Debra L. Karplus, MS, OTR/L, freelance writer: July 2010

Saturday, July 31, 2010

Woke up, it was a Chelsea morning

Mazel tov to you, Chelsea Clinton.

If wedding size and price are an indicator of marriage success, then you are promised many many years of marital bliss.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Birthday treats

There are many e-clubs you can join online to receive yummy treats for your birthday.

IHOP
Perkins
Noodles
Flat Top Grill
Bob Evans
Baskin Robbins
Coldstone Ice Cream
Culvers.

Get on their web sites to sign up. You can enjoy fine treats during your birthday week.

Monday, July 26, 2010

DNA testing for genealogy

I have been intrigued by genealogical research for the past several years and have traced some lines of my family of origin to the early 1800s.

I have been reading about DNA testing and it sounds like the logical next step.

There are numerous products/services for this.

I'd love to hear about people's personal experience with DNA testing.

I don't want to waste my time or money unless this will be truly worthwhile.

Anyone?

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Teaching Adult Classes

http://www.stretcher.com/stories/10/10jul26d.cfm

Check out my latest article in Dollar Stretcher

http://www.stretcher.com

Sharing Your Sills: teaching adult classes

I welcome your comments.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Blog = Web + log

They say that heating with wood heats you at least twice. Certainly true. Though this house is just behind mine, it is many many wheelbarrow loads of wood.

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Muffin Man at Urbana Farmer's Market

I was so lucky to sample the yummiest muffins I have ever tasted. The Muffin Man, as he is known out and about town, with his sons, bakes and sells a variety of fruit filled muffins each week at the market.

If you are in town on a Saturday morning, don't miss these!

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Renewing your driver's license

Went to the driver's license place yesterday. It is an interesting place and knows no social class; whoever you are,(unless you are non-driver, of course)you need to go there every few years.

Have you ever sat beside someone famous at the DMV?

Friday, July 16, 2010

Cork Boat

John Pollack collected corks, the type that are on wine bottles, for nearly 25 years. He then assembled a crew of volunteers to build a cork coat, lage enough to travel from continent to continent.

You must read Cork Boat, John's book!

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Guys and cars

It seems that most of the men I know, married or single, own more than one vehicle. Usually the second vehicle is either a fun one (motorcycle or sports car) or a utility one (small pick up truck).

None of the women I know have more than one vehicle, unless you include a bicycle.

Is this true of people YOU know? I'd welcome some explanation of this.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Mamma Mia

Want to see a fun, feel good movie?

We watched the video of Mamma Mia.

Very well done.

A must see!

Monday, July 12, 2010

Choosing the Right Checking Account

Young Money has published my latest article

Choosing the Right Checking Account

check it out and please comment

www.youngmoney.com

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Random acts of kindness

While transporting a woodpile home, I was at a 4-way stop. The garden on the corner lot was lovely. I had admired in many times, but never saw a person there.

This time there was a lady working hard in the heat. I rolled down my window and praised her on the beautiful and bountiful garden.

She responded, "Want some cabbage?"

Of course I did. I got out of the car & she gave me a HUGE head of cabbage and also a handful of large onions.

It is refreshing to see that people are basically good.

What random acts of kindness have you witnessed?

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Habitat House update

We are on a several week break from working on the habitat House. I rode my bike by the house. The electricians have been hard at work wiring and the drywall is up.

I am signed up to do interior painting next week.

Exciting to see all the progress.

Friday, July 9, 2010

No wrong turns

While running errands this morning, I thought I'd made a wrong turn. But, happily, the street I ended up on had free firewood. I have a wood stove, a chain saw and splitter and a car with a large enough trunk for hauling wood.

The lesson learned is that seemingly "wrong turns" can have a pleasant ending.

I enjoyed my favorite symphony while transporting my new wood pile.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Credit Scores

Young Money just published my latest article.

Your Credit Score: Why it Matters.www.youngmoney.com

I welcome your comments.

Dying to know

The other day at a funeral, I spotted a couple of piles of picture post cards from the fumeral parlor.

I'm curious.

WHO does one send these to?

and

WHAT does one write?

Anyone?

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Kudos to 4H

I am doing a variety of volunteer jobs. One of the organizations I help is 4H. Today we judged projects, some of which will progress to the State Fair in Springfield in August.

What experience do YOU have working with 4H as a child or as an adult?

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Become a Lawyer

Check out my latest article on Young Money

www.youngmoney.com

What is a Career in Law Really Like?
I welcome your comments.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Become a Better Public Speaker

Check out my latest article on Young Money.

www.youngmoney.com

Become a Better Public Speaker

NEWLY PUBLISHED, available on amazon.com

Therapy publications by Debra Karplus

Grand Magazine, November 12, 2012, Grandchild with Developmental Disability
Grand Magazine, October 8, 2012, Your Grandchild & Special Education
Item writing for a therapy testing organization
Grand Magazine, June 12, 2012, Your Grandchild with ADHD
Grand Magazine, June 12, 2012, Your Grandchild with Asperger Syndrome
Grand Magazine, May 11, 2012, Your Grandchild with a Physical Disability
writer for National Board Certifying Occupational Therapists (NBCOT)
Advance for OT Practitioners, September 6, 2004, OT Bedside Manner Could Use Improvement
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, February 1994, Older Adults with Developmental Disabilities
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, November 1994, ADL Evaluations in Long Term Care Facilities
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, June, 1989, Activites Handbook and Instructor's Guide
Journal of Rehabilitation, July 1994, Invaluable Guide to Life after Stroke
Occupational Therapy Forum, April 3,1989, Wheelchair Accessibility
Occupational Therapy Forum, July 22,1994, Psychosocial Impact of Stroke on the Family
Occupational Therapy Forum, May 29,1989, The Self-Employed Occupational Therapist
The Therapist in Business: an Introduction to Private Practice, a book published by Cross Country, 2005

Writing for children or about children

Essay writing for a major national testing organization
Fun for Kidz Magazine, Friends with Disabilities, the visually impaired student at school, July 2013
Grand Magazine: Debbie's Secret Diary, Feb 25, 2013
Grand Magazine: Letter Writing, Jan 23, 2013
Grand Magazine: Mothers & Daughters, Mar 29, 2013
Grand Magazine: Nursing Grandchild, Apr 29, 2013
Grand Magazine: Poem for my Grandson, Feb 27, 2013
Grand Magazine: Safety at Grandma's, Feb 25, 2013
Grand Magazine: Volunteering, Jan 23, 2013
Grand Magazine: Bullying, Jan 3, 2013
Grand Magazine: Children's Museums: Jan, 3, 2013
Grand Magazine: Creative Writing w/your Grandchildren, June 27, 2012
Grand Magazine: Don't let your Grandchild Make you Sick, June 7, 2012
Grand Magazine: Fun in Central Illinois w/Grandkids, July 7, 2012
Grand Magazine: Fun things to do at Grandma's, June 4, 2012
Grand Magazine: Genealogy with your Grandchildren, November 9, 2012
Grand Magazine: Gift that keeps on Giving, June 26, 2012
Grand Magazine: Girls Just Want to Have Funds, July 7, 2012
Grand Magazine: Grand Times at the Public Library, July 7, 2012
Grand Magazine: Homespun Activities w/your Grandchild, June 27, 2012
Grand Magazine: School Pictures, Jan 4, 2013
Grand Magazine: Substitute teaching, Feb, 20, 2013
Grand Magazine: Vegetarian Grandchidlren, July 13, 2012
on amazon.com: Creative Writing Class for Children

Family, home and lifestyle articles by Debra Karplus or Lee Doppelt

Amazon.com, Finding Free Firewood
Back Home Magazine, November 2008, Scavenge for Firewood
Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2009, 09, Your Kitchen: a Food Factory
Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2010, 02, Food plus Family plus Friends
Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2010, 03, Avoiding Layoffs
Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2010, 04, Benefits of Volunteering
Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2010, 09, Free Firewood
Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2010, 10, Dumpster Diving with Panache
Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2010, 11, Home Safe Home
Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2010, 12, Bartering
Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2011, 01,Those Who Can,Teach
Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2011, 02, Tots & Tools
Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2011, 03, IRA or Roth
Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2011, 04, Resale Shops
Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2011, 05, Get Paid for Research
Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2011, 06, Roadside Assistance Plans
Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2011, 08, Managing your Banking
Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2011, 09, Cutting Back on Tree Trimming
Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2011, 10, Should You Be Alarmed?
Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2011, 11, Non-Traditional Housing
Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2011, 11, Opting for Co-ops
Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2012, 01, Be a Smarter Patient
Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2012, 03, Save Money with a Motorcycle
Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2012, 04, Farmers Market Selling
Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2012, 05, Habitat Store
Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2012, 05, Mulching
Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2012, 06, Seven Habits of Frugal People
Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2012, 07, Magic with Molasses
Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2012, 07, Rain Gardens
Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2012, 08, Senior Discounts
Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2012, 08, Work at Home
Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2012, 09, Composting
Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2012, 10, Finding Cheap Airfares
Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2012, 10, Soybeans
Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2012, 12, Income from Direct Sales
Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2013, 02, Mattresses
Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2013, 03, Discount Airlines
Dollar Stretcher, 2009, 12, Simplify Your Financial Life
Dollar Stretcher, 2010, 06, Special Breaks for Aspiring Teachers
Dollar Stretcher, 2011, 05/11, Essential Appliances
Dollar Stretcher, 2011, 07/04, Water Problems
Dollar Stretcher, 2011, 08/22, Vegetarian Diet
Dollar Stretcher, 2011, 11,11, Gutter Cleaning
Dollar Stretcher, 2011, 12/19, Alarm Systems
Dollar Stretcher, 2012, 01/10, Buying Tires
Dollar Stretcher, 2012, 01/10, Wood Heat
Dollar Stretcher, 2012, 02/06, Nursing Home Insurance
Dollar Stretcher, 2012, 05/07, Uses for Palletts
Dollar Stretcher, 2012, 09/03, Wedding Planners
Dollar Stretcher, 2012, 10/22, Reading Cheap
Dollar Stretcher, 2012, 11/18, Mystery Shopping
Dollar Stretcher, 2012, 11/23, Make Money by Blogging
Dollar Stretcher, 2013, 01/24, Meals while Travelling
Dollar Stretcher, 2013, 02/13, Auto advertising
Dollar Stretcher, 2013, 02/25, Vacuum Cleaners
Dollar Stretcher, 2013, 05/06, Breastfeeding
News-Gazette, 2012, 11/04, Places to visit, Lake Superior
News-Gazette, 2012, 11/25, Places to visit, Salt Lake City

Money, Business & Careers

Entrepreneur Briefing, available on amazon.com
Forbes: 2012, April, Sell at the Farmer's Market
Young Money Magazine, 2009, Spring,Getting the Government to Pay for College
Young Money Magazine, 2009, Summer, Business of Loan Forgiveness
Young Money, 2008, 11/19, Is Being an Entrepreneur Right for you?
Young Money, 2008, 12/10, The ABCs of Substitute Teaching
Young Money, 2008, 12/11, The Election, Change and You
Young Money, 2008, 12/24, Six Ways to Avoid those Extra Baggage Charges
Young Money, 2008, 12/29, Who will Prepare your Taxes this Year?
Young Money, 2009, 01/05, The Basics of Stock Market Investing
Young Money, 2009, 01/14, Find a Stock Broker
Young Money, 2009, 01/21, What's the Best Credit Card for You
Young Money, 2009, 01/28, Community College or University?
Young Money, 2009, 02/03, Study Abroad
Young Money, 2009, 02/18, Fix, replace or repair
Young Money, 2009, 03/18, Six Ways to Raise Money Savvy Kids
Young Money, 2009, 03/25, Job Benefits
Young Money, 2009, 04/08, Worried About the Future? Get Covered
Young Money, 2009, 04/16, Beginners Guide to Dividends
Young Money, 2009, 04/23, Find a Government Internship
Young Money, 2009, 04/29, FDIC
Young Money, 2009, 06/03, Investing in Gold
Young Money, 2009, 06/11, Beyond Student Loans
Young Money, 2009, 07/01, Filling out a W4 Form
Young Money, 2009, 07/02, Being an Occupational Therapist
Young Money, 2009, 09/09, Background Checks
Young Money, 2009, 09/16, Obama health reform
Young Money, 2009, 11/16, Funds for Online College
Young Money, 2010, 01/06, Guide to Getting into Politics
Young Money, 2010, 02/24, Live & Work in your College Town
Young Money, 2010, 03/24, Career & Personality Tests
Young Money, 2010, 05/28, Travel Destinations
Young Money, 2010, 06/08, Work & Travel
Young Money, 2010, 06/23, Become a Certified Coach
Young MOney, 2010, 07/01, Become a Better Public Speaker
Young Money, 2010, 07/06, Career in Law
Young Money, 2010, 07/08, Your Credit Score
Young Money, 2010, 07/10, Choosing the Right Checking Account