Cultural Awareness is the foundation of communication and it involves the ability of standing back from ourselves and becoming aware of our cultural values, beliefs and perceptions. Increasing cultural awareness means to see both the positive and negative aspects of cultural differences. The more complicated and uncertain life is, the more we tend to seek control. Assume that other people are as resourceful as we are and that their way will add to what we know. Misinterpretations occur primarily when we lack awareness of our own behavioral rules and project them on others. In absence of better knowledge we tend to assume, instead of finding out what a behavior means to the person involved.
 “If we always do, what we’ve always done, we will always get, what we always got.”

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Kim Small, President of the Houston Apartment Association, announced major growth coming to the Houston Inner Loop. Kim says there will be 32 new properties constructed in the area, totalling about 9,000 units! This means more availability, more options, and of course more competition. Updates to follow...

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To feel at home anyplace, it's important to connect with your community and find "your people." Whether this means joining a ski or chess club, inviting a neighbor over for coffee, or volunteering with Meals on Wheels or Hospice, reach out. If you find something doesn't energize you, try something else, until you find your belonging place!

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We all know how brutal the Southeast Texas heat has been this year. In addition to our electric bills, the heat has done a number on our water consumption. Here are a few tips to help save on your water bill are:

• Don't run your sprinklers unless your yard needs it. And check plants before watering to make sure they need any. If the soil is wet, wait another day or two before watering.
• Mulch your flower beds to help retain moisture.
• Check hoses and faucets, indoors and out, for leaks. Toilets, too!

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To ensure that your heating and cooling systems remain effective and efficient, regular maintenance is needed. Preventative checkups may also prolong the life of your systems. Maintenance requirements vary depending on the type of system, so it is best to consult your owner s manual.

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Housing options are expanding in the Houston Galleria area! Whiteco Residential will be starting construction on a new 22-story apartment tower near the intersection of Sage Rd & Westheimer. We are very excited about this new development!

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If moving locally, leave your pets with a friend on moving day. Animals can become confused and frightened during a move.

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Hire a professional mover. Whether your company provides for transportation services or you receive a ‘lump sum’ if you have any household items that you value, it’s wise to hire a professional. And, don’t make your selection on price alone. Do your research and ask around and, if you are on your own and without the services of a relocation management company, choose wisely and based on experience. Also, remember that the movers must do the packing to have the items covered by insurance, so don’t pack in advance.

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Make arrangements for young children. Moving is stressful and often ‘action packed’ and, as such, it will require your full attention. It’s best, if possible, to make childcare arrangements for any small children and have them out of the home during the pack, load and delivery days.

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Separate items for travel or temporary accommodations. Set aside all of your critical items for travel and/or temporary housing and, if you have a drop-off by the movers at a temporary location, make sure that items are labeled as such so they do not get mixed in with your primary move items.

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