Megan Nixon Swan Joins the Agency

As the newest staff member of Nixon Insurance Agency, it is time to formally introduce myself to the Nixon BlogWorld; my name is Megan Nixon Swan and, if you couldn’t guess by the name Nixon, I am the daughter of Dave.  I come to Nixon Insurance Agency by way of Bradley University, more specifically the Athletic Department.  I spent six years at Bradley working as a Certified Athletic Trainer, and in that time, I was responsible for the care of Women’s Basketball, Men’s & Women’s Cross Country, Women’s Volleyball and Softball, along with assisting where needed.  My life as an athletic trainer, involved going to all practices and games for the sports I was responsible for, along with performing treatments and rehabilitation for athletic injuries; my life also involved never ending schedule changes, calls and texts at all hours of the night, and weeks, sometimes months without a day off.    All those, days on the road, last minutes schedule changes and late nights and early mornings meant that I wasn’t able to spend a whole lot of time with my new husband (It was one year June 30^th). 

So why make the switch from Athletic Training to Insurance you ask?  I began to realize a little over a year ago, that I wanted something more in my life.  As I pondered the different avenues I could take (which can be difficult for a Master’s degree educated Athletic Trainer), the conversation with my Dad began about the possibilities of joining the business in the future.  During a couple of different shadow days earlier this Spring I realized the specifics of the job were a little different, but, that overall Athletic Training and Insurance weren’t that far removed from each other.  1.  Everything is logged into the computer, and I mean EVERYTHING!  2.  The bottom line is we are here to help people; we provide a service and our goal is to provide the best possible service we can to our customers. 

I have a lot to learn about the insurance business, but I am really excited about what the future holds.  

What's up with that?

I was reading an article on Yahoo News about the Dee Why Grand Shopping Center. Apparently the mall has enacted a zero tolerance policy on screaming children. The irony of their new policy, it is in regards to the mall’s play area next to the food court. A notice was posted in the play area stating: “Stop. Parents please be considerate of the other customers using the food court. Screaming children will not be tolerated in the center.” I don’t know about the malls you frequent, but the ones I have been to, the food court is always the loudest place in the mall. Second, why put a CHILDREN’S play area in the mall and then complain that they are too loud. I have two children of my own. Children are loud, especially while playing. I understand not approving of children screaming for no apparent reason, or the fits they throw being not acceptable by other customers. But what do you expect from a child that is playing, to pretend they are in the Library?


This article got me thinking of other things in life that make me wonder “what’s up with that?” Why can I check yesterday’s weather on weatherchannel.com? Why would I need to know what the weather was yesterday if I already experienced it? Why does it take five minutes to make one minute rice? Why not call it five minute rice? Is this false advertisement? Why is a pizza box square if the pizza is round? Why is there no dislike button on Facebook? Apparently you have to like everything or your opinion doesn’t matter. When you call someone’s cell phone why is there an option at the END of their message to press a button to go straight to voicemail or wait (usually 1 more second) to go to the voicemail? That message would be more useful at the BEGINNING of the message. Why is it called a free gift? Aren’t all gifts free? Why is it called a hot water heater? If it already is hot water, what are we heating? Shouldn’t it be referred to as a water heater? Why do they make lemon juice with artificial flavors but use real lemons in liquid dish soap? Shouldn’t it be the other way around? Why are men’s buttons on a dress shirt on the right side but a women’s buttons on the left side? These are just a few things to ponder during your busy day. I know it seems like I have too much time to think of the ironic things in life that others don’t give a second thought to. So I will leave you with one last question…What the heck is a grape nut?



Nicole Emery, AIC, FCLA

Cell Phones & Driving

Cell Phones and Driving


Technology, we all love it cell phones especially! Although when it comes to cell phones and driving, read the following:

A study completed by the University of Utah put subjects in a driving simulator while researchers observed their driving behavior in three scenarios: 1) without distractions, 2) talking with a passenger, and 3) while engaged in a cell phone conversation. The participants drove roughly 8 miles on a simulated freeway with light to moderate traffic. They were instructed to exit the freeway at a rest stop. Drivers talking on cell phones performed the worse. They were more likely to weave or depart from their lane, and were four times more likely to miss their scheduled turn off at the rest area. Talking to their passenger had little effect on their driving. Although talking on the cell phone or talking to a passenger both require listening and conversation skills, a passenger can provide assistance in pointing out dangers ahead or limit a conversation when the driving task becomes more complicated.

Debbie Rogy

How Alf Would Do Valentine's Day

Awe yes it is Valentine’s Day. Hmmmm, what to blog about. We could hash through romantic ideas on gifts or outings, how to insure those gifts of jewelry or even events that have occurred on this special day. But my husband always tells me I have a “special” way of thinking. So let’s do just that. For my Valentine’s Day blog I have decided to think about what Alf would do for this special day. That’s right Alf. For those of you youngsters, Alf was a beloved alien in the sitcom that aired between 1986-1990. So in remembrance of Alf, here is what I think his Valentine’s Day would be like.

Let say Alf’s planet of Melmac didn’t explode and he was just on a trip to Earth, first he would have to call up girlfriend Rhonda (that’s right, Alf’s girlfriend was named Rhonda). He would say, “Rhonda Baby, the Tanner’s and I have fixed my Patrol Ship and I am coming to sweep you off your feet with a romantic night for two.” Of course Rhonda would be so elated, you know since it has been years since he left Melmac. She would say “Oh Alfie I’m so excited.” She would primp and pamper herself for her loves arrival.

Once Alf arrives at Rhonda’s house he would try and woo her with flowers. Who knows what aliens of Melmac think of flowers, but hey it’s pretty standard here on Earth.

Of course he would take her to a special dinner of cat and for dessert…caterpillar pudding (yummo). Then they would spend the rest of the evening catching up on good times and all that Alf has learned on planet Earth and with the Tanners. They will even laugh about how we earthlings keep cats as pets instead of an ingredient to a meal.

So whatever it is you do for Valentine’s Day or even if it is just a Single Reminder Day to you, enjoy the people around you, cherish your friends and loved ones. And watch out for hairballs!



Nicole Emery, AIC, FCLA

Valentine's Day Trivia

Here is little trivia on Valentine’s Day and Looking for Love



141 million Valentine's Day cards are exchanged annually, making Valentine's Day the second-most popular greeting-card-giving occasion. (This total excludes packaged kids valentines for classroom exchanges.) (Source: Hallmark research)

Over 50 percent of all Valentine's Day cards are purchased in the six days prior to the observance, making Valentine's Day a procrastinator's delight. (Source: Hallmark research)

Research reveals that more than half of the U.S. population celebrates Valentine's Day by purchasing a greeting card. (Source: Hallmark research)

There are 119 single men (i.e., never married, widowed or divorced) who are in their 20s for every 100 single women of the same ages.

So I say single, divorced, married, or separated purchase yourself a Valentine. Oh and keep in mind that you can register on our Facebook for our Valentine Giveaway!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Deborah Rogy

Mardi Gras 2013

Mardi Gras 2013

My wife and I are traveling to New Orleans next weekend for a weekend getaway. We will be missing Fat Tuesday of Mardi Gras by just a few days. This can be taken two different ways. 1. We will be missing out on one of the most historic yearly celebrations in our country. 2. We will be missing the wildest day of the year in New Orleans when approximately 700,000 people will be packing the streets partying.


I am sure most people have heard of Mardi Gras but how many people know why it is celebrated.

Mardi Gras is the last big party of winter. It is the last day of Carnival, a word derived from “Carnevale”, which means “goodbye meat”. On Mardi Gras, revelers indulge in food and drink in anticipation of Lent, the 47 days and nights of austerity that precedes Easter beginning with Ash Wednesday. This year Fat Tuesday is February 12.

The most famous place to celebrate Mardi Gras in the United States is New Orleans. St. Louis, however, is one of the other best cities in the US to celebrate which offers Central Illinois residents a closer place to enjoy the festivities.

My next blog will reveal some of our experiences in New Orleans.

Mr. Fix It

I know my Husband prides himself on being the Mr. Fix It in the household. It seems like he can fix just about anything, and it seems our children have caught onto that. The requests of “Daddy can you fix this?” always come with an “I’ll see what I can do.” While I am all for the Mr. Fix It routine, I do have my limits on what is an acceptable fix. I have compiled a collage of other people’s unique ideas on what they call fixed courtesy of There I Fixed It on cheezburger.com

                                              Kind of like fitting a square peg in a round hole!


So if you see your Mr. Fix It with this set up……

Just turn around and walk the other way. No eye contact!

Nicole Emery, AIC, FCLA

The Winter Weather

This winter has brought on many cases of the flu. The news have reported many more cases of the flue this year than previous winters. I know I have had it, and I certainly hope I don't get it again! It seems like when the weather gets colder, there are more people who are sick and going to the doctor. Here are a few facts I have found about weather related illness, thanks to our lovely Midwest change in temperatures:

1. Weather alone cannot make a person ill, but changes in the weather are accompanied by a host of other changes that can give a person flu like symptoms. A person's body is used to function in a certain temperature, so as the seasons change, your body is forced to re-adapt. This includes your immune system. Making you more vulnerable to infections and viruses.
2. Cold weather means more indoor activities and when people are cooped up inside rooms together with the windows closed, germs are more likely to spread. Bacteria and weakened immune systems are causing people to get sick; but weather changes can cause symptoms that are just as aggravating as the cold or flu.

Debbie Rogy

How You Can Avoid Frozen Pipes

Brr it’s getting cold outside!! And with the cold brings the chance of frozen pipes. Did you know all it takes is for the temperature to be 20 degrees or lower outside for your pipes to freeze or burst inside! This misfortune can have a devastating impact on your home. While the pipe itself is a minor fix, the damage from the water can rack up major reconstruction. The water damage can spread from running through the walls and ceiling which can require replacing the dry wall, ceilings, furniture and even appliances. Not to mention the loud noise of the air movers drying out the moisture. Here at Nixon Insurance we want to give you some tips to avoid this indoor swimming pool.


Plan ahead and figure out which pipes could potentially freeze. Water pipes running through unheated crawl spaces and pipes running through walls to the outside are prime candidates for freezing. Check any pipes that run close to outside walls. Put some fiberglass insulation between the pipe and the wall to help keep the cold away from the pipe. Insulate any pipes that run through unheated crawl spaces. Wrap them with fiberglass insulation and tape. Turn off the water supply lines running to your outside taps before the cold weather arrives. There is usually a shut off valve in the water supply line close to where it goes through the outside wall. Once the water is shut off inside, go outside and open the outside taps as well. This will drain any water remaining in the pipe or in the tap, so there's nothing to freeze. You can also install electrical heating tape on any pipe that runs through areas that get really cold, like garages.

Keep in mind that a hot water pipe running through an uninsulated or unheated area can freeze just as solidly as a cold water pipe, so insulate both hot and cold water pipes in any of these places. If the cold weather moves in before you have a chance to protect your pipes, a temporary solution is to leave your taps running just a trickle, since flowing water won't freeze as quickly as still water. One last tip… If your pipes do freeze, shut off the main water valve then open all faucets to relieve pressure in the pipes. A hair dryer can also be used to thaw the pipe. And don’t forget to call a plumber.



Nicole Emery, AIC, FCLA

A New Year

January 11, 2013


New Year

How many times have you heard this New Year, “new you?” Every year many of us, including myself, make a New Year’s resolution. We make those resolutions and often fail to keep them. Here is a little bit of information on New Year’s resolutions:

A New Year’s resolution is a commitment that a person makes to try and achieve one or more personal goals, projects or the reforming of a habit. A key element to a New Year’s resolution that sets it apart from other resolutions is that it is made in anticipation of the New Year and new beginnings. People, who commit themselves to a New Year’s resolution, generally plan to do so for the whole following year. This lifestyle change is generally interpreted as beneficial to the individual.

The Ancient Babylonians make promises to their gods at the start of each year that they would return borrowed objects and pay their debts. The Romans began each year by making promises to the god Janus, for whom the month of January is named. In the Medieval era, the knights took the “peacock vow” at the end of the Christmas season each year to re-affirm their commitment to chivalry. The concept, regardless of creed, is to reflect upon self-improvement annually.

What about the success rate, I don’t know about you, but mine has not always been the best! According to a 2007 study of 3000 people, by Richard Wiseman from the University of Bristol, 88% of those who set New Year’s resolutions fail, despite the fact that 52% of the study’s participants were confident of success at the beginning. Man tend to achieve their goal 22% more often when they engage in goal setting, (a system where small measurable goals are being set, such as a pound a week, instead of saying “lose weight”). This may be worth a try! Women on the other hand, succeeded 10% more when they made their goals public and got support from their friends.

All I have to say is stay positive and forge onward my friends!

Debbie Rogy

Tips for Driving on Slick Roadways

Tips for Driving on Slick Roadways


Follow these safe driving tips, from the Weather Channel, during the winter season when the roads can be hazardous in Central Illinois over the next few months



Driving safely on icy roads

1. Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.

2. Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.

3. Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.

4. Keep your lights and windshield clean.

5. Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.

6. Don't use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.

7. Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.

8. Don't pass snow plows and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and you're likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.

9. Don't assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.



If your rear wheels skid...

1. Take your foot off the accelerator.

2. Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go. If your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left. If they're sliding right, steer right.

3. If your rear wheels start sliding the other way as you recover, ease the steering wheel toward that side. You might have to steer left and right a few times to get your vehicle completely under control.

4. If you have standard brakes, pump them gently.

5. If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), do not pump the brakes. Apply steady pressure to the brakes. You will feel the brakes pulse — this is normal.

If your front wheels skid...

1. Take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral, but don't try to steer immediately.

2. As the wheels skid sideways, they will slow the vehicle and traction will return. As it does, steer in the direction you want to go. Then put the transmission in "drive" or release the clutch, and accelerate gently.

If you get stuck...

1. Do not spin your wheels. This will only dig you in deeper.

2. Turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push snow out of the way.

3. Use a light touch on the gas, to ease your car out.

4. Use a shovel to clear snow away from the wheels and the underside of the car.

5. Pour sand, kitty litter, gravel or salt in the path of the wheels, to help get traction.

6. Try rocking the vehicle. (Check your owner's manual first — it can damage the transmission on some vehicles.) Shift from forward to reverse, and back again. Each time you're in gear, give a light touch on the gas until the vehicle gets going.