December 2008

One woman's ruminations on time speeding up

For a long time now, people have been warning me this would happen. This whole, "Oh, my gosh, can't I stop the clock" feeling has taken me over. It's like the first 13 years of parenthood were filled with moments of "Well, at least she is almost potty-trained" and "Gee, I can't wait until he is sleeping through the night." Now, all I feel is, "Jiminy Christmas, my kid is going to high school next year?"

This has really been hitting me lately, and hitting me hard.

This gift-giving season is suddenly done-gone-green hasn't it?

Are you wondering how to go about getting a little green into your life, without spending a lot of green? Here are some ideas to help you get started viva la vida verde (living the green life.)

First idea: Think small. Get a small plant to live by your phone. You can grow it on for years to come, it is easier on the pocketbook, and it is right beside the phone so you can never forget about it. Whenever you make or answer a call, you'll see your darling, new friend and tend to it.

Finally, the two cities of Seattle and Burien have reached a preliminary agreement to the proposed annexation of the unincorporated area of North Highline.

The parties involved in the mediation talks include the cities of Burien and Seattle, King County and Fire District 2 and 11.

The basics of the agreement are as follows.

1. All parties support the transition of the unincorporated North Highline to city status in a timely manner that will increase existing local service levels.

2.

Ama Ama Oyster Bar and Grill

4752 California Ave. S.W.

937-1514

Happy Hour: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. to Midnight daily.

http://www.ama-amaseattle.com/

Thursdays, 9 p.m.

Live Music (jazz, blues, funk)

Bamboo Bar and Grill

2806 Alki Ave. S.W.

937-3023

Senior guard Eric Taylor scored 44 points in two games to help the Ballard High School boys basketball team jump out of the gate with two wins to open the season.

His 29 points Dec. 3 against Mercer Island High School would almost have been enough for the victory alone as Ballard cruised to a 56-29 win. The Beavers opened up a 16-5 first-quarter lead in that game and never looked back.

"Eric was just absolutely special on Wednesday," Ballard coach Billy Rodgers said.

My block is a canine thoroughfare, from slinking Greyhounds in plaid jackets to fluffy red Pomeranians. I watch the parade of kids and dogs throughout the day. But one Sunday the face of a woman caught my eye from the kitchen window. The woman was struggling to carry a big black dog and clearly in trouble.

The dog was limp, spilling over her arms like an upside down bowl. She set him down on the sidewalk. He could stand although his spine seemed strangely arched. Obviously, the woman needed to rest.

My tea kettle whistled.

To the dismay of many Fremont residents, business owners and the Fremont Chamber of Commerce, the Seattle Department of Transportation has decided to install parking meters in the neighborhood.

The department presented their final plan meant to create more turn over and parking availability in the Fremont business district last week.

Surprised when the press contacted her Thursday morning before receiving the press release due to be sent later that afternoon of the final decision, Jessica Vets, executive director of the Fremont Chamber of Commerce shared great regret with

On a dark night over Germany in 1986, Ballard-raised Monty Reed, then 21, jumped from a plane at 800 feet with several hundred others. The first 700 feet was smooth-sailing for the U.S. Army Airborne Ranger during his training mission, but that last 100 feet was a killer, well, almost.

"I feel blessed that I'm even alive," said the robust engineer who broke his back and ankle in the fall. He said another parachute came underneath him which created a vacuum of air above, preventing his parachute to stay open.

This year, students at Seattle Public Schools are not only learning what they need to do to stay healthy, but why.

The district has adopted the new physical education program, Five For Life, for students from kindergarten through high school.

Think of every child's fantasy play land - what would it entail? Toys, games, stuffed animals, and dress-up clothes, perhaps. Such a land exists at Ballard's Clover.

Inspired by a friend's toy shop in San Francisco, Ballard resident Sarah Furstenberg brought her inspiration to Seattle to open her own store.

Even through an adult's eyes everything is colorful and whimsical. You want to become a kid again so you can touch, play and explore.

The shop is divided into various sections full of things that pique the interest of kids and parents alike.