National Novel Writing Month

I'm behind in my word count so I am writing fast and furious to catch up. I divided up the words left that I need to write by four days and I have my new daily word count posted. Right now I have 39,485 words done. I'm determined to finish no matter what!

I'm grateful for this challenge. It is energizing. It helps me. I'm going to try to keep up the momentum and work on revisions by posting how many words that are needed to revise every day. Then maybe I can get more projects finished and in the mail.

I'm having fun. I'm going to do this next year. Only next year, I'm also going to visit more Nanowrimo groups in the area. I regret not visiting the library group downtown and the Ballard Library group and the one at Lake Forest. Next year.

I'm also going to participate in Script Frenzy in April to turn this nano novel into a script.

Well, I'm staying out of trouble. I'm keeping my nose clean. I may not be making any money but I'm putting one foot in front of the other to keep going forward.

Thanksgiving

I had a wonderful visit with my family in West Salem. In the photo above are my grandchildren, Jack and Elizabeth. Jack just turned 10. He scored 23 touchdowns in the last football season. Pretty soon, he will have talent scouts knocking at his door! Elizabeth just got her yellow belt in karate. They are both athletic, smart, and nice. I'm so proud of both of them and I had such a wonderful time visiting.

Uwajimaya

I finally got to shop at Uwajimaya in the International District on Friday. When I went on the train and got off my bus in the International District, I found that it was right across the street from Uwajimaya, a Japanese grocery and store. I've been wanting to go there for months. I'm looking forward to the Chinese New Year so I can see the dancing and festivities at Uwajimaya.

It's worth a trip to shop at Uwajimaya. Fresh produce and items you wouldn't be able to buy elsewhere. I plan on shopping there often. I feel comfortable there.

Amtrak

I was invited to spend Thanksgiving in Salem, Oregon with my daughter and her family. I didn't want to drive in the bad weather with all the heavy traffic so I decided to buy an Amtrak ticket and I'm so glad I did. I love trains. It's so much easier to ride on the train than to drive and the cost is almost the same as driving.

I rode the bus next to my apartment building to downtown Seattle underground and came out in the International District which is one block from the train station. This is so convenient.

I had the best time. I sat near four people and really had a good time talking to them. When you share the same space for a period of time and the other person is willing to talk, you get a peek into their world. In the waiting room, I sat next to a woman who was waiting for her daughter who sounds amazing. She teaches bright kids chemistry and physics. I sat next to a young woman going to Salem who is an anthropology major and wants to be a curator at a fashion museum in NYC. I sat across from a really neat guy who lives a charmed life traveling all over the world and enjoys skiing. He was fun to talk to and I really enjoyed his company. He's very special and surrounded by lots of friends and family. He works hard and plays hard and enjoys life. Perfect!

On the way back I sat next to a young woman who spent the last five years in NYC and went to Parson's School of Design. These are all amazing people. I probably will never see them again but I don't think I will forget any of them.

I really love trains. I loved it when the conductor called "All Aboard!" I love hearing the train whistle and seeing the train. I love eating on the train. I love everything about trains.

lumosity.com

The brain exercise website, lumosity.com is really good. I'm impressed with the daily exercises offered.

I found that it didn't work out for me. I am not savy about internet security. Sometimes I wish I had hacking skills because hackers have the ultimate knowledge about how to navigate on the internet. Just like an attorney knows how to protect themselves and navigate in the legal world. I wish I had gone to law school too.

The problem that I had was that I had a high score in memory when I started out with the first few exercises--a 96th percentile. I have a great memory, although I sometimes don't let people know. After a few days, I had lots of problems with the security on my computer. My computer would freeze up on the website. When in the middle of a memory exercise, my computer froze. It started out with a 96th percentile and dropped to around 83rd percentile in a few minutes with the frozen computer. I cancelled lumosity.com. I figured I can't deal with this. Then they offered me a drop in price, a great discount so I thought I would try again because I explained what happened. It happened again only my memory drop went from 83rd percentile into the mid-60's after my computer froze up again after a few minutes. So I cancelled it again and I am not going to try again. It doesn't work for me.

Lumosity.com needs to offer an experience using brain exercises that is accurate and with a built in computer security so it can't be tampered with.

Mayor Mike McGinn

On the front page of the Seattle Times this morning is the headline "Vulcan, McGinn bargain for tall towers at Lake Union." Evidently Vulcan, Paul Allen's real estate firm, wants to build three 24 story high buildings in downtown Seattle and the great Mayor McGinn is negotiating to receive almost an acre of prime land for affordable housing. Mayor McGinn is showing the world how a great mayor operates and deals to get what he needs for the city. Mayor McGinn is probably in demand to teach other mayors how to be a mayor. I bet he gets requests all the time.

When I walk around in downtown Seattle to go to the Seattle Art Museum, I was really shocked to see that the Pike Place Target building that just opened in downtown is so short. It is prime Seattle real estate land and it is only a couple of stories high. I was really surprised. Maybe they were restricted to the size so that they wouldn't restrict the view of surrounding buildings. Maybe there are plans to build it higher or do something more with it like build affordable housing on higher floors for the people who work at Target. I was offered a job at Target downtown but I needed to close, which meant working at night. I didn't feel comfortable riding the bus back to Northgate late at night. I asked that my application be sent back to the Northgate Target. Next thing I know I got called from Appleton, Wisconsin Target HR offering me a job at their Target anytime I want it. Kathy was very welcoming, but that's a little far to go for a part time job. It sounds like a nice, friendly place though. If I ever decide to move to Appleton, Wisconsin, I'll definitely call Kathy in HR.

I love Seattle. I don't want to ever leave. We have the BEST Mayor ever, the most intelligent people, and great opportunities in Seattle.

Funny Times

Oh, the joy of reaching for the fun of FUNNY TIMES and laughing first thing in the morning. I love it. I need it. There just isn't enough laughter in the world. They say that the best cure for cancer is laughter. The FUNNY TIMES is sure a great subscription as a gift for anyone with cancer, is sick or alone in life.

I'm going to reach for FUNNY TIMES first thing in the morning. I did this morning and I caught myself laughing. I'm going to read or reread it every morning.

If you want some of this fun, send a check for a one year subscription for $26 to
FUNNY TIMES SUBSCRIPTIONS
PO Box 18530
Department 8DNF
Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44118
www.funnytimes.com

Right now they are offering a free subscription when you buy one for yourself. The only question I have is which one of my kids will receive it. They would all love it, just like me.

Survivor

I love the television show Survivor. I watch it every time it is on. I really like Jonathan Penner the best this time. He's my favorite. I hope that he makes it to the end. He's strong, intelligent, and such a nice person. I want him to win.

Every time I watch Survivor, I dream of being on the show. Am I too old? Am I not strong enough? I've survived a lot in life and I would love to be on the show.

I wish they still had the pirate show that was a spinoff from Survivor.

I'm grateful for each new episode of Survivor. I will watch every single one.

LA Fitness

I visited LA Fitness today and yesterday. I was curious. I got a pass so I wanted to check it out.

I'm really impressed with LA Fitness. When you walk through the door, you see high ceilings, lots of cardio equipment and weight machines, a second floor of cardio machines. A pool on the right that is pretty big. I like the architecture. The building feels comfortable. Lots of natural lighting. A smoothie bar. The dressing room is upscale and very nice. They even have handball courts. LA Fitness is more like an athletic club than a gym. It is really nice.

I'm impressed with the manager and Joe, who is in charge of trainers. Joe spent time with me today explaining the program at LA Fitness. I'm impressed that you get a book that you keep with all the workouts.  I'm impressed that I was told for the first time EVER by anyone at a gym that by such a such a date, I can reach my fitness goal if I do this and that to build muscle. It gives a person hope. I'm not kidding about this. I've been a member of several gyms--Court House, Salem, Oregon; Timberhill Athletic Club and Fitness Over 50, Corvallis, Oregon; Olympic Athletic Club and 24 Hour Fitness, Seattle, WA. When they hand you the book that YOU keep and write the measurements and workout data in the book plus give you the expert training, I consider this the ultimate training experience.

Everyone is nice. They made me feel very welcome.

I'm a little odd because I love to go to the gym. Since my priority is health and fitness, becoming a gym rat isn't a bad thing. I love working out. I love going to the gym. I love Zumba. I love strength training.

Gretchen

It's Gretchen's birthday today. I had five children and she was my first. My Gretchen. I'm so proud of her and I love her so much. She's smart, savy, brilliant, a great leader and problem solver. She can do it all and she has the most beautiful children, Jack and Elizabeth, and a great husband named Chris.

The photo above is of Gretchen, Elizabeth and me at Gretchen's house. Isn't she just beautiful! So is Elizabeth!

National Novel Writing Month

I'm a little behind today on my word count for National Novel Writing Month. My word count total is 20,995 and I should be at 23,338 words at the end of today. I have some writing to do so I had better get busy and quit watching TV. Survivor is on tonight though, one of my all time favorite shows. I will have to save it for when I am finished my word count.

I'm so grateful to be part of the challenge of National Novel Writing Month. It inspires me, energizes me, and makes me feel part of something important. Chris Baty has the whole world writing. I'm writing. It just doesn't get any better than this.

Mayor McGinn's Town Hall

I got an e-mail today about a Town Hall coming to the Northgate Community Center on November 27th from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. I'm going. I wouldn't miss it. I am grateful to learn about it.

I admire Mayor Mike McGinn, the greatest Mayor of any city in the world. Seattle is an international city and Northgate is an international neighborhood inside Seattle. I love it here. Seattle is as close to heaven as it gets here on earth. People live together in peace. Everything is in Seattle. It's as perfect as it can get, and I am grateful to live here. Intelligent people live in Seattle and the Mayor is in charge of solving any problem that comes up. He's great at it. He listens and he acts.

Food Network

I love watching Food Network and I really love to watch BAREFOOT CONTESSA with Inez Garten. This afternoon, she made crab cakes and a lemon tart. Watching Inez is like spending time with a good friend. I really like her.

I also love watching Paula Dean, who came right after. This is the first time I saw her cook with Michael, her husband. Usually I see her with her handsome sons. Paula said that Michael, "turns my tickle over" as he makes her laugh and she says is the king of their home. They made smashed potato cakes which sure looked delicious with mashed Yukon Gold potatoes with green onions, bacon, cheddar cheese, garlic, butter, sour cream, egg, bread crumbs, salt, and pepper cooked in olive oil. Wow!

You can always learn and enjoy the great chefs on Food Network.

Coco Ho

I was goofing off and watching TV and I found surfing. I love to watch surfing. In my heart, I am a surfer girl. I would need to learn how to swim well, take off 40 years, and 100 pounds to pull it off though.

Coco Ho is a surfer girl from Hawaii. She has won the Paul Mitchell title of SUPERGIRL PRO SURFER for the last couple of years. The competition was in Oceanside, California.

I really liked what Coco said. "Growing up in Hawaii, the first thing you learn is respecting your elders. Take that on the road and spread it. Teach it to everyone else." Coco is a great example.

She also said that "having strength and independence as a woman is super important. If you can go out and live your own life and do it on your own, no one can take you down. I think it's real important for girls to be independent, have goals and dreams of their own and see where it takes you."

Coco Ho has qualified for next years world tour.

This year the winner of SUPERGIRL PRO SURFER 2012 was Sage Erickson from the U.S.

Funny Times

I got a free copy of the Funny Times in the mail today. I was really interested in looking at it and grateful that I received a copy. When I saw the name Dave Barry, as one of the writers, I knew it was going to be GREAT! He's one of my favorite writers. When I think of Dave Barry, I also think of Stephen King, Amy Tan, Mitch Album, and Frank McCourt and the time when I watched the Miami Book Festival on BookTV and watched them play in the Rock Bottom Remainders, a band made up of best selling writers.

It says that you don't have to wait for Jon Stewart to laugh on late night, you can read FUNNY TIMES.

We need more laughs in the world. There aren't enough. There needs to be more fun and more comedy.

FUNNY TIMES is definitely worth the price of each issue. A year subscription is only $26. Right now they have a buy one, get one free offer so you can give a free gift subscription when you buy one for yourself.

Send your check to
FUNNY TIMES SUBSCRIPTIONS
PO Box 18530
Department 8DNF
Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44118

Seattle Times Newspaper

I love the Seattle Times. I subscribe. I can't even think of not subscribing because I would miss out on what is happening around me. The Seattle Times is the pulse of Seattle and the surrounding area and all of Washington. I don't understand people who don't want to subscribe. I can't imagine life without it.

This morning what jumped out at me was the interview of Elizabeth George, one of my favorite mystery writers who is brilliant and lives close in Whidbey Island. That got me to dreaming of meeting her and asking her to read my youth novel I am working on.

I really need to take a good editing class or find someone to work with who lives to edit. I'm sitting on four mystery novels that are finished and need to be revised and sent out.

Another thing that jumped out at me was learning that at the University of Washington at Bothell, there is a MFA program in Creative Writing. Wow! Bothell isn't that far from me. I'm wondering if they honor the over 60 program where you can take two classes for $5 a class.

I'm wondering and wishing...............

Seattle Art Museum

I went on the bus today to the Seattle Art Museum to see ELLES: Women Artists from the Centre Pompidou, Paris. They were handing out free art books today to members so I wanted to go. I selected a European art book. I'm very grateful for the beautiful book.

I want to go again to see ELLES and next time to listen to a guided tour. It's nice that they have the audio tour. I saw art created by women who wanted to be recognized and taken seriously as artists. I saw some art created for pure shock value. What I didn't see was social commentary in the art that told the reasons why women painted pictures in Paris in the 1930's instead of being married, having eight children, and living a subservient life. I didn't see tragedy or abuse or great loss depicted in the art. I'm curious as to why. Without knowing the individual stories and background, I can assume that some are brilliant and rebellious, but this was quite a departure from accepted behavior in the 1930's. I guess I want to learn more about these women. I'm curious.

I love to go to the Seattle Art Museum. I get inspired to create art and to paint. I need to take a class.

nanowrimo.org

So my word count right now is 11,775 words. So far so good. I'm keeping up. I wish I had plotted the novel but sometimes it is fun to just let it unfold to see what happens. Then it becomes an adventure and you discover things along the way that you hadn't anticipated.

I've completed the challenge of National Novel Writing Month to write the first draft of a novel in the month of November in 2006 and 2008. Both times I haven't planned or plotted and I was surprised and happy with the result.

Stephen King recommends writing and letting it carry you on an unexpected adventure. He's a master writer. He used to be a high school English teacher. I have his book, ON WRITING, and I have read a lot of his books. He's the second highest paid writer in this country after James Patterson, followed by Janet Evanovich. All three are great writers and obviously everyone agrees because everyone reads and buys every book they write.

We'll see what happens. I'm grateful to be part of this challenge this year. It makes me feel like I belong to something great and much bigger than myself. There are sure a lot of talented and gifted writers participating. I was looking at some of the cover art and novel summaries. It looks like there are going to be best sellers among those who finish. How exciting!

Chris Baty who started National Novel Writing Month in 1999 is a hero. He has the whole world writing novels.

It's a great day in America!

It's a great day today since President Obama got reelected. There is hope again in the world. Everything is going to be fine. I'm so grateful that the voters were intelligent enough to vote for President Obama. I can't imagine it any other way.

I'm grateful for all the young people who turned out to vote and all those people waiting in life for 12 hours.

Everything will move forward to protect change put in place. Progress will continue to make sure that all people are protected and given opportunities. I feel so hopeful that everything is going to be ok now.

President Obama's acceptance speech was inspiring. He's great at uniting people and bringing consensus. I admire him and know that if he has the support he needs, he will become the greatest President we have ever had in the history of this country. Everyone is counting on him to make a difference.

Bob's Red Mill Cornbread Mix

After watching Dr. Oz yesterday and learning how jalapeno peppers boosted metabolism for weight loss, I decided to make cornbread this morning. I went out to buy jalapeno peppers and frozen corn yesterday to put in it so I would be ready.

It just came out of the oven and it looks and smells delicious.

I love Bob's Red Mill products. I buy the bulgar wheat to make tabbouli. I buy muesli, ground flaxseed, and wheat germ. I plan on trying others.

Zumba with Daniel

Daniel teaches Zumba in the North Seattle area. He's from Brazil and has been teaching for 20 years. He's high energy and a gifted dancer. He's going to be teaching on Fridays from now on in the mornings at 24 Hour Fitness. I'm excited to take his class.

Daniel is magic. He's very popular and his classes are always crowded. Everyone loves to come to his class.

Panera Bread

I'm excited to learn that Panera Bread in the Northgate Mall, near me is hosting an event every Saturday for National Novel Writing Month. I'm excited. I'm going next Saturday for sure.

I love Panera Bread. They have the most delicious food. Everything on the menu is perfect, made fresh, and tastes delicious. I love the orange scones. I love the healthy, delicious salads. I love the sandwiches. I love everything they serve. I'm glad Panera Bread is close to me and I go there as often as I can. It's one of my favorite places to eat. I took my son there once for lunch.

nanowrimo.org

I finished my word count this morning before going to Zumba. Now I have 5,033 words. I'm going to write some more today.

I wore my special t-shirt from the Office of Lights and Letters who sends out the National Novel Writing Month books, t-shirts, and sweatshirts. I ordered a sweatshirt, t-shirt, and another copy of NO PLOT? NO PROBLEM! by Chris Baty. The last copy I gave away. I also ordered five pencils that says "There's a novel inside this pencil." I love pencils. It's a harmless collection that can be used and doesn't take up a lot of space. I also ordered Chris Baty's book, THE NANOLAND CHRONICLES: Bedtime Stories for Wrimos. It's autographed by the legend who started all this back in 1999 and has the whole world writing.

When I was waiting outside Zumba this morning, I stood next to a young woman waiting for class with me who said that she is also participating in nanowrimo and she told about the writing this morning at Panera Bread. I guess every Saturday there is a National Novel Writing Month event at Panera Bread close to me. How amazing! How nice of them! I'm grateful.

I love Panera Bread. It has delicious food. I love the orange scones. I love the great salads. I love the sandwiches. Everything on the menu is delicious.

Zumba with Vanessa

The schedule at 24 Hour Fitness is changing after November 10th. Everything is going to be changed. New classes added and some new instructors.

One Zumba instructor, Vanessa Herrick, is no longer going to be teaching at this location. She doesn't live close so she is going to teach closer to home. I finally got to talk to her when I left Zumba class on Friday morning.

I enjoyed taking Vanessa's class. She's always nice, always smiling, always positive. She's a great dancer and is nice to everyone. She wants everyone to have fun and a good time. I will miss her.

Arabella Steinbacher

I had the rare privilege of being at Benaroya Hall to hear Arabella Steinbacher play Tchaikovsky's violin concerto in D major on her Stradivari with the Seattle Symphony Orchestra. I was in awe. Tears came down my cheeks when I saw her bow dance on the strings and the passion that flows as her body becomes one with the violin. I love excellence and perfection.

I didn't read about Arabella until the intermission when she was finished. I figured she practices 15 hours a day and has done this for years and years and years or she was one of those rare souls born in this world who are pure genius. She started playing the violin at age 3. She was born to play the violin. The world should give her everything she wants in order to just hear her play. Her home is in Munich, Germany.

I saw her leave at the side where I was sitting during the intermission. I wanted to go over to her and tell her how much I admire her but words could never be good enough. I wish I were her friend. I wish I had asked to take a picture with her.

I love to go to the symphony. I bought a package of four tickets to go to the symphony on Friday afternoons at noon. Then I can ride the bus during day light hours and I get to hear the Seattle Symphony Orchestra play the language of the heart. Glorious!

Rent

I received notice this morning that my rent is going to be raised $50 a month. I'm wondering if I stay or if I find another place. Maybe I should cancel Weight Watchers and not renew my card to the Helen Madison pool. Maybe I should cancel TV. Unfortunate but maybe that is an answer. It would be great to find an apartment with more reasonable rent for me. My rent now goes to $1150. a month. I love where I live and the location. We'll see..........

Found a Dog

I found a little dog yesterday on my way to the gym. It had been out in the rain for a long time and it was shaking. I was worried that it would get hit by a car in the busy traffic so I brought it home so I could find out  where it belonged. It had a harness but no tags. I called PAWS, the Humane Society located in Bellevue, and the King County numbers for animal control. After several calls, I finally found the right number and arranged for a pickup. It didn't take long. I was worried that I would have to take care of it for a couple of days or drive to the shelter to drop it off. I'm grateful they picked it up.

I'm not interested in having a pet. I've had enough pets in my life to last a lifetime. Cats scratch furniture and eat houseplants. Dogs have to be taken outside all the time and walked. There are vet bills. If an animal goes outside then you have to worry about fleas. Dogs bark. Not good. You can't travel with a pet. Not for me....

www.nanowrimo.org

I'm writing and having fun. I'm excited to begin National Novel Writing Month. There is something about being part of it and getting the word count done each day to make you feel rejuvenated and energized. I love it. I love the challenge of trying to get it done every day. This is the first thing I will do each day and then on to my other writing projects, exercise, eating healthy, chores, and reading. My life will be full this month. I'm grateful to National Novel Writing Month and Chris Baty who started it. He's a hero and has inspired people to write all over the world.

So far today I have 615 words and I have to reach 1650 words for the day.

Zumba with Kristen

At noon I went to 24 Hour Fitness to take a Zumba class with Kristen. I haven't had her before but I have been in a body pump class with her as instructor. She's really good teaching Body Pump but boy, is she amazing at Zumba! I'm really impressed. For one thing, she wears a headset, which all Zumba instructors should be required to wear so people can hear in the class. Often classes are so crowded and people in the back have a hard time knowing what's going on or what to do. There should be large screen televisions high up so people in the back can see what to do so they can copy dance movements. Kristen is high energy but she was a perfect instructor because she taught on three levels. I can't do all the jumping moves but I love Zumba. She modified all moves and didn't just teach two levels but three and showed all three examples as she moved and danced. She's really great!

I hope that Kristen teaches often at 24 Hour Fitness Northgate. This gym is supposed to go from a Super Sport Gym to a Premier Gym so they need the BEST instructors. Right? Yes!

Kristen is really good with people. She has a great personality. She knows how to move and dance. She's a great instructor, great at modifying moves and easy to follow. It's fun to take her class. I didn't think I would be able to make it through the entire 60 minutes but I did because she was so great about showing how to modify all the moves. I had fun. Fun is in short supply these days.

National Novel Writing Month

I just signed up for National Novel Writing Month. This is an exciting challenge to write the first draft of a novel in the month of November. I've completed the challenge twice in 2006 and 2008. It's fun and it keeps me on my toes to get the word count in every day. No excuses. I'm doing it.

If you want to join in on all the fun, go to www.nanowrimo.org. The fun starts on November 1 at midnight tonight.

President Obama will WIN

President Obama will win, at least I sure hope so. Life would go backwards to 2008, if he doesn't win. I'm confident that the voters will be thoughtful, careful, and intelligent as they vote and see that we must not cast our vote for the wealthy and protecting their interests.

I've already voted last week. Of course, I voted for President Obama and Democrat candidates.

Zumba with Mariam

On Saturday at 12 noon, I went to Zumba and the instructor was Mariam. She's a great dancer, very gifted. She also teaches belly dance. I am going to take both of her classes because it will help me. I need work on my core and she uses a lot of Zumba moves to do this. I'm really impressed with her. All Zumba instructors are great but she's the best female Zumba instructor that I've had. In the class was a young woman with a head covering. It was nice to see. She was a great dancer. Zumba brings people together. Everyone is happy. Everyone who comes loves to dance.

Oprah

I miss Oprah on prime time television. She has made such a significant impact on the lives of women for years and years. I was thinking that her best work is when she is helping people shine. She should create a new show that is a starting over show. The old reality show, Starting Over was a great show. Oprah would make it better. I would apply because I can never seem to get off the ground. She would help. She has the answers.

I subscribe to O: The Oprah Magazine: Live Your Best Life. It's a bargain for $15.95 a year and would make a great gift for any woman on your list. The front cover in the last issue boldly reads HOW TO FULFILL YOUR DESTINY: A 30-day Plan for Finding your True Purpose.

Want to subscribe? Go to Oprah.com.

Doctor OZ

Doctor Oz, as in doctoroz.com is a hero and one of my heroes. If I were restricted to only watch one show on television and I had to make this difficult choice of all the wide variety of programming, I would pick Dr. Oz because it is THAT important and that essential to daily living. Dr. Oz should win the Nobel Prize for Medicine because he helps people every single day to learn about healthy food and exercise. He brings understanding. He genuinely helps people. I've learned so much from him and continue to learn. I take notes from what I learn on his shows and often quote Dr. Oz.

I have four books that I bought years ago by Dr. Oz. I wonder if there are new ones out.
YOU STAYING YOUNG: The Owner's Manual for Extending Your Warranty
YOU ON A DIET: The Owner's Manual for Waist Management
YOU BEING BEAUTIFUL: The Owner's Manual to Inner and Outer Beauty
YOU THE OWNER'S MANUAL: Updated and Expanded Edition

I can recommend Dr. Oz and all his books to everyone. He's amazing. He has great courage. He tells the truth. He helps everyone who watches his shows and I'm truly grateful to have the opportunity to learn from him.

Happiness is a Choice

Happiness is a choice. You can make the decision to look for the good and to be happy, no matter how your day goes or how you are treated. 80% of your experience is up to you. Yes, not everyone is a nice person out there and things happen that aren't great but you can decide to flip things to the positive no matter what happens.

It's always a wonderful bonus when people are nice, when people do their job, when things click, but I have learned that more often than not, this is not the case so it is important to find the good, the positive. It's important to treat people with respect and to be nice no matter what. Search for the lesson. Search for what you can learn. Work hard to be the best you can be every single day.

One of the best books I have read to help me understand this was the NY Times bestseller by Peggy McColl, YOUR DESTINY SWITCH. Find it on amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com.

Another great book out there to read is YOU CAN BE HAPPY NO MATTER WHAT by Richard Carlson, Ph.D.

My granddaughter, Elizabeth

This is my granddaughter, Elizabeth. I had such a nice time visiting my family in Salem, Oregon last weekend--my daughter, Gretchen and her husband Chris, and my two grandchildren, Elizabeth and Jack. My grandson, Jack was off busy with friends and playing basketball. I had a great time. 

If I were a public school superintendent............

If I were a public school superintendent, I would do things differently. I have heard that beginning teachers in Seattle make between $75,000 or $85,000 a year. Let's say it's on the low end, that's a lot of money. Without extra pay, I would extend the hours of school and say that every teacher must work until 9 p.m. one day a week. This evening time and after school time for kids and young people would be for extra curricular activities, drama, music, physical education, homework, home economics, etc. Many kids have to supervise themselves after school and in the evenings. Schools should be open to the community. English as a second language classes could be taught. Extra languages could be taught. So much is possible. So much fun. This is so needed for kids and families who have to work three jobs just to make ends meet.

As long as I am dreaming, I would also use the gym for roller skating every day. That's exercise that is pure fun. Every school would have Zumba and roller skating every day. Everyone would also walk or run around the track for an hour a day too, which includes all teachers and staff because exercise is needed and good for everyone.

I would also encourage teachers to blend subjects and I would encourage only the most creative teachers giving them the special perks. Teachers who reach students are golden. Teachers under whom children thrive are golden. Tenure would be out with me. No old farts sitting collecting pay checks under my watch who don't teach or abuse their position.

Bullies wouldn't be allowed. Kids who come to school need to feel safe and be safe. No bullies or aggressive behavior should be tolerated. No kids should be made fun of or harassed. Often teachers tolerate this behavior and some get right into it themselves. My husband was brilliant. He was a Mensa and scored in the 99th percentile but in school, he was the kid shut in the lockers, thrown in trash cans, and his head thrust in the toilet. This shouldn't happen to the best and the brightest. It sure wouldn't happen under my watch.

Of course, the main focus would be on math, science, and reading. Every student would participate in National Novel Writing Month and Script Frenzy in the spring. In every school there would be a spelling bee and a geography bee. Students would know history and who all the world leaders are. Competence would be valued.

If budget issues are a concern, I would cut football and team sports and encourage running. That would sure make me unpopular in the world of football people everywhere. Oh, well, I am just dreaming....................

Elementary

The new crime drama on CBS called Elementary, as in Sherlock Holmes, is my favorite. The writing, the characters with Holmes played by Jonny Lee Miller and Watson played by Lucy Liu is pure art. Here's an example of the writing from the last episode:
"It has its costs." said Holmes.
"What does?" said Watson.
"Learning to see the puzzle in everything. They're everywhere. Once you start looking, it's impossible to stop. It just so happens that people and the deceits and delusions that form everything they do tend to be the most fascinating puzzle of all. Course they don't always appreciate being seen as such." said Holmes.
"Seems like a lonely way to live." said Watson.
"As I said, it has its costs." said Holmes.

Great writing!

And it is true that it is a lonely way to live for I also ponder and see the puzzle in everything but it is not so bad when you're a writer.

Shriners Food Caravan

When I was driving back to Seattle, between Canby and Wilsonville, Oregon, I saw on I-5 a line of vehicles with flashing lights. Each had a sign but they were hard to read so I had to find one that I could figure out what was going on. I saw signs on some motorcycles that said Shriners. I finally found a sign that I could read that said Food Caravan. It was some kind of fund raising activity for a Shriner's children's hospital. The Shriners do important work to help children and other worthy causes for communities. The sign said to join the caravan so I did for a few miles. After all, my dad was a Shriner, a 32nd degree Mason, and State Commander of the VFW in Montana so I joined it and thought of my dad.

Zumba

I love Zumba. I wish I could take a couple of Zumba classes every day. It helps sculpt and tone my body. It makes me happy to dance and learn the choreography.

Zumba was created in 1999 by Alberto "Beto" Perez from Columbia. It has zoomed into the world scene and is popular all over the world. Beto should be nominated and win the Nobel Peace Prize for creating a program that brings the world together with dance and music. I know of no other venue that does the same and accomplishes this. He is a world hero.

American Friends Service Committee

I got some interesting mail from the American Friends Service Committee. Inside the envelope was a flyer with the 2013 estimate of how much government money from the United States of America will go to the military next year.

• 60% is earmarked for the Department of Defense, War, Veterans Affairs, and Nuclear Weapons Programs
• 6% for Health and Human Services
• 6% Education
• 5% State (Does this mean 5% is shared with all states? That is not very much.)
• 4.5% Other Programs (What programs?)
• 4% Department of Homeland Security
• 3% Housing and Urban Development
• 2% Agriculture
• 1.5% Justice
• 1.5% NASA
• 1.5% Energy
• 1% Labor
• 1% Treasury
• 1% Interior
• 1% Environmental Protection Agency
• 1% Transportation

It also includes a quote. "Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired, signifies in the final sense a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed."

--Dwight D. Eisenhower (I must add that this is an odd quote by a Republican President. This shows how the Republican Party has changed.)

I have always admired Sweden for remaining neutral in world politics. They stay out of conflict. Maybe we need to start staying out of war activities so that we can solve problems here in the United States!

For more information go to www.OneMinuteForPeace.org

When I was in college at Oregon College of Education, I went on several work camp projects with the American Friends Service Committee that were recommended by my history professor, Dr. Kenneth Holmes. I was exposed to experiences that I would have never had the opportunity to learn about and it was all put into perspective by professors and professionals to answer questions and guide the experiences. I went to the Rocky Butte Jail, State Hospital in Salem, Nooksack Indian Reservation, the hospital in Fort Steilacoom, and the Albina Art Center in Portland with other college students. It was eye opening and changed how I look at the world.

Zumba with Niel

I just came back from Zumba and Niel was the instructor today. I really wish Niel taught every morning. He's a great instructor and makes it fun to come to class for everyone. He's a gifted dancer and choreographer.

Aqua Zumba is going to start in November at 24 Hour Fitness in Northgate. I'm excited about it because it will be fun. There's going to be a lot of splashing going on. I hope it is so packed and crowded that 24 Hour Fitness sees the need to make the pool 10 times bigger and 4 times longer and add a deep end for Hydrofit.

Niel hosted the Zumba event at 24 Hour Fitness Northgate Saturday night for breast cancer. The room was packed and everyone had a great time. Zumba makes me happy. It's pure fun. We took a group photo and I guess it is posted on Facebook on Niel's page. I haven't seen it yet but I'm going to take a look at facebook.com/niel.smith2. (I can't find the group photo on his page from Saturday night.)

Niel's website is http://hannanielsmith.zumba.com

I see that Neil has gone through training to teach Zumba Gold, Gold toning, Zumba Toning, and other advanced Zumba training. This is great! Zumba Gold is for older zoomers who need a lower intensity workout. I sure wish he would start teaching Zumba Gold, Gold Toning, and Zumba Toning. I wish Niel would teach at 24 Hour Fitness Northgate Seattle three times a day because he is such an outstanding instructor.

Last Weekend

So I had a busy weekend and a great time. It started out Friday morning going to Zumba at 24 Hour Fitness here in Northgate Seattle. Then after I got ready, I jumped in my car and drove to Salem, Oregon to visit my daughter, Gretchen, and her family. It was fun to see my grandchildren, Jack and Elizabeth. Lizzy doesn't want to be called Lizzy anymore so it is the more formal Elizabeth now. Jack was sure busy coming from basketball and off to a birthday party at an aquatic center and then a sleepover with a friend. Elizabeth had basketball and then I got to see her karate class.

In the evening we watched the documentary about Hood to Coast. It was wonderful to see. In the last Hood to Coast, my daughter, Gretchen and her husband Chris ran with my son, Ben and his wife, Amanda. I'm proud of all of them. It is a running relay starting at Mount Hood with a team of 12. Every one runs three legs or parts of the distance to Seaside on the Oregon Coast. It's a distance of almost 200 miles. It's a stay awake for 36 hours, eating, laughing, having fun, and running until you can't run anymore, unless you're an elite distance runner like Ben.

The next morning, I took Gretchen out to breakfast and then off to investigate sea berry at One Green World. I'm writing an article about it and I want to turn it into a book project. They were busy but I got to see the two acre plot they have in sea berry and got brief interviews of the owner and those who work with him and travel the world to see all these amazing plants. I sure hope it turns out because I would just love to travel on book tours taking about sea berry.

I made it back to Seattle by 5:30 on Saturday just in time to make it to the Zumba event at 24 Hour Fitness at 6 p.m. I love to go to any Zumba class taught by Niel, my favorite instructor who makes every minute fun.

The next morning I slept in until 9:30 a.m. I should have put on my alarm. Usually I'm up at 5 a.m. I missed Zumba so I headed on over to Weight Watchers, which is always inspirational.

My Kids

I had five kids. I have six grandchildren. I always said that I have the BEST kids in the world and I do. I love talking to my kids. They are the BEST people I know.

My Message to Young People

If you are in school, please understand what an important opportunity you have to learn and grow to live your best life. Don’t let anything distract you from school and learning. Not everyone has a good home life. Not everyone has a positive experience in school. If you are in school, please understand that it is critical for you to focus and concentrate on your studies.

If it is hard at home, do what you can to help out with at least one or two chores every day. Be respectful. Find a corner where you can read and study. Focus everyday on your school work and getting your homework done. Read extra. Read ahead in your books. Study. Learn. Doing well in school is your opportunity and chance for a better job, a better way of life. Don’t rob yourself of this gift by only thinking of now.

If someone at school is mean to you or is teasing you or makes it hard to stay in school, please understand that it is important to believe in yourself. Don’t react, focus on school. Become focused on your schoolwork and try hard to ignore bad behavior around you. This is not always easy but it is important for your future and opportunities in your life to learn all you can no matter how hard your circumstances.

Maybe you don’t have the best teacher this year and you want to tune out. Not all teachers are created equal. Remember that there is always something to learn from everyone. Always be respectful. Always do your work. Read ahead. Don’t ever be disrespectful or cause trouble. Concentrate on your studies and learning.

There are a lot of things in life that are not easy, not fair. No matter what happens in life, no matter how people treat you, focus on your growth, on learning, on being the best person you can be. If someone in your life who is important to you is a bad example, don’t follow. Think more of yourself and what you have to offer and of your future. Don’t blindly follow anyone who is trying to take you down a path away from your best life.

Stay in school. Read lots of books. Don’t react to bad behavior. Focus on what is most important. Keep yourself in school. Do your homework.

A young person who is in school has the opportunity to live the life they dream. Don’t let anyone rob you of a bright future. Don’t let anyone tell you that you aren’t good enough or that you aren’t smart enough or that you don’t belong. Always be respectful to those around you no matter how you are treated. Focus on your schoolwork and on learning. Believe in yourself.

[Yesterday I was walking to the health food store at the time that kids were coming home from school. I saw kids get off the bus and kids walking home from school. I saw kids of all skin colors walking together. It was beautiful.  I've been thinking about these kids and kids all over the country for the last few hours. The kids in Northgate seem like great kids who have parents who watch out for them. I live in a good neighborhood but not all neighborhoods have kids with great families. I know that the quality of education is in question in many schools, in many states, in many countries. I have noticed through the years that all children and their parents start school with hopes and dreams. However, not all kids finish school. More are dropping out. More are participating in bad behavior. More are having a difficult time. It is important for all children to stay in school, learn all they can and study.]

Zumba--Niel Smith

Niel Smith is a great Zumba instructor at 24 Hour Fitness in Northgate Seattle. He's very popular and his classes are always crowded. He makes Zumba fun and easy to follow. Niel is a gifted dancer and choreographer. We are lucky to have him teach. I wish he taught every single day.

This morning Niel taped two Zumba songs in the class which he is going to send into Zumba International to audition to be a Zumba Jammer. A Zumba Jammer creates original choreography, works directly for Zumba, and instructs Zumba instructors. I know he's going to get it because he's great. Not all Zumba instructors are created equal. Some are truly gifted and rare. Niel Smith is one of these great dancers.

Zumba

I love Zumba. It's so much fun. I love dance. I love the movement. It truly makes me happy. The ONLY time during the week that I am happy is when I am taking a Zumba class. Niel Smith is a great Zumba instructor and he's my favorite. His choreography makes it fun. He's easy to follow. I wish he taught Zumba classes every single day.

I wish I could be a Zumba instructor. I would want to teach Zumba Gold, which is for baby boomers and older Zoomers. Zumba is something very special because it taps into and opens up something inside that puts a smile on your face and happiness in your heart. I am truly happy when I am dancing the choreography of Zumba. The music. The movement. The dance. It's all happiness and joy. Pure joy. This kind of happiness is rare in most people's lives. I need MORE Zumba.

Priorities

I reevaluate my life often and try to make sure that my priorities are in line with my actions. I've decided that my priorities right now are:

1. writing
2. exercise
3. eating healthy
4. reading

I have the opportunity to see what I can do with my writing. Writers dream of time to write. I'll save money and work on my writing goals to finish projects and work on new writing projects.

If I can start making money with my writing, I can be generous to everyone around me and I can take my family on a cruise every year. I want to be able to take my children and their families on a seven day cruise every year. That would be perfect.

There is a lot of things that I can not do anything about in life but I can work on my four priorities every day. Add to that daily chores, cleaning, continue to get rid of clutter, and donate extra stuff to Goodwill. That will keep me very busy.

Northgate Seattle Air Quality

The air quality in Northgate isn't good for several reasons.

• Northgate is right next to I-5. Not good.
• Northgate is directly under the flight path of jets going into Sea-Tac. Not good.
• Northgate has a lot of traffic. The exhaust from cars--not good.
• When I moved into my apartment, they put in new carpet, which was nice but new carpet releases arsenic into the air. Not good.

What helps? Trees! It's always good to see a windy day that blows in fresh air.

I have two air filtration systems that I bought from Bed, Bath and Beyond.

Education

One of the most important things that can be taught in schools is how to think, not what to think, and to teach the process of making a decision and how to find information needed to make a decision.

Aggressive Panhandlers in Seattle

Seattle has so much to offer. The downtown area is beautiful. It has the Seattle Art Museum, the Aquarium, the amazing Seattle Public Library, the Symphony, Broadway plays, Northwest Ballet, Pike Place Market, and the Pacific Science Center. It also has great shopping, music, restaurants, events, and festivals. Seattle has everything.

What isn't good is that there are a lot of homeless and aggressive panhandlers asking for money. It isn't okay.  Something needs to be done about this because otherwise it wrecks all the good parts of downtown Seattle. I don't understand people who think it's okay to leave things the way it is. I've heard that a lot of people refuse to shop downtown. Why would all the businesses not want to see this problem solved? People want to feel safe coming downtown and riding the bus to enjoy all that is Seattle.

I don't understand anyone who doesn't want to see this problem solved. I don't understand anyone who doesn't want to see that people get shelter when they are cold, have food to eat, and medical care. Anyone who enjoys seeing people struggle, cold, and miserable is sadistic and a bully! Something needs to be done and this problem needs to be solved.

The last time I went downtown on the bus a homeless woman grabbed my shoulders. She was sick and I got sick a week later with a bad cold. This isn't ok. She needs help. All these people need help.

Bill Gates, don't you feel a little ashamed of yourself having all that money and not fixing the problems in your own backyard? You give money to the world and you have homeless here in Seattle. You have education problems in your own area. How about helping to solve the homeless problem here to make Seattle better? Seattle first.

Jimmy John's

The Seattle Times had a full page ad this morning in the paper for Jimmy John's gourmet sandwiches for only $1 between the hours of 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. today. I decided to walk over there to the Northgate Jimmy John's. I've never gone there before. I guess I have been a Subway fan but no more! Wow! I'm impressed. I ordered #4 for $1. #4 is a Turkey Tom with turkey, lettuce, tomato, sprouts, and mayo. I also ordered extra cheese and a drink. This sandwich is excellent. I have switched. Now I will be a loyal customer of Jimmy John's. It's THAT good.

When I approached Jimmy John's, the line was out the door, around the corner and into the parking lot. A girl coming out said they were great because it took only 9 minutes! They had two people taking orders and to hand out menus to speed the process. They were ready and they did a great job. Once I got inside, I enjoyed watching the young people who work behind the counter. It must be a great place to work. It looks like young college kids. It was fun to go there and I will enjoy eating there. I overheard two young people who worked there saying that Bill Gates came in.

You still have 45 minutes to get your $1 sub. A great sandwich, great atmosphere, and you will enjoy.

507 NE Northgate Way
206.957.0770
jimmyjohns.com
They deliver too!

Seattle North Precinct Safe Communities Conversation

I went to the Seattle North Precinct Safe Communities Conversation this evening at the North Seattle Community College. I was very impressed. All North Seattle neighborhoods were invited. All police officers representing this area were there and participated. Mayor McGinn was there, which was great! It was nice to hear him speak. I wish I could have met him in person.

There were large tables in the cafeteria to discuss issues. The goal was to prioritize concerns about public safety, share thoughts about police/community relations, offer ideas on enhancing community engagement, and select delegates to represent the groups.

We had five issues selected at our table that were a concern and received the most votes after generating around 30 ideas. The top issues were prostitution and pimping on Aurora, increased incidence of robberies and home break-ins in Fremont, pedestrian and bicycle safety in Northgate, aggressive homeless and public aggressive drunken behavior in Fremont and downtown, and street lighting in Northgate.

I believe strongly that anything that encourages better communication between police, city leaders, and the community is important. I believe strongly in participatory democracy and this was participatory democracy in action in one of the greatest cities in the world. Mayor McGinn is in charge of a great city. He doesn't duck problems. He faces them head-on. I'm impressed. He encourages dialogue.

I've been impressed with the phone calls that I get here in Seattle that notify me about criminal activity in my neighborhood. I have received a couple of these phone calls. This is great that this kind of alert would happen for the general public. There is a lot of construction in Northgate and I'm impressed that the police officers that are on the corners talk to the public.

I like being involved and that my opinions matter. I usually don't venture out at night but I'm glad I went.

I enjoyed the entertainment. There were three University of Washington students singing. I enjoyed them. It was unusual how they blended music. The girls would sing ballads and the guy would sing rap. They exchanged back and forth blending both genres of music. They were really good.

Smoothie

This is my smoothie recipe. This is what I made today after coming home from Body Pump.

1 scoop whey protein
1/2 banana
1 T. wheat germ
1 T. flaxseed
1 cup frozen raspberries
1 cup frozen blueberries
1 cup yogurt
16.9 ounces water

I mix all this up in my blender and it is really good. It is like dessert and it's good for me.

Body Pump

This morning I went to 24 Hour Fitness to take a class called Body Pump with Alex. She's a great instructor.    I stayed for 50 minutes this morning. I've been trying to go to the gym every day after being sick with a bad cold.

Here's how the last few days went at the gym:

Oct. 9--Tuesday     15 minutes elliptical and 50 minutes Body Pump with Alex as instructor

Oct. 8--Monday     55 minutes Zumba with Niel as instructor

Oct. 7--Sunday      30 minutes Zumba

Oct. 6--Saturday     50 minutes Body Pump

Oct. 5--Friday        50 minutes Zumba

Oct. 4--Thursday    50 minutes Body Pump

Oct. 3--Wednesday  30 minutes Zumba

Oct. 2--Tuesday      45 minutes exercise bike at home

Exercise

I've had a bad cold the last couple of weeks and haven't been able to go to 24 Hour Fitness for about a week and a half. I really missed going to the gym. Two days ago, I went to Zumba and stayed a half hour. I couldn't go the full time. I have to start slow and build up endurance again. It was fun. I enjoyed every minute. Exercise is medicine. Yesterday I went to Body Pump, which is a weights class. I stayed for 50 minutes. It makes me feel good to take this class and I notice a difference in my body. I am thinner and can fit in smaller sizes since when I moved to Seattle six months ago. It makes a big difference that I live close to the gym and that I have the opportunity to go to the gym every single day. I feel very lucky and blessed. It may seem odd that I love to go to the gym but I do. This is the healthiest choice I can make.

Seattle Weather

I see in the Seattle Times this morning that the weather is going to be in the 60's this week. Perfect weather! Yes! I'm glad that it is going to be comfortable. I'm not someone who enjoys hot weather. If I am in hot weather, I need air conditioning and I don't have it here in my apartment. I look forward to fall and winter weather in Seattle.

A Japanese Family at Target

I witnessed something yesterday that was beautiful. A young son, probably a university student that I am guessing is Japanese was showing his parents, probably visiting their son, the neat escalator at Target in Northgate. It made me smile. It was cute and precious. There was so much respect and love shown in this family--the son for his parents and the parents for their son. The son was showing the father that he could put his cart through a shoot and it would ride down the escalator next to them. I marveled at this when I first moved to Northgate too. I thought it was amazing that you could let your cart ride too. It was wonderful to see this family. I have so much respect and admiration for the Japanese. They value academic achievement in the family. They respect one another. I am attracted to Asian people and feel comfortable around them because they value academic achievement and show respect for each other.

Freeman Peel-Off Mask

I went into Walgreens in Shoreline the other day and I found one of my favorite products--Freeman facial cucumber peel-ff mask. It's so much fun to use. You goop it on your face. Let it dry. Then you have fun peeling it off. I know it is silly but it is really fun. It makes your skin look better. I like to put it on thick so it takes longer to dry. It's not easy not touching your face and waiting for it to dry. It takes about a half hour. You also have to be careful not to get your hair in it. I usually end up taking a shower after or you have to wash your face after all the peeling fun.

www.coursera.org

http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/23/opinion/koller-online-college-courses/index.html?iid=article_sidebar

I just learned about www.coursera.org from my son, Daniel. It's amazing. This is the opportunity for anyone around the world to take university classes for credit FREE! It was started by Daphne Koller who is co-founder and co-CEO from Stanford University. The university line up is impressive with big names like Stanford, Columbia, The Ohio State University, University of Washington, Duke University, and more. There are 33 universities participating. You take real classes, watch the videos, do homework, receive grades, have deadlines and receive a certificate from the instructor. What a great opportunity for people around the world to learn and go to college. This makes it education for everyone possible and life long learning possible. I'm impressed.

I'm thinking about signing up for:
Principles of Obesity Economics from Johns Hopkins University or
Community Change in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University or
Think Again: How to Reason and Argue from Duke University

If I had a better background in math, I would also be looking at:
Cryptography from Stanford University or
Introduction to Logic from Stanford University or
Experimental Genome Science from the University of Pennsylvania or
Introduction to Astronomy from Duke University

Snoqualmie Casino

I went to the Snoqualmie Casino a second time last week on Wednesday. I had a great time. I spent $2.50 on a penny slot machine. My favorite machine is Relic Hunter. I love to win 20 or 50 or 120 more chances to play the machine. It's a fun machine. I had a nice lunch in the buffet area.

I don't think I can go back anymore because of all the smoke. My father smoked and he died of lung cancer. My husband smoked and he always had lung problems and died of esophageal cancer last year. It's hard for me to be around all the smoke. I've never smoked myself. I wish they had a high tech filtration system to get the smoke up and out and bring in fresh air. Or I wish they had completely different sections where nonsmoking was really a no smoke area.

I almost didn't get on the right bus home because there wasn't a sign in the window. I asked and was careful to make sure I was on the right bus.

I'm sad that just when I thought this was going to be a lot of fun once in awhile that I doubt I will go again because of all the smoke. If you smoke, it's a great place. Great food. A nice ride on the bus out in the country, like a mini vacation. Oh, well...............

Homeless Population

I'm sick today. I started to feel sick on Thursday night. A week ago last Friday on the 14th, I decided to ride on the bus and visit the Seattle Art Museum, one of my favorite places. When I came out I noticed a homeless woman sitting at the side next to the building. She asked me for money. I didn't have dollar bills in my pockets. I usually make sure I put dollar bills in my pockets when I am downtown. She asked for money for sanitary napkins. I said I didn't have change and that I was sorry. She lunged forward and grabbed my shoulders. I was scared. She said, "look into my eyes." I thought, Oh, no, I'm going to get sick. She was obviously sick. She spit mucus on the front of my blouse and was close to my face. I wanted to push her away and run. Then I thought, I'm not a good person because I don't want to hug her. I thought of all the Peace Corps volunteers and Doctors Without Borders who signup for this stuff to be around people who are sick and need help. I like to stay in the safety zone.I don't consider myself better than her. I'm having money trouble too. A few twists and I could be sitting on a corner. It was an awful experience. I honestly don't understand why cities don't help people who are homeless.

The solution isn't easy but allowing this kind of onslaught isn't fair. The best solution for the homeless I have ever seen is a model I heard about used in Woodburn, Oregon for migrant workers. There was a large apartment building and all services were on site. Help was given until they were ready to get jobs and housing. Why can't the homeless populate an isolated area and become totally self sufficient with services onsite. They can garden and grow their own food. They can build their own houses with volunteer help. I've always thought that Habitat for Humanity should also help the homeless by building apartment buildings or structures for more people. I saw a great design in the Seattle Times by a German architect who built small houses or cubicles for one person that could work.

Land developers who profit from developing areas with public money should start paying for their own developments plus helping out the community by building housing for the homeless. I've always been amazed that developers who will profit use public money to build structures. Seattle does it better because there is better negotiation but still............. This is a time that you can leverage and negotiate for what you want city fathers. Use it to fix some of your problems. Nobody listens to me though or cares what I think.

The point is that what is being done isn't working. This makes me want to avoid going on the bus downtown, to be honest. I want to safely go to the Art Museum, the library, Science Center, the Aquarium.

Snoqualmie Casino

I had so much fun today. For weeks I have been watching the large luxury Snoqualmie Casino bus go by as I am walking to 24 Hour Fitness in the morning. It stops on 5th around 9:15 a.m. every morning. I finally got curious, googled, and called to find out details. I called a couple of days ago to set up a reservation to go today. I waited outside at 9 a.m. ready to get on the bus. I met some nice people who enjoy going to the casino until the bus came. The bus is air-conditioned, which I appreciate very much. You hand the bus driver a 10 dollar bill when you get on the bus and he checks a list for your name. We left Northgate at 9:15 a.m. and arrived at Snoqualmie Casino around 10:30 a.m. It felt like I was on vacation. It was nice to get away and enjoy the trees surrounding Snoqualmie.

The Snoqualmie Casino is in such a beautiful setting and the casino is a gorgeous building. When we arrived, we were told to go to the Crescent Club office to receive our 10 dollars back and a free lunch buffet ticket or a 10 dollar ticket to eat anywhere in the casino. Such a deal! I searched for penny slots because I don't know what I am doing in this area. I figured I couldn't get into too much trouble with a penny slot machine. I brought $20 and didn't take any credit cards. I found out that not all penny slot machines are a penny so I asked for a lesson from one of the people at the casino at the Crescent Club office. I found out that if you push the button for service, people come around and answer your questions. I ended up having a lot of fun for $7.50. I went to the lunch buffet. It was fabulous. It felt like eating on a cruise ship and not leaving land. I had a great salad, fruit, and Mongolian grill. Everything looked delicious. They have such a wide variety of foods and everything looked tantalizing. This is such a great deal. You hand the driver $10. You get it back and a ticket for free lunch. The lunch is an amazing 5 star lunch. You get to have fun and then they take you back home on a luxury bus. I got home around 4:30 p.m. On the way home, I sat on the bus with a lady who won several hundred in Keno today!

I'm definitely going to do this again. I had a great time. It felt like I was on a mini vacation. Great food. To find out all about it and to arrange a reservation, call 425-888-1234 or go to www.snocasino.com.

The Court at Northgate

I live at the Court at Northgate. It is a closed access huge apartment building. We had a barbeque last week. I really enjoyed talking to new people, I hadn't met before, and talking to people I have met before in the hallway or outside. I love parties. I love "working the room." I love finding out about each person and finding out what is important to them. Parties make me happy and I need more of this type of social interaction. The manager told me that we are having another in a couple of months so I'm excited. It will be fun. I met some neat people. My favorite was a young man from a family of attorneys and who is very intelligent--probably a Mensa. It is fun to just learn about people and see the variety, the difference, the unique qualities that make up each person.

Zumba Fever Tour

I signed up early for the Zumba Fever Tour to see featured Zumba dancers Armando Salcedo and Walter "Wally" Diaz. Both professional dancers are featured in the Exhilarate Zumba Fitness DVD's that I have. I got there early around 5:15 p.m. At 6 p.m. we were allowed in to meet the Zumba stars on a tour of 7 cities--Seattle, Portland, Bay Area, Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, Denver. Wally signed a card for me. See photo above with me next to Wally. 24 Hour Fitness Northgate Seattle was crowded and the basketball court was packed with Zumba enthusiastists when it started at 7 p.m. Wally is my favorite. He grew up in Columbia with Beto, who created Zumba in 1999. There is so much to Zumba that makes you smile as you dance and move. Marci Shimoff, New York Times best selling author of HAPPY FOR NO REASON, a book I need to read, says "...the Zumba experience gives you a double dose of endorphins, because on top of getting your heart pumping, it makes your heart sing!"

I know that when I am in a Zumba class, I am truly happy. A smile is on my face. I am moving. I am alive. I am not thinking about anything but being part of the experience of movement, dance, following the instructor, the music, and being part of a group dance. I love it. It is the happiest time of my week when I am in a Zumba class.

I didn't stay the entire time last night. I made it through 45 minutes. I can not always do all the high impact, jumping moves. I had a wonderful time. I'm so happy I went and I will never forget it. At first I was in the line at the beginning with a neat person who lives in Tacoma that I found out later goes to Zumba Conferences. I got out of line to buy a Zumba shirt. I love talking to new people and finding out what they do and what they think about. Zumba brings a bond.

Social Isolation

In the September/October 2012 issue of Psychology Today, there is a quote on page 61 that says, "low levels of social interaction have the same effects as smoking 15 cigarettes a day--and worse effects than being obese or not exercising." This is important so I'm going to talk about it again. Young people don't talk anymore. They text. They e-mail. They twitter. Does social interaction mean talking face to face? Does texting and e-mail count as social interaction? I don't find it enough. I think there needs to be more face to face contact.

In the time of Facebook and texting, conversation is rare but so desperately needed. There needs to be more opportunities for social interaction where there is conversation, debate, socializing, talking, etc. There needs to be gathering centers in every neighborhood. There isn't a Senior Center in Northgate. There needs to be one. Most gyms don't have smoothie bars with lots of tables that encourage people to gather and talk. There needs to be opportunities to mingle to get to know your neighbors and learn about them and talk within a safe area.

As babyboomers grow older, this will be even more important to have ways to connect and gather.

I've been very deliberate in my attempt to find what I want in Seattle. I go out almost every day to do something. I try to exercise every day at the gym. Sometimes I go mall walking. I enjoy walking around Green Lake but don't do it as often as I should. I enjoy Hydrofit at the Helen Madison pool. I love to play mah jongg but often find a conflict with the times for mah jongg and my first priority that is exercise/health. I want to learn bridge but haven't found a beginning bridge group to play with. I read lots of books. Sometimes I go to a movie. I guess I am kind of boring but I have a good time.

Do I have close friends yet? No, but I figure that if I keep doing what I am doing, I am going to find good friends.

My Notebook

I created a notebook when I moved to Seattle of all the things I wanted to find here and learn about. I have tabs for Seattle Art Museum, Pacific Science Center, Woodland Park Zoo, Aquarium, mah jongg, roller skating, quilting, Toastmasters, the Symphony, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Broadway plays, knitting, bridge, tennis, 24 Hour Fitness, Hydrofit, Seattle Metro bus system, Weight Watchers, dancing, New Horizons Band. I stuffed the pages with information I found on Google. I couldn't find a New Horizons Band close so that has to be forgotten. I have everything I could want here.

The best part is that when I have been a resident for a year, I can go to the University of Washington and take classes for only $5. I can take two classes a term. It is a wonderful opportunity to learn and grow and I'm looking forward to winter term. I can also take classes at North Seattle Community College--two classes a term. Such a deal. I wish all who wanted to attend could take classes at this price.

I am grateful to live in Seattle. It is the gathering place of the most intelligent people in the United States. They do everything well and I have a lot to learn from the people here. I am excited to be here. I'm grateful. I look forward to living here. Seattle has lots of festivals. Next year I want to watch the pirate ship and the pirates land on Alki Beach. I didn't find out in time which bus would take me there. Parking is at a premium in Seattle so it is much better to go places on the bus. There is also a yearly Norwegian Festival in Ballard. There is so many great events. I'm lucky and blessed to live here.

Social Isolation

I got my copy of Psychology Today in the mail. There is an interesting cover article, "Life Lessons: 5 Truths People Learn Too late." What really caught my eye was the quote on page 61 from the research from Utah. "Low levels of social interaction have the same effects as smoking 15 cigarettes a day--and worse effects than being obese or not exercising." I thought it interesting that two universities from Utah [University of Utah and Brigham Young University] were sited in this article about the dangers of social isolation since the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are big ones for shunning. The psychological damage and abuse of shunning is tremendous. Many churches use shunning as a way of getting their members into line. The Amish are another religion that does this. If I were in the Senate, I'd write a bill to prevent churches from allowing such a practice that is such a danger to public health. It is cruel. It is interesting that Christian churches often use shunning because Jesus said to love all your neighbors as yourself. This doesn't mean that you judge. This means that you love even those people who are hard to love. God judges.

When I was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1995 to 2001 or 2002, my husband and I were shunned. It wasn't any fun and I couldn't understand why. We were serving as church service missionaries at the time to help people find employment in an 8 stake area. I quit after 6 months after the shunning. I objected to many things about this church which you don't learn until you get deeper into it. My husband and I wrote letters to Salt Lake City objecting to things that shouldn't happen. My husband told me that in Elders Quorum, there were times when an order to shun an individual was announced.

It has been coming out in the newspapers in Oregon and Washington how the Boy Scouts of America has been protecting child abusers who have served as leaders. The general public doesn't realize how linked Boy Scouts is with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A leader in Boy Scouts is a calling in the church. Boy Scouts is basically a Mormon organization!

In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, you can't have a different opinion and you can't challenge a leader or question them. You must always fall into line. After my letter to Salt Lake City, Bishop Haslam told my husband to shut me up and control me. Not long after he was promoted to Stake President. No matter what a leader does, it is right in this church. Members can become gods. I think this is what attracted my husband. And it is funny but even if the leader is wrong, it is still the will of God because it was meant to happen. Will I vote for Romney? Not in a million years!!!!!

So what did I object to in this church that brought the big sanction?  I disagree with polygamy. This church keeps printing quads that says it is God's will. One of my letters was about this. I disagree with protecting child abusers and not reporting crimes to the police. When you go to the temple, you have to promise not to laugh loud. I knew this wasn't going to work out when I heard this. Happiness is bad. One doctor bragged to my husband that Utah was an enlightened state because it uses the most psychotropic drugs. That's necessary to keep their members following the leaders and not objecting to anything they do. You can't have a temple recommend, if you disagree with the leadership of the church. Bah humbug. In other words, you can't have an opinion that is different. I was told I couldn't read National Geographic and should only read church literature. This was from a visit from my visiting teachers from the Relief Society when I lived in Alsea.
There is more that I object to.  What did I enjoy about the church? I loved singing in the Stake choir. I loved writing plays and planning for Primary as Primary President. I loved visiting sisters. I loved having parties in my home in Salem at the 4 Corners Ward in East Salem when I lived on Burlwood Loop. I miss this. Do I have friends now? No. Were these people my friends? No. They weren't there when I needed someone when my husband died and when I needed help.

Seattle Weather

I love Seattle. I haven't enjoyed the hot weather but I haven't anything to complain about because it isn't going to last long. The weather forecast for today is a high of 72 with a low of 54. It would be great if the weather dial would stay between 45 and 68 but living in Seattle is about as good as it gets and I'm lucky to live where there is mild, temperate weather. I don't mind the rain at all. It's refreshing and clears the air. I enjoy the wind because it clears out any polluted air from the freeway. I stay out of the hot sun. I know I need a daily dose of Vitamin D but I figure short walks gets it in. You will never see me sitting out in the hot sun with the intention of getting a tan.

Hood to Coast

My daughter, Gretchen Bennett and her husband, Chris and my son, Benjamin Haber and his wife, Amanda ran Hood to Coast in Oregon this weekend. Their team name is Running in Harmony. It would be great if my sons, Joe and Daniel were also running next year with their wives.

Big Brother

I am a big fan of Big Brother. I love this show. I'm a closet anthropologist and I think that this is a great study of human behavior. I'm sad that Mike Boogie got voted off. He's a good person and the best player in Big Brother history plus he's fun and livens things up. I really like Frank too. Frank is now my favorite. You know how he feels. He's honest, trustworthy, and a good person. Why he is unemployed, I have no idea because anyone would be lucky to have him be part of their corporate team. He's smart, athletic, quick, honest, and has integrity. I would apply for Big Brother, if I was younger and thinner.

It was so funny on Big Brother when Brittany commented about Frank winning all the competitions. She said, "Who is he competing with? People in hospice?" It's true. Frank's very competitive and athletic. He's really great at everything. He's alone and has to win everything in order to stay in the house because everyone wants him out. He deserves to win it all. He's smart enough and athletic enough to win all the competitions and deserves to win the $500,000 at the end.

Exercise

This is the exercise that I have done for the week.

August 8 on Wednesday

• 45 minute training session with trainer

August 9 on Thursday

• 30 minutes elliptical
• 50 minutes body pump
• 60 minutes hydrofit

August 10 on Friday

• 60 minutes elliptical--level 10, resistance 10
• 55 minutes hydrofit

August 11 on Saturday

• 50 minutes body pump

August 12 on Sunday

• 55 min. elliptical--level 10, resistance 10

August 13 on Monday

• 45 minute training session with trainer

I bought three training sessions with a trainer because the manager was nice to video tape me so I could send it in to Biggest Loser. I figured that at age 64, unless I could prove I could move, I wouldn't have a chance. Everyone at Weight Watchers dreams of having a trainer. I can't afford a trainer and to be honest, I would rather have fun taking Zumba and body pump classes. I get more out of it and it is free with my gym membership.

Gyms for Seniors

There needs to be gyms for senior or gyms need to do a better job of providing more exercise choices for members. Most of the time when you walk into a gym, it is one program for everyone, no matter what the demographics. Usually all you get is a sitting in a chair exercise program for old folks. I think there should be a wide variety of choices. You can't train everyone the same.

If I had a gym or managed a gym, it would have to be a spacious gym with lots of choices. There would need to be three huge exercise classrooms the size of a basket ball court with no pillars in the center of the room to obscure vision. There should be classes running from early morning until evening in each classroom running every hour with lots of variety and choices. There should be Tai Chi, Chi Gong, Zumba, Zumba Gold, Zumba Toning, pilates, yoga, hatha yoga, standing abs, body pump, body pump for seniors, line dancing, ballroom dancing, and on and on. One of these classrooms would allow roller skating at different times of the day, every day. The more choices the better.

If I have to sit in a chair and exercise just because I am 64, I might as well give it up. I refuse! I have a lot more active years ahead of me. I feel like I have just begun living and I am determined to run and dance and play well into my 90's!

Since I don't have health care, I try to exercise more and longer at a slower rate. Often trainers tell you to go faster to bring up your heart rate and then injury often occurs with older people. I think it is important to listen to your body and exercise slower and exercise longer. I think you have to build up endurance and strength but you must do it safely.

Health Care

I keep hearing from different people about how awful the health care in Canada is. "#%^&@," I say. The people in Canada receive health care and they don't have to pay. Maybe sometimes they have to wait in lines but at least they get care. I haven't had a complete physical in years and years. I don't remember when the last time was because if I do see a doctor and pay through the nose, it is for a specific symptom. Last time was to clean the wax out of my ears. Yes, for the most part I am very healthy. That's because I am putting my money into a gym membership and healthy eating. I won't receive care until 2014 when President Obama's health care kicks in. Then I still won't get the care that I would get in Sweden or in countries where prevention comes first. Prevention doesn't come first in this country. There has to be a major overhaul in the health care system.

In the United States, there is a different kind of health care when you are rich and have lots of medical insurance compared to the health care you get when you don't have insurance or lots of money. I know because I saw what happened to my husband in Oregon. Let me give you just one example. He was being seen by an oncologist at OHSU, the best care in Oregon. She said he needed a blood transfusion so I said why can't he have it right now. She said he has to come back for an outpatient treatment. That meant that I had to drive him back to Alsea, three hours away and then come back two days later, three hours back. It was hard for him to sit in the car because he had a feeding tube and he was in pain. I brought him back to get the blood transfusion and he ended up in the ER and admitted to the hospital. Am I impressed with health care in this country. NO!

To even think that Romney could get elected makes me shudder because he wants to take everything back to the Bush disaster where this country was verging on a major depression. Romney doesn't think the rich should have to pay 60% in taxes. He doesn't think many programs that help people should continue.

I hope and pray that President Obama gets reelected and that the Democrats work together for better health care.

Senator Bernie Sanders from Vermont should run for President after President Obama has finished his last 4 years, then maybe health care would really get good and people would be valued in this country.

Ann Rule and Leslie Rule

I had the best time today at 1 p.m. Ann Rule and her daughter, Leslie Rule came to Barnes and Noble at the Northgate Mall in Seattle to sign books. It was an honor to meet them both. Ann Rule lives in the Seattle area and Leslie Rule lives in Seattle. The ladies ahead of me had several books to have signed and had read every one of Ann Rules books so I was blessed with the opportunity to listen. They are both so nice.

Ann Rule was a former Seattle police officer and has written 31 New York Times best selling true crime novels. She's a great writer and brings true crime to life on the pages of each of her books. She graduated from the University of Washington and has a Ph.D. from Willamette University. She is "a certified instructor for police training seminars and lectures to law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and forensic organizations, including the FBI and the American Academy of Forensic Sciences." She is so nice to talk to. It would be wonderful if I could listen to her more about her writing, the process of her writing, investigating, etc. She wrote about the Green River killer in GREEN RIVER, RUNNING RED. She wrote about Diane Downs, a case familiar to anyone who lives in Oregon in SMALL SACRIFICES. Her latest book is IN THE STILL OF THE NIGHT: The Strange Death of Ronda Reynolds and her mother's unceasing quest for the truth.  If you aren't already a fan, you will be when you start reading her books. www.annrules.com

Leslie Rule is the daughter of Ann Rule. It was a pleasure to meet her. She is every bit as nice as her mother. Her book, WHERE ANGELS TREAD: Real Stories of Miracles and Angelic Intervention is one of five books on the paranormal that she has published. I look forward to reading it. At the back of her book, it says that she grew up in a haunted house so that sounds intriguing and makes me want to read all her books. Her other books are COAST TO COAST GHOSTS: True Stories of Hauntings Across America; GHOSTS AMONG US: True Stories of Spirit Encounters; WHEN THE GHOST SCREAMS: True Stories of Victims Who Haunt; and GHOST IN THE MIRROR: Real Cases of Spirit Encounters. Leslie is a professional photographer and author of seven books.

Seattle

I am so impressed with how everything is run in Seattle. In the last few days the Seattle Times reported a garbage strike by the Teamsters. I was bracing myself for garbage not being picked up for weeks, maybe months. I have no knowledge of how everything was handled or what happened except for one article talking about fines but I haven't had any interruption in garbage service. Everything is proceeding without any problems. What is so amazing to me is that it isn't that problems don't come up or that it is easy to manage Seattle. What is amazing is how well the problems are handled and managed as they do come up. I think this says a great deal about Mayor McGinn of Seattle. He handles difficult problems as they come up quickly and with great success. Seattle is a great place to live and work and thrive. I am grateful to be living in Seattle and in King County. Everything is here that anyone could want and I feel safe here.

Best Buy

At the first of the week, I decided to learn about making DVD's so I went across the street to Best Buy to ask questions. I bought some DVD's and cases. I asked about video editing software. My problem with the video on my camera is that it was shot [in Microsoft Word lingo--portrait instead of landscape] at a different angle and I needed to turn it. Everyone was so nice and I'm grateful for the help. I went back and there was a customer in the store who overheard my conversation about needing to turn the video. I had brought my camera into the store thinking it was an easy fix. He told me about Windows Live Movie Maker which is a free download and can do these kinds of edits. He was wonderful! I had the best experience at Best Buy. The girl waiting on me was obviously a techie and great at her job too. Best Buy is a great place. It is the go-to place for answers and technology. Nerds gather at Best Buy. I love it! I'm going to go there more for answers and to buy my stuff.

zumbamarco on YouTube

Marco is my favorite Zumba instructor at 24 Hour Fitness Northgate in Seattle. He's a gifted dancer and his classes are always crowded. I can hardly wait to buy a DVD. There are six videos posted so far. All are outstanding. Marco is the reason I love Zumba. He makes it fun so you want to keep coming back. I wish he taught classes every day.

Brooks Running Shoes

I went to Finish Line in the Northgate Mall in Seattle and purchased a pair of Brooks running shoes--red and black adrenaline GTS. I will never buy another brand of running or cross fit shoes. These shoes fit my foot as if they were made specially for my feet. I have a hard time finding shoes and I don't want my feet to hurt so I'm picky about my shoes. I want a well made shoe with support. I want my feet to be cushioned. These shoes are perfect. My ankles don't slip. It is a perfect fit for my feet. Everything about this shoe is perfect. I'm so glad I walked in the door and asked for Brooks. And the Brooks socks that I got are specially designed not to slip down in your shoe when you are walking. A perfect pair of shoes and a perfect pair of socks. I'm spoiled. In a perfect world I would be healthy and fit, live a long time, run a couple of marathons every year, and be sponsored by Brooks.