Terry Reuer

We deliver Welcome Packets and then get to enjoy the reaction of our new neighbors. It is one of the most rewarding experiences of being a Newcomers Welcome Service Community Representative. Usually the reaction is to the wonderful Welcome Packets we deliver, but every once in a while, the reaction is to the "Welcome Lady" herself. Joyce, our Representative in the Canton/Plymouth area, recently got one of those reactions.

When we visit new neighbors we set up the appointment and, typically, arrive at the appointment wearing business casual attire. One of Joyce's new neighbors requested a visit on a Saturday when Joyce was scheduled to attend a wedding. Being the dedicated Representative that Joyce is she accommodated the request. She arrived at the visit dressed for the wedding. Now, Joyce is a pretty snappy dresser so when the woman opened her door there was Joyce in high heels and dressy dress. Joyce said the expression on the woman's face was startled to say the least. Joyce quickly explained the situation and everyone got a good laugh. The rest of the visit proceeded as usual. The lady was grateful for the information and gifts in the Welcome Packet. Joyce spent the rest of the afternoon and evening at the wedding. A good day for everyone involved!

Like the Realtors I know, I want my car to be a positive statement about Newcomers Welcome Service and my professionalism. I, also, like to buy my cars and drive them for a long time. Right now I have a 2001 Buick. The inside is clean and looks almost new. The outside looked pretty good, but had a number of door dings and scuffs from parking lots, including one that ran the entire length of the car (hmm...wonder why it is so hard for some people to put their shopping carts in a cart corral?).

Last week I discovered a great new service. The company is called Collision on Wheels. They repair dents (up to about the size of a football), scratches, and scuffs right where your car is parked. I decided to try them out. They came to my office and did the work in the parking lot. Their van has a computerized paint mixing system so they can match paint colors. It took about two hours and my car looks great! Collision on Wheels is a franchise, so they have quite a few locations. You can check their website, www.collisiononwheels.com, call 866-402-3368, or in Washtenaw County call 734-660-1719. I thought what they charged me was very reasonable. They provide free estimates.

It's a great way to get another year or two out of my old car!

The first time I sold a house (way back in 1975) I took the advice of my Realtor and cleared out all of the unused and unwanted items. It was great advice, my home sold quickly and we got lots of comments about how clean our house looked. Back then we just cleaned out and shipped everything off to the landfill. I have since sold several more homes and repeated the cleaning process. The difference is that I have accumulated a group of resources for disposing of items that someone else might be able to use.

Sometimes people move first and then realize they don't want everything they brought with them. So Newcomers Welcome Service includes information in our free Welcome Packet about recycling usable items. Here are some of my favorite places:

ReUse Center. Part of Recycle Ann Arbor, this store is terrific. They accept donations of household and building items (not clothing). It's also a fun place to rummage around for items you want to buy. In my house, I have a toaster ($2.), a rice cooker ($5.), a waffle iron ($2.) and a Total Gym ($15) that I found while shopping there. They are located at 2420 S. Industrial Hwy, 734-222-7880. You can check them out on the web at www.recycleannarbor.org. Donations are tax deductible.

Children's Orchard. For kids clothes, toys, and equipment you can't beat this store. Take in items that have been outgrown. They will buy what they can resell in the store and you can donate the rest to either the Salvation Army or Washtenaw County Support & Treatment Services (they have a location at Kaiser School in the Willow Run School district where folks in need can get children and adult clothing free of charge) What a deal, get a little money and make a charitable donation at the same location! Shopping there is fun, too. I buy lots of clothes for my nieces and nephews and the prices are great. They are located at 887 Eisenhower, 734-995-8889. Check them out on the web at www.childrensorchard.com. You can get a tax receipt for items that you donate. Check with the store for details.

Purple Heart. For clothing, books, small household items. I love this group because they come to your house and pick up. You can request a pick up from their website- http://www.purpleheartpickup.org/. Since I started donating they call several days before they are going to have a truck in the area. I clean out an area of the house and leave the items out on their pick up day. Very convenient. Donations are tax deductible.

I Sold It On eBay. For collectible and higher value items, I drop these off at the I Sold It On eBay store. They take the pictures, post the items, collect the funds, and mail a check. Very easy. They are located at 889B W. Eisenhower Pkwy, 734-761-6187. Check them out on the web at www.isolditannarbor.com.

Are you stressed? No? Really? I don't think I have spoken to you this year.

For years I have tried to manage the stress in my life, you know.... more exercise, visualization, deep breathing, etc. All of these strategies helped, but this year I hit the jackpot. On the advice of my doctor I signed up for a Tai Chi class.

Tai Chi is sometimes referred to as moving meditation. The moving part is what appealed to me. After 18 weeks of learning and practicing, this is what I have discovered:

• Your age, body type, coordination, and overall fitness level are not issues. Tai Chi accommodates most everyone.
• Yes, you do have to practice every day, but you can do your practice in small snippets. I practice in the morning before I come to the office and several time during the day when I can carve out 5 minutes and then for a few minutes at night before I go to bed. You will see below, the practice is part of the cure.
• It is fun to learn and practice.

Here is what I have gained:

• My balance has definitely improved.
• I have less neck and shoulder pain (I tend to hold my tension there)
• I have less knee pain.
• I am sleeping better.
• Best of all I have a concrete method of dealing with stress. If I know I am approaching a stressful situation I run through the practice a couple of times and head into what lies ahead more relaxed and focused. If I am stressed by something that happens I can run through the practice and regain my composure.

I look forward to learning and practicing Tai Chi for many years.

If you are looking for a way to control the stress in your life, you might want to check out Tai Chi classes near you.

I take my classes at the Spiral Chi Center, 76 N. Huron Street (top floor of the Riverside Art Center, Ypsilanti, MI 734-678-9508, www.spiralchicenter.com

The director is Greg Knollmeyer. Sifu (teacher) Greg has been studying Tai Chi for more than 10 years. His style of teaching is kind and compassionate, plus he has a great sense of humor. Classes are small so you get plenty of help.