Catherines

I love shopping at Catherines. When I used to live in Salem, I always shopped at Catherines on Lancaster in East Salem. I love the twice yearly clearance sales. One is going on right now and it's worth going to Catherines to look around.

I drove to Salem yesterday to shop at Catherines because they are having their 70% off clearance sale plus I had an additional 30% off coupon on top of that. I found a beautiful dress with a jacket that is fully lined and originally $95. It had been marked down to $45.98. I got 70% off that so that took off another $32.19. The other 30% off took off another $4.14 bringing the grand total to $9.65. Such a deal! It was worth the trip.

I love Catherines. The clothes are high quality and beautiful fashion. I only buy at clearance time because I don't have the money to shop like other women with more money. I'd rather buy quality and nice clothes that last and last on clearance. Most of the clothes that I have were purchased at Catherines years ago. They last and look great years after.

Medicare

Medicare doesn't work as well as some may think.

My husband almost died twice in the last two years. The last time he entered the hospital in Corvallis with renal failure and was in the ICU for 10 days. He was on dialysis for about two months.

My husband has Medicare Part A and Part D. When he went into the hospital this last time, we signed him up for Medicare Part B. He couldn't afford it before. Because he wasn't on dialysis for over three months, Medicare didn't pay for renal treatment. My husband had to drop Medicare Part B because he couldn't afford the premium of almost $400 a month and the co-payments for care.

There is something wrong when premiums for Medicare keep going up and up and up. We need to help and protect those who are sick. We need to protect the elderly and those who need help. Those with Medicare are often people with limited income and their premiums shouldn't be raised EVER.

The Obama Plan for Health Care

I went online at www.whitehouse.gov to find the health care plan by President Obama.

I'm concerned that it cares more about keeping insurance companies vital and healthy than keeping the people in America healthly with good medical care. We have helped too many businesses in the last year which just wants to take money and not help people.

I don't want to be forced to pay for insurance I don't use. My gym membership is my health insurance. My gym membership is cheaper than health insurance and it prevents problems.

We need single payer health care so there is care for all Americans. We need to place an emphasis on prevention. We need to make sure that all people get high quality medical care.

C-Span

I was watching C-Span yesterday as I was on the elliptical runner for an hour at Timberhill Athletic Club.

In the Senate, I listened to Senator Sherrod Brown, a Democrat from Ohio who read heartbreaking letters from people who live in Ohio who are suffering without adequate health care. I like him. He cares about the people in Ohio. Senator Sanders is doing his job by listening and identifying problems in health care. Now he needs to take action to prevent these stories from happening again to anyone else.

Senator Bernie Sanders an Independent from Vermont was listing the millions of dollars and billions of dollars of fines paid by the major builders of aircraft. For example, the military was given aircraft with defective gears which have resulted in deaths. In stead of correcting the problem, they pay fines. Senator Sanders is doing his job by identifying these problems. Now he needs to take action and prevent it from happening again.

In the House of Representatives, it was a different tale. Representative Steve King, a Republican from Iowa spoke about people going bankrupt from medical bills. He celebrates and wants to protect the freedom that we have in this country to go bankrupt from medical bills. Representative Todd Akin, a Republican from Missouri spoke about the freedom to have 7 bipass heart surgery. I don't get it. Why doesn't Representative Steve King care about preventing people from having to go bankrupt from medical bills by solving the problems? Why doesn't Representative Todd Akin care about preventing anyone needing 7 bipass heart surgery by solving the medical crisis in this country? We need to place emphasis on prevention, solving problems, and taking action.

Health Care Crisis

I believe we have a crisis of care in the medical community in this country. When a doctor sees a patient for 5 to 10 minutes for one symptom, how can he or she possibly solve any medical problem? There needs to be time spent on reading files, thinking, researching, and listening to all the symptoms of the patient. When a doctor sees a patient for 5 minutes, he can't possibly solve any problems, except for the simple and easy to diagnose.

Emphasis is now on greed and getting as many patients through the door as possible in a short amount of time. No answers can be found this way. In fact, it is training doctors to not be able to think or solve medical problems. We are destroying the role and potential of physicians by doing this.

Emphasis should be placed on prevention and the care of the patient. We need single payer health care and give care to all people who need it in this country.

Determined to Lose Weight

I started a new blog--Determined to Lose Weight

http://wendy-haber.blogspot.com

I decided that I have been staying the same weight for the last year with little change. I've been exercising but I need to concentrate on getting down to a healthy weight. I used to weigh 135 to 150 in high school and college. I want to look good again and I want to feel good again. I figure that if I hold myself accountable in a blog for a year, maybe, just maybe, I'll lose weight.

I have already made the discovery this month that it helps to exercise in the evening before bed. I sleep better and I lose weight in the morning.

Surfing

I have been watching surfing on television the last few months. I've never surfed in my life. I have just learned to swim in 2006. I DO love the ocean and it is fun to watch for a few moments the beauty of surfing with precision moves amidst the huge waves.

Surfing should be in the Olympics as an Olympic sport. A surfer must be very athletic and strong. I don't see why there should be a question about this since they have ribbon twirling as an event. Roller skating should be in there too.

I've been watching John John Florence. He was featured on Fins and I watched it this morning. I've seen him before. He was 13 in 2006 when the film was made. He lives on the North Shore of Oahu in Hawaii so he surfs every day and surfs with some of the best surfers in the world. I'm a fan and will look for him to win surfing competitions in the future.

Liberty House

On September 22nd, my husband, Leslie, and I drove to Salem to the Salem Conference Center for the Champions for Children Luncheon for Liberty House. Our daughter, Gretchen Bennett is the Executive Director of Liberty House, a non-profit in Salem that is "committed to keeping children healthy and safe." Children who walk through the doors of Liberty House have experienced abuse, usually sexual abuse. The staff hear stories that shouldn't happen to any child and all have the courage to stand up with courage to help these children.

The luncheon was a great success. The large room was crowded with enthusiastic supporters of this important work. Gretchen spoke and I felt a mother's pride as I took a couple of photos remembering how she used to debate in high school and in college at Lewis and Clark College. There were two large screens on both sides of her projecting her image, so the people in the back could see. Gretchen has always been a leader and now she's committed to doing this important work to protect children.

A brave woman spoke as a survivor of childhood abuse as early as 5 years old. As she told her heartbreaking story, I thought of how often people misjudge behaviors of teenagers and don't listen to them. Many people judge instead of trying to understand. I'm guilty of this too so it made me more aware and more willing to just take people as they are. Danielle is changing hearts when she speaks and will help to make important changes that are desperately needed. It's so important to listen to young people and to carefully watch changes in their behavior.

Alsea Valley Voice

The October issue of the Alsea Valley Voice is finished. There are 16 pages. I thought I had it done on the 23rd but late articles came in and changes had to be made. I'm happy with this issue. More and more people who live in the Alsea Valley are writing and expressing their opinions. On page 15 is a great health care debate with Steve Moore on one side and Mimi Stout on the other. This is wonderful to see people expressing their opinions and defending their side. I'm working hard to encourage all voices in the area to write. I put on the front page, "The Alsea Valley Voice is the VOICE for all people living in the Alsea Valley in Benton County Oregon. If your voice isn't represented, write a column, essay, or article."

I'm having fun with the paper and want to do it for many years to come.

The Alsea Valley Voice started in January, 1998 so I am one of many editors who have worked on the paper.

I'm going to work on getting some new advertisers so no one has to worry about the number of pages or the cost of paper.

October 15th is my next deadline when I will be starting to work on the November issue. Right now I have a couple of days to do something else.

Ms. Bradford's Blog

I just subscribed to Ms. Bradford's Blog. She's my grandson's first grade teacher and she's amazing. I haven't even met her but I'm so impressed with everything I've heard so far. For one thing, she keeps grandparents in the loop of what's going on in her classroom. That's pretty terrific! My grandson, Jack loves her and loves going to school. I'm so grateful to have the opportunity to see photos of Jack and hear what's going on in room 116 at Myer's Elementary in West Salem.

http://msbradfordroom116.blogspot.com

Interviews

I love interviewing people. It's fun to learn about other people and what's important to them. I finished writing up two interviews that I did recently for the Alsea Valley Voice.

I'm having fun with the Alsea Valley Voice. I am working on the October issue. I received permission to publish monthly. This is the most fun I've had since I have moved here eight years ago.

Acorn

I just learned about Acorn and it's work to give legal help to the poor in major cities across the country. I'm surprised at the reaction in the news right now, because of what I have witnessed by attorneys in the courtroom. Why would Democrats abandon this program that helps the poor?

I have witnessed myself in the Benton County Courthouse and the Marion County Courthouse, when I was called to be a juror, attorneys counsel crooks on how to be smarter, how to get away with it the next time. I was shocked at the time and outraged but this happens every day. Criminal attorneys always help criminals survive and work to get them out of legal trouble. This is hard to see or watch but it happens.

Just because there are attorneys who cross the line doesn't mean a great program to help the poor get the essential legal help they need, should be torn apart. Bullies seem to rule and people need help. Republicans and conservatives are working to cut off help to the poor on all fronts. It isn't right and Democrats don't seem to have the backbone to stand up and debate this issue. All people, rich and poor, have the right to legal representation. Attorneys have the potential to be great heroes and defenders of right. Acorn is a fine example of helping the poor get the help they need with volunteer attorneys.

Dental Care Crisis and Health Care Crisis

My husband’s filling came out in a back tooth. He pulled out a book he bought years ago at the Army Surplus Store called WHEN THERE IS NO DENTIST. It’s for helping people in third world countries. I guess we live in a third world country here in the United States. He went to the store today to buy an over-the-counter product to replace tooth fillings. He brought it home and I acted as dentist. I shouldn’t be placed in this situation. I’m not a dentist. Everyone who needs dental care should receive it in this country. Everyone should receive preventative care for dental needs and all health care. We need single payer health care in this country.

I need to see a dentist too. Doesn't anybody care out there? Do the greedy and the rich have to always dictate what happens in this country? We need single payer health care so everyone has preventative care.

Maybe all those people who enjoy sending their kids to school at public schools who cry that single payer health care is socialism should have to pay to send their kids to school. Public schools for all children, which is important, is just as much a socialist program as health care for all.

Danger of Cell Phones

Yesterday I watched CSpan and the testimony in the Senate about cell phones causing brain tumors. I believe that Senator Teddy Kennedy died from using his cell phone over the years which caused his brain tumor and cancer. Senator Arlen Specter was asking questions of a doctor who tried very hard to be careful not to reveal too much information that could start a panic about cell phones. Cell phones are big business in this country. Almost everyone has one and people feel the need to have the latest model with the most features.

After listening to the testimony given, I felt alarmed about the usage of cell phones and spoke to my children about my concerns. I have been receiving e-mails the last few years about the dangers of cell phones and this testimony which wasn’t conclusive convinced me that cell phones are as dangerous as smoking cigarettes. Children should not be using a cell phone because their brains aren’t fully developed. You should never use a cell phone on a train or in an area where the reception is not strong because the radiation is stronger. If you are at home, you should buy a land line or regular phone. If you do need to use the cell phone, don’t put it up to your ear. Don’t use a blue tooth because it directs the radiation directly to the side of your head, just as if you were holding the cell phone directly to your ear. Use a small ear piece connected to a long wire, if you need to use a cell phone.

Walmart

I've always admired Walmart as a business model. Walmart managers know instantly what products are in the store. They know prices. They know instantly what was ordered and when it's coming in. There is no excess. There is no cheating happening anywhere. There is transparency and accountability. Walmart was started to sell American products. They sell more goods now from all over the world than other stores. People who can't afford to shop at other high priced stores can count on low prices at Walmart. I wish I lived close to a Walmart. I would apply for a job.

If health care were run like Walmart, we would know instantly what was going on. We would know that prices are being charged that are many times what it should be. We would know that accounts are being charged more than once. We would see the excess and would be able to cut. Walmart has transparency and accountability. I know of no other business as efficient.

There needs to be transparency in health care. Health records should be shared so that doctors don't have to keep redoing tests. I guess doctors and hospitals don't like sharing records because it lets others see potential errors, mistakes, and actions that shouldn't happen.

If our government and health care were run like Walmart, there would be accountability and transparency.

U.S. Representative Barney Frank

I called the office of Barney Frank, the U.S. Representative from Massachusetts this morning to leave a message to say that I applaud his great courage to stand up for single payer health care and for being a strong voice for all of us without health care. I'm impressed that he stands up for all issues to help people. He's a political hero at a time in our country where most politicians are bought and sold. Many politicians today disregard what is best for this country. They stand for greed and the interests of the rich.

I enjoy watching C-Span when I get a chance and I enjoy the strong voice of Barney Frank.

Walking Bridge in Salem

There's a new walking bridge in Salem over the Willamette River connecting downtown Salem to West Salem. It used to be used for trains as a rail bridge. Gretchen showed us this amazing addition to Salem. We parked close to Gilbert House, which is a toy museum and we walked onto the walking bridge. Lizzy and Jack rode their bikes across and back. It was so nice. I loved it. Everyone who lives close to the bridge in West Salem is lucky to be able to cross on foot and walk to shopping in downtown Salem. We also walked to see the new tile globe at the other end of the walking path next to the Willamette River. The globe is 25 feet in diameter.

Everyone living in Salem can enjoy the walking bridge and the great walking trail next to the Willamette River. Every city should have all these advantages and beautiful places to exercise.

Public Schools

It is interesting how so many people in the United States take for granted that there are free public schools so that children can learn. Many parents who enjoy the benefits of sending their children to school free without having to worry about paying tuition payments to private schools, oppose single payer health care so that everyone can enjoy the benefits of prevention and emphasis on care for all. I guess it is situational ethics. They cry out that it is socialism for us to have health care for all but they don't see it is socialism to enjoy free schools.

Maybe all those parents who protest that the President of the United States, President Obama, address school children to work hard in school should have to pay tuition at private schools.

President Obama's School Message

I understand that President Obama had big plans to address school children all over the United States to tell them to work hard, persist, and study. I didn't get to hear the speech yet or read it. What I don't understand is why all this opposition. It is appropriate for President Obama to address the children at the school. He's the President of the United States. His message is important and inspiring.

I guess Conservatives and Republicans want kids to not study, not read, not work hard to be the best you can be. I guess Conservatives and Republicans want kids to pray their way through school and hope they will get good grades without doing all the work.

Hollywood Nails

Leslie and I stayed at our daughter Gretchen's house in West Salem from Saturday through Monday nights to visit with family. Ben, Amanda, and Anna drove down from Seattle. Daniel and Jodee flew to the west coast from Ohio. We had a nice time visiting.

On Monday, Jodee treated the girls to pedicures and manicures at Hollywood Nails in West Salem. I've never had a pedicure before. It was fun and wonderful. Hollywood Nails does a great job at spoiling you and making you feel special. It took over an hour. Lizzy who will be five in November was happy to have her toenails painted too. She'll be going to Brush Elementary for preschool. Gretchen has done this before and so has Jodee. It was my first time and I enjoyed every minute.

I comomented that it we had more care than a visit to the doctor. The chair had special massage features. Our arms and hands were massaged. Our feet, ankles, and part of our legs were massaged. She lady who worked on my toes said that it is recommended to come at least once a month. At $35 for both a manicure and pedicure, it is affordable for most women. We sure had a nice time. Thank you, Jodee!