Copyright (c) 2007 Pat Brill
Ah, graduation. Remember that soaring feeling of freedom? That excitement of stepping out into a whole new world of choices and decisions, all made by you? There's no doubt that graduation, whether it be from high school, college, or grad school, is a wonderful milestone in life.
But what do you give to commemorate such a milestone? Something useful? Something time-honored that they'll keep forever? Something fun to say, "Hey! Good Job!"?
It's a personal decision, so we'll give you both sides of the fence here, from the seriously special to the downright fun.
For a Creative Gift
Think about what you really missed when you went away to college (or what you missed when you left college and stepped out into the real world). Think about that first week in your dorm room, sleeping with a bunch of strangers. Why not put some creative thinking to work and stock up a ?Going Away' trunk? Fill it with snacks, a comfy blanket, a travel mug for coffee, and any other little things your grad might need at school (or, at their first day on the job).
You could also think about throwing in some fun, reusable water bottles. Those are always handy!
For a Healthy Gift
Give him or her ways to combat the ?Freshman 15' (you know, the fabled 15 pounds that every freshman puts on when they start college?) Create a portable fitness kit for him, or make her a gift basket full of healthy, organic snacks. Or, instead of throwing it all in a basket, why not put it all in a brand new backpack or laundry bag?
For Pure Decadence and Fun
Ok, so here's where you can splurge if you're feeling extravagant. Remember how, well, yucky those showers could be in the dorm? Why not stock her up on the nicest soaps and shampoos, all in a portable plastic basket she can carry to the bathroom. Don't forget the flip-flops (and perhaps a luxurious bathrobe).
For the Time-Honored Gift
When is jewelry not appreciated? A diamond necklace or silver bracelet is a great way to honor your grad's accomplishment, and it's something he or she will keep forever.
Or, what about some books on how to navigate his way through school (or, the real world for that matter ?) Again, these could be put in a new backpack or briefcase.
For a Technology Gift
Well, you've got about a million choices in this category! You could get her a PDA to help manage all those parties she's going to be attending (and she might, occasionally, use it to track homework assignments!).
How about a nice pair of headphones for his iPod for when he has to walk to class (or to work)? Or you might consider a flash drive for his laptop to make it easy to transfer files.
Digital cameras also make great gifts, especially if your grad is starting college. They'll be able to take plenty of pictures to send home to their family!
With all the great gifts available for grads, there's no doubt that with a little creativity you can come up with something special, useful, or just fun to honor this momentous occasion.

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Pat Brill is co-founder of http://www.SilkBow.com which supports Busy Moms with free gift ideas and helpful tips to meet the challenges of motherhood. She is also co-founder of http://www.WellnessArticles.net , a directory of articles covering many areas of wellness. You can reach Pat at pat@SilkBow.com.


Country Club Locales
A country club focuses on offering its members access to some manner of sports facility, usually golf, tennis, and sometimes polo. But they also offer elegant grounds that make fine settings for weddings and all kinds of receptions.
If you choose an indoor ceremony and reception, you will have it inside a stylish clubhouse. The clubhouse will usually have beautiful architecture, many large windows that allow a glimpse of the manicured grounds outside, and beautiful amenities including dance floors and areas suited for large dinners. Some country clubs feature Georgian-style architecture with windows from the floor to the ceiling, and even a rock fireplace and sweeping balcony. You might choose to hold your event at a location that has a Southern plantation-style, with large columns adorning the outer parts of the clubhouse, or alternately select a Scottish-influenced manor-house style of clubhouse. Others are known for their Spanish-influenced architecture and glorious fountains. You might enjoy the setting sun on a terrace that overlooks a fabulous view, any of which could provide the focal point you were looking for in your reception's locale.
You might decide to go with an outdoor reception during the mild summer months of the year. This can be a glorious option depending on where your country club is located. Some country clubs offer magnificent waterfalls or lakes with glistening fountains, which can provide an appealing backdrop for your festivities. Perhaps you would like an evening reception at twilight, with views of the Pacific Ocean in the background. There are country clubs well-suited to fill this ravishing location.
Imagine an autumn wedding with a backdrop of trees with brilliant autumn leaves. Country clubs on the East Coast can provide you with just such a handsome locale for your wedding and reception. Since so many country clubs offer golf courses to their members, you could easily hold a reception outdoors that had the visual benefit of lovely golf course, mountain and city light views, which would be spectacular for an evening event. Country clubs in the southwestern United States can provide you with high desert mesa views so unique to the area.
Several country clubs in Northern California offer sweeping views of majestic oak trees. Others in Tennessee make polo available to their members, and you could have a wedding and reception in horse country.
Select country clubs offer wedding hosts and hostesses several great options from which to choose when it comes to selection of your event's locale. With all of the variety available, your reception is sure to be unique, based on the country club's location.


Emergency Preparedness - Earthquake Preparedness Tips
Unlike hurricanes, earthquakes don’t come with a warning. Earthquakes strike instantly and they happen all over the world. Earthquakes are raging events that can cause enormous damage in a minute or less. The San Francisco quake of 1989 lasted for just ten seconds and did ten billion dollars worth of damage. The best way to prepare for an earthquake is to have the necessary supplies and to make your house earthquake safe.
First of all, it is recommended that you have at least 72 hours of supplies in case of an earthquake or other disaster. The easiest way is to buy a professional 72 hour emergency kit or you can prepare your own emergency kit.
Other things to have in your emergency survival kit:
* A first aid kit
* Instructions to turn off your utilities
* All essential medications
Preparing your home for an earthquake:
Eliminate hazards by moving heavy items to lower shelves and securing heavy furniture. Secure hanging items, such as mirrors and paintings and never hang things over beds.
Make sure that you water heater is secured properly to the wall studs. Your water heater weighs a couple hundred pounds and during an earthquake it could fall, breaking gas lines on the way down.
Verify that your home is bolted securely to the foundation. If your home is built before 1950 houses weren’t required to bolt to the foundation. Have a licensed contractor check.
Make sure that your chimney is securely braced. During an earthquake it can topple over end fall through the ceiling, becoming a major hazard.
During an Earthquake:
* Stay inside and away from falling objects and glass. Drop down and cover your head from falling debris.
* If you are outside, stay away from power lines, glass windows, and large building. Move to a clear area.
After an earthquake:
* Check for injuries on yourself and others and perform necessary first aid.
* At this point emergency services and phone lines are overloaded, so only use the phone to report life threatening emergencies.
* Shut off your utilities to prevent further damage to your home.
* Put out small fires with your fire extinguisher. Remember, if you smell gas or think that it may be leaking. Evacuate your home immediately and shut off your utilities.
* Expect aftershocks and be prepared to take cover when they occur.
Malcolm Felt - Professional writer specializing in emergency and disaster preparedness. For more information visit www.lifeprepared.com Emergency kits Home survival kit