Q: You'll have trouble feeling fulfilled if your energy goes in only one directionout. Just as you pour love and support into others, you must return that love and support to yourself. Take time to nurture your own self with passions, self-care, or goal-oriented activities. Carve out an hour each day to do something just for you. Use this time constructively, such as for writing in a journal, taking a contemplative walk in nature, or reading a personal development book. Fulfillment translates to optimal mental and physical health, so make time to exercise regularly. Schedule it into your day. That way, it will be just like any other task on your to-do list. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. Do activities you enjoy, like swimming, dancing, or cycling. Unhealthy foods can compromise your health and wellness, zapping your energy and mental clarity. Fuel your body with real, whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, lean sources of protein, whole grains, and nuts and seeds. Avoid nutrient-deficient foods that are sugary, processed, and high in calories. Limit caffeine and alcohol, which may compromise your mental and physical functioning. Know how to spot signs of mounting stress, such as trouble sleeping, trouble focusing, or unexplained aches and pains. Then, take measures to ease the stress in your life. Keep stress at bay by not over-committing to nonessential responsibilities or overloading your schedule, staying away from negative or draining people, and practicing relaxation techniques. A regular self-care routine can keep life stress from getting out of hand. Spirituality is often an important aspect of a fulfilling life because it can be a source of sustenance during tough times, helping you stay resilient. Connect with that deeper, spiritual part of yourself to feel more connected to the universe and more capable of handling life's stressors. Regularly perform spiritual rituals, such as meditation, prayer, chanting, yoga, or reflective walks in nature.
A: Set aside "me" time. Build 30 minutes of physical activity into your day. Eat nutritious foods that give you energy. Manage stress in healthy ways. Get in touch with your spirituality.

Q: Even though you scraped away excess mortar, there is almost certainly some leftover on the blocks. The washing process removes all of these imperfections, but not until the mortar has set. Give it 2-3 hours before you start washing. This set time only makes the mortar strong enough for scrubbing. The mortar won't reach it's full strength until it's set for several weeks. This job may take several hours, meaning that the first blocks you laid are dry enough for cleaning as soon as you complete installing the blocks. Dip a sponge in a bucket of plain, warm water and scrub any spots on the blocks that have mortar on them. Thin layers of mortar should come off easily with water and light scrubbing. Dip the sponge back into the bucket periodically to wash off excess mortar. Only use plain water at this point. The mortar is not dry enough to handle cleaning from solvents or other chemicals. This wipes up any moisture and removes any remaining mortar remnants. Work in a circular motion and cover both sides of the block surface. Once the job is complete, leave the mortar to dry. Don't do any additional cleaning or maintenance until the mortar has fully cured. Avoid doing any construction near the blocks, or the vibrations could knock them out of place. If the blocks are outside, cover them with plastic to prevent rain from getting on them. Different mortar may have different set times. Always check the instructions on the product you use for the specific dry time. After the mortar dries completely, start cleaning the glass blocks once a week. Make a solution of warm water and mild soap. Dip a fine cloth or sponge into the water and scrub the blocks in a circular motion. Then use a squeegee to wipe the water off. Remember to clean both sides of the installation.
A: Let the mortar set for 2-3 hours before washing the blocks. Scrub the blocks with a wet sponge. Run a dry cloth over the blocks after cleaning them. Let the mortar cure for 14-21 days. Maintain your glass blocks by cleaning them once a week.

Q: You need to research where you are going, the flight times and prices for airlines, and which documents you need to take with you. Plan out your itinerary carefully. Some cities, like London or Paris, really need a week to see what they have to offer. Travel times also need to be taken into consideration. Traveling by train can take longer than traveling by car. Fodor's, Rick Steves, and the Michelin guides are all excellent places to start. Make sure you have the most up-to-date guide book for the area of the world you intend to visit. Some are updated every year. Others are updated every other year, or every few years. A good guidebook is a $15-20 investment that can save a lot of headache. Don't be afraid to rip it up and staple together only the pieces you need. A well-kept guidebook might make a nice souvenir, but it may not be worth the extra weight of carrying around information that you don't need. Before going on the trip, research what is and is not acceptable in your destination. When you arrive, observe how others act in person. Remember: some things are okay for locals to do, but not for tourists to do. This is just polite. Even if you struggle with it, the locals will appreciate that you've at least tried their language instead of rudely asking "Do you speak English?" (Or whatever your native tongue happens to be.) If you use the native language to ask for something, expect the reply to be in that language and at normal conversational speed which is going to be faster than the audio lessons you learned. This is not to say that you shouldn't learn some basic greetings and questions. You should, however, be ready for the responses. Memorize it and note each of the places you will be visiting. Keep your map safe and dry. If you have access to a laptop or a smartphone (with data), you may not expressly need a physical map but it is still usually smart to carry one as a backup. Examples include the "dropped ring" scam, the "fake petition," and friendship bracelets tied on your wrist by aggressive vendors. Also be aware of other common crimes, especially pickpocketing. TSA approved travel locks and money belts are both helpful, especially in areas where pickpocketing is extremely common. The infamous #64 bus in Rome, for instance, is popular with pickpockets because it's the only bus in Rome that hits all of the popular tourist destinations. It's usually packed with tourists, and thick with thieves. Know what each local coin and bill is worth. For example, in Panama, everything is tied to the US dollar, so money comes in the same size, denomination, and material. In the UK, you'll find 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, 1, and 2 coins, as well as 5, 10, 20, and 50 pound notes. By knowing your denominations and specifying how much you are handing over, you can help avoid another common scam: intentionally incorrect change.
A:
Do your research. Get a good guidebook. Understand the basic customs of the area. Learn some basic phrases of the country you are going to. Get a reliable map of the area you are going to. Be aware of common scams in your destination.