Helpful Shit

 14 Question to Ask A Pool Company Before You Dig

Pools are a big investment and once you start digging and tear up a yard you will wish you had all these questions answered.  These are questions everyone should ask when building a pool: 

1. Do you stick to the contract price or change it for any reason?  
2. Will you do addendums in that case and discuss with your client the changes and choices?  
3. Do you set an approximate end date and follow a schedule to see it meet deadline ( bad weather days excluded) 
4. Do you have your own crews that excavate, rebar, gravel, plumb, gunite, coping, tile, plaster and pour concrete?  Or do you sub it out and have to play the waiting game? 
5. If you sub out the work what proof is being given subcontractors are being paid?  
6. What about relaying sod or Lanscaping or lighting?
7. Are there people working in your yard and on the pool daily?  40 hours a week or on Saturdays?
8. Will the person in charge be on site daily and during important processes and stages to catch any mistakes made?  
9. If there are mistakes who pays to fix them? 
10. Is there an office front and someone to always answer your calls?  Especially during emergencies?  
11. Do you answer your clients phone calls when they call? 
12. Do you have licensed plumbers in their own company vehicles to move the sewer line if needed and hook up gas or a license electrician in their own company vehicles for lights and grounding the pool?  
13. Do you get permits and inspections from the city… also sewer and electrical inspections and share them with the homeowner? 
14. Do you have guarantees on design, gunite, plaster, Lanscaping and Even workmanship?

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Don't Loan Money to Friends - It's Not Worth the Risk

It can be tempting to loan money to friends in need, but it’s important to remember that it is a risk – one that can damage relationships and leave you out of pocket. Financial advisor Jane Smith warns: “Never loan money to friends. They won’t pay you back and it will piss you off and cause the friendship to end.”

Loaning money often starts out as an act of kindness, but it can quickly become a source of tension between friends. If someone doesn’t pay back what they owe, it can cause resentment and hurt feelings on both sides. Not only that, but if you don’t have a written agreement in place beforehand, then there is no legal recourse for getting your money back. (Thank God for Texts right? THAT will hold up in court)

It is possible for friends to lend each other money without damaging their relationship, but only if certain conditions are met. Firstly, both parties should agree on the terms of the loan beforehand – such as how much will be lent, when repayment is due and how much interest will be charged (if any). It is also important that both parties communicate openly about the loan; if one party needs more time or assistance with repayment then they should speak up before tensions start building up.

When borrowing from a friend, always make sure to express your gratitude for their help – this will show them that you understand how generous they are being by lending you the funds. Lastly, always ensure that you keep up with repayments or else risk damaging your relationship with them permanently. 

While loaning money may seem like an easy way out of financial difficulty at first glance, it usually does more harm than good in the long run – so think twice before reaching into your wallet. As Jane Smith says: “Don't loan money to friends - it's not worth the risk!”

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Checking Out

Are you ever so consumed with everything going on in life that you just need a time out? We have all been there at one point or another. Trying to juggle all of our responsibilities and priorities can leave us getting overwhelmed and feeling like we don’t want to do anything. When this happens, it is important for us to step back – away from the hustle and bustle of life – and just clear our minds, breathe, and center ourselves; taking some time for yourself in order to recenter your thoughts before jumping back into what needs to be done. During those moments that I find myself needing an escape, I allow myself periods of stillness by starting my own personal workflow process.

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Understanding when to step away - recognizing when you need some space to yourself 

 Life can get overwhelming sometimes, and it is perfectly normal to need a break from it all. Recognizing when you need space to yourself is key to maintaining a healthy and happy lifestyle. Being able to step away from a situation can allow you to recharge, reflect, and refocus. This could mean taking a walk outside, reading a book, or simply sitting quietly for a few minutes. Everyone has their own way of decompressing, and it's important to figure out what works best for you. Whether it's taking a day off from work or spending time with loved ones, make sure to take the time to recognize when you need a break and prioritize your mental health. Remember, taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of anything else in your life.

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Benefits of taking a break from your life - exploring different activities, getting in touch with yourself 

Life can be stressful, overwhelming, and fast-paced. It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and sometimes it's important to take a step back and breathe. Taking a break from your routine and exploring new activities can give you a fresh perspective and help you recharge. Whether it's trying out a new hobby, visiting a new place, or just taking a quiet walk in nature, taking time for yourself can be incredibly beneficial. Getting in touch with yourself and your passions can help you reconnect with your inner self and give you a sense of clarity and direction. So next time you feel like you're stuck in a rut, take a break and do something different - you might be surprised at how much it helps!

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Finding ways to recenter and ground yourself during difficult times

Life can be full of unexpected twists and turns, and sometimes we find ourselves facing difficult situations that can make us feel lost and disoriented. During these times, it's important to find ways to recenter and ground ourselves, so we can regain a sense of stability and inner peace. There are many different techniques that people use to achieve this, from meditation and deep breathing exercises to spending time in nature or engaging in creative activities. Some people find comfort in connecting with loved ones or seeking guidance from a trusted spiritual advisor. Whatever method you choose, the key is to allow yourself the time and space to fully embrace the experience, so you can emerge feeling rejuvenated and ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead.

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Making time for hobbies and things you enjoy - creating a balanced lifestyle

It's easy to get caught up in the busyness of everyday life, from work to household chores to family obligations. However, it's important to set aside time for hobbies and other things you enjoy. Taking part in activities that bring you joy can drastically improve your overall well-being and happiness. Whether it's playing an instrument, gardening, or practicing yoga, creating a balanced lifestyle that incorporates your passions is crucial. Making time for yourself can seem daunting, but start with small steps. Schedule a few hours each week for your hobby or interest and prioritize that time. By doing so, you'll not only enhance your quality of life but also discover new skills and interests that you didn't know you had. So go ahead, carve out some time in your busy schedule and indulge in the activities that make you happy. You deserve it.

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Connecting with loved ones - building relationships that will help fuel your growth

There's nothing quite like the love and support of our closest family and friends. They're the ones who have seen us through thick and thin, who have celebrated our victories and comforted us during our lowest moments. But beyond providing emotional support, these relationships also play a crucial role in our personal growth. When we connect with loved ones and build strong bonds, we create a network of people who can offer valuable insights, guidance, and feedback that will help us flourish and thrive. Whether it's a mentor, a best friend, or a member of your family, investing in these relationships is one of the most rewarding things you can do.

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Self-care practices that can help rejuvenate you mentally and physically

Self-care practices are essential to maintain a balance between mental and physical wellbeing. Engaging in activities that rejuvenate the mind and body can help relieve stress, increase energy levels, and improve overall health. Taking a daily walk, practicing yoga, or enjoying a warm bath are some physical self-care practices that can help you relax and recharge. On the other hand, meditation, reading, or spending time with loved ones can be great mental self-care practices that help calm the mind and improve mood. Engaging in these self-care practices can help you prioritize your wellbeing, allowing you to lead a happier, healthier life.

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Everyone needs to take a step back from their life sometimes, and when that time comes, it is important to understand how to make the most of it. Taking a break from your daily routine can provide you with the mental and physical rest necessary for optimum effectiveness in life. Having an activity and hobby to look forward to can be the perfect way to fill your wakeful moments. Connecting with those we love also helps us recalibrate our emotional wellbeing and provides comfort during hard times. Lastly, engaging in self-care practices, whether small or big, gives us the opportunity to re-center ourselves so that we have the best chance at succeeding in whatever life throws our way. All of these elements combined are incredibly beneficial in both providing for our present and future wellbeing; I sometimes have take myself out of life for a moment; but I hope you don’t have to.