Retired and loving it!

Some people are so enamored with their job that they say they will never retire.  Wow, unbelievable!  Over the years, none of my jobs appealed to me to that extent.  In fact, I could hardly wait to retire from my legal assistant and library assistant jobs.  The worst aspect was dealing with unpleasant people.  The task, itself, was not hard, but having to get along with all types of people made it difficult.

So here I am, retired and loving it.  Since calling it quits, I have published a blog, numerous newspaper columns, and 4 books (3 memoirs and an anthology).  The great thing about publishing books is that they keep selling way into the future.  If you run out of copies, all you have to do is reprint them.  There is no need to keep making new things in time for a craft fair every year.  I would find that stressful.  I also was a monthly commentator on Hawaii Public Radio for 15 months.  That was a lot of fun while it lasted.

Pat is semi-retired and expects even more diminished hours as a pharmacist next year.  She told me she would like to try her hand at writing a newspaper column about pharmaceutical drugs and what people should know about them.  The Star-Bulletin, MidWeek, or the Advertiser might be interested.  After all, they already have a health column written by dieticians and one by a physician.  Why not one by a pharmacist?  I think the going rate for a columnist is $150 per column.  Not bad pocket change.

David plans to retire in 10 years.  What are his plans for the future?   Answer:  Long hours at 24 Hr Fitness.  He loves the new branch in Pearl City, which boasts an indoor swimming pool, a sauna, a Jacuzzi, and a wide range of equipment.  I hope his knee heals; it was sore after his recent session with the physical therapist.

We also like to stimulate our minds.   One way is by attending lectures at the Institute for Astronomy.  This is a subject that is completely foreign to us.  Oh, we love these lectures and chatting with astronomers at the pre-lecture receptions!  I have managed to recruit new members:  David, Pat, and her friend Brian.  Maybe, we will be able to visit the observatories on Mauna Kea some day.  That’s our goal, but, first, we must become physically fit for the high altitude and acquire winter clothing and footwear.  Something to shoot for, eh?  As IFA members, we are eligible.

Jalousies or Awning Windows?

On two recent, consecutive nights, our security alarm sounded, probably jolting the whole neighborhood awake with its piercing, screechy siren.  Both times, the keypad showed that zone 12 (the living room windows) had been violated.  Since I was right there when it happened, I knew that a burglar had not attempted to remove a jalousie.  The security center called, and I told them it was a false alarm.  Moreover, the bathroom window flashed a light on the keypad, signaling some kind of malfunction. 

When I called the repairman, he said the system, which had been installed in 1991 when we moved in, needed to be modernized.  If hired, he would change the control panel (in the closet) and two keypads (in the master bedroom and living room).  He would also change certain sensors that were attached to jalousies.  All of this would take a day’s work and would cost around $500.

David and I have been mulling over this.  An alternative to fixing the security alarm is to install awning windows and not use an alarm.  We are presently charged $25 per month to be monitored by a security center.  Think of the savings over time if we went with awning windows instead.

But are awning windows truly secure?  Couldn’t a burglar cut the glass and send a small child through the opening?  The child could then open the door for the burglar. 

Further, do awning windows, which open at an angle, provide as much air flow as jalousies, which open horizontally?

What kind of windows do you have or prefer?

New stuff we didn’t know

We attended a new vehicle owners’ orientation at Servco-Toyota in Mapunapuna tonight.

 

There is one meeting held every month.

 

Around a hundred people attended.

 

Before the talk, we had supper:  delicious local grinds and chilled bottled water.

The meeting lasted from 6 pm to almost 8 pm with many questions from the audience.  We learned a lot.  For instance, if David takes his 2010 Toyota Camry 4 cylinder car to the dealer for servicing, he will be charged $160.  This sounds expensive when one compares it to the $40 fee at Goodyear, but Toyota swears by its oil, which has a special additive.  Also, many parts of the engine and computer are checked.  We were shown slides of an engine that was well maintained and those of an engine that was not regularly serviced.  Even though I don’t drive my car very much, I was told it must be serviced every six months at least, because the oil thickens when the car sits.

We were also advised to check our tire pressure EVERY WEEK.  Servco adds air from 30-35 on the tire gauge.  Tires low in pressure (below 27) show worn treads on the edges, and those too inflated show worn treads in the middle.  Wheels should be rotated every six months.

There are Servco centers in Mapunapuna, Kaimuki, Waipahu, and Windward districts.  Shuttle and pick up service is provided by appointment. 

New keys should be made at the dealer, even though it will cost more than $300.  This is because it is electronic and specific to your particular car.

Another reason to take your car to Servco is that only Toyota parts are used, very important to keep David’s Camry in tip-top condition.

We learned all this and more at tonight’s meeting.  It was well worth the time spent. 

P.S.  David won a door prize:  Windshield washing fluid.

Brett Wagner and APW boutique

Today’s American Pen Women guest speaker was Brett Wagner, Honolulu filmmaker/director/writer, who has been working in film for well over a decade.  He has already garnered his share of accolades and awards.  A graduate of NYU film school, Brett’s first feature film, FIVE YEARS, played 30 film festivals internationally, winning “Best Feature Film” at the Victoria Independent Film Festival, and “Best Screenplay” at the Avignon Film Festival.  His twenty-one minute short film, CHIEF, premiered at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival and was named “one of the ten must-see shorts” of Sundance.  CHIEF went on to win the “Los Angeles International Shortsfest” and “Audience Awards” at both the Maui Film Festival and the Hawaii International Film Festival.  He was also voted “Up and coming director for 2009” by Shoot Magazine.   At the meeting today, we watched CHIEF, which was followed by a Q and A session with Brett.

Before the meeting, we sold our art, music, and books at the annual boutique.  Here are photos of the many exhibits:

 

I bought a lovely black yarn handbag from artist Baerbel Miller.

 

For my granddaughter Julia’s second birthday this month, I bought three books from author Jodi Belknap.

 

I also bought two books from author Nancy Alpert Mower for Julia’s birthday.

 

These are my books.  I sold three, today.

Here are the other beautiful exhibits:

The scare of my life!

For those of you who read yesterday’s post regarding rail:  It is the PHOENIX surface rail system that experiences five collisions per month – NOT PORTLAND.  I misread the commentary that appeared in the Honolulu Star-Bulletin.  See the link to it in yesterday’s post.  My apology!

***

Ever had the scare of your life?  Think how you’d feel if someone told you a water pipe under your house was leaking.  Yesterday, a repairman came over to find out why our solar water heater wasn’t heating.  After testing it, he replaced a burnt-out heating element.   Then, he went outside to look at a Board of Water Supply unit located under the sidewalk.  He showed me a triangle on the unit. 

“See that triangle?” he said.  “If it is spinning, that means your water pipe is leaking, and you will have to dig a hole in your floor to locate it.  Lucky you, the triangle isn’t spinning.”

Whew!  My house sits on a concrete foundation, and the driveway is also made of concrete.  You can imagine the mess and expense to dig it up.

My mother’s house in Manoa sits on short pillars about three feet above the ground, so any leakage would be easy to spot.  How I envy her!

About rail

Photos by Ted Trimmer:

 

Ala Wai Aquarium

 

Kaisers Beach

 

Sunset at Hawaii Yacht Club

A lot has already been said about the Mayor’s proposed rail system.  Let me weigh in on the issue.

First, I am totally in favor of 100% elevated rail.  Consider the fact that trains that run at street level in Phoenix average FIVE COLLISIONS per month, whereas there have been ZERO collisions with elevated rail.  Common sense will tell you why:  There are just too many pedestrians and vehicles at street level, and collisions are bound to happen.  (http://www.starbulletin.com/editorials/20091001_Oahu_will_benefit_from_rail_but_make_sure_its_elevated.html)

Second, architects have complained that elevated rail will be a visual blight.  Nonsense!  I happen to enjoy watching the monorail at Pearlridge Shopping Center.  It not only looks nice, it is efficient.  What architects should worry about is the proliferation of high rises on Oahu, particularly downtown and Waikiki.

Third, my friend, Ian, mentioned that if Honolulu Airport is any indication, the elevators and escalators for the structures built for elevated rail might fail and repairs may be delayed.  Imagine the inconvenience.  To that I say:  The City administration will not permit prolonged delays, because they are sensitive to any public outcry.  For instance, I personally have called the City to complain about my trash not being picked up.  Lo, it is picked up either the same day or the next.  Other complaints have covered such topics as an unsightly median and poor timing of traffic lights.  I always get a prompt response.  I am sure the same would apply to problems with rail.

When I think of the difficulty and expense of finding parking in town, I look forward to the economical convenience of rail.  Yes, I’ll even look forward to jury duty, when half the battle is finding a parking space in the morning!

Sports talk

Poor Gigi.  How ignorant she is!  Luckily, she has a hubby who patiently teaches her the intricacies of football and baseball.

Yesterday, David and I watched Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings beat his former team, the Green Bay Packers, in Green Bay.  It was an exciting game.  Here’s a snippet of our conversation:

Me:  “Well, Favre finally got the monkey off his back.  He proved he could lead his new team to victory in LANDAU Stadium.”

David:  “LAMBEAU Field, not Landau Stadium.”

So much for trying to sound smart!  Haha!

After that game ended, we watched the New York Yankees beat the Philadelphia Phillies and lead the World Series 3-1.  I used to find baseball too excruciatingly SLOW to watch.  But, David pointed out the different types of pitching:  Curve Ball and Fast Ball.  He favors the Yankees, while I want the Phillies to win because Shane Victorino is from Hawaii.

David:  “So what?  I don’t know him; he was born on Maui.”

Me:  “Well, what’s so special about the Yankees?  Anyway, why is Philadelphia struggling?  How were they able to win the World Series last year?”

David:  “They played against Tampa Bay, which is a weak team.  I’ve always liked the Yankees.”

David may get his wish.  It will be a miracle if the Phillies win the World Series at this point. And it will be wonderful if Favre and the Vikings make it all the way to the Super Bowl and prevail, especially at his age (40).  Who said older people can’t succeed?

Flowers, Crotons, and Bananas!!!

I woke up feeling depressed about the loss the UH Warrior football team sustained at Nevada, about the confusion regarding reverse mortgages, and about the scary situation at David’s office.  How to shake myself out of this depression?  Why, take a stroll down my street, of course!  Life goes on.  Here’s what I saw:

Color bowl of Impatiens in my patio.

Crotons in my front yard.

Going down the street:  Vinca.

Ixora.

Bougainvillea.

Bougainvillea.

Bougainvillea.

Wedelia.

Lantana.

Bananas in a neighbor’s front yard!

I am feeling much better.  While the rest of the country is experiencing autumn or early winter, we in Hawaii are still in summer mode.

David’s physical therapy

David has been experiencing excruciating pain in his right knee.  X-rays show no arthritis, so diagnosis is tendonitis.  Here are some exercises that his physical therapist recommended – first, 3 sets of 10 leg raises each.  These exercises must be done 3 times a day:

 

Next, stretching on a chair for 30 seconds:

 

Then, stretching against the wall for 30 seconds:

 

Finally, place a bag of frozen peas on his knee for 15 minutes to reduce inflammation (no, these peas will not be re-used for cooking):

 

Hurry and get well, darling!

Chicken fiesta

Cook in a little oil one sliced onion and 3 cloves of garlic.

 

Add 8 oz can of whole kernel corn and 14 oz can of diced tomatoes.

 

Add 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon cumin, and 1 teaspoon black pepper.

 

Mix and cook for 3 minutes.

 

Spray an electric skillet with oil, set it for 300 degrees, and place boneless, skinless chicken thighs in it. 

 

Sprinkle with garlic pepper.  Cook one side for 10 minutes, covered.

 

Turn the thighs over.  Sprinkle with garlic pepper.  Spoon the corn-tomato mixture over the thighs.  Cover and cook for 10 minutes.

 

Unplug the skillet.  Sprinkle with 8 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese and some black olives.

Serve with brown rice and enjoy.