Words for a Wednesday ~ February 8

Week Two!

Here are a few words to help you build your vocabulary and/or build your score in the games Scrabble or Words with Friends.

Our first word is brant.  Does anyone know what this one is?  I'm wondering if any hunters know...

Brant:  A small goose about the size of a mallard having a black head, neck, and chest.  These geese normally breed in Artic regions and spend winters along both coasts. The Brant along the Atlantic have light gray bellies, while those off the Pacific Coast have black bellies and were at one time considered a separate species.  Word origin: 1535–45; short for brantgoose, brentgoose;  akin to Old Norse brandgās, German Brandgans.

Our second word is tarn.

Tarn: The Free Dictionary by Farlex calls it "A small mountain lake, especially one formed by glaciers", while Merriam-Webster adds that it is a steep-banked (small mountain lake).  Interesting variation.  Word origin: Scandinavian origin; related to Old Norse tjörn pool.

And finally, our third word is our two letter word for the week.  How many times have you come across the word qi in a scrabble or word game?  I've seen it (and used it) quite a bit.  It can be worth a good number of points if strategically placed!

Qi:  A variation of the word "chi".  The circulating life energy that in Chinese philosophy is thought to be inherent in all things; in traditional Chinese medicine the balance of negative and positive forms in the body, essential for good health.  Qi/Chi is of central importance in some Eastern systems of medical treatment (as acupuncture) and of exercise or self-defense (as tai chi).  Word origin: 1850; Chinese (Beijing) qì, literally, air, breath.

Sources: All definitions listed above were determined in part or entirety by researching definitions in the Encarta Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Dictionary, The Free Dictionary by Farlex, or their online versions/websites.  In addition, this week we used additional interesting information from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology online.

Gardening - A Great Way to Reduce Stress ~

We all have too much stress.  That's something most people would agree on.  We think about how stressed we are and what's causing it (too busy perhaps?), we talk about it with friends, and write about it on Facebook, but it still doesn't go away!

I am no different!  I don't really think I have that much to be stressed about (not currently at least!), but I am clearly a worry wart!  Unfortunately, when I worry, the stress goes right to my stomach.  I deal with Acid Reflux (like many people do) and when I'm really stressed, I deal with esophageal spasms which is very painful.  Medicine doesn't do much, so I've been told I need to learn deal with my stress in other ways.  One thing that helps a lot is a little time in the garden!

We don't own the house we currently live in, but love the backyard.  It has a nice big lawn and flower beds along the perimeter of the yard.  The problem is, the weeds just LOVE the flower beds and now with the rain arriving, the weeds are growing as quickly as the flowers!  I've learned to grab a little time here and there as I can!

I spent time this last weekend working in the yard and it felt great!  It may not be as rewarding as it would be if we owned the house, but oh well!  I pulled weeds, cut back some ivy, trimmed dead blooms off of my geraniums so more could appear... it was fun and rewarding.  I enjoyed the time outside, it gave me a sense of peace, a sense of accomplishment, and now I'm ready to plant some new colorful plants.

Here are my top 5 reasons why you should try gardening...

1. Physical work of any kind reduces stress (and gardening is much more fun!).
2. It gives you a great sense of accomplishment and peace of mind.
3. It makes your neighbors and/or family members happy (maybe the family will help next time!).
4. A nice yard will encourage you to host events at your house (fun and another way to de-stress!).
5. And for you calorie counters... an hour of yard work burns about 272 calories... which is equal to (1) Grande Starbuck's Caffe Latte or (1) Snicker's Bar (among other things).  Sounds good to me! 

Give it a try!  And if you are a renter, or live in a small space, try container gardening!  Your containers can go wherever you do!

** Calorie count found on About.com **
Note: Definition of a worry wart: "A person who tends to worry, especially over insignificant details".

Questions of the Day! - February 6 - February 10

Inquiring minds want to know the answers to these questions!  You may reply by commenting at the end of this post, or you may email me by clicking here.  Can't wait to hear from you :)

Monday - Do you have a scent that reminds you of a special relatives house?  What is it?  Geraniums and apple smells make me think of my "Grama's" house. :)

Tuesday - Today's question is for those of you who have had to job hunt in the last two years.  How long did it take you to find a job, and what was your best job hunting tool?  Old school ways or internet-related?

Wednesday - Have you ever ridden a bicycle built for two (tandem bike)?  Did you grow up loving your bike?  Did you have a favorite bike?  Do you have a funny bike-riding story?  (Too many questions?)  Please share :)

Thursday - Do you have a favorite kind of apple?  If so, what kind?  Do you like to use them for baking or just to enjoy as they are?

Friday -  Do you tweet?  Do you use Twitter to promote a business or other venture or do you enjoy on a personal level?

Note: If you wish to be anonymous in an article related to this subject, just let me know! :)

Very Easy Baked Ziti Dinner - Kim Funk version ~

Make tonight an easy dinner night with Baked Ziti!

Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
2 16 oz. jars Traditional Prego Spaghetti Sauce
½ of a 16 oz box of ziti tube shaped pasta (penne works also)
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon onion powder

Directions:

1. Cook pasta as directed (usually about 11 - 15 minutes).
2. Meanwhile, brown ground beef with onion powder, and remove any fat.
3. In a large bowl, combine sauce, 2 cups of the mozzarella, pasta and beef mixture. (You can also use the pot you used for pasta, but it needs to be large in order to be able to stir all ingredients). Mix well.
4. Poor mixture into a 9 x 13 baking pan and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

(Easy!)

Notes:

• If you prefer a lighter sauce presence in your favorite pasta dishes, use only 1 ¾ jars of pasta sauce.
• If you’d like to view the original recipe which is a double recipe (now and later) and includes onions and mushrooms, take a peek here. My version is a combo of the original with bits and pieces of related tips. (My family doesn't like onions and mushrooms and as you’ll see in photo, my son doesn’t like cheese on the top of his ziti, so a corner is sans cheese on top!).
• Add a green salad and garlic bread and you’re ready to go!

Get to know Beth Moore with Living Proof Ministries ~

When I was invited by a friend to join a 10 week Bible Study in January of 2011, I had mixed feelings. Growing up in the Catholic Church, I was never exposed to an actual “Bible Study”, nor did I really know much about the bible. I wondered if I would feel out of place or if I would look "stupid" or ignorant when a bible verse was discussed. I was told we’d meet once per week and that the study would consist of watching an amazing lady speak about the bible via DVD (The series was called “The Inheritance”) and then we’d discuss it afterwards. Being that I was at that point in my life when I was seeking a bit more spirituality in my life and because I completely trusted my friend’s opinion on things, I jumped in. I’m so glad that I did!

Beth Moore was that lady and she is amazing!  She felt called at an early age to serve God in some way, but didn’t know how that might fall into place. By 1994, however, she had founded Living Proof Ministries "for the purpose of teaching women how to love and live on God’s word”.

This feisty Texas woman speaks with a zest for life and a fire to share the bible with others. She is a very down to earth speaker who all of us in Bible Study relate too. (Have you ever watched a speaker and sat there shaking your head in agreement with the speaker? That would be us with Beth).

Beth has been married for over thirty years, has two adult children, beloved dogs and LOVES her Starbucks. She’s very much like the rest of the world! She didn’t grow up living the perfect life. She was sexually victimized as a child and dealt with addictions related to that part of her past, well into young adulthood. She continues to fight insecurity, like so many of us, and uses her various studies and programs to help others deal with the same or similar issues.

Because I love to share things, I just had to share Beth with you as well. I absolutely love watching her telecasts and series by DVD or digital download, as well as reading her books and her blog (she has a lot of material out there!).  I highly recommend that you check out some of her clips online. I’m providing a few links below so you can easily do that!

To sneak a peek of the series my bible study is currently watching, click here. This series is called, “Wising Up”. Open the page, and you will see the option to “click to view preview”.

For a longer peek, click here to watch an episode of “Wednesdays with Beth” which is part of the television program, “Life Today with James and Betty Robison.” This episode is called, “The God of all Comforts”. Her episode starts at about 2:10 into the link, and to skip right to the “real” Beth showing her humor, jump to 8:46 (although I highly recommend you take in the whole viewing of about 15 minutes).

If you're interested in a series, most digital downloads are $5.00 each and can be purchased week by week or you can purchase a DVD version and have it shipped to you.  To access and view all of the things she has to offer, along with her blog and bio, click here to visit Living Proof Ministries.

Kim Funk's vote: Yes on Bible Study and yes on Beth Moore :)

What's for Breakfast? Coffee Cake! ~

Time to check those cupboards for ingredients!  Do you have what you need to make this yummy coffee cake?  Our family has been using this recipe for as long as I can remember and it's always a favorite to share!

Streusel Bisquick Coffee Cake

Ingredients:

Cinnamon Streusel  (topping)

1/3 cup Original Bisquick® mix

1/3 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 tablespoons firm butter or margarine

Coffee Cake

2 cups Original Bisquick® mix
2/3 cup milk or water
2 tablespoons sugar

1 egg

Instructions:

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees and grease a 9-inch pan (I use a cute pie plate).
2. In a small bowl, make streusel topping first, then set aside.  (You will need a pastry cutter or a small knife to chop up butter, then stir to combine ingredients.)
3. Now combine ingredients for coffee cake and spread in pan and sprinkle topping evenly over top.
4. Bake for 18 - 22 minutes or until golden brown.  (I have always done 22 minutes ~ depends on the oven!)

Enjoy warm with a yummy cup of milk, hot cocoa (Quik with milk of course!) or COFFEE.  (Also warms up nicely in the microwave).

Official recipe states that this will serve 10 people.  If you are serving with other items, this may be true, but we have always chosen to slice it into 8 slices, and it nicely serves 4 for a main breakfast dish.

To access a printable version of this recipe (without my added commentary), simply visit Betty Crocker here: http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/streusel-coffee-cake/6961f214-b8aa-480b-8cd5-d57ea4350757

Enjoy your Sunday! :)

Words for a Wednesday ~ February 1

Week One!

Here are a few words to help you build your vocabulary and/or build your score in the games Scrabble or Words with Friends.

Our first word is platen. When I saw this played by an opponent in Words with Friends, I thought to myself, “Is that a real word?” Answer: yes indeed it is!

Platen: The roller in a typewriter or printer against which the type bar/print head strikes or the glass surface of a flatbed scanner. Word origin: from the French word platine, meaning metal plate.  Who knew? (Did you?)

Our second word is woof. I’ll be honest. If that word was to come up in my house (currently), it would be safe to assume, it would be used in a playful way, creating the sounds of a dog barking (woof woof). However, there is a real meaning to the word!

Woof: woven fabric/the texture of a fabric or a basic or essential element or material.
Word origin: A combination of the Middle English word oof, from Old English ōwef, + wefan to weave.

And finally, our third word is a two letter word! (And might I add, worth a good number of points if strategically placed in a word game!).

Za: Slang for pizza. Word origin unknown. First known use circa 1970. (Note: I will add that I did find a bit of back and forth conversing online, debating whether or not there are additional definitions for this word, but at this time, all official dictionary/word sources showed only the definition mentioned here.)

Sources: All definitions listed above were determined in part or entirety by researching definitions in the Encarta, Merriam-Webster, and The Free Dictionary by Farlex, or their online versions/websites.

Questions of the Day! {January 30 - February 3, 2012}

Inquiring minds want to know the answers to these questions!  You may reply by commenting at the end of this post, or you may email me by clicking here.  Can't wait to hear from you :)

Monday - Are you superstitious?  Do you have any beliefs or fears that are not based on fact, yet cause you to perform small life rituals to make things "okay"?

Tuesday - Chocolate Chip Cookies... do you prefer them crunchy or soft?  Do you have a favorite recipe?  Feel free to share :)

Wednesday - Real butter or fake butter?  Why?

Thursday - How many different industries have you worked in?  How many jobs have you held?  Does your experience seem to make it difficult to create a resumè?

Friday - Oh boy!  You were just delivered a blank check to spend on your weekend and all of your favorite people are available to join you in whatever activity you choose... how do you spend your weekend? :)

Note: If you wish to be anonymous in an article related to this subject, just let me know! :)

Five reasons to check out Joel Osteen Ministries

Joel Osteen was born the son of beloved minister, John Osteen, who was known for his ministry at The Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. As a person who chose to work behind the scenes for his father’s television ministry show, Joel never intended to take over his father’s ministry. He never knew that he would become the Senior Pastor at Lakewood Church shortly after his father’s passing in 1999, and certainly never dreamed of what Joel Osteen Ministries would become. He didn’t know that his own ministry would someday affect so many lives in a positive and lifting way. But life sometimes takes unexpected turns.

Five reasons I recommend giving Joel Osteen/Lakewood Church Ministries a try on Sunday mornings (via televised show):

1. One can watch his show from the comfort of home (in your pajamas if you want!).
2. It can recorded by DVR or Tivo, which means it can be watched when you choose to watch.
3. You only need to commit 30 minutes of your time to watch this show.
4. Joel uses life examples, including challenges he has faced in his own life, which makes him likeable and real. Most can relate to him as a normal person as opposed to simply a “TV Minister”.
5. Most importantly, Joel always delivers a positive and encouraging message that incorporates a few bible verses in a way that is light and (most importantly) relates to issues of today’s world.

My personal experience is that I always walk away feeling enlightened, a little bit lighter, and “owning” a little bit more PEACE… which is what we all seem to desire.

If you are seeking to find or rediscover your spiritual side, are depressed and don’t feel like leaving home, are already spiritual but just don’t have the time or desire to visit a physical church, or are simply curious about Joel Osteen Ministries, you should commit to watching his show one time and decide for yourself. You can search your local listing paper guides or simply type in “Joel Osteen” by cable search and listings will definitely pop up.

If you’re not a television fan but want to check out Joel Osteen Ministries, you can visit Joel Osteen Ministries online to:

• Access video clips from his shows.
• Read about his personal history and learn how the Ministry came to be.
• Read from his blog (written with wife Victoria).
• Sign up to receive his daily message delivered by email.
• Or visit the Joel Osteen Ministries store for other options.

You can also visit and/or “like” Joel Osteen Ministries on Facebook here.

Note: As with any television “personality”, you will find positive and negative feedback/reviews. But life is about taking what you want from each life experience. Come up with your own opinion… that’s what makes us individuals.

This and That Update - What's Coming Next Week ~

Good morning readers! Since this is a brand new blog, I thought I’d give you a little breakdown of some of things that are in the works for next week and beyond.

Starting Monday, we will be starting our Prayer Patrol listing! To view a list of those needing prayer, simply click on Prayer Patrol on my menu bar. I will post an updated list every Monday morning. By visiting that page you will also find instructions on how to receive our weekly Prayer Patrol list by email (if you’d prefer to view it that way) and how to request a prayer for yourself or others.

Also starting Monday, will be our “Question of the Day”! This is not a quiz, but an inquiry about your life, your thoughts, etc. This will be a Monday through Friday column. People interest me and I love to know what other families are doing or how others are doing things better. I will be using this for future articles ~ I think compilation is fun! You will be able to read this and comment on the actual blog by a daily (obvious) post and/or you will be able to view and participate via my Twitter account as well.

Starting Wednesday, we will be starting our “Words for Wednesday” column! We will share a few words every week that will help build your vocabulary (I know I can personally benefit from this) and possibly make you more competitive when playing those word games (wink, wink). We’ll be sure to include a useable word, a “way out there” word (where you think, “I’ve never heard of that!”) and at least one 2 - 3 letter word since many of us desire those for playing that one game… what’s it called? (Words With Friends!) J

Starting a week from this coming Saturday (February 4^th), we will be sharing a “What’s for Sunday Breakfast” recipe or menu idea from our readers! So, you talented cooks and bakers out there, please share your ideas on this. You will get credit (of course!) if I use your submission and I am not at all opposed to you sharing a picture or two of the process… even if this means simply a picture of your little cuties assisting in your meal preparation! By posting it Saturday, you will have time to shop for ingredients and get ready for Sunday morning!

More links! I have dozens of links to add to the sidebar section of this blog. I will be working on updating that section very soon so you can blog hop compliments of Kim Funk J

And finally, for my Facebook followers, thank you so much for choosing to “like” us!! I want to be sure that I am not over posting on Facebook resulting in your status feed being COVERED in Kim Funk posts (because then you‘d want to “dislike“ me)! With that in mind, my initial plan is to post one link to the main article of the day (Monday through Friday at least) and that’s it. Anything else I want to share, I will add to the comments section of that initial daily post. So be sure to look at the comments when you see me on your status feed! Or of course, you can just visit me HERE!

Thank you for your support and remember, I am completely open to (and encourage!) your feedback. Email me at any time or comment at the bottom of any post.

Words With Friends - are you hooked?

It seems everyone is playing Words With Friends these days! Have you experienced it? Are you hooked?

Released in 2009 by Newtoy, Inc. (Now known as Zinga With Friends), Words With Friends is clearly one of the most popular and most talked about iPhone apps/games out there. Words is currently rated number three on the iTunes App Store’s Top 25 paid games list and has 3,904,088 “likes” on its Facebook Page, but moreover, friends everywhere are talking about Words With Friends!

148Apps.com Reviews calls it, “A must have for Scrabble Fans” and I agree. However, what I find comical is, even those who claim to hate playing the traditional Scrabble board game are hooked on this online game! Maybe it’s the friendly competition (one can have up to 20 games going at once), maybe it’s knowing there isn’t a rush to finish (the game waits, even if a player temporarily exits the app), or maybe it’s the convenience of being able to take it wherever (since most play on their phones). Whatever the reason is, people are loving this game!

Words is a Scrabble-like word building game that accepts 173,000 words for points. There are 104 tiles (breakdown below) and players may electronically shuffle their tiles for a new view, exchange tiles (even all at once) or pass on a turn (exchanging and passing earn zero points that round). It offers the same score building tiles such as double letter, double word, triple letter and triple word so players are always on the lookout for those available spaces.

Tile and point breakdown:
2 blank tiles - worth 0 points
E (13), A (9), I (8), O (8), T (7), R (6), S (5) - worth 1 point each
D (5), N (5), L (4), U (4) - worth 2 points each
H (4), G (3), Y (2) - worth 3 points each
B (2), C (2), F (2), M (2), P (2), W (2) - worth 4 points each
V (2), K (1) - worth 5 points each
X (1) - worth 8 points each
J (1), Q (1), Z (1) - worth 10 points each

To play Words, one must simply purchase an app or choose a free version (see options below) and download it to his or her preferred platform. Once the download is complete, players can quickly set up an account and choose a username. Then… game is on! One can choose to invite a friend to play using their username, play a “random” player, or log on to his or her Facebook account and play there.

As with many apps, there are occasional glitches or issues needing players to perform a recommended update or to restart their phone, but with the price being under one dollar, how serious can it be? Fans think it’s well worth the small price (financially and time-wise) to have to deal with an occasional issue.
I highly recommend Words With Friends. It’s enjoyable, competitive, and just plain FUN.

Helpful Words Links:
Ad-free for iPad or iPhone or iPod Touch $0.99 cents

Words with Friends Free with advertisementsWords with Friends Free Android MarketHelp and Support including a Learn to Play section

Words With Friends Facebook Page  - “Like” the page for game news and friendly discussion and have the option to play from there as well.  Be prepared to share some of your personal information, if you choose this option.

Here’s a little something extra to peek at for you techies out there. Words with Facebook: rocking a new kind of technology (with HTML5)

Finally, if you'd like to suggest a word for Words With Friends, click here! 

It's Launch Day!

Today is Thursday, January 26, 2012 and it is launch day!  I am officially putting this blog into your hands and so hope you enjoy it!  Since I am still working out a few kinks, I am more than open to feedback, so if you see something that seems out of sorts, please feel free to share with me!

Here is my official mission statement for this blog:

My mission is to inspire, enlighten, and challenge readers with helpful advice and entertaining content.

Here is why I am doing this:

I blog because I love to write and share.  I blog because it's fun.  I blog because I want to help others.  If I discover that I have enriched the lives of others in the areas of family, parenting, health, time management, organization, recipes, home decor, budgeting, writing, and/or charity and lifting others, then I will have received my greatest reward.

Thank you and welcome, welcome, welcome!

Good Intentions for 2012 ~ Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! January hit and the buzz was all about resolutions. Usually, we hear about resolutions in regards to health and fitness, or perhaps one’s financial ways. But this year seemed different. Most articles I’ve read (so far), suggest not to choose or publicize official resolutions. Perhaps it’s to eliminate that let down feeling if a big goal isn’t achieved, but either way, I like resolutions. This year I’m going to call them intentions, maybe that’s a better way to go about it.

Here are five reasons why I like a fresh batch of intentions every year:

1. I’m a lists girl! I have lists going everyday.
2. I like to set goals for myself and...
3. I think it’s good to set an example of goal setting for my kids!
4. A list of goals/resolutions/intentions keeps me in check, just as a daily to do list does. It helps me see what I’ve accomplished as well as showing me what I keep putting off (and need to push myself on).
5. Finally, it gives me an excuse to get creative! We scrappy and crafty girls like to create fun and colorful ways to display these things. I’ll create mine soon and post a picture of it for you later. I’m thinking a cheerfully decorated clipboard is in order.

For now, my top five Good Intentions for 2012 are:

1. To get physically fit. Please stop shaking your head. J Before you think of this as another losing weight issue, it’s not. I was involved in a rear-ending car accident five months ago. I can’t help but to wonder, if I had been “fit” (stronger back and abdominal muscles), if my healing would have been faster. (It has not been fun).
2. To find additional ways to find (and capture) inner peace. I am a worry wart. I worry, I think too much, etc. This does not help my acid reflux, my stiff neck, or my family when I allow my worries to make me grumpy. So, I think 2012 would be a great time to get that under control. I’m thinking yoga!
3. I will try to be better about written (on paper) communication! I’m an old-fashioned girl and love writing letters and sending cards but I have really gotten away from it, and want to make a real effort this year to change that.
4. Right in line with the paper communication is sending birthday cards to family and friends so that they receive them on time! (Ouch!)
5. Maybe if I get all of the above taken care of… I’ll actually send out Christmas Cards again… sadly it’s been years!

I naturally want to continue to try to do well at my top two jobs ~ wife and mom ~ love my family so much! But that’s an everyday task, no need to be on the numbered list. :)
I wish you ALL the very best in 2012!

Welcome to my magazine! ~

Hi there!  I am delighted to finally be posting on my new blog ~ yahoo!

My name is Kim (Dalton) Funk and I have been blogging for several years.  My friend Sarah started a blog, showed it to me and I was instantly hooked.  I then got my friend Gabby hooked as well (she now has a very active blog life!).  I look at the blogs I started back then, and those I've created since then and laugh (and cringe a bit too)!  Back then, there were only basic template designs (with not many editing options for layouts) and they were all BRIGHT!  I looked at a few of them today and thought to myself, "Wow!  I would NEVER put that out there with my name on it now!"

I've used blogs for personal day-to-day things, family reunions, compiling quotes (love them!), a bit of business AND I've used them in time of need for fundraising efforts and for remembering dear friends we've lost along the way.

Wait... you didn't know I blog?  You didn't even know I write?  Ouch!  You're calling me out on it?  Yes, that would probably be (no, for sure it is) due to my perfectionist issues...which have always lead to me not sharing my other blogs! I can't tell you how many times I've started a new blog, then deleted it in frustration.  I have always wanted my blog to look perfect - after all, it has my name on it!  (My mentor Jim Roberts was very picky about putting the Roberts Hallmark name out there... I think it rubbed off on me!).
Growing up, I wanted to earn a journalism degree at Napa College.  From there I figured I'd go on to write for the Napa Register.  The year I graduated from high school, Napa College decided to drop their journalism program... so that was that.  I figured I needed to choose something else, so I chose to work towards a medical secretary degree.  That didn't last, and I became a retail manager which I loved (and miss) but I have always been a writer at heart and always will be!  I wrote for a few local magazines in the past but haven't done so in several years... hmmm...

Well... that was yesterday and today is today!  Since I haven't shared my writing due to the perfectionist thing, I did what any smart person would have done years ago!  I hired a custom blog designer and I absolutely love what she created for me!

Kendra with Key Lime Digital Designs was the absolute perfect choice for me.  She understood how important it was for my blog to be very "Kim Funk", and she knew I wanted it to be more than just an ordinary blog.  She put time into getting to know me, listened to my ideas and concerns, and was very patient with me when I requested that we change things "just a bit" on more than one occasion.  She found the perfect "funky" fonts for me and well... I just love it!

I want to write a column somewhere!  I want to run a magazine!  So here we are ~ this is my magazine.  You'll find articles written by me and by other contributors as well!  (After all, magazines are composed of pieces written by many writers). I have decided my theme for 2012 is simply, "Make it Happen".  So here we go!  Hope you enjoy my magazine and visit often!