It is offical, it gets dark in the Big Sky at 5:00 p.m. Crazy. This means one of two things: you run in the dark in the morning or you run in the dark in the evening. I opted for the latter. Fortunatley I have a running partner who motivates me and vice versus - when we both guilty each other in to going.
It is strange running here though, because in Reno I never felt in danger or scared, but here I do, especially at night. Why you ask, while it is because there are these things called bears and deer. In the local park there have been bear sightings, black all be it, but bear none the less. Bears are big, fast moving when pissed, and can hurt you. Luckily, it is almost time for them to go to sleep for a few months.
Deer on the other hand are still around. Deer are not the brightest animals as demonstrated by the start-stop motion, fake out the drive routine that usually ends up with the poor animal dead on the side of the road. Deer do the same thing when spooked by runners on the trail. They don't really know which way to run. Sometimes they will run toward you, to the side of you, or away from you. Either way they are big and have sharp hooves that can hurt you.
With that I have decided to do one of two things: Join a gym or go running on my lunch hour. I a thinking that the gym will come later in the season when it get to cold to run outside. For now I think I will take my chances with the deer and the bears.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
How Funny
Oh man, life is so funny. Have you ever gone to work and just removed your self from all the drama and politics and just observed your co-workers? It is one of my favorite things to do. People, especially in the office, are funny. We all do some seriously silly shit.
One example: If you had walked in to the office around 4:00 p.m. today you would have seen four, count them four, planners all gathered around a building permit, not speaking, and all looking at one another very confused. Then you would have seen a sudden eruption of chatter as we all once again tried to talk our way out of this permit predicament.
You might ask, "What was all the confusion over?" It was over how to calculate parking or better yet how to interpret the language that is the county code. What fun.
Yes, yes, I know this may not be funny to all, but hey when you work in my field, in MY office, one has to find humor in the littlest things other wise you will go crazy.
Now I know why there are two hit series of the same show, one British and one American, can you guess which show? The Office. No wonder it has been so successful, so many people can relate. Cheers and don't forget to observe the office wildlife sometime, it will be sure to entertain, astound, and perhaps educate you.
One example: If you had walked in to the office around 4:00 p.m. today you would have seen four, count them four, planners all gathered around a building permit, not speaking, and all looking at one another very confused. Then you would have seen a sudden eruption of chatter as we all once again tried to talk our way out of this permit predicament.
You might ask, "What was all the confusion over?" It was over how to calculate parking or better yet how to interpret the language that is the county code. What fun.
Yes, yes, I know this may not be funny to all, but hey when you work in my field, in MY office, one has to find humor in the littlest things other wise you will go crazy.
Now I know why there are two hit series of the same show, one British and one American, can you guess which show? The Office. No wonder it has been so successful, so many people can relate. Cheers and don't forget to observe the office wildlife sometime, it will be sure to entertain, astound, and perhaps educate you.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Real Life - Adjustments or Things I have learned while in Montana
Yes it has been a while since I've posted, largely in part due to the fact that I have to occasionally poach internet and that I can't blog while at work (looks bad when you are still trying to impress the new bosses.)
I am still in Big Sky and it is a mighty beautiful place to be, but it does have some funny quirks about it.
The People:
What I have learned thus far, you are either native Montanan or your from somewhere else and never will be. Sounds a whole lot like Nevada and Alaska. Personally it doesn't matter to me where you are from as long as you share some of the same values or at least are sensitive to the local way of living. But here is the kicker, never ever ever admit or mention that you are from or try to defend California. It is according to so many people here, the worst thing possible. Understandable to some extent, but at the same time everyone comes from somewhere and the honest truth is, they bring money to the local economic. More on this later. A few things on the positive side, the people are very friendly, they are very independent, and very into hunting and sharing of the kill. Hurray for elk meat!
The landscape:
No complaints here. It is an amazing place. There are plenty of lakes, rivers, mountains, and valleys to satisfy even the pickiest of people. By coming back to a place that is surrounded by mountains on all sides, I think I finally figured out what I was missing so bad in the Biggest Little City, valley living. True valley living. I have grown up in valleys my whole life and I love the physical imposition and reminder that it provides. It is very humbling to wake up each morning and look up at some very large and close mountains. Not quite as dramatic as Logan or Ogden, but it does the job.
My career choice:
Rather than term this "the job" I think it is better to examine it from the career perspective. Or perhaps I should just call it "the real world." Okay, we are all warned at some point in our lives about what it will be like when we enter the real world. It will be nothing like home, it will definitely not be like college and we are never truly prepared for it. I agree but beg to differ on this by just one aspect: GRADUATE SCHOOL. The real world is very much like graduate school: politics, people from a wide range of disciplines, deadlines, self motivation, hoops to jump through, new things to learn. I have to say that graduate school is one of the best preparation tools for "the real world." Granted I have yet to finish my thesis (yes I see the irony of deadlines, self motivation, etc) but I am more motivated to do it now than ever. Perspective is all I can say.
Don't get me wrong, I like it out here in the real world, but there are some things can could be improved in the career area of the real world. First negativity. When did it become a rule that you have to be bitter and negative all the time in the work place? I am constantly surrounded by it, but some how I am managing to stay positive. Perhaps it is because I was selective in what I wanted to do with my life, for my career. Or it is the fact that I am passionate about what I do, yes a person can be passionate about planning. Either way I refuse to let the burnt out folks get me down. I am not going to tuck tail just yet.
Secondly, when did/do adults revert back to being six year olds? This comment is a result of all the nit picky crap that goes on in the office. Others may know this as office politics, but seriously, why do people hold grudges over the dumbest things? I understand that in a place like Missoula where good paying jobs are few and far between, and that when there are few opportunities to advance, people try to make themselves look as good as possible, but it is completely irresponsible and very unprofessional for one employee to blame another for mistakes they didn't make or have control over or for that matter to tattle on one another. Come on folks we are all adults. If you have something to say say it and make sure you do it in a way that is correct.
I am still in Big Sky and it is a mighty beautiful place to be, but it does have some funny quirks about it.
The People:
What I have learned thus far, you are either native Montanan or your from somewhere else and never will be. Sounds a whole lot like Nevada and Alaska. Personally it doesn't matter to me where you are from as long as you share some of the same values or at least are sensitive to the local way of living. But here is the kicker, never ever ever admit or mention that you are from or try to defend California. It is according to so many people here, the worst thing possible. Understandable to some extent, but at the same time everyone comes from somewhere and the honest truth is, they bring money to the local economic. More on this later. A few things on the positive side, the people are very friendly, they are very independent, and very into hunting and sharing of the kill. Hurray for elk meat!
The landscape:
No complaints here. It is an amazing place. There are plenty of lakes, rivers, mountains, and valleys to satisfy even the pickiest of people. By coming back to a place that is surrounded by mountains on all sides, I think I finally figured out what I was missing so bad in the Biggest Little City, valley living. True valley living. I have grown up in valleys my whole life and I love the physical imposition and reminder that it provides. It is very humbling to wake up each morning and look up at some very large and close mountains. Not quite as dramatic as Logan or Ogden, but it does the job.
My career choice:
Rather than term this "the job" I think it is better to examine it from the career perspective. Or perhaps I should just call it "the real world." Okay, we are all warned at some point in our lives about what it will be like when we enter the real world. It will be nothing like home, it will definitely not be like college and we are never truly prepared for it. I agree but beg to differ on this by just one aspect: GRADUATE SCHOOL. The real world is very much like graduate school: politics, people from a wide range of disciplines, deadlines, self motivation, hoops to jump through, new things to learn. I have to say that graduate school is one of the best preparation tools for "the real world." Granted I have yet to finish my thesis (yes I see the irony of deadlines, self motivation, etc) but I am more motivated to do it now than ever. Perspective is all I can say.
Don't get me wrong, I like it out here in the real world, but there are some things can could be improved in the career area of the real world. First negativity. When did it become a rule that you have to be bitter and negative all the time in the work place? I am constantly surrounded by it, but some how I am managing to stay positive. Perhaps it is because I was selective in what I wanted to do with my life, for my career. Or it is the fact that I am passionate about what I do, yes a person can be passionate about planning. Either way I refuse to let the burnt out folks get me down. I am not going to tuck tail just yet.
Secondly, when did/do adults revert back to being six year olds? This comment is a result of all the nit picky crap that goes on in the office. Others may know this as office politics, but seriously, why do people hold grudges over the dumbest things? I understand that in a place like Missoula where good paying jobs are few and far between, and that when there are few opportunities to advance, people try to make themselves look as good as possible, but it is completely irresponsible and very unprofessional for one employee to blame another for mistakes they didn't make or have control over or for that matter to tattle on one another. Come on folks we are all adults. If you have something to say say it and make sure you do it in a way that is correct.
On that line of thought the other big lesson that I have learned....
Boundaries:All I can say is know your own, know the political dance and moves boundaries, and be mindful of what and to whom you say it (see the above digest on six year olds in the office.) I am learning that it is by far better to keep you personal life, political views, general comments, and anything else that might jostle the pecking order to your self.
One last thought on what I have learned:
Staying positive is the best thing you can do when entering a new job or space. Remember to be conscious of your actions and reactions. Take care of your body while working an office job as it is completely possible to cause serious damage to your self by sitting on your arse and slouching everyday of the week.
Oh and have a few good friends on speed dial that you can call and say, "Want to get a beer after work?" This will be essential to maintaining your sanity.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
It Happened One Day
Amazing things are happening here in Big Sky: Cold temperatures and snow. Yep you read that right, snow. This morning's commute to work revealed an fantastic view, the top of Lolo Peak covered in the first snow. What a great sight to complement the chilly bite in the air that announced Fall's arrival.
Most of the folks that I work with are complaining and bemoaning the fact that summer has left the valley and that Fall, and soon Winter, will be settling in for a while. But to me I am overjoyed with this fact as Fall and Winter are two of my favorite seasons. I especially love the transitions between them. The best part about this time of year is the fact that you get to pull all of your warm woolly sweaters out of the storage bins and romp around in them (until mid afternoon, then it is to warm to wear wool).
I cannot wait till the winter snows reach the valley floor! Happy Fall everyone!
Most of the folks that I work with are complaining and bemoaning the fact that summer has left the valley and that Fall, and soon Winter, will be settling in for a while. But to me I am overjoyed with this fact as Fall and Winter are two of my favorite seasons. I especially love the transitions between them. The best part about this time of year is the fact that you get to pull all of your warm woolly sweaters out of the storage bins and romp around in them (until mid afternoon, then it is to warm to wear wool).
I cannot wait till the winter snows reach the valley floor! Happy Fall everyone!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
New Geographic Location
It's true I am in a new geographic location: Big Sky Country. Don't know where that is? Well the Big Sky is also known as Montana. Yep I am back in the Rocky Mountain West and it feels good to be home.
Employment brought me to my new home (at least for the next year, have to see if it all works out). I will be working for the county and city of Missoula doing what I went to school to learn all about: planning. I am working up close and personal with John Q Public and it is great. Different questions all day long, new things to learn (like how little regulation there is in this town), and plenty of new watering holes to quench the after work thirst!
But Montana isn't the only new geographic location that I have traveled to this summer. I finally made it off the mainland and to the islands: Kauai, Hawaii. What an amazing place! Great sun, great landscape, canyons, waterfalls, beaches, mountains, oh my! Oh and really good local beer and seafood. I can't wait to return to this amazing place. Where else can you pretty much be homeless and live off the land comfortably? (No the answer isn't Alaska--remember it gets cold there)
Over the next couple of days or weeks I should be updating with thoughts and reactions to the transition from hot Reno to cool Montana.
Welcome Back!
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Cultural Geography via the T.V.
Recently I was turned on to a website that allows you to stream television shows: Hulu. Pretty good site for a quick t.v. fix. I like that they have many PBS series to watch. I just watched the Nova series on the ancient art of Tibet and the ancient kingdom of the Maya. Amazing.
Having been accused of being a t.v. baby and a cultural geographer, I must stick up for myself and say, that I was learning cultural geography via the boob tube. These two episodes explore one of the cultural geography questions of "what's it's like" which is essential to understanding any physical and culture oriented place on the planet.
The more I watch television (I probably shouldn't be fessing up to this) the more that I am finding so much of what people understand about their own surroundings and other places comes from what is represented/depicted by television shows. I am not talking about just the nice nature shows like Nova or National Geographic or even Frontline, but main stream network and now cable programming. I am not saying this is bad or good, but that it removes much of the imagination and wonder of exploring a new place.
Here comes the circular argument: People may not know about particular places with out television and thus would never want to go there with out seeing it. But I say what happened to looking over the map and doing a bit of old fashion research? Like reading travel journals of early explorers or residents? What about talking to people from or who have traveled these places?
Perhaps now that gas prices are so high, including jet fuel, that gaining a sense of wonder via the television will have to suffice for global exploration for now. Wait, I forgot books!
What better way to spend the summer than sitting outside reading a great travel/geographic book, working on your tan and drinking a cold beer?
Here are some titles that I am reading this summer (yes I know I should be doing my thesis):
The Mapmakers Wife - Robert Whitaker
In Search of Captain Zero - Allan C. Weisbecker
Leading Out: Mountaineering Stories of Adventurous Women - Edited by Rachel Da Silva
Why in the World: Adventures in Geography - George J. Demko, Jerome Agel, and Eugene Boe
I, Rigoberta Menchu: An Indian Woman In Guatemala - Translated by Ann Wright
There are a few good old thesis titles too, but I won't bore you with that.
Happy Reading!
Having been accused of being a t.v. baby and a cultural geographer, I must stick up for myself and say, that I was learning cultural geography via the boob tube. These two episodes explore one of the cultural geography questions of "what's it's like" which is essential to understanding any physical and culture oriented place on the planet.
The more I watch television (I probably shouldn't be fessing up to this) the more that I am finding so much of what people understand about their own surroundings and other places comes from what is represented/depicted by television shows. I am not talking about just the nice nature shows like Nova or National Geographic or even Frontline, but main stream network and now cable programming. I am not saying this is bad or good, but that it removes much of the imagination and wonder of exploring a new place.
Here comes the circular argument: People may not know about particular places with out television and thus would never want to go there with out seeing it. But I say what happened to looking over the map and doing a bit of old fashion research? Like reading travel journals of early explorers or residents? What about talking to people from or who have traveled these places?
Perhaps now that gas prices are so high, including jet fuel, that gaining a sense of wonder via the television will have to suffice for global exploration for now. Wait, I forgot books!
What better way to spend the summer than sitting outside reading a great travel/geographic book, working on your tan and drinking a cold beer?
Here are some titles that I am reading this summer (yes I know I should be doing my thesis):
The Mapmakers Wife - Robert Whitaker
In Search of Captain Zero - Allan C. Weisbecker
Leading Out: Mountaineering Stories of Adventurous Women - Edited by Rachel Da Silva
Why in the World: Adventures in Geography - George J. Demko, Jerome Agel, and Eugene Boe
I, Rigoberta Menchu: An Indian Woman In Guatemala - Translated by Ann Wright
There are a few good old thesis titles too, but I won't bore you with that.
Happy Reading!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Fire, Fire On The Mountain
Well folks, as the Grateful Dead sang it, there is fire on the mountain. California is burning and Reno is full of smoke. One amazing thing is that the sunsets have been awesome! The sun turns this brilliant red due to particle scattering (Samy would be so proud.)
These fires have got me thinking about where people live and what would happen if people did not live in these places. I know that most of the fire fighting efforts go into protecting houses and structures, and the most of the time the forest is allowed to burn, but man this is unreal.
In particular, the fires in the Sacramento--I-80 area. The location of these fires and the timing reminds me of a description in George Stewart's book Earth Abides. The book was written in 1949 as a post-apocalyptic sci-fi novel set in California. The main character Ish describes what he sees, haze on the horizon, from the annual burn of the Sierra. Read the book it will make more sense. It is just a great description of the natural processes that take place when humans aren't around.
Ironically though today, NPR ran a story about the Tahoe fire last year (Angora Fire) and the people who are rebuilding their homes. Most of those people are unwilling to implement the new building codes that will make their homes more fire resistant. They say that it is too costly. Hmm having your house burn to the ground and having to rebuild again, or just spend the cash up front to protect your home . . . .
All I know is that it isn't much fun having to exercise indoors due to poor air quality. Hmff, guess this means I will just have to go to the gym.
These fires have got me thinking about where people live and what would happen if people did not live in these places. I know that most of the fire fighting efforts go into protecting houses and structures, and the most of the time the forest is allowed to burn, but man this is unreal.
In particular, the fires in the Sacramento--I-80 area. The location of these fires and the timing reminds me of a description in George Stewart's book Earth Abides. The book was written in 1949 as a post-apocalyptic sci-fi novel set in California. The main character Ish describes what he sees, haze on the horizon, from the annual burn of the Sierra. Read the book it will make more sense. It is just a great description of the natural processes that take place when humans aren't around.
Ironically though today, NPR ran a story about the Tahoe fire last year (Angora Fire) and the people who are rebuilding their homes. Most of those people are unwilling to implement the new building codes that will make their homes more fire resistant. They say that it is too costly. Hmm having your house burn to the ground and having to rebuild again, or just spend the cash up front to protect your home . . . .
All I know is that it isn't much fun having to exercise indoors due to poor air quality. Hmff, guess this means I will just have to go to the gym.
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