Day 98: Old UPS batteries

Background:

I have one good UPS battery backup in my home. There are expected power blips every blue moon at my home and I didn’t want our sump pump to go powerless during a storm. Overtime the batteries simply get used up and need replacements. This is typically 6-10 years depending on usage.

The UPS in the sump room had a dead battery.

The Plan:

I found a company that was refreshing all their tech and had a massive stockpile of tech junk. I was able to gracefully put my dead battery in their stuff, that way the recycling company can properly dispose of it. (hopefully)

Day 97: Kids games

Background:

I am not a monster, I asked the kids before ditching them. There was a coat closet full of odd board games and such. Many of them were made for little little kids. Now that my youngest is 8, we don’t need some of them.

The plan:

Easy fix to toss the ones that were missing pieces and the rest can go to Goodwill.

Speaking of, last night while grocery shopping at Kroger’s my bag boy was wearing a “My first day” badge next to his name tag. Next to him was a Goodwill volunteer wearing a Goodwill badge helping him navigate his new job (hopefully).  The kid did a great job bagging my stuff up and I quietly thanked the lady for volunteering. Nice to see where some of my items I donated ended up helping. Keep rocking the job Mike!

Day 96: Extra yard tools

Background:

I have all these tools in the garage that are unused. I have redundant rakes and such. I need to pair this down since they are taking up and entire wall in the garage. Also I want to make it easier to store the ones that remain. I need some of these, but the way they are attached to the wall takes up way too much room.

The plan:

I want to purge the pile at least in 2/3rds. The remaining ones will be removed from their wall mounts. I came up with an idea about getting a small barrel, or large bucket to hold them. Also the barrel will have to have coaster on the bottom so it can easily be moved if needed. Then just roll this into the corner of the garage when not needed.

Day 95: Dry skin

Background:

I am man. Hear my grunt.

I am bad about my own personal health, as noted many times. It is this time of year that I am reminded that my skin gets super dry. I work in IT. I am always near or inside an air conditioned data center. I also wash my hands, perhaps too much, leaving them rough and dry.

I have tried to use lotion, but typically I wait too long and by the time I put lotion on it is the bitter winter and my hands burn from it.

This year I am taking a little time to put lotion on my hands right after a shower.

The plan:

Try to keep up keeping my skin less pissed off at winter weather. I don’t need scaly reptile skin anymore. I did at least find non-scented lotion that works decently without breaking the bank. I want to try and find an organic remedy but for now this will work.

I also need to find some decent chap stick.

Day 94: Plain turkey sandwiches

Background:

I totally realize that one of the things that makes me eat more, is getting burned out eating plain turkey sandwiches for lunch. I have done a lot better at eating healthier over time but I have drastic rooms for improvement. My workplace has a nice cafeteria with a decent choice. I could get a salad, or a warm meal that isn’t too bad off.

I think long term I need to make food ahead of time and pack more. It will save money and I know I will be eating a set level of calories.

The plan:

I love the idea behind Bento-Boxes, but I am not going to buy them. I need to learn some easy lunches I can cook or assemble in bulk and every day just grab a glass container out of the fridge and go.  I will research some recipes for stuff that easy to reheat. I want to try and stick with glass instead of plastic so it is safer to reheat in the work microwave.