This is best done after the first frost. Scrape off dirt and any hairy parts.  Add small amounts of vinegar for each batch, just enough to help the processing (about 1 tablespoon of vinegar per cup of horseradish pieces). Process or blend until pulped. The horseradish can make your eyes water when you remove the lid from the blender or processor. Fill with vinegar. Or, fill ice cube trays with the processed horseradish and simply freeze (don't add any further vinegar). Add to freezer bags once the tray pieces freeze, and date and label the bags. Store in a dark, dry place or in the fridge.

Summary: Dig out the horseradish tap roots. Wash the taproots. Chop into pieces or slices. Add pieces of the horseradish taproot in batches to the blender or food processor. Pour into a glass bottle or jar. Use as needed.


Turn the unit on and make sure it kicks in and runs properly. If the unit doesn't run, call a technician. If you hear any squealing or knocking the unit's motor and belts may need lubricating or replacing.  It's best to call a certified technician to do these jobs. Leave the thermometer in the room for a few minutes to give it time to adjust and make sure all the rooms are equal in temperature. If they are not the same, a technician can help you diagnose and correct the problem.

Summary: Start at the unit control or thermostat. Listen for any strange noises while the unit runs. Check the room temperature in each of the home's rooms by carrying a hand held thermometer into the room. Make sure the temperature of the rooms agrees with the thermostat on your air conditioner unit as well. Look for water dripping or pooling anywhere by the air return or unit outside.


Give the web of your hand a good, hard pinch. Squeeze hard enough that it hurts, but not hard enough to bruise. The pain will distract you, and you’ll be less likely to cry. You can also pinch the bridge of your nose. This can help block tears from escaping your tear ducts. When you feel yourself getting worked up, take a few long, slow breaths. This forces your body to calm down and distracts you a little from whoever is yelling at you, which might be enough to avert a crying session. Look at something other than the person who’s yelling at you. Focus on your desk, your hands, or some other object in front of you. Breaking eye contact with the angry person will help you regain your composure. Get some distance from the person who’s yelling at you by taking a step backwards or scooting back in your chair. Taking control of your physical space can make you feel less helpless and cut back on your urge to cry. If you’re not going to be able to stop yourself from crying, step away from the situation. Make an excuse if you can, such as not feeling well. You can also just tell the person you’re getting too upset to keep talking to them. Go somewhere private to calm down.  Say something like, “I’m getting too worked up to have a productive conversation with you. I need to step away for a minute, but we can keep talking later.” The restroom is usually a safe place to escape to. Taking a walk to clear your head is also a good option. Getting a little exercise will help you feel more in control of yourself.

Summary: Pinch the skin between your forefinger and thumb. Take some  deep breaths. Look away. Take a step back. Excuse yourself from the situation.


Part of being creative is gaining expertise in one area or medium  and learning as much as you can about it. Begin by reading articles and watching videos on the subject to gather more information about it. If possible, sign up for an introductory course at a local college or community centre (e.g. a beginner painting class). Inspire yourself by experiencing the creative works of others in a medium that interests you. For instance, if you are learning how to paint, visit a museum or art gallery. The most creative people are willing to engage with multiple ideas, broaden their horizons, and be surprised. Avoid resisting and dismissing things that are unfamiliar to you, and accept opportunities to try new creative endeavors. For instance, attempt a medium like clay sculpting even if you believe that you will dislike it or be bad at it. Being more childlike can help your creative side by freeing you from adult hang ups for a while and opening your mind. Use toys and art supplies to stimulate your imagination and make new connections. If you're short on creative ideas, take the time to draw a whimsical picture or play with building blocks or legos. They say that you remember 90% of what you learned by teaching it to someone else. Explaining your newfound knowledge to yourself and others can help to cement it in your own mind. While you are learning something new, make a point of explaining it to yourself in your head. Picture yourself giving a TED talk or tutoring someone on the topic.  If you feel particularly confident, make a video about the topic to post online, or explain your knowledge to a friend or colleague. Engage in activities that actively force you to think of new ideas. For instance, play word association games by writing down one word and then any words that connect to it. Use analogy to find similarities between two seemingly dissimilar things to break down and examine your associations with each.  For instance, look for similarities between a textbook and an iPod. If you feel stuck, try some word association games or search for synonyms online. Creativity takes practice, so set aside time each day to retreat to a quiet or inspiring place to generate new ideas. For instance, visit a quiet park or sit in a library and let your mind flow freely. Write all of your ideas (good or bad) in a notebook, on a whiteboard, or on your computer without stopping to edit or rethink them. Find a time that will work for you regularly. If you always have time after dinner, for example, take an hour after dinnertime to turn off distractions and engage with new ideas.
Summary: Develop your expertise. Be open to new experiences. Use play to foster creativity. Share and explain your knowledge. Prompt yourself to think of new ideas. Set aside time for brainstorming.