Showing posts with label Seattle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Seattle. Show all posts
Friday, June 12, 2009
Summer & Work
Whew! What a week! I have worked hard and I am tired. The weather is wonderful. I am excited to get home, eat a steak and relax.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Mommy Wars
Seattle can be an intense place to have children. We are all very well educated and very well intentioned- we expect our children to be loving, caring, active, smart, intense (liberal) individuals when they grow up. We believe that we can give our kids what we didn't have- whatever that may be. For me, I want my kids to be more self confident- I think Rick would say something like being happy. What is happiness? My definition is #1- don't do anything that you will really regret- like getting pregnant or going to jail. #2- having good friends. Knowing how to cultivate and maintain friendships. #3. How to feel empathy for others, know how to think of others. #4. Know how to listen and try to learn from others- there is no reason that a kid needs to learn by "doing". Enough of that- we "humans" have been around a long enough time to pass down some good logic. We teach our kids to not put their hands in the fire- I think we now must step up the game to teach social and emotional intelligence.
Stay at Home Mom's vs Working Full Time Moms
I wish that I could be a stay at home mom, but not possible. I know that my working will help create a better financial future for my family. Yes, I have a nanny. By not taking time off- by pretty much working the whole time since I was first pregnant- over 8 years ago, I was able to raise my income by over $20K in that time frame. Even though it doesn't look that good right now, I do have a 401k retirement account. Our house has actually, barely, maintained its value, so someday I do expect that investment to pay off.
Are there people who are better off than me? Yes. Do I envy mothers that have more time for their families? Yes.
Something that I just realized recently is that working moms have a very limited amount of time to be social and/or to meet for play dates. My impression is that a stay at home mom can have "social" time during the day while their working counterparts do not have that luxury. A working mother's time for "social" is often weekends. Many times this interrupts a stay at home mom's time with her husband and extended family. So there is a direct conflict- even for the best of intentioned.
Sometimes it is very hard to create the connections that you want to make to insure your child's social and emotional success. (The truth is that your college friends will probably take a different path than you, so those relationships change once children arrive- one has to forge anew) There is pressure to create a new network of friends who have kids your kids age. I have found this to be harder than I expected. I think I may need to read the book "How to win friends and influence people" by Dale Carnegie. Do you think he has a "mommy" section?
Stay at Home Mothers are way too defensive. If I make a comment like"...I don't think I could stay home 100%, but it would sure be great to only work 30 hours a week." I am not comparing myself to you- I am voicing a fact. It is wrong in this society that I cannot get paid well unless I work over 40 hours a week.
Grandmothers
I have friends who have wonderful- active- grandmothers. I do not. I hate the fact when someone complains about their mother. I am envious of friends who have grandparents that play a very active role with the family. To be more specific- they babysit, pick the kids up from school if need be, and provide emotional and financial support.
Stay at Home Mom's vs Working Full Time Moms
I wish that I could be a stay at home mom, but not possible. I know that my working will help create a better financial future for my family. Yes, I have a nanny. By not taking time off- by pretty much working the whole time since I was first pregnant- over 8 years ago, I was able to raise my income by over $20K in that time frame. Even though it doesn't look that good right now, I do have a 401k retirement account. Our house has actually, barely, maintained its value, so someday I do expect that investment to pay off.
Are there people who are better off than me? Yes. Do I envy mothers that have more time for their families? Yes.
Something that I just realized recently is that working moms have a very limited amount of time to be social and/or to meet for play dates. My impression is that a stay at home mom can have "social" time during the day while their working counterparts do not have that luxury. A working mother's time for "social" is often weekends. Many times this interrupts a stay at home mom's time with her husband and extended family. So there is a direct conflict- even for the best of intentioned.
Sometimes it is very hard to create the connections that you want to make to insure your child's social and emotional success. (The truth is that your college friends will probably take a different path than you, so those relationships change once children arrive- one has to forge anew) There is pressure to create a new network of friends who have kids your kids age. I have found this to be harder than I expected. I think I may need to read the book "How to win friends and influence people" by Dale Carnegie. Do you think he has a "mommy" section?
Stay at Home Mothers are way too defensive. If I make a comment like"...I don't think I could stay home 100%, but it would sure be great to only work 30 hours a week." I am not comparing myself to you- I am voicing a fact. It is wrong in this society that I cannot get paid well unless I work over 40 hours a week.
Grandmothers
I have friends who have wonderful- active- grandmothers. I do not. I hate the fact when someone complains about their mother. I am envious of friends who have grandparents that play a very active role with the family. To be more specific- they babysit, pick the kids up from school if need be, and provide emotional and financial support.
Food Diary Update
#1. I have kept to the diet, except at a baseball game and that was due to very poor service at the restaurant.
#2. I had the worse lunch today- yuck! Brown rice with Tofu. I tried to find some flavor to add from the work fridge- re: lemon or vinegar or something!!, but no. Just plain brown rice with tofu.
#3. I have tried this for almost three weeks, still drinking alcohol. Not going to work. Starting Tuesday, the alcohol goes.
#2. I had the worse lunch today- yuck! Brown rice with Tofu. I tried to find some flavor to add from the work fridge- re: lemon or vinegar or something!!, but no. Just plain brown rice with tofu.
#3. I have tried this for almost three weeks, still drinking alcohol. Not going to work. Starting Tuesday, the alcohol goes.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Food Diary
On Saturday, May 1, I started an elimination diet. Elimination diet is where, due to allergies, one does not eat wheat, corn, nuts, sugar, coffee, tea, citrus or dairy. So I cut out the wheat, corn, nuts, dairy, but there is some of the rest in my diet. I thought the last time that I did this (many years ago) that I was allowed other grains besides wheat, but today I read a new article that suggests that all grains and all legumes should be eliminated also. Humm what to do.
My diet has been sort- of the following
Morning = Organic Steel Cut Oatmeal
Lunch = Chicken breast or egg with rice, vegi snack; or black bean soup
Dinner = Green beans (or something close) and either chicken or fish
Should I stick to my oatmeal, or go for sliced yams in the morning?
I think I might start posting what I eat everyday. Might be a fun exercise.
Today: 5/06/09
Coffee, black
Carrot
1/4 apple
Spring role (Shrimp, lettuce, rice noodles wrapped in rice paper)
Deep fried tofu
Halibut
Cabbage
Vodka martini (I'll try to keep it under 2)
So the above is really a vent, I don't feel good. I felt really good yesterday and now I feel terrible. I hope tomorrow is better.
My diet has been sort- of the following
Morning = Organic Steel Cut Oatmeal
Lunch = Chicken breast or egg with rice, vegi snack; or black bean soup
Dinner = Green beans (or something close) and either chicken or fish
Should I stick to my oatmeal, or go for sliced yams in the morning?
I think I might start posting what I eat everyday. Might be a fun exercise.
Today: 5/06/09
Coffee, black
Carrot
1/4 apple
Spring role (Shrimp, lettuce, rice noodles wrapped in rice paper)
Deep fried tofu
Halibut
Cabbage
Vodka martini (I'll try to keep it under 2)
So the above is really a vent, I don't feel good. I felt really good yesterday and now I feel terrible. I hope tomorrow is better.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Maybe it is the Sunshine
So maybe it is the sunshine...I feel a shift. I think we (American's) are "over it" with the economy and all the talk about "Great Depression in the 21st Century".
Yes- everyone has tightened their belts- but it feels like instead of going for that extra notch - that extra 1/2 inch. We, the country, said - ENOUGH - I am wealthy and I am not going to take it anymore!
Anyway- that is what I felt and told my husband last night. He isn't sure-but lets see if my gut is correct...??
How will this effect the people who do have it hard- I don't know.
Buddist Thought of the Day
In this world the wise one holds onto confidence and wisdom. Those are the greatest treasures; all other riches are pushed aside. - Buddha...
Yes- everyone has tightened their belts- but it feels like instead of going for that extra notch - that extra 1/2 inch. We, the country, said - ENOUGH - I am wealthy and I am not going to take it anymore!
Anyway- that is what I felt and told my husband last night. He isn't sure-but lets see if my gut is correct...??
How will this effect the people who do have it hard- I don't know.
Buddist Thought of the Day
In this world the wise one holds onto confidence and wisdom. Those are the greatest treasures; all other riches are pushed aside. - Buddha...
Friday, February 20, 2009
Hydrogen Engine
My son is interested in saving the planet and he is currently working on a design for hydrogen engine. A car that would run off of steam- from water.
As we were talking, I realized that he would be very interested in the Book "Cradle to Cradle". He doesn't read real fast, so I have started reading him the book. I don't know why- but I think he is getting the concept.
As we were talking, I realized that he would be very interested in the Book "Cradle to Cradle". He doesn't read real fast, so I have started reading him the book. I don't know why- but I think he is getting the concept.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Mad at Dad
Most read article on Parenting.com is Mad at Dad.
"We love our husbands- so why are we so angry at them, so often?"
I am usually very angry with my husband at least 2-3 times a month where I try to imagine an escape plan. How do I get out of this marriage? I have never come up with a plan that I am comfortable with. We are stuck with each other. Kind of like being in prison- I heard that on a mom blog. We have these two beautiful kids and I just vowed that I would never do it alone, if I didn't have to. Being the child of divorce- in the 1970's- make an impression.
Now my husband is one of the "good ones". He is fairly attentive and I trust him...but- he is has no ability to be pro-active. Food is important to him, so the kids will never stave. Clean socks and underwear are important- so the kids will stay decently clothed. He has taken the kids to the Dr.- when I cannot. He has attended one parent teacher conference- when I could not make it. He has no ability to cultivate new relationships. He often says "No". He will not take the kids places all on his own. He puts his friends before me- maybe not before the kids- but before me.
He treats me like I am his mom.
The other day he told me that he "is the fix it- guy" and since I cannot "fix" things, I must do more of the daily chores and overall cleaning of the house. This is also a guy who told me that he didn't have clean socks and I responded, yes he did, I checked his drawer. He responded that they were not the "right" ones that he wanted to wear. Kind of sounds like a toddler.
I work full-time, I volunteer in my son's classroom- weekly. I coordinate the nanny schedule. I procure items for the preschool auction. I am tired and a drive a car that I don't particularly like because it is better for us to leave my car for the nanny. I do 98% of the shopping. I pay all the bills. I do the laundry- this one is my fault- he won't do laundry in a manner that I find acceptable- I have asked him to follow my guidelines and he refuses.
Like in the article- I do want to say that I do love my husband very much. We have been married a very long time and we are good friends. He has a more flexible work schedule than I do- so he is often home working on the house- doing projects- but not looking to see what could be picked-up or cleaned. I would like for him to walk around the house- look to see what could be done before starting a project. Men are kind-of like bears they like to be in their cave (shop, garage, office).
I am looking to get a dog.
"We love our husbands- so why are we so angry at them, so often?"
I am usually very angry with my husband at least 2-3 times a month where I try to imagine an escape plan. How do I get out of this marriage? I have never come up with a plan that I am comfortable with. We are stuck with each other. Kind of like being in prison- I heard that on a mom blog. We have these two beautiful kids and I just vowed that I would never do it alone, if I didn't have to. Being the child of divorce- in the 1970's- make an impression.
Now my husband is one of the "good ones". He is fairly attentive and I trust him...but- he is has no ability to be pro-active. Food is important to him, so the kids will never stave. Clean socks and underwear are important- so the kids will stay decently clothed. He has taken the kids to the Dr.- when I cannot. He has attended one parent teacher conference- when I could not make it. He has no ability to cultivate new relationships. He often says "No". He will not take the kids places all on his own. He puts his friends before me- maybe not before the kids- but before me.
He treats me like I am his mom.
The other day he told me that he "is the fix it- guy" and since I cannot "fix" things, I must do more of the daily chores and overall cleaning of the house. This is also a guy who told me that he didn't have clean socks and I responded, yes he did, I checked his drawer. He responded that they were not the "right" ones that he wanted to wear. Kind of sounds like a toddler.
I work full-time, I volunteer in my son's classroom- weekly. I coordinate the nanny schedule. I procure items for the preschool auction. I am tired and a drive a car that I don't particularly like because it is better for us to leave my car for the nanny. I do 98% of the shopping. I pay all the bills. I do the laundry- this one is my fault- he won't do laundry in a manner that I find acceptable- I have asked him to follow my guidelines and he refuses.
Like in the article- I do want to say that I do love my husband very much. We have been married a very long time and we are good friends. He has a more flexible work schedule than I do- so he is often home working on the house- doing projects- but not looking to see what could be picked-up or cleaned. I would like for him to walk around the house- look to see what could be done before starting a project. Men are kind-of like bears they like to be in their cave (shop, garage, office).
I am looking to get a dog.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
New Years Resolutions 2009
Happy New Year.
I reviewed the resolutions that I posted for 2008 here. Not exactly what I remembered. I thought I had added learning to knit. Humm.
Resolutions this year are:
Career advancement: I mean to work very hard so that in 2010 I will be promoted.
Fitness: Increase personal fitness.
Stress reduction: Take time for myself, take time to react, think first. Be more patient.
Be mindful: Stay present and in the moment.
Kinder: Try to not be so harsh on oneself or on others close to you.
I reviewed the resolutions that I posted for 2008 here. Not exactly what I remembered. I thought I had added learning to knit. Humm.
Resolutions this year are:
Career advancement: I mean to work very hard so that in 2010 I will be promoted.
Fitness: Increase personal fitness.
Stress reduction: Take time for myself, take time to react, think first. Be more patient.
Be mindful: Stay present and in the moment.
Kinder: Try to not be so harsh on oneself or on others close to you.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Hat & Scarf
One of my New Year resolutions for 2008 was to learn how to knit.
I started with a hat- for husband and did some scarfs- but below is my current favorite.
Bright colors and great yarn.
I started with a hat- for husband and did some scarfs- but below is my current favorite.
Bright colors and great yarn.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Driving to Work on Friday
Below is my little video of me driving to work on Friday. I might have to make one for tomorrow- the roads on Monday are going to be brutal.
Next is me on the road - Beacon Avenue
I-5 to I-90
Bellevue Ave Exit
Next is me on the road - Beacon Avenue
I-5 to I-90
Bellevue Ave Exit
Thursday, December 18, 2008
What my backyard looks like with snow
Monday, October 20, 2008
Pumpkin Patch - Jubilee Farm
Jubilee is a great local, king county, organic farm. 30 minutes from Seattle- it is close enough to make visiting not an ordeal. I have been a subscriber of their newsletter for 2 years, and I know Wendy and Erick have worked very hard on local and national farm bills / zoning, etc. I like them because when I visit- it feels real- not over commercialized.
I am considering ordering their summer CSA- registration is now, October. They have a drop off location in Columbia City, down the hill from where I live- which is easier for me than trying to visit a farmer's market every week.
I support local farming. I am committed to sustainable living. I support the trend to live, eat, shop locally. I could go on and on.
But, I will have to admit that I have been shocked by the prices of local food here in Seattle. Jubilee's prices at the farm were high. I am not sure why I must pay 0.50 cents a pound for a pumpkin or why corn on the cob is 0.75 cents each- when those are the same prices I can find at PCC. If I am driving to the farm, should I not get the produce for less?
Monday, July 21, 2008
Saving Rain
There is this article in today's Seattle PI that mentions an archaic Washington State water law. Click here to read the article.
I decided to do some research- what is this law exactly?
As a homeowner- I have been looking at collection rain water in containers larger than my 55 - gallon rain barrel and would like to install a cistern. I do not know for sure, but there seems to be a City of Seattle pilot program currently in place called Seattle RainCatcher Pilot.
Seattle Public Utilities Rain water harvesting.
I decided to do some research- what is this law exactly?
RCW 90.46.130Impairment of water rights downstream from freshwater discharge points. |
(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, facilities that reclaim water under this chapter shall not impair any existing water right downstream from any freshwater discharge points of such facilities unless compensation or mitigation for such impairment is agreed to by the holder of the affected water right.
(2) Agricultural water use of agricultural industrial process water and use of industrial reuse water under this chapter shall not impair existing water rights within the water source that is the source of supply for the agricultural processing plant or the industrial processing and, if the water source is surface water, the existing water rights are downstream from the agricultural processing plant's discharge points existing on July 22, 2001, or from the industrial processing's discharge points existing on June 13, 2002.
As a homeowner- I have been looking at collection rain water in containers larger than my 55 - gallon rain barrel and would like to install a cistern. I do not know for sure, but there seems to be a City of Seattle pilot program currently in place called Seattle RainCatcher Pilot.
Seattle Public Utilities Rain water harvesting.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Georgetown Garden Tour
At the US Bank parking lot in Georgetown, we checked in, made a donation and received our map. Photo's are not great, but we are learning. Someone needs a haircut.
Great City - Seattle
Came across a fairly new group- Seattle Great City Initiative.
The Seattle Great City Initiative brings together organizations and individuals committed to making positive, lasting change, breaking down traditional barriers that can get in the way of smart planning and helping Seattle grow and thrive as a truly great city.
They are having a Summer Street Scene Party. Thursday, July 17, 2008.
Vulcan, Inc. is the event host.
Click here to see poster.
I really like the organization's long term goals.
The Seattle Great City Initiative brings together organizations and individuals committed to making positive, lasting change, breaking down traditional barriers that can get in the way of smart planning and helping Seattle grow and thrive as a truly great city.
They are having a Summer Street Scene Party. Thursday, July 17, 2008.
Vulcan, Inc. is the event host.
Click here to see poster.
I really like the organization's long term goals.
- Sustainable Practices
- Social Equity
- Increase of the Supply of Well Designed Housing
- Improved Parks and Streets and Public Spaces
- Green Building Standards
- Clean Affordable Mobility.
Monday, June 9, 2008
S&C- The Movie
I saw this movie with a friend on Friday. I really, really disliked it. It was sad and depressing and I cried through over half of it- then I had a crying headache. The movie ends well.
We saw the vintage movie at the Theater in Columbia City (Seattle). The theater was comfortable and nice, but it could do with some refreshing and new sound system. I took a picture of the waiting area. Brightly painted!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Obama- Rally in Portland, OR
75,000 attend Obama Rally in Portland, OR
My father is from Portland. My grandfather and grandmother (immigrants from Switzerland) raised their four children in a quiet neighborhood just SE of the city. I grew up in Ashland, OR and have spent quite a bit of time in Portland. Sometimes I wish I lived in Portland instead of Seattle.
I supported Hillary, even though I could tell she was not going to win the democratic nomination. I felt and still feel that I made the correct choice. I really, really wanted a woman to be president.
Obama inspires. I think he has an excellent chance of becoming the next president of the United States.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Friday- Seattle Real Estate
Georgetown
Ballard Brass has signed a lease for 47,000(+) sqft in Georgetown at NW Corporate Park X (not sure where that is. Thanks to NAI Puget Sound Properties- 1st quarter report.
Seattle Median Home Prices- Compare of April 2007 to April 2008
My neighborhood has declined by 16%. Doesn't seem that way. Beacon Hill has the lowest median prices in the central close to downtown core. Info below is courtesy of Rob Graham.
Ballard Brass has signed a lease for 47,000(+) sqft in Georgetown at NW Corporate Park X (not sure where that is. Thanks to NAI Puget Sound Properties- 1st quarter report.
Seattle Median Home Prices- Compare of April 2007 to April 2008
My neighborhood has declined by 16%. Doesn't seem that way. Beacon Hill has the lowest median prices in the central close to downtown core. Info below is courtesy of Rob Graham.
Seattle Median Home Prices April '07 vs. April '08 by Neighborhood
| Neighborhood | Median Price April '07 | Median Price April '08 | Change |
| West Seattle | $427,825.00 | $398,450.00 | -6.87% |
| Mount Baker /Seward Park | $405,000.00 | $391,944.00 | -3.22% |
| Beacon Hill /Georgetown | $395,000.00 | $331,000.00 | -16.20% |
| Madison Park / Capitol Hill | $607,000.00 | $499,888.00 | -17.65% |
| Queen Anne / Magnolia | $699,000.00 | $670,000.00 | -4.15% |
| Ballard / GreenLake | $475,000.00 | $454,000.00 | -4.42% |
| North East Seattle | $499,997.00 | $445,000.00 | -11% |
| Richmond Beach / Shoreline | $398,000.00 | $392,000.00 | -1.51% |
| Lake Forrest Park | $412,000.00 | $415,000.00 | 0.73% |
| Bellevue South / Issaquah | $674,950.00 | $650,000.00 | -3.70% |
| Bellevue West | $1,159,650.00 | $1,080,000.00 | -6.87% |
| Bellevue East | $580,000.00 | $532,500.00 | -8.19% |
| Issaquah / N. Bend / Snoqualmie | $604,975.00 | $552,500.00 | -8.67% |
| Redmond / Carnation | $719,975.00 | $620,000.00 | -13.89% |
| Kirkland / Bridal Trails | $699,500.00 | $665,000.00 | -4.93% |
| Juanita / Woodenville / Bothell | $530,000.00 | $499,000.00 | -5.85% |
Friday, May 9, 2008
Trees and Wet Spring in Seattle
Our neighborhood planted trees from the Neighborhood Parks/Tree program.
I am pleased the trees made it through the winter.
Dogwood
In front of house.
It has been a wet spring in Seattle. Here is are two pictures of my office park parking lot.
I work in a swamp! I was not able to get a picture of the ducks!
Buddhist thought of the day:
In order to see birds it is necessary to become a part of the silence.
- Robert Lynd
I am pleased the trees made it through the winter.
Dogwood
In front of house.
It has been a wet spring in Seattle. Here is are two pictures of my office park parking lot.
I work in a swamp! I was not able to get a picture of the ducks!
Buddhist thought of the day:
In order to see birds it is necessary to become a part of the silence.
- Robert Lynd
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