Today’s Topics: Postal Trucks, School Buses & Taxies | StackPower Cables | How to plan a Staycation | News to Start Your Day
Happy Wednesday!
National Tortilla Chip Day, a day set aside for the crunchy snack loved by millions across the nation, is observed annually on February 24th! Who doesn’t love a good bowl of salsa, chile con queso, or guacamole with their tortilla chips!? Don’t like tortilla chips?…no worries, we don’t have to taco ’bout it!
Some things change and some things stay the same…for a LONG time! Think about it, for the most part, postal trucks, school buses, and taxies have looked the same for years and years, some versions dating back to the ’60s and ’70s…and in some cases, it is the exact vehicle from the ’60s and ’70s. Well…the postal service is changing all of that! They have released the new design of the new postal trucks.
I have been trying to put my finger on what they remind me of and then it hit me…they look like a truck a kindergartener would draw where parts are out of proportion.
I imagine they will be very efficient though. No problem seeing out of the windshield, up or down, in them that is for sure. Change can be very good and hopefully, it will be for them.
Speaking of change, lots of change going on around CK lately. Christin mentioned yesterday that we will be changing the name of this email to the “CK Daily”. You will get a chance to hear from a few more of the CK leaders in the process. We were talking yesterday about how we want to make sure that we continue to stay personal, transparent, fun, and “real” in these emails going forward, but we also want to give you something that you will want to read and that you find beneficial in life and business. We are pretty excited about it!
If you have any thoughts, ideas, or recommendations feel free to reply to this email and let us know.
It’s Wednesday so the week is halfway over! I hope you have an awesome rest of the week!
Jason
Product Spotlights & Updates:
If you have a 3750X, 3850, or 9300 switch, chances are that Switch has StackPower Technology. StackPower is an amazing piece of technology that allows for power supplies to be stacked as a shared and common resource. What could save you a lot of time and money is to take advantage of the zero-footprint redundancy that the StackPower technology provides. Zero-footprint redundancy basically allows you to add one additional power supply to any switch in your stack to provide power redundancy to your entire stack. That means no additional separate redundant power supplies are necessary, conserving space in your rack, and also saving you operationally on maintenance and power utilization (you don’t have to maintain a redundant power supply if you don’t have one!).
In order to utilize the technology, you’ll need two things: A StackPower Cable and an additional power supply. Today we’ll be focusing on the StackPower cable otherwise known by its part number – CAB-SPWR-30CM. This 30-centimeter cable is the key to optimizing the StackPower technology. Don’t forget you’ll need enough StackPower cables to interconnect all of your switches in a ring or star topology (so be sure to purchase enough for the amount of switches in your stack).
This cable also comes in a 150CM length (CAB-SPWR-150CM) and we carry them in two flavors – Refurbished and Cisco New, which both include a Lifetime Warranty!
How to play a Staycation – Dave Ramsey Blog
Who doesn’t love taking a vacation? You get to sleep in, eat delicious food, and enjoy the freedom to do absolutely nothing or absolutely anything with your day. Ah, living the dream! But sometimes a traditional vacation just isn’t in the cards (like this year thanks to COVID-19), or maybe it isn’t in the budget for you. If you fall into that camp, a staycation is a great alternative that can give you the rest you deserve without breaking the bank.
What is the Difference Between a Vacation and a Staycation?
Just like it sounds—a staycation means you’ll be staying at home (or in town) while on “vacation.” Think of it as a way to “get away from it all” by going nowhere.
One of the biggest differences between a staycation and a vacation? Yep, you guessed it—the price tag. Although it’s possible to take a cheap vacation, they’re known for being ex-pen-sive. Did you know the average travel budget is about $2,800?1 That’s a lot of dough to drop on vacation. And you can probably tack on some more dollars if it’s a family of five. Yikes! But the good news is, you don’t have to spend that much money. A staycation is an awesome (and much cheaper) alternative.
Why do you need a Staycation?
Because we all need a break! But that doesn’t mean you have to bust your budget to do it (that’s the opposite of relaxing).
If you’re smack-dab in the middle of working the Baby Steps and wish you could swing a vacation, a staycation is a great way to have a good time while spending next to nothing. And these days, a lot of people don’t want to be near the vacation crowds anyway, so bringing that rest and relaxation to your own house sounds a whole lot better.
How do you take a Staycation?
Treat it like a normal vacation! When you go on a week-long vacation out of state, you don’t take work with you, and you enjoy time spent relaxing and making memories with family. When you take a staycation, do the same thing.
It’s important to actually use your paid time off from work and not work from home just because you’re at home. Don’t check in or worry about what you’re missing at the office. If you truly want to relax, then treat this like a typical vacation and leave the realities of life behind. Turn off all your devices and limit the TV binge-watching—this is your chance to focus on quality time with no interruptions and enjoy not having anything looming on the to-do list. You’re on staycation, after all!
How do you make your house a Staycation?
One of the best things about going on a “real” vacation is that you have a change of scenery. When you’re on vacation somewhere else, relaxing comes easy. But when you’re trying to bring all the feelings of vacation to your own house, you’re going to have to put in a little extra effort.
Turning your humble abode into a staycation haven is going to look different for everyone, but here are a few things to help get you inspired:
- Get out the nice sheets
- Add a vase of flowers to your kitchen or entryway table.
- Put the books you’ve been meaning to read on your nightstand or coffee table (so you’ll actually get around to reading them).
- Live in your robe, yoga pants or flip-flops (anything that says “rest” or “vacation life” to you).
- Live outside as much as you can.
- Don’t turn on the news or pull up your go-to news app (heck, after these last few months we all went through, we can use a break from the news!).
- Put snacks and drinks out in visible places (like you’d see in a hotel room or Airbnb).
- Eat off of the fancy dishes.
- Play relaxing tunes in the background.
Staycation Ideas
1. Take a nap.
We know—what a boring one to start the list off with. But it’s easy, it’s free, and it makes a world of difference. So start your staycation off right with a little rest and relaxation in the form of a nice, long nap. How many times do you get the chance to close your eyes and catch some zzz’s in the middle of the day? You can even take a snooze outside—just don’t do it without wearing some sunblock or you’ll be sorry.
2. Have a spa day.
It might not be as glamorous as a real day at the spa, but you can still make your own home feel like a retreat. It can be as glamorous as decking out your whole face with a moisturizing face mask and cucumber slices or as simple as just soaking your feet in Epsom salt. Whatever you do, just focus on using that time to relax.
3. Take a mini road trip.
Need a little bit of adventure during the staycation? Gas prices are crazy cheap right now, so get out of the house and take a road trip to a spot just an hour or two away. Enjoy the day by exploring new sights, eating at new restaurants, and shaking off your stir-crazy ways with hitting the open road.
4. Read a good book.
How many books do you have collecting dust on the shelf? Sure, you’re always wanting to read one, but there never seems to be enough time in the day. Now’s your chance to dive into a good read—or several! Set up a hammock in your backyard or lay out a blanket under a tree and unwind with a good book.
5. Get outside.
Take a hike in the great outdoors or enjoy a peaceful walk in a nearby park. Pack a lunch for the trip and enjoy a picnic with your family, or even grab your running shoes to work in some exercise!
Did you know walking actually helps to reduce stress hormones in your body? Just getting outside for some fresh air and moving your body can really help you relax and unwind. So get that circulation going and spend your staycation stress-free!
6. Explore your city.
Are there any historic sites or popular tourist spots you’ve never been to? Most of the time, we’re all so busy with the hustle and bustle of everyday life that we don’t get a chance to take in the things that make our own local area pretty great. Use this staycation to take in the sights and sounds of your city! Get out there and visit free museums, bookstores, and that coffee shop you’re always meaning to check out.
Just make sure to do your research before you head out to double-check that wherever you plan on going is actually open again.
7. Camp out in the backyard.
Pitch a tent, light the fire pit, and make s’mores while creating fun family memories. Bonus points if you tell spooky stories and sing camp songs around the fire. When it’s time to call it a night, have everyone crawl into the tent and sleep under the stars (or you can bring the gang back inside to sleep in your comfortable beds too—we won’t judge).
8. Bring the water park to you.
You don’t need access to a pool to cool off. You can get way more creative than that. Remember Slip ’N Slides? Set one up in your backyard and get ready to beat the heat. Of course, you can always opt for a $15 inflatable pool for the kids (or you!) or spend an afternoon having a water balloon fight. And never underestimate the power of the sprinklers. Creating your own DIY backyard water park instead of the real deal can save you about $50 per person!
9. Have a movie night.
You don’t have to leave your house to catch a good flick. Rent a movie—or even better, stream one for free. Skipping the traditional ticket and concessions at the theater can easily save you $15–20 a person. This is the perfect time to tackle a marathon of movie trilogies (Back to the Future, anyone?) or introduce your kids to iconic classics for the first time. But don’t forget the snacks! Grab some popcorn, chips and candy from the dollar store, and you have all the makings for a great (and really cheap) movie night.
10. Stay somewhere new.
Before we tackle this one, let’s be clear: It’s okay to stay at your house during your staycation (and it saves major money not having to pay for a hotel or bed-and-breakfast). But if you do want to switch it up, check in to a local hotel or Airbnb for a night or two. It’s amazing how getting away to a new spot in your hometown can feel so refreshing. All you know is you’re staying the night in some new digs—is it in the Bahamas or just down the street? Who knows! It’s somewhere different, and that’s all that matters.
11. Take up a DIY project.
Do you have a DIY project that you haven’t been able to get to? Use this free time on your hands to tackle it! You’ll feel accomplished and have something to show for it by the end of your staycation. Check your local museum or art studio to see if pottery, painting or woodworking classes are being offered.
12. Plan a game night.
Monopoly, Battleship, Clue—these games never go out of style! Dust off the board games and invite your family and friends over to enjoy the simple joy of a game night. Need to add a new game to the rotation? Check out Act Your Wage!—the first player to become debt-free wins the game. And if that sounds a little too much like real life (like if you’re laser-focused on becoming debt-free right now), just play Monopoly instead. We won’t be mad.
13. Watch a theater production.
We know what you’re thinking—how in this COVID world is that kind of thing possible? The magic of the internet, that’s how. BroadwayHD is streaming a ton of Broadway shows (everything from Oklahoma! to Romeo and Juliet). And with a seven-day free trial, that’s plenty of time to watch a few things while on a staycation.
14. Go bowling.
Family bonding and bowling go hand in hand! And going to a bowling alley during the middle of the week or at off-peak times can be surprisingly cheap. A lot of bowling alleys even let kids bowl for free. Check out the deals your local alley has and strike up a little friendly competition.
15. Go out for a special meal or have it delivered.
Some people find cooking relaxing, but for others, it’s like a one-way ticket to stress-out city. No matter where you fall, it’s important to give yourself a break and take some time for a special meal that you don’t have to cook. Swing by that restaurant downtown that you’ve always wondered about, or have food delivered from your favorite burger joint.
16. Go canoeing.
If you live within close driving distance of a river or another body of water, get out there on a canoe or a paddleboard—maybe even a surfboard if you’re near the beach (lucky!).
17. Have a date night.
Even if you’re in the middle of a family staycation with two toddlers, you can still carve out time for you and your spouse to sneak in an inexpensive date. The real tricky part is going to be finding a sitter to watch the kids, but it’s doable! Ask family or friends if they wouldn’t mind babysitting for an evening so you and your spouse can have a nice dinner. You can even sweeten the deal by offering to watch their kids sometime too.
This article is from the Dave Ramsey Blog.
Today’s News to Start Your Day:
- As of this morning, in the US, there are 9,171,193 active COVID cases, 19,212,524 have recovered and there have been 515,034 deaths.
- The FDA’s staff endorsed Johnson & Johnson’s Covid-19 vaccine for emergency use, a critical step in bringing the third shot to the U.S. marketplace. The staff report is meant to brief the FDA’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee, which will meet Friday to review J&J’s request for emergency use.
- A new app, set to launch within weeks, could mark the first step in resuming quarantine-free international travel. The IATA travel app will allow governments and airlines to collect, access, and share information on individual passengers’ Covid-19 test and vaccination statuses. So far, 30 airlines are signed up to trial the tool through March and April.
- Crocs have been called the “it” shoe of the pandemic, as the clog became a closet staple for consumers seeking comfort during the more casual pandemic lifestyle. Still, the company’s stock is down more than 3% on Tuesday, amid concerns its pandemic boost could fade. Crocs CEO Andrew Rees said he is optimistic that the brand can grow with the help of new product innovations, such as sandals.
- A luxury SUV driven by Tiger Woods crashed and rolled over Tuesday morning in southern California, leaving the golf superstar with serious injuries, authorities and his agent said. Woods is “currently awake, responsive, and recovering in his hospital room” after undergoing emergency surgery, according to a statement posted on his Twitter account. The front end of the SUV was destroyed. Woods likely survived the single-car crash because the interior of the SUV remained intact.
- Kia is replacing its Sedona minivan with a new SUV-inspired model called the Carnival beginning in the second quarter of this year. The 2022 Carnival “multi-purpose vehicle,” also known as a minivan, features a boxy exterior, large front grille, and an overall design that looks more bold and rugged design. The vehicle features a host of new safety features as well as new sliding configurations for the second-row seating and an available “VIP Lounge Seating.”