Olive Garden

Les and I stopped in Salem at Olive Garden on the way back to Alsea. I love Olive Garden. I don't need to go beyond the soup and salad to be happy and I could eat it every single day for the rest of my life and have a great big smile on my face. Les had the mixed grill, which was a perfect choice for him and I had the soup and salad. Perfection! I love the music when I dine at Olive Garden. They play my favorite kind of music with Frank Sinatra or Dean Martin crooning in the background.
Perfection!

OHSU Heart Screening Results

My Framingham Risk Assessment is 6% for heart disease!

My blood pressure results 134 over 82.
My blood glucose results non fasting was 98.
My BMI was 46. Yikes!
My waist circumference was 56. Yikes!
My HDL was 46.
My Triglycerides was 252.
My LDL was 151.

I'm so grateful that I had the opportunity to be screened for heart disease. I'll be 62 on February 25th and I have cause to celebrate! Thank you OHSU for your big heart, help, and the opportunity to talk with compassionate, intelligent professionals.

OHSU

Yesterday, my husband, Leslie, and I drove to Portland to go to OHSU. Les made an appointment for me to have a mammogram so I could be checked. We had a great day. I love Portland--OMSI, Portland Art Museum, broadways plays, live theater like the Neil Simon plays last year.

Why do I go all the way to Portland to get a mammogram? I used to get checked through the Komen Foundation but they stopped helping me. I had breast cancer in 1993. A great surgeon in Salem, Dr. Van Roselyn did the lumpectomy. The almost 2 inch lump was cancerous. I didn't have radiation or chemotherapy. The lump was incapsulated. When Dr. Van Roselyn found out that it was cancerous, he went in again to scrap out more tissue to make sure it was clean. I haven't had a problem since but I felt what I thought was a lump last week so I needed to be checked. I've found out through my husband's difficulty in getting medical answers that not all doctors are created equal so we drive to OHSU.

The tests showed that I didn't have anything to worry about so I'm not going to worry. I dropped my worries about breast cancer in the waste bucket as I walked out the door. The lump I felt was probably milk glands. A doctor checked and said that the pain I feel on my right side when I am resting can't be explained. I wonder if there is a problem with my stomach--a tumor? Les laughed and said that a doctor would laugh at that one since I'm fat.

Anyway I am grateful to be checked. I'm not going to worry and I'm grateful to have been seen.

When I walked through the building to catch the tram to get the mammogram, I noticed that OHSU was given a free heart screening so I signed up. What a wonderful service! I love going to OHSU just because you are surrounded by smart people who care.

Daily Life

Not every person is born into wealth or has everything they want. It's just a fact. Everyone does have the choice to live the best life they can, make the decision to respect others, live a life of integrity, work hard on projects important to them, and to be kind to others. This is possible for everyone.

Alsea Valley Voice

I enjoy editing the Alsea Valley Voice. I put it together myself using Microsoft Publisher at home. This is the most fun that I've had in Alsea since moving here 8 1/2 years ago. My last issue, February 2010 is my favorite since I started in July.

I'm working on the March issue right now and have six pages finished. I finish by the 23rd of the month so that I can turn it over to be printed and folded. It's mailed around the first.

It's wonderful to be able to say that you love what you do. Even though this is a volunteer effort, I get lots of enjoyment and pleasure in creating the pages each month. I love to interview people to showcase talent and their uniqueness. I love all the writing by other people who live in the area. I'm concentrating on doing the best I can each month and I'm grateful for the opportunity.

Alice in Wonderland

I really want to see Alice in Wonderland at the movie theater with popcorn and diet Coke. It's going to be a great film with Johnny Depp, my favorite actor.

Kerwin Values Survey

I took the Kerwin Values Survey at LBCC last week and learned more about my value system and what's important to me.

I learned that my "must have" career values are
1. come up with new ways of doing things
2. work with ideas
3. use my imagination
4. work at a place that shares my values, principles, ideals
5. be visionary or cutting edge
6. be contributor of ideas
I learned that my "like to have" career values are
1. work with people I respect
2. be respected
3. contribute to society or world
4. be artistically creative
5. be passionate about work
6. have money for the extras and luxuries I want

Years ago I took a test that said that the most important thing to me is to learn. Second was to achieve goals, and third was to be around people.

It's fun to learn about myself and narrow down what's important to me. Writing matches most everything and is never boring. I may not be able to achieve all the dreams I have or have had. My possibilities might seem narrow to some but not everyone is rich with unlimited resources. I do have the possibility of study, learning, reading books, writing, gardening, and exercising. My days are full and I have so much to be grateful for. My life may not have the balance I would like with family, friends, and opportunities but I do have many things to be thankful for. I believe that as long as I work hard to live each day the best I can, be kind to others, work hard that it will be enough. Not all is possible for all people. I was not born to riches. Everyone has the choice to live their life with honor, with intrigrity, and to make the decision to be the best they can be within the framework of what is possible for them.

Health Care

I have given up about health care reform. I'm disappointed in how things turned out. I live on positive thoughts to get me through without health care or savings. I rely on trying to exercise and eat healthy.

I'm concerned though and need to be checked.

All people deserve the right to free health care. This just shows how little people are valued.

I figure that I'll do the best I can and if something goes wrong, that's it.

Anne Lamott

Anne Lamott wrote one of the best books on writing of all times, BIRD BY BIRD, and is always listed as a favorite of writers.

I am in the middle of reading PLAN B--FURTHER THOUGHTS ON FAITH by her. Anne Lamott is Presbyterian. I have to share with you a paragraph on page 110 when she talks about what David says about the Church of 80% Sincerity because I think it's realistic and truthful. "...Everyone has to come to understand that unconditional love is a reality, but with a shelf life of about eight to ten seconds. Instead of beating yourself up because you feel it only fleetingly, you should savor those moments when it appears. As David puts it, 'We might say to our beloved, Honey, I've been having these feelings of unconditional love for you for the last eight to ten seconds.' Or 'Darling, I'll love you till the very end of dinner.' "

I seriously considered becoming a Presbyterian until I witnessed the OSU debate with Marcus Borg, an Episcopal and the Presbyterian minister who told Mr. Borg that he wasn't a Christian. I thought it was mean and incredibly judgmental. The condemning and better than thou attitude just makes it difficult for me to deal with.

I went to one service at First Presbyterian in Corvallis and found the service very nice. I liked it but evidently not everyone thought I fit in.

One lecture with Marcus Borg at the Presbyterian Church was interesting. This was my first experience. I found the room filled with many women in sensible shoes and practical clothes that seemed to come out of an Eddie Bower or LL Bean catalog. I thought it was nice.

I know one Presbyterian couple who live their life doing everything right and good. I admire that.

I guess I question too much. I believe that if there is a God, that he made everyone and loves everyone and just wants everyone to get along. I don't find this kind of consensus anywhere. Everyone wants to think their way is better than anyone elses. I'm just going to stay to myself and try to live the best life I can. I don't claim to have answers or to be better than anyone but I sure know that I don't like to see people condemn one another.

Robert Downey Jr.

I've always loved Robert Downey Jr. He's brilliant on screen. I enjoyed him on Ally McBeal. When I heard about Sherlock Holmes, I had to see it.

My husband and I went to see it on Tuesday. Tuesdays are the day for $1 popcorn and $1 pop so that's a great day for us. Our son, Benjamin gave Leslie movie coupons so we went to see Sherlock Holmes.

Robert Downey Jr. should win best actor for his performance. Sherlock Holmes is intelligent, playfully entertaining in a macabre sort of way, and definately appeals to all suspense and mystery lovers.

Avatar

I loved the movie, Avatar. I've never seen anything like it. The story line is important, the cinematography will win an Oscar. It's the best movie I have ever seen and deserves to win several Oscars and an Oscar for best motion picture.

When I was sitting in my comfortable seat in the audutorium, eating my popcorn and drinking a diet Coke, I was thinking that if the future has movies like this in it, I can't wait to see more.

Catherines

Catherines is having their great twice yearly 80% off clearance sale. The store is always full of amazing bargains at this time of year and is the BEST time to shop for anyone who must be careful with their money. I purchased several tops that I'm proud to wear, a suit, a coat, and a pair of black pants. I'd love to go again and see what's left. You can't feel too guilty when you come home with a top that was regularly priced around $36 and you get it for $7.

What I love about Catherines is that I can count on quality. As long as I take care of what I buy, it lasts for years.

Dennis Kucinich

Congressman Dennis Kucinich from the great state of Ohio is a hero and lives a life of courage. His autobiography is inspirational. THE COURAGE TO SURVIVE is the story of courage growing up in Cleveland, and facing repeated obstacles and medical challenges. I'm glad I read it. I wish I had read it years earlier. I can't wait for more writing by him and hope that he writes a candid and honest story of his time as a congressman. He was a presidential candidate and could be again.

Under The Dome

Stephen King's new bestselling suspense novel is Under the Dome. It's a riveting read about a small town community, the corruption, the hidden darkness within people that comes out during stressful emergencies, and the valent effort of a brave few to right wrongs. It shows how out of control people get and the lack of judgment and how people trust leaders without question. It shows how people don't think but act and act badly. It shows how crowds take on a life of its own and how dangerous it is to be in a crowd that's out of control. It shows religious people who weren't so religious on the inside or religious in their behavior.

As I was reading I thought of my favorite artist, Peter Paul Breugel and his crowd scenes of people. I thought about this book looking into the souls of all the people under the dome and looking at all that goes on. Then it made me think of how I feel when I see all the lights of Seattle at night and wonder about all that is going on behind the lighted windows--the drama, the families, the sadness, and people working late. I look forward to the next novel of Stephen King, the master story teller.

2010

My main goal in 2010 is to lose weight, get healthy, and eat healthy. Without my health, I can't accomplish other goals.

My other goals are to read a book or two a week, write every day, work in my garden, quilt, and work on other knitting or sewing projects.

I subscribe to The Writer, Writers Digest Magazine, and Poets and Writers. I have what I need for encouragement, direction, and great advice. I have lots of great books to read. I have the time to write.

I want to expand my raised beds in my garden. Now I have seven raised beds that are four feet by eight feet made out of 2 inch lumber. They are 18 inches high. I want to plant more varieities of fruits, vegetables, grapes, berries, etc. I want to add flowers all over to make it beautiful all year during the growing season.

I volunteer to edit the Alsea Valley Voice. That's a large segment of my time during one week a month. That's my service to the community.

I need to watch out for my husband and concentrate on what I need to do here at home.

Candycane Lane

There is an amazing street named Candycane Lane in Ravenna, which is part of Seattle. Ben and Amanda took us to see the Christmas lights on the evening of the 25th. We walked on both sides of the street along Candycane Lane. My favorite house was the one with the large sign that listed the kids who were naughty and nice. Under the nice list, the second name was "Anna Rose." This is the name of my granddaughter in Seattle who is almost one years old. The house instantly became my favorite. It made me smile and feel all warm inside, even though it was quite chilly outside with patches of ice on the sidewalk.

Photo Letters

I took lots of photos of family while we were in Seattle with family. We left on the 24th and came back on the 28th. It was a great visit.

When I got home, I created and mailed 25 three-page photo letters for family and friends of the trip.

Racha Noodles & Thai Cuisine

On Christmas day for lunch, we went to Racha Noodles and Thai Cuisine on Mercer Street in Seattle. Ben and Amanda brought little Anna and Daniel was with Jodee, his fiance. We had a wonderful lunch all together. I ordered Yum Veggies with brown rice, and jasmine green tea. It was delicious and I didn't have to worry about calories.

For dinner, Ben and Amanda baked a delicious turkey with all the trimmings. It was perfect with almost everyone at the table.

Trains

I love trains. I've always loved trains since I was a little girl.

On December 24th, my husband and I boarded a Superliner. We left Albany, Oregon at 1:30 p.m. and headed for Seattle to visit with our son and family for the holidays. I've never been on a Superliner before. It was a double-decker, complete with sleeping cars, and plenty of room. We sat upstairs in one of the last cars in coach. There was plenty of leg room. In fact, the lady across the isle, said that she came from San Diego and was headed to Seattle. She said there was plenty of room for her and her husband. He slept on the floor while she spread out on the seats above. The car ahead of us said "arcade room downstairs." I didn't check it out but I did go exploring a little bit when I was searching for the dining car. It had a formal dining car with reservations and a menu with $17.50 meals. There was also the snack station downstairs with plenty of delicious food to keep you fed during your time on the train. I also found a car where all the seats faced the large picture windows so you could gaze out at the gorgeous scenery and talk with family or friends. One mother was traveling with her daughter to Whitefish, Montana, which is close to Libby, Montana where I was born.

As I was riding on the train thinking as I looked out the window, I was thinking about all the stories on the train and all the people. I was thinking about a novel I might want to ride about a woman who never leaves. The idea reminded me of a wealthy woman from England on one of the cruises we went on years ago who won the cruise miles contest because she never leaves the boat.

We learned about Whitlock, Washington that was announced as the place with the world's largest egg!

I walked by a guy reading a screenplay and another sketching wonderful art. Another young woman had her laptop reading poetry she had written. People read books, and create. Grandmothers visit their grandchildren. Businessmen travel to their meetings. Students go to universities. People attend football games. All the passengers look interesting and have stories to tell. They travel by train because they don't have to fight traffic or the weather. They can spread out and enjoy the ride in safety. It's a great way to travel and my choice.

Second Opinion on PBS

I watched Second Opinion on PBS this morning by accident. I've seen it before. I was switching channels but the dialogue caught my attention and I stayed. The Director of the Undiagnosed Disease Program from the National Institutes of Health was on the show. He spoke about the "enormous number of people here and abroad who come to them without a diagnosis." What caught my attention was when he said, "We fail most of the time." And then to make it worse, he said, "In fact, we would be proud of a 15% success rate." So 85% leave without a diagnosis. This goes back to the numbers about evidence based medicine which sites that 15% of medicine is evidence based and 85% is guesswork. A cooincidence? I think not. The panel of experts discussed this issue and seem to be satisfied with the fact that most of the time there isn't a diagnosis and that as long as you try, it's okay. One of the doctors said, "Even if you are wrong, it's okay because you continue to work toward it." Is it really? When it is your life and your bank account and your house up for sale because of medical bills, it is really okay? When are we going to start demanding excellence, answers, and competence within the medical community? Is it really okay to have to pay for zero answers, mistakes and failures? Wouldn't it be a money better spent to join a gym, eat healthy food, and hire a minimum wage compationate person to be encouraging and supportive?