New research out about weight loss

There is new research out about weight loss that is interesting according to Katie Couric. Cardio isn't always the answer. Weight training and yoga best to jolt metabolism into a fat burning mode. I'm still going to Zumba but I will need to ramp up my weight training and start yoga, as suggested.

A condo

It looks like the dream of buying a condo is going out the window and fading fast. I received in the mail a letter from BECU that they are turning me down for a mortgage loan. So much for that idea. I've been trying to get into housing where the house payment or rent wouldn't be raised all the time and that would be more affordable. I pay my bills every month.

I walked away from my home in Alsea, Oregon after my husband passed away. It was at the suggestion of two mortgage brokers at a bank. I kept trying to sell it and find solutions but it wasn't possible. Six months of living without plumbing without help was too much so I finally walked away and don't care to ever go back. Done.

Stephen King's Family

There is a great article published in the NY Times today. You just have to read it. It's all about the family of Stephen King.

There are two families that I admire most. One is the Kennedy family and the other is the Stephen King family. One raised politicians because of their unique interaction and family dynamics. The other raised a family of writers.

I am so delighted with this article in the NY Times. It is absolutely brilliant that Stephen King had their kids read books on tape for him. It got them to reading all kinds of books at a young age. It basically was a chore to help out the parents. Absolutely brilliant! The other thing is that instead of telling them stories, the kids were expected to tell the parents stories. Absolutely brilliant!!! I love it. I admire this family so much. I wish I were part of it or a welcome neighbor or a friend or had grown up in this family dynamics. I admire it so much.

Lake Forest Park

I found a condo I really want in Lake Forest Park. It's perfect for me. I visited 5 today with my realtor and I really hope things work out to get the condo I want. I believe strongly that I everything will work out and I will find a great condo at a price I can afford. Hoping it is this one..........

Zumba

I haven't been going to Zumba at 24 Hour Fitness because my life is all about working full time on the graveyard shift to get Joann Fabrics ready for the grand reopening. I'm enjoying work but I also miss Zumba.

I feel like I have lost the momentum I had gained when I took the two instructor classes for Zumba. I haven't been able to go to Zumba. Hard to go to Zumba at 9:30 in the morning after you get off at 5 a.m. and can't go to Zumba at 7:30 when you work at 9 p.m. The answer is DVD's. Not as much fun though as being part of the group dancing.

I want to take the Zumba Gold training, which is a slower Zumba that is lower intensity. I missed out on taking Zumba Pro which is to learn cueing.

Zumba keeps me fit and healthy. I want to be fit and healthy in the years ahead so I choose the fun of Zumba.

Finding Someone

I want to find someone to share my life with since I am alone all the time. I recently read in the Seattle Times that Seattle is a difficult city to meet someone. There are so few places where people actually talk and have conversations. I'm not going to go to a bar alone. I don't do things at night. I'm careful.

I realized the other day that I am just as unapproachable as everyone else here. After having lunch with my son and was walking past the Starbucks across from Russell Investments and Chase to the bus tunnel, I saw this man who looked great. He had on a black and white long sleeved button shirt. So what did I do. I smiled because I liked him but I walked faster. The thing is that I have no idea who he is or if he is married or if he was even interested. I figure if someone is interested they had better talk and let me know. I haven't dated for a very long time--over 40 years. My husband passed away two years ago. I guess I have in some ways given up on the idea of sharing my life with anyone other than a cat. I figure I just need to keep busy, work hard, and if someone comes along, great. Besides I like the independence of doing what I want when I want. I like my life. I'm active and busy.

Working Full Time

I've decided I want to work full time. I put my posted my resume on nwjobs.com.

I make more money at minimum wage than I do as a writer. I like being busy and active. I have a lot of good years ahead of me and I want to make money instead of just going through my savings. I want to be able to take a cruise or travel, if I want. I want to be able to easily shop the clearance sections in stores without having to dip into savings.

Condos

I'm looking for a condo right now so that my mortgage payment will be under $800 including HOA. I'm in the market for a condo under 90K. I'm looking at those between 60K and 90K. I am trying to strengthen my financial position long term. I'm looking for a 1 bedroom, 1 bath with a great kitchen and big walk in closet. I want hardwood floors. I need to be next to public transportation. I need to be in a safe area. I want to stay in North Seattle or close to Seattle. I'd love to live in Ballard, Green Lake, Northgate, UDistrict, Queen Anne, Maple Leaf, Wallingford, and other neighborhoods in this area. I'm also looking at Shoreline, Edmonds, Lynnwood, Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, Bothell, and areas to North Seattle.

I'm confident I will find something because there are great choices in my price range. My rental lease is up in November.

Zumba Basic 1

On Saturday I took the instructor training for Zumba Basic 1 in Auburn, WA from Madalene Aponte. She's an amazing and fun instructor. I learned so much. I have a lot of work to do to memorize choreography, memorize music, and learn everything. I must have 16 songs ready in order to have a class.

On Sunday I took the instructor training for Zumba Toning. I drove back to Auburn to take another class from Madelene because she is so awesome. So many nice people who are Zumba instructors. I love it.

I want to be healthy and fit and if this is my main goal and priority in life then my actions must fit. I love Zumba. It makes me happy. I am finding that the best people in the world are into Zumba.

I was inspired to take the training because of Niel Smith. He's my favorite instructor. He's such a gifted dancer and instructor.

Niel Smith-- Zumba Instructor

Just came back from Niel's Zumba class. It was awesome! I would be happy if Niel Smith taught twice a day every day plus Aqua Zumba, Zumba Toning, Zumba Gold and all the other classes he is certified in. He creates fun and is such a gifted dancer.

I'm going back tonight to take another class from Niel at 7:30 at 24 Hour Fitness Northgate.