is too good for them, but I digressas mentioned, little maintenance is needed. However, some care must be taken if your inflatable is not to end up looking like a pile of tired old elephant's intestines!

Often forgotten is the bottom of the inflatable. Take care where you land and don't drag it over rough beaches. Always try to carry it if you can. Check regularly for scuffs and if you have any deep scores put a patch over it before it is punctured.

Wooden floor boards are often neglected and left unvarnished and with water accumulating underneath. If this is rainwater the boards will rot quicker than if it is salt. Take them out and varnish 'em on a regular basis. If they are split, smooth them off to prevent chafing and sudden punctures an inflatable with no air in is as much use as a hat rack is to a moose

Put the anchor and chain into a plastic bucket to prevent rust stains and damage. Check all ropes, lanyards and painters regularly.

A common problem with inflatables is too much pressure. An inflatable pumped up in the cool of the morning will expand with the heat of the sun and severely strain or split the joins. Ensure that this does not happen with regular checking.

Clean by hosing all sand, grit and broken shells out on a regular basis and keep it clean at all times. A dropped fish hook in an inflatable has much the same effect as Saddam Hussein on World Peace

Lastly, ensure that if you do get punctured ensure that you always have the manufacturer's recommended repair kit and take great pains to read the instructions thoroughly. Wherever possible, keep your inflatable stored out of the sun and invest in a large padlock and chain.

FIBREGLASS
Normally glass tenders are in a bad state of repair and owner's often see little point in repairing dings and scuffs. If you are one of those people that like to see things looking good, a ding can be repaired using a gel-coat repair kit. Car repair putty is porous and will eventually bulge and drop off like a leech and epoxy is the best of all for repairing fibreglass.

Where timber rubbing strakes are missing or rotted, you'll lose strength in the boat's rigidity and it'll pay to replace them. If they are not replaced the hull will flex, craze and crack. All timber should be kept in good repair by coating with varnish. If you have varnishing, use epoxy. It will eventually dull but you can always paint it over later on.

Cruelly referred to as 'washing-up bowls' glass dinghies however, have a well earned reputation for longevity and reliability and remain a firm favourite.

ALUMINIUM Isn't it incredible just how much damage the good old tinny will sustain. They seem to last forever and it's no surprise that the tinny is such a firm favourite. No maintenance seems to be the order of the day but the long suffering tinny can be made to suffer even longer if a few basic rules are adhered to.

Never leave seawater and steel objects lying in the bottom of the boat. Always drain the tinny and flush with fresh water after use. Never repair the tinny with steel or monel rivets. Localised corrosion will weaken the repair with dire results. As with steel objects, never leave wet rags in the boat at all.

Don't leave tinnys in the water for extended periods, especially near mooring jetties with shore power supplied. Stray electrical currents can eat the bottom faster than you'd believe!

If repairing your much battered aluminium boat, don't just use any old ally sheet that you find down the tip. They must be repaired with correct alloys that are especially formulated for use with sea water. Alloys containing copper are a disaster as is Duralumin. Both will corrode extremely quickly as will incorrect fastenings that might be used for the repair. Seek advice from you local tinny manufacturer and don't use car repair rivets, no way! Another useful repair material for aluminium is epoxy glue. If the surface is properly repaired it can be used together with bi-axial glass cloths and the repair can be extremely strong. Polyester resins and chopped strand mat will eventually delaminate be warned.

FENDERS
All of the above tenders can be preserved for many years longer by the intelligent use of fenders and rubber rubbing strakes. A thick length of rope around a wooden dinghy will make an effective rubbing strake.

It's a sad fact that many folks leave their tenders in a terrible woebegone state and when asked why the answer is usually, "Well, who'd nick that bloody thing?"

One must agree in a way but you also have to remember the fact that you and your families lives are fully dependent on that scruffy little cockshellit may look vile but there's no excuse on planet earth for it to be unseaworthy and dangerous.

Terry Buddell is a freelance journalist and a Marine surveyor, boat designer and shipwright, He lives on board his yacht "The Nicky J Miller' that he built himself in The Gold Coast Australia and has sailed his yacht up the East Coast to the beautiful Whitsunday Islands. He is currently resident in Gladstone Queensland where he is building another boat for his collection! Terry can be contacted on arcus1@bigpond.com or http://www.dolphinboatplans.com

According to the bureau of labor, the top ten most dangerous jobs are:

1. Airplane Pilot
2. Construction worker
3. Farmer
4. Tree cutter (logger)
5. Laborers
6. Truck drivers
7. Grounds keeper
8. Detectives/Police officers
9. Carpenters
10. Sales person

Granted, some occupations are much more dangerous than others but, you still need to take a thorough look at your life insurance no matter what your occupation may be. Your #1 priority should be to make sure your family is protected should you die. If you are unmarried and have no children, you most likely don't need as much life insurance. But you still need some coverage. Funeral expenses, debts, etc. you wouldn't want to burden your loved ones with these debts after you're gone.

You should never avoid going without life insurance if...
* You are married with children who all depend on you.
* You have elderly parents or other family members who depend on you.
* You die unexpectedly and your retirement funds are not enough to support the family you left behind.
* You are self-employed with your own business.
* You dont have at least $10,000 set a side to bury you

Insurance companies are quick to give you an idea of how much life insurance you should have. You can always ask an agent for help.

Let's go back to 'high risk' occupations. You may also want to consider "Disability' insurance. Don't think for a minute that if you should become disabled, the government will come knocking at your door with a check! I can take 3 years or more for the government to determine whether you are eligible or not for disability benefits. Even if you are eligible, it is most unlikely that you will be able to support your family on the amount of those benefits.

What if you have a disability policy through your employer?

That's fine but, what if you leave that job? Most likely you will lose that policy so it would be wise to have your own disability policy.

To ensure that you get a cheap life insurance quote, you need to compare insurance companies! "Secrets to buying life insurance" are out there. Just don't expect the insurance companies to tell you about them.

If you would like more free detailed information on how you can find a cheap life insurance quote please visit our web site. Whether you're looking for a term life insurance quote a whole life insurance quote or even universal life insurance quote we will help you compare.

1. Have fun. Attitude is everything with home learning. Enjoy learning and your kids will enjoy it. Make it drudgery and they will respond as well. Try to make even boring tasks, pleasant at least. This is not to say that everything must be a 3-ring circus, but if you have a fresh, upbeat attitude even with times tables and spelling tests, this will reflect well on your children's enjoyment and learning potential.

2. Limit interruptions. My biggest interruption is the phone. Get a good answering machine and use it during regularly scheduled learning time. Or use voice mail. Record a message that states from this time to that time we are home educating and will get back to you after we are finished. Tell friends and relatives that this is the case, and eventually they will learn to respect this. This also means well meaning drop in visits and babysitting for friends, etc. Keep your children's learning time sacred and your family will benefit from this.

3. Dedicate your time to their learning. If you are doing 101 things while your children are trying to do bookwork, how can you expect them to concentrate and finish tasks at hand? Keep your focus on them, it is a priority that rewards!

4. Keep it simple. Be careful not to fall into the "Curriculum of the Month" club. Trying and swapping and changing your education plans with every new program that breezes by will kill your children's spirit. This is not to say that you should stay with something that is not working, just be careful not to flit about like a butterfly in a field of flowers. Your children will quickly learn that all it takes in a bit of whining and they'll have a new book, workbook or system in no time. Also, simplify your life. Too many commitments and outside activities and responsibilities can really wreck havoc with your schedule. Try to keep your life simple and you will be rewarded.

5. Have FAITH! In yourself, your kids and in God. If you are doing the best you can, you will be rewarded. How can you do any worse than an overworked, underpaid public school teacher with only 6 hours and 24 - 30 children to teach? Overcome your own shortcomings with help, tutoring assistance and your own re-education. Don't count yourself short. Children learn in any environment even the slums of Calcutta! Provide them with your time and enthusiasm, good basic materials and faith and you will do as well if not better than that poor teacher can. You have the best interest of your children in your heart. Let it work for them.

6. When in doubt READ! If the washing machine is flooding, the baby is sick, your toddler is fussy and lunch is burning don't just give up, get reading. Reading is the best way for your kids to learn and retain. Gather up the brood and snuggle on the couch with a good classic. Reading aloud is a wonderful activity for your family. Even experienced readers will love to hear a story aloud, especially when they don't have to sound out each word and get through those they may not know. There is a rhyme and rhythm to books read aloud that delights even little ones. Make it a drama performance, use voices change the sound levels of your voice, and discuss the plot. You can even tape record your story time so that pre-readers can listen again and again and enjoy the story while you worry about that washing machine!

7. Surround yourself with home school mentors. Whether it's an online group, or a support group, or just a great mom you met at church or at the library, keep in touch with these people! Ask questions; ask for helpful advice, most likely, they will be happy to help, because someone in their life helped them. Don't do this alone. Even a good home education magazine will help you in your quest. Read home education books when you are in need of a little boost.

8. Use the Library! What a wonderful resource most public libraries are. Not only books of any and every subject but reference books, video tapes, audio tapes, learning materials, computer accesses, computer software and so much more. With just a notebook and some pencils, I truly believe you could educate your children with just a library at hand! Don't spend a fortune on all these reference books for home. Use the libraries! And the librarians love homeschoolers

9. Take frequent break days. If you are sick, or some family obligations make a day difficult, take a day off. Instead of great big weeks off or even the whole summer, take frequent days off through the year to refresh and empower you. The children will be pleased and you will get a chance to regroup. Just make sure they aren't every other day!

10. Watch for outside time stealers! Field trips and social outings and classes for this and that are important, just make sure you are not overdoing it. Too many errands and outings can kill a day's learning and overwhelm your schedule. Remember that you are home schooling not car schooling! Try and schedule a day that is busy and three or four days that are not. Your family will appreciate this!

copyright 2006 by Sherri L. Chekal

Sherri Chekal is the art director at Westvon Publishing. She is the editor of the popular http://www.TheParentTeacher.com and the http://www.TheHomeschoolShop.com websites, as well as offering her graphic talents to several bands through websites, promotion and writing talents. She plays with the Fulton County Bluegrass band in Ohio. She homeschools her two daughters and is quite the Renaissance woman of talents and skills. She is the art director for the bluegrass newspaper, http://www.TheBluegrassJournal.com