Unemployment in Spokane

It’s no news that unemployment is high in Spokane.   The rate was 9.3% as of January 20, 2010, according to ABC News.   The national average for the same period was 9.7%.   Sounds like the Spokane unemployment rate is  pretty typical.    It could be worse I suppose.  Forbes recently put out its “Most Miserable Cities” list - with miserable qualities being the unemployment rate and decreasing home values.  At least Spokane wasn’t on it.  It’s looking prettty miserable to me,  but then I’m prejudiced for I am one of the 9.3%.

I’m lucky to have a husband who is still employed and making a salary that can support us.  Still, the layoff hit me right in the face.  I’ve been out of work for one long and miserable year.

I’d been at stay-at-home mom for many years before moving to Spokane.  I was just getting back into the work force when we moved.  Unpacking and getting settled kept me busy for a while and being without a job was OK.   Then I found a job I loved.  Close to home.  Challenging with good pay.  Really ideal.   Until the economy tanked and  so did the company.

Other than the loss of income, lots of folks might enjoy a break from work.   For a while.   Not for one year!  I’ve had long enough to get things done around the house, lunch with the girls, etc.  So here I am…..bored out of my mind from Spokane unemployment.

What does one do with too much free time?

Well, there are always closets to clean and organize.   I used to actually enjoy doing that, but now with all the time in the Spokane unemployment world to do it, its not high on my list.

Lunch with friends. That used to be fun when it was a special treat.   Not so great when it’s the one and only thing on the day’s calendar!    Besides, who wants to talk about unemployment in Spokane?

Make nicer and healthier meals for the family.  It is nice to try new recipes and put forth more effort than in the  past.   No excuses for fast food dinners anymore.   OK,  that’s a plusI can live with.

Start working on those photo albums.  I haven’t sorted my photos for 20 years and  seem to have missed the boat on the whole scrapbooking craze.

Work out!!   Make your body your new job.  Now this is the one big plus!   There is time to work out.   The dead time in the afternoon when you’ve sent out all the resumes you can,  it’s too early to start dinner, the house is picked up, and there are no children at home  who need to be driven here and there.   A perfect time to go for a walk, hit the treadmill,  put in an exercise video, or work with a trainer.  That I can and am doing.

In order for me to stay  motivated, I need a set time, a set place to go, a commitment.  I’ve found that accountability at Physzique in Liberty Lake.  Zach Hunt is the trainer  and he is the best in the Spokane area.  Whether you find yourself facing Spokane unemployment and have extra time on your hands, or you are a busy employee, spouse, and parent, we all need to  exercise  on a regular basis.  Watch this video and check out Zach Hunt at Physzique.    It will be well worth your time!

Leprechauns

Leprechauns were out at the bank today!  Ok, so they were cardboard cutouts for St. Patrick’s Day.

Spokane  St. Patricks Day isn’t for another month or so but Christmas is going up earlier and earlier so why not St. Patty’s Day too?

St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17th, his religious feast day and the anniversary of his death in the 5th century.  The Irish have observed this day as a religious holiday for over one thousand years.  Today St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated by people of all backgrounds in the United States, Canada and Australia.

What are Leprechauns?

The original Irish name for leprechauns was “lobairicin”, meaning “small bodied”.  In Celtic folklore, the lobairicin were cranky souls known for their  trickery.  They had nothing to do with St. Patricks Day whatsoever. It was only in 1959 when Walt Disney released the film “Darby O’Gill and the Little People” when Americans were introduced to the cheerful, friendly leprechauns now associated with Spokane St. Patrick’s Day and Ireland in general.

It’s Not Green Beer!

Do you do anything special for your children on St. Patrick’s Day in Spokane?   You don’t have to be Irish to enjoy the fun and it’s got nothing to do with green beer or corned beef and cabbage.

Here are some fun  tricks to surprise your little ones.

1. Green milk.  Put some green food coloring in the milk carton. The kids will be so surprised to see what pours into their cereal bowl or glass!
2. Gold!   Fill all your children’s shoes with gold chocolate coins.  These small chocolate circles are covered with gold foil and should be readily available this time of year at party shops and Pier One.   It’s great fun to watch children scurrying about looking for and emptying all their shoes!  Besides shoes in the bedroom closet, don’t forget any shoes left by the front door, laundry room, or garage.
3. Tiny Green Clothing.  This will take a little more advance planning on your part, but it’s worth it.   Find  some pieces of green  fabric and cut out itty bitty leprechaun jackets.   Just cut out a 2 or 3 inch square  and cut out holes where the arms would be.  Leave one or two (or three or four depending upon how many children you have!)  out on the kitchen counter or floor.  The children will think  the leprachauns forgot their coats!
4. Footprints.  Leprechauns leave footprints, don’t you know?  They are easy to make on tile countertops or any light colored, washable surface.  Using a WASHABLE  green marker (NO PERMANENT MARKERS), draw little footprints  on the counter.   If you are afraid to do this directly on your countertop, leave a few footprints on some napkins or paper towels. Your children will think the leprechauns very neat indeed!
5. Leprachaun Dust.  Use some green food coloring to dye a small amount of sugar.  Sprinkle some on your countertops.  If your children use sugar on cereal in the mornings, you can color the sugar in your sugar bowl green too!

6. Leprachauns Get Into Lunches Too!  If your child normally takes his or her lunch to school, it’s fun to leave a few leprachaun tricks in the lunch bag.

Don’t Forget….

Make sure you keep a straight face when your child discovers the leprachauns’ tricks!   Remember too, once you start this Spokane St. Patrick’s Day fun you must continue it each and every year!  Your child won’t forget those gold coins or green milk and you don’t want them wondering why the leprechauns have forgotten them.  It shouldn’t be hard to remember — you’ll probably find yourself looking forward to the fun as well.

All This Excitement is Tiring Me Out!

While you’re chasing your little ones through the house looking for those wee green men this Spokane St. Patrick’s Day,  notice if you are having  trouble keeping up.  You may find yourself out of breath depending upon the speed of your little ones.  As most parents these days, you probably take better care of your children than you do yourself.  Making it a priority to take care of your own body is good for the entire family!  Check out this video to see one of the best trainers here in the Spokane area.

Spring Is a Great Time to Start Walking in Spokane!

Spring is on its way and there’s no better time to get out and walk Spokane.  While the official start of Spring isn’t until  March 20, 2010, the clear and sunny days this week are telling us that Spring is coming!    The glorious sights and sounds of  Spring will be evident in any Spokane walk.  Small shoots  peeking out from beneath the soil.   Bird song.   The feel of the sun upon one’s face.   A simple walk around the block  can be a joyous experience.  Take the dogs and the kids along too.  Everyone will be happier and healthier for it!

Walking In Spokane Doesn’t Have to Cost a Thing

One of the many great things about walking is that no special equipment is needed except, of course, a good pair of Spokane walking shoes.  If you don’t already own  a pair, any of the sports shops in the area can get you set up.  There are good shoes at every price point, though consider getting  the best you can afford.  Your feet will thank you.  Ask the salesperson about socks too.  Good socks can make a big difference in the way your feet will feel during and after  a long walk.  Ask about socks that prevent blistering.   If they are not available at your local store, they can be found at  REI and on line at various sites as well.

Walking in Spokane is Good for Your Health

The AARP  says “if a daily fitness walk could be put in a pill, it would be one of the most popular prescriptions in the world.”   (Well, that would surely be easy, but not nearly as fun.)

In addition to being  fun, the benefits of walking are numerous.  Walking can help you to manage weight, control blood pressure, decrease risk of heart attack, boost good cholesterol, and on and on.

Lots of Places To Walk Spokane

Spokane offers many areas to enjoy a great walk.   Most notable is the Centennial Trail which runs 37 miles from the Idaho border to Nine Mile Falls. The path is paved which makes it ideal for walkers, runners, skaters, and cyclists alike.

Another great walk is the Riverfront Park Loop.  Crossing five bridges, it’s a 3.6 mile walk through the park and along the Spokane River.

Spokane Walking Events

In addition to the walking you can do on your own, Spokane offers multiple organized events in which to be involved:

Bloomsday

Held the first Sunday in May,  Bloomsday is a 7.69 mile race drawing runners and walkers from all over.  It’s a fun event for individuals and families alike.

Spokane River Bridge Walk

The second annual bridge walk, sponsored by Spokane Parks and Rec, will be held June 5, 2010. The walk will begin at the NE end of the Monroe Street Bridge, continue through Riverfront Park and end at the fountain.

Spokane Summer Parkways

A new walking event is planned for this summer and it sounds like a lot of fun.  On July 11 and August 22, two miles of roadway from Howard Street at Riverfront Park to Corbin Park will be closed to vehicles.  The road will be  open to walkers, skaters and bike riders who can enjoy it without worrying about car traffic.  Events such as this have been held with great success all over the country and surely will be a popular one here in Spokane as well.

2010 Spokane Start Heart Walk

This event is scheduled for May 8, 2010.  It will begin and end near the Riverfront Park clock tower meadow, head over the river and through the park.  Walkers can chose a one or three mile course.

Many of these events require pre-registration.  Check them out on the internet so you won’t be disappointed.

Just Do It!

No matter your fitness level it should be fairly easy to get out and walk around your neighborhood.  Individuals with underlying health conditions or those who are considerably overweight should discuss your walking plan with your doctor as  is suggested before beginning any exercise program.

Those individuals planning to take on one of the longer Spokane walking events would do well to begin a training program in advance.  The best training program in the Spokane area is at Physzique.  Zach Hunt is helping people all over the area get in the best shape of their lives.  Take a look at this video and see for yourself!