INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Use your blueprint as a guide for what tools are needed. Consult your local hardware store in case they have better alternatives. For example, certain types of wood may provide a better surface for skateboarding but may not hold up well to the autumn rain.  Purchase screws and wood at any hardware store. Ensuring the length and type are best suited for your measurements and plans. Consider renting, borrowing, or using your own power tools to reduce time. For example, a power drill with assorted bits would be helpful but not necessary if you just want to use a regular screwdriver. Likewise, a jigsaw would also reduce time if you are cutting any wood down. If you choose steel plating in conjunction with wood or instead of it, you’ll need to find a local steel fabricator or scrap metal centre in your area. This may be difficult to find in your area, so start your design and customization around what steel is available to you. Stick to a budget especially if this is your first build. A beginner ramp commonly costs approximately $200 to build after all building materials are purchased but this can easily sky rocket if you factor in power tools, customization, or top-of-the-line materials. While some stores will cut it for you, be prepared to shape your wood to your specifications yourself. Getting a professional will save you time and the hassle of working with power tools so weigh that possibility into your overall budget to help manage your expectations. Use pressure treated wood. This material is chemically treated for protection against the growth of mould and is fairly waterproof. Consult the retailer for all possible alternatives. Pressure treated wood comes in two colors: a copper green-ish tinge and a natural tone. The only difference is the preservative so choose whatever looks best to you. Before cutting or shaping anything, remember the old adage.  If you’re unsure, do a faux set-up by drawing it out because it’s better to make the mistake on paper rather than ruin your project and start over. Don’t be afraid to ask someone for help. Don’t be embarrassed about mistakes. You might need to pick up extra pieces of wood, but don’t give up because woodworking is a skill that needs to be developed over time. Safety should be your number one priority both when in the process of building your ramp and for the final outcome, when your ramp is in use.  Wear goggles to deflect wood chunks and protect your eyes from sawdust.  Wear clothes that fit because loose clothes can easily be caught by tools. Wood won’t last forever, so protect it with a skate-friendly sealant such as Skatepaint, which is a polyurethane sealant that protects from water.  Protect your ramp from rain and the elements by giving it a smooth finish with sealant.

SUMMARY: Make a list of what you need. Organize your lumber. Measure twice and cut once. Keep safe. Preserve the wood to ensure your ramp’s longevity.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: If you are unable to maintain composure or you simply need to get away from the person, then take action. There may be penalties for dropping a class if you are passed any applicable deadlines. If the circumstances are severe enough, then you need to drop the class. Explaining your situation may earn some leniency from the school’s administration department. Discussions should be held in private, so call, e-mail or ask your instructor for an opportunity to speak. You may need to make an appointment. There may be the need to speak with an administrator as well. If you are under 18 years of age then a parent will need to be present.  You can say, “It has become increasingly difficult to be in class with _____ and I need to be transferred out of class. Or he/she needs to be transferred out of class. What can be done about this and how quickly can it happen?” Instructors and administrators may attempt to resolve the matter without removing you or the person from class. Remain calm, but stick up for yourself and make sure your needs are met. Be prepared to tell them exactly why you are making this request. Most campuses are large and have many paths leading to various destinations on campus. Find the path of least resistance. If you are familiar with the travel patterns of this person, then plan to take a different route. Yes, it might take a little more time, but you need to avoid the person. If you happen to see the person at the distance, simply turn and walk the other way. There might be times when you unexpectedly come face-to-face with the individual. Averting your eyes away from the person and moving away as quickly as possible will prevent additional and unnecessary interaction with this person. Be prepared for the unexpected. When your friends are looking out for you, it makes life a little easier. A friend can create a barrier or distraction that allows you to slip away unnoticed. Make sure you trust those who say they are willing to help. Strike up a conversation with someone at a party. Approach a person and tell him, “I’m going to talk to you right now because I’m trying to avoid someone. Is that okay?” Not only will this help avoid the person, you might strike up a conversation with someone you really enjoy. There will be times when you need to pretend to be on the phone, or that you lost your glasses or keys. These tactics can be used on the spot to avoid even the most annoying people.  If you see someone walking toward you that you don’t want to talk to, pull out your phone and pretend to have an important conversation. You can turn your back and walk away. If you are talking with someone and you want it to end simply make a gasping noise and make an excuse to leave such as “Oh my gosh. I have to find my keys. Sorry, I have to go.” You created your own “out” to remove yourself from an interaction with someone you want to avoid. There are some who believe that people, even annoying ones, come into our lives to teach us something. Each experience prepares us to be smarter and more in tune with what we want out of life.  Sit down and make a list of the things you learned from your experience. Write about all the positive things that happened too. No situation is all bad.

SUMMARY:
Drop or switch the class. Talk to the instructor or administrator. Walk a different path. Avoid direct eye contact. Ask your friends to help you. Be ready to use a simple “out” to get out of a situation. Appreciate the positive qualities and learning experiences.