Sprinkler timers are either plugged into an outlet or hardwired into your home's electrical system. If the system is plugged into an outlet, unplug it from the wall. If your timer is hardwired, turn off the circuit that controls the timer. Check that the display on the timer is off before continuing. Never work on your sprinkler timer while it's plugged in since you could get shocked. The access panel can usually be found near the bottom of your existing timer. Pop off the panel cover to remove it. If the timer doesn't have an access panel that pops right off, you may need to use a screwdriver to remove the faceplate. The power wires are usually white, black, and green. Unscrew the wire caps connecting the wires if there are any and untwist the wires. Separate the wires from one another so you can pull the timer unit out without damaging the power wires that run to your sprinklers. Some timer models may have the power wires in a different access panel along the wall. Your sprinkler wires can be found plugged into a numbered section inside your timer. Wrap a small piece of masking tape around each of the sprinkler wires and label them with the number of the port they're plugged into. That way, you'll know what stations to plug your wires back into when you put in your new unit. If you don't have any tape or labels, many sprinkler wires are differently colored so you can tell which wires control an area. If your unit has the wire attached with screws, use a screwdriver to loosen the connection and pull the wire out. If your timer has tabs, press down on the tab with the end of your screwdriver to make it easier to remove the wire. Once they're disconnected, pull out the wires from the bottom of your timer. Your timer should have mounting screws in the middle of the unit on the top and bottom. Use either a flathead or Philips screwdriver to loosen the top screw and to remove the bottom screw completely. Lift your unit up and off of the wall to remove it entirely. Many times, you can use the top screw again to hang your new sprinkler unit but the bottom screw may not be in the same place.

Summary: Turn off power to the old controller. Remove the access panel or faceplate on your timer. Disconnect the power wires from your timer. Label the sprinkler wires with pieces of tape. Pull the sprinkler wires out of the timer. Unscrew the controller from the wall to remove it.

You could divide household duties up on a permanent basis, or choose to rotate cleanup tasks. Keeping the house clean with or without a full family takes a lot of energy and can help develop planning and organizational skills. If your family chooses to permanently assign cleanup chores, you might do the dishes each night, someone else might do the laundry, and someone else may do the vacuuming. If you choose to assign cleanup tasks on a rotating basis, you could use a calendar to track who is responsible for what and when. You might write "Bobby, dishes / Sandra, laundry / Mike, vacuuming" on Sunday of one week. The next Sunday, you might write "Sandra, dishes / Mike, laundry / Bobby, vacuuming." Everything should have a proper place assigned to it. After you've used something, place it back where it belongs. For instance, put the salt and pepper on the table where they belong, and put dirty dishes in the sink when finished eating. Encourage the rest of your household to do likewise. Study or work in a space which is quiet, clean, and well-lit. It might be helpful to have a desk or table on which to work. Stock the drawers with small containers containing useful materials like pencils, erasers, and paperclips. Try to keep your study space free of distractions like TV and video games. This might make it easier to stay organized and focused on your work. Set aside time to study for tests and do your homework. Ideally, you should study at the same time each day. Think about your schedule and choose a time when you will feel fresh and motivated to get some work done. The best time to study is usually not immediately after school. Try to wait until shortly after dinner so you have some time to relax, shower, or talk to your friends. For instance, if you get home at 3:00 each day and like to have a snack and chat with your parents, set aside time from 6:00 to 8:00 or so to work. Extend the study period if you need to. Getting enough sleep is always a challenge. Having a regular bedtime and wake-up time makes it easier. Set an alarm clock so that you wake at the same time each morning. If necessary, set an alarm clock to indicate when to go to bed as well. With a regular bedtime, it may be easier to wake up fully rested and avoid scrambling for your breakfast, books, assignments, backpack, or suitcase. Adults need to get at least seven hours of sleep each night. Aim to get at least that many hours of sleep. For instance, if you want to be up by 8:00 each morning, be in bed by midnight to allow yourself time to fall asleep.

Summary: Clean up regularly. Put things away when you're done with them. Choose a designated study or work space. Select a specific time to study time. Establish a regular bedtime.

You'll naturally have memories to share and a bit more to say if you knew the person who passed away. Consider writing a draft on a separate piece of paper so you can get your thoughts down before you compose the note on your sympathy card. Think about what you knew about the deceased, and try to come up with a natural-sounding, heartfelt note. Here are a few examples: Dear Steve, We were incredibly sorry to hear that Joan passed away. She was a kind, caring friend who always made time for other people, and we loved her. Her students will remember her as a devoted teacher and wonderful role model. If you need help running errands, keeping the house in order, or anything at all, please don't hesitate to call us. We love you and are thinking of you. With deepest sympathy, Marcia and Luke Dear Mary Ann and Juan, it's impossible to express how sorry we are that your beautiful daughter has passed away after her struggle. What a brave, joyful child she was. We will miss her every day. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your two sons. If there is anything we can do, please call us. With love, Hayden and Dwayne While you won't be able to share memories of the person, you can speak to the person's reputation or simply express how sorry you are for your friend or family member's loss. Here are a few examples: Dear Molly, I am so sorry to hear that your father passed away. Though I never got the chance to meet him, I know how much everyone at St. Paul's admired his volunteer work. How wonderful that you were able to spend so much time with him in his final days. Please call me if you need anything or just want to talk. I'm thinking of you. With sympathy, Jim Dear Victor, I was very sad to hear the news about your brother Hector. I know how close the two of you were. If there's anything I can do to help, please don't hesitate to call. Warmest condolences, Alicia The same sincere sentiments should be expressed when you're writing a sympathy card to someone whose pet has died. Try to remember a few details about the pet to include. Here are a few examples: Dear Lucia, I'm very sorry that Shadow has passed away. I remember when you first adopted him 13 years ago. What a wonderful companion he was. Our walks won't be the same without him trotting by your side. With love and hugs, Jules Bobby, I heard the news about your sweet Birdie. She was such a special cat. It's hard to believe she won't be romping around the garden next spring like she always loved to do when the weather started warming up. Thinking of you, Jordan
Summary: Write an intimate message if you knew the deceased well. Express sincere condolences if you never met the deceased. Write a heartfelt message to acknowledge the death of a pet.