Author: Carl Setzer

Celebrate the New Year, Edmonds Style

Carl Setzer

I was asked earlier today for a list of “what’s going on” New Year’s Eve in Edmonds. I hadn’t put much thought as I’m planning on spending the evening with friends (I’ll be in the Edmonds Bowl, just so you know), but thought I’d dig through my memories and the web and pull together a quick list.

First, I want to point out that Kathy Passage over at My Edmonds News has list of holiday events and such in her most recent article. She’s pretty cool: go check her out!

Anyway, I’ve pulled out a list of specifically New Year’s Eve stuff, focusing on the “ringing in 2018” (aka: out after midnight) stuff.

New Year’s Eve:
Looking for something outside of Edmonds? Well, here are a few other options for you.
Oh, and there’s New Year’s Day:
Polar Plunge! https://www.facebook.com/events/154410931849531/. This event is a long-standing tradition in our community. It took some work, but we managed to keep the event for disappearing. If you’re a fan of freezing your butt off, come join the party! I doubt that you’ll lose any butt-mass, so it’s not a recommended way to start your weight-loss resolution, but, whatever.
If you know of something I missed, please drop it in the comments and I’ll update the post. No offense shall be taken! Actually, there’ll be much rejoicing (yay.).
Wishing each of you a wondrous New Year’s Celebration and productively joyous 2018!

Darth Vader vs Obiwan: Reimagined

Carl Setzer

For years I thought redoing this pivotal lightsaber dual would be fantastic. Of all the technolgoical updates that could’ve been done with the Original Trilogy, this is one I felt would give more weight to the story.

Someone else agrees, and is working on it as we “speak”. I do so hope this isn’t vaporware.

Memories of a forgotten Seattle 

Carl Setzer

Many memories
Walking past the empty halls
In winter’s darkness

Ages ago I lived in Seattle’s heart. The city was beginning the transformation into the economic behemoth it is now. Still the refuge of the poor, downtrodden. Suburban business professionals drifting through, vanishing as the clock struck five. The flurry of buses and cars away from us. I found myself wandering nighttime streets, streetlights and gentle rain accompanying my steps. 

So much trash, so much waste

Carl Setzer

Wow, I just tossed out a bunch of expired food. Boxes of stuff that’d migrated to the far reaches of my cabinets. I’m bothered by the waste. One thing in particular got me, though: packets.

Those little packets if sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, all that. I put in the trash so many. I never use these, as I always have my own at home and my office.

They’re placed in the bag automatically. Along with forks and napkins, which I also have.

These items are pure waste, given for “convenience sake”. Good customer service, I guess, but not environmentally sustainable. Plus, I expect most folks are like me and have no need.

This is an area I need to give some kudos to McDonald’s. They ask if you want ketchup packets, etc, before dropping them into your bag. It saves the company money along with slowing the rate we fill those land-fills.

I’d like “asking before giving” to become the standard. Until then, I need to start telling the good folks who own my favorite take out shops that I don’t need sauce packets, chopsticks, or forks.

Seattle Area Space Fans, You Keeping Track Of Planetary Resources?

Carl Setzer

Check out this video about their Arkyd-6. One of the things I like most about this region is our vibrant aerospace and space industries.

Space is a key part of the future of humanity, and we in the Seattle area have a front-row seat.

 

 

Bruce Lee Quote Of The Day: Life and Learning

Carl Setzer

Some powerful advice, especially for me. My nature seeks stability and structure. “Constant learning” is somewhat counter to that. At least if I don’t anticipate the learning, the change that’s coming.

Something to continuously meditate on.

 

Flowers of December

Carl Setzer

These lovely blossoms greeted my morning. Such a delight in this season of dark, cold rain. Always glimmers of beauty, of hope in the darkest of times.

Early autumn: my favorite season. December, though, with its gloomy disposition and scarce sunlight, sits at the bottom of my list. But joys still exist. This season of candles, hot cocoa, Christmas music and presents delights me deeply. Within all that, I find solace and hope for the coming spring.

The Holidays Approacheth

Carl Setzer

I find it sobering to realize one week from today is Thanksgiving. Which, for me, is when the “Holiday Season” begins.

I don’t opt to participate in Black Friday madness. I love REI’s Opt Outside campaign. Definitely the preferable choice. Either that, or, if the weather outside is frightful, then I’ll enjoy a book, movie, or a cafe.

For my family, the Tree Lighting in Edmonds kicks off the holiday season. Always the Saturday after Thanksgiving, it’s simply a charming, local family fun event. We’ve been going since my son was an infant. Santa arrives on a vintage fire-truck and lights the Christmas Tree in the middle of Centennial Plaza. Starting at 3:30 pm, hot cocoa will be served. The real fun starts at 4:00.

 

Santa will be available for photos at the tree lighting. And, around here, another standard “thing to do” is Santa photos at Alderwood Mall. It looks like they’ve already started. But, starting next week, expect lines. The closer to Christmas, the longer the line.

Bothell has a fun “Santa’s Workshop” at Country Village.

Santa and his fire truck will make their way to Mountlake Terrace on Friday, December 1st.

Just a few Edmonds/Lynnwood/Mountlake Terrace holiday activities to get your Noel on.

Quote of the Day: Bruce Lee

Carl Setzer

Bruce Lee’s wisdom, always good for motivation and focus.

This gem reminds me that we must continuously strive, push forward. It’s very easy to become complacent, to be simply satisfied.

For me, fear speaks to me at those moments. Fearing failure, laziness seems quite tempting. But I know the emptiness therein. Pushing through requires discipline, forcing through the inertia.

Know the value of that push. A worthwhile exercise of force.

Blessings upon all of you, dear readers.