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Bringing an adopted child into a “forever home” is a milestone occasion for parents. It represents the culmination of their most important life journey and months or even years of hard work and dedication. Before new parents begin the adoption process, it’s important they learn about the various options and are fully committed and prepared for the responsibility. Helping them on this undertaking is BCFS Health and Human Services RSD, a nonprofit organization with extensive experience with adopted and foster care children. The organization offers an array of educational, shelter, and care services at the local, regional, and national level.

There’s understandably a lot of “red tape” that comes with an adoption. There’s paperwork, background checks, court rulings and other procedures involved. Parents need patience to navigate an adoption, and to understand there’s a reason for a long process because it ensures they’re fit to raise a child. RSD counsels parents to make sure they’re ready for adoption by asking themselves some tough questions. For example, they should consider why they’re wanting to adopt, and if they’re emotionally and financially ready for the responsibility. Parent partners should have some discussions with themselves separately and as a pair so they can ensure they’re on the same page when it comes to their reasons for adopting and their plans for the child’s future.

In the U.S. adoptions are typically completed through an adoption agency or through a lawyer, which is known as an “independent adoption.” An agency handles more of the administrative and paperwork tasks of an adoption, so the independent adoption route is best suited for people that want more involvement in the adoption details. Many adopted children come from the foster care system. There are hundreds of thousands of kids in foster care, especially older children who need loving homes to help them transition into adulthood. Parents considering a foster child adoption need to complete specialized training to help them manage any potential issues and to ensure the child is supported as best as possible.

An important consideration for parents who are adopting to narrow down the characteristics of their preferred child. Do they want an infant? Are they willing to adopt a teenager or would consider a sibling pair? What about a child that was exposed to alcohol or drugs by their birth parents, or one with behavioral or developmental issues? Parents should have a period of self-reflection to determine what types of children would be best suited for their own capabilities, so they can ensure the child receives the support and care they deserve.

 

While Boston Terriers are known for their cute faces, there are a wide variety of advantages of adopting a Boston Terrier. To discover a few key reasons why Boston Terriers make exceptional pets, simply continue reading. You’ll quickly learn why Boston Terriers are the perfect pet for most households at https://www.fynnandfriends.com.

Why Boston Terriers are Great:

They don’t bark as often as other dog breeds:

While most dog breeds bark frequently, Boston Terriers rarely bark. So if you were to adopt a Boston Terrier of your own, you would’t have to worry about your dog barking at other dogs at your local dog park or waking up your neighbors. If you live in an apartment building, it’s also well worth considering adopting a Boston Terrier as they are quiet and won’t disturb your neighbors.

They don’t shed as much as other dog breeds:

Another advantage of adopting a Boston Terrier is that they don’t shed as much as other dog breeds. So if you’re looking for a relatively low maintenance dog breed, consider adopting an adorable Boston Terrier.

They are highly intelligent:

There are many perks of adopting an intelligent dog. Firstly, you’ll find it a breeze to train your Boston Terrier as they’ll quickly pick up on new commands. So if you’re looking to adopt your first dog and want to select a dog breed which is easy to train, ensure to consider purchasing a Boston Terrier.

They’re energetic:

Boston Terriers are playful and highly energetic and are always up to play games such as tug of war and fetch. If you have children, they’ll love playing in your back yard with a Boston Terrier.

They don’t require too much exercise:

While you’ll still need to walk your Boston Terrier at least once a day, unlike some other dog breeds, Boston Terriers don’t require two lengthy walks per day. So if your time is limited and you only have time to take your dog for one short walk per day, you may find that a Boston Terrier will fit your lifestyle perfectly. As they only require short walks around your neighborhood or quick walks to your nearest dog park.

They have a natural affinity with children and elders:

Another reason why Boston Terriers are great is that they have a natural affinity with both children and elders. Better yet, they are incredibly gentle with young children and elders and you can trust a Boston Terrier to behave responsibly around both children and elders. So if you’re looking for a gentle, family friendly pet you can’t go wrong opting for a Boston Terrier.

They are well mannered:

Boston Terriers have the nickname of being American gentlemen, due to the fact that are so well mannered and polite with strangers. So if you’re looking for a dog which is unlike to get in trouble with strangers, it’s well worth placing the Boston Terrier on your shortlist of possible dogs.

So if you find Boston Terriers adorable and are convinced of the many benefits of choosing a Boston Terrier to add to your family, it’s well worth preparing your home for a furry new addition.

For most sports fans, it is quite easy to switch to a different sport and still enjoy it, because so many the core fundamentals are the same. The thrills, the spills, the passion and the desire are all there, the only differential is the event and the action. When it comes to US sports, there is a big issue which many in the soccer community have with them. I remember reading a fantastic piece from sports writer Ayden Hector about why this is and how the stop-start nature of US sports is hard to digest for the average soccer fan.

If you are a big fan and you have never been able to really get US sports, here is where you should be starting.

Ice Hockey

With the expiation that it is played on ice, uses a puck and not a ball, and sticks instead of feet, this sport is surprisingly akin to football. This is the best place to start because it is far less stop and start than most other US sports and it has that end to end action of soccer which we all love. The best bit about ice hockey is that the schedule is packed and each week there are games on everyday, perfect for those who love to watch sports.

Basketball

The NBA is a seriously competitive league and this is a fantastic sport to watch which is packed with action. There are so many battles which take place on the court and many different ways to score points too. Much like other US sports there is no team that is always dominant which means that teams can easily drop points from week to week, unless they have Lebron James in their team that is, that’ll pretty much cement a win.

Toss Up Between MLB and NFL

Now most soccer fans are not big fans of baseball, mainly because of the slow nature of the game, and to be honest the simplicity of it with regards to the range of action which could take place. If you fall into that category then you are going to be far better off enjoying the likes of the NFL, which may stop and start a lot but at the very least is eventful and packed with action. This is really going to be a toss up between football and baseball and it will eventually come down to personal preference and how patient you.

The best bet for any fan who doesn’t want to watch a million commercials when they are trying to enjoy their new found sport, is to record the game and then start watching it around half time. This should give you enough advance to fast forward through all of the stoppages and to instead focus on the action, and you should be able to finish the game at more or less the same time so that you can avoid someone ruining the score and the result for you.

 

When you’re traveling hundreds of miles from home, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is where you’ll spend each night sleeping. After all, high-quality accommodation increases your chances of getting plenty of sleep and thus enhancing your quality of life during your trip. In light of this, business leader Brian Ferdinand recently emphasized in an article the value of booking a corporate housing unit when traveling.

Who Can Take Advantage of Corporate Housing Units?

In the recent article, Brian Ferdinand, who is the managing partner of CorpHousing Group, emphasized that several parties can capitalize on the benefits that corporate housing units have to offer. For instance, business travelers can book these units, and so can government travelers.

Employees who are relocating to another city can also tap into the benefits of corporate housing. Corporate housing offers them a temporary place to live while they search for permanent dream homes. In addition, anyone whose home is undergoing construction or remodeling can stay in a corporate housing unit until his or her new home is ready. In the same manner, corporate housing can come in handy for people who need somewhere to stay while trying to recover from a natural disaster.

Corporate Housing Savings

When you book a corporate housing unit, you can expect to receive substantial savings compared with booking a hotel room. That’s because the cost of a hotel room can quickly add up, particularly if your stay will exceed one month. Meanwhile, reputable corporate housing unit providers offer competitive prices to guests interested in renting their furnished apartments.

What’s particularly great about a corporate housing unit is that it costs less than a hotel room does despite being more spacious and featuring more amenities. In light of this, choosing corporate housing over a hotel room is a no-brainer, according to Ferdinand.

No Surprises

As a corporate housing guest, you don’t have to worry about being surprised in a negative way when you step foot into your unit for the first time. Instead, you can expect to be wowed. That’s because high-level corporate housing units come with trendy interiors and plenty of facilities, amenities (such as flat-screen TVs), and furnishings (such as sofa beds). In addition, your unit will come equipped with a full kitchen for preparing your own meals. This is the perfect solution for cost-conscious and health-conscious travelers who prefer to avoid overeating at restaurants during their trips.

 

Do you plan to take a business trip to a major city in 2021? Chances are that you’re already thinking about which hotel to stay in, or which Airbnb to book there. However, before you book either of these accommodations, you may want to look into the benefits of corporate housing, according to business and travel afficionado Brian Ferdinand in a recently published article. Let’s take a look at why corporate housing is superior to hotels and Airbnb homes for business travelers.

Hotels and Airbnb

In the recent article, Brian Ferdinand explains that the drawback of staying in a hotel room is that these rooms are generally small. As a result, they don’t give you much space to spread out and store your belongings during an extended business trip. In addition, hotels don’t offer much privacy, as you’ll have to share hallways, elevators, lobbies, and other common areas with fellow guests.

An Airbnb offers the advantage of providing a more relaxing, private, and home-like lodging option compared with hotels. In these homes, you can cook and eat however you would like to, as you’ll have convenient access to the appliances, plates, cups, and silverware you need each day. In addition, you can do your laundry in your own private space—and for free. You’ll essentially have the entire accommodation to yourself.

However, the problem with an Airbnb home is that you don’t know what you are getting until you arrive at the site. Sadly, some scammers post phony room or house pictures on Airbnb’s website. Thus, when you work with private individuals, you increase your chances of becoming bamboozled.

In addition, many Airbnb homeowners rent out their properties for no more than one week or two weeks at a time. After all, vacationers predominantly use these properties. Thus, this option may not work for you if you are seeking a temporary home for several weeks on end during a business trip.

Corporate Housing

The benefit of booking a corporate housing unit is that your unit will provide the freedom, privacy, quiet, peace, and amenities that Airbnb homes provide. However, your unit will also come with reputable corporate ownership’s backing—a huge plus if you’re nervous about being scammed when booking housing.

With corporate housing, your pricing will be predictable and regulated. In addition, you’ll have a single point of contact for asking questions or making requests. On top of this, you can expect a much higher level of service from a corporate housing provider when compared with hotel or Airbnb property owners.

 

This is such a challenging time for us and not being able to see friends and socialize is heartbreaking, and we are all of course desperate to get back to normal. One of the best ways that myself and my good friend Charles Wooten have found to make sure that we stay in touch and socialize is to play interactive game across the web. This started out as just us each playing when we had time, but now we have turned it into a weekly event where we play on our phones whilst on a call on the laptop, and it has become great fun. To anyone who is looking for a cool, interactive game to play with friends, here are some ideas.

Chess

Charles and I first began to play chess with one another, through the official chess application. This is a great way to play the game and we had a lot of fun trying to catch each other out on there. What we have now changed to is playing physical chess, on the call, and we each have our own board so that we can move the pieces, and then shout out the move to each other. This is a great game to play via this medium.

Scrabble

Scrabble is also a wonderful game to play interactively and their official app makes it super simple to play with people from all over the world. You can make friends on the app and then play against them, which is what Charles and I do. Alternatively however you can use the app to get some practice in and play strangers from all over the world.

FIFA/PES

In order not to upset anyone, depending on which side of the fence you fall, I shall include FIFA and Pro Evolution Soccer here, and I shan’t say which Charles and I play. The point is that we love soccer and these games are the perfect way of playing against your friends. We like to have a call at the same time so that we can give our fair share of abuse and jokes at the action. If you both have the same console and game, this is a brilliant way to stay in touch with your friends and have some real fun as you do.

UNO

Charles and I were originally planning to play poker or another card game across the web, and then we discovered that we could play the brilliant game UNO, on the phone app. This is by far the most fun that we have had for some time, and the app is designed perfectly. I would say that this is the game which we are playing the most at the moment, and having a great deal of fun in the process.

Which games do you like to play with your friends? Feel free to add some suggestions in the comments section below, we’d love to hear what you guys think.

While it’s never pleasant to get hurt, getting injured while at work opens up a whole other can of worms that you and your employer will have to deal with. Although it can be beneficial to have some protection legally through workers’ compensation, handling these claims in addition to whatever injuries you sustained can be a nightmare.

To help you get things figured out quickly so you can begin to heal, here are three things to do if you get hurt while at work.

Report The Injury ASAP

As soon as you sustain any kind of injury while at work, no matter how small, the first thing you should do is report what happened to your employer. Granted, if your injury was so bad that you needed immediate medical attention, reporting what happened can wait a day or two. But otherwise, it’s best to report the injury as soon as possible.

According to WorkplaceFairness.org, it’s best to report your injury in writing. Some states require you to report it in this way while other states allow for verbal reports. However, to ensure that nothing gets taken out of context and that everything that happens has a physical record behind it, it’s best to always file a written report with your employer to document what happened and start a record of the proceedings.

See Your Doctor

After you’ve been able to report your injury to your employer, you should be seen by a doctor who can help you get any treatment you need and provide you with medical documentation of your injury.

In some instances, you may need to see a doctor that’s been provided by your employer. If this isn’t the case or if you don’t think you’re given the best care, you should be seen by your own doctor as well. And, according to David Landers, a contributor to Nolo.com, as soon as you’ve given the green light to start working again from your doctor, you have a right to return to your work, so make sure you and your employer are aware of this.

Consider Getting An Attorney

If everything surrounding your injury starts to get complicated for you, which chances are it will, Aaron Hotfelder, a contributor to AllLaw.com, recommends that you hire or consult with a workers’ compensation attorney. Having this type of legal help and counsel will make the whole process much easier for you, since he or she will be well versed in these types of proceedings. They can help you get what you need, ensure you’re protected legally, and follow all the legal protocols required.

If you’ve been hurt at work, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you know how you should next proceed after sustaining your injury.

 

 

An eco-friendly lifestyle isn’t just a better way to live; it’s becoming downright trendy. More and more people are educating themselves on how to be less wasteful and how to leave less of a carbon footprint. People are starting to catch on to the fact that in order to provide a livable world for their children, it’s important that we take action now. By making small changes now, we can create big changes for the future.

 

If you’re ready to start taking on a more earth-conscious lifestyle, then take a look at some of the best ways to do so.

 

Start a Compost Pile

 

Many people have heard about composting; however, they aren’t exactly sure how composting works. The truth is that compost piles are a fantastic way to reduce waste. Not only do they give you a new purpose for things that would have been thrown out, but they can even help you grow plants. Instead of going out and buying expensive fertilizers, you can simply use the contents of your compost pile.

 

Eat Less Meat

 

A lot of people don’t realize that eating meat has a considerable impact on the well being of the earth’s environment. Over 30% of the earth is used to raise livestock that humans then consume. The livestock industry contributes to a huge portion of the world’s harmful greenhouse gases.

The less meat do you eat; the last will be supporting livestock that contributes to harmful gas emissions. Consider replacing meat several times a week with vegetables or even seafood. Some people have made a choice to go entirely vegan. It’s up to you how far you want to go in your efforts.

 

Recycle

 

Believe it or not, your recycle bin isn’t just there for decoration. Even though it may be easier to throw things away instead of recycling them, you’re not doing the earth any favors. Consider recycling everything possible and avoiding using wasteful materials when possible. For example, by paper that is 100% recyclable. By recycling, you can save trees all over the world.

 

Use Reusable Bags

 

Using canvas or reusable plastic bags is one of the simplest things you can do to help the earth. Most stores that you visit offer an alternative bag that you can purchase instead of a disposable plastic one. Not only are they much sturdier, but you can use them over and over. Whether you have children who need storage for toys, or you’re moving and need extra containers, there are all sorts of uses for reusable bags instead of plastic ones. Sometimes it can be challenging to remember to bring them when you go shopping. It’s important to get into the habit of always carrying a few in your car wherever you go.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shooting at ranges and hunting can both be wonderful hobbies to share with your friends and family. You may even have fond memories of learning to shoot or hunt. It’s a great way to learn to appreciate animals, nature, and patience, and it can also be good bonding time. Of course, before anyone should pick up a gun, they need to be taught proper safety.

Rules

There are several rules that every person should be taught when being introduced to guns. Before you ever hand anyone a gun, be sure to go over all safety rules with them. You can find many creative ways to make this lesson fun and memorable. Be certain that your loved one is well-versed in every single rule before you allow them to go shooting with you.

Patience

On your part, teaching someone about shooting can require a lot of patience. As you impart all of your wisdom, be aware that there is a lot of information to take in, and it can be easy to become overwhelmed. Don’t rush them, and follow their lead. You will be able to tell when they are ready to learn the next steps.

Nerves

When a novice picks up a gun for the first time, they can often be very nervous. As their teacher, you can help them to calm these nerves by making sure they are well aware of how to safely and properly hold a gun. Reassure them when they are doing things correctly, and politely and calmly let them know when they’ve got it wrong.

Age

As with most things, there isn’t a specific age at which you should start introducing someone to guns. The important thing to consider is the person’s maturity level. As a general rule, over 18 is a good age to be introduced to guns because at that point the person is legally an adult and should be able to make safe and healthy decisions for themself.

Supervision

Once you teach someone about gun safety and they have begun their own foray into shooting as a hobby, it’s important to make sure they don’t go out shooting alone and without your supervision for awhile. Keep your guns locked when you aren’t home, and make sure that only those you trust completely have access to them.

Overall, sharing your hobby can be an excellent way to connect with friends and family, and teach them about something you love. With hunting, it can also be a great opportunity for them to learn about wilderness and nature. Once they understand and have no trouble abiding by all of the safety rules, they will enjoy their new hobby for years to come and will pass it on to future generations.

 

 

Are you tired of pests moving around your walls and don’t know what to do? It is advisable to use professional pest exterminator services who have experience in pest management and control. Using professionals is beneficial as they know the best methods to use and have the right chemicals in their usage knowledge. Some key benefits of using pest control services are they help in killing all of the harmful pests hence helping in protecting your furniture.

Below are the health benefits of using pest control services.

1. Protection against disease transmission

Most of the pests that move around our house are disease carriers transmittable to humans and even animals. Pests have terrible effects on your health and that of your family. Therefore, it is essential to understand the dangers that come from the kind of infestation in your home. Some of the pests that are common in our homes are cockroaches, fleas, and mosquitoes. These pests transmit some of the dangerous diseases such as malaria, asthma, plague, and dengue. For instance, cockroaches cause asthma among children, and they have several pathogens and bacterial cells with them.

1. Minimizes health risks

Conducting a pest control process on our own can have health risks to us. Therefore, it is essential to use pest control services, as their employees are highly trained and have expertise in killing pests and handling poisonous chemicals used when killing the pests. You can always seek the services of professionals from reputable service providers such as Pointe pest control. When you use the services of these service providers, your family will be safe. For instance, when we try a wrong elimination method, it can lead to a colossal accident, risking our family members’ lives. But when the experts need chemicals or products that are hazardous, our families are safe as they have the expertise.

1. Reduce allergies and itching

Pests’ bites cause severe allergies and itchiness all over the body. To prevent any of your family members from such torture, hire a pest control service with the expertise to eradicate these stinging pests. Insects such as bed-bugs, fleas, mosquitoes, spiders cause allergies and itching sensation to humans. At all costs, eradicate these pests whenever you see them in your home.

1. Promote better sleep

Health experts say that the better you sleep, the more your health gets better. You cannot have such kind of sleep when you have creepy pests around your house, especially bed-bugs. Therefore, when you notice these pests in your home, contact pest control services immediately so that you can have a peaceful sleep. When the pests are entirely eradicated, you feel comfortable inviting your friends or colleagues into your home.

1. Long-term health relief

When you hire pest control services, not only do they provide you with a single service but also offer whole packages that consist of many services divided depending on a given time interval. The use of these continuous sets of services will eradicate pests for a lifetime, resulting in long-term health relief. Also, this will reduce the frequent visit to see doctors hence saving money and time.

Conclusion

You can decide to buy killers and traps and hazardous sprays to get rid of disease-carrying pests. But when you use the pest control service from providers such as Pointe pest control, it will help in full extermination. Additionally, your family members will be safe from harmful chemicals. When you use a professional, experienced, and reliable pest control service, you reduce risks of getting pest-oriented health issues—hence saving time and money needed to visit doctors.