Kelly's Kloset

Kelly's Kloset is a featured blog on Google and Blogger today and it is worth the look. Fashion, style, Florida events, and brand names dominate as Kelly poses showing featured picks. It's an impressive successful blog.

It inspires me to want to do a crafting or a Joann Fabrics blog to show all the amazing products and creative projects. It would be fun. If I were given permission and started another blog, I could feature my store #805 with photos of those wanting to participate. I could show creative projects. I could feature fabrics, patterns, and garments. I could show yarn and finished projects. So much is possible. So many quilts. So many blankets. So many ideas to highlight. I would want to showcase the talents of others with whom I work and customers who shop at Joann's. What fun! I could also feature crafting events in the Seattle area and show all the amazing craft guilds and groups in the area with examples of projects. I like to showcase the talents of others. It makes me happy. Wondering about making this happen...................

The last time I worked a gentleman came in looking for 2 mm Swarovski crystals to replace diamonds in his beautiful watch. The last two days I worked a young guy working on a construction project came in and bought 30 yards of black fabric to use as curtain dividers to hide the work space from the restaurant. There is a kind lady who comes in often buying fabric who must be singlehandedly sewing every wedding gown in the area. She's not even making any money. She has earned the reputation in her church and everyone comes to her for help. A young man came in to buy fleece for a surf board cover. So many heroes walk through the door of Joann Fabrics who are working on projects to help others and to donate for charity. So many people come through the door with exciting or interesting projects they are working on. So many people working on beautiful quilts, sweaters, blankets, etc. Women from other countries buying lengths of fabric for dresses. It would be fun to be able to carry my camera, interview on the spot asking a few questions, and showcase it in a blog. So much is possible.

There are so many new exciting products sold in Joann Fabrics. New ones come in every day. I'm constantly amazed at the variety and choices. I could also highlight products and show how they can be used featuring customers and team members from Joann's.
   

Billy Elliott

I just finished watching Billy Elliott. I've watched it several times through the years.

The story of Billy Elliott touches my heart deeply. Any one who tries to squish dreams out of a person.....Anyone who doesn't want the ones they love to be the best they can be......Anyone who doesn't want to encourage the best in others......I don't understand this. Dream stealers are the bullies of the world. They live at the expense of others. They take. They stomp. They feel nothing. This isn't the story line of Billy Elliott because his father does feel and changes and grows as any good novel or screenplay will show. In life, dream stealers need to also change.

If I can someday write a story and screenplay that even comes close to Billy Elliott, I will feel very proud of my accomplishment.

Beans and Rice

I went to QFC this evening to buy a couple of things I needed to make the beans and rice recipe I found on Facebook this morning posted by this amazing writer, Melissa Hart. I don't know her personally but I really admire her. I've been reading her articles in the Writer for years and she is a professor at the University of Oregon at the School of Journalism. She was kind to be a Facebook friend.

Anyway, I just had to make this beans and rice recipe from Costa Rica after work. What really seemed to emphasize the need was waiting on this neat lady at Joann Fabrics who was wearing a Costa Rica shirt, which reminded me of Melissa Hart, which reminded me of the cruise my husband and I took through the Panama Canal stopping at Costa Rica. I remember the Toucan in the eves of the outdoor restaurant where we ate. My husband remembered seeing crocodiles on the beach. I don't remember ever seeing crocodiles.

Beans and rice from Costa Rica..................

Volcom Fiji Pro 2013

I haven't been able to watch pro surfing in years. I used to watch in Oregon on television. I can't get it here in Seattle and now that I turned off television, I really can't get it.

But this afternoon at Joann Fabrics, a young man came in the store looking at the fleece on sale thinking that it would make a good surf board cover since it was on sale for 70% off. I asked him if he really surfs in this area thinking that the ocean must be really cold and not as inviting as other parts of the world. He said sure. I told him that I used to watch pro surfing. He was surprised I watched it on TV and said he watches it on the Internet, which made me want to turn to Google to find what is going on with John John and Kelly Slater.

Sure enough after searching on Google, I found the Volcom Fiji Pro 2013 on YouTube. You probably wonder why an old, fat lady loves to watch pro surfing, especially since I have never in my life once surfed or even tried. While, in my heart, I'm not an old fat lady. I'm the young slim, not so bad-looking girl that I was in high school and college. I don't feel old and I'm working on not being fat.

It sure is fun to see John John Florence surf the long barrel waves and see Kelly Slater win yet another title. Cool!

If I could surf like that, I would never want to leave the water. I'd keep wanting to go out for another wave and another and another and another.................

I work with this really neat lady who lives the good life and gets to travel to Hawaii at least a couple of times every year selling things she makes. What a dream life! I need to learn how. If I could just pay for the plane fare, a place to stay, food, and the materials to make the golden item that sells, it would be perfect. If I ever got to do it, surfing would take center stage in a novel I write. I love Hawaii. I'm a Pisces. I love the water. I love palm trees. I love the easy-going life style in Hawaii.

100% Silk

Yesterday I was working from 9 to 4:30 at Joann Fabrics in Shoreline. I was asked which thread is the strongest. Without hesitation, I answered 100% silk. The woman looked surprised. Some say silk thread is as strong as steel. If you want an applique quilt to last, you use 100% silk thread.

It says on the 100% silk fabric that we sell that you must dry clean but I have learned that if you wash the fabric before cutting, you can wash the garment after it is made. When you wash it the first time, it will shrink an average of 5 inches a yard. An added benefit is that it will not wrinkle.

Silk thread fiber is so strong that it has lasted over 4000 years in tombs. Silk is strong.

My husband and I traveled to Hong Kong twice in the early 90's. He had a tux made by a tailor and I had a dress made of silk.

Polyester burns. 100% silk doesn't burn. Silk is a natural fiber that is worth the money. It's beautiful.

University of Washington Screenwriting Certificate Program in Seattle

I got notification today that I have been accepted into the University of Washington Screenwriting Certificate Program for 2013/2014. I'm so excited. I'm skipping around and letting go of helium balloons in my heart. I've always wanted to do this since I was in grade school when I used to write episodes of Gunsmoke. Although it is highly unlikely that I will make it since only 18% of members of Writers Guild of America are women and it is very hard for women to break into this field, I'm trying because I will regret forever not trying. It will be fun and I will learn and grow.

Wondering about electric bills

I am wondering about electric bills. Seattle City Light has reasonable electric bills. I'm wondering what the electric bills are like in the Southern United States.

I'm wondering if people pay high electric bills in the summer for air conditioning in Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, Georgia, Alabama, and the other Southern states. I'm wondering why solar panels in these states aren't used on houses and businesses to generate energy that can be sold to other states in the north or in other countries? I'm wondering why members of the House and Senate don't enact laws to make this mandatory to help save on energy costs in this country. We could be selling this solar energy to other countries, have everyone in this country have low or zero bills, and make money.

Anna is a writer at age 4

This is Anna, my granddaughter who is 4 1/2. She has written a book. She drew all the pictures for the book. Then she dictated the words for each page to her mother, Amanda who wrote them down for her. Ben, my son, read the book to her before bedtime 10 times last night.

I'm proud of you, Anna. You are a real writer and you already wrote a book.

Amber Alert

I received an Amber Alert on my cell phone a few minutes ago.

It says:

Boulevard, CA
Lic: 6WCU986
Blue Nissan Versa

Watch out for this car and license plate.

An Amber Alert means a missing child has been abducted.

Seattle Art Museum Japanese Fashion Exhibit

I went to the Japanese Fashion Exhibit this afternoon at the Seattle Art Museum. I went on the 1 p.m. guided tour.

When I think of fashion and couture, I think of Paris and NYC. I think of Tim Gunn and Project Runway. I think of Vogue, Elle, and Marie Claire. I don't think of Japan and yet, the most influential fashion designer in the world today is Japanese.

There is a dress made with 20 layers of muslin draped into folds that form ruffles. There is a dress that folds flat but when lifted up forms an accordion-like sculpture that flares out and looks stiff, as if made from paper using orgami. The word that comes to mind is ethereal. I learned that a kimono is 6 yards of silk--2 yards for the front, 2 yards for the back, and 2 yards for the sleeves. There is a plastic coat with 44 pockets filled with flowers. The stiff dresses that form ruffles make me wonder if they use the stabilizer sold at Joann Fabrics that helps to make hats stiff. One dress is made out of circles of fabric. One dress has intricate holes cut out all over the fabric. At the entrance of an exhibit was a black dress with gold chains sewn as design elements throughout the dress. We sell these gold chains by the yard at Joann Fabrics. One of the five designers featured in the exhibit designed using three shades of black.

The designers in the show have a distaste for heels, makeup, and for the most part, tight fighting garments. One design, which was a glittered skin suit worn by Lady Gaga was an exception. Models wear Doc Martens or go bare foot on the runway in Japan. One video showed a fashion show with rain coming down on the runway models.

This is a must-see exhibit at the Seattle Art Museum. I want to go again and again. I only scratched the surface.

 



 

This dress above made of denim was interesting with many pin tuck seams on each flared edge.

Who is the world's most influential designer today? Rei Kawakubo. She "creates for women who don't care what husband's think." She didn't go to fashion school. She creates. She considers herself a business woman, not an artist. 

One room in the exhibit shows "cool Japan" with young clothing like the designs seen in Seattle and Portland earlier this year at Sakuracon and Kumoricon.

Become a member of the Seattle Art Museum. You will need to go at least a couple of times to see this show so you had better just become a member and save money because there is so much to see with more great exhibits coming.



Joann Fabrics in Shoreline, WA

I worked at Joann Fabrics in Shoreline this morning from 6 to 10 a.m. It was my first day back after working on the night shift. The store is beautiful. Everyone's going to love shopping in the newly remodeled and larger store. It has so many new products and fabrics. I'm happy to work at Joann's.

Today I found brochures for classes offered at the store. A wide range of classes from cake decorating to knitting to making quilts. I've never made fondant and they have a class on making it teaching the Wilton method of cake decorating. So many great classes!

I'm grateful for my part time job and working at a job where there is so much creative energy. This is one of the few stores where women are encouraged to be creative and to learn. It's the Disneyland for women.

We have maps of the store so be sure to ask for one, if you're not sure where everything is. There is a box of maps at the cutting counter.

Have fun shopping the bargains and looking at all the new merchandise.

Zumba Event at 24 Hour Fitness Supersport in Northgate

 

Here are the photos from the Zumba Event last night. I'm the fat one in the yellow Zumba shirt near the front. I had a great time. It's always fun to Zumba. In the front row on the top photo are AJ, Niel, and Michelle who are all Zumba instructors. I don't see Christina in the photos who is also an instructor. She teaches on Sunday mornings.

 

I woke up at this wee hour thinking of Zumba. The music of marioneta was playing in my head. I wanted to start practicing the choreography of this song but you can't just start playing music in an apartment building and dancing on people's heads at 1:47 a.m. AJ was kind and encouraging last night when I talked to him before Zumba. I'm going to just start practicing at least a half hour every single day to memorize the choreography of one song and then moving onto the next like AJ suggested. I'm going to start with marioneta because I suspect it is a Zumba Gold song. I love it.

 

I wish I knew that I would have a place to teach after I memorize the choreography. Sometimes you just have to have faith that everything is going to work out.

 

Zumba

This morning I went to Daniel's Zumba class late at 24 Hour Fitness Northgate. I was in the back for the last 25 minutes of class. I had a great time. The room was packed. Always a master class with Daniel.

This evening I went to the Zumba event at 24 Hour Fitness Northgate. Niel was the instructor. The room was packed. Christina, another instructor was in the room. Michelle taught the class with Niel. A.J. another great instructor was in front. It was a lot of fun but I fizzled early even though I stayed until the end. I haven't been doing a lot of Zumba in the last month since I have been working the graveyard shift at Joann Fabrics to get the store ready for the big grand reopening event on August 10th.

I tend to like to exercise with other people in a group. I should be practicing with all my DVD's at home but there is always something on my list that needs doing. Since I want to be a Zumba Gold instructor, I need to work hard to learn all the choreography and music. Need to take the Zumba Gold instructor training first. Then I will need to find a place to teach.

Healthy Eating

I just had a salmon fillet. Earlier I made a smoothie with wheat germ, ground flax seed, Greek yogurt, a banana, and frozen mixed fruit. Delicious! I ate tabbouleh for breakfast that I made using Bob's Red Mill bulgur wheat. I use the basic recipe on the package but I add extra. I use three English cucumbers, 6 tomatoes, a bunch of green onions, and I also add turmeric. It's really good.

24 Hour Fitness Northgate Supersport

I love my gym. I love going to 24 Hour Fitness in Northgate.

This morning I went to Body Pump at 9:30 a.m. It was a great class taught by Shari. I stayed for 45 minutes. I love this class with the music and the repetitions using the bar bell with weights doing squats, lunges, deadlifts, bicep curls, and more. You wouldn't think that at 65, I would love this class so much but I do. If I keep going often enough, it will help to sculpt and tone my body. It's going to help me lose weight. Strong and healthy women are in the class with an occasional man. I can feel it right now since I haven't been at the gym in about a month since I've been working graveyard. I don't feel it in my muscles. I can feel it in my knees so I just drank Joint Juice that I bought at Target. I have to work back into this routine.

Glad to be back and looking forward to Zumba. Looking forward to the big Zumba event tomorrow evening!

Katie Couric

Today Katie Couric taught me about having firm arms on the Internet. Thank you, Katie! You're awesome! Great exercises with only 3 pound weights.

Seattle is Heaven

Every day I am grateful to live in Seattle. It's absolutely perfect and as close to heaven as you can get. I love it here. The weather is perfect today--not too hot.

I just found out about an affordable writer's conference in the Seattle area. Guess who is going to be there and is part of the faculty.........drum roll.........Rick Steves!! I can't get over how great it is to live here. WRITE ON THE SOUND in Edmonds is at the first of October.

Life is good!

New research out about weight loss

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

A condo

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

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

Stephen King's Family

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

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

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

Lake Forest Park

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

Zumba

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

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

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

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

Finding Someone

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

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

Working Full Time

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

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

Condos

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

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

Zumba Basic 1

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

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

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

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

Niel Smith-- Zumba Instructor

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

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

One Less Zoomer: and another and another and another and another...............

I submitted my latest novel that I have finished to Amazon.com. I'm excited. The title is ONE LESS ZOOMER: and another and another and another and another.......... I've been going back and forth on possible titles. Another one is MISSING ZOOMER.

I still have to do more editing to get the price down. Now it is 29 chapters and 315 pages for a 6 by 9 paperback. I need to bring the font down from Arial 11 to something smaller. I'm learning a lot in the process.

It's a cozy mystery and starting over story set in an apartment building in Seattle. Five people end up missing. Claire, the protagonist, solves the puzzle and works together with friends to find the perpetrator. Zumba is woven throughout the novel and there is a hint of romance between Claire and a retired police detective. It's rated G.

I'm excited. I hope this works because it would sure help me and make such a difference in my life right now to make things easier.

I can't make any changes yet on title or making the font smaller so I have to wait.

Seattle Art Museum's new exhibit--Japanese fashion

There's a great new fashion exhibit at the Seattle Art Museum--30 years of Japanese fashion. It tells all about it in the Seattle Times NW Friday Section of the paper on page B1.

I'm disappointed in myself because I had intended on going to see it on Wednesday. I am a member of the Seattle Art Museum and I was invited to the special showing and to hear a curator talk about the collection in the auditorium. I could kick myself for missing out on this great event but I can still go and see the collection because it is going to be at the Seattle Art Museum until September 8.

Go and see it. Buy a ticket or better yet, become a member of the Seattle Art Museum and support the arts.

National Dance Day on July 27th

Here's the video to learn the Zumba dance choreography for National Dance Day on July 27th this year. I love the choreography so much better than last year. This is going to be fun to learn.

It's fun to see Adam Shankman and Nigel Lythgoe in the video, my favorites from SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE.

I received this video on Facebook thanks to Marco Antonio Contreras who used to be a Zumba instructor at 24 Hour Fitness here in Northgate. Thanks Marco!

www.dizzyfeetfoundation.org

I had lunch with one of the best runners in the world!

I had lunch with one of the best runners in the world at Phos in downtown Seattle. He's an elite distance runner and at any marathon around the world, he gets to start with the other best runners in the world. Who is this amazing athlete? My son, Ben. Benjamin Haber came in 6th place at the Seattle Rock and Roll Marathon last Saturday. I'm very proud of him.

Riding a Bike in Seattle

On the front page of the Seattle Times is the headline, WORSE THAN MANHATTAN?: Bike expert rattled by ride through Seattle. I agree. I think it would be dangerous to ride a bike in Seattle. I think it sometimes is dangerous to be a pedestrian in Seattle.

Corvallis, Oregon was supposed to be a bike friendly city. I disagreed about Corvallis too.

It is dangerous for cars and bikes and people to occupy the same space. It is dangerous. Cars always win.

Some streets should be for cars and buses. Some streets should be for bikes ONLY. Some streets should be for pedestrians ONLY. Cars should park on the perimeter of a city with few streets that go through a city. Buses should have priority.

If we care about climate change, if we care about lowering pollution levels, if we care about health and fitness, then bikes and roller skates and walking should come first!

Novel Revision

I just finished a complete revision of one of my mystery novels. I'm really excited to have it done. It feels good. I wasn't sure that I could do it. I started about a month ago and wasted probably three weeks avoiding the project. I finished today. This was my National Novel Writing Month or Nano novel that I wrote in November. I plan on writing the screenplay based on this novel.

It's a cozy mystery set in an apartment building in Seattle. Five people end up missing. Claire, the protagonist solves the puzzle and works together with others to find the perpetrator. Zumba is woven throughout the novel and there is a hint of romance between Claire and a retired police detective.

Now I need to find an agent and publisher.

University of Washington Neighborhood Clinic in Northgate

I just got back from a physical at the University of Washington Neighborhood Clinic in Northgate. I have a great doctor. I really like her. Dr. Sperry. She said that she didn't see anything that gives her any cause for concern and that I'm very healthy. We both agree that Zumba is the reason why I am doing so well at 65.

I'm very grateful to live in Seattle where there is such great medical care. I'm happy to be here and live so close to everything that is important to me.

24 Hour Fitness Northgate Seattle

This morning I went to 24 Hour Fitness. First at 9:00, I took a Zumba class. Christina is an amazing instructor and dancer. So much fun for the hour. Then at 10:00, I took a Body Pump class and stayed for 40 minutes.

I love going to the gym and I love exercising. Of course, I love Zumba the most. Then Body Pump. Then the elliptical.

Ben comes in 6th place in Seattle Rock and Roll Marathon!

http://running.competitor.com/cgiresults?eId=40

Here's the link. Click on the Seattle Rock and Roll Marathon results for 2013. Then click on Ben Haber in 6th place and you can see a photo.

It sure felt good to see the sports section of the Seattle Times this morning and see Ben Haber coming in 6th place in the Seattle Rock and Roll Marathon. I'm sure proud of Ben. He's the best of the best and always has been. My kids all rock!

Seattle Rock and Roll Marathon 2013

My son, Benjamin Haber came in 6th place with a time around 2:44 this morning at the Seattle Rock and Roll Marathon. He's an amazing and gifted elite distance runner. He doesn't have all the time in the world to train and he still does amazing with an important job and family. I'm proud of you, Ben!

What an exciting event! I want to be part of it. I need to start training. I would love to finish a marathon and come through the finish line no matter how long it takes as long as I get to the end. I made it to 18 miles in the Portland Marathon in 2003. I need to try again.

Celebrate Midsommar

I just learned that at the Cedar Valley Grange in Lynnwood at 7:30 p.m., there is going to be a Midsommar celebration at the Friday dance. It sounds like so much fun but insecurities are kicking in with thoughts that I don't have an authentic Swedish dress to wear and am I too fat and I don't know anyone and I don't even know where the Cedar Valley Grange is........but it sure sounds like fun and it puts a big smile on my face. I bet they are going to have a lot of fun and I would love it.

Bob's Red Mill Muesli

I just had Bob's Red Mill Old Country Style Muesli. Boy, that was really good. I haven't made it in a long time. I had it in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and after answering a survey on cereals, I decided to make it. It's delicious hot. I need to make it more often. It's healthy. It tastes more like dessert than like a good-for-you cereal.

Zumba

I just got back from Zumba at 24 Hour Fitness Northgate Seattle. I took a class with Daniel who is truly a gifted dancer. The room was packed. It was a celebration. Zumba is always a celebration in Daniel's class because he brings fun and joy to everyone but today was Daniel's birthday so it was extra special. Vimala who always stands in the front row in Zumba passed around a card for everyone to sign for Daniel.

If I were to pick one word that describes Zumba, I would have to say it is tribal. It is everyone in unison dancing to the beat, being happy, moving. I love Zumba. I find that I need Zumba, just as I need to eat healthy and drink water. Zumba makes me happy.

I'm excited to learn more about Zumba and take the Zumba Basic 1 instructor training on the 29th. I want to teach Zumba Gold someday. I want to learn the formula to choreograph songs because I want to use reggae and a slower beat music from the Caribbean. I'm excited to learn how it all works. Or maybe I google or YouTube reggae Zumba choreography that has already been done. Easier. I love Zumba and happy to have Zumba in my life.

Skandia Midsommarfest

Skandia Midsommarfest will be held at Saint Edward State Park in Kenmore on Sunday, June 30th from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event is free.
There will be music and dance performances, kids activities, craft and food vendors, dancing, and much more.

www.skandia-folkdance.org

http://travel.nytimes.com/2013/05/12/travel/a-midsummer-days-dream-in-sweden.html?smid=fb-share

Happy Birthday!

Today is Joe's birthday, my son. He's 35 today! He lives in Florida and is an amazing and busy guy with a family, work, and finishing his degree so he can teach math and science. I miss him because I don't get to talk to him very much. That's what happens when your children grow up and everyone lives in a different state.

On June 15th, it was Daniel's birthday, my youngest son. He was 33. I was 32 when Daniel was born. I was young with 5 kids. They were my whole life and I loved every minute with them. Now Daniel lives in Ohio and he works all the time. I talk to Daniel the most out of all my kids. I'm grateful that he calls me during the week.

My kids are all amazing, independent, and busy. They have great careers and are all brilliant. I'm proud of all of them. I just wish there were more time to spend with them but that's what happens when your kids are successful and independent. That's what parents want for their children. I'm proud of all of them.

4:46 a.m.

I got up this morning at 4:46 a.m. When I looked at my watch I was happy because it's time to get up and start my day. I love mornings. Mornings are the beginning of the day. There is so much potential in the morning. You can plan your day. You can make the decision of what to do. You haven't wasted the time yet. It's all open. Everyone has the same amount of time and yet some people do more with their day. Some people accomplish great things in a day. Others seem to just be marking time and just waste the whole day. It's up to each person how they want to spend their time. Some people aren't as lucky as others because they are sick or not able to do what they would like to do. I guess the trick is to be happy with the myriad of choices you have. I know that there is always a zillion things that I could do in a day. I just have to work on the most important things first and then move my way through the list.

Happy morning! Enjoy the day!

The Big 9.0 Earthquake

A devastating 9.0 earthquake is expected in Seattle according to experts. It could happen anytime. Science writer for the Seattle Times, Sandi Doughton wrote a book, The Next Big Earthquake in the Pacific Northwest: FULL RIP 9.0. She was at the main library in downtown Seattle this evening to talk to a crowded room of people wanting to know all about it. When it is going to happen? What will happen? How badly will our area be paralyzed?

The good news is that we have all the information so we need to prepare. There is good reason to invest in making sure our buildings will be safe because it will minimize the millions of dollars in damage and cost of lives. We need to heed the warning and listen.

I was happy to know when I glanced through her book on page 195 that the troll underneath the bridge in Fremont will be okay. Steps have already been taken to protect the bridge and the troll. We must remember though that there are lots of bridges in Seattle and not all are structurally sound.

If the big one does happen, there will be acute damage all the way to the Cascades. A 10,000 square foot area will be hardest hit. Experts say there is a 86% chance of a big earthquake in the next 30 years. Rivers would change course. The resulting tsunami that would follow the five minutes of shaking would cause ocean water to cover a large area of Seattle in areas close to sea level. It's not a great idea to live near lakes and rivers that feed into the ocean when a tsunami hits because the water would surge and cover low areas along these areas. Experts mapped the area south of Seattle has being hit hard by the water from the tsunami. If the quake would be anything like the 1700 Cascadia, any low area up and down the Pacific Northwest could be a disaster area. After all, we do live in the Ring of Fire in the Northwest with potential earthquakes and volcanic activity.

In 2010, Chili had a 8.8 megaquake. On page 188 of FULL RIP 9.0, Sandi Doughton says, "Chilean codes generally require stronger construction than do codes in the United States." Yanev, who has investigated the damage of major earthquakes all over the world said, "If our buildings were in Chile, they would be all over the ground." Find out exactly what is needed to protect the building you are living in. Don't assume if you own a million dollar condo in downtown Seattle that your building is safe even if it has steel girders. Find out exactly what is needed to make your building safe and talk to your condo association and demand that it be done.

On page 191 of her book, Sandi says, "The most dangerous structures in Portland, Seattle, Vancouver, and scores of smaller cities across the Northwest are concrete buildings constructed before the mid-1970's. Engineers call them nonductile, which means they can't bend without breaking. Their columns lack enough steel reinforcement to keep them from collapsing in a major shake. And when heavy concrete buildings collapse, it can be deadly to anyone trapped inside."

We know we need to prepare. We know we need to reinforce our buildings. We know that emergency response teams, utility companies, and medical responders need to prepare for such an event. Schools need to prepare. Families need to prepare. We don't know how long it will take to have things return to "normal" after such an event. The more we prepare, the better and easier it will be.

It is a good idea to find out if the building you are living in is earthquake proof. More than likely, it is not. The State of Washington has a list of buildings that are unsafe. Seattle has a list. It is a good idea to find out how to make your home safe and then do it. One thing I learned is that if you have a home with a cement slab for a foundation, you better make sure that the house is bolted onto the foundation. I guess that is important.

I'm not going to live scared of what could or might happen. So much in life could happen. You never know what tomorrow will bring. It's good to prepare and know what to do in case of emergency. Seattle and the State of Washington can do something about preparing for a disaster so that the tragic loss of life is minimized.

There are lots of important information, tips, and facts in this book so you can understand, not only what could happen and why, but how to protect yourself. Buy it and buy copies of your friends and family.

I guess the State Department of Transportation has a worse case scenario video that is available. Ask about it. Learn what to do.

Sandi Doughton has investigated stories for the Seattle Times all over the world. She's a hero. I admire her, as I do all serious journalists. Buy her book and learn the details about the possible earthquake to hit Seattle.

Aqua Cycling

This April in New York City a studio offered aqua cycling in their four foot pool. This is a great idea. I wonder what the bikes are like. They are stationary bikes and since they are submerged in water, the workout is much easier than a spinning class at a gym. Wow! I wonder if it is easier to sit on the seat when you are in the water. That's my biggest problem with spinning classes is the small seat that hurts after three minutes into the class. I bet this class is going to take off. It's a great idea. Aqua cycling started in Europe in the 90's.

Dr. Alexis Colvin, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine at Mount Sinai in NYC says, "spinning is a great way to strengthen muscles without impact." He also says that, "Like regular cycling, it strengthens muscles without putting stress on the joints, and proponents suggest that the motion of the water 'massaging' your legs as you pedal makes your muscles less sore post-workout."

This class burns 600 calories. I haven't heard about it until today when I opened the page in Marie Claire. At Aquatics Is, Inc., in Downington, Pennsylvania, aqua-spinning classes have been popular for years!

When are they going to start aqua cycling in Seattle?

Where did I hear about this?
Marie Claire
July 2013
page 162
"Rinse Cycle"
by Jennifer Goldstein

Joann Fabrics

I love to work at Joann Fabrics. I love everything they sell. I love to help customers and hear about all the creative projects they are working on. I worked today from 12 to 4:30 p.m. I waited on one young woman and she commented on sewing a dress using a pattern she was buying and creating a dress that would cost over $500 in a store. I think that is so fantastic.

I always say that Joann Fabrics is the Disneyland for women.

I subscribe to Elle, Marie Claire, and have been subscribing to Vogue. I can't subscribe to everything I want but I continually see dresses that can be duplicated by buying fabric at Joann Fabrics. I think it would be a great idea to have manikins that wear a dress using a pattern from our store made from our fabric and then show the exact same dress or something very similar in one of the big name fashion magazines on a poster display next to the dress to show everyone that they too can sew a runway dress.

Lemons

I bought a sack of lemons this morning. I use lemons every day. I wash them, cut off the ends and cut them in half long ways. Then I put each half on the cutting board and cut it again long ways. Then I slice them into 8 thin slices to put into my ice cube tray to fill with water. I drink a lot of ice water and I drink a lot of iced tea. I put the lemon ice in my ice water and iced tea. Pretty good.

Starbucks Coffee Frappuccino

You know what really sounds good to me right now--a Starbucks Coffee Frappuccino with no whipped cream. A grande is 240 calories.

If I were to order a light blended coffee Frappuccino at Starbucks, a grande would be 110 calories.

I need to buy one soon.

Akiko--Zumba Instructor

Akiko is so nice. She's a great Zumba instructor. Here's one of her u-tube videos. Watch and have fun. She's a great dancer and a very nice person.

晶子 尾上·

Kari--Zumba Instructor

I just got back from Target and saw Kari with her daughter as I was ready to check out. She's one of my Zumba instructors at 24 Hour Fitness Northgate. She's always nice to me. She's nice to everyone and she's a great dancer and instructor. She mainly teaches at the Lynnwood 24 Hour Fitness. She subs for instructors at Northgate. It's always nice to see her. I should go visit Lynnwood once in awhile.

It was really nice to see her and see her smile at me and to hear her kind words. It means a lot. I don't think all the Zumba instructors in my life really know how much they mean to me. They bring music and joy and dance. Zumba is the most fun that I have in a week and it is really the truth that Zumba instructors are my best friends. I really don't have any close friends. Zumba instructors are as good as it gets. I moved here a year and a half ago. Zumba is what I love to do. What you walk into a Zumba class, it is pure fun. I love the music and I love to dance.

The Zumba instructors, like Kari, are great at being so nice to everyone. In their classes, they create a sense of community and make everyone feel included and like it is great that you came to the class to be part of Zumba. It's nice.

I missed out on Zumba this morning. I didn't get going in time. I was putzing around. I missed out on fun. Actually I was feeling sorry for myself and had to have a talk with myself. I had to tell myself to quit whining because I have so much to be grateful for and so many opportunities. Sometimes it is hard to be a writer, which is a little too isolating sometimes.

Too bad that Zumba isn't offered several times a day. So........I will put on a Zumba DVD and dance with Beto.

Self Care

When it feels like no one is there for you and no one cares, it is important to care about yourself. It is important to exercise, take your vitamins, eat healthy, and tell yourself that you matter, remind yourself that you're a good person, work hard, and that you have potential. It is important to reevaluate everything in your life and look at what you can do better, what you can do to make your life easier, and how to help drive your goals forward. Positive self talk is essential in the process.

Bank of America

Read This.........................
ProPublica.
"Bank of America employees regularly lied to homeowners seeking loan modifications, denied their applications for made-up reasons, and were rewarded for sending homeowners to foreclosure, according to sworn statements by former bank employees.

The employee statements were filed late last week in federal court in Boston as part of a multi-state class action suit brought on behalf of homeowners who sought to avoid foreclosure through the government’s Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) but say they had their cases botched by Bank of America.

In a statement, a Bank of America spokesman said that each of the former employees’ statements is “rife with factual inaccuracies” and that the bank will respond more fully in court next month. He said that Bank of America had modified more loans than any other bank and continues to “demonstrate our commitment to assisting customers who are at risk of foreclosure.”

 

Six of the former employees worked for the bank, while one worked for a contractor. They range from former managers to front-line employees, and all dealt with homeowners seeking to avoid foreclosure through the government’s program.


When the Obama administration launched HAMP in 2009, Bank of America was by far the largest mortgage servicer in the program. It had twice as many loans eligible as the next largest bank. The former employees say that, in response to this crush of struggling homeowners, the bank often misled them and denied applications for bogus reasons."

http://www.salon.com/2013/06/14/bank_of_america_lied_to_homeowners_rewarded_foreclosures_partner/

Now I will tell MY story about the house that my husband bought in Alsea, Oregon at 19279 South Fork Road. He bought it in 2001. After my husband passed away in May of 2011, I contacted several real estate agents to please help me list the house so I could sell and leave. Since I had no friends in Alsea and it was hard to drive so far to shopping--almost an hour away, I didn't want to stay. One of the first realtors, said I should get a preinspection. The inspector said that there were pipes broken under the house and sewage had spilled underneath. Then I started to contact people to help me solve the problem so I could sell it. It turned into thousands of dollars with three companies making it worse and the problem never solved. I also was told that I would have to dig a new drain field going up hill and it would cost thousands of dollars more. One thing that was odd was that if there really were pipes broken and sewage all over, why wasn't there a smell? Others commented too that I talked to said this was suspicious. I paid out a lot of money and didn't get anything. I gave away about 80% of my possessions to people who loved to take them. There are always people around who want what you have. Every day I would have a list of things to do, people to call to get help. I persisted and kept reaching out for help. I didn't ever get help.

I lived on this property with no one caring about what I was going through for over six months without plumbing. People saw because I had a portapotty out in the drive way. I asked Bank of America for help. No help. They said that I should just walk away. So I did. They own the house. Now I live in an apartment that costs me $1150 a month, which is a lot more than my house payment in Alsea. Thank you very much!

Yes, I am happier in Seattle and going to need to find housing that is more affordable for me. I would NEVER move back to Oregon. No friends. No help during difficult times.

Huluplus

I don't have television anymore with a DVR. Sometimes I really miss it. I was trying to save money so I decided to try not having television. Then I discovered Huluplus on my computer. I watch almost every day. I've found that there are series that are exclusively on Hulu that I can't find anywhere else so I am starting off with these. I usually watch while I am eating.

I started it off with watching the Librarians, a comedy from Australia. I watched the whole series.

Now I'm watching Little Mosque. It has over 91 episodes so it's going to take awhile. Right now I am on Season 3, Episode 14. This is a great series and I love the characters. I enjoy picking a show with potential and watching it all the way through.

Next I am going to try Rev.

Sign up for Huluplus and when you do, please mention my name and my blog so I get some free time to watch hulu. I'd appreciate it very much. There are a lot of original series on hulu that are worth checking out and watching. I'm just beginning to see all the great new programming only available on huluplus. www.hulu.com

I miss my regular shows that I always watched. I have no idea who won Survivor. That's hard. Big Brother is coming up. I'm going to miss out. For all I know it's already going on. Then there are all the mystery shows that I loved to watch like Elementary, Castle, and others. I don't see Rachel Maddow anymore and her hard-hitting news commentary on MSNBC. I'm missing out on Dr. Oz and his inspirational teachings to help me become more healthy. Mad Men is almost over and I don't get to watch it. My CBS soaps are lost to me. I guess I used to watch a little too much.

Now I am writing every morning first thing, which is a good thing. I sure hope that I can revise all my writing so it is good enough so that I can find an agent, publisher.

Health and Fitness

I just juiced 3 pounds of kale, 1 pound of spinach, 3 apples, and 2 cucumbers. Yum.

This morning I did 40 minutes of Gilad's Bodies in Motion DVD.

Yesterday I went to 24 Hour Fitness Northgate to take Daniel's Zumba class at 9:30 a.m.

After I drink my fresh green juice, I am going to eat a big salad.

Legislature in Olympia, Washington wasting time and money

The headlines in the Seattle Times of Section B states, "Special Session: 30 days, 0 bills, $77,000 in costs." That's a lot of money to waste, not accomplishing anything for the state of Washington!

I guess they were having fun playing cards, talking, playing golf, eating because they sure didn't accomplish any work and yet the State of Washington taxpayers must foot the bill. Not so good..........

It's Time for Hillary!

It's time for Hillary! Bill Maher says she "eats scandals for breakfast." That's what we need. Someone with the courage and political backbone to stand up and fight for what is right. I'm a Centrist, like Hillary Clinton. I'm excited to see what is going to happen on the political scene.  We need a woman in the White House since it seems like men are willing to compromise everything that is important these days. Go Hillary!

Ayn Rand

Ayn Rand is one of my favorite writers. I like the way she writes and I love it that she stands for excellence, the gifted and talented adult, and working hard. I disagree with her in philosophy that the wealthy should be able to keep all their pennies and not feel social or environmental responsibility. I have read and reread The Anthem, The Fountainhead, and Atlas Shrugged. I really enjoy Atlas Shrugged because I love trains too. She's a great writer and was a brilliant woman.

I read all over the place--classics, history, genre fiction, literary. I love great writing first of all and I am attracted to social commentary. I love mysteries--Patterson, Jance, Grafton. My favorite writer is Carlos Ruiz Zafon. I love to read Garrison Keillor. In college I loved to read Aleksandr Solzhenitsen, Fyodor Dosoyevsky, Victor Frankl, and John Steinbeck. I love Amy Tan, Dan Brown, and I read James Patterson, especially when I am writing a mystery so that my pacing picks up and my writing is clear.

Through the years, I have most often read nonfiction--history, gardening, health, nutrition, self-help books. In college I was pouring over books by Fritz Perls and Virginia Satir and Bruno Bettelheim.

Books are important to me and I love to read.

Planned Parenthood

This afternoon when I was walking toward the Crab Pot for lunch with my son, there were young people talking to people about Planned Parenthood. One man in a car that went past made an offensive gesture with his hand out the window.

This is my story regarding Planned Parenthood. I am grateful for Planned Parenthood and support what they are doing to protect and help women.

Around 1991 or 1992, I went to a doctor who was expensive in a great neighborhood in South Salem. I asked him to check on a lump that I found in my breast. He said, "Don't worry about it. It's just a cyst." He didn't check. I didn't worry because I trusted doctors and thought they knew everything.

In June of 1993, I had an appointment with Planned Parenthood in Salem and was checked. They found a large lump. It was over an inch in diameter. Dr. Van Rozlen was the surgeon who did the lumpectomy. He went in twice to make sure that the margins were clean. I didn't have to have radiation or chemotherapy but it was cancer. I was promised by the Helen G. Komen Foundation that I would be followed each year but they stopped helping me over 10 years ago. Thank you very much!

I am a cancer survivor since June of 1993. I exist. I am healthy. It was Planned Parenthood who helped me! They help women and they need to be protected.

Green Peace

I went to the Seattle Aquarium this afternoon and saw a very visible presence on the sidewalk near the Aquarium from Green Peace talking to people about protecting whales. It was nice to see young people who are working to protect whales and to protect the health of the ocean. Only 1 % of the ocean is protected. More needs to be done to protect life in the ocean and the water quality.

It is nice that they care enough to volunteer their time to help protect the whales.

Protect Social Security

I am shocked that President Obama would send the "chained CPI" proposal included in the federal budget to Congress which would cut Social Security Benefits to balance the budget! I am shocked that this would be considered.

Social Security needs to be protected and Medicare needs to be protected. I am shocked that President Obama would put anything on the table to cut Social Security.

I got an alert in the mail today from AARP and I am shocked to hear that a cut in Social Security would even be considered. This isn't how to balance the budget! The money needs to come from large corporations who aren't paying their fair share to make a profit and from the wealthy who collect Social Security and put their money in off shore accounts to avoid paying taxes! The wealthy shouldn't be receiving Social Security benefits because they don't need it. The wealthy should pay more taxes to live in the United States and be able to reap all the benefits. Large corporations who make all the money and profits should pay more taxes for the privilege of doing business in the United States. Little old ladies and little old men shouldn't be robbed of Social Security money when they don't have enough to make ends meet. Now will they have to give up the daily apple in their diet and the green salad and the bus pass?

Ella's Birthday

 

My granddaughter, Ella, turned two today. It was so wonderful to spend time with Ella, Anna, my son, Ben, and my daughter-in-law, Amanda. Ella is so cute!

WDOT

Yesterday morning when I was on my way to the Zumba class at 24 Hour Fitness Northgate, I saw two WDOT men standing on the corner. I asked them about the light for pedestrians and said that it doesn't go on automatically even though it is such a busy intersection. Then I was off and went across the street.

Then when I walked across the street for the Zumba class last night at 24 Hour Fitness Northgate, I was waiting to cross the street with a man who was talking about the need for a pedestrian bridge across Northgate way to get to the restaurant. I told him that was a great idea. I wish I could have talked to him about it more. I wonder if he is an engineer and is working on the project.

WDOT really needs to look at the corner of 5th and the street behind Target, one block north of Northgate Way. I have been nearly run over twice and I have seen other people almost get hit several times. Cars don't want to stop. They have tunnel vision and want to get where they want to go and don't bother to look to see if someone is crossing the street. It's a dangerous corner. There are lots of wheelchairs and people with canes and walkers who cross this intersection so there needs to be a solution.

Beto Perez

I'm reading ZUMBA: Ditch the Workout, Join the Party! THE ZUMBA Weight Loss Program by Beto Perez. Beto started it all. He created the BEST exercise that combines cardio, strength training, core work, interval training, and is a great exercise for the brain plus it puts a smile on your face.

Beto Perez should be honored with a Nobel Peace Prize for bringing people together from all over the world and creating an exercise program that can melt 1000 calories an hour with pure fun. With the Zumba diet, you can lose up to 9 pounds in 5 days. The Zumba way of eating is built around healthy foods that target the fat in your abs, thighs, and all over your body.

Buy the book by Beto Perez at www.zumba.com
And buy some DVD's to go with it to learn the moves!

I want to see Beto Perez on the cover of Time as person of the year in January, 2014.

Creativity Coaching

I like to see people win. I like to see people soar and take off. I like to see people flourish. It's a great joy to see people do well.

I'm reading the book for my Creativity Coaching Training that is taught by Eric Maisel, the number one Creativity Coach in the world. He's written 40 plus books and is the top expert on Creativity so I am excited to learn from his books and this training. www.ericmaisel.com.

I'm taking the training to help myself with my own writing projects and goals. I was considering taking on free clients as suggested but I'm not sure it is a good fit for me at this time and I'm not sure I have the time. I will consider it at a later time. I think that working with writers would be a better fit for me when the opportunity opens up. I hadn't started this class with the intension of starting to take on clients. As my confidence grows and as I learn more about coaching, I will consider but I am really interested in helping myself achieve my own writing goals and learning more about the process of creativity.

I'm excited for the future and all that is possible. Life is good.

Beginning Zumba

I have been thinking that there needs to be Beginning Zumba classes for those people who are brand new to Zumba and want to try. Zumba Gold is a slower, easier version for seniors and there needs to be Zumba Gold too. But there needs to be a Beginning Zumba that goes over each kind of dance move very slowly and in steps, like is shown in the DVD's from Zumba.com.

I have noticed the last few times that I have gone to Zumba at 24 Hour Fitness that there are people standing and watching in the back or on the side, trying to be part of it but their feet just aren't connecting with what they want to do. This shouldn't be discouraged. There should be a beginning class for people to transition into Zumba. Last night there was a man at the side trying hard to duplicate the instructor. I wanted to go over and offer help but I am not an instructor yet. Last time I went there was a woman in the back who looked confused by it all. This happens often and usually I don't see these people return. It's sad because there needs to be a way to help them get from the very beginning to where they want to be so they can participate in a class, have fun, and feel confident enough to try.

Zumba is probably the number one most amazing way to exercise since it combines interval training, core work, strength training, cardio, and it is a great exercise for the brain plus it puts a smile on your face. It doesn't feel like exercise. Everyone is just having fun moving. People want to be part of it and there needs to be an introduction to Zumba in gyms to help.

Ex-CIA Worker has courage

On the front page of the Seattle Times this morning is the headline, EX-CIA WORKER SAYS HE LEAKED SURVEILLANCE DATA." This young man has great courage to stand up against what is wrong and what is happening. His courage should be admired and he should be protected. When things are really wrong and someone stands up against it, they must be applauded.

Edward Showden, a tech specialist for the NSA, which I believe is in Utah has courage and a conscience. Interesting that Utah is almost exclusively Mormon.

Interesting when you look at the June 2013 issue of Psychology Today article, "Confessions of a Sociopath," written by a Mormon attorney who states that "recent estimates that one in every 25 people is a sociopath," and that "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a sociopath's dream. Mormons believe that everyone has the potential to be godlike." Are all Mormons like this who don't care what they do and operate without a conscience? Of course, not. There are many nice and good people who are Mormons. But I do remember my husband talking about one Mormon attorney in Corvallis who regularly bragged on Sunday about getting criminals off who were guilty.

Sociopaths are the bullies of the world. Those who hit, who cause harm, who lie, who manipulate, and who just plain don't care how their behavior effects others.

Also interesting that in the last six months, a Comcast/XFinity technical support person told me that the flat screen televisions and computers with Skype capability can also be used for surveillance.

Is this the kind of world we want?

There is so much in the world that we can't do anything about or control. I believe strongly that all a person can do is to be the best person they can be, treat others with kindness, be nice, work hard at projects important to you, and to live an authentic life making sure that your values are in line with your actions.

Cuisinart Juice Extractor CJE 1000

I bought a juicer yesterday at Macy's. I love it! I've had three juicers and this is the best one. It was recommended in Z-life, the magazine for Zumba. I just juiced 2 1/2 pounds of kale, 1 pound of parsley, 4 apples, and 6 large carrots. It tastes so good.

I figured that I wasn't eating enough kale and deep green vegetables so I needed to start to juice again and after I saw my new issue of Z-Life, I decided it was time.

This juicer is very well engineered. It can handle the vegetables and the juice doesn't spill out on the counter as with my last one. I like it and I'm going to use it often.

I used to juice ginger, garlic, beets, cucumber and other vegetables along with the kale, parsley, apples, and carrots. I'll keep juicing and I will get healthier.

Zumba Basic

I am signed up to take the training for Zumba Basic at the end of June. I'm really excited to learn more about Zumba.  This is the training for instructors. You need to take Zumba Basic before Zumba Gold and I'm interested in teaching Zumba Gold someday. I figure that even if I don't use the training as an instructor, it will help me get better at Zumba, and learn more.

My first priority is health and fitness, then comes writing. If health and fitness is truly my priority then my actions must be in line with this priority.

I absolutely love Zumba. I love to dance. I love to move to the music and just get lost in it all.

I'm reading Zumba by Beto Perez who started Zumba. It's a great book and you can buy it at www.zumba.com. It talks about the Zumba diet and that Zumba is interval training and much more.

I'm excited to take the training and I look forward to more Zumba in my life.

This morning I went to 24 Hour Fitness in Northgate to take the class from Christina. She's amazing and a great dancer. I had a great time.

Creativity

I'm starting to read the text for my creativity training coaching class. I'm highlighting words and writing notes in the margins of the ebook I printed out and put in a notebook.

It really reminded me of how strongly I feel about original work and the process of being creative when I read these words:

 

" Creativity is the expression of a person who has opted to matter and

who has decided to make personal meaning."

--Eric Maisel

 

To create is so necessary and essential to make meaning and to have meaning in life. Is copying someone else's work creating? I think not. And yet so many people do. I think that to create means to create original work, to express yourself through a chosen medium, whether it be words, fabric, paints, music, and see where it takes you. Yet so many people copy or duplicate or don't even participate in any creative process. It's fun to create and make things and to express yourself through art or words or music.

I'm really looking forward to the process of learning all about creativity and the process to create. I'll be able to help people.

Creativity Coach

I have started training online to become a Creativity Coach with Eric Maisel.
www.ericmaisel.com

I am just beginning and everyone in the class is encouraged to take on 2 to 4 free clients during this training to help them work towards a creative goal and to help them understand the process needed to achieve it. I have received free creative coaching in the past through Dr. Maisel's coaches so even though I am new to all this, I understand the process from both ends.

So I am looking for 2 to 4 people to help in the creative process to achieve a goal. The process is done through e-mail, not phone or in person.

I love to encourage people to be the best they can be so I thought this would be a good fit for me.

I am mainly taking the training to help myself achieve greater goals in my own writing process. Since I have signed up for this training, I have already put myself on a revision schedule for my last novel that I finished and the training doesn't start until June 10th. I need to read the book too and other books by Dr. Maisel. My youngest son has been encouraging me to finish my writing. I thought that taking this training would help in the process.

I was also thinking that if I am successful as a Creativity Coach, it could help me achieve another one of my goals to work on my MFA in creative writing at the U.W. Bothell. And if I can earn my MFA in creative writing at the U.W. and teach at a college or university, my training as a creativity coach would be a natural fit as an instructor. It all works together.

Or if I am successful at revising all my novels and find a publisher or an editor or an agent who wants them, then I guess I will be way too busy finishing a novel every six months to go back to school. Who knows what will happen or how it is all going to turn out but I am excited about the possibilities.

A Night at the Cotton Club--Seattle Pops Series at the Seattle Symphony

The talent sizzles on stage at the Seattle Symphony for the next few nights. Benaroya Hall is going to be the hot spot, when the Seattle Symphony creates A Night at the Cotton Club for everyone who walks through the door. The band and all the performers are hot! It's going to be pure fun and a joy to watch. Byron Stripling on the trumpet has played with the best bands and orchestras--Carnegie Hall, Count Basie Orchestra, and on and on. He's a performer and owns the stage. He's a strong presence. Carmen Bradford sang the powerful vocals of Ella Fitzgerald and Dorothy Fields. She was the featured vocalist with the Count Basie Orchestra for nine years and recorded with Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and other greats. Ted Louis Levy danced on stage and sang in the tradition of Sammy Davis Jr. Robert Breithaupt was great on drums. Jeff Tyzik as conductor brought it all together to make it special for everyone. They succeeded in making it fun and in creating A Night at the Cotton Club.

My favorites were Here Comes Charlie and Minnie the Moocher. But it was all great. I had a great afternoon.

http://cottonclub-newyork.com/
The Cotton Club in New York was the home of Duke Ellington and all the jazz greats.

I received an invitation to an open rehearsal to A Night at the Cotton Club at the Seattle Symphony. Doors opened at 12 noon. There wasn't assigned seating so I thought I'd see what it was like to sit in the middle section in P13 and then I tried out K1 on the right side. Usually I'm in row W on the left. They are all great seats! But if you are up too close, you can't see anyone past the first row in the orchestra. If that doesn't matter, it doesn't matter if you are really close. I like seeing everyone and watching. So I guess W is great and so is P but K is a little too close up for me, in my opinion.

Life is good!

It's a gorgeous Seattle morning. I have all the windows open to let in fresh air and cool it down a little in my apartment. It looks like a beautiful sunny day.

I'm getting back into my daily writing routine in the morning. I'm going to revise all my novels and start sending them in. I'm working on my last nano novel first because it's the freshest and the most fun to work on. I will work on revisions in the morning and then read writing craft articles or look at books that will help me for the next morning as I revise.

Last night I went to a Zumba class at 24 Hour Fitness and had fun. I love to dance.

I'm very grateful for all that I have and look forward to the future.

Daily Schedule

Every day I plan my schedule. I got up early and have been doing chores around my apartment and taking care of my finances. I'm organizing my work.

My plans for today were to work from 11 to 3 p.m. but I got called from a supervisor to work from 1 to 5:30 today.

I was planning on going to Zumba today 7:30 this evening.

Another Zumba was at noon today. Coming in to work at 1 p.m. will not allow me enough time to shower and get ready for work so I guess I will miss it anyway.

Life is being flexible and changing with what happens.

80 degrees

It's 80 degrees in my apartment right now. Way too hot! I really don't like hot weather at all.

James Patterson

James Patterson is my favorite writer. I just finished I, Michael Bennett.  It leaves you hanging and now I have to wait until September 30th when Gone comes out.

Second Honeymoon is coming out June 24th in hardback.

It is a good thing that I have plenty of other books tor read..................

Khaled Hosseini

Khaled Hosseini is at Town Hall in Seattle at 7 p.m. tonight. I was going to go and be there when the event opens at 6:15 p.m. I want to go. I looked at the map and saw that Town Hall is on the other side of I-5. It is only a few blocks from the bus stop to Town Hall. I would probably be fine but I don't like to go out alone at night.

Why in the world when there are important library events like this, can't there be vans to pick up at neighborhood libraries to take you back and forth???

Emil Nystrom, Swedish Photographer

Emil Nystrom, a Swedish photographer has taken some amazing snapshots of his 1 year old daughter, Signhild using photoshop. He sure is creative! And his daughter is Super Signhild!

Zumba #3 today!

I made it. I did three zumba classes today and had a great time. So much fun all packed into one day! Niel taught the class and A.J., his partner helped to teach. Everyone had a great time. I wasn't the only one in the room who had taken zumba three times today. A Japanese lady also took the class three times today. She's a great dancer.

This was my 4th shower today. It's good that I take 3 to 5 minute showers and that I don't waste water. I have been taking 5 minute showers ever since I read the book, Cheaper by the Dozen. The last time I timed it here in Seattle, it was 3 minutes so I'm doing good.

I had a great day. It was full of zumba and fun.

AFAA

I've signed up for three online classes with the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America. www.afaa.com

I'm taking resistance training first. I decided to do this so I can build my own strength training program and be my own trainer. I just might go the whole way to get certified as a trainer, even if no one might hire me just so that I know how to take care of myself. The three online classes are half price now at $75 each. I called and talked to them today and found out that I can take a three day class at Seattle University for almost $500 plus another class for $99. and then I could be a real trainer to help people. My goal is to work with seniors and people who are overweight, like me.

I love to learn and I love to exercise. I'm having fun!

Zumba #2

I completed Zumba #2 today at 4:30 with Venessa. I haven't been able to go through a whole class before. I gave up prior to today but today I made it through the entire hour. I'm glad I went. I love some of her choreography. I have to modify some of it but I could do more than I thought. I'm determined. Now I know I can do the three hours today. I'll go to Niel's 7:30 class this evening.

My goal is to build endurance because I want to be a zumba gold instructor someday. I want to teach zumba gold and zumba gold toning to seniors. I also trying hard to lose weight and to make sure I am fit and healthy. Being fit and healthy is my number one priority and goal for my life. Writing comes next.

I have already signed up to take Zumba Basic at the end of the month. It's an all day class south of Seattle. I'm excited. I want to take Zumba Gold and Zumba Gold Toning. I hope an instructor comes to the Seattle area to teach it.

I sure had fun today. I love zumba so much. My husband didn't dance. We were married for over 39 years. I love to dance. Now I can dance with zumba. It's pure fun and pure joy. It's the most fun that I have in a day or in my week.

Holman Homestead Park

I walk through Holman Homestead Park when I go and come home from the gym most of the time. I wish there were tennis courts. I wish there were paths for roller skating in a large circle. There are gravel paths which is great for runners. They have picked high maintenance plants, which I think is a mistake. I think they should pick plants, shrubs, and trees with zero maintenance. I guess that might cost some jobs though so I guess it should stay as is.

Zumba #1 today

I just came back from the 9:30 Zumba class at 24 Hour Fitness Northgate. The instructor was my favorite instructor, Niel. He's fun and I really like his choreography. He's a great teacher and amazing dancer.

What I am trying to attempt today is do something I haven't done before so we will see how it turns out. I want to take all three Zumba classes today. I've taken two in a single day but never three. The 4:30 class is by Venessa. She's young and she is high intensity and jumping every minute but I figure I have to learn and get used to it because she teaches four times a week. I'm missing out if I can't do it.

Tonight at 7:30 is the zumba class taught by Niel. I have done two in a day by him so I know I can do two.

I'm going to try Venessa's class. I want to be able to take more zumba classes every week. We'll see how today turns out..................

Wii Fit

I love Wii Fit. It's an outstanding exercise gaming system. I just finished 30 minutes. I don't use it as often as I should. The truth is that I don't like the negative messages. I don't like the groaning when I get on the scale. I don't like it that even though I am within a feather's width of center, that it says that I can't get it. I don't want the same tips all the time so most of the time I don't click on it. If I were to change this game, I would make it so that there were more smiles, always positive affirmations, and encouragement. I know I would use it more often.

What do I like best? I just did my fitness routine for 25 minutes which is made up of yoga and strength. I love the down hill skiing. I love the marching band one.

24 Hour Fitness in Northgate

I just got back from 24 Hour Fitness here in Northgate. I am almost finished with the blueberry smoothie I made when I walked in the door. I put in yogurt, 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed, 1 tablespoon wheat germ, 1 scoop whey protein, 1 tablespoon bee pollen, 1/2 banana, 3 cups of frozen blueberries, and water. Then I blended it smooth. It's really good.

I had a lot of fun today at 24 Hour Fitness. First I took a Zumba class with Christina. It was so much fun. She was zooming around the room. She is nice and always encourages everyone. I stayed the second hour to take Body Pump with Sherri. She's fun too. I really like her and am going to miss her teach Body Pump. I left before the last five minutes of sit-ups.

I love going to the gym. I'm glad I live close.

Special Education in Seattle Schools

On the front page of the Seattle Times is the headline, "State Instructs Seattle Schools to Fix Problems in its Special Ed."

In my opinion, special needs students with IQ's around 50 and below have no business being mainstreamed in ordinary classrooms. Their needs can be extraordinary requiring one on one attention and help. It's inappropriate to place a student with an IQ of 50 in the same classroom as a student with an IQ in the 99th percentile. This is impossible for the teacher to meet the needs of both extremes in the same classroom and the wide spectrum of needs between, and yet sometimes this happens. The gifted student is the loser in this equation. A teacher can't be expected to deal with the behavior problems of students, teach high level physics, and create a one on one lesson plan for the student with a very low IQ.

Then there are the vast spectrum needs of the deaf, autistic, blind, and Downs Syndrome. It's not fair to expect teachers to deal with all this in the same classroom.

In this article, Linda Shaw writes that Seattle Public Schools risks losing millions of dollars, if they don't fix some of the problems. One of the problems is inadequate reporting, not keeping track of students, and some students aren't even following an academic plan. This is basic.

This population is a large segment of the school district with 1 in 7 students having a disability or special needs. The administration of this budget of 11 million a year needs accountability, direction, and leadership.

I don't know if there is a law on the books in the State of Washington, like Oregon, that all students have the right to learn at their level of ability. This law in Oregon isn't working now. If there is a law in existence in Washington, that's good. Every student has the right to learn at his level of potential and ability. Gifted and talented students, with the most potential and the most promise have the right to be learning every minute, to be engaged, to be challenged, to learn. They can't be in the same room with constant disruptions as the special needs child who also has the right to learn and grow.

I have a minor in special education. I received my Bachelors of Science from Oregon College of Education, in Monmouth, which is now Western Oregon University. I remember hearing in one of my classes about a Downs Syndrome student taking classes at Oregon State University who was learning and thriving. Yes, it's possible. I also remember being excited about learning about the Institute for the Achievement of Human Potential in Philadelphia, which prompted change in my life and how I raised my own children. I learned about the extremes of human potential. This was back in the 70's.

I don't see a lot of progress in education. We are operating so far below what is possible.

http://sayhitothenewgirl.blogspot.com

Check out this blog:
http://sayhitothenewgirl.blogspot.com

It's terrific! Naana, who is only 14 years old from Kumasi, Ghana has started a blog. It's very well done and I'm impressed. I wouldn't be surprised if in another year, she publishes a YA novel.

I could learn from Naana in how to set up the blog and networking links. It's fun to see. I'll enjoy reading her blog often to see how she's doing and what she's thinking about.

Willamette Writers

Willamette Writers has a conference coming up in Portland, Oregon at the first of August. I would love to attend but the cost of the conference added to the 4 nights of hotel at $160 a night plus airfare makes it not a good fit at this time.

I hope there comes a time when I can easily afford writing conferences that I want to attend.

I can only consider online learning and writing opportunities in Seattle.

Creativity Coach

I've made the decision to become a Creativity Coach. I've already paid the money for the 16 week course. I'll be training with Eric Maisel. A creativity coach works with artists and writers to help them become more productive and to learn more about themselves and the creative process as they work toward their goal. I'm grateful and excited to learn from Dr. Maisel. I feel this is the best thing I could be doing at this time in my life. I enjoy helping others.

By taking this training, I will also be helping myself as I am attempting to enter new writing challenges in my life. I am trying to position myself to make money and to climb to new heights to reach writing goals. I'm excited to take the screenwriting class at UW. I'm considering the Masters in Fine Arts in Creative Writing at the UW Bothell. I would love to accomplish all this and be successful because then I could teach at a college or university somewhere. A dream come true for me. Becoming a Creativity Coach is a natural fit.

I'm excited. It feels right. Life is good.

www.ericmaisel.com

Business 101

I'm learning about shrink at work. The acceptable percentage of shrink is 1.2%. We have a shrink percentage of 1.3 for the quarter which translates into $36,000. We are not talking little old ladies putting thread in their purse. One supervisor told me that a lot of sewing machines were missing and showed me the several holes cut in the dry wall big enough for a person to crawl through between the new store that is being renovated and the part we are now in. We joked that stuff could be thrown through to the other side. Another supervisor said that she'd like to throw a couple of supervisors through the hole. You could see day light through the hole in one part. In the other places the dry wall was fitted back in to fill the holes. Funny that between last Monday when I worked and Friday, new dry wall was put up on the other side so that you couldn't see through to the other side.

When my husband worked as a manager of a finance company in the 70's, he used to have the receptionist take a lie detector test, if the cash drawer didn't balance. This was company policy. Things are sure different today in the world of business.

Mariam Zumba

I was trying to put the video that I have in facebook in my blog without success. wendy.haber.3/facebook.

This is Mariam who is moving to San Francisco. She's an amazing dancer and Zumba instructor. Everyone will miss her. If you want to see her videos, go to Mariam Zumba on YouTube.

Jack

Here's my grandson, Jack. He's great all sports. He has zillions of friends, just like his sister, Elizabeth. I miss them.

Zumba at 24 Hour Fitness Northgate

Here are two of my favorite Zumba instructors at 24 Hour Fitness Northgate. In front is Daniel. He's an amazing dancer and so athletic. Christina is right behind him on the right. She's great too. They're both very nice and everyone loves to go to their classes.

Elizabeth, my granddaughter

This is Elizabeth, my granddaughter in Salem, Oregon. She's so cute. Not only is she cute, but she is smart, nice, considerate, kind, and everyone loves to be around her. She's got it all going for her. She's happy and great at everything. I wish I could see her more often.