School Update

Spring term is under my belt, and Summer term has begun by racing out of the gate!

What I mean by racing - is that I am an official "news reporter." and have to "race" to finish my stories for the Daily Universe. The first two stories are complete, only to have two, three and more, looming on my mind waiting to be framed.

The professor whom I thought was going to be our instructor turned out not to be, but now is, due to the official instructor traveling to China. But you know what, I like this 'not to be' instructor!!! However, I may change my mind once he gets a hold of my articles - wondering if he will tear it apart!!!

In the meantime, I will be plugging along with Bio 100, a class that is filled with seniors, because it is the last G.E. that is needed (I am one of them!). Hoping my now improved, GPA, will not be tarnished because of failure to understand DNA, and other biological issues.

Good news today! Got a very kind note from my spring term instructor in Media Law. He wrote to tell me that I did well competing with a class full of 20-year old, and received one of the top grades of the class. Ended up with grades far better than I expected - and I am so grateful.

Families - are Everywhere!

Last night, the majority of my husband's family congregated at the LDS Conference Center for a practice session of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. My husband's sister, Rachel, is a member of the choir (and we are very proud of her!).

Apparently the MoTab allows special guests to practice with them occasionally. Rachel and a cousin, who also is a choir member, made arrangements for their dads (who are brothers) to sing with the choir last night. According to dad - this was a chance of a lifetime!

Though just an observer, we are so glad we got to enjoy the experience too. The count of more than 80 family members were there to support a long awaited dream.

Dad - we love you!

So True!!!

On Facebook, my cousin, who lives in Yuma, AZ - where I was born and raised, posted this quote:

You know you live in Yuma when the four seasons are: tolerable, hot, really hot, and are you freakin' kidding me?! ~Author Unknown

Couldn't help but get a deep gutteral chuckle out of this!!!

Avoidance at All Costs

There was a description penned for my daughter's, sister-in-law -

Constructive Avoidance: Time spent on work that is neither important or urgent, in preference to urgent and important work.

I want to say, that today, I feel like doing that. One more final to go, then I can breathe and regroup for Monday.

But what am I doing? It isn't studying!!! It is blogging about wanting to avoid doing anything - though, I could go for a wicked storm filling the night skies, a fire, a soft cozy blanket and a good book to enjoy. And a deep uninterrupted sleep.

Sandwiches

I just saw someone eating a toasted, top ramen (cooked) and mayonnaise sandwich. Is that wrong - or what?

There Are Warning Signs You Know!

On the front page of the New York Times today, there were several articles about technology and your brain. I recommend that they are all a must read, as it points out some significant studies on how technology, if unchecked can REWRITE your brain. I think it is more like having your brain becoming HARDWIRED. Hey, I love technology. I think it is wonderful, but there are limits.

Here are some questions you can ask yourself regarding your usage on the computer. Tara Parker-Pope spoke with experts who identified these signs:
• Do you always check your e-mail before doing other things?
• Do you frequently find yourself anticipating the next time you’ll be online?
• Have you ever lied about or tired to hide how long you’ve been online?
• Have you ever chosen to spend time online rather than going out with others?
• Does going online lift you from a depressed or nervous mood?
• Do others in your life often complain about the amount of time you spend using technology?

Hanging Out With the Tribe

I learned about this book during a series of lectures on Social Media last year.

Seth Godin is a marketer, and he has something important to say. About tribes. Think about it. How many tribes do you belong to? What do your tribal leaders say or do that makes you want to follow? We have been doing this from the beginning of mankind.

This book makes you think OUTSIDE THE BOX in regards to tribes, or communities of people. Many equate social media with creating communities - or tribes. That is partly true. The Internet is a tool which helps you to connect. But to create a tribe - you still need people. People are still important in building relationships.

Godin writes about different types of people and how they play various roles in tribes. They are three types that made an impression on me, the heretic, the fundamentalist and the curious.

HERETIC: "The ones who challenge the status quo, who get out in front of their tribes, who create movements...heretics, troublemakers and change agents aren't merely thorns in our side - they are the keys to our success." (p. 11) Think about William Tyndale, during the 16th century. He was considered a heretic, because he believed that the bible should be for every man. He was burned for his beliefs. To those with religious power, he was a troublemaker, and he created movements such as the Protestant reformation.

FUNDAMENTALIST: "A person who considers whether a fact is acceptable to his religion before he explores it." But really, "...fundamentalism has nothing to do with religion and everything to do with an outlook..." (p.63-64) You may know people like this. They decide that this (whatever it may be) is the way it should be and use it to anchor their lives. 'Once a catholic, always a catholic' was what a friend would tell me. Personally I thought that was just dumb - because he accepted this religion without knowing for himself. Additionally, I believe that there are many people who live by routines, there is no variety in their lives, and when life hits them broadside, they can't cope. A lot of issues pop up. I feel sorry for these individuals.

CURIOUS: "...a curious person who explores first and then considers whether or not he wants to accept the ramifications...[they] embrace the tension between his religion and something new, wrestles with it and through it, and then decides whether to embrace the new idea or reject it." (p. 63) Godin further describes a curios person who has the desire to understand and try new things - they want to explore and push the envelope to see what is going to happen next. I chuckled when I read how going to school is punishment to the curious! But two points were significant:

• "...the safest thing you can do feels risky and the riskiest thing you can do is play it safe." (p. 64)

• "Once recognized, the quiet yet persistent voice of curiosity doesn't go away. Ever." (p. 64)

So I ask you - what do you consider yourself?