Month: October 2017

The Samsung S6’s Voice Assist And Other Annoyances

Carl Setzer

My son managed to turn on Voice Assist on his S6. Don’t do this unless you really mean to. And I recommend spending some time learning about the system before diving in. For me, coming into the middle, it was an exercise of frustration. Fortunately, I figure this stuff out. 

The biggest challenge was learning to type within this system. You tap the desired key once, then two more times. So, two traps total. My frustration was getting in through the lock screen. My son does have a great password, which is a pain to enter taps per character. Fyi, that includes “shift” and “done”.  Then I was able to “tap” the settings, which I needed to do with two fingers, which has made my life better. 

Anyway, glad this mess is done.

Realizing my influence

Carl Setzer

I had a powerful realization today. While training some junior belts, I noticed one, a high-school aged young woman, was watching me closely. Everything I said and did was watched closely.  I saw how much potential I had to build her up, or tear her down.

It’s sobering and humbling. Knowing how nuch influence I have. I love the idea that a few well placed positives: words, smiles, can add so much to her life. And screwing this up can really mess things up.

Long ago, I pledged to be powerfully positive. Seeking, still, to master that. But I’m moving forward.

You ever had such an epiphany?

Here Are Some Halloween Events for Edmonds, Lynnwood and Mountlake Terrace Folks

Carl Setzer

Halloween is a week from tomorrow! Are you looking for some fun for your goblins and ghouls? Well, below are a few Edmonds, Lynnwood and Mountlake Terrace happenings to celebrate Halloween. Come bring your costumed Trick-or-Treater out for the fun!

30th – Pre-Halloween, I guess

31st – Halloween!

Lynnwood

Mill Creek:

Edmonds

Walks, Hikes, Life, Community

Carl Setzer

Earlier today I talked with an acquaintance about walking. He, like me, loves to walk. Lately, it’s been my main form of exercise. I’m a bit wimpier than my chum, not really willing to walk when it’s pouring. Perhaps I need to invest in some rain gear. But, being outside… that’s beauty.

Hiking brings joy to do many. There was this chap, Paul, who loved the AT (Appalachian Trail). After he died, far too young, his wife had the idea for his boots to take to the trail. A call went out, the great community that resides on the trails stepped up. Facilitated by the folks at REI, the collective took the journey and have shared it with us. Watch and listen with your heart. It’s worth it.

Motivational Thought by Eric Whitacre

Carl Setzer

I’ve loved Mr. Whitacre for years, ever since discovering his Virtual Choir projects (if you haven’t experienced them, go do so right now…I’ll wait).

I appreciate this post. Music runs deep within me. I find inspiration, focus and energy within the dancing notes. The reminder of its power: important.

What does music mean to you? I’ve talked with folks who feel “music…meh…” That’s something I can’t comprehend. Just so alien to me.

Has music saved you? Brought you focus and drive? Are there any songs that you turn to? I’d love to hear your stories.

October Fitness & Health Thoughts

Carl Setzer

Last night I spent about an hour in the gym, mostly focused on cardio. It’s been a bit since I focused like that. Miss it. Yet I was pleased at my performance. My intermittent workouts haven’t been too detrimental.

I noticed my weight creeping back up, though. Probably a function of a dreadful diet. So I restarted using my food tracker. That works nicely, nuisance that it is. 

This time of year challenges me, fitness-wise. Dark, wet and cold: getting outside becomes uncomfortable at best, painful at the worst. The darkness adds a bit of danger, since cars have a hard time seeing me. I manage that well, I think. But it’s still unpleasant. And fatty, yummy foods start manifesting more. Double negatives. 

My health concerns don’t wane, though. Things like diabetes lurk, and I want nothing to do with that disease. Must. Keep. Focused. The value of gym memberships, and bit being to off-put by them  

Another area of active balancing. 

“An evening walk in Edmonds, WA”

Carl Setzer

I’ve been focusing on getting more exercise lately. Once my focused attracting beautiful women. Now, as I’m in my 50s, I’m more focused on preventing diabetes, and other ailments. Diabetes, in particular, scares me. I’ve seen enough people, though, who have balance issues, strength, and all that. Thus I know there are far more benefits than alleviating my fears. 

So, I try to get out more. So many benefits. I need to embrace that.