Author: Carl Setzer

Still seeking focus and passion? Oh, man!

Carl Setzer

​Found this post while reviewing my blog: Overactive Mind.Written back in 2011, I still struggle with overflowing data streams, too much email, and finding focus. Well, better to call the last part “retaining focus”.  A challenge over my adult life: focus. So many cool things to learn, study, do.

I struck me seeing how little changed over 6 years. Ok, that’s frustrating, too. Really? The SAME issues? Sigh…..

Looking back over my adult life, well, still the same. Seeking focus, passion sums up my quest. Ultimately, I seek passion. For work that consumes me so deeply, filling me daily with delight, wonder and energy. 

Business, administration and all that received my attention. Mainly, my natural talent simply pulled me along. I never felt the passion which I sought. That nagged me. 

I see now my passion lies in place and family. My connection to community drives me. I love people: stories, struggles and the simple beauties which define our humanity. 

This region, this Puget Sound area, and western Washington, hold my heart, my history. Generations of my ancestors walked here, loved here, died here. THIS resonates with me. 

Writing also generates passion within me. I started journaling as a young man, with my writings going back to the 1980s (my mind fails to embrace how long ago the 80s were). Even though I devalued my work and ambitions (so much hubris: a writer?), still I wrote. Helping me find peace in terrible times of my life, see so many things clearly, and hold hope, writing kept my sanity and gave me meaning. 

Well, clearly I defined my life’s passion. Here in this blog lies the manifestation of the intersection of my passions. Now, though: focusing upon them. The terrifying risk of failure focusing on my loves. Facing down the negative self-talk surrounding all this. So much left to accomplish in this journey. What a feeling of excitement and terror. Fortunately, you are along, too. That gives me peace. 

Spent the day at the Seattle Center 

Carl Setzer

Spent the day down at the Seattle Center. Is was quiet lovely early on, getting a little rainy later in the day. I enjoyed myself greatly. I have so many memories there. I’ll write about them soon. 

Today center on the Pacific Science Center and Space Needle. Will need to go to MoPop, but not sure what else. 

Fyi, discovered Citypass today. A great way to get the most out of a trip downtown. You only have nine days to get through then all, so be cognizant of that. But it’ll get you into most of the key sites around the city. 

Ok,I can’t stay awake. More shortly! 

Oh, and come say hi to me on Facebook! I linguists look forward

This Week’s Fire On Everett’s Broadway

Carl Setzer

I drove along Broadway this morning on my way into work and saw this:

Post fire remnants of Everett Office Furniture
Post fire remnants of Everett Office Furniture

 

This is directly across Broadway from Xfinity Arena. The Everett Herald has a good piece covering the fire.

Everett Office Furniture was a great business, and I’ve acquired a lot of things from them over the years. A great way to save money without compromising on quality.

Everett Office Furniture owned the building, which will impact things. I hope they’re able to relocate and restart.

A Review of Seattle’s Own Paula Boggs Band

Carl Setzer

Seattle’s Paula Boggs Band has released a new album: Elixir: The Soulgrass Session. The good folks over at Northwest Music Scene have a review of the album. Once you’ve given it a read, give the album a listen. Below is Spotify’s link.

My Company Is Looking For A Home Detailer

Carl Setzer

Here’s the job description below. We’re a dynamic and fun team looking to make something really great in the local construction market.

Residential Home Detailer Wanted for Growing Construction Company (Snohomish County)

Compensation: Depending on Abilities
Employment type: Full Time

This person will report to our construction manager

We are looking for a highly motivated, energetic, enthusiastic, and hard-working person to help us maintain our jobsites throughout Snohomish County.

Responsibilities include but not limited to:

    • Walkthrough prep for new homeowners
    • Complete punch lists
    • Follow-up on warranty items
    • Landscaping
    • Fencing
    • Pick-up work

Requirements:

  • Ability to learn quickly
  • Transportation
  • Great “can-do” attitude
  • Able to follow instruction and meet goals and deadlines
  • Well rounded skill level
  • Minor Carpentry skills from millwork to framing
  • Ability to do drywall repairs, patches, texture & paint
  • Some knowledge of landscaping
  • Familiar with construction projects

If you’re interested, please reach out to me directly. We’ll then ask you to email a cover letter explaining your potential qualifications for this job, along with your resume.

Thank you for your interest!

Some thoughts on pho 

Carl Setzer

Over the past several days, I’ve had pho at least twice. Now, there aren’t as many pho places around here, yet, as there are teriyaki. But they’re making inroads. I can name 5 restaurants within a very short distance, and with great ease. Teriyaki, which should be the official foods of Seattle. It was a running joke, for awhile, that there was a stip mall, somewhere in Seattle, that didn’t have a teriyaki shop. Somewhere… So, as a comparison, I can think of 13 teriyaki shops in the same geographic area. 
For me, these foods, Vietnamese soup and Japanese chicken, were my comfort foods. When I’m sick, nothing nagging me feel better than pho ga, or chicken soup. With a fan of Siracha, and a dollop of hoison. Perfect! And if I’m stressed, or feeling sad, mad or bad, teriyaki picks up my mood. 

Now, there are variations. For teriyaki, I like it crisp, charred, solidly grilled. Others I know, prefer it cooked more gently. With pho, there’s pressed chicken vs shredded, with my preference being shredded. 

A few of the foods that make the Puget Sound basin a unique place culturally. So, Bon Appetite!

PhD Comics: Impostor Syndrome

Carl Setzer

I’ve been a long-time fan of PhD Comics. This one connects as I’ve long struggled with Impostor Syndrome. I’m at a point in life where I’m often angry and frustrated that my mind races down these paths of self-doubt and counteracting my successes.

So, add in the Lord of the Rings reference and you have a total geek winner for me.