Friday, September 17, 2010
bleh
I've been tired lately. School and work have been combining to rise up to just about nostril level. It's okay. I've chosen every aspect of my life, given the opportunities and needs that have presented themselves. So I'm not complaining. I'm just....saying. While I know that everyday gets me closer to that end result, the grand finale, the culmination of my last few years educationally and career-wise, it feels so stagnant and bland. Kyle calls it senioritus. Maybe that's all, though I'm hardly close to senior status yet. But I think it has something to do with the fact that the last several years have been years of occurrences, and this one just isn't. The transition to adulthood is complete, and it's leaving me a little bored. The last year has been the most stable year yet, which I do love. I love my life. But I'm still over it for right here, right now. Maybe all I need are new opportunities, activities, and pastimes. But I don't have the time for those! Maybe it's just the slightly heavier feel of autumn that's slowly sliding past the mountains, into my soul.
Friday, August 20, 2010
School Girl
School started Wednesday. I was ready for it to begin a week earlier, but things like academic schedules don't always revolve around my whims! If only! I have 14 credit hours, which after beasting the 15 in the spring, while working and all that, I'm feeling pretty good about. This semester marks my first official college level math class. Starting my 3rd year (wow, that sounds so sad....) and I've finally reached an undergrad math class! Yay me!
Kyle kindly bought my beautiful North Face back pack as a birthday present. Said back pack is now loaded down with books and papers that add up to a weight of 2.5 tons.
While I'm ready and excited for this school year, I am sad to see the summer go. It was one of the best yet! So many good people and good things walked into my life. I got to spend my mornings at my park again, drink lots of coffee with Kyle, and have 'soul rejuvenation' times with some amazing people. Tie dye and campfires have been involved in the fun, as well as mountain tops and muddy lakes.
I feel like the summer should be forever after known as the Goodness of 2010.
Give me a couple months and I'll be begging for school to be over, but for now I'm going to charge ahead with all the enthusiasm and positivity that has been built up this summer!
Kyle kindly bought my beautiful North Face back pack as a birthday present. Said back pack is now loaded down with books and papers that add up to a weight of 2.5 tons.
While I'm ready and excited for this school year, I am sad to see the summer go. It was one of the best yet! So many good people and good things walked into my life. I got to spend my mornings at my park again, drink lots of coffee with Kyle, and have 'soul rejuvenation' times with some amazing people. Tie dye and campfires have been involved in the fun, as well as mountain tops and muddy lakes.
I feel like the summer should be forever after known as the Goodness of 2010.
Give me a couple months and I'll be begging for school to be over, but for now I'm going to charge ahead with all the enthusiasm and positivity that has been built up this summer!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Psy241-201
Just one of my developmental psychology class responses about my earliest memory.
There are many fragments of memories floating around that I can easily recall, but my first major memory took place a couple weeks after I turned four years old. My little sister Becky and I were taken to a nearby playground for several hours by my paternal grandfather, Papa J. We often visited with him, but he rarely took us places, more often sitting and telling stories about his childhood during the Depression. But this time was different. We swung, slid, shrieked, made piles in the mulch, and climbed through tires. Afterwards, we returned home, where Becky and I were made to stay outside, playing in the yard and eating at the picnic table. The restricting of our entrance to the house was notable enough, but added to the out-of-the ordinary playground visit with Papa J., the day seemed even more extraordinary.
The strange supervision and odd restrictions of the day make it stick out against the fuzzy memories that I have of that age, some of which I’m not sure if I remember through my own experience or through the retelling over the years by parents and other relatives. It wasn’t until later that I realized that that day was the day my little brother was born. I don’t remember so much his entrance into my world, but the events of his birthday are what have stayed with me.
That day is one of the few days that were strictly spent with my grandfather as our caregiver. While playing at playgrounds and around the yard at my house was common enough, the fact that it was supervised primarily by my grandfather made the day special to me. That, combined with the unusual restricted access to the house, which we usually had free-reign of, created a day that stood out against all the other days in my life until that point. Without the trip to the playground or the later restricted entrance, I’m sure that day would have passed into the unmarked, unremembered days of my early years. It’s nice having a point that I can remember and positively equate with a precise point in my childhood.
There are many fragments of memories floating around that I can easily recall, but my first major memory took place a couple weeks after I turned four years old. My little sister Becky and I were taken to a nearby playground for several hours by my paternal grandfather, Papa J. We often visited with him, but he rarely took us places, more often sitting and telling stories about his childhood during the Depression. But this time was different. We swung, slid, shrieked, made piles in the mulch, and climbed through tires. Afterwards, we returned home, where Becky and I were made to stay outside, playing in the yard and eating at the picnic table. The restricting of our entrance to the house was notable enough, but added to the out-of-the ordinary playground visit with Papa J., the day seemed even more extraordinary.
The strange supervision and odd restrictions of the day make it stick out against the fuzzy memories that I have of that age, some of which I’m not sure if I remember through my own experience or through the retelling over the years by parents and other relatives. It wasn’t until later that I realized that that day was the day my little brother was born. I don’t remember so much his entrance into my world, but the events of his birthday are what have stayed with me.
That day is one of the few days that were strictly spent with my grandfather as our caregiver. While playing at playgrounds and around the yard at my house was common enough, the fact that it was supervised primarily by my grandfather made the day special to me. That, combined with the unusual restricted access to the house, which we usually had free-reign of, created a day that stood out against all the other days in my life until that point. Without the trip to the playground or the later restricted entrance, I’m sure that day would have passed into the unmarked, unremembered days of my early years. It’s nice having a point that I can remember and positively equate with a precise point in my childhood.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Flow
So, I’m reading along in my developmental psych book (actually being productive with my morning!), and come across a section addressing creativity in the early adulthood stage. The majority of the section was dedicated to Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, a Hungarian psychologist who studies creativity and what he calls ‘flow.’
“Flow, whether in creative arts, athletic competition, engaging work, or spiritual practice, is a deep and uniquely human motivation to excel, exceed, and triumph over limitation.” (EnlightenNext Magazine)
My textbook then listed some ways to cultivate curiosity and take steps towards a more creative, ‘flowing’ life, based on Csikszentmihalyi’s research.
-Try to be surprised by something everyday
-Try to surprise at least one person everyday (something out of the predictable pattern of your life.)
-Write down what surprises you and how you surprised others
-When something sparks your interest, follow it!
-Wake up each morning with a specfic goal to look forward to
-Spend time in settings that stimulate creativity
I have a happy life, and I have a full life. Work and school amount to being a busy girl! I know that at this stage in my life I am where I should be and pursuing what I’m meant to be. But I still want to improve and grow, and explore. So I’m excited to delve more deeply into Csikszentmihalyi’s writings and thoughts about creativity and living a full and happy life.
“Flow, whether in creative arts, athletic competition, engaging work, or spiritual practice, is a deep and uniquely human motivation to excel, exceed, and triumph over limitation.” (EnlightenNext Magazine)
My textbook then listed some ways to cultivate curiosity and take steps towards a more creative, ‘flowing’ life, based on Csikszentmihalyi’s research.
-Try to be surprised by something everyday
-Try to surprise at least one person everyday (something out of the predictable pattern of your life.)
-Write down what surprises you and how you surprised others
-When something sparks your interest, follow it!
-Wake up each morning with a specfic goal to look forward to
-Spend time in settings that stimulate creativity
I have a happy life, and I have a full life. Work and school amount to being a busy girl! I know that at this stage in my life I am where I should be and pursuing what I’m meant to be. But I still want to improve and grow, and explore. So I’m excited to delve more deeply into Csikszentmihalyi’s writings and thoughts about creativity and living a full and happy life.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Springy
At last it feels about time to trade in my winter blacks and greys for summer khaki and red and yellow! That is a great thing! Especially after the hectic schedule of fall and the failings that my overly filled schedule resulted in.
But, all that is past, and while still insanely busy, I am able to trod on, with the end in sight. According to my plan, in Spring 2011 I will graduate with my Associates Degree, and then in the fall, jump back into the cycle of education for my remaining 2-3 years. It is nice having an end of sorts in sight. A large stepping stone in the midst of an enormous river, that allows one to sit, and revel, and rest until starting up and on again.
My contemplative self has returned as well! This is due in part to making time for, and allowing myself to be with my friends. Especially those who challenge and inspire the intellect. It helps dramatically to be surrounded by folk who are positive and uplifting.
One of the questions that we (myself and certain friends) have been pursuing is the question of meaning on the personal level. Why do you do what you do? I'm trying to approach it from a more humanistic perspective. I've seen so many people blindly answer that "God is the reason," using it as an excuse for self-elevation and importance, to callously push their needs "all for God" in front of others. But I want to know why you, that self that resides in that body, rejoices at the idea of doing whatever task or job or craft. Is it that you feel like you've fallen into your puzzle piece in the world, fitting perfectly with those in your environment? Or maybe it's the monetary value that comes from trading hours for monies, and the comfort and security that you've procured. Maybe it's something that you know you can be successful at, and work through the difficult times? I don't know. But I want to know what y'all think!
I've been thinking about why I do what I do. Why Parks and Recreation Management? Why is that I like it? While this may seem trite, I enjoy it. But I know that's not enough. Simply enjoying it won't satisfy the questioning of a hiring committee! So, more reasons are needed! I enjoy being a necessary part of the community and impacting society for the better (hopefully!), I value the availability of parks and green spaces being freely available to all that wish to use them. I see Parks and Recreation as a tool to education and better lives. Fitness and a healthy lifestyle are vital to happy communities, as well as successful educations and development. Parks bring communities together into a public, friendly space. Friendships start, you get a feel for your community, which leads to more civic involvement on the individual level. And that builds into action and involvement on all the levels of a town or city. I think parks can help give people a sense of humanity that gets lost.
Anyway, I could go on. :-) Now to develope all my wee points into a impressive statement!
But, still, why do you do what you do?
But, all that is past, and while still insanely busy, I am able to trod on, with the end in sight. According to my plan, in Spring 2011 I will graduate with my Associates Degree, and then in the fall, jump back into the cycle of education for my remaining 2-3 years. It is nice having an end of sorts in sight. A large stepping stone in the midst of an enormous river, that allows one to sit, and revel, and rest until starting up and on again.
My contemplative self has returned as well! This is due in part to making time for, and allowing myself to be with my friends. Especially those who challenge and inspire the intellect. It helps dramatically to be surrounded by folk who are positive and uplifting.
One of the questions that we (myself and certain friends) have been pursuing is the question of meaning on the personal level. Why do you do what you do? I'm trying to approach it from a more humanistic perspective. I've seen so many people blindly answer that "God is the reason," using it as an excuse for self-elevation and importance, to callously push their needs "all for God" in front of others. But I want to know why you, that self that resides in that body, rejoices at the idea of doing whatever task or job or craft. Is it that you feel like you've fallen into your puzzle piece in the world, fitting perfectly with those in your environment? Or maybe it's the monetary value that comes from trading hours for monies, and the comfort and security that you've procured. Maybe it's something that you know you can be successful at, and work through the difficult times? I don't know. But I want to know what y'all think!
I've been thinking about why I do what I do. Why Parks and Recreation Management? Why is that I like it? While this may seem trite, I enjoy it. But I know that's not enough. Simply enjoying it won't satisfy the questioning of a hiring committee! So, more reasons are needed! I enjoy being a necessary part of the community and impacting society for the better (hopefully!), I value the availability of parks and green spaces being freely available to all that wish to use them. I see Parks and Recreation as a tool to education and better lives. Fitness and a healthy lifestyle are vital to happy communities, as well as successful educations and development. Parks bring communities together into a public, friendly space. Friendships start, you get a feel for your community, which leads to more civic involvement on the individual level. And that builds into action and involvement on all the levels of a town or city. I think parks can help give people a sense of humanity that gets lost.
Anyway, I could go on. :-) Now to develope all my wee points into a impressive statement!
But, still, why do you do what you do?
Saturday, January 9, 2010
2010
school started on Thursday. my productivity has since risen about 500 percent. really. still, the satisfaction of productivity never outweighs the supreme relief of break, the joy of watching many tv show episodes (new favs discovered: Dexter and Robot Chicken; old favs revisited: Doctor Who topping that list!), days where I'm searching for something to do, social interaction without guilt(!), actually cleaning and cooking, being snowed in and not being anxious about catching up in school work, and brain recovery!
but, I'm glad to be back. it's the next step on my path toward being a degree holder and getting back into Parks & Rec. it surprises me how much I miss the park, my park. :-) I love where I am now, but it's not the same. while it's a great fit for me right now, it's not where I plan to be for years, and I want to get back to that place where my investment will pay off greatly.
anyways, this semester I have a lot of electives and only one bad class. the bad class is re-doing the math class I failed this fall. blerg. outside of that tho, I have British Lit II (19th century to present), General Psych, Appalachian Culture, and World Religions. a lot of reading will be involved, but I enjoy it and can knock it out quickly.
we had a good New Year, went to Atlanta for a Black Lips concert. I survived the show without having beer flung on me, being hit in the head with a empty or partially empty beer can, or being spit on, so it was a successful night! Aside from getting second-hand smokers cough. Atlanta is beautiful and I want to go back and spend more time walking and looking up at the buildings (yes, I'm a small town girl). Kyle's GPS was wonderful and make the navigating easy and painless as opposed to: "I think this is your turn!" "are you sure!?" "yes, yes, get over now!" "oops...now what..."
my goals for the new year are to keep my grades high, bike more, and actually do some over night hiking/camping trips. we've decided that we're going to hike the Appalachian Trail at some point, so building and endurance is a priority for this year. it's yet to be decided if we want to thru-hike the trail, or just stick with section hiking. we definately plan on starting with section hiking regardless. i'm excited about it!
i feel a little justified for the months (has it really been months?!) of absence now.
many wishes for love and happiness for you all!
but, I'm glad to be back. it's the next step on my path toward being a degree holder and getting back into Parks & Rec. it surprises me how much I miss the park, my park. :-) I love where I am now, but it's not the same. while it's a great fit for me right now, it's not where I plan to be for years, and I want to get back to that place where my investment will pay off greatly.
anyways, this semester I have a lot of electives and only one bad class. the bad class is re-doing the math class I failed this fall. blerg. outside of that tho, I have British Lit II (19th century to present), General Psych, Appalachian Culture, and World Religions. a lot of reading will be involved, but I enjoy it and can knock it out quickly.
we had a good New Year, went to Atlanta for a Black Lips concert. I survived the show without having beer flung on me, being hit in the head with a empty or partially empty beer can, or being spit on, so it was a successful night! Aside from getting second-hand smokers cough. Atlanta is beautiful and I want to go back and spend more time walking and looking up at the buildings (yes, I'm a small town girl). Kyle's GPS was wonderful and make the navigating easy and painless as opposed to: "I think this is your turn!" "are you sure!?" "yes, yes, get over now!" "oops...now what..."
my goals for the new year are to keep my grades high, bike more, and actually do some over night hiking/camping trips. we've decided that we're going to hike the Appalachian Trail at some point, so building and endurance is a priority for this year. it's yet to be decided if we want to thru-hike the trail, or just stick with section hiking. we definately plan on starting with section hiking regardless. i'm excited about it!
i feel a little justified for the months (has it really been months?!) of absence now.
many wishes for love and happiness for you all!
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