Problem: Article: Because JK Rowling gets so much fan mail, anything that stands out is going to be more likely to get a response. Try decorating your envelop a little with colors and artwork. Handwriting your letter will also stand out, as most letters are typed. Just make sure you write very clearly and legibly if you choose to handwrite. This is your fan mail, so don't forget to put a little of yourself in it. Start by introducing yourself. Then write a little bit about yourself. Just don't make it a novel! Write about what her books (like Harry Potter) means to you and how much you enjoy it. Mention a few specific parts or details in Harry Potter that you liked in particular and explain why. You're much more likely to get a response if you give Rowling a question or two to answer. At this point she's likely heard pretty much every question imaginable about Harry Potter. But regardless, try to think of something somewhat original to ask. Something vague and unoriginal like "What inspired you to write Harry Potter?" isn't going to pique much interest. If you have any creative interests, like writing or drawing, put them to use to make your letter to JK Rowling unique. Add a drawing or a poem along with your letter. It can be inspired by Harry Potter but it doesn't have to be. Don't go on and on in your letter. Keep in mind how many of these Rowling has to read on a regular basis. It might be wise to go back through your letter after writing it and edit it, cutting it down until it's concise.
Summary: Make your letter stand out. Make your letter personal. Ask questions. Add something creative to your mail. Keep it short.

Problem: Article: Often we set higher expectations for ourselves than we do for others. Try instead to treat yourself the same way you would treat a close friend. Don't say anything about yourself (out loud to others, or even just in your head) that you wouldn't say about someone you care about. Scientists have proven that by focusing on developing and appreciating our strengths, we are more likely to live fulfilling lives. Make a list of three of your strengths. These can be specific (such as, "I am good at chess") or broad (such as, "I am courageous"). Include at least one specific and one broad example on your list. Stop and appreciate these parts of yourself. Say out loud, "I like that I am courageous." Brainstorm one way to further develop each of these strengths. If you listed "I am good at chess," consider entering a chess tournament. If you listed "I am courageous," perhaps go white water rafting. If you are not okay with being you, there may some guilt living under the surface. Forgiving yourself is not easy, but it can be transformative. In order to try to forgive yourself, perform a ritual release. Write a letter confessing your secret. Explain everything you feel guilty about in vivid detail. Destroy the letter. Send it into the ocean or burn it. Say to yourself, "I put my guilt in the past." Repeat this ritual as many times as you need to. Many people have internalized the belief that taking care of yourself is selfish. When in reality, being kind to yourself is one of the most responsible things you can do. If you take better care of yourself, you will begin to feel worthy of such care. As a result, you will soon be okay with being you. Here are some ideas: Set specific times when you don't work. Give yourself permission to relax during these moments. Work out. Get those endorphins pumping! When you do make it to the gym, thank yourself for showing up. Get enough sleep. Don't sacrifice this essential human need. Plenty of sleep will help you stay physically and emotionally strong. An affirmation is a simple, positive, present tense statement about yourself. Think of such a statement and use a dry erase marker to write it on your bathroom mirror. Say it out loud first thing in the morning, and again every time you enter that room. It is okay to feel silly at first! This feeling will pass, and in time, this will help you be okay with being you. Some examples include: I am a good writer. I am a strong person. I love you, ____ (fill in your name).
Summary: Be your own friend. Celebrate your strengths. Forgive yourself. Be kind to yourself. Make an affirmation.

Problem: Article: Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water, so the first step to reducing the number of mosquitoes on your property is to eliminate as much stagnant water from your property as possible. Remove any unnecessary basins you may have in your yard, including wheel barrows, buckets, and temporary swimming pools. If these items must remain outside, turn them upside down when not in use. Clear your gutters frequently. They often get clogged with leaves and other debris, which can hold small amounts of water. Even leaves on your lawn can provide enough water for mosquito larvae, so be sure to rake them up promptly. Add topsoil to low areas that tend to accumulate water. In extreme cases, you may need to regrade your yard to improve drainage. If any of your trees have rotted areas where water accumulates, fill the holes with mortar. Sometimes it is not possible to eliminate all standing water. If you have a bird bath or a pond, for example, you can treat the water with larvicides that you can purchase at most gardening or home improvement stores. Most of these products contain either methoprene or Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, neither of which are believed to be toxic to humans, pets, fish, or birds when used appropriately. Read the directions carefully to determine how often you must reapply the larvicide. Protection can last for a month or more, but it depends on the amount of water being treated. If you have a swimming pool, be sure to treat the water that accumulates on the cover during the off-season. If you have sources of water that cannot be treated, be sure to dump the water out and refill it every few days in order to interrupt the mosquito life cycle. Adult mosquitoes can emerge in less than two weeks after eggs are laid, so never let the water sit for longer than that. If you have items such as outdoor tarps that accumulate small amounts of water, tend to them regularly to ensure that water never stands for more than a few days at a time. If you are aware of possible mosquito breeding grounds that are not on your property, you should report them to the appropriate agency. Many cities and counties have vector control agencies, which are responsible for controlling the populations of disease-spreading pests. If your area does not have such an agency, report the issue to your local public health department. Whether the area is on public land or private property, the appropriate agency in your area may be able to take steps to remedy the problem.
Summary:
Check your property for standing water. Treat standing water that must remain. Refresh necessary water frequently. Report possible breeding grounds.