Mario Estrada Loan Officer

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For a while, I’ve had the vague idea that I needed to sharpen my technology skills. Because I didn’t know where to start or which skills to focus on, it remained only an idea. But these days, online education companies like Pluralsight are offering free access to their course libraries and tools to help you decide what courses to take. Find your learning path here.

Now that our family is constantly together indoors, I think I’ve discovered the equation for happiness. It goes something like this: my children + more time outside = greater joy and harmony for everyone. How do you get the kids to go outside and stay there? Make it fun by giving them games to play. Giant Jenga and Spikeball can help you keep the peace. Find fun outdoor games here.

I’ve been healthier and happier since I got up close and personal with dirt. Some call it gardening, and it’s a great way to reduce stress. It doesn’t take much land just a couple of plants on the balcony or windowsill will do. Don’t do it just for the rutabagas. Do it for the inner peace. Here’s how to get started.

I used to doubt the calming and rejuvenating powers of making Pom-Pom Bumble Bees and Slime Clay. Then I found out that doing these kind of craft projects with my young kids got them to calm down and finally learn some patience. Give it a try with your kids. There are plenty of ideas here to get you started.

When the gym first closed it was a guilt-free reason not to work out. But as the pounds and the inches slowly started to add up, I realized something had to change. But what to do? Exercise at home, that’s what. Don’t think an at-home workout gives you the same burn and intensity you get at the gym? Try 10 front plank reps in your living room and then get back to me.

Now that I’m spending lots of time at home I realize that the place could use more peace and harmony and fewer piles of clutter about to collapse. The Feng Shui approach is supposed to fill the house with a whole lot of good vibes. All I have to do is rearrange the furniture and find a place for each one of my items and keep them there, even the TV remotes. They say Feng Shui has brought positive energy to living spaces for like 5,000 years. It’s worth a shot. Here’s a link if you want to try it too.