I can't remember when the shift happened. The shift from absolutley hating snow and swearing at the sight of it, to, well, its not so bad.
Oh ya - when I started working at a location that easily gets snow days. As it has been snowing, literally, all day long, I am really hoping for one tomorrow. Not really because I want to get out of work (even though I do) but more because I really really don't want to drive all the way out to work in this crap. It's bad enough the DH has to drive all over Prosser tomorrow. There is really no good reason for me to go into work tomorrow. There is not a thing going on as it is a short week. So ya - wish me luck. Hopefully I will get to sleep in tomorrow.
On to other news. My class is finally done and I have a month off until the next one. I am so ready for this break. This grad school online thing is kind of interesting. Its not like this has been a HUGE time commitment on my part, but its like I always have this "thing" lurking in the back of my mind that there is always something to be done for school.
Nothing too exciting to report. Got all my Christmas shopping done, wrapped, and almost packed for the ride to Yakima. Looking forward to a nice holiday with the families. Of course, be it merry or not, at least I know it will be a while Christmas.
Merry Christmas everyone!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
sick day
I have not taken an actual sick day in like 4 years. I got sick enough last year that I should have, but I didn't. Well, couple getting sick with that fact that it is just NASTY outside with all the snow, getting up for work just didn't happen this morning. I am sure my co-workers appreciate it.
So I am taking a day to sleep, bake a bundt cake, wrap and hopefully feel a bit better. This is the wrong time of year to get sick but what's one to do? Other than that, life has been pretty boring. I finished my combat training and have been practicing to get ready for debut next month and I am finally wrapping up my current class. For some reasont this class seemed to kind of drag on. Maybe its because I have so much other crap going on right now, I don't know.
Anyway, just a short update. I think I am going to go back to bed now.
So I am taking a day to sleep, bake a bundt cake, wrap and hopefully feel a bit better. This is the wrong time of year to get sick but what's one to do? Other than that, life has been pretty boring. I finished my combat training and have been practicing to get ready for debut next month and I am finally wrapping up my current class. For some reasont this class seemed to kind of drag on. Maybe its because I have so much other crap going on right now, I don't know.
Anyway, just a short update. I think I am going to go back to bed now.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Last POSTMAN for class....Enjoy!
While not everyone will agree with his arguments, one can easily say that Neil Postman has a way of looking at media that will make most give their everyday habits a second thought. Most of us go about our days interacting with media without giving a second thought to how our lives came to be shaped by that media. Neil Postman definitely gives us something to think about in the way of how our life might be different if it were not for media. What makes reading Postman frustrating though, is this sense that we are supposed to be doing something different with our lives, but we are not quite sure what that is.
In the first few chapters of his book, Technopoly, Postman takes us on a little journey through time in which he marks major events where the introduction of technology significantly changed a society. The example of the introduction of the clock led me to think about what my life would be without one. And for what it is worth, I couldn’t draw the picture. There are just some things that are so engrained in our lives that we cannot imagine a life without it. The discussion of the clock is what led me to believe Postman makes some unfair arguments. “What the monks did not foresee was that the clock is a means not merely of keeping track of the hours but also of synchronizing and controlling the actions of men” (Postman, 1993, pg. 14). I don’t think it was the clock controlling the actions of men, I think it was the “routines of the monasteries, which required, among other things, seven periods of devotion during the course of the day” (Postman, pg. 14). The clock didn’t make the men worship. The monasteries did. The clock just gave a reference point.
Building from this point, Postman states that “the clock had moved outside the walls of the monastery and brought a new and precise regularity to the life of the workman and the merchant” (pg. 14) and further links the clock with greed. This point in particular makes me cringe. Perhaps it is my naivety, but I fail to make the connection between a tool that offers a way to tell the point of sun and earth relation, to the emotional drive for wealth.
While Postman attempts to excuse his way of relating all bad things in life to technology by declaring his defense of the written word, it seems to be the only provision he is willing to make for technology. Later in the book he writes of how the introduction of the factory mill destroyed the craft of the skilled spinner, and the introduction of the car destroyed the blacksmith. Postman talks time and time again about what is left behind when a new technology is introduced, but seems to fail to mention what is brought forward with the introduction of technology. This point I think speaks to the great society we are. Yes, our society has been changed by technology and somethings have been lost, but we have gained so much as well. For many of the skills that have been lost by the introduction of technology we have developed new. We may not have as many skilled blacksmiths, but we have more brain surgeons, electrical engineers, chemists, and many other professions built on the platform of technology that have greatly advanced our society.
Again, I fault Postman for not offering arguments as to how he thinks we are supposed to live. And perhaps that was not the point of his book. I believe it is just as unwise to argue that a society should not go forth and progress because of the loss of some skilled craft while not offering some arguments about how it has progressed. For example, Postman criticizes the computer in the classroom, suggesting that it will make us a less social society and nullify the use of teachers (rubbish!). What about the argument that a computer in the classroom can enable students to communicate with, and learn from other students in countries they would never dream of being able to go to? Or that computers may enable students who are not able to learn via the conventional methods the ability to progress beyond expectations?
Postman’s writing should be experienced by everyone. Regardless of whether or not you agree with his arguments, Postman gives a good means for re-examining a way of life that most of us probably take for granted. For the same reason we all study history (so that we many learn from our mistakes and our victories) we must do the same with technology. The more we know about any given subject, including the role of technology in our lives, the better prepared we are to manage the use of it.
In the first few chapters of his book, Technopoly, Postman takes us on a little journey through time in which he marks major events where the introduction of technology significantly changed a society. The example of the introduction of the clock led me to think about what my life would be without one. And for what it is worth, I couldn’t draw the picture. There are just some things that are so engrained in our lives that we cannot imagine a life without it. The discussion of the clock is what led me to believe Postman makes some unfair arguments. “What the monks did not foresee was that the clock is a means not merely of keeping track of the hours but also of synchronizing and controlling the actions of men” (Postman, 1993, pg. 14). I don’t think it was the clock controlling the actions of men, I think it was the “routines of the monasteries, which required, among other things, seven periods of devotion during the course of the day” (Postman, pg. 14). The clock didn’t make the men worship. The monasteries did. The clock just gave a reference point.
Building from this point, Postman states that “the clock had moved outside the walls of the monastery and brought a new and precise regularity to the life of the workman and the merchant” (pg. 14) and further links the clock with greed. This point in particular makes me cringe. Perhaps it is my naivety, but I fail to make the connection between a tool that offers a way to tell the point of sun and earth relation, to the emotional drive for wealth.
While Postman attempts to excuse his way of relating all bad things in life to technology by declaring his defense of the written word, it seems to be the only provision he is willing to make for technology. Later in the book he writes of how the introduction of the factory mill destroyed the craft of the skilled spinner, and the introduction of the car destroyed the blacksmith. Postman talks time and time again about what is left behind when a new technology is introduced, but seems to fail to mention what is brought forward with the introduction of technology. This point I think speaks to the great society we are. Yes, our society has been changed by technology and somethings have been lost, but we have gained so much as well. For many of the skills that have been lost by the introduction of technology we have developed new. We may not have as many skilled blacksmiths, but we have more brain surgeons, electrical engineers, chemists, and many other professions built on the platform of technology that have greatly advanced our society.
Again, I fault Postman for not offering arguments as to how he thinks we are supposed to live. And perhaps that was not the point of his book. I believe it is just as unwise to argue that a society should not go forth and progress because of the loss of some skilled craft while not offering some arguments about how it has progressed. For example, Postman criticizes the computer in the classroom, suggesting that it will make us a less social society and nullify the use of teachers (rubbish!). What about the argument that a computer in the classroom can enable students to communicate with, and learn from other students in countries they would never dream of being able to go to? Or that computers may enable students who are not able to learn via the conventional methods the ability to progress beyond expectations?
Postman’s writing should be experienced by everyone. Regardless of whether or not you agree with his arguments, Postman gives a good means for re-examining a way of life that most of us probably take for granted. For the same reason we all study history (so that we many learn from our mistakes and our victories) we must do the same with technology. The more we know about any given subject, including the role of technology in our lives, the better prepared we are to manage the use of it.
Body Combat training
Sucked and Rocked all at the same time.
You know, the funny thing about doing something truely challenging is the great feeling you have once it's done. Last weekend I spent 27 hours (yes, you read that right) at my gym training to become certified to teach this kickboxing-like program. It was a very hard and exhausting class (constantly moving, working on technique, chorey, etc) and I was doing something that I didn't have a lot of experience in.
When I went through this same type of training to teach my spinning class, I had already been teaching for 6 months. I went in acting like I knew everything and left humbled. This time, I walked in acting like I knew nothing (which was close to the truth) and left feeling like Rocky. I passed the training and as soon as my gym gets the program launched I am cleared to teach. I am so excited.
It is so nice when you can surpass your own expectations. I love that feeling.
Speaking of expectations - the DH lost his wedding ring. And I wasn't mad at all. Why? Because I expected him to do it. Every single married man I know has lost his wedding band at some point or another. He is way more pissed than I am. Which is probably good - because once we replace it, hopefully he won't lose it again.
You know, the funny thing about doing something truely challenging is the great feeling you have once it's done. Last weekend I spent 27 hours (yes, you read that right) at my gym training to become certified to teach this kickboxing-like program. It was a very hard and exhausting class (constantly moving, working on technique, chorey, etc) and I was doing something that I didn't have a lot of experience in.
When I went through this same type of training to teach my spinning class, I had already been teaching for 6 months. I went in acting like I knew everything and left humbled. This time, I walked in acting like I knew nothing (which was close to the truth) and left feeling like Rocky. I passed the training and as soon as my gym gets the program launched I am cleared to teach. I am so excited.
It is so nice when you can surpass your own expectations. I love that feeling.
Speaking of expectations - the DH lost his wedding ring. And I wasn't mad at all. Why? Because I expected him to do it. Every single married man I know has lost his wedding band at some point or another. He is way more pissed than I am. Which is probably good - because once we replace it, hopefully he won't lose it again.
Monday, November 24, 2008
The end of an era
So last weekend marked kind of a momentus event. Sherman sold his race car. Now those who know me well know that the race car was the subject of MANY discussions/issues/fights/sore feelings/happy feelings and other "things" of the like in my marriage. Over the almost 7 years I have known Sherman he has raced and sometimes it was really great, and sometimes it wasn't, but it was one of the things he loved to do.
For as much as I have had strong feelings about this hobby, and as much as my family has had very strong feelings about this hobby, its hard to be hugely critical of something that created an opportunity for us to start out relationship. When Sherman and I first met, we lived 300 miles apart, but we were able to make a relationship work because he was in Bellingham every weekend to race. It worked really well for a couple of years.
But then I graduated and moved, but racing didn't. Even though we both now lived in the same town, racing was still 300 miles away. And in the mean time, life proceeded to happen. A house was bought, a marriage happened, and yet still, racing remained. These last couple of years it was actually fun for both of us as I got to work in the pits on the car and become more involved overall. But every year it just gets harder. Gas gets more expensive, schedules start filling up, and house projects start to happen. And in the end, the smart decision was made.
After talking to a co-worker about this, he asked me what Sherman was going to do now. "Because he has to have something to do". I personally think doting over me is hobby enough, but I can see where that would not be much fun for him, so the answer right now is I don't know. It never occured to me that he might find another hobby that would more consuming than racing, but I don't think he will. Regardless, with two brothers still racing in Bellingham we are guaranteed to still make frequent trips there during the summer. Which is ok because I really like the area.
So to my husband, I know this was a hard decision for you. But it just reinforces my beliefe that I married the right man. Thank you.
Monday, November 17, 2008
A little dose of Mr. Chomsky
Few people of this century have influenced our ability to critique mass media and their control on our thoughts and opinions quite like Noam Chomsky. Noam was one of the first people to challenge the commonly held notion that our news sources were bias neutral. Today, anyone who watches “Fox News” and evaluates it with a critical eye, only taking some of what they say at face value because they know the news is coming from a biased sourced has been influenced by Chomsky’s theories.
Noam Chomsky is reported as being the most “cited living person” with over 4,000 of his citations being listed in the Arts and Humanities Citation Index for the years 1980-1992 (Barsky, 1998). He holds rank against the likes of Plato and Aristotle as being one of the most quoted people of all time. This is likely because of the vast plethora of written works of his from which to quote from. Chomsky has written books on a great number of subjects, including linguistics, theory and syntax of linguistics, politics, and mass media critique. Regardless of whether or not you agree with his arguments, one has to admit that with close to 200 published books and articles, the guy can write. And while some of his political pieces are easy to understand and comprehend, one only needs to read a few pages from “Systems of Syntactic Analysis” to realize his ability to write, and think, at a level far beyond the comprehension of most people.
Yet, when one reads an article by Chomsky, then proceeds to see him on video, they can get the strange feeling they have perhaps just experienced two very different people. This same Noam Chomsky, who can be so convincing in print, comes across as somewhat meek and mild when seen in real life. While Chomsky’s words can be strong and convincing, his live delivery, and his presence can hinder those arguments.
To clearly see this, one only needs to watch Chomsky’s opening statements at his appearance in Nanaimo, BC at the beginning of Manufacturing Consent. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pb_dTOOUuVYChomsky starts out this talk with discrediting himself in a sort of way, by explaining that while some people refer to him as one of the greatest thinkers of all time, they also accuse him of having a rather simplistic thought on foreign policy. And while this can be seen as a way for Chomsky to soften the crowd by ensuring they don’t think he is some kind of egotistical blowhard, he also sets the tone and thought of he’s not a great as some people claim he is.
It is easy to argue that Chomsky is much more convincing in print because Chomsky in real life is much like Chomsky in print – lacking significant and important non-verbal cues. Words are Chomsky’s specialty. The speaking of those words is not. When Chomsky speaks, his tone and spoken rate varies very little. You never really hear him raise his voice or hear verbal excitement. He uses lots of large words and long sentences. While in an interview or giving a speech, he lacks large physical movement. To listen to Chomsky speak and really comprehend his arguments, one has to really focus on the words, and not count on the fact that he will speak in a way in which to keep you engaged. You have to force yourself to concentrate on what he is saying. And the minute you don’t, you have missed a significant point to his criticisms. If you carefully examine some of the interviews shown on the movie “Manufacturing Consent” you can almost see the exact time when the person giving the interview tunes out. The viewer almost gets uncomfortable watching Chomsky go on and on when the person sitting across from Chomsky is obviously no longer listening. This is probably because Chomsky thinks and speaks at a level far beyond that of most people interviewing him.
Much like the Kennedy/Nixon Presidential debates of 1960, in which we saw just how influential the visual perception of someone can be, Chomsky’s visual presence is almost a hindrance to his fantastic work. What arguments he can present so well in writing, he cannot portray with the same excitement in live presentation. While reading a Chomsky political work I may be compelled to rise up and be an active member of war opposition. But listening to Chomsky make that same argument will most likely not have that same effect. This illustrates what some may think of as a fault within our society. The fact that we put so much weight on how someone presents as opposed to what they are presenting I believe shows a failing of humans as highly intelligent specie. We are drawn to that Gatorade commercial featuring Michael Jordan because Michael Jordan has good visual presence. He speaks well, he’s cute, and if he tells me drinking Gatorade will help me become a professional athlete, then I believe him. So I go out and buy Gatorade, but I am no professional athlete. Why? The resounding reason (which is very convincing but not related to this paper) can be found by reading Chomsky’s “Propaganda Model”.
Whether heard orally or read in a book, everyone should experience some of Chomsky’s works. His arguments are some of the most influential of our time, and whether you agree with them or not, they give you a whole new way of viewing and critiquing the world around you.
Achbar, M & Wintonick, P (Directors) 1992. Manufacturing Consent: Noam Chomsky
and the Media [motion picture]. Canada: Necessary Illusions and the National Film Board of Canada.
Barsky, R. (1997). Noam Chomsky: A Life of Dissent. Canada: ECW Press.
Chomsky, N. & Herman, E. (1988). Manufacturing Consent: The Political Economy of
the Mass Media. New York. Pantheon Books.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Blogging because I feel the need to
Its been a bit of an ugly week - between the election, work, school, gym, I am flat exhausted.
Let first start with school. I am a little disappointed to see that NO ONE left any comments on my last post/paper. But then again, I probably wouldn't comment on it either. I only need one person to like it anyway... I have decided I am most likely going to write my final research paper for this class on blogging because I am finding it to be a rather interesting subject. I have only read one article on it so far and have found some of the concepts surrounds blogs to be rather curious. Do I blog because its a good way to keep in contact with many people quicky and with minimal effort? Or do I blog because I just like to hear myself talk (is this just a forum for one?). I will let you know what I come up with.
As so I gotta talk about it - the election. The DH and I voted the same, but my mother and my best friend voted opposite. And I have had to endure quite a bit of conversation from both about who the right person is to win this race. I am disappointed. I don't know if I am more disappointed in the presidental election or our state governor race, but its close. I am just going to try and remain optimistic. But I am scared.
Work - is kicking my arse. I still struggle so much with this position in that at times I am way over my head, and I am just scrambling to get done what I am able. Sometimes I get tired of feeling so incompetitent. I just want to feel confident in my job. I think if I can just make it to Christmas, the first of the year will be better.
Gym - this is an added stress for me right now that I probably don't need. I am trying so hard to get myself qualified to teach a kickboxing class. Right now that means just taking as many classes as I can. So I am currently taking kickboxing on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, and teaching spin on Tuesday and Thursday. I don't know how much longer I can continue this schedule. My body is starting to object a bit and its really hard on the weekly schedule. I just don't have enough time. But I have another month of having to do this. My weekend long training for the class is December 5th, and I need to get as much practice as I can before then. So I guess I will just have to buck up and deal with it. I find it interesting how I have gone from thinking I was going to quit when i started school to tryint to do a new program. Sometimes I wonder why I do the things I do.
School - not much to say here except that I am ready for a few weeks without it.
I am wondering if I have a breaking point. I don't want to find out, but I am a little tired of being this busy. Ok - no more whining. Everything is optional. Nobody is making me do any of this.
Let first start with school. I am a little disappointed to see that NO ONE left any comments on my last post/paper. But then again, I probably wouldn't comment on it either. I only need one person to like it anyway... I have decided I am most likely going to write my final research paper for this class on blogging because I am finding it to be a rather interesting subject. I have only read one article on it so far and have found some of the concepts surrounds blogs to be rather curious. Do I blog because its a good way to keep in contact with many people quicky and with minimal effort? Or do I blog because I just like to hear myself talk (is this just a forum for one?). I will let you know what I come up with.
As so I gotta talk about it - the election. The DH and I voted the same, but my mother and my best friend voted opposite. And I have had to endure quite a bit of conversation from both about who the right person is to win this race. I am disappointed. I don't know if I am more disappointed in the presidental election or our state governor race, but its close. I am just going to try and remain optimistic. But I am scared.
Work - is kicking my arse. I still struggle so much with this position in that at times I am way over my head, and I am just scrambling to get done what I am able. Sometimes I get tired of feeling so incompetitent. I just want to feel confident in my job. I think if I can just make it to Christmas, the first of the year will be better.
Gym - this is an added stress for me right now that I probably don't need. I am trying so hard to get myself qualified to teach a kickboxing class. Right now that means just taking as many classes as I can. So I am currently taking kickboxing on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, and teaching spin on Tuesday and Thursday. I don't know how much longer I can continue this schedule. My body is starting to object a bit and its really hard on the weekly schedule. I just don't have enough time. But I have another month of having to do this. My weekend long training for the class is December 5th, and I need to get as much practice as I can before then. So I guess I will just have to buck up and deal with it. I find it interesting how I have gone from thinking I was going to quit when i started school to tryint to do a new program. Sometimes I wonder why I do the things I do.
School - not much to say here except that I am ready for a few weeks without it.
I am wondering if I have a breaking point. I don't want to find out, but I am a little tired of being this busy. Ok - no more whining. Everything is optional. Nobody is making me do any of this.
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