Pet Insurance

As the cost of healthcare for pets continues to go up, having pet insurance might seem more necessity than luxury. Choosing the right pet insurance can be tricky, though, given the usual insurance fine print. Here are three of the main things to keep in mind when shopping around: • Pet insurance typically does not cover preventative medicine. It’s designed to help offset the costs of treating a serious injury and/or illness, not your pet’s annual wellness exams. Some plans do cover routine care, but they’re more expensive. • Pet insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions. You can still get insurance for a pet with a pre-existing condition, it will just be stipulated in your policy that it isn’t covered. Insurance companies get records from your vet to check on this. • Pet insurance is a reimbursement system. You’ll need to pay the full veterinary bill at the time of service and get reimbursed from the insurance company based on your plan. Ask your vet’s office for insurance recommendations. They don’t work directly with pet insurance providers, but they’ve no doubt heard positive (and negative) reviews from other customers about different providers.

Effective Email

269 billion emails are sent every day worldwide, many by professionals in a working environment. While you may know proper email etiquette, follow these tips to make sure your business emails aren’t deleted.  Use a concise, compelling subject line. “More information” and “new program” only ask the recipient to say “about what?” Better to say “Action Items On Project XYZ.” Say “urgent” if necessary.  Don’t use long lists of email addresses if the subject only pertains to some of them. Type the relevant addresses into the address line ("To" line) and use the BCC line for the others.  Keep your message to the point. Say why you’re writing within the first two lines and try to limit yourself to one topic. Using bullet points helps you organize your thoughts. Re-read or print your email out (if you have time) before you send it.  Be careful with humor and irony. Emails aren’t good at conveying emotions, and humor, inside jokes or over-used phrases don’t really build a dynamic business relationship. Avoid phrases like “can I pick your brain” (what are you offering in return?); or “please advise” (better to say “can we discuss this further?”).  Respect confidentiality. Should everyone read this?  As a recipient, do not “reply all” unless everyone needs to know. You know this but people still do it, sometimes accidentally.  Respond promptly. Don’t leave people hanging. Include your signature and phone number for follow-up.

6 Pantry Items To Toss Now

One area we tend to overlook when we’re in the midst of a cleaning frenzy is the kitchen cabinets. But there are probably a lot of things in your kitchen cupboards or pantry that need to go. 1. Plastic containers: Do an audit of your stash for matching lids to every container and get rid of the extras. Cull warped containers, too, as these won’t seal food properly. 2. Freezer mysteries: You probably had good intentions to use the now-unidentifiable leftovers at the back of your freezer, but if it’s been there for a year it’s time to let go. 3. Spices: Do a sniff test on your dried spices. If there isn’t much of a scent anymore, it no longer merits space in the cabinet. 4. Metal pans and utensils: Anything rusty should go, and any non-stick pans with scratched surfaces should be tossed as well. 5. Mugs, bowls, and cups: Anything you drink from should be free of chips and cracks, which can cut your mouth. And with antique items, you don’t know if the chipped surface is actually lead paint. 6. Takeout paraphernalia: From the drawer stuffed with takeout menus and to-go chopsticks to that container packed with ancient ketchup and soy sauce packets, chances are you can get rid of it without regret.

Efficient House Cleaning

Get yourself in the right mindset and clean your home more efficiently. 1. Schedule cleaning as a job. 2. Wear comfortable, washable clothing. Have aprons, goggles, and cleaning gloves handy, if needed. 3. Invest in well-made cleaning tools. 4. Pick up clutter before cleaning.

Franklin D Roosevelt - 1st Inaugural Speech

The first inauguration of F.D.R was held on Saturday March the 4th 1933. Broadcast nationwide on several radio networks, the speech was heard by tens of millions of Americans and set the stage for Roosevelt’s urgent efforts to respond to the unprecedented crisis of the time. So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is…fear itself – nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. In every dark hour of our national life a leadership of frankness and vigor has been met with that understanding and support of the people themselves which is essential to victory. And I am convinced that you will again give that support to leadership in these critical days. The money changers have fled from their high seats in the temple of our civilization. We may now restore that temple to the ancient truths. The measure of restoration lies in the extent to which we apply social values more noble than mere monetary profit. The withered leaves of industrial enterprise lie on every side; farmers find no market for their produce; the savings of many years in the thousands of families are gone. More important, a host of unemployed citizens face a grim problem of existence, an equally great number toil with little return. Only a foolish optimist can deny the dark realities of the moment. We face the arduous days that lie before us in the warm courage of the national unity; with the clear consciousness of old and precious moral values; with the clean satisfaction that comes from stern performance of duty by old and young alike. We aim at the assurance of a rounded and permanent national life. I will return the courage and devotion that benefit the time. I can do no less. In this dedication of a Nation we humbly ask the blessing of God. May He protect each and every one of us. May He guide me in the days to come.

Depression is Real

Depression isn’t talked about often, but about 7% of adults in the United States (nearly 16 million people) have shown signs of being depressed in the past year. If you know someone who shows signs of depression, here are four tips to help your friend or loved one: 1. Recognize symptoms. Common signs include lack of interest in things the person used to enjoy, problems with sleeping, showing feelings of hopelessness, and withdrawal from daily activities and conversations. 2. Listen. Do not deny what the person has to say. Instead, validate their feelings. Keep in mind that speech may be slow and less coherent, so be patient. 3. Encourage them to find help. You can provide support and listen to their concerns, but a trained professional should assist with long-term care. Offer to help find information for mental health resources or make an appointment, if necessary. 4. Enlist help from others. If they are resistant, talk to other important people in their lives (such as family, clergy, or healthcare professionals) to ensure they get the help they need. If your loved one may be suicidal, don’t assume the situation will simply pass. Let them know you take their feelings seriously, and offer to accompany them to the hospital. Call their doctor or your own for advice if you need help deciding what to do. If it’s an emergency, call 911; responders are trained to deal with mental health crises. You can call the National Suicide Prevention hotline 24 hours a day for help and information at 800-273-TALK. You can also chat online with someone at: http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

Dressing Your House for Success

When selling your home, look at your home through a potential buyer’s eyes, and follow these steps to make it show well and receive a good offer: • Clean and repair. Your buyer’s first impression is from the street. Clean up the yard, the landscaping and check your exterior paint job. On the inside, shampoo the carpets, scrub the floors and clear off all the counters. Remove old wallpaper and paint the walls a neutral color. Fix things that need fixing, like squeaky doors, broken tiles etc. • De-Clutter. Get rid of all that “stuff” you’ve accumulated in the garage, the backyard and the basement. And don’t forget the closets! • “Stage” it to look like a model home. Put away your personal items and remove large pieces of furniture. Ask your REALTOR® for ways to “dress up” your home (candles, new linens etc.) to maximize your selling potential.

Boost Your Brain

By “spicing up” your life, you can be helping your brain. Recent studies have shown that spicy food can preserve brain function and help prevent disease. Add these five tasty spices to your diet to reap the benefits: Turmeric. Called the “ultimate health spice,” turmeric contains curcumin and is an ingredient in curry. Studies have shown that it may help prevent Alzheimer’s and lessen the pain of rheumatoid arthritis. Sprinkle it on your broccoli or mix a spoonful in a warm glass of water and drink it down. Ginger. This spice may make you smarter if combined with ginkgo biloba. It also may help treat Parkinson’s disease and migraine headaches. Try drinking it as a hot tea. Garlic. You already love this one, but did you know it increases blood flow to the brain? In a 2007 study, garlic helped fight brain cancer cells. Saffron. A saffron extract has been found to be effective in treating people with depression. Cinnamon. Eating it helps with blood sugar control, but just smelling it boosts brain activity. It also speeds the way your brain processes visual cues. Chew some cinnamon gum before your next bike ride.

Online Therapy Right For You?

Virtual therapy options are increasingly common and popular. If you’re wondering whether online therapy is right for you, here are a few important things to consider.  Accessibility: You don’t need to go to an office to talk to a counselor, which is especially useful for people who live in remote areas or have mobility issues, but also very handy if you need to talk through something while you’re traveling.  Multiple formats: With virtual therapy, you may have the option to text your therapist as well as have video or audio sessions, so you can choose whatever is most comfortable for you at that moment.  Insurance coverage: Even if your health insurance covers mental health care, they may not cover tele-therapy. Be sure to verify this in advance.  Affordability: Some online therapy services offer monthly plans that are already less expensive than some in-person therapists, and those plan prices decrease if you pay for packages in advance, such as for three- or six- month periods.

Key to Happiness

Albert Schweitzer once wrote, “Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” Here are seven steps you can take today to achieve more happiness and success in your life: 1. Believe In Yourself. Identify your natural talents and abilities. Do what you enjoy and what you do best. Truly successful and happy people find joy in their working lives. Invest your time in what you do best. Focus on your strengths and not your weaknesses. 2. Develop a Vision. First, define your path and start working your plan. Write down a vision for yourself and your life. Be specific. What do you want to accomplish? What do you want your life to look like in 5 years, 10 years? 3. Develop Good Habits. Happy and successful people choose good habits. If you’re watching too much TV, chronically late, or eating poorly, make a commitment to change your bad habits into habits consistent with your goals. 4. Show Gratitude. The happiest people are also the most grateful people. Count your blessings frequently and you’ll quickly start seeing a change in yourself and the world around you. 5. Take A Chance. Seize opportunities! Success and happiness does not come to those who sit and wait for it to be brought to them. 6. Give to Others. Studies reveal that the happiest people are also the most generous. Do, say, or give something nice to another and see how your own life improves. 7. Take Responsibility. You hold the key to your future. Take responsibility for your actions. Choose the work you like to do, and do it well. Ultimately, you are the master of your fate. You choose your own future by the decisions you make and the actions you take.

3-Step Stroke Diagnosis

If you suspect someone is having a stroke, try these three tests. If the person is unable to perform them, immediately seek medical assistance. 1. Ask them to smile. Encourage them to smile big and show their teeth. Any facial muscle weakness can be a symptom of stroke. 2. Have them close their eyes and reach out in front of their body. Stroke victims often have arm weakness and cannot raise both arms to the same level. 3. Get them to repeat a simple sentence. Use a simple sentence like “The sky is really blue today.” Listen for any slurring. Extra Tip: If you can record the responses, it will give the medical team critical information.

Get Smart About Your Heart

People often treat their cars better than they do their bodies. That’s what the president of the American Heart Association (AHA) says about the public’s awareness of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death around the world. The key is this: If you do the right things, most heart disease is preventable. While talking with your doctor is important, here’s what you can do on your own: • Know where you stand. To get your personal heart score and learn what steps you may need to take to improve your heart health, go to MyLifeCheck.heart.org and click on “Get your assessment.” • Follow the AHA’s “Simple 7”: • Get active. 150 minutes/week of moderate exercise or 75 minutes/week of vigorous exercise. Walking is a great way to start. • Control cholesterol. Make diet and lifestyle changes if your level is 200 mg/dl or higher. • Eat better. Follow the guidelines at www.dietaryguidelines.gov. The AHA takes these a step further by saying everyone should limit their daily sodium consumption to 1,500 mg a day. • Manage blood pressure. Know yours and keep it in a healthy range. • Lose weight. Understand the relationship between the calories you’re consuming versus the calories you’re burning off. • Reduce blood sugar. Diabetes is one of the major controllable risk factors for cardiovascular disease. • Stop smoking. Seek out classes/support groups by contacting such organizations as the American Lung Association or Cancer Society.

Add Curb Appeal

The first impression of your house is from the street. If you want to sell or just add some new style, try these ideas: Focus on your front door with a new color, updated light fixtures and easy-to-read house numbers. For more charm, add window flower boxes or shutters around the windows. Learn to build a window box on YouTube.com. Clean out the clutter, and trim the overgrown bushes and trees (this also makes your home safer). For quick color, add container gardens. You can buy them pre-planted. Add lighting accents to trees or to illuminate the pathway (another safety feature). You can go solar to eliminate wires. Pressure-wash the exterior. If it doesn’t look better, consider new paint or siding. Don’t forget the garage door. Repair it, paint it or replace it to make your house look like new.

Highline Heritage Museum

Their mission is to collect, preserve and tell the stories of the Highline region and its people. A few of their major exhibits include; Southcenter Mall development, Normandy Park, Three Tree Point, Latinos in Highline, Hard Times during the Great Depression, area schools, the effects of the airport and our early immigrant settlers. It was great to see Jerry Robinson’s contribution of the Highline Times; I purchased many ads early in my real estate career. The Heritage Museum received funding to construct a new building from local residents, WA Capital Heritage, and a $1M grant from the Kingdome bonds. In 1987 the legislature agreed any surplus bond money would go to support heritage projects. I sure enjoyed visiting the museum and plan to return soon! Tue-Sun 12-5 819 SW 152nd St / 206-246-6354 / highlinehistory.org

Wax Paper

Wax paper is good for so many more things than simply wrapping up leftovers. Here are just a few handy wax paper tricks to have up your sleeve. • It polishes chrome surfaces like sink faucets and shower fixtures. • It helps sticky things (like can openers, zippers, and irons) move more smoothly. • It attracts dust, so it’s a good stand-in for a dusting cloth. • It helps seal wooden kitchen utensils and cutting boards.

Father’s Day Car Show

Get ready to spend an amazing day with your family at one of the most beloved events in Burien. Sunday June 18th from 9:00am to 4:00pm you can feast your eyes on the coolest cars around! Beyond hundreds of collector cars the Strawberry Festival is in full swing with live music, fun family activities, and amazing food trucks. Don’t miss your chance to cast your vote to help determine the People’s Choice Award. I will be there with my friend John Porter who will be showing his 1939 Woody Wagon; one of the best fully restored Wagons in the country. Stop by the Woody and say hello, hope to see you there!- 152nd St in Downtown Burien

Detergent Secret…

Detergent makers recommend that consumers use more of their product than necessary. Here’s a quick tip: Use only half as much detergent in your laundry and dishwasher. You’ll save money and your clothes and dishes will be just as clean – maybe even cleaner!

Snoqualmie Falls

This is a wonderful time to visit one of Washington State’s most popular scenic attractions. Snowmelt will get this 268-foot waterfall raging! This time of year you will basically have the place to yourself. More than 1.5 million visitors come to the falls every year to enjoy the park, observation decks, and the gift shop. If you have time enjoy a meal in the Salish Lodge. You will appreciate the history boards talking about the hydroelectric plant that began operation in 1899 at the base of the falls. Plant 2 was the world’s first completely underground facility that opened in 1910 and was further expanded in 1957. PSE still produces electricity at the plants today. Hope you can plan a day trip up there soon! Enjoy