What Do You Want to Do in 2023?

Jez • December 14, 2022

We’ve all heard of ‘New Year’s Resolutions,’ which sounds outdated and almost intimidating. However, the concept of looking ahead and thinking about, “what do I see myself doing this year?” is actually a healthy and positive thing to consider wrapping your head around, in addition to wrapping all those gifts right now. Many people have already started planning travel vacations or bought tickets to shows they want to see in the upcoming year. Having things or places to look forward to doing and seeing can have a residual effect on our mental well-being and emotional stability. A recent study from North Carolina State University finds that people who manage to balance living in the moment with planning for the future are best able to weather daily stress without succumbing to negative moods.

So let’s look ahead! It’s never too late to learn a new skill! Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn another language? If so, there are an abundance of tech friendly apps you can use on your phone, tablet or computer that make learning a new language pretty easy nowadays. Many users say they are able to learn basic conversations in as little as 3 weeks! Quilting is also becoming a very popular hobby these days. Then again, we do live in a state that is snow covered about half of the year. Maybe you want to learn to ski or snowboard? Or what about something as simple as writing? A journal or blog can be a highly rewarding way to stay sharp and release tension or creative juices.

If you aren’t interested in learning something new this year and would rather see something new, then you’re lucky our world is a never ending story full of adventures and mysteries. Whether it be overseas or just a little further south to warmer temperatures, there is so much to see and do! I googled ‘unique vacations,’ and what came up had me dream-packing my suitcase! Have you ever heard of The Queen Mary, once a world-class ocean liner, and now a luxurious floating hotel based in Long Beach, California?! I mean, the word ‘luxury’ is an understatement! If you’re not into that high class style, then I’d suggest checking out the Shady Dell in Bisbee, Arizona. Established in 1927 to provide trailer and camping spaces to travelers along the famous Highway 80, the spot has since become an institution, boasting quirky and vintage trailers and camper vans for guests to stay in. The Shady Dell promises an unusual and unforgettable stay. Of course you could always set your sights really high and go all out to somewhere like Salta, Argentina. I read that the region is famed for its spectacular scenery and richly colored landscapes–think red rock valleys, multi-colored and monochromatic hills and terra-cotta peaks magically set against stark blue skies. The diversity of this area makes it a haven for trekking, horseback riding, rafting, driving 4x4s and a plethora of other adventure activities.

Maybe, just maybe, it’s not in your budget or limited time availability to learn or see and do. Planning ahead can just be scheduling upcoming graduations, birthdays and those necessary follow up appointments on your calendar. Knowing there are events coming up to plan for is what that healthy outlook is about. It provides a sense of comfort and minimizes stress. A self-help author, Robert Epstein, found that 25% of our happiness hinges on how well we’re able to manage stress. If it’s as uncomplicated as planning ahead to ensure a quarter of happiness in the upcoming year - then I’ll ask again: What do you want to do in 2023?

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THE SNUGGLE IS REAL - Your guide to winterizing in North Dakota

By Jeszrai • September 10, 2025

We all know our ND winters can be brutal and have us questioning why we live in a place where the air feels like forced acupuncture. That’s why we want our residents to have a warm and cozy place to retreat to! For optimal comfort during our chilly torture season we have some helpful hints, tips and suggestions to help you through! Insulation is invaluable If the thermostat is set to 76 and it feels 60, it could very well be frigid air coming in from the windows. Our Prolific properties are no spring chickens and may have spots where Jack Frost creeps in. To keep him outside where he belongs, we recommend purchasing an insulation window kit ($10 at Walmart) to cover and seal the windows in the unit. Weather stripping under the doors can also be a game changer for keeping your rooms heated. There is a wide range of super cute and super effective choices on Amazon or at Walmart as well. Team Up to Warm Up! While freezing pipes can be a common annual event, there are ways we can ‘team up’ to help our plumbing and heating systems work properly throughout the “ber” months. Firstly, frozen pipes are the most common reason water pressure decreases and apartments feeling cold even with thermostats turned on high. The pipes can also burst, causing flooding and electrical hazards. To keep these things from happening, we highly recommend keeping the thermostat set to 65-75 degrees during winter. Be sure to keep working batteries in the thermostat as well. If your unit has a digital thermostat but the display is not showing, please replace the batteries. Keeping furniture off and away from the heat vents is also very important to keep the heat working properly. Remember the wise Boyscouts of America Motto: ALWAYS BE PREPARED While prevention is key, the risk still exists of losing heat or the heat not keeping up with our cold state. That is why it is crucial to have enough blankets and proper winter clothing on hand. Heat blankets, pads and portable heaters are all very helpful midwest winter necessities. If you do not own a portable heater and are in need of one due to having no heat, please call 701-566-8445 and we can have our agent deliver one to you. Warm drinks can also go a long way to keep you warm. Apple cider, hot chocolate, coffee, tea etc. are all delicious options to have on hand and keep you toasty! “We’re cold too!” - sincerely, all dakota insects Please do not fret when you see a mini pet! (We’re kidding.) All kinds of creepy crawlies may find their way into your apartment during the season. Pests are attracted to warmth as much as they are garbage. It is necessary to keep your areas clean of anything sticky or damp. Hang up towels to dry, take out the trash often and wipe your counters. Be sure to report any leaks right away. These habits can go a long way in keeping any unwanted guests from invading your cozy home. Call for help There are many things we can suggest to help fight the freezing temps, but should you need our help please have this information ready before reaching out for maintenance: Test the vents to see if they are hot or cold to the touch Please take and text photos of the setting and reading of the thermostat If it feels “too warm,” confirm nothing else could be heating up the unit - such as cooking or hot shower steam Check the hallways to check the building temperature These answers can help us decide how to proceed in offering the appropriate maintenance. We hope we can provide all of our Prolific residents with a safe and heated home this season!