Thy Neighbor

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In the 'burbs of Albany, NY, there sits a little hamlet called Loudonville. A thriving community that is as rich in history as it is in capital I have been in this community since 2002 and see myself staying here to the late end, or even the end!! Several weeks back, I saw another local business close its doors for good. I was sad to see it happen. I ran into the owner and he explained that monthly operational costs killed his small business. He Said there just was not enough income to off set the overhead, so he packed it in before it packed him in. Sad, nonetheless.

That night I was speaking to my wife, Stephanie, about being upset that this business owner could not make it in today's struggling economic landscape. George Bush and Barack Obama, aside. It seemed that the Capital District was getting consumed by a shark frenzy of corporate juggernauts. Wal-Mart, Lowe's, Chili's, Papa John's, Cheesecake Factory, and Borders were crushing the little man.

I informed her that there was something I wish I could have done to help him; that is in addition to be a solid patron. That is when she shot straight up and said, "You can!"

I replied, somewhat questionably, "How? There are just only so many nights we could eat out." She went on to tell me that while I could not do anything for this failed business, but I could help others using my own business.

In addition to being a Computer Administrator, I also help customers of National Grid save a good deal of money each month on their National Grid Electric and Gas Supply. Energy supply in New York State was no deregulated, and that meant savings for those customers. Now I have been helping hundreds of local neighbors, friends, and family save every money and earn vacation reward points just for paying their National Grid bill as that usually would, but never thought to aid businesses. Electricity and Natural Gas seem like such residential commodities.

So, what Stephanie told me to do was to present the savings program to all our favorite local shops, restaurants, stores, etc. Even to those we never even patronized before. This way, in addition to putting money into their businesses as a customer, or a future customer, I would also be providing them a way to trim their bottom line! I thought the idea was brilliant.

So the next day, I went to my local pizza shop, and eat my usually BBQ pizza slice. While the slices were coming out of the office, I thought of what my wife mentioned. Along with my 10 dollar bill, I offered my program to the store proprietor. He liked what he heard and enrolled his National Grid account soon there after. Because his ovens burn constantly, his business consumed a high amount of energy. I was very happy to hear that he saved $437 on his first month's bill! Multiply that by 12 and its over $5000 a year he was saving. He gave my family a pie and some Buffalo wings on the house for that night! While I did not do this for free food (no complaints), I knew this was a good thing and was grateful that my wife provided a way for us to help our community shops. Instead of someone who sells retail energy, I felt like someone who was helping, ya know? Someone who was contributing to his surroundings. It felt good.

I hope this article provided you with some insight on how we can all find a way to help our community out. From shopping locally to saving them on their expenses, we can all make it happen.

Good luck to all the local businesses out there. I wish you well and hope to find your establishment some time in the future. Shoot me an email and let me know where you are located.

Richard Currao lives in Loudonville, NY with his wife and 4 kids. Along with being an IT technician of 10+ years, Richard also plays guitar, trains bird dogs, hunts, worships both the Lord and the Beatles, though sometimes he is not certain of what order they fall in.

Richard has also been studying network marketing for some time now and the behavior and patterns of its components. Rather than a master of the industry, he considers himself a student teacher, because the learning never stops and the sharing of such knowledge makes the former even sweeter. Richard has followed and continues to digest the teachings of Mike Dillard's Magnetic Sponsorship, not only a learning tool, but a philosophy of both marketing and self.

Richard is also Webmaster for http://www.beatles-book.com

Tips on Meeting Your Apartment Neighbors

1. Cup of Sugar- The age old "Cup o' Sugar" routine is a great one and always works. Even if you don't need the sugar, just pop next door with an empty measuring cup at a reasonable time and politely introduce yourself and ask if you could borrow a "cup of sugar." This works best at dinner time. Do it any earlier and you'll just look silly. And don't stand around talking for too long either, get the sugar, exchange names and greetings, and get back to your apartment. This opens up the conversation route for the next time you pass each other and you no longer have to put your head down and act like you are making sure your laces are tired.

2. The Community Areas- Hit the fitness center, the clubhouse, or the laundry room at your community. Areas that are commonly visited by the other residents. Strike up a conversation with someone who looks friendly and receptive. Who knows, you may make an awesome friend. If you have a dog, take them out walking often. People love making friends with dogs and their owners. Just don't hang out by the dumpster...that's just weird...and stinky.

3. Hang Out On The Patio - Get some lawn chairs and chill out on your patio or balcony whenever you have a nice day. Chit chat with the passer-by's. Just don't hoot and whistle like a construction worker. Nothing is more offensive and is a very easy way to NOT make friends.

Hopefully, you will have a few new friends in no time and you'll find that most neighbors aren't Apartmental like the ones in the video. Who knows, maybe you are my neighbor? Come and meet me!

For more info on apartment living, check out ApartmentHomeLiving.com

About the Author

At AHL Apartmentites have a platform to share their own stories, get great info & tips on apartment living, read Jeff's entertaining blogs/stories, and have a ton of fun sharing their love of apartment living with others. Don't forget to go and set up your own MyPlace page to really get the full Apartmentite experience!

How can you love thy neighbor and also love homosexual?

I am straight man but don't hate homosexuals. But recent events in my life made me live a devoted Christian life. I don't want to hate anyone. But how can I love homosexual when Bible condemns them to death?

psychic here

And I am sure you hate me also.. that is OK God will forgive you for mis-interpreting his words.

Every religious texts are subject to inconsistencies because they are written by man, and then rewritten and translated. but even if you choose to avoid that as a good explanations then look at in this way.

When God breathed life into us he also gave us all the same free will, free will to choose him or to denial him. to love him or to love ourselves... In this "One" act he has both placed us above all creations and condemned us to.

Do not see a persons sexual preference as an issue but see all people as individuals that have their own struggles, even you. Mine is food, I believe there is a sin for that one to.

wrote a blog on how to look at religion I hope it helps http://www.psychictarotreadings.net/path-to-god-spiritual-enlightenment/

and this is some info about me and why I know this stuff http://www.youtube.com/user/deborahpsychic

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