Hibernate

I think I am going to permanently go into hibernation to write and read, only coming out to exercise and go to the store for supplies. Some of my dreams are shattered. I realize that some dreams are unrealistic. I just turned 65 and I'm not skinny. No man is interested in an older woman when she is fat. Men go after younger women who look great. That's just a fact. I guess that part of my life is over so I'll live in my writing and inside my characters. I always feel better when I am cranking out writing every day. I find it difficult that people don't really talk anymore. No conversation. No way of getting to know people when they don't talk. I tried the dating websites for a couple of months but that didn't work for me and it's hard to know who is safe. How do you get to know someone like that? So I'm saying I am going to be realistic about what is possible in my life. Writing is possible. Reading is possible. Exercise is possible. Eating healthy is possible. As I look back on my life, I've never had what you would call a best friend or best friends. I was married for over 39 years and had 5 children. My kids are all independent and have busy lives of their own. My husband passed away 2 years ago. Moving forward in life may not all be what I would hope but I will concentrate on what is possible. I always seem to be looking at others living their life, looking out the window at what is going on wishing and dreaming. It is what it is.

Stress

Some people live through difficult situations that no one should have to face. Not everyone is nice. Not everything is fair. Today after Zumba class, I was talking to a woman who works for Seattle Parks and Recreation who talked about the woman in the news who shot someone. I learned that this woman had watched her husband burn to death in a fire a few months prior and had asked for more time off. This woman should have gotten the time off. I think it is also important in every work environment for exercise to be encouraged to take care of stress. It should be mandatory for everyone to exercise an hour a day--take yoga, walk, run, use the gym, Zumba, etc. Exercise is the best way to relieve stress. It is also good to stay away from medications with warnings of side effects that say violence actions can occur, or suicide, or death.  So little is known about the brain. Eating healthy, exercising, and self care are the most important things to do to help anyone. Not everyone has a perfect life. Things happen but it is important to be nice to everyone, be calm, exercise, eat healthy, and look for the positive as you move forward in life.

Pacific Science Center

I went to the Pacific Science Center yesterday and went to the IMAX Theater film, THE LAST REEF. It is powerful, especially in 3D since you really feel like you are under water. It was really sad to watch. I admit tears came down my cheeks and my mascara was smeared. I knew that the coral reefs were in danger of being destroyed but seeing this film made it all the more clear how critical this is for all of us. In my opinion, greed and a disrespect for life and the environment are the cause. Some people just don't care as long as they can make a buck. Sad. It might already be too late. Go see the film.

www.underthedome.com

I am under the dome. You can be under the dome too by going to www.underthedome.com and putting in your address.

I'm excited for the summer television series, Under the Dome. I read the book years ago and it was great. I need to reread it again. It is a study in anthropology or human relationships under pressure. Stephen King is a master writer. No one touches his ability to create characters, tell the truth in ways that many do not have the courage to tell, and scare the hell out of you!

The most inspirational writing article I have ever read was written by Stephen King. It was published in Writers Digest in April of 2001, "10 Pages a Day." Stephen King's advice makes you feel like you can do it, write it, and be a writer. The first writing craft book I read and the one that continues to inspire me is his book, ON WRITING. His writing process is an adventure and the most fun to follow. He says, "Writing is at its best--always, always, always--when it is a kind of inspired play for the writer." I know this is true because when I just dive in and write without paying too much attention to detailed plotting, I have the most fun and discover paths and people and situations I didn't know I would run into. It IS an adventure to write this way. I have a whole bookcase full of writing craft books that I find valuable but Stephen King's book is still my favorite.

Yes, it is important to have a working knowledge of plot, how to create characters, setting, write dialogue. It is important to read The Writer, Writers Digest, and the other excellent writing craft magazines and writing craft books, take classes, go to conferences, etc. Some writers find it comforting to have everything written out in an outline. Stephen King, who knows how to do it all, takes off on an adventure when he writes. I guess the answer is to follow his schedule if you want to be a serious writer--write in the morning 10 pages a day, read in the evening. He writes 365 days a year. Nothing stops him or deters him from what he is working on.

My Grandson, Alex

This is my grandson, Alex Haber. He's so cute. He's the one in dark glasses. This is his first video. I'm so proud of him. He did a great job. He wants to be a film director and he's well on his way. He's great on camera and great on stage in school plays.

This video is posted on www.youtube.com/watch?v=5x7h5H_NdOQ
It's titled FCAT Style - Parody of Gangnam Style

Chihuly Garden and Glass

Yesterday I went to the Dale Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum next to the Space Needle. Chihuly is my favorite artist. Every room and exhibit is an explosion of color and form. It's gorgeous. I'm now a member so I will go often and enjoy.

520 Bridge

The controversy surrounding the 520 bridge is interesting and a recurring problem throughout many cities. It's interesting to me because I am wondering when are contracts going to be written that say those persons who build defective structures will not get paid. Why aren't monies put in a fund to be paid out when the job is done and when it is known that the structure is flawless? You say....but that isn't how it works because everyone needs the money in order to build the structure. Then.... I say...... why aren't there more safeguards put in place to prevent short cuts, to prevent using materials that are defective, to prevent cutting corners, etc. Everyone looks the other way when bad decisions are made. Micromanaging is a dirty word now but it sure would prevent some of these problems. And...why does everyone hire companies that don't have the money to produce products in the first place and won't stand behind the workmanship? Is it wise to give jobs to the lowest bidder? What is going to be the real cost of the 520 Bridge?

Zumba

On Monday I took three Zumba classes at 24 Hour Fitness in Northgate, Seattle. At 9:30 a.m. I did 60 minutes of Zumba. at 11 a.m. I did 60 minutes of Aqua Zumba. Then I came back at 7:30 p.m. and did 40 minutes of Zumba. Niel was the instructor. He's my favorite Zumba instructor.

On Tuesday I took two Zumba classes. One at 4:30 p.m. for 40 minutes and one at 7:30 p.m. for 55 minutes. Again Niel was the instructor.

I also got Zumba Gold DVD's in the mail from www.zumba.com. They are great. Zumba Gold is for older people, for babyboomers. I would love to be a Zumba Gold instructor because then I would always be healthy and fit. I love Zumba. I'm trying to lose weight, build strength and endurance. A Zumba instructor teaches several classes a day.

U.S. Department of Education

If I were in charge and I'm not, I would put at the head of the U.S. Department of Education, Bill Nye, the Science Guy, the CEO of the Planetary Society. He would direct and change education in the United States to protect the gifted student and give them the environment needed to learn. The best and the brightest should be learning every minute of the school day at their level. He would change the face of public education  and make a difference for all children in public school. Education in the United States is backward. We care more about kids on the bottom. We need to care about all kids to help them reach their potential. We are failing at this. We need to turn things around to compete and turn out kids who think, who will make a difference in the world, and who respect those with whom they live and work in the world.

In the New York Times this morning, it says that China wants to produce 195 million college graduates by 2020. They will. We are having a hard time producing high school graduates who read.

Gretchen Bennett

My daughter, Gretchen is my oldest of five children. She's amazing. I raised her to be a future world leader, as I did all my children, and she is, as are Daniel, Ben, and Joe.

http://www.statesmanjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2013301120012

This article is about Gretchen and her new job with the city of Salem. She's beautiful inside and out.

All my children are amazing and brilliant and make a difference. They are all the best people I know. My husband and I taught them to think, to have courage, to see how to make the world a better place. I am proud of all of them.

Daniel is working to completely revolutionize health care. He works at Battelle in Columbus, Ohio. He's working hard  to give the best care to all patients by making the information and research needed instantly to doctors. Ben is one of the world's best runners. He's an elite distance runner. In the Seattle Rock and Roll Marathon 2013, he came in 13th place. In the Seattle Marathon 2013, he came in 10th. He works at Dendreon on cancer research. He's also a gifted writer and could easily be turning out best selling book after book after book. Joe is going back to school to be a math and science teacher. He's brilliant. He will dazzle students in the classroom helping them learn math. All my kids can be anything they want to be. They think and they make a difference. They are amazing and good and the BEST people I know.

Jan Fields

Jan Fields is an amazing and gifted children's writer. She's the webmaster for the Institute of Children's Literature. www.institutechildrenslit.com. I have taken several courses through ICL and have learned so much about writing. Anything connected to the Institute of Children's Literature is excellent!

I recently received a book in the mail written by Jan Fields. It is part of a creative kids craft package that you can purchase. I was so pleased to see her name because I know this book is going to be great and I will enjoy reading it. The book is called Wellspring of Magic. It is the Creative Girls Club Adventure Book #1. I need to sign up for this series of books to enjoy reading them myself and then give them to my grandchildren. It's my understanding from looking at the advertisement in the mail that a Creative Girl can receive a craft kit in the mail every few weeks. You can find out all about this at www.CreativeGirlsClub.com or call 877-226-5391. Sounds like lots of fun!

Disney Store

My favorite store in the Alderwood Mall in Lynnwood is the Disney Store. I love it. They recently had a big twice yearly sale and I bought action figures from the Disney movies for my grandchildren. They have the complete set of the figures from each Disney movie. This is the best imaginative play for kids. I know my children would have loved them.

You can't help but smile when you walk in the door of the Disney store. It has everything that brings out the child in everyone. It represents pure joy and happiness. My husband used to drive to Disneyland several times a year when we lived in California. It helped that he had sleep apnea but we didn't know this at the time. We used to get up around 3 a.m. and drive to Disneyland to arrive when it opened. We stayed the entire day until the fireworks when it closed and then drove home back to Arroyo Grande. It was glorious fun. We also went to Disney World a couple of times. I love everything Disney!

Trader Joes

I shopped at Trader Joes in the U-District on Saturday. I needed olive oil and I always buy olive oil at Trader Joes. Every time I go to Trader Joes, I think as I drive home, Why in the world do I shop anywhere else? I always save money--about half. For example, I bought a huge spaghetti squash which would have been at least $5 anywhere else but at Trader Joes, it was under $3. So many great prices.

We really need a Trader Joes in Northgate. It isn't too far for me to drive to the U-District but it isn't as convenient as walking across the street or driving a couple of blocks, which is what I usually do when I need to go to the grocery store. I like supporting Trader Joes and I save money. I need to start going there once a week.

Let's take a look at the great savings at Trader Joes. Here's what I bought and what I spent on Saturday:
kefir $2.99
English cucumber  $1.69
bag of teeny tiny potatoes  $1.99
avocado  $.99
two red bell peppers  $2.38
cashews  $6.99
2# organic sweet onions $2.49
2 savory thin multigrain crackers  $5.98
2 cut up Asian stir fry vegetables 18 oz packages  $7.98
2 cut up healthy chopped vegetables packages  $5.98
2 chunky salsa  $4.58
boneless skinless chicken breasts  $5.38
butternut squash  $1.69
spaghetti squash  $2.29
organic vodka spaghetti sauce $2.99
sugar snap peas  $2.69
3 large bottles of olive oil  $17.97
For a grand total of $78.44.
Considering that usually when I go to the store, it can easily be over $150 or close to $200 for what I select, which is mostly vegetables and fruit, this is great.

I do like going to different stores for different things. It's great to see the variety and then you learn what prices are cheaper at which store. I DO love shopping at Trader Joes and I wish we had a Trader Joes in Northgate or I need to find an apartment in the U-District and then I could walk to Trader Joes and take classes at UDub.

Joann Fabrics

Joann Fabrics is the Disneyland for women as Home Depot and Lowes is for men. Women can get lost in Joann Fabrics because everything you could want is there. I love knitting, crochet, sewing, quilting, beading, needlepoint, and all the rest. I grew up doing all of these things. Knitting, sewing, quilting equals comfort to me.

I started working part-time at Joann Fabrics in Shoreline before Christmas. I work at the fabric cutting counter. It's so much fun because I get to see all the amazing projects and meet so many talented people. Some who walk through the door are heroes because they buy fabric to make things to help people having a hard time. Some are so gifted at sewing that they could be on the television show Project Runway. I have learned about new projects and new materials that I want to try. I love helping people. There are so many nice people who walk through the door. It's fun to work at Joann Fabrics. I'm grateful to have a part-time job. I work with nice people and I love the work that I do. I work 8 hours next week so I have time to go to the gym, write, read, and do other things.

Mayor Mike McGinn

Mayor Mike McGinn is going to run a second term. Great! Right now in the Seattle Times, he's being criticized by others in Seattle as causing friction and not being a yes man. Good grief! So you really want a mayor who does everything he's told, never comes forward with change that is needed? Do you want a rubber stamp and a person who isn't a leader but is a follower of those surrounding the mayor? I think it is wonderful that he thinks, listens, and makes changes. I'm impressed with Mayor McGinn. I'm going to vote for him.

Tempeh organic soy

The last time I went to QFC, I bought Tempeh organic soy. Oh, this is good. I knew it would be good for me but this is delicious and now essential on my grocery list. I want to try the other flavor too.

I cut up the block into 1/4 inch slices. Then I cut them lenghwise and cut them in bite size pieces before marinating them in a plastic bag in my refrigerator. Then I fried them in olive oil. Oh...so good! This is now an important part of my diet.

www.tofurky.com
info@tofurky.com

This product  was created by Seth Tibbott, founder of Turtle Island Foods, PO Box 176, Hood River, Oregon 97031.

Buy it and start enjoying it with your family and friends. It's delicious!

Pandora

My kids have been telling me about Pandora. I downloaded the ap for my cell phone and finally...yesterday, I started. I love it! It makes my life happy and joyful. I put in my favorite band in first--Pink Martini, of course! Then I put in Tiziano Ferro and then Zumba and Barry Manilow. It's so much fun to be able to sing along with the lyrics. The big problem is that it is hard to contain my joy and fun. Pandora makes me want to dance. When I am walking in the halls in my apartment building, it's hard not to dance. It's also hard not to sing along.

Happy 2013!

Happy New Year! Happy 2013! I'm determined to have a great year. Happiness is a choice. Even if things don't turn out so great, you flip it around and find the good anyway.

What are my priorities for the New Year?

• Writing and finishing up projects and get them in the mail to publish. Sometimes I think I need to have a writing partner to work with who loves to edit. I love to create new stuff. I need to write first thing in the morning for at least two hours. If I start churning out books, I should be writing eight hours a day and take my writing seriously as a job. Right now I have four novels, one screenplay, and a juvenile novel that needs to be edited and sent off. I need to find an editor, publisher, and agent.
• Reading books and magazines to support my writing. Of course, I subscribe to The Writer and Writer's Digest and have done so for years. Reading is an important part of the writing life. What did I read on the plane? SELLING YOUR STORY IN 60 SECONDS by Michael Hauge. It's a great book. I'm reading it on my Kindle. I'm 85% finished. I'm going to read it again and I really need to buy the hardcover as a reference.
• Exercise every day for at least an hour. Zumba is on top of the list of my favorite ways to exercise. I also love Body Pump, which is a weight lifting class at 24 Hour Fitness. You do over 800 repetitions with a barbell during the class in an hour. I want to buy roller skates this year since I love roller skating. I need more dancing in my life since I love to dance but I can't afford everything I want to do. I love the Precor elliptical at the gym. I have an exercise bike at home.

That's the Big Three that are always on my list year after year but there are other things that are important to me like.....

• The Seattle Symphony
• The Seattle Art Museum
• The Woodland Park Zoo
• Mah Jongg

Family is urgently important but I don't get to see them very much. When I see them, I drop everything else I am doing and enjoy every minute.

I want to start seeing Broadway plays again. I love live theater. I love learning. I've signed up to take two classes with Coursera.org. I need to sign up and register for senior classes at the University of Washington and the North Seattle Community Center. I need to see the Nutcracker next year. Getting rid of more stuff is important. When I moved to Seattle, I got rid of probably 80% and I still have more boxes to go through.

Southwest Airlines

I flew Southwest Airlines to Columbus Ohio and back. I had a great time. I love Southwest but I do have to say that some crews are funnier than others. The crew that flies from Las Vegas to Columbus are hilarious with one joke after another. It makes it fun and keeps a smile on your face.

I would love to be a flight attendant. I want to travel all over the place and I love the hospitality industry. I talked to two flight attendants about it and they encouraged me to apply. You have 5 weeks of training in Dallas, Texas. That sounds wonderful. I could make money and fly all over. I smile almost all the time. I love serving and helping people. And I want to start making money. I love to travel and see new places.

On the flight home I sat in the back of the plane to be closer to the flight attendants and so I could watch since I am serious about this. They were great at helping and serving people. They were all nice.

The pilot that flew the plane from Columbus to Las Vegas has flown for 43 years. I heard him talking to someone as I walked by. He's fantastic! It would be fun to interview him. This plane was a Boeing 737 and new.

With Southwest every seat is a good seat. Even if you sit in the next to the last row in the plane, it doesn't take long to get off the plane plus it is fun because you see more and are close to the restrooms.

Thanks again Southwest. I sure hope that I really have a chance to be a flight attendant. My son seemed to think that I only see the good parts. I understand that not all the people on the flight would be nice. That is the time for the flight attendant to be extra patient, nice, and give special service. You don't take what happens or what is said personally. You just be the best you can be and be courteous, helpful, efficient, and give great service because you represent Southwest. At the end of the flight, you leave the people who might not be so nice behind.

Zumba

I am Zumba deprived. I miss Zumba. You know you are addicted to Zumba when you have Zumba music running through your head and you wake up in the middle of the night and think about Zumba choreography. I love Zumba. It has become an important part of my life. It makes me happy and it helps to keep me fit and healthy.

There was a Zumba event at 24 Hour Fitness yesterday at 4:30 p.m. I discovered it 15 minutes before and I was too tired. I haven't exercised in over a week, which is pathetic. I'm going to have to build up again.

It would be fun to be a Zumba Gold instructor. Zumba Gold is for seniors. It is slower and there aren't the jumping and high energy moves. I'd love to teach Zumba Gold because then I would stay fit. Zumba spreads fun and happiness. Zumba keeps you fit and healthy so what could be better and more important?

Macy's

Macy's is my favorite store to shop. It has everything. It's close to me in the Northgate Mall in Seattle. I am a bargain shopper so of course, I head for the clearance and I watch the sales. Macy's always has great sales. I feel good about wearing clothes I buy at Macy's and I feel good about giving gifts that I buy at Macy's. It would be fun to work at Macy's.

The Old Bag of Nails

When Daniel and Jodee took me to The Old Bag of Nails to eat and we drove close, I was wondering what in the world kind of food they served. It was packed. The interior design is great. It is close to the Conservatory in Columbus, Ohio.

I ordered the fish and chips. It was sooooooo good. Large pieces of fish. It was all you can eat fish and chips for only $12.95. It is so worth it. I love this place. It is a little hard to love the food at a restaurant when it is all the way in Ohio and you live in Seattle!

Los Jalapenos

When I was in Columbus, Ohio for the holidays, I went to Los Jalapenos in Gahanna, which is my favorite Mexican Restaurant. It's a little hard when your favorite guacamole dip and chicken enchiladas are all the way in Ohio when you live in Seattle. I love the chairs and the booths which are hand carved and brightly painted. The food is great. The service is great.

Sewing, Sewing, Sewing

I made 28 Christmas and Hanukkah stockings this year. My apartment is a royal mess. I've been gone for a week and for at least two weeks straight, I have been sewing night and day. I had fun so I don't care. They made people happy which was the point. Holiday stockings are for gift giving, fun, and are associated with joy and happiness so I love making them.

Christmas and Chanukkah

I spent the holidays in Ohio celebrating Christmas and Chanukkah with family. I arrived in Columbus on December 23rd and came home today on the 31st. I had a wonderful time. There was about a foot of snow. I made 28 Christmas and Chanukkah stockings this year. The photo is me with my youngest son, Daniel. He is so kind to his mother. We had a great time. We saw the movie THE GUILT TRIP together, which had special meaning since Daniel asked me to ride with him cross country to move his stuff from Mountainview, California to Columbus, Ohio. We went to the Old Bag of Nails for great fish and chips. We went to an amazing Mexican Restaurant in Gahanna. We went to the Conservatory where there are indoor gardens and Chihuly glass sculptures. We celebrated with family in Columbus, Canton, and Ankron. Daniel is married to Jodee. She's very good to me and so is her family. They make me feel very welcome.

Seattle Metro and Sound Transit

I moved to Seattle a year ago and I can't get over how wonderful Seattle Metro is. I marvel at the great service.

Today I came home from a week's vacation in Ohio to visit my youngest son for the holidays. I left on the 23rd and came home today. I rode bus 41, which is an express bus that comes 4 times every hour! After going to the Northgate Transit Station, it goes right on I-5 and into the tunnel under Seattle. It's amazing service for everyone who uses this bus. So on the 23rd, I had my suitcase with me and I rode the bus. It cost me $2.50 to get downtown. Then I boarded Sound Transit at the University Station underground. I had called Seattle Metro days before to plan all this and so I would know what to do. Every time I call, I get courteous and helpful service. I boarded Sound Transit a few minutes after I arrived in the tunnel. I had never done this before. It was so easy. There were Transit Security people to ask questions who are always courteous, professional, and nice. I can't get over how great Seattle is! So I ride the train, which is wonderful to SeaTac. I get off, with no problems at all. I follow the rest of the people with suitcases and follow the signs to the airport. It is a short walk around the parking garage. It's easy to follow. It's under cover so no one gets wet in winter. It was less than $3 to ride the train. So for less than $5, I went to SeaTac from my apartment. I didn't have to ask anyone to help me. I didn't have to pay taxi fare. I did it on my own. It was easy. Seattle Metro and Sound Transit makes it easy. It is well planned and efficient.

I got up this morning very early and my son took me to the airport around 5 a.m. so I would be there early. I flew from Port Columbus to Las Vegas with enough time to get on the plane to Seattle. When I arrived, I got my baggage with the help of a courteous and helpful employee of SeaTac who also gave me directions to get to Sound Transit. Everyone is so nice in Seattle. I'm grateful to live here. I easily followed the covered walking path around the parking garage to the Sound Transit train. It was parked and waiting. I boarded the train and got off in the tunnel in downtown Seattle and caught bus 41. Easy as pie! The bus drivers were so nice and courteous. They are always nice and I always thank them.

I am so lucky to live in Seattle!

King County Sheriff Department in Seattle

I came home from Ohio today in the early afternoon. I did laundry, dishes, unpacked, and made a list of things to do tomorrow. After I did the laundry, I noticed that an Xfinity key pad was on the wall in my apartment for the home security system that I had installed on December 17th and taken out on December 21st. I made the decision that I didn't want to continue with the security system so had it removed. I didn't want to have to pay for three years when I didn't feel confident in the security system.

On December 21st, the installer came and removed all equipment. He removed the motion detector, sensors on all windows, sliding glass door and front door. He removed the key pad. He removed the wireless equipment. I have the receipt that he removed the equipment. I also called XFinity this evening too. I decided to call the police. I had proof that someone had been in my apartment when I was in Ohio. I wanted a record made of this since I have had problems with someone coming into my apartment when I am gone.

Officer A.Richards #7497 came. He was very courteous and respectful. He made a report 12-445614. Officer Richards said I should put on a new lock on my apartment door and that even the apartment manager doesn't get a key. He also suggested that I call ADT since I have had ADT for several years in the past.

I appreciate that I was taken seriously. I appreciate that I was treated with respect. We need more police officers like Officer Richards. I support the King County Police Department. I am impressed with Officer Richards. I'm impressed that he came out to investigate. This wouldn't have been investigated in many cities across the country. Seattle is a great city and I am proud to live here. I appreciate that he came.

Walmart Gives Back

I enjoyed watching Walmart give a great gift to the LA Inner City Arts Program. I watched the stage full of gifts, and gift bags handed to an auditorium full of children who were thrilled. They also gave 20 new computers to the program. The arts should come first. Music, drama, writing, painting, sculpture fill your heart and your soul. They are essential and should never be taken away from any school. I'm happy to see that Walmart supports the arts. I will always support and shop at Walmart.

Handel's Messiah---Seattle Symphony Orchestra

On Sunday, December 16th at 2 p.m. I had the wonderful privilege of going to the Seattle Symphony Orchestra to hear Handel's Messiah. I've never heard it all the way through before and I learned things I didn't know. For example, Handel wrote the Messiah in 22 days. It is so complex so this is an amazing feat. I've never heard of Handel's Solomon, which is said to be larger and grander than the Messiah and he wrote Solomon in 20 days. The Messiah was composed in 1741. Handel was born in 1685 and died in 1759. When people think of Handel's Messiah, the Hallelujah Chorus comes to mind which is at the end of the Part The Second. There are three parts called Part The First, Part The Second, and Part The Third. I didn't know this either. At the end of Part the Second, when the orchestra played and the chorus sang the Hallelujah Chorus, everyone stood. It was beautiful and glorious. I love it that the conductor, played the harpsichord. The harpsichord is one of my favorite instruments, if not my very favorite. I love Vivaldi and the baroque period of music when harpsichords were played. Part The First is about the Old Testament and prophecy of the coming of the messiah. Part The Second focuses on the personal suffering of Christ and Part The Third is the redemptive theme that finishes this symphony. It's lovely, complex, and I'm glad I went. I learned a lot.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

I WAS JERRY LEWIS' BODYGUARD FOR 10 MINUTES by Irv Korman

If you want to buy a great book to read or give as a gift, order I WAS JERRY LEWIS' BODYGUARD FOR 10 MINUTES by Irv Korman. The photo above is of Irv Korman at a booksigning in Hudson, Ohio last spring. I bought his book and have enjoyed all the stories about Jerry Lewis, Mickey Rooney, Eddie Fisher, Milton Berle, Steve Allen, and dozens of others. It's a great read and brings you back to the golden era of television. I have always loved Jerry Lewis as I was growing up so this was fun for me to buy the book. Irv Korman is an award-winning writer, actor, theater critic, lecturer, and part-time magician. He does it all. This book is filled with interviews and his personal experience working with the legends of television, screen, and radio.

www.irvkorman.com

You can order the book with www.loconeal.com
ISBN: 978-0-9825653-4-6

XFinity Home Security

After watching all the great commercials about XFinity Home Security systems I decided to get one. I've had security systems in the past with Brinks and ADT for the last 12 plus years and see the value. It's only $29.95 a month and installation is free. It gives the impression that you get to monitor remotely on another computer or smart phone the inside of your home to see what is going on but I found out this costs extra. The installer came on December 17th wearing an XFinity Home Security system shirt and came with equipment. He handed me his XFinity Home Security business card and drove an XFinity van. The manager of my apartment building said that "he sure took a long time," and he did because it took about 3 to 3 1/2 hours to put sensors on three windows, sliding door, and front door plus do all the set up and paperwork.

Two things made me concerned during the visit. My Norton Anti-Virus Protection was in the red warning area when it was time to enter my password on the Comcast website so I refused to do so. It was green and safe in the morning. He wanted me to enter my password on his laptop, which I refused to do. I know that he can access my secure information even though he goes through the process of supposedly wiping it clean. He also wanted me to hand over my keys, which I refused to do because he could take impressions and gain access when I am gone so I went with him walking back and forth to let him in and out.

If I weren't so careful, I wouldn't have found out this morning by making several phone calls that he didn't enter my cell phone to call if there were a problem, which means that I could be away and never notified of an alarm event!!! He also didn't enter information of other numbers to call. I wasn't told about a second code called a duress code which is supposed to be good to alert XFinity Home in the event that I was followed and needed help. He entered a code. He didn't tell me about it or explain anything about this.

Yesterday I left for work and armed the system. I saw the history on the touch screen of everything that had happened prior to leaving for work since the time the system was activated. When I returned from work, I checked the history and the history was completely eliminated. Why??? I suspected someone was in my apartment and eliminated the history. I also discovered the duress code. I hadn't been told about this second code and it had been set up for me. Why??? This morning when I called I saw on the history on the website that at 9:35 a.m., WHILE I WAS AT WORK, that my system was armed by the user, ME, using the master code, KNOWN ONLY BY ME, on the touchscreen IN MY APARTMENT! This tells me that someone was in my apartment. I talked to someone in technical support and someone called me back. They said that it was some kind of remote update from the monitoring station. If this were true, it would say that it was from a monitoring station and that it was an update. It wouldn't say that the user entered the master code on the touchscreen in my apartment to arm the system at the time when I wasn't even in the apartment.

Red flag after red flag after red flag so I cancelled my XFinity Home Security system. I am very disappointed and concerned about this unprofessional service and I do not have confidence in the security of this security system.

Aqua Zumba with Niel

If you want to have fun and go to a pool party, mark your calendar for Fridays at 11 a.m. at 24 Hour Fitness in Northgate. Aqua Zumba is pure fun. The resistance of the water as you move gives you a great workout as you are having a great time in the pool.

Here's what is said about Aqua Zumba.............
"Jump into the Latin-inspired, easy-to-follow, calorie-burning, dance fitness party that makes working out a splash."
"Known as the Zumba pool party, the Aqua Zumba program gives new meaning to the idea of an invigorating workout. Splashing, stretching, twisting, even shouting, laughing, hooting and hollering are often heard during an Aqua Zumba class. Integrating the Zumba formula and philosophy with traditional aqua fitness disciplines, the Aqua Zumba class blends it all together into a safe, challenging, water-based workout that's cardio-conditioning, body-toning, and most of all, exhilarating beyond belief."

All this fun goes on every Friday at 11 a.m. at 24 Hour Fitness in Northgate.

Any time Niel's name is on the schedule of classes, you know it's going to be fantastic and pure fun.

Lunch at Saffron Grill

I had lunch at Saffron Grill yesterday. I had a Greek salad and it was delicious, fresh, and healthy. It was everything I could want in a salad. I went to lunch with my daughter-in-law's mother. She called me and picked me up. It was nice to catch up and talk to her. She had the lamb kabob. I've had it before and I know it is delicious too.

For a great lunch or dinner out with atmosphere and a menu that has everything you could want and more, go to Saffron Grill. When you walk in the door, be sure to sample the saffron.

Saffron Grill
2132 N. Northgate Way
Northgate in Seattle just off I-5
 206-417-0707

Niel Smith -- Zumba Instructor

I went to Niel's Zumba class tonight at 24 Hour Fitness and had a great time. It's magical in his class because it is so much fun. Everyone is having a great time moving to the music. Everyone's eyes are on Niel. I guess someone complained about him because he's too provocative. That's ridiculous! He can't help it that he's cute and sexy and knows how to move. Zumba is Latin inspired dance which is sexy anyway. Add Niel to Zumba and you have magic! During the hour of class you live in the moment. There were smiles all around. Everyone was having a good time. It is the only time during the week when I feel truly happy inside.

I asked Niel if I could take a photo with him since I had my phone with me. He graciously said yes. He's very kind and such a nice person. So here he is........

Yes, I'm the fat one but I am really trying to get thinner. It helps to get to go to Niel's class because Zumba is so much fun that it doesn't feel like exercise. So I'm silly but I don't care. I'm grateful that I get to learn from him and have fun. Pretty soon, he'll be off doing amazing things like be in the movies. He already jets all over the world to exotic places. He's really a celebrity and for the time being, I'm lucky to get to take his class.

National Novel Writing Month

I'm working on the first revision for my novel that I wrote in November for National Novel Writing Month. It's all about Zumba and was inspired by Niel, my Zumba instructor at 24 Hour Fitness Northgate. I plan on participating in Script Frenzy in April and write a screenplay based on this novel. I want this project to work because in my wildest dreams, it is a successful screenplay and it will star Hanniniel Smith, Niel, and other Zumba instructors will be in it.

The main cast of characters are over 50 and live in a senior apartment building. They are all addicted to Zumba. There is a fun Zumba event in the building. The suspense builds around missing people in the building. Amidst all the Zumba fun, the main characters figure out the mystery of the missing Zoomers.

Body Combat with Jennifer

I took a great class tonight at 24 Hour Fitness Northgate called Body Combat with Jennifer H. I came early for Zumba with Niel and I saw how much fun Body Combat looked so I decided to try it. I was only in there for 10 minutes but it's a great workout and Jennifer is a fantastic instructor. It makes you feel strong and like you can tackle the world. I'm going to take her class again. She's great!

THE THINGS THAT MATTER by Nate Berkus

I definitely want to buy a copy of THE THINGS THAT MATTER by Nate Berkus. I saw him on the Dr. OZ show and now I'm a big fan. Not only is it a book about interior design, making your life easier and clutter-free, but it is a book about life and everything that matters to make your home a sanctuary. I need to buy a copy and read it in January.

Same Sex Marriage

I voted to support same sex marriage in the last election and it passed. We are talking about only 5% of the population and they have been unfairly discriminated against for years. It's about time that people are allowed to be who they are, love who they want to love, and live free without harassment or bigotry. They aren't hurting anyone. If you look at this group, they have a higher standard of living for the most part than those who are pointing fingers.

I live in Seattle where people are safe, all people. I don't ever want to live anywhere else. It's a wonderful thing that people from all over the world, all different shades of skin color, backgrounds, and choices can live together and get along. That's my idea of what heaven is like. Seattle is heaven to me.

Two of my favorite shows on television are THE NEW NORMAL and MODERN FAMILY. I enjoy watching  them every week. And one of my favorite movies of all time is THE BIRDCAGE.

Legalized Marijuana

I've never tried marijuana, and I don't intend to now, but I did vote to legalize marijuana.  One of my sons had a friend in high school who was a brilliant straight A student and very popular. In his first year of college, he tried marijuana that was laced with something really bad that changed his life forever. He's not the same person anymore. A future of a brilliant young person was lost. So I voted to legalize marijuana. It is better that Washington get the tax benefits to use for something good.

I've never really been in favor of marijuana because I've seen statistics that say that kids who use and are part of the culture that use tend to go on to use other drugs. I am against using drugs. I guess I am still on the fence because of this but I did vote for it. Life is a journey trying to figure out what is best at the time.

Enat Ethiopian Restaurant

I visited Enat Ethiopian Restaurant last week on 15th Avenue in Northgate in Seattle. The owner has always been nice to me at 24 Hour Fitness in Northgate. I see Tsige in Zumba class and Body Pump class and usually I stand next to her. I wanted to see her restaurant and support her business that is in my neighborhood.

I know that I will enjoy going back to Enat. The atmosphere is very nice with beautiful Ethiopian art on the walls, plenty of tables, and great service. Going into the restaurant is getting a peek at Ethiopia and the food without the expensive travel. I asked my son in Ohio what the food was like since he has visited an Ethiopian restaurant. He said that the food is very healthy with lots of vegetables on a spongy tortilla and that you eat with your hands. I said that sounds great to me so I went. I had a nice time. Tsige came up to me and welcomed me. She's a gracious hostess and will be very successful in her restaurant. She said that if I come from 6 to 8 p.m., there is belly dancing. Next time I want to try the chicken dish which I think is #14 on the menu Doro Wot for $13.00. You can pick up an Ethiopian magazine too by the front door.

Visit and enjoy the delicious authentic Ethiopian food for carry-out or dine in at
Enat Ethiopian Restaurant
11546 15th Avenue NE
Seattle, WA 98125 in Northgate

Hannaniel Smith -- Zumba Fitness

Niel is my favorite Zumba instructor at 24 Hour Fitness Northgate in Seattle. I love going to his classes because they are always fun. His classes are popular and crowded. His class is the one time during the week that I can count on being truly happy and having fun. I love the music and moving to the music. During that hour, I live in the moment. I'm truly grateful for the fun and joy in his class. I love Niel. He brings pure joy and fun into my life during his class. They need to clone him! I wish he taught more often at Northgate. Niel is a gifted choreographer and dancer. I don't think he even realizes how special he is and how he makes so many people happy.

I went to his class this morning at 9 a.m. for an hour. Then I stayed for the weight lifting class, Body Pump that comes after for 40 minutes.

To see his schedule of classes go to
http://hannanielsmith.zumba.com

Walmart

I drove up to Lynnwood to Walmart on 164th a couple of days ago. The parking lot was crowded. When I walked in the door, I saw bargain after bargain. There were knitted stockings to be used for slippers that were only $1 and they were really nice for a gift.

What I love about Walmart is buying White Stag clothing for bargain prices that I used to buy in the most expensive stores back when I was in high school. You can count on quality with the name White Stag and you still can. I bought five pairs of White Stag black pants for around $10 each that if I were to duplicate, I would have to pay 5 times the amount. Walmart also sells Carter baby clothes, which I always give as gifts because I am proud to give Carters as a baby gift. It is always nice. It is always quality. Walmart also sells Disney clothing for children, which is another great quality brand.

I can buy almost anything for less at Walmart. The store was packed with great bargains for shoppers so no one is going to have any trouble for Christmas on a budget going to Walmart.

I will always love Walmart because one of my sons is a supervisor of supervisors at Walmart in Florida plus I enjoy buying at Walmart.

Gyms

I wish. I wish. I wish that those people who make out class schedules for gyms would understand that it is important to have consistent classes at the same times every day, lots of variety, and time in between classes. I want to be able to go to the gym in the morning at the same time and either take a Zumba class or a Body Pump class every day. I don't want to have to think about it. I want this behavior to be automatic. I leave at 9 a.m. to go to class every single day. It is important to be consistent. It is important to exercise. Those people who own gyms certainly understand that it is in their best interest to instill a habit in their members to exercise. I love going to the gym. I love exercising but I want to be able to count on taking a great class like Zumba or Body Pump every single day at the same time. My life would be perfect if this could happen or at least it would help.

Even better would be if I could take a Zumba class every day followed by a Body Pump class to build endurance and strength. I did this last Sunday and it worked out great. I don't stay for the entire Body Pump class. I usually stay for 40 to 45 minutes of the class and then leave because I don't do floor work.

Then it would be great if I could come back in a couple of hours for something else in the afternoon like a Zumba class or line dancing class or Tai Chi or something else that would be fun, like roller skating.

Body Pump with Kristen

I just got back from Body Pump at 24 Hour Fitness in Northgate Seattle. Kristen was the instructor. She's great! She has so much personality and makes it fun. I wish she taught more often. She's also an an amazing Zumba instructor. I like her for both.

Body Pump is a strength training class which is essential for me to do since I want to lose weight and get toned.

I read an online article this morning about the importance of strength training. It said that strength training will

• make your metabolism soar
• burn fat
• your body will get tighter
• you will fit into skinny jeans
• reduce risks of heart disease and diabetes
• blood pressure could drop
• blast loads of calories
• you can do it anytime, anywhere
• good for your bones

Okay, so the part about doing it anytime, anywhere....I just want to say that it is much more fun to do it in a Body Pump class at 24 Hour Fitness with Kristen with loud music in a room crowded with strong women and men who believe in health and fitness.

Snoqualmie Casino

In the second section of the Seattle Times this morning is an article about the Snoqualmie Casino wanting to build a 20 story hotel at the Casino. Why not? The casino is on a ledge over looking the valley. It isn't going to obstruct anyone's view. It will blend into the landscape. You go down to the casino. To build up makes sense. The Snoqualmie Casino needs a hotel very badly because they have events bringing in name stars and bands, and there is no place for people to stay. You must drive back home.

I was surprised that the Snoqualmie Falls and Lodge isn't owned by the Snoqualmie Casino. One of the first things that I asked when I visited the Snoqualmie Casino was if they were linked and if there was a shuttle back and forth to the Lodge because how in the world can you see some of the big name people who come to the Casino in the lounge unless you spend the night? The answer is that you have to drive home or you have to drive to one of the places nearby to spend the night or you have to drive to the Snoqualmie Falls Lodge. The point is that you have to drive. You can't come in on one of the Snoqualmie Express buses and spend the night because you don't have a car.

I think and believe very strongly that the Snoqualmie Casino urgently needs to build a hotel. Yes, a 20 story hotel is needed on site. It will be used by people who come in on the Express buses and by people driving to the casino.

So why doesn't the Mayor of Snoqualmie understand and see this need? It isn't going to obstruct any views. With the right architect, it will blend right in to the land, just like the casino does. What is the problem?

Dale Chihuly

I love the glass art of Dale Chihuly. He's a genius and goes out of all boundaries of what had been done before with glass. His sea and garden scapes are extraordinary and full of wonder. I get lost in looking at them. I saw his exhibit when it was in Columbus, Ohio. I've seen him on television. I need to visit his new 45,000 square foot museum at the foot of the Space Needle here in Seattle. I know it is glorious.

I took the photo above of his chandelier in Benaroya Hall. I wonder what a photo would look like if I was on the floor looking up. I didn't have the courage to lay down on the floor and take a photo at the time but I was thinking about and wondering what the photo would look like if I did.

I see that at his Tacoma Museum of Glass that there are lessons that you can take. I'd like to take a class on making glass beads and I would like to learn to string them like you string pearls with knots in between each bead. I wonder if you can take classes at his new museum in Seattle.

Zoos

There is a series of feature articles being written in the Seattle Times about zoos. I have great deal of respect for the Seattle Times and I know as a writer that they are printing fact. I have no doubt that this is going to win another Pulitzer Prize for the paper.

However, I love and support zoos. I will always support zoos despite some imperfections. Children and adults who visit wouldn't be able to see the diversity of animals from all over the world without zoos. So many species are being threatened in their native habitat. National Geographic recently published that 25,000 elephants are being slaughtered every year for their ivory. The elephants in zoos are safe from being slaughtered. Zoos take care of them. I know that zoos are working together around the world to protect animals. I applaud their efforts. I know it isn't easy. Zoos help people appreciate and value animals by bringing them up close to those who visit. The wonder of seeing animals up close forces visitors not to forget them. The animals are a reminder that they are valuable and important in the world and we should value them, respect them, protect them, and take care of them in the world. Zoos do so much to educate the public. It is wonderful to be able to learn about raptors while watching them fly.

I need to visit the Woodland Park Zoo more often. I am a member. Everyone should be a member of the zoo in their area and visit often. If more people supported their zoos around the world, they would not have to struggle financially. All animals are precious. To look at a Siberian tiger and not appreciate it's glorious beauty is unconscionable. We must all want to protect animals around the world who are being threatened. We live in this world together. Our lives are woven together.

Alzheimers

New research has come out by Harvard University and on Dr. Oz that there is no reason to ever get alzheimers. With nourishing food, exercise, and by learning new things, scientists have discovered that the brain can grow new brain cells into old age. I believe strongly that it is important to eat healthy and exercise. It's also important to think about yourself in the way you want to be or become. Your brain has such a powerful and direct effect on the body and it's cellular makeup. You can think yourself young and well and amazing.

Seattle Symphony Orchestra

I went on the bus downtown to go to the symphony this afternoon and I had a wonderful time. It is the first of a 3 part series called Beyond the Score. It went beyond the symphony orchestra as they played Mahler's Fourth Symphony because a large viewing screen showed art, the musical score of Mahler's symphony, and photos. The history of Mahler's life and times in Vienna, Austria was told by narrators, and there was an amazing soprano who sang.  Her name was Donatienne Michel-Dansac. She was Golden. It was so much more today--more beyond the symphony and everything was better because of it. I had a great time.

I'm really impressed with the conductor, Ludovic Morlot who has such passion with every note and every beat. He's amazing and gifted. He feels every note by every instrument and he brings it all together with such perfection.

All those who are part of the symphony are so gifted. Mahler said that "heaven is filled with violins." I think heaven is listening to the Seattle Symphony Orchestra!

Candy Cane Dash in Shoreline

I signed up to walk in the Candy Cane Dash in Shoreline yesterday or 12-1-12. It was a 5k. I tried to run a little bit but most of the time I walked. I came in last but you have to start somewhere. I came in with a time of 1 hour and 2 minutes and something. My number was 233.

The results are supposed to be up on the website soon at
www.candycanedash.weebly.com

I had a great time. I wasn't sure about the weather when I started. It was windy and there was pouring rain. It cleared up when the race started and started raining again when the race ended. The course was beautiful and most of it on paved trails. It was very nice and fun.

The Candy Cane Dash was set up as a senior project for Shorecrest HIgh School. They did a lot of work to make it really nice for all participants.

Survivor

I love watchng Survivor on television. My favorite on the show is Jonathan Penner.

Today they were auditioning for Survivor at Snoqualmie Casino so I decided to try. I did. I talked to so many amazing people who would be great on the show. So many great choices from the Seattle area for the show. There was a young man who competes in the Ironman challenge in Hawaii. He would be perfect for challenges. One man flew in from Phoenix. He had a great personality. One young woman recently came back from a trip to Finland and also went to Egypt. She said that she was a social anthropologist. There was a young man who auditioned who was born in the Sudan and lived through many challenges so Survivor would be easy for him. I also talked to a charming mother and daughter who both auditioned. The mother was born in Nicaragua. So many nice people. I love talking to people and see all the special qualities they have. They are going to have a hard time choosing from this bunch of people.

It was so much fun to audition. You had a minute so it was like a one minute elevator pitch to tell why you should be on the show. I would love to be picked and be on the show. I love talking to people. I'm very strong because I try to go to the gym almost every day to do Zumba and Body Pump, which is a weights class. I've survived a lot in life and I keep going forward one step at a time no matter what. I have a great attitude and I enjoy life. I know that it is possible to be happy no matter what because it is a choice.

I sure hope I get picked!

Snoqualmie Casino

I had such a great time today. I called up this morning to see if there was room on the casino bus that stops right next to my apartment building. The lady said yes. It was so much fun to take a ride out into the country on a beautiful bus. When we got to the casino, they gave me a coupon for a free lunch buffet. It's delicious. I had soba noodles with lots of vegetables and chicken cooked on a Mongolian grill with iced tea and a diet coke. Then I had a chicken leg, a slice of ham and a slice of turkey. For dessert I had one marshmallow that was dipped in chocolate and three cookies. Perfect. Couldn't be nicer. going to the casino is like going on a cruise but not leaving land. Great food. So much fun. A party.

I wanted to go to the Snoqualmie Casino this morning to celebrate finishing National Novel Writing Month. I knew that today that there were Survivor auditions at the casino so I wanted to audition. I did. I had a great adventure and so much fun today. I gambled at the penny slot machine having a great time and talked to so many amazing people and had a great lunch. What could be better? I want to go more often to the casino. It's a fun trip to get away. A vacation in a day.

National Novel Writing Month

I just went over the top and finally finished the goal of over 50,000 words this morning. I wasn't sure if I wasn't going to make it with everything going on in my life. It seems like just when you are close to something you want, everything in life seems to make it harder to reach your goal. I'm so grateful that I kept going and that I finished. This time I am not even sick of the novel like in past years. Sometimes I have not wanted to even think of writing for a few days. Now I am anxious to start on my schedule to revise every day to make it work, to make it better.

I'm grateful that there is a National Novel Writing Month. I seem to work better when there is a fire under my rear end. Otherwise, I get complacent and see other things that need doing. I've been great at procrastinating during November. Things needed organizing that I hadn't considered THAT important before. Suddenly I just had to try a certain recipe and mess up my kitchen taking up valuable time. You get it. Everyone does it but not writing for several days during Thanksgiving really took it's toll and made me wonder if I could finish, if I would finish. Spending time with family was important to me so I made that choice. I made it all work and I'm proud of myself.

National Novel Writing Month

I'd at 43,569 words right now. I'm going to make it and I'm really excited. I love this challenge. I've taken unexpected turns in my novel and discovered surprises. This is a worthy way to spend your time. I encourage everyone to try next year. Writing is probably the only real power I have in life. I'm going to keep up this pace and work on projects to revise them. I wish that National Novel Writing Month was every month.

Dogs off leash

A topic and questions about dogs off leash in Seattle came up at the community forum at the Northgate Community Center this evening. Mayor McGinn answered questions.

One woman felt strongly that dogs in the city should have room to run off leash because it is important for their mental health. She said that the mental health of dogs in the city who are allowed to run off leash is much better than dogs who are in the country.

I'm all for dogs. I love dogs. However, I have a different point of view because I believe that if you have dogs in the city, you must be responsible for them. Not all dogs are safe off leash. Not all owners seem to understand this. Not all owners of dogs clean up after them. Most dog owners that I have seen don't bother to clean up after their dogs at all.

I know of an example of a dog off leash who ran through a running event with runners at Green Lake. The dog, off leash, broke the leg of a runner. The owner did not bother to even say I am sorry. He walked away and felt no responsibility. I realize this example is rare but it happened.

I believe strongly that dogs should always be on leash. I know and hear of multiple examples of dogs who are bred to attack being in a home by owners who say how tame and mild they are and then they bite a child or show they are not safe. Dogs should always be on a leash. Dog owners need to be responsible for their dogs. Dog owners need to always clean up after their dogs.

Mayor Mike McGinn

I received an e-mail about the community forum this evening at the Northgate Community Center with Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn. I am a big fan. I am so impressed with Mayor McGinn. He listens. His actions show that he believes strongly in participatory democracy. He answered a variety of questions this evening from a room full of people. His answers were thoughtful, intelligent, and he had city leaders from various agencies to answer questions in depth.

I am so grateful to be living in Seattle because I believe this is the greatest city in the world. Everything is right here--Seattle Art Museum, symphony, science center, zoo, aquarium, Broadway plays, great restaurants, music, live theater. I'm impressed. We have a great bus system. A bus runs right by my apartment every 15 minutes and can take me right into downtown Seattle to go to one of the greatest libraries here or to the Seattle Art Museum or visit Pike Place Market or to so many amazing things here.

Everything works here. Everything runs so smoothly. Mayor McGinn is a hero and from what I am seeing, he hires heroes who work well together for him. He hires well. I'm really impressed with Sol Villarreal, his community engagement coordinator. Mayor McGinn is one of the greatest mayors in the world. He lives his beliefs and is a great example. He listens. His team acts to solve problems.

Seattle is the place where people are welcome from all over the world and live and work together in peace. I like that. This is as close to heaven as you can get. Everything is here. And Mayor McGinn is in charge. He loves Seattle and it shows.

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....