"Just a day, just an ordinary day; Just Trying to get by..."
Love this song!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
RMP 800: Post It "Gaining Professional Status"
Hi all! I know the post it is not required this week but it will help me gather my thoughts. So feel free to read and then you can find my questions at the bottom.
- Society acts in an exchange: Professionals must have education and experience but then they are given prestige and honor. On the other hand, some people feel that the quest to make a job a profession is about power and glory, a very self-centered pursuit.
-Using licensing and credentialing in a profession is a way of limiting the supply/increasing the demand for professionals.
-The more we focus on becoming accredited professionals, we will begin to prescribe a specific set of ideas that must be learned, leaving no room for innovation. Also, not every consumer fits under one category, so when we limit the specifics of accreditation, we risk creating professionals who are incapable of serving customers outside the criteria.
-Most recreation students are extroverts who have previously been involved with some sort of recreation agency (Normally as a part time job).
-By focusing on education as a criteria for a professional, do we not change higher education into hire education?
Questions:
1) Do you think it is important to have a degree in Recreation/Leisure (or some similar area) to be an effective Recreation professional? Or is it just important to have a degree in any field?
2) What is your perception of the term "Professional"? Does it imply a certain amount of learning or skill or practice? Does someone who practices a profession posses the ability to do a complex task?
3)The article states that most recreation students are extroverts... how do you feel about that? Is extroversion a needed quality in our field?
- Society acts in an exchange: Professionals must have education and experience but then they are given prestige and honor. On the other hand, some people feel that the quest to make a job a profession is about power and glory, a very self-centered pursuit.
-Using licensing and credentialing in a profession is a way of limiting the supply/increasing the demand for professionals.
-The more we focus on becoming accredited professionals, we will begin to prescribe a specific set of ideas that must be learned, leaving no room for innovation. Also, not every consumer fits under one category, so when we limit the specifics of accreditation, we risk creating professionals who are incapable of serving customers outside the criteria.
-Most recreation students are extroverts who have previously been involved with some sort of recreation agency (Normally as a part time job).
-By focusing on education as a criteria for a professional, do we not change higher education into hire education?
Questions:
1) Do you think it is important to have a degree in Recreation/Leisure (or some similar area) to be an effective Recreation professional? Or is it just important to have a degree in any field?
2) What is your perception of the term "Professional"? Does it imply a certain amount of learning or skill or practice? Does someone who practices a profession posses the ability to do a complex task?
3)The article states that most recreation students are extroverts... how do you feel about that? Is extroversion a needed quality in our field?
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
RMP 800: Reflection 11/17/09
I'd like to go back to the discussion of the term "wilderness." Dictionary.com had the term described in the following way:
"-noun
1. a wild and uncultivated region, as of forest or desert, uninhabited or inhabited only by wild animals; a tract of wasteland.
2. a tract of land officially designated as such and protected by the U.S. government.
3. any desolate tract, as of open sea.
4. a part of a garden set apart for plants growing with unchecked luxuriance.
5. a bewildering mass or collection."
I definitely see the Euro- Ethnocentrism in this definition but I think it does a better job of describing wilderness than the way the word is frequently used these days. I think the uncultivated and unchecked are important parts of the descriptions. I don't agree with the second definition or the idea of wasteland. It can be desolate without being wasteland. To me, "wilderness" describes places like Antarctica, Mount Everest, and the ocean floor.
Should we use "outdoors" (away from human settlement, open air) or "nature" (primitive, wild condition, an uncultivated state) instead of the term "wilderness"? I think they are both a little closer to what we mean when we say "wilderness."
The idea was thrown out that we could create a new definition for the word "wilderness" but I don't think we can do that. It would be incredibly hard to introduce a new term, especially if it is not a slang term, being used to poke fun at something. I think it would be too hard to get rid of the old definition. It would be more effective to just coin a new term than to replace the old definition.
As for my personal land use philosophy, I believe we must find a happy medium. The environment is important and we have taken way too much advantage of it in the past century, BUT we also can't survive without a little recreation. We need the interaction with nature and the time spent outdoors to be healthy human beings. Therefore, we must find a balance between using land (and water!) for health and recreation benefits and conserving land for future generations. We as Recreation professionals must take a stand and lead society to a balance.
"-noun
1. a wild and uncultivated region, as of forest or desert, uninhabited or inhabited only by wild animals; a tract of wasteland.
2. a tract of land officially designated as such and protected by the U.S. government.
3. any desolate tract, as of open sea.
4. a part of a garden set apart for plants growing with unchecked luxuriance.
5. a bewildering mass or collection."
I definitely see the Euro- Ethnocentrism in this definition but I think it does a better job of describing wilderness than the way the word is frequently used these days. I think the uncultivated and unchecked are important parts of the descriptions. I don't agree with the second definition or the idea of wasteland. It can be desolate without being wasteland. To me, "wilderness" describes places like Antarctica, Mount Everest, and the ocean floor.
Should we use "outdoors" (away from human settlement, open air) or "nature" (primitive, wild condition, an uncultivated state) instead of the term "wilderness"? I think they are both a little closer to what we mean when we say "wilderness."
The idea was thrown out that we could create a new definition for the word "wilderness" but I don't think we can do that. It would be incredibly hard to introduce a new term, especially if it is not a slang term, being used to poke fun at something. I think it would be too hard to get rid of the old definition. It would be more effective to just coin a new term than to replace the old definition.
As for my personal land use philosophy, I believe we must find a happy medium. The environment is important and we have taken way too much advantage of it in the past century, BUT we also can't survive without a little recreation. We need the interaction with nature and the time spent outdoors to be healthy human beings. Therefore, we must find a balance between using land (and water!) for health and recreation benefits and conserving land for future generations. We as Recreation professionals must take a stand and lead society to a balance.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Post It: Outdoor Recreation
Sorry for the late post, All! Being out of town and not having my laptop made it next to impossible to get this done on time.
- Our country has over 300 million acres of land in public trust available for recreation, but only 30% of shoreline is available for public use! Only about 10% of all of that space is actual wilderness (Didn't we discuss this idea of nature vs wilderness in class a few weeks ago?).
- The most popular recreation activity across all types of land is viewing nature from a vehicle. The environment is key to the experience but it is still done from the outside. This form of recreation has grown by over 400% in the past 50 years due to major increases in transportation technology.
- The National Park Service (NPS) was created to find a balance between recreation and resource management. Recently this has become an even bigger problem even though more land has been added to the national parks.
- Commercialized leisure is both a compliment to the recreation side of the debate and a huge hurdle for activists supporting conservation. Companies set up near the forests to sell cook stoves and RV equipment, etc. Boating companies set up business near lakes to repair/sell/teach consumers about boating.
- Debate: Should natural parks be run as a business? It would help with supply & demand, maintenance, crowding issues, etc. BUT they are treasures, not businesses, they are for preservation, not for profit, limitations are imposed by more fair means than by income/wealth, etc.
- There is no typical/normal recreationist/resource user. There is a broad spectrum of ways people use resources for recreation. The spectrum of users goes like this:
<------------------------------------------------------------>
Preservers Users Developers
-The 3 different areas of the spectrum mix like oil and water, which causes conflict.
-Debate: Is outdoor Recreation anti-environmental? Most recreation is exploratory, not observational, we have long term leases on public spaces like water areas, the resource has become a means to a greater end ($), etc. BUT those who know and use recreation tend to be the strongest supporters of conservation efforts, activity can be done when they are appropriate for the resource, it can be educational, its better to regulate than to close off completely, etc.
- Humans are a part of nature, not just in charge of it! If we use our resources unwisely, the carrying capacity might diminish, causing humans to become an endangered species!
- Please peruse this incredibly short article (Its only a few paragraphs!): http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/politics/stories/torontos-new-green-roof-law-a-first-for-north-america
I think this has the potential to alleviate some of the usage problems that ruin the environment. Can't we enjoy a garden on a rooftop as much as on the ground? And can't we still use these green spaces for outdoor education?
Questions:
1. Do you think that the lack of shoreline makes the beach more popular? Does it effect supply and demand? Or do we simply think of the beach as a more glamorous vacation spot because it is more glamorous than roughing it in the woods?
2. Earlier in the semester we discussed how important it is to be outside, in nature, when we discussed The Last Child in the Woods. This article suggests that people are driving to view nature but doing so from the car. Do you think this is enough, to simply view the nature from inside a car? Or is it doing more harm than good? Or is it a step in the right direction?
3. Do you have an opinion about whether national parks should be run as businesses or not? If so, does your opinion change when you start thinking about "The Grand Canyon" as opposed to thinking about "National Parks"?
- Our country has over 300 million acres of land in public trust available for recreation, but only 30% of shoreline is available for public use! Only about 10% of all of that space is actual wilderness (Didn't we discuss this idea of nature vs wilderness in class a few weeks ago?).
- The most popular recreation activity across all types of land is viewing nature from a vehicle. The environment is key to the experience but it is still done from the outside. This form of recreation has grown by over 400% in the past 50 years due to major increases in transportation technology.
- The National Park Service (NPS) was created to find a balance between recreation and resource management. Recently this has become an even bigger problem even though more land has been added to the national parks.
- Commercialized leisure is both a compliment to the recreation side of the debate and a huge hurdle for activists supporting conservation. Companies set up near the forests to sell cook stoves and RV equipment, etc. Boating companies set up business near lakes to repair/sell/teach consumers about boating.
- Debate: Should natural parks be run as a business? It would help with supply & demand, maintenance, crowding issues, etc. BUT they are treasures, not businesses, they are for preservation, not for profit, limitations are imposed by more fair means than by income/wealth, etc.
- There is no typical/normal recreationist/resource user. There is a broad spectrum of ways people use resources for recreation. The spectrum of users goes like this:
<------------------------------------------------------------>
Preservers Users Developers
-The 3 different areas of the spectrum mix like oil and water, which causes conflict.
-Debate: Is outdoor Recreation anti-environmental? Most recreation is exploratory, not observational, we have long term leases on public spaces like water areas, the resource has become a means to a greater end ($), etc. BUT those who know and use recreation tend to be the strongest supporters of conservation efforts, activity can be done when they are appropriate for the resource, it can be educational, its better to regulate than to close off completely, etc.
- Humans are a part of nature, not just in charge of it! If we use our resources unwisely, the carrying capacity might diminish, causing humans to become an endangered species!
- Please peruse this incredibly short article (Its only a few paragraphs!): http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/politics/stories/torontos-new-green-roof-law-a-first-for-north-america
I think this has the potential to alleviate some of the usage problems that ruin the environment. Can't we enjoy a garden on a rooftop as much as on the ground? And can't we still use these green spaces for outdoor education?
Questions:
1. Do you think that the lack of shoreline makes the beach more popular? Does it effect supply and demand? Or do we simply think of the beach as a more glamorous vacation spot because it is more glamorous than roughing it in the woods?
2. Earlier in the semester we discussed how important it is to be outside, in nature, when we discussed The Last Child in the Woods. This article suggests that people are driving to view nature but doing so from the car. Do you think this is enough, to simply view the nature from inside a car? Or is it doing more harm than good? Or is it a step in the right direction?
3. Do you have an opinion about whether national parks should be run as businesses or not? If so, does your opinion change when you start thinking about "The Grand Canyon" as opposed to thinking about "National Parks"?
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Name Change
I changed the name of my blog. I liked the old name, except it made it sound like death is a good alternative. And that's not a thought I can really deal with right now. The new name comes from this song:
This is a song that I have loved for many years but seems to mean a whole lot more these days. The scene at 55 seconds is where I am at right now.
So many times in a day, people say things like "It killed me to do it" or "I just about died" etc. Every time someone brings up a word like death or dying in front of me, they hesitate briefly like they think they've said something terrible that will remind me of my brother. The thing is, Bryan's always on my mind, always a part of who I am. The grief feels like a water balloon sitting in my torso... some days it has a lot less water in it and others, it's full and heavy. Saying something about death doesn't make me suddenly remember Bryan, his death is always there in my mind. Everything I think about is in relation to Bry.
Today marked one month since he died and I can't quite comprehend that. I'm still feeling the same grief I was 4 weeks ago, and yet the days are passing, the world keeps spinning. I feel like its passing me by.
We made an object with Play-Doh in RMP 800 this week (My idea) that represented what we were feeling like at that point. The idea is that it was a form of Therapeutic Recreation (the discussion topic for that day) and that children have an easier time talking about an object than their own feelings.
I made a person, standing next to a line. On the other side of the line were a ton of smiling faces. My feeling for that moment? Apart. I feel apart. There's people keeping me company, I'm just experiencing life differently than everyone else right now.
I spent about an hour and a half at the beach today, wrapped up in my comforter. Being out there brought a little peace. I felt a little closer to God, a little less angry, and a little more confidant that we will get through this. I still miss my brother like crazy (right now I just want a hug from him), but I can be a little less angry today.
This is a song that I have loved for many years but seems to mean a whole lot more these days. The scene at 55 seconds is where I am at right now.
So many times in a day, people say things like "It killed me to do it" or "I just about died" etc. Every time someone brings up a word like death or dying in front of me, they hesitate briefly like they think they've said something terrible that will remind me of my brother. The thing is, Bryan's always on my mind, always a part of who I am. The grief feels like a water balloon sitting in my torso... some days it has a lot less water in it and others, it's full and heavy. Saying something about death doesn't make me suddenly remember Bryan, his death is always there in my mind. Everything I think about is in relation to Bry.
Today marked one month since he died and I can't quite comprehend that. I'm still feeling the same grief I was 4 weeks ago, and yet the days are passing, the world keeps spinning. I feel like its passing me by.
We made an object with Play-Doh in RMP 800 this week (My idea) that represented what we were feeling like at that point. The idea is that it was a form of Therapeutic Recreation (the discussion topic for that day) and that children have an easier time talking about an object than their own feelings.
I made a person, standing next to a line. On the other side of the line were a ton of smiling faces. My feeling for that moment? Apart. I feel apart. There's people keeping me company, I'm just experiencing life differently than everyone else right now.
I spent about an hour and a half at the beach today, wrapped up in my comforter. Being out there brought a little peace. I felt a little closer to God, a little less angry, and a little more confidant that we will get through this. I still miss my brother like crazy (right now I just want a hug from him), but I can be a little less angry today.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
RMP 800 Reflection: 10/27/09
One of my classmates posed the question is wilderness free? I would like to pose the question is there even wilderness anymore? I feel like there is nature, but there is not really any wilderness anymore. Wilderness implies unexplored, adventure-filled desolate places like Mount Everest. Antarctica would count too. Nature on the other hand is still easily found. There is still forests and lakes and meadows that offer the opportunity to play in nature. The question is really not applicable. There isn't wilderness left to be free.
I liked the solution to slowing down life. Everyone should just take up gardening! It demands the gardener slow down and take a look at the bigger picture/consequences of actions. It helps you promote change with your own two hands and humbles you. It also gets you invested in the future. I wonder about farming (in the sense of keeping animals)? Does that have the same benefits? Is it the same as having a pet? I'm not sure having a pet does, but I think raising animals on a farm does have the desired effect. It is a much grander scale than the single pet.
“All good things are wild and free.” Henry David Thorough said this and I almost agree. I feel like all good things are natural but not necessarily wild.
The Mind Body Spirit connection was interesting to me. I agree with Gulick's theory that everything must be in balance. My life is living proof of this idea. My spirit is suffering and it has had a HUGE effect on my mind and body. I have so much less energy than I did before my brother died. I also can't carry an intelligent conversation anywhere near as long as I could a month ago. On good days, I have found that I'm not as worn out and I can concentrate longer and vice versa.
Generation that survived the great depression is much less into instant gratification and much more willing to wait for good things. This relates back to the gardening concept.
And now onto the concepts of the elderly...
We tend to think of the elderly as incapable, and not active members of society. My Great Grandmother lived to be 92 years old and until the last 2 years, she was fully capable. She lived in a retirement community in which everyone was required to have a door sign. If you didn't flip your door sign over in the morning, the staff would come to check on you. If you flipped your sign over, they would know you were capable and fine. She really enjoyed the freedom and she didn't feel like she was being babysat.
The fact that most Seniors think that they are the exception to the stereotypes we have of elderly is very humorous!
Thinking back to my Lifeguarding experience people we worried about the most were unsupervised elderly and children. Why do we treat senior citizens like they are children? They have a lot of life experiences to share!
What are your thoughts on getting older? I think getting the opportunity to grow old is a blessing! I hope to one day have children and I want them to know their grandparents. Old people have had so many diverse experiences that I have never had (nor probably will ever have). I can't picture myself as old yet, but I hope I get there one day!
How do your parents view retirement/getting older as they approach that age? My mother is of the opinion that she will never be old. She might have many years under her belt but she will never be old. She is 52 years young and refuses to believe that she will ever be old.
There is a plaque that hangs in my mother's office that I think sums up my final thoughts. It has 2 quotes on it:
"Never, never give up" -Winston Churchill
"Never, never grow up" -Dr. Seuss
Here's to growing old without growing up. Here's to a long, full life.
I liked the solution to slowing down life. Everyone should just take up gardening! It demands the gardener slow down and take a look at the bigger picture/consequences of actions. It helps you promote change with your own two hands and humbles you. It also gets you invested in the future. I wonder about farming (in the sense of keeping animals)? Does that have the same benefits? Is it the same as having a pet? I'm not sure having a pet does, but I think raising animals on a farm does have the desired effect. It is a much grander scale than the single pet.
“All good things are wild and free.” Henry David Thorough said this and I almost agree. I feel like all good things are natural but not necessarily wild.
The Mind Body Spirit connection was interesting to me. I agree with Gulick's theory that everything must be in balance. My life is living proof of this idea. My spirit is suffering and it has had a HUGE effect on my mind and body. I have so much less energy than I did before my brother died. I also can't carry an intelligent conversation anywhere near as long as I could a month ago. On good days, I have found that I'm not as worn out and I can concentrate longer and vice versa.
Generation that survived the great depression is much less into instant gratification and much more willing to wait for good things. This relates back to the gardening concept.
And now onto the concepts of the elderly...
We tend to think of the elderly as incapable, and not active members of society. My Great Grandmother lived to be 92 years old and until the last 2 years, she was fully capable. She lived in a retirement community in which everyone was required to have a door sign. If you didn't flip your door sign over in the morning, the staff would come to check on you. If you flipped your sign over, they would know you were capable and fine. She really enjoyed the freedom and she didn't feel like she was being babysat.
The fact that most Seniors think that they are the exception to the stereotypes we have of elderly is very humorous!
Thinking back to my Lifeguarding experience people we worried about the most were unsupervised elderly and children. Why do we treat senior citizens like they are children? They have a lot of life experiences to share!
What are your thoughts on getting older? I think getting the opportunity to grow old is a blessing! I hope to one day have children and I want them to know their grandparents. Old people have had so many diverse experiences that I have never had (nor probably will ever have). I can't picture myself as old yet, but I hope I get there one day!
How do your parents view retirement/getting older as they approach that age? My mother is of the opinion that she will never be old. She might have many years under her belt but she will never be old. She is 52 years young and refuses to believe that she will ever be old.
There is a plaque that hangs in my mother's office that I think sums up my final thoughts. It has 2 quotes on it:
"Never, never give up" -Winston Churchill
"Never, never grow up" -Dr. Seuss
Here's to growing old without growing up. Here's to a long, full life.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
WORDLE
This image was created at Wordle.net from my blog. It is a super neat website that takes words and turns them into a map of sorts. I am interested in seeing what this will look like at the end of the semester... I'll be sure to post that one too. :)
Sunday, October 25, 2009
The Fun Theory
Chris showed us this video in RMP 490 the other day and I immensely enjoyed it. Then I stumbled upon in on youtube and remembered how neat it was. Hope you enjoy!
And then I found this one which I thought was also good. These videos make a very good point!
And one more :)
And then I found this one which I thought was also good. These videos make a very good point!
And one more :)
RMP 800 Post It: Pedlar et al.
Resumption Of Role Status Through Leisure In Later Life
-The Senior population has changed drastically in the past few decades (they live longer, they're more active, they have more money) and yet our view of the elderly has stayed relatively static. This has created a programming problem: Recreation Professionals use the old view of elderly to program events that today's senior citizens are not interested in.
-Role-Person misfit: the struggle a person goes through when the role he is expected to play does not line up with who he believes himself to be. This is happening more and more frequently with elderly folks.
-As programmers, we should get the senior community involved in planning the programming. This gets them invested in the programming and leads to more effective programming. This is an easy, effective solution to the Role-Person Misfit situation!
-Most people providing goods or services to elderly folks assume the person is incompetent which only serves to anger the senior. Most seniors are fully capable of reading/writing/finding their way around/etc.
-3 concepts that make seniors' recreation experiences more satisfying:
1. Opportunity to contribute
2. identifying common enthusiasms with other people
3. Opportunity to demonstrate capabilities
-Recreation for the elderly population is not "babysitting"! Too many people view it this way.
- "...research has linked a decline in life satisfaction to involvement in formal recreation activity..."
-I think we should allow seniors to try things in much the same way we allow a child to try to ride a bike: Offer a little bit of help, but let them try! If they can't do it, we can put the training wheels back on, but you never know what they are capable of until you let them try.
Questions:
1. Have you ever seen/created/participated in programming that was geared towards elderly but NOT hosted in a place specifically for elderly? Is the recreation industry really providing for the elderly?
2.Are we also ignoring other publics in our communities? UNH has North East passage to provide recreation to individuals with disabilities, but what about people with mental disabilities, veterans, people who are suffering from psychological issues, people who are fighting long term diseases, etc?
3. Do our perceptions of the elderly community being weak, sick, incapable, etc. limit what seniors think of themselves and their capabilities?
-The Senior population has changed drastically in the past few decades (they live longer, they're more active, they have more money) and yet our view of the elderly has stayed relatively static. This has created a programming problem: Recreation Professionals use the old view of elderly to program events that today's senior citizens are not interested in.
-Role-Person misfit: the struggle a person goes through when the role he is expected to play does not line up with who he believes himself to be. This is happening more and more frequently with elderly folks.
-As programmers, we should get the senior community involved in planning the programming. This gets them invested in the programming and leads to more effective programming. This is an easy, effective solution to the Role-Person Misfit situation!
-Most people providing goods or services to elderly folks assume the person is incompetent which only serves to anger the senior. Most seniors are fully capable of reading/writing/finding their way around/etc.
-3 concepts that make seniors' recreation experiences more satisfying:
1. Opportunity to contribute
2. identifying common enthusiasms with other people
3. Opportunity to demonstrate capabilities
-Recreation for the elderly population is not "babysitting"! Too many people view it this way.
- "...research has linked a decline in life satisfaction to involvement in formal recreation activity..."
-I think we should allow seniors to try things in much the same way we allow a child to try to ride a bike: Offer a little bit of help, but let them try! If they can't do it, we can put the training wheels back on, but you never know what they are capable of until you let them try.
Questions:
1. Have you ever seen/created/participated in programming that was geared towards elderly but NOT hosted in a place specifically for elderly? Is the recreation industry really providing for the elderly?
2.Are we also ignoring other publics in our communities? UNH has North East passage to provide recreation to individuals with disabilities, but what about people with mental disabilities, veterans, people who are suffering from psychological issues, people who are fighting long term diseases, etc?
3. Do our perceptions of the elderly community being weak, sick, incapable, etc. limit what seniors think of themselves and their capabilities?
RMP 800: 10/20/09 Reflection
I found it very interesting that the happiness surveys show that it is not just Americans who show a dip in happiness in the past 50 years (subjective well being has dropped in plenty of developed countries); Amish don’t fall into this dissatisfaction. It wasn't brought up in class but I did find it interesting that nations considered to be developed were the ones becoming increasingly dissatisfied with life.
We also discussed the idea that leisure is freedom and opportunity as well as control. I found this an interesting (but true!) paradox as well. Don't parents use leisure to control their children (You can't go play until you've eaten everything on your plate)?
Will leisure stay the same or will it completely change in this century? I think our ideas about it (it is important, it has benefits, etc) will stay the same but what we feel is leisure will change. Facebook for example has become more of a task than leisure, but then again baseball has been around for a long time and it’s still considered leisure. I think even baseball is morphing though. For example, 30 years ago, I think more adults were playing baseball whereas today, adults watch baseball.
I also liked the idea that leisure is an octopus with its tentacles in movies/travel/food/clothes/etc. It is a very great analogy to all the disciplines that leisure can include. I could argue that almost everything could be one of the octopus's tentacles. I might not like eating brussel sprouts, but someone out there does and so eating brussel sprouts is leisure for them. You might not like running, but someone else does so it is leisure to them.
I'm not sure I completely agree with the thought that education is one of the best indicators of leisure preferences. I think we put too much emphasis on this. Yes, it does corelate with income (to some extent) and income has an effect on what you can afford to do, but that's too long of a chain to support. Especially since more and more people are going to college these days. By the time I finish school, I will have 2 degrees but one of my favorite things to do for leisure is go swing. I don't think that's something that correlates with my education level.
Our discussion on the loss of newspaper, being replaced by blogs either of specialists or with academic focus left an important idea out. Yes, they might write blogs, but what about the senior population? Technology is changing our leisure and forgetting about the older population! Have we done anything recently for elderly recreation? Kindle is the only thing I can really think of.
Finally, the quote from About A Boy was interesting. “This is an island age.” Is the age old adage "No man is an island" true still? Is there a point where you appreciate being an island? I think today's technology makes it a lot easier to be an island for longer periods of time, but I think the idea still rings true for the most part. In Texas, fences are built 8ft high creating island homes. The community does not interact the way the community in New England does. Each house creates it's own family island. Did we trade community for safety when we moved out of the cities and into the suburbs? I think some places did, while others did not. The places that are not the most tech-savy are the ones who still find the sense of community.
We also discussed the idea that leisure is freedom and opportunity as well as control. I found this an interesting (but true!) paradox as well. Don't parents use leisure to control their children (You can't go play until you've eaten everything on your plate)?
Will leisure stay the same or will it completely change in this century? I think our ideas about it (it is important, it has benefits, etc) will stay the same but what we feel is leisure will change. Facebook for example has become more of a task than leisure, but then again baseball has been around for a long time and it’s still considered leisure. I think even baseball is morphing though. For example, 30 years ago, I think more adults were playing baseball whereas today, adults watch baseball.
I also liked the idea that leisure is an octopus with its tentacles in movies/travel/food/clothes/etc. It is a very great analogy to all the disciplines that leisure can include. I could argue that almost everything could be one of the octopus's tentacles. I might not like eating brussel sprouts, but someone out there does and so eating brussel sprouts is leisure for them. You might not like running, but someone else does so it is leisure to them.
I'm not sure I completely agree with the thought that education is one of the best indicators of leisure preferences. I think we put too much emphasis on this. Yes, it does corelate with income (to some extent) and income has an effect on what you can afford to do, but that's too long of a chain to support. Especially since more and more people are going to college these days. By the time I finish school, I will have 2 degrees but one of my favorite things to do for leisure is go swing. I don't think that's something that correlates with my education level.
Our discussion on the loss of newspaper, being replaced by blogs either of specialists or with academic focus left an important idea out. Yes, they might write blogs, but what about the senior population? Technology is changing our leisure and forgetting about the older population! Have we done anything recently for elderly recreation? Kindle is the only thing I can really think of.
Finally, the quote from About A Boy was interesting. “This is an island age.” Is the age old adage "No man is an island" true still? Is there a point where you appreciate being an island? I think today's technology makes it a lot easier to be an island for longer periods of time, but I think the idea still rings true for the most part. In Texas, fences are built 8ft high creating island homes. The community does not interact the way the community in New England does. Each house creates it's own family island. Did we trade community for safety when we moved out of the cities and into the suburbs? I think some places did, while others did not. The places that are not the most tech-savy are the ones who still find the sense of community.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
In Loving Memory
This post is not for anyone else. You can read it if you want, I don't care. This post is about getting into words all the thoughts that have been going through my head since early this afternoon. I can't say them out loud because it hurts too much.
To my RMP girls.... sorry. No post. It was in the plans for this afternoon but life has a way of throwing plans out the window.
My brother died today. I don't know how to exist in a world without him. As much as he teased me when we were little, he was my hero. And I love him. And the past 5 or so years, he's been a better friend than almost everyone else. I don't know how to exist with out him in my life. He's my big brother.
It was a car accident in the early hours of the morning. The police told my parents he died on impact and that's better because he didn't suffer any. Its funny how people think that. I use to think that too. Its not better. It doesn't make anything better at all. Trust me. Its not ok. Don't say it to anyone ever. It won't help. It makes things worse.
I can't quite figure out how the world is still turning. It shouldn't be.
I keep having the stupidest thoughts go through my head. The same few: 1) when I get married 5 or 10 years from now, he's supposed to be there to walk my mom down the aisle. And 2) I don't know how Mom and Dad and Teri are going to survive thanksgiving since I'll still be here and he won't be there. And 3) I'm still hanging his stocking up at Christmas. I refuse to not.
And those 3 little letters people put next to the name of a friend who has died. I can't say or write them. They don't belong anywhere near his name. The just don't.
I'm angry but I don't know who or what to be angry with. It isn't fair. He was 25 and had just gotten a big promotion at work. He was planning to come visit me soon. Its not fair.
Every so often, I can't get my head around the concept. I just can't grasp it and so it doesn't exist. But then I catch hold again and start crying again.
To everyone that has called/texted/facebooked, thanks. I know I haven't answered much of it. I can't yet. The fact that you did helps me in a little way. I appreciate knowing that someone other than me thinks Bryan was something special. He totally was.
All prayers are greatly appreciated.
"And there is all this pressure cause everyone is hovering around me waiting for me to do something. Or say something, or flip out, or yell and cry some more and I'm happy to play my part. I'm happy to say the lines and do whatever it is that I'm supposed to be doing if it will make everyone feel more comfortable. But I don't- I don't know how to do this. I don't know how to be this person. I don't- I don't know who this person is."
In loving memory of Bryan Patrick Thies
4/16/84 - 10/4/09
To my RMP girls.... sorry. No post. It was in the plans for this afternoon but life has a way of throwing plans out the window.
My brother died today. I don't know how to exist in a world without him. As much as he teased me when we were little, he was my hero. And I love him. And the past 5 or so years, he's been a better friend than almost everyone else. I don't know how to exist with out him in my life. He's my big brother.
It was a car accident in the early hours of the morning. The police told my parents he died on impact and that's better because he didn't suffer any. Its funny how people think that. I use to think that too. Its not better. It doesn't make anything better at all. Trust me. Its not ok. Don't say it to anyone ever. It won't help. It makes things worse.
I can't quite figure out how the world is still turning. It shouldn't be.
I keep having the stupidest thoughts go through my head. The same few: 1) when I get married 5 or 10 years from now, he's supposed to be there to walk my mom down the aisle. And 2) I don't know how Mom and Dad and Teri are going to survive thanksgiving since I'll still be here and he won't be there. And 3) I'm still hanging his stocking up at Christmas. I refuse to not.
And those 3 little letters people put next to the name of a friend who has died. I can't say or write them. They don't belong anywhere near his name. The just don't.
I'm angry but I don't know who or what to be angry with. It isn't fair. He was 25 and had just gotten a big promotion at work. He was planning to come visit me soon. Its not fair.
Every so often, I can't get my head around the concept. I just can't grasp it and so it doesn't exist. But then I catch hold again and start crying again.
To everyone that has called/texted/facebooked, thanks. I know I haven't answered much of it. I can't yet. The fact that you did helps me in a little way. I appreciate knowing that someone other than me thinks Bryan was something special. He totally was.
All prayers are greatly appreciated.
"And there is all this pressure cause everyone is hovering around me waiting for me to do something. Or say something, or flip out, or yell and cry some more and I'm happy to play my part. I'm happy to say the lines and do whatever it is that I'm supposed to be doing if it will make everyone feel more comfortable. But I don't- I don't know how to do this. I don't know how to be this person. I don't- I don't know who this person is."
In loving memory of Bryan Patrick Thies
4/16/84 - 10/4/09
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Fenway Franks and the Future Mrs.
I was never a baseball fan back home... my mom's not a fan, my dad supports a team that's no where near Dallas, I've never played. I just wasn't a fan before I moved to New England. That being said, the Red Sox craze has caught me... I'm a Boston fan officially!
My boss got tickets to the game and took me to see the Red Sox play at Fenway against the Toronto Blue Jays last night. I HAD A BLAST!!!!!
This was my second time seeing Fenway but it was so much better when it was filled with screaming Red Sox fans. I got a Fenway Frank and a beer or two and peanuts... that definitely made the experience. Ball park food is in fact delicious!
The girl next to us was convinced that she was going to marry Ellsburry (He was nervous bc she was there but all in all played a good game). She was definitely there with her boyfriend...haha! I myself am a fan of #15, Pedroia. Apparently he's married.
The game was awesome... We made a comeback but still lost by one run. I now can officially cheer for the Red Sox correctly (i.e. YOOOOUUUUUK! haha!) and I really hope I get a chance to go see them play again!
I support 2 teams: The Boston Red Sox and whoever beats the NY Yankees!
My boss got tickets to the game and took me to see the Red Sox play at Fenway against the Toronto Blue Jays last night. I HAD A BLAST!!!!!
This was my second time seeing Fenway but it was so much better when it was filled with screaming Red Sox fans. I got a Fenway Frank and a beer or two and peanuts... that definitely made the experience. Ball park food is in fact delicious!
The girl next to us was convinced that she was going to marry Ellsburry (He was nervous bc she was there but all in all played a good game). She was definitely there with her boyfriend...haha! I myself am a fan of #15, Pedroia. Apparently he's married.
The game was awesome... We made a comeback but still lost by one run. I now can officially cheer for the Red Sox correctly (i.e. YOOOOUUUUUK! haha!) and I really hope I get a chance to go see them play again!
I support 2 teams: The Boston Red Sox and whoever beats the NY Yankees!
Monday, September 28, 2009
YouTube Clip Of The Day
If you (like me!) are devestated by the death of the beautiful Patrick Swayze, this might cheer you up... check these 80s hunks out! :)
Thursday, September 24, 2009
UNH Student Makes a Difference
http://www.unh.edu/mcnair/profile/cheslock.html
I thought that story was pretty awesome. UNH students making a difference.
Challenge for the day: Change someone else's day by doing a Random Act of Kindness :)
I thought that story was pretty awesome. UNH students making a difference.
Challenge for the day: Change someone else's day by doing a Random Act of Kindness :)
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
RMP 800 Reflection: 9/22/09
Just another thought related to earlier discussions on definitions. I feel like leisure implies more restful, less active things like reading and recreation implies more active things like sports.
To help with my own understanding of the discussion, I went to dictionary.com and looked up autotelic. The definition I could find was "(of an entity or event) having within itself the purpose of its existence or happening." I'm still playing with that thought so feel free to share any thoughts you have on it.
I like the concept of flow a lot. I'm not so sure fun is a required part of the definition though. I could argue that either way. Part of me thinks flow implies fun in its concept, after all, shouldn't a challenging experience that gives you opportunity to test your skills without being too hard, be exciting? On the other hand, if I get to working on something at work or reading an article in a text book that is pushing me to think, I experience flow. Scholarly reading and working hard don't exactly sound like fun!
Someone else mentioned in class that persons with ADD and schizophrenia cannot experience flow because they can't concentrate long enough to reach that level. I think I could argue that, too. My brother has ADD and I've seen him really put his heart and soul into things (like soccer for example) where he's being challenged but having fun. I think it would be incredibly sad if a person never got to experience flow!
In my undergrad, I studied Piaget as well as Lev Vygotsky. Their ideas and the one of flow mesh really well. Vygotsky coined the term "Zone of Proximal Development." The idea is that children learn when they are in an area that is above what they all ready know, but is not too hard for them to learn with out a little assistance (Check out http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/students/learning/lr1zpda.htm and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zone_of_proximal_development if you need a little more back ground info). So basically, if the child is being challenged, with something that they have the skills to do even though it's new, then the child will be learning. My thought is that when a child is learning in that zone of proximal development, they are very likely experiencing flow.
Next thought: Is play nature or nurture? Is it in our nature to play or is it something we learn by observing the world around us? Piaget's first stage of play is sensorimotor where infants play by using their senses. Isn't playing peek-a-boo with an infant teaching it to play? Isn't tickling an infant teaching it to play? I think nurture is a huge part of play!
And finally, here's my example of flow:
The building I worked in last semester had 2 stories although most of the building didn't have the second floor. Someone let a balloon loose and it ended up on the ceiling (2 stories up) where there wasn't second floor space. Obviously, we didn't have a ladder that reached high enough to get it down. My boss saw the balloon and challenged me to get it down before my shift was over. He told me he didn't think I could do it. It was definitely a huge challenge, but I had the skills needed to get it. I thought about it for half an hour, then tried 3 different solutions before I was able to get it down. The final solution involved double sided tape, a tennis ball, and a pool scoop. The entire process took about an hour and a half and I had fun from trying to accomplish my goal.
To help with my own understanding of the discussion, I went to dictionary.com and looked up autotelic. The definition I could find was "(of an entity or event) having within itself the purpose of its existence or happening." I'm still playing with that thought so feel free to share any thoughts you have on it.
I like the concept of flow a lot. I'm not so sure fun is a required part of the definition though. I could argue that either way. Part of me thinks flow implies fun in its concept, after all, shouldn't a challenging experience that gives you opportunity to test your skills without being too hard, be exciting? On the other hand, if I get to working on something at work or reading an article in a text book that is pushing me to think, I experience flow. Scholarly reading and working hard don't exactly sound like fun!
Someone else mentioned in class that persons with ADD and schizophrenia cannot experience flow because they can't concentrate long enough to reach that level. I think I could argue that, too. My brother has ADD and I've seen him really put his heart and soul into things (like soccer for example) where he's being challenged but having fun. I think it would be incredibly sad if a person never got to experience flow!
In my undergrad, I studied Piaget as well as Lev Vygotsky. Their ideas and the one of flow mesh really well. Vygotsky coined the term "Zone of Proximal Development." The idea is that children learn when they are in an area that is above what they all ready know, but is not too hard for them to learn with out a little assistance (Check out http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/students/learning/lr1zpda.htm and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zone_of_proximal_development if you need a little more back ground info). So basically, if the child is being challenged, with something that they have the skills to do even though it's new, then the child will be learning. My thought is that when a child is learning in that zone of proximal development, they are very likely experiencing flow.
Next thought: Is play nature or nurture? Is it in our nature to play or is it something we learn by observing the world around us? Piaget's first stage of play is sensorimotor where infants play by using their senses. Isn't playing peek-a-boo with an infant teaching it to play? Isn't tickling an infant teaching it to play? I think nurture is a huge part of play!
And finally, here's my example of flow:
The building I worked in last semester had 2 stories although most of the building didn't have the second floor. Someone let a balloon loose and it ended up on the ceiling (2 stories up) where there wasn't second floor space. Obviously, we didn't have a ladder that reached high enough to get it down. My boss saw the balloon and challenged me to get it down before my shift was over. He told me he didn't think I could do it. It was definitely a huge challenge, but I had the skills needed to get it. I thought about it for half an hour, then tried 3 different solutions before I was able to get it down. The final solution involved double sided tape, a tennis ball, and a pool scoop. The entire process took about an hour and a half and I had fun from trying to accomplish my goal.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
RMP 800 Post It: Levy Ch. 7
I know this is from Jodi's Chapter to Post It but it was one of my readings and I really disagreed with the idea mentioned. Levy is talking about the Surplus Energy Theory of Play and saying that it can't be true because when children play, they tire out quickly and then rest.
"The time interval between these episodes of play behavior is certainly not long enough to build up a surplus reservoir of energy."
I totally disagree with his reasoning here! There have been all sorts of studies done on this topic. As any certified Physical Education teacher and they'd disagree with this statement, too. Children wear out a lot quicker than adults do and recover a lot quicker than adults do. It has been scientifically proven by testing the amount of oxygen being taken in (among many other things). So those times that children pause and catch their breath doesn't need to be anywhere near what adults need!
OK I'll get off my soapbox. Here's my Post It for Levy Ch. 7:
Piaget- Nature vs Nurture -Which matters more? Both create the person we become!
The idea is that we are born with some personality traits/qualities (it's simply in our Nature) and we learn some personality traits/qualities by observing the people in our lives (Nurture). For example, My sister is very pessimistic but I am very optimistic while our parents are much more in the middle. Those are traits that qualify under the Nature idea. However, we both really love to read (our mother loves to read and taught us this love when we were very little) thus it is a Nurtured trait.
Piaget also believed we learned through 2 processes: Assimilation and accommodation. Assimilation is where you learn something that reinforces or goes along with something you all ready know. Accommodation is where you have to find new ways of understanding information because it doesn't fully fit with the information you know. For example, a baby seeing an orange could think it was round so it must be a ball, but when it tries to make the orange bounce, it discovers it doesn't bounce like balls bounce.
Children play to learn, thus by the time we reach adulthood, there is so much less we need to learn that play drops to a much lower level than in childhood. We've all ready assimilated and accommodated so many new ideas that less and less is new to us.
4 Types of Play According to Piaget:
1. Sensorimotor- infants play by using senses (chewing on a teething ring, following something with their eyes, etc.)
2. Preoperational- gross motor skills develop in young children who don't know the difference between reality and the make believe
3. Opperational- older children and pre teens start cognitive play. They want rules and they classfiy things
4. Formal Operational- Everyone from teenagers on up. Play in this category can be much more abstract
2 Functions of Play according to Piaget:
1. Pleasure, satisfaction, enjoyment, fun
2. Learning: "Play provides the opportunity to be wrong, sad, confused, uncoordinated, and aggressive." It gives children an opportunity to try out these emotions so they can be properly used in reality at a later time. This shows that play is an emotional release.
Problems with Piaget's Theories:
1. What about creativity? The accommodation/assimilation theory is about mimicking, not creating on your own.
2. The stages imply that play ends for the most part upon reaching adulthood. Adults still play dress up (think about Mardi Gras and costume parties)
Questions:
1. Do you think Piaget's concepts apply to adults as well as children? Why or why not?
2. Do you see any other holes in Piaget's theories surrounding play?
"The time interval between these episodes of play behavior is certainly not long enough to build up a surplus reservoir of energy."
I totally disagree with his reasoning here! There have been all sorts of studies done on this topic. As any certified Physical Education teacher and they'd disagree with this statement, too. Children wear out a lot quicker than adults do and recover a lot quicker than adults do. It has been scientifically proven by testing the amount of oxygen being taken in (among many other things). So those times that children pause and catch their breath doesn't need to be anywhere near what adults need!
OK I'll get off my soapbox. Here's my Post It for Levy Ch. 7:
Piaget- Nature vs Nurture -Which matters more? Both create the person we become!
The idea is that we are born with some personality traits/qualities (it's simply in our Nature) and we learn some personality traits/qualities by observing the people in our lives (Nurture). For example, My sister is very pessimistic but I am very optimistic while our parents are much more in the middle. Those are traits that qualify under the Nature idea. However, we both really love to read (our mother loves to read and taught us this love when we were very little) thus it is a Nurtured trait.
Piaget also believed we learned through 2 processes: Assimilation and accommodation. Assimilation is where you learn something that reinforces or goes along with something you all ready know. Accommodation is where you have to find new ways of understanding information because it doesn't fully fit with the information you know. For example, a baby seeing an orange could think it was round so it must be a ball, but when it tries to make the orange bounce, it discovers it doesn't bounce like balls bounce.
Children play to learn, thus by the time we reach adulthood, there is so much less we need to learn that play drops to a much lower level than in childhood. We've all ready assimilated and accommodated so many new ideas that less and less is new to us.
4 Types of Play According to Piaget:
1. Sensorimotor- infants play by using senses (chewing on a teething ring, following something with their eyes, etc.)
2. Preoperational- gross motor skills develop in young children who don't know the difference between reality and the make believe
3. Opperational- older children and pre teens start cognitive play. They want rules and they classfiy things
4. Formal Operational- Everyone from teenagers on up. Play in this category can be much more abstract
2 Functions of Play according to Piaget:
1. Pleasure, satisfaction, enjoyment, fun
2. Learning: "Play provides the opportunity to be wrong, sad, confused, uncoordinated, and aggressive." It gives children an opportunity to try out these emotions so they can be properly used in reality at a later time. This shows that play is an emotional release.
Problems with Piaget's Theories:
1. What about creativity? The accommodation/assimilation theory is about mimicking, not creating on your own.
2. The stages imply that play ends for the most part upon reaching adulthood. Adults still play dress up (think about Mardi Gras and costume parties)
Questions:
1. Do you think Piaget's concepts apply to adults as well as children? Why or why not?
2. Do you see any other holes in Piaget's theories surrounding play?
Saturday, September 19, 2009
What a Nerd!
I'm totally not reading the massive amount of articles and chapters and books I should be reading to be up to date on my classes this week. Instead, I'm reading The Lost Symbol. Its the sequel to Dan Brown's Angels and Demons and The Davinci Code and the nerd that I am, I decided to look up some of the information in the book.
I thought this was way cool and it doesn't spoil the book in any way so check it out: http://www.nationalcathedral.org/about/darthVader.shtml
I thought this was way cool and it doesn't spoil the book in any way so check it out: http://www.nationalcathedral.org/about/darthVader.shtml
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
RMP 800 9/15/09 Reflection
I am highly interested in the terms we talked about but that haven't been in our readings so far. The idea of Cognitive Recreation really stood out to me. I would put things like Sudoku and cross words in this category. Also, reading for pleasure could fall into this category. I'm not sure watching television or a movie does fall under this category though. The others all take much more effort than just watching something. Reading a book provokes your mind to imagine things in ways TV cannot. Our focus on this topic was leading towards older people but I think we forget about another side of that issue. My grandmother went to the beach this week to relax (!) because she was bored of sitting at home doing things like crosswords and reading books. With that thought in mind, I think this topic should pertain to all age levels instead of focusing on the elderly.
We touched on creative leisure a little bit as well. I'm not sure I completely understand the use of the term but I want to know more! I tried googling the topic and found several references to creative leisure that described it basically as arts and crafts. Is that how we're defining the term? I was thinking it was different than that but I can't quite explain what I think it is. Any thoughts?
I think that for the most part, the ideas of "casual leisure" and "serious leisure" cover leisure. I don't believe in only black & white, though; I believe there is gray area in just about every aspect of life. For the most part, I think the 2 terms cover the spectrum. Let's go back to the idea of sudoku and crosswords. My mother has been doing the crossword in the morning paper for as long as I can remember. That takes effort and you do get better the more you do, but not on the same scale as say blowing glass. That takes serious skill that gets cultivated over time with lots and lots of practice. Not everyone can do it like crosswords. So where does doing the cross word fall? Its more than casual leisure but less than serious leisure.
What else is missing? Will baby boomers' retirement help rewrite the definitions of leisure? Will they add to our lexicon? I hope so! One area that I think our lexicon is lacking in is the field of outdoor education. What's the difference between Outdoor Adventures and Outdoor Education and Adventure Education? There are some thin, hard to recognize concepts in that area. Maybe the baby boomers, with all their life experiences, will be able to help us nail down those definitions a little bit better.
Finally, I found the following quote on ThinkExist.com :
"People who cannot find time for recreation are obliged sooner or later to find time for illness.” ~John Wanamaker
I think this adds a little bit of depth to the ideas I brought forth in class about rest being important and what Boyd said about recreation as a break from work.
We touched on creative leisure a little bit as well. I'm not sure I completely understand the use of the term but I want to know more! I tried googling the topic and found several references to creative leisure that described it basically as arts and crafts. Is that how we're defining the term? I was thinking it was different than that but I can't quite explain what I think it is. Any thoughts?
I think that for the most part, the ideas of "casual leisure" and "serious leisure" cover leisure. I don't believe in only black & white, though; I believe there is gray area in just about every aspect of life. For the most part, I think the 2 terms cover the spectrum. Let's go back to the idea of sudoku and crosswords. My mother has been doing the crossword in the morning paper for as long as I can remember. That takes effort and you do get better the more you do, but not on the same scale as say blowing glass. That takes serious skill that gets cultivated over time with lots and lots of practice. Not everyone can do it like crosswords. So where does doing the cross word fall? Its more than casual leisure but less than serious leisure.
What else is missing? Will baby boomers' retirement help rewrite the definitions of leisure? Will they add to our lexicon? I hope so! One area that I think our lexicon is lacking in is the field of outdoor education. What's the difference between Outdoor Adventures and Outdoor Education and Adventure Education? There are some thin, hard to recognize concepts in that area. Maybe the baby boomers, with all their life experiences, will be able to help us nail down those definitions a little bit better.
Finally, I found the following quote on ThinkExist.com :
"People who cannot find time for recreation are obliged sooner or later to find time for illness.” ~John Wanamaker
I think this adds a little bit of depth to the ideas I brought forth in class about rest being important and what Boyd said about recreation as a break from work.
DIY: Ribbon Boards
I am a crafty person and I love making gifts for people. I think it shows you care more when you put a lot of effort into something. Disclaimer: I do not like cheesy, homemade gifts that look like they were made by a kindergartner, but things worth selling at a craft fair are acceptable gifts in my mind. So far, my favorite creation has been Ribbon Bulletin Boards. They cost about $15-20 and make AWESOME gifts :)
Here are a few I've made in the past few years:
This one is for my cousin Madisyn... it's her Christmas present this year!
This is one I made for myself. I loved the argyle ribbon and was trying to tie my room together with the blue and green theme.
I made these three for three very special young ladies in my life. The two on the outside look similar but are slightly different. The first one is for my friend Taryn, the second my cousin Madi, and the third, my cousin Kaylyn.
They are pretty simple and straight forward to make but here's a step by step in case you want to make an awesome board like mine!
Materials:
-Cork Board (I generally use one thats about the size of 2 pieces of paper. $7-8 at Hobby Lobby or Michaels.)
-Lots of ribbon (the more you use the better the board looks) in several different sizes/colors/patterns. **** THIS IS IMPORTANT: When picking out your ribbon, find a patterned piece to start with. It doesn't matter how thick the ribbon is but I generally try to make sure it is medium sized. Base all your other ribbon choices off this one.**** If you do not pick a patterned piece to go off of, the board will look terrible... trust me! I've torn one apart and started over from scratch because I thought having all the colors of the rainbow would look good. Make sure you have a patterned piece and stick with that color theme!. On the boards above, Madi's piece was the pink and green polka dot ribbon that was tiny. On Kaylyn's board, the very back pieces were white with pink, blue, and green polka dots. Follow a pattern! I generally use about a yard to a yard and a half of ribbon, and 6 or 7 different types of ribbon. It doesn't matter if you mix fabrics of ribbons.
-A hot glue gun
-Scissors
Optional: Push pins, gem stones, buttons, pictures to decorate with, etc
Process:
1. Cut 2 pieces of ribbon a little longer than the length of the board, and 2 pieces of ribbon a little bit wider than the board. Glue the ends of these pieces onto the back of the board, wrapping around the front and then gluing the opposite end on the back as well. These should be in parallel/perpendicular lines. This step is optional but I really love the dimension it adds to the boards. If you do choose to do this step, it must be the first one done!
2. Cut the ribbon into strips about an inch to an inch and a half long. I try and alternate which way the cut goes (up to the left or down to the left) so the board is a little more eclectic.
3. Begin gluing the pieces of ribbon around the board on the backside, starting with the thinnest pieces of ribbon. Spread the pieces out a little bit so there is plenty of diversity. After the first ribbon is on, head to the second thinnest ribbon and start gluing it around the board.
4. Create layers by gluing thicker pieces of ribbon overlapping the thinner pieces.
5. The final layer of ribbon should be the thickest ribbon you have and should cover all the way around the back.
6. Optional touches include adding gems, fun pushpins, and mementos/photos. I put gem stones on top of the pushpins for this board.
I also like to tie a long ribbon at the top that the board can hang from.
Good luck! I'd love to see what your finished boards look like :)
Here are a few I've made in the past few years:
This one is for my cousin Madisyn... it's her Christmas present this year!
This is one I made for myself. I loved the argyle ribbon and was trying to tie my room together with the blue and green theme.
I made these three for three very special young ladies in my life. The two on the outside look similar but are slightly different. The first one is for my friend Taryn, the second my cousin Madi, and the third, my cousin Kaylyn.
They are pretty simple and straight forward to make but here's a step by step in case you want to make an awesome board like mine!
Materials:
-Cork Board (I generally use one thats about the size of 2 pieces of paper. $7-8 at Hobby Lobby or Michaels.)
-Lots of ribbon (the more you use the better the board looks) in several different sizes/colors/patterns. **** THIS IS IMPORTANT: When picking out your ribbon, find a patterned piece to start with. It doesn't matter how thick the ribbon is but I generally try to make sure it is medium sized. Base all your other ribbon choices off this one.**** If you do not pick a patterned piece to go off of, the board will look terrible... trust me! I've torn one apart and started over from scratch because I thought having all the colors of the rainbow would look good. Make sure you have a patterned piece and stick with that color theme!. On the boards above, Madi's piece was the pink and green polka dot ribbon that was tiny. On Kaylyn's board, the very back pieces were white with pink, blue, and green polka dots. Follow a pattern! I generally use about a yard to a yard and a half of ribbon, and 6 or 7 different types of ribbon. It doesn't matter if you mix fabrics of ribbons.
-A hot glue gun
-Scissors
Optional: Push pins, gem stones, buttons, pictures to decorate with, etc
Process:
1. Cut 2 pieces of ribbon a little longer than the length of the board, and 2 pieces of ribbon a little bit wider than the board. Glue the ends of these pieces onto the back of the board, wrapping around the front and then gluing the opposite end on the back as well. These should be in parallel/perpendicular lines. This step is optional but I really love the dimension it adds to the boards. If you do choose to do this step, it must be the first one done!
2. Cut the ribbon into strips about an inch to an inch and a half long. I try and alternate which way the cut goes (up to the left or down to the left) so the board is a little more eclectic.
3. Begin gluing the pieces of ribbon around the board on the backside, starting with the thinnest pieces of ribbon. Spread the pieces out a little bit so there is plenty of diversity. After the first ribbon is on, head to the second thinnest ribbon and start gluing it around the board.
4. Create layers by gluing thicker pieces of ribbon overlapping the thinner pieces.
5. The final layer of ribbon should be the thickest ribbon you have and should cover all the way around the back.
6. Optional touches include adding gems, fun pushpins, and mementos/photos. I put gem stones on top of the pushpins for this board.
I also like to tie a long ribbon at the top that the board can hang from.
Good luck! I'd love to see what your finished boards look like :)
Cookies!
I am WICKED excited about the Cookie Press I got this weekend at the huge UNH/Durham Garage Sale. One of my favorite holiday memories is using the cookie press to bake sugary, buttery little cookies that Teri and I devoured almost as quickly as we made them. Mom has her own press but I would love to be able to make some and now I can do that without being in Texas :)
It is still in its packaging, circa the 1950s:
Teri and I had favorite shapes when we were little. We LOVED the Christmas Trees, Camels, and wreaths but I know Mom had other shapes. She wanted to know what shapes I got so this is a comparison... I know I have some that she doesn't.
I am waiting on Mom's recipe from home but I fully intend to bring some to share with RMP 800 one week :)
It is still in its packaging, circa the 1950s:
Teri and I had favorite shapes when we were little. We LOVED the Christmas Trees, Camels, and wreaths but I know Mom had other shapes. She wanted to know what shapes I got so this is a comparison... I know I have some that she doesn't.
I am waiting on Mom's recipe from home but I fully intend to bring some to share with RMP 800 one week :)
Ben Stein On Christmas Trees
The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary:
"My confession: I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees, Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are, Christmas trees. It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, 'Merry Christmas' to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu . If people want a creche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away. I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians.
I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from, that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat. Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the America we knew went to."
I like his thought process. For a reverse perspective, I'm a Christian and I love seeing Menorahs. I'm glad that those who practice the Jewish faith believe in God and know him on some level. I hate having to worry about who I can say "Merry Christmas" to and who I can't. There's a couple of episodes in the second season of Grey's Anatomy that follow this idea. Christina is Jewish so Burke puts out a Menorah for her even though he celebrates Christmas. I am firm in beliefs and I wish I was allowed to freely practice my faith without worrying about whom I might offend. Just some thoughts.
And with that in mind, here's a little bit of early Christmas cheer for you to enjoy:
"My confession: I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees, Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are, Christmas trees. It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, 'Merry Christmas' to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu . If people want a creche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away. I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians.
I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from, that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat. Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the America we knew went to."
I like his thought process. For a reverse perspective, I'm a Christian and I love seeing Menorahs. I'm glad that those who practice the Jewish faith believe in God and know him on some level. I hate having to worry about who I can say "Merry Christmas" to and who I can't. There's a couple of episodes in the second season of Grey's Anatomy that follow this idea. Christina is Jewish so Burke puts out a Menorah for her even though he celebrates Christmas. I am firm in beliefs and I wish I was allowed to freely practice my faith without worrying about whom I might offend. Just some thoughts.
And with that in mind, here's a little bit of early Christmas cheer for you to enjoy:
Monday, September 14, 2009
Laughter
Just pick a link or two :)
"The most wasted of all days is one without laughter." -e.e. cummings
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EO_BnsrWMnI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZMwKPmsbWE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4D0555EtAZ4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZkdcYlOn5M
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noPMno1FrX0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GaEsupNvlM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxgWHsfk6Zg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txqiwrbYGrs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fVDGu82FeQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fk-1mla0LeU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsWrY77o77o
http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1742342
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMH0bHeiRNg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdxkVQy7QLM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVA047JAQsk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uwOL4rB-go
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBSYD0dQCAw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUcfCbv6GjY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-BfQ7hJ6Po
"The most wasted of all days is one without laughter." -e.e. cummings
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EO_BnsrWMnI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZMwKPmsbWE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4D0555EtAZ4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZkdcYlOn5M
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noPMno1FrX0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GaEsupNvlM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxgWHsfk6Zg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txqiwrbYGrs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fVDGu82FeQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fk-1mla0LeU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsWrY77o77o
http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1742342
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMH0bHeiRNg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdxkVQy7QLM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVA047JAQsk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uwOL4rB-go
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBSYD0dQCAw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUcfCbv6GjY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-BfQ7hJ6Po
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Your Bible Belt is Showing
Philip, Bud and I have an understanding. There are points in the day where we look at each other and share a look and we completely understand each other! We all grew up in the Bible Belt so sometimes, some New Englander's behavior will throw us off. We just get so shocked, we can't respond.
This morning we were at this HUGE garage sale that 3 of the churches put on every year, right on the edge of campus. The whole town comes out to get stuff (we got chairs for our kitchen table, a dresser for Bud, a vacuum cleaner, A COOKIE PRESS ((YAY!)), a new sweater, and a bag of books). They put a line of tape up around the perimeter and you can't enter until 9:00 am. Philip and I were standing eyeing a set of chairs around 8:45 and a pair of guys starts joking about getting to the stuff they want. They threw out the idea of hurdling and then diving between people. We were standing next to a pleasant looking woman in her mid thirties. At the start of the guys' conversation, she turns around and says to us "You better watch who you're diving into. I will throw your F$%^&$ a#$% to the ground. And my sister has stitches so you better not mess with her." And then she turned back around.
Philip and I just about died on the spot! We reminded each other our Bible Belts were showing and tried not to let it bug us.
My staff also likes to tell me that my "Texan is showing." They seem to have gotten over my use of the word "Y'all" but occasionally, I still show my Texan. I'm OK with that. Texas will always be a part of me!
This morning we were at this HUGE garage sale that 3 of the churches put on every year, right on the edge of campus. The whole town comes out to get stuff (we got chairs for our kitchen table, a dresser for Bud, a vacuum cleaner, A COOKIE PRESS ((YAY!)), a new sweater, and a bag of books). They put a line of tape up around the perimeter and you can't enter until 9:00 am. Philip and I were standing eyeing a set of chairs around 8:45 and a pair of guys starts joking about getting to the stuff they want. They threw out the idea of hurdling and then diving between people. We were standing next to a pleasant looking woman in her mid thirties. At the start of the guys' conversation, she turns around and says to us "You better watch who you're diving into. I will throw your F$%^&$ a#$% to the ground. And my sister has stitches so you better not mess with her." And then she turned back around.
Philip and I just about died on the spot! We reminded each other our Bible Belts were showing and tried not to let it bug us.
My staff also likes to tell me that my "Texan is showing." They seem to have gotten over my use of the word "Y'all" but occasionally, I still show my Texan. I'm OK with that. Texas will always be a part of me!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
My New Hampshire TDL
The idea behind leaving Texas for Grad school was that I'd get a ton of new experiences. Why not go spend 2 years far away? I had the opportunity and I took it! Since I've moved, I've made it my goal to do as many cool/new things as possible. On that note, I've created a To Do List so I get the most out of my 2 years. Who knows where I'll go from here?
My NHTDL:
- See some light houses
- Visit Boston (Freedom Trail, Fanuil Hall/ the Cheers Bar, Fenway, and the Aquarium are all on my list of things to do there.)
- Go to a Redsox game at Fenway (My boss and the head of my academic department apparently give away tickets occasionally. Maybe the Rangers will come to play the Red Sox up here. That would be an awesome game!)
- Visit Canada (I need to get my passport first)
- Go sledding
- Go mountain biking
- Visit NY (I might have to make a few trips but I want to see the Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island, Macy's/the square, Central Park, the Met, the MOMA, see something on Broadway, Ground Zero, Times Square, Grand Central Station, and Eloise's portrait at The Plaza)
- Go skiing
- Build a snowman
- Get my Master's Degree
- Do the Cliff Walk in Ogunquit
- Ride the train somewhere (I am probably heading to New Jersey on the train for Turkey Day)
-Visit D.C. (I know its kind of far but really, it's no longer than the drive from Dallas to San Antonia which I've done several times. As long as I make it a weekend trip, it's totally worth it!) I want to go on the White House Tour and see all the history/political stuff but I also want to go to the United States Botanical Garden.
-Visit the Flume Gorge State Park (Suggestion from my Grandmother's BFF)
Cool things I've all ready done since moving to NH:
- Ate Lobster ((YUM!)) and Sword Fish and Scallops wrapped in Bacon
- Went to the beach in Maine (Its been years since I've played in the Atlantic Ocean!)
- Visited the Nubble Light House
- Kayaked and played at the lake
- Went Ice Skating
- Visited an Irish pub with authentic live music
- Competed in a Trivia Challenge at a bar
- Played Ice Hockey
- Visited the Children's Science Museum
- Played Wheel Chair Rugby (It was a fantastic workout!)
- Tried Caviar ((YUK!))
- Ate some awesome Greek food (Falafel and Lamb)
- Heard some work friends play in a Bagpipe band
-Went to the Hampton Beach Seafood Festival (We watched a Sand Sculpture Artist work and skydivers, ate a ton of delicious seafood and did some Christmas shopping)
-Joined a broomball team (Intramural Champs? I think so!) We got our butts kicked first week but we're ready to whoop up now ;-)
Some of these I've all ready done before but not very often. Their novelty made them acceptable additions to the list
My NHTDL:
- See some light houses
- Visit Boston (Freedom Trail, Fanuil Hall/ the Cheers Bar, Fenway, and the Aquarium are all on my list of things to do there.)
- Go to a Redsox game at Fenway (My boss and the head of my academic department apparently give away tickets occasionally. Maybe the Rangers will come to play the Red Sox up here. That would be an awesome game!)
- Visit Canada (I need to get my passport first)
- Go sledding
- Go mountain biking
- Visit NY (I might have to make a few trips but I want to see the Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island, Macy's/the square, Central Park, the Met, the MOMA, see something on Broadway, Ground Zero, Times Square, Grand Central Station, and Eloise's portrait at The Plaza)
- Go skiing
- Build a snowman
- Get my Master's Degree
- Do the Cliff Walk in Ogunquit
- Ride the train somewhere (I am probably heading to New Jersey on the train for Turkey Day)
-Visit D.C. (I know its kind of far but really, it's no longer than the drive from Dallas to San Antonia which I've done several times. As long as I make it a weekend trip, it's totally worth it!) I want to go on the White House Tour and see all the history/political stuff but I also want to go to the United States Botanical Garden.
-Visit the Flume Gorge State Park (Suggestion from my Grandmother's BFF)
Cool things I've all ready done since moving to NH:
- Ate Lobster ((YUM!)) and Sword Fish and Scallops wrapped in Bacon
- Went to the beach in Maine (Its been years since I've played in the Atlantic Ocean!)
- Visited the Nubble Light House
- Kayaked and played at the lake
- Went Ice Skating
- Visited an Irish pub with authentic live music
- Competed in a Trivia Challenge at a bar
- Played Ice Hockey
- Visited the Children's Science Museum
- Played Wheel Chair Rugby (It was a fantastic workout!)
- Tried Caviar ((YUK!))
- Ate some awesome Greek food (Falafel and Lamb)
- Heard some work friends play in a Bagpipe band
-Went to the Hampton Beach Seafood Festival (We watched a Sand Sculpture Artist work and skydivers, ate a ton of delicious seafood and did some Christmas shopping)
-Joined a broomball team (Intramural Champs? I think so!) We got our butts kicked first week but we're ready to whoop up now ;-)
Some of these I've all ready done before but not very often. Their novelty made them acceptable additions to the list
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Campus Playground
I'm currently reading a really great article about the entomology of words for my RMP 800 class. I'm fascinated with the way the English language absorbed Greek, Latin, French, etc. words. The article has a section that talks about leisure, school, and work that mentions how "campus" comes from words meaning playground. How neat (or should I say "wicked?") is that?
I've been having a fabulous time exploring New Hampshire but I have not done as much exploring on campus. "Campus" has a connotative meaning to me: learning and working. I've become very much accustomed to being a commuter student and don't think of campus as a playground or really even a place for fun.
That all being said, I did get my first taste of on-campus fun last night. I spent the evening with a few friends watching Star Trek on the lawn outside Thompson Hall. It was a free event and I quite enjoyed myself!
Another thing I found interesting in the article is the word "ludo." The word has several forms in Greek and Latin that all mean play, sport, or game. This adds new depth to the character Ludo Bagman. J.K. Rowling really played with words to create her characters! Does anyone else find this interesting?
I've been having a fabulous time exploring New Hampshire but I have not done as much exploring on campus. "Campus" has a connotative meaning to me: learning and working. I've become very much accustomed to being a commuter student and don't think of campus as a playground or really even a place for fun.
That all being said, I did get my first taste of on-campus fun last night. I spent the evening with a few friends watching Star Trek on the lawn outside Thompson Hall. It was a free event and I quite enjoyed myself!
Another thing I found interesting in the article is the word "ludo." The word has several forms in Greek and Latin that all mean play, sport, or game. This adds new depth to the character Ludo Bagman. J.K. Rowling really played with words to create her characters! Does anyone else find this interesting?
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