Full-Timer’s Primer
By Janet Groene, F47166
September 2005
When full-timing, it pays to be flexible, aware, and always up-to-date on how to make the best of life on the go. Here are some solutions and suggestions full-timers might find beneficial.
Sole food
Ladies, if sandals and other open-toe shoes are a must in your on-the-go wardrobe, discover Summer Soles. These removable, peel-and-stick, absorbent insoles keep your soles dry even if you walk in wet grass. They’re priced from $7.95 for one pair to $45 for a 10-pair multi-pack. Although they can be rotated among your shoes, they’ll last longer if they aren’t washed or moved. They are easily trimmed to fit and can be cut out for thongs. Summer Soles also can be used in closed shoes. Men’s sizes will be available soon. For more information, phone (888) 773-9626 or go to www.summersoles.com.
Online shopping
Shopping online has many pros and cons, but for the full-timer who needs a spare part or specialty item immediately, it can save the day. Here is a warning plus a tip.
Warning: if you choose a deal that offers a free item with the purchase of another item, read the fine print. Usually it states that only limited quantities of the free item are available. Once supplies are gone, you get only the main item at the price you agreed to pay. Merchants typically e-mail customers to tell them when the freebies are gone, but if you don’t check your e-mail each day, you may miss the chance to cancel the order. Don’t order such items unless you check your e-mail often or want the main item whether or not you receive the free one.
Tip: Nearly every online shopping Web site has a place where you can enter a discount code if you have one. If you don’t have a code, check www.currentcodes.com or www.discountcodes.com. Search by company name and you may find a code that will get you free shipping, a discount, or some other advantage.
Prescription savings
CarePharm, a Texas-based discount pharmacy licensed in all 50 states, offers competitive prices on prescription drugs and will ship any amount for $10. Except for controlled substances, prescriptions can be faxed to CarePharm by your doctor. For price quotes, call (800) 503-7604 or go to www.carepharm.ccmedicalinc.com.
Pet finder
No matter how tight a rein you keep on your dog, there is always a chance it will dart away and delay your trip “” or, worse still, become lost for good. A new device called Global Pet Finder attaches easily to the dog’s collar and will tell you the pet’s GPS location. This device sends information about the whereabouts of the pet via cell phone, personal digital assistant, or computer, enabling owners to know exactly where their pet is so they can find it quickly. However, unlike tattoos and implanted devices that cannot be removed easily if someone steals your dog, this one could be taken off by any thief who recognizes what it is.
This device is available for medium and large dogs and costs $349.99. A one-time activation fee of $34.99 is charged, and customers choose one of two monthly plans: the Homebody Peace of Mind ($17.99) or the Escape Artist Peace of Mind ($19.98). A model to fit cats and miniature dogs is in the works. For more information, call (877) 278-7225 or go to www.globalpetfinder.com.
Books for better living
Approximately 2,200 new diabetics are diagnosed in the United States every day. If you are diabetic, have been told you are pre-diabetic, or have predisposing factors such as family history or extra weight, your doctor probably has told you that exercise is an important factor in living with this chronic disease. Now Erin O’Driscoll has written a book especially for you called Exercises for Diabetes: Simple Steps for Better Health ($15.95, Healthy Living Books).
Ms. O’Driscoll is a registered nurse with a master’s degree, as well as an exercise physiologist and a certified health and fitness instructor. The best part about the information provided in her book is that you don’t need a gym or fancy equipment to get yourself in optimum shape. Her suggestions can be used every day, indoors and out. Photos show an easy routine that takes only 30 minutes a day. Moreover, the author keeps in mind that readers have unique problems with their blood sugar. She addresses the importance of workout shoes that fit properly; what to do if you have a low sugar attack; and how to proceed through warm-up, stretch, and cool-down steps that are important to the specific needs of the diabetic.
The Family Fitness Fun Book by Rose Kennedy ($16.95, Hatherleigh Press) is for everyone in the campground, young and old, and it’s guaranteed to get you off your chair and into the swing of things. If you’re selected to organize a campground potluck, chapter party, or family get-together, this book can be a lifesaver. Here’s just a sample of the book’s accent on simplicity and getting everyone involved.
In one game a person is chosen to be “Queenie.” Facing away from the others, he or she throws a tennis ball or other small ball backward, over the shoulder, and remains facing away while the others scramble to catch it. Then everyone faces Queenie, hands behind their backs, while Queenie turns around and tries to guess who has the ball. Of course, everyone has conspired to look guilty or otherwise put Queenie off the track. If Queenie guesses correctly, he or she continues to reign. If not, the person holding the ball becomes Queenie.
Each game or activity is rated for age, the number of players, what kind of weather is suitable for play, how much time is needed per round, intensity level, and whether parents or grandparents have to participate or supervise. Most of the activities are simple and quick enough to play during rest stops, too.
Both books can be purchased by calling (800) 528-2550.
Car shopping on the go
Another good thing about full-timing is that you can shop by county, by state, or even drive across the continent to find the best buy on a major purchase, such as a new towed vehicle. Two Web sites that can help you research auto prices around the country are www.intellichoice.com, which gives a lot of comparison shopping information, and www.edmunds.com, which asks for your zip code and tells you what the car of your choice should cost there. If you enter several zip codes, depending on where you plan to travel, you can see what happens to the purchase price if you buy here or there.
Protect your cell phone
When a telemarketer calls your cell phone, you pay for the call. Avoid hassle and expense by registering your cell phone number (and stationary home phone number as well) on the national Do Not Call list. Telephone (888) 382-1222 or register online at donotcall.gov. The registration is good for five years; then it must be renewed.
Kids on board
A new book titled 38 Ways to Entertain Your Parents on Summer Vacation, by Dette Hunter ($9.95, Annick Press Ltd.), is a new twist on keeping kids from the boredom blues, no matter what the season. In finding delightful ways to entertain you, they stay busy, happy, and creative. For example, they can make monster masks for everyone in the family or use hollow pasta to make fortune “cookies.” The book can be ordered from www.fireflybooks.com or by calling (800) 387-5085. Other titles in the series include 38 Ways To Entertain Your Grandparents and 38 Ways To Entertain Your Babysitter.