How to properly ring a handbell
2. Lay the handbell on the table, handle pointing toward you.
3. Make sure the special design is facing up—check on the handle right next to the bell.
4. Grasp the handle and hold your arm up so the bell is about 12 inches from your shoulder. You should be able to see the top of the special design poking out from under your hand.
5. Your arm will bend at your elbow, down toward the table. At the same time, your wrist will bend toward you. Just before your elbow is stretched out, snap your wrist forward and bring your arm back up, like you just scooped some ice cream. The longer you hold out the note, the larger your ice cream scoop will be.
6. To stop the sound, rest the rim of the bell on your shoulder. If you need to put the bell down quickly after playing, another option is to rest the bell on the table.
How to be a good cook
Amy: There are several reasons I choose to focus on food. My health, for one. There is so much in processed foods that can harm your body, and I find that when I eat healthy, I feel better. Then there’s my kids. I don’t want them to grow up ignorant of what they put into their bodies. They may not need the health benefits right away, but when they are older, they will be glad they have the habit of eating healthy.
Reporter: What are some things that you do that most people striving to eat healthy don’t do? And do you think it makes a difference?
Amy: I don’t have a microwave in my house. My friends think I’m crazy, but I grew up without a microwave and I don’t intend on ever getting one. I melt my butter in my toaster oven—actually, I use my toaster oven like most people use their microwave. And I don’t have proof that it makes a difference, but I think it does—otherwise, why would I go to the trouble?
Reporter: What is your favorite kitchen gadget? Do you use it every day?
Amy: I think my favorite gadget has to be the crock pot. You can make so many meals in that thing! It really has revolutionized my cooking. I do love to cook, but I don’t like to spend all day slaving over a hot stove—especially in the summer! The crock pot is so versatile that if I had a bunch, I could make breakfast casserole, lunch hamburgers, dinner pork chops, and snack hot chocolate.
How to efficiently lay out your groceries on the conveyor belt
“Okay, Sammy,” Mom said. “What goes first?” She held out a box of cereal and a cold box of stick butter.
“The cereal!” shouted Sammy. He grabbed his box of Cheerios and Dad’s box of Mini Wheats. Next up was the box of Chees-its and oatmeal crème pies.
The cashier smiled at Sammy. “Having fun, young man?” she asked.
“Yes ma’am,” replied Sammy. “Oh I have to tell you—we have water under our cart.” Sammy smiled when the cashier walked around to scan it with her hand scanner. “When I grow up, I want to scan stuff with a hand scanner just like that!”
The cashier laughed and looked at Sammy’s mom. “Maybe you can do the honors when you register for stuff for your wedding or something.”
Sammy shrugged. All the boxes had been scanned and bagged already! He couldn’t believe he let himself be distracted, talking to the cashier about getting married. As if! He looked into the cart to evaluate what should go up next. One can of soup, a bottle of soy sauce, and a tube of toothpaste were all the shelf stuff left. Now to move on to part two: the cold items.
Butter, cheese, and a pack of lunchmeat went first, followed by the bags of frozen fish, peas, and corn. Sammy glanced up at his mom. She was staring at the candy and drumming her fingers.
When Sammy finished placing all the frozen things on the belt, he whispered to his mom, “You can put the candy on now!”
His mom jumped and grinned at Sammy. “You know me too well, don’t you?” She ruffled his hair and asked, “Which candy bar?”
Sammy picked Milky Way. It was his favorite, and he hoped his mom would give him a bite. When she put the candy on the belt, she told the cashier, “Didn’t he do such a good job with the food?”
The cashier nodded. “He sure did! Who taught him to organize the food so well?”
Sammy piped up, “My daddy did! He thinks he’s an expert at organizing food!”
The cashier laughed. “Well, I wish more people would organize their food this well. It makes it easier to bag! You all have a good night, now!”
Sammy waved goodbye. “You too!”