Thursday, January 24, 2008

Singapore

My son, Benjamin Haber flew to Singapore for work on the 8th of January and returned on the 14th. He spoke at a medical convention for one hour representing Zymo Genetics.

I'm so proud of my son and all he has accomplished. He has worked hard for everything he has achieved. He's brilliant and amazing plus he's fun to be around.

Ben, keep your Canasta fingers limber for our next game................Get ready to lose.

Health Care

I've been having chest pains the last couple of weeks and now I have symptoms of an active bleeding ulcer.

What does one do when you don't have health care, savings to pay for a doctor, or know which doctor go to, if you do have the resources?

My husband, Leslie has been calling about his medical bills coming in the mail questioning bills from doctors he didn't see and asking for an itemized bill. One person said, "welcome to the horrors of our modern health care system."

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Days of the Week

I wrote a poem this morning that I'll share with you.
It's called DAYS OF THE WEEK.

Cheat your fellowman on Monday,
Ignore the homeless on Tuesday,
Lie to your children on Wednesday,
Judge your neighbor on Thursday,
Fight with your wife on Friday,
Kick the dog on Saturday, and
Pretend to be a Saint on Sunday.

Monday, January 14, 2008

Jewelry Television

A couple of weeks ago I walked into a jewelry store and looked at the selection of colored gemstones. When I told the salesperson that I enjoy watching Jewelry Television, she said that one of her customers who used to buy from JTV, now buys exclusively from her. I wondered why to myself because I wasn't impressed with the quality of the selection and I didn't see a lot of choices.

I've been impressed with the few low-end priced gemstones we have purchased from JTV. I can't imagine finding a better buy for better quality than buying from JTV. I love watching the gemstone shows because of the information I learn about gems. I can't afford to buy what I want right now but someday I will. I know that JTV offers the BEST prices because it has the quantity to give you the bargains. Right now they are selling champagne diamonds. I never knew about the colored diamonds, like yellow and red.

I purchased a three carat yellow labradorite for under $20 to save. It's gorgeous. When I can afford to put it in a setting, I will have a ring that will make me feel beautiful. What does it matter if I didn't pay a lot, if it is beautiful to me and makes me feel happy? I know it is an amazing investment because the yellow labradorites are at bargain prices right now.

Gemstones are an investment that is possible for anyone. You can hold them in your hand and some are as rare and valuable as the highest end real estate.

Take a look at the website at www.jtv.com and do a search for gemstones. Watch the gemstones show when you get a chance. You will learn more about gemstones as you sit on the sofa than you have ever learned before.

Sunday, January 13, 2008

Starbucks

I've been wanting to send in a contribution to Starbucks for a long time to be considered for their quotes on the coffee cups. I went online yesterday and discovered that they no longer ask for contributions from writers.

This is what I wanted to send in so I will include it in my blog:

The way I see it...the job of a parent is to teach your children to become independent, contributing adults within the safety of the family
  • by providing enriching experiences,
  • by being an advocate so your children get the education they need to reach their potential,
  • by being consistent in establishing boundaries,
  • by giving the greatest gift of time,
  • by teaching logic and decision-making skills so your children learn to make responsible choices,
  • by reading to your children and showing them an example of a reading adult,
  • by stressing self-improvement and learning in your home, and
  • by being an example of the character, values, and work ethic you feel is important.

If you want a great cup of coffee, go to Starbucks! Starbucks is more than coffee. It is a corporation you can feel proud to support. It gives health insurance to part-time employees and cares about people.

Willamette Writers

I drove into Salem on Thursday night for the first official meeting of the Salem Chapter of Willamette Writers, the largest writing organization in Oregon. I've been on the mailing list out of Portland and received news of this meeting. I have been a member in the past and have attended meetings once in awhile in Eugene and Newport.

I'm so glad I went. It was glorious to walk into a large room crowded and buzzing with writers. I knew that everyone would be fun to talk to and that everyone had a great story. I knew that I had something in common with everyone there. I knew that everyone loved words and creating stories. I felt comforted being in their midst.

The speakers were two agents from Baker's Mark Literary Agency in Portland--Bernadette Baker-Baughman and Gretchen Stelter. I was grateful to be in the audience. I was impressed and inspired to listen to them. They are what every writer hopes an agent will be. I spoke briefly with Bernadette Baker-Baughman and wanted to talk to Gretchen Stelter but so many people were crowded around her. They are young and brilliant, like my own children, with great drive and ambition to work hard to promote writers. I'm glad I was there.

I need an agent. I need someone to care about my writing and about me. I need someone to give me a kick in the ___ once in awhile to keep me on track. But maybe that isn't the job of an agent. Maybe I just have to care about myself and keep myself on track. It's hard to be a writer and go it alone sometimes, especially when there are so many choices in the world of other ways to spend your time and when life throws you curve balls. I love writing. In my opinion, writing could never be boring, for the possibilities are endless. There is no greater power than to create an original story or write down your own thoughts. Words in books have changed the world and have inspired for centuries.

A screenwriter will speak at the next meeting of Willamette Writers in Salem and I'm excited to attend. The meetings for the Salem Chapter of Willamette Writers meets in West Salem at Roths on the second floor--the grocery store with the bakery that makes the best chocolate frosted donut in the entire world!

www.salemchapter.com or salemchapter@aol.com

Why are all Willamette Writer meetings on Thursday night though? If I wanted to attend a meeting in Eugene, I would have to make a choice.

Breast Cancer

I received a phone call about a half hour ago from a woman asking me to donate to breast cancer. I interrupted and said, "Let me tell you my story." I went on to say that I am a breast cancer survivor since 1993 and that I am without health insurance or money in the bank. She quickly got off the phone. I think I made her feel uncomfortable.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer on 6-1-93 at the Marion County Health Department in Salem, Oregon and a 1 1/2 inch lump was removed by a great surgeon who works with the Health Department, Dr. Van Rozlen. About two or three years prior, I had asked my primary care physician to check a lump in my breast. He said, "don't worry about it. It's probably a cyst." So I didn't worry about it. I was very trusting back in those days and put doctors on a high pedestal.

My surgeon was able to remove all the cancer since the lump was incapsulated so I didn't have radiation or chemotherapy. You can't really tell that I had the surgery since I'm pretty fluffy right now.

The lesson is you must advocate for your own and best health care. You must keep at your doctor to get the care you need and ask the questions to get the answers to your medical questions.

My husband of almost 36 years has been really sick for most of the year in 2007. He was in the hospital at Good Samaritan in Corvallis for 6 days and has been looked at, prodded, poked, cut, blood was drawn, and tissue was analyzed but no one still knows what is wrong or what was wrong to the tune of over $50,000 and climbing. We received bills from doctors who hadn't even checked my husband.

I haven't been checked by a doctor in years. I'm beginning to think that it's best, cheaper, and safer to stay away. I think the answer is healthy food, vitamins, and exercise.

We have a health care crisis in our country. I am one of those without medical insurance. It makes me feel like I don't matter and that no one cares. In my opinion, I believe it goes back to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs--if your basic needs aren't met, how can you be expected to perform at your best?

If someone's support system was pulled out from under him, losing his job with family and friends turning away so he ended up homeless on the street, how can this person be expected to be at his best? Even if this person has the potential of accomplishing great goals, EVERYONE needs support, care, encouragement, and help sometimes.

I remember a quote. It was from Aristotle or Confucius. It went something like this..."a life without friends is a life not worth living." I think it's interesting that this is Sunday and many people went to church today feeling good about themselves and how good they are. However, when there are people who are in great need, lonely, and need friendship and support, is the definition of a good person to turn a blind eye to those in need? Many people love to help anonymously without "getting their hands dirty." They don't want any complications to mar their life. They are willing to give a buck or donate something but they don't want to listen or offer real help and support. I don't think people heal without real communication with a real person and a real friend.

Just my two cents...............

Monday, January 07, 2008

Snow in Alsea

We have snow in Alsea this morning. We had a couple of inches yesterday and this morning it looks like there is two inches of new snow. It doesn't look like it is slowing down or there is an end in sight. It sure is beautiful. The outside temperature near the window says 30 degrees.

Pathway Oregon

I was listening to NPR or OPB on the radio the other day and I heard about Pathway Oregon. This program allows any student who can get into the University of Oregon who is a resident of Oregon, and who can't afford it, a free education for four years. I was thrilled about it and happy that we have this program in Oregon.

Sunday, January 06, 2008

The Greatest Presidential Debate

This was the BEST Presidential debate I have ever watched on television.
Thank you, ABC!
Thank you, New Hampshire!
Thank you, St. Anselm College!

We need more and frequent presidential debates just like this one in each state to keep democracy strong and alive. This is the BEST reality television and one that is the most important to our nation. We need to hear all the candidates. We need the interaction. We need debate. As Obama said, we need to "end the politics of fear." We need more debate in our country with people unafraid to stand up for their opinions to keep our nation strong.

It is debates like this and the caucus in Iowa that keeps the democratic process alive in our country. I still want to know why no one is concerned about protecting the integrity of the voting process and dealing with the tampered voting machines of the last two presidential elections.

This kind of debate allows the American people a look at each candidate without the script and shielding that often occurs among people in the public eye. We saw more truth tonight than in any other debate. This is good and needs to happen more often. Thank you ABC! Please have more of them and have them more often.

I didn't expect to like Huckabee and I liked him best among Republican candidates. My feelings and opinions about Romney were confirmed. I would never consider voting for him. In my opinion, he came in last among Republicans. I liked McCain and his strength. Of course, Guliane was a strong candidate and has a great background to handle the problems in the office of the President. The only Republican that I would consider voting for is Guliane, but I am going to vote Democrat.

I didn't know our country was up to 9 trillion dollars in debt. Bill Richardson mentioned this figure. That could pay for a lot of health care and take care of a lot of problems in our country. Richardson also pointed out that we are 29th in the world in math and science.

Yes, a vote for Hilliary Clinton is a vote for strong women every where in this nation. I have been seriously considering supporting Hilliary after listening to Susie Orman on OPB. Women don't even have equal rights under the U.S. Constitution in 2008. But I keep thinking back to the failure of Hilliary Clinton to bring about change as First Lady when she was given the project to create a health care system for our nation. Not only that, but she didn't partner and work with Al Gore as the Vice President, who could have been a real agent of change to put forward health care reform. Yes, she is a strong woman and has accomplished many political goals to make things better in this country. She is qualified to be President, unlike some of the men for whom it is questionable. I may still vote for Hilliary.

The clear winner to me was former Senator John Edwards from South Carolina. I could have stood up and cheered in my living room as he came alive telling his personal story about fighting for justice and how he will fight for the middle class and all Americans. He was the clear winner, in my opinion. He is strong and he has courage. I want John Edwards as the candidate for the Democratic party. He has a clear message of needed change for this country. America needs him. We all need him to win. He understands the heart of America and what needs to be done. I didn't know this about him until the debate tonight. I'm grateful that I watched the four hour debate on ABC. John Edwards is my candidate of choice out of all the candidates running for the office of President.

As far as the economy, Bloomberg is the one with the greatest background to handle the difficult problems ahead, but I think John Edwards will do just fine. I am confident he will do what it takes to make our nation strong again. I still like Obama but I liked John Edwards the best last night.

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

AWSP

I believe there is a need for successful mentors to sponsor talent in art and writing so I'm thinking of starting The Artist and Writer Sponsorship Program. No one moves forward without support, encouragement, and a mentor, or at least it is almost impossible to do so without someone in your corner to offer help. I thought that this would make the process easier for anyone ready to take the next step in achieving greatness in art and writing.

Anyone with documented potential and who is ready to go for it might apply to be matched with someone who has already achieved success and would like to mentor someone. We often hear of the starving artist and writer in this country because artists and writers who exhibit talent are not subsidized. I believe that should change. I believe there should be a support system and help for anyone who has talent in art and writing. [I believe the same is true for athletes, like runners but I've decided not to mix the categories at this time.]

The writer categories might be screenplays, plays, creative nonfiction, novel writing, short stories, etc. The artist categories might be sculpture, glass blowing, oils, watercolor, etc.

This is how the program might work at its best. A mystery novel writer or screenwriter who has achieved success and who is willing to mentor a writer might offer a stipend for living expenses for a period of time from 1 month to 6 months.

I've decided to test the waters for this idea and ask for comments and opinions.
Please write to me at:
Wendy Haber
PO Box 288
Alsea, Oregon 97324-0288

Tuesday, January 01, 2008

Great Harvest Bread Company

I love anything at Great Harvest Bread Company. It is one of my favorite stores. They have healthy, delicious breads in plenty of choices, great muffins, and goodies of all sorts. I tried this morning a new product--pancake mix. It was a gift from Jessica, one of Daniel's best friends. The pancakes are delicious! It is made with fresh ground wheat, rolled oats, non-fat dry milk, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. It couldn't be tastier and it's a healthy choice for breakfast.

The one thing that I like best about Great Harvest Bread Company is how kind they are to people who are hungry by giving them a slice of bread. They offer bread to anyone walking in the door. I really love to try their different breads. I've shopped in the Salem store, the one in Corvallis, and the one in Ballard, the Scandinavian section of Seattle.

For the BEST bread, the healthiest bread, shop Great Harvest Bread Company. It is the better choice, the healthier choice for bread.

Monday, December 31, 2007

2008

I've decided that 2008 is going to be a great year for me. I'm going to make it a good year. It is my wish that this coming year will mark significant writing accomplishments earning enough money so I can write full time and travel. It is my wish that this year will mark the beginning of a new chapter in my life filled with joy, happiness, laughter, and accomplishments.

What I want and need:
I need to be appreciated and to make significant positive contributions.
I need to feel loved and valued.
I need family.
I want loyal, smart friends who have character, integrity, and high standards.
I want enough money for all my needs and wants.
I want to travel and see the world.
If I have to work, I need a job that pays benefits and enough money so I can live independently.
Since I'm not happy here and don't have great memories of Oregon, I want to live outside of Oregon where I am wanted, appreciated, and can have a chance to be happy.
I need to write and to read everyday.
I need an agent for my writing.
I want to write bestselling novels and screenplays.
I need to feel safe and protected.
I need to learn and to grow in all areas of my life and areas of knowledge.
I want to be wealthy.
I want to go to art museums, the symphony, the zoo, science museums, and to see live theater and Broadway plays.
I want to dress up and go to great restaurants.
I need to be able to belong to a great gym with a pool like Timberhill Athletic Club.
I need to be able to eat healthy with an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables.
I want to learn about gemstones and collect them.
It would be fun to speak in front of large groups.
It would be fun to have a talk radio show.
It would be fun to have my own show on jewelry television.
It would be fun to be able to go back to school to take classes and get my MFA.
I have always wanted to teach at a college.
I need encouragement and people surrounding me who want me to win and who talk to me.
I love to play Mah Jongg and Canasta.
I want to live in a 5,000 square foot house that is on a hill overlooking water.
I need to live near clean, drinkable water that is abundant.
I want a big garden with flowers, fruits, vegetables, and strange plants from all over the world.
I want to be happy.

My four top priorities in 2008 are eating healthy, exercising, writing, and reading to nurture my writing.

December 23, 2007

When families join other families and blend, it isn't always possible to celebrate holidays on the exact day. This year, we celebrated Christmas on December 23rd. Daniel flew in from Columbus, Ohio. Benjamin and Amanda drove down from Seattle. Gretchen, and Chris drove down from Salem with Jack and Lizzy. We were missing Joseph and Alexander who live in Florida.

Daniel was named Haber Family Hero for 2007 to honor his hard work, dedication, great example, and accomplishments for the last year. He was presented with a certificate signed by all family members. After all, Time Magazine has a Person of the Year Award so I decided to start a Family Award of the Year.

Friday, December 28, 2007

VISO WILL

When I picked up Daniel at PDX, I looked for something to drink at one of the many great little shops. I found diet VISO energy WILL. I was impressed by the taste but most of all for what it has in it.
Listen to this:
100% vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes.
sugar free
0 calories
0 grams total fat
0 sugars
0 carbs
0 sodium
100% Vitamin A 5000 IU
100% Vitamin D 400 IU
100% Vitamin E 30 IU
100% B1 1.5 mg
100% B2 1.7 mg
100% B3 20 mg
100% B6 2.0 mg
100% B12 6.0 mcg
100% Vitamin C 60 mg
100% Biotin .30 mg
100% Folic Acid 40 mcg
100% Pantothenic Acid 10 mg
100% Manganese 2.0 mg
100% Zinc 15 mg
25% Calcium 250 mg
10% Magnesium 40 mg
5% Potassium 175 mg
Caffeine 300 mg
http://www.drinkviso.com/

Friday, December 21, 2007

Canasta

Everyday, my husband, Leslie and I play Canasta and drink coffee. This is usually a morning daily event. We use two decks of cards and I deal out 21 cards to each of us. You need two canastas to go out and we play to 5,000 points, if we have time. Who won this morning? Les.

Jewelry Television

I'm listening right now to Scott and Nicole sell gemstones on Jewelry Television. Wow! They are fun to listen to, plus you learn about gems. The bargains on gemstones are amazing. I wish I was wealthy and could order what I want. Anyone with money out there should be investing in gemstones. This is not a renewable resource. When they're gone, they're gone.

Scott and Nicole just sold a 9.75 ct. 18X13 mm emerald cut yellow labradorite for $73.98. Such a deal! A gorgeous stone, clear, stunning, and would make any woman happy. My favorite cut is a trillion cut and I don't like anything lower than a 3 ct.

Oregon and Washington are part of the Ring of Fire, a term to define the volcanic region along the west coast that circles around through Japan. In looking at a book on gemstones and seeing the conditions needed in order for the earth to naturally produce gemstones, it seems logical to me that Oregon and Washington probably have untapped deposits of gemstones that could be mined.

McGrath's

I was at McGrath's yesterday for a Christmas party for work. Our boss took us out to eat. I had such a nice time. The service and food couldn't have been better. Great conversation, nice people, and great food made it a perfect lunch.

I love good food and I LOVE fish. I started with a cup of Fishermen's Stew. I've never ordered it before but I've been thinking about it ever since. I know I will enjoy going in to eat a bowl of Fishermen's Stew often. Delicious! Perfection! Then I had the wood fired Salmon with garlic and basil butter. It was cooked to perfection. I love Salmon and enjoy eating it often at home. My favorite fish is halibut. I also had fresh steamed vegetables and sliced tomatoes with strawberry lemonade.

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Alexander


My grandson, Alexander the Great turned 8 this November. He's amazing. He wants to be a film director. He's smart, curious, and has great ideas. He's full of fun and he's my sunshine. Alexander lives in Florida. The last time I got to see him was at my son, Benjamin's wedding in Seattle a year and a half ago. I sincerely hope that he has teachers that recognize his potential and encourage his talents to be the best he can be. His Dad, my son Joseph has been an amazing Dad who plays, reads stacks of books, and teaches him. Joe's a great father and I'm so proud of him too. Alexander is a good boy who is so precious to me. He's my sunshine and I love him so much. He's inventive and could easily be a comedian. He enjoys being in front of people.
I wish all my grandchildren lived on the same street with me. I'd move anywhere in the United States. I'd read stacks of books, bake cookies, play games, help them create movies, take them to movies, laugh, take them to art museums, science museums, to see Broadway plays, to the Symphony, and more. We'd have fun learning and discovering things together.

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Survivor China

What a show! I love watching Survivor. I wanted James to win. He's a nice guy and got out because he trusted. It's interesting that deceit and trickery won.

I liked Peih Gee and also wanted her to win. My favorites were Peih Gee, Erik, and James. The big surprise for me was that in the end, I actually liked Courtney. She is her own person with her own opinions, and has the courage to just be herself no matter what.

What a great show. You test your limits. You learn about yourself and about others. It would be fun to be on the show.

I think the greatest player of Survivor China was Peih Gee.

About James: James knows how to work hard. He's trusting. He doesn't care to make trouble. He's a good person. He's strong and beautiful. Somewhere along the way, someone sure didn't encourage him or allow opportunities to open up. He's smart and careful. Someone out there who is a Fortune 500 CEO should offer James a position and train him. You have the basics to work with. He could easily become the face and spokesperson for a fitness or health product. I know that James would have to believe in what he does but I don't see limits. I only see problems for him if unscrupulous people take advantage of his goodness. He could also have his own talk show. Who wouldn't want to sit down and chat with James? It might be interesting to see him with Kelly, as in Kelly and Regis. Why doesn't Oprah mentor him?

I'm glad James won the $100,000.00 and that Denise won the $50,000.00.

It was sad to hear that when Denise went back to work that she was removed from her position of lunch lady to the janitor because she became such a distraction since the kids love her so much. I hope someone out there offers Denise the training and a job where she can turn her good work ethic into inspiring kids to be the best they can be.