The "BUZZ" w/ Stinger

A  Jack pine  has a "serotinous cone", this cone is covered with a thick resin that must be melted by a forest fire in order for the cone to open and release seeds.  So often in life we are disappointed by  trials and  tribulations.  We get angry and wonder why this negative experience landed on me?  Over the last few weeks my 60 year old surgically repaired knee has been causing me pain.  For too many years now I have been overweight and have placed a lot of strain on my joints, but rather then doing something about it, I waited till there was pain and  consequence.  I'm now hobbling around on crutches and its slowed me down, giving me time to focus on my life and my health and to start making progress toward a better me.  My pain has helped me to make a decision to lose weight (intermittent fasting) and to give up drinking (with all of its empty calories).  I am happy to say I am making progress and am resolute to contin...

You know that your life is evolving for the good when you stop looking at style and instead seek comfort.  Remember your youth and those popular, in style shoes (that killed your feet) but they make a statement that you were a part of that cool group of people, (you know) those people that you mistakenly thought mattered.  You would cram your feet into those overpriced shoes and put on a brave face for the world, falsely stating your importance and your ability to be with that "IN" crowd.  But by days end you were dying, your feet were raw hamburger but the you kept telling yourself the pain did not matter as much as the statement you were making.  Fast forward to 50 years old.  That "IN" crowd of people that mattered don't any longer.  You finally have the freedom to wear shoes that feel good on your feet.  Age does have a few advantages.

 What happened to the NFL?  I am not tuning in to hear, read, or to listen to politics.  We the fans should not have to read the back of player's helmets touting their beliefs, nor should the end zones have politically driven slogans printed on the turf or the goal posts.  This is football, it's not church, it's not a political party or a social activist group pushing their views.  Fans are not tuning in to subject themselves to this ridiculous over step. The NFL used to be about team competition and providing America with a reason to cheer.  NFL, stop taking advantage of your viewership.  You had better be careful, you are about to step out of bounds.  The yellow flag is about to be thrown.  Your viewers are long time fans who are not tuning in to be preach at.  Get back to just Football, stay out of the game of politics and social activism, just "Play Ball".

 Have you ever seen those random letters on a REALTOR's business card that make no sense (right after their name)? What are they? Are they important? They're called "designations." Designations are credentials that can be earned through special courses and training. They require extra time, study & money.   It's important to hire an agent that is constantly learning and looking for ways to sharpen their skills. The extra effort put in to earn designations shows that your REALTOR is willing to go the extra mile for you. My 3 designations are: * ABR:   Accredited Buyers Representative * CRS:  Certified Residential Specialist (only 2 in Cowlitz County) * MCNE:   Master Certified Negotiation Expert (only 2 in Cowlitz County)