#8- Let someone ahead of you in line

It's probably a good idea to let someone ahead of you in line in the store and in the carline. When in a store I try to be aware if the person in back of me only has one item as opposed to the many I have and ask them to go ahead of me. It's the same thing when you see someone in their car trying to get back out into the street and no one is letting them in. Or even when someone has their turn signal on and is trying to switch lanes, why not let them in. I have found that this kindness is often repaid to me. Call it karma, situational awareness, or just doing what's right.

#7 - Carry an umbrella & a scraper in your car

It's probably a good idea to always carry an umbrella (or 2) in your car. You never know when it's going to pour down rain. Choose something with a fun pattern and it will make the rain more cheerful, plus it's nice to have one to share.

On another note, if you're renting a car and are in snow country in the winter, check to make sure they've included a window scraper for snow and ice in the car. Unfortunately, I didn't discover this in time this month back in PA when the storm began. Borrowing a broom can help, but is a little awkward.

#6 - Take recycled bags to all stores

It's probably a good idea to take your recycle bags to all stores and not just one like Trader Joe's. In some stores they charge you for plastic bags, however, the main point is to recycle. Even if the store gives you a plastic bag, recycle it at home. Put it in your wastebaskets or like my son does, clean up dog droppings. (Gross I know, put serves the purpose and your feet!)

#5 - Take the garbage out before the truck comes

It's probably a good idea to wheel out the garage can before the truck comes or even the night before. It's no fun wheeling it out in the rain seconds before the truck comes, or worse yet you miss it all together and the next week you can't close the lid on the can. Of course you can always have great neighbors who remind you and sometimes even wheel it out and back for you!

#4- Remember to charge your phone overnight

It's probably a good idea to charge your phone overnight or whenever you get the opportunity so it will work when you need it. Then again, if you don't want to be bothered with calls, you can always say the battery was dead.

#3 - Don't put everything in the dryer

It's probably a good idea not to put all of your clothes in the dryer. Underwear will last longer, clothes won't pill as easily, your clothes smell fresher, and you're helping the environment by conserving electricity. I had a special clothes pole built this year and I love it.

#2 - Call your friend and don't wait for them to call you

It's probably a good idea to call that person who's been on your mind and don't wait for them to call you. It's not about ego, it's about friendship and nourishing that friendship. If they've been on your mind, then don't ignore getting in touch with them. And if I have a dream about that person, I call or email them and tell them. I've learned not ignore my dreams.

# 1 - Buy more of the seasonal candy while they have it.

It's probably a good idea to buy extra of that yummy seasonal candy or item you love. Ok, I know it's not that important. But I really loved the new peppermint salt water taffy that Trader Joe's had this Christmas. I did buy 4 bags, but thought after Christmas I would stock up on more for the year. ( I REALLY like them). So guess what, the new flavors are in and the peppermint ones are gone! Lesson learned - buy a case the next time and don't count on something seasonal sticking around.

The Beginning

In the middle of my long walk today on a gorgeous crisp day at the end of December I was listening to Amy Grant sing on my IPod and the idea of writing a blog came to me. Well, it was really initiated by my son, Brendon, who sent me a message the other day saying I should have my own blog. So I thought, how about, "It's Probably Not a Good Idea". Last year I had an encounter with a student who wanted to buy an arrow on a field trip. I told him it probably wasn't a good idea. Well, long story short he bought it and I said to him, "Didn't I tell you not to buy it?" He replied, "No, you said it wasn't a good idea."

Well, there you have it. Speak clearly. So rather writing negative messages I decided to switch it up by writing, "It's Probably A Good Idea". So here goes all my random thoughts. Bear with me. Then again I may be the only one who reads this!