Santa Claus is Coming to Town!

Ho Ho Ho!! Well it seems Santa Claus is coming to town. Or in this case, Auntie Kari is coming to town! I spent a good part of yesterday and this morning sorting through the gifts I've purchased for family and friends and then set about the task of wrapping them all. This used to be on all day event until I discovered Christmas bags! I love them. It goes so much easier than trying to find a box for those odd shaped gifts and then dealing with all the wrapping paper. Although, I still feel somewhat guilty about taking this route. Not sure why. Afterall, it's not the packaging that really matters. So they say.

My friend tells the story about how she was home for Christmas a few years ago and went with her family to the church service on Christmas Day. The church had gotten a new pastor since she had been there last and so this was her introduction to him. She recounts how his homily started that day. This is now second hand, but it went something like this, "This is the time of year when alot of time is spent on pondering gifts and worrying about wrapping them up just right. But we shouldn't worry about what's on the outside. It's what's on the inside that really matters. Why just the other day I received a gift that came wrapped in a plain old newspaper. I can't remember what the gift was but..." My friend said she and her siblings couldn't look at each other for fear of setting off the dreaded laugh-that-must-but-can-not-come-out. Apparently he should have used the other cliche for his homily "It's not the gift itself but the thought that counts" since the gift was rather forgettable.

That's kind of been a fear of mine. I don't want my gifts to be forgettable. I work very hard at picking out just the right items for people. Which is why I think I feel compulsive about then taking the extra time and care to "wrap it with love" versus just throwing it in a bag. But have you tried loading up a car full of gifts in a manner that won't squish any bows? It's an engineering puzzle for sure. And then the gifts just get ripped into anyway right?

Maybe there can be a happy medium somewhere in the gift-wrapping world. That's the place I tried to go to this year. I put some gifts in bags and wrapped others. Although I have to say my most memorable Christmas wrapping year (and the one I'm most proud of) was the year I focused on recycling. I didn't use any store bought wrapping or bags. I used material from my mothers endless fabric collection (years of well-intentioned projects that never saw a sewing machine), old newspapers, and other miscellaneous and creative coverings.

So whatever you choose to wrap your gifts with this year just remember it's not what's on the outside that really mattters...unless it does!




I'm counting my hour of shoveling as exercise today!
Post post note: According to calorielab.com I just burned around 340 calories. So heck, I am for sure counting that as exercise!

Time--A guest blog by Larry Kellerman

The following is from an email sent by Larry Kellerman, Librarian at Central Lakes College. The email was sent on December 16, 2008 to faculty and staff at the college. The following is used with his permission.


The topic is time. This is an academic institution where we teach English grammar. Yet, one particular grammatical error shows up in much of what we post on the walls and in other documents. The time. More examples later. First some facts:
Meridian means “noon" (mid-day).
Anti- means “before.”
Post means “after.”

Anti-Meridian abbreviated is “a.m.” (lower case a, period, lower case m, period.)
Post-Meridian abbreviated is “p.m.” (lower case p., period, lower case m. period.)
Capital “A.M.” mean amplitude modulation (great sound).
Capital “P.M.” means Prime Minister. Also used for Post Master, Provost Marshall and Past Master (of a lodge).
Lower case “am” without periods is a form of “to be.” I am …
Lower case “pm” has no meaning.

The number and the colon have different meanings if the a.m. or p.m. are not included.
9:18 could be a ratio of 3:6 or 1:2.
9:18 a.m. is a specific time of morning.
9:18 am is a ratio of who you are.
9:00 (with the double zeros) is also important. It indicates “o’clock.”

The hour number without the double zeros, but with a.m. or p.m. is also acceptable, but less specific.
Without the period, 9 am could mean “9 am going to do something.” Also bad grammar.
(All of the above is based on the O.E.D. (that’s the Oxford English Dictionary).

My Homemade Christmas Gifts

I've spent this last week working on a homemade Christmas gift for my family. I was originally going to work on my Egypt videos but since we ran into a wall with that because they were recorded with a Sony camera that records unto mini-dvds in file formats that is not compatible with any editing software, I moved onto the Christmas gifts. My friend Deb on the otherhand has continued to work on the challenge of finding some conversion software that will allow us to edit my hours and hours, no make that days and days, of recordings. The closest we've come is being able to get it into a new file format but sound and images are off, and not by a little, by about 6 seconds!!! Stupid camera! Any other video recorder would be just fine. So frustrating!!!! Just had to complain about that for a little bit...now back to my topic on hand...while Deb worked on researching and trial and error attempts, I worked on my Christmas gift. Surprisingly, it took alot more time than I expected but it's done. I also think it turned out quite well. I'd tell you what it was, but I don't want to ruin the surprise for my family. Let me just say--I had to use my computer to create it!

I wanted to blog about it for a couple of reasons. First, some of you were probably wondering what was up that I hadn't blogged for awhile. Second, I wanted to talk about homemade gifts. As a child, I recall homemade gifts as being less than desirable. It was kind of right up there with gift cards. As a kid, none of my friends wanted a gift card. We wanted stuff. I can remember adults making comments about gift cards showing a lack of effort or thought. Now, that's almost all my teenage relatives seem to want. In fact, it's also what some of their parents recommend we get. So here lies my delemna...what's the current perception on homemade gifts? I hope they like it. I think they will. I put in so many hours of time and care and love trying to make it just perfect--will it be appreciated? Or will it be looked at as less than desirable?

I guess looking back at my thoughts on homemade gifts is influencing me now, making me overly worried about all of this. Maybe karma is coming into play or maybe it's just my paranoid personality. But hopefully they'll like it--I think it's kinda cool. And after Christmas, I promise to let you in on my Christmas gift secret and then you can judge it for yourself.



Other questions for thought:
What homemade gifts did you receive that you really liked?

Did you get any that you weren't real excited about?

What influenced your opinion on the gift?

EGYPT: There and Back Again

"THERE AND BACK AGAIN: A TRAVELLER'S TALE"

Click on this link to read the article about my trip to Egypt published in CLC' newspaper, The Westbank Journal: CLICK ME

The article/interview was conducted by student Westbank Staffer, Hannah Allen.  It was published in the May 7, 2008 issue (pages 6,7, and 9).  Published here with permission of Westbank Journal Faculty Advisor Mike Soderlund.

The Sights and Symbols of Christmas

This evening my friend and I did a little "drive around" to see the sights of Christmas. We like to do so in the evening when many of the houses are lit up with those special decorations that come out only once a year. There was fresh fallen snow today and I guess we were just in the Christmas mood. Although the economy is sluglish, there were still several houses that seemed to have gone all out. We were not disappointed. It was a wonderland of Christmas with all the typical symbols and colors that go with the season.

Then of course, there also seemed to be an over abundance of those white-light deer. If you're from Minnesota you know exactly what I'm talking about. For some reason, people seem to confuse wood deer with santa's reindeer. They look different folks!!! Maybe there's a Christmas deer story out there that I just don't know about. Or perhaps people know there is a difference but figure they're in the same animal class so "close enough". But really wood deer are not Christmassy. But this is when they're put out. Think about it. Come January the white deer will be gone, packed away with the rest of the Christmas decorations. I find that funny. It also makes me wonder if it's only in Minnesota that this is done. I can't seem to picture them being put up all across the United States. But for whatever the reason the fad started, those perky and sometimes animated deer seem to be just as populous here in Minnesota as the real ones that run through our forests and jump out in front of cars (two friends of mine have collided with deer this week alone!). And when the fake ones are all lit up, they just seem to blend right in with all the other colorful Christmas yard decorations.

However, the biggest kick of the evening came when we drove through a little town called St. Hilaire which seemed to be glowing. House after house was decked out with lights and decorations. Then as we approached the last house on the block admiring the usual festive symbols, we turned the corner and there it was with all the other luminous Christmas flair. At first I thought "wow that deer has an awfully long neck" and then it hit me. "That's no deer--it's a giraffe!" A Christmas giraffe! I kid you not. And of course, I didn't have my camera. And no I hadn't been drinking (well ok I had one beer with supper but that had been HOURS previous to our little Christmas adventure).

I might have to go back tomorrow night to get a picture. I was going to go back tonight but it was already 10:30 pm and by the time we drove home, got the camera and drove back (an 18 mile round trip) I was afraid the home owner would turn out the lights and the trip would be for naught. But that little visit got me thinking about Christmas and the influence culture has on the symbols people associate with it. Think about the colors, the shapes, the smells, the food. Think about what you would see on an average drive down a typical neighborhood at night the week before Christmas. Even Santa one of the biggest Christmas symbols is culturally unique. He has different names in different countries, he wears different colors and different clothing in different places, and I hear his behavior can change from region to region. But nowhere in my studies of Christmas symbols have I heard of the Christmas giraffe. But I gotta admit--I liked being surprised! So that's my reality for today!

If you want to know more about how Christmas is celebrated all over the world here's a great website I found: http://www.santas.net/aroundtheworld.htm

"A Date Which Will Live In Infimy"

Today marks the 67th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.The attacks that started around 8 am on that morning and lasted about a couple of hours resulted in 2,403 American deaths (68 of which were civilian) 21 US ships damaged or sunk, 159 US aircrafts damaged and 188 aircrafts totally destroyed according to the Department of Defense. As most know, this event was the impetus for the United States to enter World War II.

The sneak attack on Pearl Harbor and the 9-11 attacks on the United States in 2001 have many similarities. However, the technology and the forms of media used in 1941 and 2001 are not as similar. Even since 2001 there have been substantial changes. This becomes apparent when analyzing the timeline surrounding the Pearl Harbor attacks and message disemination thereafter and thinking about how those messages would have been communicated today. It's crazy to think about especially when you think about the fact that it was only 67 years ago.

One of the most famous messages that came out of that time period was President Franklin Roosevelt's "Day of Infimy" speech delivered on his first address to the nation after the attacks. He addressed a joint session of Congress and the Nation via radio at 12:30 pm on December 8th. The following link has the timeline as well as a link to his speech: http://www.authentichistory.com/ww2/news/19411207-8.html

Contrast that with how people got their information about what was happening on 9-11.

Pictured in this blog is President Roosevelt's Reading copy of his famous speech. According to the National Archives at http://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/day-of-infamy/ President Roosevelt dictated his speech to his secretary, Grace Tully, at 5:00 Pm. "President Roosevelt then revised the typed draft—marking it up, updating military information, and selecting alternative wordings that strengthened the tone of the speech. He made the most significant change in the critical first line, which originally read, "a date which will live in world history." Grace Tully then prepared the final reading copy, which Roosevelt subsequently altered in three more places." (National Archives www.archives.gov/education/lessons/day-of-infamy). A typewriter! Most of my students have probably never used a typewriter.

Although some might dispute this, I don't consider myself that old. I remember typing research papers on a typewriter and the planning and organization it involved. I also remember the frustration of what finding one spelling mistake meant to a completed paper. Heaven forbid if you wanted to add a word or two--it could mean having to retype the entire paper. And don't even get me started on footnotes!!!

So yes, technology has changed greatly in less than a person's lifetime. And yes, within this timespan we as a nation have experienced some major tragedies and defining moments that altered our history--the attacks on Pearl Harbor and 9-11 are just two. And it is because of both the similarities and the differences in these two "moments" in history that they can and should be compared.

Mother-Daughter Bonding

Saturday was a mother-daughter bonding day. We went to St Cloud to do some Christmas shopping. Overall, we were gone about 8 hours. It was the first time in a long time that we had spent that much time together doing something other than working on my mother's geneology project. And let me tell you--this was alot more fun and much less stressful for me.

We used to go shopping together frequently and just haven't for, well various reasons I suppose. But it was kind of fun and we actually got several people checked off our lists. Of course it is sometimes also nice to have a second opinion about gift ideas for family members. Or as was the case for my mom, to get a better idea about what some family members would like for Christmas. I found an article of clothing that I pointed out to her as something that I thought was nice. I told her to watch the paper for upcoming coupons, but I learned that evening that she won't out to the store after getting home from a long day on her feet and not just purchased the item, but had it ordered and shipped from another store. That was very sweet. She had lots of time to look for it or to find something else. But she knew that was something I liked, she she went the extra mile to get it for me.

She's quite the mom and I enjoyed our day together, it was good for the soul and I've kind of taken that for granted lately. So today's reality was that it truly tis the season to remember the important things in life--and it's not a paricular piece of clothing.


Photo note: This picture was taken at the week-long 50th anniversary celebration after a golf "lesson". I know it seems odd to have a picture of us in shorts for a Dec. post, but I forgot to take my camera with me to St. Cloud so this is the photo you get ;)

PS The T-shirt my mom is wearing is from the last play I wrote and directed. Even though it was a few years ago, I still see my mom wearing it. Sweet.

Use It or Lose It

Today was spent decorating the house with winter and Christmas items. I just had a huge garage sale this past summer and I still have over 8 tubs of Christmas/winter decorations. This doesn't even take into account the 3 tubs of lights and outdoor items that are already up. In today's tubs were nick nacks and collectibles. I brought in some glassware and hung up stockings. I hung glitter snowflakes on the windows and set up my snowman village. All the while I decorated, I played some of my favorite Christmas CDs. ( I have alot of those too by the way). Of course I had to sing along, and what I noticed was that by the third CD my voice was feeling worn out. I guess I haven't really sung much since the last musical I wrote and directed up in Thief River Falls. I guess last Christmas I must have sung to my favorite CD's, but today was a full day and I think I'm going to be hoarse. Use it or lose it I guess. Serves me right.

Then it got me thinking, there's several contexts in which "use it or lose it" can come into play. I took French in High School, two years of it. But if I had to try and put together logical sentences, I'm not sure how well I'd do. I took a semester of Spanish two years ago. Unfotunately although it is much more recent, I think the same rule applies. I didn't use it, and now I've forgotten some of it. How come it is so hard to retain a foreign language? Especially as adults. They say kids pick up on languages much easier than adults. Maybe my brain is just too full. It feels that way sometimes. Like today when I was having to try and find spots to put all the Christmas stuff. Afterall awhile I didn't want to have to make any more decisions or put any more stuff up, so I refilled at least a tub and a half of miscellaneous "things" which went back out to the garage. Humm...maybe I have too much stuff and should only keep the items I use. If I haven't used it the last couple of Christmases than I should just get rid of it.

See the "use it or lose it" theory is a great motivator for lots of contexts--not just with one's singing voice!

"Sign" Language

The following is a site dedicated to funny signs around the world. Check it out.

http://www.signspotting.com/index.php?do=rate&gender=0

This one is titled "sign language" and comes from the UK Telegraph:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/picturegalleries/3371844/Sign-language-week-23.html

Enjoy!

Sucker for free stuff

OK I'm home and back to blogging. My last blog here was on Thanksgiving Day. I mentioned that one of my traditions is to go shopping early Friday morning--black Friday. Well, shop I did. I did all right too. I think I have most of the people on my list checked off now. I did score some good bargains, but I'm a sucker for the free stuff.

Free stuff is part of the reason I still get up so early and head out. For the last few years we've been going to this one store that is known for giving out a goodie bag to the first 50 people that go through the door. In the past we've gotten Christmas ornaments, CD's, lotion samples, and fun food treats. This year's bag didn't have any ornaments in it, but did have a first aid kit, lotion samples, a notepad and free food. Gotta love free food!! I love food anyway, but when it's free--I am really happy. And sometimes I don't need or sometimes don't even want it, but because it's free--I have to have it.

Point in case--continental breakfasts. Generally I am not a breakfast eater. But when I'm staying at a hotel that has continental breakfast, I usually make sure I get mine. Why? Because it's free! I also find that I tend to eat more than I would if I was paying for it too. Why? Because it's free! It's crazy, I know. But there's something that mentally reframes my perception when I know it is free. My friend's laugh at me for this silly personality quirk. But whatever! Let em laugh, afterall, I am the first to admit that I am a sucker for free stuff!

Pictured above: Me waiting outside our favorite store on Black Friday. Note the two coffees--my favorite--Ho Ho Mocha. And guess what? They didn't cost us anything!!! Kathy treated us to them--what a nice surprise and a great way to start off the day--thanks Kathy!

Second picture: some of the free stuff we got at our favorite store. This was most, but not all of what we got FREE in our gift bag thanks to the owners for making our Black Friday tradition a fun one!
W: 3.6 miles

Thanksgiving Traditions

Today I am celebrating Thanksgiving in Chanhassen. It's a day full of traditions. We are having a traditional turkey as our entree, we are gathering with family and friends, and I just finished one of my favorite Thanksgiving day traditions--going through the ads for Black Friday. That's right, I'm guilty of falling into the trap of consumerism. I am one of those people who has always gotten up early the day after Thanksgiving to go shopping. I even got my dad to go out with us one year but that was when there was good gifts being handed out as incentive.

When Brainerd had more of a small town feel we used to get up and stand in line at Herbergers to be one of the first to go through the door. For doing so we'd get a very nice gift. Two years it was a cookbook which still remains amoung my favorites (and I have alot--that will have to be a blog all on its own). Then we'd go over to Target where we'd get a gift bag with coupons and samples. Next we'd head over to JC Penney's to get a free ornament or waterglobe. One time when we were in the Cities, my friend and I drove around to get the free Christmas stuffed animals from the major department stores.

Being that it's Minnesota, many of these mornings were quite cold. And I don't know, but I think that when we first started going, the opening hours were not nearly as insane as it has become now. This year the first store opening is 4 AM!! We're not getting up that early. Although I did do a 5 am one year because I wanted one of the bargains at Walmart--a computer. Seems like almost every store is doing the doorbuster prices to get people in. I'm not sure there's much I want this year, and there certainly isn't anything I need. But I'll still be getting up to go out tomorrow morning if for no other reason but than it is tradition.

Pseudostuff

I had big plans to get a chunk of work done for my classes today. I wanted to read and prepare a whole new chapter in my Mass Comm book, I wanted to work on some Egypt pictures, and I planned on working on a grant opportunity. But I received a phone call this morning from our real estate agent that someone was interested in looking at our house, TODAY. Yikes! We have a 24-hour request on our listing, but I think that's only been used a couple of times throughout the last 7 months we've been with this company. Also, it has been awhile since our last showing and we actually live in our house, so we haven't kept it up day to day like we did for so long the first time we listed the house. Meaning--it looks lived in. So getting a call like that is always anxiety ridden for me. But at least I was home and knew if I put my nose to the grindstone as they say (what a dumb expression now that I type it), I knew I could get it done. If nothing else, I could pseudoclean.

What? Haven't heard of pseudocleaning? Chances are you've done it. Pseudocleaning is creating a fake or false sense of cleanliness or only cleaning something partway. Now don't get me wrong. I really do clean most of the house, but there's only so much time and there's only so many spots you can put stuff in an old house with no closet space. So I try and sort papers and loose items that have been collecting on the countertops, table tops, and around the computer desk. But at a certain point I know I am running out of time, so I throw them in a laundry basket in order to sort them out later. Then I move the laundry basket to the car--out of sight for the showing! That's pseudocleaning.

How about those bars that Diane just baked last night? Counter looks better if it's clear of clutter, including bars, so in the oven they go--pseudocleaning! That bag of chips that we opened last night and amazingly didn't polish off? In the microwave and off the counter--pseudocleaning! I dust, but I only selectively move items to dust under, the heavier, the higher, the less likely I am to dust under it--pseudocleaning. And come on, how many people totally move all the furniture in order to vacuum the carpet under spots no dust can even get to? That's right, pseudocleaning!

I have to say I have become quite masterful at genuine pseudocleaning. To the outside observer, I give off the appearance that we live a very orderly life. Hah! The houseshowings? That's my motivation for my pseudocleaning but I know others do it for other reasons too. A friend you haven't seen in a long time just calls to say she's driving through town and was checking to see if you're in because she wants to stop and say hi--she'll be there in 10 minutes. MAJOR PSEUDOCLEANING! Difference there? You only need to do the primary rooms. House showing? Gotta do them all. So I stuff slippers under the bed and letters in the junk drawer. Fill the dryer with the holiday sheets I had thrown on the chair and was going to put on the bed after Thanksgiving.

And the last thing I did tonight before leaving the house for my unknown visitors? I turned on our pseudofireplace. It's the first time I've ever done that--think I only did it because it was dark and cold out and I wanted the house to seem warm and inviting. Apparently it was a big hit. Both the realitor and the potential buyer's mother want a copy! So maybe doing something pseudo ain't such a bad idea afterall!

Wanderlust

Are there certain words that you know just totally capture what you're thinking or feeling with an accurate precision? Have you ever discovered a word that you just LOVED? Well, I just discovered such a word and I knew that word had to be my blog today. That word is wanderlust.

wan·der·lust Pronunciation Key: (wŏn'dər-lŭst')
n. A very strong or irresistible impulse to travel.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company, 2004. 24 Nov. 2008.

I used to call this feeling "the travel bug". It's a feeling I get when I haven't traveled for awhile, a kind of anciness, if that's a word. But "wanderlust" just sounds more appealing. It sounds more adventurous. For me when I get wanderlust it can best be described as an urge that waivers between the psychological and physical to get out and explore more of the world. Usually it doesn't disappear until I do actually go somewhere new and exciting. And wanderlust is exactly what I've been experiencing lately and it is growing stronger by the day.

It hasn't even been that long since I gone somewhere new. I was in Egypt in March, in Memphis in July, but there's something else calling--I just don't know what it is or where it will take me. In fact, since Friday my facebook status has read "Kari Frisch wants to travel somewhere on sabbatical". It's now late Monday evening, technically Tuesday morning, and I still can't get myself to change the status line. I don't want to jinx it. I want something to just come my way. You see, I've got wanderlust and I've got it bad!

Mediated Noise

In communication theory there's a term called "noise" which is actually any obstacle in the communication process. It can be a pysical noise like a door slamming, someone coughing, a fire alarm or other literal sound in your environment that would classify as an "audible" distraction. Noise can also be psychological, which is interference in the communication process caused by your mental distractions. This happens when you daydream or when you are thinking about another person or event instead of being an active listener in the current context. Noise can also occur in the physiological sense when there is a biological obstacle that makes the communication more difficult. Examples here include suffering from a migraine headaches, having a lisp, being legally hard of hearing, or even being malnurished which reduces your communication capabilities and affects your ability to learn. Finally there is a category called semantic noise, which is an obstacle that is created based on a lack on understanding behind the meaning of words used in the communication process. Meanings must be shared in order for understanding to occur, and if only one party understands the term in use it would create some semantic noise. For example, if I started talking about my duvet in class, chances are not everyone would know what object I would be describing. These are the common categories of noise found in most texgtbooks, although some might label them in slightly different ways. However, I would like to introduce a fifth type of noise--"mediated noise", or noise interferece from a technical mediated source.

I spent about three hours today trying to work on a live video call between myself and one other individual. We tried all sorts of programs. First we tried America Online's Aim, then we tried Yahoo's Messnger, then we tried Skype. All three were hindered with problems. Sometimes my sound went through just fine, other times it would be all staticy (I'm making that word up--it should be a real adjective anyway!). Sometimes the image of the otherperson would be pixelated (making that one up too!) and distorted. Sometimes my streaming video wouldn't stream smoothly so it resulted in robo-Kari, all choppy and disconnected. It was FRUSTRATING and definitely caused interference for us both. I even tried our Dean of Technology and we went to a fourth site (tokbox.com) to try a video call and the picture was pretty good but the static was horrible.

Some noise you just can't work with. In all 4 formats it would kind of work a couple of seconds and then go bad, then maybe get a little better and then go bad again. With each attempt when the frustration set in we had to just quit--it wasn't getting better. And the worst part of all this is that even after 3 hours--we still didn't know how to fix it. I'm going into school tomorrow to meet with the Dean of Technology and hopefully he can help me get it figured out the old fashioned way--face to face. No noise is good noise when we're talking about the communication process--but mediated noise--is topping my "dislike the most" list!

A Local Glimpse at Political History

The following video is edited from an interview I conducted with Gina Vetter, Head Election Judge for Ward 2 in the City of Little Falls, Minnesota. The interview was conducted on November 5, 2008 which is the day after the general election. It was conducted at the Chamber of Commerce in Little Falls.

Additional support material and statistics used in the video clip came from the United States Election Project website: http://elections.gmu.edu/preliminary_vote_2008.html under Dr. Michael McDonald, Department of Public and International Affairs, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive 3F4, Fairfax, VA 22030-4444. The website was last edited on November 17, 2008. I accessed the data on Wednesday, November 19, 2008.

The video editing was completed on Wednesday, November 19 2008:

Grease is the word...is the word

Last night was opening night of Grease.  Diane's son Kyle was Danny.  This is his senior year and it was fun to see the little boy who used to run around comically singing in falsetto as "Opera Man" turn into a male lead.  He gets a lot of his talent from his mom who was in the first musical at the same high school under this same director 32 years ago.  The cast did a nice job.  As a person with an MA in Theatre Arts I watch productions differently perhaps and can be a little critical. (OK my friends might dispute my choice of "little" in that last sentence).  But last night was kind of fun.  I was proud watching Kyle go out and ham it up as the "ever so cool" Danny Zucko.  Bravo!

Thankful

Today I am thankful. I am thankful for the fact that as of 9:45 pm I have completed my Bhante Sahti video project and all 7 are uploaded to my site. I think it turned out pretty well for some of my first video editing work. I'm thankful for that. Besides working on it off and on since Saturday, this has taken almost all of my day today, minus the hour and a half that we went to the Ralph jr to walk--which I am also thankful for. The Ralph jr is the Ralph Engelstad Arena in TRF not to be confused with the much much bigger Ralph Engelstad arena in Grand Forks. That's why this one is nicknamed "junior". It felt good to get out and run again since I've slacked in that department since it got cold out. I'm thankful I got back on track.

Of course I am thankful for the usual stuff too like family, friends, health, a profession I enjoy, and many other blessings. This year I am also thankful for my sabbatical time. Finally, I am thankful that Thanksgiving is coming up so that maybe I might actually take a holiday from working!


Side note:
Video clips 1-5 can be found on the entry below titled "A Buddhist Monk Walked Into a Library"

Video clips 6 and 7 can be found on the entry below titled "Bhante Sahti Interview Cont."

W: 3 miles R: 3 miles 28 min

Ever notice?

Ever notice how most people talk to their animals? Their voice changes in pitch, they use short sentences or even made up words. They get real close and become very demonstrative. They repeat questions and then pause--like the animal is going to talk back. For some people their pets are like their kids. They might even spoil them more than their kids. Ever notice that?

Or speaking of kids. Every notice how most people in the US talk to babies and toddlers? It's not too much different than how they talk to pets. What does that say? Just think about how they act, where they position themselves in terms of their body postures, what they say and how they say it. Got a good picture? Now think about them doing the EXACT same thing except this time it's to you and not a toddler. Now that would be funny. Try it sometime with a friend. If you do, I can pretty much guarantee...they'll notice.

PS Watch the first part of the video in the previous entry "A Buddhist Monk Walks Into a Library" and listen to my "interviewing a buddhist monk" voice.

R 1:5 miles W: 3 miles at "the Ralph jr"

A Buddhist Monk Walked Into a Library...

No this isn't the start to a funny joke, it's a weekly occurrence at the Chanhassen library where Bhante Sahti leads a meditation class. My friend's sister Barb is one of the weekly participants. Today Bhante Sahti was kind enough to let me interview him on my flipvideo for class.

"Bhante" means teacher and teach he does. He leads three weekly classes on meditation as well as runs the occasional retreat. He is very willing to share and help others who are interested in meditation. It wasn't even two minutes into the interview before he was offering to come up to our campus to talk with any interested students and even lead a session. I think that would be really neat.

It was an interesting interview and I'm looking forward to going back and listening to it again. I think one of the important points he made was that meditation is not tied to a particular religion. That is a misconception--one that sometimes even scares some people off. Especially in the dominant US culture where meditation is not commonly practiced. This is why he thinks it is advantageous to the first time meditator to go to a facilitated class.

I went to his meditation class about a year and a half ago. It was the one and only session I attended. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to be there that particuar day. A Buddhist nun was leading the session which was still cool. So today was a treat to finally meet the teacher my friends have come to admire so much. Perhaps, someday I'll even give meditation a try again after all, it was very obvious Bhante Sahti had much to teach me. The following clips are from that interview.

PART ONE (INTRODUCTION AND BHANTE SAHTI'S BACKGROUND):

PART TWO (COMING TO THE U.S.):

PART THREE (although clip will say part two this is really part 3) MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT MEDITATION:




PART FOUR (PLEASURE AND CONSUMERISM):




PART FIVE (BHANTE DESCRIBES A MEDITATION SESSION):

Bhante Sahti Interview Cont.

This is a continuation of the video clips from my interview with Bhante Sahti, a meditation teacher and Buddhist Monk from Sri Lanka. The interview was conducted on Saturday, November 8, 2008 at the Chanhassen Public Library.

PART SIX (HABITS AND MEDITATION TECHNIQUES):





PART SEVEN (FINAL COMMENTS BY BHANTE SAHTI):

Tis the Season--Already?

I woke up to a snowy scene this morning. It had been raining the day before, but it was still a shock to open the blinds to such a view. Guess I shouldn't be too surprised. Afterall, it is November and the Christmas promotions have already started.

I don't think we got to Halloween this year before the ads starting showing up. I had the tv on last week while I was working on the computer and there were to Christmas ads in a row! Diane said last week the first batch of Christmas cards came through the post office for mailing. She had had requests for Christmas stamps in the beginning of October and finally had to cave in and order some. "Yes, Frankenstein there really is a Santa Claus".

My friend and I went to the Mall of America to get some exercise (Really we did, I didn't buy a single item) and the Christmas directions were up, and "the Santa Experience" was setting up shop. But perhaps with the economy in a recession, stores are in need sales more than ever. And I admit, I have already purchased a seasonal item. It was going to be a gift, but it's so cute I might just have to keep it ;) But that's all I've purchased that was Christmasy this year. Well, that and three ho ho mochas from Caribou Coffee. They're yummy, so that hardly counts.

Humm...maybe those retailers know what they're doing afterall.

W: All the way around all three floors of MOA which is 1 and 3/4 miles 

Car talk

I went down to the Cities with a friend. We took her vehicle, however when we got close to the Cities she asked if I would drive. Many people don't like to drive in urban areas. Personally, I don't mind, so I took over at the wheel. Even though it was lunch time, the traffic wasn't so bad. It was much worse when we were driving to her sister's later that evening. I definitely had to use my car talk skills. You see driving involves learning a whole new language and skill-set past what you need to know for passing your driver's exam. You know what I'm talking about. Take honking for example:

You're stopped behind one other car at a red light. The light turns green but the person in front of you doesn't notice. You wait your obligatory 3 seconds and then a short "honk". Just a friendly little reminder that the light is green.

You're on a side street and see your friend coming towards you. What do you do? Two little honks. "honk, honk". It's like saying "hi".

Someone driving eradically cuts in front of you nearly taking your front bumper with them. "HOOOOONNNNNNK" . You lay on the horn which translates into "You idiot!"

The distance you put between your car and another can also communicate. There's been a train for which traffic has had to stop and there's a long line of cars waiting to turn unto the main street and head over the tracks. You're on that main street already also waiting to head over the tracks. If you're nice you leave an extra large space between you and the car in front of you so the car on the side street knows you're going to let them in. If you're cranky or in a hurry then you close the gap even more than you normally would as if to say "nope, you're not getting in".

This also works if you want to express your disgust. For example, a car whizzes past you only to pull into your lane and then proceeds to go slower than the rate you were going. You know because you have your cruise set. So again, instead of applying your break and readjusting your cruise, you let your car go right up to them to say "See? See!!! You're really a jerk for cutting me offf! How dare you make me adjust my speed!"

Humm...I guess it's a good thing I don't live in a major city with traffic issues. Although I understand car talk, it looks like I've got a little bit of road rage. Better stick to driving in Brainerd.

Hope and Fear

Two major adjectives have been used to sum up Decision '08--hope and fear.

As I said yesterday, one of the analysts said that the results showed that Americans voted for hope. As I read my friend's status bars today many of them had comments that used the term "hopeful". Even as I went about my business today I felt a renewed sense of spirit. As I ran, I felt this sense of hope for not only our country but for the world. The purpose of my blogs here were supposed to include a photo that would capture that which I was writing about. I knew right away that I wanted to write about hope. But how do I capture that? Is there a right way to capture it? Would I capture it the way you would? I do a very similar exercise in my class and it's been so interesting to see the varied responses to how different individuals capture the same 4 terms. I only had one and I was struggling. And then it donned on me. I had had my camera out documenting the "I voted on Election Day" tally on facebook grow and grow all day yesterday. When the election results were coming in it was about ready to turn to 5 million so I had my camera in hand. At 10:00 the televesion stations declared the victory to Barack Obama. Out of instinct I snapped that photo knowing what a significant moment it was. That photo, that snapshot captured for me the sense of hope that flooded over me. So that is how I would capture what I was thinking about today. Hope won out. It won out over fear.

So what represents hope to you? How about fear? Compare and contrast what these terms LOOK like by going to the following website and following my directions below:
1) Go to the following web address: http://taggalaxy.de/
2) In the "Enter Initial Tag" dialogue box type the word "hope" (do not use the quotation marks)
3) Hit the "GO" button
4) Click on the revolving planet
5) Explore the world you just created. It revolves and turns.
6) Take special note of what catches your eye. Click on the items that capture your attention and read the extra notes that may be provided.
7) Spend some time here and think about what you're feeling in response to what you're seeing.

8) Then go to the same web address and type in the word "fear" (again, do not include the quotation marks)
9) Repeat steps 3-7 for your new world

R: 3.3 miles W .3

Talking Politics and Feeling Politics

I woke up this morning excited. It was before 7:00 am and I could have slept in but my mind was racing. It was election day and I was excited. All morning I was waiting for my pre-planned time for going to the polls. Since I was on sabbatical I could go anytime, but thought 10:30 am would be the least busy. So I was going to wait, but I couldn't detach myself from the political situation at hand.

I turned on the computer and was struck immediately by the fact that 400,000+ people on facebook had already reported voting--and not all the polls had even opened yet across the US. By 9:30am it hit one million. I was enthralled watching the numbers rise so quickly. It made me think about how people are so passionate this year about the election. And now, I am writing about my passionate views on this election day--and it's not even done yet. No matter what, no matter who wins, this has been an historic election. And personally it's been an historic election year for me.

For the first time I participated in the primary election. For the first time, I sat and watched the primary results as they were declared by the news media. For the first time, I watched a good portion of the national conventions. For the first time I cried over an election. Yes, that right. I cried, I'm not ashamed to admit it. In fact, I've cried a few times. I cried at hearing Hilary Clinton's speech at the Democratic convention because it saddened me that the glass ceiling is still present. I cried at Barrack Obama's 30 minute infomercial because I took he's care and concern to heart. And I even cried tonight as Obama was given Pennsylvania in the blue/red state tally for electoral votes. I cried from laughter at the SNL skits and the spot-on performances of Tina Fey. Don't get me wrong, there's alot about McCain that I can respect. And the SNL skits on the democrats were funny too. But when a democratic political analyst talked about the projected largest voter turn-out ever, especially with young voters, and made the comment that this was a sign that people are voting out of hope and not out of fear--my eyes teared up once more.

This is a new age of politics--facebook, YouTube, and the immediacy-effect. We definitely are living in the digital world. And so I could not let the opportunity pass to discuss on my blog my personal take and reaction to this historical election. I am proud today to be an American and to say I voted today.

A woman walks into the doctor's office...A tale of Proxemics

I my annual physical today. Luckily it was in the morning, but no matter what time of day it is, I inevitably end up having to wait before getting in to see the doctor. Waiting rooms are so funny. It's the perfect definition of social space and a great example to help clarify proxemics--the study of personal space.

We have 4 bubbles of personal space. Culturally we have ranges but as individuals they're pretty defined. We've probably all had that tingly sense when someone is just a little too close for our comfort. Well that's exactly what the bubbles of personal space are all about--our comfort zones and where we place ourselves in correlation to others in our environment.

First there's intimate space. This is space that goes right from your body generally out to about a foot and a half. In the United States the dominant culture will typically allow only those people with whom you are most intimate with into this space. You don't just allow anyone to get too close. Keep in mind "intimate" does not equate sexual. Intimate means someone who knows you intimately and for whom you have a great deal of care and trust with. For example, you can be intimate with your best friend, but that doesn't mean you're sexually intimate. We also generally allow young children into our intimate space. And sometimes the reverse of that presents problems of comfort. I know of several women who were pregnant and had complete strangers come up and touch their belly without asking or assuming it may make the mother feel uncomfortable. This is because that touch is in that person's intimate space and is reserved for those with whom we are most intimate.

The second bubble of space is called personal space. This sounds funny because the proxemics theory refers to the 4 circles of personal space and then one of the spaces is called personal space--confusing? Well get over it. Personal space in the dominant culture of the US ranges from 1 1/2 feet to 4 feet. This is where you would stop and place yourself distance wise if visiting with a friend in the hallway of school. If someone gets a little too close, we get a fight or flee sensation which usually results in the person who is uncomfortable adjusting to their level of comfort. This can be done with a subtle slight step backwards.

Social space is usually defined in the US (dominant culture again) to be 4 feet to 12 feet and is representative of the distance you would place yourself in certain social situations. In my case in the doctor's waiting room, I sat in the second seat in the first row of chairs. When the next person came, they distanced themselves according to our cultural norms to the chair that was kiddy-corner from me about 7 feet away. Think about how odd you'd feel if someone you didn't know came and took the chair right next to you in the waiting room when there was no one else in any of the other chairs. It would just feel odd, right? That's because of social space.

Public space is when there is more room available, then we expect greater distance especially with those that we don't know. For example, it's a beautiful day out and you decide to go with your significant other to the park for a picnic. You get to the park and the shady spot under the big oak tree is already taken by another couple who have set up a blanket and their own picnic lunch. You're not going to take our your blanket and set it up right next to their's. Nor are you going to simply go 4-12 feet away from them. In fact, you're probably going to move quite a ways away from them to establish your own sense of privacy and comfort. Public space can also be used to describe the distance between a public speaker and his or her audience like at a graduation or sitting in a pew listening to a church sermon. The distance is greater than 12 feet. But in terms of your distance to your family member you may be sitting within personal or intimate space with each other in the pew or bleachers.

These are all culturally defined as well as influenced by individual preferences. I tend to be more touchy-feely which tends to make my ranges a little smaller. Meaning I tend to stand closer to my friends and perhaps even a bit closer to some strangers than other people who may guard themselves more. Those type of individuals may put greater distance between themselves and perhaps even their closest friends. That's why we have ranges for these bubbles. Culturally some countries encourage people to stand closer and other to stand further away. Conflicts can arise if you have two people who have different definitions to how close they are expected to be to each other.

The other area where culture and space come into play is in how we are taught to greet each other. Some cultures shake hands, some give hugs, others kiss. Some cultures have specifications regarding gender (e.g. men and women are not allowed to touch therefore can not shake hands with the opposite sex, while others greet everyone with a kiss regardless of their gender)There's alot to intercultural greetings.

In the future this will be a link to Kari's tale of French greeting rituals:

So be observant of how you use the space around you, how you are affecting the comfort level of those near you, and by all means, if you travel--do your homework about proxemics.

What word would you use?

I went into Brainerd today since I had some appointments and decided to go grab some lunch before heading back to school. There was a bit of traffic, but at one 4 way stop I couldn't help but notice this unusual car. I totally wanted my camera but it was in the trunk. But when I saw it again 6 hours later I figured it was fate. You see it was quite the station wagon. You don't see alot of station wagons any more. I'd still have to say this one was different from any other I think I've ever seen. The reason was because it was covered with brown astroturf. Humm...quite a few adjectives went through my mind when I saw it and when it came to writing this blog, I came up with quite a few more adjectives. I'll leave it at that and ask--what adjective would you use?

To Be or Not to Be For Halloween

I have a group of friends in the Cities who throw a Halloween Party every year. They rotate it from house to house. Up until yesterday I was a CHPV (Cities Halloween Party Virgin) because I had never been able to attend. But at 11 am I decided to make the trip down and take part in their Holiday fun.

Of course, costumes are required and since I had just decided to go I didn't really have anything prepared. But being a good theatre major I had pieces on hand. I had alot of options really. I had a 20's flapper outfit, a 50' poddle skirt, a witches hat, devil's ear/tail, cat ears, clown shoes and other misc. costume pieces I could probably turn into something. I even had a fun belly dancing outfit with finger cymbals but I decided against that when I remembered reading something about their party being outdoors. So I decided the easiest would probably be to go with the 50's.

I grabbed my poodle skirt, a plain white t-shirt, white bobby socks, a neck scarf and my white canvas tennis shoes and I was set. Heck, I could even get by wearing a black leather coat and still be "in costume". Score! Cute and warm. But I was being plagued by an idea that had crossed my mind earlier while surfing the web. My friends had been giving me such a bad time about being a facebook addict that I thought the funniest costume would be for me to go as a facebook wall--old fashioned style. But I was torn...the 50's outfit was free. I would need supplies for the facebook costume. But if I was ever going to go as a facebook page this would be the year. But I didn't have much time...afterall, I just decided to go and I had to travel to the Cities. But the facebook idea was so much more creative...ARGH! TO BE OR NOT TO BE FACEBOOK FOR HALLOWEEN?

TO BE! So I rushed to the local dollar store, picked up some washable markers (afterall, I figured there would be alcohol consumed by people and drunk people are worse than kids with being responsible with markers!). Then I bought a tri-fold poster board, some fabric, some pre-cut letters, some white-out (because of course the letters didn't come in white), a box cutter, a hot glue gun and glue sticks. Of course I alreaady have a glue gun and sticks someplace but they're packed far far away with the house being on the market and I knew just being new ones would save me more time than trying to find them at this point.

Two and a half hours later I was done. My facebook Wall was ready for posts. Attached you'll see the end result. I think it was a success. Oh, and I did wear the 50's outfit too just in case someone else decided that a facebook wall was the thing TO BE!


R: 2 miles, W 1.6

And now...A Read with a View

Since it was such a gorgeous day out, in at least the 60's, I decided to spend the afternoon outdoors and away from my computer. I grabbed a book and my backpack, hopped on my bike and went over to Charles Lindberg State park. I've mapped out a walking route there. It was sunny and warm and I knew the exact spot I wanted to sit and read. There's a little bridge that crosses a small stream on the far side of the park. I decided I'd stop at this bridge to read because it was only 10 minutes in. I figured doing my long walk after reading would be smarter because than I'd have all that time to contemplate what I had read, afterall I brought one of those "thinking" books or so I thought. The book I grabbed was "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle. Some find it controversial, some find it life changing, some have deemed it "cultish", others love it. But I wanted to read it for myself and felt like today was the day to start it. Afterall, I was trying not to succumb to my facebook addiction so finding a good read, and an intellectual one at that, made me feel a little better about myself.

So I set off on a journey to exercise my body and my mind. But within the first couple of pages, I was told I shouldn't think too much. That I needed to just be more aware of the now and not tie myself so compulsive thinking--which I totally do. I overanalyze many situations. I have a very difficult time sometimes just turning it all off. Like at night, I lay awake "thinking" too much. So I made a very concerted effert to just "be present in the now". This is much easier for me to do in nature so I guess I picked the right spot. It was definitely a read with a view.

I captured a little bit of the view I had. I guess I could say I captured a little bit of my "now", that was then and isn't really now anymore. I decided to do so with the video function on my camera because then you get a more wholistic picture with the sound of the babbling brook, the sparkle of the sunshine off the water, the wind going through what crispy leaves were left on the trees, and the other sounds of nature that surrounded me. But beware. I did not have a tripod so the camera moves ever so slightly with my breathing. So if you need to, shut your eyes and just listen. Or if it's too much you can just go find your own read with a view.


B: 8.15 miles, W: 4 miles

Link to video

Ignorance and Apathy

My dad used to tell this joke: What's the difference between ignorance and apathy? Answer: I don't know and I don't care.

That's a good one for this blog entry because I don't know what to write about, but since I ran I wanted it documented and felt I needed to say something--just didn't know what. I do care however, so I guess I'm just being ignorant and not apathetic. So there!




R: 3.6 miles 32 min 16 sec

Himdag

Today was the funeral for my friend's brother Erik who passed away last week. It was actually the third service that was done in his honor. Two other services were conducted in AZ where he lived. Since he was a professor at one of the tribal colleges one of the services was done by the Tohono O'odham Nation, the Native American tribe which the college served. I hear it was a beautiful tribute, full of rituals of the culture within which he lived, loved and was embraced. In otherwords, it reflected true Tohono O'odham "Himdag".

Himdag is a Native term to describe the all-encompassing package of one's existence in the world reflective of his or her culture. Undestanding this and studying this is a high value at the college where Erik taught. As described at the tribal college's website, himdag "consists of the culture, way of life, and values that are uniquely held and displayed by the Tohono O’odham people. Himdag incorporates everything in life that makes us unique as individuals and as a people." What really struck me is that himdag is described as "a lifelong journey." So on this day where we gathered to honor Erik's life and acknowledge his passing, it seems only fitting that I learned about the importance of himdag.

**The figure above is known as the "Man in the maze," an emblem of the Tohono O'odham Nation of Southern Arizona (formerly known as the Papago Indians). The design, depicting a man exiting a labrynth, is most often seen on basketry dating back as far as the nineteenth century, and occasionally in Hopi silver art. Labrynths are common motifs in ancient petroglyphs (Native American rock art), and often resemble those found in ancient Greece and other parts of the world.
This symbol is said to represent a person's journey through life. Although the design appears to be a maze, it is actually a unicursal figure with many twists and turns; these are said to represent choices made in life. The center is dark, as the journey is one from darkness to light.

Excerpt From: altreligion.about.com/library/glossary/symbols/bldefsmaninthemaze.htm

For more information on Tohono O'odham Community College: http://www.tocc.cc.az.us/

Winning is Everything...or is it?

I was asked to help out at the college state volleyball tournament this past weekend. Eight teams competed for the title of state champion and the right to move on to the regional tournament. So you'd think that winning would be everything. However, more than one team gets to move on to the regional tournamnet. This has always confused me and to tell you the truth, I'm still not totally clear. There are two regions in Minnesota--the north and the south. Because of MN's strength in past tournaments we get two representatives to the National tournament. How to qualify for the region tourney depends on if you're in the north or the south because they each have their own way. And what it comes down to is that some teams playing in the state tourney can still qualify and move on to the regional even if they didn't win. So winning isn't everything. For example, Central Lakes College came in 6th out of 8 and will still be going to the Regional tournament. No wonder I'm so confused!!!!

It was interesting to watch the different dynamics of the teams and coaches that played in this type of atmosphere. Some teams came in with the mindset of winning the title and that anything less than that was a failure. Winning is everthing. Other teams came in knowing they had already qualified for regionals so this tournament didn't really matter and so it appeared they played half-heartedly. Winning isn't everything. Other teams cared more for beating their rivals than their bracket stadings. Winning is sometimes everything. Some teams rose to the challenges presented to them while others caved under pressure. Some teams went out and had fun and commoraderie while playing and other teams were stoic and serious and barely talked to each other. It was all very interesting to watch.

I also noticed different coaching styles. There were coaches that would yell and scream at the players. There were coaches that would not say anything until there was a time out. Some used positive reinforcement and others only pointed out mistakes. There were coaches that yelled at the officials and ones that would shake hands with them after the match.One coach when his team was losing glared at his players and then refused to talk to them even during the time out. This particular coach was also quite rude to several of us who were working the tournament. When I made some comment to Jane Peterson, the CLC coach, she replied that "he is a really nice guy". I wouldn't have guessed that from his behavior on the court.

The whole weekend was a great case study in behavior, teamwork, motivation, and cetainly interpersonal communication which begs the question...is winning everything?

Facebook Intervention Please!

Hello, my name is Kari and I am a facebook addict. Seriously, I think I need an intervention. My friends tell me "I need a life" but that's the problem, I have too many lives on facebook. There are too many responsibilities to let go. I HAVE to check in. If I didn't, who knows what would happen. I mean, what if I get kidnapped to Mumbai? What if someone sends me good karma and I don't send it back? I don't want bad luck coming my way because I was selfish and kept all the good karma for myself! I can't just up and leave. I have a lil green patch with flowers and vegatbles depending on me. I have a lil blue cove with fishes that might need feeding. I have a farm that has crops that need to be harvested or they'll spoil. There are hatching eggs whose progress I need to monitor. My sea gardens has creatures that could get hit by an oil tanker. I have smiles to return, coffee to send, gifts to receive and return. I don't want someone to be offended if they superpoke me and I don't poke them back. What kind of interpersonal communication teacher would I be if I let that happen?

And maybe my time on facebook is doing the world good. Afterall, I'm saving the rainforest and helping ocean charities like the Surfer Foundation. I'm supporting the fight against breast cancer and encouraging people to vote. Isn't doing wordtwist puzzles stimulating brain cells? And what harm can there be in sending karma, positive wishes and gifts to people? Which reminds me, I need to finish up this blog so I can go send some more gifts.

I know it's not even Halloween but I already have gifts that are coming to go under my tree or in my stocking. I have word twist challenges that people are waiting for me to finish. And heaven forbid, I can't leave facebook alone--what would happen if I can't fling food back at my supposed friends? Wait. I know the answer to that one...I'd LOSE!!!! So what if I have 10 active food flinging fights going on right now. At least I'm not as bad as Amy who has 27 active games the last time I checked, 3 of which are against me!

Ah, but truth be told...I am as bad as Amy...maybe worse...you see I reached an all time low...I sold my soul to the mob for a measley 25 food flinging points. I HAD to. I didn't have enough points to fling back if I wouldn't have joined. It's not like I wanted to join. I needed the points and I needed them NOW. I can control what applications I participate in. I was planning on removing it after I got the points so really no harm was done. So what if I burned all the points right away and was left needing another fix? It's just a game, it's not like the real mob. But that's when I knew I needed an intervention.

Now I don't mean to make fun of addictions because they can be very harmful. But I do think there are many different types of addictions and computer addictions are real. And I DO need to be careful and I should try harder to remove myself from my computer and that constant desire to check in to my facebook account or it could become a problem. So for me the question is does facebook really help you?


R: 4.5 miles 45 min (minus 3 min warm-up walk) 500+ calories burned

Khob Khun Ka-Cultural Gift Giving and Receiving

I got up at 5 am on Monday morning which would be early for me anyway but considering I'm on sabbatical it's even more amazing. What would get me up this early? A Presidential request to travel to the Cities on the CLC bus in order to greet the incoming Thai delegation. Sixteen doctorial students and their instructor were in the US studying education systems of Minnesota. On their docket was Central Lakes College. I was more than happy to spend some time with them as the organizer, Samnao Kajornsin (Doctor Sam to us) was someone who helped organize our trip to Thailand in Dec 2006/January 2007. As I quickly learned, reciprocation is highly valued in Thailand as is the practice and importance of gift giving.

Central Lakes College had actually been on Doctor Sam's first trip back in the fall of 2006. That trip was comprised of about 15-20 teachers from Thailand who made a quick visit to Brainerd. I remember a large number had been from the Chaing Mai area. As we had lunch with this first group of individuals many asked if we had ever been to Thailand or if we would like to go. "Of course" was my response, "I'd love to go" not thinking it would ever really happen. But within just a few months of this their visit, six CLC instructors and President Lundblad were on our way.

We were greeted with great hospitality and were showered with gifts at almost every meeting. Luckily some of our Thai CLC students and told us we should bring some gifts with us as signs of our appreciation. We underestimated the importance of this cultural norm and found ourselves almost shorthanded. You see, the giving of gifts is done as a relationship-builder, a sign of mutual respect and is always done through a formal presentation (followed by numerous pictures of the gift being exchanged between the two parties). As a traveler it was quite nice to be able to come home with these momentos from our trip. But more importantly, I view them as signs of the connection I still have with the Thai people we encountered.

So here I was , 2 years later, being asked to represent the college as CLC host for the new Thai delegates and our friend Doctor Sam. I was happy to return the favor he had provided us and the rest of the CLC group. But my first question was "do we have gifts for them?" So pictured you'll see the key chain from CLC that was presented to them upon our meeting and the two gifts I received from them over the two days spent with them: a silver key chain with elephants, and the beautiful silk scarf. Many thank you's were given that day as the Thai I've met are extremely gracious. When I was given my gifts I said thank you in Thai which is "Khob Khun Ka".

Gift giving serves many purposes and because it is done within a cultural context, research most be done ahead of time as to not send the wrong message. What is given, when it is given, how much is spent on the gift, and to whom and from whom it is given all play a part in whether or not it will be received well. Check out the following site in order to better understand some of the cultural norms and expectations that revolve around gift giving:

http://www.culturalsavvy.com/gift_giving.htm

Then test how savvy you'd be by taking this quiz from Kwintessential Cross Cultural Solutions:

http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/quiz/gift-giving.php

W: 3 1/2 miles

FTF and other acronyms

We had to go "up north" for the football playoff game. Since we had a little time to spare we decided to do a little geocaching on the way as there were some new caches placed this week. We were very excited that we were able to claim two FTF's. Of course we had to log one DNF too. Don't know what happened there. But even though it didn't go as planned we couldn't be sure that the cache wasn't there so we ended our note with the usual TFTC. Although TFTH would have been more appropriate in this case. Since all the caches were small we TNLN.

A little lost? Well if you're an experienced cacher you probably understand the jargon we've used here. Each of these acronyms are commonly used by geocachers ("cachers" for short) when they make notes on the online cache log. However, if you don't cache or noone has shared the meaning with you, they're just a bunch of letters. An ancronym is a series of letters that is created by taking the first letter of each word and putting them together to form an abbreviation for a phrase. In this case FTF stands for "first to find" which is a boasting point for most geocachers. It certainly beats having to admit to a "DNF" or "did not find". Although sometimes that's the result of a cache being "muggled" or taken away from its hiding spot by someone who does not support geocaching. TFTC is short for "thanks for the cache" and is a way many people end their online log for that cache. However, some people thank the cache placer for the opportunity for the "hunt" and therefore end with TFTH. Finally TNLN stands for "took nothing left nothing". Since geocaching often involves swapping "swag" (nonperishable goodies and trinkets) we usually log what we took and what we left so future cachers know where the items came from.

Sometimes acronyms are used to shorten names of places, professions, or businesses. For example, if you make an appointment at the ENT desk you probably have something affecting your ear nose or throat. The American Association of Retired People goes by the acronym AARP. When the club I advised went to clean the ditches for the adopt a highway program we had to pick up vests from the local DOT or the Department of Transportation. And in case you didn't know it, Central Lakes College (CLC) is part of MNSCU which stands for Minnesota State Colleges and Universities which includes all colleges in Minnesota that aren't private or part of the U of M system (University of Minnesota). So you see, sometimes acronyms can use initials word for word, sometimes they include real words within the acronym, sometimes skip a word completely or sometimes are comprised by using more than one letter from each word. And of course there are abbreviated versions of words or words that are morphed like blog which is shortened from web log.

The problem that can occur there is that sometimes very different objects can have the same acronym so then it becomes important to know the context of how the acronym is being used. Giving blood for the ARC means you support the American Red Cross. My friend however worked for the American Refugee Commitee which helps survivors of conflicts and disasters around the world (also ARC). If someone has a child who is mentally challenged they may belong to the Association for Retarded Citizens (another ARC). Of course there's also the Appalachian Regional Commission, Airlines Reporting Corporation, and even American River College--yep---ARC, ARC and ARC. So it can get confusing. According to the "acronym finder" website and the "acronym attic" (which searches over 3 million acronyms, abbreviations and intialisms) there are 281 verified uses alone for the acronym ACE, which by the way does include the way we use the acronym on our campus to describe the Academic Center for Excellence.

So no matter how the acronyms are formed they all have one thing in common--they will only be benefical and assist in the communication process if both parties share the intended meaning. So be careful of when and how you use them even if you're excited and can't wait to share the news that you were out geocaching and were FTF!

Looking at life, death, and channels

Friday morning I received a phone call informing me that a good friend of mine lost her brother to a heart attack the night before. He was only 45 years old. I debated about using this topic in my blog, but decided that since he was a teacher too, that he might like the idea that I am celebrating his life and legacy in my class by honoring his passion for education.

Eric was a teacher in Arizona and was well respected by his students and colleagues. When he missed some of his classes, the college was concerned and called the emergency contact listed on his employment papers--his mother, who lives here in Minnesota. After trying to reach him by phone they ended up calling the police requesting that they go check out his apartment. The family was told this would be done. They didn't tell them however the whole context, which apparently was that they would only knock on the door and if no one answered there wasn't anything else they were going to do about it. And that they would not be phoning back. So the family waited by the phone, I'm sure getting only more and more worried as the time went by.

A second phone call was made. And again they heard nothing. The afternoon passed and it was now evening and still no news had been passed back to them. So a third call was placed pleading for information. The family begged them to break into the apartment, promising to pay for any damages that may be done, but that they knew something was wrong and they needed the police to get in there. This was their third phone call placed. They never did receive a phone message back. Instead, approximately three hours after their last phone conversation, the local squad car pulled into their driveway to deliver the news that there son was dead. The police in Arizona had found him laying in his bed. It appears he passed away in his sleep.

When I heard the news I thought of calling my friend right away, but decided I should go see her instead. So I started making plans that would allow me to go visit her in person. Then I made a call to my parents to let them know the news because my parents not only knew the family through me,but my friend's brother had been one of my father's favorite English students when he taught at the college here in Brainerd. I knew they would want to know and to be at the funeral.

Before I left the house I sent an email out to old elementary friends through a yahoo group. Most of us had reconnected this past summer on the day of our 20 year class reunion. After that, we formed the special yahoo group to keep in touch as people were now scattered across the United States. Although I knew most of them would probably not be at the funeral, I thought they might want to know. I'm sure some will send cards expressing their condolences.

In each of these instances different channels of communication were used. Some channels are more "communication rich" than others. The context of how well I knew the individual I was telling, how close they were to my friend, and how well they knew my friend's brother influenced my decision about how to pass on the news. This also reflects our cultural norms for what's considered the "appropriate" channel choice. This is important not only from a professional standpoint but most definitely from a personal one too.

But I digress...

I didn't exercise today, unless making homemade applesauce counts, which I think it should. What started out as a small project turned out to be a much longer ordeal than I had intended. I thought I would be done by early afternoon, afterall "Survivor" was on tonight. (OK so this blogging idea may have distracted me temporarily from a few reality shows as intended, but come on, "Survivor" is the big one! Well, that and "The Amazing Race" which I have to admit I've been watching as well. Ok Ok, so I caught the finale last night of "Project Runway" too. But I digress...)

Everything was on track for being done on time with my applesauce: I washed all the apples of their mosquito-killing pesticides that came on my TRF apples thanks to the TRF city workers, I laid out all the dishes I would need for working with as well as the storing of the completed product, I had my apples in two large kettles with the water starting to heat up and I had my mom's ricer which was specially delivered with loving care. What I didn't have and didn't discover until the apples were all ready on the stove was the pestol for the ricer. This was a pretty key tool to the whole process and not just any other kitchen gadget would work in its place. So it all came to a screeching halt. Literally. I mean, I was literally screeching.

So I turned off the stove, locked up the house and walked down to the local hardware store which has been known to carry old-world kitchen supplies (like lefse sticks and rolling pin covers). I had hoped that since they carried these traditional scandinavian utensils, and since my mother was 100% swedish, that the ricer must therefore be scandinavian, and therefore the hardware store would carry the pestol. My reasoning failed me. They did not have the pestol and furthermore had no idea what I was talking about. In fact, I have no idea what I'm talking about. I'm calling it a pestol, but I have no idea what it's really called. I was going to call it the wooden thingamajigee but I was worried about the spelling. How do you spell that anyway? Thingamejegie? Thingamajigy? But once again I digress...

So there I was with the apples partially warmed on the stove (yes I turned the stove off when I walked up to the store...or walked down to the store...I've never been really good with directional terms like that) my kitchen all set up and my schedule all set and it was all shot to...well fill in the blank because I have to be careful since I might have students read this. Anyhoo...

So I did what any good scandinavian would do in distress...I called my mother and did what any good Lutheran would do...made her feel guilty for not including the wooden doohickey (who makes up these terms anyway? Doohickey? It doesn't make any sense. I guess it's not supposed to [see now I just ended my sentence with a preposition, which you're not supposed to do. I have a friend...well really a friend of a friend...who jokingly would add a pronoun to the end of any sentence left with a dangling preposition or participle. And not just any pronoun. She'd add the prounoun sh*thead. Which just made it sound funny not mean. So it would go something like, "what do you think we should do then?" and she'd add sh*thead and we'd all laugh. But I digress...])

Anyway, my mother brings the stirstickey over to Diane who brings it back to Little Falls but it is now 6:00 pm and the apples have cooled, so I have to start all over. Well, I don't have to wash them all over again. I just have to boil them and boiling them takse time. But now my show is coming on, so I have to set up a sheet on my living room floor so I have a work area that I can use for mashing the apples through the ricer without making a mess (afterall the house is on the market so I have to try and keep it clean). Each commercial break I would take my ricer and the bowl of applesauce and go back to the kitchen, dump the applesauce into a bigger bowl (because the ricer only goes over a littlier bowl so I had to go back and forth several times) empty the unusable leftovers from inside the ricer into the garbage can, go back to the stove and scoop in some new apples into the ricer, wait for it to drain, put the ricer back over the small bowl and head back into the living room. Only to have to do the whole thing over again at the next commercial break.

So you see, making applesauce should count as exercise.