DazedAmazed

How you can impact the battle against Leukemia today-one human being at a time

2012-01-19T07:11:00.000-08:00

Amit got a 10/10 match, and starts transplant treatment soon! Prayers and thanks to God. Hoping he can celebrate the 5 yr mark battling Leukemia. Have you joined the registry? It takes less than 2 hours of your time to register, then follow the kit instructions received by mail. If you are a match, donation is fairly painless and for the inconvenience another human being battling Lukemia has a fighting chance.

Amit Gupta update 1/18/12

Good News about Amit from Seth Godin

Amit Gupta facebook community page

Want to check out how to get on the register as well as other ways to help battle Lukemia, Lymphoma, and other conditions? Check out these links below for a start:

Be the Match facebook info page

Be the Match registry home page

Waking Up-what would happen without books, blogs, PSPs, commericals, phonecalls, and bitter feelings to fill our thought spaces?

2012-01-02T09:54:00.000-08:00

Had a question on my mind when I first woke up today, but I did not know what the question was, only the feeling of it.

So I said (silently) "What is it God? What is the question?"

After a bit of reflection and sorting, getting a drink of water and a leftover browie while searching for my bible, it was "Where does your family find thier time and spaces in Me?" and then a bit later in the day I was reminded that today marks the 16th year since my second child died at birth. And the question was " What laundry can we get washed out today?" (Malachi 3)

And then I realized I almost always start a day this way if I wake up before the world starts spinning too loud. If I am in bed and it is quiet I talk to Him, I reflect on Him, I imbibe. And I realize today this is one place and time in my life which make sense and finds peace. It is more than a practice, and even more than a habit. It is a way of thinking and being and it is a gift if we can find Him in the chaos, in the storm, in the flurry, in the excitement, the fear, the anger, the suspicions and solicitations and all those distractions that will pull one this way and that.

What is your morning or evening routine?

With a family of three tween/teens, we have a family devotion time most evenings to read scripture and do a little reflection. Over the holidays the structure of this had been dropped and being the first, we started the practice again last night. Group gatherings are fine, yet the individual application is up to each individual. What takes me to His word is knowing He is present in the present of my present. And without time and space to prepare, eat, chew, digest, store, purge the excess, and set up for more work in His truth and sustinace (truth and support that is from Him, not simply a set of writings or a code) I could simply be someone who goes into the store, fills up the cart wtih essentials, and then fails to pay the price and walks out with a soda, candy bar and a bag of cheetos instead from the eye candy display. Down the road you balance your check book and realize you blew all your resources, ended up with a stomach ache, a couple of headaches and you really feel like crap.

I had woken up before anyone else this morning, getting back to my normal. And this is not the stressed out wake up in a alarmed at 2 or 4 in the am and cannot get back to sleep thing. Today it was to the noise of the 5 am furnace kicking up from 60 to 66 degrees instead of the local am radio station that goes one at 5:30 am that gently brought me to first mornings consciencess. To be able to rest in a bed in peace and quiet makes me one of the richest people ever. I wish everyone had the ability to have a time of peace in every day and I hope to always be able to find way for Him in my every day. The older I get the more He seems to be round every corner, in every fold and wrinkle. I would like to say I follow Him or he follows me, but in reality is it more like He is ever present and reminding me of His awesomeness and it is shock and awe and all that, as well as, "Why do you bother with me when I am such a pain to deal with all and when I forget you are here in this place with me so often?".

I think it started when I was a teen, I got the idea that the next day began at 6 pm the evening before. And I had read that we should not go to bed angry, lest evil get a foothold in my life. So on good days I would try to read and pray and sing into my sleeping hours in such a way that my mind and soul and relationships were ready for resting and the next day of workings.

As a young adult, and even now I do not follow this practice religiously. It is so easy to let television, reading, tasks, worries, arguments, and a hundred other things take the place of setting time and place for Number One. But in the end it bites to proceed without instruction and without utilizing provided support from the Master of it all.

So today I begin again on the journey to harness my thought life in Him. From thoughts come the contents of the heart.

From thoughts come emotions and from emotions come actions, generally speaking with a few exceptions.

And the mind is attached to all these intake devices that are designed to help us understand and process and utilize information. Glad this person is more than a computing device.

And really appreciating the times and spaces that find His imprint imbedded and His voice spoken for one. He helps. May each soul find rest in Him in all kinds of trouble today and everyday.

May each peace and hope and fear and trauma be offered to Him in thanksgiving.

Rushing Christmas toward the end of this Year

2011-12-27T00:27:00.000-08:00

Slow down, speed up, don't hit the speed bump. Get over from the curb, don't cross the yellow line, stop in front of the white line, by the stop sign, and be sure to come to a full and complete stop before rolling out. Be very clear and watch how you steer, look both ways before going and use the turn signal in time, and go near the speed limit most all of the time.

Geez, and this was only the second day out driving the car. 3 hours logged, and we are definitly on a roll...

Did you hear about the guy who explained, " I swerved, and I swerved, and I swerved, and then I hit it! "

Merry Christmas to all, great and small.

May you receive and discover many more blessings to share throughout this coming year.

What will move you to action?

2011-10-27T22:13:00.000-07:00

http://www.dragonflyeffect.com/blog/dragonfly-in-action/case-studies/the-story-of-sameer-and-vinay/

Legacy leaves faintly a trail, for those who will follow the fading glow of those who have gone before us.

Takes about an hour to read the medical guidelines and fill out the info form to get a testing kit to get on the bone marrow registry.
Donating Bone Marrow is comparable to donating blood, it is not over invasive and not considered painful. How lucky if you came up a match for someone else.

This is the kind of gambling I could recommend whole heartedly.

The people:
http://savesameer.com/

http://amitguptaneedsyou.com/

The Process is in the link below (do it now, please do not even delay!)
The more who register, the more matches possible on this big blue ball we call home.
http://www.marrow.org/Join/Join_Now/Join_Now.aspx

Other Bank Food Drive-Can you spare some toiletries?

2011-10-26T07:17:00.000-07:00

Other Bank Food Drive-KGY 1240 Radio

I remember a time I was in between jobs and was working a string of part time ones while shutting down my daycare. It was so hard having kids to care and feed and holidays to celebrate with nothing in the cupboard, save what could be picked up at the food bank. And no cash for tampons.

At the time, I felt useless, worthless and broken. I was. I had to find who I was again, still am. I have to know that today I am richer for the failures to be all that. I just get to be me, hands to give, hands to receive. Life is not over until it is spent.

KGY is hosting an Other Bank drive for the Thurston County area. The link above lists off acceptable items and drop off locations.

Essentials that food stamps will not buy. KGY and Little Creek Casino are partnering to support community needs at this time. Drop off locations also.

Even if you do not do this, how do you ask what your neighbors need? Have you let them know if you are needing something?

Repost of KGY info page is below:

‎"Many families are in real need of items that cannot be purchased with food stamps or are neglected due to other expenses such as food and rent—yet they are essential for maintaining health and personal dignity. That is the basic principleguiding our
3rd Annual “KGY Beyond Food Drive”.

KEY ITEMS NEEDED:
Toothpaste and Toothbrushes Pet Food and Supplies
Men’s and Women’s Deodorant Baby Care Items
Shampoo Bar Soap
Powdered Laundry Soap Diapers
Razors and Shaving Cream Dish Soap
Personal Hygiene Products Toilet Paper
Paper Towels Cleaning Supplies

Donate at the following locations

KGY Radio Studios, Waterfront, Olympia

The Mailbox, 120 State Ave NE, Olympia

Alley Oop Gymnastics Center, 2643 Mottman Ct SW, Tumwater

Southgate Center (Tumwater) :
The Gift Gallery, 5113 Capitol Blvd SE
Fluffy and Floyd’s, 5211 Capitol Blvd SW
Martin’s Southgate Drug, 5201 Capitol Blvd SW

Average monthly
income of an “Other Bank” family of four served is $650 per month

Beneficiaries include the homeless, disabled or elderly and those on unemployment or with minimum wage jobs

20,000+ people served annually and need is growing

Get on the Bone Marrow Registry-Do it today!

2011-10-11T18:56:00.000-07:00

Why not?

If you are on the list then:

You are between the ages of 18 and 60 and have your health to be thankful for, and managed well enough, even if you have diabetes, ADHD or some other condition.
You are willing to donate your bone marrow if you are a match for someone who desperately needs it.
You are part of a compassionate solution. Today's technology can match people from one side of the planet to another.

The links below are for Amit Gupta's story and for the bone marrow registry and the blog post fro Seth Godin about this. If you are south Asia, please do not delay.

http://tumblr.amitgupta.com/day/2011/10/06
http://www.marrow.org/Join/Join_Now/Join_Now.aspx

http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2011/10/eliminating-the-impulse-to-stall.html

Let us know in comment below how many in your household were able to sign up, or why you decided not to today.

Are you irreplaceable?

2011-10-05T06:15:00.000-07:00

Maybe, Maybe not.

I am, when it comes to what I choose to do as a mom, the person on shift today, or being aware of personal wellness, or in testing out of things.

The moments add up to the sum on ones existence. The tide comes and goes, so do storms. So do seasons and ages.

Have a great day and a lot of incredible moments.

Lord's Gym is now Ignite Fitness!

2011-09-26T23:22:00.000-07:00

Check out the Gym and watch for joining details. I for one am ready to shed another 30 lbs and get the muscles in shape this fall to spring.

And the rains have resumed. What better time to get in the gym?

First 300 members are in with no joining fee or contract and $26 a month. Things are buzzing already this first week.

DazedAmazed is also my website-Take a look if you like....

2011-09-18T18:58:00.000-07:00

See if our family of five can make it to payday solvent?
(thankfully there is a payday currently!)

I have included simple recipies from what is lurking in the cupboards-buttermilk biscuit pizza, sloppy joe tacos, hot chocolate tapioca pudding, leftover fried rice were our weekend meals.

A little tip on how to rustle up enough dough for a gallon of milk...clean out the washing machine pump.

This is my website, linked below, by the same name as my blog.

http://www.dazedamazed.com/

What things would you like to see on this website? What would be the most help locally and globally to you today?

Thank you for following and reading these posts! And have a sweet week.

RhondaSueDavis

Jamie Oliver Pleads for signatures to help end Obesity in Children. Starts at Home, does it not?

2011-09-16T20:46:00.001-07:00

Jamie Oliver sure has a lot of fabulous free stuff on the web, how to cook fresh food without all the gunk in it. He would love to have some folks sign his petition for legislation designed to help end child obesity, and non communicable disease.

His web site link with lots of how to is below.
You can always find a Zillion helpful videos he has posted on you tube, starting with the one embedded here.

Jamie Oliver Official Web site-chock full of useful tidbits

Can you help get to one million on the petition? http://www.jamieoliver.com/us/foundation/jamies-food-revolution/sign-petition HERE

Feed tracker gadget from feedjit.com

2011-09-15T20:00:00.000-07:00

http://www.squidoo.com/kipsys-return

2011-09-15T00:43:00.000-07:00

http://www.squidoo.com/kipsys-return

Climate Change Pow Wow at the local Petstore today

2011-09-13T00:33:00.000-07:00

I could not help but overhear snippits of conversation from three Petco Employees as I picked up cat food this evening. And I had to get cat food, as I had left home with less than a borrowed bowl from the neighbor in the cats dish. Cats do not take these things lightly.

But I digress, the employees were college age, two males and one female. The woman was talking about climate change and both gentlemen had what sounded like intelligent questions to ask her about this.

I overheard only a little, but did hear something to the effect " we should be having an ice age right now, but we are not, due to what we have done to the planet, so once all the ice caps melt.....the oceans may overflow and not any decent living conditions to be found.

I was really more focused on getting the best buy on the "golden" cat food I buy to keep my cats their healthiest, so I likely did not hear everything correctly.

And I do realize now as I write this that young people of that age and not yet spoken for often talk to one another because they are interested in each other, in learning something that will help them navigate in life, and in the future. At least that is the way it should be.

The links at the bottom of this post are about climate change and ocean pollution.

Please comment and share on this blog post what you know and think is important on this topic. Are we able to live sustainably on earth, and in space? Has mankind started on the way? Is it already to late, and if so, should we do nothing about that?

What can be done today? I heard there is a swirling pool of pollution floating in the ocean larger than the state of Texas. Myth or Truth? Can we manage to get around that or do we need to work through it best we can?

http://www.oprah.com/world/Ocean-Pollution-Fabien-Cousteaus-Warning-to-the-World

Unique Plastic Bag Crafts

End Malaria Day is Everyday!

2011-09-07T17:55:00.000-07:00

Seth Godin Sept 7,2011 book offering

Seth Godin Sept 7,2011 webinar bonus

Buy this book for $20 and provide a mosquito net to save a life. Get the book on Kindle or Paperback and if you do, you are invited to listen to the attached 5 hour webinar by many of the 62 authors.

Courtesy of Seth Godin's Blog dated September 7, 2011

If you purchase a copy from reading this, do click a "tried this below" and thanks!

How to embed a google app to your web page

2011-09-07T14:33:00.001-07:00

Go to http://www.google.com/webmasters/gadgets/foryourpage/index.html

Select the gadget you want for your web page and get the code. Paste it in your blog or other web page. Be sure to select "allow interpretation of HTML" instead of "show HTML literally" so the gadget will work.

For more technology terminology made simple, try out this lens I put together on Squidoo:

http://www.squidoo.com/technology-terminology

Haircuts on Wheels-mobile hair cutting service for Lacey, Olympia, and Tumwater

2011-09-01T21:32:00.000-07:00

Haircuts on Wheels

Craig Conway

(360) 701-2129

Mobile Hair Cutting Service in the Lacey, Olympia, and Tumwater area.

This guy has been cutting our families hair since my oldest kid was 2 years old. I had gotten to the point of trying to cut my toddlers hair while he ate ice cream and I was still losing the battle. And then there was "the incident" when my middle son said I cut his ear, and he often reminds me of it, just about every time we get haircuts.

Getting everyone into the beauty shop for hair cuts when you are a new mom with a full time job is not an easy task.

Craig came and charmed the kids, gave us all excellent haircuts and has been doing it ever since then.

He no longer keeps candy in the kit for them, or has them hold the hair whisk, as the boys stand a head taller than the rest of us. He has made haircuts a calming and connecting time over the years, and we often have a former room mate join on haircut night for his trim.

Craig happens to cuts hair for a couple of people in our neighborhood, our pediatrician, and who knows for how many other people in town.

He has a shop and can do all the modern styles as well as perms. Mostly he drives to your office or home on your schedule and does a professional haircut with cleanup.

Do you know Craig?

What haircuts on wheels stories do you have to share?

School starts next week, do you all need haircuts soon? Might want to give Craig a call and take care of that soon, with a smile.

Alice Cooper-Smart, Sane or Sick? He was inducted into the Hall of Fame this year.

2011-08-20T07:34:00.000-07:00

I am not so sure about that. Have put some links and info about Alice Cooper (birth name Vince Furnier) together recently on this Squidoo lens for your reading and pondering.

What do you do day in and day out and will that matter in 5 years? In 50? What about the next 5 minutes?

Alice Cooper section added to Notes for Seth (Godin that is) Lens

Swap, shop, or drop of an older bike in Olympia-Sunday's noon to four

2011-08-18T21:51:00.000-07:00

Build a Bike in Olympia, Washington - Check the link to the left here for their web site info!
Location is 2602 18th Ave SE Olympia, WA Phone is 539-0955 if you are unable to stop by on Sunday afternoons.

Drop off is every Sunday Noon to Four at Boulevard Rd. & 18th Ave. (behind the Pit Stop grocery) in Olympia WA.

Do you need a part for your bike? You may be able to find what you need at the community build a bike.

Or you may be able to build a bike from the ground up.

Provided you live in or around Olympia, WA.

Community Build a Bike is located in East Olympia. This started in 1998 and used to be at the old Madison elementary school, which is now New Bridge Community Church. For awhile it was behind Ralph's Thriftway. The current location off Boulevard is where they have been the past 5 years, and all three locations are not far from Lion's Park in the Olympia Eastside Neighborhood.

Are you in need of a tune up, but don't have the tools? Come and tune up yours and help someone else learn how to maintain their bike. Or come learn how this is done.

Do you like tearing down and putting things together?

Is there someone you know needs a bike, but cash is short?

Do you want a home for the bike you grew out of, or have one that is broke down?

How about backpacks, gloves or other bike accessories sitting in your garage, or that you are in need of?

Build a bike has a solution for you. Stop by and brainstorm. After that it is all about putting it together, together.

On August 21st, we dropped off an older bike we don't need anymore. It was adopted in about five minutes....thought the thing was a mess and ready for the dump, but all it needed was some expert attention to get on the road again.

Build A Bike is a "spoke" of many similar community groups across America.

Is every homeless person hopeless? Camp Quioxote may become a village in the Mottman Industrial Park. Breaking the stereotypes and choosing a road toward home

2011-08-18T00:10:00.000-07:00

If you live in the Olympia area, you may be interested to learn more about this homeless camp. It may soon become a village on county property, at the edges of Olympia and Tumwater city limits, right next to my neighborhood!

The Olympia City Council is considering a permanent site for this camp. In the past four years, the camp has proven to be a good neighbor and has served to help several individuals find thier way off the streets, and out of the camp onto better situations.

This is to be decided on Sept 6,2011 and public written testimony is being taken until noon on Friday, August 19. Over two hours of testimony can be heard here if you want to learn more from the public who attended Monday's hearing on the matter.

Video of Public Hearing 8-15-11 to Zone County Property at Mottman Industrial Park to allow permanent homeless village

City brief on proposal to transform Quixote Camp to Quixote Village

Olympian Story on Public Hearing 8-16-2011

Wikipedia on Panza and Don Quioxte-the legend and lore

Olympian Story June 27,2010

Youtube Camp Quixote

Camp Quixote website

Camp Quixote Older Website

What are the homeless made of today?

.....old people who ran out of friends, relatives, time and money?
.....young people looking for the thrill of freedom?
...young people dumped or estranged from family, or who have no real family?
.....families who no longer have a home, jobs, a car?
.....middle aged people who lost their grip, or really never had one?
....mentally ill and substance abusers?
....drug addicts, whino's?
.....old or new hippies?
.....people who failed to plan ahead or invest in others?
...people who have found a hip way to live off the land?
....irresponsible free loaders?
....people who use our taxes, and do not pay any in?
....people who got sick and the system either never had them, or no longer supports their needs?
.....criminals?
...lazy whiners?
....unloved people?
....con artists?
....stupid people?
...really unlucky chaps?
....scammers?
...people who buy booze at the gas station and live in the woods nearby?
....losers?
....socially inept people?
....people who don't respect business owners?
....anarchists?
......people who want a simpler life?

....the too many people in the cart, with not enough of us to pull it up the hill anymore?
....people who feel they cannot live in a house or follow rules or never feel safe, no matter where they are?
....people who need something much more than a roof over their head, no matter the cost?
....kids with foolish parents?
.....children of selfish parents?
....people who traded their time and talent for things that will not last, and continue to do so?
.....people who lost everything before they even knew there was something worth letting go, or hanging onto?

I do not know the answer to these questions. But I do know that today our homeless population consists of people with as many reasons for why as there as people in this situation.

Loss of jobs and homes, refusal to "conform", feeling entitled, being tricked or tossed out or trapped by things that hurt them over time. Finding the end road of the slow death they have been seeking over years. Is every homeless person hopeless?

One thing they all face everyday is "What is there left for me to do today, and where and how am I gonna be able to do that?"

A panhandler is not always a homeless person. A homeless person is not always safe, or dangerous or dirty or hungry. A food drive is not always going to make it all better. And supporting the homeless does not always reduce the problem, but it is an awful good start, if that involves getting all walks of community involved.

And it seems the Homeless Camp Quioxote has begun to break the mold on what it means to be homeless in America. They have taken the chance to take care of themselves working alongside community. And many of them have been able to give back much in the process.

I do wonder how this community of 40 people with 30 sleeping units would be received in my area. We have college students as it is right by the Community College. We have Juvenile Hall right down the street. We have panhandlers at the Freeway exits and underpasses. We have a bar right down the road where a lot of bikers hang out. We have people already living in the woods, some mentally ill, some close to where they buy beer, and some it is rumored who go to the college and want to save on expenses.

Camp Quixote could have some work ahead of them making their own brand, a stand out of their own reputation in our area, as many others, already affected by homelessness in general.

Excellent photos and video on today's homeless from Squidoo:
Homeless in America

How to organize volunteers for a retirement center meeting

2011-08-13T23:20:00.000-07:00

Senior Church

This lens has been updated with tips for setting up and coordinating volunteers, many who may not know one another, to provide a weekly service for a group of seniors.

How do Media and Politics intertwine with social issues?

2011-08-10T07:17:00.000-07:00

What drives unrest and civil disobedience?

Looting In London

London in Flames, On Point Newscast from NPR August 10,2011
National Public Radio Newscast

Did a student protest against rising tuition fees get taken advantage of?

Why are these 10-20 something youths fighting for human rights, as they violate them toward others? Are the strong or the poor entitled to help themselves in a pinch?

Now there are vigilante groups forming and the authorities in London do not want to find themselves unable to distinguish the law abiding citizens from the gangsters.

Can these communities grow beyond their racial and economical prejudices and differences?

Human Trafficking

Photo courtesy of the Eugene Weekly, see link to article below
Illustration by Sam Wolfe Connelly

People for Sale, Sex Trafficking hits home in Eugene Oregon

Article in the 8/4/11 Eugene Weekly by Shannon Finnell

Good story on human trafficking and how it is more common than most of the public realizes

I am not so sure that laws that fund entitlement programs for communities with this problem is

the best tactic, as that creates people wanting there to be a problem to fix.

We even have people trying to get in jail for room and board in this current economy.

What do you think your community can do to address this issue impacting the I-5 corridor?

How STAR TREK the original series reflected troubled times in history

Squidoo lens about the later 1960s and how social unrest wove itself into society, including the television shows of the day.

Do you like this lens, and did you realize that America landed on the moon, changed public opinion against winning the war in Vietnam, and Martin Luther King jr and Bobby Kennedy were shot down at the same time the Original episodes of Star Trek were aired on NBC?

The Dog Park is just a Howl and Skip away if you live in Olympia, Lacey or Tumwater

2011-08-08T20:33:00.000-07:00

Lucky had some fun at the dog park weekend before last, this is a great place for the dogs to run and play. It is over the Land fill.

Paper in, Paper out, Paper Paper Paperwork

2011-08-02T23:34:00.000-07:00

This is gonna work this time, I know it. A five step plan to managing all our incoming and outgoing paperwork. Except now I gotta figure out where we will be eating our meals

Five trays:

Triage (New)
Determine (Is action needed? Is there a deadline? Can it go in the recycle right now?)
Prioritize and Delegate (must have action & deadline label, person delegated task puts it on thier planner)
Ship (must have action label, stamp or cash or what ever it need to "ship" out, and person who is gonna do it on label)
File (must have catagory label and who will be doing the filing)

How do you do paperwork? I try not to if at all possible.

http://www.squidoo.com/Homeless-Experiences

2011-07-30T17:38:00.000-07:00

http://www.squidoo.com/Homeless-Experiences

The lens link above, and several others are by Squidoo author Kylyssa. Worth a read to expand the discussion and understand common realities and perceptional errors about the homeless population in America.

If you have not before logged onto Squidoo, you will be asked to set up a user name and give them and email to log in.

Lots of information and perspectives from many sources can be found in Squidoo.

I was impressed with the reminder on the lenses that panhandler and homeless person are not the same thing. The author indicates that only about 1% of the homeless population are actively panhandling and that is held up by those who know this population well. This is a political issue and it affects our community socially and our public life and safety.

Do you think it is important to separate homeless issues from panhandling ones?

Below is an article from Tampa City Council that gives some more perspective to the topic.

http://www.wmnf.org/news_stories/tampa-city-council-hears-grim-homelessness-stats-skirts-panhandling-discussion

Do you think communities are better to support or shun the homeless populations? Does it help us and how? Is it all bad or all good? Who is interested enough to attend and follow city council meetings on this topic?

Tiny Houses

2011-07-29T22:57:00.001-07:00

I got to read this rather long and fascinating article in the New Yorker Magazine while waiting 45 minutes at the doctor's office yesterday. The tiny house movement has it's coding and zoning challenges, and the groups that are taking to them most are older people who wish to downsize, those who have defaulted on mortgage, and the small footprint crowd.

My kid got to see one at his elementary school last year, the owner was able to bring her house over for a viewing.

http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2011/07/25/110725fa_fact_wilkinson

Slug Vs Worm

2011-07-29T00:07:00.000-07:00

http://www.squidoo.com/waste-naught-well-like-worm/151882535-slug-vs-worm?utm_source=mapshare&utm_medium=waste-naught-well-like-worm&utm_term=duel&utm_campaign=facebook

Ok Northwestern Experts, here is your chance to awe the web with your slug stories! The link above will take you to the duel module in Squidoo. If you want to further dig into worm behavior, there is more ....

Slug vs Worm

Who is the slimiest?

From the lens waste naught well like worm.

There are many slugs in my area and I have yet to find one practical use for them.

What has more appeal, the slug or the worm, and why?

Natahsa Kimbrel is home!

2011-07-27T22:19:00.001-07:00

http://dazedamazed.blogspot.com/2011/06/helpfind-natashakimbrel-missing-from.html

Lakefair wrap up in the Rain will be a Blast

2011-07-16T08:04:00.000-07:00

Here is the link to navigate for details about the kit car races Sat am, Parade Sat late afternoon, Fireworks and more. (times, parade routes, etc.)

the Beer Garden was buzzing about half past 8 Friday night, but more fun to look at the lights from across the lake at dusk.

http://www.lakefair.org/activities.html

Maple Bar Cake and Zombie Nerf Wars in the Rainiest City on Earth

2011-07-15T21:57:00.000-07:00

Two Teens have planned an afternoon to celebrate a 15th and 16th birthday.

All out Nerf War at Yauger Park and a ginormous Maple Bar Cake from Twister Donuts. First one ever baked there. We stopped by tonight to let my son taste test the smaller ones. He consumed it, and commented "These guys know their maple bars."

He is making the biggest maple bar that will fit in his oven for Mark's birthday tomoprrow

the ginormous maple bar will be two thirds this tray

Yep, the donuts are tasty

Lakefair in the Rain and the Air is soft and warm tonight

Chairs set up for tomorrow's parade

Freeway entrance after roundabout

80 million dollar building almost completed

Riding in the passenger seat with my 16 yr old!

Items for Donation and Dresser space management

Kit Car races tomorrow 8 am

One Piano going back to Mom's this weekend

What do you do with your Bacon Grease? How to make bacon, eggs and gravy (from scratch)

2011-07-02T07:54:00.000-07:00

You start with the eggs (I am lucky to get these from a local home farmer) and bacon (or you could substitute sausage or make gravy with melted butter if no meat on hand, and if you want to make SOS gravy, use good old ground beef. Making a white sauce and adding sliced ham or dried roast beef is good over bread also). Rest of cooking directions at end of pictures...

the higher the heat, the closer you have to watch and the faster it cooks. Medium Range Heat

Keep things warm until all have eaten

Clean up, I run the water while I cook so dishes don't pile up so fast and can soak

Cook up the bacon and fry up any sunny side up eggs ordered at the same time. Drain the bacon grease into a pan and add an equal amount of flour and combine into a paste. Salt and Pepper to taste as you go, add milk ( I used 3 cups, but you will get a feel for how much you like to add and how thick or thin you like your gravy. You can always add more later, and I use at least 5 times milk what the paste proportion is)

Whisk and heat, watch constantly to not let the gravy burn to the bottom of the pan. Once it bubbles a bit, you have a white gravy to put over biscuits or bread.

You may want to cook up scrambled egg orders on the bacon oiled grill before clean up and serving. Serve with salt and pepper available for seasoning.

Not a heart healthy meal, but a great full meal brunch for Saturdays. Don't forget the coffee and OJ! And good ideas to serve with half grapefruits or orange slices to add some vitamins and cut the grease factor some.

Tumwater 4th of July Parade Monday 11am & Valley Open for Fireworks 6 pm

2011-07-01T05:27:00.000-07:00

http://tumwater.komonews.com/news/community-spirit/tumwater-fourth-july-parade-fireworks-show-coming/650006

Komo News link above with info about this years parade & fireworks.

Parade staging, free parking, and end is at Mountain View Nazarene Church by Tumwater High school on the corner of Lindersen and Capital. Parade will run along Capital and Israel Road. Classic cars, horses & drill teams, firetrucks, clowns and more.

The Tumwater Valley golf course opens at 6pm with skydiver displays, community booths and food vendors. Parking is $5 if you need it and fireworks will be at 10:15 pm (wow that is late). You can bring coolers and blankets and umbrellas, no alcohol or fireworks.

These parade photos are from last year's parade. Wonder who is coming out this year?

Last minute entries? Check out the City of Tumwater Home Page:
http://www.ci.tumwater.wa.us/

Teammissing.com Finding local kids back home for the Summer

2011-06-20T21:18:00.000-07:00

Newly updated version of Team Missing website. It's still evolving. Via Russ Alman of Alternative Marketing Connections.
Russ designed this Team Missing site to go national as a way of supporting families of lost teens and connecting communities in the efforts. Started right here in Olympia.

Forward to anyone you know with a missing child or runaway. This site is designed to grow and be used nationwide.

http://teammissing.com/need-help.htm

For anyone wanting to join the community efforts to bring these children home:

http://teammissing.com/

Natasha Kimbrel search effort via Team Missing web site:

http://teammissing.com/profile/Natasha-Kimbrel/

Natasha Kimbrel at TeamMissing.com

2011-06-20T21:17:00.000-07:00

Natasha Kimbrel at TeamMissing.com

Comcast Error Messages-Repair Guide on Squidoo

2011-06-19T16:55:00.000-07:00

http://www.squidoo.com/comcast_errors

This Squidoo lens may be able to help you resolve most cable errors before having to call the repair man, or customer service line. To view, you sign up by email and then you can view lenses, and if you want to, can create your own lenses.

Lord's Gym Sweating it out in an (almost) empty complex

2011-06-19T00:16:00.000-07:00

Got some pics of the complex that houses my favorite Gym this week. It is enormous, and at least half empty!

There is a great teriyaki and sub shop in the complex, but most of the building sits empty, making it a hard boat to keep afloat for all involved. Get out the lifevests and jump, or get more people out of the water? With state workers preparing for a 3% cut in pay come July, the last thing to be thinking of is increasing monthly spending.

I say doing something to improve your overall health and activity while avoiding rush hour traffic is cost effective, but that is my opinion (and personal result). For the cost of a few latte's, you can burn off the flab and blah of the cubicle routine. That is unless you are one that likes to sit at work, in your car, and on your couch as much as humanly possible.

The gym is working to keep operating in the area and has been signing up needed members, and as a bonus summer is free for new members. A three day pass is offered for those who want to check it out, and classes are free to members.

This is a great time to join the gym, as you know, we do live in the rainiest city on the planet and warm dry days will not last. It is great to have a dry place to work out without tangling with traffic, noise, or interrupting requests for your attention. Many like to catch up on the news while working out. Some prefer the group classes or pairing up with a trainer or workout buddy.

Perhaps taking a break to sweat efficiently and purposely makes it less difficult to work more things out in the 24/7. Losing 8 dress sizes and a ton of stress sure is a bonus I am not complaining about!

Go Lord's Gym, it ain't over till it's over. Maybe a child care center, full service laundry, youth center, computer and driving school and a lot of other one of a kind businesses will set up shop in the complex, making this a more rounded destination for community.

Let's get back to business that matters. Today is the best day to sign up at Lord's gym. The price is right and the staff is top notch. Work it out!

Where is Natasha Kimbrel?

2011-06-17T20:08:00.000-07:00

Natasha is home! Her missing poster and Facebook search pages have been taken down. Prayers and hopes for all involved.

Natasha Kimbrel, missing from Tumwater since May 26, 2011

Lord's Gym-The Story Chronicles of a local Gym

2011-06-10T23:10:00.000-07:00

If you can use this gym, this is about the best time to purchase a membership. They are also doing no contract options and always will do a three day free trial for interested persons to check it all out. I got my workout in today, after missing it all week.

Chronicles of a local Gym

June 2011
Lord's Gym notified its members that they would need to consider options to meet obligations. They had about one week to come up with twice as many members, funding for the youth program or some other solution to meet expenses.

This gym spent one year setting up in a sales office and has been operating in the current location for two years, total of three years.

Half a week later, parties involved have come together to see what each can do. Instructors are donating time, employees are taking less hours, investors(owners) will continue to invest, the staffed hours are cut back some, fundraising and new membership efforts continue, and all existing members are being asked to increase their dues temporarily or longer, and all limited members asked to consider moving to Gold member status, which allows access for workouts on the weekends as well.

Things are buzzing at the gym.

A lot of prayers and pull. Hope good things will come here, they already have these past two years.

June 10th
Upgraded to a Gold membership today, a very good buy.

My husband is considering working out during the air show next week as he watches the planes fly by...

....and I offered to ride my bike most days to cover the expense, so if I keep my word, I could end up getting even more workout than I bargained for.

Who Can Save Lord's Gym? Heaven knows

2011-06-07T22:50:00.000-07:00

Use it or Lose It.

This gym can be filed under "One of a Kind"

Fitness for body and soul.

This is the link to the gym's website for inside pics and hours and such:
Lord's Gym in Tumwater Washington

This is a fabulous gym. I joined here last fall, with worries I would not stick with it or remember how to work the equipment, or maybe do it all wrong.

They let me know how to use the stuff, what classes are offered, and designed a starting workout with my goals in mind (number one for me was stress management) They gave me a clip board to track my weight machine settings and workout plans. After three weeks of tracking it all to the tee, I could just do it without the chart, pushing or easing up the workout depending on that day's energy level. I always feel better leaving than when I come in.

Best advice I got was to make those work out appointments with myself, and keep them. (instead of with my girlfriends or husband or making excuses)

And they showed me how to change it up for some muscle confusion so that you don't just do the same old workout rut or overdo, but you keep your muscles challenged and surprised just enough to keep them in tone and building and burning fat.

I like to go after work and use 8 or 9 of the weight machines, then the total body workout on the elliptical. Each machine lets you know what group you are working on and most of the workout machines have heart rate, time, and lots of other ways to see your way to the end of the workout.

I don't go for the group classes, but lots of people do Y-God, cycling and other classes. Many of the machines have cable TV and music and earphone jacks and ipod plug ins.

I am quite boring, I just like to watch the dots add up as stare into space or close my eyes while working out, but that is what works for me. Amazing how the brain drains and meditates and clarifies and sorts things out while the body is moving but still somewhat staying in one spot.

Easier to do if I just close my eyes, especially if I picked an elliptical by the window that faces Quizno's subs and it is close to dinner time.....

Speaking of windows, there are lots of them, making this gym bright with natural light. I like to watch the cars going all directions while I work out. (It is weird that I actually enjoy exercising these days, guess that makes me all grown up)

I have lost 26 lbs since joining. Try picking up 26 lbs of potatoes and carry that around all day.

Why do I mention all this? They gym is in need of funding and membership this week to determine a course of action for the future. The gym you see, is only about half full (membership wise), and it is summer in the rainiest city on the planet.

The location is perfect if you are a worker in Tumwater, or a New Market, Tumwater High, Black Hills High, or Tumwater Middle school student. The bus line is the 12 and the 13, every 15 minutes during business hours.

I would love to see this gym stick around. It is a relaxing atmosphere with modest dress, a place to build some muscle and decompress.

Anyone can join and the shakes are very tasty. I have purchased and consumed exactly three.

They do take prayer requests and enjoy the customers and no pushy stuff.

Top of the line equipment and staff and $19 a month for basic hours or $29 a month for extended hours is a great price if you use a gym at least 3 times a week.

Lord's gym at your service for fitness. I have got another 8 lbs to work away one little red LCD blip at a time these next few months and hope that come winter it is still here.

If you do go in, and sign up, add some family members, you can ask for my milkshake....or better yet fund the youth program to put this gym to better use when most of us are slaving away at our desktops.

Sweat it out or Stuff your Face with Pizza while Imbibing? Heaven or Hell, and which is which?

June Special, you don't actually have to be a state worker, and you can ask for my milkshake if you sign up!

Key Tag, very cool, swipe it and the thing says "have a great workout"

Info and milkshake plugs, read them, or not.

Take the stairs or elevator up

Bus 12 line right by Gym

Capital Way and Tumwater Blvd

Directly across from Lord's Gym

Dept of Health, next block down from Lord's gym

Dept of Heath

I like this door, says "Tobacco Free Zone, Dept of Health"

Bus 13 on block next to Lord's gym

Heading Home

This statue has always reminded me of my husband's Father

Point Tavern, one block from Lord's gym, shut down this week

Mark Tumwater Twain

More state buildings and Hot Shots coffee stand (great coffee stand)

Capital Way and Israel Rd, Farmers Market each Wednesday, next to City Hall and the Library

Post office, one block down from Lord's gym

No Environmental Impact?

2011-06-07T00:02:00.000-07:00

I wonder what that statement means.

We live by the South Puget Sound Community College and every time they need to put in a building or parking, we get a flyer describing details. It almost always says, "no environmental impact anticipated" I guess removing all but a few of the trees so we wonder if they will now blow over onto our bedroom in storms and putting a parking lot behind our fence with lights that shine in our bedroom until 11 pm and then building a ginormous Science building for which the HVAC makes annoying stop and go noises all night did not make the short list for "environmental impact."

I enjoyed the crickets and frog and bird sounds. Don't hear them now, at least not so much. We did not do the tadpoles this year. Kids and I used to scoop some up each February form rain puddles they would have dried up in (over by 7-11 area ground water pond) and by mid June we would have little tree frogs. Things started late this year, it may have been longer for them to develop.

That woodpecker was a problem, and so is keeping ahead of the occasional wood rodent exploring and setting up shop in the garage as weather cools come fall. Wonder if we will have any this year.

And the kids liked to watch the raccoons and opossums sneak across the yard into the neighbors for dog food. If we were lucky enough to have snow, they would leave little tracks in it. Have not seen them this year.

And this week there is artillery testing up at the base in the evenings...Add that to the constant purr of the interstate you can hear when you lie there very very quietly.

Not complaining, just sayin....this is some beautiful county we are paving over here. And I would give something up for a tour of the Science building, it looks pretty cool.

City of Olympia Environmental 2008 draft & checklist link is here:

http://nuprometheus.com/friends/TriWayProposal/DraftSEIS.pdf

http://www.ci.olympia.wa.us/~/media/Files/CPD/Planning/Forms/EnvironmentalChecklist-SEPA.ashx

Summer is Here-2 Months of Half and Three Quarter Birthdays

2011-06-04T23:24:00.000-07:00

There's a new fad going on with the kids.

A friend has his birthday mid December, and this year has decided enough is enough, he is gonna have a half birthday in the summer when it is not raining or Christmas. Guess when you are nearly 15 you can decide things like this.

And besides not too many of his buddies would show up for a Nerf Battle in the freezing rain.

Shankz Glow Golf in Olympia
http://www.shankzglowgolf.com/

Now my nearly 14 year old has decided instead of having his birthday the month after school starts, he is wanting to do a three quarter birthday and move his right up to end of this month! Being the rest of the entire family are summer birthdays (by birth date that is), that will wrap it all up by end of July for our family.

Only in Western Washington does life stop for summer. Rest of country has snow days...we have sun days.

One of the kids is gonna do a glow golf and biking trip with some of his buddies. Inspired by a ride your bike campain by Shankz MiniGolf. The yellow bikes have been taken in, but summer is definitely here, even in the rainiest city on the planet!

Photos in Mind

2011-06-04T02:04:00.000-07:00

For some story of a picture contained here, you're gonna have to ask about it in the comment section to this post....

What is Spina Bifida and what does that have to do with making homemade granola for the class cooking project?

2011-06-01T23:13:00.000-07:00

Spina Bifida is something our family and many others live with every day. A diet rich in foliate three months before and 12 weeks into pregnancy is the best prevention method against having a child with Spina Bifida, even in high risk families.

I am honored and blessed beyond words to have an adult sister who lives a very active life despite her disability.

Link to my managingmorewithless lens for my homemade granola recipe (rich in foliate) Recipe is at the bottom of the lens page.

http://www.squidoo.com/managingmorewithless

Link to Wikipedia on Spina Bifida

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spina_bifida

Porch Garden planted today using Homemade upside down planters with homemade watering system

2011-05-30T17:16:00.000-07:00

These worked out well last year, new experiments this year. The upside down portion of the planters include Fusia, Dill, Jalapeño and Tomato starts. On top of the planters are some Lettuce and Basil plants. Used some milk cartons as well as the soda bottles lined with paper bags, filled with dirt and some fertilizer.

My husband husband ingeniously collected an old but functioning fish tank pump, duct tape, 2 liter bottle, plastic tubing from an air bed inflator, short extension cord and a hockey stick from the garage into a watering system, so no step stools or ladder this year!

Some of the starts were a little stressed after being threaded through the bottle openings, but they all look to have survived. Wonder what these will look like in a month!

For last year's pics and materials used see this blog link:

http://dazedamazed.blogspot.com/2011/05/dazedamazed-all-eastered-out-originally.html#links

File under One of a Kind...Treasure Quest Thrift Store and Beyond

2011-05-30T00:13:00.000-07:00

Meridian Thrift,

Treasure Quest

16621 Meridian E

Puyallup, WA 98375-6203 map

Tacoma, WA Metro Area

Website:: Information not found



Phone:: (253) 848-2042

We were out of town for once and stopped by a thrift store on the way home. From the looks of the outside of this place, I was pretty curious what (terrors or treasures) could be inside. I mostly liked the signs outside for a photo. Would take a brave soul to take on managing all that stuff.

My kid found a coffee cup and was told he could have it for free. I let the proprietor know discreetly that sometimes a person appreciates something more when he can pay something for it. There was a pool stick which he did pay his four quarters for, and had some fun imagining he could stand on the street with his stick and cup begging...perhaps making more out of the original investment...joking, not serious there.

I found a record, Aesop's Fables recited by Burgess Meredith. Records for a dollar each. Really liked the stuffed gooey duck with real shell most of all, but could not justify where I would keep or use such a thing.

Our oldest and youngest found a keyboard that allowed more than one key to sound at once and they could play chords and all on it. On asking, the price was $5 and what do you know the two missing keys are still inside. It was purchased, cleaned and is ready for dismantling and fixing up tomorrow.

There were some Star Trek items of note, motorcycle helmets, a pink Barbie TV, only to name a few of the things there.

Some antique typewriters, selling for $65 each. A regular customer was attempting to purchase an ornate kimono style covering for $1 (she commented it might make a good bathrobe), but not sure how those negotiations ended up.

The store has been there over 14 years. Wonder what internet, a face book page, staging, more attention to repair, cleaning, rearranging, pricing & sifting out without stifling creativity and purpose would do for this store. Perhaps ruin it or make it solvent. It was an easy place to just interact with people and we are glad to have stopped by.

Down the road is a Salvation Army that has been around 25 years, and a Goodwill Store built more recently, directly across the street from one another. A bit farther from them is St Mikes Thrift store, so there seems to be some competition (or demand) for this piece of the local market.

The Goodwill had a bike and helmet for middle kid, his has been missing but good for some time now. It was a pretty penny, at $49. The brakes need replaced and that is about a $4 fix. A project worth taking on with Dad. His smile says it all.

The A&W dinner stop on the way out of town was an expense we had not planned on ($38) and could have done without, excepting some made on the spot root beer, which we all think is pretty cool. We were wondering what is root beer made of and is sassafras a real thing?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sassafras

How do you do it?

2011-05-27T06:07:00.000-07:00

School kids are on the go, how do they keep hydrated? Our pediatrician told me once at least 50% are walking around dehydrated. What are simple ways to conserve and have water on hand that kids will drink. A hydrated brain and body functions differently than one that is not.

Schedules once you are no longer employed. How do people who have been school teachers or administrators for decades regulate meals, activities and days with out the 8-5 commute, preparations, and tasks? I took 6 weeks off once and that was tricky.

What Routines get in the way and what reminders support the effort and delight of being alive and engaged in meaningful work?

cross over concepts and caffiene

2011-05-25T07:16:00.000-07:00

Spaced out and drank a diet soda at 7 pm, thus I was still awake at 2 in the am even though I had tried to sleep.

That and the college science building ventilation behind my house was extra noisy and then the military base some 30 miles away was detonating armory...

Not looking for trouble mind you, each day does have enough of its own.

Trouble sometimes seems difficult to stay out of.

Finding a way through difficulty is so much more rewarding than coasting along. It is not the difference between living and dying? Living things do a little of both every day.

I wonder what tomorrow will be for the youngest children of today, what will we leave behind, everything or anything? What ever it is, what will they (have to) do with it?

I was reminded this year about grace and accountability in ways I could understand and apply them. Work projects would not have turned around if I had not faced where I was letting my team down and if they had not given me room to work to my best. Thats a cross over concept in a lot of settings, a keeper.

Glad for another day and glory is not mine. good to part of the mix of it all.

radiant hopeful open minded noble daring adventurous seriously underrated encouraging delightful appreciative valued insightful & strong

(Can you do one?)

Not Able to Get Along?

2011-05-23T06:09:00.000-07:00

Tornadoes a mile wide. Wow.That is a lot of pieces to pick up. prayers for those who lead and labor today. If you fight, may it be just and kind in the end. One big boat and not everyone can hope for the best spot on it. What tears apart and what brings balance? Jumping ship is not a realistic option for those who intend to complete the journey and find shore ground.

Playing the Numbers until Payday

2011-05-21T20:29:00.000-07:00

Cleaned up the Top Foods Monopoly tickets I had been stuffing in a bag these last months. We had won a roll of paper towels, a yogurt, and a box of chocolates, as well as some 25 cent off coupons for items on sale at the store.

$9.50 brought home 20 pudding snacks (for lunches), 5 pot pies (quick dinner Tuesday), 1 free gallon milk(we were out) and three more instant win tickets for baking soda, oatmeal, a can of chili and 18 count Tortillas. Total bill was $25 for other sale and essential items purchased.

Win co mailed out a flyer for totally free 1 lb hamburger, BBQ sauce, 2 liter soda, and ketchup. Did purchase a bottle of apple cider vinegar for learning how to make salt & vinegar chips from scratch (got potatoes on hand)

Worth the drives and got some reading and organizing brain workouts.

May just make it to next pay check solvent....

Small things do amuse sometimes. Grateful for grub.

Gasoline Expenses: More Go for the Gallon

2011-05-19T18:58:00.000-07:00

Bike, Bus, Walk or Drive?

With gas taking up a huge portion of our family budget once again, we are looking for ideas to reducing the amount of gasoline used, and hopefully reducing the amount of cash out the door needing to be set aside for this each month.

If you live less than 10 miles to where you are going, consider bicycling there and back. More time, more healthy heart action and less w\expense. Pack your clothes or bags for carrying home items you picked up on your errand/commute.
If you live close to the bus line, consider a bus pass for the day. Often this is less than the gas expense. Some bus systems will even accommodate you combining a bike/bus commute by providing bike racks on the buses and at the terminals. Again this is more time and activity than just jumping in your vehicle.
Stop by the store on the way home from work or other event, have a list ready and plan shopping when someone is already driving by a location. This is more efficient than driving exclusively to one thing or another. Making one round trip and keeping it localized can save lots of time and gas.
Fill up in the morning or cooler parts of the day to pay a few pennies less per gallon, less expansion, more volume.
Shop on-line or book events on line, if it is less cost or trouble for all involved. Buy multiples and share when it makes sense.
Fill up when the gas station is having a 2 for 1 sale on the ready to go items. This turns going to the gas station for a fill up into a bonified family outing at my house. Just this week we purchased 3 sodas, 6 chimichangas, 2 chocolate donuts, 2 BBQ burritos, 2 beef and bean burritos and 2 chicken strips for $10.47, cheap dinner, but a lot of grease...
Carpool, visit or help shuttle friends, family their kids, co-workers of friends to and from events and get-togethers on your way home and to work or other events or the bus line rather than using stand alone driving plans.

What strategies has your household found for taming the gas crunch?

GREENWISE Link:
http://livinggreenandsavingenergy.com/gas-prices-headed-higher-how-to-go-green-and-cut-expense.html

9 Time Convicted Felon & Promoter of Jesus Christ

2011-05-18T20:17:00.000-07:00

Venturing downtown most Saturday mornings, you never know whom you may encounter.

Week before last it was the teenage boys in pink and makeup demonstrating for Breast Cancer Awareness.

This past weekend it was this sole gentleman who was approachable enough to chat with. His white cap reads "Convicted Felon".

His black and white signs indicate he is unable to find work, seeks forgiveness, is hungry and needs money. One side of his sign says "Jesus forgives me, can you?"

He reported that he recently completed his CDL for truck driving, and would like to see laws changed in our state on how far back employers can go to access records when screening applicants.

He hopes to get his message and brand out.

Had a few questions for him, which he was happy to answer.

A woman walked by while we were chatting, and asked if he was being required to dress and stand out on the corner like that. She went on to state that she herself was 5 a time convicted felon and being ashamed for what had been done was a good thing.

I wonder what this "convicted felon" is most in genuine need of securing. Something tells me it may be more than employment.

Do you have any questions or comments?

They can be asked, addressed and answered here in the comment section.

Thanks for reading and pondering.

Answers.com advice to felons seeking employment after serving time:

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_does_a_person_with_a_felony_find_a_job_after_he_has_served_his_time

Little Da Nang Restaurant-Only in Olympia

2011-05-16T19:46:00.000-07:00

Little Da Nang Restaraunt
301 W 4th Ave
Olympia, WA

Website & Contact Info http://littledanang.com/

My Favorite Restaurant, even if I don't always know the name of the dish I am ordering!

This is not a fast food restaurant! It is food done right, from scratch, no MSG, with fresh ingredients to order.

This building used to be the Locksmith Shop a few years back and although it is quite small, it is well worth the trip.

Visitors get a flavor of Downtown Olympia as it is tucked between the water park, the Alano Club, the Marina, & Childhood's End Gallery at the 4th ave round about.

Seems that every Friday night and Saturday morning there are different groups of demonstrators about, and parking is where you can find it, even so this little shop stays busy for lunch and dinners daily, and the for the most part demonstrators are respectful of the restaurant staff and its customers.

We often go by the numbers from the menu, my husband and I like the 23 with lemon grass and ginger, he likes beef, I like the chicken, he takes no spice, I like it medium hot. I grew up in Texas, land of hotter than authentic Mexican & Chinese food, so if you are unaccustomed, I would recommend you start with very little spice in your dishes. You can always add in some spice from the table to see what your palate prefers.

Oldest son is a more often than not vegetarian and goes for the B-2 meal. My other kids like the chicken sandwiches or if we are having dinner, will order the A-1 which is fried rice, chicken and egg rolls.

The spring rolls are excellent, several varieties and come with peanut sauce for dipping.

They serve a very strong French coffee on ice with condensed milk that is amazing. Only the brave dare drink this later in the evening though! (did that a few times, did not get much sleep....)

This store is open 11 or 12 daily, and not always promptly. You can count on getting a later lunch or dinner there. Waiting time is about 20 to 30 minutes from time of order and usually you can find a table for 2 to 6, and there is a highchair for children.

The French Bread sandwiches are perfect for eating on the run or a lighter meal in. If you order in, the chicken, pork, beef, or vegetarian sandwich comes with a small salad, and we especially like the sweet shredded carrots on that. The vegetarian sandwich is a treat if you want something a little different, with a from scratch warm veggie patty. The sauces and dips are what makes the dishes unique. The generous portions, with plentiful vegetable & rice servings make the meal a hearty and healthy one.

The most common dish we see served there is the noodle soup. I have tried the Egg dish and Hum Bow and Almond Chicken, but they are not my favorites, but I enjoyed trying them out.

Recipes have varied some over the years, and staff will adjust orders by request. Prices have always been affordable and going here is a treat when we can.

If you dine at the Little Da Nang, what dish did you try?

Chicken Fried Rice

Pork Fried Rice

Always someone different on the corner each week

Dine in or Take Out

Closed Sunday's

Little Da Nang sits across from the Marina & Childhood's End Gallery

Noodle Soup

More Noodle Soup

Chicken

This window seat has a nice view of the Marina

DazedAmazed: Homemade Upside Down Tomato Planters

2011-05-14T15:29:00.000-07:00

DazedAmazed: Homemade Upside Down Tomato Planters

Twister Donuts-One of a kind

2011-05-14T11:25:00.000-07:00

June 2011-Update

Twister Donuts has just added breakfast sandwiches to it's offerings. Add their great coffee, oj and free Wi-Fi with table space and this is a good place to start the day or prep for a meeting in the mornings.

302 Martin Way
Olympia, WA 98501

(360) 489-0971

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Hours:: Mon-Sat 5 am - 9 pm
Sun 5 am - 8:30 pm

This store has been open 2 years now and stays fairly busy all morning every day. It used to be a Taco Johns back in the day.

They have good coffee, tamales, soda, milk, 100% juices, are soon to be offering breakfast sandwiches, amenities include clean tables for hanging out, drive thru, intranet service, & cable TV.

Oh yeah.........and lots and lots of donuts of all kinds (including creme puffs) for carry out or dine in, by the dozens or a la carte.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/twister-donuts-olympia

These are famous

delicious!

They posted a missing poster for Maddy

As of June 5th, Maddy who was last seen May 7th, is still missing, please keep looking and send any tips to the authorities (see poster details under "where is Maddy Harris" post.

Roller Hockey is an indoor sport worth checking out

2011-05-13T21:05:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow there are three Roller Hockey games.

YMCA teams play at Skateland in Olympia.

Local boys & girls ages 7-18 have been playing Roller Hockey here for at least the past 7 years. Fall, Winter & Spring sessions through the YMCA youth programs with scholarships available.

Novices pick up the skating pretty fast, then work on shooting skills.The regulars get pretty competitive by the time they are into high school teams. Kids use hockey or street in line skates with no brakes, don't need no brakes in your way to slow you down when you are skating backward, forward, turning, reversing and stopping on a dime to get or block a shot.

Equipment is a scramble to pull together. Lots of players pass equipment to the next group coming in and I have seen a coach or two who regularly scour the thrift stores for hard to find items in good condition.

Lots of families find this sport a good fit, with siblings playing on the different aged teams. Kids from around town get to know each other and catch up on each season.

Giving up and Moving on?

2011-05-13T19:19:00.000-07:00

If you see a suspected runaway in your area, do not hesitate to contact authorities and get the word out! Would you consider posting flyers in your vehicle or bag and having your cell ready to discretely take a photo for confirmation and help in locating these loved ones?

No school, no work, no home.

Where do they hang out and spend thier days?

The mall
The bus station
The park
The library
hotels, homeless shelters, camp sites

Consider those who get booted out or take off before age 20, some with babies living in motor homes along the streets:

Where do they eat, sleep and wash up?
What do they learn from one another?
Why is this so common today?

Unemployed and Drop out rates for teens in Thurston County

http://www.indicatorsnorthwest.org/DrawRegion.aspx?RegionID=53067&IndicatorID=21

http://www.indicatorsnorthwest.org/DrawRegion.aspx?RegionID=53067&IndicatorID=22

Meaningful, supervised & accessible after school & summer options for young people make a huge difference.

Ways to facilitate loving, safe and positive reconciliation with family makes our community stronger.

What are your ideas?

Spring Flowers & Fruit Blooms

2011-05-10T12:50:00.000-07:00

Tulips & Fennel

Time to get out the bikes!

Time to plant the starts!

Ever bearing strawberries are blooming.

Blueberries are blooming.

Asian Pear blooms

Two Tulips

Cherry blooms

Treasures

2011-05-08T20:21:00.000-07:00

On her website, Jeanne DuPrau writes:

I didn't really set out to "be a writer." I just wrote. Reading and writing have always been my favorite things, though for a while I wanted to be a writer and an illustrator. I still have my very first book, which I wrote when I was about five years old. It's called Frosty the Snowman, has five pages, and is illustrated with red and green crayon.

From the thrift store:

Phonograph recordings of the Monkees 1966 & The Frog Prince starring Kermit 1971.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Monkees

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Frog_Prince_(story)

From the public library, selected by 9 yr old:

My Side of the Mountain, coming of age book, main character 13 yr old Sam Gribley (1959) movie adapatation (1969)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_side_of_the_mountain

The Tale of Despereaux, great kid's castle & mouse tale (2004) movie (2008)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Tale_of_Despereaux

City of Ember, Awesome book for children & adults by Jean DuPrau (2003), even better movie (2008)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_of_Ember

Today is National Free Comic Book Day

2011-05-07T13:40:00.000-07:00

My husband used to own a comic book store, that's how we met. My brothers were 10 & 11 and I watched them sometimes when my sister was being born. I took them to Fred's comic store to look for old Super Friends to share & the rest is.....history. My husband still sees customers around town he knew from back then. You meet quite an assortment of folks in a comic book store, like most other places, I suppose.

Get out and check out your local comic book store if you have a chance. The art and variety of offering is pretty amazing, and it is still an affordable hobby for most.

If you would like to send a snapshot of your favorite local Comic book store, we could post them here. How many stores are out there going strong. Takes a lot of skills to run one successfully over the years, and a lot of lessons learned even in ones that folded up.

Danger Room Comics
201 W 4th Ave
Olympia, WA 98501
WWW.DANGERROOMOLY.COM

Quote from http://www.dangerroomoly.com

"The store was built to the specifications determined by Professor X when he constructed his original Danger Room for the purposes of training his young proteges. We have, however, deactivated most of the lasers."