The Donkey and the Well

We are approaching the end of another year and the beginning of 2011. How do you feel about that? Are you anxious to see the close of an especially tough year or do you look back at 2010 as a year of learning and growth, both personally and professionally? Are you excited about the prospects 2011 offers
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As I contemplate the year past and the new year before me, I am reminded of the Donkey and the Well.

One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway, it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey. 

He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They each grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement, he quieted down. A few shovel loads later, the farmer looked down the well, and was astonished at what he saw. As every shovel of dirt hit his back, the donkey did something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up.

As the farmer's neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed, as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and trotted off.

The Moral:

Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles a stepping stone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up!

Remember the five simple rules to be happy:

1. Free your heart from hatred.
2. Free your mind from worries.
3. Live simply.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less. 

There will always be 'wells' in life, some deeper than others. While we can't prevent the wells from appearing in life, we CAN control what we do with our wells. You are who you are today as a result of everything you have experienced in life to this point. Recognize the value in the difficulties and resolve in the new year to "shake it off and take a step up!"

What have you resolved to do in 2011? What are you going to continue that you started in 2010? Is there a 'well' in your life that you will now begin to 'step on'? 

11 Steps To Take In The Event Of A 'Clean Water Damage'

What to do in the event of a 'Clean Water Damage'
1. Stop the source of the water.
2. Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping or blotting.
3.  Wipe excess water from wood furnishings after removing any contents lying on surface.
4. Be aware of any potential electrical hazards. Do NOT attempt to vacuum up water with standard vacuum equipment.
5. Clearly designate wet areas with floor signs and safety tape.
6. Pad or block wood furniture to prevent permanent staining of carpet.
7. Carefully remove colored items from affected areas, especially those in contact with carpet and upholstery.
8. Remove and prop wet upholstery and pillow cushions for even drying.
9. Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock.
10. Do not attempt to use electrical devices exposed to moisture or use unexposed electrical devices while standing on wet floors - especially wet concrete.
11. Do not turn on ceiling fans or light fixtures if ceiling is wet. Avoid standing beneath sagging ceilings.

Contact a professional water restoration company as soon as possible.

What is the difference between Term and Permanent Life Insurance?

Term insurance

Term life insurance is the original form of life insurance and is considered to be “pure” insurance because, in contrast to permanent life insurance, it builds no cash value. You pay a monthly premium based on the number of years you want coverage — term length — and the amount of coverage you choose. If the insured dies during the term, the death benefit is paid to the beneficiary. Here are the main characteristics of term life insurance:

	*Temporary insurance coverage
	*Low cost
	*No cash value
	*Usually renewable without evidence of insurability but typically at a higher premium
	*Sometimes convertible to permanent life insurance

Permanent life insurance

Typically, permanent insurance stays in force as long as you live, providing the premiums are paid in a timely manner. Permanent insurance combines a death benefit with a cash value, or savings component, which grows tax-deferred*.
Here are the main characteristics of permanent life insurance:

*Permanent insurance coverage

*More expensive to own

*Builds cash value

*Loans are permitted against the policy

*Favorable tax treatment of policy earnings*

*Level premiums

Contact me to discuss which would be best for your family.

6 Tips For Keeping Your Teen Driver Safe

Motor vehicle crashes remain the No. 1 cause of death for adolescents. Teen drivers are involved in fatal crashes at four times the rate of adult drivers. Many teen driver-related injuries and deaths are preventable. In the National Young Driver Survey, 5,665 students shared their views of teen driving. Evidence from this survey supports the important role parents play in raising safe teen drivers.

According to the research, teens who say their parents set rules and pay attention to their activities in a helpful, supportive way are half as likely to be in a crash.  Here are some tips from The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia:

* Set clear rules, boundaries and expectations. Rather than stating, "You'll do as I say," explain your reasoning.

* It's about safety, not control. Make sure they understand rules are in place for their safety, not to control them. As their skills develop and they become more responsible, introduce new privileges.

* Recognize their need to become independent. Reward responsible behavior with greater privileges.

* Let them know you can be counted on for help and support. It's important teens know you can be relied on.

* Pay attention. To help teens make good safety decisions, keep the lines of communication open.

* Lead by example. Follow the rules of the road; always wear a seatbelt, don't speed and stay off your cell phone.

Taking a closer look at driving through the eyes of a teen reveals parents really do matter. Talk with an Insurance Professional about safety programs that help teens become safer drivers, while saving their parents money.

What do love and life insurance have in common?

What do love and life insurance have in common? More than you might realize. The motivation behind purchasing life insurance is love: We buy it because we love people and want to protect them financially. Think of it as the ultimate act of enduring love. How so? Read on.
The Things We Do for Love

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We go to great lengths for our loved ones. We work hard to provide them with a life filled with happiness, comfort and opportunity. In fact, there’s almost nothing we wouldn’t do for our loved ones. We re-arrange our schedules to never miss our kids’ sporting events. We put in extra time at work to save up for that special family vacation. We rush out of the office to make sure we’re home in time for dinner with our loved ones.

But what if you died tomorrow and were no longer around to provide for your family? Without your income and all the other things you do for your loved ones, would they be able to maintain their current lifestyle and keep future plans on track?

That’s where life insurance comes in. It can’t put your family’s life back to how it was, but it can keep your loved ones in the world they’ve always known. So if you think you need life insurance (or more than you currently have), now is the time to do something about it.
A Different Way of Expressing Your Love

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Preparing a romantic dinner. Planning a surprise weekend getaway. These expressions of love are sure to be appreciated. But why not consider giving your loved one a more enduring gift of love: life insurance. What can say “I love you” better than a promise to provide for the ones you love, even after you’re gone.

Do you know what impact a particular house has on your insurance premium?

Some types of homes can qualify for a discount, thus reducing your insurance premium. At Farmers, there are a variety of discounts that may save you thousands of dollars over the time you own your home. They include the following:

• New Home Discount - If your new home was constructed in recent years, you may get a break on your premiums.
• Home Renovation Discount - If your new home was constructed long ago but the heating & electrical or plumbing systems were recently renovated, you may be entitled to a discount.
• Protective Devices Discount - If your new home has burglar or fire alarm that contacts a central alarm company when triggered, you may get a reduced rate. Or if you have an automatic sprinkler system inside your house that activates in the event of a fire, you can get a discount.
• Fire Safeguard Discount - If your new home has automatic shut-off values professionally installed on all gas or propane lines, you can get a lower premium

Can the type of home affect insurance premiums?

Certain homes, even if they don't qualify for these discounts, may have lower insurance premiums than other homes because of certain features. These include:

• More disaster resistant components - If your new home has a reinforced roof made of stronger material, you may get a lower premium. In the East, a brick house may withstand wind damage more easily, whereas in the west, a frame house may hold up better against earthquakes. The right house in the right location may lead to lower premiums, not to mention a home that you can still go back to.
• Robust fire-fighting facilities nearby - Homes near a fire hydrant and close to fire stations with a professional staff may have lower insurance premiums than those close to volunteer fire departments or far from any fire station or fire hydrant.
• Low-risk location - Homes in some areas, such as coastal Texas or the Alabama waterfront, are vulnerable to storms and will therefore have higher premiums. Similar homes, just a few miles inland, may have lower premiums.

You may want to keep in mind the above information as well as the discounts available to you when purchasing your new home as the type of home you purchase can affect the amount of premium you will pay.
Even if you have fallen in love with a home that has a high insurance rate, your local Farmers agent can review your policy with you to see if you qualify for any other discounts not mentioned here or discuss with you other ways that you may be able to reduce your premium.

What Should I Do After An Auto Accident?

What should I do after an auto accident? 

If you are the driver:     

* Stop your car, put on your hazard lights and get help for the injured.    

* Exchange names, addresses and phone numbers.     

* If there are injuries or property damage, ask someone to call the police or highway patrol.     

* Provide police with the information they require. Ask the investigating officer where to obtain a copy of the police report. You will probably need it.     

* Take notes. Keep a pad and pencil in your glove compartment. Write down the following items:        

   o Names, addresses and phone numbers of all drivers and passengers involved in the accident.        

   o Car license numbers, make and model of each car involved.         

  o Operator's drivers license number and insurance policy number.         

  o Names and addresses of as many witnesses as possible.        

  o Names and badge numbers of police officers.     

* Record the details of the accident while they are fresh in your memory. Draw a diagram to recreate the scene. We recommend that you carry a small disposal camera in your car and photograph the accident scene.     

* At the moment of crisis, Farmers customers can call HelpPoint® (800-435-7764) where individuals are ready to help get you back where you belong. A Farmers HelpPoint representative will guide you through the claims process and arrange for an adjuster to assess the damage to your vehicle and property. Just one call can be all you need to get everything from a rental car, glass repair, and adjuster appointment. Of course your Farmers agent will also be there to help in any way that they can.  If you are the passenger:      

* If you, or anyone in the car is injured, get prompt medical attention.    

* Collect all your belongings from the damaged car, if safe to do so.     

* Get the name, address and phone number of the driver and his/her auto insurance company.     

* Save all of your medical bills and receipts.

Why Do Auto Insurance Premiums Change?

Auto insurance premiums change for the same reasons that the price of other goods and services you buy change.
Insurance companies incur the same costs you do in buying goods and services, and these costs can ultimately affect your insurance premium. Costs affecting the ultimate price of auto insurance include:

• Medical costs to treat injuries
• Auto repair costs
• Costs to adjust claims
• Inflation
• Uninsured drivers (your policy pays when the other driver doesn't have an auto insurance policy if you purchase Uninsured Motorist coverage)

Although insurance companies can't directly control these costs, we regularly monitor them to see how they are affecting the costs of the claims we pay. As they change, auto premiums must be adjusted. These costs can affect your auto insurance premium whether or not you individually have had an accident or claim.
Changes you make to your auto insurance policy or coverage may also change the premiums. Adding or removing a driver, buying a new car, moving to a new location or changing how you use your car may influence the cost of your auto insurance.

Controlling Insurance Costs

What is Farmers doing to control car insurance costs?

• We have a network of reliable auto repair facilities for the highest quality repairs at competitive prices.
• We vigorously oppose frivolous lawsuits.
• We have an active Anti Fraud Unit.
• We offer a youth driving safety education program to all parents of young drivers.
• We actively support organizations devoted to auto safety, including funding anti-drunk driving efforts and those dedicated to improving youth driving safety.
• We offer Annual policies to keep your rates stable.
• We offer the Farmers Flex program to lock in your rates and forgive you for accidents.

Drowning looks different than you think

Think drowning involves screaming, gasping, and flailing? Think it’s easy to notice someone drowning? Well, you’re wrong. Drowning is a silent killer. There’s no splashing, waving, or calling for help of any kind. It's not like what you see on TV. Many people would not even notice another person drowning at just 30 yards away. Read on for tips on how to keep yourself and those you love safe from this silent killer whether at the beach or in your backyard pool.

The Facts About this Silent Killer The Instinctive Drowning Response, a term coined by Francesco A. Pia, Ph.D., is what people instinctively do to avoid suffocation when drowning. The responses to drowning are undramatic and surprisingly quiet.  Drownings are the leading cause of injury death for young children ages 1 to 4. Even scarier is that in a small but significant percentage of kids' drownings, an adult will have watched the whole process, not having a clue what was happening (Source:CDC).


Drowning Doesn't Look Like What You'd Expect Dr. Pia, in an article entitled "It Doesn't Look Like They're Drowning" featured in the Coast Guard’s On Scene Magazine (Fall 06), describes the typical drowning response as follows: "Except in rare circumstances, drowning people are physiologically unable to call out for help. The respiratory system was designed for breathing. Speech is the secondary or overlaid function. Breathing must be fulfilled before speech occurs. Drowning people’s mouths alternately sink below and reappear above the surface of the water. The mouth of a drowning person is not above the surface of the water long enough to exhale, inhale, and call out for help. When the drowning person’s mouth is above the surface, she exhales and inhales quickly as her mouth starts to sink below the surface of the water. Drowning people cannot wave for help. Nature instinctively forces them to extend their arms laterally and press down on the water’s surface. Pressing down on the surface of the water permits drowning people to leverage their bodies so they can lift their mouths out of the water to breathe. Throughout the Instinctive Drowning Response drowning people cannot voluntarily control their arm movements. Physiologically, drowning people who are struggling on the surface of the water cannot stop drowning and perform voluntary movements such as waving for help, moving toward a rescuer, or reaching out for a piece of rescue equipment. From beginning to end of the Instinctive Drowning Response people’s bodies remain upright in the water, with no evidence of a supporting kick. Unless rescued by a trained lifeguard, these drowning people can only struggle on the surface of the water from 20 to 60 seconds before submersion occurs."


Signs of Drowning Watch for these signs the next time you’re swimming with your kids or others:

• Head low in the water, mouth at water level
• Head tilted back with open mouth
• Hair over forehead or eyes
• Eyes glassy, empty and unable to focus
• Eyes closed
• Hyperventilating or gasping
• Not using legs
• Body is vertical and upright
• Trying to swim in a certain direction but not making progress
• Trying to roll over on the back

Stay Aware to Save a Life Keep your eyes open for any oddities because even when things seem ok, they may not be. A good way to be sure is to ask your kid or the person you’re swimming with if he or she is all right. If they are rather still, do not answer or have a blank stare, then you may have less than 30 seconds to get to them! As any parent knows, kids make noise in the water. If they are not making noise, find out why and get them out of the water ASAP.
Article Published by Modernmom.com

Short Video on the dangers of using a car seat outside of the vehicle

One Minute & 16 seconds-worth your time. http://bit.ly/bHOFVQ

6 Steps to Prevent Identity Fraud

Six Steps to Avoid Identify Theft

1. Do not give out personal information, such as account or credit card numbers, on the phone or over the Internet unless you have initiated the contact. Identity thieves could pose as bank officials, Internet providers or credit card company representatives. Remember: If someone has a right to this information (such as your bank), they should already have it … and shouldn't need to request it over the phone.
2. Report lost or stolen checks immediately, and properly store canceled checks. Examine new checks to be sure none were stolen during shipment, and store them in a safe and secure location.
3. Destroy unused financial solicitations before discarding them, and tear up other financial documents such as statements or receipts before discarding them.
4. Guard your Automated Teller Machine (ATM) number, and treat your receipts with care. Leaving them behind or throwing them in the trash could leave them vulnerable to thieves, who could use them to access your accounts.
5. Make sure your mailbox is secure, and promptly remove mail when it has been delivered. Identity thieves often raid mailboxes to obtain credit card offers and financial statements.
6. Contact the major credit reporting companies at least annually to review your file. A copy of your credit report is available for a small fee. The four major credit bureaus are:

Equifax: 866-349-5183

TransUnion: 800-916-8800

CSC Credit Services: 866-349-5183

Experian: 800-682-7654

Your car just broke down on the side of the road, now what?

Your car just broke down and you’re on the side of the road, now what?
If your car breaks down, your first priority is the safety of the people inside the car:

    * Never get out of a broken down car to make a repair or examine damage on the spot. Move the vehicle to a safe place such as a wide shoulder or a designated emergency lane.
    * If you can't drive the vehicle, stay in the car and wait for help. Use your cell phone to call Farmers HelpPoint® (800-435-7764) or wait for help.
    * Remember to put on your hazard lights. Once you are in a safe place, mark your location with flares or triangles.
    * In the case of a blowout or a flat tire, move the vehicle to a safe place before you attempt a repair - even if it means destroying the wheel getting there.
    * Farmers customers, can call HelpPoint® (800-435-7764) where 24/7 a representative will calmly help you with everything you need. HelpPoint can call you a tow truck to jump start your car or bring your vehicle to the nearest qualified repair facility. Your representative can also assist you with reserving a rental car so that you can get on your way as quickly as possible.

Cold weather suggestion: Always carry a warm blanket in your trunk in case you must wait for help in freezing temperatures. Also carry a shovel and sand in the event your car is stuck in the snow. Do not try to dig yourself out unless your car is in a safe place.

The top 5 things you should know about buckling up.

1) Buckling up is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash.

In 2008, seat belts saved more than 13,000 lives nationwide. From 2004 to 2008, seat belts saved over 75,000 lives — enough people to fill a large sports arena. During a crash, being buckled up helps keep you safe and secure inside your vehicle, whereas being completely thrown out of a vehicle is almost always deadly. Seat belts are the best defense against impaired, aggressive, and distracted drivers.

2) Air bags are designed to work with seat belts, not replace them.

In fact, if you don’t wear your seat belt, you could be thrown into a rapidly opening frontal air bag; a movement of such force could injure or even kill you. See www.safercar.gov for more on air bag safety.

3) How to buckle up safely:

Place the shoulder belt across the middle of your chest and away from your neck.
Adjust the lap belt across your hips below your stomach.
NEVER put the shoulder belt behind your back or under an arm.


4) Fit matters.

Before you buy a new car, check to see that its seat belts are a good fit for you.
• Ask your dealer about seat belt adjusters, which can help you get the best fit.
• If you need a roomier belt, contact your vehicle manufacturer to obtain seat belt extenders.
• If you drive an older or classic car with lap belts only, check with your vehicle manufacturer about how to retrofit your car with today’s safer lap/shoulder belts.

5) Occupant protection is for everyone.

Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Web site at www.nhtsa.gov and click on 4 Steps for Kids to find out how to secure your littlest passengers. If you’re expecting a little one, check out NHTSA’s “Should pregnant women wear seat belts?” brochure online to learn how important it is for you — and your unborn child — to buckle up the right way every trip, every time.

8 Things You Can Do To Keep Your Head Above Water During Monsoons

8 Things You Can Do To Keep Your Head Above Water During Monsoons

Monsoon season is upon us! These 8 things will prepare homeowners for monsoon season and protect their property from unnecessary damage and costly repairs.

1. INSPECT THE ROOF FOR DAMAGE:
In Arizona, extreme heat causes the worst damage. The sun dries out the roof membrane and causes materials to crack. The roof should be thoroughly inspected one a year for every type of penetration, bubble, blister or a crack. Each crack should be sealed to prevent damage to the roof membrane and protect the interior of the structure. The roof should be cleaned regularly with a power blower or broom. Be aware that: pigeons, dirt, wind damage and golf balls can also cause significant damage to your roof!

2. KNOW THE LOCATION OF SHUT-OFF VALVES:
As a homeowner, it is essential that you know where to shut off electricity, water and gas. Have them checked regularly to ensure they are in proper working order.

3. CONDUCT REGULAR LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE:
Thinning trees regularly, and moving drip lines away from trunks, prevents them from becoming top-heavy and vulnerable in a monsoon. Re-routing drip lines away from trees forces the roots to grow outward. This root structure creates stability for the tree keeping it upright during a storm and away from your windows, cars and roof.

4. CLEAN RAIN GUTTERS OR HAVE NEW ONES INSTALLED:
Rain gutters assist in proper water and flood management around the property. When they are clogged, standing water becomes a serious concern. Rain gutters should be inspected and cleaned immediately after each storm.

5. CHECK WEATHER STRIPPING AND SEALS ON ALL WINDOWS AND DOORS:
Extreme temperatures during the summer result in cracked weather stripping and seals. A single defective five-dollar weather strip can result in a $15,000 mold remediation project.

6. INSPECT AIR CONDITIONING UNITS:
During the summer particularly during monsoons, air-conditioning units are working harder due to higher humidity. It's important to clean and inspect condensation lines thoroughly to prevent them from clogging. Clogged lines become backed up, redirecting the water into the home.

7. EXAMINE THE FOUNDATION:
The exterior base of the building must be inspected regularly for cracks and missing building materials to prevent water from leaking in. This also prevents insect infestation.

8. PROTECT THE POOL:
Heavy storms can overwhelm a pool's cleaning system. Turn the pool motor on to prevent debris from settling on the bottom of the pool

Courtesy: AM/PM Restoration

How to stop an accelerating car!!

There's been a lot of discussion recently about how to stop your vehicle during sudden acceleration. Many of the 'opinions' I have heard individuals express are not actually safe ways to bring the vehicle to a stop. Instead of taking 2:31 to read an article I could write, spend it watching this video demonstrating the correct technique for bring your vehicle to a stop if your accelerator is stuck or the brakes fail. http://is.gd/bzOH8

Friday Night Date Night

It was my turn to plan 'friday night date night'. I thought I'd surprise my honey by starting out with a late afternoon trip to the Sportsmans Expo in Glendale. It promised to have lots of fishing 'stuff'-demonstrations promising to make you an expert fly-fisherman, boats that every fisherman would die for, campers and trailers so stocked with amenities that even the most 'anti-outdoors' wife would want to accompany you on your next fishing trip and excursions to every exotic place you could think of to hunt any wild and crazy animal you can imagine.

We walked up and down the aisles, looking at the goods and listening to the sales pitches; lures that guaranteed you'd catch bigger fish, trips that would be a 'once in a lifetime' experience, fire starters that looked fun to play with whether you were camping or not, jerky made out of every kind of animal that can be hunted and a camper/trailer that I would surely have purchased if I had found $21K randomly in the pocket of my jeans.

We thought we had seen about everything there was to see as we turned down the last isle. "We'll just walk down this isle and continue out the door", we said to each other. I scanned the booths before us, wondering if I could successfully avoid eye contact with the vendors as we walked by so we could leave and head downtown to the suns game.  As I looked down the isle, something on the last booth caught my eye. Something I didn't expect to see at this venue, a pink ribbon representing breast cancer awareness. Now I was curious. I wondered how breast cancer awareness fit into this environment. 

I grabbed my honey's hand and urged him to hurry down the isle toward the pink ribbons. We stopped in front of the table and as we read "Casting For Recovery" 
( http://www.castingforrecovery.org/ )a cute little lady named Donna popped out from behind the poster with a big smile on her face, looked at me and asked if I was a Breast Cancer Survivor. I confirmed that I was and questioned what the name of the organization meant. With great enthusiasm she proceeded to tell us about this non-profit organization, "Casting For Recovery". 

Donna told us about a weekend retreat they offer (in many states) for Breast Cancer Survivors at any stage of recovery. At this weekend retreat, experts teach women about fly-fishing...everything from knot tying and equipment basics to fly casting and spending time on the water practicing catch and release fishing. Why fly-fishing? Fly-fishing techniques provide a gently exercise for joint and soft tissue mobility and the equipment is lightweight.


During this weekend retreat there are also opportunities for education through Physical Therapists, Nurses, Counselors, etc. And maybe most important, an opportunity to meet, talk with and form friendships and support systems with other women who understand the ups and downs that come with life after 'BC'.


After sharing our stories with one another, Donna explained that because of funds (or lack of), they were only able to take 14 women on the retreat. She told me that the deadline to apply was in 5 days and encouraged me to go online and submit my application. She told me that they literally took all of the applications and put them in a hat and drew out 14. She continued to explain that they also draw out 14 alternates, just in case one of the first drawn wasn't able to attend, even up to the last minute. I looked at my sweetheart and said, "I'm going to go learn to fly-fish" (He recently started to learn to fly-fish himself and I knew he would be real happy if I could fish with him).


The next morning I went online and submitted my application. I then waited, knowing the deadline was in five days. Since the deadline was a Saturday, I confidently stated that Monday morning I would have an email back telling me that I had been drawn...I was going to will it to happen with positive thinking.


The following Monday morning I DID have an email from CFR telling me that I had been chosen as an alternate. Hmmm....I fully expected to be planning my fishing weekend. Then I remembered that Donna had told me that she was drawn as an alternate and got to go because someone else wasn't able to. Since this is an opportunity I wish every woman dealing with breast cancer could experience, I had a hard time hoping that someone else wouldn't be able to go just so that I could. Another hmmm....if someone won a cruise at the last minute, that would be a really good reason for a spot to open up for me. That's what I'll go with!! I hope someone wins an awesome cruise that has to be taken the same weekend!


Within 3 hours I had gone online and filled out all of the necessary forms and written a short bio to submit. I printed the Dr.'s release form and made arrangements to have it signed immediately. I wanted them to know that I really wanted to be at that retreat. Now I wait. The weekend is in May. I know I could receive the call right up to a few days before. I am ready to go!

13 Things Your Burglar Won't Tell You:

13 Things Your Burglar Won't Tell You:
1. Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.

2. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.

3. Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste ... and taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have.

4. Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it.

5. If it snows while you're out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house. Virgin drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway.

6. If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don't let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it's set. That makes it too easy.

7. A good security company alarms the window over the sink. And the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom-and your jewelry. It's not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too.

8. It's raining, you're fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door-understandable. But understand this: I don't take a day off because of bad weather.

9. I always knock first. If you answer, I'll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. (Don't take me up on it.)

10. Do you really think I won't look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet.

11. Helpful hint: I almost never go into kids' rooms.

12. You're right: I won't have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But if it's not bolted down, I'll take it with me.

13. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system. If you're reluctant to leave your TV on while you're out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a timer and simulates the flickering
glow of a real television. (Find it at faketv.com.)


8 MORE THINGS A BURGLAR WON'T TELL YOU:

1. Sometimes, I carry a clipboard. Sometimes, I dress like a lawn guy and I carry a rake. I do my best to never, ever look like a crook.

2. The two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors.

3. I'll break a window to get in, even if it makes a little noise. If your neighbor hears one loud sound, he'll stop what he's doing and wait to hear it again. If he doesn't hear it again, he'll just go back to what he was doing. It's human nature.

4. I'm not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for a fancy alarm system and leave your house without setting it?

5. I love looking in your windows. I'm looking for signs that you're home, and for flat screen TVs or gaming systems I'd like. I'll drive or walk through your neighborhood at night, before you close the blinds, just to pick my targets.

6. Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page. It's easier than you think to look up your address.

7. To you, leaving that window open just a crack during the day is a way to let in a little fresh air. To me, it's an invitation.

8. If you don't answer when I knock, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in.