I'm back in New York this week and have had the pleasure to attend a couple of events and visit with some old friends and colleagues. It's also the first time we've traveled with our 8-month old son and he's been awesome. We have kept him on West coast time so he joins us for late dinners and sleeps in - perfect!
The International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) is this weekend and this is my first time attending. I was great to walk the floor of Javits and see all of the innovative products and designs. A few really stood out including the CSYS LED tasklight from Jake Dyson.
Jake himself demonstrated how the light works. The smooth action swivels 360 degrees and up and down with ease. The LED is dimmable and stays focused only on your desk so there is no glare. If you raise the light you can increase the size of the focal point but still no glare.
But the most innovative part of this light is the heat dissipation. Mr. Dyson has incorporated heat pipe technology which he demonstrated that draws the heat away from the lamp. According to Dyson this will allow the LED to perform at peak levels for 37+ years. We already know how long LED's last so this is even improves on that.
It retails for $900 but if you are seeking the best designed and engineered LED desk lamp available then this is your best choice.
A couple months ago I checked out the NexGen grass seed lab and the Pennington Seed factory in Oregon and received some valuable information on lawn care as well as a hands-on look at their 1 Step Complete combo mulch seed fertilizer product. I couldn't wait to get home to give it try.
Well the results are in and our lawn is looking better than ever.
Lawn Problem
We put down new sod but due to neglect and dog urine it started to get spotty.
Solution
The 1 Step Complete seems like the perfect product to fix our lawn. We needed coverage in problem areas as well as a way to help thicken the existing lawn. Our back lawn is small and we want to make the most of it.
I spread the 1 Step Complete according to the instructions and watered it twice daily. In two weeks I started seeing grass. I'm going to let it really thicken before cutting by waiting at least another two months. I know it's sensitive right now and the roots are developing.
I'm impressed with how much nicer our yard looks with a full green lawn and we can't wait for our first summer picnic outside.
Since I've converted to using an iPhone case I've had an opportunity to review a few of the more durable cases available.
One of the strongest, if not strangest, iPhone cases is the TANK from Case-Mate.
The protection is second to none and they have achieved this without adding any bulk to a typical sized case.
TANK's polycarbonate hard shell combines with a silicone-cushioned interior for the ultimate in tough cases. The TANK truly is military grade as it meets or exceeds US military standards.
One feature we weren't so keen on was the retractable screen. It was somewhat awkward to use so we removed it. We are taking a risk here as 67% of iPhone failures are due to cracked screens so if you need that extra protection of have a history of cracking your screen then you should definitely take advantage of this unique cover.
Case-Mate feels this is the ideal iPhone protection for people in the service industry, construction, outdoor athletes, and the toughest role of all...moms.
If the TANK isn't your style, Case-Mate has a ton of other options including some DIY covers that allow you to put your own photos on them.
I tore the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) in my right knee 18 years ago playing football and had surgery at the University of Arizona. I was living at my parents house at the time and they made I got what needed in terms of medical, physical and moral support. Our home was one-story and for the week I was on crutches I didn't need to do much except attend physical therapy.
Four years ago I tore the ACL in my left knee playing in a pickup lacrosse game in Hawaii. I returned home to New York and tests were inconclusive so my doctor scheduled surgery to scope it out and he would reconstruct the ACL if necessary. Well I woke up to his words "Your ACL was shredded so I had to fix it".
Living in New York is not the most ideal place to deal with a leg injury. After leaving the hospital I had to scoot into a cab then navigate the stoop up to our front door and then the flight of stairs to our apartment. I didn't think much of those steps when I had two good legs to walk on but as many can attest too, stairs on crutches isn't fun.
Laura took great care of me but we also had some family help arrive that week. Here are my observations about returning home after knee surgery and tips to make the transition easier for everyone including yourself.
1. Accept help
I'm very independent and don't ask for much but in a situation like this its better to be open and receptive to friends and family assisting you. Don't abuse your situation but when you are comfortable everyone else is too.
2. Clear the room
Make sure you remove any unnecessary clutter around the house. Pick up the boxes and anything else that might hinder you getting around on crutches. Remember you take up a wider space with crutches.
3. Watch out for rugs
Rugs can slide especially when the single point of a crutch is pushed on it. Consider removing rugs while you are on crutches. The last thing you need is a rug slipping and you falling and reinjuring yourself.
4. Easy access to meds
Keep your medication, wraps any other supplies close at hand. You don't want to reach or fumble for these things.
5. Stock up on food
Make sure you've got all your comfort foods close by and plenty of liquids. Keep water near the couch or wherever you will be recovering as its important to stay hydrated.
What other tips do you have for making your home as comfy after returning home from surgery?
note: above photo is not my knee.
