WILL YOU BATTLE THE YUCCA

Giant Yucca

I have several Yucca in my yard.  Some were rescued from a demolished apartment complex.  Some were swiped  from the side of a road in Oklahoma.  I have several different varieties.  The "Giant Yucca" is quite possibly my favorite.  It stand majestic in the spring with it's elegant white flowers reaching for the heaven's.  It has strong, thick leaves that are sturdy and hold up to a lot, including the colder temperatures.  It has sharp pointed leaves that can be quite painful


Adan's Needle

The Adam's Needle has much thinner needle like leaves that grow outward more than upward.  They do not achieve nearly the size of the Giant Yucca and are much more delicate.  They also have beautiful, majestic white flowers that grace the cool spring weather with there presence.

Native American used almost every part of the yucca plant for everything from weaving to mastering ritual concoctions.  Little is actually know about the benefits, or dangers of the yucca plant.  One thing I do know first hand is that you can't battle one.  No matter how hard you try to remain protected the yucca is more powerful than any planning and preparation on your part.


I am very proud of my Yucca's.  It took some work to transport them from the original dwelling and nurture them to the appealing landscape they became.  Low and behold I noticed my favorite Yucca was beginning to look extremely droopy.  At closer glance I realized my worst fear.  There they were scurrying all over my succulent like they had always been there.  These little creatures (commonly referred to as Yucca Bugs) thrive by draining the yucca of all the vital fluid in it's leaves.  They are merciless and can destroy an entire plant before you may even realize you've been hit.


Fortunately I was able to take preventative measures at the right time.  Armed with a 3 cup spray bottle full of canola oil and shampoo the entire plant was sprayed top to bottom and underneath.  The spray lands on the tiny bugs and literally suffocates them beyond survival without doing any harm to the Yucca.

With the first round of treatment complete all I could do is wait a few days.  Another good coating of prevention was added to be sure nothing was missed. Like most tiny infectious creatures it doesn't take long for these destructive mites to reproduce, even if only a few are left behind.

Once I was sure I had removed the infestation the daunting task of removing the destroyed foliage began. Armed with gloves, long sleeves and slacks I concentrated on cuttin off the dead leaves starting at the bottom.  It wasn't long before I began to see that my yucca was going to survive just fine.  There was even plenty of new growth sprouting from the ground underneath the destroyed leaves.

It wasn't until I removed my gloves and shirt that I became concerned.  Even through the protective clothing the sharp needlepoint leaves left my arms looking as if I had developed a terrible rash.  It wasn't pretty and yes it became irritating.  The tiny pricks were on my legs and event on the top of my feet.  After some research I learned that with proper care (to avoid infection) my predicament was not as severe as it appeared.  Plenty of anti-itch cream and good cleaning prevented any real harm.  The best part is that my yucca not only survived but grew even larger once it was trimmed back.  Maybe this was just mother natures way of saying my yucca need some serious attention.



 

IS WORKING FROM HOME FOR YOU

In today's economy I knew I needed to find a way to earn extra income. The ads are spread all over the internet and TV. Banners claiming you can earn $15-$75 per hour working from home. After weeks of researching I was able to find some possibilities that work, and several to avoid. When I recently lost my employment making money from home became a necessity.

Not all work at home opportunities are scams. Locating the right fit is a challenge that will take effort. The reasons for home employment are growing. It doesn't matter if you need to spend more time with your children, save traveling expenses or just want to be your own boss. There are many places on the internet that will give you the right direction to find what is best for your needs.

First step is to make a plan. What is it you like to do? What keeps you motivated to work every day? If you need suggestions these two websites have ideas and guidance that will not cost you. My focus is here because these are a "one stop" shop of information.

Work at Home Mom has a website at http://www.wahm.com/. Positions are updated daily and filtered by location. Careers promoted on this site are not only available to moms. They are available to any qualified applicant. Job search and stay at home articles are also featured. Always be sure to check out any opportunity before you apply for a stay at home job.

Another useful website to visit is Work at Home Careers found at http://www.workathomecareers.com. From survey taking, to writing, to administrative assistant; it is your option to be as creative as possible. The promotional articles contributed on Work at Home Careers offer great insight into the job search. You will also have the ability to upload our resume giving employers an opportunity to seek out your qualifications.

Once you have done some research and accepted an opportunity hit the task head on. The sooner you grasp the routine the quicker you will begin to obtain an income. You may choose something in the line of customer service which requires specific hours dedicated to addressing customer concerns. You will work on your own with a boss who will set a quota of output. It can be a relaxed atmosphere in an environment you are comfortable with. However, a higher degree of concentration and discipline will be required. Some employers will pay only by the amount of issues you address so you must be able to focus on the requirements and remain undistracted.

In the world of internet and computers there are an enormous number of professions available to do from home. Regardless of your computer usage occasions are available to earn from home. Accounting, Medical Billing and Virtual Assistants are more in demand to keep up with the growing small business industry. Some beginning opportunities will offer free train programs that outline basic computer skills. There is a demand for employees who have recent experience with on-line bookkeeping programs. Completing and transmitting accounting tasks electronically has become a more economical way for employers to maintain employees.

Be cautious who you deal with when looking for work at home. The most important tool is research. Never respond to an offer that requires you to pay an upfront cost to either job search or become employed. If something sounds too good to be true it's probably not. Working at home can be relaxing, casual, less stress and less expense. However, you must be committed to succeed. You must be positive that you are ready and willing to meet the requirements of working at home. If you are truly enthusiastic and stay on goal you can be surprised and rewarded.

JOB SEARCHING

Unemployment in today's world is scary. Jobs are getting harder to come by. Remaining proactive can be difficult when merely getting in the door is a challenge. More often than you'd think it truly is a case of who you know. Being unemployed is not who you are. It is merely a temporary deterrent. So let everyone know you are job hunting. Word of mouth can be the open door you need. You may come across that one person who has the job you are waiting for.

At one time jobs openings were advertised in the newspaper, or a simple sign was placed on the front door of a business. Applications were filled out in person and you got to meet face to face with a person who may be doing the hiring. Today jobs are posted on the internet, and jobs are applied for on the internet. Information is rarely given in job descriptions that would give you an opportunity to speak to anyone about the position you are going to apply for. You will find yourself blindly applying to jobs just hoping someone will call. Occasionally you may see a phone number, an address, or even a company name in the job listing. Use these tools, along with the internet to get an advantage. Do web searches using the company name and you will probably find a phone number. You can do a web search using the phone number which will more than likely lead you to the company name. You can Google the address and make an in person visit. Use any available information you have to get as much insight as possible about the job you are applying for.

Even though the internet can be frustrating, the internet can also be your most productive tool when searching for a job. There are many web sights available with job openings posted. One of the most useful is craigslist.com. Craigslist.com costs very little for the employer to post on and new jobs are posted throughout the day. It costs nothing for the job seeker to apply to open positions. As with other posting sites on craigslist.com you must be cautious. Read the scam warnings, and never apply to anyone who is asking for personal information over the internet such as social security number or birth date.

Careerbuilder.com is a tremendous wealth of information. Careerbuilder.com not only has job listings, it also provides useful information for staying motivated. Listings on careerbuilder.com are updated several times throughout the day. The site is free to job seekers, however for a price you can upgrade your service and expand your resume distribution. You will find yourself frequently being redirected to a company website when applying for a position. The company website will require you to register and complete the application process along with sending a resume. This is very beneficial considering you are now able to follow up with the company you applied to.

Monster.com was one of the first career websites created, and continues to be one of the most visited. It ranks as the largest job search engine on the internet today. It costs the job seeker nothing to post a resume on monster.com, and listings are updated throughout the day. Monster.com and careerbuilder.com are very similar in offerings. Click on "view simular jobs" to get a broader search of job listings.

Job openings once advertised in the local newspaper are now posted on the internet. Yahoojobs.com partnered with many metropolitan newspapers to list job openings on Yahoo. These jobs are only updated once a day, and mirror what is listed in the local newspaper. Jobs listed on Yahoojobs.com are generally more informational than those listed on craigslist.com. You will be more likely to find the necessary follow-up information needed to inquire about your resume after you send it.

Apply with placement agencies. Don't be hesitant to apply with as many as possible. Placement agencies may require testing before presenting your application to employers. Once you have made an appointment with a placement agency plan on spending some time at there offices. When you have registered with the employment agency keep in contact. Be sure to get a business card with a phone number, and hopefully an e-mail address. Call often to keep them updated on your status and let them know you are still available. Check the agency's website frequently and follow up on any jobs you know you are qualified for.

Many placement agencies also offer temporary services. Ask if you can apply to be a temporary until something permanent is available. Check for other temporary agencies in your area. Many temporary positions become permanent if the employer is confident with your abilities. It's a great way to get in the door and show your skills.

Staying proactive and motivated is not always easy. If the resources available are used there are many opportunities open. Maintain your social networking. The support will help keep your stress level managable. Searching for a job can often be as much work as a job itself. Stay positive and that next job will be around the corner. Who knows, it may even be better than the last one